May 25, 2012 Issue of The Pitch

The Pitch Walter Johnson High School

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May 25, 2012

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Volume 57 Issue 8

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6400 Rock Spring Drive, Bethesda, MD 20814

Photo by Julia Cinquegrani

Inside, Check Out:

ial, Edito5r -8 pgs.

Feature, pgs. 9-12

Arts & Ent., pgs. 13-16

Sports, pgs. 17-20

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NEWS

MAY 25, 2012

Wildcat Teachers on the Move Two teachers reflect on their time at WJ as their final year comes to a close

KEELEY HAGAN Social Studies

KATHERINE THOMAS Foreign Language

Photo by Claudia Nguyen

Photo by Emily Cosentino

By Zach Williams

By Claudia Nguyen

In anticipation of her new child, social studies teacher Keeley Hagan will be departing WJ for maternity leave at the end of the school year.

Hagan said her favorite part about working at WJ has been the “daily interaction with [her] students,” and many of them are sad to see her leave.

Hagan came to Maryland in 2001 after teaching for two years in Kentucky, and has been working at WJ for 12 years.

During her time at WJ, she has worked as a senior class advisor for six years, taken seven trips to Europe and coached poms. When Hagan leaves, she said the people she will miss the most are the other social studies teachers. “[WJ] is like a second home to me,” she said, adding that she plans to visit WJ in the future.

After teaching for seven years, foreign language teacher Katherine Thomas will be leaving WJ. Formerly Katherine Baird, Thomas married during spring break this past year, changing her last name. Next year, she plans to teach at Seneca Valley High School as the new foreign language resource teacher. “[When] this opportunity came up, I thought it was just too good to pass up,” said Thomas.

During her time at WJ, Thomas has taught both Spanish and several levels of French classes. Thomas said making the choice to leave WJ was a difficult decision because she has grown to love her students and colleagues.

“I feel like I definitely have a community here,” she said.

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS Dear Pitch Readers, Thank you so much for reading The Pitch this year. We truly enjoyed bringing you the best of WJ in each and every issue. We also love the fact that the online paper, wjpitch.com, has risen in popularity with more hits on the Internet.

This issue is specifically dedicated to the seniors, the class of 2012. You’ll see a number of pages that celebrate these awesome students’ accomplishments, culminating four years of hard work and success.

We also have the best-dressed of Prom and a summer playlist in the Arts and Entertainment section to get you in the end-of-school-year mood. Please check out The Pitch Online for the links to those songs and also for Ask Ali’s signoff.

We’re excited to leave you with the best issue yet and hand off to the next editors-in-chief, print editors Phillip Resnick, Sari Amiel and online editor Megan Chun.

Best of luck in your future endeavors class of 2012, and for all underclassmen, congrats on finishing another year and we hope you enjoy next year’s Pitch even more.

Sincerely, Print-editors-in-chief Rosie Hammack, Hannah Flesch and online-editor-in-chief Ali Jawetz

Photo by Steven Groobert

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MAY 25, 2012

NEWS

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Small Gym, Big Art: Fine Arts Festival Displays Student Work

By Ellie Jorling At the end of the school year, spring sports teams have playoffs, chorus and band have spring concerts, and WJ’s art department has the annual Fine Arts Festival.

But only the latter involves every student taking an art class at WJ. The festival runs from May 22 to May 24 in the small gym during the entire school day and from 6:00 to 9:00 every evening. This undertaking is no small task for the students and faculty involved.

“In the week leading up to the festival, most of the art classes are frantically trying to matte and label all of their work,” said senior Helena Klassen, who is in AP Studio Art. “[Students] start setting up the [small] gym with the art on the day of the festival.”

Art Resource Teacher Stephanie Ellis started the Fine Arts Festival when she came to WJ almost a decade ago.

“Every year we have teachers and parents and even just the other kids that are wowed by how much talent we have here [in the art department],” said Ellis. “It’s a great confidence boost [for students].”

Students typically choose to display the pieces they feel they have done the best job on, and choose between one and 10 pieces, depending on the level of their class.

The Fine Arts Festival is also a prime way for students to showcase exactly what the curriculum is like in their specific classes, and to recruit new students to art classes.

“I think sometimes it’s hard for people to who aren’t in the art department to always understand how much work we put into our art throughout the year,” said junior Maddy Bazil, who takes AP Studio Art and Fashion and Merchandise. “The art show is when we get to show it off a little for people to appreciate. That’s also the most nerve-wracking…because you’re basically just putting the highlights of a year’s worth of your art on the walls and letting everyone look at it.”

Once everything is set up, both Bazil and Klassen enjoy seeing pieces from other classes, especially from classes that they have not taken in the past, such as ceramic sculptures and advanced photography subjects Despite the craziness that occurs preceding the festival, Klassen, Bazil and Ellis all agree that the hard work is worth the outcome.

“There is so much talent at this school and it feels great to be a part of it,” said Klassen. “People will come up to you and compliment you on your work and it’s really nice. I think WJ has one of the best art departments in Montgomery County, and it has been great to experience it. The art show helps solidify that feeling.”

Although the festival is a large undertaking for Ellis, seeing the final product is worth the stress.

“It’s so crazy before [the festival], and it’s so crazy afterward,” said Ellis.

“But there’s this brief moment when everything’s up…and there’s music and there’s people milling around and you can hear people going, ‘That’s really cool!’ That’s my favorite part.”

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Photos by Steven Groobert

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1. Senior Spencer Razick’s art.

2. Senior Kathleen Branthover displays one of her pictures at the festival.

3. At front, freshman Tess Crowley’s sculputre.

4. Students explore the art displays at the festival.

5. An arial view of the Fine Arts Festival.

6. Senior Josh Ellis arranges his work during the set up of the festival.

7. Freshmen Katie McGill and Maayan Albert’s collaboration for their ceramics class.

8. Digital art teacher Paul Engelhardt directs students as they set up their work.

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MAY 25, 2012

Following the Leaders: Baker, SGA Reflect on 2011-2012

Principal Jennifer Baker

By Julia Cinquegrani Q: What is your favorite part of being principal?

A: I really like the fact that I work with students, parents, teachers, my administrative staff and the leadership teams. I just like the fact that everybody comes to my door with a different issue, and we sit down together and figure out what we’re going to do. I also like the celebratory aspects of congratulating students when they’re signing to play sports at a college, or just talking to people in the hall and hearing what their plans are for next year.

Student Government Officers

By Claudia Nguyen Jake Karlin, President (JK) Josh Brenits, Vice President (JB) Santi De Paco, Treasurer (SD)

Q: How was the experience of coordinating Pennies for Patients?

JB: It was definitely such a great month, being involved in all these events and knowing that everything you’re doing is for such a good cause. Every single dollar of that 58,000 we counted personally. It was really labor intensive, but in the end it was totally worth it.

JK: Everything that we’ve worked for since the beginning of WJ has led up to this, where we did someQ: What are you least favorite parts of being thing really awesome for a lot of underprivileged, sick principal? people.

A: I think the toughest part is having difficult conversations with people about choices that they have Q: What were some of your goals, and were made. So let’s say a student makes a bad choice, it’s re- you able to accomplish all of them? ally hard to sit down with students and sit down with SD: Initially our goal was just not to lose [Pennies parents. It can be rewarding in the end when you work for Patients]. Every SGA [wants] to pass last year. But through the problem. this year, just not only passing them, but going that extra mile, going 58,000, coming in first in the nation Q: How does being principal of a high school and beating [most other schools] by at least 20,000. compare to middle school?

JB: It’s so cool, everybody in this school was a part A: It’s the same title, but at high school it’s so much of something incredibly special and I think in 20 or 30 bigger. The problems at the high school level are big. years, we’ll be able to look back and say, “Wow, we reEverything counts. Your grades count because they’re ally did something special.” going on your transcript and colleges see that.Your deJK: If you raise 20,000 dollars, they have a grant at cisions count, because if they’re good decisions, really a research center in the school’s name. We’re funding great things happen, and if they’re bad decisions then two or three whole research grants where people are sometimes that can mean really dramatic things. legitimately trying to cure cancer. It’s really great to be in first place, but once it really hit us, the impact it’s Q: What do you consider to be the biggest making is even better. changes that you made this year?

A: I don’t really think that I made a lot of changes Q: How is your relationship with Mr. [Nico] because when coming into a school like WJ, the goal Atencio and the leadership class? is not to make huge, sweeping changes. The goal is to SD: Atencio is our dad. help enhance what’s already going on. I do consult JK: We call him “dad.” It’s sort of been this inwith Dr. [Christopher] Garran a lot and ask in certain side joke ever since the homecoming movie, and situations what he would do. I didn’t want to come in [ever since] we started calling Atencio “dad.” and do things dramatically different from what he did JB: He’s such a cool guy. He really knows how to because I thought he did a really great job. buckle down and get business taken care of. He can be really strict and [makes] sure that all of us are focused, Q: What have you learned from being princi- but [it’s] because he expects us to do great things. He’s pal this year? our mentor. He also knows how to just joke around A: I’ve learned that listening is very important. I with the class. work with a lot of very smart people and they have SD: [In leadership,] we’ve gone through so much really great ideas, so I’ve learned to guide from a dis- stuff together. tance. I am so excited to be around the students at WJ. JK: We’ve had some awkward moments. At the It’s really an amazing school, and I’ve learned that it’s end of the day, we all know we’re part of something really important to me to keep it like that and to figure together and we respect each other for that. out how to continue helping WJ become one of the best schools in the United States.

Q: Because former principal Christopher Garran was so well-loved, did you feel like you had big shoes to fill upon replacing him?

A: Oh definitely. I’ve known Dr. Garran for a long time because I’d taught here with him, and I respect him a lot. He’s been a great mentor and advisor since I’ve been here. I knew that I had big shoes to fill but I wasn’t intimidated. One goal for myself is to follow in his legacy but also create a legacy of my own.

Q: Do you foresee any changes being implemented in the future?

A: I want WJ to continue on the path that it’s been on. I really want to focus on helping all students be successful. I love that fact that we have college level classes here but we also need to make sure that we’re offering something for everybody. Also, when students come here I want them to be able to see themselves here and find areas that they’re interested in [extracurricularly]. I always want us to be a very inclusive school.

Left: (from top to bottom) SGA Vice President Josh Brenits, Treasurer Santi De Paco, President Jake Karlin.

Top right: Treasurer Santi De Paco, Vice President Josh Brenits, President Jake Karlin.

Bottom right: Vice President Josh Brenits, President Jake Karlin, Treasurer Santi De Paco.

Photos by Emily Cosentino

Photo by Emily Cosentino

From top to bottom: Vice President Josh Brenits, Treasurer Santi De Paco, President Jake Karlin.

Q: What advice would you give next year’s SGA? SD: There’s always something that’s going to happen. Sometimes it will lead things in the right direction, but most of the time it’s going to be the opposite and you’re going to have to work through that.

JB: It’s cliché, but expect the unexpected. You can plan for everything, but you never know what’s going to happen. But also, good things can come out of things that are seemingly bad.

JK: Be prepared to work [and] sacrifice your free time. It takes up part of your senior year, but it’ll make one of the most memorable years you’ll have.

Q: What are some perks to being in SGA? SD: I love the pep rallies I don’t know about you but I love [them]. Like, the introductions that just pump me up so much.

JK: Nothing feels better than hearing them say your name in front of 2,300 kids and hearing everyone cheer; it’s just like, surreal.

SD: Our first pep rally, I remember we were discussing which song we wanted to come out with and someone threw out the idea of “Touch the Sky” by Kanye. And literally, every time I hear that song I get so happy because it reminds me of that day and how I felt. It’s just incredible. I love it.

JB: You don’t really feel it as an SGA officer, but even the first week of school, the freshmen kind of know who you are. We associate ourselves with everybody.We try to be diplomatic and represent the school because that’s what we were elected to do. *Secretary Takunda Ndoro was unable to comment.

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Pitch

MAY 25, 2012

EDITORIAL

Pitch Seniors Sign Off Our final reflections DM: “Haha I remember

HF: “Finally making

Rees’s Pieces

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By Nathaniel Rees Print Editorial Editor

Politicizing Gay Rights

The subject of gay marriage has alplaying club penguin with Phillip Resnick in ways been a highly controversial topic.

Ever since the first recorded gay couple, J1.” in Egypt in 2400 B.C., gay and lesbian SG: “My favorite mem- couples have faced hatred, hurdles and ory was all the late night bitter conflicts between the proponents Rosie D a n i e l l e Jenny Deutsch presses.” of gay marriage and its critics.

Hammack Markow- (JD) Due to its controversial nature, (RH) itz (DM) JD: “My favorite mem- most high-ranking officials, including AJ: “The Pitch Online Hannah Flesch ory was getting pro- all of the presidents in the history of Ali Jawetz rocks and y’all should (AJ) (HF) gressively sillier during the United States, have never fully encontinue to take advanpress and wondering dorsed the legalization of gay marriage. tage of it. Also this staff what’s for dinner.”

That is, until President Barack Obama is made up of some of announced that he believes same-sex JC: “I loved seeing stuthe greatest people in Cami Keyani Taliah Dommerholt (TD) couples should be granted the right to dents read and hold the the world.”

(CK) Daniel Thaler Girard Bucello paper. It makes me feel marry on Wed., May 9.

(GB) The fallout from this statement was CK: “Best Pitch mem- Julia Cinquegrani (DT) like all the hard work Steven Groobert huge; the announcement gave an immeory: Meeting various (JC) has paid off.”

(SG) diate jolt to the decades-long movement eccentric and foul mouthed professional nothing for gay equality and caused a rapid backPhoto by Emily Cosentino TD: “There’s journalists who came GB: “It’s been incredible working (or not working, as the case may be) like good music to get lash from its opponents. But as Obama’s statement became the highest trending to talk to our class.” you through press.” with The Pitch staff. Thanks especially to our readers throughout these news topic across America, and newspast few years!” papers and news stations raced to cover event, I only felt confusion, and anBelow is a list of things we never accomplished, either because we the ger.

Almost every single news source ran out of time or they went out of style: focused on the political impact of the ustatement. The impact on Obama’s fight ” viral Yo y a S e l for the presidency. The impact on Mitt p h Peo c t i P Travel overseas to cover The Pitch Online’s t Romney’s campaign. But there was * “S* Make a “C “Top 5 World News Events” firsthand Makevaideo almost no information on the actual a ll Me Maybe” vide tube o impact of the statement on the move toward equality for the LGBT commuA l l get ma Agressively confront t nity. It seemed as though the subject of c h i ng feat Cal Publish a convincin Thomas her hai legalizing gay marriage was just a tool g conspiracy therpieces ory that former advisor Ms. Gates is for politicians to boost their campaigns, e th f o e rela ted u s to Bill is Gat es to the press. e r rs to according te u Make a shatiwait…) p m o c I find this sad. I find it sad that when a J Hack Wccess to Retire- president finally Pitch (o has the courage to take a allow ome Tycoon a stand on an issue that has been skirted ment H Someho over by politicians for decades due to compla w make Ca its contentious nature, most reporters grown tining about mi stop r focus on the political aftermath.

I find e v il s oenail his inGet thehimself it sad that so many people focus on the fox est political, rather than the human aspect to be a gu of the issue. eaker p s The statement may hurt Obama’s hes, c t i chances of reelection. It may not. But P ot istribuW g in regardless of the outcome, Americans e t h v e for watch world record should focus on the fact that this anWer’t for d “ a e i amount oing the most nouncement could spur the LGBT’s Cre*a*tes” T-sh videos in f baby sloth move for equality to victory. one class Bi* days r iod peIn a country that prides itself on the it on fact that “all men are created equal” Photo by Emily Cosentino and have certain “unalienable” rights, but does not convey this belief with its Online editor-in-chief Ali Jawetz treatment of the gay and lesbian populagives advice to any and all subtion, a president’s statement supporting missions at eics.wjpitch.com gay marriage should not be analyzed for its political impact. It should instead be considered as a sign for a hopeful future, one in which all Americans, regardless Dear Scared of Leaving, Dear Ali, of race, background or sexual inclination, are treated equally.

Even those of your friends who are “excited I’m really afraid to graduate high school. Everyone is so Forget the politics. Forget the race for to leave this suburban bubble” are still feeling excited to leave this suburban bubble and move on with the presidency. Focus on the fact that a your same trepidations. I promise you, there their lives, but I’m legitimately worried about relationpresident finally publicly and unequivois not one graduating senior (myself included) ships changing with my best friends, being on my own cally endorsed gay marriage. Focus on who assumes that all of their current comforts in college and just not seeing some of these people ever the fact that maybe, just maybe, the gay and relationships are going to stay the same. again. Do you have any last-minute advice before gradand lesbian population might enjoy the However, our generation has a huge advanuation? How do I maintain relationships with my best equal protection under law that all hutage.... friends? man beings need and deserve. the joke issue was awesome, especially seeing people believe it.”

RH: “Is doing cut-outs a useful skill in real life?”

Ask Ali

“Scared of Leaving”

Sincerely, Scared of Leaving

To see more visit wjpitch.com

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EDITORIAL

MAY 25, 2012

Arlo Perez

at

Senior

“I want to go visit the largest tire in the world.”

Summer is less than a month away. Fresh air, lack of stress from school and the beach are just some of the things students are looking forward to. The Pitch staff asked students what they wanted to do most during the summer.

Ben Jaffe Freshman “Chill out with friends and take it easy.”

Q: What is the one thing you want to do most in the summer and why?

Grace Batista

Brendan Alcantara

“Travel to Europe, because they have hot guys.”

“Sleep. We are sleep deprived children.”

Junior

Freshman

Sid Tan

Claire Weitzner

“I want to practice for varsity basketball.”

“I want to be on America’s Got Talent because I love Howie Mandel.”

Taylor Swift

Val Campanella

Sophomore

Editors-in-Chief Hannah Flesch Rosie Hammack Ali Jawetz* Feature Editors Jenny Deutsch Sari Amiel Megan Chun* Sports Editors Phillip Resnick Daniel Thaler* Editorial Editors Nathaniel Rees Danielle Markowitz*

Sophomore

Senior

Junior

“Go to California with my friend Tyler Pham because it would be awesome.”

“I want to go to camp because I love being away from home.”

THE

STAFF

All photos by Wahid Ishrar

News Editors Julia Cinquegrani The Pitch is published eight times a year by the students of Walter Johnson High School, Girard Bucello* 6400 Rock Spring Drive, Bethesda, Md. 20814. Advertising and subscription rates are Assistant News available by calling 301-803-7302. Editorial opinions represent those of The Pitch staff and Editor do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the staff, faculty, or student body. We welcome Claudia Nguyen letters, articles, photographs and artwork, to be submitted to room 193 or e-mailed to Assistant Arts & eics.wjpitch@gmail.com. The Pitch is an award-winning paper that works towards providEnt. ing the student body with accurate, as well as credible, information.

Editor Emily Cosentino Arts & Entertainment Columbia Scholastic American Scholastic Maryland HS Journalism Award Editor Press Association Press Association Best Newspaper Overall Taliah Dommerholt Gold Medalist First Place Third Place Cameron Keyani* 2009 2010-2011 2009-2010 Advisor Sylvie Ellen *Online Editors

Copy Chief Sari Amiel Copy Editors Megan Chun Nathaniel Rees Claudia Nguyen Artists Anders Norberg Emily Cosentino Photo Editors Emily Cosentino Steven Groobert Cartoonist Michael Matthes

Staff Writers Anders Norberg Matthew Morris Ellie Jorling Ben Resnick Sabrina Clarke Jordan Deeter Wahid Ishrar Ben Levingston Dashel Lewis Ian Morrison Izzy Salant Zach Williams Business/PR Manager Claudia Nguyen

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MAY 25, 2012

Curveball

Picturing the Future

By Rosie Hammack Print Editor-in-Chief I am a self-diagnosed romantic; my future consists primarily of nostalgic, timeworn, faded sepia photographic stills.

In one, a Victorian house with a whitewashed front porch and pillars, black shutters and a stone base, sporadically clung to by scattered green patches of ivy, overlooks a gurgling creek, where my four wild children catch crayfish and guppies, and where I sit on a warm flat rock and write poetry and fiction.

In another, I sit at my computer in a corner office at the National Geographic Magazine headquarters. I am dressed in a silk button-down blouse, a long black pencil skirt, dark tights and black, close-toed heels, and my hair is tied tight in a professional bun. I hold in one hand a raised and blinking recorder; in another, a small spiral notebook filled with scribbled quotes and facts.

The bright and bustling outline of D.C. is etched into the tall panels of windows surrounding me.

In the next, I’m leading a clump of excited elementary school students down rows of historical, anthropological artifacts, pointing out my favorite exhibits and watching their little faces brighten with the novelty of fascinating new facts.

And then I am traversing the jungles of Peru. Machu Picchu towers above, its famous Incan ruins partially hidden by the overgrowth of mammoth trees and the pregnant umbrella of Amazonian clouds.

Romantic, I know, but it is my romance, and within the folds of my consciousness it has therefore taken on its own kind of warped reality. And yet, as I make my steady beeline towards graduation, it is beginning to become painfully apparent that some – if not all – of these stills will never receive the blessing of animation. The inevitable clash of inner realist and romantic has led me to the following understanding: no matter what, I cannot live out each of my fantasies. Each reality, with its own style, flavor and setting requires an entire lifetime of attention to become mine. No matter what, I, the self-diagnosed romantic, will eventually need to let go.

And though it killed me at first thought, I’m finally beginning to come to terms with the fact.

See, the trouble with my fantasized stills is that they are exactly that: fantasy. Try as I might to give life to their bare bones, to breathe motion and color into their static frames, they can never be anything but the shadow of whatever future I actually live out. My little dreams have done their job. They have amused me and provided me with the motivation to do well, and now it’s time for reality to take the reins.

Underclassman romantics, cherish those fantasies with the understanding that in a few short years it will be time: time to sidestep the colorless, lifeless stills, and pick up the vibrant thread of life; time to spin reality.

EDITORIAL

False Security Leads to Unnecessary Deaths

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can only dream of providing their citi- we strictly interpret the Constitution, zens. If anything happens that requires when we haven’t done so in so many police or medical attention, one call to For example, during the 1920s, The ongoing investigation of the 911 brings us assistance within minutes. cases? the government added the 18th Amendtragic shooting of Trayvon Martin by There are thousands of police officers ment, prohibiting the selling and conGeorge Zimmerman in Sanford, Fl. on duty at any given point of time sumption of alcohol.

Later, however, on Feb. 26 has increasingly this prohibition was repealed gained inThe case sparked debate in the 21st Amendment, beterest in over the right of cause the world was changing the nationAmericans to carry guns. and the masses were against al media. prohibition.

Zimmerman Photo courtesy of flickr.com Well, guess what? The world shot Martin is still changing.

We no longer have enonce in the chest on close contact in emies surrounding us, and therefore, claims of “self dewe don’t need to have individuals fense,” leading to On April 11, 2012, a charge carry around their own weapons. This the death of second degree murder was only heightens a sense of paranoia for of Martin. filed against Zimmerman. the population.

They think that the This case highcountry is unsafe, and the only way lights a substantial to ensure safety is to carry around problem your own weapon. in the On Feb. 26, 2012, Trayvon Not only does it heighten the sense ConstituMartin was shot and killed by to ensure of paranoia, but it also directly insults tion of the George Zimmerman. that none the police force of the United States. InUnited of us are stead of appreciating their dedication to States: being vio- public safety, we are telling those who the Second lated in any serve their country that they are not Amendment, which way, physically or mentally. good enough to protect us, and thereguarantees the right to And yet, some states, and fore we need to take safety into our own bear arms. The Second Amendsome citizens, still feel the hands. ment was passed in 1791, a time when need to allow individuals It is time to take a stand against this the country had just formed and was to carry guns, to let them futile attempt at false security. As in the surrounded by enemies on all sides. We take the law into their case of Martin and Zimmerman, it can were still figuring out how to shape the own hands without re- only lead to unnecessary deaths and country, and had not established a solid quiring them to retreat first. And these injuries. We should have the decency national security institution. people have the Second Amendment to to applaud our police force, and at the But now, we live in the 21st cen- back up their claims. same time should not have to experitury, in a country that provides us with After all, the Framers authorized ence such tragedies as the death of Traya level of security that many countries the right to bear arms. But why must von Martin.

By Wahid Ishrar

The AP Dilemma: Are They Worth the Stress? competitive when applying for college.

Additionally, although most students only consider the WGPA boost when selecting classes, it is important to remember that AP courses are called “advanced” for a reason. They are supposed to be stimulating courses that help prepare high school students for collegelevel workloads. Students will be forced

exams are tests presented to students on all course material, in hopes that these In March, the winter weather is clearstudents will perform well enough to ing up, but for many high school stuearn college credit. Mind you, only dents, the school year is not winding those who earn a three, four or a five down. We all know it: the countdown (out of a five point scale) may be eligible on the whiteboard, the practice tests to receive this college credit, which is and the seemingly endless review books. mostly used to place out of entry-level Over a two week span, students will courses (e.g. Intro to Chemistry). It is be tested on the information up to the individual college to (or lack thereof) they have obdecide which, if any, AP credits tained over the course of the they accept. For example, the year. But unlike final exams, University of Maryland, Colwhich occur just weeks later, lege Park (UMCP) accepts AP material in other classes are credit for most courses, which still presented to students durcan be very helpful to students ing AP testing. This means that who choose to attend UMCP. while they take AP exams, stuComing into UMCP with AP dents are still responsible for credits, which may count as actual coursework in non-AP elective credits, could increase classes that continue until eara student’s standing in the ly June. Because they must sischool, allowing them benefits multaneously study for exams such as better course schedules and complete coursework, and higher dorm lottery numstudents taking AP exams get bers. However, for students double the work and double who don’t end up attending Photo by Emily Cosentino the stress for students taking Many students taking AP classes buy review books in order to schools that accept the credit, AP exams. So why take these prepare for their numerous and stressful tests. the time and the money spent exams in the first place? preparing for these exams can Don’t get me wrong, I think be better spent elsewhere..... there are plenty of benefits to the AP to balance their time between AP work courses. First of all, they give a student’s and their regular courseload. By taking weighted grade point average (WGPA) AP courses in high school, students will To see more, visit a nice boost. This allows students to be better prepared for college. wjpitch.com achieve over a 4.0 GPA on a 5.0 scale, But the exam itself is a totally differsomething that makes a student more ent story. In mid-May of each year, AP

By Megan Chun

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EDITORIAL

MAY 25, 2012

Point- Counterpoint: Running The Joy of Running

By Matthew Morris Every fall and spring between first and eighth grade, I played rec league soccer. To put it simply, I sucked. I couldn’t pass the ball well and I rarely got it when it was passed to me. In seven years, I only managed to score three times, and that included the time when the ball bounced off my leg into the goal when I wasn’t paying attention. As the years went on I only got worse until I was eventually the least skilled player on the team. Teammates started to wonder what was going on. But I knew what the problem was. I didn’t even remotely care about soccer; I just really liked running up and down the field.

Since then, running has into a full blown passion for me. I’ve traded running up and down a soccer field for cross country, a sport involving running up and down hills, around tracks and through just about every weather condition. And now I am here to argue to you, my dear readers, why running not only doesn’t suck, but may just be the greatest thing ever.

Let’s start with the basics. You owe your life to running. It may sound extreme, but it’s true. Humans evolved to run well as a means of survival. If your Neanderthal ancestors hadn’t been a good runner, that Saber tooth tiger would have eaten them and there would be no you.

Skeptics may point out that in the modern era running doesn’t accomplish any of those things. However, I beg to differ. A runner has a much better chance of getting away from a potential threat, such as a mugger for example, than most other people. The idea of running down your dinner is still very much alive, as my friend once proved by trying in vain to chase a deer. And while it’s not quite attracting a mate, a girl at a track meet once told me I had “nice legs,” which sort of proves my point.

People who think that running sucks will often argue that running is painful and isn’t fun to do. I have reached the conclusion that these individuals must be doing a different activity than I am. Running isn’t generally painful, and even when it is, the Photo courtesy of Mocorunning feeling of success you get when Senior Scott enjoys you’re done running, even when it makes it more hurts. than worth it.

I personally like to use running as a way to get away from the usual stresses of daily life and think deep thoughts.

It’s kind of like meditation; except it’s not boring and if planned correctly it can end at a Chipotle or other location of your choice. Speaking of Chipotle, because of running I am always hungry. And I am mean always hungry.

Two burritos? A whole pie of pizza? No problem! For the serious competitive eater looking to take their game to the next level, running could be the perfect metabolism expanding activity.

Still not convinced? Runners can wear just about anything without their running peers blinking an eye. In addition to way too short shorts, there’s way too tight spandex and, in my opinion, strangest of all, way too short shorts on top of way too tight spandex. Heck, I once ran a race in my boxers. Ok, so maybe this last part isn’t actually a good incentive to run, but I still think I’ve made my point clear. Running is more than an activity, it’s a lifestyle.

Why Run? Pain, Stress Greatly Exceed Benefits

By Ian Morrison

Cross country at WJ is a kind of cult, a gang of select boys and girls who enjoy the pain and exhaustion induced by their grueling, miserable sport. This is not to say that running does not require tremendous work ethic and talent. It is to say that there are many things more enjoyable than driving you to the brink of exhaustion.

Apart from this select group of people, to put it kindly, running is universally disliked. There is no particular aspect of running that can be held responsible for this universal hatred; rather every aspect of running is simply unpleasant. As far as I can tell, the only reason runners like running is for the feeling of exhaustion experienced after a race. Though this may appeal to some, society perceives that running is agonizing, laborious and debilitating.

Cross country, an activity some individuals participate in to “have fun”, is every other sport’s punishment. At any sports practice, the most dreaded words to ever be delivered through a coach’s mouth are “losing team has to run.” This is all it takes to motivate any team to perform, due to the fact that running is an almost unbearable way to spend an afternoon.

What has yet to be addressed is why running is so unbearable, and there are many contributing factors that make running the most torturous sport imaginable. Let it be known that it is running, not jogging, that is being addressed. Running is pushing your body to perform even when it is hurting you.

Imagine the simple cramp you experience when you jog after eating something. Now imagine that feeling, magnified, running up and down the back of your legs. Calf and hamstring cramps

feel as if someone is stabbing the back of your leg, until you can no longer walk because the pain is so intense. What can be done to rectify a cramp? Stretching, and stop the run. A cramp is your body’s way of telling you to stop what you are doing, to stop running!

Leg cramps are only the beginning.

As you continue to push through the misery, you begin to experience emptiness in your lungs and pain in your chest. You try to breath, but you realize that you are so tired that even a simple task such as this has been made arduous. As an anonymous runner told me, “It hurts to laugh and run at the same time.” Laughter is the expression of merriment and mirth, yet runners admit that it is painful to do so simultaneously. This must be fate. The reality is that running could never be associated with such words as “merriment” and “mirth.” It is the epitome of pain in the world of sports, and will inevitably remain as such.

Cartoon by Matthew Morris

Running can cause excessive pain and discomfort.

I Miss Bear Grylls “Man vs. Wild” host represented extreme bravado in the wild Photo courtesy of beargrylls.com

By Dashel Lewis On March 12, the Discovery Channel decided to sever its ties with Bear Grylls, the host of the wildly popular survival show “Man vs. Wild.” With this shocking development, I have now lost one of my favorite TV personalities of all time.

The show “Man vs. Wild” has always been a hit since its inception in March, 2006. The shows consisted of survival expert Bear Grylls dropping into a remote location via helicopter or plane. Then Grylls typically navigated his way towards civilization along a pre-determined course.

Along the way, he encountered danger and demonstrated where to find food and how to build shelter.

The show’s appeal revolves around the events Grylls endures. He insists that the show represents the worst possible scenario, which means he jumps in frozen lakes, eats larvae and does other generally incredible things stranded travelers might have endure.

This doesn’t mean the show hasn’t encountered its fair share of problems.

Critics have complained since the beginning of the show questioning events as staged. There are some rumors that say Grylls often retires to comfy jungle lodges and base camps at night. To his

credit, Grylls has always been outgoing and transparent about the show’s inner workings, appearing on talk shows to discuss how the show is put together.

The criticisms of the show tend to derive from most viewers who generally misunderstand the purpose of the show. While many think that the show is a reality show it’s actually more or less a how-to show. Grylls is showing the viewer how to survive in intense conditions, although it appears as though he is engaging on his own personal conquest.

Nevertheless the show has provided me with seemingly endless hours of entertainment. Grylls’ swagger and bravado in the wild was something to

behold and his feats were nothing short of spectacular. His attitude and energy made me feel like I was in the jungle with him. This is why he developed a cult-like following. The show forced viewers to ponder what they would do if they were stranded in Zimbabwe with a water bottle and some flint.

Those who complain about how it’s not a reality show miss the point. The show provided incredible entertainment and some interesting facts that I wouldn’t have known otherwise. And while I doubt I’ll ever be stranded in the wilderness (crosses fingers), at least I have some info if I ever do. And for that, thank you Bear Grylls.

Pitch

the

MAY 25, 2012

FEATURE

9

SENIORS Class of 2012

A Familiar Face on Graduation Day

By Sari Amiel

While listening to the graduation speaker generally offers the graduating class a chance to hear from an unfamiliar guest, this year’s speaker is more familiar with the class of 2012 than is current princial Jennifer Baker. Former principal Christopher Garran, who introduced the graduating class of 2012 to WJ four years ago, will be seeing the graduates off and providing them advice at DAR Constitution Hall on May 31.

“I’m in a different position [now] because for seven years, I went to the podium and I presented the class to the board of education member,” said Garran, “but this year [new principal] Ms. [Jennifer] Baker gets to do that, and so I’m sort of supposed to reflect upon my own experiences and give some words of advice.”

Before speaking in the graduation ceremony as principal of WJ, Garran, as a faculty member, gave the opening speech at the graduation ceremony twice. Despite his experience with speaking at the ceremony, though, it will be difficult for Garran to articulate this year’s message.

“I’m not sure how I will speak to the class without talking about having been away this year and having missed them,” said Garran.

Nonetheless, Garran plans to avoid overlap between his speech and Baker’s, which will come after his. His experience with leaving WJ is similar to that which the senior class is soon to have.

“For the most part, I’m kind of a graduate and I don’t want to be… the student who graduates and then they’re back the next day, and the next day, and [they’re back] before they go to college in the fall and they’re back on the weekends,” said Garran.

For this reason, the former principal watched from afar as the news-

veer away from them a little bit.”

Something Garran is likely to reference in his speech is his own graduation from Hartford High School in Vermont.

“We had about a hundred students in our graduating class and we graduated on the front lawn of the high school,” he said.

After graduating, Garran moved to the D.C. area and attended American University, where he had a double major in international relations and economics. He planned to enter the field of international relations, but a summer internship that was heavy on paperwork caused him to change his mind. Around this time, Garran was tutoring students at Lincoln Junior High School in D.C., and he decided to go into the teaching profession. He then worked as a teaching assistant in macro- and micro-economics at American University. “[I] slowly watched my study sessions get bigger and bigger as more students came,” recalled Garran. “There was something that seemed to be working there, and I realized that I really enjoy working with people and helping them learn and wrestle with ideas.”

Photo by Sari Amiel He quickly got a master’s degree in Dr. Garran, former principal of WJ, is set to address this year’s graduating class at DAR teaching, and taught as a student teachConstitution Hall. er at WJ, where appreciative students worthy events of the past year unfolded. nostalgia]. I can honestly say how much wrote a letter to the principal at the He cited the victory of the boys cross I miss being here and being able to be time to ask if Garran be hired. country championship, the symphonic a part of that as compared to now just Following this, Garran could taught here for orchestra’s win of the Forte Award at hearing about it.” nine years, and later served as principal the National Orchestra Cup, the spring At the time of this interview, Garran seven, with a brief interlude as assisproduction of “Les Miserables” and the had not yet written his speech, and may for tant principal at Wheaton High School national Pennies for Patients victory as end up writing or changing it at the last before becoming principal at WJ. being some of the many achievements minute.

So far, does have one aspect of of this year’s senior class that, despite “When I was principal [at WJ] pretty his speechGarran planned out. his distancing himself from WJ, Garran much all the talking I did here was sort “As someone who ran seven graduawas proud to hear about. of off the cuff,” he said. “I don’t usually tions here, I understand how important “It’s just a very impressive group of prepare [speeches]… but graduation’s it is that graduation speeches young people,” he said. “In a sense it’s the one difference. Almost every year cise and to the point,” he said. are conawesome to hear about all those accom- that I’ve been at the podium, I’ve had plishments but it also reinforces [my my prepared remarks but I often will

the

10

Pitch

FEATURE

MAY 25, 2012

Senior 2012 Standouts

Jayn

By Jenny

5 Most Popular Schools Overseas Schools 1 2 3 14 15 16

McGill

5

University of Edinburgh

1 1

1

1

University of Maryland, College Park

2

Montgomery College

3

Towson University

14

University of Maryland, Baltimore County

15

St. Mary’s College of Maryland

University of Warsaw Carleton University

University of the South Pacific (Fiji)-

61

48

18 12

12

1

University of Buenos Aires

1

Senior Scatter by State

2

0

0

2

0

1

1

Sam

0

3

0

6

0

10

0

0

1

0

1

5

0

4

3

1

0 0

WorkUndecidedMilitary-

2

1 0

173 11

7

3

4

17 9 5 5 1

14

12

2

6 0

Other Gap Year-

31

9 8

1

International-

26

3

1

0

13

5

Number of seniors from WJ who are going to school in that state Inforgraphic by Sari Amiel

tions such Nathan Gu “If you t than music

nie Chartrand Deutsch

University of Maryland

Jaynie Chartrand has used her four years at WJ to cultivate a great passion for art.

This passion, which is deeply rooted in her blood, as both her parents are artists, has inspired her to pursue a future career in the art field. She has chosen to accept a Creative and Performing Arts scholarship to University of Maryland, College Park.

“Art school was never really an option,” said Chartrand, “so with a full ride, UMD was too good an offer to pass up.”

Part of the scholarship requires that Chartrand participate in a gallery at UMD where she can show off her talent and all she is going to learn there.

In addition to creating art, Chartrand has spent a tremendous amount of time playing the viola as a part of WJ’s Orchestra.

“Even though art has always been my ‘thing,’ life without being involved in the music department would be so different [that] I can’t even imagine it,” she said.

Chartrand encourages art lovers to pursue their dreams and has ample wisdom to bestow upon them.

“The thing about art is you can always get better,” said Chartrand. “Even if you can’t draw, or aren’t good with colors or something, art has become such an open concept [that[ there will always be some way that you can create, [and] that you can get better.”

m Cummins

University of Michigan

By Jordan Deeter

Sam Cummins has dedicated his life to the classical styles of singing since the third grade, when he signed up for a gospel class. His many years of practicing and perseverance have gotten him into the 14th best college in the world, according to U.S. News and World Report, the University of Michigan.

“When I checked my email I immediately got up, started shaking and asked my teacher if I could call my parents...

I got into the University of Michigan,” said Cummins.

“The shaking didn’t stop for the rest of the day.”

Cummins had spent years preparing for his audition by attending opera summer camps and performing in all of WJ’s plays and musicals. Recommendations from voice coaches brought him to apply to Michigan’s strong music program.

“I hope to spend the next four years immersing myself in opera music and performing,” said Cummins.

He upheld a 3.0 GPA and spent his senior year challenging himself, musically and academically. He aspires to represent some of his favorite classical voices and inspirah as Freddie Mercury, from the band Queen, and unn. think you might want to do anything else [other c], music is not for you,” he said.

Pitch

the

MAY 25, 2012

Leo Mahoney

By Ben Resnick

United States Military Academy at West Point

To the naked eye, Leo Mahony may look like an average skinny, tall, high school student. However, upon closer look, he is much more. After graduating, Mahoney is packing his bags and heading off to the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Some may be devastated by a shortened summer break, but Mahony will not let this get him down.

“It just makes Thanksgiving break even more awesome,” he said.

Mahoney is used to the military lifestyle.

“Growing up, I was always in the armed force culture,” Mahony said. “My dad retired last year after 30 years in the army.”

Being admitted to West Point was not simple, but Mahony credits an extracurricular for his acceptance.

“I wouldn’t have gotten in[to] [West Point] without track,” he said. “[It gave me] the discipline and work ethic that I needed.”

Mahony, who has been running since sophomore year, believes that trying something difficult and sticking with it is what it takes to be successful.

“I’ll be shining my boots while my classmates party,” he said. “But the payoff is more than worth it.”

Lucy Murnane

By Izzy Salant

Gap Year in Italy

It’s almost the end of the year for seniors, which means that it’s time for summer, followed by the first year of college, for many graduates. Not everyone is heading to college right after high school, though. For instance, senior Lucy Murnane is planning to travel to Italy for three months.

Murnane’s mother encouraged her to take a gap year, and her friend Bryn Houri is taking a gap year in France.

These factors contributed to Murnane’s final decision, made in December when she was filling out her college applications. “[I realized that] there are more important things in life than grades,” said Murnane.

Following that realization, she found that she wanted to take a year off.

Even though Murnane is taking a gap year, she still applied for college. This spring, she was accepted to the University of California at Berkeley. When she visited the campus, she instantly loved it.

Taking a gap year has its benefits and its downsides. “[The easiest part is] I don’t have to go to school next year,” said Murnane.

She also said that the hardest part was finding a program in Italy and getting Berkeley to defer her acceptance.

Murnane believes that taking a gap year will improve her college experience.

“I used to think that college wasn’t a privilege,” said Murnane. “But, in reality, it’s a step toward higher education and it really is a privilege. A year off in the real world will really help.”

FEATURE

Jake Verner

By Ian Morrison

11

Gettysburg College

Jake Verner, captain of the WJ lacrosse team, will be attending Gettysburg College to play lacrosse next fall.

After a successful senior year and an overall record of 10-4, Jake looks forward to playing at Gettysburg. “[I was] immediately drawn to the coach and the school after only a few hours,” he said.

Although it may not be easy, Verner wants to get a chance to break into the starting lineup as a freshman.

“It will be pretty difficult, especially because they are a young team right now, but it’s all about hard work in the offseason and getting better every day,” said Verner.

This hard work is what has made Jake so successful at WJ, and it has led him to realize an important bit of advice. “[Success] is all about managing your time” he said.

It may be challenging to balance school and lacrosse at Gettysburg, but with good time management and hard work, Verner hopes to become a key player in the Gettysburg roster in the next few years.

Nayeon Kim

By Ellie Jorling

MIT

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is one of the most competitive universities in the United States.

According to the College Board, only ten percent of the almost 18,000 applicants are accepted. However, these statistics did not deter senior Nayeon Kim from applying and eventually getting accepted to MIT. "[Being accepted to MIT] feels surreal. I never even considered applying to MIT until last spring," said Kim, "and after being deferred in the early admis sion cycle, I was sure I'd been rejected."

At MIT, Kim will be studying business management and marketing.

"I was actually up in Boston last summer to visit Boston College and thought I'd drop

by MIT's campus, just out of curiosity." Kim said. "There was so much going on [in] campus - events, activities and activism groups - and I immediately felt attracted to the vibrant atmosphere and how passionate the students were."

Kim has been actively involved in WJ's Crew and Debate teams, along with the Art Club, since her freshman year, and wants to become involved in similar activities at MIT. Photos by Steven Groobert & Sari Amiel

the

Pitch

MAY 25, 2012

LAST

FEATURE

The Senior Scatter

LAST

FIRST

Sheehan

Jerry

Johns Hopkins

Sheetz-Ziegel

Noah

Gettysburg

Shekarchi

Amanda

UMCP

Shekarchi

Julia

UMCP

U of Mary WashShereef

Summie

Penn State

Hannah

MICA

Sherman

Max

Gap Year/AU

Natalia

UMCP

Shields

Joshua

Vassar

Piumi

Penn

Shriver

Laura

Hood Coll

Arlo

Boston Coll

Sidibe

David

Haverford

Maria

NYU

Silva

Raul

MC

Sarah

Coll of Charleston

Silva

Sofia

Columbia

Silverman

Brett

Indiana U

Simon

Edward

Duke

Simon

Rachel

Oberlin

Sipes

Deanna

Towson

Smart

Rory

Eckerd Coll

Smith

Connor

Mississippi U

Smith

Natalie

Smith Coll

Smith

Rebecca

Towson

Smithers

Emily

Rhodes Coll

Snodderly

Michael

Indiana U

Spera

Lauren

East Carolina U

Srinivas

Aditya

UMCP

Stadnik

Samantha Santa Clara U

Stearn

Olivia

U of Penn

Stein

John

UMBC

Stone

Emily

Fordham

Streets

Joseph

U of Pitt

Strochak

Joseph

Penn State

Strocko

Kiarra

FSU

Swift

Taylor

Oberlin

Szebeni

Miklos

Princeton

Tanabe

Kotoko

UMCP

Teicher

Ethan

Coll of Will & Mary

Tennyson

Stephen

UMCP

Tenorio

Lauren

Catholic U

Tesfaye

Rediet

MC

Daniel

U of Missouri MSU

FIRST

PLANS

Abraham

Eliyana

Parsons Design

Abrams

Michael

GW

Acquaviva

Thomas

Marymount

Cole

Tyler

St. John’s

Harris

Emily

Goucher

Lang

Iliana

Georgetown

Parker

James

UMCP

Adler

Abigail

Bard Coll

Collins

Jack

Towson

Hart

Renee

Villanova

Le Gall

Morgan

Jessica

Afsah

Aman

St. Mary’s

Collins

Sarah

Pitt

Haugrud

Samuel

UMCP

Agha

Omar

U of Chicago

Cooke

Elizabeth

U of Miami

Hazlett

Hannah

U of DE

Aguilar

Sulma

MC

Covaliu

Elad

Holy Cross

Heagen

Chris

Cornell

Alemayehu

Kassa

Stevenson

Cronin

Brianne

Mount St. Mary’s Heagen

John

Indiana

Ali

Adrianne

Drexel

Cummins

Samuel

U of Mich

Hedg-Peth

David

WVU

Allen

Andrew

MC

Curtin

Daniel

U of Delaware

Hein

Olga

Work

Amrane

Anis

UMCP

Dally

Laura

Undecided

Herold

Maria

UMCP

Daniere

Alessandra UMCP

Hobson

Benjamin

VA Tech

Davis

Anthony

Ohio State

Holmes

Leah

Loyola Chicago

Daza

Brian

UNC

Hong

Woong

UMCP

De Alwis

Sahan

UMCP

Horowitz

Russell

UVA

de Paco Priess

Santiago

USNA

Horvai

Nora

Undecided

Decampos

Marcela

UMCP

Houri

Bryn

Gap Year

Deutsch

Jennifer

UMCP

Hoveka

Uetupa

Pace

Dia

Soukaina

Eugene Lang

Huaroto

Daniela

MC

Dixon

Shaquille

Morgan

Abroad

Dommerholt

Taliah

Art Inst. of Wash Huffman Hussey McGill

Timothy

RIT

Dory

Katya

Loyola

Huyser

Tyler

U of Miami

Doyle

Zachary

U of Colorado

Hvizda

Mason

Coast Guard

Duala Dolegui

Alexandra UMCP

Illei

Dora

St. Mary’s

Dwyer

Matthew

Northeastern

Ionno

Peter

St. Mary’s

Earenfight

Emily

Loyola

Ippolito

Alberto

El Hamti

Omar

Salisbury

Eldridge

Marielle

Howard

Ellis

Joshua

Appalachian St.

England

Bryan

UMBC

English

Breanna

Penn State

Epps

Charlotte

UMBC

Esenstad

Benjamin

UMCP

Ezekilova

Annie

GW

Falconi

Luciana

Loyola

Fallick

Emily

Occidental Coll

Fanaroff

Daniel

Indiana

Faotusia

Amelia

U of South Pacific (Fiji)

Anand

Nikhil

Andes-Gascon

Alexandre Catholic U

Andreu

Ignacio

UMCP

Artim

Jonathan

U of Utah

Asada

Eri

Japan

Assaraf

Ben

MC

Baca, Vi

Jose

Towson

Ballon

Sergio

Towson

Banegas

Damien

Frostburg

Barner

Kate

U of Colorado

Barnoshian

Parishad

MC

Beaty

Andrea

Marquette

Becker

Jeffrey

Embry-Riddle

Belegu

Megi

Brandeis

Berlin

Steven

Marines

Bernstein

Robyn

U of Mich

Bernstein

Sarah

UMCP

Berry

Patrick

MC

Bieganski

Wojtek

U of Warsaw

Bigot

Florian

UMCP

Bochner

Marissa

MC

Bonilla

Laura

UMCP

Book

Daniel

West VA U

Bowman

Maya

CA Inst. of Arts

Boyd

Undecided

Samantha West VA U

LAST

FIRST

PLANS

Bradley-Banish Charli

Louis & Clark

Branthover

Kathleen

Drexel

Breen

Sarah

Wake Forest

Brenits

Joshua

U of Miami

Fell

Angelica

West VA U

Brizuela

Jasmine

MC

Feng

Konrad

UCLA

Brodnick

Conor

Tulane

Fertig

Robert

U of Mich

Brodsky Brovkina

Shiri

UMCP

Margarita UMBC

Figueiredo Fine

Rebeca Katya

UMCP School of Vis Arts

Brown

Juan

MC

Fisher

TGraham

Webb Inst.

Bruch

Justin

UNCC

Flesch

Hannah

Wellesley Coll

Bucello IV

Girard

U of Mary Wash

Forline

Antonio

Coastal Carolina

Frankel

Justin

Indiana

Frazer

Winston

MICA

Frazier

Ian

Denison

Gabala

Austin

Towson

Galardi

Maria

Gallagher

Liam

Gallagher

Michaela

Garcia Reyes

Karen

Buchanan

Alexine

Eckerd Coll

Buckley

Fiona

U of Montana

Buel

Bethany

Penn State

Buiquil

Nicole

Undecided

Cahill

Joseph

UMCP

Camacho

Sonia

Towson

Camara

Modibo

U of Penn

Carlin

Joseph

MC

LAST

Ishida Issiakou Ivers Jawetz Jensen Jockel Johnson Johnson Johnson Johnson

FIRST

PLANS LAST

Chad

U of Wash

Puerto

Shanilka

Barry

Pyle

Daniel

Drexel

Quattrucci

Maximilian MC

Rabe

Mirantsoa MC

Ryan

St. John’s

Macedonia

Mary Kate Case Western Cara Gerard Sepand Kathleen Nathan

St. Mary’s Abroad MC U of Tampa Towson

Leo

West Point

Paula

UMCP

Catherine VA Tech Michael

Vermont

Jacqueline Loyola

Rabemananjara Tovohaja

MC

Ramadan

Manelle

Penn State

Ramos

Diego

Towson

Rangel

Eugenia

Staying at WJ

Rao

Denali

Tufts

Ratnasinghe

Sean

Undecided

Raviv

Noga

Towson

Razick

Spencer

School of Visual Arts

Danielle

Tulane

Joseph

UMCP

Reardon

Colin

MC

Reber

Chris

Coast. Carolina Thaler

Kian

St. Mary’s

McMannis

Susana

MC

Wash Coll

Karlin

Jacob

U of Texas

Mendez

UMCP

Karpati

Charles

UMBC

Alejandra Wash Adventist U

Carly

St. Mary’s

Mendoza

Christian

Lafayette

UC Berkeley

Mengesha

Tsion

UMCP

Israel

Mensah

Kastanos Kastler Katz Katz

Alexis Anne Danielle Emily

Dickinson

Margaret

Towson

Kathryn

Ursinus Coll

Paige

U of DE

Connor

MC

Evan

Bucknell

Madison

UMBC

Greenan

William

Towson

Kim

Nayeon

MIT

Chatham

Charles

Frostburg

Groobert

Steven

RIT

Kirwan

Charlotte

Chen

Christina

Williams Coll

Gzirian

Sasha

NYU

Appalachian St.

Chen

Yi-Ting

MC

Hagerty

Caroline

Penn State

St. Mary’s

Price

Lynch

Karimi

Chase

Claire

U of GA

Rivera Coll

MC

MC

Cohen

James

Irene

Thomas

Kun Woo

UMCP

Powell

Luna

Urban III

Kim

UMBC

Frostburg

Bolivia

MC

RIT

Ruiren

Joseph

Ignacio

Elena

Seth

Evan

Ponce

Luna

Revaliente Alfaro

Gottlieb

Hao

U of Arizona

UMBC

NC A&T

UMCP

Hanger

Jaclyn

Sheung

Shawna

Jaynie

High Point

Polsky

Lu

McIntosh

Chartrand

Alyssa

UNCW

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Wisconsin

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Matthes

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Kay U of Buenos Aires Kehoe Eckerd Coll Keller UMCP Kenney America-Korea Kerich Inst.

UMCP

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PLANS

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Jordan

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FIRST

U of Prince Pearl Edward Island Pepus Widener Peredo UMCP Perera Work Perez UMCP Perica UMCP Perry U of Mich

University in Machlin Rome Madden Taisuke MC Maghdouri Barbara MC Mahany Jonathan U of Miami Mahany Alison UVA Mahony III Cassandra Susquehanna Maia David Indiana Maloney Catrina UMBC Mapes Elena VA Tech Maranville Jeffrey Auburn Markowitz Yaleasha Cosmetology School Masison

Rylee

Carreiro

PLANS LAST

FIRST

12

Reyes-Chave

Karen

MC

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UMCP

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Pierre-AlainTowson

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Work

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Shea

the

Pitch

MAY 25, 2012

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

13

Summer Bucket List

By Cameron Keyani and Dashel Lewis DL: Although I’ve grown up in posh suburbs with a communal pool, I’ve always wanted to hit a fire hydrant with a sledgehammer and have a block party.

CK: “The Dark Night Rises” is coming out this summer, and I want to see it on opening night at the Udvar-Hazy Center, which feautures a six story screen. Yes, it is miles away, but the end of a seminal movie series of my youth should be epic.

DL: While I’ve spent my entire life enviously watching rappers in their enticing music videos, I’ve never made my own. This summer, it’s time to channel my inner rapper and get signed by a major label. My rapper name will be “D Lew,” and I’ll lyrically annihilate my competition with my videos for “Swagtastrophe” and “Hurricane Swag Category 5.”

CK: I’ve always wanted to hike the entire Appalachian trail, but it seems outside of my physical limits and not within the time constraints of summer. However, an abbreviated version of this hike would be available in northwestern Maryland and West Virginia.

DL: I want to have a summer so wild and awesome that a picture of me becomes a meme, like Handsome Jogger, Gene Wilder from “Willy Wonka and the Chocalate Factory”, and Scumbag Steve.

CK: The past 18 years have been filled with me not watching much television, and I feel

With the last day of school drawing near, Cameron Keyani and Dashel Lewis explore the question: What would you do if it were the last Summer of your life?

Cartoon by Libby Rice

like with the huge amount of free time this summer and the internet at my disposal, I can fill in the gaps.

DL: I want to visit Dubai, and live like a billionaire. I’ll own a baby giraffe, bathe in caviar, and summon my servants with the snap of a finger.

CK: In my town, there is a Fourth of July parade every year, and the entire town either participates or watches. For a few years now I’ve been planning to sabotage it and create a huge spectacle that halts the parade. Maybe this summer I’ll finally do it.

DL: I want to find the legendary homeless shantytown in the forest near D.C. I’ve heard stories about it and I want to see it for myself.

CK: At my pool, I have a reputation for being a diligent worker and for working double shifts (eight hours). I have never done a 12 hour shift however, and while this undertaking might seem the opposite of pleasurable, I just want to be able to say that I’ve done it.

DL: Like any teenager in the United States, I want to go skydiving. The thrill of jumping out of the plane and feeling the wind rush by would be an experience of a lifetime.

CK: I have money. I am 18. I can go to most concerts now. Time to do that.

DL: Participate in a protest on the streets of D.C. Maybe get arrested or tear gassed by the cops, who knows? YOLO.

Third Base The Humor Column

Death Comes for the Arch-Senior

By Cameron Keyani In a few days, I’m going to walk down the stage and shed my earthly trappings. Now some may say graduating isn’t quite the same as dying, but in the context of WJ, it might as well be a walk to the gallows.

Sure, some people will remember me, and talk about memories they shared with me in hushed tones of mourning, but I will be gone. No amount of prayer, phoenix downs or voodoo rituals will ever bring me back.

Every culture has myths about the afterlife. The Norse had Valhalla, a paradise for valiant warriors, while the ancient Egyptians had the night lands, a perpetual nighttime desert. In high school mythology the afterlife is an Eden called “college.”

Friends and family will say that I’m “in a better place,” but that won’t make me any less dead. After high school comes heaven, equipped with dorms, lecture halls and a quad. I’ll live forever in this paradise, which they call “college.” I’ll even get to come down during the holidays and summer to visit those I knew when I was alive.

Obviously the metaphor of death is melodramatic. I have what could be an amazing life ahead of me.

I’ve had a good and full high school career, replete with the trappings of any active student. I’ve been educated by this great school, both in an academic and social context.

Graduating isn’t the end; graduation is just another path on the road that started when I was born.

Change isn’t always a heartbreaking affair, change is often for the best, and change is unavoidable. It isn’t always such a scary thing.

My entire life I’ve been terrified of change. From when I was 10 and refused to be potty trained, right up into my teenage years when my parents made me start eating hard food. This change is unique in that it is purported as the best time of my life.

But nothing will ever be the same. A malaise of work and intermittent good times known as real life awaits me. The classroom setting of college will hardly be enough to convince me I’m still a child, which I so desperately want to remain.

The only lasting testament to my existence is this humor column, which I assume no one but my mother and Amanda Regan reads. This year, Michael Matthes, Philip Resnick and I touched on such subjects as asking a girl to Homecoming, the meaning of Thanksgiving and the more inane points of Christmas.

These past few issues however, I addressed less humorous topics, notably Carpe Diem and high school nostalgia. Now, here at the end of my tenure as a humor columnist, I can’t think of any other concepts more fitting than death, rebirth and renewal.

It’s not easy coming to terms with death. In my four years at WJ, I’ve learned so much and met so many unique and incredible people. Yet, after I get handed that diploma, all of those memories, the summation of my high school experience, will be lost in time, like tears in the rain.

Yes, I stole that line from Philip K. Dick. Sadly, unlike this writer, plagiarism never dies.

Pitch

MAY 25, 2012

the

14

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Dorm Essentials Summer is around the corner and for seniors, college is less than three months away. On top of the expected anxieties about what lies ahead for them, there is the typical “will my roommate and I be compatible” anxiety. While you may not automatically be life-long friends if you have the coolest dorm room, designing a room that reflects your personal style and portrays a positive image is essential. Dorm decoration does not have to be over-the-top or outrageously expensive, and below are some affordable and inspirational decoration ideas to add some spice to your living space.

1. Turn your bed into a couch by buying large, slouchy pillows.

2. Create that at-home feel by purchasing a floor lamp.

3. Hang jewelry from the walls to add texture to the room.

You can hang a wire or a screen for earrings and necklaces.

4. Embrace your heritage by hanging up some flags from around the world.

5. Illuminate your room by stringing colored lights.

6. Generate the illusion your room is more spacious by hanging mirrors on the walls. The mirrors can reflect your style, with ornate, Victorian style frames to modern shapes.

7. Stack milk crates to create your own bookshelves.

8. Make creative wall art by framing vinyll records.

9. Buy plants to add life to your probably otherwise stuffy dorm.

10. Coordinate a color scheme with your roomate to avoid an overload of colors.Your room is your home for the next year, and also a study haven, so don’t overcrowd it with too many colors that will distract from an atmosphere that should be relaxing. Keep it classy.

11. Hang maps to add a colorful and scholarly feel, also add pins to indicate where you have traveled.

12. Add your personal touch with festive curtains that make the room feel less like a jail cell and more like a home. Dorms can be ugly; brighten yours up!

13. In order to keep your friends and memories close; postcards and photo murals can be great reminders of home.

For more room inspiration: www.retroplanet.com Lamp, mirror and jewelry board from pbteen.com; Plant and flag from retroplanet.com; Color strip from Lowes.com

www.urbanoutfitters.com www.pbteen.com

the

Pitch

MAY 25, 2012

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Summer Playlists

15

Start off Summer with a Kick

By Ali Jawetz and Taliah Dommerholt

The album Inside in the Inside Out by the Kooks.

As short season creeps up, there’s nothing like some new music to relax you into that summer vibe. For some inspiration other than what comes off the radio, here are two playlists to set the mood.

Ali’s Picks

Taliah’s Picks

Print A&E Editor

Somebody - Jukebox the Ghost Sweeter - Gavin Degraw Ok It’s Alright with me - Eric Hutchinson Cars - Lady Danville This Head I Hold - Electric Guest Little Talks - Of Monsters and Men The album Twist and Shout by the Beatles.

Afterglow - Schuyler Fisk From Me toYou - The Beatles Chicken Fried - Zac Brown Band A Field of Birds - The Tallest Man on Earth Gangsta - Tune-Yards Light a Roman Candle with Me - Fun. Ignition Remix - R. Kelly Nightcall - Kavinsky Next in Line - Walk the Moon The album Anna Sun by Walk the

Neil Armstrong - Allo Darlin’

Naked Kids - Group Love

WHALE - Yellow Ostrich Excuses - The Morning Benders Quesadilla - Walk the Moon The album Europe by Allo’ Darlin.

Waiting for My Chance to Come - Noah and the Whale

Seaside - The Kooks My Maudlin Career - Camera Obscura

Crystal Clear - Opus Orange

Daydream - Youth Lagoon

Ghost Under Rocks - Ra Ra Riot

The Past and the Pending - The Shins Walk in the Park - Beach House

We Are the Tide - Blind Pilot Summer Dust - The Love Language

The album We are the Tide by Blind Pilot.

Moon.

To listen to playlists, visit www.wjpitch,com

Word Search: Summer

Sudoku courtesy of Gnome Sudoku

Sudoku

Photos courtesy of Amazon.

Online Editor-in-Chief

D

R

Word Search by Taliah Dommerholt

See answers online at www.wjpitch.com!

WORDS Air Conditioner, Beach Week, Bikini, Camp, Camping, Concert, Dehydration, Fourth of July, Frisbee, Fruit, Heat, Hike, Hotdog, Humidity, Ice Cream, Lemonade, Ocean, Party, Picnic, Pool, Popsicle, Romance, Speedo, Sunburn, Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Thunder, Vacation, Watermelon

MAY 25, 2012

the

16

Pitch

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Prom Standouts

By Taliah Dommerholt

Simple and Elegant

Vivid Colors These girls popped in standout shades and flowing skirts. From Silva’s ombre and Dia’s bold and unique color choice, to Strocko’s vibrantly colored classic cut, all three stood out in the crowd.

Stearn and Kunkle did not go over the top with their minimalist styles, but with Stearn’s subtle touch of turqiouse shoes and Kunkle’s modest glitter, both girls were memorable and stunning.

Olivia Stearn Soukie Dia Sofia Silva

Kiarra Strocko

High-Low Sexy and chic, these dresses have the elegance of a maxi dress with the edgy and revealing calf of a shorter party dress. The flowing skirts with the fitted sweetheart bodices create a modern princess look.

Retro

These vintage-inspired dresses are reminiscent of Hollywood starlets.

With a halter neck and solid color, Illei wears a modern version of Audrey Hepburn’s iconic Breakfast at Tiffany’s dress, and Banish’s white wrap dress with the low V-neck and brooch has a late 1950s, Marilyn Monroe feel.

Dora Illei Katya Dory

Maddy Kunkle

Patterns Patterns allow for the incorporation of multiple colors, from Walsh’s floral to Earenfight’s tribal prints. Walsh’s gold chain necklace complements the yellow flowers in her dress, while Earenfight’s updo accentuates her intricate neckline.

Dianne Walsh Emily Earenfight

Cutouts Geometric cutouts are all the rage this year, as girls test the boundaries of how much skin they can show while still remaining appropriate. Both Murnane and Sawyers kept it classy and showed off their figures.

Charli Banish

Catie Kidwell All photos courtesy of those pictured

Lucy Murnane

Ashley Sawyers

Pitch

the

MAY 25, 2012

SPORTS

Girls Lacrosse

Thaler’s Senior Signoff: Cherish Every Moment

By Ben Resnick

By Daniel Thaler When I saw the X-ray of my hand, I legitimately cried for the first time in a long while. My thumb was completely fractured and I was made aware that there was no possible way I’d recover in time to play another inning this season.

This being my senior year and last season with the WJ varsity baseball team, the doctor’s diagnosis meant my baseball career was over. I have been playing since age three, so I have understandably come to love the game, making this circumstance more painful than the actual injury.

Yet I tended to get annoyed with the season, as I think all high school athletes do. Practices and games six days a week meant little free time and little sleep. There were plenty of times when I really just wanted to get away from the sport. But now, after sitting out due to my injury, I realize that I in fact loved every moment. The negative feelings were simply stemmed from stress.

With that being said, if I had to leave one message to high school kids as I graduate in the coming weeks, it would be for the athletes: appreciate every moment. Although the season may be long and taxing, you will never get a similar experience ever again. High school sports are the perfect blend of competitiveness and fun spiritedness. They carry enough pressure to feel satisfaction with accomplishments but not too much to the point where you feel burdened to play like college and professional athletes.

Not to mention, we play in a county with some of the best facilities in the country and at the school with the best fans in that county.

So next time you’re dreading going to practice or counting down the days for the season to end, just remember how great an experience high school sports really is. You only get four years to partake in that experience and you’d be surprised how quickly those years fly. One dive for a fly ball and it could all be over with a broken thumb.

17

Paige Keller Photo by Steven Groobert

Baseball

The girls lacrosse team finished the regular season with an impressive 8-4 record.

The team had a rough stretch in the middle of the season, dropping three games in a row to powerhouse schools Damascus, Churchill and Wootton.

Coach Chrissy Yetter was able to motivate her team to get back on track.

“The girls were determined to get back on their winning streak,” said Yetter. “After the losing streak the team fired off four straight wins.”

The team, composed of many underclassmen, had to learn some of the basics before they were able to excel.Yetter had to help out the younger players with techniques such as breaking down certain defensive and offensive movements.

The team was led by senior captains Bryn Molloy, Paige Keller and Paige Waqa who all had to adjust to help the team.

Molloy said that the young team was “more successful when we just had a fun time and joked around.”

By Izzy Salant

After finishing its season the regular season with a record of 12-5, WJ baseball was upset by B-CC in extra innings in the first round of playoffs.

“I think we [had] a great team this year,” said one of the three team captains, senior Tyler Modjeska. “We [had] good chemistry and good depth. A couple of injuries created a challenge but we [were] still solid.”

They entered the playoffs as the fourth seed and lost in the first round against B-CC, by a final score of 7-5.

Besides Modjeska, the baseball team’s two other captains were seniors Caldwell Clark and Gus Gill. The team was led by coach Kim Ahearn and assistant coach Mike Egan.

“My favorite part about being captain,” said Modjeska, “is that I get to stand in a circle with Gus and Caldwell every day during warm-ups. [The hardest part is] Ahearn is always watching.”

The team did well overall, but they let a few games slip that they should have won. Modjeska still likes the way the team worked together.

“The team camaraderie is the best I have seen since being at WJ,” he said.

Connor Kenney Photo by Steven Groobert

Pitch

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18

SPORTS

MAY 25, 2012

Stepping Up Their Game Hard work pays off for WJ athletes who will play college sports

By Ian Morrison and Ellie Jorling

Division I

there, not to play football. Covaliu nevFor Smithers, playing anything but Committing to play a high school er doubted that football was the sport Division III would conflict with her desport may seem difficult, but at the he wanted to play in college. It is this manding pre-med major in college. love that kept him Because of the rigor of Division I and college level, it is pushing through the II, both Sheehan and Smithers wanted much more timedaily workouts and to play at schools that didn’t require the consuming and rigpractices, as well as high level of pressure that they felt was orous. From the rethe sacrificed week- associated with more highly competitive cruiting process to ends and time with programs, so they settled on Division III choosing a school, friends. schools. However, this means that they and from summer “There hasn’t been cannot receive scholarships for athletworkouts to the seaone day in high ics, though they can for academics. son itself, it can be school where I’ve Even though they are not playing Diquite a daunting ex[been] able to go vision I or II, both of the Division III athperience that many straight home after letes still have to practice regularly over high school athletes school; I’ve always the summer. choose not to go had practice,” he “It’s hard to practice alone over the through. However, said. summer,” admitted Sheehan. “Team four WJ athletes But even with practices [with fellow Johns Hopkins have decided to take daily practice, Co- runners, later in the summer] should be the plunge into colPhoto courtesy of Adam Strochak valiu has stuck with okay because it [will be] a great way to lege sports, in both After compiling an unbelievable 12 seasons his passion, and now get to know the team.”

Division I and Divi- at WJ, Elad Covaliu will continue to play has an opportunity Smithers felt similarly. sion III. football at Holy Cross University. to play football in “I’m always jealous of my friends when Senior Renee they decide that they don’t want to Hart plans to attend Villanova Univer- college. work out because it’s raining, too hot, sity next fall as a member of the womor they just want to tan at the pool,” said en’s soccer team. Villanova competes Division III In the beginning, recruiting was Smithers. “But I know that to be the best in the NCAA Division I Big East conference and competes with some of the quite the stressful experience for senior ,I have to work hard, and that motivates nation’s top women’s soccer programs. Emily Smithers, who will be playing Di- me to follow the workout packet that Rhodes sent me.”

Hart has been Both Sheehan and playing soccer I feel honored to be a collegiate athlete. In Smithers must folsince she was low workout plans six years old and since then elementary school I never thought in a million sent by their recolleges she has given years that this is where I’d be today [and] I am spective in order to stay up a lot of free in shape over the time to achieve so grateful that I have these opportunities. summer, and the her success. plans average two “Very rarely hours a day for did I have a free weekend,” said Hart. “Because I was so vision III field hockey at Rhodes College field hockey, and forty minutes of running for track and cross country, not inbusy on the weekends, I would often in Memphis.

“You first send e-mails and videos to cluding summer team practices. While miss out on events with friends or other 60 coaches just to introduce yourself working through the stringent workout fun events.”

Hart played so much soccer that at and establish a connection,” said Smith- routines, both athletes agreed that WJ times she admitted, “There were a cou- ers. “You eventually weed out the pro- has prepared them well for college-level athletics. ple of times where I would question if grams that you like “I’ve learned alI wanted to play soccer at such a com- and the coaches that most everything I petitive level and I considered quitting.” like you. Coaches know about running But despite these thoughts, she stuck came to [my tournaments around the while I’ve been at with the sport.

WJ,” said Sheehan.

“I kept playing because I knew that if I country] and also to some of [my] high “I think the most did quit I would regret it for the rest of school games here valuable thing I my life,” said Hart. “I would remember at WJ. It was worse learned here at WJ how much I love to play the sport.” was to always give Athletes need a true desire to excel at knowing when they 110 percent,” said a sport in order to succeed in it, regard- were going to be Smithers. “It’s difless of which division they want to play there because I felt the pressure to perficult to stay dedior what school they dream to play at. cated to something Elad Covaliu will be attending College form well.”

Senior cross coundemanding…I feel of the Holy Cross next year to play Ditry and track runner honored to be a colvision I football. After a successful four athlete. In Photo courtesy of William Edgar legiate years playing football at WJ, and four Scott Sheehan, who years of planning to play college foot- will be running at Emily Smithers will continue her field elementary school career at Rhodes College in Tennes- I never thought in ball, Covaliu has made his dream a real- the Division III level hockey see next fall. for Johns Hopkins a million years that ity.

Covaliu has had widespread success University, never considered quitting this is where I’d be today [and] I am so in WJ athletics, playing football, wres- the sport because of the higher level of grateful that I have these opportunities.” tling and running track, but in college competition in college.

“I love the sport and I [didn’t] want to he knows he wants to play football.

He admitted that UMCP was his ideal give it up,” said Sheehan. “It just seemed choice but he was offered to wrestle odd to think about not running.”

“

”

Fielder’s Choice sports My summer bucket list

By Phillip Resnick Like a number of the other editors on The Pitch this issue, I decided to wrap up the year with my own personal bucket list. People often make bucket lists for college, summer, senior year and high school in general. But a few weeks ago, after my teammates on the varsity baseball team and I had a viral-video worthy dance-off after a rained out game against Blake, I decided to make my own sports bucket list as both an athlete and a spectator. Here is just a sample of a few things I have completed and a few that I hope to sometime in my future: I just recently knocked having a dance contest off my list a few weeks ago. Another item no longer on my list is to attend a “walk-off ” win; among these have been the Wizards Gilbert Arenas’ three to beat the Utah Jazz in 2007 and the Nationals’ Wilson Ramos’ three-runhomerun last summer. I’ve visited the three classical baseball stadiums (Wrigley Field, The Old Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park). I was at a classic playoff game, game two of the Eastern Conference Semis when both Ovechkin and Crosby notched hat tricks. I have personally been on the playing surface of a professional game when I worked ice crew at the Caps home opener this season, and last but not least,p I have been ejected from a game (apparently heckling the other team at my nine-year-old brother’s hockey game was frowned upon by the ref).

There are still a number of things I want to do both in my own sporting career and also as a fan. It has always been my goal to score the game winning goal or hit a walkoff. I have yet to have the opportunity to complete this but when the time comes knocking, I will most definitely be ready. Also, my inner hockey player caused me to put getting into a fight on this list as well. Playing with a professional athlete and getting paid to play sports are also some personal goals of mine. As a fan, I would love more than anything to go to a major championship event like the World Series, Stanley Cup Finals or the U.S. Open. Storming the field at a college football game seems like it would be a once in a lifetime experience, as does making it onto a Sportscenter highlight.

Although some of these things may seem trivial or impossible to achieve, they are all definitely worthy of being on my bucket list. Hopefully, my list will be completed one day, but if not, it will have been a good ride nonetheless.

the

Pitch

MAY 25, 2012

SPORTS

The Spring All-Pitch Team

19

The Sports staff concludes the year with its final installment of the All-Pitch Team, selecting 16 spring sport athletes deemed the best in the school for on-field their performances and off-field leadership.

All photos by Steven Groobert

Jake Verner

Sr., Boys Lacrosse

Verner was the heart and soul of the boys lacrosse team this season, leading the Wildcats to a 9-3 record.

Grace Leslau

Matt Radack

Jr., Boys Lacrosse

Radack used his size and athleticism to anchor the boys lacrosse defense and lead the Wildcats to a regional-semifinal berth.

Hope Flieger

Jr., Gymnastics

Fr., Gymnastics

Sarah Bernstein

Bethany Buel

The junior helped lead the gymnastics Flieger was also a key component of team to one of its best seasons in recent gymnastics success this season, consishistory, placing third individually at the tently scoring points on the beam. county meet.

Sr., Softball

Sr., Softball

Caldwell Clarke

Gus Gill

Sr., Baseball

Jr., Baseball

Along with junior Gus Gill, Clarke Gill was a key contributor both on the added to the dominant pitching for the mound and at the plate for the Wildcats, Wildcats, beating a number of quality one of the main reasons the team finished 12-5. teams during the season.

Eli Gerber

Sr., Boys Volleyball

Sr., Track and Field

In her first year running track, Hart won the county championship in the 200m and was a key member for a number of relays.

Jr., Coed Volleyball

The senior captain anchored the back Fischetti used her superior passing skills row for boys volleyball, nearly earning to establish herself as one of the key players on the coed volleyball team. them a playoff berth.

Paige Waqa

Sr., Girls Lacrosse

The speedster set the tone for softball, Despite missing the start of the season The goalie was the anchor of the girls leading the team in stolen bases and pa- due to injury, Buel dominated on the lacrosse defense this year, allowing just mound and helped the Lady Cats retrolling center field on defense. over eight goals a game. bound from a sub-par start.

Renee Hart

Gina Fischetti

Laura Dally

Elad Covaliu

Sr., Track and Field

Sr., Track and Field

Dally was one of the premier jumpers The senior was one of the best hurdlers and hurdlers in the state, finishing off in the state, gaining his third All-Pitch her high school career with another su- team selection in three different sports. perb season.

Bryn Molloy

Sr., Girls Lacrosse

Molloy was the most potent attacker for the girls lacrosse team, finishing with the most goals on the season.

Jordan Krasner

Sr., Boys Tennis

A four-year varsity tennis player, Krasner finished his high school career on a high note, qualifying for the state tournament.

Sports 20

Ross Koby

Laura Sutherland

Photo courtesy of Janice Hazlehurst

Photo by Wahid Ishrar

What’s Inside 17 18 19

More Spring Wrapups MAY 25, 2012

Jordan Krasner

Aldo Filas Photo by Steven Groobert

Photo by Steven Groobert

WJ Student-Ath- Spring All-Pitch letes sacrifice for Team success

Sarah Duncan Photo by Steven Groobert

MaxVanegas

Photo courtesy of Stephanie Salvatore

Spring Sports Wrapups Boys and Coed Volleyball

By Ben Resnick

Track and Field

By ZachWilliams

Softball

By Ben Levingston

The boys volleyball team finished with a record of 4-7, highlighted by a dramatic win over Gaithersburg in the season finale that kept their playoff hopes alive.

The team was led by senior captains Jack Collins and Eli Gerber. The captains dealt with many responsibilities since the team had no returning starters.

Although the team did not make the playoffs, Gerber was proud of his team.

“I would argue we definitely had a good season considering the strength of our schedule and the lack of experience on our team.”

Coach Brian Fairall was happy with his team’s performance and hopes his team can begin next season where they left off.

The coed volleyball team started the season very well, winning three of the first four matches, but was unable to maintain the streak and lost the final seven games.

Coach Bill Morris was proud of his team and believed they had several tough matches, and played well in all of them.

Junior captain Gina Fischetti said that her goal for the team was for everyone to have fun, which she felt they succeded in doing.

Both the boys and girls teams ran well this year, with both teams winning many dual meets and having a successful meet at the Penn Relays.

Coach Tom Martin said this season was memorable, but would like for the team to have done better. To do so, he wants to “reignite the burning desire to compete” in his runners. He added that the hardest part about coaching the track team was handling the large number of runners.

Martin said he is very upset that the senior runners are graduating, but is happy to know that what they learned in track will help them when they leave WJ, especially because multiple students will continue running on college. Martin said he will have great memories this season, such as when both of his teams beat B-CC and when the boys beat Wootton in their first meet.

“I get to work in a sport I’m passionate about,” said Martin, “[And my lessons] will serve [my runners] for the rest of their life.”

The season for the softball team was full of ups and downs. Finishing with a record of 6-11, the girls pushed their way through the season.

Star pitcher senior Bethany Buel was severely injured in the second scrimmage, a major loss for the team before the season even began.

The girls definitely had some bright spots during the year. Senior captain Sarah Bernstein was a solid leadoff hitter for the Cats and played a flawless centerfield. Other standouts included sophomores Kristin Scott and Sarah Duncan. Scott batted .545 for the season and was very solid in the field at shortstop.

Duncan played an excellent catcher for the team, the same position for every game.

Although the team’s hitting was exceptional, the squad was plagued by errors, costing them runs.

“We started the season making a lot of errors and we have improved,” said Coach Jamie Ahearn. “We had a perfect game against Gaithersburg and my hope for next year is to continue with this improvement.”

In the playoffs, the girls defeated Richard Montgomery but lost in the second round against Magruder, 5-1, in a close match up.

Gymnastics

Tennis

Boys Lacrosse

By Ben Levingston

Gymnastics had phenomenal results this year in competition, posting an undefeated record of 8-0 in the regular season. Led by captain senior Deanna Sipes and standouts sophomore Ella Wu and junior Grace Leslau, WJ gymnastics cruised through their season.

Coach Erika Aguilar felt that an early season win against Blair set the ball rolling for an undefeated season. On May 9, the girls took second place at the county championships, falling short of a flawless season.

The Cats used their strength on the vault to propel themselves through their matches.

“We have such powerhouses in that event,” said Aguilar.

The team is looking forward to next season, where they will look to attain the perfect record in the county championships that eluded them this year.

By Matthew Morris

The boys tennis team lived up to the high expectations they set at the beginning of the year, finishing the regular season with an 8-4 winning record, despite losses to tough opponents like Wootton and Churchill.

The team managed to shut out their opponents 7-0 in six out of their eight wins. This success continued into the post-season, where the team finished fourth overall.

At the regional meet, senior Jordan Krasner earned a silver medal in the singles category and will be the first WJ athlete to compete at the state tournament in at least a decade. The tennis state tournament will take place in College Park, Md. on May 25 and 26.

By Sabrina Clarke

Boys lacrosse finished the spring season with a record of 9-3, losing only to Churchill, B-CC and Sherwood.

The team made it to the Regional semifinal, where they suffered a heartbreaking loss to Sherwood in double overtime. As a result, they don’t get to move on to States on May 18-23.

“It was disappointing that we lost to Sherwood, but [the boys] put in a lot of effort overall this season,” said head coach Alan “Poho” Pohoryles, who took over the team during the 2011 season.

Captain Jake Verner push his team to such a successful season alongside his three co-captains, Cole Miller, Matt Radack and Timmy Seppi.

“Staying focused and being ready to come out and give it our all no matter who we played was the key to some of our success,” said Verner.