February 2020 Vol. 2 Issue 4

ByTrump Michael Wemyss andAcquitted Dylan Murphy, Editors in Chief ABy Brianna Generation Tran, News Editor Divided President Trump has been nounced him guilty.” If you log onto Twitter, “Boomers” blame the other gener- acquitted of all impeachment arti- Throughout the months of his YouTube, or any type of social media, ation for messing up the world and cles, having been accused of abusing impeachment trial, the President has you are going to see something about “Gen Z” does the same. The younger his power by withholding aid to the repeatedly called this a ‘witch hunt,’ America’s current political landscape. generation believe that it is their Ukraine and using it as a tool to help as he believed all of the democrats It is easier now more than ever for the responsibility to fix the world, but with his 2020 election campaign. were trying to throw him out of office younger generations to gain access to how can we do that if we’re fighting Starting back in October, because they disapprove of his leader- news and politics with the use of so- with one another just because of this is the third impeachment trial ship. cial media. However, people still have our probably-biased political views? in history, and finally came to a close Some students such as, senior differing views on the same political We should acknowledge both sides on February 5, a day after President Sonja Krzesinski, have their own topic that it often leads to high sensi- before making a decision. Why does Trump gave his State Of The Union it matter if you’re a Democrat or Address at the House of Represen- a Republican? That doesn’t affect tatives. one’s character, so why judge The final decision was someone because of it? made after Republican senators An anonymous student states came to a majority vote for Pres- that “majority of students base ident Trump’s innocence in both their opinions on emotion. I articles of impeachment. The first have been judged for my politi- article addressed the abuse of cal opinion even though I try to power while in office, and the sec- remain as objective and educated ond addresssed the obstruction of as possible. Kids are stuck on one Congress. All Republican senators side and attack others, mostly voted against a guilty verdict, with making fun of people. They are the exception of Utah Senator, also really sensitive about certain Mitt Romney along with all the issues.” democrat senators who wanted to Political Science student convict President Trump. Saarah Baig agrees with the high As all the senators from levels of sensitivity: “As political each party stood up and declared sensitivities grow higher as well whether the president is guilty as political divisions, sensitivity or not, Chief Justice John Rob- can become a problem. Al- erts announced the final vote for the thoughts. “It would be nice if they did tivity and arguments. There is often though I have never been personally impeachment trial: “In this article agree to witnesses and see how that the idea of “I’m right, you’re wrong” attacked, there have been signs of of impeachment 48 senators have would have gone, but the vote over- within politics. Our generation wants aggressions in heated debates. I try to pronounced Donald John Trump, turned it, so he [President Trump] is to make a change by getting involved have all my facts to argue, but emo- President of the United States guilty as still our president.” in politics, and that’s great, but we’re tions are what drive the conversa- charged, 52 senators have pronounced The fight is over. Now the going about it in the wrong way. tions.” him not guilty as charged. Two-thirds nation will set their full focus on the Humans are naturally defen- Another student, Erik Oz- of the senators present have not pro- 2020 election. sive about things. The whole “right kaptan, said that most friend groups and wrong” idea is simply a part of do not have heated debates because us. However, we are taking things too they have friend cliques that agree Herndon Hosts 25th far. Students get so agitated about the on the same topic and most debate idea of being a Republican or being a happens between people who do not Annual Stompfest Democrat that they will judge others talk to each other frequently. By Victoria Taylor, Staff Writer for their own political views. This can The most important thing Herndon High School just -stopping performance. Last season, foster online bullying and ignorance. to talk about isn’t who someone is hosted their 25th annual Stompfest. the Herndon Step Team didn’t have We aren’t being educated in politics and who they vote for, but why they Step teams from all over the DMV a coach. The captains collaborated to properly. Kids see a news article on would vote for that person and how came to Herndon High to compete in make their own routines without any Twitter or YouTube, and suddenly they get their information. If we fix the competition for a first place prize instruction from a coach. This year their opinions are swayed. They hear the information, maybe we can fix of $750, and a second place prize of they were fortunate to get a coach. their parents’ beliefs and are easily some of the growing sensitivity today. $250. Every team performed differ- One of the team captains, Senior Ol- influenced by them, not giving a lot It will never go away, but we have ent routines with props, voice overs, ivia Taylor, says, “We were always per- of room for teens to form their own to stop attacking and making fun of colored lights and music. All teams formers, even last year when we didn’t opinions. people because of one fact you heard showed off their hard work through have a coach, Stompfest was amazing. To make things worse, most somewhere on the internet. Moral of their coordinated stepping that could It was nice having someone tell you people do not get the full story when the story: get all the facts first before be heard all throughout the auditori- that they believe in you and that you it comes to politics. The news can making an opinion that could hurt so um. Since the Herndon Step Team was can do it no matter how tired you are.” easily be biased and with the conve- many people around you. hosting the competition, they were Their hard work definitely paid off in nience of social media, we are more unable to compete. This, however, did the end through their mesmerizing likely to gain our political opinions not stop them from putting on a show show that had the audience clapping based on one’s biased opinions. In a and cheering. study done in 2018 by the Pew Re- Stomp Fest search Center, 68% of people get their was a success with news from social media, but only 57% loads of talented of people believe that their news is high schoolers inaccurate participating. The Despite the majority believ- Herndon Step ing that most news is inaccurate, Team displayed many people believe it anyways. their talent and There is always talk about the “Boom- showed just how ers” and “Gen Z” and the conflict powerful step between the two generations. The really is. February 2020 Vol. 2 Issue 4 NEWS

VA Students Fight Virginia Divided for Journalistic Over Sanctuary Freedom Cities By Saowbia Rahman, News Editor letters to their respective state senators By Dylan Murphy, Editor in Chief and delegates urging them to support had organized a large demonstration Student journalism has A surge of support for becom- the bill. Last year, The Stinger faced to oppose Northam and the General become more widespread and with ing Second Amendment Sanctuaries similar encounters with controversial Assembly’s push for gun control. The the addition of The Stinger, Herndon has swept nearly every county and articles when Herndon High School’s rally had drawn interest from several High School students have been more town in Virginia, in an effort to defy former drama teacher was arrested for state militias and even some extremist involved than ever before. This year, the increasingly restrictive gun control possession of child pornography. The groups, all contributing to the threat of the state of Virginia has proposed a propositions being brought up in a now students received pushback for publish- incident. Northam stated that author- new bill that limits the censorship of Democrat-controlled state legislature. ing an article that dealt with such sensi- ities had gathered credible evidence student publications. House Bill 36 Virginia, home to the NRA’s headquar- tive matters but were ultimately able to through “dark web channels used by also known as the New Voices bill will ters, has been traditionally supportive publish a news and opinions article on out-of-state white nationalists,” about ensure a of gun rights in both parties, but in the in- groups with “malicious plans.” student’s recent years, Democrats have changed cident. Van Cleave had encouraged consti- their tune in favor of stricter restric- The supporters to leave intimidating tutional tions. bill was weaponry at home and has welcomed right to The concept of a “Second first ap- out-of-state militias, but with the warn- free- Amendment Sanctuary” comes from proved ing of not getting into an unnecessary dom of the intention of counties to declare in a 5-3 confrontation with gun-control ac- speech themselves exempt from any state gun vote tivists. “This is not about Confederate and al- control policies. Thus far, 91 out of 95 in the flags, statues, history, etc. Just guns,” he low lee- of the Virginia counties have adopted House wrote in a message to his supporters. way to second amendment sanctuary reso- Edu- Several protesters still brought their publish lutions. State Attorney General Mark cation banned weaponry to the rally, but kept contro- Herring spoke out on the rising tension Sub- themselves outside the banned area. versial criticizing the push for sanctuary cities, com- The fiery polarization between local articles. declaring “Neither local governments mittee and state governments has been put in In the nor local constitutional officers have and the spotlight through the continued past, the the authority to declare state statutes sent to controversy over Second Amendment topic unconstitutional or decline to follow the full Sanctuaries, which likely won’t end any of censorship The Stinger Staff handwriting letters them on that basis.” committee, the New time soon. has come up in to thier state senators and delegates. Revving up Voices Legislation. Fairfax County, the tension, last month Unfortunately, the when a student at George Mason High Governor Ralph Northam bill was changed and an amendment School, Kate Karstens was under fire issued a state of emergen- was added that removed middle and for publishing an incriminating article cy and put in place a tem- high schools from the bill. While the about another student. The Washing- porary ban of all firearms bill does not actively apply to high ton Post went into detail about how on Capitol grounds as a school students anymore, if the bill is the journalist, now a junior in college precaution against “threats passed, high schools can still advocate fought against the censorship of her of armed confrontation for free speech rights and try to imple- article, even going as far as to testify in and assault.” This ban took ment the bill next year. High school Richmond, promoting the adoption of place surrounding the student journalists may have lost this the bill. state’s traditional lobby- fight, but they are determined to earn After reading The Washington ing day, where hundreds their freedom. Post article in Journalism class, The of pro-gun protesters Stinger staff was inspired to handwrite FCPS Makes History With Groundbreaking

NewBy Saowbia Rahman,Policy News Editor guaranteed a progressive and support- a Washington Post article, conserva- make a designated day for student ive atmosphere for its students. The tives criticized FCPS for “coddling its protesting or leave it out.” The student Ever since the devastating policy was first proposed by FCPS too-liberal, too-sensitive youth.” As went on to remark how some would school shooting in Parkland, Florida, board member Ryan McElveen. To today’s political climate becomes in- take advantage of the new rule to skip schools across the U.S. have been on most students, McElveen is known for creasingly polarized, it is no surprise out on school such as on the day of a edge about gun violence. In particular, announcing snow days that the right takes final. While the idea of making a des- FCPS’ chairman, Ryan McElveen has and delays on Twitter, issue with promot- ignated day sounds promising, most promised to move forward in imple- but he is also known for ing student protests. protests in Northern Virginia take menting common-sense gun safety advocating for more lib- Most students seem place in Washington D.C. Making a regulations in the county. The intro- eral policies that appeal to be on board with day to accommodate FCPS students duction of FCPS’ new law allows stu- to the younger genera- the idea of having a would be difficult for those who want dents grades 7-12 to have one excused tions. In addition to the school day off espe- to attend other protests. absence per year in order to attend new policy, McElveen cially those involved FCPS’ new policy has stirred civic activities. In the era of school has taken to Twitter to in student activism. up attention across the country and shootings and climate change, teenag- show his support for cli- However, has even made national news. Stu- ers all across America are advocating mate change protests and some students reject dents across the county now have the for change to promote a safer environ- plans on implementing the new policy and liberty to express their beliefs through ment for future generations to come. gun-safety regulations for the follow- find it to be unnecessary. A Herndon protest on school time. While some FCPS stands as the tenth-larg- ing 2020-2021 school year. High School student who wished to feel the policy has given too much est school district in the country, and While the new policy has remain anonymous thinks the new freedom to students, one thing is currently has over 188,000 students received widespread support, there policy is a bad idea. “There’s a time clear: FCPS new iniative has made the enrolled. By taking the initiative to has been some backlash from a more for education and a time for protest- world sit up and take notice. promote student activism, FCPS has conservative audience. According to ing, you shouldn’t mix the two. Either February 2020 Sports Vol. 2 Issue 4 Chiefs Win Super

ByBowl Sam Green, SportswriterLIV! The Chiefs are the Super Bowl The divisional round added Champions of the 100th season of the some more craziness to the playoffs NFL! This postseason provided many as the Titans won again against the playoff surprises to make this season a Baltimore Ravens and the Texans blew special one. a huge lead. First, the Titans upset an- The playoffs started off with a other team as they beat the number one bang as major upsets saw the New En- seeded Ravens 28-12. Once again, Der- gland Patriots and New Orleans Saints rick Henry led his team as he rushed out of the playoffs after the wild card for 195 yards and a touchdown while round. In the AFC, the Patriots were also throwing a touchdown. Then, the beaten 20-13 by the Tennessee Titans. Texans held a 24-0 lead but ended up The Titans surprised many fans as they losing 51-31 after Patrick Mahomes won, but the real story was how good and the Kansas City Chiefs came back Tennessee running back, Derrick Hen- to beat them. Patrick Mahomes holding the Lombardi Trophy after winning Super Bowl ry was. He rushed for 182 yards and In the conference champion- LIV, Courtesy of The Wall Street Journal a touchdown while adding 22 yards ship round, both games were won by receiving. Henry practically carried his more than ten points as the Chiefs beat team as they continued to the division- the Titans 35-24 and the 49ers beat Basketball Season al round against the Ravens. the Packers 37-20. The Chiefs and the In the NFC, the Saints lost 49ers were going to play in Super Bowl 26-20 in overtime to the Minnesota LIV (54), and it was expected to be a ByComes Sam Green, Sports to Writer an End Vikings. The Saints trailed almost the high scoring game. As the basketball season wraps in the best way possible,” said Quin- entire game, and were down 20-10 In the Super Bowl, the Chiefs up, the girls and boys varsity teams lan. The team has been good at many before coming back and sending the took home the Lombardi trophy as represented the school well with solid things, but has had to improve in some game into overtime with a game-tying they defeated the 49ers 31-20. It was a seasons. Both teams played hard all areas of their game. “We need to grow field goal. In overtime, the Vikings got close game the whole way through and season and they had plenty of success. in the categories of limiting turn- the ball first and never gave it to the the Chiefs had to come back from a The boys varsity team has had a solid overs, rebounding, and playing good Saints. They drove down the field and ten point deficit. The Chiefs ended the first season with head coach, Kevin defense,” said Quinlan, “All the little scored the game winning touchdown. game by scoring three straight touch- Quinlan, as he has led the team to more things mean so much to the success of There was some controversy on the downs as they won their first Super wins than last year’s team. The play- the group.” As the boys varsity basket- final play of the game, as the Vikings Bowl in 50 years. Chiefs coach, Andy ers were focused all season long and ball season comes to an end, the boys tight end appeared to push off the Reid, finally won a Super Bowl and Quinlan said, “Our season has been will look back at a pretty good season. defender to create room for himself to Patrick Mahomes was named MVP of an up-and-down journey. We have The girls varsity basketball score a touchdown, however, no pass the Super Bowl in his second season. played quite well when we have taken team has also had a pretty good season interference was called and the Vikings As the Chiefs celebrate their first Super care of the basketball and committed to as they finished around an even record stunned the Saints to move on to the Bowl in 50 years, the 100th season of defending and rebounding. However, as well. Along with the boys, the girls divisional round against the 49ers. the NFL officially comes to an end. when we have struggled, when we have had an up and down season as they gone away from those standards.” The lost some games and won some games boys varsity team is finishing the sea- without really going on a big winning son around an even record, but they’ve streak. Also, the girls are going to end The Houston Astros improved from last season. the season with a similar record to last One thing about this year’s season. Cheating Scandal boys varsity team, is that they have The girls and boys varsity By Riley Price, Sportswriter pride for the school they play for. “The teams played well this season, and they For two years, the Houston was still severe punishments for the greatest attribute of our team is that both have room to grow as they reflect Astros were viewed as one of the best organization. our guys genuinely love Herndon, and on how their seasons went with the teams in MLB history. However, did The team’s punishments were they want to represent our community basketball season ending. they really earn their greatness? The the suspensions of manager A.J Hinch 2017 season was a perfect one for the and general manager Jeff Luhnow, who Astros. They finished first in their divi- were both later fired by the organiza- sion and beat the Los Angeles Dodgers tion. The team also had to give up their to win the World Series. After having first and second-round picks in the two more solid seasons, the Astros MLB draft for the next two years, while were undoubtedly one of the most being fined five million dollars by the feared teams in baseball. However, they league. didn’t get to where they are on skill Obviously, the Dodgers were alone. the most affected because they felt After losing to the Washington robbed from a World Series title in Nationals in the 2019 World Series, 2017. The Boston Red Sox and New everything for the Astros went down- York Mets were also affected. Former hill. It was revealed that the Astros had Astros player, Carlos Beltran, was been cheating through the 2017 season announced as the new manager for the and postseason, as well as the early Mets, but left after only two months 2018 season. They were using center with the team because he was part of Boys Varsity Basketball in a game against rival school South Lakes field cameras to steal the other team’s the 2017 Astros World Series run. The signs. Once they got the signs, players Red Sox also fired their manager Alex and coaches would tell the hitter what Cora since he was involved in the As- pitch was coming by banging on a trash tros cheating. A Basketball Legend can in the dugout. With all of this being revealed Passes On January 26, 2020, Away the across all professional sports have been There were also assumptions about the Astros, everyone might start sports world received devastating paying tribute to him by wearing his that the Astros players wore electronic questioning the great teams in the news. Future hall of famer Kobe Bry- numbers 24 and 8. Kobe’s daughter Gi- buzzers to help communicate which league. The Astros scandal has ruined ant and rising basketball star Gianna anna was also going to become a huge pitch was about to be thrown. Astros part of MLB’s reputation along with the Bryant died in a helicopter crash. person in the sports world too. She players Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman reputation of some players. This might There were nine people on the helicop- played basketball like her dad and was both denied that they weren’t wearing even make other teams come clean if ter and there were no survivors. This talented like him as well. Kobe was an buzzers. The MLB’s investigation didn’t they have cheated. Either way, the As- had a huge effect on the sports world idol to many players and will always be find the players wearing a buzzer. Even tros will always be viewed as one of the as players and teams around the NBA one of the greatest players of the game. if the players wore buzzers or not, there biggest cheaters in MLB history. paid tribute to Kobe. Even players Feburary 2020 THE BUZZ Here at Herndon we have five married couples: the Petrases, the Drakes, the Huttons, the Cupolos, and the Petruzzis!

The The Cupolos Petruzzis By Kate Taylor and Delaney Sheer- By Michael Wemyss, Editor-In-Chief an, Staff Writers

Mr. and Mrs. Petruzzi met Mr. and Mrs.Cupolo would each other while teaching at Mt. never have imagined that being Vernon High School and have been co-workers from across the hall would The Cupolo Crew together for 19 years. Today, the turn into marriage going on its 11th Petruzzi’s have three kids and enjoy year. Their students were a funny Dear Mister, having family outings and ice cream! aspect to their relationship pushing for Tu eres la crema de mi café Mr. Petruzzi teaches market- their first date. ing and Mrs. Petruzzi is the athletic According to Mr.Cupolo every Tu eres el queso para mi trainer.The two hardly see each other time Mrs.Cupolo would come into his pizza at work and have never worked in classroom to ask a question, the entire Tu eres la salsa para mi pa- different places, but look forward to class would hype him up. The pair both seeing other at the end of each day. work at HHS, teaching English and pas fritas ESOL, but funnily enough do not see Tu eres mi guacamole extra each other much during the school day, Tu eres el amor de mi vida Dynamic Duo however they do carpool every day. Fun Fact: Mrs.Cupolo only Dear Mrs. gets her mail around three times a year Love, Miss because Mr.Cupolo always delivers it Petras, for her. Yttrium - Oxygen - Uranium - ‘ - Rhenium Dear Mrs. Drake, Copper - Tellurium !!! Beryllium Happy Valentine’s Day/Relationship Molarity - Yttrium anniversary! I feel like the luckiest guy in the world know- Vanadium - Aluminum - ing that I get to spend my life with my best friend, and electron - Nitrogen - Titani- knowing that you’re right next door, even at work, is just um - Neon ? icing on the cake. I can’t wait to see what challenges and ----Sulfur - Argon - Telluri- adventures life still has in store for us. There’s no one I’d rather face them with than you. um - Phosphorus By Michael Borowski Love, Mr. Petras Love, Mr. Drake

TheBy Alisa Keating, Drakes Staff Writer TheBy Conor HuttonsGilingham, Staff Writer Love is in the air and the Mr. and Mrs. Hutton are a then they’ll argue less about teaching Drakes are thriving. The Drakes have unique pair of teachers. Mrs. Hutton than if they were in the same depart- been married for about 3 years, but has been teach- ment. They feel have known each other since Mrs. ing English here a good distance Drake began teaching at Herndon in at HHS for nine because they 2012. Working with our spouse may years, while Mr. know what is seem tiring, but not for the english Hutton has been going on in each teaching Drakes, “A bunch of my teaching ESOL others’ work students have asked in the past if we Science for seven lives, but the get sick of each other, but it’s actually years. They met subjects they really nice, Mr. Drake is my best friend. in college at teach make it Working with my best friend and Penn State and feel separate. The having him around is great,” said Mrs. afterward Mrs. Huttons recently Drake. Even before getting married, Hutton got a had their first the Drakes loved going on new adven- job at HHS and child, a little tures together, “ We went on a road trip moved here. A baby girl named in 2014 so it took almost all summer. few years later, Rosie. Mrs. Hut- That was a big adventure,” said Mr. Mr. Hutton got ton felt maternity Drake. When asked what their biggest a job here too. leave to be weird adventure was, they both agreed that They like that because Mr. Hut- was buying a house. Work or home they teach in ton went back the Drakes love being together with all Living The Drake Life separate depart- to work without life gives them. Their next adventure is ments because The Huttons and Their Little Button her. their first baby coming in Spring Vol.2 Issue 4 THE BUZZ Political Science Creates the Leaders

ofBy a Staff TomorrowWriter Amshala Bharathan- Rep. José Serrano Political Science is a course (NY-15) Kids In 2020:The offered by HHS that allows students to Andrew Spira- Rep. John Katko (NY- dive headfirst into real-world politics. 24) In class, students simulate congres- Bridget Neely- Rep. Debbie Dingell UniformBy Hector Pagan, Staff Writer Year Of sional committees and debate current (MI-12) Are you interested in traditional events. In addition to learning the Charles Schaar- Rep. Don Young (AK- competitive sports? Maybe you prefer TheBy Brianna Tran,Rat Opinions Editor textbook aspects of legislation during At Large) a more academic-based competition! Amazing food, the bright red the first semester, students also search Emily McKnight- Rep. Susan Davis Perhaps you just want to run through and golden envelopes full of money, for an internship with a congressperson (CA-53) woodlands with only a map and your and happy celebrations with firecrack- on Capitol Hill. Emma Simons- Rep. Seth Moulton teammate. Whatever you’re interested ers and dragon dances: the Lunar New During the second semester, (MA-06) in, whether it be drill, rifle, orien- Year is an amazing holiday celebrated students take part in a congressional Erik Ozkaptan- Rep. Michael San teering, academic, or marksmanship, mainly in the Eastern Asian nations internship, aiding the staff of Congress- Nicolas (Guam-Delegate) NJROTC may have something for you! among families. 2020 is the year of the people through a variety of activities. Fernando Lara- Sen. Tim Kaine (VA) NJROTC is a military-style Rat in the Chinese zodiac and was cele- The interns experience all parts of Johnny Nguyen- Rep. Cheri Bustos class that promotes teamwork, hon- brated on January 25. government, from attending hear- (IL-17) or, self-discipline, and more. Did you Even in America, Asian-Americans ings to talking with constituents and Kate Taylor- Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (NY- know that if you join, your chances of celebrate the start of the lunar calendar everything in between. Since HHS is 09) graduating are increased, this is be- by eating lucky foods such as noodles the only school in FCPS to offer a class Lucilla Antwie- Rep. Jim Clyburn (SC- cause Cadets are held to a higher stan- and wearing the lucky color red. Each giving students the chance to intern 06) dard than ordinary students. Joining year, the new year is celebrated on a on the Hill, the opportunity is a rare Michael Koss- Rep. French Hill (AR- also allows you to stand out on your different day due to the changing moon and exciting experience. Whether it be 02) college application and you have more phases, and each year corresponds with in the classroom or physically being Nasib Zaman- Rep. Robert Scott (VA- opportunities for scholarships. You on Capitol Hill in the middle of all a different Chinese Zodiac sign. 03) also have the opportunity to receive the action, students get exposed to the Rayan Elmisurati- Sen. Tim Kaine (VA) community service hours, assume a realities of politics. Saarah Baig- Rep. Michael San Nicolas leadership role, and to go on field trips Listed here are all PoliSci (Guam-Delegate) to military bases and more. So Long, students with the Congressperson Smriti Poudel- Rep. Jim Clyburn (SC- If you are interested in topics (State-District) that they will be intern- 06) such as astronomy, oceanography, mar- Ms.LagueBy Derrick Basnight, Guest Writer ing with. Tom itime history, citizenship, and leader- Hutchens- ship, then come down to room 172 and English teacher Ms.Lague quickly motivation to work harder. Lague Rep. Steve meet with our cadets, contact Captain became one of the seniors’ all-time finished at HHS on January 24, to Scalise Adler at [email protected], or call 703- favorites this school year. She is a pursue a career in higher education (LA-01) 810-2334. teacher we can relate to, and she and work toward her Ph.D. Al- encouraged those who wanted to though her students are upset, we’re give up, to push through and end happy to see one of our favorite the year strong. She created an envi- teachers reach a huge milestone in ronment for us to feel at ease while her life. learning, which reinforced our A Historical Figure Amongst Us By Michael Wemyss, Editor-In-Chief Not everyone is as enthusi- Mercado will take advantage astic about history and art of music of looking for jobs in the near future, as Senior David Mercado. As his high “I’m planning on going into political school career comes to a close, Mer- science, after all there is a massive job Walker-ing Through cado reflects on his best moments and market right next door in D.C.” what his future plans are. Mercado enjoys learning By Alisa Keating Mercado began playing instru- about world history and anything that HighLife is a nonstopSchools adventure, infested,” said Walker de Llanas. This ments in sixth grade, following in his has taken place before the 1950’s. He and spanish teacher Mrs.Walker de experience motivated her to go into brother’s footsteps. Since feels that after that particular decade Llanas completely embodies this. education to become a teacher lead- then, he has participated everything became more Walker de Llanas has been teaching at ing her to walk among many schools. in wind ensembles in sev- modern and familiar to Herndon for four years, but has been a Anyone who has had Walker de Llanas eral bands, and orchestra us, and prefers to see teacher for about 23 years teaching at will probably tell you about her desire events. One of which is how time has evolved to three different schools. for her students to discon- his most memorable mo- how it is today. During Back in her early college nect from social media, and ment of his high school his free time, he enjoys years at the University of interact with each other, “I career by participating playing history based Michigan, Walker de Lla- want them to sit in groups in the Normandy trip in video games and sim- nas had the opportunity so they can talk to each oth- 2019 as he went to visit ulations to relive those to volunteer at a school in er, they can help each other. France for the D-Day moments in time. Southeast Detroit. During They can bond and make anniversary. Students like Mercado her time there, she saw new friends,” said Walker At this point in will make a great impact kids from the toughest de Llanas. With a passion the school year, Mercado David Mercado in our society and help neighborhoods all in one for teaching, it’s safe to say finished marching band in the solve problems we are current- school, “They had metal that Walker de Llanas un- fall, and participates in indoor color ly facing. Mercado will set a positive detectors to go into their doubtedly has a passion for guard. When Mercado graduates HHS, example to follow and pave the way for school but this was in the teaching and helping her he plans on going to James Madison a brighter future! early 90s, you know, so it students prepare for their University and is interested in studying was a long time ago, but Señora Walker de Llanas futures. political science. you know it was gang February 2020 Vol. 2 Issue 4 OPINIONS No to Snow The Consequences of By Conor Gillingham, Staff Writer school as a response to Loudon’s can- celation of school. It doesn’t affect us A nice winter at in any way at all. High School Dating FCPS was about to start. It was a nor- The most likely reason people By Trinity White, Staff Writer mal day for everyone. Students were at find out is because they know people A great deal of students ate problems emotionally or physically. school, and adults were working. This who go to school in Loudon. FCPS has engage in the dating realm of high Not to mention, it is extremely rare for didn’t stop both students and parents the right to cancel school when they school, but are high school relation- high school relationships to last pass from tweeting #CloseFCPS because feel it is too dangerous to get to school ships beneficial or detrimental to graduation due to long distance, differ- they thought that the conditions out- and not because of pressure from students? Of course, relationships can ent grade levels, or personal conflicts. side were too dangerous for cars and schools from other counties canceling. be a positive thing as they allow people This brings me to my other point, buses. It is no surprise that the to become more mature, especially college relationships. While most may think it’s best person who gets tweeted 24/7 about teenagers with growing brains, but to Being involved in a relation- to keep themselves or their children this topic is Ryan McElveen who what extent? ship may from potentially is in charge of Pro- skew your dangerous weather communicating ponents for decision conditions, it’s not when school high school making, exactly the right gets canceled. dating claim especially thing to do. FCPS The majority of students about future is usually open FCPS students benefit from career paths. during most of the constantly tweet dating be- Choosing a winter because it him to cancel cause a com- university doesn’t snow as school. panion can that is a fit much. It is a bad positively for your A lot of idea because it affect a per- needs is students, however, pesters him to try son’s mental crucial, so still tweet because and close school. health and if you pick they just don’t want If this continues, facilitate future relationships. How- a university based on your partner’s to go to school. It became more chaot- it might have the opposite effect and ever, high school relationships can be preference, it can affect you negatively ic when parents started complaining he might stop using Twitter to spread damaging to students. Take it from in the future. about the weather as well. There are school cancellations in the first place. Junior Zainab Ahmad, who has expe- High school dating is detri- very few people who don’t do this What most people fail to understand rience being in a relationship. She says, mental to students and only opens up here. is that Ryan McElveen isn’t actually “Most kids forget their studies and problems. High school should be a One of the ongoing top- in charge of canceling school, so as a just focus on being with their partner. time where teens focus on academics ics people have been talking about result, people are just complaining to a And most kids are too busy living their and their extracurricular activities, not at Herndon is the amount of times someone who can’t do anything about lives that they don’t realize they are in on a relationship that is most likely to Loudon County schools get canceled the situation. a relationship which leads to cheating, diminish in a few years. due to snow while FCPS schools stay People should stop tweeting arguments, petty drama, and nasty open. Loudon is a more mountainous #CloseFCPS because people are either breakups.” than Fairfax County, and as a result, doing it to get school off for their own Students, especially freshmen, the roads are more dangerous during reasons or because of cancellations are not fully developed, as a result they snowy weather. in Loudon. People are also bothering are prone to make more immature de- While this is a pretty logical Ryan McEleeven, someone who isn’t cisions than higher grades. As a result, explanation, many people still go onto actually in charge of closing FCPS. dating as or with a freshmen may cre- Twitter demanding that FCPS cancel

How to Cheat 101 be used both ways for cheating. Teach- teach students to make good choices By Brianna Tran, Opinions Editior ers can now easily check for plagia- and there are consequences to those choices. Students make bad choices for Cheating at Herndon High still cheat anyway. rism online, as well as track students’ a reason and they are not necessarily School is such a common occurrence There are many situations of progress on certain online assignments bad people.” that it’s no longer shocking. There is cheating, some more prominent than to prevent cheating. Cheating is not an unusu- a similar image of cheating across so- others. I have been attending HHS Mr. Gillespie, an assistant al issue; however, instead of being ciety: You are seated at a desk, pencil for three years principal at ashamed of it, some people brag about tapping on the paper, the clock ticking now and every HHS, states that how easy it was to plagiarize a paper or as you frantically look around the single year there “If a student copy answers on any assignment. As room for an answer for one question has been at least wants to cheat grades and pressure slowly take over for one test. Words begin to spiral in one big cheat- on a paper then the moral code of our human nature, your head: “This test determines your ing scandal that they can cheat students need to understand that tests future, you know. This test is the most involves a large on a paper. I do not determine your future. important thing you’ll ever do. Don’t. class. don’t know if Cheating may help you on one Mess. Up.” In a moment of despera- Cheat- it necessarily assignment, but what about the other tion, you lose control of your moral ing is no longer makes it easier assignments? If you don’t understand a values, take a glimpse at the person just glancing to utilize tech- topic and simply cheat to pass, how is next to you and scribble down an at the test next nology. Teachers that benefiting your future? answer similar to theirs. to you. Tech- need to make it Take this example for instance: This is what people think of nology is now clear where the a student can cheat on their SAT and when they think of cheating. What being utilized line is between get into an Ivy League School; how- they don’t know is that it happens to help cheat. collaboration ever, they’re going to struggle because more than you think. Students today Students now and cheating.” they do not belong there. They cheated are so desperate for an A in math class share documents HHS has the system. that they are willing to do anything online with the answers to online tests rules when it comes to honor code Additionally it feels ten times possible to get that grade. or just look the answers up on Google. violations such as cheating, and can be better achieving something you actual- That grade is what we’re told They also use Apple Watches and text found on the HHS website. There are ly worked for. Students shouldn’t cheat determines our future, so we have to messages to send images of homework always consequences to your actions because your life is not embedded in do everything possible to do so, but or test answers. By using technology in and by defining more clearly what the school system. But if you learn to that’s not true. One test won’t deter- this manner, it defeats the purpose of they are, students can steer away from cheat, then the rest of your life you are mine how much money you make in having tech in the school. cheating offenses in the first place. playing a dangerous game where you the next ten years. However, students However, the technology can Mr. Gillespie says that “part of our job (as faculty) is to help and to will get caught someday.

Febuary 2020 Entertainment Vol. 2 Issue 4 on personal relationships was far from normal. For starters, it took Classic 1917: A less than a glance for Joe to become obsessed with a girl. His idea of Color for Technical “love” means that he would do any- thing for that person. Anything. His infatuation with a girl starts the Clas- Master- with him finding her on social media, but quickly escalates to him stalking her and involving himself sic De- Bypiece Dylan Murphy, Editor-in-Chief in her personal life. Joe’s shown to be a smart and Winning three Golden Globes sensitive guy on the outside, but in- By Delaney Sheeran, Staff Writer for Best Drama and Best Director, cade side his head, he’s manipulative and 1917, directed by Sam Mendes, has be- Pantone 19-4052 Classic Blue downright creepy. The paradox of come one of the most discussed movies lends itself to relaxed interaction. As- Joe’s character is shown in the first of 2020 thus far. The film centers sociated with the return of another day, season when he starts caring for a around two British soldiers in World this universal favorite is comfortably young boy with neglective parents. War I, sent on an impossible mission embraced. In response to the start of a Joe’s character could be overlooked across the French countryside to pre- new decade and the end of an old one. as a creepy stalker, but it turns out vent two battalions from entering the Classic Blue instills calm, confidence, for its powerful score and commentary he is much more complex. Since Germans’ trap. 1917 has drawn most and connection. This hue highlights on the futility of war. This movie is an he narrates his thoughts to the audi- of its critical acclaim for its cinematog- our desire for a dependable and stable intense experience to watch in theaters, ence, it shows that he rationalizes his raphy and direction, with the illusion foundation to enter into a new era. and leaves you with it imprinted on behavior as being helpful and doesn’t of being filmed all in one take. Despite your mind for several days. see anything wrong with it. Take away this illusion, the movie the voiceover and you have a manip- is several takes stitched ulative, borderline sociopathic man. together in convenient Throughout the show the audience sees areas. Shooting a movie in Everybody his point of view, even though people one uninterrupted take, know he should be the villain in the especially a movie that has is Watch- situation. its characters constantly moving, is two hours long, ‘You’ has already been renewed and features several differ- ingBy Victoria Taylor,You Staff Writer for a third season on Netflix set to ent environments, would The hit TV se- be impossible. Yet, the ed- ries ‘You’, is about a man iting is precise enough that who crosses boundaries To pick the color each year, these transitions between on what he believes is Pantone’s color experts at the Pan- takes are hardly noticeable. right for the people he The film really has only two tone Color Institute search for new loves. The show follows color influences inspired by the world main characters, with the rest of the the main character, Joe around them. This can include films, cast filling in as cameos they inter- Goldberg, and his love art collections and new artists, fashion, act with along the way. This includes interest named Love. He popular travel destinations, as well several well-established British actors, moves from New York to as new lifestyles. Influences may also such as Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark L.A. to escape a problem stem from new technologies, materials, Strong, and Richard Madden. The from his past that comes movie being one-take is meant to make back to haunt him. textures, and effects that impact color, come out in 2021. A new season means the viewer feel completely immersed From the very beginning of relevant social media platforms and that the character of Joe will return in the soldiers’ plight, though at times the show’s first season, it’s understood even upcoming worldwide sporting in search of a new victim for him to does come across as sort of gimmicky. that Joe’s a guy with lots of issues from events. I predict a classic blue 2020 obsess over. Summer Olympics. The camera is practically its own char- his past that influenced his adult life. It acter. The film has also gotten notice became quickly apparent that his view Across 3. Meme about a creepy woman 6. Character from the mandalorian C r o s s w o r d 7. Meme about approving and dis- approving 9. Sci-Fi franchise with 9 movies 12. War between Iran and U.S.

Down 1. What is the 13th zodiac? 2. Meme comparing two things to a lady and a cat 4. 2019 movie starring the villain 5. The movie that came out in 2019 that wasn’t purr-fect 8. What is the sequel to Disney’s highest grossing animated film? 9. Meme about the design of a 2020 movie character 10. Food on a stick 11. show about a bookstore manag- Across 9 er and serial killer