the Commentator June 2015 A publication of Douglas Southall Freeman Vol. 63, No. 1 A publication of Douglas Southall Freeman High School, Henrico, Virginia 23229 Page 1 High School, Henrico, Virginia 23229 Big & Little Feet Meet Connect Community

has experience working with Ashley Frederick children with special needs in Features Editor and out of school. “We adopted my younger There is only one event that brother and sister, who both has the unusual combination of have autism, and my mother is a power chair races, shotput, fris- special needs teacher at Tucker,” bee golf, soccer, giant bowling, said Lynn. and turbo jav. This all happens A factor that characterizes the at the Big Feet Meet, a Special environment of the meet is the Olympics event for students lack of awards. Instead, every- with intellectual disabilities. one is a winner. The Big Feet Meet is one of “They had these passports three meets for exceptional that looked like credentials for a education students of all ages. concert and it had all the events. The Little Feet Meet is for As they did them, it would get elementary school children and checked off and initialed by the the Meet in the Middle is for volunteers. Since the meet, one athletes in middle school. kid has been wearing his every All of the high schools in day,” said Mrs. Lightfoot-Clare. Henrico County participated As a whole, the Big Feet Meet in the meet, and 20 Freeman experience is thrilling for both students participated this year. teachers and students. “The Big Feet Meet is a little “There was a combination bit more advanced than the of positivity and excitement. PHOTO: GRACE GEMMELL Meet in the Middle. I’ve done I probably looked like a goofy the Meet in the Middle for the kid because I had the biggest Senior Jamie Lockwood playfully enjoys a game with a Little Feet participant. past two years and they didn’t smile on my face the whole have the relay races. For the Big time. There was just always participate,” said retired P. E. Ms. Donohue. athletes to be able to play with Feet Meet, there are more dif- something going on,” said Mrs. teacher Terry Donohue. Math teacher Richard Timme various pieces of equipment in a ficult events for the students,” Lightfoot-Clare. Ms. Donohue’s role in the went down to the field to watch non-competitive atmosphere. said exceptional education Little Feet also made big meet is site coordinator for his son participate in the meet. Ms. Donohue expressed her teacher Lauren Lightfoot-Clare. strides recently. This year’s Little Special Olympics. “He thoroughly enjoys it, this gratitude to everyone at Free- “All of the kids here in our Feet Meet had the largest turn “I meet with Special Olym- is the third year that he’s done man who ensured the success of program participated in the out in all its years. pics to decide the format to be it. He is in first grade now. I like the meet. meet. We had between 21 and “This number is higher than used and to find out the needs seeing all of the students that “This couldn’t happen without 24 volunteers. It was very nice previous years because buddies from Special Olympics stand- participate having a great time our many student volunteers, to have lots of kids to help out are now allowed to participate point. This year, we changed out there,” said Mr. Timme. a flexible teaching staff, our and let the kids have fun,” said in the events as well. We usually the location of the Young Events in the Little Feet Meet custodial staff, and a support- Mrs. Lightfoot-Clare. have between 400-500 special Athletes (ages 2-5 years old) to include 25 or 50 meter dash ive administration. Looking Freshman Lynn Marsh, a needs children and their bud- the baseball field to allow more depending on age, standing forward to many more years of member of Circle of Friends, dies. Both Henrico and High- room for events and space for long jump, a softball/tennis Little Feet at Freeman,” said volunteered in both the Big Feet land Springs High Schools sent schools to be able to relax and ball throw, and participation at Ms. Donohue. Meet and Little Feet Meet and their JRROTC color guards to snack while at the meet,” said Olympic Town, an area for the A Cafeteria Undergoing Transition Do the new additions contradict the Inside Out Project goals? Gray agrees that it was a nec- Due to the fact that the lunch essary beginning toward Free- lines are located in the larger man becoming more united. section of the cafeteria, it also “It has improved [the diversity serves breakfast in addition issue] by showing that there is to lunch, whereas the smaller a lot more diversity than people section is only used for lunch think. It’s not a permanent end- during the day. all solution, but it’s a step in the “Because this part is only used right direction,” said Gray. for lunch, it was always a lot However, the previous con- easier to clean. The new chairs cerns arose again when half actually create more work for of the cafeteria was suddenly the custodial staff, which is presented with different tables why it’s important for us not to and mobile chairs. overload our custodians,” said Freshman Zach Fox sits in the Poates. cafeteria that did not receive the The placement of the tables new setup. He expressed more and chairs was only meant to confusion than concern about serve as a trial run to see if they the change. function well. “I am just curious as to why “My eventual plan is to spread they are only in one-half of the them out in both cafeterias,” cafeteria. It’s not upsetting to said Poates. me, but I think it should be the The feedback on the quality PHOTO: GRACE GEMMELL same in both,” said Zach. of the new addition has been Although there have been con- mostly positive from the stu- Sophomore boys enjoy lunch in the new cafeteria chairs from Varina High School. cerns expressed about differing dents who frequently sit in the treatment, Principal Poates has new chairs. Gibson, cafeteria spectacle, Gray reports presented the logistics behind “I think they are great. They “The portraits were laid out hearing mixed feelings about it. Connor Loughran the new addition. are a lot more comfortable than on a table where we had to put “It’s been ranging from ‘It’s News Editor Because of recent events at the benches we used to sit in,” glue on the back of them. Then really creepy’ to appreciation Varina High School involving said freshman Beau Nardo. we had to put the posters up from the people who understand In an effort to bolster aware- a food fight, the Varina staff However, there are many and smooth them over with glue the underlying message is about ness about accepting diversity, offered to switch their cafeteria students are less than worried and a sponge to get rid of all the diversity. Over time people will the National Art Honors Soci- tables for some with attached about the current situation. creases. It was a tedious pro- accept it,” said Gray. ety has created a way for Free- chairs, and Freeman stepped up “I don’t think the Inside- cess,” said Gray. Due to the social divide in man to celebrate the uniqueness to make the trade. Out Project will be affected by The Inside-Out Project has the cafeteria, NAHS leaders pur- of its student body, in a manner “They sent out the request, these new chairs. Freeman is received recognition on Twitter posefully chose the cafeteria as a that warrants attention from ev- and the next morning we had too strong for that,” said junior and local news coverage. place to spread awareness about eryone- the Inside-Out Project. the different tables and chairs,” Sammy Burr. “I think the Inside-Out Project the present separation within the Several art students dedi- said Poates. is a great way to get people school. cated countless hours over the The placement of the traded together- every style of people. “I think it has worked to course of this process, including furniture was not arbitrary Different cultures can come unify the two cafeterias; there Christie Award the final step of pasting them or purposeful in creating any together, so we aren’t separated isn’t one type of picture in one throughout the school. It took perceived unfair treatment. The Winner anymore,” said sophomore cafeteria. They’re all mixed about three hours to complete smaller section of the cafeteria Zechariah Hartzog. up,” said sophomore Kathryn for Exceptional the process one Saturday morn- was chosen because it is not as While many students share Skeppstrom, who worked on the Educator of the year: ing. Among those students was crowded from the lunch lines. sophmore art student Gray similar enthusiasm for the new project. Lauren Lightfoot- News In Brief WEDNESDAY: THURSDAY: FRIDAY: Clare 2015 Exam Schedule: 3rd & 4th Period 6th & 7th Period 5th Period “This is recognition that is truly deserved for all TUESDAY: 9:00- 10:45AM 9:00- 10:45AM 9:00- 10:45AM that Lauren has done for our program this year.”- 1st & 2nd Period 11:15- 1:00AM 11:15- 1:00AM 11:15- 1:00AM time Mrs. Poates pinions 2 O The Commentator Public Displays of Affection: Hot or Not? than making out in Freeman’s Teachers are watching: beautiful hallways in the midst Rachel: Teachers see their stu- of hundreds of Henrico’s finest? dents as the next generation of The best part is, they all get to leaders in America. What does share those romantic memories it do to that image of us when with you too! Momma always they see us groping each other said: “the more the merrier.” in the five minutes between There are students around: classes? Schools are the teach- Rachel: Does it not bother those er’s workplace, and students couples canoodling in the hall- should respect that. What you Jack West ways that hundreds of students do at home is 100% your busi- Rachel Varon are bustling past them, with ness, but please don’t do your Opinions Editors backpacks bumping everyone business in their actual place of and thousands of conversations business. going on? Even if it doesn’t Jack: Couples who make out in Is School Romantic: bother the happy couple, no front of teachers are showing Rachel: There are few things one else asked to see that, and that they are capable of a seri- less romantic than a school simply looking away to give ous adult relationship. These setting. Lectures, quizzes and their intimate moments a little couples are telling the world that homework don’t exactly inspire privacy is made complicated by they are not to be taken lightly. romance. School is a place we the fact that it is happening in On top of that, they are also come to learn, it’s not the back the middle of the hallway. doing a favor for the teacher. row of a movie theatre. There Jack: The main reason that When teachers see this kind of is a time and a place for ev- most students oppose PDA is behavior, they are overcome erything, and school is not the actually jealousy. They wish with nostalgia for their high PHOTO: RACHEL VARON place for your romance. You they too were in such a strong, school glory days. Memories Juniors Caroline Turner and Bodhie Long share a hug. are here to learn, not to mate, serious relationship. If a couple flood back from when they and I am here to study, not is not comfortable physically were making out with their high 8 hours long, you live in the young couple for taking ad- to watch you. I don’t do my expressing themselves in front school sweethearts in the hall- same district, just hang out after vantage of every moment they class work in your bedroom, of the entire student body, it’s ways. So to those students who school. If you want to see each have together? Students with so please don’t make out in my clear that they are not serious do chose to show their other between classes, a quick jobs, sports, homework, and classroom. about each other. However, if affection in the halls, on behalf hug is fine! Hold hands even! other extra-curricular activities Jack: High school seniors have a couple is willing to hook up of the teachers, thank you. But the 5 minutes between the after school often do not have spent two ninths of their young at school, then that’s true love. Is this the place: bells are not the last time you time to maintain a relationship lives in high school. When they To make out with your signifi- Rachel: Candle light, a nice are going to see each other so outside of school. At school, we look back on their time at cant other in front of the entire dinner, cuddling at the movies… there is no reason to act like it. are taught not to procrastinate Freeman they want to remem- student body says: I’m in love good times to make the moves. I don’t usually get involved in so these couples should not be ber the good times, like making and I’m not ashamed to show it! In the middle of the hall, for 5 everyone’s private affairs, but faulted for utilizing their time out with their significant other If no one sees it, how will they quick minutes, while kids rush by exhibiting them so publicly, I together as efficiently as pos- in the hallways. Honestly, what know it? to class and try to avert their think I’ve been invited to opine. sible. could be more memorable eyes… not so good. School is Jack: How can you blame a A Critique of Modern Day Prom unwanted and unneeded pres- 200 parents freaking out, they sure for something that’s really take forever and most of them not going anywhere. end up badly, isn’t all that worth Dresses and Tuxes: the golden pics that turn out Rachel: The prom industry is right? booming as girls are spending Jack: I hate pictures. You stand hundreds on dresses they will there for two hours doing noth- wear once and never again. ing. You have parents saying Honestly, how much you spend “ooh you look cute”, there are is your own decision but my 30 cameras pointed at you, you personal advice is try borrowing don’t know where to look, and Jack West from friends, looking at websites the pictures are never any good Rachel Varon like renttherunway.com or get a anyway. Take pictures on your Opinions Editors dress that can be used for more own time ladies. Prom is about occasions than just Prom! what you did, not what you Jack: The only two times that looked like. PHOTO: ANA MYRTETUS The Promposal: Junior Adam Adulewicz asks junior Ana Mytetus. Rachel: I think this is one of people go out for a nice, fancy Dinner: the better evolutions Prom has evening are prom and home- Rachel: Fancy dinners are a fun the dining room or the patio up posed. Electing a court is just developed. It’s fun to see the dif- coming. People rarely go on part of prom but if you wanna nice, have all your friends come another way to perpetuate popu- ferent ways people get asked, it elaborate and fancy dates any do it right, cater at home. Set over and then have dinner in larity contests or a way to target adds excitement to getting asked more, so since these are really the comfort of your own home! certain people to make fun of and it’s a good chance for the your only two chances to get It’s cheaper, you don’t have them. Even if the Prom King guys to show what they can do. dressed up for a nice evening to worry about waiters taking and Queen are the two nicest However, the authenticity of the out, I say go hard or go home! forever, other people being loud people in the school, it creates gesture of a creative Promposal Spend all the money you can or acting acceptable in a public a sense that the dance is now in has been lost now that it has and then spend a little more! place. celebration of them, when the become an expectation. What Pictures: Jack: If there is any place in Prom is supposed to be about used to be a sweet surprise has Rachel: Pictures are the way prom to save your money, it’s the Junior and Senior class as a become simply standard. we remember the night forever! here. Food really isn’t that whole being a community. Jack: For couples in relation- Why did you spend all that time much better if you go to a fancy Jack: I think it is important for ships, or those who are looking looking for a dress, getting your restaurant. I’d be happy having the popular people to be recog- to be in a relationship, Prompos- hair nice and make-up perfect my prom dinner at McDonalds. nized because soon it will all if you don’t get to remember Prom Court: be over. This is the high point als are important because they PHOTO: ALLISON VANINWEGEN show how much the person you looking your best forever? Rachel: This is one of Prom’s of their lives and they should means to you but, when you’re Sure they are awkward, the guys Junior Reagan Fakhoury asks traditions that should have been celebrate it. It’s all downhill going with a friend, it’s a lot of don’t want to be there, there are senior Allison Vaninwegen. discarded when it was first pro- from here. ommentator taff C Editors-in-Chief S Letter to the Editor: Coleman Greene Maddy Waldron Junior Ryan Walter explains how SOL Testing is unconstitutional It’s that time of the year again. growth and school reliability or huge infringement on state and News: Opinions: Long classes at the beginning not is a long debated on topic, local authority by the federal Livi Justis Jack West Connor Loughran Rachel Varon of the day are in place so that however, one question in partic- government, something the our fellow students can sit in ular that interests me is whether Constitution was made specifi- Features: a cold, silent room to take the SOLs are even constitutional in cally to protects against. Ad- Ashley Frederick Special Features: state mandated Standards Of the first place. ditionally, the Constitution gives Emma Dixon Gates Towell Learning tests, also known as Standardized tests are state the government no specific the SOLs. To some, these tests mandated by something known jurisdiction over the education Sports: are simply a nuisance during the as the No Child Left Behind system. Many of the NCLB’s Sam Anderson Arts and Entertainment: Trey Holsten Jamie Bacon final weeks of the school year; Act (NCLB) of 2001, passed original opponents (both liberal Clayton Leep Yashia Burrell but to many others, these tests under the first term of President and conservative) criticized it as Michael Wagner Grace Gemmell dictate the entire curriculum of George W. Bush. Its purpose an infringement of State’s rights, the school year, causing great was to set high standards of yet the NCLB is still in place amounts of anxiety in high education in American students thanks to, put simply, a loop- Photography Editors school students and teachers and establish measurable goals hole. It denies school systems Yashia Burrell Grace Gemmel alike. for student ‘growth’. This act is federal funding if they do not Coleman Greene Maddy Waldron In this respect, manda- just the latest iteration of some- comply with mandating stan- tory standardized tests have thing known as the Elementary dardized tests, thus technically, destroyed and industrialized and Secondary Education Act the federal government does the processes of education of 1965 (ESEA), passed un- not 100% require standardized and learning in public schools. der the Lyndon B. Johnson tests because schools can opt out Staff Advisor Lauren Lombard Creative freedom no longer ex- Administration as part of the from taking them, they would ists for teachers as they struggle ‘War on Poverty’ initiative to just lose their federal funding. The Commentator is a publication of to make sure that students can combat the achievement gap be- However, in a modern world Douglas Southall Freeman High School consistently regurgitate facts in tween wealthier and poorer stu- where schools have become Principal: Anne Poates the manner and sequence the dents with large sums of federal accustomed to federal funding, 8701 Three Chopt Rd. Henrico, Virginia 23229 state wants them to. In many spending on education. Unlike foregoing these funds is not a http://schools.henrico.k12.va.us/freeman/ respects, the SOLs stand more previous legislation that just legitimate option. Thus, on the Phone: (804) 673-3700 as a checklist rather than a encouraged statewide standard- surface, despite many students’ [email protected] legitimate test of creativity and ized testing at a statewide level, and teachers’ abhorrence for

Letters to the editor are encouraged. They must be signed before they can academic interest in students. the NCLB specifically mandates them, SOLs are technically pe brinted. Because of variety and space, only a limited number of letters be Whether SOLs are an effec- it. Wait, what? constitutional. pulished. The Commentator reserves the right not to print a letter. tive tool for measuring student In many respects, that’s a - Junior Ryan Walter eatures 3 F The Commentator Freeman Pays Tribute to Retiring Teachers Mrs. Schulhoff It is no secret that many Livi Justis “Her personality is very bub- bly. It adds a certain je ne sais of Madame’s students have News Editor quoi to the learning experience,” enjoyed her presence in the said junior Lauren Potts. classroom, and many of her col- For the past 32 years, Evelyne Madame Schulhoff’s students leagues feel the same. Schulhoff has taught countless will miss her in the years to “I have been teaching next students the French language come and according to Ma- door to Madame Schulhoff for and culture, making her “au dame, the feeling is mutual. twenty years now, and I am revoir” to Freeman bittersweet. “My favorite part of teaching going to miss her contagious To many, Madame Schulhoff has been the students, they are laughter and her professionalism is simply known as, “Madame.” just so phenomenally awesome. as the foreign language depart- The rapport that exists between The best part really is the kids… ment chair,” said Sandy Faw, Madame and her students en- they have made my job easy, Spanish teacher. ables her to take certain liberties and that has made retiring dif- With so many exciting plans PHOTO: EVELYNE SCHULHOFFF in her approach to teaching; like PHOTO: SCHULHOFF ficult. I am going to miss each for retirement, there is no telling dancing, cooking, singing, and Madame Schulhoff poses on the Europe trip. and every one of them,” said where Madame will go and watching French films. Madame Schulhoff. what she will do. Cabell, Counselling Office who has roots at Freeman. Mrs. Tetley secretary. “My husband coached football “I do love it here, I am sorry here from 1988 to 2002 and my after working 18 years at the to be leaving,” said Mrs. Tetley. son graduated in 2001 from the Livi Justis Chesterfield 911 center. On top of her duties as sec- Leadership Center,” said Mrs. News Editor “Coming here to work with retary, Mrs. Tetley has driven Tetley. high school students was actu- in the homecoming parade for In her retirement, Mrs. Tetley If you’ve ever ventured into ally my de-stress job,” said Mrs. ten years and hopes to continue is eager to spend time with her the Counseling Office for any Tetley. after she retires. grandchildren and visit her reason, you’ve surely been “She loves the kids and she “I think one of my favorite family back home in Pittsburgh, greeted by Shelley Tetley’s smil- loves to interact with kids… I memories here at DSF has been Pennsylvania. ing face. For the past twelve really think that that was the driving in the homecoming pa- “I am looking forward to years, Mrs. Tetley has been most appealing part of this job rades, driving the former year’s spending more time with my working as one of the secretar- for her, she just really loves the Queen and her attendants,” said three grandchildren who live in ies for the school counseling kids, and they are going to miss Mrs. Tetley. King William,” said Mrs. Tetley. PHOTO: LIVI JUSTIS office. her just as much as she is going Mrs. Tetley is not, however, With so much to look forward Mrs. Tetley came to Freeman to miss them,” said Christie the only member of her family to, Mrs. Tetley is optimistic Mrs. Tetley works at her desk. about her future of retirement.

Suzanne Criswell said, “She is Mrs. Baylor fair, efficient, witty, patient and Baylor has imparted her wisdom has a wicked sense of humor! Gates Towell and experience on the other During a first year of all new Features Editor English teachers in the depart- things for me, I could not have ment. had a better leader and teacher.” English 12 will never be the “Every time I have watched All the financial transactions same when the Shakespearean her teaching, I have thought to from prom to textbooks go Audrey Baylor retires this year. myself, ‘I wish I had an English through her. However, she is Having taught for 21 years, teacher like Mrs. Baylor when I looking forward to some travel- Mrs. Baylor has always guided was in high school.’” said Mrs. ling plans after she leaves. She her students to be more effec- Lombard. has learned a lot throughout the tive and creative writers. Known for keeping in touch years and passes on the wisdom PHOTO: COLEMAN GREENE Other teachers have found with her students after they she has gained. that Mrs. Baylor is a friend to graduate, she will no doubt be Mrs. Gilbert takes a break from the schools finances. Mrs. Gilbert said, “It’s just the many and an all-around intel- missed immensely as a teacher Golden Rule. Treat people the ligent person. and friend. way you want to be treated; give Brian Durrett, Head of the “A teacher is part parent, part Mrs. Gilbert respect and you’ll get it right English department said, instructor, and part friend. We back. It’s a great lesson for here “She routinely captures her and everywhere.” get to be around kids during a Gates Towell together. After 13 years of hard students’ imagination through Even though students might really important part of their Features Editor work behind the scenes, Mrs. fresh approaches to learn- not have known what she does, lives, a time when they’re figur- Gilbert is retiring. ing—whether she is discussing Mrs. Gilbert has been a vital ing out important pieces of who As the school financial sec- sleep and nighttime dreams as they are, and in the middle of part of the Freeman family. You may not have met the retary, she doesn’t get as much a conduit to literary imagery that we get to read and talk And as a graduate from Free- book keeper whose office is interaction with the students as or asking the entire class to about ideas. I will miss the stu- man in class of 1975, Freeman tucked away in the corner of the the teachers and administrators stomp out the rhythm of iam- dents from Freeman, and I will will always be in Mrs. Gilbert’s main office, but Marion Gilbert do. But that doesn’t stop her bic pentameter.” miss the teachers,” Mrs. Baylor heart. should be known as some- from always having a good sense In addition to being a great said. one who kept Freeman glued of humor. influence on her students, Mrs. Wedding Bells Ring at Freeman They came across the location for the wedding through mutual friends they had that were mem- bers. “Once Carter and her mom checked out some pictures [of the Country Club] on Pinterest we decided to look for ourselves and we decided after we saw it,” Mr. Reilly said. “Price wise and location wise it was perfect for what we want- ed,” Mrs. Reilly said. The wedding was fast paced, A Day in the Life of with everything taking place in one big ballroom. “They had the tables already Michael Byrd set up on one half of the room 6:50 – Alarm goes off and hits the snooze button about 7 and they had the ceremony on more times the opposite side,” Mr. Reilly 7:50 – Finally gets up and gets in the shower said. “We had a really short ceremo- 8:00 – Gets out of the shower to get dressed and then goes ny, which people liked, and then back to bed there were pictures and the wed- 8:20 – Wakes up again PHOTO: CARTER REILLY ding dance reception… it was a 8:30 – Heads to school Mr. and Mrs. Reilly smile after the big day. good time,” Mrs. Reilly said. 8:40 – Arrives at school “We made all our groomsmen 8:50 – Sits and dreads for school to start to that suggestion, on April 15th and bridesmaids dance with us, 10:42 – Walks to 3rd period with Jackson checking out all the Rachel Varon of last year they were engaged. which is something I’ve always girls Opinions Editor Mr. Reilly proposed to Mrs. wanted to do,” Mrs. Reilly said. 11:00 – Starts homework that was due that day The couple spent their Hon- Reilly last year in Mexico. 12:30 – Gets tormented by somewhat friend Monique Earlier this spring, the Free- “I was very surprised and eymoon in Negril, Jamaica for 12:54 – Eats lunch that consists of a PB & J, water, and a man Family said goodbye to didn’t see it coming, he did six days. Miss Smiley and hello to Mr. a great job of holding in the “It was beautiful, we had a hefty bag of 27 cheez-its and Mrs. Reilly. Carter Smiley, secret,” Mrs. Reilly said. private beach, amazing food, 1:19 – Walks sadly from lunch to endure the rest of the school a Latin teacher as well as Cheer- The wedding took place just it was paradise basically,” Mr. day with Johnny leading and Soccer Coach, under a year later. Reilly said. 2:45 – Gets discriminated against by Mr. Inman and Joshua Reilly, Freeman’s “I wanted it in like February On the way there, however, 3:15 – Gets tormented by Monique again Technology Service Technician and March because that’s kind they ran into some familiar 3:50 – Stares at the clock waiting for school to be over (TST), were married on March of down time in school for me, company. 3:55 – Heads out to get driven home by sister, Emily Byrd 28th at the Jefferson Lakeside which worked out with daylight “We saw one of my students 4:00 – Annoys Emily all the way home on our stop to Miami and an- Country Club. saving and Spring Break,” Mrs. 4:10 – Asks Emily for something, thus realizing it was a bad The newlywed couple met Reilly said. other student on the way back, idea here at Freeman, when a mu- “We wanted the honeymoon which happened to us going to tual friend suggested they get to align with spring break,” Mr. Mexico [last year] as well,” Mr. 4:30 – Starts Netflix marathon together at some point. Thanks Reilly said. Reilly said. 11:00 – Passes out from a long, hard day 4 Special Features 5 Freeman Families Students share interesting family stories and special living conditions

Mission Trip to Nicaragua Makes Family Whole

Emma Dixon needed to be a part of ready to go back home regulations and adoption In 2008 Judah was able From time to time Judah their family. because I didn’t know policies. to permanently stay in and his adoptive parents Special Features “She noticed me and them,” said Judah. “But when it was time the United States with get the opportunity to go Editor wanted me to become a his new family. back to Nicaragua and member of her family,” “They have been so visit. Do you think one said Judah. great and nice, they “My parents have person can change your In Nicaragua Judah really did want me to be influenced me to do life? For junior Judah lived in an orphanage. He a part of their family,” community service. I Murphy, one person and had three sisters and one said Judah. do it because I know it one family did. nephew in Nicaragua. During the holidays was done for me and so Judah is from Nicaragua. “I did not know them Judah gets to spend I’ll do it for others,” said He was adopted by a well and was not very time with his immediate Judah. family that met him close to them,” said adoptive family and One family has through a mission trip. Judah. extended adoptive family. changed Judah’s life When his sister Shannon When Judah was seven “The holidays are a and now Judah goes out was 24, she went down to years old Sharon and crazy time. At Christmas and changes the lives of Nicaragua. Steve Murphy decided we host Christmas Eve others. The mission trip was to adopt Judah and PHOTO: JUDAH MURPHY dinner for my dad’s side and opportunity offered welcome him into their of the family and they Judah takes a family picture. by the University of family. are very energetic, and Virginia to go to a “I have been told that I brunch on Christmas foreign country and do cried a lot when I came Eventually Judah did for me to go I didn’t want morning for my mom’s mission work. Shannon back to the United States, get to go back because to leave,” said Judah with side and they are more then decided that Judah I was home sick and of the government a smile. talkative,” said Judah.

Sports Brings Father and Daughter Together Relationship with Sister Creates a Special Household every day, Natasha does where her mom lives. part of the relationship when she was 7. she no longer has her Emma Dixon Sydney Catlett not slack off. “I want to see my mom between April and her The hardships April mom to go to. Special Features “My sister is stricter more, I miss her because Staff Writer dad and has brought has faced has brought her “It’s hard to talk to him Editor than my mom because I’m not used to not them closer by watching and her dad even closer about things that you she doesn’t want me to seeing her everyday like I sports, talking sports, and April said. would normally talk to a think I can relax and not had been,” said Natasha. For Freshman April playing sports together April and her dad have mom about,” said April. Living with her sister, care about school,” said When summer time Bishop and her dad their all the time. always bonded through April enjoys spending junior Natasha Lopez Natasha. and holidays come household is all sports all April was raised by a sports which is how she time with her dad has more rules and Alexiss enforces strict around, Natasha and her the time. single father after the loss got started in softball and because of his outgoing regulations than she rules for school and sister go to New Jersey to Sports is a prominent of her mother to cancer is currently a player on personality. did when her mom was homework. visit family. the JV softball team. “My dad is really living with them. “Even if I don’t feel “During the summer Watching sports energetic, enthusiastic, Natasha’s mom recently well she makes me go I also go to Puerto Rico together is her favorite and spontaneous,” said got a job opportunity in to school and try to where some of my family thing to do with her dad. April. New Jersey and moved make it through the day. also lives,” said Natasha. “His favorite sports are A way that April and up there to work. Now She makes sure I do my Wanting to be closer baseball and football but her dad often spend time Natasha lives with her homework every night to her mom has driven he likes everything,” said together is when they eat sister Alexiss, her sister’s and study for all of my Natasha to work hard to April. dinner together on the girlfriend, and their two tests,” said Natasha. reach her goals. dogs. For meals, Alexiss’s “It makes me want to Although she loves sofa and watch T.V. “I like living with my girlfriend usually cooks do better in school so I living with her dad and Of course during dinner sister because we are dinner and the three of can get a good education, PHOTO: APRIL BISHOP sharing the love of sports time sports is always the really close so it works them sit around the table become a veterinarian, with him she has faced April and her Father posing in the car. show of choice for April out,” said Natasha. to eat. and go to college in some challenges because and her dad. Alexiss is 22 and Although being close New York to be closer to works as a receptionist with her sister helps the family,” said Natasha. PHOTO: NATASHA LOPEZ in a hospital. Even if transition, Natasha still her mom is not with her wants to be closer to Natasha poses with her sister, Alexiss.

Grandparents Home-Cooked Meals Create a Loving Home English Teacher Charlotte Johnson has a Full House “My mom and my degrees. There’s almost types of Asian food. time of year for him and Ashley Fredrick step father have been been a push toward Sydney Catlett Tommy especially likes his family. married since I was ten. I education because of how they are always “We celebrate Features Editor Staff Writer think we have more of a the competition between making new and different Thanksgiving, normal family dynamic us,” said Ms. Johnson. food for dinner and keep Christmas, and the than people who have Having a large number Good cooking and it interesting so it’s not Chinese New Year,” said English teacher been in typical two of people can have a a love for food brings the same every night. Tommy. Charlotte Johnson grew person households for humorous toll on the junior Tommy Nguyen “My favorite thing they Tommy enjoys living up in a large family their entire lives,” said family. and his family together make is Pho,” Tommy with his grandparents reminiscent to one you Ms. Johnson. “Whenever we have a every night at the dinner said. because they are very might see in a television A factor that most family event, celebrating table and creates a loving, Tommy’s grandparents relaxed and allow him to sitcom. influenced Ms. Johnson a holiday, dinner, or easy-going household. usually sit together at spend time with friends One word she uses to to succeed was the spirit family vacation, we Tommy and his brother the dinner table every and give him a lot of describe her family is of competition. cannot be on time for grew up in a household night and he usually eats freedom. numerous. “It made me a stronger anything. It has gotten to together raised by their with them except for Although he is given “My mom has been person, especially trying a point that it’s a running grandparents. nights that he is too busy a lot of freedom, “the married three times. to be one out of so many. joke. It’s expected that “My mom was busy working on schoolwork worry a lot about me,” I have 3 real sisters It’s also nice because I we are always the late at the time and she or hanging out with said Tommy. 1 half-brother and 5 came from almost an ones to everything,” said had to work and my friends. “I really like living with step siblings,” said Ms. entire family of teachers. Ms. Johnson. grandparents were During the holiday my grandparents, they Johnson. We can all empathize Overall, Ms. Johnson’s there,” said Tommy. season Tommy and his are really nice and cool,” Although the addition with each other. All large family has molded His favorite part family spend a lot of time said Tommy. of people required a nine of us siblings her into the person she is about living with his together not just around transition, blending the PHOTO: MS. JOHNSON PHOTO: TOMMY NGUYEN almost have a total of today. grandparents is their the dinner table. families did not take 20 higher education Ms Johnson celebrates with her family. Tommy Nguyen standing with grandparents cooking because they The holidays can be an long. and other family members. make so many different exciting and very busy 6 SPORTS The Commentator Fishing in Sophomore Chases Dream Richmond “He is way more social than Trey Holsten a lot of kids on the autism Sports Editor spectrum. It is a big deal when a kid like Max can make an organized team,” said Mrs. Max Levenson did not make Levenson. the JV baseball team last year. “For us, not many kids get The coaches said he had the this opportunity, when you are best attitude of any of the watching your kid out there, players, but there were too all you really want is for them Sam Anderson many sophomores trying out. to be included, and to re- Sports Editor His freshman year he ran track ally feel like they are a part of something bigger. We do it in instead, but spent the season A few years ago I started fish- measurable victories. But all of thinking about the players on ing with a rod I bought from them when you are on the au- the baseball field. He knew he Walmart. Then I bought a fly tism spectrum, big or small are wasn’t having as much fun as fishing rod at a yard sale and victories. He couldn’t catch a baseball would have been. This started to fish at different spots ball, he couldn’t ride a tricycle, year, Max and his parents, Jeff around Richmond. Now, I fish and up until middle school, and Debby Levenson, did not on a regular basis on ponds and we were in therapy. For him set their expectations too high on the James River. I would like to come this far and to be on a going into tryouts. They knew to think I am a better fisherman team like this is a tremendous it would be tough. There are than I am, so I tell people I fish victory. For him, making the so many good baseball players for the “experience” not for team is beyond that. We didn’t who try out for the program the fish. If you are 16+, find a care if he even played,” said that went to state finals last fishing license for $23 online at Mrs. Levenson. year. Max said he did his best http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/ Max said his favorite sport is during tryouts, but did not feel licenses. Before you start fishing, baseball because of everything confident that that was enough you need to locate any signs, if involved with the sport. He en- as he went into the coach’s there are any, to learn the rules joys all of the communication office to hear about the cuts. of the pond. He braced himself, telling the during games and the effort and hustle required to play. He also Coach Barnes, “it’s ok coach University of Richmond: likes watching Major League just tell me.” If you are looking for a relax- Baseball on TV. His favorite Meanwhile, Max’s dad ner- ing fishing trip without much players include Jason Heyward, vously waited to hear the news time on your hands, UR is the Miguel Cabrera, Bryce Harper, in the parking lot. After cuts perfect place to go. You can and Ryan Zimmerman. Max went to his Dad’s car and catch a variety of fish from Max said his favorite part threw his bat bag into the trunk sunfish to bass. I went this last about the Freeman team is the and climbed in the car. Max Levenson hitting a ball at the Tucker v. Freeman JV Base- Wednesday night around 6:30. intensity during the games. “He did not say much for ball game After a few casts, I was getting “When we’re down in games what seemed like forever,” said hits on the horsefly fly I was us- his positivity helps us out,” Levenson. A high mark for any baseball Mr. Levenson. ing, while my friend was using a said sophomore JV player Brett “And the kids learn that not player. He then finally told his dad wacky rigged worm. We fished Reid. everybody is the same, but that Max is a very outgoing person that he made the team. Max for about an hour, and I caught Max also enjoys the enthusi- makes the world go-round. who always has a positive atti- was so happy and proud of a couple sunfish, and while he asm in the dugout. He said his There is a real sense of family. tude. Whenever he sees any- himself for making the team did not catch anything, he was role models were the coaches, Those kids really take care of body he knows he always greets Max started playing base- getting bites on this worm. We Coach Moore, Coach Walphall, each other,” said Mrs. Leven- them. His attitude is likely due ball since he was 5 years old. would have caught more fish, and Coach Barnes because they son. to his surroundings. Max said He started with T-Ball and except for the fact that about are working hard to develop Max said his best moment on that he feels famous at Freeman advanced to regular pitch. He half way through, I was casting everyone to be the best that the team was when he got an and everyone likes and support played at the Tuckahoe YMCA. and the fly go stuck in his hand. they can be. RBI walk against Tucker. him. Max went on to say that Max plays third base, pitcher or The lesson here is, fish respon- “He has learned how to win “It felt really good that it Freeman is the best school he outfield. Although, Max said sibly and you will have more and lose gracefully. This lesson wasn’t a strikeout and I really has ever been to. He said his he does not like playing in the successful day. outfield as much. was led by coaches who are liked the attitude that the team parents are always cheering him excellent role models,” said Mr. showed when I went up to bat,” on and helping him. Max has Autism Spectrum Huguenot Flatwater: Levenson. said Max. “It’s been rewarding and excit- Disorder, also known as ASD. To get to this spot you need to Coach Jay Barnes of the JV When Max went up to bat, the ing, to see that when you work ASD prevented Max’s hand-eye go across the Huguenot Bridge baseball team said that Max whole team cheered him on. hard you can be successful. It’s coordination from being very and then take the first exit off has improved 200%. The JV “In his first at-bat, the team so great to watch the interac- good. His parents decided to the bridge for Lakeside Drive. baseball team’s final record was got very loud, I have never tion with his team,” said Mr. sign him up for baseball to help After that take your first left 6-12 but everyone on the team heard the team that loud. It was Levenson. him. and then a right at the end of improved. a very exciting moment for ev- “This year Max has grown as “We used baseball as a tool to the street. Then, wander down “The key to this whole thing eryone,” said Coach Jay Barnes. a baseball player, a student, and learn how to catch and hit off a a couple small paths after you is that there are people at Since the first Tucker game, a person. It is all because of the tee,” said Mrs. Levenson. park and you will find yourself Freeman who get it. Not all Max has played in the second players, kids, and coaches who They had used it for therapy, under the bridge. This spot is teachers, not all parents, not Tucker game. He went 1-3 with have shown respect for each but once he started playing, good for catching sunfish in a all coaches get it, but I really a single. He hit a line drive other. They epitomize what a Max loved the sport. Baseball side eddy, as well as catfish and believe that Max being on the down third base. Max was then team is all about. It really is a is also a sport his dad played in bass in the river. There is also a team benefited everyone on able to advance around and credit to DSF,” said Mr. Leven- high school and college at VMI boat launch if you have a kayak the team, and this team gets it. score a run. His On-Base Per- son. Max is definitely a part of so he and Max always play and or canoe, and this is a great spot You learn a lot about life,” Mrs. centage for the season was .500. the Freeman Rebel Family. talk about baseball together. to boat because there is a lot of structure with over hanging trees that fish like to hangout Junior Takes Her Passion to the Next Level near. I have also sight fished for gar there. One this particular Claire Gregory will compete in a national bodybuilding competition in August day I caught two small bass on a wooly bugger fly and caught The Jay Cutler Classic strictly sunfish on small top water flies. Clayton Leep forbids the use of steroids, so Sports Editor most competitors will be strict Three Lakes Park: protein users. This a park similar to Deep One of the most important Run Park because it is a family While most students see sum- parts of Claire’s preparation is friendly environment, as well as mer as a period to cool down companionship. a park with good lakes. While and relax, junior Claire Gregory “It is always helpful to have we were fishing there we didn’t sees it as the start of her sea- someone to motivate you while catch any fish but, we could see son. Starting out in the summer you’re in the gym,” she said. bass on the top of the water. of 2013, Claire has continued Allison Cooley, a junior at This was not my favorite spot a weight lifting regiment few Godwin, is one of Claire’s lift- because it was very crowded. people can abide by. ing buddies. There were a lot of people fish- “I wanted to better myself to “Clair is one of the most moti- ing on the lakes so it was hard break the stereotype of a male vated people I know. Going to to find a spot to fish. One thing dominated sport.” said Claire. the gym with her never fails to I did like about the spot was the As a newcomer to the sport PHOTO: CLAIRE GREGORY be a grind.” said Allison. fact that there was a lot of struc- Lifting with partners has pre- in 2013, Claire started out slow. Claire does a form squat as part of a leg workout. ture in the pond so that meant She worked hard month by pared her for a future part time many kinds of fish would likely month to build a solid founda- career as a personal trainer. As be hanging out around. It is a schedule to receive maximum watches her intake of carbohy- tion. Two years later Claire is soon as she is eighteen and certi- far drive, about half way to Bass results: on Mondays Claire drates, calories, fat, and protein in full stride preparing for her fied, Claire hopes to personal Pro Shop, so it is a good park to focuses on legs including squats in all of the foods she eats. first body building competition train until she graduates college fish if you are eager to test you and leg press. Tuesdays are chest However these restrictions on on August 29th, 2015. She will and pursues other interests. your new gear. and triceps days, Wednesdays her diet do not impede her from be competing in the Jay Cutler As Claire prepares for the Jay Richmond is a great place to are back and biceps, Thursdays eating. Classic, a national body building Cutler Classic in August, she fish. Wherever you are, you are are leg days, Fridays are for “A big girl’s gotta eat.” said competition held in Richmond. remembers picture of her idol, only a few minutes away from shoulders, Saturdays for chest Claire. With the training season for this professional body builder Janet the river or other smaller ponds. and triceps again, and Sun- Claire does not recommend di- competition starting May 10th, Layug, which motivates her My favorite spot that I went days are for back, biceps, and etary restrictions unless compet- Claire has already started pre- every day in the gym. was UR because of the amount shoulders. ing in a competition like herself. paring on a seven day schedule. “She got to shake Arnold of spots you can fish, and the However, as the competition Most serious weightlifters drink Claire starts out every workout Schwarzenegger hand. I al- variety that they have there. closes in, Claire will have to protein shakes after workouts with a session of cardio. ways use her to think that will Remember that when you go limit the amount of weight she to help their muscles recover “I begin every workout with be someday if I work hard to have the proper tackle, and will lift. and build up strength. Protein thirty five minutes of cardio on enough”, said Claire. always have your license with “I will be competing in the is essential to Claire’s regi- Claire hopes to begin chas- the Stairmaster or Treadmill you. right now. As the competition bikini competition, so this sum- ment. She is a constant user of ing this dream by claiming first gets closer I will have to do mer I will focus on working on Quest protein after all of her place in August at the Carpenter more and more cardio during tone, not bulk,” said Claire. workouts. She also likes to get Theater. every workout,” Claire said. As for dietary restrictions, protein naturally from foods like She follows an extremely strict Claire has to stay dedicated. She chicken. ports 7 S The Commentator Spring Sports Atheletes End the Season Strong

Name: Gabby Barnes Name: Ben Stoller

Sport: Varsity Softball Sport: Boys’ Varsity Soccer

Position: Second Base Position: Left Wing

Favorite memory: “The first Favorite memory: “I really time we won a game last year enjoyed playing on the team this was the first I played that year year, though our record could be on varisty. I played second better, we’ve got a good chance base and everyone was really of success in the post season.” excited.” Quote from teammate: “I re- Quote from teammate: “Gab- ally enjoyed Ben on the team by has really exceeded expecta- this year because his speed is a PHOTO: TOM VEASLEY tions, especially considering PHOTO: JULIE LAZAR valuable asset up top and he's PHOTO: GRACE GEMMELL that she is so young compared had some good finishes. He was Name: Andrew Ryan Name: Coby Sale Name: Jane Shawcross to the rest of the team. This a good addition to the team.” – year she has gained a lot of Mason Chakales Sport: Boys’ Varisty Lacrosse Sport: Boys’ Varsity Baseball Sport: Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse confidence and improved her skills even further.” -Hannah Position: Attack Position: Second Base Position: Attack and Midfield Lettshek Favorite memory: “My favorite Favorite memory: “My favorite Favorite memory: “My favorite memory was when Sam and memory from this season was part of the season was how we Clayton came to one of our when we played Stab and they came back to beat Deep Run games with their suits on.” really showed us that we were in extra innings, even though able to jump to the next level as we lost to them earlier in the Quote from teammate: “Jane a team.” season.” is one of the best players in the midfield. She hustles to Quote from teammate: “You Quote from teammate: “Coby every pass, every double team, know what you’re going to has great hands in the field, and and every ground ball. She is get day in and day out from comes up big in clutch mo- the definition of an unselfish Andrew. The kid is a beast. I ments.” -Eric O’brien. player.” –Caroline Plashal mean, just look at his calves; they tell it all.” –Adam Adule- wicz PHOTO: HANNAH LETTSHEK PHOTO: TOM VEAZEY Name: Rebecca Webb Name: Lucy Collins

Sport: Track and Field Sport: Girls Tennis

Event: Shot Put Position: One doubles and two doubles Favorite memory: “My favor- ite memory would have to be Favorite memory: “When at this year’s winter Conference I was little, I always played meet, when I got first place.” with my brother so it helped me be a better player when Quote from teammate: “Every- I got on a higher level with one looks up to her, she’s really coaches.” fun and easy to work with.” PHOTO: MILESTAT -Jamie Tignor PHOTO: MICHAEL WAGNER Quote from teammate: PHOTO: TOM VEAZEY Name: Andrew Smith Name: Matthew Oley “Lucy is a hard worker, al- Name: Sydney Granderson ways full of energy, and she’s Sport: Track and Field Sport: Boys’ Varsity Tennis been a great addition to the Sport: Girls’ Varsity Soccer team this year.” –Molly Cox Position: Forward Events: 400m, 800m, and 5k Position: Number 8 on the team Favorite memory: “When we Favorite memory: “I always Favorite memory: “When the played Hermitage this year and like the times when we run team beat Godwin, because it was I scored the first goal within through the dirt paths deeper a huge win. Also, when I won at the first 15 seconds of the game into Cheswick Park, or into Hermitage to seal the match off from 30 yards away.” some unknown, unexplored and not put any pressure on the neighborhood, and just explore seniors.” Quote from teammate: the place together by running “Grandy is really funny and she through it and finding different Quote from teammate: “Well, always has everyone laughing. routes.” when he came in people knew She’s one of the hardest working he had talent and potential, but people on the team and never Quote from teammate: “An- no one expected him to play this gives up.” -Michelle Saiyed drew makes a huge addition well.”- Conner Martin to our team. He never fails to always go 100% in every race.” PHOTO: YAYA BURRELL PHOTO: LUCY COLLINS –Reese Pounders Varsity Sports Update season 11-5. They lost to Deep Wallid Suliman, Mathew HP, Michael Wagner Run (twice) and Godwin. Their Ryan McCracken all have been Sports Editor quality wins were against Atlee performing well. Jelan Washing- and Tucker. They were elimi- ton is doing well in pole vault. nated in the first round of the Baseball Conference 11 tournament by Girls’ Track and Field The baseball team finished Godwin. Girls Track and Field performed their season 16-4. They lost to well this season. Jordan Bour- Lee Davis (twice), Deep Run Boys’ Soccer geois is coming back from an Coleman Greene Maddy Waldron and Atlee. However, they beat Boys’ soccer finished their injury this season. Mackenzie Deep Run and Atlee the recent season 7-6-1. They lost to Deep Kerr, Carole Trevey and Mia time they played. They posted run (twice), Godwin (twice), Girardi have performed very other impressive wins against Maggie Walker and Hermitage. well this season and exceeded He Said, She Said Godwin and the Maggie They have posted impressive expectations. Molly Bruce has Walker. They have the #1 seed wins against Atlee, Maggie also performed very well in the Walker and Hermitage. They high jump. in the upcoming playoffs. Playoffs: drew Tucker on May 7. They finished their season with a win Boys’ Lacrosse Softball I thought football season was against Lee Davis and have the Boys lacrosse finished the regu- Playoffs? PLAYOFFS?!? The softball team finished their over Conference tournament coming lar season 13-1, with 1 loss to St. season 9-10, with wins against Deflategate: Hermitage (twice), Maggie up. Chris. The lacrosse team posted Walker, Collegiate, Radnor and quality wins over Collegiate, I have a flat tire It was Aaron Hernandez Thomas Jefferson. They closed Girls’ Soccer Deep Run, St. Annes/Belfield, The girls’ soccer team finished Western Albemarle and Atlee. out the regular season with two Protien: wins against Henrico and Mag- 4-9-2. The posted wins against They have the #1 seed in the Hermitage (twice), Lee Davis playoffs which begin starting the gie Walker. Peanut Butter and Tucker, and draws with week of May 21. Raw salmon, with a side of Collegiate and Deep Run. Loss- bench press Boys’ Tennis Pokemon: Boys tennis finished their es include Godwin, Deep Run, Girls’ Lacrosse season 12-4. They lost to Deep and Maggie Walker. The team Girls lacrosse finished the run (twice) and St. Chris and has the Conference tournament season 11-2, with losses to Col- It’s for real atheletes Gotta catch ‘em all! coming up. legiate and Deep Run. Key wins Godwin. Quality wins include Summer Sports: Godwin and Collegiate. They for the girl’s lacrosse team in- lost in the first round against Boys’ Track and Field clude Godwin, James River and Deep Run of the Conference Boys’ Track and Field per- Atlee. They won the final game Catch me at the gym Stairmaster 11 tournament. formed well in meets. Track of the season against Deep Run. side and field side is very good. Playoff play begins on starting Girls’ Tennis Tarell Cisneros Harrison gets the week of May 21. Girls’ tennis finished their the most points for the team, rts ntertainment 8 A & E The Commentator Students Shine Brightly Prom King and at Annual Talent Show Queen Q&A Junior Drums his Way to First Place Finish

laugh,” said Four. “The people who supported Maddy Waldron Four and Peter didn’t only en- come out and really for nothing Editor-in-Chief joy their time on stage, but also except support for their class enjoyed each performers time come out and do a really good on stage as well. job,” Mr. Durrett said. Everyone has a talent. Some “I really enjoyed seeing people Though, this year the number people chose to conceal their you see around school do their of participants in the show and talent and never reveal it. This talents especially when you in support of the show were was not the case for the ten stu- might not have known they had significantly lower than it has dents who decided to share their a talent,” said Peter. been in past years due to a tight talent on April 17 at the Student But, despite how much fun the spring schedule and the chorus Talent Show. night of the actual Talent Show and band trip occurring the The contestants’ acts consisted is there is a lot of time and work same weekend. of a wide variety of talents put into making the show a “It is really awesome that no and performances. Including success. matter the performance the all three of the winners who PHOTO: DIMITRI DUROSEAU English teacher Brian Dur- Freeman audience has always all had very different types of Dimitri Duroseau and Peyton Brady after the crowning rett has been behind the Talent been an A+ crowd and are so performances. Show’s production for 14 years. incredibly supportive of people In third place senior Ramesh King Dimtri Duroseau Queen Peyton Brady Each year holding auditions for coming out and doing their Poudel performed a breakdanc- a week, three 2-3 hour rehears- thing,” Mr. Durrett said. ing routine, in second place What was the best part of the What was the best part of the als, and of course, the show. Performing in front of a senior Cole Herring rapped an night? night? Student Talent Night is a supportive audience has given original song, and lastly, in first The best part of the night was The best part of the night was junior class fundraiser. Selling students an opportunity to ap- place junior Taylor Rendon per- performing the court dance. seeing everyone so dressed tickets for $5 per person the ju- preciate performing on stage. formed on the drums to SIA’s up and happy- and especially nior class raised $300. Also, the Also, students can use the “Chandelier.” Cummerbund or vest? watching my best friend since students in the junior class help Talent Show to let people know Taylor began his interest in Vest all the way. age 12 be crowned king. put on the show. who they are and what they are the drums starting when he was all about. 5 years old. After he got his How does it feel to be royalty? Cummerbund or vest? first kit when he was 13 he was It feels the same just a little Definitely cummerbund. hooked. more recognition. “I like that when I sit down How does it feel to be royalty? to play everything I was think- Favorite dance move? Being royalty feels special, in ing about before goes away and My favorite dance move hopes that we leave a very spe- I like getting lost in the music” would have to be the whip- I cial mark on Freeman. said Taylor. guess that’s relevant now. Not only did Taylor and all Favorite dance move? the other performers enjoy their Favorite runaway pose? Definitely the whip/nae nae time performing in front of an I like the squat and pointing combo. audience, but also the hosts’ pose. enjoyed their time on stage too. Favorite runaway pose? President of the junior class My favorite runaway pose Four Daughtrey and junior Pe- would for sure be the Charlie’s ter Humble hosted Student Tal- Angels pose even though it’s ent Show this year and ended ironic since I lost in senior as- sassin. up loving it. PHOTO: MADDY WALDRON “It was really fun going out on stage and making the audience Contestants await the results of April 17th’s Student Talent Show. Senior Thespians Direct Annual One-Act Plays their choice on April 28th in Alejandro Brown said. don’t plan to stop there. “I plan Throughout the experience, Yashia Burrell front of the student body,. Through the difficulties of to continue studying theatre. I’m the senior directors learned the A&E Editor For months the seniors being first-time directors, the interested in voice over work, ins and outs of directing and have been preparing for this audience has responded to the like being the voice behind compromise. “Directing is about seeing your ideas through the From the classroom to the performance, researching and performances with laughter and animations and commercials, as actors, sometimes you don’t stage, three senior actors finally perfecting their play. “We did a applause. “It was a little stress- well as stage acting both locally even know what you want,” got to put themselves in the lot of research over the sum- ful at first, I wasn’t expecting and in other states,” Alejandro director’s seat, running an mer. The actors wanted to pick that type of audience to be that said. Milan said. entire production in front of a comedy because it was easy to excited,” senior Milan Rachel hundreds of their peers and be fun and the audience seems said. teachers. to respond better to comedies Everything is up to the direc- Each season, directors are but actually narrowing down the tor, but each senior tried to chosen from senior veterans choices was really hard,” Milan include everyone. “We tried to who have been in theatre for said. make sure everyone got a sub- four years. They have complete Although the students were stantial role,” Alejandro said. control of their piece, from familiar with the process of Seeing all of the work they casting, to props, researching putting on a show, the transition put in pay off was worth any their particular play, and even from actor to director wasn’t setbacks to these three seniors. managing stage hands and set- the easiest, but allowed a better “My favorite part was seeing it ting up markers. understanding of the work it come to life and see my actors Three seniors, Alejandro takes to direct effectively. “I’m pour a lot of their own personal- Brown, Milan Rachel, and definitely more comfortable act- ity into the characters,” Alejan- Alexis Barker, took the respon- ing. I have massive amounts of dro said. PHOTO: YASHIA BURRELL respect for directors it takes a lot This performance may mark sibility this spring season and Brandon Wallace (left), Sophie Stell (middle), and Claire put on three one-act plays of of talent and work to be good at the end of their high school communicating,” senior theatre career, but these seniors Gardener (right) perform in “Apocalypse or Bust.”

Road. However, the simplicity donuts. informed by Mrs. Yoder that of the operation fuels the beauty These donuts would not be the customer in front of me had of the experience. considered “light.” The best paid for my donut. I looked A black sandwich board has word to describe these pastries back in the parking lot and saw the prices of all her wares writ- is dense. After breaking through a complete stranger wave at me ten on it: one donut for $2, six the hot glaze, the freshly made as he got in his car. for $10, and twelve for $18. The bread takes over. The body of “Donut season” runs from truck also offers homemade the donut is chewy and thick, March to December. You can fudge, free range brown eggs, providing a filling snack. find Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen and hot coffee. Usually it takes Each donut has a unique all over Central Virginia, at three people in the Yoder Fam- shape and is around 6 inches Westbury Shopping Center on ily to man the truck, and Mrs. in diameter. Every time that I Monday from 8am to 4:30pm, Yoder is always there. go to Mrs. Yoder’s truck I am McKenney Farmers Market on Transactions are fast and pleasantly shocked by the sheer Fridays from 3pm-6pm, and friendly with any employee at size of the donut. It is large Forest Hill Park on Saturdays PHOTO: COLEMAN GREENE the window. The Yoder family is enough to comfortably split with from 8am to 12 noon. Freshly-made sourdough donuts are made by Mrs. Yoder. Mennonite, and their traditional a friend. Not only am I convinced that garb and down to earth charm A recent experience at the a Yoder donut is the most deli- welcome anybody to the truck. truck sums up the spirit of the cious in Richmond, but that she Mennonite Delight When you walk up to the win- Yoder’s donut operation. When and her donut truck is making Monday morning. dow, rows of the dripping ovals I walked up to the window on the world a better place, one Coleman Greene In the donut craze that has re- of sourdough hang on a drying one of my first visits, I was Monday at a time. Editor-in-Chief cently descended upon the 804, ring. The process is simple. You Mrs. Yoder’s donuts have proved tell her how many donuts you want and she pulls them off the Monday has become my to be unlike any other pastry in drying ring with a stick. Mrs. favorite day of the week. Al- our neighborhood. Her yeast Yoder then hands you the donut though this may sound strange, donuts comprised of sourdough folded in wax paper. my joy can be easily explained provide an experience much The first bite into a Yoder by pulling into the Westbury different from that of Krispy donut will blow you away. The Shopping Center at 8 o’clock Kreme or even Sugar Shack. richness and flavor that springs morning. Mrs. Yoder’s small white out of the sourdough and glaze Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen blesses trailer is a curious sight in the PHOTO: COLEMAN GREENE is unexpected. The sourdough is the Freeman Community every midst of bustling Three Chopt Mrs. Yoder’s truck operates on a Monday morning. the outstanding ingredient in the