The Pitch
Walter Johnson High School
October 8, 2012
Volume 58 Issue 1
6400 Rock Spring Drive, Bethesda, MD 20814
Press, politics and a place to be heard
Montgomery County youth impacts Democratic National Convention By Izzy Salant Before the major event of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) began in Charlotte, N.C., the nation’s youth held a conference to express their ideas and voice their opinions. One of the conference speakers was Derek Mong, recent graduate of Duke University and a Montgomery County Public Schools and Winston Churchill High School alumnus. Mong spoke about his life and his involvement in politics at a press conference, held by College Democrats of America. Its speakers included Tori Taylor, Youth Engagement Coordinator of the Democratic National Convention Committee and Rod Snyder, the National President of Young Democrats of America. Mong also was a featured speaker in the conference, which was held before the DNC began.Following his high school graduation in 2008, Mong graduated from Duke University in 2012. Mong started getting involved in politics because it is a big deal in Maryland and it just spoke to him. Photo courtesy of Jonathan Salant
“Convention” continued on page 3
State delegates and members of the press congregate in the stands to listen to various speakers at the Democratic National Convention.
The man behind the lens By MelissaWainaina Gabe Jacobsohn is not just an average senior; he is the man behind the ideas of major WJ film productions. Jacobsohn’s interest in film production dates back to middle school, where he was involved with the theater crew and the production process of stage. Then he worked on sound production, which relates to some of the things he is in charge Photo by Caroline Steel of at WJ.
Gabe Jacobsohn films for this year’s homecoming movie.
Inside, Check Out:
Jazz band starts year on high note
Jacobsohn’s middle school success continued at WJ where he has directed many films, including “Every 15 Minutes,” this and last year’s homecoming videos and other films. Jacobsohn is also involved in some clubs such as WJ S*T*A*G*E crew, and has been the treasurer of the Theater Honor Society for two years. Jacobsohn has been involved with technology and production since elementary school. “I’ve always been behind the scenes,” said Jacobsohn. “In first grade I remember [teachers] always had me go around and turn all the computers off at the end of the day. That was my thing. Then it always kept going from there.” Jacobsohn’s passion for stage and technical production followed him through high school and later became a gateway for his interest in film and moviemaking.
By Sari Amiel
“Behind the Lens” continued on page 13
“Jazz” continued on page 12
Editorial, pgs. 5-8
Feature, pgs. 9-12
Jazz Ensemble, although it is an extracurricular team in most schools, is an honors-level class at WJ with 18 students. The band consists of saxophones, trombones, trumpets, guitar, piano, bass and drums. While some students play multiple instruments, each has a distinct role. “In Jazz Band, you have your part,” said senior Molly Narkis. “It’s more individual so everyone is sort of accountable [for] their own [performance] and everyone plays a big part.” Narkis, who plays the alto saxophone, also studied the clarinet. She has been playing the saxophone for eight years. Narkis joined Jazz Ensemble, commonly referred to as Jazz Band, in her sophomore year, the first year that WJ competed in the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival.
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Sports, pgs. 17-20