Natasha Prados


Name: Natasha Prados
Position: Online Managing Editor
Graduation Year: 2007


Stories (50)


Jóvenes en la comunidad promueven buena salud

By Meaghan Mallari, Natasha Prados | April 20, 2007, midnight | In Reportajes »

Si alguien en el área de Columbia Heights en Washington, D.C. tiene algún problema de salud, son admitidos a Upper Cardoza Clinic. Son revisados por un doctor, quien los diagnostica y trata la enfermedad. Pero estos pacientes también son revisados por un ayudante del doctor. Para algunos pacientes, este ayudante puede muy bien ser su compañero de la escuela.

América carece de libertad

By Meaghan Mallari, Natasha Prados | March 9, 2007, midnight | In Opiniones »

Con las miles de personas que se reunieron alrededor de la capital protestando las leyes injustas y discriminatorias para los inmigrantes, uno hubiera creído que si una buena resolución no se hubiera alcanzado por lo menos se habría llegado a algún tipo de solución.

Sumergidos en la inmersión

By Meaghan Mallari, Natasha Prados | March 9, 2007, midnight | In Reportajes »

Cada mañana, los estudiantes de la escuela primaria Rolling Terrace en Silver Spring recitan el juramento de fidelidad a la bandera, primero en inglés y después en español. Es un ritual que simboliza lo que ocurrirá el resto del día para algunos de los estudiantes; ellos pasan la mitad de su día hablando solamente en inglés y el resto del día hablando solamente en español.

¡Patea la pelota!

By Meaghan Mallari, Natasha Prados | Feb. 5, 2007, midnight | In Reportajes »

Argentina ya tenía un gol contra Serbia y Montenegro cuando Esteban Cambiasso recibió un pase y pateó la pelota detrás del portero. El 16 de junio del año pasado, Argentina ganó este juego con una ventaja de seis goles. Solo ocho días después, Maximiliano Rodríguez marcó el gol que ganó el juego y Argentina avanzó a los cuartos de final.

Reyes, camellos y zapatos

By Meaghan Mallari, Natasha Prados | Feb. 5, 2007, midnight | In Reportajes »

Una noche hace muchos, muchos años atrás, tres camellos paseaban por el desierto, sus cascos dejaban huellas en la arena. Tres reyes se sentaron majestuosamente en las sillas, sus ojos fijos en el brillo de una luz única: la Estrella del Norte.

Familias separadas

By Meaghan Mallari, Natasha Prados | Dec. 14, 2006, midnight | In Reportajes »

En enero de este año, una muchacha de El Salvador se vino a los EE.UU. dejando a sus hermanos y a sus abuelos en su país natal. Se mudó a Silver Spring para estar con sus padres quienes habían venido aquí desde que ella era pequeña. Imna Sanchez, del noveno grado, está en el proceso de asimilar la cultura de los EE.UU. y la de Blair.

ESOL necesita más apoyo

By Meaghan Mallari, Natasha Prados | Dec. 14, 2006, midnight | In Opiniones »

Hay veinte estudiantes en cada clase. La mayoría de los maestros normalmente están satisfechos con este número, pero realmente, para las clases de ESOL, es un número demasiado alto. Los estudiantes de ESOL necesitan estar en clases más pequeñas para que puedan recibir la atención individual que necesitan. Estos estudiantes, además de aprender inglés, tienen problemas en cómo adaptarse a los EE.UU. y en cómo comunicarse con sus familias, que algunas veces no han visto por mucho tiempo.

Blair compite en concurso de baile

By Meaghan Mallari, Natasha Prados | Nov. 9, 2006, midnight | In Reportajes »

Desde que son pequeños, ellos bailan. Ya sea con sus familias o con sus amigos, siempre bailan. Así es la cultura dominicana, y así es como Braulio Salas, del duodécimo grado y el presidente del Club Hispano, creció. Durante cada fiesta y cada quinceañera, tomó lo que aprendió de su mamá y lo mejoró. Fueron estas experiencias en las que Salas reflexionó mientras subía por la escalera para reunirse con sus amigos, despues que terminó de bailar salsa con su compañera Rosa Figueroa, del onceavo grado, en la Séptima Competencia Anual del Baile Latino.

El programa "Identity” regresa a Blair

By Meaghan Mallari, Natasha Prados | Nov. 9, 2006, midnight | In Noticias »

De acuerdo con el Institute for Intergovernmental Research, casi 50 por ciento de los miembros jóvenes en pandillas en los Estados Unidos son hispanos, según datos conseguidos de los años 2001 al 2004. Además, el National Center for Education Statistics reporta que el 44,2 por ciento de los estudiantes hispanos entre las edades de 16 a 24 años nacidos fuera de los EE.UU., el 14,6 por ciento de la primera generación en los EE.UU. y el 15,9 por ciento de la segunda generación, dejan la escuela sin terminar. Está claro que los jóvenes hispanos están en crisis, pero la comunidad de Blair está trabajando para dar el apoyo necesario para que los estudiantes latinos tengan éxito.

New IDs rife with mistakes

By Natasha Prados | Oct. 11, 2006, midnight | In Local »

The new IDs, which were distributed Oct. 3, were delayed as a result of printing errors, according to Assistant Principal Andrew Coleman. Several of the mistakes, according to Coleman, are still present in the IDs that have been distributed.

Envolvimiento en la política

By Meaghan Mallari, Natasha Prados | Oct. 10, 2006, midnight | In Reportajes »

Como las elecciones del año 2006 se avecinan, los candidatos en Maryland están trabajando para lograr apoyo. Las campañas emplean una variedad de estrategias para asegurar la victoria, por ejemplo: hablando con los votantes, publicando y transmitiendo anuncios por la radio y la televisión.

Chips summer guide

By Natasha Prados | June 8, 2006, midnight | In Features »

Sick of just doing "nothing" all summer? Now you don't have to! Stop twiddling your thumbs, jump up off the couch, and try out some of Chips' great ideas for a suuuuper summer!

Cruzando la peligrosa frontera

By Meaghan Mallari, Natasha Prados | May 25, 2006, midnight | In Reportajes »

Cuando Misael Cruz, del grado nueve, oyó un helicóptero sobre su cabeza, sintió un salto en su corazón. Después de pagar $3.000 para ser escoltado ilegalmente a través de algunas 1.500 millas entre El Salvador y la frontera de los EE.UU. y Méjico, Cruz entró a tierra americana — solamente para ser descubierto por la patrulla de la frontera de los EE.UU.

Negocios Latinos aumentan

By Meaghan Mallari, Natasha Prados | May 25, 2006, midnight | In Reportajes »

Sombreros y mantas coloradas decoran los paredes de El Golfo, donde la música Latina suena calladita en el fondo. El dueño de El Golfo, José Villatoro, sonríe mientras que observa orgullosamente su restaurante. Aunque nunca creyó que podía hacer todo lo que ha hecho, el restaurante de Villatoro atrae gente diversa en busca de un ambiente familiar.

Rescued child laborers visit Blair

By Natasha Prados | April 25, 2006, midnight | In Local »

Five rescued child laborers from India, Colombia and Mexico spoke at Blair today during 6th period. The event was sponsored by the Blair Academy of International Studies in conjunction with the International Center on Child Labor and Education (ICCLE).

Events to be held in celebration of "International Workers' Day"

By Natasha Prados | April 21, 2006, midnight | In Local »

The National Capital Immigration Coalition will host five Immigrant Unity Day events on Monday, May 1 in honor of International Workers' Day. The events will take place in Langley Park, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Arlington and Richmond from 5-8 p.m.

The questions presented by the Padilla case

By Natasha Prados | April 19, 2006, midnight | In Op/Ed »

The Supreme Court opted on April 3 not to review the federal government's powers to detain U.S. citizens as enemy combatants, according to The Washington Post.

Fundraiser to be held for community service projects in El Salvador

By Natasha Prados | March 28, 2006, midnight | In Local »

The Washington Ethical Society International Partners (WES-IP) will hold a fundraiser for its summer El Salvador service trip on Saturday, April 1 at 7:30 p.m. at 7750 16th Street, Washington, D.C. 20012. The suggested $20 admission fee (children under 12 enter free of charge), along with whatever other money is raised during the event, will go directly towards this summer's service projects.

Silver Quill is one of 10 Pacemaker finalists

By Natasha Prados | March 21, 2006, midnight | In Local »

The 2004-2005 edition of Silver Quill, Blair's literary magazine, is one of 10 finalists for the National Scholastic Press Association's prestigious pacemaker award, according to the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) web site.

Easy and cheesy

By Natasha Prados | March 18, 2006, midnight | In Entrées »

A staple of Mexican cooking popular throughout the Americas, quesadillas are quick to make but also hearty and filling. Personalizing this recipe is easy - you can add chicken, beef, onion, tomatoes or any other ingredients that strike your fancy. Quesadillas are perfect for lunch, dinner or an after-school snack.

Reckless abandonment

By Natasha Prados | March 15, 2006, midnight | In Op/Ed »

A depressed sophomore contemplating suicide who checked himself into a George Washington University Hospital was sent a letter by the University's administration stating that his "endangering behavior" could result in his suspension or expulsion unless he withdrew from school, according to a March 10 article published in The Washington Post. In the meantime, Jordan Nott, the student, was barred from the campus.

Cheap eats for Blazers on a budget

By Natasha Prados | March 7, 2006, midnight | In Restaurant Reviews »

This El Salvadorian restaurant combines a great atmosphere and affordable prices. Lit almost like a nightclub and decorated with beautiful Latin American art, patrons will feel classy but comfortable in El Gavilan. The only unpleasant aspect of eating at El Gavilan is the occasional live music act, which, although it may spark patrons' interest, prevents any sort of conversation.

In want of women

By Natasha Prados | March 3, 2006, midnight | In Op/Ed »

In a country where women have been enslaved as recently as 1996, a woman has been elected president.

D.C. high school students discuss segregation with CAP class

By Natasha Prados | March 1, 2006, midnight | In Local »

D.C. high school students from The Next Step Public Charter School created a video about the lack of diversity in their area, which they showed to Kevin Shindel's CAP Research class yesterday, generating a discussion about segregation and racism.

State delegate candidate to hold campaign kickoff

By Natasha Prados | Feb. 26, 2006, midnight | In Local »

State delegate candidate and 1994 Blair graduate Democrat Aaron Klein is inviting community members of Maryland District 20 to attend a kickoff of his campaign at Ceviche Restaurant in downtown Silver Spring on Monday, Feb. 27 from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Amnesty International holds forum on torture

By Natasha Prados | Feb. 23, 2006, midnight | In Local »

Blair's Amnesty International club held a forum on torture today in room 251 at 3 p.m. Around ten attendees took an in-depth look at torture in terms of U.S. and international policy.

Obtaining alcohol underage

By Natasha Prados | Feb. 14, 2006, midnight | In Features »

Shoving his hands deep into the pocket of his sweatshirt, Cornelius, a senior, strolls towards the liquor store, doing his best to appear nonchalant. Before entering the store, Cornelius and his friends held a rigorous debate about who could best pass for 21 years old - taking hair cut, shoes and clothing style into account - but as soon as Cornelius walks up to the check-out, he is promptly asked for an ID.

Movies to get you in the mood for Valentine's Day

By Alexis Egan, Natasha Prados | Feb. 10, 2006, midnight | In Features »

Looking for a good movie to watch on Valentine's Day, one that is not overly sappy or just cheap jokes? Fortunately, there are a lot of great movies out there for everyone. These nine movies are perfect for a date or an afternoon hanging out with friends.

Salt and spice

By Natasha Prados | Feb. 9, 2006, midnight | In Entrées »

Picadillo (pronounced pee-kah-dee-yoh) is a Cuban dish enjoyed throughout Latin America. This dish is economical to make, easy to prepare and oh-so-good to eat! Picadillo involves three major components, which are prepared separately and then combined: rice, beans and meat.

Creator of Peace Studies class visits Blair

By Natasha Prados | Feb. 8, 2006, midnight | In Local »

Colman McCarthy, a former Washington Post columnist, nationally acclaimed peace advocate and the creator of Peace Studies classes, visited Blair yesterday to discuss the importance of nonviolence and peace education.

Forum on disability issues to be held

By Natasha Prados | Feb. 8, 2006, midnight | In Local »

Candidate for Montgomery County Executive, Steve Silverman, will hold a discussion regarding disability issues on Monday, Feb. 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Davis Special Needs Library, located at 6400 Democracy Boulevard in Bethesda.

Montgomery County executive candidates hold debate

By Natasha Prados | Jan. 13, 2006, midnight | In Local »

Montgomery County executive Democratic candidates Ike Leggett and Steve Silverman held a debate, hosted by the Leisure World Democratic Club, on Wednesday, Jan. 12 to discuss education, transportation, affordable housing and other issues pertinent to the upcoming election.

Immigration policy needs an overhaul

By Natasha Prados | Jan. 11, 2006, midnight | In Op/Ed »

In an attempt to limit overcrowding, a zoning ordinance passed Dec. 29 requires Manassas, Virginia residents to live only with immediate family members. After being widely criticized as discriminatory, the ordinance was suspended, according to a Jan. 5 article in The Washington Post. That such a law was passed in the first place is evidence of an emerging pattern of growing prejudice towards immigrants, a pattern perpetuated by current immigration policy.

Students protest Darfur genocide

By Natasha Prados | Jan. 9, 2006, midnight | In Local »

In an effort to draw attention to the genocide occurring in the Darfur region of Sudan, Students Taking Action Now: Darfur (STAND) is holding an ongoing demonstration from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily outside the Sudanese Embassy in Washington, D.C., from Jan. 1 through Jan. 10.

Fire alarm pulled

By Natasha Prados | Jan. 9, 2006, midnight | In Local »

The fire alarm went off at approximately 7:18 a.m. today, triggering a successful evacuation despite problems with the alarm system. Although the flashing lights functioned properly, the fire alarm's speakers were temporarily inoperative, according to Principal Phillip Gainous.

Post-holiday horrors

By Natasha Prados | Jan. 6, 2006, midnight | In Humor »

The Christmas tree is in the trash and all the lights and ornaments hidden away in the depths of the basement; the menorah is out, and so are the Kwanzaa candles; the Three Kings are long gone; the wrapping paper has been recycled and all you have to remind you of the holidays are those extra pounds. Reality has struck: Break is over.

In uniform for the United States

By Natasha Prados | Dec. 20, 2005, midnight | In Features »

Decked out in a military-issue gas mask, Blair graduate Jamie Platky feels sweat drip down his skin as he tries not to let panic creep down his spine. He stares at the words scrawled across the cinderblock hut he is about to dash into and tries to obey them. "Conquer your fears. Don't let your fears conquer you," the words read.

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's...Christmas?

By Natasha Prados | Nov. 23, 2005, midnight | In Op/Ed »

Walking into the Giant mid-October, looking to purchase some Halloween candy for pre-Halloween taste testing (for the safety of the children, of course), I stopped short. Towering before me was not any sort of ghost, ghoul or goblin or even black and orange banners that might be expected around Halloween. There weren't even any turkeys, pilgrims or traditional Thanksgiving decorations. Instead, I found myself face-to-face with a towering inflatable Santa Claus snow globe.

Teens tempting fate

By Natasha Prados | Nov. 16, 2005, midnight | In Features »

Suddenly, the world contorted. Everything seemed eerier, scarier. The glowing streetlights appeared menacing. The October air felt unusually chilly. This wasn't supposed to happen. Senior Pham Bui's heart pounded fiercely in his chest as he spotted the police officer in his rearview mirror. His breath abruptly shortened, his palms got sweaty. This wasn't supposed to happen. He had just been driving a friend home.

Plumbing problem persists in room 164

By Natasha Prados | Nov. 10, 2005, midnight | In Local »

Leaks sprung from the ceiling in room 164 on Nov. 7 and Nov. 9. According to US History teacher George Vlasits, who uses room 164, the ceiling leaks are a recurring problem that Blair administration is not handling well.

Tasty Halloween Treats

By Alexis Egan, Natasha Prados | Oct. 30, 2005, midnight | In Features »

For Blazers who yearn for candy, Halloween is the perfect excuse to indulge in sugary treats. So, why not add to the sugar haze by creating your own culinary concoctions? To help you, we chose four easy recipes sure to satiate Halloween cravings.

Blair sends off sophomores with 1-1 tie against Einstein

By Natasha Prados | Oct. 24, 2005, midnight | In Blair »

Blair's star goalie Xenia Oroxom makes a spectacular dive towards the ball hurtling closer to the goal. But this time the ball is just too far out of reach. Einstein scores shortly after a beautiful shot by Blair forward Katie Scott, bringing the game to a tie at 1-1. With twenty minutes still to go in the second half, none of the players suspected that Einstein's goal would be the last of the game.

One girl gives gaming a shot

By Natasha Prados | Oct. 14, 2005, midnight | In Features »

I've always blamed my inexperience with videogames on the fact that I don't have an older brother. But instead of shirking responsibility, I have finally decided to take matters into my own hands and find out for myself what gaming is all about.

Making it as a male cheerleader

By Natasha Prados | Sept. 30, 2005, midnight | In Features »

Twenty-eight pairs of hands clap. Twenty-eight mouths shout in unison. Twenty-eight bodies move rhythmically in perfect formation on the field. Twenty-eight bodies are wearing 28 white t-shirts and 28 black skirts that read "Cheer" in italics. Wait, make that twenty-five skirts.

Miss Driving Disaster

By Natasha Prados | Sept. 30, 2005, midnight | In Humor »

Every driver looks forward to the day that they will get their provisional license and drive alone for the first time. For many Blazers, (or maybe just me) these first days of freedom are, unfortunately, marked by mayhem and mishaps. That is why I have valiantly taken it upon myself to ridicule my own mistakes for public amusement in the hopes that Blazers will benefit. The result is this comprehensive guide to dealing with automobile related emergencies, from leaving on the parking break to locking your keys in the car.

Blair beats Blake Bengals 2-0

By Natasha Prados | Sept. 27, 2005, midnight | In Blair »

Maybe magic is in the air or maybe the rain is giving the Blazers extra energy, because the JV girls' soccer team opened phenomenally in the game against Blake. Ten minutes and twenty seconds into the first half, sophomore forward Katie Scott made a beautiful shot over the goalie's head, which rippled the net and evoked cheers from the team.

Blazers shut down by Sherwood

By Natasha Prados | Sept. 20, 2005, midnight | In Blair »

Fans and players alike were holding their breath early in the second half of the JV girls' soccer game when forward Susan Branson took a shot on the Sherwood goal. The ball sped closer and closer to the net only to come into contact with the utmost tip of the Sherwood goalie's fingertips. Deflected by the goalie, the ball then glanced off the pole and back onto the field.

Churchill takes Blair 3-0

By Natasha Prados | Sept. 14, 2005, midnight | In Blair »

The Junior Varsity girls' soccer team lost to Churchill 3-0, bringing their season record this year to 1-1-1. The first half was especially trying for the Blazers, with one goal scored within the first six minutes of the game and the second following shortly afterwards.

Valerie Ervin discusses equality in education at Blair

By Natasha Prados | Sept. 9, 2005, midnight | In Local »

MCPS Board of Education member Valerie Ervin and Evie Frankl, Montgomery County Education Forum co-founder, discussed equality in education with Blazers after school today, Sept 8. The event, hosted by Students for Global Responsibility (SGR), addressed issues such as the lack of minority students in Blair's CAP and Magnet programs, tracking and the achievement gap.

Slots are a gamble no matter how you play 'em

By Natasha Prados | June 30, 2005, midnight | In Op/Ed »

As candidates gear up for the 2006 Maryland gubernatorial election, the introduction of slot machines appears to be the most controversial issue of the campaign. The issue divides the candidates for the Democratic nomination: Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley and Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan, both of whom have taken a position different from that of incumbent Republican Governor Robert L. Ehrlich.



Images (18)


Photo: Picadillo SE

By Natasha Prados | Feb. 8, 2008, midnight | In ‎Latest »

An authentic dish that is as delicious as it is easy to make.

Photo: nativity new

By Natasha Prados | Feb. 7, 2007, midnight | In ‎Latest »

Escena navideña representada en una plaza del Viejo San Juan en Puerto Rico.

Photo: Three King's Day

By Natasha Prados | Feb. 5, 2007, midnight | In ‎Latest »

Escena navideña representada en una plaza del Viejo San Juan en Puerto Rico.

Photo: Junioritis

By Natasha Prados | May 31, 2006, midnight | In ‎Latest »

Photo: El Galvian-Cheap Eats

By Natasha Prados | March 7, 2006, midnight | In ‎Latest »

Photo: Lucia's Cheap Eats

By Natasha Prados | March 7, 2006, midnight | In ‎Latest »

Photo: Woodside Deli-Cheap Eats

By Natasha Prados | March 7, 2006, midnight | In ‎Latest »

Photo: Oriental Eats-Cheap Eats

By Natasha Prados | March 7, 2006, midnight | In ‎Latest »

Photo: Moby Dicks-Cheap Eats

By Natasha Prados | March 7, 2006, midnight | In ‎Latest »

Photo: Nams -Cheap Eats

By Natasha Prados | March 7, 2006, midnight | In ‎Latest »

Photo: The Rated-R Restriction

By Natasha Prados | Feb. 9, 2006, midnight | In ‎Latest »

Photo: Picadillo

By Natasha Prados | Feb. 8, 2006, midnight | In ‎Latest »

Picadillo (pronounced pee-kah-dee-yoh) is a Cuban dish enjoyed throughout Latin America. This dish is economical to make, easy to prepare and delicious to consume!

Photo: American Values

By Natasha Prados | Dec. 22, 2005, midnight | In ‎Latest »

Photo: Organista and Flores

By Natasha Prados | Dec. 21, 2005, midnight | In ‎Latest »

Senior Jonathan Organista (left) and sophomore Christian Flores (right) are both considering military enlistment.

Photo: Nguyen at Desk

By Natasha Prados | Dec. 21, 2005, midnight | In ‎Latest »

Navy recruiter and 1999 Blair graduate Quan Nguyen works at his desk in the Georgia Avenue recruiting center.

Photo: caramel apple

By Natasha Prados | Oct. 31, 2005, midnight | In ‎Latest »

A delicious caramel apple, perfect for a small Halloween treat.

Photo: Bush protesters

By Natasha Prados | June 23, 2005, midnight | In ‎Latest »

Protesters voice their opinions on the University Boulevard sidewalk.

Photo: Protesters on University Boulevard

By Natasha Prados | June 23, 2005, midnight | In ‎Latest »

Demonstrators line up along University Boulevard during President Bush's visit to Blair on June 23.