The Online Edition of the Annandale High School Newspaper.

The A-Blast
The Online Edition of the Annandale High School Newspaper.

The A-Blast
The Online Edition of the Annandale High School Newspaper.

The A-Blast

Fresh faces at AHS

Three new teachers coming to teach at AHS
Jasmin Dinh and Rossy Soto • 17 Views
September 23, 2024
Categories:
Rossy Soto

Eric Bang

Math teacher

Q. What is different at AHS for you?
“It’s very diverse. There’s multiple different races and different cultures. My old school, East Montgomery HS, was very white but then this school is very multicultural which I find really different.”

Q. How did you find yourself here?
“To be quite honest, I applied to Fairfax County Public Schools first, and then I sent out emails to all the high school principals and then Shawn contacted me first, so I decided to come here.”

Q. What is your favorite thing from AHS?
“How the schedule is split into red and white days, because I’ve never had that before. My previous school had first through seventh period every day. When I came here, I got to see new students today and then someone new the next day.”

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Kathryn Wright

History teacher

Q. What is different at AHS for you?
A. “I worked in Baltimore City, in South Seattle, and I’ve worked with students from diverse populations, but the extent at Annandale is unmatched. The diversity in language, culture, it’s just so unique in the students here.”

Q. How did you find yourself here?
A. “We relocated from Seattle to Northern Virginia to be close to family, and we were in the Fairfax school district. When I came and toured Annandale during a school day last year, I knew that is where I wanted to to teach and work.”

Q. What is your favorite thing about AHS?
A. “1000% the students. I have a W4 class, the majority of which are from Honduras, and in the few weeks I have been working with them, I have learned so much. Even though there’s a language barrier, just the human connection you make with someone and the students is phenomenal.”

 

Rossy Soto

Heather Unthank

English teacher

Q. What is different at AHS for you?
A. “Annandale is much larger than my previous school! With about 1,000 more students than any school I’ve taught at it can definitely feel a bit overwhelming as a new teacher. Even more so due to the amount of staff! But I’m blown away by the number of clubs and activities that really help foster a strong sense of community.”

Q. How did you find yourself here?
A. “I’m proud to say I’m a product of FCPS! After teaching out of state for 11 years, I felt it was time to come back home. As soon as I applied to Annandale HS, Principal DeRose reached out the very next day—he couldn’t resist my experience and enthusiasm! And now, here I am, ready for this new chapter!”

Q. What is your favorite thing about AHS?
A. “The transition music! How fun is that? It brings me so much joy, even though I didn’t have the opportunity to choose a song for this school year. If I had, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin or “Suéltate” by Sam I, featuring Anitta, BIA, & Jarina De Marco, would’ve been my top picks!”

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About the Contributors
Jasmin Dinh, Co-In-Depth Editor
Junior Jasmin Dinh is on her second year as part of the A-Blast staff, returning to her position as one of the co-editors for the In-Depth pages. She enjoys spending time with her friends and participating in clubs like SEASA and VSA. She is also the Vice President of the class of 2026. She likes to travel and has visited many countries around the world, such as Jamaica, Norway, and China.
Rossy Soto
Rossy Soto, Co-In-Depth Editor
Junior Rossy Soto is in her second year working on the A-Blast as a co-In-Depth editor, and was previously one of the co-editors for the Arts Page. She is the founder and president of the Annandale photography club, she hopes to join other clubs. She enjoys designing graphics, photography, listening to music, thrifting and indulging in time with friends and family.