In this issue News 1–4 Lifestyle 5–7 YDC ask teens Entertainment 8–10 to suggest budget cuts Sports 12 NCAA info Viewpoints 14–15 page 16 On the Street 16 page 12

Volume 18 • Number 5 • Winter 2008 • Please display through March 7 YDC talks to photojournalist Scout Tufankjian Brinda Gupta of the crowd in all of the photos she snapped. Young D.C. YDC sat down with Tufankjian Jan. 24. She President Barack Obama has become a sym- was signing her book Yes We Can at Studio B. The bol for hope and change for people across the coun- book takes readers on a journey from Obama as a try and around the world. He gripped the attention long-shot candidate all the way to election night. of many as he traveled from town to town on the She explained the exhilaration, and, yes, even the presidential campaign trail, winning people over fatigue that came walking alongside Obama at at each stop. Some were won over by his genial campaign stops, following his campaign bus on the personality, others by his political beliefs, and still road, or even flying in his campaign’s jet. others with the belief that the country just needed a “I was sent to cover him in a book signing in new direction. Unlike many of those who followed New Hampshire, and I didn’t want to go…but they candidate Obama’s every step through the media, found someone to pay me, and I took the five to photojournalist Scout Tufankjian experienced the six hour drive to New Hampshire. It seemed like a The crowd reacts to Barack Obama, Jan. 24, 2008, Dillon, S.C. a few days before the South Carolina presidential primary. excitement first hand as she captured the intensity Se e Sc o u t i n g Ob a m a , p a g e 2 Photo by Scout Tufankjian Langston Days in D.C. Rockville Rampage reflects Priscilla Ward and worked for a short but significant One year later, teens and adults see benefits Young D.C. time in D.C.’s Shaw neighborhood D.C. is often observed on a po- during the mid-1920’s. His time from their struggle to report on gangs litical scale. There is, however, a rich in D.C. influenced his outlook and Fran Djoukeng Student Press Law Center. cultural history. It underpins the city. philosophy on working class African- Young D.C. They won because the student Black History Month is a good time American life. In October 2007, the Rockville journalists were fearless in reporting to look back and celebrate a man best This year celebrations for Hughes Rampage embarked on a reporting cru- gang activity in the Rockville area, as known for his striking poems, novels, were held at Grace Church in George- sade. Five months of investigating and were the adult leaders who supported plays, short stories and columns. town and Busboys and Poets in Shaw. editing later, Rockville High School them. All were warned by others that Each Feb. 1 we celebrate Langs- The celebration also included two journalists synthesized the results of the sensitive issue might spark retalia- ton Hughes’ birthday. Hughes lived Se e La n g s t o n Da y s , p a g e 4 prolonged research into a package of tions by gangs and affect the commu- stories. Feb. 22, 2008, they published nity negatively. Editors Jaishri Shankar five stories about gangs in the commu- and Rachel Wagner won $5,000. Ram- nity. There were interviews with gang page adviser Peter Daddone and Prin- members, gang activity statistics and cipal Debra Munk nominated Shan- details of initiation ceremonies. One kar and Wagner. Ultimately Daddone year later, key members of the team and Munk shared the $5,000 award that led the process talked to YDC that usually goes to either an adviser about their work and its rewards. or principal for support of the First In November 2008, the editors Amendment. In addition, the group at- of the 2007-08 school year’s news tended the National High School Jour- section, the Rampage adviser and nalism Convention in St. Louis for the Rockville principal received the 2008 award ceremony. Courage in Journalism award spon- “The recognition from the Feb. 3, Holly Bass reads poems by Langston Hughes accompanied by members of sored by the Newseum, the National SPLC and Newseum was icing on Washington Musica Viva recreating orchestrations by Charles Mingus at Grace Church in Georgetown. photo by Priscilla Ward Scholastic Press Association and the Se e Ra m p a g e , p a g e 3 News t Young D.C. t Winter 2008

SYesc o u t i n g Osheb a m a , f r o mdid p a g e o n e stick with campaign dark event, but the way people reacted to him was so intense and so exciting that I thought he could really do it.” This was the Young D.C. is an independent newspaper written by and defining moment that convinced Tufankjian about metropolitan area teens. that there really was “something” in Obama Address correspondence to: that she wanted to be able to encapsulate in Young D.C. her photography. For the next two years of 1904 18th Street, NW Unit B her life, Tufankjian devoted the majority of Washington, D.C. 20009-1707 her time to capturing the intensity and pas- tel: 202.232.5300 sion of the crowd that gathered for Obama fax: 202.232.5306 at every stop in thousands of photographs. www.youngdc.org When asked about her experiences, Copyright. All rights reserved. Tufankjian replied, “It was really amazing. Co-Managing Editors I got to work nationally and visited every Fran Djoukeng Jin-Ah Kim southern state except Arkansas. Being able Montgomery Blair HS (Md.) Thos. Jefferson HS for Science to travel and talk to people from all over and Technology (Va.) was so amazing. So was the food.” But as Copy Editor Entertainment Editors the intensity of the crowd increased with Sebastian Swain (D.C.) Sareum Kim each passing day, so did the need for her to Centreville HS (Va.) the Philadelphia race speech–the most pro- News Editor stay composed so that she would not falter found moment of the campaign–I’d like to Brinda Gupta Priscilla Ward or miss an expressive moment of the cam- have seen his friends’ reaction to him.” Thos. Jefferson HS for Science Homeschooling (D.C.) paign. She was able to stay calm at even the As one of the few people that got to see and Technology (Va.) most stirring moments because, as Tufankji- how Obama himself transformed through- Layout Manager Gautier Lemyze-Young an said, “it is a job, and at a certain point out his journey to the presidency, Tufankjian Lifestyle Editor you’ve seen him so many times and heard a said she thinks that it was amazing how he Courtney Stein Centennial HS (Md.) speech so many times, no matter how pow- stayed relatively the same throughout. “He St. Pius X HS (Tex.) erful it is, that you’re just looking for the became more tired, but he was the same Reporters: Faith Ajayi, McKinley Tech (D.C.); Melissa Belk, The moment that is most exciting.” guy and a little crabbier because it was an King’s College (N.Y.); Archie Brown, Temple University (Pa.); Even on election night when the re- exhausting road. But everyone was crabby Christina Chang, Wootton (Md.); Flora Cheng, (D.C.); Mohammad sults were released, she said, “It was crazy. towards the end of the campaign.” Diallo, Friendship PCS (D.C.); Jade Earle, School Without Walls I hadn’t slept in three days. I was standing After following a single person for two (D.C.); Allie Frith, South Lakes HS (Va.); Jessica Gelfarb, Walt in Grant Park and all of a sudden the crowd years and trying to capture unique settings, Whitman HS (Md.); Melanie Kates, McKinley Tech (D.C.); Becky just exploded, and I saw a sign that said he’s emotions and moments, Tufankjian appreci- Koretz, Woodrow Wilson SHS (D.C.); Billie McCain, Salisbury president of the United States, and I was ates her own photographic skills. They have University (Md.); Armani McMillan, Forestville Military Academy just trying to capture the picture while at brought her much recognition. Tufankjian (Md.); Matt Nguyen, McKinley Tech (D.C.); Caitlin Peterson, John the same time realizing that the nation has majored in political science because she S. Burke Catholic HS (N.Y.); Lindsey Rennie, Mount de Sales changed.” Tufankjian wishes most that she went to Yale, which does not offer a journal- Academy (Md.); Diamond Riley, University of Virginia (Va.); could have captured the scenes backstage on ism major. Emma Safford, The Lab School of Washington (D.C.); Megan election night or behind the scenes March She said, “Photojournalism is the best Ternes, Charlotte Catholic (N.C.); Jonathan Ward, St. Albans (D.C.); 18, 2008, when Obama gave a speech on job in the world, and I’m always going to Maya Wells, Morgan State University (Md). Hafie Yillah, St. John’s race in America. Because, she said, “During do it.” She hopes that in the future she can College HS (D.C.); MaBinti Yillah, University of Maryland go back to all the places she visited Artists: Steven Anderson, Homeschooling (Md.); Casey Drogin, during the cam- Einstein (Md.) paign and see how Board of Directors: George Curry, Tom Donlan, Hector Ericksen- Obama’s presi- Mendoza, Rich Foster, Mary Hanley, Judy Hines, Sean Jensen, dency affects the Cynthia Farrell Johnson, Rosamond King, Carol Knopes (chairman), people. Carol Lange, Kathleen Reilly Mannix, Sarah Menke-Fish, Bob Neuman, Michael Phelps, Reginald Ragland, Phil Reid Brinda Gupta, 17, is a senior at Thomas Young D.C. is supported by The Bureau of National Affairs, The Jefferson HS for Children’s Charities Foundation, The Freedom Forum, Herb Block Science and Tech- Foundation and sponsors of Cartoons & Cocktails, an auction of nology in Alexan- editorial art held last Oct. 23 at the National Press Club which also dria, Va. benefited the Friedheim Library at the National Press Club and its Tufankjian, left, and programs, and Cartoonists Rights Network International. Sponsors YDC news editor included BNA, C-SPAN, Congressional Quarterly, D’Orazio Gupta chat below photo of Obama and Associates, Lynn Edwards, Anne Ganz, Victor Kamber, the shooting pool. Newseum, Politico, The Washington Examiner and members of the YDC Board. Corrections YDC publishes corrections of matters of substance. Thanks for bringing them to the Letters to the Editor are welcome and sometimes published, either whole or in part. Letters are subject to editing. Readers writing to the editors should attention of the editors via snail mail or e-mail to [email protected] include contact information: name, age, telephone number. Winter 2008 t Young D.C. t News One year later, no evidence stories hurt community Ra m p a g e , f r o m p a g e o n e an already sweet cake. It was an achievement for us just to be able to complete and publish this series despite all the obstacles we faced,” Shankar, now a senior, told YDC. Although some individuals resisted their reporting, Rampage journalists used all available resources to create a series of gang stories to benefit their community as a whole. The Process Shankar and Wagner faced a task that required various ways of investigating. It also required a vast pool of sources for interviews and information. As the Rampage staff pieced a game plan, they did some first- hand exploration by garnering feedback. “We posted an anonymous online questionnaire on our web site (www.rockvillerampage.com) and received several responses at our e-mail address,” Shankar said. From that point forward, the staff compiled ideas and conducted research. They contacted key people including a police detective and prosecutor. The writ- ers and editors spent enormous amounts of time veri- fying and revising stories about dangerous people. “We took our time in checking and double- checking all of our facts and scrutinizing our stories from school, and it is definitely something that could Likewise, Daddone sees a relationship between very carefully before they were ever published,” affect each and every person in the Rockville commu- the gang spread and gang interest. “We had direct gang Shankar said. nity,” Shankar said. activity within a mile radius of our school and middle Given the sensitivity of the topic, several ob- Munk was circumspect leading up to publica- school. A few months after the story broke, the gang stacles hampered the timeliness of Rampage report- tion. “I think it was a little dangerous. They were activity had moved well beyond that one mile radius ing. Ultimately Daddone served as an “intermediary” careful enough and I tried to be supportive,” Munk and was penetrating other areas out of our school’s among the teen journalists, police and school adminis- told YDC. “I didn’t know how people would react or jurisdiction,” Daddone said. tration. He also asked an editor from the Montgomery whether gang activity would increase or decrease.” Shankar told YDC she feels that she had a duty. County Gazette, Judy Hruz, to mentor the reporters According to Daddone, the majority of those “As a student journalist, it is my job to inform my and editors. working on the newspaper “felt this moral obligation peers and if that means tackling topics that people Extra precautions were taken to protect the iden- to publish, knew that lives would be saved if we did may not want to hear about or acknowledge, then it tities of two Rockville teenagers who were still gang this, and understood that we were truly providing a needs to be done.” members and sources for the Rampage team. service to our community, all of which fell under our Readers can check out the coverage by visiting “These students were quoted anonymously and staff mission statement.” http://www.splc.org/pdf/RAMPAGE.pdf in some cases we even changed the quotes to gender Shankar said any benefit to the community, grand Pillars of the First Amendment neutral so that any gang members reading the article or small, was a motivator. “We wrote about it with the Daddone said the then-junior editors led the writ- would not be able to tell if it were a boy or a girl in- hope of better informing the community. ers and deserved nomination to the national award. terviewed,” Daddone says. Moreover Munk was a “If we could prevent one person from joining “Without a doubt, the report doesn’t see the light of part of the process. “I wanted to work closely with a gang or one person from experiencing some of the day without them.” the sponsor,” Munk told YDC, but she “did not pull things that our anonymous sources recounted, then our Throughout the arduous process, Shankar says anything.” work has been well worth the while,” Shankar said. their adult sources, Daddone, Hruz and their princi- According to Shankar, most of the objections in- The Product pal, backed the staffers 100 percent of the time. “She volved the portrayal of the Rockville schools. “The When the final product became public one year supported us even when the middle school principal principal of our cluster middle school did not want ago this month, it was a time of serious tension and refused to confirm our statistics, and both she and Mr. to be interviewed and told us that there was no gang student terror. Among other elements, the spread in- Daddone stood by us for the entire five months all the problem, although we had contradictory statistics cluded a main news story, an opinion editorial and way up to publication.” from several sources.” supplemental statistics. Each element was to correlate Looking back one year later, Shankar said she While Shankar and Wagner did not have bylines with the others and add contrasting perspectives. feels the gang spread was successful. “I still think our in the gang package, they were integral to the entire Daddone told YDC that there was “some fear pieces were very insightful and informative. I think process. “I felt they did far more work leading and surrounding the piece.” Shortly after the issue went to that we did the best that we possibly could have, and developing the story than the actual writers,” Daddone press, a staffer backed out. Daddone had to conference the ultimate outcome is something that we are very said. with a parent, student and counselor, all concerning proud of.” The Purpose gang retaliation. Yet it was clear to Daddone, Munk, Rampage staffers who contributed to the gang Working on stories with setbacks and risk-fac- Wagner and Shankar that the reporting affected the package included Ben Austin, Ben Bloom, Tom Chal- tors, the staff succeeded through determination, sup- community in positive ways. mers, Mandy Dols, Amanda Gonzalez, Mika Lara and portive adults from four different professions and a Munk said that since publishing the articles, gang Marcus Lima. collective concern for the Rockville area. activity has decreased. “We don’t see any indication at “We hear about a lot of gang-related incidents school by the way they behave. I had no parent calls. Fran Djoukeng, 16, is a junior at Montgomery around Maryland. In our case it was just a few blocks No repercussions.” Blair HS in Silver Spring, Md. Winter 2008 t Young D.C. t News Salute to Hughes kicks off Black Fairfax changes grading scale Jin-Ah Kim seem like it’s out of a 5 point GPA.” History Month Young D.C. Jungeun Choi, 16, a junior at Thomas Jefferson La n g s t o n Da y s , f r o m p a g e o n e The evening of Thursday, Jan. 22 marked a triumph HS for Science and Technology agrees. “[Colleges] walking tours led by poet and local historian for Fairgrade, an organization led by concerned parents won’t be much impressed to see a 4.2 GPA from FCPS Kim Roberts. American University profes- of Fairfax County Public Schools. At its meeting, the anymore.” Vivian Lu, 16, a sophomore at Thomas Jef- sor and author Keith Leonard led a post-tour school board passed Fairgrade’s grade-point-average ferson HS for Science and Technology also thinks that discussion. proposal, which will change the weights of advanced the change is feckless. “Weighted GPAs are kind of use- Holly Bass, the creator of “Langston classes, including Advanced Placements, International less. Any college worth going to is going to take off the Days,” told YDC, “Overall the event was a Baccalaureate, and post-A.P. courses, to 1.0 extra. FCPS weights anyway.” great success. We gave two great performances will determine which classes qualify as honors classes Others, however, say that the changes are not of ‘The Weary Blues.’ The show at Bus Boys and apply 0.5 weight for classes starting in the 2009- dramatic enough. “I would’ve really liked for them to and Poets had a capacity crowd, despite taking 2010 school year. add 0.5 for my honors classes too, because I have more place on Super Bowl Sunday. We originally or- Up until now, FCPS weighted AP and IB classes honors classes than AP classes and it would’ve bumped ganized one walking tour. But, due to popular as 0.5. None were weighted for honors classes. FCPS my GPA a whole lot,” said Michelle Su, 17, a senior at demand, added a second. Both sold out.” The is also one of a handful of school systems nation wide James Madison HS. Das, on the other hand, disagrees. program was funded by the D.C. Commission which incorporates B+, C+, and D+ in its grading scale, “Seriously, honors is not that much harder [than non- on the Arts and Humanities and the National which generally puts FCPS students at a lower GPA honors classes]. It’s just a little more homework.” Endowment for the Arts. than students from other areas with the same numerical But all agree that something should be done about Bass is a poet, writer and performance grades. Fairgrade also proposed that FCPS change the the discrepancies in grading scales across the nation. artist. She has a special affinity for Hughes. grading scale to a 10-point scale which a majority of the “[FCPS] should make its grading scale to 10-point sys- “Langston Hughes has been a major influence school systems use. The school board did not make a tem,” said Das. “Or America should have a universal on my development as a writer. From Hughes I decision regarding changing the scale. grading scale of A is 94-100.” learned that a poem could be simple short and The decision on Thursday was a big step for Fair- “Fairgrade doesn’t address the fact that there are sweet, like ‘Luck,’” Bass said. grade, which had been strongly advocating for changes states out there with 2.0 weights for AP courses,” said “One of the little known truths about during the past year. Fairgrade argued that, because not Choi. the Harlem Renaissance is that a large part all colleges and scholarship programs adjust for weight- Fairgrade’s fight for change isn’t over yet. Part of of its formation began in Washington, D.C.,” ed GPA, FCPS students are at an disadvantage due to its the School Board’s decision was to have Superinten- Bass said. During her performances at Grace tougher grading scale. dent Jack Dale report in March 2009 with variants of Church, Bass was accompanied by a musi- While Fairgrade argued that the change will uni- the 10-point system that seem viable. Such systems may cal arrangement by saxophonist Charley versally help FCPS students, some of those directly af- bump the current B+ to an A- or even an A, which would Gerard along with Washington Musica Viva, fected were less than appreciative. raise the students’ GPAs even higher. a six-piece jazz band. Together jazz and “I think the Fairgrade system is awful,” said Sid poetry dazzled the stage of Grace Church. Das, 17, a senior at Centreville HS, whose transcript to Jin-Ah Kim, 18, is a senior at Thomas Jefferson HS The theatrical performance was a remake of be sent out in early February will reflect the changes in for Science and Technology in Alexandria, Va. the 1958 collaboration between Hughes and AP credit. “If I have a 4.2 GPA now, it’ll become 4.6 [af- Charles Mingus. Bass performed a collection ter the change]. All this does is make our grading scale of Hughes’ famous poems, such as “The Weary Blues,” “Dream Deferred” and “The Negro Speaks of Rivers.” She also read one of her own original pieces, “California,” and the work Hormone produced by mice intrigues of modern day African-American poets such as Elizabeth Alexander. “One of my favorite po- scientists investigating cures for diabetes ems by Hughes is ‘Let America Be America.’ The poem examines the promise of America Brinda Gupta When researchers at the Na- eventually leads to type 2 diabetes. and how it had not been fulfilled in Hughes’ Young D.C. tional de la Sante et de la Recherche Apelin appears to work by impacting day. Today, however, with the election of our Diabetes is one of the more Medicale and the Universite de Tou- muscle and fat tissue in such a way first African-American President, Bass said, prevalent health conditions afflicting louse found a hormone which is nor- that allows for better absorption of “Democracy has been fulfilled.” millions in our society today. Not mally released by fat tissues, apelin, glucose from the bloodstream. The poet laureate of the District of Co- only do more than two million peo- which when injected into normal and This research could provide lumbia, Dolores Kendrick, had further com- ple have the disease, but many live obese mice, considerably decreased the link between the two hormones ments on the significance of Hughes and the without knowing they have it. The blood sugar levels, there was a spark apelin and insulin that could pro- celebration of his birthday. “I don’t think there number of diabetes cases continues of hope that perhaps this research vide insight into a method by which is a reason not to celebrate his birthday. I don’t to climb as people do not look out for can translate into providing a cure to prevent both obesity and provide like to be pigeonholed as a writer, and Langs- their health as much as they should, for diabetes in humans. According insulin resistance, thereby curing ton never pigeonholed himself. He was a great while a cure remains unfound. to the study, published in November, thousands of a condition that affects American poet, who happened to be black,” Obesity does not explain Type 2008, in the journal Cell Metabolism, their daily lives. Kendrick said. 1 diabetes, which occurs due to a apelin also improved glucose up- Brinda Gupta, 17, is a senior Priscilla Ward, 18, a homeschooled senior in lack of insulin, but an unhealthy diet take in obese, insulin-resistant mice at Thomas Jefferson HS for many times has an impact on Type 2 which do not produce adequate insu- the District of Columbia. Science and Technology in diabetes. lin to fulfill the body’s needs, which Alexandria, Va. t t Winter 2008 Young D.C. Lifestyle Li f e St y l e YDC samples college radio stations via Internet DJ-designated format radio station. When I tuned into the program, they were playing unstylish, clamorous, frayed jazz. Next the station played 90s grunge rock and soft adult rock. At times the rock music felt cold and brisk–kind of like the weather in Syracuse–yet the lyrics were joyful and upbeat. WPRB-FM, Princeton, New Jersey After the music ended, I finally had the opportu- Courtney Stein WPRB-FM 103.3, Princeton University’s one nity to listen to the talk show hosts who turned out to Young D.C. and only radio station, provides a ton of variety: every- be calm, laid-back college students. They were free to For college-bound seniors, it has been a long and thing from opera to jazz to hip hop. WPRB is different discuss their everyday lives both around town, around busy semester reading college brochures, visiting cam- from your average radio station with its same-song- campus and around cyberspace through social net- puses and applying to colleges. No matter how much every-hour deal. With variety comes working sites. They used raunchiness and expletives research, it’s impossible to know exactly what the at- novelty, and, indeed, WPRB’s web as they pleased, without the considering FCC regula- mosphere at a college will be. Here YDC takes another site says “you’re likely to hear mu- tions. I look forward to listening to WERW in the fall– stab at discovering a previously uncontemplated facet sic you’ve never heard before that is if I get accepted. of your dream college: its radio station. probably better than anything you’ve –M.D. KRTU-FM, San Antonio, Tex. heard before.” I’m not so sure about Mohammad Diallo, 17, is a senior at Friendship While some may deem it a bit abnormal to play the second part, but the first part, I PCS Collegiate Academy in the District of Co- jazz on a college campus, Trinity University’s KRTU- assure you, is fool-proof. I listened lumbia. FM 91.7 in San Antonio does just that–with the oc- to a segment of Real Good for Free with Rachel, and WXDU-FM, Durham, N.C. casional segment of “normal” music, of course. The I did not recognize a single song they played. Later, I Duke University’s WXDU-FM 88.7 is not what station delivers a well-balanced selection of rhythmic realized that, in fact, they had played some big-name you are looking for if you are interested in listening to stylings, ranging from must-have, upbeat, get-up-and- bands that I should have recognized. Radiohead. Vel- the hits on the top ten music charts. It offers a taste of dance tunes to slower, more elegant rhythms that grace vet Underground. But really, those were the biggest unique non-commercial music that the ears of Starbucks and Panera Bread customers names in the two hours of the alternative rock segment. you probably would not hear on any alike. During my listening session, I caught DJ Matt Considering alternative rock is the genre I know best, I of the popular local radio stations, Fleeger on the airwaves–a man with a baritone voice think you can take their word–and mine–for it. You are and in some ways could only be ap- so deep it’s likely to send the most irritable babies to very likely to hear music you’ve never heard before. pealing to a select group of people. sleep in minutes. Sure, relaxing is easy to come by as –J.K. The top songs of the week seem to the smooth vibrato of the placid saxophone seeps into Jin-Ah Kim, 18, is a senior at Thomas Jefferson fit more in either the R&B, funk or your ear while the steady bass of the trombone pulses HS for Science and Technology in Alexandria, Va. punk categories. If you are looking underneath the melody. KRTU can also produce some WERW-AM, Syracuse, New York to widen your music taste or get jivin’ sounds that’ll spark your senses and have you Syracuse University’s WERW-AM wins listen- a flavor of something new and different, you should fully awaken in time for your 8 a.m. calculus class. So ers over with comic relief and tranquil music. It and listen to this university’s distinct selection of music. really, KRTU gives both the overworked and under- soothes the students of Syracuse out of the stress of ac- Otherwise, if you are used to the mainstream music, it caffeinated–which sometimes can be one in the same– ademia. As a is best to stick to your own selection of music or local exactly what is needed. prospective radio station. student, I –B.G. Courtney Stein, 18, is a senior at St. Pius X HS in was eager to Brinda Gupta, 17, is a senior at Thomas Houston, Tex. listen to this Jefferson HS for Science and Technology in Alex- student-run, andria, Va. Valentine solutions when the heart is fuller than the wallet Lindsey Rennie sortment of sweets and snacks. The love to go see a favorite band in con- for Measure to satirize Nazis. Young D.C. best buy seems to be the coffee break cert. Maybe take him to a comedy For your BFF You may not be able to afford basket. show, or to see an up-and-coming band. www.girlprops.com brand name gifts for everyone this Val- www.rhebcandy.com Grab two tickets on this web site so you You’ll find great accessories for entine’s Day, but you can still show the Rheb’s Candy is located in Balti- can go together. your BFF on this site. There are afford- people who matter most that you’ve re- more, Md., but you can also order these The less expensive alternative to able versions of everything from pins membered them by giving them–shh!– scrumptious chocolates online and Ticketmaster is Ticketplace, run by the to earrings to necklaces to bracelets to bargain gifts from these websites: have them shipped to your door. Rheb’s Cultural Alliance. You can score half- sunglasses. Vintage items too! For your parents is especially known for their savory price tickets until 4 p.m. the day of a www.redenvelope.com www.chelseamarketbaskets.com milk chocolate truffles. Take it from a performance. For even less cash, check Check out the valet key chain with Chelsea Market Baskets, located Baltimore native–you won’t find better out the pay-what-you-can Feb. 14 per- a message compartment for under $20. in the Chelsea Market in New York City chocolates anywhere. formance of Roundheads and Peak- offers a myriad of baskets for all occa- For your date heads at the Atlas Performing Arts Cen- Lindsey Rennie, 15, is a ter, 1333 H Street, NE in D.C. This is a sions. You can purchase a pre-arranged www.ticketmaster.com sophomore at Mount de Sales rarely performed work Bertold Brecht basket, a box of fine Belgian chocolates www.ticketplace.org Academy in Catonsville, Md. or arrange your own basket with an as- Your boyfriend or girlfriend will adapted from Shakespeare’s Measure Lifestyle t Young D.C. t Winter 2008 Cyberian Tyger Use legit download sites to avoid P2P pitfalls Jin-ah Kim ciation of America has use it when I want new Media Player, and other media players Young D.C. abandoned the tactic of music,” said Nick Starr, log the tracks you have listened to. The You can’t go a week without food taking music thieves to 18, of Thomas Jeffer- number is logged on the user’s page, and shelter, but you can go a week with- court in favor of work- son HS for Science and and Last.fm makes suggestions about out music–can’t you? If you answered ing with Internet-service Technology. what bands the user might like. Also on no, read on. If you answered yes, replace providers. RIAA and Another web site the web site, users can look at what their “week” with “month” or even “year,” the ISPs are developing for discovering new friends have been listening to lately. The and ask yourself the same question. a plan to warn people music is PureVolume. Scrobbler can also be used as a stream- During this economic crisis, ev- who are uploading and This web site is geared ing online radio. Unlike Pandora, Last. eryone is making budget cuts left and downloading entertain- towards giving start-up fm uses genres to create the stations, but right. That includes you, me, us–the ment files about copy- bands a chance. Any it’s still much more personalized than a teenagers. Often the first thing to go right laws. The follow- band, signed or un- commercial radio station. under a tight budget is entertainment. up steps RIAA wants signed, is welcome to Ami Jo, 18, of Thomas Jefferson And with technological advances, more include identifying the user, slowing set up its page and promote themselves HS for Science and Technology said teens than ever are resorting to illegal ISP service and finally denying service with pictures, logos, and their songs. that she appreciates the variety provid- and unethical means, such as LimeWire, from the ISP to the offender. While some bands only post a couple of ed by such online venues. a web site illegally using a peer-to-peer However, there are many ways their songs, other bands have whole al- “My other main source of new program which allows visitors to share to use technology to listen to music bums available. Plus, some artists allow music is the radio, and they overplay music files. legally. There are several web sites you to download a few select tracks free songs like crazy. It’s nice having an- Although the headlines are fa- that allow for users to listen to music of charge. other option.” miliar–a mother getting fined $4,000 streaming online for free. One of the PureVolume ranks these artists If she didn’t have the option of because her son downloaded two songs most popular is Pandora, an online ra- based on number of listeners, fans, and streaming music online, she “would just illegally, a college student getting heav- dio station. On Pandora, users choose downloads. Many now-famous artists, not get any new music.” ily fined for similar offenses, colleges bands or songs they like, and the web such as Secondhand Serenade, were For others, however, getting new receive warning letters from music in- site makes a playlist of songs similar to recognized on PureVolume before get- music is simply not a high priority. dustry watchdogs–many teens on tight the chosen songs. What’s unique about ting on mainstream radio. Listeners can “I’d just listen to the music I al- budgets still turn to illegitimate means this site is that each song in its database keep track of their favorite songs and ready had on different playlists,” said to acquire music for free. is categorized systemically by a group bands by signing up for a listener ac- John Walsh, 17, of Thomas Jefferson “I’m not paying 99 cents for a of professional musicians, instead of re- count. HS for Science and Technology. song,” said a high school student who lying on the vague “genre” to come up The third option, Last.fm, is actu- wants to remain anonymous. “I pirate with these stations. Although not com- ally a combination of web site and soft- Jin-Ah Kim, 18, is a senior at shit.” Piracy won’t last much longer pletely fool-proof, many teens find this ware. Software called Last.fm Scrob- Thomas Jefferson HS for Science because the Recording Industry Asso- web site a great source of inspiration. “I bler can be linked to iTunes, Windows and Technology in Alexandria, Va.

ank these gene C th rous YD eir co or at e for th ntinuin ga ns opl g s niz e pe up a te d po tio e an rt n h s T

The Bureau of National Affairs Foundation for the National Capital Region Children’s Charities Foundation The Freedom Forum

Congressional Quarterly The Herb Block Foundation

The Examiner and Judy and Taylor Hines The Washington Examiner Fund of the Community Carol Knopes Winter 2008 t Young D.C. t Lifestyle Scholarship Beat The Freedom Forum names Free Spirit scholars Sebastian Swain and Lindsey Rennie Society of Professional Journalists offers prize Young D.C. to metro area high schoolers The Freedom Forum announces scholarship contenders Write a 300 to 500 word essay on “Why free news media are important” to This year the Freedom Forum celebrates the tenth anniversary of selecting participate in a contest sponsored by the Society of Professional Journalists. The 102 high school seniors with a passion for journalism and a daring free-spirit man- contest is open to high school journalists in Maryland, Virginia and the District of ner. These students will take part in the Al Neuharth Free Spirit Journalism Schol- Columbia. The essay may be typed or handwritten, but must be double-spaced. A arship and Conference program in Washington, D.C., March 14 through 19. local winner will be chosen and then go on to be judged nationally. The national Two especially exceptional students–announced at a ceremony at the Newse- first place winner will receive $1,000 scholarship, the second place winner will um March 18–will receive a $50,000 college scholarship each; the remaining 100 receive a $500 scholarship and the third place winner will receive a $300 scholar- will each receive $1,000 scholarships. ship. Mail entries to: SPJ High School Essay Contest, P.O. Box 19555, Washing- The Free Spirit scholarship program began in 1999. It is complementary to ton, DC 20036-0555. All entries must be postmarked by March 4. The Free Spirit Award for an outstanding adult, which began in 1992 to honor Allstate Foundation visionaries, risk-takers and innovators who, as founder Al Neuharth says, “dream, Write a story about safe driving, because car accidents are the No. 1 killer of dare and do.” The list of honorees includes first lady Barbara Bush, human rights teens in the country, and have it published in your school newspaper or an indie activist Aung San Suu Kyi of Burma, C-SPAN founder Brian Lamb, test pilot paper like Young D.C. Then submit the story at www.keepthedrive.com/journalist Chuck Yeager, publishing executive superstar Cathie Black, and Supreme Court to be entered in a contest sponsored by the Allstate Foundation. Submissions will Justices Thurgood Marshall and William J. Brennan. be accepted until March 6 and the first place winner will receive a $3,500 cash Young D.C. salutes the metro area’s 2009 Free Spirit scholars: prize. Second and third place winners will also receive cash prizes. Sarah Cox, Woodrow Wilson SHS, DC National Association of Hispanic Journalists Sean Kelly, Gonzaga College HS, DC Apply for a scholarship from the National Association of Hispanic Journalists Mary Ryu, Century HS, Sykesville, Md. if you are an aspiring Latino journalist or another student committed to journal- Jared Adkins, Paint Branch HS, Burtonsville, Md. ism. Complete the online application at http://www.nahj.org/educationalprograms/ Grace Powell, West Potomac HS, Alexandria, Va. nahjscholarships.shtml by April 6 to be considered for a scholarship. Scholarships Matthew Johnson, Oakton HS, Vienna, Va. are open to a range of students. National Press Club Two substantial scholarships administered by the National Press Club have Sebastian Swain, 17, is a junior at the Lab School of Washington in the March 1 deadlines. Its four-year Persina scholarship for diversity in journalism is District of Columbia. a four-year award of $20,000. The Richard G. Zimmerman scholarship is a single award of $5,000 open to high school seniors–regardless of race or gender–interest- Lindsey Rennie, 15, is a sophomore at Mount de Sales Academy in Ca- ed in pursuing careers in journalism. tonsville, Md. NPC scholarship applications can be downloaded from www.press.org/ac- tivities/aboutscholarship.cfm. The applications must be sent in triplicate and must include completed FAFSA forms. hese thank t genero DC us t Y org s a an Teen heeds President Obama’s call to community service en iza te tio Need help now? e n Priscilla Ward from all sectors of the city to fight this h s Young D.C. easily overlooked issue. He is joining Readers can find answers to frequently asked questions about T

the education rights of homeless students in D.C. by visiting

Phillip Martin, 19, is a senior at forces with Street Sense newspaper,

High Roads Academy in Lanham, Md. The National Coalition for the Home- Education of Homeless Children and Youth Program: He is a resident of the Nation’s Capi- less, nonprofit organizations STEVE http://seo.dc.gov/seo/cwp/view.asp?a=3&Q=561725&PM=1 tal and vice chair of the D.C Youth and STREATS and the transitory ser- Advisory Council. Martin has chosen vices program of the office of the D.C. YDC was unable to find a web page with information for home- to heed President Obama’s MLK Day state superintendent of education. less students on the Maryland Public Schools web site, but call for responsibility and citizen ac- “I hope that this will cause a dom- readers can download a directory of people responsible for tion. His goal is to stop youth home- ino effect around D.C. I would love to lessness in the city. He was homeless see people focusing on homeless youth students services in each county through this URL : for 5 ½ years. everyday and not just during homeless- http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/NR/ “When I was homeless I was ness awareness month in November. rdonlyres/7781E259-BE94-4A99-B6CF-36CE11898994/17366/ overlooked, forgot about, and left in the Hopefully, by me standing up and mak- Directors_contact_list_071508.pdf dark. When you’re young and home- ing an effort, it will show other teens less, sometimes you just need someone that you don’t have to wait for some- Contact information for offices that help homeless students who can stand up for you and advocate one to give you a push. I want teens to throughout the state was easiest to find on the Virginia web give themselves a self-push.” for you. I feel that I can put a spotlight site. Telephone numbers, e-mail address and office address of on other kids in the dark.” Martin is putting together a home- Priscilla Ward, 18, a homeschooled the homeless education liaison person for each jurisdiction in less forum. It will bring together youth senior in the District of Columbia. Virginia can be downloaded by visiting: http://web.wm.edu/hope/virginia/liaison_listing.pdf Young D.C. t Winter 2008 Entertainment Contemporary artists display images of war and peace in Georgetown Matt Nguyen Young D.C. MySpace tutorial, left to right, Wilson Cruz as Nathan, Drew Barrymore From journalist to muralist as Mary, Leonardo Nam as Joshua and Rod Keller as Bruce in New Line Cinema’s romantic comedy “He’s Just Not That Into You,” a Warner She has become an eminent peace artist-activist who admits Bros. Pictures release. that she can’t balance life and her life is her work. I met Huong dur- Photo courtesy of New Line Cinema ©MMVIII IFP Blackswan GmbH & Co. KG ing the Peace Mural exhibition at 3336 M Street, NW, in George- ™NEW LINE PRODUCTIONS, INC. All Rights Reserved town, which closed Jan. 30. She was busy painting stars on a new painting. I am a Vietnamese immigrant and understood her use of our native language, as she described her painting “Of Her Trea- sure.” It depicts how she was robbed of the men of the home and Big screen offerings burdened with sole responsibility for a child. Her words hit home, Gautier Lemyze-Young intimidated a bit and left me uncomfortable. She talked of things Young D.C. out of my world and reality and I felt silly because I truly wanted to The love story has been a literary theme since the begin- understand more of what she had said. I found Huong had a sense ning of storytelling, and continues to dominate cinemas across the of urgency to get me and everyone who can think peace to do so world. Some of the most critically acclaimed films in history were and to avoid war. dramatic and riveting love stories. Examples of classic love mov- The Peace Mural is not just art. It seems to make people think, ies would be “Gone with the Wind” (1939) and “Pretty Woman” reflect and call for civic action. It has 2,000 component paintings (1990). In 2009, an assortment of romantic films are coming out. in oil– thick on canvas in deep tones. The idea to paint her “war Here’s a look at what you might want to see: testimony” came to Huong in 1995, she said, after realizing war He’s Just Not That Into You can start too easily and she knew that would mean just more trag- From New Line Cinema, this film probes gender roles in re- edy. It was 20 years after her escape from Vietnam. lationships. One woman seems headed for spinsterhood. She goes Huong was born in 1950 in the northern part of Vietnam and after a columnist who doesn’t know what he wants either. Set in the family fled to the south because of war. By the time she left in Baltimore, it stars Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Connelly, Scarlett Jo- 1975, life was almost a ruin for Huong because of war. She had hansson, Jennifer Aniston, Ben Affleck and Justin Long. suffered the death of family members and the pain of a haunting New In Town childhood of blood and shootings. She escaped with her infant son on one of the last boats to leave the collapsing country. Starring Renée Zellweger, this film is about a young woman In Vietnam, she was a journalist but gave it up because she climbing her way to the top of Miami’s corporate ladder. Looking didn’t know English well enough. She took up art. Even though for her dream man and being extremely materialistic in the pro- she came to America, the war and her pain didn’t pack up and cess, a sudden job transfer to the middle of no-where proceeds to leave. Rather, she would paint them out. change her view on life. She stops caring about the latest pair of In 1995, she feverishly painted her experience in her war, the stiletto heels, and starts to find magic in a Minnesota town filled Vietnam War. Philanthropist Itchko Ezratti is quoted in the Peace with what she previously thought to be nothing. Mural brochure,“Huong’s War Pieces illustrate that it was a hard Medicine for Melancholy time for all sides concerned—you can feel the emotion inside the Two people meet at a friend’s party and initially think one paintings.” Huong paintings show viewers the reality and brutality intoxicated night of fun was all they would ever have. When the of war, but others show the hope of peace. The exhibit had a room two meet again, they realize their attraction goes deeper than it for war paintings and another for peace paintings to have that ef- seemed. They learn more about one another–Joanne (Tracey Heg- fect. After I saw the work for myself, I agreed with Ezratti. I think gins), is affluent, while activist Micah Wyatt Cenac), struggles to the art is magnificent. pay his bills in gentrifying San Francisco. They develop a bond, It can be called the people’s art, Huong said, because “it in- and sooner than later, their differences seem to be put aside in light forms and shapes civil society and stimulates vibrant participatory of the genuine connection. democracy.” Huong asked me to reflect on our dialogue about war Luck by Chance and of my prospect of being in one. This Bollywood She said, “You only have one life it is something you cannot production is the tale of ask for a second.” She was trying to tell me that I can take charge an established actress, of my own life by refusing war for my own well-being. Sona (Konkona Sen The exhibition several “reflection walls.” The public wrote Sharma), who falls for reactions to the art on these walls. On one of them Huong herself Vikram (Farhan Akhtar), wrote, “Is patriotic duty to kill?” and “Is patriotic duty to lie?” a newcomer to the Bom- Huong now lives in Florida, but two local artists also contrib- bay film business. They uted to the exhibition. Top photo, left to right, artists Cherie Redlinger, Huong meet by chance, and the and Johab Silver flash the peace sign as they stand in Brazilians caught in the crossfire front of Silva’s graffiti-influenced paintings. chemistry is automati- Johab Silva now lives in Arlington, Va., but he was born in Above left, “Wall of Justice” by Redlinger lists sins on cally felt. As Vikram’s career prospers, their love does the same. both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Brazil. The theme for his paintings was the conflict between drug Right, upper and lower small photos focus on details of gangs and state security, which Silva calls the Brazilian Urban peace and war in Huong’s Peace Mural. Gautier Lemyze-Young, 16, is a junior at Centennial HS in Photos by Matt Ngyuen Ellicott City, Md. t Entertainment Winter 2008 Young D.C. Contemporary artists display images of war and peace in Georgetown War. He told YDC, “I paint about the war and peace because I want to be the voice of the innocent. I am the white flag saying ‘No fighting’.” There are poor, overcrowded towns in Rio de Janiero, Brazil, where many bystanders have been caught in the crossfire between gangs and police. In 2007, Reuters news service reported that al- most 20,000 had died in these favellas from the violence. Silva says the number for the 2007 was 40,000. He escaped this war by leaving Brazil. I asked Silva how his firsthand account of the Bra- zilian Urban War helps him paint. Lowering his tone of voice, he said, “Suffering doesn’t help me—my motivation to paint is to be the voice of the victims, to bring peace, to bring justice.” Silva added that he lost a childhood friend, innocently shot by Brazilian law enforcement in his home community, Jardin Elba in Sao Paulo, Brazil. For the exhibit, Silva used a lot of grey, black, and red and oc- casionally used other rainbow colors on large, medium, and small frames. He is also an illustrator and graffiti artist. Security wall insults 20th century Jewish experience Cherie Redlinger, a Jewish American post-modern artist and educator, was an artist-in-residence with Huong and Silva for the exhibition. Her piece, “Wall of Justice” is an artistic interpreta- tion of the eight-meter-high concrete wall separating Israel and the West Bank. The barrier is also part fence with security apparatus that includes electronic lasers and a “trace road” that will capture footprints. The Israeli government claims that the security mea- sures are necessary for the protection of the Israeli people from Palestinian suicide bombers and snipers from the West Bank. It is a territory led by the Palestinian Authority with Israeli control of its borders, ports and airspace, but not recognized as a nation. Redlinger has written, “It is incomprehensible a people that were placed behind fences in war-torn ghettos and concentration camps could do the same to other people. ‘Lest we forget’ is an Israeli mantra commonly used to justify overwhelming ‘eye for an eye’ responses. Have they forgotten the injustices committed against them and now inflict the same on others?” She adds, “Concrete walls, rockets being sent into Israel and hateful intent will solve nothing. Respect, understanding and cooperation is the answer.” Her “Wall of Justice” is mixed media with a clear message that the actual 436-mile long wall is killing peace. When artists feel compelled to speak out, there must be some powerful messages and purpose. Huong endured a rough and bloody early life. She would hate for anybody to have her fate, so she paints in hope of having world peace. Johab Silva wants to help bring peace to innocent Brazilians still in the middle of the crossfire of a war they can’t turn off. Cherie Redlinger wants everyone to live in peace. View Huong’s Peace Mural and a video of her story online at: http://www.peacemural.org/ View Johab Silva’s Urban War in Brazil for the Peace Mural Foundation at: www.johabsilva.com View the Cherie Redlinger’s “Wall of Justice” and a slide- Top photo, left to right, artists Cherie Redlinger, Huong show of its creation at: www.cheriemredlinger.com and Johab Silver flash the peace sign as they stand in front of Silva’s graffiti-influenced paintings. Above left, “Wall of Justice” by Redlinger lists sins on Matt Nguyen, 17, is a junior at McKinley HS of Science and both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Right, upper and lower small photos focus on details of Technology in Washington, D.C. peace and war in Huong’s Peace Mural. Photos by Matt Ngyuen Entertainment t Young D.C. t Winter 2008 Small screen flicks show petty images Megan Ternes Young D.C. During Valentine’s Day, it’s more than likely there will be heartache, heartbreak and loneliness sweeping the lives of high schoolers. What’s the No. 1 remedy for such travesties of the adolescent mind? Possibly the trinity of Lifetime movies on TV, Ben and Jerry’s and jammie pants will heal a broken heart. But wait! These are Lifetime movies–the flicks full of touchy female issues, over-the-top plots, and other- wise mundane, snoozer morals to the story that we al- ready know. At the same time the movies have a lot to offer a sensitive mood, so it feels right to give the gist of why we love them and why we hate them. Why We Love Lifetime Movies A good, corny story is a broken heart’s crack. Any breakup can be easily fixed with a good cliché in the mov- ies. The shy, small town girl who meets the big city boy and falls in love in the most dramatic circumstances are just too good to pass up. As hard as you try to deny it, the story lines prove to be too intriguing to ignore. How about a Lifetime film about a teenage girl who births her baby in a Walmart isle (talk about a blue-light special)? The “inspired by a true story” tales of drug addiction, abuse, romance, and the no- body who becomes a somebody can reel in viewers with a five-minute hook. BOYS – and sometimes MEN! The good, the bad, the muscular, the tanned, and the Mr. Sensitive boys always draw attention quickly. From the creative, deep-thinking artists to the strong, studly jocks, Lifetime knows how to write the perfect guy. A girl can laugh, cry, and feel the emotions of the characters in Lifetime movies and escape her own Valen- tine’s Day world if it’s not full of candy and roses. Why We Hate Them Some of the stories are so far-fetched, even Lassie wouldn’t go after them. It’s just not realistic that the girl suffers through every tragedy imaginable and within an hour and a half, all her problems are miraculously solved. There’s also little chance that the main character’s second brother twice removed is Brad Pitt. Too many of these movies dehumanize males. View- ers can’t believe that every man on the planet is an abusive, power-hungry, chauvinistic, violent, cheating, pig-headed womanizer. After an especially emotional flick, you feel like you’ve been to a funeral. These movies have the potential to make a Valentine’s Day more depressing than expected. We are strong. Invincible. I am woman, hear me…yawn. Hooray for female em- powerment, but the world needs men too.

Megan Ternes, 18, is a senior at Charlotte Catholic HS in Charlotte, NC.

3301 New Mexico Ave., NW 202.966.7144 Washington, DC 20016 www.foxhallgallery.com Winter 2008 t Young D.C. t Sp o r t s Young D.C. Winter 2008 Easy and fun to use NCAA student handbook Quieter than your fifth grade trapper keeper and a lot bet- piring college athletes to the URL for the NCAA eligibility center ter organized, the National Collegiate Athletic Association stu- to investigate bureaucratic terms like “amateurism certification” dent handbook is available online. Just getting to the buttons for and “initial-eligibility changes.” downloading the handbook is an adventure because the site, www. Heads up, Class of 2013 members hoping to play for a Divi- ncaastudent.org is full of fun stuff. sion II college: your core class requirements now include a third The theme that 380,000 student-athletes “go pro in some- year of math (Algebra I and beyond) and a fourth “additional thing other than sports” dominates the pages and pockets of the core” course. cyberbinder. In its front pocket, the TV ads are entertaining and The chart that plots a student’s GPA opposite SAT and ACT underscore the theme. scores left YDC wondering two things. How does someone with Downloading the PDF of the actual student handbook gets a 2.025 GPA manages math and verbal SAT scores totaling 1,000 the reader into all the details, starting with an explanation of the (85 on the ACT) and why doesn’t the NCAA include the scores NCAA eligibility center. However, the handbook often refers as- from the writing component?

Free treat for baseball fans archery•badminton•baseball •basketball• at the Meyer Auditorium bobsledding•bowling•boxing Few teen baseball fans can afford to fly off to Florida or Arizona to catch Major • canoeing• League Baseball spring training games. A trip to see any of next month’s World Baseball cross country•cycling•fencing• Classic pitting all-star teams representing 16 football•golf•hockey countries against one another would be even

less likely. photo courtesy of JI&CC •judo•lacrosse•rowing Cheer up, fans. A free day of baseball •skating•skiing•swimming•tennis culture is coming to D.C. Saturday, Feb. 28. Lasorda Tommy The Japan Information & Culture Center is players for exceptional community service. •track and field•volleyball sponsoring “Play Ball–Bridging Cultures with Tickets are free and ticket distribution Baseball.” may start as early as 12 noon; the Meyer Au- •water polo• The program includes ESPN’s documen- ditorium has fewer than 300 seats. It is located weightlifting•wrestling tary about Bobby Valentine, The Zen of Bobby on Level 1 of the Smithsonian’s Freer Gallery V., at 1 p.m. on the National Mall at 12th Street and Jeffer- in the Meyer son Drive, SW. Has an amateur athlete in your sport Auditorium. Spring training within reach Valentine Spring training moves north in early been profiled in YDC lately? was the first April. The Baltimore Orioles play the Wash- YDC is recruiting sports MLB man- ington Nationals for two interleague exhibition ager to sign to manage a team in one of Japan’s games: Friday, April 3, 3:30 p.m. at Harbor reporters and looking major baseball leagues. Park, Norfolk, Va., and Saturday, April 5, 6:05 At 3 p.m., Tommy Lasorda will talk p.m. at Nationals Park in D.C. for profile prospects. about the game and its international popu- Home openers for the rivals follow. The larity. Lasorda is a MLB Hall of Fame man- American League Orioles will host the New ager and the global ambassador for the World York Yankees at Camden Yards April 6. The Send us an e-mail: Baseball Classic. Japan is the defending Clas- National League Nationals face the Philadel- [email protected] sic champ. phia Phillies April 13. Valentine and Lasorda are winners of Check www.MLB.com for ticket prices, the Branch Rickey Award which honors MLB which can be expensive. t Winter 2008 Young D.C. Hu m o r

Casey Drogin, 16, is a junior at Einstein HS in Kensington, Md.

Listen to 2KNation Boxes? We ain’t got no stinkin’ boxes* the voice of teen poets, YDC delivers free to schools, libraries and teen hangouts. Call the newsroom reporters and artists to get on the list: 202.232.5300 Thursday nights, 7 p.m. *The easily offended may not realize this quote is based on dialogue from the 1948 filmThe Treasure of Sierra Madre. WPFW 89.3 FM Young D.C. t Winter 2008 Casey’s Corner Vi e w p o i n t s Casey Drogin, 16, is a junior at Einstein HS in Kensington, Md. Drogin, Casey We are the stimulus package for colleges and testing services What’s your topic for YDC to tackle? Jin-ah Kim a listening part, add $20. And if you register late, The editors would love to hear about things that Young D.C. add yet another $23. inform, concern, inspire, disappoint or drive you This time of economic turmoil can put a Our total is now up to $873, assuming you crazy. strain on anyone’s college fund. But for many of don’t register late, don’t take an SAT II with a lis- Send your Viewpoints idea to us the deceptively expensive college application tening part, and that you take all three of your SAT [email protected] fees alone can put a strain on our fund even before IIs in one sitting. or mail to the managing editors (see below). we get to college. But that’s not all. You might scoff at the 42 First of all, each college requires an applica- cent rectangular stickers you put on the right corner About Viewpoints tion fee. The price range I encountered was $60– of all your envelopes, but these little guys add up Unsigned Viewpoints articles, or editorials, convey $75. Let’s take a happy medium, $67.50—although very quickly. Each 9x12 envelopes needed for high the opinions of the Young D.C. editorial board. Any the price range was heavily skewed towards the school transcript and two teacher recommenda- Viewpoint or column that has a byline or is signed $75 end—and multiply it by eight, the number of tions requires three stamps. That’s nine stamps per by the author reflects the opinion of the individual schools I applied to. The total is a whopping $540. school. Now multiply that by eight, then again by author. It is not necessarily the opinion of Young But that is only the beginning. 42, and you get $30.24. Thankfully, most schools D.C., its editorial board or staff. Now it’s time to send in the test scores. The now accept on-line applications, or else who knows Young D.C. welcomes letters to the editor, com- SAT test score reports cost $9.50 per school. There how many stamps we might need. ments and submissions from teens (in school or not) for is an option to send up to four reports for free when Now just when you think you are done, comes all sections of the newspaper. Please enclose name, ad- you register to take exam; a practically useless the hangover of college applications—financial aid system, considering where you want to apply will applications. Most schools require at least one of dress and telephone number on all correspondence. largely depend on how you do on the said exam. So two main financial reports: the Free Application Address correspondence to take this $9.50 and multiply it by eight again: $76. for Federal Student Aid and the CSS/Financial Aid Young D.C. Managing Editors Most college also require AP exam scores. PROFILE® from CollegeBoard. While FAFSA is 1904 18th Street, NW By the way, AP and SATs are both administered by free (as the name might suggest,) CollegeBoard Washington, DC 20009 CollegeBoard, so it’s only a mystery why the score will charge you $16 for every school you add to Young D.C., Inc., a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organi- reports are sent separately. The AP score reports your PROFILE, plus $9 base fee. I found that five zation, exists to create opportunities for young people are even more expensive, at $15 per school. Add of my schools required CSS, which adds another from diverse racial, ethnic, geographic and economic $89 to our budget. $120 to our budget for a total of $736. backgrounds to work together to develop a responsible, This is not even including the amount students At the end of the day, the college and finan- independent media voice. Its program encourages teens have to pay to register for these tests. Registration cial aid application budget adds up to be a stagger- to examine new territory in the region’s fragmented so- for SAT I costs $45 and SAT II costs a $20 base ing $992.24 fee plus $9 per test. Assuming you take the SAT I ciety to produce this newspaper. In the process, its edi- twice and take three SAT IIs, the registration fees Jin-Ah Kim, 18, is a senior at Thomas Jef- tors, reporters, photographers, cartoonists, illustrators add up to $137. If you take a language SAT II with ferson HS for Science and Technology in and interns develop skills for college and career. Alexandria, Va. Winter 2008 t Young D.C. t Viewpoints Black History Month–an evolution in its meaning Aziza Ayo Tichavakunda junior at Benjamin Banneker HS in D.C, tackled the complex issue of whether Young D.C. the month celebrates both the history of blacks whose families were enslaved and The meaning of Black History Month has significantly changed. Carter G. brought to America hundreds of years ago, and herself whose parents came from Woodson created Negro History Week, which later expanded to a month, in 1926 Nigeria far more recently. because history books did not acknowledge the accomplishments and history of She said, “I believe that Black History Month is inclusive to all races. All blacks. Dr. Woodson, a historian, chose the second week in February because it people originated from Africa. Even if we weren’t, it’s good to recognize and pay included the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Not only has respect to the history of any culture. This month affects us all.” this not changed much in 83 years, but Black History Month has also begun to In that light, this month should be used to commemorate the history and lose its original meaning. contributions of blacks and to shed light on all unsung heroes. Maybe we should When did Black History Month become synonymous with Significant Blacks look at black Americans who are doing notable things right now. For example, Month? Often, a select few important blacks are celebrated during this month. Dr. Benjamin Carson, director of pediatric neurosurgery at the Johns Hopkins Martin Luther King Jr., Nat Turner, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Frederick Medical Institutions, was a 2008 Medal of Freedom Winner and has established Douglass, Malcolm X, and Rosa Parks are some of the favorites. These men and the Carson Scholars Program, which recognizes students who strive for academic women are undoubtedly worth recognizing for their contributions to America. excellence and demonstrate a strong commitment to their community. Looking However, black people have lived in America over 400 years. Black History at today’s “heroes” may be inspirational enough to move an entire generation Month, as implied by its name, should not just be a spotlight on amazing black forward in a positive way. men and women, it should be about both the wonderful and terrible events during the course of black history. Additionally, the only history really recognized during Aziza Ayo Tichavakunda, 16, is a junior at Benjamin Banneker HS in the this month is the civil rights movement. District of Columbia. What is considered black history since black is an ambiguous term? Are all people of color, regardless of ancestry, considered black? Mary Amaechi, 16, a Young D.C. t Winter 2008 So a p b o x YDC asks teens– What would you be willing to sacrifice for school budget cuts? “Uniforms. It’s too much money to wash “I think the laptops are a great idea. Plus, worst part about it is that no one looks at them [them] every week.” people normally can type faster than they when [you do have] them. Also, I wouldn’t –Shawn Arrington, junior can write. It would save us pens, pencils, mind my school cutting its cafeteria food. Cardozo HS in the District of Columbia paper, calculators, and with the Internet, They would save a ton by doing that.” encyclopedias, Bibles, dictionaries, and I don’t –Adam Sullivan, 16, sophomore “Paper. Why can’t we be more conscious know what else. And the cafeteria food just Archbishop Spalding HS in Baltimore, Md. HAS to go.” of the environment and go paperless?” –Jen Miller, 14, freshman “Cafeteria food – people can bring lunch. –Lily Cheng, junior St. Pius X HS in Houston, Tex By getting rid of the food line you would Banneker HS in the District of Columbia save money by not having to pay out salaries “Security and metal detectors.” for the people working in the cafeteria. You “The dirty elevators. It’s a lot of money – Allan Peralta, senior would save money on the actual food products to use elevators, especially when they get Cardozo HS in the District of Columbia themselves. Plus the food is usually terrible.” stuck all the time.” –Pete Vanhorn, 18, senior –Michael Ball, junior “I’d give up paper tests and quizzes and do St. Pius X HS in Houston, Tex. Cardozo HS in the District of Columbia them electronically instead. Using paper for Scantrons and the test itself can begin to get “Paper textbooks – we could save money by “I could live without the costly over a period using laptops we already have. My school Promethean boards because of time. By using currently does not allow this, but public they’re really expensive. computers, we can schools that use laptops as standard for You could just use white save money and go students wouldn’t have to buy textbooks and boards instead. They’re re- green at the same could provide students with CDs equipped ally nice in terms of tech- time. I also agree with with their textbooks on them, or have the nology, it’s a nice add to the cafeteria food. My virtual textbooks added to their laptop.” school, but it’s a luxury. I’d school lunches are –Anthony Zarsky, 17, junior rather the money be spent costly and the meals St. Thomas HS in Houston, Tex. on something more academ- are usually not worth ic or the boards be given their price. Bringing “I would get rid of some people. I would to the D.C. public schools Promethean interactive whiteboard food from home get rid of unnecessary staff.” photo courtesy of Activeeducation might need them more.” would be ideal.” –Hebing Zhou, senior –Elena Franco, 16, junior –Kelsie Savage, 16, sophomore Wilson SHS, in the District of Columbia Walter Johnson HS in Bethesda, Md. Alverno HS in Los Angeles, Calif. Compiled by Courtney Stein, 18, a senior at St. “They put in a big screen TV in the cafeteria. “I’d would like to see my school get rid of Pius X High School in Houston, Tex. and Sebas- I think it was $2,000 or $3,000. There are also its stupid paper hall passes... each one is like tian Swain, 17, a junior at the Lab School of Wash- ington in the District of Columbia. The editors so many computers in our school that just three sheets (one student copy, one carbon aren’t used at all.” thank Kendra Lee, director of programs at Asian copy and one [official] copy). The amount of American LEAD in the District of Columbia, for –Leah Gobin, 16, junior paper they waste on those things is crazy. The her assistance. Walt Whitman HS in Bethesda, Md. On t h e St r e e t If “How Much is a Mil- had to guess. After a dispute lion?” was your favorite pic- about the number attending ture book when you were in the Million Man March in grade school, you might have 1995, Congress banned the made a reliable guess for National Park Service from the number of people who estimating the crowds on the braved the cold weather In- National Mall. auguration Day. Everyone Jan. 20, 2009, people pack streets, left and the National Mall, right, for the inauguration of President Barack Obama. photos by Hafie Yillah