April 28, 2011 The Pitch by The Pitch

Pitch Walter Johnson High School

the

Sex, Drugs, and Dubstep Pills for Thrills: Rave and Club Drug Culture at WJ 3 Marijuana Legalization 8 Dub J: Dubstep at WJ 16

Volume 57 Issue 7

Thursday, April 28, 2011

6400 Rock Spring Drive, Bethesda, MD 20814

thepitch@walterjohnson.com

(301) 803-7302

Pitch

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NEWS

APRIL 28, 2011

CONTENTS

News

3 Club Drugs at WJ 3 Five Activities to get Involved in 4 World News Events 4 Gap Year Programs

LETTER

FROM THE

EDITORS

Editorial

6 Up at Bat: How do you Feel About PDA? 7 Liz’s Life 7 PDA: Not Appropriate for School 7 Letter to the Editor 8 Point Counterpoint: Marijuana Legalization 8 Curveball 9 Pitch Opinion: SSL Hours 9 Slugger 9 Crime in Bethesda

Feature

10-11 APEX From the Inside and Outside 12 Every 15 Minutes 13 Vegging Out

Arts and Entertainment

14-15 Spring Fashion Preview 16 Out of Left Field 16 Movie Reviews 16 Dubstep

9 14-15

Sports

18 Sports Viewing Guide 19 Boys Volleyball 19 Stat Sheet 20 Girls Lacrosse

THE

Top Five World News Events

News Editors Devon Murtha Ali Jawetz* Assistant News Editors Julia Cinquegrani Jemile Safaraliyeva

Feature Video: 2011Male Poms

Sports Editors Parker Smith Daniel Fanaroff*

Arts & Entertainment Editors Sophie Meade Ian Green* Assistant Arts & Ent. Editor Eleanor Janhunen Feature Editors Rosie Hammack Lily Sieradzki Sari Amiel* Taliah Dommerholt* Editorial Editors Liz Wasden Jessica Evans*

- Alexandra Sanfuentes and Sasha Tycko Print Editors-in-Chief

www.wjpitch.com

PITCH ONLINE

Song of the Week: “No Me Voy a Morir” by Belanova Editors-in-Chief Alexandra Sanfuentes Sasha Tycko Katie Levingston* Abby Singley*

Dear Readers, This issue we decided to explore the little discussed side of WJ’s social scene. In high school, drugs are a reality. But it’s a reality rarely discussed in an official forum and is more a topic of jokes or casual conversation. In the entertainment world, we explored the rise in the popularity of rave music, which is largely related to drug use. Also addressed are the issues surrounding the legalization of marijuana and the effects of drugs and alcohol on teenagers. On April 12 and 13, WJ witnessed first-hand the adverse effects of drinking and driving. It was an emotional reality check as we saw friends and classmates taken out of class to return as ghosts of their former selves. The Pitch does not wish to formally endorse or condemn students’ drug behavior but rather discuss them in an open manner. We want to present to the readers diverse opinions on the subject of drug use and let the facts stand for themselves.

THE

STAFF

The Pitch is published eight times a year by the students of Walter Johnson High School, 6400 Rock Spring Drive, Bethesda, Md. 20814. Advertising and subscription rates are available by calling 301-803-7302. Editorial opinions represent those of The Pitch staff and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the staff, faculty, or student body. We welcome letters, articles, photographs and artwork, to be submitted to room 211 or e-mailed to thepitch@walterjohnson. com. The Pitch is an award-winning paper that works towards providing the student body with accurate, as well as credible, information.

Assistant Sports Editors Hannah Flesch Assistant Editorial Editor Phillip Resnick Ryan Lynch Daniel Gorelik*

Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Medalist 2009

*Online Editors

Maryland HS Journalism Award Best Newspaper Overall Third Place 2009-2010 American Scholastic Press Association First Place Special Merit 2008-2009

Making Music: A Family Affair Staff Writers Josh Benjamin Cameron Keyani Girard Bucello Alex Spinard Danielle Markowitz Jenny Deutsch Photo Editor Stefany Carty Videographer Emil Hafeez

Copy Chief Abby Singley Copy Editors Sari Amiel Ali Jawetz Jemile Safaraliyeva PR Manager Alex Spinard

Photographers Alex Spinard Danielle Markowitz Devon Murtha Sasha Tycko Alexandra Sanfuentes Business/ Ad Manager Advisor Phillip Resnick Hilary Gates

A Jumpstart to Get Active By Jemile Safaraliyeva

EarthShare is an environmental group which promotes the protection of oceans, trees, clean air, water and animals.There are various issues affecting our environment. To learn more about the volunteer opportunities’ EarthShare offers, visit http://earthshare.org/volunteer-opportunities.html or contact Meredith Morrissette Photo courtesy of earthshare.org at (240)-333-0300.

The Washington Hospital Center is seeking volunteers for two programs: the Breast Cancer Lay Health Advisory and Ambassadors of Hope. The Breath Cancer Lay Health Advisory matches a volunteer with a breast cancer patient. The volunteer becomes a source of moral support. The advisor is required to call the patient at least once a week to simply say “hello” and boost their spirits. If you have interest in this program, contact Heather Kapp at (202)-877-2089. The second program is called “Ambassadors of Hope” in which volunteers work closely with cancer patients and their families. If you are interested in this program, contact Tamika Afolabi at (202)-877-7712. For more information regarding volunteer programs at the Washington Hospital Center visit http://www.whcenter.org/body. cfm?id=1277.

Calling all artists. Potomac Area Council of American Youth Hostels offers individuals an experience in expressing your talents on their walls.Yes, the Baltimore Hostel is looking for mural designersvolunteers to decorate their building’s walls, bathrooms and etc... Visit site for further details: http://www. volunteermatch.org/ search/opp795868.jsp.

Photo courtesy of TRAFFIK [US]

“Stick it to Cancer” and “Kick it to Cancer” are two campaigns for cancer research. Getting involved is simple and asks for leadership and communication skills. The organization asks for a group to create a soccer team or field hockey team and the proceeds from the game will benefit cancer research. If interested visit: http:// www.volunteer matc h.org/searc h/ opp752401.jsp.

Vo l u n t e e r as an EMT or hospital worker. An emergency medical technician means working in an Photo courtesy of Arlington County adrenaline-fueled environment. Thousands of volunteers are drawn to the opportunities which involve helping those in need. For more information, pm a station in Bethesda, visit www.bccrs.org.

Pitch

3 Pills for Thrills: Drug Use Gets Higher the

APRIL 28, 2011

NEWS

Drug Use Trips Up WJ Students in the Rave Scene By Julia Cinquegrani The increasing use of illegal club drugs, which is frequently associated with the growing popularity of house music, techno music and dubstep, is causing mounting public concern. For many who frequent the venues where these types of music are played, the full rave experience can include the use of club drugs, such as ecstasy or LSD, which users say enhance their listening experience. Substance abuse has increased among teenagers over the past three years, after a decade of decline, according to a report released on April 6 by the Partnership at Drugfree.org. The study found that between 2008 and 2010, the percent of teenagers that has used ecstasy in the past year increased to 10 percent from six percent. “Club drug use is increasing,” said 19-year-old former WJ student Lucas Devarner,* who frequently attends raves, and first used ecstasy and LSD when he was 16. “In the 1990s, a huge rave culture exploded and so did ecstasy use. At raves everyone has drugs. With dubstep and house music there’s a second coming of this rave culture.” Dubstep and house music first became popular in the U.K. and have since spread across the club scene in the U.S. and are becoming more mainstream. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a sober person at a rave,” said Devarner. “If I see other people using Molly [ecstasy] and I’m not, being at the concert is not worth it to me . . . I’ll walk into the concert already having drugs.” Devarner said that at raves or at venues with techno music he normally uses LSD, whereas around slower house music he often uses ecstasy. Many others also see a prevalence of club drug use around dubstep, house and techno music. “The only reason that people listen to dubstep is to get high,” said junior Steven Carlson,* who used ecstasy at parties last winter. Devarner said that he has recently observed an increase in club drug use among WJ students. “Two years ago, no one at WJ did club drugs,” said Devarner. “Now they do. WJ is very relaxed towards drugs. I think the relaxed attitude is great.” Based on their observations, current WJ students also perceive increases in club drug use among their classmates. “Club drug use has increased pretty greatly among WJ students, especially freshmen and sophomores,” said junior John Rickerson,* who has used LSD and ecstasy and smokes marijuana habitually. “The rave scene is really

developed . . . nobody does ecstasy by themselves; it’s depressing.” Since its origination, the rave culture has been frequently linked to ecstasy and LSD use. Yet at WJ, according to Rickerson, marijuana is much more widely used among students than other drugs are. “There are dozens of weed dealers at WJ,” said Rickerson. “Club drugs are hard to find [at WJ] compared to weed.” Many wonder, with the illegality and negative health consequences that result from long-term drug use, why some still choose to use illegal drugs. “When you take ecstasy, you lose all your inhibitions,” said Carlson. “It’s euphoric. That’s one hell of a feeling.” Devarner had similar experiences with the effects that club drugs create. “[Ecstasy] makes you feel like you’re on top of the world,” said Devarner. “Life is all about exploration. To truly seek the full measure of your brain, you need to try these mind-expanding drugs. Drug use is a part of my life. Some people watch movies, some people play video games, some people do ecstasy.” Yet other students choose not to use club drugs because of the dangers involved. “I’m against the rise in drug use because there are so many risks to it,” said junior Holly Mirshan.* “Drug use is so detrimental to your health. I listen to dubstep and house music but I have no plans to use ecstasy or LSD.” Short-term effects of ecstasy can cause users to feel euphoria, emotional warmth, increased energy and nausea; LSD users may experience delusions and hallucinations. Extensive abuse of ecstasy and LSD can result in serious health problems. Habitual ecstasy users can face depression, seizures, strokes, kidney failure, liver failure and cardiovascular failure. Long-term LSD users can experience flashbacks and increased body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. “[Long-term] acid use makes you go crazy,” said Carlson. “If you do too much acid, you could die . . . there’s not a need to use it.” Rickerson had a similar opinion. “The physical and medical consequences of using ecstasy don’t seem worth it to me,” said Rickerson. “And I would not go to a rave. People at raves are weird; they’re not all there.” Devarner, conversely, believes that the benefits of being an open drug user outweigh the drawbacks. “I wouldn’t want to be a closeted drug user,” said Devarner. “I’m proud to be a drug user. I’ll probably be a user all my life.”

4% of seniors and 3% of sophomores have used LSD

48.2% of seniors have used illegal drugs

*Name has been changed

22% of high school students have been offered, sold or given drugs at school

6% of teens

have used ecstasy in the past month

7.3% of seniors and 6.4% of sophomores have used ecstasy

Data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse

Pitch

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NEWS

APRIL 28, 2011

Taking a Break: Closing the Gap between High School and College By Devon Murtha

Weekday Vacation

Photo courtesy of internabroad.com

Working abroad allows students to both travel and make a little extra money before college. Students can work as English teachers, farm-hands, au pairs or other free-lance workers. Students can also intern abroad, building up their resume, while immersing themselves in a new culture. Instead of just travelling to a foreign county as tourists, students will be able to go as virtual residents. For more information about work or internship opportunities, go to www.transitionsabroad.com or internabroad.com.

A Cultural Return

A rising number of recently-graduated high school students have decided to take a quick educational breather; heeding the advice of Ivy League schools like Harvard, more and more students are taking a gap year. A gap year is a time for students to travel, learn or make a little money before heading off to college. There are an infinite amount of ways to spend a gap year, and here are just a few.

Photo courtesy of GregTheBusker

Birthright offers a virtually-free Israeli experience for all Jewish youth between the ages of 18 and 25. Private sponsors pay for the ten-day trip, and participants go in groups with structured activities. The idea is to reconnect the Jewish community worldwide with the homeland, Israel. For more information, go to www.birthrightisrael.com

England

Photo courtesy of nols.edu

NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) was designed to give adventure-oriented students a way to be outside: hiking, canoeing, mountain climbing, all while earning college credit. NOLS courses can last for a whole year, or for as little as ten days, while students learn to handle the wilderness and develop leadership skills. Students can stay in the United States to do their courses, or take the opportunity to go abroad. For more information, go to www.nols.edu

Lending a Helping Hand

Photo courtesy of americorps.

AmeriCorps allows adults of all-ages to get involved struggling gov communities nation-wide: building houses, advocating for the environment and working with schools and communities to improve education. Those who complete their service are allotted $4,725 to pay for college. For more information, go to www.americorps.gov

World News

Afghanistan

by Alex Spinard

April 29 marks one of the most anticipated events this April: the royal wedding between Prince William and Catherine Middleton. The wedding is to be held at the historic Westminster Abby and the reception at Buckingham Palace, hosted by her majesty Queen Elizabeth. The couple is implementing a Charitable Gift Fund for people to donate money to help celebrate their monumental wedding. Donors can choose from five charitable organizations serving an array of issues.

Florida Pastor Terry Jones reignited turmoil in the Middle East on April 1 by going through with his plan to burn a Koran on the 2010 Sept. 11 anniversary as part of a sermon. Protests condemning Jones’ actions were held in Kabul and Kandahar with over 2,000 demonstrators. The events ended with eight protesters dead and sixty one wounded in the city of Kandahar.

Japan

Haiti Haitian Musician Michel Martelly, better known in the music business as “Sweet Micky,” is taking on a difficult role as president of the still recovering Caribbean country after winning the presidential elections by two thirds of the popular vote. President Rene Preval, who has been in office for five years, will be succeeded on May 14.

An Outdoor Experience

Photo courtesy of shriak

Chile Glaciers in Patagonian Chile have been melting at a faster rate than ever before. The San Rafael glacier has retreated about 8km since its last peak during The Little Ice Age in 1600 AD. Scientists have concluded that the glacier’s melting rate has increased 100 times faster than the rate monitored 30 years ago. Scientists now have a greater understanding of how much of an impact global warming is having on the environment.

Japanese officials have completed analyzing the cost of rebuilding Japan prior to the earthquake and tsunami that took a toll on the pacific island a month and a half ago. Officials estimate the cost of rebuilding will be around 25 trillion yen ($309 billion dollars), consuming six percent of Japan’s economic output in 2010. Japan intends to address this cost issue by heightening taxes, particularly the consumer tax. The natural disaster left over half a million people homeless and while the death toll in Japan is still far from being completed, it is estimated to be over 18,000.

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APRIL 28, 2011

NEWS

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Up Bat EDITORIAL

APRIL 28, 2011

Q: How do you feel about public displays of affection?

For more, see page 7, “Public Displays of Affection: Not Appropriate for School”

For Up-At-Bat video responses, visit

WJPitch.com

Zak Pere

Ardy Djourabtchi senior

senior

A: “I think it’s fine to a certain extent. They can kiss but nothing more than that.”

A: “I don’t think it’s a big deal. Just kissing is fine.” Photos by Liz Wasden and Alexandra Sanfuentes

Chris McCurry

Matt Chambers

sophomore

junior

A: “I’m highly for it because it’s a great way to pass time.”

A: “It’s kind of gross. It just gets to be too much sometimes. ”

Raymond Wright

Leslie Ferdani

sophomore

senior

A: “The hallways are not the place [for it]. I see way too much of it. I think it comes from more underclassmen relationships.”

A: “When I see kids in the hall I think it’s disgusting and they should just keep it for after school. I change my route in order to prevent seeing it.”

Brian Daza

Xan Avendaño

A: “I just kind of ignore it. It’s kind of awkward. Not much can be done about it. It would be hard to enforce a rule.”

A: “I feel like kids should be able to show affection but they should not be able to dig at each others’ necks in the hallway. It scares me.”

senior

junior

Andrew Allen

junior

A: “I think it’s inappropriate for a school setting.”

Sofia Silva

junior

A: “I have no problem with PDA. It’s just when they start getting in people’s way that it’s pretty annoying.”

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APRIL 28, 2011

By Jenny Deutsch

Photos by Liz Wasden and Devon Murtha

Imagine walking down the hall, minding your own business, when suddenly you bump directly into two people who are passionately making out. Of course, everyone, including innocent bystanders, is horrified. This whole situation could have been easily avoided if those individuals who were sucking face would simply take their lovin’ to a more private location. Making out is fun to do but not fun to see. Romance is a part of being in high school, but those students who think it’s wise to be making out so indiscreetly are wrong. It’s just trashy. And the students of WJ are classy people and classy people should not engage in raunchy physical activity in front of others. It’s extremely disconcerting for people who must witness it. Only the people involved in the relationship should be part of such an intimate experience. The romantic part of kissing is taken away when you do it in front of others. Little kisses are good, hugging is fine, holding hands is encouraged; however, swapping spit and inappropriate touching does not reflect well on your moral compass. Why would anybody want a questionable reputation?

EDITORIAL

Liz’s Life The Big Con

P D A

P DA

Public Displays of Affection: Not Appropriate for School WJ offers a program called Child Development, a preschool class within the building. This means that, on occasion, there are young, preschool-age students occupying the hallways. If what you are doing is inappropriate for the eyes of a three-year-old, then it is necessary to save it for another time. Also, WJ is a diverse community. It has students of many religious and ethnic backgrounds. Some religions find certain activities, like public displays

of affection, morally wrong. So it is of the utmost importance to be respectful of these individuals’ beliefs. With your PDA-ing activities, you might not only make many people feel uncomfortable, but you could deeply offend a few as well. There is a time and a place for everything. The time for making out is not now and the place is not at school. So please, WJ, respect yourselves and respect your peers. Get a room.

To the Editor It was with great disappointment and frustration that I read the editorial “Guidance: Guiding in the Wrong Direction?” in the most recent issue of The Pitch. The opinions inferred by the title, opening paragraph, and closing statement are starkly at odds with the quotes from Mr. Reynolds that allegedly were intended to support the opinion. In summary, Mr. Reynolds’ first quote describes that a wide array of factors and information is considered as the counselor and student work together to select classes, and his second quote asserts that if a student is getting A’s and B’s in classes with relative ease, then counselors should challenge them to consider moving up to Honors or AP level. These are both appropriate and expected conversations that should take place, what is described in MCPS as “best practices” (and certainly not “Guiding in the Wrong Direction”). The closing statement along with the title of the article imply that counselors at WJ are not doing the things addressed by Mr. Reynolds - helping students consider many factors, and encouraging them to challenge themselves appropriately. In fact, the editorial implies that counselors are “pushing” students to take heavier classloads against their wishes. This is simply not the case. In our weekly department meetings, we discuss the importance of encouraging our students to be thoughtful and realistic with their class selections. We understand the extreme pressure from parents, peers, and society in general in this area and this era. We strive to ensure that students are really thinking hard about their class choices, and getting information from teachers and fellow students so that they have an

accurate expectation of the subject matter that will be covered and the intensity of the workload for each class. We understand that in many cases, students have teachers urging them to take Honors/AP classes. Teachers make these recommendations in the context of how a student has performed in their particular subject/class. Contrary to the article’s premise that counselors coax students to overload themselves, our goal is to provoke students to ask themselves crucial questions: how much time will be necessary to be successful, what are the other commitments and activities on your plate, are you choosing classes that you have a sincere interest in, are you choosing only because a teacher recommended it, are you simply trying to “tally” another Honors/AP class? The counseling department feels that often it is the students who are too ambitious, and it is the counselor saying “Hey, let’s think this through - are you sure you really want to take that heavy a load?” We have made great efforts to ensure that students weigh these decisions carefully and wisely. We start the course registration process very early in the year to give students ample time. We have a classroom presentation in which schedule cards are distributed, and students are given several weeks to research, talk to teachers, talk to peers, and ideally make sound choices. Rather than simply collecting the schedule cards, we arrange (during class instruction time) for students to sit down with their counselors and ask any further questions they might have.

Joe Thompson

School Counseling Office

By LizWasden Print Editorial Editor Upon entry to Universal Studio’s new park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, I was impressed.What I had been imagining after 10 years of reading the books and eagerly awaiting the movies, like many of you Harry Potter buffs out there, was right in front of me. The castle of Hogwarts, the snow-capped shops of the wizarding village of Hogsmeade, a few robe-adorned village people scurrying about. However, the butter beer, a frothy drink unique to the Harry Potter franchise, which I bought on first entry into the park, turned out to be the only satisfying part of the day. After about 15 minutes in the park, it was clear that this was not what I had expected from watching the movies and naively relying on pictures from Google Images. Although the Hogwarts castle was present, it was oddly disproportional to the village, much smaller, and clearly not actually meant for people. Additionally, the tour of the castle, for which we waited close to two hours, was limited, allowing us access only to a stairwell with a couple of moving pictures and a smaller recreation of Dumbledore’s study, with a hologram-like Dumbledore, who after two minutes of speaking about the treasures that lay ahead would twitch and repeat himself. (No treasures lay ahead). We continued on a narrow, dimly lit passage and passed by a few books, school robes and a trunk, and then were promptly directed to the exit in a gift shop. The village itself did greatly resemble that pictured in the movies, with many shops vending quills and parchment, owls, potions, strange plants and wands. However, most of these shops were closed, with signs like “out hunting nargles,” implying that they were not really shops at all, simply sets. In fact, the only shops that were open were gift shops, where one could buy T-shirts to commemorate the trip, a candy store and a joke store, neither of which sold anything out of the norm for us “muggles,” just jelly beans and whoopee cushions. In the windows of the owl shop were stuffed owls. The student choir, singing outside of the castle, which claimed in posters to be singing with “toads” like students in the film had, was singing with plastic puppets. The line for the all-too-short roller coaster “Flight of the Hippogriff ” was 70 minutes long. And the stupid jelly beans were over $10 dollars. It was clear to me that my family and I had been cheated, swindled, bootlegged and conned, something that every consumer experiences on a regular basis. From my extremely disappointing experience, I hope that you can either sympathize, or take away a few lessons. Don’t trust one gushing travel blog, don’t do your research on Google Images, plan carefully and listen to your friends who tell you to lower your expectations.

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Pitch

EDITORIAL

Curveball

The Incurable Disease By Sasha Tycko Print Editor-in-Chief

A couple days before we went to press, I still had no idea what I wanted to write about. I contemplated different ideas, but I felt no inspiration. I had nothing. A question lingered in my mind. Why was I having so much difficulty coming up with a topic? Yes, I’ll usually change my mind at least three times before coming up with a subject. But this was different. The frustrating ennui I felt extended beyond the 600 words I had to write, to my classes and to school. Honey, I have senioritis. After a 12-year stint of waking up at unreasonable hours to attend classes in a six-hour block five days a week, I’m burnt out. It’s been a mostly positive experience - I’ve made some close friends, had great teachers and good times - but the daily grind has gotten me down. Is apathy an inevitable conclusion to 12 years of the same daily routine, or is there some flaw in the scholastic time line? It’s not simply that I’m sick of the work or the daily drudgery; I’ve outgrown high school. I’m itching to start the next episode of my life and each school day seems like a deterrent of that desire. I’m lightyears ahead of my freshman self in maturity and yet I’m still more or less stuck in the same routine. I need new challenges and high school has become less than stimulating. Schools should be more adaptive to the whirlwind of changes we go through, instead of forcing us into the same routine every single year. As a result, senior year is a joke. Senioritis. Ha. Blow-off classes. Ha. In its defense, senior year provides a buffer to college. A lighter workload is an opportunity to remove yourself from the usual pressures of high school and focus on something else - a team, friends, family - before entering the next stage of life. In some ways, before we’re ready to move on, we need to be a little bored. Yet this is not a very satisfying justification for the languid manner of senior year. There are fun aspects to senior year, but ultimately, I’m restless and impatient. WJ has a few options to break up the senior routine and I implore you to take advantage of them. There are opportunities for internships and jobs, in addition to the UMD Young Scholars program. While it may be enticing to take a full schedule of joke classes, you will appreciate the change in pace. Despite the jokes, at its core, senioritis is not about laziness.We’re not an entire class of apathetic, whining people. Most of us are mentally beyond high school and are anxious to open the next door. While a drastic shift in the way schools are run would be nice, realistically, it’s up to you. Everyone will experience senioritis, from those who’ve felt it since freshman year, to those straight-A students who’ve never been late to class before. Sign up for an art class, get an internship, DH, do whatever you can to avoid the stagnation of senior year.

APRIL 28, 2011

Point

By Devon Murtha

Fourteen states have passed legislation decriminalizing marijuana for medical purposes, and Maryland is looking to soon become the 15th, with discussion buzzing around a bill that could potentially change how Maryland treats this controlled substance. Passing this bill would be a step in the right direction for Maryland, but it doesn’t quite go far enough. The stigma surrounding marijuana use is outdated and damaging to our country as a whole, and marijuana should be treated like alcohol, for the recreation (or medical use) of responsible adults. Medical marijuana legalization is not just a loophole for drug abusers, but has real benefits for those with illnesses. Marijuana has been proven to relieve pain and nausea associated with cancer, AIDS, multiple sclerosis and much more. And because tetrahydrocannabinol is a naturally-occurring compound, the side effects are often less harmful than many other pain medications. An even more compelling reason for marijuana to be legal is that it’s just not that dangerous. Alcohol and cigarettes are both far more dangerous, and their legality is not up for debate in this county. Though there have been thousands of deaths related to over-consumption of alcohol, there has never been a reported incidence of marijuana overdose. Also, alcohol is more likely to increase violent behavior in individuals, while marijuana has the opposite effect. Cigarettes are much more likely to cause different cancers associated with smoke inhalation, as they are loaded with toxic ingredients. The main reason that these substances are legal, and marijuana is not, is that lobbying groups have a greater commercial interest in them. But there could also been a corporate interest in marijuana. If it were to be legalized, the benefits to our economy could be great. Legal marijuana farms could be regulated by the government, and these could be taxed. Also, it would cut down on the illegal drug trade, as the government would know exactly where the cannabis was coming from, and could be home-grown and unlaced, something not guaranteed in illegally purchased marijuana.

CounterPoint

By Danielle Markowitz Photo courtesy of Chelsea Daniele

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i l a

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Marijuana is classified as an illegal substance under the Controlled Substances Act for having a high potential of abuse, no accepted use in medical treatment and a lack of accepted safety for use as a drug or other substance under medical supervision. Marijuana should not be legalized for medical or recreational use because of the dangerous effects it has on the human body along with the greater, detrimental effects it has on society. Marijuana, in comparison to other drugs, is relatively benign, but using the illegal substance has a high correspondence to further, more toxic drug use. “The gateway theory is people start experimenting with marijuana because it’s out there and then they would go on to harder drugs,” said health teacher Kathleen Carey. “When you talk to people who have addictions, many, many times they would say that they started with marijuana.” The medical benefits, like increasing hunger and relieving pain, do not outweigh the medical harm marijuana causes, along with the terrible effects it has on our society. Marijuana intoxication can distort perception, i m pair coordination, create difficulty with thinking and problem solving and create problems with learning and memory. In fact, research has shown that in chronic users, marijuana has a large impact on learning and memory that can last for weeks after the initial effects wear off. For all of those who believe this drug should be legalized, face the facts. Legalization would create a powerful industry, one that would be comparable to the tobacco industry. As of now, purchasing marijuana fuels the deadly drug wars in Mexico that have taken countless lives, and legalizing pot would do very little to cease the fighting. Besides the promotion of the black market and the growing number of violent drug lords, marijuana does in fact have a severe impact on the body. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, marijuana increases heart rate by 20 to 100 percent shortly after smoking, and this can last for several hours. The drug can also create discrepancies in heart rhythms. In addition to damaging the lungs, marijuana can cause an onset of psychotic episodes, addiction, anxiety, depression and schizophrenia. We must accept the fact that the drug is illegal and ought to stay that way.

Marijuana

Photo by Alexandra Sanfuentes

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Pitch

APRIL 28, 2011

EDITORIAL

Lululemon murder not reflective of county's crime rate

By Girard Bucello When Jayna Murray was assaulted and killed in an athletic store in downtown Bethesda, Montgomery County Police Chief Thomas Manger was quick to say that it was likely “nothing more than a random crime of opportunity.” Even so, the community was stricken with a heart-wrenching mix of grief and concern. Businesses took extra security measures, while shoppers turned in earlier for their own safety. It seems only logical to take such measures in the face of such a brutal crime. Beyond the fear, however, state crime rates per person have actually been dropping since 2005. According to the FBI Uniform Crime Report, the murder rate in Maryland per 100,000 people was at 7.7 deaths in 2009, which is down from 9.9 deaths in 2005 and significantly down from 11.6 deaths in 1996. More impressive is that this decline was maintained despite an increase in population, from 5.25 million residents in 1999 to 5.7 million residents in 2009. The Montgomery County Police Department also reported a sharp drop in the number of monthly murders from 2008 to 2009, from five murders per month to just one murder per month – again, despite a population increase. The unusually high murder rate in Maryland, relative to other states, is attributable to Baltimore’s 37 murders per 100,000 people

in 2009. Regardless of the crime rates, there is no reason for the public to be any more concerned now than they were before Murray’s death. While crimes might get press coverage because of their brutality, that doesn’t indicate an increase in crime rates. It also doesn’t mean that we, as individuals, are any less safe. It might be frightening for such a brutal crime to occur so close to home, but that single crime, on its own, doesn’t necessarily mean that individuals are more at risk of being the victim of a violent crime. Only overall crime rates can determine one’s risk.

In the wake of the tragedy, extra security measures are already going into place. Shoppers in downtown Bethesda are more cautious of their surroundings, and don’t stay in poorly lit areas for long. Most businesses already have electronic security; those that didn’t before the murder are at least considering installing a security system, if they haven’t already. These changes will all serve to make Bethesda that much safer. The murder of Jayna Murray was a tragic, isolated act, and there is little reason to be more concerned than we usually are.

Montgomery County residents have little to fear. Check out their murder rates in relation to Baltimore County:

Baltimore vs. Montgomery County County population of 789,814

population of 971,777

223

murders in 2010

Infographic by Alexandra Sanfuentes Information courtesy of the FBI Uniform Crime Report

to most students, just a requirement you’ve acquired over the years; have those hours changed your life? Or allowed you to gain perspective on the world? Or even to truly help a fellow peer or citizen? If an answer to those questions is yes, congratulations! You have accomplished an extremely rare feat and are one step closer to self-actualization. If the answer was no, then don’t fear because it is an all too common phenomenon where students merely get hours for the pure purpose of fulfilling the requirement and altruistic service is cast to the wayside. Montgomery County has done a fantastic job compelling students to get out into the community with increasing the number of hours required for graduation and only allowing non-profit organizations to provide such hours. But it hasn’t been enough since many students remain unmotivated by the idea of helping people. We can take the program one step further to ensure truly valuable service learning. There are remedies to the situation. A junior, Denali Rao, suggested that a way to ensure this would be to require

Pop, Sizzle, Ouch By Alexandra Sanfuentes Print Editor-in-Chief “Crrraaacckkk! Twist. Crrraacccckkk!” Does this sound familiar? If you had a sound track for your life, would you hear the grating noise of various knuckles and joints cracking? Would you hear the sizzle of a straightening iron as it singes your hair? Or the ubiquitous resonance of flip-flops clacking against the ground? Many of you will answer “yes” to either one or all of these questions. Unfortunately, that means you are engaging in activities that are more detrimental to your personal health than you may have thought. I stumbled across the truth. Horrified, I thought I’d scare you all, too. J

Back Cracking/bad posture

You might have been cracking your back or other joints of your body for years, all the while thinking that it felt great to stretch out. But picture this: your back is like a rubber band. While it’s resilient and can be stretched out, once you stretch it too far, there’s a chance it won’t go back. According to the SpineCare Chiropractic Group’s website, hypermobile spinal joints can become arthritic faster. Holy crap! I’m going to be a ropey, stretched out rubber band by the time I’m 20! And if a lot of kids twist, pop and crack on a regular basis, they too may find their heads rolling around on the ground, necks elongated and lax, before they get to graduation.

Straightening your hair

pitch opinion: ssl hours That little number reflecting student service learning hours earned on the top right corner of quarterly report cards has one of three reactions from a student. One, the student cringes and starts to think about how he or she can get those few extra hours needed to meet the requirement. Two, the student smirks at the ridiculously high number he or she has acquired from hundreds of hours spent at a summer camp, research lab, senior citizen home, etc. Or three, the student has just enough hours to graduate and may be perfectly content. Ever experienced one of those reactions to your hours of student service learning? We all have been bombarded with reminders about community service opportunities since the sixth grade, opportunities to help out school clubs, opportunities to volunteer at the local soup kitchen, opportunities to work at a summer camp and overall opportunities to help out the community and those in need. Take this time to reflect upon the hours

Slugger

students to have hours from three different places that have to do in three different realms of community service like education, arts or recreation. This would create more eclectic and diverse community service experiences, along with indirectly prompting students to actively search for new ways to volunteer. The community service graduation requirement of having 75 hours, which was raised in recent years from 60, was set in place for great reasons and has truly helped the surrounding community. But in these times of heavy competition for amazing transcripts and astounding test scores, community service hours are nothing but a mere requirement or a boost in college admissions in the eyes of some students. To create more awareness and advocacy for the pressing issues in the community, and even the world, a few tweaks to the student service learning program have become a necessity so that students don’t merely complete the hours but recognize the merit and values behind selfless community service.

Many girls in high school still find it essential to change the locks they were naturally given and iron it down until it is stick straight. (Think about it: you iron your clothes. Why would you do that to your head?) Turns out, according to a 2008 study by the American Academy of Dermatology, continual use of a flat iron damages the protective cuticles of your hair just like how an iron would do damage if it were left on a shirt for more than 10 seconds at a time. So unless you want to end up with an 80s shag hairstyle, get over your addiction to Barbie Doll hair, otherwise you’ll eventually end up bald.

Wearing flip flops

Summer is approaching, so at the first signs of warm weather, everyone’s out wearing flip flops. But according to a study by Auburn University, one of the things people most enjoy wearing all summer long will end up making them walk like ducks. The study found that wearing flip flops changes your gait in “subtle ways that can lead to serious sole, heel and ankle problems.” So not only are we going to be stretched out, with our hair singed and our spines twisted, but we’re also going to waddle around with scrunched toes and inward-turned ankles and hips. Despite how difficult it is to break bad habits such as these, maybe now changing our ways will actually seem worthwhile.

Tyler Huyser

I see things in a different way. Although it is frustrating a lot of the time, because there’s a lot of work, it is worthwhile.

More people should have the opportunity to study what interests them in an environment where they’re interested without [the] constant pressure and stress and quan- Sophomore tity of work. Claire Bergey Freshman

Tenni Idler

Photos by Stefany Carty, Lily Sieradzki and Alexandra Sanfuentes

APRIL 28, 2011

APEX

The people who didn’t do APEX are smarter than us, because they didn’t have to do the extraneous work for APEX classes. Senior Grace Hsu

Junior

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People act like it’s hard and we are nerds. I play sports; I don’t feel like a nerd. Anyone can do [APEX].You just have to be organized and motivated.

E X P L O RE D

from the inside By Rosie Hammack

Somewhere in between separated and integrated lies WJ’s original high-achieving pro- might be equally intelligent, but do not possess gram, APEX. In this rigorous program, small the skillset to adapt to the APEX program. “Those students kind of work themselves to classes, high stress levels and academic pressures death,” he said. have manifested themselves in perceptions and Schwartz also says that a high level of prespreconceptions between those who are involved sure and competition between students is not in APEX and those who are not. For many teachers and students involved in the program, these always healthy. Huyser finds that the emphasis that APEX places on the humanities might not perceptions can seem unwarranted and unfair. “A lot of people who aren’t in APEX think be well-suited for students who plan to focus we’re nerds who don’t have lives and who just on math or science. In addition, former APEX student Eli Gerkind of study all the time,” said senior APEX ber found that, during his time in APEX, the student Carl Adams. “For some people, that is competitive nature of the program seemed to true. But for most of us, not so much. Basically, dilute what he feels ought to be the main purwe’re just normal people. We do sports, clubs, pose of school: learning. anything like that.” “In the end, education doesn’t really make And it’s not just impressions of academic overa difference,” he said. “It’s just what’s my GPA, involvement that some feel unrightfully mar the can I push higher, why did I fail that assignreputation of APEX. Students in APEX travel ment, how can I ask my friends to help me with the same academic group in certain classnot why did I not understand that concept. It es over their four years at WJ. Allegations have turns learning into regurgitation, which is not arisen that this “cohort,” as English teacher and what school is about.” APEX coordinator T.G. Finkbinder describes The brand new accessibility of AP NSL Govit, fosters an atmosphere of exclusivity. In reernment to non-APEX freshmen has spurred sponse, APEX junior Tyler Huyser says he finds further speculation about the necessity of the it instead fosters friendships. program. Even some APEX students, such as “When you go into APEX, one of the main senior Kate Cyr, question APEX’s relevance in things they tell you is you’ll light of recent events. meet a lot of close friends,” There are students in APEX “It was good for us behe said. “Sophomore year, I that are more successful than cause we could have that was really cynical about it. I others. It’s not necessarily, advantage, but there’s [thought that] all these people were weird, and I [didn’t] ‘I’m smarter’, but, ‘I know no point for freshmen to do [APEX] now,” she want to be friends how to balance my said. with them. But I English teacher time.’ Despite these downmade friends with sides, APEX senior T.G. Finkbinder other people in Grace Hsu feels that APEX without APEX has had an overall positive impact on realizing it.” Huyser adds that, in addition to friendships her academic life. “This sounds really cheesy, but APEX is the he has made within the APEX sphere, he does AP experience,” she said. “You stay with the not hold any reservations about making friends same core of people for three years and you outside of the program. This lack of discriminasee how everybody develops as they grow into tion also rings true for Adams, who attributes less irritating people. So when it culminates in this somewhat to the steady intermingling of the Philosophy seminar, it is definitely an instudents from inside and outside of APEX. teresting experience to witness how peoples’ According to Finkbinder, the steady integration of APEX and non-APEX students is an in- views and values have changed in a few years.” Hsu adds that APEX also looks great on retentional feature of the program. Once students sumes and in college interviews, while Huyser in APEX are in the AP classes that they have feels APEX is an excellent preparation for colelected to be in along with other, non-APEX lege courses. students, Finkbinder finds that “those lines of “Anyone can take APs, but APEX goes one distinction are blurred and aren’t as significant step above,” he said. anymore.” As for whether or not APEX is beneficial “There are plenty of smart people in APEX,” said Adams. “That doesn’t mean that all the beyond college, Adams predicts that the work smart people are in APEX or all the dumb peo- ethic developed and perfected in APEX will help in any job arena. ple aren’t.” For anybody who has reservations about the Freshman APEX student Tenni Idler agrees, program, Finkbinder is ready to take them up calling APEX a “choice” and adding that she has on a challenge. plenty of friends outside of the program. “I know that people have mindsets about But according to social studies teacher Nathan what they may think the program is,” he said. Schwartz, this choice may not be for everyone. Schwartz finds that there are two types of APEX “I just say, come and talk to me or come and students: those who pick up new concepts look at an APEX class, then. Because I think quickly and can deal well with the fast-paced people have preconceptions about stuff simply curriculum and heavy workload, and those who because they’re not really aware of the true situation.”

I would not be the man I am now if I had joined APEX. My sleep would have been stunted. I have yet to drink a cup of coffee in my life. I’m big on tea.

15 years ago, the Advanced Placement Experience Scholars Program (APEX) was founded specifically for the WJ cluster, in an effort to establish a viable alternative to Blair’s Communication Arts Program and RM’s International Baccalaureate program. The program participants are admitted in a selective process and are required to take certain specialized courses as a group throughout the four years.

By Lily Sieradzki

Senior

Nicky Fowler

Eli Gerber

Freshman

from the outside

Junior

I believe that APEXers are hard working students that are very organized. I think that sometimes they need to take a break from school though and do other things.

FEATURE

APEX really stresses the grades and the work ethic. I’ve seen people break down after getting a B on an essay. It’s ridiculous.

Sophomore

Alan Kaplan

Ty Glover I think [APEX is] a good thing for the kids in it and for WJ. For WJ it raises the average. For the people who are in it, it [helps] them not be held back by people who need extra help.

What is your reaction to APEX in one word? students a head start for college? This idea is disIntense. No social life. Agitating. Different. puted. Some WJ students who take advantage of Superiority. Hard work. the many AP class offerings feel no less prepared These descriptions of APEX by non-APEX stuthan anyone in APEX. dents give a telling glimpse into the perceptions “I’ve taken as many if not more AP’s and chalof their school’s signature program, an integral lenging classes as my friends in APEX, and I’ve part of WJ. gotten to choose the ones I wanted to do when I APEX is limited: it is comprised of 50 to 60 wanted to do them,” said non-APEX senior Orli people per grade compared to the approximate Berman. “I feel I am just as prepared for college 500 students in each grade. However, its influas my friends are.” ence is just the opposite, as many non-APEX Then again, some do believe that having APEX students can attest. Certain stigmas, both posion a resume looks better to colleges, and that tive and negative, surround the program. Viewwork habits acquired in the program will be points vary on the benefits and downsides of its useful later on. It is unclear whether APEX, or level of separation from the rest of the school, even high school, for that matter, can fully preas well as whether students within it are better pare students for the future. prepared for college than the rest of the student “I’m sure they’re much better prepared to get body. into college and probably much better prepared Non-APEX junior Maria Perica sees the proto succeed in college,” said Yasur. “But the ability gram as essentially a good thing for those in it. to write a good English paper . . . isn’t going to “The kids who can do more should be givget anyone ahead in life.” en the opportunity to challenge themselves as While APEX is designed to scale back its influmuch as they can,” she said. ence each year of high school, allowing APEX There’s no question that APEX students are students to integrate fully into the school, it viewed in a certain way: high achieving is distinctly separate especially freshman year and hard working – some might even when APEX requires three classes. According call it nerdy. This label is not confined some, this separation I think [APEX] is a to simply to APEX, as many of WJ’s high does not allow APEX achieving students are outside the safe environment students to mix fully program. the rest of the stuto practice with “The stereotype percepdent body which is dettion is that the APEX kids are being rimental to both. driven and booky, but aren’t “I have some friends any smarter than anyone Social Studies teacher academic. who are in APEX and else,” said social studies Nathan Schwartz I’m less friends with teacher Nathan Schwartz, them because I don’t who teaches both APEX and non-APEX classes. have any classes with them,” said non-APEX “There are kids who are as smart and as driven freshman Alan Kaplan. as any APEX kid I’ve ever taught in the regular English teacher Joanne Reynolds, who teachprogram because this is a high achieving school.” es freshman APEX English as well as non-APEX Some students feel that APEX’s selectivity classes, feels that by separating the high achievand high academic standards creates a competiers from the rest of the pack, APEX runs the tive, exclusive and elite atmosphere. Many nonrisk of removing positive role models for the APEXers feel that everyone regards APEX kids rest of the students. as smarter and better, including APEX students, “Studies show that you learn from the study when in reality this may not be true. habits and attitudes of those around you,” she “There’s a sense that they’ve accomplished said. “These high achievers and role models more – that they’re going places where other with the best study skills would be good to have students are not going,” said non-APEX junior scattered in our classes.” Itai Yasur. “Students generally seem to regard However, APEX decreases its influence them as smarter and more hardworking. I think throughout high school, allowing its members that’s false.” to integrate more fully into the wider WJ comPerica, who is a confessed non-APEX high munity. According the Schwartz, the specific achiever, pointed out that while she works hard benefits of APEX can be brought to the entire as well, it’s mostly in the areas of math and scischool. ence. Humanities-heavy APEX simply wasn’t “The kids are given a setting to think and the program for her but she still avoids using talk and debate that they then can take to the the “nerd” label. rest of the school and model those skills,” said “A lot of people gravitate towards calling Schwartz. “That said, there are regular students them nerds,” she said. “I don’t do that because I who do the same thing.” study a lot, I work really hard also. I see them as Opinions and stereotypes may vary, but one caring about their future.” thing is agreed upon by all: APEX is a fundaOne of the defining features of APEX is its rigmental element of WJ. After all, who else could orous coursework. But does the advanced mayou call “too school for cool?” terial and larger workload actually give APEX

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Every 15 Minutes

APRIL 28, 2011

a close look at its resounding effects

Photos by Stefany Carty and Alexandra Sanfuentes Statistics gathered from SAMHSA

For more photos, see

wjpitch.com

By Ali Jawetz and Emil Hafeez The jaws of life rip off the door of a white sedan, as senior Zach Hazlett and his sister, junior Hannah Hazlett, are dragged out of the car by uniformed fire rescue officers. A helicopter propeller beats the air overhead as it descends on the far end of the front WJ parking lot, where a medical evacuation will take place.Though the surrounding students know the event is only a simulation, the majority of the crowd is overcome with somber silence. This scenario took place at WJ on Tuesday, April 12, as part of the Every 15 Minutes program. Every 15 Minutes is an event held at high schools around the nation to spread awareness about the dangers of drunk driving and expose students to the scary reality of losing their friends in car accidents. The various parts of the program, including a simulated car crash, a helicopter landing and the feigned death of selected students, are meant to offer “real-life experience without the real-life risks,” as stated by the national Every 15 Minutes website. “[The main goal is] to challenge students to think about drinking, texting while driving, personal safety and the responsibility of making mature decisions when lives are involved,” said Tina Sauer, who works for the Every 15 Minutes national organization. The planners, seniors Jessica Nogueira, Inbal Fingerman, Sarah Howie, Kristen Dabney and Jemile Safaraliyeva, all saw the event as freshmen and wanted to achieve this goal again by using it for their leadership project. In addition to having to get approval from Assistant Principal Chris Merrill or Leadership teacher Nico Atencio on every letter, phone call and e-mail related to the event, the planners had to organize and finalize the entire schedule for the two days, including the details of filming and makeup for 28 student participants. These participants were taken out of class throughout the day on April 12 by the “Grim Reaper,” played by senior Brady Gradowski, at the sound of a heart monitor played over the P.A. system. Once they were taken out of class, Montgomery County police officers entered the classrooms to read their obituaries. The participants re-entered class with their faces painted white and they remained silent for the rest of the day. “It’s hard for them to stay the whole day without talking to anyone,” said Nogueira. “It takes a big toll on them.” At lunch, two wrecked cars simulated a crash, with senior Cole Ahnell playing the role of the drunk driver. The extreme detail of the event, complete with the helicopter, police cars, fire trucks, and county officers, contributed to the seeming reality of the situation and the magnitude of its effects. “I think this is actually really effective,” said sophomore Meghan Brennan. “It’s just really scary to see how this can actually happen, and all the consequences. A lot of people [were] really upset, and with the helicopters and the ambulances, it’s just really serious.” The program appeared to be most powerful for those intimately involved in the program -- the students who “died” and their friends.

1 in 5 teens binge drink. Only 1 in 100 parents believes his or her teen binge drinks.

Capt. Tom Didone, who heads the traffic division for the Montgomery County Police Department, worked with the WJ leaders on the event. He relates personally to the project, as he tragically lost his 15-year-old son in a non-alcohol related car crash in 2008. “We know that the people that are dynamically involved in the Every 15 Minute program will have carry-over for years to come,” Didone said. “How many of those people out in the audience that witness this program will have a long term benefit? That is the unknown.” Many questions have been raised as to the effectiveness of the program, especially due to the occurences at Magruder HS in Rockville this March. Every 15 Minutes planner Nogueira learned from Officer Bill Morrison that Magruder students held a party with alcohol the night after the event, which was busted by the same policemen who assisted with the Every 15 Minutes program at their school the previous day. Emily Novick, Public Health Advisor for the Center of Substance Abuse Prevention, which is a subdivision of the Department of Health and Human Services, says that there are actually more effective ways to get across to teens rather than the “scare tactics” used by Every 15 Minutes. “People watch these things and say, ‘You know, I don’t think that’s true, because my friend Joe had a beer and drove, and nothing happened to him,’” she said. “There’s a credibility problem. It might have short-term effects on people, but when you look at their behavior over time, it doesn’t change.” According to Novick, more effective tactics, known as “social norming,” involve asking teens what they perceive to be the amount of drinking and driving in their area, which is usually a large percentage, and then informing them of the actual statistics, which is usually a much smaller percentage. Social norming works because it challenges students’ perceptions. “If they have the real data and realize that everybody’s not actually doing it, then they realize it’s okay to not do it,” said Novick. At this point, however, most students were impressed with the program and supported the premise behind it. “A lot of people I know have ‘died,’ which has definitely been really scary and eye-opening,” said junior Maggie Gilligan. “I definitely think people are mature enough at this point to take this seriously and understand that this is something that is very real and present.” The assembly on April 13 added to the chilling reminder that any peer could be killed as a result of a bad decision. A movie was shown depicting the previous day’s events, and a guest speaker, Officer Vic Kennedy, served as a powerful and emotional addition to the program. He told the story of his brother who was killed by a drunk driver in 1981, and left the students with a very significant image. “Think about someone, anyone, that you love, and imagine that you are the one to kill them.”

1 in 3 Americans

will be involved in an alcohol-related crash in their lifetime.

An average drunk driver has driven drunk 87 times before first arrest.

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APRIL 28, 2011

ing O t:

Cartoons by Michael Matthes

FEATURE

Digging into the Lifestyles of WJ’s Vegetarians and Vegans

By Taliah Dommerholt President George W. Bush once said, “I do not like broccoli. And I haven’t liked it since I was a little kid and my mother made me eat it. And I’m President of the United States and I’m not going to eat any more broccoli.” While the President might not have been a huge fan of vegetables, many students at WJ practice vegetarianism and have very different opinions from the President. According to the United States Harris Polling system, only 3.4% of adults in the U.S. follow strict diets that exclude all meat, poultry and seafood, however vegetarianism is still something people are aware of in the community. People may choose to not eat meat for ethical issues with the consumption of animals or for religious reasons. Many times the animals that are slaughtered live in incredibly cramped conditions and eat feed packed with hormones, according to the USDA. Vegetarians do not want to buy into the cruelty of the meat industry and also do not want to consume meat full of antibiotics and chemicals. “At first it was because I was really against the slaughtering of animals,” said junior Elise Rudt, who first became a vegetarian in second grade, took a break during middle school and began the practice again during high school. “It really bothered me that what I was eating had eaten something else.” Yet others choose this lifestyle for environmental reasons. According to a study by Cornell University, the U.S. could feed eight hundred million people with the grain that they feed to livestock. It takes an estimated forty-one million tons of plant protein to feed U.S. livestock that produce only seven million tons of animal protein for human consumption. “One person can really make a difference,” said junior Rebeca Figueiredo,

who became a vegan a little over two and a half years ago. “I really care about the humane aspects and the impacts on the environment.” Both say that following their diets is not very difficult. Living in the D.C. area, they can usually find meal options when going out to eat. There are also many vegetarian restaurant choices, such as the Vegetable Garden on Rockville Pike. “Except if you go to a fast food restaurant,” said Rudt, “then be prepared to eat the fruit cups.” While it may seem impossible to live without meat, veganism and vegetarianism have many beneficial aspects and the practice can even be enjoyable. “Being a vegetarian is really fun and it allows you to test your body in a new way,” said Rudt, who enjoys the challenge and plans to keep her diet for years to come. Although some may worry that they will not have a well-rounded diet if they give up meat, there are many alternative ways to get protein. In Rudt’s case, she gets it from eggs and milk, while Figueiredo gets protein from tofu, cereals and soymilk. Both Figueiredo and Rudt were not big meat eaters to begin with, and do not miss their old diets. “The cravings were only in the beginning,” said Figueiredo. “Now that it’s all out of my system, I don’t even think about it anymore.”

Walter Johnson All School Booster Club We are here to support YOU! TEAMS AND CLUBS CAN EARN MONEY FROM BOOSTERS IN THESE WAYS: 1) Sign up to work the concession stand at any of the events posted. All groups who work will receive $100. 2) Sponsor, create and run a fundraising event that is co-sponsored with Booster. Take advantage of the events we already use to raise funds, or ask us to help you with your own fundraiser. 3) Direct request for assistance. Request assistance through our Funding Request Form. TO JOIN THE BOOSTER CLUB – Look for our flier ONLINE at www.wjboosterclub.com. GOT BOOSTER?

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

APRIL 28, 2011

spring awakening

Models: Junior Maya Bowman, Sophomore Kristen Larrick, Junior Ginger Mayhew, Sophomore Sophie Spencer-Zavos, Junior Olivia Stearn

By Eleanor Janhunen and Sasha Tycko

The sun was warm but the wind was chill. You know how it is with an April day. -Robert Frost

Photos by Sasha Tycko

The peace and love fashion trends of the 1970s will be resurrected this spring. To incorporate this look in modern times, it’s all in the details. Bohemian bags, fringe accents, oversized sunglasses, wide-leg pants and vests all accomplish this ‘70s chic. And for this head-to-toe look, the perfect platform shoe will finish off your ensemble in style. This season will also see the resurgence of hats, headbands, hair clips and other hair accessories. To enjoy the sunny weather in style, chapeaus – including fedoras and sun hats – should be your go-to accessory. Funky headbands and hair clips are also fabulous for the season as they transition perfectly from day to evening. These hair accoutrements are far ranging, with flowers, bows, patterns and unique printed fabrics all adding a great pop to any outfit. A ‘70s offshoot, the peasant look, will also be featured for spring 2011. To achieve this style, include over-the-knee to floor-length skirts and maxi dresses. Overall, when trying to conquer this trend, look for looser-fitting clothes as opposed to tight or short alternatives. A great way to accommodate the flowy look on a less drastic scale is by wearing the boyfriend jean, more baggy and casual than the popular skinny-leg jeans and perfect for spring’s transient weather. For this spring fashion review, The Pitch is not only bringing you the latest looks off of the fashion week runways, but showing WJ students working these trends using their own wardrobes. All the looks shown are of students’ creation, displaying the creativity you can have with your own clothes this spring. To supplement the items in your closet, inexpensive options can also enliven your wardrobe.

D&G

Thakoon

Photos courtesy of elle.com

Ferragamo

Every spring is the only spring - a perpetual astonishment. -Ellis Peterson

the

Pitch

APRIL 28, 2011

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

April hath put a spirit of youth in everything. -William Shakespeare

I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose I would always greet it in a garden. -Ruth Stout

spring fashion in stores Sunglasses, forever21.com

Dustbowl leather cuff, freepeople.com

Blouse, hm.com

Straw hat, hm.com Colorful flames headwrap, forever21.com

Paisley chiffon skirt, forever21.com

Wide leg linen sailor pant, freepeople.com

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Salute to Satire

By Sophie Meade Arts and Entertainment Editor I can’t hide anymore. I have to reveal the truth I have tried to cover for so long behind supposed “opinions”... I just want attention. Lots of it. I believe that when I was born, heavenly stardust fell gently on my brow, branding me permanently with all-encompassing superiority. So when I get all worked up about some “issue” it’s really just because I love to make a huge deal out of everything. I get “offended” at things that are actually just harmless jokes because I crave that moment when everyone’s paying attention to me! What I’m really trying to tell you is…I have no soul! Whew. That was exhilarating. Yet, ultimately unsatisfying.When I sat down to write this column, I was determined to vent my frustration toward certain negative receptions of my last piece. But now, I find myself wondering why I so naturally resorted to satire, a veiled form of expression, when I could just as easily have been straightforward. When my last column came out, a friend told me she was surprised I had been so direct because she would have expected me to be more sarcastic than genuine. She asked, “Did I have to force myself not to be satirical when I was writing?” I shrugged and said, “No, I just wrote it and it came out that way,” not really giving it a second thought. But now, as it stare at my first paragraph of biting sarcasm, I wonder why my thoughts came out that way. What spurs the choice between sarcasm and straightforwardness? And is it really a choice or more of a subconscious expression? Many of us probably use sarcasm when we want to be especially harsh or dismissively flippant—two opposite ends of the spectrum. However, even with these various intentions, there must be some internal emotions toward our subject of satire that we are not fully aware of. Either that or there’s a little elf in my brain telling me to write satirically against my own will. When I return to that first paragraph of defensive disdain, I realize that it is loaded with traces of my insecurities. For example, in saying, “I just want attention. Lots of it,” I was inadvertently exposing my fear that people think I crave attention more than anything else. I go on to mention my “superiority” and tendency to “make a huge deal out of everything,” both of which are accusations I am hypersensitive to because I believe people perceive me this way. Looking back, it’s pretty obvious that satire is more than just a form of argument—it’s a release of negative emotion and personal anxiety. But instead of channeling these feelings into positive solutions, satire and sarcasm simply dump them onto the reader. Despite my argumentative nature, I truly want receptive readers. So I am prepared to make a sacrifice. That’s right. I, Sophie Meade, officially forfeit my claim to satire.

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16 Out of Left Field:

Water for Elephants

APRIL 28, 2011

Spring Cinema Movie Reviews

By Ian Green

I may not be the best person to review this movie. Sweeping romantic epics based on books I haven’t read starring the dude from Twilight aren’t my usual cup of tea. However, with the film “Water for Elephants,” I really tried. But ultimately the breathtaking cinematography doesn’t stop the fact that it’s a deeply flawed, schmaltzy film that falls below its lofty aspirations. It stars Robert Pattinson as Jacob, a young college student whose promising career as a veterinarian ends when his parents die. He stumbles upon a traveling circus train and befriends the sinister circus leader August (Christoph

Arthur

Waltz) whose wife Marlena (Reese Witherspoon) is the star attraction for the circus and for Jacob. Drama and romance ensue. The biggest problem with the film is the utter lack of chemistry between Jacob and Marlena. The flat acting from Witherspoon and the brooding pained looks that make up Pattinson’s limited repertoire of facial expressions further this lack of chemistry. In fact, more sparks fly between Pattinson and the elephant, and when Witherspoon enters she’s clearly the third wheel. The elephant is the best part of the movie by far, and when a non-human actor is the most enjoyable part of your movie, then it’s probably one to skip.

By Josh Benjamin

I guess being married to pop star Katy Perry has given Russell Brand the confidence to remake this 1981 Oscar-nominated film starring Dudley Moore and Liza Minnelli. Brand plays Arthur Bach, a spoiled, drunken billionaire wasting his family fortune on childish toys and foolish games. Tired of his ridiculous antics, his mother Vivienne (Geraldine James) will cut off his inheritance unless he marries Susan Johnson (Jennifer Garner), a woman of similar status who, oddly enough, is in it for the money as well. But one day while prancing around the streets of New York, Brand meets Naomi Quinn (Greta Gerwig), an illegal tour guide at Grand Central Station, who really wants to be a children’s writer. Not knowing how to make up his mind between his newfound love or his love of money, Brand turns to his trustful nanny Hobson (Helen Mirren) for advice. The movie lacks memorable lines and performances, but is saved with the comedic performance of Brand and his widely unexpected match, Mirren. Brand has clearly cornered the market on playing the party animal stereotype but is capable of so much more.

The Conspirator By Daniel Gorelik

The legendary Robert Redford returns to direct a new masterpiece following great films like “A River Runs Through It” and “The Legend of Bagger Vance.” “The Conspirator” is a brilliant retelling of the trial of Mary Surratt (Robin Wright), a woman accused of being a conspirator in the assassination plot of Abraham Lincoln, and the union soldier-turned-lawyer (James McAvoy) who has to defend her. The film highlights the aftermath of Lincoln’s death and goes deep into the complex moral issues that arose in the political world as a result. Much of the film is set in the courthouse where Surratt is being tried and Redford portrays the injustice of the entire trial, as she was presumed guilty before she ever set foot in court. A largely underrated cast is able to shine in the movie, with an especially fantastic performance from McAvoy. Once again, he demonstrates great passion and the ability to take on a more serious role. Overall, “Conspirator” depicts a very interesting and historic moment in American history. For those who enjoy watching courtroom and crime dramas, “Conspirator” is fascinating due to its in-depth story and shocking outcome.

Photos courtesy of conspiratorthemovie.com, waterforelephants.com and arthurthemovie.warnerbrothers.com

Dub J: Dubstep Music and Culture

Finding a home in the halls Barely two years ago, few at WJ would have even recognized the bassdriven sound of the UK’s popular musical export, Dubstep, as music. Now, it is rare to find someone who hasn’t listened to this musical genre and formed an opinion on its style, a sub genre of electronic music focused on oscillating bass, ranging from disgust to head-over-heels love. While big names like Rusko have been in circulation at WJ since 2009, this school year is truly the year of Dubstep because more people listen to it and love it than ever before. And it isn’t only WJ students who have jumped on the bandwagon. Britney Spears famously used heavy electronic bass in “Hold it Against Me,” Dubstep dominates this year’s rave lineups, UKF You tube videos garner millions of hits, and radio stations like Hot! 99.5 and surprisingly even NPR have played the genre. But how did we go from people professing disgust upon hearing Dubstep and ridiculing it as “just sound” to All Things Considered championing it? The answer seems to be both the change

By Cameron Keyani of WJ in the composition of the music and in the culture surrounding it. While Dubstep’s origins as a soothing and docile British sub genre of Jamaican Dub are nice enough, the loud, bassey “Brostep” that came to America had both a culture and sound that was loud, ecstasy influenced, and dirty. Not only did the music, like the bass overkill of Datsik and Excision, deviate from actual Dubstep, but the

Illustration by Michael Matthes

culture that surrounded it was that of hard-partying ravers. The rave culture is controversial, mostly due to the powerful and potentially dangerous drugs associated with it, and its intensity can be off-putting for those used to attending tame Rihanna and Lady Gaga concerts. Now Dubstep artists have been brought to form by incorporating other types of music and both sampling and creating their own music to complement the deep, shifting bass present in most of the genre. Artists like Skrillex bring a whole new dimension to the genre, taking cues from Techno to make more rhythmic music. Meanwhile, British mastermind Flux Pavilion uses heavy bass but incorporates catchy samples from other songs to soften the blow. And then there’s the purist, James Blake, who makes more soulful songs true to actual Dubstep. While Dubstep seems ready to continue its evolution and popularity, detractors say that it is a musical fad that has reached its peak. Only one thing is for certain, Dubstep Fever has WJ infected.

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APRIL 28, 2011

SPORTS

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SPORTS

APRIL 28, 2011

A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO SPRING SPORTS History, stats and even some colorful lingo of popular spring sports

Baseball

By Parker Smith

Where It Comes From Although the true originator of the sport is oft-debated, many credit Abner Doubleday with inventing baseball. In a truly great act of plagiarism, Doubleday modeled the sport after a game he saw being played in a cornfield that involved hitting a ball with a stick.

Photo from Pitch Archives

Here at Walter Johnson, a school named after the great pitcher for the Washington Senators, coach Kim Ahearn has headed the baseball program for over 30 years.

Important records Most Career Home runs 1. Barry Bonds 768* 2. Hank Aaron 756 3. Babe Ruth 714 Most Career Hits 1. Pete Rose 4,256 2. Ty Cobb 4,189 3. Hank Aaron 3,771 Most Career Wins 1. Cy Young 511 2. Walter Johnson 417 3. Grover Alexander 373 3. Christy Mathewson 373

Historic Teams New York Yankees Many people may call them the Evil Empire, but the Yankees are the most historic franchise in baseball history. The Yankees have amassed 27 World Series Championships, and have featured legends such as Babe Ruth, Joe Dimaggio, Mickey Mantle and Yogi Berra. Boston Red Sox Representing the New England area for more than 100 years, the Red Sox have a passionately devoted fan base referred to as “Red Sox Nation.” Since breaking their 86-year World Series championship drought and ending the Babe Ruth curse in 2004, the Red Sox have won another World Series, and are consistently one of the better franchises in the MLB. But speaking of curses... Chicago Cubs In the past decade the Cubs watched as the Red Sox and the White Sox snapped long World Series droughts. In an era of curse-breaking, the Cubs are still cursed. Despite being a historic franchise, the Cubs haven’t won a title since 1908. For historical context, in 1908… - The radio had not been invented - Larry King’s father was 8-years-old - Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Oklahoma and New Mexico had not yet become U.S. states

The Asterisk In recent years, the asterisk has become far and away baseball’s most discussed typographical symbol. This comes as a result of high-profile steroid allegations against some of the game’s best players (see Mark McGwire, Roger Clemens, and “Mr. Asterisk” Barry Bonds). Many figures in the baseball world suggest that records set by these superstars should have an asterisk next to them to indicate that the record was set under the influence of performance enhancing drugs. Granted, the jury is still out on some of these “juiced” players (literally and figuratively), and the issue still looms large as the MLB looks to move out of the “Steroid Era.” Photo courtesy of Flikr

Lacrosse

Where it comes from Lacrosse originated as a sacred game played by various Iriquois tribes in what is now upstate New York. Lacrosse was known as “Tewaarton” to the tribes that played it, which translates to “little brother of war,” and tribes often used lacrosse to train for battle. Today, the Iriquois nation maintains a team that competes internationally against teams in the United States and Canada. The Lax Bro Lacrosse, maybe more than any other sport, has a unique culture that surrounds it. The “lax bro,” a name for someone who plays lacrosse and abides by this culture, exhibits many of the following characteristics: - has long hair referred to as “flow” - wears lacrosse pennies in non-athletic situations - wears flat-brimmed fitted hats - owns stylish sunglasses In talking to these bros one might come across some of these terms “B-T-B”- short for behind-the-back, a shot in which the player shoots by moving his stick behind his back “Rip”- term for a shot, particularly shooting with exceptional velocity and accuracy “Top Cheddar”- when a shot hits the upper part of the goal “Pipe City/Wesley Pipes”- when a shot hits the post of the goal “Yard Sale”- when a player hits another player’s stick out of their hands “Spoon”- name for the lacrosse stick

Photo by Alexandra Sanfuentes

Historic Teams The most mainstream brand of lacrosse is seen at the collegiate level. Here are the sport’s most historic teams.

Johns Hopkins Lacrosse has been this Baltimore school’s primary athletic endeavor since it played its first season in 1883. The team has made the most of the talent that surrounds it in the Baltimore area, helping the Blue Jays to an all-time record of 902-290 to accompany an incredible 44 national championships (27 more than the next team). Navy Much like Hopkins, Navy has benefited from a plethora of talent that lies on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Its campus in Annapolis attracts droves of lacrosse talent, and helped the Midshipmen to 17 national titles since playing their first season in 1908. Syracuse Probably the best team over the past 10 years, Syracuse’s teams represent the lacrosse hotbed of upstate New York. The Orangemen have won 14 national crowns, including five in the 2000s.

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APRIL 28, 2011

SPORTS

Patience Rewards Boys Volleyball By Hannah Flesch Coming into this season, the boys volleyball team has tremendous expectations after finishing 11-1 last year and making it to the third round of playoffs. Despite losing all-star senior and the highest ranked setter Jeremy Lee, the team returned a wealth of experience led by senior co-captain Juan Pablo Zuluaga, senior Felipe Corte and junior Halid Hamadi, all of whom were voted by MCPS coaches as WJ’s Top Volleyball Players. “We were expecting to have the same record or a perfect season,” said Zuluaga. Expectations can only get a team so far; at this point in the season, the team has looked decent, but has already lost two games in its first seven, displaying their vulnerability. “Those two losses [to Richard Montgomery and Blair] were tough for us because of the expectation we had for this season but they helped us a lot to improve our game because that’s when we really got to know our weaknesses as a team and as individual players,” said Zuluaga. The ‘Cats defeated the Rockets last year in a thrilling five set match, but did not have the same luck this time around and lost in another fiveset match, 20-25, 25-22, 24-26, 25-22, 11-15. “Although it really sucks losing as a team we can learn from these early mistakes and bounce back rather than being blindsided by our future opponents,” said senior co-captain James Lillie. The early tough losses have produced a promising turn for the team’s season as the team is (as of Apr. 26) riding a four-game winning streak, all completed within three sets. Carrying this momentum into the

late part of the season and into playoffs will be the biggest test for the Wildcats this year. High expectations this season have proved to be the Wildcats’ hurdle when it comes to winning consistently. The quest for perfection was an attractive yet demanding possibility for the team, but the two early losses in this season has proved the team has not overcome this expectation. The pressures of a perfect season can sometimes prove as an obstacle in the success of a team. “We are a very competitive team who hates losing so we always feel that we have to win,” said Zuluaga. Volleyball powerhouses Blair and Richard Montgomery proved to be tough challenges for WJ, and playing these teams in the season may be what the Cats need to be ready for playoffs. “Everyone needs a challenge,” said coach Sylvie Ellen. “It gets us playing competitively. We just have to tackle the mental hurdles this year.” The schedule will ease up a bit for the Wildcats with a home game against B-CC tomorrow at 5:15 p.m and a visit to Rockville May 2, to round out the season, but the team knows it will have to play each game with a hard attitude. While the team hasn’t been perfect in the regular season, the playoffs present a fresh season where perfecPhoto by Stefany Carty tion really matters. “We just want to improve our game no matter Junior Leron Gill and senior James Lillie use teamwhat so we can do well in playoffs,” said Zuluaga. work that has been a vital element to their late A perfect regular season may be out of the question, success. but a perfect postseason will satisfy any team’s hunger for success, especially this one’s.

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STAT SHEET

Boys Lacrosse Colin Dabney Jake Verner JP Brennan Sean Geier Alex Schiponi

-team leadersGirls Lacrosse Goals

30 23 21 16 9

Assists

7 23 11 8 4

10:19.69

time it took for the WJ boys distance medley relay, comprised of seniors Michael Li, Nick Regan, and Alex Willett and junior Josh Ellis, to win the event at Woodward relays.

37’ 4.5”

the distance jumped by Laura Dally in the triple jump, making her the champion at Woodward relays

Goals

50 28 24 14

Jessica Goldstone

Megan Brody Goalie Stats

Save%

Paige Waqa

Gus Gill Tyler Modjeska

.474 .370 .222 Innings Pitched

Bethany Buel Sarah Bernstein Hannah Flesch Katie Levingston Bethany Buel *all stats as of April 26

Boys Lacrosse

WJ vs. Sherwood When: TONIGHT @ 7 Where: SHERWOOD Girls Lacrosse

WJ vs. Sherwood When: TONIGHT @ 7 Where: WJ

Assists

23 7 16 9

GAA

10.4

PENN RELAYS When: TODAY 4/28-SUNDAY 4/30 Where: UPENN

Baseball

WJ vs. Springbrook When: SATURDAY 4/30 @ 130 Where: SPRINGBROOK

Softball

Pitcher Stats

.587 AVG

Tyler Modjeska Caldwell Clarke Dylan Campbell Pitcher Stats

-the week ahead-

Track & Field

Rachel Skay Bryn Molloy

Baseball -the numbers-

Hits

9 10 6 K

17.2 5.2

28 11

AVG

Hits

.500 .457 .400 .344 IP

14 16 10 11 K

RBI

7 7 10

ERA

1.19 0.00 RBI

7 5 6 8

ERA

2.58

WJ vs. Springbrook When: FRIDAY 4/29 @ 330 Where: SPRINGBROOK Boys Volleyball

WJ vs. B-CC When: FRIDAY 4/29 @ 515 Where: WJ Coed Volleyball

WJ vs. B-CC When: FRIDAY 4/29 @ 7 Where: WJ Gymnastics

WJ vs. Gaithersburg & Blake When: TODAY 4/28 @ 5 Where: BLAKE

Sports

A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO SPRING S P O R T S

APRIL 28, 2011

Boys volleyball peaking at the 19 right time

Photos by Stefany Carty

Girls Lacrosse Dominates

By Phillip Resnick

Secondary scoring, stellar defense have been key to undefeated start

After being ousted in the playoffs by Sherwood last year following an 8-4 regular season, the girls lacrosse team faced many unanswered questions coming in to the 2011 season. Eight games into the season, many, if not all of these questions have been answered. Players at every position have stepped up their game, and the team has an impressive 8-0 record and a great chance to win the 4A East division, and the 4A East region. Of the unanswered pre-season questions was who would step up to play goalie. The answer came in the form of junior Paige Waqa, who had never played goalie prior to this year.Waqa currently owns the third best save percentage in the county (58.7%), has been called the best goaltender in the county by The Gazette. “Paige has done much better than I expected,” said first year coach Chrissy Yetter. “This is her first year ever picking up a lacrosse stick, let alone stepping in the goal and taking all the shots.” As expected, senior midfielder Rachel Skay continues to dominate the competition day in and day out. Skay leads the team in goals (50; 6.25 per game) and in assists (23). Skay has improved the chemistry with her teammates this season and, combined with an improved shot, she has put together a stellar offensive season. “I have been connecting with my teammates on the field in order to make key passes and create scoring opportunities,” said Skay. “I think my shots have improved a little [along with] my overall ability to work with my team.” Skay, however, hasn’t had to do it alone on offense. Junior Bryn Molloy (28 goals) and senior Jessica Goldstone (24 goals) have helped the team by providing secondary scoring, allowing the team more ways to score. On the other end of the field, it seems that no one can crack the Wildcats defense this season. Led by senior co-captain Sarah Howie, the team has allowed only 6.75 goals per game while scoring at a clip of 16.13 gpg.Yetter is impressed with how the unit plays as a team instead of as individuals. “[The girls have] done much better as a defensive unit and they came together a lot quicker than I expected,” said Yetter. “One day they just all clicked and since then we have been able to hold teams to only scoring in the single digits.” However, Yetter doesn’t think that the defensive unit has reached its peak potential yet, a promising prospect for a team who has already been shutting down opposing offenses. “I expect my Defensive to get better and better every day,” said Yetter. Howie has led the defense, and is very happy with the dedication her fellow defenders have shown to the defensive system. “We’ve put in so much effort and it’s really paid off. We work hard in practice and leave everything on the field. We work together and trust each other,” she said The team began the year by defeating Wootton 1612 in a very close game and grinding out a 9-4 win against a very talented Poolesville team, but since then they have been dominating teams, running up

Photos by Dave Dabney

Junior goalie Paige Waqa (bottom, goalie) and senior defender Kristen Dabney (top right, number 7) have been integral parts of the Wildcat defense that has aided the scoring of senior midfielder Rachel Skay (top left) in putting together an 8-0 start.

the score while smothering teams with their defense. Today, the Lady Wildcats look to avenge last year’s heartbreaking playoff loss against Sherwood. The team hasn’t played a game since April 13, when they beat Magruder 26-9, a layoff of over two weeks, so rust may be a factor in today’s game. “It will be a big challenge to come back after spring break with only three practices before the Sherwood game, but I have all the confidence in the world in my girls that they will do what it takes over break to come

back [even stronger],” said Yetter. After Sherwood, the team heads into their toughest part of their schedule, facing on Monday, May 2 a B-CC team that has played well and undefeated state semifinalist Churchill on Wednesday May 4. “I think Churchill is going to be the toughest game of our season,” said Howie. “We’ve always had it out for one another and I think we can break their winning streak for the season.