Following in the footsteps of the book series by the same name, the movie The Hunger Games was an overnight success. It is third in the box office for most money made on an opening weekend.

Despite this success, the movie has received unnecessary controversy from fans due to casting choices. Rue, a character described in the book as similar to the main character Katniss’ fair skinned sister Prim, but with dark skin, is played by African-American actress Amandla Stenberg. Over Twitter, some fans expressed discontent and shock over this casting choice.

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“Even though I didn’t know you, I always saw you as the kid who never stopped smiling.”

As students filled out notes in the cafeteria last week memorializing freshman Sam Solomon, they remembered a classmate who, despite his two-and-a-half year battle with leukemia, did not want to be defined by his disease.

Instead, friends, family and teachers will remember him as an excellent student, an avid reader and someone whose positive demeanor was acknowledged throughout the Marshall community, both by students who knew him and those who merely passed him in the hallways.

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From Tanzania to Thailand, foreign students come to the U.S. to experience American culture and an American education.

Sophomore Nathita Limprasittiporn came from Thailand to gain exposure to different cultures.

“When you first come here you don’t know anyone and you kind of adjust yourself to the new culture and society,” Limprasittiporn said.
Limprasittiporn enjoys in participating in activities that are not found in Thailand.

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The varsity and JV softball teams, led by head coaches John Reina and Stephanie Shaker, respectively, are in the midst of a season-long challenge to prove themselves.

The varsity team is working to achieve fourth place in the district in order to qualify for regionals.

“First, second, third place are all pretty set with Madison, McLean and Stone Bridge,” shortstop Kayla Marsh, senior, said. “But fourth place is really up for anyone.”

The varsity team is currently 6-5.

“It’s going to [be] really tough,” Marsh said about the team’s goal of getting fourth in the district.
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Having an international perspective in an IB school is invaluable to the learning experience.
I lived overseas for two formative years that shaped me as a learner. I was in Stuttgart, Germany for fifth and sixth grade living on an American military base. Although I lived on base, my parents sent my sister and I off base for school and made every effort to spend time in and around Europe.

Living overseas gave me language immersion, cultural acceptance and a new outlook on global issues. Despite living in a fairly metropolitan area, it is very easy to avoid cultural diversity.

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The girls lacrosse team is pushing to finish its regular season strong. It has one of its best records in school history following a loss to 15-5 loss to Langley on April 19.

Marshall’s 8-3 record includes wins over strong teams, such as its 15-2 victory over South Lakes and Marshall’s first ever win over Stone Bridge High School.

The Statesmen played McLean on April 23, the team’s Senior Night. Results were not available by press time.

April Reinhart said before the game that “the seniors are expecting to dominate and go out with a bang.”

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Students disappointed with last winter’s lack of snow have something to look forward to: the lack of school closings has prompted the Fairfax County School Board to remove two school days from the end of the year.

Before the School Board vote, the last day of school would have been June 19. Now, students will be released on June 15. The extra two days have been relabeled as teacher work days.

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The boys lacrosse team is frustrated with its 1-11 record.

The Statesmen lost to Langley High School 11-14 last Thursday.With their loss by only three goals to the first in the district, lacrosse powerhouse Langley, the game left the team optimistic and looking forward to its upcoming matches.

The loss comes after Marshall’s 14-4 loss to Stone Bridge High School last Tuesday, despite a strong first start in goal by senior James Tickner.

Captain Greyson Smith, senior, thinks that the team played poorly in that game.

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Every child has that one cartoon he or she loved and adored. Avatar: The Last Air Bender is that cartoon for millions. After being named the 35th best -animated show in the world, Avatar expands its universe with The Legend of Korra. However, despite being a brilliant show, The Legend of Korra abandons its routes.

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Vice president of Dating Abuse Stops Here Wendy Claunch and Red Flag Campaign representative Heather Sarmiento led a presentation for seniors last Tuesday to raise awareness about the warning signs and effects of dating abuse.
“I thought any opportunity to talk about healthy relationships would be great,” director of student services, Cindy Blakeley said.

“Real life stories are a lot more moving and make more of an impression.”

Claunch led an information session about the warning signs of an abusive relationship and the lethal warning signs.
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