The first major march was after school, May 28. Students walked from the WHS campus to congressman Pete Stark’s office to bring his attention to allow Eugene to talk to the county representative regarding his current situation. Stark was told to contact Senator Dianne Feinstein and to convince her to pass a bill that would allow Kotelnikov and his mother stay in the U.S. for an extended amount of time. News spread throughout the student population and students have sent e-mails to the senator pleading for Kotelnikov’s right to stay with his sisters and mother in America.

“This is the most hopeful I’ve felt during this situation,” Kotelnikov said during the first rally. “I feel like this is beyond me. I feel this is a mark in history. This is something I will never forget. This is something my mom will never forget.”

Kotelnikov was surprised at the number of people showed up at the rallies as well as the number of people who were fighting for an immigration reform that benefit the children who are brought to America with no say. People spoke of the Development Relief and Education of Alien Minors (DREAM) Act, that is a bill that gives illegal immigrants the chance to stay in America for educational purposes.

Passage of the DREAM Act would allow Kotelnikov the chance to continue his education in America alongside his family.

Since then, there have been multiple rallies on the street as well as a candlelight vigil, June 2. Protesters chanted “I.C.E., be nice”, “save Eugene don’t be mean” and “support, don’t deport.” I.C.E. stands for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Police eventually informed protesters that the use of blow horns was prohibited. Instead of using blow horn, protesters used whistles at the following rally, May 31, to get the attention of passerby.

A benefit concert is being hosted to raise money for the family’s legal fees at Centerville Presbyterian Church, June 16. Donations are being collected at WHS and at Kotelnikov’s church.

The boys volleyball team defeated the visiting Logan Colts, 3-2, in a post-season playoff game in the gymnasium, May 6. The victory brings the Washington record to 18-7, while Logan updates with a 21-11 record.

Huskies also took the time to honor the seniors, applauding players and their families with leis, flowers and gift volleyballs.

Sophomore Francesco Fernando is one of the many B-boys that dances the halls at WHS. He’s been seriously dancing for about two and a half years.

“I just tried it out one day and I found that I liked it.” Fernando said.

He used to take classes at the Steps Styles and Spotlights dance studio for one year. His teacher was B-boy Kool Raul (RJ) from Supreme Soul on “America’s Best Dance Crew.” Now Fernando doesn’t dance in a group any more.

He also competes in choreography at the dance studio.

“The thing I like most about it is that it builds character. You also make new friends. The dance itself is very unique and challenging, from matching your moves to the music and the ability to do the moves at all.” Fernando said.

For him, the hardest part about dancing is perfecting the moves.

He plans on continuing dancing after high school but isn’t sure about becoming a professional dancer.

“Maybe I’d like to join a crew or start one of my own.” Fernando said.

The boys volleyball team experienced a winning streak to start off their new season as they defeated several schools such as San Ramon Valley, Galileo, Moreau Catholic, Lowell and several other schools. But their early win streak came to an end in a four match game against Foothill, the 2009 reigning NCS champion.

“We have a lot of expereince now. Most of the team played club during the off season. We are all pretty close and communicate well with one another on the court,” junior Justin Woo said.

The Huskies will get another chance to face Foothill at the Foothill Tournament, May 8.

“We’re getting closer to beating Foothill every time we play them,” senior co-captain Darren Tan said.

The team has an advantage this year, after losing only two seniors from last years varsity squad, Jarod Fluke and Jefferey Teller. Many other teams, such as Mission San Jose lost many of their seniors and are forced to rebuild a new competitive team. Despite their early success, the Huskies still believe that they have a lot to learn.

“We need to work on a lot of fundamentals and not losing confidence after one mistake,” junior Manmeet Singh said.

The team is lead by senior co-captains Darren Tan and Cedric Lousi. Tan plays libero while Lousi is an outside hitter.

“[The captains] inspired me to enhance my abilities and to help others who need help,” junior John Im said.

Tan is playing in his second year as the varsity libero. He leads the team in many of their motivational cheers in between points.

“In the beginning of every game, Darren yells ‘bring out the war cry,’ the team claps twice and yells “Damate” in response, meaning kill in Tongan,” senior Luke Gronert said. Lousi, a Tonga native uses many of his cultural roots in the team’s new cheers.

To keep motivation and momentum high on the courts, the boys yell “Opa!” when ever the opposing team messes up. “Opa’”is a Greek exclamation of joy meaning celebration or party.

Washingotn is currently ranked eighth in the North Coast Sections (NCS), and were ranked as high as six this season.

The team has high expectations for themselves. They look forward to going against league rivals James Logan and Mission San Jose because while ranked high in NCS, the Huskies are still ranked behind these two schools in league. The boys will face James Logan away at Logan, April 15.