Thanksgiving or Christmas?
Clare Sparling, Staff Writer
November 20, 2017
Filed under Opinion, Uncategorized
Pie or Cookies? Pumpkins or Evergreens? The heated debate between Thanksgiving and Christmas continues. Supporters of Thanksgivings argue that the holiday is pushed aside by stores who want to market their Christmas products. Christmas enthusiasts insist that the Christmas Spirit is one of a kind and irr...
Virginia goes blue
Ashley Shepard, Staff Writer
November 14, 2017
In 2016, November 8 was one of the hardest days of most americans lives. It sent a lot of America into a post-election depression. However this year, for most Virginians November 8 looked quite different. On November 7 Virginia had a gubernatorial (governor) election along with many house of delegate elect...
Is Ice Nice?
Riya Jain, Editorial Board
November 14, 2017
Filed under Opinion
The cold weather gives us both hopes and doubts of the coming snow days and excitement or dread showers both the students and teachers. However just the work of meteorologists is not enough to make school close. Superstitions became more prominent than ever when the winter season comes around. S...
Columbus Day isn’t worth your time
Payton Wozny, Editorial Board
November 14, 2017
Filed under Opinion
I’m sure everyone enjoys having the extra day off from school in October to celebrate Columbus Day, but should we? Columbus Day has been causing a lot of controversy lately because Christopher Columbus doesn’t seem worthy of a day of observance. So, why should we waste our time taking a vacation day ...
Why Read?
Clare Sparling, Staff Writer
October 22, 2017
Filed under Opinion
A generation of students are growing up without the influence of books. Their minds are filled with TV show plots, Youtube videos, and Instagram pictures instead of the classics. Many push this issue aside, asking themselves, why does it matter if students are reading? However, the consequences are l...
How old is too old for trick-or-treating?
Wendy Gao, Staff Writer
October 22, 2017
Filed under Oakton students, Opinion
Ding dong. The trick-or-treaters must be here! These are some great costumes! Hey, it’s that same kid again in the same pumpkin costume. He’s come by every year now, it’s like I’ve watched him grow up. He’s gotta be in what, high school now? He must be cutting it close, he’s growing a little too...
Don’t Miss Your Shot to Get the Flu Shot
Payton Wozny, Editorial Board
October 22, 2017
Filed under Opinion, Uncategorized
Flu season is coming up and one thing you definitely don’t want to forget is to get your flu shot. Although you may fear this vaccine, it’s vital that you receive this immunization. I’m sure you dread the long, skinny needle injected into your arm for several seconds, but the flu shot is much m...
Make Your Mark: How Volunteering Benefits Both Sides
Amy Dai, Staff Writer
October 18, 2017
Filed under Opinion
With countless high school students fiercely competing for admission to top colleges and universities, one activity that they all must have included in their application is volunteering. Not only is it great to see on an application or resume, volunteering is a worthwhile experience that provides high ...
Freshman Advice
Clare Sparling, Staff Writer
October 15, 2017
Filed under Opinion
Are you intimidated, confused, or stressed about your freshman year? Have no fear, the upperclassmen are here! They were excited to share their experiences and outlined some key advice for high school success. “I wish someone told me to try out a lot of clubs. Go to all the interest meeting and t...
Upcoming Governor Election
Ashley Shepard, Staff Writer
October 15, 2017
Filed under Opinion, Politics, Web exclusive
As many people know, the Virginia Gubernatorial election is coming up this November. However, not many Virginians know what is at stake with this election. The candidates from all major parties are on very opposite ends of the spectrum which could severely affect Virginians depending on the results. E...
Who was Columbus?
Emily Richardson, Editorial Board
October 13, 2017
Filed under Opinion
This past Monday, cities all across the United States, like New York, Houston, and D.C., held parades, concerts, and events in celebration of one of our federal holidays, Columbus Day. On the same day, though, cities such as Denver, Seattle, and Los Angeles held parades, concerts, and events ...
Using technology to help children with autism speak
Katie Chang, Guest Writer
June 16, 2017
Filed under Opinion, Web exclusive
To many, autism is quite the mysterious disorder. It is, understandably, confusing to witness one person diagnosed with autism appear to function normally in everyday life, while another individual with the ‘same condition’ is severely handicapped- in some cases to the point where he/she must ...
