Masha Lafen


Name: Masha Lafen
Position: Online Sports and Entertainment Editor
Graduation Year: 2011


Stories (47)


Checking out of "The Office"

By Masha Lafen | May 1, 2011, 12:53 p.m. | In Lifestyle Blog »

At the end of Thursday's episode of "The Office," Dunder Mifflin's Regional Manager boarded a plane for Colorado, leaving his office and his best friends behind him.

International News Roundup for March 13 – March 30

By Masha Lafen | March 30, 2011, 6:14 p.m. | In International »

The U.N. Security Council voted to authorize a no-fly zone over Libya in order to prevent leader Muammar Gaddafi's forces from reaching Benghazi and protect civilians.

National News Roundup for Feb.21-Mar.13

By Masha Lafen | March 14, 2011, 3:28 p.m. | In National »

Mar. 12 – An estimated 100,000 protestors filled the streets of Madison Wisconsin to protest the bill signed by Governor Scott Walker on Friday that would eliminative collective bargaining rights for state workers. Republicans in the state senate passed the law despite the boycott by Democratic senators.

Holding off a regressive era

By Masha Lafen | Feb. 26, 2011, 10:54 a.m. | In News Blog »

Before this week's protests in Madison, the state of Wisconsin was pretty low on the average East Coaster's radar, representing little more the Green Bay Packers.

Blazers receive recognition for academic achievement

By Masha Lafen | Feb. 17, 2011, 9:41 p.m. | In National »

Last week, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) named 35 seniors as finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Competition and eight students as finalists in the National Achievement Scholarship Competition.

National News Round-up for Jan. 17 – Jan. 30

By Masha Lafen | Jan. 31, 2011, 11:23 a.m. | In National »

At age 95, social activist Sargent Shriver died in a D.C. hospital. Among his many accomplishments, Shriver served as the first Peace Corps Director. In 1972 he was the vice-presidential running mate for George McGovern. He was renowned public activist who is famous for his influence on Lyndon Johnson's War on Poverty, Head Start, and VISTA.

Stay tuned to Tunisia

By Masha Lafen | Jan. 19, 2011, 4:34 p.m. | In News Blog »

The abrupt end of Ben Ali's 23-year rule is being called the first Middle East revolution since 1979. Although the end result of these events is unclear, its implications are nonetheless fascinating and crucial to watch.

Playing defense in the offensive zone

By Masha Lafen | Dec. 10, 2010, 11:50 p.m. | In News Blog »

President Obama has faced harsh criticism from democrats in response to his tax deal with Republicans this week that would extend the Bush tax cuts for two more years.

National News Roundup for Oct. 25 – Nov. 5

By Masha Lafen | Nov. 8, 2010, 12:25 p.m. | In National »

Oct. 5 – Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced that workers will install solar panels on the roof of the White House in the summer of next year.

Green plots, green thoughts

By Masha Lafen | Nov. 1, 2010, 11:25 p.m. | In Connections Blog »

An initiative to convert two plots of land in Silver Spring into community vegetable garden will add much needed community vegetable gardens to our area.

Paint Branch to hold home football games at Blair for the next three years

By Masha Lafen | Sept. 26, 2010, 1:22 p.m. | In Local »

The Paint Branch Panthers varsity and junior varsity (JV) football teams will hold all home games at Blazer Stadium for the next three years.

International News Roundup for Sept. 4 – 18

By Masha Lafen | Sept. 21, 2010, 7:54 p.m. | In International »

Sept. 18 – After the second Afghanistan parliamentary elections since 2001, International Election Monitors expressed concern over alleged ballot stuffing, voter fraud, and widespread violence throughout the election process. Elections were held for 249 seats in the Afghan Parliament or Wolesi Jirga for a five year term.

The beautiful preview

By Masha Lafen | June 10, 2010, 6:16 p.m. | In Professional »

The 2010 FIFA World Cup begins on Friday, June 11, and South Africa will be the first African country to host a World Cup tournament.

The melting cup

By Masha Lafen | June 8, 2010, 10:15 p.m. | In Sports Blog »

According to USA Today, American fans have purchased the highest number of World Cup tickets compared to any other country except host nation South Africa.

Gaithersburg Public Library closes for major renovations

By Masha Lafen | May 24, 2010, 8:09 a.m. | In Local »

The Gaithersburg Library closed May 15 to undergo a two-year renovation process. An interim library will open later this year in the Lakeforest Mall in Gaithersburg.

Girls' lacrosse tramples Einstein on senior night

By Masha Lafen | May 9, 2010, 2:35 p.m. | In Blair »

The varsity girls' lacrosse team (8-3) defeated Einstein (4-7) on senior night 15-5. Senior captains Molly Branson, Nellie Garlow and Emily Hedrick scored three goals each. Senior Sarah Frank scored two goals.

Your tired, poor and huddled masses

By Masha Lafen | April 30, 2010, 1:30 p.m. | In News Blog »

Arizona has had a history of problems with illegal immigrants, from high crime rates to drug trafficking across the border. The recent law signed by Governor of Arizona Jan Brewer proposes a harsh and inappropriate solution to this complex problem.

Vikings conquer boys' tennis

By Masha Lafen | April 29, 2010, 12:24 p.m. | In Blair »

On cold and windswept tennis courts, the boys' tennis team lost to the Whitman Vikings 6 - 1, but put up a stronger fight this year than they had in the past.

Wildcats scratch out Blazers' winning record

By Masha Lafen | April 21, 2010, 1:33 p.m. | In Blair »

The varsity girls' lacrosse team (5 - 1) ended their undefeated streak last Tuesday, losing their first game of the season to Walter Johnson (3 - 2) in a 12 - 2 loss.

A "Mikado" of bravado

By Masha Lafen | April 20, 2010, 11:09 a.m. | In Plays »

The Montgomery Blair Players presented Gilbert and Sullivan's "The Mikado" in the Blair auditorium on Friday and Saturday night. With charming bravado, director Kelly O'Connor and the Blair Players adapted an antiquated musical to a modern setting by adding new lyrics and hip-hop and jazz choreography.

SGA to reform roles of president and vice president

By Masha Lafen | April 4, 2010, 5:54 p.m. | In Local »

SGA President Alex Bae is spearheading a reform of the duties of Blair's president and vice president to improve the efficiency of school-based event planning.

The long fight

By Masha Lafen | March 26, 2010, 1:05 p.m. | In News Blog »

The U.S. House of Representatives recently approved landmark health-care legislation in a complex process that began last winter and one of the major beneficiaries of the health care bill will be young people.

"The Bounty Hunter" misses the target

By Masha Lafen | March 21, 2010, 10:07 p.m. | In Movies »

"The Bounty Hunter" from director Andy Tennant ("Hitch") spends its time hunting for a solution to conflicts the genre evokes. A romantic comedy, action flick and crime drama can be a successful blend, but not in this ultimately disappointing kiss and chase film.

Eric Hutchinson to visit Blair

By Masha Lafen | March 18, 2010, 10:22 p.m. | In Local »

During fourth period tomorrow, singer and songwriter Eric Hutchinson will be speaking to Blair students about his time in high school, the start of his music career and music video production.

Patriots sneak past Lady Blazers in playoffs

By Masha Lafen | March 1, 2010, 5:48 p.m. | In Blair »

In their first playoff game of the season, girls' varsity basketball lost to the Wootton Patriots, bringing an end to a successful season with a narrow four-point loss. Blair (10-12) lost to Wootton (12-10) by a score of 52-56.

Lady Blazers trounce Wildcats on Senior Night

By Masha Lafen | Feb. 25, 2010, 3:02 p.m. | In Blair »

It was not a fight on senior night for the varsity girls' basketball team. The Lady Blazers comfortably defeated the Walter Johnson Wildcats (8-12) by a score of 71-53.

Comedic spice on ice

By Masha Lafen | Jan. 12, 2010, 9:29 a.m. | In Sports Blog »

Comedian Stephen Colbert's "Colbert Nation" has joined the Vancouver Olympic festivities by funding the United States Speedskating team. Earlier in 2009 the team lost its largest sponsor, the Dutch bank DSB when it declared bankruptcy, leaving the team scrambling to raise $300,000.

Ending 60 years of procrastination

By Masha Lafen | Dec. 4, 2009, midnight | In News Blog »

U.S. senators are about to do what many Blair students do - work late into the night.

A very "Merry" evening

By Masha Lafen | Nov. 7, 2009, midnight | In Plays »

The Montgomery Blair players presented William Shakespeare's "The Merry Wives of Windsor" onstage in the Blair auditorium Friday night. Ladies, knights, fairies and queens frolicked and fooled with each other for the delight of the audience.

Athlete of the Week: Varsity Field Hockey, Annie Buckley

By Masha Lafen | Nov. 5, 2009, midnight | In Blair »

As goalie, senior co-captain Annie Buckley is out of the way but always in play. For the past three seasons, Buckley has been a formidable force in the Blair goal. Sporting enormous black and gold protective shin-pads and a hefty helmet, Buckley waits to be called on at the most crucial moments in the game.

Panthers maul Blazers in playoffs

By Masha Lafen | Nov. 4, 2009, midnight | In Blair »

The varsity field hockey team (7-5) lost 0-3 to the Paint Branch Panthers (14-2) in the third round of post-season playoffs. The loss brought an end to a successful winning season.

Superintendent proposes elementary school boundary changes

By Masha Lafen | Nov. 1, 2009, midnight | In Local »

Montgomery County Public School (MCPS) Superintendent Jerry Weast recommended changes to neighborhood boundaries that determine student enrollment at two elementary schools in an effort to reduce overcrowding. In a statement released on Oct. 15, Weast suggested moving Sligo Creek Elementary School (SCES) students who live in Takoma Park to Piney Branch and Takoma Park Elementary Schools. This change would allow students in Takoma Park neighborhoods who currently attend SCES to attend the K-2 Takoma Park Elementary School (TPES) and the 3-5 Piney Branch Elementary School (PBES).

Girls' field hockey brings down Warriors 1-0

By Masha Lafen | Oct. 30, 2009, midnight | In Blair »

As the chilly air of pre-November permeated the Blair Stadium on Thursday evening, the girls's field hockey team battled the Sherwood Warriors, winning their first post-season playoff game by a score of 1-0. It was the first time the field hockey team had advanced past their first playoff game in years.

A new direction for Beijing, no direction at home

By Masha Lafen | Oct. 24, 2009, midnight | In News Blog »

Everyone remembers China's performance at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games. The show was immense and extravagant and demonstrated their immense population.

Search continues for 2010 graduation location

By Masha Lafen | Oct. 22, 2009, midnight | In Local »

Principal Darryl Williams, Senior Class Faculty Liaison Danyel Hartfield, Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) President Peter Lafen and two senior class officers toured the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. last Monday to explore the possibility of using it as a venue for graduation.

Field Hockey nabs Coyotes in nail-biting overtime

By Masha Lafen | Oct. 21, 2009, midnight | In Blair »

The girls' varsity field hockey team (6-4) celebrated their senior night with a 1-0 win against Clarksburg (5-5). Despite numerous close goal attempts by both Blair and Clarksburg forwards, neither team managed to score in the first two halves. In a 10-minute overtime session, the Lady Blazers broke the tie.

Seven decades, one Blair

By Jewel Galbraith, Masha Lafen | Oct. 17, 2009, midnight | In Features »

For most Blazers, a graduation year is a symbol of both pride and rivalry, a number to chant competitively at pep rallies and emblazon on colorful class t-shirts. But this Friday, Blair alumni with their class years written on small, white nametags met at Strathmore's Auditorium to reminisce about a Blair shared by students for more than seven decades.

Field hockey brings Knights to their knees

By Masha Lafen | Oct. 14, 2009, midnight | In Blair »

The Lady Blazers (5-4) returned from a two-game losing streak with a 7-0 victory against the Wheaton Knights (1-8). Blair dominated the play throughout the game. By halftime, the score was 6-0.

Field hockey tumbles in tangle with Bengals

By Masha Lafen | Oct. 3, 2009, midnight | In Blair »

The girls' varsity field hockey team (4-3) lost to the Blake Bengals (3-4) by a score of 2-3. While the Lady Blazers ended the first half with a 1-0 lead, the team fell short in the second half. Blake scored three times in the second half before Blair rallied with an exciting goal in the last 13 seconds of the game.

You can lose yourself in "Surrogates"

By Masha Lafen | Sept. 28, 2009, midnight | In Movies »

In Director Jonathon Mostow's "Surrogates," 98 percent of humans live an immortal existence as remote controlled robots transmit the thrills and absorb the pain of physical life. Every aspect of Mostow's film is a dramatic portrayal of a world where people merge with robotic net-imbedded society. The result is a compelling yet entertaining science fiction plot with an aftertaste of unusual moral complexity.

Varsity field hockey wounds Warriors

By Masha Lafen | Sept. 22, 2009, midnight | In Blair »

The varsity girls' field hockey team (4-0) won their first divisional game against Sherwood (2-1) in a close 2-1 face-off. The team started with a strong first half and maintained a narrow lead for the rest of the game. The girls played a tough offense at the start, scoring both goals of the game in the first half.

SGA plans events for school year

By Masha Lafen | Sept. 11, 2009, midnight | In Local »

Blair's Student Government Association (SGA) plans to implement a variety of changes during the upcoming school year, including expanding communication with Blazers by launching a new website and changing "Class Colors Day" to "School Colors Day" during Spirit Week.

Varsity field hockey outsmarts Einstein 9-0

By Masha Lafen | Sept. 9, 2009, midnight | In Blair »

The varsity field hockey team (2-0-0) won their second game of the season in a 9-0 blitzkrieg, crushing the Einstein Titans. Blair faced a more challenging opponent this game, and frequently engaged in battles for possession across the field. "It felt a lot more intense than our previous game," junior forward Miranda Bernard said. Despite this increased intensity, the Lady Blazers managed to blow the Titans out of the water.

Girls' varsity field hockey conquers Kennedy

By Masha Lafen | Sept. 5, 2009, midnight | In Blair »

In the first official game on Blair's new artificial turf field, the varsity field hockey team demolished the Kennedy Cavaliers, launching their season with a 12-0 victory. The team easily outplayed their opponent, as the Blazers played most of the game on Kennedy's half of the field.

Many sound bites but few insights

By Masha Lafen | Aug. 18, 2009, midnight | In News Blog »

Last week, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton wrapped up her seven country tour of Africa. She met with national leaders and promised to keep Africa high on the State Department's priority list. She pledged to help victims of rape in eastern Congo and chastised the corruption in Kenyan government.

Magnet coordinator resigns unexpectedly

By Masha Lafen | July 25, 2009, midnight | In Local »

On Monday, Magnet Coordinator Dennis Heidler announced his resignation in order to take the position of assistant principal at Lucy V. Barnsley Elementary School in Rockville. "I am very excited about the prospect of returning to elementary but it is not without hesitation," he said.

"Public Enemies" is a missed opportunity

By Masha Lafen | July 6, 2009, midnight | In Movies »

When it comes to summer movies, fans tend to value high speed and high explosives over moral insight and character development. Accordingly, an action film about an infamous Depression-era bank robber starring Johnny Depp, Marion Cotillard and Christian Bale should seemingly enthrall summer masses.



Images (1)


Photo: AOW field hockey

By Masha Lafen | Nov. 5, 2009, 3:15 a.m. | In ‎Latest »

Senior co-captain Annie Buckley is a reliable goalie for the varsity field hockey team.