Fran Djoukeng


Name: Fran Djoukeng
Position: Online Entertainment and Sports Editor
Graduation Year: 2010


Stories (49)


On-screen obsessions

By Fran Djoukeng | May 29, 2010, 1:56 p.m. | In Television »

Whether it is a hunk or a stunning female star, there are just some TV characters who cause a sensation when they grace the screen.

Silver Quill to sponsor community art night

By Fran Djoukeng | April 8, 2010, 7:41 a.m. | In Local »

Silver Quill, Blair's literary arts magazine, will sponsor an art auction on April 10 from 6 - 10 p.m. at the ArtSpring Store located at the corner of Ellsworth Drive and Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring. The night will include an art auction, live performances and food from local eateries. Silver Quill organizers hope to make more money than last year's fundraiser, which brought in $1,200 for the organization.

National News for March 1 - 14

By Fran Djoukeng | March 15, 2010, 5:47 p.m. | In National »

March 2 - Federal prosecutors brought criminal charges against a woman nicknamed "Jihad Jane,” an alleged terrorist operating within the U.S. who recruited others to her cause using the internet.

Playlist: Month of love brings unforgettable singles

By Fran Djoukeng | Feb. 28, 2010, 6:11 p.m. | In Music »

February is a time for romance and good tunes and the second month of the year welcomed a bloom of unique voices and melodies. During these past weeks, we surveyed Blazers' music docks and asked for their current track picks.

A new brand of motion pictures

By Fran Djoukeng | Feb. 23, 2010, 8:09 a.m. | In Lifestyle Blog »

"Avatar" has become a movement. It's no surprise that the largest-grossing film worldwide was produced using 3-D technology that is setting a new standard in cinematography. The 3-D experience takes a moviegoer to a whole new realm of visual advancements.

February open mic scheduled for Friday

By Fran Djoukeng | Feb. 18, 2010, 8:35 p.m. | In Local »

The third open mic event of the year sponsored by Silver Quill, Blair's award-winning literary arts magazine, will be held tomorrow.

Playlist: New year brings new sounds

By Fran Djoukeng | Jan. 31, 2010, 4:56 p.m. | In Music »

At the close of 2009, pop music reigned as the leading genre but with 2010, expect a new influx of alternative styles. This month we strolled the Boulevard and asked Blazers for their track picks for January.

A jolly season for classic films and shows

By Anya Gosine, Fran Djoukeng | Dec. 23, 2009, 10:48 p.m. | In Movies »

Only the magic of the winter holidays can frost the screens with such glistening screen goodies. Just as we come to treasure traditions during these cold months, we fall back in love with holiday classics. Silver Chips Online has whipped together a dandy assortment of winter holiday entertainment perfect for viewing at any holiday get-together.

Shattering standards

By Fran Djoukeng | Dec. 14, 2009, 9:23 a.m. | In Lifestyle Blog »

Susan Boyle has come a long way, establishing herself as the breakout star of the year with the release of her new album "I Dreamed A Dream." Boyle's record has sold three million copies globally, according to Columbia Records.

Coating the holidays with warmth

By Fran Djoukeng | Nov. 15, 2009, midnight | In Lifestyle Blog »

This time of the year not only serves as a cause of celebration, but also is a season to help our neighbors and those in need around our communities.

"This Is It": a phenomenal finale

By Fran Djoukeng | Nov. 2, 2009, midnight | In Movies »

In June 2009, the world was riveted by the sudden passing of Michael Jackson. The record-breaking artist was just days from beginning his last curtain call with 50 concerts. Although the chance to experience his majesty has vanished, "This Is It" delivers the "man in the mirror" with all of Jackson's magic.

Clinics in Montgomery County to offer swine flu vaccinations

By Fran Djoukeng | Oct. 16, 2009, midnight | In Local »

Clinics throughout Montgomery County are beginning to offer individual vaccinations for the H1N1 flu, which has claimed 10 lives in Maryland, according to the Maryland Department of Health and Human Services.

United States makes a wise donation to WHO

By Fran Djoukeng | Oct. 15, 2009, midnight | In News Blog »

In a surge of global responsibility, the U.S. plans to donate 10 percent of swine influenza vaccinations to the World Health Organization (WHO). The U.S. has a current order of 195 million doses of the H1N1 vaccination that will start to arrive in October.

Fall TV breezes in with new shows

By Amir Gorjifard, Fran Djoukeng | Sept. 17, 2009, midnight | In Television »

As the temperature gradually downgrades into mild and chilly weather, TV remotes will hit a fever pitch as audiences start hitting the couch to watch new shows this season. Network cable stations have noticeably inserted more comedies in primetime slots, while regular TV will stick to dramas.

Pro/Con: Piracy or publicity?

By Jenna Bushnell, Fran Djoukeng | June 1, 2009, midnight | In Entertainment »

With the advent of the Internet has come a steep increase in digital piracy. Media, films and music are available to consumers illegally at the touch of a button. The question is though, how much is this really hurting movie-makers?

A personalized globe for web bloggers

By Fran Djoukeng | May 28, 2009, midnight | In Entertainment »

Thanks to the online communication obsession, there is a larger universe than ever to share ideas: the ever-blooming blogosphere. To satisfy your blog-reading needs, Silver Chips Online has highlighted the top weblogs for several personalities that provide realms to express and share passion with other bloggers of the same orbit.

Spring sports review

By Fran Djoukeng, Rose Wynn | May 27, 2009, midnight | In Blair »

The 2008-2009 spring sports seasons has officially ended with all Blair varsity teams having concluded their participation in playoffs. Many teams have achieved more wins in the playoff rounds than in previous seasons and collectively share a positive and aggressive outlook for next year.

Summer 2009 movie preview

By Fran Djoukeng | May 21, 2009, midnight | In Movies »

It only took an action-packed, thrilling, superhero-infused movie titled "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" to usher in the film fanaticism that will occur from the rest of May until August as the summer blockbuster season skyrockets at full speed.

Blair athletes honored at spring sports ceremony

By Fran Djoukeng | May 19, 2009, midnight | In Local »

The 2009 spring sports award night, sponsored by the Blair Athletic Boosters (BAB), was held last night in the Blair auditorium. Coaches and event coordinators presented awards to athletes in recognition of their athleticism, sportsmanship and academic performance.

An on-screen offense

By Fran Djoukeng | May 10, 2009, midnight | In Lifestyle Blog »

With the onset of the summer blockbuster season, Universal Studios, Paramount Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox, Warner Bros, and Walt Disney Pictures, among other giant film companies, are maximizing every opportunity to publicize possible hits.

A consummate chorus of "Change for China"

By Fran Djoukeng | April 25, 2009, midnight | In Entertainment »

Green, red and yellow streamers draped from walls. Black and white oriental fans served as a table centerpiece. Miniature Chinese character tattoos were available for adornment. These cultural symbols drew attention towards a spectacular stage of diverse bands supporting the earthquake victims in the Sichuan province of China.

Boys volleyball crawls past Cougars

By Fran Djoukeng | April 17, 2009, midnight | In Blair »

In a rather lackluster effort, the varsity boys' volleyball team was able to raise their season record to 4-1 in fairly tight matches against the Quince Orchard Cougars (4-3). The Blazers exhibited some flaws in techniques and allowed their opponents to catch up in the score.

Frights fall flat in a hollow "Haunting in Connecticut"

By Fran Djoukeng | March 30, 2009, midnight | In Movies »

Hide-and-go-seek is a classic game of finding hidden people in a happy house. Then again, you might seek out moldy maggot-infested trinkets from the twisted séances of a fanatic mortician in a haunted attic. If that's your idea of a discovery, there's more hidden trauma to be found watching "The Haunting in Connecticut," a creepy spectacle combining ancient bodies and supernatural history. "Haunting" is edgy, but with too many shocks and slacking suspense moments, it loses intensity.

"Sweeney Todd" shaping up to be a sensation

By Fran Djoukeng | March 19, 2009, midnight | In Features »

An ominous organ plays. Red velvet curtains spread apart, revealing a dark and scary set. A fog machine's mist permeates the stage as an ill tune begins to sound. It's not a horror movie, but glimpses of the opening act of Blair's upcoming stage production, "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street."

Beard-growing bonanza part two

By Fran Djoukeng | March 13, 2009, midnight | In Features »

Rounding into the second week of competition since six Bushy Blazers began growing beards in a Student Government Association (SGA)-sponsored challenge to support a children's charity, some have made visible progress around their chin areas while others claim to be "pacing" their facial hair growth. As contestants continue to train and trim - the latter a source of controversy - the competitive air is becoming as thick as the first place beard.

Senior wins big at county wrestling tournament

By Fran Djoukeng | Feb. 27, 2009, 12:33 a.m. | In Blair »

At the two-day Montgomery County Interscholastic Wrestling Tournament this past weekend, Blair senior Kekura Musa won first place in his weight group, fighting four wrestlers to become the champion of the 130-pound weight class. Musa was officially recognized at an awards ceremony on Feb. 21, and he now places in the top eight for the upcoming regional championships.

Bushy Blazers grow long for donations

By Fran Djoukeng | Feb. 25, 2009, 2 p.m. | In Blair Connection »

A variety of forms and contours roam the Blair hallways. Some don prickly spots, whereas some sport patchy areas. Others go thick and dark, red and curly, and scruffy and wild. Some barely measure a few centimeters in diameter and few are lengthy. A small number are well-kept and untangled, while furry, shaggy borderline unsightly ones can be found. No matter the volume, shape, trim or surface, these hairy chins will unite together for charity.

Wrestling annihilates Watkins Mill

By Fran Djoukeng, Lauren Kestner | Feb. 5, 2009, 1:28 p.m. | In Blair »

Blair's varsity wrestling team triumphed over Watkins Mill in a decisive senior night victory on Tuesday, bringing their record to 4-9 to end the regular season. Strong performances by senior co-captains Kekura Musa (130), Carlos Eyzaguirre (215) and Alhaji Janneh (171) as well as forfeits made by the other team enabled the Blazers to trounce the Wolverines, 49-30.

Poolesville pummels wrestling

By Fran Djoukeng | Jan. 8, 2009, midnight | In Blair »

Blair's varsity wrestling team came up short in their match against the soaring Poolesville Falcons Wednesday afternoon, lowering their season record to 1-5. The opposing Falcons won 60-19 as they were able to finish more rounds with additional points and pins while the home team could not secure strongholds as the periods progressed.

A menacing "Marley" has a meager tale

By Fran Djoukeng | Dec. 29, 2008, midnight | In Movies »

The old saying goes that a dog is a man's best friend. That's hard to swallow when the furry, four-legged Labrador retriever has a ferocious temperament and a habitual routine of ruining anything in sight. Nevertheless, Marley is the canine companion in a simple story of the joys and challenges of life that teaches a time-honored message of unconditional love and family bonds.

A whole lot of holiday happening

By Fran Djoukeng | Dec. 23, 2008, midnight | In Features »

If the holiday season has you desiring a whimsical winter wonderland, but the failing economy has you pinching pennies, fill up your calendar with free affairs that will fill a holiday attitude and leave you filled with holiday gratitude.

Fashion show is a "Thriller"

By Fran Djoukeng | Dec. 7, 2008, midnight | In Plays »

The polished and ultra-stylish members of Blair's Fierce Mentality contoured the Blair stage into a catwalk Friday night for their first fashion show of the year, performing various scenes reflective of the pop king's success. Through cunning choreography, impressive lighting and staging and of course fabulous fad, the group illustrated that they are a force with which to be mentally and psychically reckoned.

"I Am" not too crazy in love with "Sasha Fierce"

By Fran Djoukeng | Nov. 23, 2008, midnight | In Music »

The world has seen much of Beyoncé's character through her climb to stardom and success. She led the record-breaking female group Destiny's Child and more recently acted in critically acclaimed movies like "Dreamgirls" and the upcoming "Cadillac Records." Still, she has more to reveal in a gentle and gracious record that introduces Sasha Fierce, her feisty and flamboyant alter ego. Beyoncé takes moderate risks in this much-awaited album, but fails to make "I Am…Sasha Fierce" a crowning production.

Seniors organize second "Crank it for Katrina" dance

By Fran Djoukeng | Nov. 22, 2008, midnight | In Local »

Blair seniors will host a second "Crank it for Katrina" dance from 8 p.m. to midnight on Wednesday, Nov. 26 at Bethesda's Juste Lounge to raise money for St. Bernard's Project, a charity that builds houses for families in St. Bernard's Parish, a county that was displaced by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Seventy-five percent of the proceeds from pre-sale tickets will be sent to the charity.

Silver Spring Thanksgiving parade to be held Saturday

By Fran Djoukeng | Nov. 20, 2008, midnight | In Local »

Over 100 local groups will participate in the Nov. 22 Montgomery County Thanksgiving parade in Silver Spring with Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett serving as Grand Marshal and ABC 7 Chief Meteorologist Doug Hill presenting the parade as Master of Ceremonies. The parade is scheduled to start at 9:30 a.m. and will end at noon; News Channel 8 will begin broadcasting live at 10 a.m.

Starring on the soccer scene

By Fran Djoukeng | Nov. 3, 2008, midnight | In Blair »

Beads of sweat have barely crossed her forehead as her gloved hand wipes them away, keeping her field of vision and focus clear. Time seems to stop as Blair clings to a 1-0 lead, and any lapse - mental, physical, emotional - could shatter the Blazers' chance to beat rival Walter Johnson. Suddenly, an opponent separates herself from a defender for a breakaway. But by the tip of her outstretched foot, freshman goalkeeper Lena Meyerson saves the shot and the game, giving the varsity girls' soccer team the championship in Walter Johnson's Big Train tournament, and handing the host their first Big Train loss ever.

Economy is leading race - and beating color

By Fran Djoukeng | Oct. 29, 2008, midnight | In News Blog »

As Americans all over the country are experiencing financial crises and segments of the United States are already experiencing an economic recession, registered voters in the 2008 election have one issue that overruns all: the economy. The economic meltdown, believed by some to be the worst economic failure since the Great Depression, is the central concern for citizens, trumping even the issue of race in the race for presidency.

Girls varsity volleyball cripples Cavaliers

By Fran Djoukeng | Oct. 28, 2008, midnight | In Blair »

In their last home game of the regular season, the Lady Blazers severely beat the Kennedy Cavaliers in all three games, closing their regular season at an even 7-7. The height of the night came during Blair's second game as they crushed the Cavaliers 25-9 and won the first and last games at 25-18 and 25-16.

Republicans on the rebound

By Fran Djoukeng | Oct. 22, 2008, midnight | In News Blog »

"Palling around with terrorists," is a pretty appalling accusation coming straight from the mouth of Republican vice presidential candidate, Governor Sarah Palin (Alaska), describing the alleged habits of Democratic presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama (Ill.) as she addressed an audience.

Lady Blazers bend to Bulldogs backlash

By Fran Djoukeng | Oct. 18, 2008, midnight | In Blair »

Waging a hard battle against Winston Churchill, the girls' varsity volleyball team (6-6) ultimately lost by narrow margins as their momentum undulated. In four tense matches, the Lady Blazers could not pull out victories though they managed to keep games close with the final scores at 21-25, 25-16, 23-25 and 17-25.

Varsity girls' volleyball dominates Wildcats

By Fran Djoukeng | Oct. 16, 2008, midnight | In Blair »

In an intense showdown, Blair's varsity volleyball team was able to bump their season record to 6-5, capitalizing on Walter Johnson's shortcomings in serving and inability to match Blair's aggressive plays and domineering defense. The Blazers began limp with the first set, winning 25-18, but launched a surge of energetic efforts to win the last two games 25-13 and 25-15.

Lady Blazers knock out Knights

By Fran Djoukeng | Oct. 3, 2008, midnight | In Blair »

In a speedy game that boosted their season record to 4-4, the girls' varsity volleyball team slammed the Wheaton Knights in straight games, with scores of 25-14, 25-17 and a stunning 25-6 victory in the final game.

Blazers blast Blue Devils

By Fran Djoukeng | Sept. 20, 2008, midnight | In Blair »

The Blair girls' varsity volleyball team (2-3) beat Springbrook in dominant fashion. The team played speedily, displaying great techniques and skills that led to gaps in the scores of all sets – 25-17, 25-15 and 25-19. The Blue Devils could not combat the fire the Lady Blazers played with, pouring only a waterfall of mistakes, mishaps and miscommunication.

Construction underway for new Civic Center in Downtown Silver Spring

By Fran Djoukeng | Sept. 18, 2008, midnight | In Local »

A new civic center is underway for the Silver Spring area, taking over the site of the artificial turf permanently. Dubbed the "Silver Spring Redevelopment Project," the civic center is expected to be open to the public in late 2009 or early 2010 and will cover 42,000 square feet, spreading from the corner of Fenton Street to the end of Ellsworth Drive.

Wolverines wipe out Lady Blazers

By Fran Djoukeng | Sept. 17, 2008, midnight | In Blair »

The girls' varsity volleyball (1-3) team played laboriously against the Watkins Mill Wolverines, but could not secure a win with a score of 2-3. The Lady Blazers started steady, barely winning the first two sets 25-23 and 25-18. Although the Blazers exhibited tight teamwork and rigorous rallies, efforts derailed all the way into the fifth set. The Wolverines ended up winning 25- 19, 25-20 and 15-11 in the final three sets.

Jazz maverick striking a major chord in community

By Fran Djoukeng | Sept. 12, 2008, midnight | In Features »

For Marcus Johnson, Silver Spring is more than just a hometown. It is "the wind beneath my wings," says Johnson, who graduated from Blair in 1991, set up an award-winning music label a few blocks away and is a key component of Saturday's annual Silver Spring Jazz Festival.

Varsity girls' volleyball triumphs over Titans

By Fran Djoukeng | Sept. 9, 2008, midnight | In Blair »

The girls' varsity volleyball team showed no mercy in their first home game, defeating the Einstein Titans in straight sets and bringing their record to an even 1-1. The Lady Blazers took control by capitalizing on Einstein's errors in first two sets, taking them by dominant scores of 25-11 and 25-6. Einstein feigned a comeback in the third set before Blair took the game by closer margin, 25-18.

A "Mamma"-load of fun

By Fran Djoukeng | July 21, 2008, midnight | In Movies »

American ABBA fans will be ABBA-solutely merry with the most entertaining party of the summer, all on film. This feature-film adaptation of the beloved musical, complete with an all-star cast, alluring scenery and all-too-catchy songs puts "Mamma Mia!" in a lively light. "How you thrill me," shouts the song "Honey, Honey," and it is the sentiment that will follow moviegoers home about the Broadway hit that shines on the big screen.

Stallings, Franklin

By Fran Djoukeng | June 30, 2008, midnight | In Teacher Feature »

Swiveling in his chair and contemplating his typical weekend plans, Franklin Stallings chuckles and says, "Work." Since he was 16 years old, Stallings says, he can't remember a period in his life when he was not working.



Images (32)


Photo: beard sam 2

By Fran Djoukeng | March 13, 2009, 1:01 p.m. | In ‎Latest »

Photo: beard tom 2

By Fran Djoukeng | March 13, 2009, 1:01 p.m. | In ‎Latest »

Photo: sam beard 2

By Fran Djoukeng | March 13, 2009, 1 p.m. | In ‎Latest »

Photo: tom beard 2

By Fran Djoukeng | March 13, 2009, 12:59 p.m. | In ‎Latest »

Photo: greg f beard 2

By Fran Djoukeng | March 13, 2009, 12:59 p.m. | In ‎Latest »

Photo: greg v beard 2

By Fran Djoukeng | March 13, 2009, 12:59 p.m. | In ‎Latest »

Photo: eliot beard 2

By Fran Djoukeng | March 13, 2009, 12:59 p.m. | In ‎Latest »

Photo: rutvij beard 2

By Fran Djoukeng | March 13, 2009, 12:58 p.m. | In ‎Latest »

Photo: beard round 2 tom

By Fran Djoukeng | March 13, 2009, 12:46 p.m. | In ‎Latest »

Photo: beard round 2 sam

By Fran Djoukeng | March 13, 2009, 12:46 p.m. | In ‎Latest »

Photo: beard round 2 rutvij

By Fran Djoukeng | March 13, 2009, 12:45 p.m. | In ‎Latest »

Photo: beard round 2 gregv

By Fran Djoukeng | March 13, 2009, 12:45 p.m. | In ‎Latest »

Photo: beard round 2 gregf

By Fran Djoukeng | March 13, 2009, 12:44 p.m. | In ‎Latest »

Photo: beard round 2 eliot

By Fran Djoukeng | March 13, 2009, 12:43 p.m. | In ‎Latest »

Photo: kekura senior night

By Fran Djoukeng | Feb. 27, 2009, 12:30 a.m. | In ‎Latest »

Musa, second from right, stands with his fellow wrestling squad seniors.

Photo: kekura musa

By Fran Djoukeng | Feb. 27, 2009, 12:26 a.m. | In ‎Latest »

Senior Kekura Musa won first in his weight class at this weekend's wrestling championship.

Photo: beard rutvij pandya

By Fran Djoukeng | Feb. 25, 2009, 2:08 p.m. | In ‎Latest »

Senior Rutvij Pandya.

Photo: beard eliot gold

By Fran Djoukeng | Feb. 25, 2009, 2:08 p.m. | In ‎Latest »

Senior Eliot Gold.

Photo: beard greg friedman

By Fran Djoukeng | Feb. 25, 2009, 2:08 p.m. | In ‎Latest »

Senior Greg Friedman.

Photo: beard greg vogel

By Fran Djoukeng | Feb. 25, 2009, 2:08 p.m. | In ‎Latest »

Senior Greg Vogel.

Photo: beard sam barth

By Fran Djoukeng | Feb. 25, 2009, 2:08 p.m. | In ‎Latest »

Senior Sam Barth.

Photo: beard tom clement

By Fran Djoukeng | Feb. 25, 2009, 2:07 p.m. | In ‎Latest »

Senior Tom Clement.

Photo: beard rutvij pandya

By Fran Djoukeng | Feb. 25, 2009, 1:57 p.m. | In ‎Latest »

Senior Rutvij Pandya.

Photo: beard eliot gold

By Fran Djoukeng | Feb. 25, 2009, 1:57 p.m. | In ‎Latest »

Senior Eliot Gold.

Photo: beard greg friedman

By Fran Djoukeng | Feb. 25, 2009, 1:56 p.m. | In ‎Latest »

Senior Greg Friedman.

Photo: beard greg vogel

By Fran Djoukeng | Feb. 25, 2009, 1:56 p.m. | In ‎Latest »

Senior Greg Vogel.

Photo: beard sam barth

By Fran Djoukeng | Feb. 25, 2009, 1:55 p.m. | In ‎Latest »

Senior Sam Barth.

Photo: beard tom clement

By Fran Djoukeng | Feb. 25, 2009, 1:55 p.m. | In ‎Latest »

Senior Tom Clement.

Photo: Honored seniors

By Fran Djoukeng | Feb. 4, 2009, 10:45 p.m. | In ‎Latest »

At the start of the night, all the senior wrestlers were recognized and awarded for their contributions to the team and performances throughout the seasons by head coach Jake Scott.

Photo: fashion show

By Fran Djoukeng | Dec. 7, 2008, midnight | In ‎Latest »

In the "Bad" number, freshman Kindra Nicol wore a fierce attitude and red leather jacket.

Photo: dtss construction 2

By Fran Djoukeng | Sept. 18, 2008, midnight | In ‎Latest »

Construction has begun on the new Civic Center, slated for opening in late 2009 or early 2010.

Photo: stallings

By Fran Djoukeng | June 30, 2008, midnight | In ‎Latest »

Franklin Stallings teaches photography in the Art Hallway.