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The student voice of West Potomac High School

The Wire

The student voice of West Potomac High School

The Wire

The student voice of West Potomac High School

The Wire

Miguel Tsang

Miguel Tsang, Co Editor-in-Chief

This is senior Miguel Tsang’s third year writing for The Wire. Not only the president of West Po’s Asian-Pacific Americans Club (APAC), he’s also active on the Crew and Debate teams. He is excited to be back in journalism to keep up with current events, and help other people to do the same. In his spare time, he enjoys playing the violin, traveling, and planning for the next APAC meeting and talking about Nope ;).

All content by Miguel Tsang
After 3 years of high school journalism, Tsang will expand his knowledge and experience in college. Photo: Family Tsang

The Last Dance

Miguel Tsang, Editor-in-Chief Jun 3, 2024

I had no idea we had a school newspaper until I got an urgent text from my friend Hana begging everyone in the group chat to check out her feature article on Madame Safavi, a French teacher who isn’t at West Po anymore. Of course, I was happy for...

A county construction worker completing the "building envelope." Once the outside is complete, the focus shifts indoors.

Behind the Scenes of the Mount Vernon Rec Center

Miguel Tsang, Editor-in-Chief May 31, 2024

If you’ve recently passed by the intersection of Fort Hunt and Belle View, the main thing that sticks out is the great progress that’s being made on the Mount Vernon Rec Center. It’s been closed since January of last year, but it’s clear that...

Image Credit: @westpo_chorus

Choir Puts on Their Spring Show Tonight

Miguel Tsang, Editor-in-Chief May 16, 2024

Stop by the Springbank Auditorium tonight at 7 for the West Po choir’s Spring Show! The thing that sets the Spring Show apart from any other concert is that each choir number will feature an attached choreography, and skits performed by choir students...

How to Save Files From Your Google Drive (for Seniors)

How to Save Files From Your Google Drive (for Seniors)

Miguel Tsang May 14, 2024

If you’re on track to graduate or leave FCPS, that means your school Google account will be deleted after your enrollment is up. Whatever the reason for saving your stuff may be, there’s a couple ways to prevent your school Google Drive from being...

Students gather on the bleachers as their bags get inspected by police dogs

Bomb Threat Temporarily Shuts Down School

Miguel Tsang, Editor-in-Chief Apr 24, 2024

Just this morning at 8:50, students were evacuated to the football field with their first period classes. The reason being was not revealed until 9:15 this morning, when parents of West Po students received a mass text stating that police were "investigating...

Image Credit- SUNY Broome The Buzz

Eid al-Fitr Marks a Day Off this Wednesday

Miguel Tsang, Editor-In-Chief Apr 8, 2024

If you noticed we don’t have school this Wednesday, that’s because April 10th marks Eid al-Fitr, or the end to the holy month of Ramadan in Islam. This is the first year FCPS students have had Eid fully off, as last year the day was a Wolverine Workday...

West Po faces off against Fairfax in the March 21 home match.

Tennis Season in Full Swing

Miguel Tsang and Jaylan Post Apr 5, 2024

   With matches having started the week of March 11, the tennis season is now in full swing. While of course, athletes and coaches have been hard at work, training for tennis is wildly different than training for other sports.    “To me, I find...

Photo- IslamiCity

The Ramadan Experience

Miguel Tsang and Jaylan Post Mar 12, 2024

Most know Ramadan as a time of fasting for Muslims, but there’s more to it than that. Ramadan is the name of the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, and is observed as a holy month due to it being the time when the Quran was sent down from heaven....

Photo- Shawn Thew (Reuters)

Stakes Are High For Biden’s Third State of the Union Address

Miguel Tsang Mar 8, 2024

Just last night, President Biden delivered his third State of the Union address to congress. Behind him on the left was VP Kamala Harris, and new Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, who took office last October after previous speaker Kevin McCarthy was...

Photo Credit: Beyond the Page Theater Department

Not Everyone Digs The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime

Miguel Tsang Feb 21, 2024

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, based on Mark Haddon’s book, was the show run by West Po theater’s Beyond the Page company from February 1st to February 10th. It was marketed promising to immerse the audience with “mesmerizing...

Image Credit: Disney

Percy Jackson and The Olympians – TV Show Review

Jaylan Post and Miguel Tsang Feb 16, 2024

Global book series, Percy Jackson wrapped up the first season of their TV series on January 30th, wrapping up the 8-episode series following the events of the first book, The Lightning Thief. Percy Jackson and the Olympians is a story about a troubled...

Junior Eli Kopp aiming at a competition

Junior Eli Kopp Shoots His Shot

Miguel Tsang, Co Editor In-Chief Feb 12, 2024

Having competed in rifle since his freshman year, varsity marksman Eli Kopp went head-to-head  in the USA Shooting Junior Olympics the weekend of January 13, placing 13th in the state.     “I actually have no idea how I qualified to be...

Photo Credit: Disney/Marvel Studios

Echo: A Solid New Chapter In the MCU

Jaylan Post and Miguel Tsang Jan 24, 2024

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has returned with an unlikely gem in its new series: Echo. With the series being the tenth series apart of the MCU, Echo follows the aftermath of the 2022 series, Hawkeye. Following Maya Lopez, former assassin and adopted...

Mrs. Jessica Statz in her new office as she adjusts to the new title of principal.

Meet the Principal: An Interview With Mrs. Statz

Miguel Tsang, Phoebe Schultz Dec 11, 2023

Last Wednesday, December 6, marked West Po Principal Mrs. Jessica Statz’s 10th day in her position. Although she originally hails from New Jersey, Statz is well-versed in the Alexandria community. “I came to the county in ‘99/2000 and I was...

Five College Tips from the Wire's Editors

Five College Tips from the Wire’s Editors

Miguel Tsang, Phoebe Schultz, and Jaylan Post Nov 22, 2023

For many West Po seniors, it’s not just their last fall season of high school, it’s also college application season. In our final year of high school, The Wire editors have tried our best to live in the moment- enjoying football games, senior festivities,...

Senior Lot Struggles

Senior Lot Struggles

Miguel Tsang, Editor-In-Chief Nov 22, 2023

The start of the 2023-2024 school year brought a fresh wave of seniors ready and excited to finally be parking in the senior lot. However, this moment of celebration was frequently cut short by surprise guests who frequent the lot. “There’s always...

HLC Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

HLC Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Sara Lainez and Miguel Tsang Sep 29, 2023

Have you noticed the positive Spanish messages on the sidewalk? How about the banner outside Door 1? Noticed anything different about the morning announcements? Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15, and the Hispanic Leadership...

Check this out to see the spirit days for this week!

Make a Splash at Homecoming 2023

Miguel Tsang, Co-Editor In Chief Sep 26, 2023

This week is Homecoming week, meaning Wolverines will show tropical spirit leading up to the dance this Saturday. On top of that, there will be Hoco-themed events going on after school every day of the week, like the Juniors v. Seniors kickball game today,...

Mr. McMahon posing with the Wolverine at Back to School Night

A Q&A with Mr. McMahon

What was your previous title? My previous title was Director of Student Services. [And so] when they name our principal, that’ll be the position I go back to.    Could you remind us how long you were Director of Student Services for? This...

The rock in the afternoon of the 8th
Credit: Miguel Tsang

Rock Defaced Amid Graduation Festivities

Miguel Tsang, Public Affairs and School Issues Editor Jun 8, 2023

Just yesterday, Dr. Millard sent out an email detailing a recent vandalism of the Spirit Rock on the Wolverine Green, which was reportedly defaced with “antisemitic and homophobic language.” Coincidentally, the rock was painted about 2 weeks prior...

Mr. Feinstein will continue to have a lasting impact on the West Po community
Credit: Miguel Tsang

Feinstein’s Farewell

As the 2023 school year comes to a close, history teacher Mr. Jeffrey Feinstein has unfinished business outside of the teaching world. Feinstein has been known to be one of the most influential history teachers in West Po history and he is now retiring,...

Image taken from @westpohs on April 11

Courtyard Conundrum

Miguel Tsang, Public Affairs & School Issues Editor May 8, 2023

When they first finished up the construction on the new wing of the school. I was looking forward to visiting the courtyard that was built between the Gunston connector and the new building. We were told early on that we’d be able to use it. Nine months...

Photo Credit: Universal Pictures

Super Mario Bros Movie: Let’s-A-No

Benjamin Price and Miguel Tsang May 2, 2023

After all these years, our chubby Italian boy finally made it to the big screen. The Super Mario Bros. Movie takes the world of the iconic turtle-stomping plumber and mixes it with a (Super) star studded cast. The result is 90 minutes that feel more like...

Photo taken by Phoebe Schultz of Emmie Butler

Admin Cracks Down on Door Opening

Jaylan Post and Miguel Tsang Apr 20, 2023

This morning, April 19, Dr. Millard came onto the loudspeaker to discuss today’s lockdown drill, and the current situation of safety at West Po. In her announcement, she also introduced stricter penalties for opening the doors to let people in after...

A sign discouraging students against parking lot misdeeds in West Potomac's lot, located behind the Gunston building.

New Parking Lot Causes Trouble For Staff

Benjamin Price, Ali Ahmed, and Miguel Tsang Mar 17, 2023

During September 2022, the new parking lot behind the new building and Gunston was finally finished. This new parking lot was designed for staff and faculty to have more space for teachers to park. However, students have taken advantage of this new parking...

Akosua Adoma Owusu gets ready to present "Bus Nut"
Photo: Ben Price

Celebrated Alexandria Filmmaker Visits West Po

Miguel Tsang and Benjamin Price Mar 2, 2023

 Akosua Adoma Owusu, a movie director from right here in Alexandria, dropped by West Po during yesterday’s advisory to do a Q&A about her short films. Owusu, who is a 1st-generation Ghanian-American, is known for incorporating themes of culture...

Boys' Bathrooms in New Building Close Again

Boys’ Bathrooms in New Building Close Again

Miguel Tsang, Public Affairs and School Issues Editor Feb 14, 2023

Late last week, the boys’ bathrooms in the new building were closed off once again, and are still closed as of 2/14/23. At the moment, we don’t know any specific reason why, but boys in the new building will have to walk over to Upper Quander or Gunston...

PSAT/NMSQT symbol from the college board website. Below the story name West Potomac's 11 Commended Students.

National Merit Commended Scholar Process Scrutinized Across Northern VA

Numerous Northern Virginia schools, including West Po, Langley and Westfield in FCPS, along with schools from Loudon, Prince William and Stafford counties, neglected to inform PSAT National Merit Corporation (NMSC) commended students by email of their...

Ben Price, assistant editor-in-chief, chats with director Rian Johnson

For A Laugh: Knives Out 2

Benjamin Price and Miguel Tsang Feb 8, 2023

Glass Onion is a highly entertaining, star-studded return to the antics of master sleuth Benoit Blanc and the top-notch writing of Director and Screenwriter Rian Johnson as he delivers another murder mystery where no one is safe, both from the murderer...

REC Center Renovations Send Swim Team to Another Lane

REC Center Renovations Send Swim Team to Another Lane

Miguel Tsang, Public Affairs and School Issues Editor Feb 8, 2023

Mount Vernon Rec Center will be sitting out the next two swim seasons. Our swim team’s go-to practice spot, first built in 1974, is completely closed down for renovations until sometime in 2025. The 75,000 square foot expansion is expected to include...

A Tres Reyes decoration in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico;
Photo: Miguel Tsang

The Unseen Importance of El Día de los Tres Reyes

Miguel Tsang, Public Affairs and School Issues Editor Jan 5, 2023

When someone brings up the day of  “January 6th,” chances are some very specific images come to mind. You probably remember where you were or what you were doing when you tuned in to the footage of masses rallying on Constitution Avenue. For a lot...

West Po's Performing Arts Department Returns for Holiday Concert

West Po’s Performing Arts Department Returns for Holiday Concert

Miguel Tsang, Public Affairs and School Issues Editor Dec 14, 2022

Send off 2022 festively by seeing the entire West Po Performing Arts Department during their Winter Concert this week. This concert has 3 different showtimes, the first of which is on Thursday 12/15 at 7pm. There will also be a special Holiday Bazaar...

Nutcracker Returns to West Po for First Time in Years

Nutcracker Returns to West Po for First Time in Years

Miguel Tsang, Public Affairs and School Issues Editor Dec 1, 2022

Ring in the holiday season by stopping by the 14th annual Alexandria Community Nutcracker, which is being held right here at West Po for the first time in several years. The show, presented by ArtSpire VA, blends the classical ballet of the Nutcracker...

Images from fcps.edu: "West Potomac High Capital Project," showing interior and exterior of the new addition.

Construction Completion puts West Po “Under One Roof”

Phoebe Schultz, Benjamin Price, and Miguel Tsang Nov 23, 2022

On Monday, Principal Millard invited all West Potomac advisory classes to join a Zoom meeting regarding the completion of the on-going construction. According to Millard, as of Nov. 28, West Potomac will be “Under One Roof.” This means that during...

Photo Credit: Miguel Tsang

A Place to Study, Print and Relax

Miguel Tsang and Jaylan Post Nov 7, 2022

You walk to a narrow corner surrounded by a brick wall. As the soft glow of the overhead alarm illuminates you, you open the double doors. The left door is jammed, so you move to the right one. The door is hard to open. After a couple tries, the right...

Some Class of '23 to Cast Their First Ballot in the Midterms

Some Class of ’23 to Cast Their First Ballot in the Midterms

Miguel Tsang, Public Affairs & School Issues Editors Nov 7, 2022

With this year’s midterm elections coming up on November 8, many West Po seniors will be eligible to vote for the first time. In our annual senior voting survey which we sent to different senior government classes, 11 out of the 106 seniors polled (10.4%)...

Senior Semifinalists: Nagda on the Left, French on the Right

Seniors French and Nagda Named National Merit Semifinalists

Miguel Tsang and Benjamin Price Nov 7, 2022

Two seniors, Fionn French and Saira Nagda, qualified as semifinalists for this year’s National Merit Scholarship (NMSC), a competitive program that grants scholarships to top performers on the PSAT. Less than 1 percent of high school students receive...

Mrs. Campbell hanging out at the beach with her two daughters

Teacher Feature: Mrs. Campbell

Miguel Tsang, Public Affairs and School Issues Editor Sep 26, 2022

  For choir teacher Mrs. Linda Campbell, teaching is a family matter. Having a grandpa who was a Fairfax County principal, she was inspired to work in education. However, the idea of teaching didn’t immediately click with her, and neither did...

West Potomac Parking Spots In Flux

West Potomac Parking Spots In Flux

Benjamin Price and Miguel Tsang Sep 11, 2022

West Potomac students have felt the rumble of construction vehicles under their feet, seen construction workers all over campus and even gotten to enjoy the new building. In the midst of all the changes spurred by the construction occurring throughout...

Photo Credit: Disney

Doctor Strange: The Multiverse of Madness

Miguel Tsang, Writer May 27, 2022

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness takes place shortly after Spider-Man: No Way Home, and our main character, Dr. Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) has basically settled back into his life. The only thing that’s off is that he keeps having a recurring...

Shut Down DC organized the first demonstration on Justice Alito’s street whih was attended by some West Po students. Photo Credit: Hayden Stengler

Students Join Protest of Leaked Draft Supreme Court Document Overturning Roe v. Wade

Miguel Tsang and Benjamin Price May 27, 2022

Local resident Supreme Court Justice Alito’s house has become the sight of spirited demonstrations in the wake of his leaked court opinion that would overturn Roe vs. Wade, the Supreme Court case which gave women the right to an abortion in 1973 and...

Image Credit: WJLA

FCPS Makes Controversial Pick For Next Superintendent

Miguel Tsang, Writer May 9, 2022

After current FCPS schools superintendent Scott Brabrand announced his retirement set to take effect after the 2021-2022 school year, a new superintendent has been needed to fill his place. The new candidate set to take Dr. Brabrand’s place is Dr. Michelle...

Ketanji Brown Jackson Appointed To The Supreme Court

Ketanji Brown Jackson Appointed To The Supreme Court

Miguel Tsang Apr 29, 2022

Ever since supreme court justice Stephen Breyer announced his retirement in January of this year, President Joe Biden has been looking to appoint a replacement. This process finally concluded on April 7, 2022, when Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson was appointed...

Senior Art Show Taking Place in the Library

Senior Art Show Taking Place in the Library

Miguel Tsang Apr 29, 2022

Running from April 21 to the 28th, there is a Senior Art Show taking place in the library. The art show showcases different works of visual art created by seniors right here at West Po. All the works of art featured have some sort of personal significance...

Source: CA Times

The Pursuit of Slappiness: Will Smith Slaps Chris Rock Live on Television

Miguel Tsang and Benjamin Price Mar 30, 2022

Last night marked the 94th Academy Awards Ceremony, which was held in the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles. While the event was branded as a celebration of film, the theme of the night being “Movie Lovers Unite”, the show was derailed towards the end....

Photo: Miguel Tsang

Local Monuments Show Ukrainian Flag Colors

Miguel Tsang, Writer Mar 14, 2022

Various local sites have been lighting up to show support for Ukraine in their conflict with Russia. For instance, the George Washington Masonic Memorial now glows yellow and blue at night, and the Anthem in DC also turned its logo to match the colors...

Image from Quanders United Inc. website

The History of “Quander”

Miguel Tsang, Writer Mar 14, 2022

It’s impossible to go to West Po without recognizing the name Quander. Quander road, the Quander building, and the Quander Road school which is just down the street. Where does this word actually come from though? Is it a name? What does it mean? The...

Latin Students wearing masks in Mr. Gianelle's class

Fairfax County Public Schools Files Lawsuit to Overturn Mask Mandate Ban

Miguel Tsang and Benjamin Price Jan 31, 2022

Seven Virginia school districts, including Fairfax County Public Schools, have sued recently sworn-in Governor Glenn Youngkin to challenge his executive order banning mask mandates in schools. This order goes along with his plan to give parents freedom...

*Image taken from an orchestra concert from May 2021

West Po Music Department Brings Holiday Cheer

Miguel Tsang, Writer Dec 15, 2021

Join the West Potomac music department in welcoming the holiday season this Friday, December 17.  While sign-ups are full, your advisory class may be invited to see their performance during 3rd period in the auditorium. The concert will feature the orchestra,...

Poster: Disney

Shang-Chi: Predictable, but Pleasant

Miguel Tsang, Writer Nov 18, 2021

Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings is the latest blockbuster in the Marvel catalog. While this movie was delayed several times, it was highly anticipated due to its impressive action choreography and its representation of the Asian-American community....

Teacher Feature: Mrs. Day-Javkhlan

Teacher Feature: Mrs. Day-Javkhlan

Miguel Tsang, Writer Nov 16, 2021

Long time Fairfax County resident and West Po graduate, orchestra teacher Mrs. Alicia Day-Javkhlan definitely knows a thing or two about this school. Called Ms. DJ by her students, she teaches here in the afternoon and Hollin Meadows in the morning, and...