James W. Robinson Secondary School All About The SGA ...

James W. Robinson Secondary School
The Medallion
MEDALLION
April 2013 Volume 41, Issue 3
the
April 2013
All About The SGA
By Santiago and Peter
Have you wondered who plans the school activities? Well that would be the
SGA. They plan all the spirit days, school dances, fundraisers, and other school activities.
Fundraisers this year have included school dances, bake sales, and snow
grams.
Team SGA reps meet once or twice a month, usually during RAISE, to plan upcoming
dances, spirit weeks, school projects, and fundraisers. The SGA is mostly
student operated. They start out with a calendar and go on from there. The SGA
helped plan and run Mr. Meier’s retirement pep rally.
Q and A With Mrs. Hard, SGA Sponsor
Q: What are some upcoming events from the
SGA?
A: SGA is planning the Spring 7th Grade Only
Dance on April 25th, they are coordinating
(with Advanced Drama) the Talent Show on
April 24th, and planning/prepping for a May
event, and the 8th Grade Day and Dance on
June 7th.
Q: How do the SGA meetings work?
A: SGA meets mainly during RAISE, once or twice a month. There are
some after school meetings when a dance is coming up. SGA is almost
entirely student run. They begin with an agenda and work with each
other to plan and execute upcoming events, or current issues. We split
the work into committees, making sure 8th and 7th grade reps are part
of each group. Reps can present new business as well and get feedback
to turn ideas into plans.
Q: How can someone join the SGA?
A: To join SGA, you must run during the Fall Election. Three representatives
are selected from each team.
Photo by: Karen Lohrman
Wacky Tacky Day!
The SGA putting up dance decorations.
5035 Sideburn Road Fairfax, VA 22032
Volume 41, Issue 3
26 Acts of Kindness
The high school SGA is sponsoring a campaign
called the “26 Acts of Kindness.” This is a response to
the Sandy Hook Massacre that took place just a few
months ago. The purpose of this campaign is fairly
simple: to spread kindness to people. Something as
small as holding the door open for a person or helping
someone carry their groceries can have a positive impact on a
person’s life. Middle schoolers are encouraged to participate in this
wonderful campaign to help spread kindness not only to Robinson Secondary
School, but to other high schools, and communities around us.
Are you doing the 26 Acts of Kindness?
“Yes, I opened
the door for
someone who
had crutches. I
do this because I
think you should
treat people the
way you want to be treated,” said
Bianca, 7th.
“No, because the
stuff that they do is
the stuff you should
do because it’s
respectful,” said
Matthew, 8th.
“Yes, I want to
touch the hearts
of the families of
the kids who
passed away. I
will make dinner
for my family and
help my friends out with homework,”
said Matias, 7th.
“Yes, because
when I heard
about Sandy
Hook I wanted to
do the best I
could to help. I
love the Acts of Kindness because it
gives people a chance to reach
out to others,” said Brenna, 8th.
What are some details about the
upcoming Talent Show?
“On April 24, SGA is having a
talent show. Students have to
audition to get in and will be
judged on a variety of categories
such as confidence,
appropriateness, etc. We will
have our spring spirit week
the same week. Throughout
the week we will have activities for students
to participate in during lunch and there will
also be the 7th grade dance,” said Claire,
8th, Red Team Rep.
Volunteering to Help
Need service hours or
just bored of doing the
same old thing everyday?
Then consider volunteering
for various organizations
to help people or
animals in need. All of
these opportunities can
be found at volunteerfairfax.org.
You can have the
feeling of doing something truly right and something
that helps not only you, but that helps the
community or environment. Ideas for volunteering
include helping out in canned food drives or
helping a dog find a safe home with a loving
owner. You can also volunteer as an assistant
coach to a sibling or you can referee a soccer,
lacrosse, or football game as another way to
help out your community.
Anne Frank wrote in her diary, “How wonderful
it is that nobody need wait a single moment before
starting to improve the world.”
Does the Middle School SGA have anything
to do with the High School?
“Yes, in many ways. We
plan spirit days and fundraisers
together. This helps
us raise more money for
the school and we all learn
to work well together as a
team. We use the money
we raise for school dances
and other SGA activities. The high school
supports us by providing supplies and resources
for advertising,” said Elza, 8th, Green
Team Rep.
Do you volunteer?
“Yes, I volunteer for Laurel
Ridge Elementary and help
out the first graders with math
and science. I also coach
swim at Oak-Mar rec center.
Volunteering helps me become
a better person,” said
Sam, 8th.
What are some events coming up?
“Some new events coming
up in the SGA are
the Spring Dance which
is exclusively for seventh
graders. After that we
will start planning the
Eighth Grade Formal.
The money we get from
the middle school
dance tickets funds the Eighth Grade Formal
decorations and food,” said Mary Kate,
8th, Purple Team Rep.
Do you volunteer?
“I volunteer at the Fairfax Animal
Shelter. I chose to volunteer at
the animal shelter because I love
helping those in need like hurt
animals. The smell stinks, but it
warms your heart helping the
animals in need,” said Tyler, 8th.
Volunteer Fairfax
Age of Organization: 39 years old
Location: Fairfax County, VA
Purpose: Works as a referral service
for numerous community projects
and non-profit organizations that
require free help.
What Is the purpose of the SGA?
“The purpose of the SGA is
to create support and involvement
in the middle
school. As leaders we set
examples and create
change. SGA truly expands
leadership. I enjoy it because
of its cooperative
discussions with fellow leaders and the takeaction
role we gain throughout the school
year,” said Kurien, 8th, Purple Team Rep.
By Sam, Max, and Zane
Volunteer Opportunities in Fairfax
By Maxwell
Goal: To strengthen the community as a whole through work.
Log on to match your skills and interests with an organization
that needs your help.
Volunteer Fairfax has programs for all people including the
military, elderly, and teen population.
In 2011, Volunteer Fairfax placed 4,462 volunteers into service
and these volunteers logged over 50,000 hours of service
through Volunteer Fairfax direct programs.
For more information you can go to the website at volunteerfairfax.org.
Fairfax County
Public Libraries
The mission of the
Fairfax County Public
Libraries is to encourage
library use to
help with better education.
The minimum
age to volunteer is
12. You must fill out
an application form
to participate in this
activity. The jobs
needed are straightening
and organizing
shelves, putting materials
in alphabetical
order, and administrative
duties.
For more info, check
out their website at:
fairfaxcounty.gov/
library
Forever Home
Rescue
Foundation
This foundation is
based on helping
and providing for
animals in need.
They will do their
best to find the
right home for
each animal. Volunteers
help with
fundraising events,
vet visits, adoptions,
and making
sure the animals
get to a good
home! To volunteer
with this organization,
visit their website:
aforeverhome.org
Herndon-Reston
FISH Inc.
Herndon-Reston FISH Inc.
is dedicated to helping
people who need help
during emergencies and
short term crises. Volunteers
will be lifting, carrying,
and arranging items
in the shop. Help is also
needed assembling and
distributing holiday baskets.
Volunteers can
help out at the FISH
booth during the Herndon
and Reston festivals.
The minimum age to
help is 12 and no training
is required. Visit their
website for information
about volunteering:
herdonrestonfish.org
Friends of
Homeless
Animals
This organization
helps save dogs and
other animals that
are abused and
neglected. Volunteers
are needed to
help foster the animals,
walk the dogs,
clean up, and snuggle
with the cats.
You will need an
adult with you since
the minimum age for
volunteering here is
18. Check out their
website at: foha.org
Community
Thrift
This is a community
thrift shop featuring
many items for sale
at reasonable prices.
Volunteers will
be asked to help
sort and shelve the
donations that
come in. No experience
is required
and the minimum
age is 13 years old.
Times are weekends,
after school,
and evenings.
Community Thrift is
located at 7381
Sudley Road, Manassas.
You can
learn more at communitythrift.org
Lost Dog And Cat
Rescue
Foundation
This foundation saves
dogs left on the streets
and accepts animals
from over-crowded
shelters. Volunteers
handle the cats and
dogs during adoptions
and assists in fundraising
events. Many dogs
need foster homes so
this is a great way to
volunteer. Website:
lostdogandcatrescue.org
Earth Sangha
Earth Sangha is an
ecological restoration
program that restores
native forests and
meadows, stabilizes
streams, and controls
invasive plants. Volunteers
will help plant
flowers, grasses, shrubs
and trees in meadows,
grasslands, and forests.
They also need help
with controlling invasive
plants. Earth Sangha
encourages large
groups to come. They
need help on weekends.
Check out their
website at:
earthsangha.org
Fairfax ReLeaf
Fairfax ReLeaf is
dedicated to planting
large numbers of
trees in Northern
Virginia as many
have been bulldozed.
Over 35% of
Fairfax’s “urban
forests” have disappeared
over the last
20 years. Volunteers
are needed to plant
trees, water, and
help care for trees
that have already
been planted. This is
a large group friendly
opportunity, so
make sure to bring
your friends. Sign up
to help at:
fairfaxreleaf.org
1

The Medallion April 2013 Volume 41, Issue 3
What Does Your Handwriting Say About You?
Have you ever wondered why you write the way you do?
Why your writing slants the way it does, why you dot your i’s
in that particular fashion? Graphology is the study of handwriting
analysis, the psychological relation to one’s personality
and their particular writing style. So what does your script
say about you? Find out here!
“I think your feelings [anxiety, fear] will transmit into your
handwriting. To a certain degree, you can use graphology
in crime, but I don’t believe in so much that it can detect
their personality and whether they are nervous or scared. I
am a little questioning whether you can draw that kind of
conclusion just based on one handwriting,” said Mrs. Keith,
librarian.
Although graphology is considered a pseudoscience
(meaning it lacks enough reliable evidence to prove it’s a
science), it is often used in forensics and crime investigation.
In fact, Charles Lindbergh, the famous pilot who was the first
to fly across the Atlantic alone, once had his son Chas kidnapped
from his house. Through a series of ransom notes
and some forensic handwriting analysists, the perp, Bruno
Richard Hauptmann, was arrested and jailed as the kidnapper.
In crime cases and investigations, handwriting analysis is
used to tell whether or not a person wrote a piece of evidence,
whether or not multiple suspects are involved in the
crime, or whether the letters have been traced. They use
tools like binocular microscopes, magnifying glasses, rulers,
protractors, light boxes, cameras, printers, and copiers to do
their work. They follow step-by-step processes the same way
scientists use the scientific method.
“My handwriting is very messy. My e’s look like c’s and my
c’s look like e’s. One time in science I got marked off on my
bell ringer because my partner thought I spelled something
wrong,” said Jana Considine, 7 th .
Many believe graphology is not a valid study and that it is
on relative terms with astrology and palmistry, but scientific
research has proved time and time again that the handwriting
reflects the persona of the writer, as it is a form of selfexpression.
In grade school students are taught how to write
based on a copybook the teachers use to teach with. They
vary from region to region, so students grow up with similar
styles of writing as the people around us. After writing for
several years, students develop their own specific styles of
script, as no two people share the exact same print.
Where did this strange study come from? “There are ancient
Chinese, Greek, and Roman, as well as early Jewish
and Christian ancestors of graphology, but its modern incarnation
can be traced to the speculations of the seventeenth-century
Italian physician, Camillo Baldi,” says Berry L.
Beyerstein, Ph. D., in one of his essays. “The most recognizable
forebears of current devotees, however, are to be
found among an influential group of Catholic clergy in nineteenth-century
France. A disciple of that circle, Abb Jean-
Hippolyte Michon, coined
the term "graphology" and,
in Paris in 1871, founded The
Society of Graphology.” Until
the early twentieth century,
French graphologists dominated
the pseudoscience,
which then spread to German-speakers
and afterwards
the rest of the world.
So what does your handwriting
say about you? Well,
graphologists look at a number
of things to determine
this, such as the slant of the
writing. If your writing tends
to slant forward (to the right),
it means you are sociable
and outgoing, while a left
slant (backwards) indicates
By Sydney Parker and Lizzie Penn
Test yourself by writing
something down and going
to didyouknow.org/
handwriting/ or scan this QR
code to learn more about
yourself!
you are generally more shy and reserved. If your writing
changes slant constantly, it shows emotional instability.
So what do you think about graphology? Is it a real science,
or a phony? Can you really tell what a person is like
based on their written language? Only future research will
find out!
When someone tells or predicts your personality based on
your handwriting, these are a few things they look at:
Baseline:
Whether you write on a straight
line, slanted upwards or slanted
downwards.
Size:
Whether you write really
big, really tiny or some
where in between.
Slant:
Whether your writing
curves towards the right or
left or straight up and
down.
According to handwriting.feedbucket.com,
Sophie:
Plans ahead, and is interested in beauty,
design, outward appearance, and symmetry.
She is a person who thinks before acting,
intelligent and thorough.
She is negative, fearful, resistant, doubtful,
and/or selfish.
She is a talkative person, maybe even a
busybody!
She enjoys life in her own way and does not
depend on the opinions of others.
Handwriting of Sophie Forte, 8th.
According to handwriting.feedbucket.com,
Parker:
Likes to be surrounded by four solid walls.
Is a person who thinks before acting, intelligent
and thorough.
Is affectionate, passionate, expressive, and
future-oriented.
Is a talkative person, maybe even a busybody!
Enjoys life in your own way and do not depend
on the opinions of others.
Handwriting of Parker Condit, 7th.
Shhhh! It’s a Secret… Starbucks Menu!
By Mikell Mahan, Lyla Hong, and Livi Hally
Looking for something new to enjoy at Starbucks? Tired of
your same old Frappuccino? If so, it’s time to read on. This
article is all about the Starbucks Secret Menu which is jam
packed with fun, original new drinks brewed up by the official
Starbucks baristas!
What is a secret menu? Secret menus are hidden products
that are not shown on the generic menu in the store.
The drinks consist of flavors of your favorite munch time
snacks such as Captain Crunch Cereal, Oreo cookies, Snickers,
Twix, cake batter, Fruity Pebbles, Samoa's, and Thin
Mints. All are guaranteed to make your taste buds dance.
“I tried the Captain Crunch Frappuccino and it tasted just
the real thing! I want to try the Oreo Frappuccino because I
heard that it tastes just like Oreos, my favorite snack,” said
Brenna Gaffigan, 8th.
The secret menu has all new creations from a secret size
How To Order Secret Menu Drinks
Drink To Ask
For
Caramel
Frappucino
What To Add In New Drink
Extra caramel, one pump
of hazelnut and have java
chips blended in
to secret drinks and fraps.
The most requested Frappuccino
is the Raspberry
Cheesecake Frappuccino.
But don't be fooled, it’s not
that simple! Each of the
secret menu drinks have to
be ordered a certain way.
All of the “new” secret
menu drinks are the original
drinks modified with add ins to make them “new”. For example,
if you were to order the Twix Frappuccino you would
ask for a Caramel Frappuccino with extra caramel and one
pump of hazelnut syrup with java chips and whipped
creams blended in and then topped off with mocha drizzle.
The menu doesn't just consist of Frappuccinos, it also has
Twix Frappucino
More Secret Menus
other varieties of drinks such as the Raspberry Caramel
Macchiato. The Raspberry Caramel Macchiato is just like
your every day Caramel Macchiato, but instead of vanilla
syrup, you ask for raspberry syrup. Another popular drink is
the Nutella, if you’re a Nutella lover try ordering a Cafe Misto
with a shot or chocolate, hazelnut and a drop of caramel
for deliciously sweet drink best served as a desert!
“I think it is very different and interesting because it’s new
and unusual for the typical Starbucks I have almost every
day. I think the idea is really cool and I’ll be sure to check it
out next time I swing around to Starbucks,” said
Kate Mulvenon, 8th.
If you want more information on these tasty creations go
to starbuckssecretmenu.net. It has all and more of these
drinks and all about them.
Did you know Starbucks isn’t the only place that has a secret menu? Restaurants that you may know
and love, such as Chipotle and Taco Bell carry a secret menu. When you go into one of the
restaurants say the original order, but ask for the different add ins. At places like Chipotle they have a
burrito you can order that is filled with queso. To find the full secret menus for each of these places
look online.
Restaurant
Example
White Chocolate
Mocha Frappucino
Mocha Frappucino
Add a few shots of
raspberry syrup
Java chocolate chips and
peppermint syrup
Raspberry Cheesecake
Frappucino
Grasshopper Frappucino
Chipotle
McDonald’s
Jamba Juice
Quesarito: Nacho cheese filled burrito
McKinley: Big Mac with a Quarter Pound patty
Pink Starburst: lemonade, soymilk smoothie
Tazo Green Tea Crème
Frappucino
Cinnamon Dolce Latte
Café Misto Latte
Chocolate syrup, java
chips and peppermint syrup
Add a shot of chocolate
mocha syrup and a shot of
real caramel syrup
Shot of chocolate,
hazelnut and a drop of
caramel
Thin Mint Frappucino
Three C’s
The Nutella
Sonic
Chick-fil-a
Taco Bell
Frito pie: Fritos topped with chili and cheese
Starbucks Logo History
Chicken Quesadilla: Tortilla with melted cheese and
chicken chunks
Taco Bell green sauce: sweet and spicy verde sauce
Pumpkin Spice Latte
A shot or two of chocolate
syrup
Chocolate Pumpkin
Double Chocolate Chip
Frappucino
White mocha syrup instead
of regular
Oreo Frappucino
Hot White Chocolate
Mocha
Sprinkled chocolate chips,
and java chips
Chocolate Dalmatian
Original Inspiration 1971 1987 1992 2011
2

The Medallion April 2013 Volume 41, Issue 3
Pushing the Frontier to Mars
How would you feel if a man landed on Mars?
“I would be
[feeling] amazed.
The whole concept
of exploring a
planet man has not
been to would be
cool. This would
really put us ahead
of other countries
too,” said Maxim. 7th.
Space X
The Space Exploration Technologies Corporation
was founded March 14, 2002 by Elon Musk
who also founded PayPal and Tesla Motors. Its
main goal is to establish human life on other
planets. Space X is hired to launch space missions
for their clients. An example is that NASA
has hired Space X to launch some resupply missions
to the ISS (International Space Station).
Space X has at least 40 missions planned for
2013-2017 for different countries and space
agencies. They have already launched a total of
nine successful missions. One of those missions
was the Dragon spacecraft. Its mission was to
dock with the ISS and transfer supplies to it. It
docked in May 2012 and successfully transferred
the supplies.
Space X is planning to release designs and
pictures of the Dragon 2 in 2013. They are also
starting to test a new payload shroud for the
Falcon 9 (a model of space ship they have used
for almost all of their missions) that will be able to
launch larger satellites and spacecraft. Space X
is also planning to build one of the most powerful
lifting rockets in the world, the Falcon Heavy. The
rocket itself will
weigh a total of
53,000 kg and it
will be able to lift
13,150 kg. It will
be able to
launch multiple
commercial or
military satellites.
Its first flight is
Falcon 9 on launch pad.
scheduled for a
date in 2013.
So far most of Space X funding comes from
NASA. Space X has received a total of $2.318
billion dollars from them. They received $278 million
in August 2006 to demonstrate the delivery
and return of cargo to ISS, $1.6 billion in December
2008 for a contract of 12 ISS resupply missions,
and $440 million in August 2012 to design the
Dragon capsule. Other funds have come from:
Founders Fund, Draper Fisher Jurvetson, and Valor
Equity Partners. It is very likely that Space X
could become the dominant space agency of
the world.
“I would be so excited
because I feel
like there is so much
to explore in space.
[I would also feel
excited as] landing
on Mars will help us
learn more about
space,” said Alyssa,
8th.
Planned Missions
Client
MDA
Corp.
(Canada)
Falcon
Heavy
Demo
(Space X)
SES
(Europe)
Thaicom
(Thailand)
Glossary
Launch
Date
When a man landed on the moon
for the first time, the world exploded
with excitement! Now, the human
race pushes the frontier to Mars, a
cold red planet devoid of life. Could
we land a man on Mars?
“I think we can get a man on Mars
by around 2018 because the space
program will be back on. Also, we
will have much more advanced
machinery and technology which
will help us get faster and further
into space,” said Thomas, 7th.
First of all, there are numerous
dangers to consider. Mars does not
have enough oxygen to breathe
and no food at all on the surface.
This means that all food would have
to be carried and any puncture in
the space suit (if the astronauts
were outside their capsule) would
lead to immediate suffocation. Water
would also be needed. However,
the rovers Curiosity, Spirit and
Opportunity have all discovered
proofs of water in the polar ice caps
and faint traces underground.
Therefore, the landing capsule-
NASA envisions an aerodynamic
lander with thrusters- should be
equipped with a drill mechanism
that will penetrate the ice or ground
to obtain water. Other Martian hazards
include dust devils. Mars is
a dusty planet and when wind
picks up is plagued with dust
devils. Dust devils are basically
tornadoes, only swirling with the
Martian dust. If the landing
capsule interacts with one while
landing, it could be thrown off
course. Also, the Martian atmosphere
is not as thick as Earth’s. This
means it lets a lot of radiation and
meteorites in and a hit to the capsule
would result in fatal oxygen/
food/supply losses. Consequently,
space suits and other equipment
must be properly planned.
Why Mars? Mars can act as a laboratory,
a space station or even a
resting point for further expeditions.
Venus is closer, but the temperature
is extremely hostile and can melt
lead! The moon has absolutely no
atmosphere and it will constantly be
bombarded with meteorites and
radiation from the Sun.
Rovers play an important role too
as they have provided all the
knowledge we know of the Martian
surface.
A mission to Mars takes approximately
180 days when both planets
are closest in orbit. To get there
NASA will use nuclear thermal energy
for thrust and a chemical engine.
NASA also plans to send cargo
there before any manned mission as
it will act like a targeted base for
any Martian expedition. To this
“base” many expeditions will contribute
to make it a functioning system
for mankind. This would be extremely
helpful for astronomers as
they could use the information studied
in the Martian base to help
them with scientific experiments. In
the grand scheme of things, over
thousands of years, perhaps a town
of humans will be made on the surroundings
of the base.
Another factor to consider is the
communication from the control
room to the astronauts. According
to Bret Drake, a NASA scientist,
“Crew autonomy is vital, because
there's an up to 40 minute time delay
in communication between
Earth and the crew because of the
distance," Drake said. "And the crew
doesn't have a capability for resupply
— they'll just have what they
send ahead or what they bring with
them — so when things fail, they'll
have to be able to repair them.
They must be self-sufficient.”
The crew composition is also important.
NASA wants to have about
six astronauts on the expedition. The
crew should include a leader, an
engineer/mechanic, scientists, and
a medic. All the astronauts should
be skilled in a way that will either
help the mission, or an emergency.
The idea of a manned expedition
to Mars is exhilarating and definitely
possible. In the years to come the
red planet that has perplexed us will
have its secrets unleashed as humans
land on Mars.
Vehicle
2013 Falcon 9
2013 Falcon
Heavy
2013 Falcon 9
2013 Falcon 9
By Ian
Red Dragon– A mission that Space X will
launch to Mars using the Dragon capsule
2.
Falcon Rocket Series- A series of rockets
designed by Space X. They are numbered
Falcon 1 to Falcon 9, and it includes
the Falcon Heavy.
ISS- The International Space Station
which is made out of different capsules
launched by the organizations of America,
Russia, ESA, Brazil, Japan, and Canada.
COTS Program– Commercial Orbital
Transportation Services program was
initiated by NASA to design commercial
spacecraft for transportation of cargo.
ESA– European Space Agency which
includes 18 members.
The Space X Dragon
capsule docking at
ISS.
The Dragon capsule
on the recovery
ship.
3
Mars
By Arvind
Q and A with Mrs. Hicok
(Aerospace Club and 7/8 grade science teacher)
Q: Do you think current technology will be able
to get a man on Mars and back?
A: I do because we have been working on
space shuttles for a long time and the original
goal of the space shuttle program was to launch
manned spacecraft onto farther places like
Mars.
Q: Do you think there is anything lacking with our
technology to get a man on Mars?
A: Most likely, but I think we have our basic designs, but may be missing
the finer points of such a mission.
Q: Are there any major obstacles to this mission from happening
soon?
A: Yes, mainly the funding and support, this mission would cost billions
of dollars and the public must be supportive of such an idea and we
are not quite there yet.
Pros and Cons of a Manned
Mission to Mars
Pros
Valuable resources
Might lead to
new technological
abilities
Increased
educational
knowledge
Glossary
Cons
It’s dangerous!
It costs too much
($20 billion+)
Bigger problems
on Earth to worry
about
Astronomers: Scientists that specialize in the field of astronomy, physics
and space.
Atmosphere: The mixture of gasses that surrounds an object e.g.
Earth. It can referred to also as the air or climate.
Autonomy: The ability to be independent.
Landing Capsule: The compartment that the astronauts will be in to
land on Mars.
Mars: 4th planet from the Sun.
Martian: To do with Mars.
NASA: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (USA)
Nuclear Thermal Energy: Energy released through nuclei interactions
of atoms.
Orbit: The path of an astronomical object around a larger astronomical
object.
Radiation: Harmful rays of energy (in this case from the sun).
Rover: A machine (robot) used to explore areas in space.
New Rescue Seasons
and Premieres
By Ryan
Lately cable rescue shows have
been increasing in popularity because
of the action and intensity.
One new show is Coast Guard
Alaska which is on the Weather
Channel. It is about the men and
women of the Coast Guard at Air Station Kodiak who
go out in the frozen Alaska environment and save
lives. They go out on SAR missions and investigate
marine associated accidents. All Coast Guard are
professionals with the techniques of medical operations
and tactical operations.
In addition to Coast Guard Alaska
is Coast Guard Florida in Miami
Beach. The people who work there
go out in the hot and humid climate
of Florida to stop crime and help
civilians. Here they also go on SAR
missions, investigate marine associated
accidents, stop illegal drugs from coming into the
country, protect the sea, and protect the US. In Florida
the Coast Guard is very professional in their tactics
because of the illegal drugs and the illegal aliens
transporting them. The Coast Guard’s motto is
“Semper Paratus”, or always ready.
Another new series is Inside Combat Rescue. In this
show you can see a glimpse of what the United
States Air Force’s Pararescuemen
or PJs for short, see
on a day to day basis. The
PJs are stationed in air station
Kandahar, Afghanistan
close up to the action for
CSARs. The main mission of
the PJs is to save lives and aid the injured “That Others
May Live”. They are extremists who are veterans
of all medical need because that’s their job. Also
they are accomplished warriors to defend the LZ.
Usually the wounded are CAT Alpha and have to be
transported to a hospital within the golden hour. The
PJs have gone through a brutal and rigorous ETDs just
to start the actual training which leads them to going
on the battlefield. Some PJs are three deployment
veterans and others are newly trained recruits but
everyone there will see the
unfortunate results of war.
All PJs will come home to
see their families after the
deployment if all goes well.
Coast Guard & USAF
Rescue Vehicles
Sikorsky HH-60G Pave Hawk– This
helicopter is the USAF’s main CSAR
helicopter for rescue, resupply, infiltration,
and exfiltration. It can carry
up to 10-15 troops. It is equipped
with two weapons and flares for
incoming missiles.
Sikorsky HH-60J Jayhawk– Like the
USAF’s Pave Hawk, this USCG helicopter
is meant for SAR missions
and law enforcement. It can hold a
total of six survivors and a crew of
four. The payload can hold 6000
pounds.
Lockheed C-130 "Hercules"- This
USCG plane is meant for reconnaissance,
rescue air drops, and oil
pollution control. It can carry 51,000
pounds of cargo and up to a 90
passengers with an crew of seven.
Glossary
SAR- Search and Rescue
LZ- Landing Zone
ETD– Extended Training Day
CAT– Category
Golden Hour– The best time of survival
to get to a hospital
CSAR– Combat Search and Rescue
Illegal Aliens– Illegal Immigrants
NVG– Night Vision Goggles
HUD– Heads Up Display
CGAS– Coast Guard Air Stations

The Medallion April 2013 Volume 41, Issue 3
A Girl’s Guide to Doing it Yourself
Everyone’s heard of those famous Do
-It-Yourself projects, but not all of them
are designed for girls. Below is a collection
of favorite DIY projects that make
great gifts for friends, as well as trendy
styles and unique decorations. Although
some projects can be complex,
the following are relatively easy to accomplish
and, in the meantime, can
serve as a fashionable and swank way
to flaunt yourself by saying, “I made
that!”
Paper Cup Lantern
Materials:
-Small paper
Dixie cups
-Scissors
-X-acto knife
-Colorful
scrapbook
paper
-LED white
Christmas lights
-Double-sided tape
-Pencil
2. Use double-sided tape to
attach one side of the shade
cover to the cup. Add another
piece of tape to the other side
and carefully wrap
the cutout around
the cup. Make sure
all of your edges
meet up.
Studded Sneakers
Materials:
-Sneakers
-Studs
-Adhesive
-Popsicle
stick
-Toothpicks
How To: DIY French
Manicure
Things You Need:
White nail polish of your choice
Top coat (color) of your choice
Band-Aids (or anything sticky)
Nail polish remover
Q-tips or cotton balls
1. Make sure your
nails are clean by
rubbing the nail
polish remover
across them.
3. Align and stick
the rounded edge
on your nail leaving
as much of
your nail as you
want painted.
6. Repeat these
steps with the rest
of your nails, and
ta-da! Your own
French Manicure.
Materials:
-pack of Kool-
Aid
-Q-tip
2. Take the Band-
Aids and rip off the
sides (make sure
you are using the
rounded edged
Band-Aids.).
4. Paint your nail
tip.
5. Wait for the
polish to dry, then
peel off your Band-
Aid.
1. To begin,
squeeze a
small
amount of
adhesive
on the popsicle
stick.
Kool-Aid Lip Stain
1. Pick the flavor
you want to
use or mix different
kinds.
1. Start with a
light garland—like
Christmas
lights. Get as
many Dixie
cups as you
will need to
go over each light. Use different
pieces of scrapbook paper to
put around each Dixie cup, as a
shade cover.
3. Using an X-acto knife, carefully
cut an “X” design. This is where
each bulb will poke through.
Once you have
done this to each
cup, carefully pop
the lights into each
cup until your garland
is covered.
2. Use the
tip of a
toothpick to
apply a
small dollop
of glue onto
a spike.
How To: Dip-Dye Your Hair With Kool-Aid
Things You Need:
2-3 packets of sugar-free Kool-
Aid
A towel
A mug
2 cups of water
Step One
Boil two cups of water.
Step Two
Pour both Kool-Aid packets into
the water. Stir it around a few times
to blend the solution.
Step Three
Pour the hot Kool-Aid into a mug.
Note that you don’t necessarily
need the entire mixture in one cup.
How To: DIY Duct Tape Bows
Things You Need:
A roll of any color or pattern duct tape
Scissors
A hair tie, bobby pin or hair clip
3. Press the
spike in
place onto
the sneaker’s
baseline
and hold.
2. Wet your
finger and press
it in the powder.
4. Glue the
spikes onto
the heel
cap and
continue to
work until
covered.
3. Rub your
finger all over
your lips, inside
the lines.
Heart Jeans
1. Get a
small piece
of paper
and cut out
any sized
heart shape.
2. Place the
paper stencil
over your
pants where
you want the
hearts.
3. Hold the
paper on
your pants.
You can also
tape the
paper for
more control.
4. Gently
add paint on
your foam
brush and
dab it onto
your heart
shape.
5. Lift the
paper off of
your jeans
and let it dry.
Voila! Perfect
heart
jeans!
4. Get a wet Q-
tip to smooth
out the edges
of your mouth.
Step Four
Place the desired amount
of hair into the mug, and
wait for about ten minutes.
Step Five
After ten minutes has
passed, towel dry your hair
so that your hair doesn’t
drip. Let your hair dry naturally
before straightening
so the color can set. Voila!
Step One
Cut a piece of duct tape that is about 5 or 6 inches long.
Step Two
Fold the duct tape in half so that the sides match up perfectly.
This should leave your bow about 2 1/2 to 3 inches
long.
Step Three
Fold the strip accordion style or fan style and squeeze the
middle.
Step Four
Cut off a little over an inch of duct tape (either from the
same roll or a different one) and cut it vertically in half.
Step Five
Attach your hair tie, bobby pin or clip to the small piece of
duct tape and wrap the strip around the middle of the
bow. The clip should be placed on the bottom side of the
bow.
Flavors: cherry,
punch, mango,
lemon, strawberry
& grape.
4
Sock Bun
Step 1: Find an old sock and cut off
the part where your toes are supposed
to go. The thicker fabric the
sock has,
the bigger
your bun will
look. You
might want
a sock that
matches
your hair
color.
Step 3: Brush your hair into a high
ponytail; where you place your
ponytail is where the bun will be.
For an elegant
bun,
sleek out
your hair. For
a playful,
messy bun,
leave out a
few wisps.
Fringe Shirt
How To: DIY iPhone Case
Things You Need:
Nail Clipper
Scissors
Sharp Knife
Clear iPhone Case
Patterned Card Stock Or
Photo
Step One
Put the iPhone case you are
going to use on top of a patterned
cardstock or photo.
Trace along the outside of it,
including the camera lens
hole.
Step Two
Personalize the cardstock;
add stickers or gems, or just
leave it as it is.
Materials: a large T-shirt,
scissors, and chalk.
1. Lay your T-shirt onto a
flat surface and draw 1-
2 inch lines with your
chalk about a quarter of
the way up the shirt.
2. Grab your scissors and
cut the lines that you
drew but don’t cut them
off completely! You can
cut the shirt shorter or
leave it long and flowing.
3. With each piece of
fringe, you can tie them
or, for a cleaner look,
add beads and tie them
at the ends. For a casual
look, leave them to
hang loosely.
Step Three
When your cardstock is fully
personalized, fit it into your clear
iPhone case, so that the edges
meet up and it is tight in place.
You may even want to use double
sided tape for the edges.
Step Four
Put your new case onto your
iPhone and enjoy!
How To: DIY Monster Bookmarks
Things You Need:
Pipe Cleaners
Googley Eyes
Cardstock Paper
Glue
Hole Puncher
Scissors
Step One
First cut a 3 inch x 5 ½
inch rectangle out of your
cardstock paper.
Step Two
For the nose, use scissors
to cut two lines into the
middle of the paper without
going all the way
through.
Step Three
Glue your googley eyes
on the cardstock paper.
By Lauryn, Jaidyn, Liz and Lina
Step Four
Punch a hole at the top of your
bookmark.
Step Five
Slide the pipe cleaner through
the hole and twist it at the top to
make it look a little more fun.
Step 2: Starting from the place where you
made your cut, tightly roll the sock down
to form a doughnut-like shape.
Step 4: Pull the hair
from your ponytail
inside the center of
the doughnut, and
spread the ends of
your hair around it.
Start rolling the doughnut down your hair
starting from the end and ending at the
base of your ponytail. Continue to tuck
and spread your hair under and
around your doughnut.
Pencil Jar
Materials: A
can or jar,
colored pencils,
rubber
band, scissors,
and a
ribbon.
1. Start by
wrapping the
colored pencils
around
the can/jar.
2. Use the
rubber band
to keep the
colored pencils
in place.
3. Cut ribbon
of your
choice, wrap
it around the
rubber band.

The Medallion April 2013 Volume 41, Issue 3
Homemade Beauty Products 101!
By Mikala and Emily
Do you want to repair your damaged hair or the dryness of your
skin, but you don’t have the money to buy expensive products
that promise to do so? Do you know ANYTHING about the chemicals
you are rubbing into your skin and soaking your hair in? These
products could possibly be harmful and irritating to your skin, and
even not change a thing at all! If you have any of these issues,
keep reading because we have a solution for YOU!
You can easily create your own hair and face cleaners and masks from foods and condiments
you have around your home. All you need is a bowl, a spoon, the necessary ingredients,
and patience. Using natural products such as fruits and vegetables is better for your
skin because they don’t contain chemicals with names you can’t even pronounce, but
they do contain tons of vitamins and minerals. How cool is that?
Natural and Organic
Facial Washes
There are so
many ways to
exfoliate and
cleanse your
skin to make it
healthy and
hydrated. Lately,
teenagers
have been
using regular household products and remedies
to clean the grime and dirt out of their
pores. One of the most refreshing homemade
facial washes is the oatmeal cleanser.
It brightens skin tone, cures irritated skin,
helps clear acne prone skin, and makes skin
soft. It consists of oats and a squeeze of lemon
juice. There is a tutorial of this facial scrub
on bubzbeauty channel on Youtube.com.
Who is Your Guru Go To?
1. If you struggle with oily
skin and acne, iheartmakeup92
has tips on
how to get rid of it,
along with fun hair and makeup tutorials.
2. If you’re into out-there, interesting, and
unexpected type makeup and beauty
tips, VenusAngelic, bubzbeauty, and
MichellePhan are your guru soulmates!
3. If you want a more regular, but stand-out
-beautiful look, MacBarbie07, Alison-
LovesJB, Stilababe09, and kmoneykmoneykmoney
has the videos you’re
looking for!
4. If you are a mix of ALL these wonderful
girls’ videos then check them all out!
Easy Homemade Hair Masks
Sometimes our hair feels extremely dry or terribly greasy.
At other times hair lacks the shine we wish it had or is mega
frizzy. Thankfully, we have natural, easy-to-make hair masks
that we can make at home for whenever we need to! For
overall hair greatness, such as shine, de-frizzing, and thickness,
use one avocado, 1/2 cup of coconut milk, and
three teaspoons of olive oil. First, mash up the avocado.
After that, mix in the two liquids and stir until the whole
mask is at a decent thickness, and easy to apply. Use a
stove to warm your hair mask, and once it’s not too hot
but not too cold, put the product in your hair. Massage
into your hair from scalp
to ends, and leave in for
30 minutes at the least.
Once completed, wash
the mask out of your hair.
You can find this tutorial
and many more hair care
tips at organicauthority.com.
Insider on Beauty Guru:
Kmoneykmoneykmoney
One of the most personable
and down to earth
“Youtube beauty guru” is
Kirsten Leighty. She is also
known as
“kmoneykmoneykmoney”
on her Youtube channel.
Kirsten is your average
eighteen year old senior.
She has been making beauty
videos since she was fourteen.
She makes tutorials for
the latest makeup looks and
hair styles. One of her most
viewed videos is when she
made a Pretty Little Liars
inspired outfit, hair, and
makeup video of each person
in the show. Kirsten gives
awesome recommendations
for makeup and other
beauty products.
5
YouTube Beauty Gurus
Many girls get hair and makeup
advice from teenagers on YouTube.
‘Beauty Gurus’, as they are called,
create videos to help girls with skin
care, hair care, makeup, which
products are a yay or nay, and so
much more! If you would like some
beauty tips, or you’re thinking of
making a similar type channel, here
are some well known gurus:
Stilababe09
kmoneykmoneykmoney
iheartmakeup92
VenusAngelic
bubzbeauty
krazyrayray
AlisonLovesJB
MichellePhan
MacBarbie07
Popular “MichellePhan”
Tutorials
3 Beauty Tips With a Spoon
Easy Ways to Use Liquid Liner
3 Ways to Change Up Your Look
DIY Nail Hearts Using Band-Aids
Fresh Spring Look
Tim Burton Look
Brighter Larger Looking Eyes- A
Makeup Tutorial
Perfect Red Lips
Bag Makeover: Organizing Tips
Make Your Own Pore Strips
Beautiful, Healthy, Hair and Skin (On a Budget)
Recommended
Products:
Clean and Clear Advantage
Acne Control Kit, $16-$20- For
oily skin, a three piece set
including:
1. Acne Control Cleanser-
Sinks into pores and fights
breakouts long after you
have washed your face.
2. Acne Control Moisturizerdissolves
oil fast while still
moisturizing your face.
3. Spot Treatment- Clears
up pimples and prevents
new ones.
Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action
Daily Face Wash, $8-$10-
Clearer Skin in up to 12 hours,
opens blocked pores.
Clean and Clear Acne-
Fighting Skin-Loving Cleanser,
$7-$8- Soothing foam for dry
skin, hard on acne, not on
skin.
Skin
Where Did All These Skin Problems Come From?!
Do you get off the phone and feel disgusting when
you look at the oil left on your screen from your face?
Or, do you get self-conscious because your skin is peeling
in one area, and the other has terrible acne? Getting
rid of those disgusting blemishes and that frustrating
dry skin is hard. Even though plenty of kids have terrible
skin, not many people know why. Sometimes, it’s a bad
diet, like ice cream and cookies (even though ice
cream and cookies are amazing), others times, it’s the
bitterly cold weather. And we all know when we stress
out, we breakout. Oily skin is sadly hereditary, as is dry
skin. Skin problems can also be hormonal.
If you live in areas where it’s super
duper cold, your skin will be dry if you
don't moisturize. Dry skin also comes
from hot, steamy showers (surprisingly),
which dry out the natural oils. Face
soap that is too harsh can also leave
skin damaged and dry.
How to Fix Your Skin
As girls, we all want to get rid of our
acne. But how? We have all the
answers. Lets say you have oily skin,
adding a modifying lotion or choosing
makeup that is powdered, oilfree,
and mineral based can go a
long way. Using lotion with sunscreen
will also be helpful. Once or twice a
week, applying a clay mask can
help get rid of oily skin. Dry skin is not just irritating, but
it’s painful. Hot water strips your skin of oils, so warm
water is much better for washing your face or showering.
Low humidity, wind and cold weather dries out your
lipids (layers of skin). Something that will help you after
showering is adding moisturizer on the places that feel
tight or dry.
Which Type Of Product Do Rams
Use Most Often?
Hair Products
Over 200 RMS students
were polled.
Face Products
Hair
What Actually Happens With Damaged Hair?
Over processed hair? Too much dying or Kool-Aid? Don’t
worry, we’ve got you covered. We have some products
that will “fix” your hair back to its normal, beautiful self (not
that it wasn’t already beautiful). Have you ever been looking
at your totally beat up hair and thought, “How did this
happen?” or “ Why did I do this to myself?” Well, what’s
done is done, but let’s explore exactly
happened to your hair.
When you over-process your hair,
it becomes brittle, and it breaks off
easily. It loses some of its natural oils
and becomes hard to style. It also
gets split ends faster, and when
wet, your hair may seem stretchy
because of a weakened hair shaft.
How to Fix Your Damaged ‘Do
No one likes damaged hair, we don't like the smell, the
look, the texture, or how it makes us feel. Don’t let your hair
lower your self esteem. There are products that we’ve discovered
and actions you can take that can help and may
be in your own home. First off,
straightening or curling your hair
too much leads to stripping your
hair of natural oils. What do we
suggest? Heat protectant. The
Got2Be is highly rated, it provides
long lasting sleek, moisturized,
zero-frizz hair.
Celebrity Quotes About Beauty
“Beneath the makeup and the smile, I am just a girl who
wishes for the world.” -Marilyn Monroe
“I always find beauty in things that are odd and imperfect–
they are much more interesting.” -Marc Jacobs
“I look my best after an entire hair and makeup team has
spent hours perfecting me. When do I feel my best?
When I haven’t looked in a mirror for days, and I’m doing
things that make me happy.” -Anne Hathaway
“Being beautiful is all in the attitude, it’s about confidence.”
-Ciara
“Just recently I’ve learned to be okay with myself without
wearing makeup. I think it was a special someone telling
me that I didn’t need it. I started taking care of my skin
and realised I didn’t need as much as I thought I did.”
-Vanessa Hudgens
“I like to mix yogurt,
honey, and oats for
a face mask. Afterwards,
it feels really
refreshing and
clean!” said Charlotte
Sturiale, 8th.
“I watch MichellePhan
with my friends
for fun. She is really
good at makeup
looks and hairstyles.
She helps me by giving
me inspiration for
different hairstyles and makeup looks,”
said Mimi Dabic, 8th.
All About
“Stilababe09”
Meredith
Foster is one of
the most well
known teen
Youtube
beauty gurus.
She is 17 so
the majority of
her viewers
are middle to
early high schoolers. Her online name
is Stilababe09. Meredith makes videos
that would interest young teens. Some
of her video topics are: school
makeup looks, outfits of the week, hair
care routines, and reviews on her favorite
beauty products. Meredith's’
most viewed video is “How to get Taylor
Swift’s Curls Without Heat!” If you
are looking for new, hip looks checkout
Stilababe09’s channel!
By Leah and Farah
Recommended
Products:
Aussie 3 Minute Miracle
Deeeeeep conditioner, $4- For
dry or damaged hair.
Aussie Confidently Clean Conditioner,
$4-$6- For damaged
and oily hair.
Organix Moroccan Argan Oil,
$8- For weak or curly hair. This
conditioner strengthens and
straightens your hair.
Garnier Fructis Color Shield, $3-
$4- For colored hair, straightens
and smooths.
Pantene Deep Moisturizing
Treatment, $6- For damaged,
curly hair. Intense moisture for
soft, shiny hair.
Dove Color Care Leave-In
Conditioner, $5- Helps hair lock
in color and helps grow.

1. 50 million pounds 2. West Ham United 3. Wolverhampton, Bolton, Blackburn (CL) Man U, Man C, Arsenal
Chelsea
The Medallion April 2013 Volume 41, Issue 3
The Barclays Premier League
By Ryan
Perhaps the most prestigious
professional soccer
tier, the Barclays Premier
League has produced
countless moments of
pure football enthrallment.
Founded in 1992, it
has had just over twenty
seasons of fiercely competitive
soccer. Last year, for the first time in over forty years,
Manchester City FC won the English top division title, and for
the first time in Barclays Premier League history.
Over time, the top teams of the league have pushed
themselves above the rest. Most notable perhaps is the legacy
of Manchester United, who last season were stripped of
a title by rival Manchester City. Man United has won a record
19 English top division football titles. The first BPL season
was won by Manchester United in ’92, during which period
the stadiums were only about 70% full. Everyone knows that
that will change as the Premier League becomes a worldwide
phenomenon. Currently, Manchester United are doing
well, and are happy with themselves for signing striker Robin
Van Persie, who has served as an elite goal scorer in this
campaign, which has so far seen Man United at the top of
the Premier League table. Center forward Wayne Rooney
has built a reputation as a world class player in the United
red shirt, and is showing no signs of stopping. Goalkeeper
David De Gea, recently signed on from Atletico Madrid, has
been spectacular this season between the sticks for Manchester
United, despite his unorthodox techniques.
Even though they have not won an English top tier title in
over twenty years, Liverpool FC is widely regarded as the
second best club in England, taking into accounts all of
history. The club has won a staggering 18 titles, and have
won the legendary FA Cup seven times. Liverpool has
housed many old time great players, including Kenny Dalglish,
John Barnes, and Kevin Keegan. Currently playing is
Steven Gerard, who is bound to become a legend once his
historic career has come to a close. Current forward Luis
Suarez is enjoying seemingly limitless success this campaign,
and is scoring more frequently than he ever has.
Last year, Chelsea Football Club ended a massive season
with a win in the Champions League final on penalty kicks,
Didier Drogba scoring the crucial strike. Chelsea also won
the FA Cup that year. Chelsea has
won only four top division titles, but
has been proving themselves as a
European powerhouse in the modern
game. This season, Chelsea FC
has made it apparent that they wish
to bring up younger players to their
first team, and including Eden Hazard,
and Oscar dos Santos. Also, this
Fernando Torres year is the one during which Chelsea
legend Frank Lampard scored his
200th goal for the club.
Arsenal is another top club in the Premier League. They
are third on the list of titles won in history, making them a
club to respect. Young midfielder Jack Wilshere is now one
of the prides of the club, making multiple appearances on
the English national team. French forward Olivier Giroud has
also had an impressive season.
If you were to search the world for a football league with
great history, players, clubs, and a boat load of class, you
would undoubtedly come straight to the Barclays Premier
League. It is a wonderful thing for soccer fans and players
all over the world. Catch a game this weekend, and you
too can experience the tradition.
English Championship
Leader Totals
(numbers show how many
titles won)
1. Manchester United 19
2. Liverpool 18
3. Arsenal 13
4. Everton 9
5. Aston Villa 7
6. Sunderland 6
7. Chelsea 4
8. Newcastle United 4
9. Sheffield Wednesday 4
10. Leeds United 3
11. Wolverhampton Wanderers
3
12. Huddersfield Town 3
13. Manchester City 3
14. Blackburn Rovers 3
15. Preston North 2
16. Tottenham Hotspur 2
17. Derby County 2
18. Burnley 2
19. Portsmouth 2
20. Ispwich Town 1
21. Nottingham Forest 1
22. Sheffield United 1
23. West Bromwich Albion 1
Cool Facts About
the English Premier
League
25% of the current EPL
teams are based in London.
Only four different clubs
have won the league
since 1995.
Foreign players make up
nearly two thirds of the
league.
The league earns $2.3
billion dollars on overseas
television rights
alone.
Five current teams are
sponsored by gambling
associations.
Teams spend an average
of $115 million per
year on player salaries.
The top division of English
football has been
renamed four times in
the last twenty years.
Rising Star #1
Raheem Sterling, Liverpool FC
During February of 2010, a young player
was signed from Queens Park Rangers to
Liverpool. He had dazzled the youth
coaches in London, and had apparently
impressed Liverpool’s manager which at
that time was Rafa Benitez (who now manages Chelsea
FC). Since then, young Raheem, aged 18, has thrilled the
world with his delightful talent. He plays on the wing for Liverpool,
and has asserted himself as a crucial element of the
club’s attacking strategy. Undoubtedly, he has a bright future
ahead of him. With multiple appearances for the lower
levels of national team play, Raheem is certain to represent
his country soon.
Who is your favorite team?
“My favorite team is Manchester United, and my favorite
player is Wayne Rooney. Even though I hate his personality,
I like the way he plays. Manchester United always gives
it 100%, and they are a good finesse team,” said Rory, 7th.
“My favorite team is Chelsea because they play well in
the Uefa Champions League, and in the spotlight when
they have to. Their star midfielder that goes by the name
of Frank Lampard is the player that I most love to watch,”
said Tanner, 7th.
“Even though they aren’t in the BPL, the team that I like
the most is DC United because they are my home town
team. The player Pele inspires me,” said Gabe, 7th.
Rising Star #2
Oscar Dos Santos, Chelsea FC
For years, Brazil has been known for
producing brilliant football talents,
and they have outdone themselves
once again with the raising of Oscar.
This young midfielder was signed on
with Chelsea on July 16, 2012, and
since then has been making a name
for himself as a fantastical player in the London area, and
the world. Comparisons have been drawn between young
Oscar and German Midfielder Mesut Ozil, as well as the
great Kaka. Oscar is classified as an attacking midfielder,
and has shown that he has a knack for scoring goals. He has
also made appearances for the Brazilian National Team.
The Quiz
1. In February of 2011, Chelsea bought
Fernando Torres from Liverpool. How
much did they pay in pounds?
2. Against what club did Frank Lampard
score his two hundredth goal for
Chelsea?
3. Who was relegated from the BPL last
season? Who qualified for the Uefa
Champions League?
4. Louis Suarez got into a legal confrontation
about racial abuse with what
Manchester United defender?
Washington Nationals Season
Predictions and Overview
By Ryan
Last season came to a
gut wrenching close as a
six run lead dissipated,
and the playoff picture for
the Washington Nationals
blurred to nothing more
than a hope for next season.
While most in the
Washington area
mourned on that dreadful
day, there were multitudes
of positive things to
pull from that season, and
in summary, this past year
was a success for the
growing ball club. Since
the Montreal Expos became
the Washington
Nationals, they have never
had a winning season,
let alone win the National
League East. Also, the
careful management of
star pitcher Stephen Strasburg
during his road to
recovery from Tommy
John surgery has set him
up for a blistering season
in 2013. The starting rotation
has always been a
source of pride for the
Nats, but this year it is certain
to carry the team.
There was a lot of speculation
on last year’s rookie
Bryce Harper, but he,
Batting
Team Batting Average: .261 (9th in MLB)
Total Homeruns: 194 (8th in MLB)
Slugging Percentage: .428 (6th in MLB)
Runs Batted In: 688 (11th in MLB)
without a doubt, has
proven that this year, he is
bound to be a ticket seller,
and another bright star
on the Washington National’s
roster.
The lineup this year looks
a bit different, with the
addition of Denard Span,
an outfielder from the
Minnesota Twins, and the
switching of hitting positions
for most of the Nat’s
players. However, in this
season’s opener, they
pulled away with a victory
and Bryce Harper hit out
two homeruns. The start to
the season is looking
bright.
Of course, it is more
than hitting well that goes
into winning ball games.
There are many elements
that can make the difference
for a team. One
large reason that the Nationals
should win big this
year, is their pitching staff.
While Stephen Strasburg
may steal all the pitching
headlines, there are many
great arms within the
Washington roster. Gio
Gonzalez, the number
two starter, has stepped
up a class from two years
ago when he was pitching
for the Oakland Athletics.
He took over the
role as rotation leader
when Strasburg met his
pitch limit this previous
season. Other pitchers like
Jordan Zimmerman, Ross
Detwiler, Tyler Clippard,
Craig Stammen, and
Drew Storen are certain to
hold up the team just as
well.
Also contributing to the
predicted success of the
Washington Nationals, is
the wonderful management
of Davey Johnson.
His mind full of baseball
strategy is sure to make
the Nats a team to wonder
about. Johnson’s
calm demeanor has
helped relax this young
baseball team, and instill
a culture of winning.
While the rest of us may
hope and wonder about
what the season may
hold, the players down
there on the field, sporting
their crisp new Nats jerseys,
only have one thing
in mind. Winning.
2012 Washington Nationals Statistics
Pitching
Team ERA: 3.33 (1st in MLB)
Strikeouts: 1325 (4th in MLB)
Saves: 51 (4th in MLB)
6
Washington Nationals Team Leaders
Jason Werth
When Jason Werth agreed to be traded from
the Phillies to the Nationals, there was some speculation
as to why he chose to go from such a
strong ball club to a struggling one. But he knew
that there was promise in the future for Washington
baseball. A year or so later, he was enjoying
the success of the team, and he inserted himself
into the veteran leader role, and has been filling
that role well. Jason hits with surprising power,
and has a knack for hitting a homer at the right
time, like last season when he hit a walk off
against the Cardinals in the playoffs, capping of
a wonderful 13 pitch battle with St. Louis pitcher
Lance Lynn. He is a great out fielder as well,
seeming to show of the glove in every game.
Ryan Zimmerman
Since the beginning of the Nationals organization,
Ryan Zimmerman has been on the roster.
He has been through those dreadful hundred
loss seasons, and seen the worst of a struggling
ball club. For the first time, this past season, Ryan
has enjoyed playing on a good MLB team, and
he went to the playoffs. He could have given up
on the club, and left during the hard times, but
he stayed and continued playing hard, and he
helped the nationals become what they are
today. It is in Ryan’s blood to be a leader, and
he does so well on the Washington Nationals
team. Last season he finished with a team leading
163 hits. He hopes to continue his success.
Adam Laroche
At the beginning of the 2012 season, Adam
Laroche was traded to the Washington Nationals
from the Arizona Diamondbacks; not many
Nats fans knew who he was. That soon changed
however, as Adam went through a great season
with the Nationals, hitting a career high 33 home
runs, which lead the team. He also hit exactly
100 RBI’s. With his calm and collected attitude,
he quickly won over the Nat’s fan nation. He
recently signed a contract for more years with
the Washington Nationals organization. If these
next two years are anything like the season that
Adam had this last year, he will surely be kept for
much longer. The rest of this leader’s career is
sure to hold countless moments to remember.

Answers: 1. B 2. C 3. B
The Medallion April 2013 Volume 41, Issue 3
March Madness 2013
March Madness is the playoffs of College Basketball, both men’s and women's. It takes
place at the end of the NCAA season. It consists of 68 teams playing single elimination
until only one team is left. All the hype and energy put in by the fans are what gives it the
nickname “March Madness.” This year March Madness took place between March 19 and
April 8. When the tournament starts there are 68 teams. From the first round, there are four
Men's Final Four
The men’s tournament featured some of the best number one seeds
including Indiana from the East, Gonzaga from the West, Louisville from
the Midwest, and Kansas from the South. For the South, the second and
third round took place in Kansas City, Auburn Hills, MI, Austin, Texas, and
Philadelphia. For the East, the second and third rounds took place in Dayton,
Ohio, San Jose, CA, Lexington, Kentucky, and Austin, Texas. In the West, the second and
third rounds were held in Salt Lake City, Kansas City, and Dayton, Ohio. The Regionals took
Last Year’s Championship Matchup
Wildcats vs. Jayhawks
Top Players in the NCAA
5) Isaiah Canaan
6’1”, 193 lbs
May 21, 1991
21 years old
Senior year
Point Guard
Murray State
Wildcats Defeated
Jayhawks 67-59
4) C.J. McCollum
6’3”, 190 lbs
September 19,1991
21 years old
Senior year
Shooting Guard
Lehigh
place in North Texas, Los Angeles, Indianapolis,
and Washington D.C. The Final Four and National
Championship took place in Atlanta.
This years Men’s Final Four consisted of Louisville,
Wichita State, Michigan, and Syracuse.
Louisville played Michigan in the championship
game and defeated them 82-76 making the
Cardinals the 2013 NCAA National Champions.
3) James McAdoo
6’9”, 230 lbs
January 4, 1993
20 years old
Sophomore Year
Small Forward
North Carolina
2) Doug McDermott
6’7”, 220 lbs
January 3, 1992
21 years old
Junior Year
Small Forward
Creighton
Women's Final Four
1) Cody Zeller
7’0”, 220 lbs
October 5, 1992
20 years old
Sophomore Year
Power Forward
Indiana
By Rahul, Ryan, and Ronald
winners and they play a second round team depending on their region. Then, after the
second round, there are 32 teams. After the third round, there are 16 teams which are
known as the Sweet Sixteen. Then there are eight teams which are called the Elite Eight.
After that there are four teams and they are called the Final Four. Eventually, the last two
teams go on to determine a champion.
This year, the Women’s Final Four took place in New Orleans. This
year’s the Final Four consisted of Notre Dame, Louisville, UConn, and
the University of California. The first matches of the Final Four Louisville
faced California and UConn faced Notre Dame. The winners of
those games faced each other in the National Championship.
During the Women’s Tournament, there were many upsets. The biggest upset of all was
Louisville beating the defending champions, the best team in the country, Baylor. Teams
Last Year’s Championship Matchup
Fighting Irish vs. Baylor Bears
Baylor defeated
Notre Dame 80-61
in the Final Four this year were Louisville,
California, Notre Dame, and Connecticut.
UConn played Louisville in the
championship game and defeated
them 93-60 making the Huskies the 2013
NCAA Women’s National Champions.
College Basketball Quiz
1) Where will the 2014 Final Four take place?
A. Houston, TX
B. North Texas (Dallas)
C. Indianapolis, Indiana
D. New Orleans, Louisiana
2) What college did Paul
Pierce come from?
A. Duke
B. Kansas State
C. Kansas
D. Florida State
3) What year is Kevin Ware in?
A. Freshman
B. Sophomore
C. Junior
D. Senior
Kevin Ware
Robinson Varsity Baseball 2013
Starting off the year his second year as
with two wins against Head Coach, Coach
West Springfield and Evers serving as Assistant
Coach for his
Woodson, the Robinson
Varsity Baseball team 22nd season at Robinson,
Coach Clem-
has begun with a great
start for the spring season.
The team seems year, and Coach Z
ents entering his sixth
excited having added starting his third year at
a new assistant coach Robinson, these coaches
have been lead-
to the
team as
ing the varsity
well as
baseball team to
traveling
success and continue
to improve
down to
Orlando,
the players efficiency
as well.
FL for the
Sunshine
“My favorite part
Classic
about being on the
Tournament.
game day. That is
baseball team is
“I’ve
the time where the
been
Adam Sisk
practices and
playing baseball since I preparation pays off
was six. My dad influenced
me to play use,” said Coach Cross,
and we get to put it to
baseball because once the new Assistant
I learned that he was a Coach on the Varsity
professional baseball Baseball team. “I
player, I wanted to be played baseball and
just like him,” said current
Varsity Baseball University up in Pennsyl-
football at Waynesburg
Player, Adam Sisk, 11th. vania. I also used to
“I enjoy playing for my coach baseball at my
school and hanging old high school. The
out with my teammates biggest difference from
every day. We practice coaching football and
six days a week, Monday
through Saturday. I ball, you only get to
baseball is that in foot-
am looking forward to play one game every
competing for championships
and just playing ball, you get to play
Friday night. In base-
baseball this year.” about three games
Beginning his first every week; not just
year with the baseball
program, Matt
tice,
prac-
Cross joins the Robinson
Varsity team
tice,
prac-
as an assistant
practice.
I
catching coach.
The Varsity Baseball
wanted
to
team now has a
total of five coaches
including Head
coach
base-
Coach John
ball at
James, Assistant Coach Cross Robinson
this
Head Coach Bill
Evers, Assistant Coach year because I already
Daniel Clements, had a pretty good relationship
with the
James Zukowski, and of
course, Matt Cross. With coaches and I just
Coach James serving wanted to get into it.”
The 2013 Sunshine
Classic Tournament
took place from March
26 to March 29. The
Robinson Varsity Baseball
team traveled
down to Orlando, FL to
play a four game guarantee.
Up to 16 teams
can play in the Sunshine
Classic Tournament
as well as receiving
wide-spread attention
from national baseball
committees. The
team boarded the bus
and left Robinson Secondary
on the morning
Adam Sisk
of Saturday, March
23rd. Players traveled
down to Florida on a 16
hour bus ride, excited
to play teams from all
over the nation during
the upcoming week.
The team competed
against some of Florida's
top competitors
throughout the week
and ended with a winning
score of 10-1.
“Competing against
tough competition
while improving our
game was the best
part about playing in
the 2013 Sunshine Classic
Tournament,” Sisk
said. Other than playing
outfield, Adam
pitched six innings out
of their four games. “I
thought I competed
hard just as my teammates
did, giving it our
Team Roster
By Emma
NUMBER NAME POSITION YEAR
5 Tyler Tracey OF Sr
6 Zach Beck IF Jr
7 Philip Tiamson IF So
8 Tyler Jumper P/IF Fr
10 Danny Herrera IF Jr
11 Nick Alfieris IF Sr
12 Jacob Van Parys C Jr
13 Will Miller C So
14 Adam Sisk P/OF Jr
15 Kaden Darrow P/IF Jr
16 Robbie Dowling P Jr
18 Chris Lohr P/OF Jr
20 Chase Bailey P/IF Sr
21 Collin Holston P Sr
22
Garrett
Velasquez
OF Sr
23 Herminio Azor OF Sr
24 George Watkins C Sr
31 Shane Hopkins P/IF So
40 Tyler Fitchett IF Jr
What’s it like being on
the Varsity Baseball
team?
“I’ve
been
playing
it
since I
was in
third
grade,
so I
can’t see myself
without it. They’re like
my other family, so I
really can’t see myself
with out them.
They are a pretty
good part of my life,”
said Chase Bailey,
12th. “It’s a really
tough mental game.
It’s probably the
toughest game in
sports, and it’s a
tough mental standpoint.”
“It’s
a lot
of
hard
work
and
we
really
push
hard in practice.
We are definitely
getting better every
day. If we’re slacking
off, coach will
push us and make
us work harder,”
said Mimi Azor,
12th. “You always
have to be mentally
strong because
baseballs a game
of failure. Coach
tells that to us a
lot.”
best.”
The 2013 season is looking bright for the
Robinson Varsity Baseball team. Adding a
new coach and bonding during the Sunshine
Classic Tournament sure has made
these players ready as ever.
NHL Stanley Cup
How it All Began
Lord Stanley of Preston was the Governor
of Canada in 1888; he was very
enthusiastic about hockey. Lord Stanley
wanted a way to tell who the best
of the best was. He thought that there
should be a trophy awarded to the
best team, so he bought a silver punch
bowl made of sterling silver. He named
the cup the Stanley Cup. Since there
were no official leagues in Canada,
only clubs, he needed a few rules.
The winner must pass the cup on
to a challenger that beats them.
By Michael
Each winning team may engrave
Pavel Datsyuk holds
their club’s name on the cup.
the cup after wining
The cup should remain a challenge
cup.
Playoffs in 2008
the Stanley Cup
The Challenge Cup Era 1894-1910
During the Challenge Cup Era there were two amateur
leagues competing for the cup, the Amateur Hockey Association
of Canada (AHAC), and the Eastern Canada Amateur
Hockey Association (ECAHA). In 1908, the cup was seen as a
professional trophy, so the Allan Cup was left for the amateur
leagues. Because of this, the AHAC could no longer compete
for the cup, but the ECAHA dropped the amateur from their
name so they could compete for the cup. Two other leagues
were formed after this, the Ontario Professional Hockey
League (OPHL), and in 1910, the National Hockey Association
(NHA) was formed.
In 1914 the Pacific Coast Hockey
Association (PCHA) was formed. The
PCHA had the first American team to
win the cup in 1916. Because of this,
the rules had to be changed from the
best hockey team in Canada, to the
The original Stanley
Cup.
best in the world. In 1917, the NHA
folded and the National Hockey
League (NHL) took its place. By 1926,
all of the leagues competing for the
cup accepted the NHL. The NHL quickly took advantage of
this and changed the rules of the cup so that the NHL had
complete control of the cup; the rules were changed so the
NHL could reject a challenge from other leagues.
“I like the Stanley
Cup because it is 10x
better than the Super
Bowl,” said Holden,
7th.
Why do you like hockey?
“I like the Stanley
Cup because it is
more completive
than the regular
season,” said
Brady, 7th.
“I like watching the
Stanley Cup every
year because it is
really exciting,”
said Hawk, 8th.
7

The Medallion April 2013 Volume 41, Issue 3
What Types of Martial Arts Are There?
Eskrima
Eskrima is a martial art that originated in
the Philippine Islands as a means of selfdefense
and the preservation of life in a
time of war. Some weapons used are the
dagger, long blade, bullwhip, and staff as
well as non-weapon, empty hand areas
such as striking, elbows, takedowns, chokes,
knees and kicks. The most common weapon
is the stick which is called an Eskrima stick.
They use sticks in Eskrima because the sticks
can move faster
than a hand or
a foot. Eskrima is
also about hand
to hand combat.
Eskrima
teaches self
defense, improved
upper
body strength
and leg
strength, and
flexibility. Most of
the time Eskrima is taught outdoors with
shoes. They teach Eskrima outside because
it is the ideal street fighting setting. In Eskrima
there are little to no forms due to it’s combat
effectiveness. In days of past, many of
the old Eskrima Masters would choose to die
with their martial knowledge rather than
teach it to someone that might disgrace the
Master. They must respect the martial art
master and it’s form.
Why Do Martial Arts?
Martial arts are known for helping people
in many ways including increased
respect and confidence, improved listening,
better coordination and balance,
weight control, increased
strength, and you can make new
friends. Martial arts have been proven to
give participants a better mind and
body due to the exercise and discipline
needed. Even though martial arts is
mostly about learning how to defend
yourself, it has non-combat applications.
It teaches you that in dangerous situations,
every second counts and that you
have to make your fighting moves matter
and that takes more than just the
Robinson Lacrosse
Overview
By Michael Vittori
Robinson usually has well-balanced teams
and has been skilled enough to win state
championships in 2007, 2006, 2002, 2001, 1998,
1996, 1994, 1993, and 1991. A total of nine
championships Robinson’s lacrosse season
started last month and they’re currently off to a
good start with eight wins and two loses. Valor
Dictus, the high school newspaper, predicts a
good season for the Varsity team with a 9-4-0
regular season and a loss in the district title
game. Coach Curren (The head coach of the
team) seems very confident in his team. Some
key players according to wiki.allmetsports.com
are Chapmen Jasien with 25 goals on the
season, followed by Charlie Morrisette with 14
goals. Sam Shaw is leading the team with 18
assists on the season followed by Charlie
Morrisette with eight assists. The Robinson leader
in saves is Nick Kondracki with 107 saves followed
by Tyler White with one save. Robinson’s
lacrosse schedule, what remains, shows them
facing some pretty tough opposition and a one
point win against Westfield won’t matter when
they face Chantilly High, the team that the
coach claimed would be the hardest game of
what remains of their season.
Lacrosse History
By Sam Boone
Invented: In the 15th
century by Native Americans
How it was named: It was
named by early French
explorers
Interesting Facts: Games
were played with 100 to 1000 people on the
field. Fields were 500 yards long to a couple
miles long. Early lacrosse balls were made out
of Deerskin or heads of enemy tribes. Some
lacrosse games lasted for days. It was played
to toughen young warriors. In 1930 box lacrosse
was introduced in Canada. In 1928 and 1932
lacrosse was a medal game. Lacrosse is
Maryland’s official sport. There are 57 Division
One NCAA men’s lacrosse teams. There are 32
Division Two men’s lacrosse teams. There are
131 Division Three men’s lacrosse teams.
Judo
Jigoro Kano was the
creator of judo and he
created the sport in 1882.
Judo is all about throwing
your enemy to the
ground and keeping
them there. The most
common principles (in
Judo) are "Maximum
Efficiency" and "Mutual Welfare and Benefit.” Judo officially
became a sport in 1964. At the Olympic games
Judo was sanctioned as a medal sport in the Olympic
games. People practice Judo for many reasons which
include exercise, self-defense, a social activity and for
many Judo has become a way of life. Judo promotes
the balanced muscular system and boosts the cardiovascular
system. Judo has also been known to help
flexibility, speed, and better coordination overall. The
different levels or belts of Judo are white belt ,yellow
belt, green belt, three degrees of brown belt, and the
last belt, a black belt. All of this is a result of the Gentle
Way, a Japanese martial art that was believed to be
the first type of Judo. The rules for Judo are you are not
allowed to punch or kick so that means you have to use
throwing and foot sweeps. The way to victory in Judo
competition is to tap out which means to hold a pressure
point on the body. Judo has it’s own point of view
toward self defense. But because in judo you can’t
punch or kick you have to throw or any judo method of
getting there enemy to the ground. Once the attacker
has hit the ground the defender will use a lock to break
a bone.
regular practice. Another great reason
to do martial arts is that it is a great alternative
exercise because of its belief in
internalizing exercise. To become better
at martial arts you don’t only have to
have a good body but a good mind
too. To understand martial arts, start to
think of your body as an ultimate weapon.
Training with it only makes it better
and keeping it safe from possible damage.
This will eventually lead to you mastering
the weapon. Martial arts helps
stress and can teach you more about
yourself. It can help you with selfawareness
and discipline. Martial arts
can also help you stay more focused.
Fun Facts
Did you know 26 players on
this year’s lacrosse team
are under classmen?
16 of them are freshman or
sophomores.
Did you know a graduate
of Robinson went on to be
a Major League Lacrosse
star? His name is Scott
Urick and his bio box is to
the right.
8
By Eric Malmstrom and Joseph Marino
Krav Maga
The founder of Krav Maga is lmi Sde-Or. Krav
Maga is not a sport, instead it is a pure form of self
defense. The art came from Israel. It’s also the preferred
system for U.S. Military and law enforcement
today. Krav Maga is not a traditional martial art. In
Krav Maga students learn how to defend against
common chokes, grabs, and bear hugs, as well as
weapons such as guns, knives, and sticks. You also
learn to function during the stress and shock of a
sudden, violent encounters on the street. Krav
Maga has been tested in the battlefield and on the
street too. Krav Maga features a combination of
strength training, dynamic flexibility, and heavy bag
work. This sport can also be taught to woman wanting
to defend themselves. The history is closely
linked to the development of the state of Israel and
the need for the Israeli military to protect is country
in one of the worlds most hostile areas.
Given Imi`s extensive self defense skills, Imi was
recruited by Isaac Sadeh, the
commanding officer of the Haganah
(Jewish paramilitary organization)
in 1942. Two years later he
began to teach Kapap (hand to
hand combat) and physical exercise
to the most elite special forces
units of the Haganah, Palmach,
and Palyam which were fighting
for Israeli causes. When he retired
from the military, he opened a
dojo teaching a form of Krav Maga to civilians
while keeping many secrets of this type of martial
arts with the military.
Popular Martial Arts: Origin and Focus
1. Karate: Japan, uses punches,
kicking, knee and elbow
strikes, and open hand techniques.
2. Tae Kwon Do: Korea, focus
on striking with hand and foot,
combines combat with fitness.
3. Judo: Japan, uses throws, Joint locking Techniques,
and chokes. NO STRIKING.
4. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Brazil, uses throws, locks, and
escapes don’t use to much striking techniques.
5. Kung Fu (Wushu): China, uses strikes, sweeps,
and five different stances: the dragon, tiger,
snake, crane and leopard. The stances provide
offense and defense attacks.
Robinson Lacrosse
By Michael Vittori and Sam Boone
Scott Urick
Interview With Coach Curren
1. How do you feel about your team this season? I like the team
a lot. They are hard working and very talented. We have the
potential to be very successful in 2013.
2. Who do you think will give you the best run for your money?
(Hardest opponent?) Really all our opponents this season
difficult, but if I were to choose one I would say Chantilly.
3. Tell us about your coaching and playing experience. I
played BRYC Lacrosse in 7th and 8th grades, then went on to
play for Robinson. I graduated from Robinson in 1991 and
played on three state championship teams. In college I
played at Rutgers University. I got to play against really great
programs like Syracuse, Loyola, Johns Hopkins, Princeton,
Hofstra, Penn State and Delaware. I still play lacrosse in the
summer, fall and winter for a team called the Bombers. We
are in the masters division, which is for players who are 35 or
older. I've coached youth lacrosse and have been on the
coaching staff at Robinson since 2006. I was an assistant from
2006 through 2010. I have been the head coach since
2011. This is my 8th season coaching at Robinson.
4. How do you feel about this team in comparison to past teams
you have coached? This team reminds me a lot of the 2007
VA State Championship team. They are very focused and are
close knit. Everyone on the team puts the team first. This team
is also very balanced. We have good players across the
board, where some teams in the past have been heavily
reliant on the offense or the defense.
5. Which position do you feel is the hardest, or which do you like
the most? The hardest position is probably goalie. A goalie
has a lot of pressure on him and he has to try to stop shots
that are coming at him very quickly. It also probably hurts the
most, because sometimes you get hit in the arms, legs, and
feet. The hardest from a conditioning stand point is
midfield. Midfielders have to run the most during a game. My
favorite position is attack (offense). I've played attack and
midfield my entire career and my game is very offensive
minded. I like being involved in scoring goals.
By Sam Boone
Born: July 15, 1977
High School: Robinson Secondary
College: Georgetown
Professional Teams: New Jersey Pride
and Washington Bayhawks
Awards: Two time state champion, All
Met selection, two time All–
American, three time MLL All-Star, All-
Star game MVP (2002), in high school
he averaged 11 goals a game
Preparations
To prepare for martial art
sports you will need to do
different exercises and
have the necessary equipment
in order to do the
martial art. Before you do
the martial arts of your
choice you might want to
find a martial arts place
where you can learn the
martial art. Try to work out
muscles that you normally
don’t use. Also try to
avoid the gym because in
the in the gym you only
workout a common muscles.
But staying after
school for the health room
is perfect. If you do go to
the gym work out different
muscles. If you play a
sport that will help with
your performance when
you start training . Ice skating
helps with your balance.
Snowboarding and
skiing will also help. Try to
stretch before you start
practicing martial arts.
Martial arts should NEVER
be misused they should
only be used for defense
purposes. You should only
get into a fight when it is
absolutely necessary.
6. Capoeira: Brazil, uses disguised dance moves
to defend and offend. Originated back when
the Brazilian government did not allow people
to learn or teach martial arts.
7. Eskrima: Philippines, uses strikes and stick
fighting for maximum effectiveness in combat.
8. Muay Thai: Is so old no one knows who started
it or were exactly where it is from. Muay Thai is
a type of boxing so it uses mostly striking techniques.
9. Krav Maga: Israel, uses striking techniques,
throws, and anything that can be used in the
street against bad guys in the field.
10.Jeet Kune Do: USA, uses striking techniques
from different martial arts to make a fighting
style that is designed for purely street fighting.
To the right is Jack
Rowlett, star defensemen
for the Robinson
Rams and one of several
sophomores on the
2013 lacrosse team.
6. Why did you choose to coach? I love the game of lacrosse
and I love Robinson. Playing Robinson Lacrosse and Football
had a big impact on me in my life and I want to help give the
current players the same type of experience I had. My
coaches were great influences in my life and I'd like to be the
same for my players.
7. What do you think of your team chemistry? Team chemistry is
the best thing about the 2013 team. Everyone gets along well
and they care about one another. Our team chemistry is
what is going to set us apart from other teams.
8. Can you tell us anything about some of your key
players? Junior, Nick Kondracki is our goalie. He is a returning
starter and is very good. His performance is very important to
our success. Sophomore Defenseman, Jack Rowlett is
probably the most talented defenseman in the region. He will
be relied on to shut down the best offensive player on every
team we play. Sophomore Defenseman, Jude Buckholz is
also one of the best defensive players in the area and will
make a huge impact. Senior Midfielder, Taylor Jones does it
all. Senior Midfielder, Connor Lloyd is big, strong, fast, and has
a strong shot. Senior Midfielder, Michael Buckley is a deadly
shooter who will score a lot of goals in extra man situations.
Charlie Morrisette (Senior), Sam Shaw (Junior), and
Chapman Jasien (Sophomore) are the starting attack and
one of the best trios of offensive players in the area.
The 2013 Varsity Rams
To the left is Connor Lloyd,
a senior midfielder with a
strong arm and quick feet.
He’s one of the seniors on
the Varsity Lacrosse Team
as number seven. Connor’s
has the motivation to beat
the defense and score a
considerable amount.

Which artist would you
prefer to see in concert?
The Medallion April 2013 Volume 41, Issue 3
Who do you like better: One Direction or Justin Bieber?
Justin Bieber was born in 1994 in London, Ontario,
Canada. He was born to a young, single mom. For
Justin’s second birthday his mom gave him a drum
kit. She said, “He basically was banging on everything
I could get my hands on.” That’s what started
his love for music. As a way of sharing his talent
with his family he posted videos to YouTube. Girls
loved and drooled over him when they found him
on YouTube. When he was 11 he turned in to a
YouTube phenomenon. He signed a recording
contract with Usher and became the first solo artist to have four singles enter
the top 40 before the release of his debut album. The process of turning him
into a celebrity began when he was 12 years old. His first hit single was “One
Time.” This went Platinum in Canada shortly after its release in May 2009. His
biggest hit single was “Boyfriend” which was produced in April 2012. Justin
Bieber has had many singles after that including “As Long As You Love Me”
and “Beauty and a Beat.”
Justin has two siblings, Jazmyn Bieber and Jaxon Bieber. His hobbies include
golf, soccer, skating, hockey, and basketball. His favorite color is purple. He
plays the piano, guitar, trumpet, and drums. He has a pet dog named Sammy,
and his favorite foods are pasta and Sour Patch Kids.
“I like
Justin
Bieber
because
he is
nice
looking
and he does a lot of charity
work. I love his hair and
style," said Charlotte, 8th.
Fan Frenzy!
Here are some crazy things fans have done at Justin
Bieber concerts or to Justin:
Fun Facts:
Justin Bieber was pelted with eggs at his Sydney
concert.
Once Justin drank some sparkling water and
didn’t like it so a fan took it and then sold it on
eBay for $600.
Bieber has received many marriage proposals.
Justin Bieber offered Niall Horan a spot in his
Beauty and a Beat music video, but Niall refused
because he was afraid of Nicki Minaj.
Justin Bieber was discovered by his manager
Scooter on accident because Scooter was
looking up another singer but accidently
clicked on Justin Bieber.
Teenage boys are paying $150 to get Justin's
hairstyle.
One crazy fan gave Justin a rubber golf club
that had her number on it and the words, “I
love you.”
Fans throw their phones on stage and Justin Bieber kicks them off.
Emerging Artists
Fun.
Austin Mahone
JB VS. 1D:
Who do Rams like better?
One Direction: 236
Justin Bieber: 236
Quiz all about One
Direction and Justin
Bieber
1. What song did Harry sing
on the X-Factor?
a) “Torn”
b) “Isn't She Lovely”
c) “Got To Be You”
2. What did 1D sing together
on the X-Factor?
a) “We’re the Kids of
America”
b) “One thing”
c) “Cry Me a River”
3. What member of One Direction
is afraid of spoons?
a) Liam
b) Niall
c) Zayn
4. What song did Justin Bieber
sing with Nicki Minaj?
a) “Boyfriend”
b) “Baby”
c) “Beauty and Beat”
5. What was Justin Bieber’s
first single?
a) “Baby”
b) “One Time”
c) “Down to Earth”
6. Is Justin Bieber the oldest
sibling in his family?
a) No
b) Only Child
c) Yes
Answers 1. B 2. A 3. A
4. C 5. C 6.C
How well do you really know One
Direction? Do you know when One
Direction was formed? Or do you know
what song each boy sang while they
were on the X-Factor? Well if not keep
reading! One Direction (Liam Payne,
Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson
and Niall Horan) all auditioned as single
artists chasing the same dream on
the British X-Factor. Even though they
all auditioned as single artists, Simon Cowell put these boys together to
form what is now called One Direction. Though they did not win the X-
Factor, Simon signed them as they started their first career as One Direction.
As One Direction released their first album they made millions
of girls fall head-over-heels for this new British/Irish boy band. They went
on their first American tour with the Nickelodeon stars Big Time Rush or
as they are also called BTR. They toured all over the United States including
a performance at the Patriot Center on March 2, 2012. Shortly
after that they released their Up All-night album March 20, 2012. They
have now released their second album called Take Me Home which
was released on November 9, 2012.
Fun Facts:
Fan Frenzy!
Here are some things fans
have done at One Direction
“[I like] One Direction
because
you get a lot of
different choices
to choose who's
your favorite. My
favorite is Harry
because he has
a nice face and
hair,” said
Alaina, 8th .
concerts or to the members of the band:
Niall got hit with a phone that had a house
key on it and there was a rude nude note
attached to it.
Justin Timberlake
Zayn didn't have a passport
before he was in One Direction.
In 35 years, One Direction has
promised to do a reunion concert.
Harry hates mayonnaise and
snakes.
Liam's favorite sport is boxing.
By Emily and Maggie
A girl threw a walkie talkie on stage and
Harry talked into it.
One fan sent the team portabella mushrooms
with the band members’ faces painted on them.
A fan who happened to be an Olympic sprinter ran after their tour
bus for five blocks.
A fan threw a baby doll on stage with the message: “Larry Stylinson
forever.”
Little Mix
By Leah and Fatima
Band Members: Nate Ruess,
Jack Antonoff, Andrew Dost
Genre: Alternative
Started: 2008
Hometown: New York, NY
Popular Songs: “We are
Young” featuring Janelle
Monae, “Some Nights”
Albums: Some Nights, Aim
and Ignite
Interesting Fact: Fun., along with designer,
Rachel Antonoff, have created The Ally Coalition
that is meant to inspire people to help
with LGBTQ equality.
Genre: Teen Pop
Started: 2012
Hometown: San Antonio,
TX
Popular Songs:
“11:11”,” Say Somethin”
Interesting Facts: He
has been featured
on the cover of magazines such as: The Insider,
VH1, Mtv, Popstar!, J-14, and Twist. He
became popular through YouTube and will
be opening for Taylor Swift.
Fans: Mahomies
Genre: Pop
Started: 2002
Hometown: New York,
New York
Popular Songs:
“Mirrors”, “Suit and Tie”,
“That Girl”
Albums: Suit and Tie,
Justified, Recrimination,
Rock Your Body
Interesting Facts: He took a break from music
in 2007 to focus on his acting career, but has
started coming back in this year. His biggest
fears are sharks, spiders, and dying unloved.
Members: Jade
Thirlwall , Perrie
Edwards, Jesy
Nelson, Leigh-
Anne Pinnock
Genre: Pop
Started: 2012
Hometown: Mitrovica,
Albania
Album: DNA, Cannonball
Interesting Facts: Won X-Factor in UK;
One of the band members, Perrie Edwards,
is dating Zayn Malik from One Direction.
The Wanted
Ed Sheeran
Macklemore and Ryan
Lewis
Carly Rae Jepsen
Band Members:
Tom Parker, Max
George, Siva
Kaneswarah, Jay
Mcguiness, Nathan
Skyes
Genre: Pop
Started: 2009
Hometown: London
Popular Songs: “Glad You Came”, “Chasing
the Sun”
Albums: The Wanted, Battleground, Third
Strike, All Time Low
Interesting Facts: Debuted with All Time Low
Genre: Singer/ Songwriter
Started: 2005
Hometown: London
Popular Songs: “The A Team”,
“Give Me Love”, “Lego House”
Albums: Songs of Life and
Hope
Interesting Facts: “Lego
House” video stars Rupert Grint
(Ron Weasley). Ed enjoys naming
his guitars. He has James
the 2nd (he broke James), Trevor, Keith,
Lloyd, Nigel, and Jasper.
Genre: Hip-Hop
Started: 2009
Hometown: Seattle,
Washington
Songs: “Thrift
Shop”, “Same
Love”
Albums: The Heist
Interesting Fact: Macklemore’s real name is
Ben Haggerty. The two met over MySpace in
2005.
Genre: Pop
Started: 2007
Hometown: Mission,
Canada
Songs: “Call Me Maybe”,
“Good Time”, “This
Kiss”
Albums: Tug of War, Kiss
Interesting Facts: In
2007, she came in third on Canadian Idol,
Season 5. Her first album came out on Valentine’s
Day and she announced that Justin
Beiber signed her the same day.
If you could
switch places with
one of these artists,
who would
you switch with?
“I would want to
switch places with
one of the people in
Little Mix. It would be cool to be a random
nobody who decided to write and
sing a song and end up being all over
the radio and being well known,” said
Kyra, 7th.
Out of all
these artists
who do
you think
has the
best songs
and why?
“I feel The Wanted has the best
songs. All their songs are so
diverse, from slow to upbeat.
They’re really enjoyable to listen
to,” said Alyssa, 7th.
Which artist
do you
think is the
most talented?
“I think Carly
Rae Jepsen [is
the most talented] because her
songs are different from everyone
else and she is talented. My favorite
song is “Call Me Maybe”,”
said Noah, 7th.
9
Justin Timberlake
The Wanted
Carly Rae Jepsen
Ed Sheeran
Fun.
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
Little Mix
Austin Mahone
Over 200
RMS students
were polled.

The Medallion April 2013 Volume 41, Issue 3
The Book Corner; Book Reviews
Black Hawk Down
This book is about an incident that happened in Somalia in 1993. 160 American
soldiers, U.S. Army Rangers and Delta Force Operators, entered Mogadishu
to capture some of Somali Warlord MohamedAidid’s lieutenants. They all
thought that it would be an in-and-out mission, and packing only weapons
and ammo. Their first casualty occurred when a Ranger named Blackburn fell
from the helicopter. The mission went downhill from there. A Blackhawk
The Zombie Survival Guide
For all of you survival buffs and zombie lovers, this book is perfect for you! Inside these
pages is vital information on surviving a zombie apocalypse. Inside contains crucial
knowledge of weapons and survival tactics. According to Brooks, the Shaolin Spade, a
spade with sharpened edges, is the best close combat weapon while the military M1 Garand
is the best long range weapon. He also describes the process of how someone would
become a zombie. The survival tips inside are stupendous. Do you think you are safe in a
large group? Think again; Mr. Brooks gives hard info to say why you shouldn’t be in one.
The Ghosts of War
This is a story about a young man, Ryan Smithson, who went off to fight
in Iraq. He joined the U.S. Army Reserve at 17. Two years later, he was sent
off to Iraq. At 19, he was one of the youngest soldiers to head into a
warzone. Inside these pages is the story of how a boy is changed into a
man. In one instance, Ryan and some of his buddies had to take armor
off a destroyed Humvee. The Humvee had been destroyed by an IED
with soldiers still inside it. As Ryan was digging around with his knife, he
The Fighter
This book is about the fictional life of a young man named Moshe Wisniak.
He grows up in the time when Hitler’s Nazi Germany is overshadowing
all of Europe. At first he lives in Poland where almost everyday he needs
to fight Poles because he is Jewish. Finally he and his family move to
Paris, France. There, Moshe takes up the sport of boxing, and becomes a
flyweight champion. Suddenly, without warning, Hitler sweeps through
France, persecuting Jews. Moshe is sent to Auschwitz where every minute
of everyday could mean life or death. Finally, after enduring many hardships,
he escapes and is reunited with his family. This book is 288 pages
long. This book is available at the Robinson Media Center.
Interviews About Books
Mrs. Scott
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: [I like the book] The Giver and
Little Women.”
Q: What books would you recommend?
A: [I would recommend] The
Giver. Or, you [should] find an
author and read books written
by them.
Google is the
most popular
search engine
on the internet.
By Nathan Pillai In total Google
gets over one billion searches per day, which
means there are close to 375 million people who
use Google on a daily basis. You are probably one
of those 375 million people.
“I use Google on a day to day basis. I use Google
whether I’m watching a video on YouTube, or playing
a game on the internet,” said Calvin Parker, 8th.
People use Google to research, for education
purposes, or for entertainment. Is that all Google
can do though? It is hard to believe that Google
employees only work on their search engine. Google’s
search engine is just one of many projects they
are working on.
Google Glass is a product that Google has been
working on over the past few years. Google is trying
to make the glasses of the future. These glasses
Interesting facts about Google
1. Google rents goats to cut down the amount of
weeds and brush at Google HQ.
2. Google loves dogs and they allow dogs in the
office, but cats are not allowed.
3. The first Google storage was made from Legos.
4. Google’s first tweet was binary for “I’m feeling
Lucky.”
5. The first company snack for Google was Swedish
Fish in 1999.
6. Google offers gourmet meals three times a day
for employees. The employees risk gaining 15
Hayao Miyazaki
By Aniyah Fields
Known As: The Japanese Walt
Disney
Date of Birth: Jan. 5, 1941
Place of Birth: Tokyo, Japan
Interesting Facts: Miyazaki is
considered one of the greatest
anime animators of all time. He
is known for his entertaining
plots, compelling characters,
and breathtaking animations. In 1978, he directed
his first TV series, Future Boy Conan
(1978), then moved to Tôkyô Movie Shinsha in
1979 to direct his first movie, Lupin the Third:
The Castle of Cagliostro. In addition to anime,
he also draws manga. His major work was the
Nausicaä manga. Another manga he drew,
Hikoutei Jidai, was later evolved in his 1992 film,
Porco Rosso. Miyazaki's latest film is Howl's Moving
Castle (2004), based on the novel by Diana
Wynne Jones. Even though he said that would
be his last production, people hope that his
creative and amazing work will continue as
long as he is alive. Source: www.imdb.com/name/
nm0594503/bio
Mr. Perriello
10
By Connor Dunphy and Nate Walker
(Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter) was suddenly shot down, and while the U.S. troops
raced to recover the bodies of the pilots, another helicopter was shot down. The American
Soldiers went into Mogadishu on October 3rd, 1993 and after intense fighting, were
evacuated from the city with the help of the USAF Para rescue on October 4th, 1993. According
to America, 18 U.S. soldiers were killed, while over 1,500 Somalis were killed. According
to Somalia, though, only around 325 of their militia died. This book is 320 pages. The
book is available in the Media Center. This book is by Mark Bowden, a journalist.
You might think that driving a car would be the ultimate way of escaping an
infestation, but he says that a bicycle is better. This book also gives tips on
how to survive an apocalypse and retake the world. At the very end of the
book there are fictional survivor stories when zombies attacked them. This
makes the perfect ending to The Zombie Survival Guide. This book is 272
pages long and is available at the Robinson Media Center. The author, Max
Brooks, also wrote the famous book World War Z which will be released this
summer as a movie.
found some unburned, human flesh. When this happened to Smithson, it really drove home
to him that he was in a combat zone. Another story is about one of Ryan’s buddies who
was pulling security when a little boy came up with a bottle filled with dirty, tepid water.
When Ryan’s friend asked if the boy was going to drink that water, the boy nodded his
head happily. Don’t get the wrong idea, though, some parts of this book are hilarious. At
the very end of Ryan’s deployment, he dodges a cow in his Humvee missing her by a couple
of inches. This book gives an in-depth look of the war in Iraq and the people it affects.
Ryan later finished college with a degree in Criminal Justice. This book is 352 pages long.
This book is available in Robinson Media Center.
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: I kind of like Alexander Dumas. He wrote The Three Musketeers
and The Man in the Iron Mask.
Q: What books would you recommend?
A: There are a lot of good books and authors out there, but I like
C.S. Lewis and Roald Dahl. Tuck Everlasting is a good book too. I
think it’s important to read series when you are young. Hunger
Games is a good series, too. Anything that Arthur C. Clark has
written for Sci Fi is good too. Run Silent Run Deep is an awesome
book as well.
have many functions of your typical iPhone, but
they are completely voice activated. Google Glass
is connectable to Wi-Fi, which allows users to surf the
web for videos, chat with friends, or to get answers
fast. Google Glass can also take pictures and videos
on voice command. So if you are in “the moment”
you can take a picture by just saying,”Ok
Glass, take picture.”
The producers of Google Glass make Google
Glass as flexible and
strong as possible. These
glasses are able to be
bent and can be held by
a pinky. There are many
videos on YouTube that
show off Google Glass.
“Google Glass is going to
be the coolest invention of
2013. Even though they
will be expensive, they can do extraordinary things,”
said Sam Sikora, 8th.
pounds eating this food. Which is similar to the
“Freshman 15.”
7. Google owns YouTube, DoubleClick, On2 Technologies,
Aardvark, AdMob, Zagat, and Motorola
Mobility.
8. A Google employee is named a “Googler” while
a new team member is called a “Noogler.”
9. In 2007, Forbes magazine ranked Google as the
best place in the U.S. to work.
10. In June 2000, Google became the world’s largest
search engine.
1. Hunter x Hunter
2. Naruto
3. Bleach
4. Shugo Chara
5. Rosario + Vampire
6. Fruits Basket
7. Squid Girl
Google Glass
Popular Anime and Animators
8. Angel Beats
9. Amnesia
10. Ouran High School Host
Club
11. The Pet Girl of Sakurasou
12. Hayate no Gotoku
1. Hayao Miyazaki : Spirited Away, Ponyo
on the Cliff By the Sea. One-title recommendation:
Laputa: The Castle in
the Sky, Other noteworthy works: Lupin:
The Castle of Cagliostro, Nausicaa of
the Valley of WInd, My Neighbor Totoro,
Princess Mononoke, affiliated with
Studio Ghibli.
2. Shinkai Makoto: 5 Centimeters Per Second,
The Place Promised in Our Early Days, Voices of a
Distant Star. One-title recommendation: Voices of a
Distant Star, Other noteworthy works: She and Her Cat,
affiliated with Comix Wave Inc.
3. Oshii Mamoru: The Sky Crawlers, Ghost in the Shell 2:
Innocence, Other noteworthy works: Avalon, Angel’s
Egg, affiliated with Production I.G.
Holes
This book is about a boy named Stanley Yelnats. He has been cursed by
his no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing great-great-grandfather and is always
finding himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Stanley is sent
to a juvenile detention center where he is sentenced to for 18 months,
called Camp Green Lake. Expecting to have fun, make some friends and
even get to swim in the lake, Stanley gets his hopes up. But instead all they
do at Camp Green Lake is dig holes. And it’s not to just build character as
the warden keeps reminding the boys. They’re looking for something. Find
out what it is in Louis Sachar’s Holes. This book is 272 pages long and is
available at the Robinson Media Center.
Mr. Spear
By Nate Walker and Connor Dunphy
Q: What is your favorite
book and why?
A: Unbroken: A World War II
of Survival, Resilience, and
Redemption. [I like this
book] because I like to read
about history and biography.
And I got a recommendation
from a teacher.
Top 25 Books for Young Adults
By Sydney Parker, Lizzie Penn, and Nadia Cazier
Looking for a good book to read? National Public Radio(NPR) received
more than 75,000 votes on their annual summer reader’s survey, narrowing
down the top 100 books for teens and preteens. Not only are they all great
books, but the list is also a variety of categories. The books on this list are
from any and all genres, reaching from books like Harry Potter by JK Rowling
and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins to The Chocolate War by Robert
Cormier and Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver. These will appeal to you no matter
if you’re in to mystery, sci-fi, or even romance novels; they are fit for everyone.
So just check out this list, and you might just find a new favorite book!
1. Harry Potter (series), by J.K. Rowling
2. The Hunger Games (series), by Suzanne
Collins
3. To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee
4. The Fault in Our Stars, by John Green
5. The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien
6. The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger
7. The Lord of the Rings (series), by J.R.R.
Tolkien
8. Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury
9. Looking for Alaska, by John Green
10. The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak
11. The Giver (series), by Lois Lowry
12. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
(series), by Douglas Adams
13. The Outsiders, by S.E. Hinton
14. Anne of Green Gables (series), by
Lucy Maud Montgomery
The Giver
Author: Lois Lowry
Genre: Science fiction,
fantasy
Main Characters: Jonas,
the Giver
Setting: An unspecified
future utopian civilization
that is part of a larger
utopian civilization
Summary:
At the age of 12, the
Elders assigned Jonas as
the keeper of all the
memories of the world,
but when he meets the
Giver he begins to sense
the dark secrets that
surround what he
thought was a perfect
world and
discovers
the harsh
reality of
the society
in
which he
lives.
The Outsiders
Author: S.E. Hinton
Genre: Coming-ofage;
class struggle
Main Characters: Ponyboy
Curtis, Darrel
Curtis, Sodapop Curtis,
Two-Bit Mathews, Steve
Randle, Dallas Winston
, Johnny Cade
Setting: A run down
town in Tulsa, Oklahoma
during the mid-
1960’s.
Summary:
Ponyboy is a fourteen
year old greaser who
struggles with the way
he lives, in fear of the
Socs
attacking
him
and his
friends.
15. His Dark Materials (series), by Philip
Pullman
16. The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by
Stephen Chbosky
17. The Princess Bride, by William Goldman
18. Lord of the Flies, by William Golding
19. Divergent (series), by Veronica Roth
20. Paper Towns, by John Green
21. The Mortal Instruments (series), by
Cassandra Clare
22. An Abundance of Katherines, by
John Green
23. Flowers for Algernon, by Daniel
Keyes
24. Thirteen Reasons Why, by Jay Asher
25. The Curious Incident of the Dog in
the Night-Time, by Mark Haddon
To Kill A Mocking
Bird
Author: Harper Lee
Genre: Coming-of-age
novel, drama
Main Characters: Jean
Louise “Scout” Finch,
Atticus Finch, Jeremy
“Jem” Finch, Arthur
“Boo” Bradley, and Dill
Setting: The fictional
town of Maycomb, Alabama,
during the Great
Depression (specifically
1933–1935)
Summary:
Scout, Jem and their
friend Dill uncover the
truth behind a rumor
about
their
neighbor
Boo
Radley.

The Medallion April 2013 Volume 41, Issue 3
Top Four U.S. destinations of Robinson MS students
1. Honolulu, Hawaii
Waikiki Beach: This beach is one of the most
famous beach resorts in the world. It is covered
with rich sand and softened by the cool
waves. It is packed with tons of restaurants
shops, and tourists.
Pearl Harbor: Pearl Harbor is one of Honolulu’s
biggest attractions. It was attacked by the Japanese and caused the U.S. to go into
World War II. This historic site is also home to many memorials and is still the base of the
Pacific Fleet.
Bishop Museum and Planetarium: This museum is home to Polynesian artifacts including
an important collection of feathered royal standards, which served as flags for past
royalty. An interesting thing about the museum is the building itself, with the staircases
and display cases made of very rare wood.
Resorts and spas: Hawaii is home to some of the best hotels and spas. Honolulu is home
to buildings like the Trump hotel and spa. This state is a great place to relax.
3. Miami, Florida
Miami Beach: Miami Beach is the main beach in Miami. It
is located at the tip of Florida. You can hang out on the
beach, go to a famous restaurant, and at night check out
all the nice cars people drive there.
Miami Seaquarium: At the Miami Seaquarium there are
famous dolphins and killer whales which provide daily
thrills with aquatic acrobatics. You can get in close by participating in animal encounters.
Also you can dive across a coral reef for fun!
Airplane Ride: You can actually go on an airplane over Miami and see the beautiful
horizon. These small planes will be limited to your family and a pilot. You can actually
press buttons in the plane and be the co-pilot.
Zoo Miami: At Zoo Miami there are many endangered and threatened animals, including
tigers, crocodiles, and most famously the komodo dragon. There are also many
activities for young children and a guaranteed fun day.
Upcoming Events at The Verizon Center
Are you always caught up on the latest fashion? Warm
weather is coming and the styles are changing. Go shopping
and update your closet in time for the season. There
are so many colors, patterns, fabrics, and textures when it
comes to clothing, especially for spring and summer!
“I like to wear neon pink in the summer because it always
looks good with a tan. I also like floral dresses. My favorite
stores to shop at are Abercrombie and American Eagle,”
said Ashley Hessler, 7th.
High-low skirts and studded shorts are in style for this season.
High-low skirts are sold at Forever 21, Papaya, and Love
Culture for under $16. Crop tops look great with this trend!
High waisted shorts are also very trendy for the warm
weather this year and look great with crop tops and other
cut off shirts.
Hot stores, Hot Prices!
Shirts with back cut-outs
Forever 21- $19.80
Papaya- $17.99
Love Culture- $21.90
Studded shorts
Forever 21- $19.80
Papaya- $13.99
Love Culture- $34.90
Ankle strap wedges
Forever 21- $32.80
Love Culture- $32.90
Charlotte Russe- $35.50
Peplum dress
Aeropostale- $49.50
Papaya- $21.99
Charlotte Russe- $26.99
Denim Ombre Shirt
Pacsun- $46.50
Love Culture- $29.90
Forever 21- $24.80
Gold Triangular Necklace
Love Culture- $7.90
Forever 21- $8.80
Pacsun- $10.50
Dive into Summer Fashion!
Do you love going to concerts?
Do you want to see
your favorite singer or band
live? Luckily for you, the
Verizon Center has many
great upcoming shows!
In April, Rihanna’s Diamonds
World Tour comes to
D.C. The concert is going to
be on April 29 th. The tickets
are being sold for anywhere
from $50 to $170.
In May, Taylor Swift’s The
Red Tour, is at the Verizon
Center. The concert is going
to take place May 11 th ,
and May 12 th . Tickets are
on sale for anywhere between
$45 to $115.
In June, there are two
artists coming to the Verizon
Center. Bruno Mar’s The
Moonshine Jungle Tour is
coming on June 22 nd . Tickets
are starting at $50 and
going in between $110. The
second artist is One Direction.
One Direction’s World
Tour is coming on the 23 rd .
Tickets are on sale for anywhere
from to $40 to
around $100.
In July, The Mrs. Carter
World Tour Starring Beyoncé
has two concert
dates. The first is on the 29 th ,
the second on the 30 th.
Tickets are on sale for anywhere
from $60 to $280.
In August, Justin Bieber’s
Believe Tour is going to be
in D.C. He is performing on
August 3 rd . The tickets are
anywhere from $57 to $110.
Floral designs
make simple
outfits cute and
comfortable!
How to Make
Outfits School
Appropriate!
For tank tops, you could
wear a sheer or woven
cardigan over it.
For shorty shorts, you
could wear leggings or
tights underneath them.
For crop tops or cut out
shirts you could wear a
tank top underneath it.
For a low cut shirt, you
could cover up by
wearing a cute scarf
over it.
Wear closed-toed shoes
to school and save the
sandals for later!
2. New York City, New York
Empire State Building: People like to go inside the Empire State Building because
it’s the tallest in New York, and is perfect for seeing the New York City
skyline. You can see many of the sites of NYC from this vantage point.
Central Park: At Central Park there is something for everyone from guided
tours to sport activities and relaxing. Central Park is perfect for taking a
break.
Statue of Liberty: The Statue of Liberty was given to the U.S. from France as a
gift of our freedom from Great Britain. Ever since Lady Liberty has been one
of Americas oldest and most famous landmark.
Broadway: Broadway is famous for their beloved plays. They are known all
over for their efforts in putting on a great show. Broadway has been part of
American culture for over 100 years.
Ellis Island: Ellis Island was the main place for immigrants to come into America
during the 19 th century. Many people have ancestors that went through
there from European countries.
11
By Arvind and Christopher
4. San Diego, California
LEGOLAND: LEGOLAND is full of fun, packed with amazing
rides and mini villages made completely out of LEGO.
San Diego Zoo: One of the largest zoos in the world, the
San Diego Zoo has everything from the smallest monkeys
to the largest elephants. The zoo even has cable carts
which gives you a birds-eye view on the zoo life.
Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum: Over 200,000 naval soldiers have served aboard the Midway
Aircraft Carrier. This ship has been In operation for over five years and is now afloat as a museum
for the public at the San Diego port.
Disney Land: At Disney Land you can experience eight different sections which include Cars
Land, Hollywood Land, and Paradise Pier. Meet Disney characters and explore Grizzly Peak
where you can discover adventurous trails.
Air & Space Museum: It’s finally time to go up into the air and space with plentiful exhibits of
aircraft, military systems, and even rocket ships.
“I like light colors such as yellow, green,
and purple. I shop at Aeropostale and
American Eagle. They have good styles
and are perfect for the weather,” said
Claire Bailey, 7th.
All clothing should have a special
touch to it. Designs and materials that
have been showing up in stores lately
include floral, Aztec, lace, ombre, chiffon,
and even checkerboard patterns!
Chiffon, a sheer, silky material, is currently
very trendy. From long sleeve to sleeveless
shirts, you can find them at Forever
21, Papaya, and Love Culture for under
$20!
Favorite Store?
“I like Pacsun
because they
have really cute
bathing suits
and summer
tops. The style of
their clothes is
different and
my style,” said Claire, 8th.
7th.
Tips to Getting Good Seats
Always find out if your local radio stations
are doing a give away.
If you were going to try to buy tickets in a
group, buy singles instead. Your tickets may
not be together, but at least you all get to
go.
Keep checking back to ticket websites.
Sometimes more tickets are put on sale at a
later time.
Radio Station Giveaways
99.5 has giveaways for many concerts at
The Verizon Center. They have an “Enter To
Win” section on their website, hot995.com.
They have tickets for Justin Bieber, One Direction,
Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Bruno
Mars.
94.7 has concert ticket giveaways, but not
all of them are at The Verizon Center. A few
are at The Verizon Center, but the rest of
them are at different locations.
“I like to wear a
lace peplum
shirt in the spring
and summer
because it is
pretty, springy
and warm. I got
it at Papaya,”
said Rebecca,
7th.
“Forever 21 is
my favorite
store to shop at
in the summer. I
like it because it
has cute and
girly clothes,”
said Daphnee,
According to Elle Magazine, “No
matter the current weather, now's
the time to start prepping your spring
wardrobe. Bold printed skirts make
for an ideal transition piece: Wear
them today with black tights and
bare legs come higher temps.”
Looking great during the summer
doesn’t need to be expensive. With
these helpful tips you can start off
the season looking great with affordable
prices. So dive into the new
summer fashion!
Summer Fashion Checklist!
Lace Shorts- Sold at Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, Urban Outfitters,
and Wet Seal!
Sheer Shirts- Sold in all different colors at many different stores
such as Abercrombie, Hollister, Forever 21 and more!
Gold Jewelry- Pastel colors and designs will look awesome with
gold this summer!
Floral Print- Whether it is shorts or a dress, floral print is a must for
this summer!
Peplum Dresses/Shirts- The adorable peplum detail on dresses,
shirts, and skirts, is perfect for the spring and summer spirit! Find
them at Forever 21, Love Culture, and many other stores!
Wedges - Perfect for any occasion in the summer! Wedges
make you look taller, and are stylish and edgy! Find them at
Target, Macys, and Forever 21!
Chiffon Dress- This material is light and flowy and adds a splash
elegance to your outfit in the warm summer weather!
Sunglasses– Shield your eyes but stay fashionable with $5.80
sunglasses at sold at Forever 21!
Where to Buy Tickets Online
By Megan
Ticketmaster usually has the cheapest
tickets for concerts. If they are sold out,
there are always more ticket sellers!
StubHub almost always has tickets for
concerts. They’re tickets are the priciest.
They usually go way above their competitors.
Razorgator has expensive tickets, but
they are a quality ticket seller.
SeatGeek takes all of the ticket sellers
they can find, and all the information is
on their website. Their prices are fairly
reasonable.
TicketsNow shows the listing whether
you want to buy or sell tickets. If you
wanted to sell them, here’s a great
website. It’s also great for buying them.
eBay usually has good tickets, you just
have to be careful who you buy from.
By Jessica, Jesse, and Erika
Many spring trends
include studded and
high waisted shorts!
Muscle tees- Wear a cute bathing suit or tank top underneath a
trendy muscle tee this season!

The Medallion April 2013 Volume 41, Issue 3
Dr. Medallion
By Aislinn and Samantha
Dear Dr. Medallion,
My friend has tons of boy problems. I don’t
want to be mean and say “I don’t care.” It's just
everyday, “OMG I like...or I’m having trouble,
help.” I just don’t know what to do...I still want
her to be my friend, but she has been really annoying
lately. I’m the one who needs help!
Sincerely, Going Crazy
Dear Going
Crazy,
I would
tell how
you feel. If
she’s your
friend, she will stop and
she will understand.
-Brady, 8th
Dear Going
Crazy,
If I was
the friend,
I would
confront
her about her problem.
I would help her but
also tell her how I feel.
-Amanda, 7th
Dear Dr. Medallion,
My best friend’s boyfriend keeps flirting with
me. I would try to avoid him, but I have two classes
with him. The other day in Civics he asked
me out. He is totally cute, but he is still dating my
best friend and I don’t want to ruin their relationship.
He makes her really happy and I don’t want
to mess it up. Should I tell her or not? Would dating
him be breaking the girl code? What should
I do!?!
Sincerely, Girl Code Breaker?
Dear Girl Code Breaker,
I would tell her because a guy
isn’t worth ruining a friendship,
but if he’s really, really hot then
you’ve got a new boyfriend.
-Lindsey, 7th
Movie Previews
Iron Man 3
Release Date: May 3
Genre: Adventure, Action,
Sequel
Starring: Robert Downey
Jr., Don Cheadle, Ben
Kingsley
Summary: The exciting
conclusion to the Iron Man
trilogy, Tony Stark is on a
quest to track down villains
who have destroyed his home. Along the
way he is tested every step of the way.
This leads up to the most important question
of all: “Does the suit make the man, or
does the man make the suit?”
Dear Girl Code Breaker,
I would say not to endanger
your friendship for a boy. Friendships
last a lifetime, but Middle
School boyfriends don’t. You’re
not going to remember that
kid’s name when you grow up,”
-Sydney, 7th
Star Trek: Into Darkness
Release Date: May 17
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Sequel
Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary
Quinto, Karl Urban
Summary: The crew of the
U.S.S. Enterprise is called
back home, but when they
arrive, they find that their
home has been destroyed
by a unknown villain. Captain
Kirk decides to take matters into his own
hands by tracking down the mysterious villain
and trying to find a deadly weapon. The situation
becomes a life and death game for
everyone.
Dear Dr. Medallion,
I absolutely despise my locker
row! The kids are rude, crowd up
the aisle, and don’t move when I
say “excuse me.” It’s really getting
on my nerves. Please help!
Sincerely, Fed Up
Monsters University
Release Date: June 21
Genre: Adventure, Comedy,
Animation
Starring: Billy Crystal, John
Goodman
Summary: Mike and Sully
have been the best of
friends for a long time.
However, when they first
met each other at the university,
they couldn’t stand
one another. After they are both kicked out
of the university they must overcome their
differences to achieve their mutual dream of
working at Monsters Inc.
Dear Fed Up,
I have that problem too. I
usually tap on their shoulder
and say “excuse me, that’s
my locker” and they move for
me.
-Molly, 7th
By Emily, Belle, and Ashley
The Kings of Summer
Release Date: May 31
Genre: Teen, Comedy
Starring: Nick Robinson,
Gabriel Basso, Moises Arias
Summary: Three teenage
boys who are tired of their
lives and family drama
head into the woods on
their own for the summer.
There they embark on a
project to build a home to live in for the summer.
They have to learn that even without
parents around, you still end up having rules
to live by in order to preserve friendships and
in order to survive living off of the land.
Desperate Acts of Magic The Conjuring World War Z
Release Date: May 3
Genre: Comedy
Starring: Joe Tyler Gold,
Valerie Dillman
Summary: Bored with his
life, Jason dreams of becoming
a professional
magician. At a magic
competition, he falls in
love with his competitor,
a female street performer
who lives a life of crime. Will he be pulled
into the life of crime with his partner?
Release Date: July 19
Genre: Suspense, Horror
Starring: Vera Farminga,
Patrick Wilson, Doey King
Summary: The Conjuring is
based on a true story about
the Perron family whose
farmhouse is haunted by a
demonic entity. The Warran’s,
paranormal investigators,
are hired by the family, and they find that
they are in way over their heads.
Release Date: June 21
Genre: Sci-Fi, Action, War
Starring: Brad Pitt
Summary: A zombie apocalypse
is threatening to take
over the world. Governments
and armies, even
humanity, is being destroyed.
A United Nations
employee travels the world
trying to implement a plan
that will stop this zombie pandemic. Who will
win this war?
Fast and Furious 6
Release Date: May 24
Genre: Crime, Action
Starring: Vin Diesel, Paul
Walker, Dwayne Johnson
Summary: If you liked the
other Fast and Furious
movies, you will love this
one! Dominic Toretto and
Brian O’Conner are back!
They are on a mission in
the streets of Europe. This
chase features a federal agent who is onto
them and he's getting closer.
After Earth
Release Date: June 7
Genre: Sci-F, Action, Adventure
Starring: Will Smith, Jaden
Smith
Summary: This movie features
teenager Kitai Raige
who wants approval from
his dad, Cypher, a cold
and emotionless general
who leads the Ranger Corps. Kitai and his
dad have crashed landed on earth thousands
of years after humans have abandoned
it. Cypher is hurt and animals have
evolved to kill humans. Now father and
son must work together in order to survive.
Unfinished Song
Release Date: June 21
Genre: Drama, Comedy
Starring: Vanessa Redgrave,
Gemma Arterton,
Terence Stamp
Summary: This movie begins
with grouchy, retired
Arthur being rudely awoken
by a bunch of older
people singing. His wife
likes it and starts to go to
the choir meetings to sing along while dragging
Arthur with her. He hates it, at first. Soon
he warms up to it more and more until it’s
time to perform and poor Arthur has a solo.
Mud
Release Date: April 26
Genre: Drama
Starring: Matthew McConaughey,
Reese Witherspoon
Summary: Mud takes
place in the deep South
and features two teenage
boys named Ellis and
Neckbone who find a man
named Mud hiding out on
a island telling some pretty tall tales. Mud is
trying to stay hidden from the authorities and
link up with his beautiful lady-love Juniper. The
boys do what they can to help Mud.
12
The Internship
Release date: June 7
Genre: Comedy
Starring: Vince Vaughn,
Owen Wilson
Summary: Two salesmen
have spent most of their
time with computers and
technology and find themselves
with failed careers.
They want to prove that
they are smart and worthy
by getting internships at Google which
draws in all of the smartest college students.
After landing internships, they realize that
working at Google and competing with the
college kids is much harder than they
thought it would be.