Giant Word

By Faith Ailsworth, Reporter

Sophomore TJ Matteson is directing the one-act-play, “Seasick: Cast Adrift in the Sea of Life Without an Anchor.” Ms. Dianne Truslow, the drama teacher, picked Matteson as one of three students to direct a play.  Matteson picked this play off her shelf because he thought it was unique and had a contrasting theme with what the other directors had chosen.

“It’s pretty much the classic good-guy-fights-the-bad-guy-for-the-girl,” said Matteson.

This is his first time directing a play. He said that he is having fun directing and that it can be easy, but it gets difficult when all the actors are in their hyper mode.

 “It’s just so much fun. I got so pumped knowing I got that role,” says freshman Marie Gilbert, who plays the female lead role of Anne Sketchington.

Simon Persellen, played by senior Josh Oakes, is the good guy who is fighting for her against the villain, Winslow P Downs III, played by sophomore Zach Spears.

The cast will hold the play after school in the auditorium and is open for anyone who wants to see it.

The play will be shown sometime in May. Matteson said that the dates have not been specifically discussed yet for when they will be putting on the production.

By: Seth Jones, Reporter

Warning: this movie may cause anger, boredom, or drowsiness. Before watching this movie, remember this useful piece of information: NO REFUNDS!

Jack and Jill is a comedy starring Adam Sandler as Jack and Jill and Al Pacino as himself. The movie also had some pretty big actors playing small parts. Some of these actors include Johnny Depp, Regis Philbin, David Spade and Shaquille O’Neal.

Jack is a producer who is on the verge of losing a big Dunkin’ Donuts commercial. The only way to keep the commercial is to get Al Pacino to star in it. Jack must get Al Pacino to do the commercial while putting up with his twin sister Jill, who is visiting over the holidays. Jill causes many problems for Jack during the movie.

The actors did a good job, but the story wasn’t that exciting. The movie had some very funny parts. Adam Sandler playing both twins added a special quality to the movie, but Sandler’s “Jill” could be easily distinguished as a man.

This movie was very different from the movies Adam Sandler typically stars in. This movie portrays Sandler as two very different people which probably made the movie a very difficult challenge.

The movie was average. Every once in a while this movie would have a funny moment, but most of the time it was boring, unexciting, and lifeless. I was also the only one in the theater when I went to watch the movie. The movie is not worth the price of the ticket.

By Kelsey Hammond, technology manager

“Footloose,” starring Kenny Wormald, Julianne Hough, Dennis Quaid, and Miles teller, was a great movie. It was moving to see teenagers fighting for their rights and standing for something they truly believed in.

The acting was fairly good. Hough did a fantastic job playing her role as a troubled teenager. Quaid played the stubborn Reverend who was set in his ways. His experience as an actor really showed in this movie.

Ren MacCormick, a “Yankee” boy from Boston came to the small, redneck, town of Bomont to stay with his uncle. A few years prior to his arrival, there was a fatal accident involving five teenagers after a night of partying, dancing, and loud music.  In reaction, the local councilmen, and Reverend Shaw Moore, passed a law against loud music and public dancing. Ren challenged the law and fell in love with the Reverend’s troubled daughter Ariel in the process.

The way Ren teased the people of the small town because of their simple way of living, and the small town folks teased Ren because of his “city boy” ways, seemed stereotypical, and maybe even a little cheesy.  After awhile though, this angle worked to emphasize, not only the differences, but the similarities between the two groups.

Bomont greatly resembled Waynesboro. It consisted of one high school. It had people of every race in it, every religion, and every social class.

                It was comforting to see that the town was based around Christianity, almost everyone had faith and the “head honcho” of the town was a Reverend. While the movie strongly pointed out the differences of everyone in the town, the fact that everyone was open in demonstrating their faith was inspiring.

                Overall, this movie was great, it made me laugh, smile, cry, and mad. It ended well and I would recommend it to anyone.

This movie is rated Pg-13 and is showing in Zeus Theatre in Waynesboro and Dixie Theatre in Staunton.

by Toni Fitzgerald, Reporter

The upcoming play, The Bermuda Triangle, has cast members energized for the opening night. They have been practicing for months now and are getting anxious.

Cast member and freshman Victoria Kelley, said, “The play is really weird but in an awesome and fun way. I think people will love it!”

Actors rehearse a scene from "Bermuda Triangle Getway." From left, Grayson Hamilton, Kendall Billups (back), Scarlette Harris, Wayne Cody, Bobby Parolisi, and Taylor Hines look on as aliens attack. Performances will take place at Louis Spilman Auditorium March 31-April 2. (Photo by Amy Tripp)

“They all have been practicing really hard and I know they are ready to perform,“ said director Mrs. Dianne Truslow.

The play takes place as a plane headed for Hawaii crashes and lands on an unknown island in the middle of the Bermuda Triangle and all goes crazy fromthere. It’s a hilarious performance full of unlikely, extravagant and improbable situations, according to cast members.

“Plays aren’t just for fun,” said Kelley.”You can gain a lot of skills from them, actually.”

Sophomore Kendall Billups said, “The hardest part of being in the play is memorizing your lines.”

The cast is made up of a wide variety of students in WHS but all have an outgoing, fun personality and are very talented. Everybody seems to get along and have a lot of fun throughout practice and off stage.

“I get along with everyone and am just all around at practice. It’s fun,” said Billups.

Being a part of such a social after school activity helps to gain immense personality skills and is a great way to make friends. As they rehearse, they offer each other much encouragement. When someone made a mistake they’d laugh about it but then get serious and keep trying until it was done right. Offstage during breaks, cast members laugh and joke with each other. Everyone seems to be comfortable while in practice because it gives them a chance to express themselves.

Freshman Rachel Laurin said, “The play is extremely fun. I’ve met a lot of new people.”

The play’s debut performance will be on Thursday

Waynesboro High School drama department will be performing "Bermuda Triangle Getaway" Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 PM in the Louis Spilman Auditorium. Ticket pricing will be $7 for adults and $5 for students.

, March 31 in the WHS auditorium. They will also perform on April 1-2.The cast would love for everyone to come watch and encourage them as they have their first performance of the wild play, The Bermuda Triangle Getaway.

“Everyone has worked really hard,” said Laurin. “All we want is a big audience to support us.”

By Coral Whitaker, Reporter 

 Technology is widely accepted in today’s society, practically everyone has some sort of technology they would rather die than part with. But are the things we have come to obsess over completely positive? Like with anything, technology has negatives and positives that people seem to ignore, until it’s too late.

Negatives:

• Sexual predators commonly use technology to find their prey, usually with computers
• Sexting- texting nude pictures  is a new popular problem with technology, especially with teens in relationships
• Technology, such as cell phones, lead to many car accidents
• People have gotten obsessed with technology, not caring about much else.

Positives:

• Entertaining
• Keeps wanted information organized
• Easy to communicate with others
• Convenient in almost any situation
• Good in dangerous situations

      In the end, there should be a middle ground with technology where people get the positives it brings, but are not obsessed to where health is at risk. Our obsession of technology brings a question, are the perks worth our health and obsession?

By Jorie Logan, Editor-in-Chief

The idea of books as we commonly know them was developed as early as 400 AD. The ancient Egyptians and Greeks used papyrus to record their stories, and the Sumerians engraved their words into clay. The first printed book (which was, in fact, the Bible) was created around 1455 by Johannes Gutenberg of Germany.

Over 500 years later, it’s about time for the next technological advance, right? In our own technological era, books are now becoming more modernized, even into digital form known as an “e-book.” Many e-book devices are available to readers, such as the Amazon Kindle, Barnes and Noble’s Nook, or the iPad, created by Apple.

According to WHS librarian, Mrs. Karen Galenis, there are some advantages to electronic books.

“It’s cheaper and more convenient when I think about just carrying around one thing rather than a heavy textbook,” she says. “I foresee that all textbooks will be electronic one day.”

Junior Adam Terry sees a bright future for e-books as well.

“Everything is so technical nowadays,” he says, “it seems it [the e-book] will only get bigger.”

Despite the progressive steps we have taken through the invention of electronic books, there is one question that often arises among avid readers everywhere: are electronic books really more practical than the centuries-old paper book?

“More people can read a paper book,” said Galenis.

Tangible books have been around for hundreds of years, and likely aren’t leaving anytime soon. They are accessible virtually everywhere. Contrarily, one doesn’t see e-readers casually lining bookshelves every day.

Although the Nook from Barnes and Noble provides the option of sharing via WiFi access, the monetary value is depreciated; tangible books have timeless value that digital devices do not.

Besides the fact that tangible books are forced to compete with digital ones now in the market, Terry still has good words regarding the paper book.

“I like paper books; it’s easier for me to focus,” he says. “I like the smell of the pages.”

Galenis agrees with Terry.

“I love the smell of books, I like to have them in my hand, and I like to write in my books,” she says.

So what is the major difference between the two?

“All the content is the same, just the format is different,” states Terry. “A lot of people would rather be on computers, so it’s easier to accommodate for them [through e-books].”

Additionally, e-books are much cheaper in the long run.

“[E-books are] cheaper than paper books by $5-10 usually,” Galenis says.

Although e-readers like the iPad currently run at a steady price of about $499 on www.apple.com, the price of digital books for sale on the iBook store is far less costly than tangible books themselves. Apple offers as many as 30,000 books in a range of genres for free on the iBook store, and several others have a starting price of 99 cents.

However, there are still countless dedicated paper-lovers out there.

“I don’t think [paper] books will ever die,” said Galenis, “but I do think they will become less popular with time. I hope not in my lifetime.”

(Photo of Adam Terry reading a paper book by Allison Graves)

By Jorie Logan, Editor-in-Chief

The idea of a casual dance at Waynesboro High School is not a familiar one: from the annual thematic Homecoming dances to the always anticipated prom at the end of the year, neither students nor faculty think about more dances. However, the members of Concert Choir have met the needs of everyone this year, including themselves. “The Dubcity Dance,” as it has been named, is going to be informal, with dance music arranged by members of Concert Choir. It will be at Waynesboro High School on December 11.

Senior Kylie Roberts, also the assistant manager of Concert Choir, discussed the details of the Dubcity Dance.

“The money we receive from ticket sales will go to the Concert Choir trip to Nashville this spring. We are setting the limit to 700 students, although we aren’t expecting that many. It will be held in the cafeteria. Tickets are $4 pre-pay and $5 at the door,” she said, “Students from other schools need to be on a list to get the $4 price, although we’re still figuring out the details on how they will pay beforehand.”

Some must be thinking: students from other schools at a Waynesboro dance? This has never been allowed before without administration and parent permission for each individual. This time, the only rules are to RSVP and stay within the usual under-21 age limits.

So you’re likely wondering how to get a spot. An official Facebook page for the Dubcity Dance has been created for this purpose, but some students don’t have access to Facebook. Roberts has the scoop.

“I would say that the best way [to RSVP] would be to either talk to me, Logan Hamlyn, or KJ Washington, or to e-mail me at kjroberts92@gmail.com,” she said.

In addition to advertising around Waynesboro, members of Concert Choir are notifying the officials of all nearby schools, as well as delivering posters to display at those schools. Posters are already up around the halls of Waynesboro High School, designed by Hamlyn herself.

Though other students are allowed to attend, how likely will it be for them to show up? Some might be skeptical, but Roberts optimistic.

“Students of other schools are definitely getting pumped about it. I think all students crave a good dance between Homecoming and Prom, and this is definitely going to be a good option,” she noted.

So after all this planning, who was behind it? Who had the innovative idea to have this dance?

“KJ Washington and Travis Sims approached me with the idea and Logan [Hamlyn] jumped on board as she is the publicity manager for Concert Choir,” said Roberts, “People have been saying ever since Homecoming that they want another good dance, so we immediately went to Mr. Teachey to get it approved. It’s a win/win situation; Choir gets much needed money and students get the dance they’ve been wanting.”

In the end, it seems as though everyone in Concert Choir has high hopes for the Dubcity Dance.

“I’m really excited about it! It’s taking a lot of time and effort, but I really think that it’s going to be 100 percent worth it. It’s going to be exactly what people have been asking for and I personally can’t wait!” Roberts said.

[poster designed and provided by Logan Hamlyn]

By Zach Jones, Sports Editor

Standing in their tuxedos or their dresses, the choir is ready to begin their first song.  The concert ends with a big standing ovation.  The hard work by the choir has paid off.  But when and how long have they been practicing?

“Every year, we have to prepare for our biggest concert during ‘Hell Week,’ which is rehearsal from six to eight on to possibly midnight.  We practice our singing and choreography,” said junior Jacob Stratton.

There are about 60 members in choir who all must be musically talented and willing to give spare time.  They all must prepare for their four concerts a year.

Like most things, there are likes and dislikes for the members of concert choir.

“I like it because the people are nice and are like family.  Mr. Ryman is awesome because of the music he gets,” said Stratton.  “I dislike it because some of the music is really hard to learn.”

With so much hard work and extra time to be willing to give, what makes the choir students so enthusiastic about joining the choir.

“I’ve been a singer all my life. I’ve been in concert choir for two years and have always loved it.  Plus, all the members in my family are singers, so I get a lot of support from them,” said Stratton.

There are some students who want to participate in concert choir, but don’t have enough encouragement.

“Without a doubt, I would encourage anyone to come participate in choir.  It’s really fun and you meet a lot of really nice people,” said Stratton.

In conclusion, concert choir takes just as much practice time as sports; they prepare vigorously for concerts, and they all have a good time together.

Reporter, Megan Harner

Lyrical Ladies, Lyrical Ladies… (It seems as though some girls enjoy singing and others do not.) Well girls who like or even love to sing: here’s something for you.

Lyrical Ladies is a class year-long.

“The girls are terrific,” Mrs. Diane Richards said, “The first concert of the year is going to be good. It’ll be a learning experience for the girls and for them to work together.”

The songs they will be preforming for this coming up concert

• “My Heart Will Go On”- from the movie, Titanic
• “So In Love”- from the musical, Kiss Me Kate
• “Can’t Help Lovin’ That Man”
• “How Can I Stop Singing”- by Chris Tomlin
• “My Song”-by Brandi Carlile.

To be in an all-girl class is “less drama,” freshman Kaylyn Riddle said. “The year is going really good, no guys to get us distracted,” said Riddle.

Riddle likes all the songs she’s singing and she likes Lyrical Ladies. “The outfits are good. You get to pick what you get to wear,” Riddle said.

(“Mrs. Richards is good sometimes, but she can be really mean too,” Riddle said.”)

Their first concert will be on October 12, 2010 at 7:00pm at Waynesboro High School, and October 14, 2010 at the elementary schools.

By Thao Phan, reporter

Waynesboro High School’s “One Act Play” is preparing for their performance in “One Hundred Lies.” In charge of this play is Mrs. Diane Truslow. “One Hundred Lies bring you in laughing and send you out thinking,” Mrs. Truslow said.

According to Truslow, this comedy, a teen named Liz Nostrand presents her life as a competition, complete with scoreboard and time clock. The goal of the game, within 30 minutes, 100 significant lies told by and to Liz. By the final buzzer, we see that the worst lies in Liz’s life are the ones she told.

Like athletic teams, that there are certain requirements and standards to be able to join the cast. Because they participate in VHSL drama competition, students must meet Virginia High School League requirements for participation. Students must have taken and passed five classes last semester. Students audition by reading in small groups from the play script, and they can read as many times as they want in those two days of audition. As far as deciding who receives which role is all up to Truslow.

Like athletic teams, the cast must be able to work together behind the scenes. If there’s any conflict, it could create intense tension, making it impossible to work with one another. Not in this case.

“I guess like any group you bring together, there could be conflicting personalities but honestly, most of the time we learn to work as a team. This group interacts very well,” Truslow said.

It looks like she’s got a compatible cast and crew.

From the director’s view to the actor’s view: Sarah Fitzgerald, class of 2012, stars as Stacey, the mom in this one act play. According to Fitzgerald, before rehearsal begins, the actors have to get prepared.

“We loosen up and do a few vocal practices.” Fitzgerald said. “This is actually my first play here at Waynesboro High School,” she said. During the practices, if there’s a mistake, there’s time to for improvement.

“If there is a mistake during practice, the one who made the mistake will usually fix it,” said Fitzgerald, “If it’s a big mistake, however, Mrs. Truslow will usually stop and tell us what we did wrong.”

How would a mistake be corrected during the actual performance?

“Well, hopefully there won’t be any mistakes during the performance, but, we’ll have to work around it and ad lib a few things,” said Fitzgerald.

Lastly, she encourages students who consider joining, to go for it.

“Anyone who wants to try out for a play should definitely do it! Trying out for this play was literally a last minute decision for me, and look how it turned out!” she said.

Seemingly, the cast and crew put passion and dedication into getting this play to get it to its highest peak of perfection but audiences will have to wait and find out on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2010, at Fort Defiance.