Students share their thoughts as they support a myriad of countries in the FIFA World Cup hosted by Qatar “I was definitely disappointed when they were eliminated; however, I still feel a sense of pride concerning how they played.” – Junior Emma Heren on Germany “No comment.” – Sophomore SaraContinue Reading
Each school year a new grade of 11th graders rise up to the challenge to complete the IB Diploma. For some that challenge starts earlier than others through their ability to take IB science classes as a sophomore. Though many choose the path of IB, either through pursuing the fullContinue Reading
Drum major, senior Pasha Ryutov “I’d say, for me, I didn’t really have a lot to connect with other people. And so music in particular was kind of like one big social point for me. It allowed me to connect with some of my best friends. Entering ninth grade, IContinue Reading
Last season, boys basketball took a run to the State Quarterfinals while gaining a cult-like following of fans within the school. After the success of last year, the student community continues to have high expectations for the team this year. Senior and varsity basketball player Cam Jones made the moveContinue Reading
For some people, mental health surveys are a lifeline. Especially the non-anonymous ones. If someone is suffering from conditions like depression, reaching out can feel impossible. Asking for help from a dark place requires vulnerability, honesty and confidence. Most importantly, it requires you to realize what you are grappling withContinue Reading
Maybe the presale got lost in translation, maybe fans asked for too much, but maybe this tour was a masterpiece ‘til Ticketmaster tore it all up. “Unprecedented demand” were the words that blared on fans screens after sitting in the Verified Fan Presale for hours. Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour shatteredContinue Reading
In order to create a better environment for students, Fairfax County Public Schools conducts strategic plan surveys every few years to determine their goals. This year, in conjunction with the survey, Principal Jeff Litz set up meetings with students to hear about their experiences at school. Some of the meetingsContinue Reading
On Oct. 8, Statesmen Marching Band took first place in the Oakton Classic competition, winning superiors in every category in their assessment two weeks later. In addition to motivated members, band director Paul Vesilind said improvement in the team’s technical effects influenced their scoring. “We took a really big stepContinue Reading
Freshman Taye Mihrete poses in the hallway, wearing his new yellow Nike Tech Fleece. Mihrete used Christmas money to buy himself a Tech Fleece from Nike, opting to buy one in yellow. His purchase garnered attention across grade levels. “It gave me attention,” he said. “Now more people know me.”Continue Reading
At 7 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 14, senior Ava Grim frantically spams her sister. She’s met with silence. Grim quickly checks her sister’s location to find she’s sleeping safe and sound in her dorm. She’s relieved—but the initial shock was frightening. The day before, Christopher Jones Jr. killed three studentsContinue Reading
The Senior Regional Orchestra is a full orchestra ensemble in which membership is determined through auditions in September. The orchestra rehearses for three days before performing one concert in November. Rank&File talked to these students who placed in the top 20 of the Northern Region. Senior Eujin Lee “I usedContinue Reading
Sophomores and seniors recently took the Fairfax County Public Schools Youth Survey, which aims to gain information about student wellbeing. Last year’s data, available on the FCPS website, yielded the highest rates of depressive tendencies in a decade. Though the Youth Survey is anonymous, students do take non-anonymous mental healthContinue Reading
There is nothing Christmassy about dashing through snow. Heck, I probably know more Mariah Carey songs than the average person. So why does the holiday spirit always show up in the shadows of a big Christmas tree? I acknowledge that the majority of this country celebrates Christmas, so naturally itContinue Reading
In the past month, over 2700 student and teacher absences have been reported, according to administrative assistant Maribel Sanchez. “It takes more time for students to learn,” Sanchez said. “Students get behind, and it’s so hard to keep up with homework.” Sophomore Katherine Shatokhin agreed. “There was a lot ofContinue Reading