sent inelthe south lakes

Monday, Nov. 12, 2012 • Volume 28 • Issue 2

Profiles 2-3 Opinion 4 Calendar 5 International 6-7 Focus 8 Centerspread 10-11 News 12-13 Op/Ed 14-15 Student Life 16-17 Sports 18-19

Here to serveReston’s commitment to community service extends itself to overall student lifeSee community service coverage, pages 2-11

special issue:

Profiles Monday, Nov. 12, 2012 Page 2

“For a community to be whole and healthy, it must be based on people’s love and concern for each other.”

- Millard Fullard, founder of Habitat for Humanity

InterfaithNon-profit organization Reston

Interfaith provides opportunities for Reston students to help the less fortunate. This organization has many programs to alleviate

economic stress. Check out page 8 for more information.

See what’s inside

Community Service Calendar

Many students are required to submit service hours for IB,

honor societies and other organizations. There are many

opportunities to service the Reston community. Flip to page

5 for a calendar filled with different service opportunites

available in November.

17 countries in her 17 years

Senior Amanda Halacy used the Rustic Pathways Program to travel the world. She brought a

whole new meaning to community service as she

traveled across Asia. Flip to page 6 to read her story.

Creating a place that cares

PHOTO BY VIVIANA DEL TORO

Reston founder Robert E. Simon, 98, enjoys a conversation with Principal Kim Retzer at the South Lakes-Marshall football game Oct. 26. As founder, Simon established the essence of an inclusive community as the core of Reston and to this day can be seen around Reston interacting with the community he built.

A lesson in community from the founder of Restonby Emily Lipscombspecial issues editor

When I first called Robert Simon, the founder of Reston, to schedule an interview to talk about the service Reston provides as a community, I was nervous. I babbled, I stuttered, I probably did not make any sense, but he kindly agreed to an interview, suggesting we meet over at the Lake Anne Coffee House. I really could not believe it had been that easy. I mean, meeting with this 98-year-old local legend over coffee? How… normal. I had only three questions planned, hoping that the simplicity of those questions would turn into a conversation that would provide me with the material I needed to write a story on how Reston was founded. Over his black coffee and my green tea, we progressed from an interview into a conversation on much more than I had planned. The more I talked to this incredibly down to earth man, the more passersby he took the time to say hello to, and the more I learned about the meaning behind Reston, I realized I could not write a story that would truly convey his whimsical nature. So, in a way, this is my ode to Mr. Simon, who created this very special community I feel many of us, myself included, take for granted. It all started on a sheet of yellow paper, his own version of “The Program” as Simon referred to it. On

it was everything he loved in life, and he narrowed down the items one by one. Crossing off unrealistic items, he was left with what Reston is today. He imagined a community full of plazas where people could gather together, adults could talk and shop and children could play in a safe environment. “I was looking at all in the world that was great,” Simon said. “Reston is a collection of all these wonderful things and that’s what makes Reston so different.” Among these wonderful elements are structures like the stairs to nowhere and the pyramid, both at Lake Anne Plaza. He asked if I knew what the pyramid represented, to which I told him I did not. He said that the pyramid represented exactly what he envisioned for Reston. Adults could sit and talk on the steps and children could run away with their imaginations and play in the cave underneath. It was then that I understood the message Simon was trying to convey to me. “When people are happy that’s what it’s all about,” Simon said. “If people feel they live in a special place, they want to keep it special.” Reston was not started to be a major profitable suburb of the big city. It was started as a place to create happiness through unity of its residents. It is because Reston is centered on this idea of happiness that our community is strong in helping one another. We

are special in that instead of adopting the mindset of a dog eat dog world, we embrace the idea of loving thy neighbor with such organizations as Reston Interfaith, the Reston Community Center, and the local homeless shelter. “We welcomed the Embry Rucker shelter for the homeless,” Simon told me. “I don’t know how many other communities in the United States of America would welcome it. I think that’s an extraordinary example of what community means.” These places serve only as the foundation of the community service Reston provides. It is the people who live here and subsequently serve here in Reston based organizations that make it such a magical place. As our conversation came to an end, and I walked with Mr. Simon to the polling station, I took in the scene around me and thought of what this community had come to be based solely on the visions of this man, and it was though I was seeing Reston in a new light. The open communities Simon strived for created this close knit community which looks out for one another because we have discovered a secret to life that many never do. I will leave the last word to Mr. Simon, who phrases it best: “When people are happy that’s what it’s all about.”

by Grace Erardstudent life editor

Sophomore Christian Vagonis is preparing to save lives with the Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad as an Emergency Medical Technician. Vagonis had the opportunity to tour the department through a camp he attended. This inside look, along with his personal history in the medical field, motivated him to apply for a volunteer position. “One of my Reston camp counselors volunteers there and he took us to one of the stations as a field trip,” Vagonis said. “I loved it, and I thought that working at the station would be good way to build on the medical experience I had from lifeguarding. I knew that in Loudoun County you only need to be 16 years old to be an EMT, so I applied as soon as I could. I was actually voted in early at 15, but I couldn’t begin working until I was 16.” Vagonis will begin the official EMT course in February. Until then, he is taking prerequisite classes and receiving basic training. “Right now, I’m going to work every Monday and riding along with the paramedics and certified EMTs,” Vagonis said.

“Whenever we get dispatched, I’m there just to help out, observe, and learn more about what I’m going to get myself into.” This exposes Vagonis to a variety of medical situations. “We respond to everything, from car accidents to structural collapses,” Vagonis said. “We had a lot of those during Hurricane Sandy due to trees falling down. It really varies from basic situations, such as broken arms, to more severe ones, like multi-car accidents.” Vagonis hopes that this firsthand experience will help him pursue his dream career. “I’ve always liked the medical field, and I hope to one day pursue a career in emergency medicine,” Vagonis said. “I feel like this will be the best first step to get a unique look at the medical world and gain experience. It will also give me the confidence I need to be an ER doctor.” Right now, though, he is less focused on the future and more determined to just enjoy the ride. “I love it,” Vagonis said. “The environment, the camaraderie, and the opportunity to get to know people from all walks of life are just awesome. Even though I haven’t had the chance to physically or directly help someone yet, I still get to feel the satisfaction knowing that I was there to make a difference.”

Sophomore strives to earn EMT certification

Student Profiles Volume 28, Issue 2 Page 3

Under church sponsorship, home improvements made

by Kevin Gluckstaff writer

Seniors Jonathan and Jason Valenzuela and their younger brother, sophomore Jair traveled to Winchester, Virginia for a community service program with their church over the summer. Alongside other youths from Agape Christian Church, the three brothers traveled to make improvements for underprivileged families’ homes. “My brothers and I participate a lot in a teen service group from church,” Jason Valenzuela said. Although nervous upon arrival to Winchester, Jonathan and Jair soon relaxed as they settled in. “At first I was uncomfortable being at someone else’s house,” Jonathan Valenzuela said. “It was awkward with the person [who was receiving the service,] but as the week progressed I became more and more comfortable.” “They all turned out to be nice, open, social people,” Jair Valenzuela said. “By the end of the week I felt comfortable talking to anyone.” Jair Valenzuela felt a sense of fulfillment and peace of mind through the completion of the home improvements. “We finished a wife and husband’s deck and both of them came out of the house with huge smiles,” Valenzuela said. “When the husband went to check everything out to see

it was okay, I saw tears in his wife’s eyes. It was a very memorable moment.” Helping a handicapped individual, Jonathan Valenzuela was surprised by the impact his service would make. “We built a ramp for one guy in a wheelchair that allowed him to leave his house for the first time in years,” Jonathan Valenzuela said. As a result of his experience in Winchester, Jason developed a new outlook regarding the purpose and morality of community service. “It taught me to help people not to make me feel good, but rather to increase the quality of their life,” Jason Valenzuela said. Senior Kelly Jean Watkins also accompanied the brothers on the trip. She was in the same work group as Jason Valenzuela. “I had a wonderful experience at work camp,” Watkins said. “This year was different for me because I was in the same group as people I knew. I felt like our friendship grew being in a situation different than usual. He definitely had a strong worth ethic and our contractor Dennis loved working with him. He was a great addition to our crew.” Many students are involved in community service, regardless of whether it is optional or mandatory. However, Jair Valenzuela considers the community service as an essential component of a virtuous community. “I think community service is something that everyone needs to do,” Jair Valenzuela said. “Not just for themselves and not only for the values that come with the service. It’s not enough to just take care of yourself. You need to help other people so the community as a whole can prosper.”

Valenzuela brothers travel to Winchester on mission trip

Pleskow propels off building in honor of sister, raises 1k for Special Olympics

Senior Anna Pleskow propelled off a 27 story high building in Richmond after raising $1,040 for the Special Olympics in honor of her older sister Rose, who has special needs.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVE PARRISH

DeWeese has interesting volunteer experience

by Emily Lipscombspecial editions editor

Traditionally, community service can mean spending the holidays in a local soup kitchen, or picking up trash alongside the road. However, over recent years, volunteering has risen in popularity among youth who bring a fresh spin on what community service really means. Senior Dory DeWeese does just that. DeWeese volunteers educational services every Sunday at the Air and Space Museum Udvar Hazy Center, a place you would not normally think of to volunteer, where she serves as a greeter and guide. “My mom was really encouraging me to volunteer, but I wanted to volunteer for something that I was passionate about,” DeWeese said. “Space and planets have always fascinated me.” DeWeese first applied to be a volunteer for the museum in June 2010 and was required to interview with the museum’s coordinator and complete four training sessions in order to be accepted. “I was nevous because it was so much information,” DeWeese said. “But I got the hang of it fast.” Besides serving as a museum guide, DeWeese also runs the front desk and operates the observation tower, but one job stands out above the rest “My favorite job is to walk around and answer questions,” DeWeese said. “I feel as if my passion can help people love space as much as I do.”

by David Freemannews editor

From the ice cold Polar Plunge in February to the 164,000 lb. plane pull, Special Olympics is known for its stimulating fundraisers. But arguably the most extreme fundraiser is Over the Edge. The Over the Edge fundraiser consists of participants who repel off the side of a 27 story high building to show their support towards the Special Olympics. This year, senior Anna Pleskow participated in the fundraiser in honor of her sister. “Last year, my sister did the Over the Edge fundraiser,” Pleskow said. “In 10th grade I went to Greece with my sister to support her in her participation in the world games Special Olympics. It really inspired me to see everyone competing and working past their disabilities. I felt it was really necessary for me to also participate in the fundraiser in honor of all the work my sister has done.” In order to partake in the event, contestants must have raised at least $1,000. Pleskow raised $1,040. “Everyone in the community was a big help,” Pleskow said. “I really appreciated everyone that donated and showed support towards what I was doing.” One of the ways Pleskow raised money was through donation cans left at many of the popular cafes around Reston such as Tropical Smoothie and Starbucks. “Many of the stores were happy

to let me put my donation cans out in their restaurants,” Pleskow said. “I’m glad I got to help out both the volunteering side and the financing side. I really felt that they actually cared about what I was doing.” Many contributors in the Over the Edge fundraiser also took part in a separate fundraiser called “Toss Your Boss.” This event consisted

of participants who raised money to have their bosses repel down the side of the building. “The Toss Your Boss part of the fundraiser was really fun to watch and see their emotions,” Pleskow said. “I can’t imagine ever receiving one of the phone calls telling me I would have to repel again.” Though many of the participants

of the Over the Edge fundraiser participate in honor of the great efforts of the Special Olympics, Pleskow participated in honor of everything her sister has worked for. “My sister has worked extremely hard,” Pleskow said. “This is something she truly cares about and something that I have truly come to appreciate.”

Opinion Monday, Nov. 12, 2012 Page 4

from the

by Emily Lipscombspecial editions editor

lip

by Edgeri Hudlinprint editor

It is ironic that in times of scarcity there is an abundance of something. When water is low, there is an abundance of thirst. When money is scarce in communities there is an abundant need for the helping hands of volunteers. Over the summer I volunteered in two programs. The first was at the Laurel Learning Center, where I served as a mentor to kids in a “learn by play” styled program. We spent the days playing basketball and surprisingly vicious games of dodge ball, but the highlight for me was definitely getting to teach the children how to play tennis. This was a much less violent activity. The second program I participated in was a summer learning camp, a program called “Young Scholars,”

by Alexa Amsteropinion editor

High school students have to meet many requirements for classes and devote time to extracurriculars and other various commitments. In addition, students are obligated to complete community service hours for IBMYP, honor societies, and IB Diploma CAS hours. But, does the requirement of volunteer hours detract from the message of volunteering? “You should want to volunteer out of the goodness of your heart, not to fulfill hours required for school,” junior Jojo Kidane said. “Otherwise it is work.” Discontentment with the mandate stems from a belief that the main purpose of community service is to make a difference on a larger scale, rather than fulfill a school requirement. If the service requirement is the only motivation to volunteer for the community, then the experience and the reasoning for completing service is not justified. A lot of students are attracted to service opportunities solely because they have a requirement to meet and certain activities warrant “easy service hours,” without considering the meaningful impact on the community. However, some students believe that this requirement motivates one to do community service and is necessary to ensure every student does service for the community. “Without the requirement, no one will do community service,” sophomore Abbey Bossie said. “I wouldn’t do it personally if it was not required for honor societies or IBMYP.” Though this requirement may help encourage community service to students, the hours completed because of a requirement are usually indicative of the easiness of the service. Also, the multitude of other commitments a typical student has takes precedent to completing service. “School is stressful as it is and often it is very hard to find time to do community service,” sophomore Melissa Hadley said. “For students that would do community service even if it’s not required, I think they should get a reward.” Though this is a legitimate alternative, the prospect of a reward defeats the purpose of eliminating the requirement. Then, students would pursue service hours in order to attain an award, not to gain a new perspective. An even better alternative would be to highly recommend students complete service and remove the actual requirement because it sends the wrong message. Math teacher John Schlosser, who sponsors the National Honor Society, agrees. “I think community service is something that’s an important part of being a citizen, but I don’t like the idea of mandating that for students,” Schlosser said. “I’d like to think that students want to do that on their own. South Lakes students really take pride in serving their community, and I think that’s the way it should be.” Community service should be stressed as an important component of the IB experience. But, making it an expectation to conduct a certain amount of service hours diminishes the significance of completing the service: to fulfill a commitment to the community, not to fulfill a personal commitment.

Requiring service hours does not diminish impact of volunteerism

Hour requirement does not reflect intrinsic worth of service

Give our youth some real heroes

which is a schooling supplement for struggling lower income learners. I assisted the program as a teacher’s aid and a tutor, spending days getting to know the kids I interacted with. Being a member of NHS and an IB Diploma candidate, I could

simply label these activities as “requirements.” I could write them off as service hours, something we are all familiar with as high school students. In fact, I can recall doing volunteer work and getting

signatures for credit since my middle school years. There are even some courses, such as political science and honors Government that incorporate volunteering into the curriculum. One would question the internal value of something that is

nevertheless required. What does one gain from serving at a homeless shelter simply because he or she needs the credit? It creates the idea that kids are not actually benefiting from volunteer work because the service is not technically voluntary.

“I realized that I really enjoy working with kids and teaching them new things. I recognized strength in my persona because I was able to see past the requirement of it all and open my eyes to an interest I did not know I had.”

These requirements are beneficial. Personally, I probably would not have participated in anything I did over the summer if it had wnot been required. Yet, while “getting the assignment done” I realized that I really enjoy working with kids and

teaching them new things. I recognized strength in my persona because I was able to see past the requirement of it all and open my eyes to an interest I did not know I had. Required service hours allow us to step out of our usual theatres of life and approach something new

that we might actually enjoy. Sometimes all it takes is a little forceful push for us to realize something we actually enjoy or something that we are capable of doing that really makes a difference in our communities.

Required service necessary to recognize its value

Growing up a sports fan, especially an avid lover of my Eagles, I have always admired the athletes who made it to the big leagues. Their natural abilities to be a powerful presence on the field impressed me in a way that most well-known stars could not. I looked up to them. But as I got older and my child-ness matured into the intellectual being I like to consider myself today, I adopted the notion that admiration should come from who you are as a person, not how famous you become in life. As private lives of players like at the time Giants wide receiver, Plaxico Burress, emerged, it reminded me that not all of these guys are people to look up to, especially for the youth of today. And for those of you who do not remember good ol’ Plaxico let me refresh your memory… He served time for, if we are being technical with it, attempted criminal possession of a weapon or as I like to refer it, pulling the idiotic move of shooting himself in the leg with his illegally possessed gun. Not a joke. Now to get back on point, I am not saying this is applicable to all NFL players seeing as there are a few who stand above the rest. Beloved All-Pro Eagles cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha is a prime example of this. An American born Nigerian, Asomugha is well known for his impressive career, but perhaps equally known for his service to NFL partner United Way, an organization founded to strengthen American communities. His accomplishments, including creating the Asomugha Foundation, an organization which focuses on empowering disadvantaged youth within the United States and Africa through education, has not gone unnoticed by both the NFL community and public service organizations. Rewarded with what I consider the “Nobel Prize” of volunteerism, the Jefferson Award for Public Service in 2010 and the Byron “Whizzard” White Award, the highest honor of the NFL Players Association in 2011, he’s solidified as one of the NFL’s valuable players, both on and off the field. It is living legends like Asomugha who embody what a true role model is that kids these days should look up to. Instead they choose to admire someone simply because they aim to ‘disrespect female and acquire currency.’ Let us teach our youth the true meaning of a hero, trust me, the future of our country needs it.

Exploring virtues of required service

by Kaitlin Welkereditor

Every year students of the IB program, different honor societies and other organizations are required to submit a minimum amount of service hours. This can be challenging to those balancing extracurriculars and other obligations. Yet, community service should be a vital aspect of one’s education. Although some might find required volunteerism to be an oxymoron, the simple act of participating in community service will most likely develop a belief in service to others. “Find something you enjoy so that your community service and extracurriculars overlap,” senior Amanda Halacy said. “If you love medicine, volunteer at a children’s hospital. If you love working with kids, volunteer at a day care center. If you enjoy it, [the hours] won’t even feel mandatory.” For students who have a passion with something outside of school, they find combining their everyday activities with volunteering is efficient and rewarding. “I choose to volunteer at a cheer gym because I love cheerleading a lot and that’s something that I know how to do,” junior Emily Brumfield said. “It’s not all that hard for me to do because I’m familiar with and it sounds fun.” Freshman Darya Kharabi agrees that if she were to do community service, she would incorporate her love of art. “I would try to spend the day doing something artsy, such as a repainting a house,” Kharabi said. “I enjoy art and it’s something that I’m good at. Introducing art to people in lesser communities can also help people in need . I have heard stories about people who were living in poverty, but managed to use art to help themselves out of it.” Although some disagree service hours should be mandatory, there are good reasons for their requirement. Service to one’s community is essential of civic responsibility, but sometimes a sense of force is what is necessary for action. Because it is a requirement and not strictly volunteer work, students may not interact full-heartedly. However, habits are still being created. Community service raises awareness and helps create a sense of community- something students can carry with them past graduation. “Part of what high school is supposed to do is prepare you for the real world and everyone should take part in community service, whether you are a student in school or an adult in community,” head of security Brian Elliot said. The overall idea is that community service is community service. Even if hours are only done for completion, the student is still giving back to their community, and that is the point of the requirement in the first place. “Community service should be mandatory,” junior Abby Reinhold said. “It provides you with a chance to do character-building and self-fulfilling things outside the classroom. By completing service, you’re not just thinking about yourself but about other people in need as well.”

Volume 28, Issue 2 Page 5

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Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia needs volunteers in the following areas: road runners, start and finish lines, festival, and event information from 6:30 -11 a.m. on Nov. 18 at Jiffy Lube Live for the Girls on the Run 5K. To volunteer, visit http://www.gotrnova org/5k/fall-5k. For more information, email volunteer@gotrnova.org.

A group of volunteers are needed to sort, clean, inspect and re-stack 400 chairs at Herndon Senior Center from 1-4 p.m. If you are available to assist, please contact Volunteer Solutions at HSC.

Reston Town Center needs volunteers to help with the 22nd annual Reston Holiday Parade on Friday, Nov. 23.

Hundreds of volunteers help to make this annual community event a success. Those who wish to sign up can find the registration form at www.restontowncen-ter.com/volunteer. Volunteer jobs include: check-in; staging area managers; line marshalls; pacers; character assistance; and more, plus balloon handlers, who must be a minimum of 18 years of age and weigh no less than 120 pounds. For more information, email rtc@myerspr.com.

Reston Holiday Parade

Organization: American Association of University Women-(AAUW) Dates: Tuesdays, 3 to 4:30 p.m. See www. aauw. org for further information.

The Reston-Herndon Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) has mentor/tutor openings in its after-school program for girls in grades 3 - 6. Consider joining and making a difference, Tuesday afternoons at Forest Edge Elementary School.Fairfax County Schools background check required.Contact Mary at 703-860-1071 or email: mpz_06@verizon.net

Mentor for girls grades 3-6

Herndon Senior Center volunteers needed

Help our neighbors keep warm this winter by accepting and sorting donated coats and acces-sories and assisting “customers” as they pick out free outerwear for their families. Volunteers wanted twice a month, Thursdays from 5:30-8 p.m. between Nov. 15 and March 14. Phone: 571-323-9569 Email: nate.king@restoninterfaith.org Website: www. restoninterfaith. org.

Coat Closet Volunteer

Reston Holiday ParadeGirls on the Run 5k volunteers needed

Coat Closet Volunteer

Mentor for girls grades 3-6

Mentor for girls grades 3-6

Mentor for girls grades 3-6

Girls on the Run 5k

Herndon Senior Center

Herndon Senior Center

Herndon Senior Center

Herndon Senior Center

Herndon Senior Center

Herndon Senior Center

Herndon Senior Center

Herndon Senior Center

Herndon Senior Center

Herndon Senior Center

Herndon Senior Center

Herndon Senior Center

Volunteer opportunities right around the cornerCalendar

Food drive collection in subschools

Food drive collection in subschools

Food drive collection in subschools

Food drive collection in subschools

International Service Monday, Nov. 12, 2012 Page 6

Halacy combines community service with visits to Africa, Asia

The gift of travel

LEFT - Senior Amanda Halacy learns traditional karem weaving from an elderly woman of the Karem tribe while visiting a Thai-Burmese border refugee camp. RIGHT - Halacy holds a child while visiting the Angkor Wat temple, a seventh wonder of the world, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Halacy comforted the child after his mother left him near the Rustic Pathways group, although she later returned to pick him up.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JILL SCHNEIDER

by Lily Shtuhl

staff writer

This past summer, senior Kenzie Hughes, via the nonprofit organization Rustic Pathways, explored and served the community of South Asian countries. “I wanted to make a difference, not just see the sights,” Hughes said. Hughes traveled to Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand over the course of one month. “Cambodia was by far my favorite part of the trip,” said Hughes. “The towns were really sweet and it was so much fun to meet the people there.” Rustic Pathways’ community service opportunites vary by the needs of the country and the specific population. “We taught English in schools,” Hughes said. “We built a woman’s house in Thailand, taught swimming lessons, and made meals.” Although the primary reason for these trips is to do community service, there are other benefits from the experience. “I made friends from all over the United States and Canada,” said Hughes. “We went shopping in the markets, went through caves on boats, and really bonded.”

Nonprofit program provides alternative travel options

Suri interns at prominent Medenta hospital in New Dehliby Jay Parkonline writer

Freshman Mallika Suri interned at Medanta Hospital in India over her summer visit to her home country. Suri interned at one of the biggest hospitals in New Delhi, India, from Aug. 13-24, working seven hours a day under Dr. Sandeep Malhotra, a GI and bariatric surgeon. Her first experience in the medical field, she was able to work with different doctors, providing a unique and informational experience. “I observed the doctors who worked at Medanta and worked with some of the instruments,” Suri said. “I mostly watched Dr. Malhotra, including going inside the operating rooms and going on rounds to see the patients.” Even though Suri was the only teenager to intern at the hospital, she never felt her age isolated her. “Because I was the only person interning there, I got a lot of attention,” Suri said. “It was actually pretty cool because by the end of the two weeks, everyone knew me.” Suri’s younger brother, currently in eighth grade, was proud to see his sister intern at Medanta.

“I think it’s great she’s getting to explore a new field,” Rohan Suri said. “Now she’s got a taste for what a real job in the medical field will be like.” Rohan is not alone in pride for his sister’s accomplishments. “It was a very wonderful opportunity for her,” Suri’s father, Ravin Suri said. “She was exposed to different fields of medicine, different kinds of people. I believe that it was a good thing that she interned.” Interning at Medanta may have been exciting for Mallika Suri, but she soon learned that the work load was very tiring. “My sister felt it was exhausting and at the same time very intriguing,” Rohan Suri said. “She was impressed and just couldn’t shut up about it.” Suri’s mother, Shonali Suri, noticed that her daughter gained awareness not only about medicine but social issues as well. “I could tell that our daughter was taking in a lot of information,” Shonali Suri said. “Mallika saw all the problems that overweight people had and she has resolved to raise awareness to these issues.” Mallika Suri may have thought this internship would only affect herself and those she helped in India, but through her enthusiasm and kindness she unknowingly

influenced all those around her. “Seeing how my sister was having the time of her life, I definitely want to intern like her,” Rohan Suri said. The time spent abroad also aided Mallika Suri’s choice in future careers. “My time there was phenomenal,” Suri said. “I really want to be a doctor when I grow up and make a difference in the world.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF MALLIKA SURI

by Emily Lipscombspecial editions editor

When most people travel, they expect to see the sights, hit the beaches, and take some time to relax. Most people do not travel to vaccinate stray animals, teach English to children in schools, or live in villages with families they have never met. Senior Amanda Halacy is not most people. “My mom owns a travel agency so I’ve grown up traveling,” Halacy said. “What was different for us was that she always made an effort to show us all the different sides of the country and culture we were visiting.” For the Halacys, this always included providing service where it was needed, whether it be serving the homeless in countries such as England, France, and Canada, or working at orphanages in underdeveloped countries. “I grew up with the understanding that one person really can make such a significant difference,” Halacy said. “I’ve seen it through my independent service travels to Africa and Asia and those trips have reinforced the idea that one person can make a difference.” In fact, the independent travels Halacy refers to make up 10 out of the 17 countries she’s visited, the most recent being this past summer. Halacy traveled with Rustic Pathways, a travel and service program that sends teenagers around the world for educational, recreational, or service orientated programs. The five week long trip was focused on providing service to the Asian countries Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, and Burma. She traveled with a group of teenagers to stay with families in the villages and provide service within the community. The service involved running animal shelters, giving village children English and swimming lessons, running an elderly service clinic, working to move food and supplies to refugee camps, and

rebuilding village houses. “It made me feel angry knowing that I knew people who were so ungrateful and selfish when there I was, living with these people who had nothing,” Halacy said. “But it also inspired me to come home and finish the fundraising I started.” After her return, Halacy raised 1,000 dollars for an organization in Kenya on behalf of a sponsor sister she adopted. Halacy was also inspired to apply what she learned abroad to her life at school, becoming the president of Interact. Interact is a school club based around service and volunteerism to help lower income families within the community, the environment, and those less fortunate around the world. The travels have impacted not only the recipients of Halacy’s service and her school life, but her decisions on a future career as well. “The service trips have made me realize that one person has the potential to change a life and make a difference,” Halacy said. “They’ve been the most rewarding experiences. It’s shaped who I’ve become and because of my experiences I would like to become involved in international non-profits or non-governmental organizations when I’m older.”

Mallika Suri dresses for work while interning at Medanta Hospital in New Delhi, India.

International Service Volume 28, Issue 2 Page 7

Seniors travel to Costa Rica on mission tripPura vida

by Kaitlin Welkereditor

Community service is a way students can give back to their environment, but some find international work more rewarding. “Helping others through community service is my passion,” senior Liza Karras said. “I love knowing I can make a difference globally through mission trips. There’s no greater feeling in the world.” Over the summer, Karras traveled to Alajuela, Costa Rica on a mission trip with Floris United Methodist Church. The trip consisted of about 40 students and adults, including senior Sean Liesgang. “The trip helped me build strong relationships with kids from Costa Rica that wouldn’t have been possible,” Liesgang said. “Seeing the poverty stricken communities really helped me realize how fortunate I am.” The group stayed in a missionary retreat center run by the local Methodist church. During their stay, part of the group worked on renovations for the center, while others traveled to help build the church. Almost no one spoke English, so communication was difficult. “The kids were adorable and the church members were really inspiring,” said Karras.

“Although we didn’t speak the same language we were still able to form connections with the kids.” “While the language barrier was the greatest thing that set me and the kids apart, it was their joy and energy that made me want to go back for a second year,” Liesgang said. “It was a new experience and it helped me with my Spanish.” During the day, members of the mission trip ran Vacation Bible School (VBS) with the community children. “[VBS] was probably the most memorable part of the trip,” Karras said. “It was just cool being able to meet kids completely different than ourselves.” “The students at VBS helped me expand my vocabulary,” Liesgang said. “I learned new ways to say body parts as they kept kicking them, but they were really cute.” As the trip was religious based, the crew attended a service one of the days of their trip. “It was so cool witnessing a completely new way of worship,” Karras said. “It was amazing.” Karras describes the trip as “life changing.” Liesgang agrees he had a similar mindset. “[I am] so fortunate” Liesgang said. “They do so much just to live day-to-day and this experience let me see it firsthand.”

PHOTOS BY KAITLIN WELKERSeniors Liza Karras and Sean Liesgang traveled to Costa Rica with their church over summer break. The two are pictured with community children during Vacation Bible School.

Focus Monday, Nov. 12, 2012 Page 8

Reston Interfaith serves those in need, provides volunteer opportunities

by Sachi Jain and Charlotte Smith

Weekly Wall editor and features editor

Since 1970, nonprofit organization Reston Interfaith has worked to

alleviate the hardships of Northern Virginian communities. According to Reston Interfaith in a letter to the community, there were 1,549 men, women, and children in 2011 reported homeless in the Reston community during the annual “point in time” survey. Reston Interfaith states that this number is an unacceptable figure in a community with plentiful resources. “To keep it simple, we provide our clients with the resources to lead stable lives,” director of communication and outreach Abby Kimble said. By providing services such as childcare, financial assistance, and tutoring, the organization works to educate clients and help them find stability and self-sufficiency for families all throughout Reston and different parts of nearby counties. “We help first time parents in need of parenting skills, who may have a history of abuse or neglect, to learn to be good parents,” Kimble said. Reston Interfaith also assists in providing food for the underprivileged via maintaining food pantries as well as running the Embry Rucker

Community Homeless Shelter. “Prior to Hurricane Sandy, we opened up our food pantry.” Kimble said. “We also operated the Shelter on a no turn away policy so that people could come in and have a warm place to stay with a meal.” The organization operates a childcare center as well, which runs under regular and reduced/subsi-dized costs. It also offers educa-tional programs about financial literacy.

Though Reston Interfaith was founded by several religious organizations, there are no faith-based requirements for participation in any program. The religious support received is important and has been for a long time. However, Reston Interfaith is also supported by different partners such as Fairfax County, businesses, other non-profits, and grant funders. In fact, Reston Interfaith is currently undergoing a name change to clarify their religious standings with the public. With a 3,000 person volunteer force, Reston Interfaith has worked with the community of Reston for the past 40 years to provide a more

comfortable and prosperous environment. Students, especially those living in Reston, are a driving factor for the organization, serving as tutors, mentors, and helpers for different events. “Reston Interfaith plays a crucial role in the greater South Lakes community,” Principal Kim Retzer said. “Not just because they provide community service opportunities, but also because they support many

of our students’ lives. Reston Interfaith is important to the community and supports a lot of initiatives around Reston which wouldn’t be possible without a lot of the students from South Lakes.” Not only does Reston Interfaith provide an institution for students to volunteer, but it also makes it easy to participate and get involved. “I volunteered through Reston Interfaith,” freshman volunteer McKalah Hudlin said, who was sent by Interfaith to volunteer at the Laurel Learning Center. “It is basically a program for kindergarten through 8th grade kids. We played games with them and were really just mentors. It was really easy to go in and get interviewed by Reston

PHOTO COURTESY OF ABBY KIMBLE

Student volunteers lend a helping hand to unload a tractor trailer filled with food and toiletries during the Reston Interfaith Thanksgiving Drive. The Reston Interfaith volunteers collected food items and created baskets to distribute to members of the local community who cannot provide a dinner for their families during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Food, Financial, or Urgent Assistance

- Emergency Shelter- Food & Basic Needs - Financial Assistance- Hypothermia Prevention- Eviction/Foreclosure Prevention Counseling

Child Care & Youth Services

- Affordable Child Care- Tutoring & Homework Assistance- Healthy Families Fairfax

Housing

- Emergency Shelter- Affordable Housing- Transitional & Supportive Housing- Housing Counseling

Community & Family Strengthening

- Community Resource Centers- Healthy Families Fairfax- ESL classes

Services Offered by Reston Interfaith

Interfaith. We got straight to work.” The process to become a volunteer is a relatively easy one. Reston Interfaith provides an easy-going atmosphere. “If someone wants to volunteer once, they can sign up online,” Kimble said. “But if they want to help routinely, we find out their interests, conduct an interview, and perform a background check to create a good match.” “I thought it was fairly easy to

volunteer,” said Hudlin. “I thought that the environment in general was more relaxed and less official than I was expecting.” Reston Interfaith is an organization which not only benefits citizens but is pleasant for the volunteers.

“The people I worked with are really nice,” said Hudlin. “I really like all the kids. Working there is enjoyable for me because if I was one of the kids in the program, I would really love it.” Reston Interfaith works closely with South Lakes to promote student service. “The Herndon Enrichment Program is a tutoring program where Reston Interfaith provides tutors for kids who come to the Herndon Community Center, Monday through Thursday,” IBCC coordinator Susan Brownsword said. “Students who are part of the IBCC program [or] the Approaches to Leaning class are going to be working with Reston Interfaith to help out with that program.”

“Reston Interfaith is important to the community and supports a lot of initiatives around Reston which wouldn’t be possible without a lot of the students from South Lakes.”

- Principal Kim Retzer

1110

by Matt Dopsovicstaff writer

Creativity, Activity, Service is a core program of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and is required for completion of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Each IB Diploma Candidate is required to complete 50 hours of work and activity in each category, and can double count hours over two or more areas of CAS. Many IB Diploma Candidates are also National Honor Society (NHS) members and often use NHS hours for IB CAS hours. However, not all NHS hours can be used for CAS hours. For instance, hours done with religious organizations, such as a church, cannot be counted for CAS hours but can be counted for NHS hours. IB strictly prohibits CAS hours to be turned in that give preference to one group over another, either socially or politically. This means that not all service opportunities can be counted for CAS hours. Charissa West, one of the CAS coordinators for South Lakes, said

“that doesn’t mean that things you do with your church can’t count, such as things with your youth group and food drives, but teaching Sunday school won’t count.” This means that the hours completed are valued by the community at large, rather than a church or other special community. In the most recent publication of the IB CAS guide, IB has loosened the restrictions on religious service hours. “IB has no view on whether or not it’s appropriate, and they’ve taken this attitude after revamping the guidelines” West said. “Students need to be positively engaged in the community.” IB does not have many specific rules in the guide that outline what is specifically prohibited. The only guidelines that IB includes in the latest edition of the CAS guide are that any service counted for CAS hours cannot alienate any group socially or politically. IB appears to believe that as long as students are positively engaged in their community and are benefiting the community as a whole, then it should not matter with which

organization they complete their 50 hours of service. However, some hours completed with religious organizations may still be prohibited, depending on their nature. However, NHS does not prohibit its members from completing hours with religious organizations. This may be a relief for many religious students who use their church as their main source of service hours. NHS is not allowed to discriminate against students who use religious organizations and would violate their member’s religious freedoms. Recent amendments to the NHS constitution allow for religious service hours to be used as part of their program. However, in this community there is rarely a shortage of volunteer opportunities for NHS Members and IB Diploma candidates. The Reston-Herndon area has what may even seem like an excess of volunteer opportunities, so finding something to fill up CAS and NHS hours should never be a problem. “I volunteered as a receptionist at The Walker Nature Center every Friday,” senior Patrick Cantwell said.

Students provided with various opportunities to fulfill CAS/NHS service hour requirements

by Charlotte Smithfeatures editor

Spanish teachers Rebecca Samba and Kirsten Hope are sponsoring a Partners in Service trip this upcoming summer to serve a community in Guatemala. Because the trip is not affiliated with Fairfax County Public Schools or South Lakes, Samba and Hope have partnered with the Highland Support Project, a non-profit organization which promotes ongoing and lasting developmental change in the Mayan communities of the Western Highlands of Guatemala. Partners in Service has worked for the past 17 years promoting transformational experiences for both volunteers and people they serve, in addition to forming partnerships of understanding and compassion between them. Samba completed this trip twice in college. “It is a good way to gain a perspective on a different part of the world and a good combination of practicing Spanish while learning about a new culture and experiencing community service,” Samba said. “You also meet people you may not interact with or meet at South Lakes.” The trip is open to students currently taking IB level Spanish or Spanish 4, as well as full junior IB Diploma candidates who need to earn CAS hours. Students will stay in a retreat center near the community of Queztaltenango but will have the opportunity to explore the surrounding city of Antigua, possibly visit Mayan ruins, travel to Chichicastenango, Guatemala’s largest market, or visit an organic dye and coffee cooperative. The trip will be June 22-29, 2013. While two days are allotted for sightseeing, students will spend the bulk of the week building stoves in the homes of women who are participating in an

enrichment program. This developmental program attempts to break the mentality of reliance throughout women of indigenous Latin American nations. The mission of the Highland Support Project is to break cycles of dependency via transformational development, and therefore eliminate poverty. Because dependence is often psychological, the Partners in Service project works to motivate women by bringing them hope, a vision, and the tools necessary to recognize and take advantage of opportunities to escapepoverty. The women witness

themselves generating success, and gaining powerful leadership skills that will empower them for a lifetime. “Partners in Service is a program for women to learn to be independent,” Samba said. “But, stoves themselves have a tremendous health benefit in the community.” As a result of families cooking over open fires, children in these communities commonly suffer from respiratory illnesses or accidental burns, leading to infection due to improper and underfunded medical care. “I want students to see that not everyone lives as we do,” Hope said. “As global citizens, we need to be aware that there are people in this world who lead totally different lives.”

by Niki May and Zainab Qamarstaff writers

Most sophomores chose to create a tangible product to fulfill the requirements of the IB Middle Years Program’s personal project, which involves planning, research, and personal reflection, resulting in a product of the student’s own initiative and creativity. Some students, however, use the opportunity to focus on the community and contribute on a larger scale. Juniors Mahrukh Chowhan and Sherry Singh conducted their service project by baking cupcakes for a homeless shelter last year as part of their personal project. “We wanted to do something that we love while we give back to our community,” Singh said. “A cupcake can bring people together.” Chowhan’s MYP supervisor and math teacher Adam Smith first suggested the idea. “My supervisor, Mr. Smith, gave me the idea. I was researching ideas but I wanted to do something where I baked cupcakes, because I love cupcakes,” Chowhan said. “Then Mr. Smith said that I should just donate them to someone, and I said ‘Hey, why don’t I?’” The choice of cupcake baking was an easy one for Chowhan and Singh. “We chose cupcakes because they’re sweet and make people happy,” Singh said. The project exemplified the significance of IBMYP and caught the attention of IBMYP coordinator and history teacher Tor Strom.

“This project stands out to me,” Strom said. “Not only are they acknowledging we have a homeless problem but they are actually helping the homeless, more than most would ever consider.” Chowhan and Singh baked two batches of cupcakes and delivered them to the Embry Rucker Community shelter in Reston, which operates as a division of Reston Interfaith. They believe they accomplished more than solely completing a service requirement. “The main point of our project was to give back because at the end of the day, that’s all that really matters,” Chowhan said. “I think our project inspired others when they saw how happy the people around us were.” Singh and Chowhan felt a personal impact as well. They made a scrapbook to document their experiences. “This project made us feel better as people and realize that it’s our responsibility to give back to those in need,” Chowhan said. “Obviously, people don’t choose to be in that position [of homelessness] so it’s good to give back in a way that will make these people happy for the day.” Strom hopes that sophomores who hear about Chowhan and Singh’s project feel inspired to use volunteerism as their area of interaction for the IBMYP personal project. “The more personal experience each student gains in community service alters their perceptions and questions preconceived ideas and beliefs,” Strom said. “Each project serving the community will provide priceless experiences helping the individual growth of the student.”

A helping handI B M Y P Partners in Service participants to travel to

Guatamala, build stoves for women in povertyCupcakes delivered to homeless as part of MYP personal project

Honors government mandates 25 hours of community service

by Rachel Rogersonline editor

Honors Government is a new class that still contains the past requirement of community service and, for many of the sophomores enrolled in the course, the required mandatory 25 hours may even seem like a case of déjà vu. “The 25 hours corresponds with the IBMYP hours,” honors government teacher Meghan Cycyk said. “That’s why we choose that number.” The IB Middle Years Project is a required assignment for all sophomores at South Lakes and requires 25 hours of community service if a student wants to receive recognition for their work. However, a large portion of the students enrolled in Honors Government classes are seniors, many of which have already finished their IBMYP projects two year ago. These students will still be required to complete all 25 hours of volunteering, but may choose to strive for a different goal. That is, to earn the Diploma Seal for Excellence in Civics Education. The seal is a graduation certificate awarded by the state of Virginia to students who meet certain requirements. The government department is striving to ensure that the majority of students earn this degree by graduation. According to the Virginia Department of Education, the Seal requires a senior to have completed United States and Virginia History as well as United States Government with a “B” grade or above. IB students must pass Advanced Placement Government and History of the Americas. Students must also complete 50 hours of service to earn the Seal or earn 30 hours to gain a graduation chord distinguishing their community service. Despite these awards, the government teachers’ main concern is getting students involved in the community. “I believe that part of government is to teach people to be good citizens,” Cycyk said. “I do think that it is a good opportunity for students to explore their communities, and learn some of their rights and responsibilities as a citizen. I also think that it gives some students, depending on their choice of where they volunteer, an opportunity to explore politics and campaigns a little more.” Standard government classes are going a step further to have their students involved in politics. Students need 15 hours of community service by the end of the year, but are required to complete 10 of those hours in the first quarter, working with a political party of their choice. “The intent is to give something back,” government teacher Wynndolyn Thompson said. “Kids need to know that they should give back to the community.”

IB Diploma Candidates must complete 150 CAS hours. Go online at www.southlakessentinel.com and tell us what you think of this requirement.

Monday, Nov. 12, 2012 Page 12 News

332News

upcoming college rep visits

Career Center will host the following college reps this week:

Monday, Nov. 12Ferrum College 10:30 a.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 13Bridgewater College 10:30

a.m.Wedensday, Nov. 14

Randolph College, 9:00 a.m.

More visits may be scheduled for the following weeks. See the Career Center for details. Students should get a pass a day in advance to visit a college representative.

Johnson and Wales to hold info meetingA local representative will be available Sunday, Nov. 11 at 1 p.m. at the Hilton Washington Dulles Hotel to discuss financial aid and scholarship options. Contact BJ Friedery at 703.864.2420 or at bjfriedery@admissions.jwu.edu. Bring an official or unofficial transcript for preliminary review.

New tutors neededThe newly formed South Lakes Academic Program is looking for volunteer tutors as well as those in need of services. Contact Andrew Xue at drewxue@gmail.com or visit SLHSSLAP.webs.com.

Lafayette College open house dates upcomingLafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania will offer open house programs. Go to www.lafayette.edu/visit for details.

College Resumé Workshop There will be two opportunities for a resumé writing workshop on Nov. 13 during SS 7 or SS 8. You can sign up through the college section on Family Connection. Space is limited to the first 30 students.

More information regarding college visits and scholarship opportunities is available in Career Center. Contact career center specialist Karen Burke with questions.

College visits dates can be found at www.southlakessentinel.com.

by Haley Vaughnstaff writer

Physical education teacher Erin Turner is implementing Fairfax County’s GOLDEN Apple Wellness Program within the student body this year. This program encourages healthy living habits in FCPS. Wellness scorecards are provided for each participating school as an opportunity to self-evaluate how they are implementing the guidelines and recommendations of the Wellness Policy. “The program stands for Giving Others Lifelong Decision for Exercise and Nutrition,” Turner said. “Guidelines are given to each school to help us apply the Wellness policy in Fairfax County schools. The policy promotes student health and contributes to the decrease of

by David Freemannews editor

On Tuesday, Nov. 6, as Americans waited in long lines to exercise their right to vote, students of this country knew their vote would be counted without ever having to get up from their computers. The My Voice National Student Mock Election, supported by the Pearson Foundation, created a digital initiative to encourage student voice in school and the community all year long. One of the ways My Voiceaccomplished their goal was through providing students a way to exercise a right to vote for President, Senators, House of Representative members, and Governors, using ballots similar to those used in the actual election. Through the mock election, students are also given the opportunity to vote on many of today’s issues. “I think this mock election is a great idea,” leadership teacher Michael Astudillo said. “I believe that the mock election is going to be an exact microcosm of the actual election.” Over 400 South Lakes students joined thousands of students nationwide in this mock election which lasted for one week, ending at 6 p.m. on Nov. 6. Results of the national election showed a victory for President Obama with 303 electoral votes to Governor Mitt Romney’s 206 electoral votes on election night. This contrasts to the results of the National Student Mock Election which shows Obama defeating Romney with 460 electoral votes to Romney’s 78 electoral votes. The mock election showed huge difference than the actual election, with many traditional red states, including Texas, supporting Obama. Of the 416 students from South Lakes that voted for president, 69.7% voted for President Obama compared to the 51.2 % of the national popular vote. Just like the results showed on the presidential side of the election, the National Student Mock Election showed a very accurate representation of how the senate race played out, especially for Virginia. The senate race for this year’s

Over 400 Seahawks join in national mock election on Nov. 2Obama wins student vote

election in Virginia was between Democrat Tim Kaine and Republican George Allen. The results of the National Student Mock Election show that Kaine would be given the victory, 51% to 49%. These results proved representative of how the actual mock election played out. Kaine finished with 52% compared to Allen’s 48%. The House of Representatives showed similar results between the National Student Mock Election and the actual election. Virginia’s District 11 was a race mainly between Democrat Gerald E. “Gerry” Connolly and Republican Chris R. Perkins. The National Student Mock Election of South Lakes voted that Connolly should win, with 56% voting for him compared to Perkins’ 18.7%. These results contrasted to the results of the actual race, with 61% voting for Connolly and 36% for Perkins. Compared to the national election, the National Student Mock Election proved to be accurate in predicting winners of most races. Many credit these results due to the strong views of the parents of the students. “I think that a lot of the students are going to be contrarians of their parents,” said Astudillo. “I believe this due to the fact that many students have not developed political views without their parent’s influence.” The last part of the National Student Mock Election ballot focused issues section. In this section, students voted among the following: economy, education, energy, environment, healthcare, and debt. Student voters overwhelmingly voted the economy as the most important issue, with education and debt as the other two receiving significant voting numbers. The students’ stances on the issues proved to be more democratic, just as their votes had been in the election of the President, Senate, and House of Representatives. In the end, this proved to be their stances and the stances of their parents. “I thought it was an accurate representation of the adolescent population’s ideology,” said senior Gabrielle Schultz. “I believe that this representation is one that will represent the majority of our beliefs.”

childhood obesity. I am given a binder to organize evidence for application when applying for the award which is intended to show schools what criterion must be submitted in

order to achieve ‘exceeds’ on each standard.” The Wellness Policy promotes student health and contributes to the reduction of childhood obesity by cooperation between teachers and students.

PHOTO BY DAVID FREEMANStudents vote for their presidential candidates in the National Mock Election held Nov. 2. Students made choices in state elections as well as ranking the importance of the country’s current issues.

M

Infographic goes here!

“I realize students already know what a healthy choice is and what isn’t, but it is almost like they need to be reminded in order for action,” Turner said. “We need to get this out to the upperclassmen through more

visible means.” Teachers are monitored as well by wellness liaisons. “Christine Kelley and I are the wellness coordinators for South Lakes, which means we are doing things that directly impact the

teachers wellness,” business teacher Susan Brownsword said. Together the two supervise wellness standards at South Lakes. According to the FCPS website, last year’s Golden Wellness Award winners scored between 34 and 40 points in their self-assessments, indicating that they exceed expectations on most items; Red Wellness Award winners scored between 28 and 33 points; and Green Wellness Award winners scored between 20 and 27 points. “As a whole, the program intends on lowering the percent of obesity in youth,” Turner said. “In order to get the highest award, you can promote wellness in your school. Following the healthy curriculum, tabs are checked. My goal is to get a minimum of one box in each tab finished.”

“I realize students already know what a healthy choice is and what isn’t, but it is almost like they need to be reminded in order for action.”

- Erin Turner, physical education teacher

My Voice My Election ResultsElectorial College

Barack Obama 460 votes Mitt Romney 78 votes

Virginia Popular VoteBarack Obama 57.8% Mitt Romney 37.8%

South Lakes Ballot Count for President/Vice President

Obama/Biden (Democratic) 290 votesRomney/Ryan (Republican) 78 votesStein/Honkala (Green) 22 votesJohnson/Gray (Libertarian) 19 votesGoode/Clymer (Constitution) 7 votes

South Lakes Ballot for U.S. SenateTimothy Kaine (Democratic) 303 votesGeorge Allen (Republican) 98 votes

South Lakes Ballot for House of RepresentativesGerry Connolly (Democratic) 237 votesChris Perkins (Republican) 78 votesPeter Marchetti (Green) 22 votesChristopher DeCarlo (Independent) 18 votesMark Gibson (Independent) 18 votes

South Lakes Issues Ballot: Most ImportantEconomy 194 votes, Debt 62 votes, Education 44 votes,

Healthcare 26 votes, Environment 34 votes, Energy 14 votes

(http://admin.myvoicemyelection.org/ballot_results)

Physical education department chair tocoordinate wellness program for students

News Volume 28, Issue 2 Page 13

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Principal Retzer, Dr. Smith provide recommendation

by Grace Erardstudent life editor

English teacher Daina Lieberman was recognized as an Emerging Leader by PDK International and ASCD, two international educator organizations. According to PDK administrative assistant Melanie Keller, PDK’s Emerging Leader program recognizes top educators under age 40 from around the world for their accomplishments. A committee made up of PDK’s past Emerging Leaders selected the 22 honorees from a competitive field of applicants, based on their leadership, professional achievements, and commitment to the field of education. Lieberman has been involved with PDK for years and serves as the historian for its Northern Virginia chap-ter. She meets with other members, including English teacher, Dr. Patricia Smith and Principal Kim Retzer, four times a year to discuss educational items and organize community outreach activities. Lieberman was encouraged to apply to be an Emerging Leader program by Smith, who received the

honor in the past. Smith’s support, along with some of the perks associated with the award, made it particularly attractive to Lieberman. “It’s nice because it gives you the opportunity to be published,” Lieberman said. “I am definitely interested in publishing with PDK, and perhaps blogging as well.” While applying for the opportunity with PDK, Lieberman found the ASCD’s similar Emerging Leader program. She applied for it as well, and was pleased to learn that she was selected for both. Lieberman attended ASCD’s Leader to Leader Confer-ence for its Emerging Leaders this July. While there, she enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with individuals from a variety of professional and national backgrounds. “The conference was neat because I was surrounded by superintendents and principals, and you normally don’t have the opportunity to hang out with the superintendent of a school,” Lieberman said. “There were also people from all over the country and outside of the country.” Lieberman hopes that she will have a similar experi-ence at the PDK Emerging Leader conference later this month. She is also looking forward to learning more about the association at a global level. “I’ve only been involved in the local chapter thus far, so it will be interesting to see what the international organization is all about,” Lieberman said.

Lieberman named Emerging Leader by global education associations

PHOTO BY SARAH WOODEnglish teacher Daina Lieberman works at her desk. Lieberman was recently selected as an emerging leader.

$70Until Dec. 1

Freebird Yearbook

Op/Ed Monday, Nov. 12, 2012 Page 14

11400 South Lakes Drive Reston, VA 20191 (703) 715-4617

fax: (703) 715-4597www.southlakessentinel.com

slsentinel@yahoo.com

EditorKaitlin Welker

Print editorEdgeri Hudlin

Online editorRachel Rogers

Special editions editorEmily Lipscomb

News editorsDavid Freeman

Gargie Nagarkar (online)

Opinion editorAlexa Amster

Features editor Charlotte Smith

Sports editorsHaley Vaughn

Mark Bouwmeester (online)

Student life editorGrace Erard

Weekly Wall editorSachi Jain

Multimedia editorSami Saab

Photo editorViviana Del Toro

Staff artistKit Allgaier

Staff writersNiki May, Matt Dopsovic,

Zainab Qamar, Jessie Kreson, Kevin Gluck, Sarah Wood

AdviserPhil Dignan

The South Lakes Sentinel is an open forum publication serving the South Lakes High School community. The Sentinel solicits letters to the editor online. Letters must be signed. The editorial board reserves the right to edit such letters for grammar, usage, clarity, punctuation, and length. The Sentinel will publish no material, including advertising, that is obscene, libelous, or has a clear potential for disruption of the school routine, as has generally been determined by law. The Sentinel staff will make every effort to avoid conflicts of interest, to be fair and balanced in reporting, and to reflect the diverse population of South Lakes High School. The content of The Sentinel is determined by the editorial board. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the faculty advisor, administration of South Lakes High School, or Fairfax County Public Schools.

The Sentinel is a member of the following scholastic organizations:

The Sentinel is printed by Silver Communications.

The South Lakes

Sentinel

SEAHAWK TALKThe 2012 Presidential Election season has concluded, but the political discussion continues. Some students, although ineligible to vote in this election, actively participated educate themselves about politics, while other students feel it is not necessary since they are unable to vote for four more years. Is it important for students who are not eligible to vote to be informed and concerned about politics during the general election?

“Knowing about the political happenings of the world is an essential part of being a good American citizen.”

- John Gilbert, 9

“Next election, everyone in the school will be voting, so it’s important that they know what’s going on up until then.”

- Sequoia Carrillo, 10

“It’s important because it is our future that will be affected, so we should be following the election, even if we can’t vote.”

- Kirsten Cornwell, 11

“I don’t think it’s important to be up to date if you can’t vote because you have four more years before it concerns you.”

- Chris Jennings, 12

FROM THE BOARD

T he highly contentious and lingering election season has finally concluded. Now, our nation faces a new question.

Now what? Well, we must move forward— no pun intended. All of the political banter that overwhelmed the general election must cease. The more time spent attacking the other side, the more time is shifted to politics instead of action. However, it is possible that much of the political scene in America will stay the same even with a new Congress. Prior to the 2012 Presidential Election, we had a Democratic president, a Democratic majority in the Senate, and a Republican majority in the House of Representatives. On Nov. 7, Washington looks exactly the same. In fact, it may be even more polarized than ever. ABC reported during its extensive election night coverage that straight-ticket voting has become a major trend, resulting in an increase of party polarization and stricter adhesion to party lines. Now, it is up to those in Washington to take a stand and act on the problems our country still faces, like education, tax reform, healthcare, and, most importantly, unemployment, rather than bickering viciously about disagreements and heightening party polarization. The direction of the country depends on the cooperation of everyone, not just an individual party, but the entire legislative body.

This includes us citizens as well. No, we are not the ones casting votes for bills in Congress, but bipartisanship can start at a local level. Let us all quit the bashing of the opposing parties and those who do not agree with a political stance. If we can demonstrate cooperation, maybe Congress would take the hint. Already cooperation has been displayed through this past natural disaster on the East Coast. Hurricane

Sandy devastated states like New Jersey and New York, leaving houses destroyed and infrastructure in dire need of repair. New York City subway stations were flooded and streets were badly damaged as a result of the storm. Millions of people were left stranded and in need of assistance. President Barack Obama worked closely with politicians of all party affiliations to

provide immediate aid to the suffering victims of Sandy. Particularly in New Jersey, President Obama and Govenor Chris Christie, quite the “unlikely pair,” worked together to supply those suffering in New Jersey with the needed supplies for their survival. They put aside their differing viewpoints and party affiliations and achieved a successful operation of disaster supplying and aid. If politicians can point their fingers in a common direction and agree on a common goal, America will surely come out of its uncertain situation stronger. Perhaps we need to consider moving forward as well as altering our thinking. It is necessary that our country chooses to compromise, not polarize.

GUEST COMMENTARYCindy FactormanLangston Hughes

IBMYP Coordinator

BOARD POLL

Moving forward: political polarization across America must come to an end

Volunteerismaffects more than recipients

Will the next four years be an improvement over the last four years?

“Now, it is up to those in Washington to take a stand and act on the problems our country still faces, like education, tax reform, healthcare, and, most importantly, unemployment, rather than bickering viciously about disagreements and heightening party polarization.”

Yes No7% 13%

I never thought that being a service club sponsor would bring me such joy and inspire me the way that it has. One afternoon six years ago, a colleague approached me while I was grading English papers at my desk. She asked if I might be willing to become a club sponsor to a small, 10-student group called HOPE (Helping Out People Everywhere) whose focus was helping students with severe disabilities. I agreed to take it on, thinking that a ten student club couldn’t be that challenging. Looking back, I realize how wrong I was. HOPE Club, and the students we worked with, has been the single most challenging, life changing experience I have ever had. The students, both my club members and the disabled students we worked with, challenged me to rethink my purpose in life, helped alter my understanding of what it means to be intellectually equitable, and required me to open my eyes, mind, and heart to what it means to be an authentic school community. HOPE’s passion for helping others was contagious and we grew from a small, yet influential, group of ten students the first year, to a thriving 175 member club six years later. The students I worked with through HOPE Club, both the regular and special education alike, have taught me so much about what it means to be giving, thoughtful and positive. I can see the authenticity in their interactions with one another – there is nothing fake about it – they care and are invested in the mission of HOPE Club. It is remarkable just how much these students can teach each other, as well as the faculty in the building and adults in the community, about what it means to be supportive and authentic. They see their experience in HOPE Club as a life changer. It has been a life changer for me too. If there is one message I could impart it would be to believe you can make a positive change in your community, let your passion for the cause be contagious, and then go out and make that change. You would be amazed at just how huge an impact you can make!

it depends80%

Based on 82 students polled

Op/Ed Volume 28, Issue 2 Page 15

College deadlines: do not procrastinate

CALL OUTby Kaitlin Welker

editor

on the edgeby Edgeri Hudlin

print editor

Seahawks: time to give thanks

COMMENTARY

by Alexa Amsteropinion editor

T ype “should Cs be punished?” into Google. Results appear not mentioning the letter C,

but mentioning another word. Bad. This search reflects a growing misconception that Cs are not average anymore. Cs are mediocre. This misconception is supported through the new Seahawk Seminar. The new Learning Seminar configuration was fully implemented Oct. 15, allowing students to move from a regularly scheduled seminar period to the cafeteria,another class, or the library with a pass. To qualify for this privilege, students must have an A or B in the class they wish to move from. In addition, students must have no outstanding late work to make up. Students with C grades must remain in that period, no exceptions. The policy lacks practicality. Although a C is a passing grade, students who receive them are unfairly penalized through the implementation of the new Seahawk Seminar. The new seminar reflects this new perception of an average grade as less than mediocre. What if a student asks his English teacher to leave and retake a math test? Retaking this test allows the student to improve a math grade, and the teacher believes it is an acceptable reason to leave. However, the student has a C in English with no missing work. Because of this average grade, the student must remain in his English class for the duration of the seminar. Average grades do not always correlate to a lack of effort, so those students who worked hard for average grades should be rewarded similarly as students who achieved outstanding grades. Students now feel that average equates to failure. “The expectations from colleges, parents, and teachers are to be getting As,” junior Allie Micka said. “Cs are no longer average; they’re inadequate.” With increasing expectations and competition, “average” may fall

short of what is considered desirable. The letter grade misguides students because it places emphasis on the quality of the student’s mark in a course, rather than the effort put into achieving the grade and learning. For students who struggle with a certain subject, they should feel validation for receiving an average grade. The policy sends the wrong message that average grades are never acceptable. “If C is the best you can do, that’s okay,” sophomore Sabrina Webb said. “But, if you know you can do better than a C, then that’s a bad grade.” When taking more challenging courses, such as honors or IB classes, an average grade should be scrutinized differently as well, because in a more demanding

course it is challenging to attain an excellent grade. “C is a good grade,” freshman Anas Fain said. “It’s hard to make a C grade at South Lakes.” According to a study conducted at Pepperdine University, clear differences in characteristics distinguish an A, or “outstanding,” student, from a C, or “average,” student. An outstanding student is consistently prepared for class and an active participant in class, while an average student seldom prepares or participates enthusiastically. This study wrongly describes the definition of outstanding and average students. According to psychologist James Parker from Trent University, high school marks are not indicative of performance in collegiate level courses. “In our culture, high school marks are the most important thing,” Parker said. “Yet if you look at success in first year, high school marks don’t predict that very well.” Though average is currently associated with failure, it must be clear that average grades are passing grades, and they should not undermine the work ethic a student

put into earning that grade, nor be undermined by the seminar policy. Grades truly depend on the type of student. Students should set attainable goals, so asking a straight D student to suddenly achieve outstanding grades is unrealistic. However, an average grade is much more rational. But, the improvement from a failing grade to an average grade is not properly rewarded based on the new seminar system. If Cs are considered better grades for a certain type of student, then why is the entire “average” student population refused the privilege to move during Seahawk Seminar? It is understandable that the administration wants students to strive for academic excellence. “I feel passionate about student learning, student progress, and

student success,” assistant principal Dana Walker said. “My hope is that students recognize that there is always room for improvement and that every adult would like to see them excel. I recognize that sometimes a C could show the best work of

an individual just as much as an A or B. However, when students have the chance to do even better, sometimes they don’t make that choice when given. Therefore, this standard of a B or better to exercise student choice is one that I agree with so that students will have an opportunity to grow.” However, students who worked diligently to earn average grades deserve similar privileges as students who worked hard for outstanding grades. This does not mean that all students should lower their expectations. If students are capable of outstanding grades, nothing can and should prevent them from achieving higher grades. If average students are permitted the Seahawk Seminar privilege, the administration still can expect students to strive for academic excellence. An average student still passes a course and must not be denied the same opportunities. To reflect a perhaps more outdated but significantly more realistic mindset, the policy should be altered to include students with average grades as long as they have no outstanding late work.

Seminar standard sends bad message to ‘average’ students

“In our culture, high school marks are the most important thing. Yet if you look at success in first year [of college], high school marks don’t predict that very well.”

- James Parker, psychologist

1. Express your opinions with a terse letter to the editor. Email us at slsentinel@yahoo.com.

2. Access www.southlakessentinel.com on your phone with the above QR code to respond to these stories in the comments section.

Seahawks: two ways to share your say

This issue, I am staying away from my sarcastic side. I am not going to call out ignorant students who know nothing about politics posting statuses about their views. And speaking of Facebook, I am not going to call out people for expressing their hate for people in our school all over my news feed. We are a Seahawk family and everyone loves each other so just be quiet. Although these people deserve to be called out, there are more important issues to be discussed. With college deadlines arriving faster than ever, I do not know one senior who is not close to ripping all his or her hair out. So this column is addressed to juniors and below. There is still hope for you. Throughout your high school careers, you discover who you are and what you might want to do after you graduate. If you already have a plan I applaud you. If not, that is fine too. You may think you know what schools you are applying to, but you do not. Every senior you talk to undergoing the college application will tell you not to procrastinate. People, there is a reason for this. I told myself over the summer I would have most of my apps done before school started, and at the very

least my personal statement essay. This was a lie. As Sept. 7 came around the corner, I had barely started my Common Application. So take my advice: do not procrastinate. I did not procrastinate and I still am under an unrealistic amount of stress. So what can you do to ensure sanity by this time your senior year? Have a plan. Know the schools you are applying to, and try to keep it fewer than 12. You are only going to one school, so applying to 14 does not even make sense. Find out the differences between early decision, early action, regular decision and rolling deadlines and find out what schools offer what. Something that helped me profusely was a notebook I created with everything I needed for applications. It has everything from college deadlines, to interview questions, addresses, and more. I do believe that if I lost this my life would be over. But just having all the information I need in one place keeps my brain from frying. I realize I am not an expert by any means. I am just providing my insight and hopefully saving a future senior from one less mental breakdown.

I am not one for procrastination so I would like to start by sweeping some cumbersome Prom issues out of the way. After all, it’s only six months away. To all the hopeful female suitors wishing to take my hand in “Promage,” your attempts will be futile as I have chosen the solitary route. In other news, Thanksgiving fast approaches and I believe it would be simply appalling if we were to ignore all the many things that we, as citizens of the SL nation, are ever so thankful for. Firstly, we are painfully thankful for the astonishingly useful and newly instated period entitled “teacher advisory.” Kudos to the team that engineered this period which prevents students from working with teachers, and instead, gives them a chance to “bond and learn life lessons with students of all grade levels.” This is a magnificent schedule change as bonding is much more important than academic excellence. We Seahawks are also thankful for the campaign ad infection that plagued our internet without relent. Commercials saying things like “Barack Obama is Chinese, he ain’t American,” and “Romney has more money than Jay-z and Kanye West combined” were examples of

ads brought smiles to our lips and peace to our souls. After all, who goes to YouTube to watch videos? We come for the creative advertisements. It would be wrong to forget our beloved Donald Trump. I am personally appreciative of him to an extent unknown to man. When all other “birthers” allowed the suspicion of President Obama’s “questionable American citizenship” to slowly subside, Trump frantically flung gasoline into the dying embers and kept the flames burning strong. As a journalist, I am thankful for the example he has set as an investigative journalist. By maturely attempting to bribe the President into releasing his college forms and demanding lengthy birth certificates, he has admirably displayed attention to ethics and general respect. Finally, we are thankful for the end of Daylight savings. Arriving home at three and attempting to take a jog is delightful, especially when by the time we finish our homework, it is already nightfall. The lights of our sky now shut down by six o clock leaving all us exercise seekers subject to the mutilation and or terror of unleashed dogs and their owners. Now I jog with a stick tightly in my hand, prepared to fight to the death. I am so thankful, I can barely swallow my turkey.

Student Life Monday, Nov. 12, 2012 Page 16

Physics Club The Physics Club meets in Room 417 every Monday.

NHS National Honor Society held an induction ceremony for new members Nov. 8. 45 inductees were welcomed to the society by club officers and sponsors. Current members who volunteered to facilitate the event were also in attendance.

Model United Nations Club President, junior Jack Nicol, informs new member junior Laura Ferraro the ongoings of the Model United Nations conferences.

FBLA FBLA will attend the National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. Nov. 19-20. Students will participate in interactive workshops and listen to world-renowned motivational speakers. Topics that will be covered range from public speaking to starting a business.

INTERACT CLUB AND CULINARY

ARTS Interact Club and culinary arts will hold a Thanksgiving canned goods drive Nov. 12-16. Boxes will be available in the office for students wishing to donate Thanksgiving-oriented canned foods. A Spare Change Colletion will take place in the cafeteria as well for students who want to donate towards the culinary arts yearly Thanksgiving feast for the less fortunate. For the winter holidays, the culinary arts students will be hosting candy cane sales in the cafeteria from Dec. 3-7. All proceeds will go towards purchasing gift cards for the

Baking for a Cause The new Baking for a Cause Club uses the activity of baking as an opportunity to raise money for several organizations around Reston. “We thought it would be great to use our baking skills to help the community,” co-vice president,. junior Allie Stamey said. The club plans to host multiple bake sales throughout the year and donate proceeds to a variety of charities. The first interest meeting is today after school in room 287 at 2:15 p.m.PHOTO BY SACHI JAIN

The Model United Nations Club particiapted in its first competition of the year last Friday, Nov. 9 at the college of William and Mary. The conference is an annual event for high schools across the state hosted by William and Mary’s own Model United Nations team This year. South Lakes’s Model United Nations Club represented the country of The Philippines and The DemocraticPeoples Republic of Korea in the Conference.

CLUB CORNER Model United Nations Club competes over weekend

1. Which junior was hit by a car near South Lakes drive while riding his bike to the Reston Town Center?

2. Which sophomore works as a prayer leader at a variety of worship services?

3. Which senior is permanently tongue tied?

How well do you know your fellow Seahawks? Find out by taking this trivia challenge.

Answers to the above questions can be found in the “Name That Seahawk” section of the online Sentinel.

Scan the QRU code on your

phone for immediate access.

NAME THAT

SEAHAWK

ANSWERSSenior forms one-on-one student tutoring programby Alexa Amster

opinion editor

Struggling students now have an in school option to receive assistance in various subject areas called the South Lakes Academic Program, or SLAP, founded by senior and program director Drew Xue. The one-on-one program pairs registered student tutors with potential tutees to help struggling students in various subjects. The program also aspires to build relationships between students of all grade levels. SLAP also provides the option for students to tutor ESOL students. Counselor Madiha Jamil coordinates

this segment of the program. “[The club’s] primary purpose is to be a total school-based program focusing on 1-on-1 tutoring since it is impossible for teachers to teach all of their students effectively,” Xue said. Xue began the program in October after participating in a tutor program over the summer. “I was at the Harvard Secondary School program during the summer, and I was taking some courses,” Xue said. “Obviously I was struggling, and I found out there was a student-run service by students for students. I took part in it, and man-aged to pass all of the courses and earn credits. It’s the sense of com-

munity of that college that inspired me to start one in South Lakes.” Students who contribute to the tutoring service can receive volunteer hours for a variety of societies and CAS, according to Xue. Xue also hopes to expand the tutoring service, which already focuses on all subject areas to incorporate more teachers in the program so that sessions can be held on a weekly basis after school. In addition, Xue wants to explore a possible standardized test preparation service. “I hope to implement a SAT subdivision if the need arises because SLHS had a SAT tutoring

thing during when I was a freshman and sophomore,” Xue said. SLAP invites students of all grade levels to participate as tutors and tutees. Those who are interested can register online at SLAP.webs.com and click on the “General Tutor Signup” or “General Tutee” buttons to complete the application. Paper applications are also available in subschools. Students should return completed paper applications to English teacher Lea Civiello in Room 418. Students will receive notices after their requests are processed. Tutoring sessions will occur during Seahawk Seminar periods as well as after school on Mondays.

by Rachel Rogersonline editor

After a year of listening to a slew of rehashed advice on college applications and academic prosperity, “U Chic” came as a refreshing breath of air, covering everything a girl needs to know about college, from homesickness and sharing dorm space to a potential college love life and staying healthy. Main author Christie Garton begins the book with a compelling foreword, explaining her need to give advice on the college process to students that lack an experienced female advisor. The rest of the book is then collaboratively written by a group of women who, like Garton, wish to share their personal experiences and philosophies about college life. For high school seniors the book shows a side of college that has yet to be seen, equally balancing guidance on majors, sharing dorm space, money, and having a safe social life while still having fun. The best part is that it includes nearly everything that a student finds important, both serious and social. Take Chapter One for example. Titled “Getting Started,” it explains how to get over rejection from a favorite college, survive as a

minority, and deal with homesick-ness. For students who receive their college acceptance and rejection letters in just a few months, this chapter really helps with choosing the right school and learning how to be happy even when you do not get into “First Choice University.” The rest of the 12 chapters are just as important, covering romance, online etiquette, avoiding “credit card black holes,” athletics, evading sexual harassment, and so much more. A helpful and interesting part of the book was Chapter Six, “Love Life.” It has four sections that cover the college dating scene, long distance relationships, falling in love in an age of hookups, and my favorite, Dormcest: the pros and cons of dating someone in your building. However, the most important section was Chapter Eight, “Healthy And Happy.” This chapter has nothing to do with academics, socializing, or the future. It is all about the “you” in college, from avoiding depression and boosting your confidence to staying fit and dealing with eating disorders. There is even a section called “Sex Ed 101” and, no, it is not how to pick up a sexy boyfriend. It is a section

on all the things you probably do not want to talk about with your parents, but need to know to stay safe. Of course there are going to be a bunch of students who see this book and wonder why they need it now when they are still 10 months away from college, but from personal experience I know that this little pink book can come off as an

enlightening guide on what to expect from the next four years of life. Plus, in a world where we are swamped by what we should and should not do to get into college, this book may just be the inspiration needed to make it through those last few college applications. A reason for why you want to go to college instead of why you have to.

‘U Chic’ offers girls refreshing college insight

U Chic

by Christie Garton

Available at barnesandnoble.com

for $11.46 (paperback)

The College Girl’s Guide to

Everything

BOOK REVIEW

Best Buddies The Best Buddies club is back and is hosting peer buddy interviews next week. According to Best Buddy vice president, senior Rachel Ravencraft, joining the club is a great way to make valuable friendships. “It builds buils a lot of friendships and strong connections,” Ravencraft said. “It allows everyone to understand the value of a friendship on both sides” Students interested in learning more about the club are asked to contact a Best Buddies leader for more information.

Student Life Volume 28, Issue 2 Page 17

by Sarah Woodstaff writer

Junior Spencer Smith returned to South Lakes this year after missing most of his sophomore year due to Lyme disease. Smith was able to keep up with his course work during this absence because of an instructional program called Homebound. “I attended school for most of September,” Smith said. “Then, my Lyme disease got progressively worse and it reached the point where I could not handle attending a full day of school. I came to the last day of homecoming week and did alright. I was unable to go to the football game that night and homecoming the next day. The last day of homecoming week was my last day at South Lakes for my sophomore year.” Lyme disease is a bacterial illness that is caused by a tick bite. Like some types of cancer, Lyme disease has no cure. Most people with the illness take antibiotics to help them manage the symptoms. “I was diagnosed with Lyme in seventh grade but I went to remission for two years,” Smith said. “When I was a freshman, it came back and I would get colds all the time. In the summer of last year, it got really bad and it has been that way ever since.” Homebound worked around

Smith’s symptoms to provide him with academic instruction. The program sends tutors to students’ homes to deliver missed assignments, supervise the completion the work, and provide assistance as needed. After they finish their work, tutors bring it to school to be graded. “The program has around 500 students accessing homebound around the state,” program manager Kurt Mills said. “Our mission is the

continuity of instruction. We want to make sure that students are able to stay caught up with school.” A student who wants to apply for this program must meet the requirement of missing twenty executive school days. Medical documentation is also needed for approval. Smith took two classes a day at home. It was sometimes difficult for him to schedule time with his tutors because he was unable to predict how he would feel on a given day. “When you eliminate the classroom from school, it was really

two hours of school work a week,” Smith said. “However, if I woke up one day feeling horrible, I would not be able to do my work for that day. If you fall behind, you get really behind.” Although Smith still experiences symptoms that make the school day tough, he is glad to be back at South Lakes. He plans to work towards the IB Diploma and, eventually, a medical career. “I want to be a doctor, and, maybe

one day I can discover a cure for Lyme disease,” Smith said. Sophomore Erin Dlott also has experience with the Homebound tutoring program. Dlott has eighth grade twin sisters at Langston Hughes Middle School, Anna and Zoey, who recently had back surgery for severe cases of scoliosis. They will use the Homebound program for a minimum of three weeks.

There are two tutors that work with the Dlotts, one who teaches math and science, and another that teaches civics and English. The tutors alternate days, five days a week, to ensure that they stay in contact with the school and are on track. “I think the program is a really good idea,” Dlott said. “That way, students who are not able to make up the work due to illnesses or surgeries won’t be behind in school. The program works with Fairfax County and the whole system is beneficial to everyone involved.”

by Matt Dopsovic staff writer

Theatre arts will put on a production of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” a story of love and deception, money and power, and death and tragedy. Set in the summer of 1922 in the wealthiest portion of Long Island, “The Great Gatsby” archives the story of the mysterious Jay Gatsby, as told by the narrator, Nick Carraway. The production will be double cast with an A and B cast. Two actors will play each of the roles, giving each cast its own dynamic. “The double cast is a good idea because it changes things up every night,” senior Alessandro Gaiarin said. “It makes things different and might give some people reason to see it twice.” Gaiarin will play the role of Meyer Wolfsheim. Jay Gatsby will be played by seniors Ben Peter and Carson Gillions. Nick Carraway will be played by senior Austin Bur and junior Mark Lawson.

Tom Buchannan will be played by seniors Sebastian Waldschmidt and Mitchell Parker. Daisy Buchannan will be played by juniors Natalie Pernick and Carlie Sigle. Some students have a closer connection with “The Great Gatsby.” Last year, the Class of 2013 read the book as part of the IB English I curriculum, and a new theatrical version of the movie is slated to be released in May of 2013. Graduating seniors hope that “The Great Gatsby” will be a memorable production for the audience. “It’s a really well written and solid script,” Gaiarin said. “The actors are all great and I think it will turn out to be one of our best yet.” The play will open Thursday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. in the Little Theater. “It’s challenging because of time restraints,” Peter said. “But I really enjoy it, and I’m really excited to play my favorite character in one of my favorite books.”

‘The Great Gatsby’ arrives this fall

PHOTO BY MATT DOPSOVIC

Homebound helps students with health issues mantain progress

Senior Carson Gillions displays the book inspiration for the Theater Arts department’s upcoming production. Gillions will play Jay Gatbsy.

“Our mission is the continuity of instruction. We want to make sure that students are able to stay caught up with school.”

- Kurt Mills, Homebound program director

by Rachel Rogersonline editor

Despite a lull in activity that left Interact club on the brink of collapse three years ago, the community service based club will enter the season of giving with its largest body of students in years. In 2010 the Interact club had few members and little activity, so former Principal Bruce Butler asked chemistry teacher Emily Wischow if she would become the advisor of the club to get it back on its feet. “I didn’t know it was possible to start the club up again back then,” Wischow said “But I was excited because I have always been really involved in community service.” In college Wischow worked with multiple community service based groups, including the Special Olympics, a therapeutic riding center, a women’s shelter, and a big sisters group during her time in graduate school. “I think it’s really important to be engaged in the community

and also to know what is going on in the world and be aware on how you can be involved,” Wischow said. Interact aims to involve itself in all aspects of community service, from pulling out weeds to assisting other nations and partnering with associations such as Reston Rotary. “Last year we did a fundraiser for the Harambe Center,” Wischow said “It supports students who are orphans that are going to school, so the community center needs books and other things like that.” As Thanksgiving approaches the club is getting

ready for its annual canned food drive, where canned goods are collected and donated to the culinary arts department, which in turn creates Thanksgiving meals for less fortunate Reston families. In addition to the moral value of participating in community service, many students have also joined the club to complete necessary community service hours. “Interact is a really great place if you’re short on NHS hours or CAS hours for IB,” senior and second year club president Amanda Halacy said. “That’s sort of how we draw people in, but a lot of

people who are done with their service hour’s end up staying with Interact because it’s so much fun.” Due to the work of Wischow and its participating students, the club is the strongest it has been in years. Students are welcome to join any time during the year. “Our meetings are open to anyone who wants to come,” said Wischow “We have a core of people who are really involved but you don’t have to be a member of Interact to participate in events with us.”

Interact provides volunteer opportunities for students

Monday, Nov. 12, 2012 Page 18

Fall Sports Wrap-Up

Varsity football finished the season with a 3-7 record following its 36-0 loss to Thomas Jefferson on Nov. 2 On Oct. 26, varsity football earned its only win of the season in Liberty District play against Marshall 53-0. JV and freshman football both completed the season with wins against Thomas Jefferson and finishing with 4-4 records. Freshman defeated the Colonials 22-12 while JV won 35-0.

Football Volleyball Varsity volleyball lost to Fairfax in the first round of districts 0-3 to finish the season with a 14-10 record. After dropping the first game 25-11, the Seahawks lost the last two games by a tight 25-23 score. JV and freshman volleyball respectively finished with 7-7 and 11-3 records. This year’s seniors: Alex Vagonis, Dory DeWeese, Annemarie Bresson, Mary Severin, Maddie Youngren, and Cloe Taylor.

Cross Country Boys and girls cross country concluded their season with a 10th place finish at regionals. Sophomore Devin Nieusma placed 24th with a 18:39 time and sophomore Augusta Durham finished 51st in the field with a 19:22 time. Senior Ashkan Mohammadi was the top male finisher, placing 31st with a 16:04 time. Sophomore Andrew McCool placed 53rd with a 16:21 time. Girls finished third in districts; boys claimed fourth.

Cheerleading Varsity cheer finished 5th at the Northern Regionals competition, missing states by nine points. The team finished 3rd in districts. Hosting districts in front of a rowdy Hype Squad, varsity cheerleading placed behind champion Fairfax and runner-up Stone Bridge. This year’s seniors are Becky Oswalt, Ashley Sandoval, Lexi Palley, Emma Waugh, Erica Scully, Sadie Belt, and Eric O’Brien.

Sports Calendar

PHOTO BY LAUREN GROSSMANN

Field Hockey Pictured on the left, junior midfielder Olivia Wolfe is on the attack as forwards senior Emily Lemoine and sophomore Aly McCarty attempt an assist during field hockey’s Senior Night game against Thomas Jefferson, Oct. 5. Thomas Jefferson defeated South Lakes 2-0. Varsity finished the season with a 11-7 record, its first winning season in many years.

Wednesday, Nov. 14

Girls BasketballScrimmage vs. Centreville

Freshman and JV 5:45 p.m.

Varsity 7:30 p.m.

Boys Basketball Scrimmage at WakefieldFreshman, JV and Varsity

TBA

Saturday, Nov. 17

Varsity Girls BasketballScrimmage vs. Yorktown

1:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 20

Boys BasketballScrimmage vs. ChantillyFreshman/JV 5:30 p.m.

Varsity 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 27

Girls Basketball vs. Westfield

Freshman 4 p.m./JV 5:45 p.m./Varsity 7:30 p.m.

Boys Basketballat Westfield

Freshman 4 p.m./JV 5:45 p.m./Varsity 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 28

Gymnastics Home Meetwith Marshall, Thomas

Jefferson and Stone Bridge6:30 p.m.

JV Wrestling at Madison6 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 29

Varsity Girls Basketball atWest Springfield Tip Off

Tournamentvs. West Springfield

7 p.m.

Varsity Boys Basketballvs. Oakton 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 30

Varsity Boys Basketballvs. Centreville 7:30 p.m.

CoEd Swim and Divevs. McLean at Spring Hill

6:30 p.m.

Varsity Wrestling at Chantilly6:30 p.m.

For future dates for basketball, wrestling,

swim and dive, gymnastics, and

indoor track, go to www.

southlakessentinel.com.

Former Seahawk rocks Southern Conference, FCS football world

PHOTO BY KALEY DUNCANAlumnus Sean Price runs a counter against Herndon during the 2010 football season. Price, who currently plays for Appalachian State University, is enjoying a record-setting freshman season with the Mountaineers.

by Grace Erardstudent life editor

Alumnus Sean Price was named National Freshman of the Week by Sports Network and the Southern Conference’s Offensive Player and Freshman of the Week after a record setting performance in Appalachian State’s game against Georgia Southern Nov. 3 at Paulson Stadium. Price, a redshirt freshman wide receiver, caught seven passes for 231 yards, including a 56-yard reception. Price also scored one touchdown during the game. His receiving yards set an ASU freshman record and tied for the fourth highest total receiving yards in school history. It also represents the most receiving yards ever surrendered by Georgia Southern, the second-most yards in a single game in the SoCon, and the 13th highest receiving output in NCAA Division I FCS this season. Price owns seven ASU freshman records with 58 receptions, 914 receiving yards, eight touchdowns, five 100-yard receiving games, three-straight 100-yard receiving games, and 10 receptions in a single game. These stats have ranked him nationally and placed him in the lead of all FCS freshmen in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches. Price’s many accomplishments command respect from the football world, even players on opposing teams. “He’s such a big body,” ASU quarterback Jamal Jackson said in an interview with Tommy Bowman for the Winston-Salem Journal. “He is a mismatch for any DB. And the thing is he’s going to continue to improve. He has a great upside.” ASU offensive coordinator Scott

Satterfield also believes that Price has the potential to go far with his football career. “Sean is an outstanding talent with no ceiling on how could he can be,” Satterfield said. One person who is particularly proud of Price is South Lakes football head coach Marvin Wooten. Wooten, who has known Price for a long time, has enjoyed watching his athletic journey. “A family member of mine grew up with Sean’s older brothers, AJ and Brandon Price, and I remember going to the games and watching him run around and try to keep up with his older brothers when he was a little

boy,” Wooten said. “He is naturally gifted and he has all the tools in place to be a very good football player. Towards the end of his high school career, and evidently going into college, his work ethic caught up with his athletic ability and he started to come into his prime. As a former coach, who has watched this kid since he was seven years old, I’m excited, proud, and happy.” Wooten also believes that Price’s success reflects well on the South Lakes football program. “When Sean first came here, he was a good athlete but he wasn’t the very best football player,” Wooten said. “To watch him develop over the

years, I would say that he got some good coaching and the community as a whole motivated him to go out and improve. I definitely think that Sean’s time at South Lakes helped his development and molded him into the player he is.” According to Wooten, Price is focused on the future and brining his game to the next level. “I called Sean over the weekend to congratulate him and he was very humble,” Wooten said. “He is determined to continue to get better. I think he will be playing football for a very long time.”

Sports Volume 28, Issue 2 Page 19

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Boys basketball to partake in Readers Are Leaders

by Mark Bouwmeesteronline sports editor

Boys basketball will once again participate in the Readers Are Leaders project during the upcoming season. As part of the program the players will travel to two local elementary schools to read with students. Readers Are Leaders is a nonprofit organization that gives student athletes a chance to become role models for the young students in the areas of Fairfax, Prince William, Arlington, and Loudoun counties. The program sends high school student athletes to nearby elementary schools to read with students and teach them about the importance of staying in school. At the end of the program, mentors present their student buddy with a medal and certificate of achievement. “This is a program that benefits both our basketball players as well as the elementary school kids as well,” varsity head coach Andrew Duggan said. “For our players it gives them an opportunity to be a mentor for kids, and to work on communication skills. For the elementary students

it is an opportunity to work on their reading skills.” Junior varsity basketball will travel to Hunters Woods Elementary School every Tuesday during the season to read with students. This is the JV player’s first chance to be a part of the program as the freshman team does not participate in the program.

“I am really excited to be able to participate in Readers Are Leaders,” sophomore Ryan Sharifi said. “I feel that it is a great chance to give back to the community and potentially the next group of students to go to South Lakes.” The varsity team will visit Forest Edge Elementary School on Fridays. “Readers Are Leaders changed my life,” junior Clayton O’Neill said. “It’s great to see kids that didn’t know how to read at one point be

able to read now. It’s a great feeling to see young kids learn how to read because Readers Are Leaders gave them a place to learn.” Readers Are Leaders has seen a significant increase in the reading capabilities of the elementary students in the program. In November of 2010 only 37% of elementary students in Fairfax

County were reading on grade level. But after a year of Readers Are Leaders, students were tested again in June of 2011, with 73% of them reading on grade level or better. Both the varsity and JV coaching staff provide full support to the

program, stressing the importance of participation in the program with their athletes. “With a lot of kids the program it is a necessity,” Duggan said. “Some kids are behind a grade level and in some cases two, three, or even four grades behind. Some of these kids don’t get the same kind of encouragement other kids do at home, so having someone to come in and help them is a positive thing.”

To learn more about Readers Are Leaders

organization, visit

http://readersareleadersnonprofit.org/

Winter sports athletes provide comments on upcoming seasonNovember marks the beginning of the winter sports season for basketball, indoor track, gymnastics, swim and dive, and wrestling. Several prominent athletes provide their thoughts on the 2012-13 season.

“I think our team is going to do really well this year, I want to get back into the top three.”

- Michael McHugh, senior indoor track and field

“We have a lot of new people, sophomore and freshmen. They seem really good because they have outside gymnastic experience. The coaches are getting more serious about it.”

- Kyra Stosch, sophomoregymnastics

“I’d say Josh Forrest is the best. We’ll probably lose a couple matches, but not too many. I hope we place high in tournaments. Our goal this year is upset Langley. Langley is one of the top 10.”

- Tommy Rugari, seniorwrestling

“I’m looking forward to competition, good times with the team, pasta dinners and dinners after meets. Just team stuff in general.”

- Sebastian Waldschmidt, seniorswim and dive

“I’m excited to go up to the Armory again, excited to go to New York and compete on a high level of competition.”

- Michael McHugh, senior indoor track and field

“I think we’re going to do really well this year. I think we’re going to do districs this year, the team is looking good so far.”

- Mary Severin, seniorgirls basketball