Local Government A Friend of Facebook
By Mariya Ilyas
UJW
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Sixteen-yea r-old Ariel Smallwood of Bowie, Md., recently uploaded her pictures from a past weekend, talked to a friend in California, messaged another friend in Ohio, made reservations to attend Charles H. Flowers High School’s “Class of ’09 Party of the Century,” joined the Duke Class of 2013 Group, and told the world she was having a great day. All without leaving her seat.
With the rise of free social networking websites, particularly Facebook.com, more and more users have been able to “connect and share with the people in your life,” as the site encourages.
Special Olympics Draws Teen Out of His Shell
By Taylor Valencia
UJW
STAFFORD, Va. — He doesn’t make eye contact with anyone sitting inches away from him. Slightly slumped and head leaned to the right, Alexander Juhna An stares at his lap, hands on his thighs.
You wouldn’t guess from his appearance but Alex is an athlete.
Books About Books Trendy With Time-Strapped Teens
By Jennifer Kuo
UJW
ROCKVILLE, Md. – Early one morning in the advanced-placement English Literature class at Thomas S. Wootton High School, Jay Mottla, a senior, sits at his desk, opens his book and begins reading Crime and Punishment.
But instead of the 560 pages that students around him are reading, Mottla reads the abbreviated version of 99 pages published by SparkNotes.
Reality TV Virtually a Habit
By Juliana Sesay
UJW
SILVER SPRING, Md. – Everywhere you turn, there is a new reality series popping up on television.
If the trials of aspiring chefs tickle your fancy, all you have to do is flip to FOX 5’s Hell’s Kitchen. On ABC, you can watch British women transform stubborn and unruly children into obedient little kids on Supernanny. Or perhaps, the saga of a group of young adults living together is your ideal TV show.
Internet, Recession Put Newspapers in Harm’s Way
By Hojung Deena Lee
UJW
ELLICOTT CITY, Md. — The sci-fi movie, I Am Legend, starring Oscar-winning actor Will Smith, might not be so unrealistic anymore. At least not at the offices of The Seattle Post-Intelligencer, the city’s oldest newspaper that ended its 146-year print history on March 17, but continues its online presence.
The offices overlook the tranquil, barren vista of the Puget Sound River, which also seems to pervade inside the offices of the Post-Intelligencer, where rows of empty desks fill the cavernous newsroom.
Students Dancing Around Cost of Prom
By Leslie Redmond
UJW
WASHINGTON — The high school prom is normally a moment students won’t forget. But due to the poor economy, prom fees will be what seniors remember at McKinley Technology High School.
Normally, students go all out to get sharp and dress to impress at the prom. But some students are playing it close to the vest this year because the affair can be an expensive one once you figure in the cost of a ticket, clothes and transportation to the Camelot ballroom in Upper Marlboro, Md.
Nutrition Is Key to Athletes’ Output
By Campbell Burr
UJW
WASHINGTON — Aching legs, sweat, exhaustion. The University of Connecticut Huskies and the Syracuse University Orange men’s basketball teams battle in the sixth overtime, three hours and 46 minutes after tip off of the Big East Tournament quarterfinal in March.
At 1:22 a.m., Syracuse wins, ending the longest game in Big East Tournament history.
How did underdog, Syracuse, pull 10 points ahead at the end of the game? Some credit the team trainers. Others praise the coach. But few consider a backbone of the team: the nutritionist.
VERNICE ARMOUR: A REBEL WITH A CAUSE
By Taylor Valencia UJW WASHINGTON – Her short haircut and strong handshake are just the tip of the iceberg for Vernice Armour, the first African-American female combat pilot. She’s a […]
BUCKING THE ODDS PAYS OFF FOR ARMOUR
By Cicely Wiggins UJW WASHINGTON – As the first African-American female combat pilot Vernice Armour’s desire to save people’s lives was essential to her dedication to join the Marines. Her […]
FORMER ‘TOMBOY’ FINDS HER CALLING
WASHINGTON – Vernice Armour has overcome many obstacles in her life, but clearly, she’s not afraid of a challenge.
That’s why she’s the first female African-American combat pilot.
Though Armour’s accomplishments are many, one of the main philosophies that helped her progress is the belief that anyone can do anything by working for it. Pushing through against the odds has been a hallmark of Armour’s life.
