David Jia


Name: David Jia
Position: Online Blair Connections Editor
Graduation Year: 2008
David Jia is thrilled to be on the Silver Chips Online staff and is looking forward to a fun year as a junior as a staff writer. He enjoys swimming and table tennis, though he is not competent in either sport. His friends often think of him as weird but he doesn't really care that much (because it's true). No one really understands why he can be so strange at times. Perhaps being born in Mississippi has something to do with it. David also enjoys singing, though he is very shy about singing in front of people, so don't ask him to.


Stories (25)


Homemade and healthy

By David Jia | May 11, 2008, midnight | In Entrées »

Hungry for pizza but cringing at the crazy amount of oil on the Jerry's Veggie Supreme? Well, don't fall for those crummy microwavables because tonight's nutritious pizza is right at your fingertips. With no limitation on the number toppings, this pizza may just be the most delicious food out there and it requires absolutely no cooking experience. Save yourself a few bucks of delivery fee and enjoy your own creation for a change.

Apatow-styled, but nothing special

By David Jia | March 25, 2008, midnight | In Movies »

Bullying – the common ground between all incoming freshmen as they wearily step into high school. When bullies start to choose their victims, it's that first impression that decides fate.

A movie that will catch your "Eye"

By David Jia | Feb. 4, 2008, midnight | In Movies »

The sight of Jessica Alba on the cast list is usually enough to make the average viewer cringe. Her notoriously shallow roles, coupled with stunning looks, brand her as one of Hollywood's most consistently scrutinized actresses. But after seeing "The Eye," a remake of an overwhelmingly popular Chinese film, many people may need to reconsider this standpoint. Directors David Moreau and Xavier Palud have conceived a balanced storyline with appropriate volumes of trepidation and laudable acting.

Not another Godzilla

By David Jia | Jan. 24, 2008, midnight | In Movies »

A giant monster materializes out of nowhere to terrorize the Manhattan population. Hasn't this movie been released before? It sounds so awfully familiar - think it was called "Godzilla." That's probably the initial impression viewers get as they read the plot summary, dismissing "Cloverfield" as a horror flick remake with all the fake gore and clichéd guy-in-monster-suits needed to land an all-time low in the box office. But director Matt Reeves takes several steps to distinguish "Cloverfield" from the rest of its monster flick genre.

Senior activities to be held on PSAT day

By David Jia | Oct. 15, 2007, midnight | In Local »

Several senior activities will be held during the PSAT testing day this Wednesday. Resource counselor Marcia Johnson, who was not available for comment, organized the events.

"Phoenix" gives Harry Potter a feel

By David Jia | July 14, 2007, midnight | In Movies »

With his friends' lives constantly on the line, the Ministry of Magic doubting his story about You-Know-Who's return and the wizarding world on the brink of war, will Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) be able to handle the pressure, along with the angst, romance and bullying in any teenager's life? "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," the fifth installment of J.K. Rowling's magical series, is sure to dazzle the eyes at the cinemas. Though spectacular special effects and heartrending acting cannot cover up the lack of dialogue and over-simplified plot, "Phoenix" takes a serious turn for the series and is a valuable addition to the seven-installment set.

Galloway, Kerri

By David Jia | June 12, 2007, midnight | In Teacher Feature »

She didn't start learning Spanish until eighth grade and she doesn't have a degree in education. Nevertheless, Kerri Galloway finds herself in Room 156 pointing out the objectives on the overhead to 19 Spanish I students.

Last After Prom planning yesterday

By David Jia, Poorva Singal | May 25, 2007, midnight | In Local »

The After Prom committee met today in the media center to work on decorations for the beach themed celebration. And while there was a plethora of brightly-colored construction paper and other assorted decorations, there was a shortage of something perhaps more essential: volunteers.

First HSA and senior exam review day tomorrow

By David Jia, Poorva Singal | May 17, 2007, midnight | In Local »

The administration announced yesterday that tomorrow will be a review day for the upcoming High School Assessments (HSAs) and senior exams.

Student eligibility to run for SGA office limited

By David Jia | May 8, 2007, midnight | In Local »

A new addition to an MCPS policy will affect the eligibility of a student to run for a student government office or be selected for other leadership positions. The Board of Education approved several changes to the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook during a board meeting April 19.

Ben Moskowitz elected Student Member of the Board

By David Jia | April 25, 2007, midnight | In Local »

Walter Johnson junior Ben Moskowitz has been elected as the Student Member of the Board of Education (SMOB) for the 2007-2008 school year, carrying 56.75 percent of the vote to edge out Blair junior Will Bucher.

Over 30 dead after massacre at Virginia Tech

By David Jia, Nitin Sukumar | April 17, 2007, midnight | In National »

Four days before the eighth anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting, a shooting at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University's Blacksburg campus yesterday left 33 dead, including the shooter who committed suicide. Cho Seung Hui was recently disclosed as the gunman in this incident, which is now considered the deadliest shooting in U.S. history.

Darfur activist students rally in front of the Chinese Embassy

By David Jia | April 1, 2007, midnight | In Local »

As a culmination of the National Week of Student Action on Darfur, students in the Washington, D.C. area rallied in front of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China on March 30 to seek China's help in protecting the civilians of Darfur, West Sudan. The rally took place from 3 to 5 p.m.

After Prom fundraiser to be held tomorrow at Jerry's in Four Corners

By David Jia, Poorva Singal | March 19, 2007, midnight | In Local »

Blair's After Prom Committee is holding a fundraiser with Jerry's Subs and Pizza in Four Corners tomorrow, March 20. Jerry's manager John Distler will donate 15 percent of the sales made between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. to help with After Prom funding.

Blair dominates on "It's Academic"

By David Jia | Feb. 2, 2007, midnight | In Local »

Blair's "It's Academic" team was victorious on the high-school quiz show that aired on Jan. 20 on NBC4. In the competition, filmed on Dec. 9 of last year, Blair scored 615 points.

PTSA committee enlists professional gardeners for landscaping plan

By David Jia | Jan. 16, 2007, midnight | In Local »

The Blair PTSA Beautification Committee is working on a master landscaping plan for Blair's exterior and courtyards. Though the landscaping project is only in its preliminary stages, it could potentially start construction in a year, according to horticulture teacher Leslie Backus.

Democrats successful in Maryland elections overall

By David Jia | Nov. 9, 2006, midnight | In National »

Democrats declared victory in Maryland on every level from Tuesday's election, with Benjamin L. Cardin winning the Senate race, Chris Van Hollen winning the Congressional Eighth district race and Martin O'Malley winning the Maryland gubernatorial race.

Fire alarm pulled during 5A lunch

By David Jia, Boris Vassilev | Nov. 4, 2006, midnight | In Local »

An unscheduled fire alarm went off at 11:35 a.m. on Thursday, immediately following the bell that ended 5A lunch. The alarm was activated when an emergency alarm was pulled in the SAC, according to business manager James Funk. At 11:51, the building was cleared by the fire department and chief and the students were released from the stadium, where they gather during emergency evacuations. 5B lunch was not extended.

Homemade Dumplings

By David Jia | Oct. 30, 2006, midnight | In Entrées »

A few hundred years ago, a tradition began that mandated people eat only dumplings on the Chinese New Year. Nowadays, pre-prepared dumplings can be found in any Chinese store. Even so, homemade dumplings have a certain indescribable flavor that can't be found in store-bought brands. If you still don't think it's worth the trouble, making dumplings is a fun experience, and the results are more than worth the effort put into it. So find a nice Saturday afternoon, gather the entire family and have lots of fun making your own dumplings!

Freshmen convention brings elections to Blair

By David Jia | Sept. 28, 2006, midnight | In Local »

The annual freshmen SGA election convention was held for the class of 2010 yesterday. Local politicians Aaron Klein and Jamie Raskin, two guest speakers at the convention, prefaced the event.

Princeton follows Harvard in abolishing early decision

By David Jia | Sept. 22, 2006, midnight | In Local »

Princeton University became the second Ivy League school to drop their early admission program on Monday in favor of one single process in admitting all undergraduate applicants. The new policy will go into effect for undergraduate class of 2012. Their decision follows Harvard, who dropped their early action policy last week.

Blair trees removed for interfering with power lines

By David Jia | Sept. 19, 2006, midnight | In Local »

Approximately half of the 150 full-grown sycamore trees separating Blair's two parking lots from University Boulevard and Colesville Road were removed during mid-August by Pepco because of interference with electric wires above and below ground.

An acceptable "Accepted"

By David Jia | Aug. 23, 2006, midnight | In Movies »

During the high school years, not a single student has gone by without envisioning his or her college experience. And most students get into at least one college (some better some worse, but at least they get in). Then what happens when a student doesn't get into college? In any normal circumstances, he or she would try to find a job and perhaps try again next year. But, as Steve Pink's "Accepted" shows, there are other "loopholes" that can be taken to advantage.

High AP scores to take place of HSA's

By David Jia | Aug. 14, 2006, midnight | In Local »

Maryland Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nancy S. Grasmick and President of College Board Gaston Caperton joined Montgomery County Superintendent of Schools Jerry Weast at Watkins Mill High School on July 26 to jointly announce that henceforth, AP (Advanced Placement) and International Baccalaureate (IB) tests can be used to opt-out on one or more of the HSA's.

Frozen blueberry smoothie

By David Jia | Aug. 5, 2006, midnight | In Drinks »

It's summertime and the heat is unbearable. Who knew a cool refreshment is in reach? These blueberry smoothies are sure to chill you out, and even better, it's a snap to make. So, if you find yourself at home with nothing to do and you simply can't stand the heat, try out this healthy, delicious snack.



Images (16)


Photo: pizza-oven

By David Jia | May 11, 2008, midnight | In ‎Latest »

And into the oven it goes.

Photo: pizzaSlice

By David Jia | May 11, 2008, midnight | In ‎Latest »

A slice of perfection.

Photo: pizzacooked

By David Jia | May 11, 2008, midnight | In ‎Latest »

Out of the oven, this pizza is a beauty.

Photo: pizzaIngredients

By David Jia | May 11, 2008, midnight | In ‎Latest »

These ingredients make up the best pizza ever.

Photo: pizzaToppings

By David Jia | May 11, 2008, midnight | In ‎Latest »

Add toppings for taste and color.

Photo: pizzaSauce

By David Jia | May 11, 2008, midnight | In ‎Latest »

Spread the sauce.

Photo: After Prom

By David Jia | May 26, 2007, midnight | In ‎Latest »

Photo: Easter Banner

By David Jia | April 7, 2007, midnight | In ‎Latest »

Photo: Rolling the Dough

By David Jia | Oct. 30, 2006, midnight | In ‎Latest »

Photo: Dumpling Materials

By David Jia | Oct. 30, 2006, midnight | In ‎Latest »

Photo: The Final Product

By David Jia | Oct. 30, 2006, midnight | In ‎Latest »

The delicious final product. Click on this photo to view photos of the whole cooking process

Photo: Cooking the Dumplings

By David Jia | Oct. 30, 2006, midnight | In ‎Latest »

Photo: Putting the Dumplings Together

By David Jia | Oct. 30, 2006, midnight | In ‎Latest »

Photo: Folding the Dumplings

By David Jia | Oct. 30, 2006, midnight | In ‎Latest »

Photo: Filling the Dumpling

By David Jia | Oct. 30, 2006, midnight | In ‎Latest »

Photo: Pope

By David Jia | Oct. 5, 2006, midnight | In ‎Latest »