Print Edition: March 23, 2015

The Pitch

Walter Johnson High School

March 23, 2015

Volume 60, Issue 6

6400 Rock Spring Drive, Bethesda, MD 20814

Asian Heritage Assembly represents diverse cultures

By Kara Gordon

Photos by Janey Tietz

Clockwise from top left: Seniors Naina Thangada and Radhika Gupta pose in their outfits for the fashion show; dancers in a Korean fan dance called buchaechum use their fans to create a beautiful pattern; juniors Emily Chu and Maria Chu sing a duet; martial arts performers stage a fight; sophomore Rosemary Bingei plays the guzheng, a Chinese instrument; senior Harold Sang performs a martial arts routine using a staff.

“Affirmative Action,” continued on page 7

Short rants from Diversifying TV, The Pitch staff one show at a PAGE 5 time PAGE 16 Drinking Smart ways Debate: Is 21 to cash in too old?

PAGE 13 PAGE 8

French teacher drops album PAGE 12

Boys Tennis serves high expectations PAGE 18 MLB season leads off PAGE 19

Sports

Affirmative action was introduced to the United States in March 1961 when John F. Kennedy signed Executive Order 10925 that stated employers/application officers must, “Take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed and that employees are treated during employment without regard to their race, creed, color or national origin.”

This order was especially helpful for minorities because it made merit the most important factor in work. Instead of favoring white applicants, employers had to evaluate all races based on credentials. Many minorities were then able to enroll in colleges and were given the opportunity to seek higher education and eventually, find higher paying jobs, an opportunity that was once almost completely unavailable to them.

I’m sure we’ve all heard at least one Asian student say, “I hate being Asian” or “it sucks being Asian.” We often resent our race because affirmative action puts us at a disadvantage in the college admissions process. I’ll admit that it’s difficult being Asian sometimes. I would consider myself a pretty decent student; I get more As than Bs and my SAT score is over 2000. Nationally, I am an above average student. But compared to other Asians, I am considered an average or maybe even below average student.

Although Asians tend to score higher and have higher GPAs, it’s unrealistic to expect me to meet the “Asian standard.” I am not like them; it does not come easy for me to get a 2300 or have a 4.0. In fact, no matter how hard I try, I will probably never be able to perform that well on tests and in school.

What’s inside: Feature

By Suejean Han

“Assembly,” continued on page 4

Opinion

Affirmative Action is a step in the right direction

A&E

Opinion:

Colorful lights flooded the stage on March 12, as students excitedly entered the auditorium during their third period for the Asian Heritage Assembly. Over 50 students, including members of the Asian American Club, participated to showcase various Asian cultures through student performances, while a number of other students worked as crew members to ensure that all technical aspects of the performance worked smoothly.

This year, the theme of the event was “The art of nonverbal communication.”

Since so many different languages are spoken across the continent of Asia, the assembly was a way to showcase several Asian cultures through music and dance which translates to all people, breaking any language barriers.

There was no audition required to perform in the assembly; potential performers had to attend an interest meeting to ensure there were no duplicate acts and that a variety of countries were represented.

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NEWS

Baker, Mirshah-Nayar reflect on leadership experiences

By Izzy Salant

For six weeks, beginning in January, principal Jennifer Baker (JB) left the halls of WJ to work at Meadow Hall Elementary School and was replaced by her principal intern, Afie Mirshah-Nayar (AMN). The Pitch sat down with both of them and asked about their time in their new positions, the challenges they faced and what the experience was like.

Can you reflect on your time in your new position?

JB: One of my big takeaways was I learned that I actually love kids of all ages and love being in school.

I really enjoyed it. The staff was super welcoming the kids were adorable, they hug you, they’re just so happy to be at school. I had a great experience.

What did you learn that you can adapt to your job currently?

AMN: I learned that in the job of a principal, there’s a lot of responsibility. Whatever happens, whether it’s with students or staff members, with parents and the community…you’re the last person who has to address [whatever happens] and deal with it so there is a lot of responsibility and there is a burden on your shoulders. You’re responsible for making sure everything goes well, so the big thing I learned was the responsibility. I also learned that it’s a great job; I loved it. It’s really rewarding and when things go well you can feel such as sense of accomplishment and when things aren’t going well then you have to think about how things can get better. I think what I’ll take to future positions is really that sense of ownership for what you do and how it impacts kids.

Would you go back and do it again?

JB: In a heartbeat. Having an intern is a great professional development experience because it makes you reexamine all of your practices in a way where you can explain and justify them to someone else. So, you learn a lot from your intern because they typically will come from other school environments and they bring their best practices from wherever they’ve been, and then you’re trying to explain to them your thinking behind [your practices]…And so that, in turn, makes

you internalize and think more about your own practices and actually I think it helps them develop as a school leader. So I would definitely do it again. There’s nothing [on this planet] like a kindergarten classroom.

WJ experienced a loss right when the switch occurred. How do you think that affected everything?

JB: The impact is serious all the way around. Nothing is more tragic than losing a student at a school.

So from a leadership standpoint, Ms. [Mirshah-Nayar] really had to jump into the fire; she had to be out there as the school leader, helping to make sure that our students here were getting the attention that they needed, and that still continues to this day...From my perspective, being away was one of the hardest things I had to go through...Even though I was there that very first day we came back from winter break (because I felt I had to be here), I thought about you guys every day. Everyone is still [feeling the emotional repercussions of Noah Marks’ passing].

AMN: I think that’s where the sense of responsibility came in, a tremendous sense of this horrible, tragic thing that has happened...You can’t control what happens in life and you have to just respond to things as they happen. I wish it hadn’t happened; it was really hard. It was emotionally hard for me, it was hard to see the [students, staff and parents] having such a hard time...so I really felt the pain of everybody around me and I felt my own pain...It was a horrible tragedy that is just still sad today but it gave me an opportunity to say, “Okay, what can I do? This community is in pain and is suffering, what can I do, and what can we do together?” That was also when I saw Walter Johnson at its best, because the parents and the community and the kids and the teachers and the parents...came together to support one another. And so I got a chance to see how wonderful this school really is, and how supportive and what a great community we have. So I got to see the best of [WJ] during what is a really, horribly difficult time. While we will never forget what happened, I am so proud of the way that students and our community moved forward . I want all of our students to know that we are here for them and can help them no matter what difficult situations they face in life.

FROM WJPITCH.COM Like The Pitch on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @TheWJPitch!

Feminism goes far

By Leila Siegel

Women’s rights have expanded greatly in the last few centuries.

They have gained the right to vote, the right to take contraception and the right to maintain a job if pregnant, among other things.

America may even have its first female president; Hillary Clinton is expected to run in the 2016 election.

Clinton is seen by many as a women’s rights advocate, expanding political rights for women later on as possibly being the first female president in American history.

“I agree with a lot of her advocacy. I think it’s important for someone to be advocating for gender equality because it’s often swept under the rug in politics,” said senior Kate Coughlin.

Coughlin believes that Clinton is a strong supporter for women’s rights.

“I think there are plenty of people who’ve done more than her, but… I think she’s a good person for the [gender equality] movement in general,” said Coughlin.

Junior Matthew Brooke also believes that Clinton could make a good potential candidate.

“She has plenty of experience with being Secretary of State,” said Brooke.

For the rest of this article plus more, go to wjpitch.com!

MARCH 23, 2015

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS Dear Pitch Readers, This issue we usher in the warmer weather with some intriguing articles for you.

In News, we cover the interesting process of hiring substitutes, and we also summarize how students at our school are active in community service. In Opinion, two of our Editors-in-Chief go head-to-head in a debate about the drinking age in America, and eight of our writers share some passionate opinions on issues they care about in short rants.

This month, we stuck to tradition in Arts and Entertainment with a color spread of March Makeover Madness, where two seniors get a makeover just in time for Spring. Turn to Feature for an article about increasing diversity in TV shows, and also an exciting photo essay covering the recent student-staff basketball game.

Sports finishes the issue off with some predictions for the 2015 MLB season and a preview of our school teams this Spring.

See you next month for our satirical issue of the paper: The Catch!

Happy reading, Your 2014-2015 Print Editors-in-Chief Selma Stearns, Ben Resnick and Audrey Marek.

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NEWS

Subs are often unsung members of MCPS

By Joshua Lang

Throughout students’ 13 years of MCPS education, they have become accustomed to the presence of substitute teachers. In one year, students may meet various substitute teachers, which means that there are plenty of both good and bad stories regarding them.

This has led some students to wonder how subs are chosen.

Substitute teachers range from ex-teachers to recent college graduates, so at times it is hard to determine why some subs are chosen to teach certain classes over others. Social Studies resource teacher Ty Healey described how departments choose substitute teachers for a class.

“When a teacher knows he or she will be out they often seek out a specific sub who they trust will do a good job,” said Healey. “That may involve calling the subs that we have on a list in the department or asking subs who are in the building for other jobs.”

Healey also said that, when teachers are out very suddenly with very little warning, teachers have to use the automated system to find a sub. The automated system allows for a person who is looking for a sub position to find an opening and fill in for that teacher.

The office provides a schedule for the sub as to where they have to be and when they have to be there.

Mary Donohoe was a member of the WJ Social Studies department 20 years, and now subs for the county.

“I knew that I would miss teaching and working with my good friends in the Social Studies department. I knew I would miss interacting with students as I had for so long so I decided to sub,” said Donohoe. “I retired because I wanted to have more free time to travel and practice law and take courses and be with family and friends. Now, I can do everything I love but in a more balanced way.”

Donohoe talked briefly about the differences between teaching and subbing.

“I already knew some of the students at WJ when I began to sub,” said Donohoe. “Many of them had been in my classes so we already had a good relationship.

I found that the students were helpful and cooperative when I was subbing just as they were when I was teaching.”

To aid subs, MCPS has created a “Substitute Teacher Handbook” to cover what a sub is expected to do, including an “advice” section. Tips include using a seating chart in order to take attendance and spelling out a student’s name if it is difficult to pronounce. Tips like these are encouraged by the county, however, may only occasionally be used by subs. According to junior Nicolas Ballon, some students tend to move around freely in classes with subs and sit with their friends.

Greg Gherman has been subbing with the county for about four years now. He switches off between WJ, Richard Montgomery, Wootton and a few middle schools around the county. Gherman has had a very positive experience at WJ. “As a whole, the kids are awesome,” said Gherman.

“Everyone tries their best and they really try to be respectful. [Students will] sometimes try to take advantage of the fact that there is a sub in their class.”

Gherman has seen these types of issues across the county. These issues are not a universal problem for all subs, but rather they occur occasionally. Subs of all experience levels are impacted, and it can vary drastically from class to class.

Like Donohoe, Jane Stern was a teacher in Montgomery County, Stern for 39 years. She has been subbing for the county for close to 12 years now.

“I was accustomed to being around students,” said Stern. “I also liked to know what’s been happening

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Photo by Janey Tietz

Jane Stern has been a substitute since 2003, after teaching for 39 years. While subbing, she tries to maintain a normal balance in the classroom.

with both students and teachers. That’s why I continue to work in schools and continue to represent teachers. I continue to represent substitute teachers now through the MCPS Representative Assembly.”

Her past experience as a teacher substantially helps her as a sub.

It has become very common for the same substitute teachers to fill in at the same schools. Subs who have good reputations become well-respected and are often praised by students when they come in the classroom.

On a daily basis, there can be as many as 15 subs in the building at one time. At the end of the day, not all subs are the same and for someone like Donohoe or Stern who love what they do, subbing can be truly amazing for the sub and the students.

Boys swim team rallies to reclaim state title

By Audrey Marek and Bradley Stein

Since MCPS began participating in the swimming state championships four years ago, the WJ boys Swim and Dive (WJSD) team has claimed three out of the four state titles. Previously, the team won the title in 2012 and 2013, but did not win it last season in 2014.

“After not having our greatest season last year and being overlooked by other teams [like Richard Montgomery High School] this year, we all stepped up when it counted the most to win the big titles,” said senior Matthew Daza, WJSD captain and winner of this year’s Wildcat award, which recognizes a team leader.

Reclaiming the state title was a highlight for Daza, as well as winning the 200 freestyle relay at the state championships with teammates senior Noah Burgett, junior Jordan Davila and sophomore Abe Kim. “I’ve honestly never been more proud of anything in my life,” said Daza. “There’s no better way to end a season and career than with a state title.”

The team’s increased cohesion this season contributed to their success. Daza, who has been on the team since freshman year, said that this year’s team is much

Photos courtesy of Andrew Ship

Senior Noah Burgett (in a WJ swim cap) swims breaststroke.

Burgett is a stand out senior and has been swimming on WJSD for four years.

closer knit than in previous years.

As a public school team, swim and dive is only allowed two practices a week, so often athletes will practice with their club teams. The official practices are Tuesdays at 5:30 a.m. and Thursdays at 2:45 p.m., but some of the team will actually train anywhere from five to eight times a week through a mix of before and after school practices. Many practice year round, with the exception of a short period in August, and then “taper,” or rest, right before major meets.

Though the boys and girls teams of WJSD are technically separate, they consider themselves one community.

“There will never be a time when a WJ swimmer is swimming a race and no one is at the end of their lane cheering for them,” said freshman Shahar Bezherano, a member of the girls team. “We all support each other throughout the good races and the bad ones which is really special.”

Coach Jamie Grimes, who has lead the team since 2003, agreed with Bezherano on the strong team spirit

Boys on WJSD pose for a photo with their award.

Top row from left to right: Sophomore Abe Kim, seniors Coby Zucker and Julian Wainer and juniors Nozomi Horikawa and Jordan Davila. Bottom row from left to right: Seniors Vinicius Okada and Matthew Daza, coach Jamie Grimes, senior Noah Burgett and sophomore Tyler Van Wagener.

of this year’s group.

“The kids really stepped up and had fun,” said Grimes.

“They swam great at divisional[s]. All across the board I think most people had [personal] best times, so the kids did really well cheering for each other and stepping up and supporting each other.”

However, it was not an easy road to the state championships. According to Grimes, an early loss to RM at a dual regional meet by a large margin served as a wakeup call and inspired the team to perform better at the divisional competition and then throughout the season.

Each year, there are many factors that contribute to the team’s success, including the quality of other teams in the state.

“The best girls team I had was last year and we got third because Churchill was really stacked,” said Grimes.

Now that the state championship is over, Grimes and the team look toward next season.

“I’ve known a lot of the seniors for a long time; I also coach a lot of the seniors outside in club, [so] I’ve gotten to know the class really well,” said Grimes. “It is going to be hard to go through next year without some of the people.”

There are also more group-oriented challenges to creating a new team, as the new combination of swimmers can leave the group with an imbalance in the quality of their performance in different events.

Bezherano is looking forward to her next season with the team.

“Next year I’m hoping to repeat it all over again, and create new memories with these amazing people,” Bezherano said.

Though Daza will have graduated before the next season begins, he has high hopes for the team in the future.

“The future is definitely looking bright for WJSD,” said Daza. “We realized that swimming is much more of a team sport than anyone realizes, and I think that the underclassmen will spread that for years to come.”

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NEWS

MARCH 23, 2015

Students make a difference in the community by starting clubs and charities

By Gideon Epstein

From the time that we were young, most of us shared a goal to make a splash by helping our communities and the world at large. Many students are taking that goal to heart and are making a real impact by participating in, or establishing, charitable organizations like Key Club, Project HaVi and the GoToMe campaign.

Senior Alexa Dorfman is one copresident of the Key Club, a student organization which volunteers in various charities for many causes. Key Club has been around for 90 years, originating in 1925 at Sacramento High School in California.

“Key Club helps [students] learn that getting involved is easy, always appreciated and extremely rewarding,” said Dorfman.

In many ways, Key Club is a charity for charities. Their goal is to teach students how rewarding volunteer and charity work can be. Dorfman said the Key Club leadership simply tries to get as many students involved as possible.

Membership has increased in recent years after a disorganized start to the club during Dorfman’s freshman and sophomore years.

Another charitable organization at WJ is Project HaVi, started by seniors Julia Murdoch and Danya Firestone. The goal of Project HaVi is to educate students about the difficult socio-economic situations threatening the educational opportunities of members of the small village of Hacienda Vieja, El Salvador.

Firestone said that Project HaVi raises awareness that many people do not have the same economic and educational opportunities many students at WJ have.

“It is important to get involved in this cause to make an effort to recognize and break out of the bubble that we know we live in in Montgomery County,” she said.

According to Forbes Magazine, in 2014, Bethesda was ranked the most educated place in the U.S. Despite the privilege of having an many education opportunities, many students in Montgomery County are not involved with charitable organizations that raise awareness for issues like education.

Project HaVi is a club that allows students to explore this opportunity.

Other campaigns started by students, like junior Joshua Lang’s GoToMe campaign, deal with issues that high school students face, such as loneliness and depression that sometimes lead to suicidal thoughts. Lang’s GoToMe movement was inspired by a mentor for many Montgomery County students, Todd Kay, who suddenly passed away at age 37.

Lang initiated the GoToMe campaign last month partly because of his own struggles.

“I started GoToMe to create an environment for people like me,” he said. “[I created it for] people who struggled because they felt that they were alone in the world combatting a universal problem.”

That universal problem Lang referred

to is depression. Lang tried to turn his struggles with depression into a positive campaign that would not only help himself, but others dealing with the same issues as well.

On Feb. 27, the school administration, along with help from nearby psychologists, psychiatrists and other professionals ran a Health and Mental Wellness Summit during the school day. While the GoToMe campaign and the summit were not coordinated, in many ways, Lang’s movement deals with some of

the same issues, including depression.

He explained the summit opened the door for students to speak open about their personal problems.

“As important as it is to reach out for help, people are afraid that they will be judged and treated differently based on what they say,” said Lang. “The mission behind GoToMe is to give people the safe environment they need to reach out for help.” *Joshua Lang is a Staff Writer for The Pitch

Photo courtesy of Danya Firestone

Senior Danya Firestone (right) and Magruder alumnus Tamara Wilhite (left) help educate Luz Meri (middle), a girl from Hacienda Vieja, during a summer El Salvador trip sponsored by Project HaVi, a student activism group.

Asian Heritage Assembly educates students on culture through performance

Photo by Janey Tietz

The Traditional Asian Dance Association perform a Korean fan dance called buchaechum, using fans to create elaborate patterns.

“Assembly,” continued from page 1 Aileen Leung, the teacher coordinator of the event, grouped together a wide variety of acts for the assembly.

“The majority of the acts are traditional dances, but others include a martial arts demonstration, a traditional

instrumental performance and a fashion show,” said Leung.

The first performance was a traditional form of Korean fan dance called Buchaechum. It was developed and influenced by both Korean shamanic dance and traditional Joseon Dynasty court performance. The dancers sported brightly colored dresses known as hanboks. Large fans painted with pink peony blossoms were used to create bird and flower figures throughout the dance.

Senior Yeon Cho was an announcer at the assembly, and helped introduce each act with fellow senior, Amanda Tang.

“The assortment of costumes and accessories worn by the dancers reflect one of the many regions and ethnic groups that make up the country,” said Cho. “The choreography often portrays history or the gestures of daily life in the countryside.”

Next was a martial art fan dance to the classical piece “Ambush from 10 Sides”.

This martial arts style song was written for the pipa, a traditional Chinese instrument. Its history surrounds the circumstances of General Xiang Yu in 202 BC who was defeated by Liu Bang, China’s first Han dynasty emperor. The

dance was used to portray the scenes of the epic war between General Xiang Yu and Liu Bang.

In addition to the Asian American Club, the Martial Arts Club was also featured in the assembly. Hand-to-hand combat techniques, weapon demonstrations and self-defense processes were all showcased in the presentation. Various martial arts styles such as Chinese Kung Fu, Moy Thai, Korean Tae Kwon Do and Cambodian Bokator were displayed through a choreographed fight demonstration.

Modern Asian culture was represented by the Asian pop performance. This dance showed the modern influence by western genres and growing internet popularity of renowned Asian artists.

The performance included dances from a variety of Asian pop songs.

“Asian pop songs usually consist of singing and rapping as well as fun and upbeat choreography. The groups tend to have multiple members and also maintain large fan bases,” said Tang.

The assembly has been an annual WJ event for over five years, but this year for the first time the assembly moved beyond just representing East Asian countries.

“Most Eastern Asian countries such as China, South Korea, Japan, Vietnamese, etc. are being represented,” said senior Miao Chen, vice president of the Asian American Club. “However, this year we have moved beyond these eastern countries and have incorporated the Middle East.”

The Middle East was featured through a belly dancing routine, which is a type of middle-eastern dance that is considered to be the oldest known dance by some experts. Belly dancing has evolved and spread globally causing it to take on various costumes and dance forms depending on the country and region.

To close out the assembly, there was a fashion show to educate students on the traditional dress of various countries throughout Asia. Many traditional outfits were featured from Asian countries, including China, Israel, Vietnam and Korea.

In his final remarks, Cho reminded the student body of the heterogeneity of Asia and its various traditions.

“There are 48 countries in Asia so what you saw today is just a small glimpse of the diverse Asian culture,” said Cho.

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Pitch

MARCH 23, 2015

“Adulthood”

Vegetarians

OPINION

Kanye West

By Allie Miljanic

By KathrynVan Artsdalen

By Annika LaVina

On March 27, I will turn 18. That day, I will be able to vote, join the military, purchase a gun and buy cigarettes but I will not be able to go to the bathroom without asking my teacher first. Teachers often complain about how students are immature and unwilling to accept the opportunities for increased responsibility that they are offered. But when it comes to practicing what they preach, they don’t allow us to make the most basic of decisions: the decision to go to the bathroom, which is one of the first things humans (hopefully) learn.

Rather, we have to raise our hand, wait, ask to go the restroom, have our teachers maybe grant our request and then carry a bathroom pass like we are in elementary school. It is ridiculous. Why am I not allowed to go to the bathroom when I have to?

It is absurd how so many vegetarians drown everything they eat in cheese.

Some people become vegetarian for environmental reasons, claiming that processing meat is bad for the environment. But processing cheese can be even more harmful to the environment, as reported in an article from Mother Jones called “Is Your Cheese Killing the Planet?” Others cite health reasons for being vegetarian, but I am pretty sure eating lean meats, such as chicken and turkey, is healthier than consuming piles of cheese every day. Just saying.

So, while I respect that everyone makes their own dietary choices, I find it incredibly annoying and hypocritical when people make a spectacle, bragging about how they follow some strict, special diet, seeming to beg for attention, and then completely contradict it.

In most cases, the mention of Kanye West sparks heated discussions and disputes. As insult after insult tumbles out one after the other, branding him as cocky, arrogant, rude and offensive, many find great joy in “trash-talking” arguably the most famous rapper in the world. However, what they don’t realize is that Kanye has already won. Every time someone mutters a word about one of his antics, such as the Taylor Swift incident, his fame amplifies, which in turn, only makes his career more successful. People love to hate him, and he loves it that everybody hates him. My advice? Leave Jesus- oh, I mean,Yeezus, alone.

The Dress

Beach Week

By Charlie Kanter

By Suejean Han

Blue and black? White and gold?

Which is it? The recent controversy over the color of a dress originally posted on the social media site Tumblr has plagued our student body for the past few weeks.

Twitter and Facebook have been packed with pictures of and comments on this strange dress, a dress that confuses the eye and messes with the mind. Some have successfully explained that the dress is blue and black, but others refuse to accept the truth. Relationships have been demolished and friendships devastated – the controversy of this phenomenon has left frighteningly widespread destruction in its wake…but who really cares?

I was looking forward to going to beach week this year. This all changed when the PTSA organized a meeting with police officers from Dewey and Bethany Beaches and parents and called it “Beach Week: The Real Story”. My dad attended this event, and when he arrived home, he informed me that I was no longer allowed to go to beach week. First off, not everyone who attends Beach Week drinks and does drugs. This meeting purposefully instilled fear and distrust in my parents even though I have never done anything wrong to indicate that I may engage in such activities. Using terror tactics to keep me from going to the beach with my friends? Really? Thanks for ruining the beginning of my summer,WJ PTSA.

I do. The dress is blue and black, end of discussion.

Taylor Swift

100-word rants Graphic by Steven Judge

Eight members of our staff take a moment to vent about something they feel passionately about.

Sagging Pants Music Industry

By Anja Shahu

By Joshua Lang

By Izzy Salant

Six. That is the number that millions of people reduce Taylor Swift to. Not seven for the number of Grammys she has won – six for the number of boyfriends she has had. Swift is an anomaly; she is a woman who calls all the shots in her career. Still, many men diminish the career of one of the most powerful females in the world to a joke about her boyfriends. Clearly, embracing a female who is both successful and independent questions the one value that society was founded on – patriarchy. Women follow that same route because they have been taught to tear each other down in order to steer their attention away from pressing inequalities; consequently, even selfproclaimed “feminists” inadvertently promote the patriarchy they claim to despise so much.

“Pants on the ground, pants on the ground, lookin’ like a fool with your pants on the ground.” Some may remember this famous song by General Larry Platt on American Idol years ago.

He was not kidding when he said that people look like fools with their pants hanging so low. People must be pretty proud of their Fruit of the Loom boxers to show them off all the time. The below freezing weather must feel pretty nice back there. No one wants to see your rear end, so pull your pants up already. If you are having trouble keeping them up, buy a belt. Just make sure not to run to get a belt, we don’t want you to trip on the way there.

Why am I made fun of for liking musicals? They are brilliantly scored, the actors are gifted, and, unlike the pop music industry, you have to be talented to take part in them. So, if you don’t possess talent, singing ability, acting ability or both, you will not be cast in one.Yet, Ms. Lip Syncing Britney Spears is a famous pop star. Now, some people in the music industry today are wickedly talented, like Demi Lovato, Bruno Mars and Maroon 5, but unless you’re T-Pain, don’t use an excessive amount of autotune. I do not deserve to be ridiculed for liking “Aida,” a musical scored

by Elton John, when the only music you have in your library is Iggy Azalea. So have fun with your fake catchy songs, I’ll enjoy some real music.

THE STAFF

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EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Audrey Marek, Print Co-Editor Ben Resnick, Print Co-Editor Selma Stearns, Print Co-Editor Amanda Gross, Online Co-Editor Marissa Nardella, Online Co-Editor ADVISOR Sylvie Ellen, Print and Online NEWS Izzy Salant, Print Editor Gideon Epstein, Print Assistant Editor Anna Hovey, Online Co-Editor Kelly Chartrand, Online Co-Editor OPINION Nick Williamson, Print Editor Charlie Kanter, Print Assistant Editor Zoey Becker, Online Editor FEATURE Anja Shahu, Print Editor Kevin Lu, Print Assistant Editor Leila Siegel, Online Editor ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT Annika La Vina, Print Editor Mary Kate Greening, Print Asisstant Editor Evan Candelmo, Online Co-Editor Zack Shapiro, Online Co-Editor SPORTS Jake Weinischke, Print Editor Patrick Jorling, Print Assistant Editor Kevin O’Leary, Online Editor Grant Weaver, Online Assistant Editor COPY EDITORS Suejean Han Daniel Flesch Steven Judge

ART

PUBLIC RELATIONS Shashank Narayan, Social Media Consultant, Business Manager Gideon Epstein, Assistant Business Manager STAFF WRITERS

Emma Higgins Allie Miljanic Joshua Lang Daniel Flesch Meg Tamara Bradley Stein

Daniel Leonard Iris Vukmanovic Kara Gordon Kathryn Van Artsdalen Suejean Han Janey Tietz The Pitch is published eight times a year by the students of Walter Johnson High School, population of 2,234 and located at 6400 Rock Spring Drive, Bethesda, Md. 20814. Advertising and subscription rates are available by calling 301-8037184. Opinions represent those of The Pitch staff and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the staff, faculty or student body. We welcome letters, articles, photographs and artwork, to be submitted to room 193 or e-mailed to thepitch@walterjohnson.com. The Pitch is an award-winning paper that works towards providing the student body with accurate, as well as credible, information.

AWARDS

Columbia Scholastic Press Association Marylander Award Newspaper Division C 2011 American Scholastic Press Association Columbia Scholastic First Place 2011 Press Association Gold Medalist 2009, 2013 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Silver Medalist Columbia Scholastic 2014 Bronze Medalist 2011

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OPINION

MARCH 23, 2015

Chromebooks aid WJ education in the long run

By Gideon Epstein

Snow days add unneeded time to end of school year

By NickWilliamson

Every time there is the slight possibility of snow, students berate and harass MCPS over Twitter demanding that the Powers That Be close school the next day.

While the day off is nice, we only get four excused snow days before the county starts adding days to the end of the year to make up for lost time. While I understand the desired purpose of these extra days, in reality the costs of keeping them open are not worth the little value students get from just sitting around.

While students mainly use these days to study, the actual reason we have them is due to the fact that the State of Maryland mandates students be in school a minimum of 180 days. While I understand the legal necessity of the extra days, if the State believes these days are necessary for educational purposes, it is mistaken. Unless there is a massive amount of snow in one year that causes a large number of days off, most classes will be done teaching material pretty close to, if not on, schedule. Teachers tend to account for days off and even delays in their planning, making the extra days simply review days that may have been lost due to the snow. Also, because students will probably study for their exams at home, the real benefit of these extra days is that they are a designated time to ask the teacher about something you do not understand. While this is important, it is not something that should require an extra two or three days added to the end of the year.

In addition, for students in AP classes, there is no added benefit to a pushback in the school year. The AP test dates will not change, so even if there was enough snow to cause problems in terms of teaching the curriculum, students don’t get any relief from days added on after they have already had their test. Since students have finished by that time of the year anyways, the extra days are just days where teachers need something to pass the time. Very little benefit, if any, is found in extra days for AP classes. On top of this, the date for graduation is set early in the year, so the extra days don’t help seniors prepare for their exams either.

Finally, keeping schools open costs money. For example, if the three extra days this year are not waived, it will cost MCPS more than $1.72 million to keep school open, according to MCPS spokesperson Dana Tofig. While we want students to do well on their exams and cover all the material, it is not worth the cost of keeping school open just so students can either sit around or ask a final question that could be done by email, especially when that money could be used to make their next year even better.

I understand that the county is legally bound to a 180 day minimum, but this would not be the first time in history that a law is outdated or ineffective. I think students are better served when not forced to come to school and do nothing, but if the mandate can’t be changed, maybe these days could be improved. If they were used to develop knowledge like balancing a checkbook or other life skills we don’t normally learn in school, or as days where students can earn SSL hours, they would be spent infinitely better than how they are now. In additon, extra days are not the only option. MCPS plans to request a waiver for the three days from the state in hopes of avoiding any extra days.

While this may mean having school on March 27, that day would be more beneficial to students than one at the end of the year.

are accustomed to using the popular Microsoft Office One of the most exciting revelations of the first weeks offline applications of Word, PowerPoint and Excel. At of the school year was the arrival of the Chromebooks. times, the Microsoft Office and Google Drive can be Students have started to take the laptops for granted, hard to coordinate together when a student needs to but the fact that MCPS was willing to invest $12 mil- take an assignment from home to school in order to lion (40,000 computers around $300 a piece) is quite work on it in Google Drive. While it is possible to acimpressive considering that former superintendent, cess Google Drive at home, it is far more convenient Dr. Joshua Starr shot down a $21 million price tag for to have all one’s work in the same place.

There have certainly been pros and cons to the puran alternative delayed school start time plan last year.

Relative to that option popular among many students, chase of the Chromebooks, but at some point, the parents, and teachers, the price of the Chromebooks county had to make an attempt to further the techwas quite hefty for new technology that is in most cas- nological innovation that Montgomery County tries es, only available to students in one, maybe two classes to achieve all the time. MCPS is known as one of the top school districts not only in Maryland, but also in a day.

While some students elect to take as many as three the entire nation, so making a revolutionary change, Social Studies classes, most teachers in the department whether successful or not, is understandable. given the privilege to demo the new Chromebooks choose not to have their classes use them on a daily basis. In my Social Studies classes, the Chromebooks are used once or twice a week.

For a few teachers, classes have become completely digital, with their students logging in daily, limiting the amount of paper required.

Based on my experience, the Chromebooks would be far more effective if more teachers were willing to adopt this style of teaching.

However, many teachers are worried about students getting off task while taking notes or completing an assignment since all Chromebooks have internet access. During class, students are capable of checking Facebook, Instagram or Twitter while a lecture is being given.

Another issue with the Chromebooks is that the only way to write an essay or complete an assignment is through Google Drive, Google’s online application for documents, Graphic by Steven Judge presentations and spreadsheets. For many, it is Many have criticized the integration of Chromebooks into the school unfamiliar territory as students and teachers system, but its inclusion is ultimately valuable to the learning experience.

20-minute push-back will be beneficial

By Charlie Kanter

school start times back by 20 minutes, and after a year After substantial debate and discussion, as well as surveyed students to see the effects of the change. A parent and student petitions, MCPS has finally agreed large majority of students expressed a positive view on to push back school start times by 20 minutes next the small change in start time. Personally, every time school year. This change is exciting for many students, I sleep 20 minutes through my alarm clock, I come myself included. But many think that a mere 20 min- late to school feeling more alive and energized then I utes will not be enough extra time, and some are even otherwise would have while getting up at the normal upset by the fact that the change was so small after such time. Any change makes a difference. extensive discussion. What those people don’t underThough there are mixed responses, the change is stand is that this change could still mean a start to more ultimately beneficial to everyone. Those who feel they changes for the community. Yes, maybe the county will benefit from any change are awarded an extra partly pushed back start times for a temporary relief 20 minutes of sleep, while those unsatisfied with the from the recent barrage of demands for a change, but change will soon experience positive impacts. any change is a step in the right direction. More changes may come. This is just a trial run to see how much 20 minutes will impact students, while keeping costs to the county at a minimum.

Many people who are skeptical of the recent change may come to realize that it is an improvement.

Other states have experienced 20-30 minute changes as well, with positive responses from students. For example, Photos by Charlie Kanter many high schools While some feel that a pushback of only 20 minutes will be ineffective, others feel that the in Arizona pushed will leave them awake and active in class, and improve their health and grades as well. extra sleep

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MCPS recently announced that next year, school start times will be pushed back by 20 minutes. The Pitch asked students, “What do you think of the change in start times?”

OPINION

7

The Pitch polled 50 WJ students at random on the following questions: How should MCPS deal with snow days?

Ashley Pavell Freshman

38% 34%

“I don’t think it’s a good idea because we’re just going to stay up later anyways.”

16% 12%

Photo by Charlie Kanter

Natalie Hart

Percent

Sophomore

Would you ever consider attending a community college?

“I don’t think it’s going to do anything useful- it’s not worth it.”

56%

40%

Photo by Charlie Kanter

Tony Coffey Junior

4%

“It doesn’t really make much sense, and I don’t think it will make much of a difference.”

Percent

Do you think substitute teachers can be effective in the classroom?

Photo by Charlie Kanter

58%

Ben Jaffe

28%

Senior

“It’s not going to help, it will just delay everything we need to do.”

8%

Percent Photo by Charlie Kanter

The Pitch Opinion

In an area as affluent as Montgomery County, the rates of high school graduates attending community college are much lower than the national rates. This unfortunately creates the perception that very few people attend community colleges such as Montgomery College (MC), and those who do are somehow

lesser than their peers who attend fouryear colleges or universities. Treating MC like a joke by tweeting about it as a last resort can be very harmful, and it supports the negative stigma associated with a college that prides itself on its low cost and high quality of education. MC may not have a nine percent

acceptance rate, but it provides education for people who have children, are employed, are veterans or simply find MC the best choice for them after graduating high school. MC is a high-quality institution, and by no means a joke, so think before you tweet.

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OPINION

MARCH 23, 2015

In 1984 the federal government mandated that if states did not raise the drinking age to at least 21, they would lose highway funds. Some believe it would make more sense to lower the drinking age to 18 while others think keeping it at 21 makes the world a safer place.

Co-Editors in Chief Ben Resnick and Audrey Marek discuss the American drinking age.

Affirmative action: Striving for equality

“Affirmative Action,” continued from page 1

Colleges are going to take the higher scoring Asians; it only makes sense, right? Why would they take the average Asian over a stellar Asian? Even though I have it harder than some students, I still believe that affirmative action is necessary.

Through affirmative action, over the

course of the past 50 years, demographic reports have shown a steady increase in the percentage of minorities in higher income brackets, who have college degrees and master’s or PhD’s. Asians have come so far that we actually have the highest median household income in the country and the highest percentages of bachelor’s, master’s and PhD’s earned.

In contrast, minorities like blacks and Hispanic or Latinos have not improved as much as Asians have.

Yes, due to the fact Asians are now out of the academic/employment gap, we do not fit under the definition of who should receive affirmative action benefits. But that is okay, because the Asian population as a whole is doing much

better than other minorities. Black, Hispanic or Latino populations still need the extra boost to get them to where Asians and whites are now. If affirmative action greatly helped Asians, it should do the same for other minorities as well. Although many Asians and I sometimes feel that we are disadvantaged, we really are not and we cannot be so selfish.

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MARCH 23, 2015

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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Settle into spring with new movies

By Annika LaVina

Although the Oscars have come and gone, directors are wasting no time planning for the next one. This year stands out as a huge year for movies, including long-awaited sequels with well- recognized actors. Take some time off of your busy schedule and kick back with one of these spring flicks.

“Furious 7” April 3

As the final appearance of deceased actor Paul Walker, “Furious 7” provides answers to questions posed in the previous movie, “The Fast and the Furious 6”. Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his crew are ready to live quiet lives back in the United States after having defeated the corrupt former British Special Forces agent, Owen Shaw (Luke Evans). However, Shaw’s older brother, Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham), is back for revenge, and Toretto and his crew are forced to resurface as their lives are put in dire danger. This longawaited installment is set to be released in 3D, and features Cody and Caleb Walker, Paul Walker’s brothers, as stand-ins. Directed by the acclaimed James Wan, this action-packed film is predicted to be the most profitable among the Fast and Furious franchise.

Photo from Flickr, Tim Evenson

“ Furious 7” features deceased actor Paul Walker in his last Hollywood picture.

Marvel returns with Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Captain America (Chris Evans), and Thor (Chris Hemsworth) in an epic sequel to the original movie, “the Avengers”.

With Loki defeated, Tony Stark takes a hiatus and creates Ultron, a peace-making artificial intelligence. However, the plan quickly backfires, and Ultron ends up turning on humans instead. With the help of Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) and Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), the Avengers reemerge from their break in order to defeat Ultron before it’s too late. In a fast-paced, exhilarating feature, The Avengers are back to fighting crime as they struggle to save mankind from Stark’s creation. This adrenaline-charged movie will ignite the inner superhero geek in all.

Photo from Flickr, Eva Rinaldi

“The Avengers: Age of Ultron” May 1

Word Seach

basketball sun daylight irish green spring clover

Chris Hemsworth returns to the role of Norse god Thor.

pi makeover season

“Pitch Perfect 2” May 15

After winning the national a cappella competition, the Barden Bellas are back and ready to go international. This anticipated sequel to the classic musical comedy flick features returning actresses such as Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson and Brittany Snow, and focuses on the beloved a cappella group as they try to win an international event, a feat that no American team has done before. Touched with poignant moments and charming humor, the film will dance the audience off of their feet.

Photo from Flickr, Go to Disney

“Pitch Perfect” star Anna Kendrick is red carpet ready in her 2014 Oscars gown.

For answers, see www.wjpitch.com

Sudoku

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

MARCH 23, 2015

Every March, the Pitch c boy and one senior girl to b year, we selected swimme rower Meredith

By Annika LaVina and Ma

J. Crew $ 45.50 An ideal summer tee, this cotton, indigo floral print shirt matches well with light-colored pants or shorts.

How would you describe your style?

Urban Preppy

Nordstrom,

What do you usually wear to school?

This lush, coral, cuff-s can be worn for a ca school or for a forma and is available in icy and ivory.

Jeans and a Patagonia sweater or a button down shirt.

What is your most comfortable outfit?

A pair of sweatpants and a Patagonia pull-over because it’s warm and comfortable.

J. Crew $ 55.50

We took Noah to preppy icon J. Crew and transformed his winter outfit to one that is spring-summer ready.

This pair of slim, khaki shorts is perfect for the early spring breeze as well as the summer heat.

Nordstrom, $

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Great for the warmer m trendy pair of skinny jeans is well-fitting and with a nice pair of san a girly touch to an edg

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MARCH 23, 2015

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

chooses one senior be “made-over.� This er Noah Burgett and h Crenca.

ary Kate Greening

How would you describe your style?

Casual Kindergarten Teacher-y

$34.00

sleeved shirt asual day at al night out, y mint, black

$48.00

months, this y distressed d snug. Pair ndals to add gy outfit.

What do you usually wear to school?

Boots, dark jeans a blouse and a cardigan or a sundress because I have an internship.

What is your most comfortable outfit?

Sweats and a t-shirt.

Before taking her to get her hair straightened, we visited Nordstrom and dressed Meredith up with an elegant top and edgy distressed jeans, a contrast to her feminine, casual style.

All photos by Annika La Vina and Mary Kate Greening

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

MARCH 23, 2015

French teacher Martinez puts language into musical form

By IrisVukmanovic and Emma Higgins

French teacher Ryan Martinez gets his cultural fix both in and out of the classroom. Aside from being in charge of the French 1 through French 4 curriculum, Martinez is also a produced musician. His second solo album, “Renaissance”, combines different styles of music into one, collaborative soundtrack. Martinez mixes his language background with acoustic elements and dubstep, making the album an adventure for all who listen.

Pitch: What’s your favorite song on the album and why?

RM: The songs are all very personal to me for a lot of different reasons, but I would say that “Into the Night” is probably my favorite song. It was one of the first songs that was made for this album. I liked it because I had never done anything with Electronic Dance Music (EDM) and I wanted to make the room shake. All of a sudden it sounds like robots are fighting and volcanoes are exploding. I like seeing the reaction on people’s faces when they hear it because they aren’t expecting it. I like that element of it.

Pitch: How did you create it?

RM: My last album was mostly piano based, but I also hired cellists and viola players and other musicians. On this one I wanted to write mostly on the guitar. I wrote these 10 songs on the guitar and then took them to my friend, Chooky, who is an electronic music producer. During the period when I was writing this album, I was really getting into EDM and Dubstep. I told him on this album I wanted to be very eclectic. I wanted to see how heavy I could be next to how light I could be. I wanted to see how serious and how frivolous I could be lyrically. We recorded the songs on the guitar, and I sang lead vocals and back-up harmonies. [Then] we would program in the drums. When we were doing the two Dubstep songs on the album I would vocalize all these crazy sounds and then we would put them together. It was an interesting creative process for me because I was interested in EDM, but I had no idea how to make it.

Pitch: Would you do something like this again?

RM: Absolutely, as long as I’ve got the time. I’ve been very mindful with my time and my energy. I’m sure I will make another album but it’s nice to not have to worry about when. Once I grow enough emotionally and have enough new ideas and new experiences that are worth writing about, then the album will come together.

I’ve found that with art you can’t really force it because then you’re turning it into work. I’ll also say that the album is available on iTunes. Just search for Ryan Martinez Renaissance.

Photo provided by Ryan Martinez

Pitch: So it was kind of like an exploration?

RM: It was a very explorative process. However, there were some elements similar to my last album. I hired a viola player and a cellist to feature on a couple of songs. I always like to try to pull in my friends and use them as instruments.

Pitch: What do you hope for a listener to get out of this album?

RM: I would hope that they would have fun with it, enjoy the beats behind it and appreciate the variety of styles on it. It’s definitely an eclectic album and I hope that people will make their own sense out of it sonically. I hope that they’ll identify with it.

Pitch: How did you come up with this idea? What inspired you to make this CD? RM: I’ve been making music for a while. I used to be in a band, and we came out with a few CD’s as a group. When you have music that you’ve been working on, it’s helpful to put it out. Art exists when people are seeing it and when it’s locked down. I made my first solo album when I was in France because I was feeling a lot emotionally. It was a big period of change and transition in my life and during periods of transition I tend to write songs to help myself make sense of things. During this album I was going through a lot of personal transformation; it was a personal renaissance.

I was becoming a teacher, I was going to grad school and I went through a big break-up.

Pitch: Is there anything else you’d like to say about the album?

RM: I wanted the visual elements to reflect an explosion and I was really trying to stretch myself on this album. I wanted the cover art to be really in your face, so I tried to do that as much as I could in a visual type of way.

Photo provided by Ryan Martinez

French teacher Ryan Martinez takes center stage in a Takoma Park venue Martinez performs with an electric guitar with his other bandmates. with his banjo during a performance.

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Life 2.0: Shopping gets a software update

By Suejean Han

Uber is an app that allows ordinary people to get a cheap ride from a regular driver instead of a taxi. The concept is called “ridesharing”. Uber brings together drivers and ride-seekers with its slick, easy-to-use app. Here’s how it works: if you need a ride, you tell the app your location and destination, then Uber drivers in the area will see your ride, and one will accept. In a few minutes, your driver will arrive, pick you up and take you to your destination. After you and the driver use the app to log the ride as “complete,” the payment is automatically sent from your credit card. Anyone over 21 with a decent four door car, good insurance and a clean record can apply to be an Uber driver.

Other ridesharing services: Lyft; Sidecar

UBER

GROUPON

Groupon is a website that allows businesses to post coupons for their establishment as a way to promote themselves and get more customers. For the ordinary consumer, it’s a smorgasbord of heavily discounted food, events and activities. A large portion of the deals are from restaurants – any cuisine or any craving you could ask for is probably on Groupon for at least 30 percent to 40 percent off regular price. However, buyers should know that these Groupons are not free.You pay for the Groupon online and then redeem it at the restaurant/event. For example, a Groupon for a restaurant could say “get $40 of food for $20”.You pay for the $20 online, and then at the restaurant, order $40 worth of food and show them the Groupon and you pay nothing or the difference. It’s no wonder their slogan is “Check Groupon First”.

The other coupons come from a variety of events, activities and experiences that local business are offering – massage therapy, comedy shows, yoga classes, even gun range shooting and go-kart racing. With so many interesting options, Groupon has become like the Yellow Pages of activities to do on your night out or your day off.

Other coupon sites: Living Social; Amazon Local

Rent the Runway is a website that has a full range of designer clothing that you can rent for four or eight days at a time. Need to look your best for an important event or special occasion? You can rent dresses of all styles, outerwear, accessories, handbags and shoes. The deals on Rent the Runway are almost too good to believe. Dresses that retail for over $1,000 are available to rent for $50-100. They even have a physical store in Georgetown where you can try out dresses from their collection, so no worries about ordering a dress before knowing that it fits. However, you must pay an appointment fee: $25 for a 45 minute session and $40 for a 90 minute session.

Other fashion rental sites: Bag, Borrow & Steal; Lending Luxury

RENT THE RUNWAY

SAT classes may not be worth the cost for some families

By Kevin Lu

When it comes to preparing for the SAT, students use many different methods to study and become familiar with what they are likely to encounter on the test. Some students study for the test on their own time by purchasing the most up-to-date SAT textbooks from companies, such as Barron’s or The Princeton Review, for around $25. Some students also might pay as much as $5,000 for a SAT prep class or $100 to $200 an hour for private tutoring. SAT prep classes can be very expensive and private tutoring could cost as much as food for the entire first year of college.

Rachel Cederbaum co-teaches an SAT class with Justin Fraser at WJ during the school day. Cederbaum said she believes classes and tutoring could be very helpful to certain students.

“Many students need not only to learn the strategies and the ‘tricks’ of the test but also need the support,” said Cederbaum.

The SAT test is known for having certain tricks embedded in the question to confuse students or give students a quick short cut to choosing the right answer if they know how and where to look. Certain students would benefit greatly if they learned how to recognize

these tricks in the questions.

With the high cost of prep classes, parents and students begin to question if taking classes is actually worth the money.

One study from the National Association of College Admissions found that test prep boosted scores by an average of 30 points on the SAT. In a 2009 Wall Street Journal article

by John Hechinger, a student who originally scored a 2060 on his mock SAT, scored a perfect 2400 on his official SAT with no tutoring or prep classes in between the mock test and the real test.

An investigation went underway and Revolution Prep was accused of making its mock SAT tests much harder than the real SAT test so when students took the real one, they would get a higher score since the real test would be much easier than the mock tests. This would make it seem like the company and its test prep worked and benefitted students.

“There is a lot of competition out there [among SAT classes]. The programs might feel the need to inflate scores or manipulate the test to keep the [customers],” said Cederbaum.

Junior Tanapon Kuptanon takes an SAT prep class on the weekends and said she does not have an advantage com-

Photo by Kevin Lu

Students from various high schools in MCPS take an SAT math preparatory course given on the weekends at Winston Churchill High School by Hope Chinese School.

pared to students who have not taken SAT classes before.

“With all the technology and resources, everyone can [find alternatives to prepare themselves for the SAT],” said Kuptanon.

Kuptanon said when it comes to taking SAT classes, it really depends on individuals and their learning methods.

“Some [people] do well with groups,

others do better with tutors, while some do better alone,” said Kuptanon.

When deciding whether or not to spend money for SAT classes, families should really think of all the pros and cons of paying for a class or paying for a private tutor because not all students benefit from these methods of learning and may be better off using different approaches.

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FEATURE

MARCH 23, 2015

Mocking MC: Community college education is undervalued

By Selma Stearns

Any WJ student with a Twitter has seen the all-toocommon tweets about Montgomery College (MC), a.k.a. “Harvard on the Pike.” Many students joke about attending MC after they fail a test, as if community colleges are simply backups or places to go when students do not succeed.

However, institutions such as MC provide opportunities for people of all ages who choose not to attend traditional four-year universities due to a variety of reasons. According to counselor Dennis Reynolds, annually about 10-15 percent of WJ seniors plan on enrolling at MC, most of whom intend to transfer to another college after one or two years.

Reynolds said that in general, students do not start high school with the goal of attending MC, and he thinks this stigma is unfortunate because MC can be a great option.

Dr. Heather Ganginis Del Pino, who attended both MC and the University of Maryland College Park (UMCP), has taught in an undergraduate program at UMCP and is now a full-time assistant professor of psychology at MC. Ganginis agrees that regrettably, some high school students look down upon community colleges.

“When I was applying in the 90s, people thought negatively about MC; it was the school you would go to if you didn’t get in anywhere else,” said Ganginis Del Pino.

Lily Emdadi graduated from WJ in 2014, and now attends MC. She chose this college because she felt that financially and educationally MC would be a better fit for her rather than a four-year college.

“I feel the general attitude from WJ kids towards MC is extremely negative,” said Emdadi. “People look down upon it so much...they speak of [MC] like [it] is a disgrace or it’s the absolute last option.”

Ana Lorenzo is a freshman at MC this year after graduating from WJ last spring. She said that even if students feel disheartened about MC at first, they come to appreciate all that it offers.

“At first almost everyone that goes to MC won’t be happy about going, but as they settle into their classes, they begin to realize it’s actually a really good school,” said Lorenzo.

Senior Benjamin Lee is planning to enroll at MC in the fall, and he feels that WJ students have mixed opinions of his future college.

“There is no difference between people who go to

MC and people who go to a four-year university,” said Lee. “We all make the choice that is [the] best for us.”

Reynolds said community colleges such as MC appeal to many students for a variety of reasons. Some students who did not receive high enough grades in high school look to MC as a “reset button.” Another major factor in choosing a community college could be the relatively low cost of MC compared to other schools.

According to Reynolds, some students are expected to work after graduation, and MC provides a viable option for employed students.

Emdadi said that there is a different culture about employment at MC compared to other places of study.

“Most of my friends don’t work at [other] universities because they aren’t allowed to have cars on campus to go off campus to a job,” she said. “But MC students rely on what [we] have around [us], giving us more to do [in] our free time, if we are working.”

Lee said other universities can be very expensive, and these steep costs can be avoided when living at home and attending MC. He is planning on getting most of his general credits in the next two years at MC, and then transferring to another college or university. “[MC] is advertised to have professors that have previously taught at universities, so I felt there was not a large enough difference in education content to pay those thousands of dollars for credits not [going] toward my major,” he said.

Emdadi also said that MC was the best option for her because of the opportunities it provides for her to receive credits at a fraction of the cost of other universities, and Ganginis Del Pino emphasized that the smaller class sizes and individual attention at MC are a huge draw for many people.

Reynolds said classes at MC have comparable rigor to those at four-year colleges or universities.

“I have had students who have come back and said that the classes were every bit as challenging as any class that they have taken at any school,” said Reynolds.

The variety of motives for students to attend MC creates a very mixed community of study.

“At any school you’ll have different walks of life, but at MC I’ve always had such a diverse group of students,” said Ganginis Del Pino.

Emdadi agreed that her classes are full of people from all walks of life.

“MC’s diversity level is not only high in race or ethnicity, but also with age and experience,” she said. “You

can find any person on campus or in class, and there’s no judgment.”

Despite the negative perceptions students may have about attending MC, there are abundant benefits that community colleges can present. Ganginis Del Pino encourages students to not judge MC too quickly.

“We have a little something for everybody...The feedback I get from students is that they love MC and they are glad that they are there, so people should give us a try,” she said.

Representation of community college students among all U.S. undergraduates

Non Community College 54%

Community College 46%

Ethnicity 2 or more races 3%

Other/Unknown Nonresident alien 4% 1%

Native American 1% Asian/Pacific Islander 6%

Black 14%

White 50%

Hispanic 21%

Information from American Association of Community Colleges

Debate and Forensics win with words

Photo courtesy of Hannah Wilcove

The Forensics team all wore orange bow tie pins to honor team member Noah Marks, who passed away in January.

By Allie Miljanic

On March 4, Forensics, a team that competes in public speaking, reclaimed the county title. Junior Ramsay Burgess won “Outstanding Speaker of the Year” for the entire county as well as first place in “Readers’ Theater” alongside juniors Julia Souza and Mandy Spiwak. Junior Michael Gaba also won in Extemporaneous Speaking and Sophomore Sean Mahoney in Humor.

Forensics is more than a competitive team; it is a close group of friends who lost a key member of their team at the start of the second half of this season. Noah Marks, who won first place in dramatic interpretation last year as a freshman, was an invaluable member of Forensics. Every team member wore an orange bow tie pin as a way to honor Marks during their final qualifying tournament.

“I think the best thing our team can do in his honor is to excel at something he was really passionate about, and I’m proud to say we’ve done just that,” said senior captain Hannah Wilcove.

Debate is a competitive speech team where participants receive new topics each month. Each person must prepare the “for” and “against” arguments for their topics and then debate players from other schools in the area.

Each team is made up of two people.

If the team advances to Finals, they participate in up to four matches, and if they win with a record of either 4-0 or 3-1, they advance into the top 16.

This year, Debate had five teams in the top 16 and won first place in the county.

“Given the number of outstanding debaters who graduated last year, our debate team was not favored to win the championship this year. Ending the season with the Team Championship as well as the top four debaters in Montgomery County-that was a fabulous turn of events,” said Rusty McCrady, coach for both Debate and Forensics.

Seungyeon Jung and Lea Widemann won second place, and Jeffrey Cirillo, Shaina Rudman, Miriam Sieradzki and

Sally Tuszynski also made the top 16.

The County Champions were Kate Coughlin and Miranda Mlilo. “[Senior] Kate [Coughlin] and I are ranked number one in the league on an individual team basis,” said senior captain Miranda Mlilo.

For complete list of winners, visit www.wjpitch.com

Photo courtesy of Miranda Mlilo

From left to right: Seniors Seungyeon Jung, Miranda Mlilo, Kate Coughlin and Lea Widemann hold the Montgomery County Debate League championship plaque won by Coughlin and Mlilo.

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Junior Hayden Zavareei, who is a cancer survivor, speaks about her experience during half time.

The teacher team celebrates winning the game.

The wildcat mascot takes a breather between plays.

The teachers huddle together between plays.

At left, leukemia survivor Riley Richards, who is affiliated with the LLS association, spoke during half time.

The cheer team and mascot pump up the crowd with a synchronized cheer.

The crowd and mascots cheer on the players.

Student vs. Staff Basketball game raises money, rivalry Photos by Megan Tuncer Captions by Audrey Marek The crowd shows school spirit in their support for the players on the court.

The teacher poms execute the classic poms move, the snake, aided by two student members.

A student player shoots in an attempt to even out the score.

Kelly Butler introduces her The staff team shoots to increase daughter to the wildcat. their lead.

The final score shows the staff winning by two points.

The mascot waves to the crowd.

SGA secretary Teddy Manogue, who coached the student team, reacts to the action on the court.

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Pitch 16 ABC, FOX encourage diversity in shows

Illustration by Steven Judge

Television’s fall lineup included a larger range of well developed characters of different races, including Eddie Huang from “Fresh Off the Boat” and Andre Johnson Sr. from “Black-ish”.

By Anja Shahu

“Ying Ming is eating worms,” exclaims a boy at the sight of the container of homemade Chinese food. Students scrunch up their faces in disgust as a chorus of laughter thunders down on the unsuspecting 12-year-old Eddie Huang.

“Dude, get that out of here! That thing smells nasty,” the same boy shouts. Another round of laughter sounds as Eddie walks away to eat his lunch in the company of the janitor. The scene cuts and Eddie is begging his mother to buy him “white people food”.

The new comedy show “Fresh Off the Boat” deals with many problems, such as the pressure Asian American families feel to fit into western culture. It’s also the first show in 20 years since the show “All-American Girl” that follows an Asian American family.

However, “Fresh Off the Boat” isn’t the only new show commenting on the social pressures minorities face. In the pilot of “Black-ish”, Andre Johnson Sr. worries his family is losing touch with their black roots and then proceeds to try to familiarize his family with their

African culture.

Both shows are part of a new trend that places minorities in complex lead roles in TV series, rather than supporting roles that may present their characters as stereotypical or one-dimensional.

“Hollywood should be fair with equal representation of every ethnicity and not just those stereotypical roles of the token black guy, the Asian guy who knows kung fu or the one black woman who’s always loud,” said senior Joyce Mbogba.

Junior Valeria Loo-Kung agreed and specifically praised “Fresh Off the Boat” for its portrayal of Asian Americans.

“Each character has a real personality and isn’t used as a buffer. They each have their own goals and aspirations and are not just there to be supporting roles,” Loo-Kung said.

The representation of multiple races and ethnicities also helps to more accurately inform others about the nuances of these different cultures.

“I would say visibility as the stars of a show is important. That says that our stories matter,” said Constance Wu, who

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plays Eddie Huang’s mother in “Fresh Off the Boat”, in an interview with Time magazine.

It is that same visibility that allows minority viewers to better connect with on screen characters. It not only fosters a sense of inclusion of all races in the entertainment industry, but also inspires young children of all races, allowing them to believe that they also have an opportunity to succeed.

“I actually wanted to be an actor when I was younger, but I always felt like I couldn’t because there weren’t that many Asian people in movies, and I would have to be either talented like Jackie Chan or hot like Lucy Liu,” LooKung said. “I always felt like I needed a gimmick to make it, so it’s great to see more Asian representation [with “Fresh Off the Boat”] just because of how hilarious they are.”

When “Jane the Virgin”, a show with a mostly Latino cast, first came out, executive producer and writer Jennie Snyder Urman noted the impact of Gina Rodriguez, who was awarded a Golden Globe in January for Best Actress in a TV comedy series for her portrayal in the role of Jane Villanueva.

“I started to get a million tweets and so many people reaching out, saying, ‘Oh my gosh – I see a girl who looks just like me – and she’s the hero!’” said Urman in an interview with The Guardian.

While Mbogba said she can develop connections with any well-written characters, no matter their ethnicity, she said it is important for black actresses to be represented in the entertainment industry.

“Seeing a woman of color...as a lead character does bring me joy because it finally shows that a lot of television networks are able to look past the color of [these women’s skin],” said Mbogba.

Other shows on ABC also boast diverse ethnicities and races. Writer Shonda Rhimes has had much success with “Grey’s Anatomy”, “Scandal” and

“How to Get Away With Murder”. Both “Scandal” and “How to Get Away With Murder” feature multifaceted black women in lead roles.

Although Rhimes’ shows do not focus solely on issues of race, many claim her work has blazed the way for networks to create other shows with diverse casts.

“I think that there’s a wave going on right now, and I credit a lot of the success to Shonda,” said “Black-ish” creator Kenya Barris in an interview with the LA Times.

Even FOX is following in ABC’s footstep. “Empire”, a drama based on Shakespeare’s “King Lear” that follows three brothers fighting for ownership of a hip-hop empire, is one of the most noteworthy new shows. The shows’ ratings have increased for ten weeks in a row – an achievement almost unheard of in the entertainment industry.

While television networks are creating more diverse shows, there still seems to be a stigma in the film industry that diverse casts will not succeed. Although the UCLA’s Bunch Center for African Studies found that whites, blacks and Latinos want to see TV shows with diverse casts, Hollywood films continue to underrepresent racial minorities and women.

The lack of lead roles for minorities has led established actors, such as Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson and Viola Davis, to make the switch from film to T.V., where their talents are celebrated rather than overlooked.

While gains have been made in diversity, Mbogba still believes that there is a long way to go before all races are represented equally.

“Television, even movies too, need to represent everyone. America is not just all white people. It has everyone in it; it has Jewish Americans, Italian Americans, African Americans, Black Americans [and] Asian Americans. It has everyone, so I feel that it’s fair to represent everyone,” said Mbogba.

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Boys tennis looks to prove they belong in division one

By Ben Resnick

a good enough record for the team to stay in the division next year.

The boys tennis team New believes that faces high expectations to stay in the top divifor the coming season, sion next year it will having had a very successtake great performances ful season last year going against B-CC and Whit7-4. Only two seniors man. He is also looking at graduated from last year’s freshman Ethan Kowalski squad and the team’s core to pick up some key wins is still intact. This year’s for the team in singles team believes if they go matches. out and play the same way Coach Mitchell Duque they did last year, success believes he needs his douwill follow. bles pairs to have a winSenior and four year ning records this year in member of the team Leo order to be successful.

Blumberg-Woll has suf“I’ll be trying to get the fered many defeats in his most out of our doubles career to opponents from teams and find the right Churchill and Wootton. chemistry of players for This year Blumberg-Woll us to be effective and said he thinks he can have competitive in our divimore success against these sion,” said coach Duque. traditional powerhouses.

New, Blumberg-Woll “I would love to take and Whitescarver are exdown Wootton and perienced players who Churchill this year,” said have succeeded in diviPhoto courtesy of Colin Whitescarver Blumberg Woll. “[I plan Photo courtesy of Justin New sion one before. In order to] take the momentum of our team last year into Seniors Justin New and Colin Whitescarver are two leaders of the team in their last year of tennis at WJ. Both will be playing to stay competitive in the singles this season. top division, it will take this year.” great play from these three to lead the Fellow senior Colin Whitescarver even though tennis is mostly an individ- gram for future years. said that to be successful, tennis should ual sport,” said Whitescarver.

One of New’s primary goals for the team to success.

The season began March 20 at have a team motto by working toward a Senior Justin New was the team’s season is to instill a winning mentality greater team goal rather than individual number one singles player last year. This with the younger players. He noted that Magruder and Churchill plays at WJ on goals. year, New is hoping to work on not only the team narrowly stayed in division March 30.

“A goal would be to work as a team his game, but also developing the pro- one last year, and he would love to have

March Madness showcases NCAA’s hypocrisy revenue being generated, many have wondered why the athletes that produce this revenue aren’t getting any of the money. The athletes are forbidden from taking any money that is an extra benefit for their athletic accomplishments.

In 2014, former UCLA basketball player Ed O’Bannon filed a lawsuit, on behalf of division one basketball and football

By Patrick Jorling As the NCAA’s March Madness men’s basketball tournament approaches, the nation is preparing for the annual event that captivates viewers across the country and endears millions to collegiate athletes that many have never heard of prior to the tournament.

While the tournament is an incredibly exciting event and garners national exposure for the players, it is also a reminder of how these athletes are being exploited by the NCAA, as they are being essentially used for the monetary benefit of the massive corporation.

The NCAA is a corporation that is worth $627 million, as they accumulate revenue through the grand athletic spectacles that are their major football and basketball events. With all of this

back Todd Gurley was suspended for selling memorabilia with his signature, which derailed his team’s national title hopes. Those players worked extremely hard to propel themselves to success that not only allowed the university to make money from ticket sales and merchandise, but allowed them to become recognizable public

deserves to gain some of the profit. It would be the least the university could do for the athletes because of all of the other attention and revenue they accumulate for them.

There is the argument that the full scholarship that these athletes receive to attend school is a benefit enough, which is true to an extent. Athletes do receive many more benefits than the regular student, and do not need to be compensated for the fact that they play a sport. However, if collegiate athletes are so successful that they garner national attention and have the ability to profit off of memorabilia bearing their name, they should have the ability to do that.

So, when the next wave of figures. advertisements for March Madness The fact they cannot profit off of an pops up featuring the potential star autographed photo or replica jersey athletes for this year’s tournament, while the university continues to remind yourself that the athlete will not profit from similar items is deplorable. receive any compensation.

Big time division one basketball and The NCAA can no longer keep football have gone beyond just being pretending that these big time athletes amateur athletics. It has turned into are still “amateurs” and should not have a million dollar industry in which the the ability to profit off of their success, most successful players have as much and it is time for them to reconsider potential for public recognition as their rules. professional athletes.

If universities are able to advertise with photos of athletes, or sell jerseys or other merchandise that features their number or signature, the athlete

“It is time for [college] athletes to be able to make money off of their athletic accomplishments” players, challenging the NCAA’s use of the athletes for commercial purposes.

This lawsuit, along with increasing momentum in favor of athletes profiting off of themselves, has pushed this issue into the public eye.

In this day and age, with collegiate athletics having as big of a following as ever, it is time for athletes to be able to make money off of their athletic accomplishments. It is just not right that players should be suspended for selling items with their autograph on it.

One of the most recent cases of this is during this past college football season, when University of Georgia star running

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MLB 2015 Season Predictions

By Patrick Jorling and JakeWeinishke

National League

The 2015 Major League Baseball (MLB) season promises to be one of the best in recent memory. A bevy of young talent along with a number of star powered teams will provide exciting action all the way through the World Series. The Pitch sports editors Jake Weinischke and Patrick Jorling preview who will come out on top this season.

East The Nationals entered the offseason as favorites to win the 2015 World Series. They responded to this projection by adding Max Scherzer to their pitching staff, solidifying the Nats’ rotation as the best in baseball. Additionally, Drew Storen will return to his role as closer following a two-year absence in which he was the set-up man for since departed pitcher Rafael Soriano. Storen accumulated 43 saves as recently as the 2011 season and at the age of 27, he should not be overlooked as a candidate to accomplish big things in 2015. The offensive power from Bryce Harper, Ian Desmond, Anthony Rendon, and Jayson Werth among others, will make the Nats a force to be reckoned with.

Central Heading into the 2015 season, the NL Central is once again one of the strongest in the league.

The St. Louis Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Milwaukee Brewers are teams that have made the playoffs in recent years, and return almost all of the players that contributed to their success. The Chicago Cubs look to be vastly improved since last year with the addition of all-star pitcher Jon Lester and a plethora of young talent emerging.

However, St. Louis looks to be the team to beat in the division once again, as they keep most of the players who contributed to their run to the NLCS last season.

West While the San Diego Padres certainly revamped their squad with the acquisitions of Justin Upton, Matt Kemp, Wil Myers, and James Shields, the Dodgers remain in a promising position to claim the NL West. Coming off a historic year in which he went 21-3 with 239 strikeouts in 198.1 innings pitched to claim his fourth consecutive MLB ERA title in addition to the 2014 NL Cy Young and MVP awards, Clayton Kershaw is the best pitcher in the business. With an all-star offense and a stacked minor league farm system featuring shortstop Corey Seager and 18 year old pitching phenomenon Julio Urias, the Dodgers are putting their 200 million dollar payroll to use.

NL Champ: Washington Nationals Despite the league having numerous contenders in competition for the pennant this year, the Nationals stand above the rest and are the favorite to represent the National League in the 2015 World Series. With pitching that is among the best in the Major Leagues, and an already potent offense, the Nats should advance to the Fall Classic.

World Series Champ: Washington Nationals AL Champ: Los Angeles Angels Despite the numerous AL teams expected to compete for a spot in the postseason, the Angels are the favorite to win the Championship Series, and it isn’t hard to see why. With Mike Trout, arguably the best player in the game currently, coming off an MVP season and Albert Pujols coming off his first healthy offseason with the Halos, the Angels should represent the AL in the 2015 Fall Classic.

American League East

The AL East looks again to be a division that produces multiple contending teams in 2015. Coming off of a surprise run to the ALCS, the Baltimore Orioles did not add much this offseason, but will be bolstered by the returns of catcher Matt Wieters and third baseman Manny Machado from injury. The Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees have talent, but it may not be enough to push them through for a playoff beirth. The Boston Red Sox are the favorite to take the division crown in 2015, as they are poised to avenge a disappointing 2014 campaign led by the additions of allstars Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez.

Central The Tigers have already captured four consecutive division crowns, starting with the 2011 season and they aren’t ready to slow down just yet. Despite losing ace pitcher Max Scherzer to free agency, the Tigers’ rotation still features a six-time all-star, a former rookie of the year, and a winner of both the 2011 AL CyYoung and MVP awards, Justin Verlander. Furthermore, Detroit resigned Victor Martinez to a four-year contract, coming off a season in which he hit for a batting average higher than .330. They also landed sluggerYoenis Cespedis in a trade with the Boston Red Sox. If things go accordingly, Motown should be watching baseball in October.

West The AL West features five intriguing teams that made their intentions for 2015 clear this off-season. The Houston Astros continue to rebuild toward future success, but should be a fun team to watch as their exciting young talent are players that could be all-stars in a matter of years.

The Oakland Athletics may regress in 2015, as they traded away five of their all-stars from last season.

The Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers are strong contenders this season, but the favorite is the Los Angeles Angels, who feature one of the game’s best in Mike Trout and an extremely talented roster that won 97 games last season.

Sports

Boys tennis looks to compete with division one powerhouses and Patrick Jorling Jake Weinischke and Patrick examines the issue Jorling share their thoughts of compensation on the upcoming MLB for NCAA athletes. season.

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Steve Sutherland takes the reigns for varsity baseball In his time at Watkins Mill, he played for current Poolesville High School This season, WJ baseball is led by varsity baseball coach Steve Orsini. new coach Steve Sutherland. Suther- In 2000, Sutherland was a part of the land is a native of MCPS, graduating school’s only state championship basefrom Watkins Mill High School in 2000. ball team, finishing with a 20-2 season record. In 2006, Sutherland became the head junior varsity baseball coach at Walt Whitman High School.

In his eight years as head junior varsity coach Sutherland never had a losing season, compiling an 81-24-1 record, including the school’s only undefeated season in school history in 2013. Sutherland has also coached Bethesda-ChevyChase travel teams as well as summer and fall MCBA teams for BCC and Whitman junior varsity and varsity players.

“Once [the job] at WJ became available I immediately applied and was thankful to have been offered the position,” said Photo courtesy of Steve Sutherland In 2013, Sutherland led the Whitman JV team to its only undefeated Sutherland. season in school history.

Last year’s head

By Daniel Flesch

coach, Christopher Murray, who stepped down from his position at the end of the season, approached Sutherland thinking he would be a good successor.

“I think making the team truly believe that they can compete with anyone will give them the mental edge that they need,” said Sutherland. “I also think that the boys came in all offseason and worked extremely hard with Photo courtesy of Steve Sutherland running and lifting.” was a member of the Watkins Mill state championLast year, WJ base- Sutherland team in 2000. Above is a photo clipping from a Washington ball compiled a record ship Post article covering that game. of eight wins and 11 losses. Six of those track in the outfield. games were decided by one run.

Sutherland plans to build one big pro“So the desire to improve individually is already clearly there in a good amount gram and not look at Varsity and JV as of the players we have coming back [this two different teams.

“I think we will do a lot of practicseason],” said Sutherland. ing together so that the expectations of This season, Sutherland needs everythe players will be known immediately one on the same page practicing at the when they make it to the varsity level,” same level. If someone does not want to put in that effort, the next person in said Sutherland. “I think friendly internal competition is a great thing and can line will get a shot.

“Being on time and hustling is manda- make us better as a team.”

Sutherland will try to facilitate the tory... There is no tolerance for lack of hustle or coming late,” said Sutherland. growth of these players and hopefully “The boys will quickly realize they don’t give them the resources they need to want to get stuck running [poles] for succeed on and off of the field.

“It is also important that they know coming late or not hustling.”

Running poles is a warm-up exer- they are representing the WJ school cise in which the players run from one community and that we carry ourselves foul pole to the other along the warning in a respectable way,” said Sutherland.

For Morris, individual success means team success

By Daniel Flesch

Bill Morris, seasoned veteran head coach of volleyball and basketball, is looking to continue his co-ed volleyball team’s success this season. Morris is one of WJ’s longest standing coaches. Morris began coaching in 1977 at E. Brooke Lee Junior High, a feeder of Kennedy High School. He has coached at WJ since 1985, when he joined the staff as a physics teacher. During his time at WJ, Morris has coached a variety of teams such as co-ed and girls volleyball in addition to boys JV and varsity basketball.

“I started as a JV co-ed volleyball coach and then moved to varsity co-ed and then finally varsity girls,” said Morris.

This was the first season in years that Morris did not coach the girls varsity volleyball team.

“My daughter Brigid graduated and I

team to the state semifinals, where they lost to the soon-to-be state champions, Sherwood High School. That season, girls volleyball was also the West Regional Champion and the 2012 Gold division Champion.

Morris expects to share his experience and insight with this year’s co-ed volleyball team.

Photo courtesy of Wahid Ishrar Coach Bill Morris watches as the girls volleyball team plays During the spring season, Morris helps teach during the 2013 season. Morris has coached at WJ since 1985. new volleyball players the skills and techniques they need to become successful at the wanted to go watch her play in college,” said Morris. “I couldn’t do that if I was sport. Most players new to volleyball in the spring are boys, as the girls usually coaching.”

In 2012 Morris led the girls volleyball have experience from the fall season.

“My biggest role for co-ed is teaching the game and teaching the skills and techniques,” said Morris.

Although Morris is used to coaching new players, he still treats them as if they are experienced volleyball players.

“All [players’] actions should benefit the team, whether that be in practice or in games,” said Morris. “Learn the skills and techniques first and then success will come.”

Morris often works with Brian Fairall, the head coach of boys varsity basketball and boys volleyball teams. The two coaches bounce ideas off of each other to benefit their respective teams.

“Mr. Fairall and I work together as a staff,” said Morris.