Chancellor High School, Fredericksburg, VA The Lightning Bolt Celebrating 26 Years of Thunderous News at Lightning Speed! Volume 26, Issue 7 | March/ April 2014 “We Bring the Thunder to Chancellor” Spring Forward

Photo and Cover by Megan Church OPINION The Girls’ Tennis Game Column . . . PG. 14 Team Kicks of the SPORTS Spring Season. Read more about their MLB Previews. . . PG. 19-24 Season in the Sports FEATURES section. Lessons Learned: Students, Faculty React to Recent Challenges . . PG. 27 NEWS STEM Summit...PG. 5 Editoral The Lightning Bolt By Meghan Hannifin that Fredericksburg just can’t a viewpoint on the lessons 6300 Harrison Road Fredericksburg, VA 22407 Editor-in-Chief seem to shake, we here at The learned from all of the events Lightning Bolt hope this issue that occurred in February in [email protected]. Congratulations, everyone! brightens up your days a bit! the Features section. va.us Although it may not always In the News section, you can Really, Chargers, when you seem like it (as I write this, it is find coverage of the evacua- find it necessary to rest and Volume 26 a brisk and breezy 39 degrees tions that occurred last month recharge, this issue will do outside), we have officially Issue 7 and the STEM summit at the the trick. It’s jam-packed with made it to spring! Whether University of Mary Washing- fun and informing articles, so you marked the actual sea- ton. In Sports, you can read take a read and feel free to let sonable vernal equinox with a all about Chancellor’s spring us know what you think! Also, trip to Rita’s for their free cel- sports teams and our first ever as a heads up, the next issue EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ebratory Italian ice, flew a kite Athlete of the Month profile! will include the passing of the Meghan Hannifin in the park, or hid inside and The Opinion section provides torch- therefore, the editorial wished winter would just stick entertainment in the form of will be written by next year’s around, we hope you had a Layout editors a review of The Lego Movie Editor-in-Chief! So, as this is grand time of it, and that it re- Joshua turbyfill and a debate that pits soccer my last editorial, I would like newed you for the busy final against . The issue to thank you all for reading Matthew swartz months of school ahead. wraps up with some articles The Lightning Bolt! It’s been a As we all continue our strug- by the AP Spanish class, and pleasure, Chargers! NEWS EDITOR gle against the cold weather Christopher Heimink Drums and Flags By Matthew Swartz was followed by the Courtland March 29th. They were the OPINION EDITOR Layout Editor Drumline, who wore all black only Winter Guard to place Neil Schubel with green patterns shaped from Spotsylvania. Chancellor let out the boom- like circuits. Their attire and The entire event ended after FEATURES EDITOR ing sound of drums on Tues- music evoked a digital theme about an hour and the audi- Megan church day, April 1st, when we hosted that was reminiscent of Tron. ence began filing out of their the 2014 Winter Showcase. Courtland was followed by seats. The event was not a The event was a celebration Massaponax, who finished competition however as many SPORTS EDITOR of the Drumline and Winter the Drumline portion of the of the performers were in dif- Kaityln Keisling Guard’s hard work in a per- day with a very lulling, dream- ferent classes. But rather it formance. Around 7 PM the like performance. was a celebration of their art- Administrative doors to the gym were opened The showcase proceeded to istry and hard work. to the public for anyone to en- the Winter Guard portion of the “The most was rewarding manager joy the show for free. event, which was started off part was how we got to be a Ashley Prosser The event began with an in- with a performance by Brooke- really good family. We got troduction from Mr. Addair on point. They were followed by really close from the experi- ADVISER the effort that everyone had Courtland and Massaponax’s ence,” stated Fahmy. Ms. Gattie put into their performances. teams, with Chancellor fin- Then the Chancellor Drum- ishing off line took center stage. A row the evening. The Journalism students at Chancellor High School publish The Lightning Bolt, the only official newspaper on campus. The purpose of the newspa- of xylophones and other large Nora Fahmy, per is to factually inform and entertain its readers. As an established open forum for the student body, truth will be the staff’s major goal. It is the percussion instruments stood Winter Guard responsibility of each staffer to adhere to the journalism code of ethics as set by the Society of Professional Journalists, Sigma Delta Chi. The code in a line before the stage and senior, stated states that a journalist can not accept gifts, favors or privileges that could compromise their integrity. All material published will be the result of were quickly manned by the that they had brainstorm sessions by the staff. Subjects stimulating to the majority of the student body will be used. The editorial board, which is comprised of all musicians. The more mo- been working newspaper staff members will determine the priority of the stories and the overall design of publication. The advisor serves to give students a better bile instruments were held on their rou- understanding of the functions and ethics of a free press. The advisor does not serve as a censure. Student editors will decide the material to by other Drumline students tine since De- be published. In accordance with community standards, profanity will not appear in the publication. Students are free to express an opinion on so that they could march with cember. The matters of public interests under the, “fair comment rule.” Under this rule, the student has the right to intelligently criticize the school and its policies. them. Chancellor was outfit- C h a n c e l l o r Editorials reflect the opinion of The Lightning Bolt. Opinion stories reflect the opinion of the writer and do not represent the opinion of the faculty ted in a red, white, and black Winter Guard and administration of Chancellor High School. Controversial issues will be covered from both points of view. School news, as well as local, uniform with a sharp triangu- was also per- national and international events will also be covered. Letters to the editor are welcomed. All letters must be signed and be between 200- 300 words lar pattern. They played out forming again long. They may be submitted to A113 or by e-mailing chhslightningbolt@ yahoo.com. The Lightning Bolt retains the right to edit letters to comply a quick paced song interlaced after winning with journalistic standards. Anonymous letters will not be published. with some melodies and vocal This is your school, help improve it through your opinions, praises, and 2nd place in The Chancellor High School Drumline constructive criticisms. If voiced aloud and in large enough numbers, we sampling from the gym speak- can bring about change. Our ultimate goal is to print the truth and with the Atlantic and Winter Guard pose after the your help we can reach this goal. ers that got the crowd pumped Indoor Asso- for the rest of the night. Chan- Winter Showcase ciation Cham- Photo by Matthew Swartz cellor then took a bow and pionships on THE LIGHTNING BOLT News 3 Chancellor Security Reforms By Megan Church and spend their planning periods bathrooms. Teachers are ally losing much time,” says Meghan Hannifin monitoring the restrooms, checking the bathrooms. Sec- teacher Ms. Hanlin, who finds collaborating with others retaries are checking, admin- that the benefits of monitoring Features Editor and who have free blocks at that istrators are checking,” she outweigh the disadvantages. Editor-in-Chief time, and arranging a monitor says. “But safety is the most “It seems to be stopping fur- Due to recent events, schedule so that no one’s shift important thing.” ther problems of threats.” schools around Spotsylva- lasts more than a half hour. Another downside is the wait It also seems that students nia County are implementing Some teachers monitoring students sometimes have to have been leaving class less new programs to improve the the restrooms were surprised go through before they are often, reluctant to go through security of students and staff. by how easily the system sank even let into the restrooms. the process of signing in and After four bomb threats on the in, and how well the students Security member Mr. Moore out of both their classrooms week of February 24th, Chan- cooperate with it. says that long lines can form and the restrooms. cellor has taken a part in this “[The students] know the outside the bathrooms in be- “I think the monotony of [the security reform. drill,” says Ms. Player, an Eng- tween classes, which causes system] deters people from In addition to the new mea- lish teacher whose monitoring students to be late to class. going to the bathroom,” com- sure that requires students to shift is every other day. “That But the measures have been ments Player. wait until 7:15 in the morning part is easy.” effective so far, according to What if the threats continue? before entering the school, The security measures do Bass-Fortune. She believes “With SOLs and testing com- and until 7:25 to go upstairs, have their downsides. Teach- that the threats ended be- ing up, we don’t have time to another new security measure ers are giving up their own cause of the security changes be sitting outside because of that constantly affects stu- time to monitor the restrooms, created by the administrative an evacuation,” Bass-Fortune dents is the restroom system. and for teachers with multiple team. says. “I’m hoping that kids The hope is that future threats classes, planning blocks are “They have been effective,” value their education and time will be avoided, and that the crucial to their schedules. Ms. Soper, a member of the enough.” culprits will be easily identified “I’m less able to focus on security team, says. “Bath- The security measures will and held responsible if threats work I have to do,” Player rooms are cleaner, and stu- continue next year, regardless do occur. In addition to the says. dents aren’t loitering.” She of how the rest of this year time log, there are also teach- Mrs. Bass-Fortune adds gives the system a four out of plays out. ers and staff constantly moni- that, in addition to the moni- five for efficiency. “We are -do The perpetrators of the past toring the restrooms. This toring, the regular bathroom ing what we can with the re- incidents are still under inves- limits the amount of students checks cause staff members sources we have.” tigation. allowed in the bathroom, and to lose some of their own time. “Personally, I’m not re- it prevents loitering. Teachers “Security is checking the ally bothered, and I’m not re- Bombs and Poetry Best of luck By Zack Jewell is an outlet for students who The Poetry Slam started ear- to the class of Staff Reporter feel that they don’t have an- lier that day right after the start other. of first block, and continued to 2014! The Poetry Slam has been “It’s very inspiring for the do a ‘block schedule’, coincid- a tradition at Chancellor for students,” states Mrs. Glass, ing with blocks of the day. the past three years. But, with the head of the entire Poetry “It [the poetry slam] had been the recent bomb threats hav- Club. The Poetry club was going fine up until that point,” The Lightning ing obscured the school days created for those with a voice, and according to Glass, the for four consecutive days, the who don’t know how to use it. Slammers were allowed to Bolt second Poetry Slam this year, “It gives students with talent have family members in the which happened on Febru- recognition...” Glass states audience after one o’clock, would like to ary 28th was cut short. All when asked, in part, why this and they were already on the the Poetry Slams go toward second Slam was going on. last poem of the day before the Craig Garvey Scholarship According to Glass, the pre- the final and closing perfor- thank our Fund, for young poets, writers ceding threats hadn’t both- mances of the Slam. “Whoev- and performing artists who ered her, but she was hop- er is responsible for this that sponsors! can keep calm under pres- ing it wouldn’t happen while it’d been running so smoothly, sure. Also, besides the Craig they were in the middle of the but disappointed at the fact it Garvey fund, the poetry slam Slam. was cut short.” 4 News THE LIGHTNING BOLT Lifesmarts As Days Grow On State Competition By Kaitlyn O’Gorman spring break. Had the school By Megan Church and safety, technology, and board not found a way to Staff Editor make up the missed days, the Feature Editor consumer rights and respon- sibilities. Beginning on March 17th, school district would have lost “I think my boys held their To qualify for States, mem- Spotsylvania County schools funding. own,” says Slater. “I’m really bers of the team had to pass started enforcing the 25-min- “I am fortunate that I haven’t proud of them.” five online tests. Out of the ten ute extension to school days. had any problems getting my On Friday March 7th, the team members, five qualified For some, the extra time has elementary students off the Chancellor High School and four were able to com- gone unnoticed; for others, bus, however there are some Lifesmarts team competed pete. The qualifiers were - Mi the 25 minutes dragged like days where we have to rush at the state competition. chael Combs, Zach Musten, hours. Many parents are ar- to get to non-school related The team came in sixth out Julio Villoghs, Ryan Devine, guing that the school board activities,” states Chancel- of the ten teams in atten- and Quinton Tardie, who was didn’t think about people who lor parent Angela O’Gorman. dance. Among the competi- unable to attend. At the com- work and have a tight sched- “I think it’s a fair choice, and tors were teams from Gover- petition, the team sat at a ule to receive their children no matter how they chose to nor's School, IP schools, and panel with buzzers, answer- from the buses. Students are make up the days someone students from home-school ing questions for points like a complaining that they already would have been upset about groups who train intensely for quiz bowl. have to stay after for sports it.” these competitions. Before States, the Lifesmarts and now they will have to stay Spotsylvania County Lifesmarts is an online com- team had the experience of up even longer to complete schools had 1,080 hours of petition. Ms. Slater, the team training at the Google campus homework. To meet the state instructional time planned for sponsor, starts her Advanced in Washington, D.C. There, required 990 hours of instruc- this school year. After missing Computer students in the pro- they gained experience tion time, however, the only fourteen days and several half gram, where they take daily by practicing against other choice was to either extend days, the time had to be made quizzes centered around the teams. school time or to take away up some way or another. environment, finance, health New Teacher on the Block

By Christopher cited for English, or get good Parson also believes that it is “The advice I like to give my Heimink grades that are my favorite “not important if I am remem- students is to have a positive part of being a teacher,” states bered; what is important are attitude both in school and News Editor Parson. the memories of the class, class and outside of school— “Even if I do one thing right When it comes to teaching, and what was learned.” to leave the pessimistic out of a million, it’s all I need,” thoughts at the door and enjoy says Ms. Parson, an English the discovery of school,” says teacher at Chancellor High Parson. School, about the biggest “I have greatly enjoyed this reward to come of being a year; the Chancellor family is teacher. very welcoming,” Parson said This is Parson’s first year about regarding her first year of teaching, but her fifth year at Chancellor. Of the three working in schools. Before new teachers at Chancellor she came here to Chancellor this year, Parson was voted as to teach junior and freshman the winner of the New Teacher year English, Parson worked of the Year Award. with both middle school and “It feels really nice to receive high school students as an acknowledgement. It is mo- interventionist, and by doing tivational and uplifting at this after-school programs and tu- time of the year,” states Par- toring. son. “The students make ev- ery day worth it.” “It’s seeing those ‘ah-ha’ mo- New Teacher of the Year award winner Ms. Parson ments when students figure out something that they were sits at her desk excited for the day. stumped on, when they get Photo by Matthew Swartz engaged in the class, get ex- THE LIGHTNING BOLT News 5 The Stem of Evolution By Harry Fisher and note speaker is talking about construct their own cars, cata- rockets.” Ashley Prosser drones,” he stated, when pults, and rockets with simple Spotsylvania County ITRT, Staff Writer and asked about his motives for supplies like hot glue, Styro- Brenda Conway, was also Administrative Manager participation in the event. foam, paper plates, and old excited to see local youth so On Saturday March 29th, Owens brought a few ro- CDs. envigorated by science and the University of Mary Wash- bots of his own, including one Galera, who worked at the technology. In her greeting ington hosted the 3rd an- made from a metal box and Summit for the first time this near the start of the event, nual FredTech she discussed her love of STEM 16 Sum- education, but also her love mit at the An- of events like the STEM derson Center. Summit, in which teachers, The event is a students, and physicists can display of hu- “get together to celebrate man creativity science.” and advance- Among the day’s other ment in science guests were keynote speak- and engineering er Dr. Missy Cummings— within different who did, indeed talk about schools. Sat- the evolution of drone use urday’s turnout in America; Dalghren’s included repre- NSWCDD Deputy Technical sentatives from Director, Stuart Koch; and over fifty dif- Ajoy Muralidhar, a represen- ferent schools, tative of INCOSE (the Inter- b u s i n e s s e s , national Council on Systems and organiza- Engineering). When asked tions, includ- about what a high school stu- ing Huntington dent should do to advance Learning Cen- in science and engineering, ter, Verizon Muralidhar answered: “Try Wireless, and the classes that are hard- SimVentions. Mr. Owens drives around one of his est—face them head on. If Teachers robots at the STEM 16 Summit you only take the easy class- and students es and don’t challenge your- from schools self, you’ll never get ahead.” all over Virginia participated the treads of a snowmobile. “It year, found the experience The event convened at in the event, displaying their took a while to build that robot, enjoyable. 10:00 am and concluded at scientific achievements at almost a whole school year,” “It’s pretty cool,” said Gal- 2:00 in the afternoon. each booth. Among the local said Owens. era. “There’s a lot of people schools present were Fred- When asked about why he is here, more than I expected. ericksburg City’s Hugh Mer- interested in robotics, Owens Building these is a lot of fun, cer Elementary and James said: “Because you can’t do too. The kids really like the Monroe High School, along much without robotics with Spotsylvania’s Freedom these days. They’ve Middle and Chancellor High. helped make many ad- Each demonstrated a piece vancements in fields of remarkable innovation—for such as medicine and Hugh Mercer, it was a group health care.” of Lego Wee Bots; for James Members of Chancel- Monroe and Freedom Middle, lor High School’s NHS it was student-made robots were also present at a and Google Glass. booth that led an ac- One of the teachers from tivity called “Make it Chancellor High was Mark and Take It.” Together, Owens, the school’s robotics seniors Chelsea Gal- and engineering teacher. era and Michelle Inga “I came because the key helped curious kids 6 News THE LIGHTNING BOLT Field hockey ring FBLA Competition Ceremony By Rachel Thompson order to present Mr. Larkin Staff Writer with the “Coach of the Year” award. On February 20th, from 6:00 The main event of the eve- to 9:00 p.m., Chancellor High ning was receiving their very school Field hockey players well earned rings. The rings came together at Stephenson have a red gem in the middle Ridge to celebrate the Var- of it with diamonds surround- sity team’s second State title. ing it. It also has special in- Those who attended enjoyed scriptions on both sides of the some lasagna from Vinny’s ring. On one side it states the Italian Grill and Pizzeria and team’s record 22-1 and on the a delicious red velvet cake other it has written the player’s made by Kayla Peterson’s last name and jersey number. mom. The event was set up Also on the inside of the ring by Varsity Coach James Lar- inscribes their full name and kin, Mrs. Bernard, and a few the words “Our Moment”. Af- of the Field hockey parents. ter Coach Larkin gave all the Chancellor FBLA members receive an honors All of the Varsity players girls and Coach Bernard their award and Chancellor’s third Life Membership and most of the JV players at- rings, Bernard also known as in the FBLA Foundation. tended, with their parents by “Coachie” to all the field hock- Photo compliments of Ms. Slater their sides. Also in attendance ey girls, gave Larkin his own were two guest speakers, Mr. special ring. After all was said Al Mattei and Mr. Ron Eckert. and done, the team ended the Mattei attended the event in season stronger as ever. Saltz Teacher This month’s MVP of Year By Neil Schubel ing impact on Saltz to pursue Opinions Editor teaching. He strives to emu- award goes to late the exceptional teaching One of Latin teacher Richard abilities of Becker as best Saltz’s favorite phrases, “Fac- as he could so that he could Staff Writer ta non verba”, translates to academically guide his stu- “deeds not words”. Mr. Saltz dents to success. “Through has embraced that phrase, taking any language, stu- Jordan Pearson! and is now being honored for dents learn more about the all that he is doing. English language itself, and The teacher that stands in critically think about many dif- front of his classroom door ferent subjects.” Saltz stated, above the main stairwell at “Learning Latin enhances stu- Chancellor High School is B218 is avid cook, sports fan, dent’s knowledge on the his- moviegoer, and the 2013- tory of Europe and the influ- 2014 Teacher of the Year for ences that still exist today.” a Blue Ribbon school! the Chancellor. He has been He did not expect to win an enlightening Chancellor Stu- accolade such as Teacher dents on the Greco-Roman A full article covering this history, culture and language for fourteen years. Saltz will appear in the May Saltz has always been es- Teacher of pecially interested in the Latin Issue of language, so he decided to Year pursue it further in college. Continued on Distinguished Virginia Tech The Lightning Bolt Classics professor Andrew page 7 Becker made an everlast- THE LIGHTNING BOLT News 7 most populous club in the Saltz school (second to SCA, which currently has over 1,400 mem- Special Feature Teacher bers school wide). The Latin of Year Club offers exceptional oppor- Continued from tunities to students through a AP Spanish Students unique variety of events. The page 5 main goal of the Latin Club Showcase their work of the Year; in fact, it is not is for students to experience something he strives towards. activities that they might not In Saltz’s words, “My goal is to otherwise do. They annually teach kids, not win awards.” go on a ski trip, hold kickball La Escuela del Teaching in high school tournaments against other opened so many doors for Latin Clubs, and take trips to Gobernador amusement parks. him to not only teach students By Laila Chaudhry in the unique way that Becker Apart from teaching and años de escuela secundaria, sports, Saltz takes pleasure in nos hacemos como una famil- did, but also to coach student Yo soy estudiante de la Es- something he started at about ia. Todas las mañanas (en la athletes. He spent ten years cuela de Gobierno. Para mu- the age of eight: watching hor- tarde para las personas de los coaching the Charger football chas personas esto significa ror movies. “I know way too dos primeros años), viajamos team. Along with football, he que soy una persona muy much about 1980’s horror en el autobús a Riverbend coaches other sports such inteligente sin habilidades movies”, Saltz chuckled. “My con los otros estudiantes de as softball and wrestling. He sociales, pero hay más en favorite movies are The Evil CGS de Chancellor, somos attempts to instill kids with a la Escuela de Gobierno que Dead Trilogy, Nightmare on recibidos por nuestros ami- high level of work ethic that his eso. La Escuela de Gobierno Elm Street, and Phantasm.” gos y tenemos dos clases. father taught him as a child. es un programa para los es- If you are walking by Saltz’s Nuestro horario es diferente As he learned, he should try tudiantes dotados, dónde classroom, make sure to con- del horario de Chancellor, y a to be the best at everything he nosotros tenemos las cuatros gratulate him on his well-de- veces se crean algunos prob- does, and hope his students clases primarias: ciencias, served honor. lemas, como con el horario to do the same. matemáticas, ciencias socia- de Morning Charge, pero yo Saltz boasts the second les, e inglés. El lugar donde amo mi experiencia con La asisto a “CGS” es la escuela Escuela de Gobierno y nunca de Riverbend. Los treinta es- la cambiaría por nada en el tudiantes en cada año del pro- The New 2014-2015 mundo. grama están juntos los cuatro SCA Officers Campeones Otra Vez

By Chelsea Galera hazañas sin ellos. Así, si al- guien se pregunta, "¿Por qué es Charger Hockey exitoso?" Este otoño pasado, mi equi- La respuesta sería la ética po de hockey y yo ganamos de trabajo que nos han ense- nuestro segundo campeonato ñado desde nuestra primera del estado. Cuando las perso- práctica en el programa. En nas dicen, "Los campeones resumidas cuentas, el camino se hacen en pretemporada," al campeonato no fue fácil de están diciendo la verdad. ninguna manera, pero si hu- Nosotros corrimos muchas biera sido fácil, no habría sido millas y practicamos horas in- tan remunerador. contables durante el verano. Además, nuestros entrena- From left to right Vice President: Sydney Mur- dores nos enseñaron a nunca AP Spanish ray, President: Emily Amey, Secretary: Catherine renunciar en todo lo que hac- Articles Flemming, Treasurer: Sydney Jackson. Not emos- una mentalidad que no sólo nos hizo mejores ju- continued on shown is Reporter-Historian: Kayla Medina. gadores, sino mejores perso- Photo by Kaitlyn O’Gorman nas también. Nosotros nunca PG. 25 habríamos logrado nuestras 8 Opinion THE LIGHTNING BOLT Horrible Weather SOLs Not Worth it By Christopher Heimink Harsh on Academics News Editor By Zack Jewell “But because of all Staff Reporter the inclement weather Okay, it’s cool and all to we have had, it’s miss school on occasion, like caused drastic mea- for national holidays, or may- be even for one or two snow sures to make up the days that we don’t have to time we lost.” make up. But it’s spring now helped our grades. Again, so it shouldn’t be snowing in at first it’s nice to have a few the middle of March. Winter days off because then, we is nice for some because you don’t have to make them up. get to enjoy snow days, but But because of all the inclem- honestly after January and ent weather we have had, it’s late February at the latest, it caused drastic measures to shouldn’t snow anymore. make up the time we lost. Seriously though we’ve The time we lost had to be missed almost 25 days worth made up somehow. So what of instructional time because did the school do in response? of how many snow days and They added twenty five min- 2 hour delays we have had utes. They originally wanted this year. Don’t get me wrong, to take away all the half days, I love being away from school, which they did for the most but I also understand the need part, then spring break, and to go to school. After the first eventually summer. So one full week we missed, it was can only be lucky that they kind of turning into a nui- added a little extra time to sance that started ruining our each block rather than take Once students reach the about being able to func- school lives. Because then we away your spring break. This third grade they are required tion properly in society stu- start missing tests, and other bad weather needs to stop. to take the Standard of Learn- dents are taught to memorize work that would’ve otherwise ing (SOL) tests here in Spot- facts presented to them over sylvania County. Every year the course of roughly nine from third grade on the SOL is months. These facts are then one of the most stressful parts forgotten by many of the stu- of students’ lives. These tests dents, as they become of little exist for all of the core sub- to no use to students after the jects: science, math, social year in which they are taught. studies, and English classes. What use is it to be able to The entire curriculum of the store knowledge in the short core subjects is taught the term, only for it to become way the SOL tests dictate it to useless afterwards? The be, based on the content that SOLs are serving no purpose is covered in the tests. These for students, but that of teach- tests are designed to mea- ing students to store facts in sure what the students have the short term. absorbed in their classes Students also miss many throughout the year. They do of their other classes to take not prove that students actu- the SOLs, and many students ally know any of the covered have no way to catch up on This archived weather map from January pre- material. their missed work. This also dicted 6-10 inches for our area. In addition to These tests do nothing to takes away from the time measure how prepared stu- which students spend learning snow, we experienced closings and delays for dents are for life outside of to prepare for the SOLs they ice, cold, and freezing rain. The School Board school. Instead of worrying take in their other classes. is now adding on twenty-five extra minutes to compensate for the delays. and freethink.com Photo source weather.com THE LIGHTNING BOLT Opinion 9 Movie Reviews God’s Not Dead Lego Movie By Peyton Seay By Ashley Prosser Staff Reporter cal Batman (Will Arnett), and God’s Not Dead is prob- Adminstrative Manager a wizened old man named Vit- ably one of the best movies ruvius (Morgan Freeman). that I’ve seen to date. Director Meghan Hannifin By the end of his journey, Harold Cronk does a great job Editor-in-Chief Emmet has a slew of new of taking away a stereotypical friends, and he learns that he “You are the most talented, view of Christian-based mov- doesn’t have to be a Master- most interesting, and most ex- ies by making the plot line Builder to be a hero; he is spe- traordinary person in the uni- real and easy to relate to. It is cial just the way he is. verse. And you are capable of easy to say that actors Shane From the get-go, the film amazing things. Because you Harper, who plays freshman packs in plenty of comedy: are The Special. And so am I. Josh Wheaton, and Kevin the jokes are funny, easy to And so is everyone.” Sorbo, who plays Professor understand, and sure to make Such is one among many Radisson, both do a tremen- most moviegoers laugh. The memorable quotes from The dous job of acting throughout Lego Movie also carries some Lego Movie, an animated film the movie. important messages- every- that has taken the nation by Character Josh Wheaton body is special, and every- storm and surprised everyone and the Professor have a body has their own talents. God’s Not Dead is since its release on Febru- conflict throughout the entire Such a theme is important in inspired by the song ary 7th. More importantly, it movie. The entire psychology a film targeted at young - chil “God’s Not Dead”, sung spreads an uplifting and es- class embraces the Profes- dren, who often struggle with by contemporary rock sential message that viewers sor’s beliefs by taking him up self-esteem issues. band Newsboys, which of all ages will identify with an on his offer to bypass all of the The animation is another enjoy. “God-talk” in class and to skip has sold over 300,000 remarkable aspect of the The Lego Movie takes place straight to studying psycholo- copies. film, since nearly every prop in a world completely built gists who have an agnostic and that is what the movie is and aspect of the scenery with- and inhabited by- Legos. view towards a supernatural trying to convey. It isn’t say- within the movie is made out The film centers around an being. Josh is faced with a ing that everyone should be of Legos. The water scenes average Lego construction conflict: should he turn from Christian, or that everyone stand out as some of the most worker named Emmet Brick- what he believes in and write should believe in God, but it interesting because the water owoski (Chris Pratt) who, what the Professor wants, or is trying to prove that there is is, of course, tiny blue Legos. through a twist of events at should he take a stand for a God up there, and that we These, the many explosions the very outset of the movie, what he believes? This ques- have the free will to accept peppering the action scenes, finds himself on quite a spec- tion paints a perfect picture of God into our lives. and the rapid-build sequences tacular trip. the struggle today between You might expect a movie that characterize the Master- Emmet is decided to be atheists and Christians. Josh with this kind of plot to be cli- Builders help set The Lego “The Special”- the “most ex- is out to prove that there is a ché, like a Hallmark card—I Movie apart from other recent traordinary” person in the God that cares about all of us, know that I was expecting animated films. world. With this role comes that. Yet this movie shows a One thing is for certain: a mission to the Lego constant struggle that Chris- Legos aren’t just for kids any- universe from the evil grips tians face, and that all people more! The film has been- ac of the megalomaniac tyrant, face: faith. I give this movie claimed by critics across the President Business, who en- a five out of five, not just be- country, and it has attracted deavors to glue the entire cause I am a Christian myself, a wide audience since its re- world together. Emmet is but because it is realistic and lease. With laugh-a-minute accompanied on his quest by because this movie doesn’t humor and a truly inspiring various “MasterBuilders”- that According to American worry about offending any- message, The Lego Movie is, Legos who possess the in- Religious Identification one. God is God in this movie, unites the young, the old, and nate talent of constructing just Survey (ARIS), 76% of and that has ultimately guided everyone in between in a fan- about anything. Among them American’s identify with Christians to select theaters, tastical and fun journey that is are a strong young woman Christianity as 15% is so that they can see a movie sure to thrill viewers for years named Wyldstyle (Elizabeth that has become one of the to come. non-religous, 4% in other Banks), the loud and egotisti- religions and 5% are un- top grossing movies in the known/not stated. United States. Photo from “God’s Not Dead” offical website Photo from “God’s 10 Opinion THE LIGHTNING BOLT Dreaded Sign in Soccer is Supreme By Rachel Thompson late to class,” states sopho- By Matthew Sanders includes love, culture, religion, Staff Reporter more Kelly Jurkouich. Did you Staff Reporter and just about any other posi- “I feel that it is unnecessary, know that teachers aren’t al- There are many sports in tive thing you can think of. a waste of time, and takes up lowed to send you to the bath- this world. There’s basketball, Lastly soccer is a great too much space in the hallway room when you get to class baseball, hockey, football, sport for anyone to play at any with the desk,” states Brienna because of the “15 minutes” swimming, track and field, level whether it be competi- Pedersen a sophomore here rule? If they do send you, archery and hundreds more. tive or just for fun, it’s just a at Chancellor. I have to say, I teacher or monitor will send Though there are hundreds of great overall sport. Plus soc- fully agree with her. It is hard- you right back to your class, sports in the world today, soc- cer players are definitely not er getting though the halls even if it’s an emergency. cer is by far one of the best grass fairies! with the desk in the way and So having this all said is sports in the world. people waiting to sign in and there any good to having this Soccer is a great game out of the bathroom. “I don’t rule? For example, teachers and fun for everyone. It could have any time to go to the or monitors could be doing teach you how to play with bathroom in between classes something much better then others and help you meet because there is always a monitoring the bathrooms, people you’ve never met be- line,” adds Pedersen. When- such as grading papers, plan- fore. There are many people ever someone needs to use ning for class, or helping stu- that play this sport; about 267 the rest room there is always dents with their homework. I million people play soccer, ac- a line, and we only have four think they should stop having cording to the Fédération In- minutes. Most girls didn’t have Staff Yearbook Photo by students sign in and out of the ternationale de Football Asso- Tori Bailey, girls soccer time to use it even before hav- bathroom because it causes ciation, which is a vast amount ing to sign in and out and with player, kicks the ball. long lines, it’s a hardship for of people and the number is Soccer is one of the the desk being in the way. teachers, and it is a safety still growing at this very mo- most popular sports in “It’s ridiculous going to the hazard. ment with people realizing the school based on high bathroom in between classes how great soccer is. Soccer because you always will be particpation levels. THE LIGHTNING BOLT Opinion 11 Ugliness of Modern Day Beauty By Kelsey Garvey are slabs of meat needing a us. tenderize to be easier on the We are all victims to our own Staff Reporter The image of beauty has eyes. Like we need a pres- insecurities because some transformed from something sure-wash to rid ourselves con artist (who was probably truly worth beholding, to an of lovely things they deem uglier than the rest of us) set opaque powdered mask. We impurities: freckles, unique the bar at plastic, powdered, think of ourselves as lacking, birthmarks, darker eye col- and fake, stabbing a wound in plain, or in need of sprucing, ors, moles. They give us an everyone’s self-esteem, with and as we grow, continue to After Shot of the most popu- the intension of walking away search for the best ornaments lar personage in the human with a pocket full of cash. We to adorn ourselves with like race and expect us to take are feeding that pocket. Some we’re some sort of Christmas our own path to their example, guy conned us out of our skin, tree. Life goals and dreams subconsciously inclining us to eye color, real boobs, nose, Lilly Collins, an Eng- have become secondary to do whatever it takes: plastic butt, form, and birthmarks, lish-American actress women’s and even men’s surgery, implants, Botox in- and is running with our cash and model who is best jections, layers of make-up, because we were weak from constant subconscious hope known for her roles in colored contacts, hand-drawn the beginning, and he saw a to turn heads and be viewed the films TheBlind Side, as an icon. eyebrows. All in the name of loophole in our confidence. Beauty we give up so much of But now that the cards are Abduction, and Mirror is The media brainwashes pictured above. She is us to strive for unattainable, ourselves to reach the Stars all on the table, I guess that wearing no make-up on mock-up versions of our be- who have more in common doesn’t do wonders for our ings like “We the People” with the credit cards in their self-esteem either. this particularly rare oc- wallets than they ever will with casion. The Grid Fad that Favorite What’s The Describe should Sandwich Secret to the school never come Happiness? year in one

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Bell Do more with Bottom less and sur- Mr. Pants Steak and Cheese round your- Insane Barber self with posi- tive people Photos of students and teachers taken by Neil Schubel. Photo com, clubpenguin.wikia.com, fashionterrors.blogspot.com, foodmage.com, mansfield.htnp.com, haveabettergolfgame.com, and fisher 12 Opinion THE LIGHTNING BOLT Photo Of the Month The Issue

What do you think of the new Spotsylvania County Schools Web site?

Jet Off the Old Block No one in Chancellor High School can faster than Brevin Jeter, currently a senior. You may say that is a matter of opinion, but his blazing 11.20 second 100-meter and 22.30 second 200-meter races model just how fast he really is. He practices his start off of the starting block on a chilly March afternoon. His 17% drive phase is next, where he reaches speeds up to 20mph(32kph) soley run- I like it! ning off not only his body, but his heart. His toes rest against the block that other Chancellor superstars have started off of. His 100-meter and 200-meter 39% sprints earned him All-District, All-Region, and a Group AA State race last sea- I really don’t care son. Although his State performance disappointed him last season, he is mo- tivated to run a breakout race this season. But if there is one thing he knows 44% how to do it is how to jet off the old block. I dislike it. Fake Covers of the Issue Covers created by Neil Schubel. Photos courtesy of the ChancellorYearbook Covers created by Neil Schubel. Photos courtesy of the ChancellorYearbook Staff. Pictured from Left Cover to right- Dalton Hedrick, Jalan Perkins, Terrell Jason Morgan (sleeve Max Hudak). Clifford, Greer Trainham, Smith, Mr. THE LIGHTNING BOLT Opinion 13 Op-Edible Milkshake Madness By Laura Sullivan Staff Reporter Would you like a cherry and whip cream on top? So un- less you’re lactose intolerant, or don’t like milk, then you’ve had a milkshake. The creamy coldness of these treats is un- believable. Milkshakes are one of my fa- vorite desserts to have wher- ever and whenever. There are tons of places around where you can get a milkshake. McDonald’s has awesome milkshakes; my favorite is the Seasonal Shamrock shake for the months of February and March. This was added to the McDonald’s menu in 1970 by Rogers Merchandising. This A popular outlet for all ages is Carl’s Ice Cream located in Downtown Fredericks- shake was created to make burg. It has served ice cream, sundaes, and milkshakes since 1947. St. Patrick’s Day more excit- ing and festive. The sham- and even Chocolate Covered range from Peanut Butter & has a small menu for shakes rock shake is simply a vanilla Strawberry! Bacon to Oreo Cheesecake! but they’re incredibly tasty. shake with a mint flavored Another place for great milk- Plus if you go to Sonic during Carls has a pineapple shake green dye added. A new place shakes is Chick-fil-a theirs are the 2-4 happy hours then you that sounds weird but is super recently built called Steak and super thick and creamy. Cook- can get your shake half the yummy! Shake also has really good ies and cream is top favorite regular price! So now that you know all shakes, not to mention the at Chick-fil-a. If you want a Let’s not forget about every- there is to know about these great low prices and HUGE crazy flavored shake, then one’s favorite small ice-cream delicious treats why don’t you variety of flavor choices, for Sonic is the place for you! place in downtown Freder- go pick up one today! I prom- example Snickers, Red Velvet Some of the flavors at Sonic icksburg called Carls! Carls ise you will not regret it! Digging Deep Four Chancellor students were Asked their opinion on a deep issue. “What scares you the most about your future? Does it matter even if it is not here yet?” Giselle Rivas Tyler Nielsen “I am most afraid of everything not going as planned. “Not much stares me about my future. I plan on do- Because all of us have certain plans and I am most ing my best, and even if I stumble a little, at least I afraid of it just not going the way we want it to. Yes, had an adventure along the way! I am still planning it matters even if it is not here because if you do not for the future and I am planning to do something start thinking about it now it won’t work out how you great.” wanted it to.” Tayana Kelly Corey Pitts “There is always a chance of not succeeding. Yes, it “Not knowing what I want to do with my life and not matters because even if you are on the right track, knowing how to apply my talents is the part that there is still a possibility that you will not get there.” scares me the most. It does matter so that you can

plan ahead.” photo sourceflickrhivemind.net Pictures of students by Neil Schubel Carl’s 14 Opinion THE LIGHTNING BOLT Board Game Column Cosmic Encounter By Matthew Swartz before everything the game Layout Editor offers can be appreciated. An often overlooked factor in In the emptiness of space board games is the produc- no one can hear you shout. In tion of the game, something Cosmic Encounter, however, that Cosmic Encounter nails. shouting is plentiful. Cosmic Each planet is made from sol- Encounter is a game for three id heavy stock cardboard and to five players that play as dif- can be rearranged to each ferent alien races attempting player’s liking; every ship is to expand their civilizations a sturdy plastic tile that was across the universe. Space designed to be stacked, and and science fiction are com- the cards are very high qual- mon themes in board games ity. It’s a subtle factor, but it’s but the best ones add some- something that really makes thing new and different. Each a difference when playing; one finds its focus in a unique it gives each piece a sort of way that allows it to stand out. gravity and it’s also downright While the Battlestar Galactica fun to pick up and toy with. game is all about the struggle Another aspect of the game and desperation of human is how each player’s target survival in space, Cosmic En- for invasion is randomly cho- counter is a lighthearted game sen by a deck of cards at the that explores the wonder and start of each turn. Games like diversity of alien civilization. Cosmic Encounter is a science fiction-themed board this are often bogged down In Cosmic Encounter play- game designed by “Future Pastimes”. In the game, by players who want to stay ers take the role of an alien each player takes the role of an alien species at- on everyone’s good side and race residing in their home avoid all conflict. This can be star system. Each system tempting to control the entirety of the universe. The admirable but it often slows is represented by five plan- game was inducted into the Academy of Adventure down the flow of the game and ets, each filled with four ships Gaming and Arts & Design Adventure Gaming Hall of keeps it from reaching natural to defend it. With every turn, Fame in the year 1997. conclusion. Cosmic Encoun- a player will attempt to take ter removes this choice and some of the ships from their card is added to the number fecting the numbers in combat forces the players to keep the home and use them to invade of ships on that player’s side. while others drastically shift game moving, but it keeps other players, and to set up a The higher total wins and the some of the rules in the game other players from holding colony or remove other play- losers’ ships are destroyed. or add completely new me- grudges because the deci- ers’ colonies from their own After a player has established chanics. One of these races sion was forced. However, if system. When the player five colonies on other players’ is interesting enough but there a player does want to lead a chooses a planet to invade, planets, they win. can be up to five of these full on attack on one player they choose one to four ships The core mechanics are races at one time that each there is nothing stopping them and place them on a special very simple and almost bland, warp the game in a different from using all of their powers tile to indicate them as invad- but Cosmic Encounter capital- fashion. Cosmic Encounter and special cards on them - it ers. The attacking player and izes on this by adding layers was initially released in 1977 just isn’t a great way to make the defending player can both of bonuses and tricks on top with only six different aliens allies. Cosmic Encounter is ask the remaining players to of its strong foundation. The to choose from but the 2008 such a great game because be their allies and put some cards in each player’s hand reboot of the game offers 50 it allows players of all differ- of their ships into the conflict can include the cards used in alien races to mix and match ent skill levels and demeanors as well. These allies have the conflicts, on time effect cards, and even more are available to play a game that caters to potential to win their own colo- and even some cards that can in the game’s expansions. them. It will start a conversa- nies, or to draw extra cards as be used multiple times. In ad- Cosmic Encounter is a su- tion, provide a laugh, make a rewards for helping the win- dition, each player starts the perb game and infinitely excit- good story, or turn into a tense ner. The two main players game as an alien race that has ing. The abundance of aliens game ending moment. Cos- then each play a card face- its own powers and abilities to to play as gives the game a mic Encounter is definitely down and reveal them simul- shape the gameplay. Some huge replay factor and it will worth checking out. Photo source oneofus.net taneously. The number on the powers are as simple as af- take quite a few run-throughs THE LIGHTNING BOLT sports 15 Sports Updates Boys Soccer Girls Soccer By Joshua Turbyfill By Matthew Sanders Layout Editor Staff reporter “I believe that we are go- it will be a challenge.” shooting straight for the state ing to be in the top three of the Cameron Williams, who “We’ve been improving championship. They have a conference, possibly confer- plays forward, and Gabriel every day,” said Sophomore long way to go, but by working ence champs,” states Senior Sorian, who plays center mid- Deedee Mungro who plays for hard in practce and pushin Caleb Groover. Charger Soc- field, are also important play- the JV girls soccer team here g themselves in games, they cer this year has had a great ers on the team who have at Chancellor High School. believe they can make it. start, holding a current record helped Charger Soccer win The Chancellor Girls Varsity The Chargers currently have of 2-0. Team Captains No- these games. Soccer team is getting bet- a 2-1-2 record and will be lan Bonner, who plays center Chancellor had an impres- ter every day. Having a good playing Eastern View HIgh defense, and Michael Young, sive victory over Eastern View, start with a recent record of SChool at home on May 2 with who plays center midfield, are beating them 4-1. Chancellor 1-0-1 as of April 1, 2014, the hopes to get a win against the confident they can lead their Soccer is doing well this year team is showing good form. Cyclones after a devestat- team to victory. “Our rival is so far, and they hope to con- The team chemistry is rising ing loss in their first match. Courtland,” states Groover, tinue to win as the season within the squad and soon- “And we play them today. I continues. er or later the team will be think we are going to win, but 16 sports THE LIGHTNING BOLT Boys tennis Girls Tennis By Megan Church Features Editor By Megan Church Features Editor After losing most of their team to graduation, the Boys’ Varsity Tennis Team has done After many cancellations and new season. some major re-building. Out of delays due to wintry weather, "Last year we never bond- the fourteen team members, the Girls' Varsity Tennis Team ed," says Chundawat. "This ten are new this year, many of was finally able to start their year, I feel like we have a whom have not played tennis season. The team's first three stronger team. We work well before. matches were postponed, so together, give constructive “The new players have im- they played Spotsylvania High criticism, talk more, and en- proved a lot,” says Josh Ran- School as their first match on courage each other." som, the number two starter. Thursday, March 27th, result- "I really like everyone on The team sees hope for future ing in a 1-8 loss. the team," says Elena Fan- seasons. Due to the severity of the drich, a junior playing her first Much of the improvements Trejon Edmonds serves first loss, the team and coach tennis season at Chancellor. "I are due to rigorous practices the ball during practice. evaluated their practice strat- feel like I can talk to everyone and training by their coach, Photo By Megan Church egies and time management on it. I've been on other sports Ms. Ferigno, who teaches at and decided to take a new ap- teams where everyone just Chancellor Middle School. ber two doubles team, Zack proach. goes off on their own. [With “We do lots of drills and Musten and Tion Edmunds, "We've changed how we tennis] I feel like I can get competitive play,” says Tom- who played nearly every point warm up and practice," says along with anyone. I feel like it my Nguyen, a junior playing to deuce and finally pulled sophomore returner, Manas- makes us stronger as a team. his first season of tennis. “We through with a 10-8 victory. veeni Chundawat. "We don't That's what you want out of a have fun with it. Players are Another exciting moment was get much time to practice team: conductive spirit, group self-disciplined; we know what a two and a half hour match when we have three or four mentality." we need to work on.” by Musten, starting number matches a week, so we need The record shows that the The team started off with three singles at Courtland to take advantage of our time. team's new tactics are effec- a 2:2 record. The highlight of High School, which he won af- We switch things up." tive. Since reorganizing, the the early season, according ter a tie break. In addition to revamped tennis team has had four wins to Ransom, was the num- practices, team bonding has and only one loss. also played a huge role in the THE LIGHTNING BOLT sports 17 Track Girls Basketball By Kaitlyn O’Gorman By Keitlyn Keisling Staff Reporter Sports Editor The girl’s basketball team Green- against a team who The 2014 Chancellor Track bar. The relay teams are a bit did exceptionally well this had all of their players ready season is off to a rough start, unorganized at this time, but 2014 season. With Jayla Har- and healthy, the team already with one meet postponed and they have a lot of potential. ris as Conference All Area felt down from the beginning. another held during what felt “We do a lot of long runs, Athlete of the Year from The They pushed on though, but like a small monsoon. Howev- followed by faster paced inter- Free Lance Star, Emily Green it still ended up short in the er, the Chargers have set their vals,” states sophomore Jor- as the best 3-point-shooter of end. The Chargers, though goals and are determined to dan Rasure, a distance runner the year, Sydney Jackson as disappointed, look to move reach them. Neil Schubel is on track. “I am not looking to a major rebounder, and Ra- on and prepare to make it to running the mile and hoping do one event specifically well chon Harrison being recog- states next season. The team to PR this year, and Steffene this year, just to get out, run, nized by the local newspaper will be losing Rachon Harri- Cheeks is on the high jump and to be ready to play lots of also, the team made it all the son and Emily Green, and al- and working on raising the field hockey this summer.” way to regional’s this year though sad, the other girls are with a Conference Champi- ready to step up to the plate. onship win under their belt We look forward to seeing our Softball and high hopes to make it to girls basketball team excel By Kaitlyn Keisling states. Although they didn’t even farther next year, hope- Sports Editor make it as far as hoped, the fully reaching the state tourna- Due to the crummy weather snow and more sunshine so ladies worked extremely hard ment. and bad timing, the Softball we can play. We are playing an had amazing stats of 9-0, team has only been able to really well together we just losing no games until they *TLB would like to apolo- play in four games total this need to get more connected played William Fleming High, gize for the late notice of our 2014 season. With no wins so and we will start getting the losing 58-43. It was a tough outstanding girl’s basketball far, the ladies are hoping to ‘w’. We are improving.” says loss for the Chargers, who team. Due to the weather we step up their game. By work- Mikayla Snider, a junior first worked extremely hard to get had limited time to write an ing hard in practice and be- baseman. to that point, and while play- article on how great they per- coming more unified, the girls The Chargers play Court- ing down a key player-Emily formed this season. know they can do it. land at home on May 9. Come “We are working really hard. out and support your lady We just need less rain and Chargers! Athlete Profiler Thank you to those who spon- Katie Jones, Girls Varsity Soccer sor the newspaper practice, and never gives up. field hockey team, and a two and give us the op- By Kaitlyn Keisling Jones remains focused and time state champion at that, purtunity to print Sports Editor poised the entire 80 minutes she will miss Chancellor Ath- each issue. Thank Katie Jones has been play- of a game, clearing the ball letics very much. She will be ing soccer for almost her from near the goal and some- attending Virginia Tech next you dearly. whole life. Starting out as a times even saving the day. fall to study Communication -The Lightning Bolt little one on a local Parks and She is known for “always be- and hopes to possibly play Newspaper Staff Rec team, she has come such ing on the ground” due to ag- club soccer or field hockey. a long way. A member of the gressive slide tackles. Quick Girls Soccer program for four and energetic, you will see her years, this is Jones’ last year chase down the ball in a flash. on the soccer field, helping As a top returner, Katie her team fight for the win. Jones is excited to end with A hard worker and fighter, a bang in this final season of Katie isn’t afraid to get a little hers. She hopes for the team physical when she wants the to make it to regional’s like ball. In order to help stop a last year, and is willing to work goal, she always works her even harder to help them get hardest during games and in there. Also a member of our THE LIGHTNING BOLT sports 18 March Gives Way to Madness By Peyton Seay Staff Reporter When the month of March offering up the prize money seed Kansas was later upset comes around, you’d better this year. Only about 19% of by Stanford in round 34, cre- believe that the thing on ev- the 11 million people that filled ating a Sweet 16 matchup eryone’s minds isn’t taxes, but out a bracket still had it perfect between Dayton and Stan- March Madness. For those after 6th-seed Ohio State was ford. Dayton cruised through who don’t know, the Madness upset by 11th-seed Dayton in the Cardinals game, which revolves around college bas- the Second Round. This game created an Elite 8 showdown ketball. Millions of Americans gave just a small glimpse of with the number one seeded gather around their televi- the great level of madness Florida Gators. sion sets to watch the NCAA that would be reached later Florida won by 10 as they -elimination Men’s Divi- sion 1 Basketball Tournament, which features 68 teams. This tournament was only partially televised up until 2011. Now, games are available for view- ing nationwide. However, Americans don’t just get to- The Virginia Common- gether to watch the games; wealth University Rams they try to predict the winners walked in as favorites of the 67 games played and, and lost to Stephen F. ultimately, the tournament Austin. champion. This year, over 11 million They found out that their op- people in the United States ponent would be hot-shooting raced to fill out their brackets Wisconsin, led by Coach Bo for a chance to win the grand Ryan, who reached the Final prize of $1 billion if they end Every year, Americans “fill out their brackets” for Four for the first time in his up with a perfect bracket. The the Division I Men’s Basketball Championship. The coaching career. There is only prize money was offered up chances of filling out a “perfect bracket”, which one number one seed in the by billionaire Warren Buffet. means that each school is correctly marked as win- Final Four. If that isn’t mad- ness, then I don’t know what However, Buffet will not be ning each basketball game, is 1 in 9.2 quintillion. is. It wouldn’t be surprising to see UCONN upset Florida, or in the week. Other upsets in- made their way to their first Fi- even Kentucky to take down cluded 10th-seeded Stanford nal Four since winning it all in the higher-ranked Badgers over 7th-seeded New Mexico, 2007. Florida later found out after the way this tournament 12th-seeded North Dakota that they would face 7th-seed- has gone so far. State over 5th-seeded Okla- ed UCONN, who was a very These matchups will be homa, 11th-seeded Tennes- big surprise for the Final Four. played Saturday, April 5th. see over 6th-seeded UMASS, The Huskies went through Florida and UCONN play at and 14th-seeded Mercer over number two seeded Villano- 6:09 PM, and Kentucky and the 3rd-seeded Duke Blue va, 3rd-seeded Iowa State, Wisconsin play at 8:49 PM. Devils. and the 4th-seeded Michigan The winners will play in the Later in the tournament, State Spartans, who had pre- National Championship on Wichita State became the first viously beaten the number Monday, April 7th. number one seed to get up- one seeded Virginia Cava- set. They were knocked out liers. The Final Four matchup in round 34 by Kentucky. The on the other side of the brack- The University of Vir- South Region of the tourna- et was discovered that week- ment experienced the biggest end as well. Kentucky ended ginia entered March Mad- upsets, though. Number 3 up taking down number two ness Tournament with a seed Syracuse was also up- seeded Michigan in the Elite Number one bid, but lost set by Dayton, like Ohio State Eight after taking down Lou- in the Sweet Sixteen. had been previously, and 10th isville in the previous round. Photo source ibtimes.com and blog.infrared5.com THE LIGHTNING BOLT sports 19 MLB 2014 Season Previews By Peyton Seay Sports Reporter AMERICAN LEAGUE

AL EAST:

Baltimore Orioles- On Monday March 31st, the Orioles will start their season off with a bang against the defending World Champion Boston Red Sox. Manager Buck Showalter named right-hander Chris Tillman the Opening Day starter. Tillman isn't the best in the league, but after his last season with the Orioles he seems ready to make an impact. The 26-year old was Baltimore's go to guy last season producing a 3.71 ERA and pitching more than 206 , so him being named the club's Opening Day starter doesn’t come as much of a surprise. Along with Tillman, the Orioles bring a pretty decent rotation to battle the hefty American League bats. This offseason they signed right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez out of free agency from the Indians, and this righty isn't anything to sneeze at. He won 13 games for the Indians last season and he started 32 games boasting a 3.30 ERA. Other moves the Orioles made this offseason includes signing the 33-year old right fielder Nelson Cruz to add some muscle to the lineup. Cruz batted .266 last year with 27 home runs. Speaking of muscle the Orioles hope first-baseman Chris Davis can follow up his outstanding AL-leading total with 53. Lastly, the Oriole are hoping that new signee pitcher Johan Santana can find a way to bounce back from his second left shoulder surgery. He signed a minor-league deal with the team, and the 35- year old and two-time Cy Young winner hopes to be available around June for Baltimore. Overall the Orioles are expecting big things from a decent pitching staff, and a line-up full of hitters, but one thing Baltimore does lack though is a shut-down closer. They traded 50-save closer Jim Johnson to the A's for second baseman Jemile Weeks so we will have to see how they handle that loss. Also, Baltimore is dealing with injuries. Right fielder Nick Reimold will open the season on the DL after injuring his neck, and All-Star third baseman Manny Machado will open the season on the 15-day DL as he looks to bounce back from knee surgery.

Boston Red Sox- The defending World Series Champions begin this season with their sights set on becoming the first team since 2000 to be back-to-back World Series Champions. The Red Sox have a mix this year of both veterans and young players on the roster. Their pitching rotation is headed by Jon Lester, who will make the Opening Day start for the Sox against the Orioles. Their sound rotation includes Jake Peavy and John Lackey who pitched well for Boston last October. In their , it's all about Koji Uehara who was lights out for the Red Sox last year capitalizing on 21 of his 24 save opportunities. The rotation is what has remained mostly the same for Boston, but their lineup has. Outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury left the Sox for the Yankees this offseason, and they had a short void at catcher when Jarrod Saltalamacchia went to the Marlins. This catching void was later filled however when they signed catcher A.J. Pierzynski to a good deal. Pierzynski is a decent veteran who owns a World Series ring, so the Red Sox will be in pretty good shape with he and catcher Cody Ross sharing time behind the plate. Overall, second baseman Dustin Pedroia, Right fielder Shane Victorino, DH David Ortiz, and first baseman Mike Napoli remain a big part of Bos- ton's offense and big leaders for the team on and off the field. New acquisition center fielder Grady Sizemore will look to replace Jacoby Ellsbury. He hasn’t played a big league game since 2011, but manager John Farrell has confidence in him by giving him the Opening Day start over Jackie Bradley Jr. in center field.

New York Yankees- This year, the Yankees are looking to be a major contender in the AL East. They made many big ac- quisitions this offseason with multiple free agent signings. New York signed former Braves catcher Brian McCann, former Red Sox centerfielder Jacoby Ellsbury, former Cardinal's right fielder Carlos Beltran, second baseman Brian Roberts, and their new star pitcher from Japan: Mashiro Tanaka. Roberts will fill the void of Robinson Cano who signed with the Mariners this offseason, while McCann and Ellsbury look to add their talents to both the defense and the batting line up. Among Tanaka, the Yankees have a pretty sound rotation headed by none other than CC Sabathia who looks to shoulder the load for this ball club. The Yankees, who got bounced in the earlier part of last year's postseason, are looking for different results this year. After the announcement from shortstop Derek Jeter that this will be his last season of a very rewarding career, look for this team to play with some added fire. THE LIGHTNING BOLT sports 20 - Watch out for the Rays this year in the AL East because they have a lot of young talent coming back for them this season; in particular, right fielder Will Myers who batted .293 in 88 games last season for the club. Their also consists of David DeJesus and Desmond Jennings, but the Rays also have a lot of veterans playing this coming season too. Third Baseman is still a factor hitting for this club when healthy, and is a big bat for them as well. As for their defense, their pitching rotation will remain one of the best in baseball. 17-game winner Matt Moore and left-hander David Price look to head the starters. They will probably stay middle of the road in hitting, but their defense will remain one of the best. The Rays are coming off a season where they saw themselves second in both errors and fielding percentage. As for their bullpen, that is headed up by right-hander Grant Balfour who had over 38 saves last year.

Toronto Blue Jays- Toronto looks to be a factor in this division but yet their rotation remains mediocre. Last season they were among the bottom-feeders in ERA, and that is probably because RA Dickey is their best starter, and their defense is about as bad as their pitching. However, if the Blue Jays can get Josh Johnson and throwing the ball well, Dickey will have compliments to back him up this year. They had this rotation last season and were even a favorite for a big postseason run, but injury struck those hopes down fast. Casey Janssen leads their relief pitching and All-Star Brett Cecil brings needed support in the middle relief spot. One bright area is that the Blue Jays the ball well. They were among the top ten in runs last season, and first baseman Edwin Encarnacion was a big factor in that. He had 36 home runs last season (3rd in the American League). Along with Encarnacion, the Jays have third baseman Brett Lawrie, right fielder Jose Bautista, and Left fielder Melky Cabrera who add some big bats to this well-hitting line up. If the entire team can stay healthy, the Jays may live up to those expectations that were tarnished last year.

AL CENTRAL:

Chicago White Sox- The will begin their 2014 campaign as one of the youngest teams in the league. They have a young core of players like first baseman Jose Abreu, right fielder Avisail Garcia, and centerfielder Adam Eaton that look to start their season off right. This new group will be looking to jell from day one under manager Robin Ventura. Abreu has a six-year $68 million contract with the White Sox as he is expected to be big for a team that had a 29th ranked offense last season. The team will look to veterans like DH Adam Dunn who was tied fourth in the American League last season in home runs with 34, and Opening Day starter Chris Sale who leads a rotation that was in the middle of the league last season in pitching. Sale, who boasted a 3.07 ERA last year will try and start the new look White Sox off right as they try to better their 63-99 mark from 2013.

Cleveland Indians- The are coming off a season where manager Terry Francona led the team to a 92-70 record along with one of the AL Wild Card spots. The Indians are coming off a year where they finished in the top ten for batting, but finished middle of the road in both pitching and defense. Right hander Justin Masterson will probably be the Indian's Opening Day starter. Masterson is coming off a great 2013 campaign where he had his highest single season strike- out total and his highest win total with 14 wins and a 3.45 ERA. Following Masterson in the rotation will be right hander Corey Kluber. Kluber had 11 wins last season and a 3.85 ERA. Handling the closer role for the Indians will be former Brewer John Axford. The Indians hope Axford will return to his 40+ save seasons that he recorded in 2011 and 2012. As for the Indian's offense, they are hoping to see catcher Yan Gomes increase his production since they inked him to a new deal during the offseason. He hit .294 in 88 games last season. Gomes will hold be the starting catcher while Carlos Santana will see added time at third base. Also, first baseman Nick Swisher, and centerfielder Michael Bourn try and boost their popularity in Cleveland entering their second seasons with the club. Bourn will try and be brought back slowly however after injuring his hamstring and possibly entering the 2014 season on the DL.

Detroit Tigers- Last year's AL Central Division Champions are looking to repeat again this year, and even make a deep postseason run. How you ask? For starters, they signed Miguel Cabrera to an 8 year extension that brings his current contract to 10-years and $292 million during that span. It's the largest contract in baseball history. Cabrera has earned every bit of it. Last season he boasted a .348 batting average, and over the last seven years with the team he has won three batting titles, two MVP awards, and a Triple Crown. This new deal will likely ink Cabrera through age 40. Cabrera leads the Tigers into the 2014 season and he leads an offense that finished second in the league last year with 796 runs, and 767 RBI's. One thing is missing from last season though and that is first baseman Prince Fielder who was involved in an acquisition that sent him to the Rangers. From the Rangers, Detroit got second baseman Ian Kinsler, and closer Joe Nathan so the high-powered offense you saw last season may still be in effect with the addition of Kinsler. And, with the same pitching rotation as last season but with Nathan under the closing role, the Tigers will be thinking World Series. All-Stars Justin Verlander and Max Sherzer lead the rotation, and Annibal Sanchez is another great part to an already successful order. THE LIGHTNING BOLT sports 21

Kansas City Royals- On Opening Day for the Royals, star pitcher James Shields will get the nod. Shields, who wasn't as successful last season as in recent years, still found a way to win 13 games and 196 as he led the Royals pitching rotation. The Royal's finished 6th in the league last year with a 3.45 ERA and 86 wins. This season, the rotation will look to continue dominance especially with the emergence of right-hander Yordano Ventura who didn’t pitch much for the team last season, but looks promising headed into 2014. Along with Shield and Ventura is Jason Vargas, Jeremy Guthrie, and Bruce Chen who all can bring it. When it comes down to offense though, the Royals are middle of the road. They have promising young stars in centerfielder Lorenzo Cain and the rising DH Billy Butler, and left fielder Alex Gordon who can bring a ton of hits to the order.

Minnesota Twins- Last season, the Twins finished at the bottom of this division and they will probably end up doing so again. Their pitching rotation just isn't up to par with the rest of the AL Central, and their batting lineup is rather weak other than catcher Joe Mauer who hit .324 last year. Mauer, will end up playing first base this year for the club because this past offseason the Twins tried to inhance their offense by signing catcher Kurt Suzuki, however he only hit .232 last year and hasn't been hit- ting the ball well. I assume that when it comes down to their pitching rotation they are hoping former Yankees right-hander Phil Hughes will throw well, but he did terrible last year. The twins need life, and they need it fast. They went 66-96 last season, and I honestly wouldn't be surprised to see them their again.

AL WEST:

Houston Astros- In 2013, the Astros went a horrid 51-111. The worst record in the league. This year may be the same for Houston. They were the bottom-feeders last year in both pitching and fielding, but in batting they were 26th, so they had some hope in at least one area of their game. The main source of that light was second baseman Jose Altuve. Altuve batted .283 last year along with 35 stolen bases, and almost got named to the All-Star team for a second-consecutive year. Third base- man Matt Dominguez would be the second source because he had 21 home runs last season. As for pitching, the Astros did sign former Chicago/Baltimore right-hander Scott Feldman who won 12 games in 2013 with a 3.86 ERA. Feldman controls the number one spot in the rotation and could very well produce for this ball club. What Houston needs is a change, and that is what they're trying to do by signing new names and signing old ones. What they need is a bright young star that can bring an uplifting light to this franchise

Los Angeles Angels- Surprisingly, the Los Angeles Angels went just 78-84 last season not even finishing over .500. Their outfield remains strong with left fielder Josh Hamilton and of course MVP candidate centerfielder Mike Trout, however right field could use a little work. Kole Calhoun was there last year and will be again this season, and he has gotten better hitting .282 last season and then .354 in his trip to the minors before 2014. Hitting is something that remains strong for the Angels who seemed to struggle with everything else last year. First Baseman Albert Pujols hit .258 in 2013, and they need him to pick it up, but picking up third baseman David Freese in the offseason is a nice addition. As for pitching, the Angels struggle. Right-hander Jared Weaver went 11-8 last season with a 3.27 ERA, but he only started 24 games due to injury. If he can stay healthy he remains the club's best option. However, they do have a nice second option in C.J. Wilson who won 17 games for the Angels last year. We'll have to see if these two can pick up the slack for the rotation.

Oakland A's- Oakland won this division last season, and they look to have a good shot again this year. For a club that had a 18-game winner in Bartolo Colon as their go-to-guy, they will have to start over because he is now with the Mets. The A's did pick up the AL save leader from 2013 signing Jim Johnson to a good deal. For their rotation, Sonny Gray is their number one guy, and he looked good last season with the team starting 10 games and winning five. The pitching rotation last season finished in the top-ten of the league because of Colon, but hopefully Gray, , and Jesse Chavez can hold the rotation together. As for their hitting the club ranked 4th in runs with 767, and their bats may be heavy-swinging again this year. All-Star outfielders Yoenis Cespedes and Josh Reddick lead the club, and first baseman Brandon Moss added to the heavy-hitting with 30 homers in 2013. Cespedes and Reddick combined for 38 homers last year, because of Reddick's injured rest so if the three can stay healthy they will lead a strong hitting line-up into this season. THE LIGHTNING BOLT sports 22 Seattle Mariners- Seattle made a big move this offseason signing former Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano to a 10-year, $240 million deal. The Mariners look for their new addition to fit nicely, and to hopefully help them improve from last season in which they finished in the bottom half of the league in hitting. Cano went .324 last season for theYankees with 27 homers and he will be a big help to a team that went just 71-91 in 2013. Also, right fielder Michael Saunders and third baseman Kyle Seager can both help Cano get the offense going. Their pitching rotation is of course headed by "King" Felix Hernandez who won 12 games for the club last year with a 3.04 ERA, but was the only producer for a rotation that finished in the last part of the league. If they can get the starters going, and have a nice production from Cano and the rest of the bats, then relief pitcher Fernando Rodney; who signed a two-year deal with club this offseason; can get the save.

Texas Rangers- The Rangers went 91-72 in 2013 but this year may be a little different. Manager Ron Washington has a 4-man rotation coming into this year headed by a young pitcher named Tanner Scheppers. Scheppers went a great 6-2 last year in a relief role, and got moved up to a full-time starter this year. He leads a rotation that finished in the top part of the league, but that also lost a couple big names in the offseason due to injury. Star pitcher Yu Darvish can return April 5th, and Matt Harrison is just on the 15-day DL, so if the "young-guns" can hold the load for a little while, the stars can come in for relief. Second-option Martin Perez may help as he is also a young gun but a strong thrower. He went 10-6 last year for the 20 games he started. As for batting, the Rangers added big name first baseman Prince Fielder by trading for him with former second baseman Ian Kin- sler. If Fielder, who saw some of the lowest marks of his career last year, can return to his hitting ways, then this top-ten hitting club can get the job done. Third baseman Adrian Beltre and former Red's left fielder Shin-Soo Choo can help bring them along nicely. Both hit very well last year especially Beltre, who hit .315 with 30 homers.

YEARBOOKS! Have you purchased a year- book? Yearbooks are $80. Go to A113 to make your purchase or order online at www.yearbookforever.com THE LIGHTNING BOLT sports 23 NATIONAL LEAGUE NL EAST:

Atlanta Braves- The Braves, who won and ultimately dominated this division last season, will have a lot of trouble this year. The trouble is that they have lost a lot of their star starters to injury whether for a short-time or for the whole season. Mike Minor won't return until the second-half of April. He led the club in last year. Kris Medlen and Brandon Beachy won't return until next season as they will be resting their arms after Tommy John surgery will end their hopes for a good 2014 cam- paign. Medlen led the club in wins and ERA last year so that's a big loss, and Beachy was looking to come back from injury after a shortened 2013 campaign. Beachy will undergo his second Tommy John Elbow reconstruction surgery. Picking up the slack will be possible All-Star Julio Teheran. He won 14 games for the club, and finished with a 3.20 ERA so he will have to shoulder the load for a very young rotation that went from great to decent. The Braves definitely need the help of their bats. They were either homerun or strikeout last year, and catcher Evan Gattis has to pick up the slack left by former catcher Brian McCann who went to the Yankees. First baseman Freddie Freeman and right fielder Jason Heyward were signed to new deals this offseason and the Upton brothers can help the Braves by giving a strong outfield. If the rotation can hang in there and they can score runs, All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel can come in to close games out. Look for the Braves to struggle mightily this season though due to their injury troubles.

Miami Marlins- Miami finished 62-100 last season with the second-worst record in baseball and the worst record in their division. The reason behind such a horrid season was probably because the Marlins finished at the very bottom of the league when it came down to hitting the baseball and scoring runs. Right fielder Giancarlo Stanton is the shining light for this team, and they don’t have many. Stanton struggled last year hitting just .249 but he added 24 homers to his stats and he does give the team well-needed defense in right. What did help the Marlins this offseason was the signing of former Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia who hit.273 last year in 121 games. He will add a much needed bat behind the plate for the club. As for pitch- ing, the Marlins fare much better. Right hander Jose Fernandez leads a decent pitching staff that consists of Nathan Eovaldi and Henderson Alvarez whom can win a few games for the ball club. If they can be up at the end of the game then relief pitcher Steve Cishek can get them the save. He had 34 last year which isn’t anything to sneeze at.

Philadelphia Phillies- The Phillies, like the Mets have a great shot at the division too. They finished 73-89 in 2013 and they ultimately had an uncharacteristic year. They have a decent rotation this year with star lefty Cliff Lee leading the way. They even signed A.J. Burnett in the offseason who was great for Pittsburgh last year. Hopefully, Cole Hamels can return from the 15- day DL soon too. He hopes to return at the end of April. Also, in the bullpen Jonathan Papelbon can close games out. He had 29 saves last year. Most of the reason for their off year last year was because of injury. Both second baseman Chase Utley and first baseman Ryan Howard struggled with injury. However, when healthy this line up can hit. Along with Jimmy Rollins at shortstop, Domonic Brown in left, Ben Revere in center, and Carlos Ruiz behind the plate, the Phillies have a decent hitting lineup. They all look to stay healthy and lead a team that didn’t hit the ball well at all last year back to their wrecking ways.

Washington Nationals- The Nationals finished second in the division last season, but didn’t make the playoffs. This year they have a great shot to both win the division and make a deep postseason run. A lot of ESPN experts predict that they even have a good shot to win it all. When it comes down to pitching they have a very capable rotation. They finished top ten in the year last season for pitching mostly because they are led by a few star pitchers. Jordan Zimmerman who is in the third spot of the rotation pitched tremendously last year for the Nationals winning 19 games, and of course with Stephen Strasburg hold- ing opponents to just a .207 batting average the Nationals can remain dominant in the league. However, they have to score runs for their starters. Strasburg was holding opponents to an average of just three earned runs, but he only won 8 games because the offense struggled in the early parts of game. If they can get the bats going early, they can help their starters win games. Right fielder Jayson Werth was fourth best in the National League last year hitting .318, and of course left fielder Bryce Harper, third baseman Ryan Zimmerman, shortstop Ian Desmond, and even second baseman Anthony Rendon can all hit. If they can be ahead at the end of games, their star reliever Rafael Soriano can pick up the save. He was second in the National League last year with 43 saves. THE LIGHTNING BOLT sports 24 NL CENTRAL: - The Cubs went just 66-96 last year, last in their division. Their offense finished close to last in the league, and their pitching was towards the bottom half as well. This season the Cubs may have a decent rotation. Jeff Samardzija is the club’s number one guy winning them 8 games in 2013. However, he also lost 13, and struggled with a 4.34 ERA. He has to be big for the Cubs this season. The thing is this whole pitching staff has their ERA up in the four range. Even second-man Edwin Jackson had an above four ERA at 4.98 and he only won 8 games while losing 18. As for hitting, left fielder Junior Lake is the Cub’s best hitter. He hit .284 last season after coming on late as a rookie. Also, shortstop Starlin Castro looks to be big for this horrid hitting team. Castro hit .245 last season. Hopefully the Cubs can pick it up this coming season.

Cincinnati Reds- Cincinnati finished with a 90-72 record last season and would have probably finished second in most divisions but because Pittsburgh and St. Louis had a good year, the Reds finished just third in their tight division. They clinched a Wild Card spot with their fellow division rivals, the Pirates. This season, the NL Central will be close-knit again. The Reds have a great bulk of their team coming back from last year, and their pitching rotation will help them win games. Star pitcher Johnny Cueto pitched great for the club last year, but only started 11 games due to injury. He ended up at 5-2 with an outstanding 2.82 ERA. Among Cueto is Homer Bailey, Mike Leake, and Tony Cingrani who all pitched great last season. Bailey was signed to a big contract in the winter, and if Matt Latos can come back off the DL early in the season this club will be set pitching. Latos went 14-7 in 2013 with a 3.16 ERA, and he was probably the most dependable for the club. As for hitting, last year they were on the edge of decent, but with a first baseman like you can always be able to stay in games. Votto hit .305 last season along with 24 bombs. Also, third baseman Todd Frazier came along great for the Reds last year, and he will look to continue to produce this season. He hit .234 on the year but had 73 RBI’s. Also outfielder Jay Bruce and second baseman Brandon Phillips add a spark to their batting order, and they all have the ability to do something special.

Milwaukee Brewers- Last season, Milwaukee finished 74-88, fourth in the division. It could have been their hitting which was in the bottom half of the lead, or it could be because their pitching was just at an even par. It wasn’t tremendous, nor was it all bad. Most of the reason their hitting struggled, was because right fielder Ryan Braun was suspended for violating the league’s drug policy. Braun is back this year however and he will make a big impact on his team. Along with big-hitting Braun, third baseman Aramis Ramirez also adds to the Brewer’s bats. He hit .283 last season in just 92 games due to injury. Also, first baseman whom the Brewers got from the Yankees can knock in some runs. He had 21 last year. As for their pitching, the Brewer’s starters have to get rolling and they cannot give up runs. Yovani Gallarado is the club’s ace but he had an ERA of 4.18, yet still had 12 wins. Gallarado has been with the team for awhile, but behind him is Kyle Lohse. Lohse is entering his second season with the Brewers after a year where he went 11-10 with a 3.35 ERA. Lastly, if Milwaukee ever has the lead at the end of the game it will be Francisco Rodriguez in for the save. Rodriguez has been injured in recent years but this year he can help close out a lot of games for Milwaukee.

Pittsburgh Pirates- The Pirates went 94-68 last year and ended up finishing second in the division behind St. Louis. One great thing they took from 2013 was making the playoffs for the first time since the 90’s. They had a ton of good things go- ing well for them last year. Their pitching was close to tops in the league and their ace, Francisco Liriano, had 16 wins last year, and this year won’t be any different. Liriano will lead a rotation that lost A.J. Burnett to the Phillies but they gained a newfound star in Gerrit Cole who came on to the team and won 10 games out of the 19 he started. Also, Wandy Rodriguez didn’t pitch badly at all last year either. However, this offseason they lost their star closer to the Red Sox, but found a new closer in Jason Grilli. Grilli ended up being an All-Star last season with 33 saves. As for batting, they have almost the same lineup as last year, and not to mention they have the reigning NL MVP, centerfielder Andrew McCutchen. He hit .317 last year along with 21 hom- ers and 84 RBI’s. And speaking of home runs, Pedro Alvarez was tied for 1st in the NL with 36 bombs. Second baseman Neil Walker has come along nicely too. Look for the Pirates to make a deep run this year in the postseason.

St. Louis Cardinals- The Cardinals won this division last year with a 97-65 record, and they may win it again this sea- son. Their pitching staff is one of the best in baseball consisting of their ace, Adam Wainwright, right hander Michael Wacha who was on fire last year, flame-thrower Lance Lynn, Shelby Miller, and Joe Kelly. Wainwright was tied for first in the NL for wins with 19, and Wacha was great in the postseason last year for the Cards. As for their offense, that is just as good. They finished tops in the league for their offense and this year won’t be any different. They of course have catcher Yadier Molina who hit .319 last season one of the best in the league, and outfielders Allen Craig and Matt Holliday both capitalize with runners in scoring posi- tion. And of course, if they are up at the end of the game, newfound relief pitcher Trevor Rosenthal will close it out. He was great for the Cardinals in 2013. THE LIGHTNING BOLT Features 25 Special Feature Articles Courtesy of AP Spanish Students Un Horario Cambiante Más Allá de la Escuela By Josh List once Morning Charge se El horario de esta escuela cambió a después del primer Secundaria… casa con nuestros padres y es ridículo. Cada año la es- periodo. En la mitad del año By Nura Mariscal Del aunque los echaremos mucho cuela cambia el horario y el horario del almuerzo cam- Moral de menos, eso será normal. es muy confuso. Hace cu- bió a cuatro turnos al día. Todos los seniors que van a Es el primer paso para ser atro años Morning Charge No me gustaba el horario ir a la universidad el año que un adulto. También madu- no existía. Las clases dura- nuevo de grado once porque viene tienen una mezcla de raremos más en todos los ban noventa minutos y cada no me permitía estudiar con sentimientos. Como muchos aspectos porque aprender- mañana nosotros íbamos al mi profesor antes del primer seniors, yo aún no estoy to- emos como organizar nuestro homeroom. Había tres horas periodo. Este año el horario talmente segura de a que tiempo, gastar dinero apropia- de almuerzo y el tiempo en- cambió otra vez, hoy, Morn- universidad quiero ir, pero damente y ser responsables tre clases era cuatro minutos. ing Charge no es un periodo tengo mucha ilusión de em- de nuestras acciones. Ir a la En el año siguiente Morning libre cuando los estudiantes pezar esta nueva etapa de mi universidad es una oportuni- Charge se introdujo. Era muy pueden hacer tareas o estu- vida. Todo será muy diferente. dad para aprender y crecer confuso pero fue un cambio diar con los maestros. Morn- Podremos levantarnos a una intelectual y mentalmente. agradable. Nos dio la opor- ing Charge cambia cada día hora decente para ir a clase, Aunque mi experiencia en la tunidad de hacer la tarea en a otra clase a la que tenemos conoceremos a muchas per- escuela secundaria en gen- la mañana antes de nuestras que ir. Cada año hay un cam- sonas interesantes y sobre eral ha sido grata, ya tengo clases. La duración de las bio del horario. ¿Cuándo será todo seremos independien- ganas de empezar mi nueva clases cambió a ochenta el horario el mismo? ¿Cuándo tes. Eso será el cambio más etapa. minutos. Durante mi grado habrá un horario acertado? grande. Ya no viviremos en Una Aventura Hacia una Vida Nueva By Kevin García viaje, del cual nunca se olvi- su futuro les espera. La vida un país pero a veces el lazo darán porque sus extremos como indocumentado en este de amor entre las familias es Desde que yo era un niño pueden ser fatales. país para ellos es muy difícil más poderoso, tal como para pequeño siempre escuchaba Tomar la decisión de entrar a porque mientras ellos tratan poner sus vidas en riesgos. a las personas mencionar la un país ilegalmente como los de mejorar sus vidas, interi- Espero que algún día todos tierra en donde alguien puede Estados Unidos es algo que ormente viven en terror. Es- podamos tener una vida feliz soñar. Se mencionaba sobre los latinos toman mucho tiem- toy de acuerdo que no es lo llena de igualdad. como allí la gente era rica en po en hacer. Estas personas correcto entrar ilegalmente a alegría y también se decía están pagando entre $2000- que sus rascacielos tocaban $5000 dólares para poner sus Las Solicitudes para la el cielo con su hermoso dis- vidas al borde de la muerte. eño arquitectónico. El país de Los obstáculos en el camino Universidad los Estados Unidos tiene la prueban la fortaleza de los imagen de un país magnífico individuos que toman este By Colin Kreiling ensayos para las solicitudes en la mente de muchos Lati- viaje. Entre los desafíos se El proceso de solicitudes a y eso no incluye los ensayos noamericanos. encuentra la caminata de días la universidad es muy largo para las becas. Pasé mucho Casi todos los países de Cen- por desiertos o selvas, cruzar y estresante pero es un pro- tiempo pensando sobre ideas tro América y también México ríos y fronteras de países y al ceso con mucha emoción para los ensayos y estuve tra- tienen problemas económicos mismo tiempo tener hambre y porque significa el final de la bajando en ellos hasta la me- que son inmensos. El porcen- no tener dinero para comprar escuela secundaria. El pro- dianoche de la fecha límite. El taje de la gente que está por comida. En la frontera pueden ceso empieza con los viajes a día dieciséis de enero fue un debajo del umbral de la po- ocurrir muchas cosas, como las universidades. Yo disfruté día muy relajante porque fue breza es muy alto. La vida en cuando el “coyote” o líder del visitando las universidades el primer día después de la estos países es muy difícil. La grupo te abandona dejándote porque las visitas hacen el ir a fecha límite. Ahora todo yo lo gente a veces aunque trate, a tu suerte. universidad una realidad y no que puedo hacer es esperar no puede salir de la pobreza Los que tienen suerte y lo- solamente una cosa en el futu- durante meses mientras mi que los rodea. La única alter- gran llegar a la supuesta tier- ro distante. Después de visitar futuro se decide. nativa es seguir tratando y por ra maravillosa de los Estados sin embargo, la parte del pro- esto muchas de ellas toman la Unidos apenas comienzan ceso más desafiante es la so- decisión de embarcarse en un a vivir los problemas que en licitud. En total yo escribí siete 26 Features THE LIGHTNING BOLT Ms. Stello Original Settler Retires After 36 Years By Joshua Turbyfill Layout Editor “I have been teaching for 36 “My favorite part of the job years, and I have taught at is when the kids finally get it Chancellor since it opened,” and understand the material,” states Ms. Stello. states Stello, “And I would Stello will be retiring at the have to say my least favor- end of this year. She has ite part is all the paper work taught math before, but she I have to do.” Stello works has primarily taught family hard in what she does and consumer classes through- the stress of her work envi- out her entire career. Stello ronment often builds up; she was born in Oklahoma, and enjoys it when her hard work originally went to Oklahoma pays off. Baptist State University. After When asked what kind of Stello attended that Universi- teacher Stello would describe ty, she got married and moved herself she states, “I am kind Photo by Joshua Turbyfill to Idaho, where she finished of a mix between easy going Ms. Stello has taught at Chancellor since its first studying at Idaho State Uni- and strict. I don’t like to repeat year in 1988. versity. Stello’s husband was myself when the kids don’t get in the Navy, so they moved of- it, but other than that I would teacher who has been here ten. After living in Idaho they say I am easy going.” and happy lives,” states Stel- since the beginning, and we moved to Charleston, South “My favorite class to teach is lo. wish Ms. Stello the best as Carolina, and eventually to Family Relations and Parent- “I am really going to miss the she retires. Virginia. Stello has three chil- ing because it makes a differ- teacher friends that I made, dren and a grandchild who is ence. I enjoy talking about but I am ready to retire,” states now five. happy marriages and babies Stello. Chancellor will truly miss a Find the 8 Differences Layout Editor By Matthew Swartz THE LIGHTNING BOLT features 27

Lessons Learned Horscopes Students, Faculty React to Recent By Laura Sullivan Challenges Staff Reporter this has been a crazy year so it could be a hassle to have Pisces (2/19-3/20) – By Matthew Sanders far, there are some good les- all your equipment with you, Be careful where you sit; Staff Reporter sons to be learned from it. it’s always a good idea just in someone may want you to sit This year has been a cha- “Be ready to take on the in some gum! otic year. Our school year has day no matter what come “have your phone Aries (3/21-4/20) – been filled with unfortunate your way,” said Sopho- and keys on you at Visit Carl’s sometime this events like bomb threats, more Mackenzie Agsten. month! Your favorite flavors school can- W e ’ v e all times.” will be waiting for you. cellations, “Be ready to l e a r n e d Taurus (4/21-5/20) – snow storms take on the day to be ready case you get in a sticky situ- Are you ready for more and delays for anything at ation. snow? Well too bad it’s in our all leading to no matter what Chancellor high In conclusion, from the neg- forecast! ultimate di- school and to come your way” ative events that have taken Gemini (5/21-6/20) – saster within always have place this school year we’ve Create a twitter and get up- the Spotsylvania County Pub- your phone and keys on you taken some great lessons dates on your favorite people! lic School system. Although at all times as well. Though from those events as well. Cancer (6/21-7/22) – If you eat school food on 4/8/14 be cautious of what you put in your mouth. Leo (7/23-8/23) – Don’t go out in public look- ing like a bum, you might see Obama! Virgo (8/24-9/22) – Face adversity head strong, because adversity creates perseverance. Libra (9/23-10/23) - Today’s is a good day to wash your moms’ car, and I’m sure she’ll appreciate it too. Scorpio (10/24-11/22) – Your hair will start to change colors in the summer. Sagittarius (11/23-12/21) Start watching the news. Maybe you’ll find something you’re interested in! Capricorn (12/22-1/19) – Go get a cupcake from Sweet Reasons! They’re the best! Aquarius (1/22-2/18) – Shoot for your goals, this month you’re feeling lucky!