trustees created a special committee to investigate the abuse allegations and a vigil on the penn state campus tonight is expected to draw thousands of people. our andrea mccarren and scott broom have our live team coverage all over this top story. we begin with andrea monitoring developments coming into our newsroom. >> reporter: several philadelphia media outlets are now reporting that two cinder brooks were thrown through the window at the home of jerry sandusky today. this violent act comes as school officials scramble to do damage control. the fallout from the scandal is growing. an internal investigation is now underway to try to determine exactly what sex crimes former football coach jerry sandusky may have committed and why they were never reported to police. >> we are a university that will rebuild the trust and confidence that so many people have had in us for so many years. >> reporter: the graphic and

disturbing 23-page indictment details jerry sandusky alleged rape and molestation of eight young boys whom he met through the second mile. that's the charity he founded to help troubled boys. one which gave him access to plenty of victims. >> as far as how his interactions were among young people it wouldn't set off any bells and whistles because that's what he was about. >> reporter: in the last half hour the interim presented announced his plans to reorient the culture and do what is right every time. >> never again should anyone at penn state regardless of their position feel scared to do the right thing. >> reporter: sandusky is out on bond. he says he is innocent and is devastated his friend joe paterno lost his job. a report surfaced today that he

has consulted with a d.c. attorney because he could face civil suits from victims and their families. and we continue our team coverage now with scott broom. he is live in state college where tension over tomorrow's game against nebraska is growing along with security. scott? >> reporter: well, the first example of that is these reports you're hearing of cinder blocks being thrown through the windows of jerry sandusky's home. there has been rioting in the city as well all know and now this stadium, beaver stadium, is about to fill up with 100,000 people leaving public safety officials here very much on edge. >> you will see a considerable state police presence here this weekend. >> reporter: overnight this city was swarming with state and local officers on horseback

and cars and on foot prepared to put down any more disturbances like the one wednesday night that came with word that the beloved coach joe paterno had been fired. >> the emotions run the gamut from anger and disbelief. you mix that in with 100,000 people coming to town and 45,000 students and mix that in with alcohol and you have a real problem sometimes trying to deal with the issues. >> reporter: police are on guard against threats made on the assistant coach. the coach that told joe paterno about the alleged sexual assault he saw in '02. he will not be at the game because of the threats. but outside the college bookstore. >> it is firstly, foremost about these kids. >> this symbolizes prevention of child abuse. >> i'm so happy that penn state looks back to normal today.

everybody is out. everybody is buying shirts and posters and the blue ribbons. it is time to get back to some state of normal here. but safety i don't think is an issue at all. >> reporter: you can see the blue poster we have here to prevent child abuse. tomorrow's game was supposed to be what they call here at penn state a whiteout. a big tradition. everybody wears white to the stadium. they have changed that to all blue tomorrow. specifically to remember victims of child abuse. the mood is changing here at penn state. it is changing towards -- i'd call it more of a peaceful mood and public officials hope it stays that way. reporting live at penn state, scott broom, 9news now. >> let's hope it continues. thank you, scott. coming up we will have perspective of what's happening at penn state. more than 36 hours after the abduction of wilson ramos, venezuelan place are stepping

up their investigation to include aerial operations but they are confident the nats player will make it home to their family safely. fans are also hoping and pulling for his safe return. >> reporter: that's right, lesli. things are quiet. in just about an hour fans will come here and plan a vigil for his safe return. meanwhile police in venezuela tell us they have found a second get away car. while they continue to fight rumors that ramos was dead. wilson ramos is still alive. that's the assurance from venezuelan police, though they say there has been no contact with the four heavily armed men who abducted him outside of his home wednesday using a stolen car. however, experts tell 9news now it is unlikely whether we will learn if the police or family members communicate with the

suspects because of the sensitive nature of the operation. >> usually they don't mess with stars like that. >> reporter: we spoke on the phone with a columnist reporting in venezuela. >> the convenience of wilson. he will appear in the next 24, 48 hours, really. the second choice that we are thinking is a personal issue. >> reporter: kidnappings in venezuela are on the rise. hundreds of cases go unreported there. security experts say it is common place to see these athletes and anyone of influence in venezuela traveling in armored cars and with security detail outside their home. >> this is going to hurt the venezuelan league. people are going to be real concerned about sending their players there. >> people are fighting for their lives and in those type of situations you're not sure what the motives are behind

kidnappings like that. >> reporter: here is the latest from venezuela. police believe there are more people involved in this kidnapping other than those four gunmen from wednesday. however, they are working off of two sketches of those suspects and they have also gathered plenty of evidence, but right now at this point they are not releasing any information. lesli? >> all right, delia, thanks so much. the president and first lady spent part of veterans day at arlington national cemetery laying a wreath at the tomb of the unknowns this morning and the president spoke at a veterans day ceremony then off to san diego for tonight's basketball game. thousands of veterans families gathered at the wall to remember those who served and who died. organizations registered with the war memorial fund were also invited to carry a wreath up to the wall. you can see awful them there.

d.c. leaders paid tributes to those that serve our country including honoring the african- americans of world war ii. a tribute at the war memorial and u.s. armed forces color guard made the presentation of color on this holiday. speaking of veterans day, wusa9 and uso of metropolitan washington are getting together for the holiday food basket campaign. we call it turkey for troops. communications manager with the uso is here to explain why exactly this need is and how big this need is because you tell me it is growing. a lot bigger than it was. >> just three years ago we had 150 families who participated in this program and this year we have had to close our registration early because we have 1400 military families registered. >> everybody knows that military families are talking about troops who have jobs. why is the need so great? >> the need is great in our community because we are supporting junior enlisted members who are e6 and below. >> explain what that means. >> it means you're enlisted and you are at a lower enlisted

rank so it determines your salary and what your rank might be. >> these folks don't get paid a lot? >> well, they are serving our country so we want to do what we can to serve them. so that's why we love working with wusa to help support this program. >> let's talk about what is in each basket. >> suggested donation of $50 for a family of six. each basket has a turkey, stuffing, gravy, all the fixing. >> $50 is nice but you'll accept donations any size. >> absolutely. >> we would love to encourage everybody to donate as much as possible. don't have to be 50, 20, 10, whatever you can do. crystal, thank you so much for this. we will be talking with other folks as our phone lines will remain open until 7:30 for you to help make a difference in the lives of military families this holiday season.

donate to turkey for troops. call 202-432-9045 or log on to wusa9.com. this is your chance to help outline. >> we have got generous viewers. i know they will be calling. thank you. more than two months after our earthquake the national cathedral is ready to take a big step on the road to reopening. topper. >> feels a little more like november out here. winds still gusting. check out the wind gusts in the last hour. we will tell you what these winds mean for your high school football viewing and look ahead to an updated weekend forecast. [ male announcer ] the chicken marinara melt

is the featured $5 footlong™ of november. juicy chicken, marinara sauce, and melty cheese served toasted on freshly baked italian bread. get it pronto, cuz this november only, it joins our everyday $5 footlongs! subway. eat fresh. we hope you come home soon too. we hope to honor some of our mim tear this veterans day. donate to turkey for troops. send us cash to buy holiday

gift baskets by calling 202-432- 9045 or log on to wusa9.com. now, we should tell you all the money you donate stays right here in the d.c. area and the goal help to feed 1400 families. families like this family. our own jc hayward has their story. >> christmas and thanksgiving were both extra special and they will be for the rest of our lives just because of the fact we know the most special gift you can give is live but now there is love. when the uso gave us the thanksgiving basket that's what they were sharing with us and that's what we needed right then. >> reporter: right then was last thanksgiving. nine months after sergeant jonathan and his wife melanie awoke to their youngest daughter kendall crying. >> we noticed blood coming down. it was in the winter months. >> reporter: but at just two

years of age kendall was diagnosed with leukemia. >> to hold your daughter when you know that something is going on and that she might not see the next day or her little body is fighting as hard as it can. >> reporter: kendall was in and out of the hospital. >> i got a boo boo. >> reporter: her little body bombarded with chemo. the furthest thing their mind was thanksgiving. >> it takes to you a very low spot and you're just so engrossed getting her through that moment that you can't look at the holidays. >> reporter: there were the bills. the family found themselves having to pick between their new normal and the holiday trimmings. then they applied for the turkey for troops program. >> and with open arms they say we will help you out. the family is hoping for

another basket this year. kendall is still going through treatment and money is tight. >> it means a lot to be part of our family and every person that gives will be part of our family. >> reporter: i'm jc hayward 9news now. >> wow. so you understand now just how important your donation is. if you would like to get involved donate to the uso turkey for troops program and try to help them and other veteran families to enjoy the holidays a little more. 202-432-9045 or just go online to make a donation and log on to wusa9.com. you should note that everybody basket costs $50 but you can donate as little or as much as you can afford. take a look right here. by the way, folks, we are trying to feed a number of families this year. no need the generosity need is great. metro a step closer to

dulles airport. >> the transportation secretary announced the fund for the second phase. peggy fox is at the airport with more on the deal. >> reporter: this second phase of the dulles rail project has been so contentious that some people have said it is too costly to build. but today's agreement many say is a step in the right direction. >> this is good news. >> reporter: fairfax county board chair is counting the new financing for phase 2 of the dulles rail project. the most important part of the deal is federal loan assistance provided by the transportation department. >> secretary lahood has assured us that there will be federal financing. financing that will be very, very helpful. it will bring down the cost for us. but then secondly, he has agreed to help us identify some

grants or federal funding in addition to that. >> reporter: but the federal assistance is capped at 30 million now part of the estimated 2.8 billion plan. >> it is a bad project. >> reporter: this group from watch dog organizations since at loudoun opt out warns holes will have to rise as part of the funding formula to highest of $11 one way which they say will cripple the project. >> people aren't going to use it and as a result it is going to wind up going bankrupt. and the people financing it are going to lose their money. >> reporter: virginia is committing $100 million. critics say that's not enough. >> toll players paying over 250 million to the commonwealth and it is our money. so give us back our money. >> reporter: now, one of the goals of this new agreement is to bring down or keep down the toll costs so it doesn't get any specifics on how they would do that. or numbers for that matter. now, this plan has to be

approved before it goes to the stakeholders. the state of virginia and metropolitan washington airport authority. lesli? >> all right, peg, thanks. dominion is getting the go ahead to restart. there were intense inspections after the earthquake. again, no problems found and they will restart. national cathedral planning to open for the first time since the earthquake. stonework fell from the cathedral powers during the quake and other areas of the historic structure were severely cracked. a new bishop. she will be installed and there will also be a series of spiritual concerts at the national cathedral. >> they won't be done repairing

it for a decade. >> great it was able to be there. >> veterans day today. not bad. a little blustery, a little cold. we will take you back to 1987. one of my favorite veterans days. >> your favorite. >> 11.5 inches at national. parts of prince george's county thunder snow up to 12, 14 inches in parts of prince george's county. a real run of the mill northeaster in november. so we know it can snow this early because it is the last week in october. what a mess that was but good for snowball fighting. >> let's talk about temperatures. temperatures now in the 40s pretty much everywhere. 47 downtown. 43 in gaithersburg. 45 in manassas. 46 in fredricksburg. now, those winds i showed you. let's factor in those winds. here is what it feels like when you go to a high school football game tonight. feels like 37 already in gaithersburg. feels like 41 downtown. 40 in andrews.

just for fun we will jump the divide here. feels like it is 22. in oakland they had morning snow showers. you're going to go to a football game tonight, please bundle up. do you think you have enough layers on, put one more layer on. we will have all the highlights for you tonight on 9news now at 11. go to dc highschoolsports.net for more. all right, a milder weekend. that's good. going to be cold for high school football. a cold start to tomorrow. but then breezy and mild. some clouds come in in the afternoon but stays dry and mild. cold. winds diminishing. by morning, plenty of sunshine, breezy with a cold start. tomorrow the winds switch directions. not quite as strong. southwest at 10 to 20 but a southwest wind is a mild or warmer wind. by afternoon, mostly sunny, breezier and milder. highs near 60 and winds continue southwest at about 10 to 20. all right, zone forecast. even oakland i think it is 50

tomorrow. 54 cumberland. sunshine tomorrow. culpeper should hit 60. warrenton and manassas and leesburg upper 50s. fairfax too. downtown we will say 59. 58 by the water and you can imagine there is a small craft advisory for the bay and tidal potomac. 52 to 57 by tomorrow. pretty much clear skies. next three days we will keep it around 60 on sunday. some clouds come in. that will kind of keep temps down a little bit. look at monday. 66 with some showers possible monday night. the main event -- leer is the seven day. the main event in terms of showers and rain will be tuesday but still mild. temperatures in the low 60s. around 60 on wednesday. maybe some clouds early in the morning. and we cool off a little bit but nothing crazy cool. upper 50s on thursday and mid- 50s on friday. >> seasonal. that's what you always tell us.

>> it is mild. >> that's right. if it is saturday this might be south carolina. we will have the preview of tomorrow's debate for the republican presidential candidates. >> don't forget about us, folks. we are taking your donations all night long for turkey for troops and with your help we are hoping to feed some of those 500,000 active military personal in our area. call us. log on to wusa9.com. i don't hear the phones ringing. come on. state farm. this is jessica.

hey, jessica, jerry neumann with a policy question. jerry, how are you doing? fine, i just got a little fender bender. oh, jerry, i'm so sorry. i would love to help but remember, you dropped us last month.

yeah, you know it's funny. it only took 15 minutes to sign up for that new auto insurance company but it's taken a lot longer to hear back. is your car up a pole again? [ crying ] i miss you, jessica! jerry, are you crying? no, i just, i bit my tongue. [ male announcer ] get to a better state. state farm. reminder of our turkey for troops telethon. so many troops have come up to people on the street and they thank them. you really want to thank them. call us with a donation. you can do this up until 7 p.m. donate through wusa9.com or call 202-432-9045. tomorrow night, south carolina republican presidential candidates will debate.

>> reporter: the stage is set in south carolina for the next republican debate and the stakes are high. a new cbs news, new york times poll shows 72% of g.o.p. voteers haven't picked a favorite yet. that doesn't surprise a long time political activist. >> i think they are all just trying to learn more facts about each one of them. >> reporter: right now herman cain is leading in the cbsnews poll with 18%. mitt romney and newt gingrich are tied for second. the parties eight presidential hopefuls will fight to lock in more support saturday tackling questions about national security and foreign policy. cbs news, south carolina. >> tomorrow night's debate will be moderated by cbs news managing editor scott pellly. part of the gw parkway closing this weekend. we will show you exactly what sections to avoid. we are counting on you top

to help make these phones ring. please, consider making a donation to turkey for troops, a basket that will feed six people this holiday season. costs only $50. you can make a donation by calling 202-432-9045. or just log on to wusa9.com. we know you are going there anyway. come on.

thank you for that. if you would like to say thank you to the local military service members and their families in our neighborhood, this veterans day, please consider making a financial donation to our u.s.o. turkey for troops holiday program. to donate call this number or go online at wusa9.com. i have to note that we had some girl scouts in our studio here. they were off camera. before they left they dropped off a $50 donation. so everybody is getting into the action. it is your turn to join in. joining me right now sergeant major retired of the arm jack tillly. the founder of the american freedom foundation. an organization that is on a mission to raise awareness and money for our veterans and their families. glad to have them. we are also glad to have

annabella with the u.s.o. metropolitan. you've got a gift for the u.s.o.? >> i'm so motivated to give you -- this is going to buy a lot of turkey. $10,000 check -- >> wow. >> from the american freedom foundation. >> that's amazing. >> my goodness. thank you. >> i get a hug. >> great stuff. >> i only wish it was more. i really do wish it was more. >> thank you. >> maybe next year. but that tells us about the need we have had this holiday season because the economy is tough and people are struggling. we have already seen video of one family indeed that needs help but, jack, your group has a bunch of activities coming up tomorrow to try to grow the pile. >> we have been able to give about away $750,000 to veterans. this year we are going to go over the million dollar goal. we will do a show with chris daughtry at the patriots

center. tomorrow night. we are also doing a job fair that starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. focused on hiring veterans. we have about 22 companies coming in. >> the labor department says the veteran unemployment rate is significantly higher than the average for the rest of the country. talk about how hard it can be. >> what is so hard about veterans because really the problem right now is you have 68% of veterans, there are a million veterans. a million veterans out of work and there are 260,000 veterans out of work that join the military and 9/11 and got out of the service. we owe it to them to help them out. > they are there to assist and aid our troop members and families as they transition out of the military. we are there to support them every single day with a variety

of programs and services. >> reporter: we would think that these troops with the skills they gain in the armed services would be in demand. why has that not turned out to be the case? >> because our country doesn't fully understand what a veteran brings to the table. team building, leadership, education, the loyalty, the commitment, that's what they bring to any company that they get involved with. >> not too mention the technical skills. >> of course. >> we have to move on but we want to let you know that we are take donations until 7:30 p.m. tonight. we also need to note that we are having some phone issues, some problems with the phone company. so we are going to be needing to bring in some other lines just to make sure everybody can get through. you can see those numbers on the bottom of your television screen as our program continues. but in the meantime the number here and other numbers at the

bottom of the screen. wusa9.com. $50 will buy a thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings for one of your veterans. certainly they deserve the help. we will talk to you little later about that. back to you, lesli. >> we will turn back to the sex abuse scandal. cal ripkin who was an honourary member. our scott broom joins us live now, and, scott, can you tell us any more about that cinder brook incident -- cinder block issue. >> reporter: another bit of news that trickles out as the day goes on here. what we heard at jerry sandusky's house somebody had thrown cinder brooks through the windows and florida have been death threats against the

other assistant coach. a lot of anxieties about security here particularly at beaver stadium as the big crowd is heading into town for tomorrow's game against nebraska. >> reporter: you said that you believe that they had adequate security that. are there any real concerns that violence could break out or are they just taking procautionary measures. >> reporter: i think they are worried about specific incidents of violence. i think the mood in town after the rioting and all of that, the shock of the wednesday night firing of joe paterno. a lot of that has subsided. if there is any sort of acute anxiety towards people or aggression towards people it really has been towards the media. a lot of the rest of the mood in town has calmed down. in fact, a lot of the students are planning to have a silent vigil by dressing in all blue tomorrow which is a symbol of support for survivors of sex

abuse. so the mood is changing here from anger about everything that happened towards sympathy and acknowledgment of the survivors of the sex abuse and we may see a sea of blue in the stadium tomorrow because of that. >> thank you so much, scott. we have a commuter alert for you this friday evening. it involves closing the northbound lanes on the gw parkway from just north of scott run to route 123. crews are performing some rock stabilization clearly important work. the closure starts at 6 a.m. tomorrow, saturday morning and continues through 10 p.m. sunday. alternate routes include route 50 west and then the beltway. an important recall as thanksgiving nears. a quick reminder. we need you to help us feed military families with your donations tonight. turkey for troop baskets cost $50 a piece but they could mean

the world to one of our active duty families. imagine how much it would be to have that for your thanksgiving dinner. you can't afford 50 bucks it is okay. anything you can donate would be appreciated. we have already got 13,130 in all thanks to you. keep on dialing 202-432-9045 or look at the bottom of your screen for alternate numbers. we want to be sure you can get in and get your donation right here. if you really want to make sure you get it done just go to wusa9.com. anytime. all night. even afterwards. we will be accepting your donations. it is your chance to say thank you to the men and women who have been there for us.

202-432-9045. alternate numbers at the bottom of the screen. please donate to our holiday turkey for troops holiday food drive. click on turkey for troops. a consumer alert for you

now. wegman's is recalling smashed potatoes sold in its dairy section. they might be contaminated with pieces of white plastic. they were packed in 24-ounce plastic trays sold in maryland, virginia and four other states between september 22nd and november 9th. so far though no reports of injury. you see all the food behind me right back there. we are hoping it inspires you to make a donation to food drive 9 this year. just last weekend boy scouts across the area dropped off plastic bags at doorsteps and will be back out tomorrow to pick them up. you can fill them with all kinds of nonperrishable donations. if you didn't get a big you can still make a donation at some safeway stores in the district. log on to wusa9.com for those locations. the first woman to coach high school football in d.c. find out how natalie randolph is turning the high school program around. if you're headed out tonight treat it like a winter

night. 47 downtown. low 40s in the suburbs. in fact, in the wind it feels like it is in the 30s. we will come back and have a complete weekend forecast for a bit. we love the sound of phones ringing so take a minute to help feed military families this holiday season. tonight we teamed up with the u.s.o. to raise money to buy turkey for the troops. make a donation or log on to our website wusa9.com. we will be back.

202-432-9045. we keep giving you the number because we need you to help feed military families. give a family of six a turkey dinner with all the trimmings. you can also donate by going online to our website wusa9.com. just click on turkey for

troops. and the gannett foundation which is part of the wusa9 family has a very special gift. alec is with us. also with us jan annabell. thank you for being here. got the big giant check. >> i do. i'm excited to be here and on behalf of the people that work here as wusa9 and gannett foundation we have got a presentation for you. a donation of $5000 to help move things along. and it is an interesting day. it is 11-11-11. with that in mind we want to do one other thing and that is put a little challenge out. thank you. a little challenge out to our viewers. we have got another check here for $10,000.

again, from the gannett foundation. we will match dollars for dollars for the next $10,000 coming in. so we are really proud of our service people. love being associated with the u.s.o. and we are just so pleased to be doing this with you. >> thank you so very much. that is incredibly generous. we are thrilled. thrilled. it will buy a lot of turkey dinners. >> we are thrilled to be able to do it honestly. 14,000 have signed up. we need to get people calling the phone numbers right now to make sure you get your donations in. look at the bottom of your screen, make the call. say thank you to our veterans. >> topper? >> another nice weekend in november. milder tomorrow. breezy. 59. but it is a milder wind out of the southwest. mild on sunday. 60. there will be some clouds late in the day but it will stay dry. maybe a shower late monday or monday night. the main event though is tuesday. we ran into showers. still mild.

low 60s. in the wake of that still mild 60 on wednesday. then texts go down a little bit thursday and friday but nothing crazy cold. upper 50s on thursday. sunshine next friday back in the mid-50s. all in all, a fantastic weekend heading our way. back to you, guys. >> sounds good, topper. last year a high school went looking for a new football coach. they did something radical. they hired a woman. >> some questioned what a woman could successfully coach a men's football team. apparently she is showing them how. dave owens with how she is being successful. >> reporter: friday night. d.c. coolidge high. band blaring. coach natalie randolph leading. colts winning. >> i think it was the perfect storm. >> reporter: the story surrounding randolph is no longer gender based. she is female. we get it.

>> all the hoopla and hype has passed. >> reporter: here is the present. in the 20 months since her much valued arrival she is tied for the second most wins in the city. together. good word. randolph is the orchestrator but she surrounded herself with veteran coaches. together they preach a simple motto. come ready or never start and they are not just talking football. >> discipline. academics over athletics. >> reporter: and they are not messing around either. these are the colt colors. i'd say i look pretty good, right? if i want to wear this shirt and this hat before i line up for coolidge i have to do one thing. they are serious about it. mandatory study hall. >> i saw kids fall down because they didn't focus on the right things. >> we didn't lose any kids' grades this semester. >> reporter: a self-proclaimed science nerd and the troops have obviously caught on. some predicted young men

wouldn't respect her. wouldn't listen to her. wouldn't go all out for her. wrong. wrong. wrong. >> she is one of the best coaches i have ever had. >> reporter: enough said. in northwest dave owens, 9sports now. >> enough said. doing a good job with that. still ahead on 9news now. a new tribute to veterans at montgomery county. we will take you to silver springs for today's very special ceremony. plus, they better bring their sea legs. two powerhouse basketball teams are getting ready to tip off aboard an american aircraft carrier. we will have a preview. please, take a moment to help make this holiday season a good one for military families. we are trying to raise enough money tonight to feed 1400 of them with u.s. o. holiday baskets. so far they tell me we have raised $29,000. maybe a little more than that. let's take it over the top. 202-432-9045. alternative phone numbers are at the bottom of your screen. call right now. [ screaming ]

[ zapping ] there goes dwayne's car. oh, man.

there goes dwayne's house. whoa! whoa! and there goes dwayne. man, that thing does not like dwayne. [ male announcer ] state farm's got you covered. nice landing. it was. [ male announcer ] get to a better state. is the featured $5 footlong™ of november. [ male announcer ] the chicken marinara melt it was. juicy chicken, marinara sauce, and melty cheese served toasted on freshly baked italian bread. get it pronto, cuz this november only, it joins our everyday $5 footlongs! subway. eat fresh. you would think the cool school bus is stopping on broadway when you see this school report. >> a talented senior counting on his classmates to bring a musical to life.

here is mike hydek with our report. ♪[ music ] >> when you show your idea to somebody for first time you have no idea how they will react. >> reporter: writing a musical is pretty ambitious for a teenager. ♪ the world not a perfect place ♪ >> reporter: the high school senior got started on his production about a year ago. >> i wrote the script and i wrote the music and the lyrics. >> reporter: and performed and mixed 18 songs which of which has lyrics in french which he does not speak. and even though this was his first time ever taking on such a huge project greg was hoping for a green light from the director. >> anytime someone is a writer they will be edited.

>> do you think it should be three choreuses or two? >> two. >> reporter: witnessing something special. >> she said by the way i want to do this show. right away. i was so happ . >> reporter: meridian tapped into the talent of his classmates. the drama department is more than 200 strong at briarwood. a singer designing costumes and playing a major role. >> the time period and what the audience could relate to was important. ♪[ music ] >> reporter: being the man in charge was another challenge for the playwrite and composer and by most accounts he is handling that well too. >> you have somebody there. it is also fun because if something doesn't work and if you can't hit a certain note or

some harmony is not working you can talk to him and change it right there. ♪[ music ] >> he will tell me right away if i'm doing something wrong and i can fix it and not continue to do it. then someone else will tell me something else. >> reporter: comedy and tragedy harmonize well with a great recipe. >> i wanted to write a musical my entire life. i hope i get into a good school so i can study what i want to do do. >> wow. talk about some amazing voices and talent. if you have an idea for cool schools e-mail mike and he could be head to go your campus in the coming weeks. we are heading over to the weather wall and topper right now. a very chilly evening. again, mentioned this early if you're going to go to high

school football tonight bundle up. temperatures in the 40s primarily but already 39 now in frederick. 46 downtown. 43 in manassas and 43 in leesburg. if we factor in the wind, this is what it feels likes. feels like it is in the 30s. feels like 33 newspaper frederick. even downtown it is barely in the 40s in terms of our windchill. 38 in manassas. 39 at andrews. cold for high school football. cold start tomorrow. breezy and mild. some clouds come in sunday but we stay dry. maybe not quite as picturesque this weekend as it was last weekend. clear and cold, winds diminishing tonight. two blanket night. winds southwest at 10. probably take until after midnight for the winds to die down. tomorrow, sunny and breezy. cold no doubt. temps in the 30s and 40s. now the winds begin to pick up. this time from the southwest which is a milder wind. and then by afternoon, well,

mostly sunny, breezy, milder. grab your season glasses. high temperatures will be near 60 which is just dead on for the average this time of year. average high is now right between 59 and 60. winds continue southwest at 10 to 20 but again, that's a mild wind. that's a pretty good deal. so your zone forecast even oakland tomorrow should make it to 50. a little bit milder 54 in cumberland with sunshine. 56 in hagerstown. 57 in hartinsburg and winchester. culpepper should make it to 50. we are looking at temperatures downtown generally in the upper 50s to near 60. 60 in southern maryland away from the water. upper 50s for annapolis. on saturday you'll probably see a weather watch on the potomac. 5 p.m. a moon up there because the sun is down. temperatures 52 and 57. 9news now will continue in just

a minute. stay with us. this is 9news now. >> here where our heros come to rest. we come to show our gratitude. >> saluting the men and women of the military on this women, veterans day, 11-11-11. i'm lesli foster. >> i'm anita brikman. thanks for joining us on this special edition of 9news now. we are bringing some holiday cheer to the men and women in uniform who sacrificed so much for our country. we are calling it turkey for troops and derek mcginty is with a special phone bank to help make this happen. >> thank you. this veterans day we teamed up with the u.s.o. of metropolitan washington to provide thanksgiving and christmas food baskets to members of the service community. a special way to say thank you for their service. a real tangible way that goes way beyond words. so if you want to take your thank you way beyond words and donate to the turkey for troops