The Pitch Issue 1 19-20

The Pitch

Walter Johnson’s Student Newspaper Walter Johnson High School

September 27, 2019

Volume 65, Issue 1

6400 Rock Spring Drive, Bethesda, MD 20814

New school year sparks new changes

By Judith Altneu News Editor

To address overcrowding and Ž‹Â?‹– –Š‡ Â?—Â?„‡” ‘ˆ †‹•”—’–‹‘Â?• to classes, several new changes have rocked WJ this school year. Most notably, new schedules and hallway rules have „‡‡Â? ‹Â?’Ž‡Â?‡Â?–‡†Ǥ Schedule changes WJ is continuing with Wildcat Wellness, which started during the 2018-2019 school year. Wildcat Wellness is a weekly free period to catch up ‘Â? Š‘Â?‡™‘”Â?ÇĄ ˜‹•‹– ™‹–Š –‡ƒ…Šers or just relax. Wellness previously rotated through days of the week as well as class periods, but this year’s Wildcat Wellness’ will only be on Thursdays.

Â? ƒ††‹–‹‘Â?ÇĄ ‹Â?’Ž‡Â?‡Â?–‡† ƒ Š‘Â?‡”‘‘Â? „Ž‘…Â? ‡˜‡”› —‡•†ƒ› ƒˆ–‡” Í&#x;Ӡ ’‡”‹‘† –‘ …‘Â?’Ž‡–‡ tasks that were done during a class period in previous years.

However, after Principal Jennifer Baker and the leadership –‡ƒÂ? Â?‡– ‘Â? ‡’–Ǥ ÍžÍ Â–Â‘ †‹•…—•• concerns students and teachers Šƒ† ™‹–Š Š‘Â?‡”‘‘Â?ÇĄ –Š‡ Ž‡ƒ†‡”•Š‹’ –‡ƒÂ? †‡…‹†‡† –‘ –‡”Â?‹Â?ƒ–‡ ™‡‡Â?Ž› Š‘Â?‡”‘‘Â?• ™Š‡Â? †‡‡Â?‡† —Â?‡…‡••ƒ”› „› –Š‡ ĠÂ?‹Â?‹•–”ƒ–‹‘Â?Ǥ Š‡Â? ƒ Š‘Â?‡”‘‘Â? ƒ…–‹˜‹–› †‘‡•Â?ǯ– ƒ’’Ž› –‘ all grade levels, the grade levels not participating will have a study hall instead. Dz ‘ –Š‹Â?Â? Šƒ˜‹Â?‰ Š‘Â?‡”‘‘Â? ™‹ŽŽ „‡ Â?‹…‡ –‘ ‡Ž‹Â?‹Â?ƒ–‡

Â?‡Â?–‡† –Š‹• •…Š‘‘Ž ›‡ƒ” ™ƒ• Ž‹Â?‹–‹Â?‰ –Š‡ Â?ƒ””‘™ •–ƒ‹”…ƒ•‡ ‹Â? the back hallway and center of school only to down stairs trafƤ… †—‡ –‘ –Š‡ ‹Â?…”‡ƒ•‹Â?‰ Â?—Â?ber of students. “So we have noticed that as we have grown we are actually the largest we have ever been with 2,570 students and those stairwells are very narrow and having students going both di”‡…–‹‘Â?• …”‡ƒ–‡• ƒ Š—‰‡ Â–Â”ÂƒĆĽÂ… ŒƒÂ? ƒÂ?† ‹–ǯ• ƒŽ•‘ ƒ •ƒˆ‡–› ‹••—‡ ™‹–Š •‘ Â?ƒÂ?› Â?‹†• ‹Â? –Š‘•‡ Â?ƒ”row stairwells,â€? Assistant Prin…‹’ƒŽ ƒÂ?‡• ‡‹Â?–œ‡ •ƒ‹†Ǥ Â‘Â™Â‡Â˜Â‡Â”ÇĄ •‘Â?‡ •–—†‡Â?–• ƤÂ?† that having down-only stairs …ƒ—•‡• Â?‘”‡ …‘Â?‰‡•–‹‘Â? ‹Â? –Š‡ hallway. Dz ˆ‡‡Ž Ž‹Â?‡ ‹–ǯ• …ƒ—•‹Â?‰ Â?‘”‡ …Ž—•–‡” ƒ– –Š‡ „‘––‘Â? ‘ˆ –Š‡ stairwell on each level because all of the people are trying to get in to go down but then others ƒ”‡ Â?‘˜‹Â?‰ –‘ –Š‡‹” Â?‡š– …Žƒ••‡• ƒÂ?† Œ—•– …ƒ—•‹Â?‰ ƒ Ž‘– Č‘Â?‘”‡Ȓ congestion than it was before,â€? senior Madilyn Bedard said. ––‡Â?†ƒÂ?…‡ ‘Ƽ…‡ Â?‘˜‡† Photo by Rafael Friedlander ÂƒÂ•Â–ÂŽÂ›ÇĄ –Š‡ ƒ––‡Â?†ƒÂ?…‡ ‘Ƽ…‡ Students transition to their Period 4 class. Crowded hallways and stairwells have been a topic among stuÂ?‹‘•Â? „‡‹Â?‰ ƤŽŽ‡† ‹Â? –‘ …”‡ƒ–‡ dents after the narrow stairwells have been turned into down only and more portables have been added. ƒÂ?‘–Š‡” ‘Ƽ…‡ ˆ‘” Â?‡™ ĠÂ?‹Â?–Š‡ Â?—Â?„‡” ‘ˆ †‹•”—’–‹‘Â?• –‘ er Sara Ducklow said. “I thought it was good. It ‹•–”ƒ–‘” ‹Â? ‡ƒÂ?ƒÂ?Ǥ Š‡ ƒ–class, but what I think is go- —”‹Â?‰ –Š‡ ‹Â?‹–‹ƒŽ Š‘Â?‡”‘‘Â?ÇĄ wasn’t totally necessary, but I –‡Â?†ƒÂ?…‡ ‘Ƽ…‡ Â?‘˜‡† ‹Â?–‘ –Š‡ ‹Â?‰ –‘ „‡ ˆ”—•–”ƒ–‹Â?‰ ‹• –Šƒ– Â?› Baker had students watch vid- †‹†Â?ǯ– Šƒ–‡ ‹–ǥdz ˆ”‡•ŠÂ?ƒÂ? ƒ›ƒ Â?ƒ‹Â? ‘Ƽ…‡ Â?‡š– –‘ –Š‡ •‡…”‡–ƒ”Š‘Â?‡”‘‘Â? ‹• ƒ ‰”‘—’ ‘ˆ •–—- ‡‘• ”‡Žƒ–‹Â?‰ –‘ Â?‡Â?–ƒŽ Š‡ƒŽ–Š ÇŻ ‘Â?Â?‡ŽŽ •ƒ‹† ‘ˆ Š‡” Š‘Â?‡- ies’ desks. “I think it’s better where it dents I don’t know and I will and happiness. The second ”‘‘Â? ‡š’‡”‹‡Â?…‡ ƒˆ–‡” –Š‡ Ƥ”•– was kind of poking out into the Šƒ˜‡ ƒ Šƒ”† –‹Â?‡ „—‹Ž†‹Â?‰ ƒ week brought a lesson on vap- session. hallway so it is easier to access,â€? relationship since I’ll only see ‹Â?‰ ƒÂ?† –Š‡ –Š‹”†ǥ …‘Â?Ƥ”Â?ƒ–‹‘Â? Down-only stairwells –Š‡Â? ‘Â?…‡ ƒ ™‡‡Â?ÇĄÇł Â?ƒ–Š –‡ƒ…Š- bias. Â?‘–Š‡” …ŠƒÂ?‰‡ ‹Â?’Ž‡- junior Joey Barke said.

Vaping-related disease concerns WJ community

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their lungs are still developing.

After these reports of illÂ?‡••‡• ”‡Žƒ–‡† –‘ ˜ƒ’‹Â?‰ǥ Â?ƒÂ?› students who are worried for –Š‡Â?•‡Ž˜‡• ƒÂ?† –Š‡‹” ˆ”‹‡Â?†• who vape are pledging to stop using these products. Dz †‡ƤÂ?‹–‡Ž› ™‹ŽŽ •–‘’ —•‹Â?‰ Â?‹…‘–‹Â?‡ ’”‘†—…–•Ǥ ÇŻÂ? Â?‘– •—”‡ about dab pens but I will try to ”‡†—…‡ –Š‡ ƒÂ?‘—Â?– —•‡ –Š‡Â?ÇĄÇł ƒÂ? ƒÂ?‘Â?›Â?‘—• Œ—Â?‹‘” •ƒ‹†Ǥ Many agree that this new inˆ‘”Â?ƒ–‹‘Â? ”‡‰ƒ”†‹Â?‰ –Š‡ †ƒÂ?gers and consequences of vaping has been a wake-up call for users who didn’t originally know what would happen when they started. “I think that people will be…‘Â?‡ Â?‘”‡ ÂƒÂ™ÂƒÂ”Â‡ÇĄ ‡•’‡…‹ƒŽŽ› students,â€? Nair said. “This overall just goes to show that you should think about what you’re doing before doing it.â€?

Courtesy of Francesco Sani

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A&E –ƒ”– ˆƒŽŽ ‘ƥ

dangers of vaping. The presen–ƒ–‹‘Â? ™ƒ• Â?ƒ†‡ „› ”‹Â?…‹’ƒŽ Jennifer Baker and included videos and facts about vaping and its potential consequences, „—– Â?ƒÂ?› •–—†‡Â?–• †‘Â?ǯ– –Š‹Â?Â? it will get the reception it intended. “I know the school is trying to help us and I appreciate the ‡ƥ‘”–ǥ „—– †‘Â?ǯ– –Š‹Â?Â? ‹– ‹• ‰‘ing to change the choices teenƒ‰‡”• ™Š‘ ˜ƒ’‡ Â?ƒÂ?‡ǥdz Œ—Â?‹‘” Ashley Rinehart said.

Authorities have linked a …Š‡Â?‹…ƒŽ †‡”‹˜‡† ˆ”‘Â? ‹–ƒÂ?‹Â? –‘ Â?ƒÂ?› ‘ˆ –Š‡ …ƒ•‡•Ǥ Š‹• …Š‡Â?‹…ƒŽ ‹• Â?‘•– …‘Â?Â?‘Â?Ž› ˆ‘—Â?† ‹Â? ĆŞÂƒÂ˜Â‘Â”Â‡Â† Â?‹…‘–‹Â?‡ ƒÂ?† THC vaping products. Flavored products are often used by …‘Â?’ƒÂ?‹‡• –‘ Â?ƒÂ?‡ –Š‡‹” ’”‘†—…–• Â?‘”‡ ƒ’’‡ƒŽ‹Â?‰ –‘ ›‘—Â?‰ people, who are at the highest risk for this disease because

ƒ”–‘‘� „› œœ› ƒ˜ƒ”‡‡‹

Opinion

Here’s why students shouldn’t stand for the Pledge.

ings. “Usually I would just borrow Â?› ˆ”‹‡Â?†ǯ• †ƒ„ ’‡Â? –Šƒ– •Š‡ ‰‘– ˆ”‘Â? Š‡” ‘Ž†‡” •‹•–‡”ǥdz ƒÂ? ƒÂ?‘Â?›Â?‘—• Œ—Â?‹‘” •ƒ‹†Ǥ ƒ”‡Â?–•ǥ Â–Â‡ÂƒÂ…ÂŠÂ‡Â”Â•ÇĄ ĠÂ?‹Â?‹•trators and doctors have been warning students about the dangers of vaping for a few Â›Â‡ÂƒÂ”Â•ÇĄ –Š‘—‰Š Â?ƒÂ?› ‘ˆ –Š‡ •‹†‡ ‡ƥ‡…–• ƒ”‡ —Â?Â?Â?‘™Â? †—‡ –‘ –Š‡ Ž‘™ ƒÂ?‘—Â?– ‘ˆ ”‡•‡ƒ”…Š †‘Â?‡ on vaping. “I hope this news can help •‘Â?‡ •–—†‡Â?–• …ŠƒÂ?‰‡ –Š‡‹” patterns and behaviors. I talked about this at the junior class Â?‡‡–‹Â?‰•ǥ Š‘’‹Â?‰ –Šƒ– ˆ‘ŽÂ?• would listen to the warnings about it,â€? Assistant Principal ‡””› ‡‹Â?–œ‡ •ƒ‹†Ǥ In order to raise awareness about this issue to WJ students, teachers gave a presentation in Š‘Â?‡”‘‘Â? …Žƒ••‡• ƒ„‘—– –Š‡

the

Photo courtsey of Max Pixel

A new lung disease that is linked to the use of e-cigarettes and other vaping devices has �ƒ†‡ Š‡ƒ†Ž‹�‡• ‘˜‡” –Š‡ Žƒ•– few weeks and has sparked conversations at WJ, including ƒ ’”‡•‡�–ƒ–‹‘� ‹� Š‘�‡”‘‘� classes about the dangers of vaping.

These reports have raised …‘Â?…‡”Â? ˆ‘” Â?ƒÂ?› Â?‹…‘–‹Â?‡nj addicted students as vaping Šƒ• „‡‡Â? ƒ ’”‹Â?ƒ”› ƒ•’‡…– ‘ˆ the drug culture at WJ due to students having easy access to vape products. Š‡ Â?‡™ †‹•‡ƒ•‡ Šƒ• ÂƒĆĄÂ‡Â…Â–Â‡Â† Â?ƒÂ?› Â?‹Â?‘”• ™Š‘ ™‡”‡ ”‡‰—lar users of vaping products. ›Â?’–‘Â?• ‹Â?…Ž—†‡ …‘—‰Š‹Â?‰ǥ shortness of breath, chest pain,

Â?ÂƒÂ—Â•Â‡ÂƒÇĄ ˜‘Â?‹–‹Â?‰ǥ ˆ‡˜‡” ƒÂ?† Â†Â‹ÂˆĆ¤Â…Â—ÂŽÂ–Â› „”‡ƒ–Š‹Â?‰Ǥ Dz ÇŻÂ? Â?‘– •—”’”‹•‡† –Šƒ– –Š‹• is happening. Obviously, there ™‡”‡ ‰‘‹Â?‰ –‘ „‡ •‘Â?‡ Šƒ”Â?ˆ—Ž consequences,â€? junior Malhaar Nair said. ƒ’‹Â?‰ Ƥ”•– ‡Â?‡”‰‡† ĥ ƒ trend at WJ a few years ago and Šƒ• „‡…‘Â?‡ Â?‘”‡ ƒ……‡••‹„Ž‡ recently, as the newer vaping †‡˜‹…‡• ƒ”‡ ˜‡”› •Â?ƒŽŽ ƒÂ?† …ƒÂ? Ž‘‘Â? Ž‹Â?‡ ”‡‰—Žƒ” ‹–‡Â?• —•‡† ƒ– •…Š‘‘Ž •—…Š ĥ ĆŞÂƒÂ•ÂŠ †”‹˜‡• ƒÂ?† pens.

Students have easy access –‘ Â?ƒÂ?› Â?‹…‘–‹Â?‡ ƒÂ?† ĆŞÂƒÂ˜Â‘Â”Â‡Â† vape products since Maryland law allows the sale of vaping devices to individuals ages 18 and ‘Ž†‡”ǥ ƒŽŽ‘™‹Â?‰ •‘Â?‡ •‡Â?‹‘”• –‘ get a hold of these products and •‡ŽŽ –Š‡Â? –‘ –Š‡‹” ›‘—Â?‰‡” …Žƒ••Â?ƒ–‡•Ǥ Â? •‘Â?‡ …ƒ•‡• –Š‹• ’”‘cess continues despite warnPhoto courtsey of Michel Rathwell

› ��ƒ ƒŽ–œ�ƒ�

News Editor

Sports Q&A with the senior volleyball star

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@humansofwj

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NEWS

SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

Churchill removes new, contreversial ‘No-Zero’ policy after first week

ready is and it simply would be handing students easy grades without even trying,â€? Churchill Within recent years, Mont- junior Madison Sunshine said. gomery County has allowed Churchill’s recent release students to have the 50 per- of their new policy isn’t the cent rule in the grading system. Ƥ”•– –‹Â?‡ –Š‡ …‘—Â?–› Šƒ• ˆƒ…‡† Winston Churchill High School controversy with the grading attempted to implement a new policy. Since the 50 percent rule policy at the start of the school was set in place, the county has year that doesn’t allow teachers experienced many allegations to give students a grade of zero, ‘ˆ ‰”ƒ†‡ ‹Â?ĆŞÂƒÂ–Â‹Â‘Â?Ǥ ‡˜‡Â? ‹ˆ Â?‘ ‡ƥ‘”– ‹• „‡‹Â?‰ •Š‘™Â?Ǥ “There are so many students Photo by Caeden Babcock However, after the county conwho just get by and pass the Š‡ •‡…—”‹–› –‡ƒÂ? ‹• •–ƒ–‹‘Â?‡† ‘Â? –Š‡ Ƥ”•– ƪ‘‘”Ǥ Šƒ• Â?ƒ†‡ Â?ƒÂ?› …ŠƒÂ?‰‡• –‘ –Š‡ •‡…—”‹–› ’”‘ducted an investigation to see if class with the 50 percent rule –‘…‘Ž• ƒÂ?† Â?‘”‡ …ŠƒÂ?‰‡• ƒ”‡ ‡š’‡…–‡† –‘ „‡ Â?ƒ†‡ –Š‹• •…Š‘‘Ž ›‡ƒ” ƒÂ?† ‹Â? –Š‡ ˆ—–—”‡Ǥ the rule violated MCPS’s grad- and I feel like it’s just a way ing policies, it was removed for the county to make us look ™‹–Š‹Â? –Š‡ Ƥ”•– ™‡‡Â? ‘ˆ •…Š‘‘ŽǤ good. I am not at all surprised According to an MCPS spokes- that the county has a grade person, the decision to then re- ‹Â?ĆŞÂƒÂ–Â‹Â‘Â? •‹Â?…‡ ‡˜‡”›‘Â?‡ Œ—•– move the policy was made after seems to be passing. It’s not the investigation since it didn’t really letting students have a comply with the 50 percent rule chance to challenge themselves ‡ƒ…Š‡”• ƒÂ?† Â•Â–ÂƒĆĄ Šƒ˜‡ ƒŽthat MCPS already had in place. since they know that even if

By Caeden Babcock ready or will soon be instructed The county was not pre- they do bad it won’t be a zero,�

Business Manager and to supervise lunch periods and viously aware of the change WJ junior Samar Jahanbin said.

Feature Editor other “zonesâ€? throughout the Churchill had made and since WJ has had its own controWith many tragic events tak- school day to provide more covno other school had created its versies with the 50 percent rule ing place in schools around erage of school grounds and the own policy as well, the county Since instituted, it has created the country, school safety has surrounding areas. wasn’t aware of the situation frustration and concerns for been at the forefront of MCPS Š‡ Â‡ĆĄÂ‡Â…Â–Â‹Â˜Â‡ …‘ŽŽƒ„‘”ƒ–‹‘Â? right away. students, parents and teachpolicy changes for this year of school security and law enThe original concept of the ers. Student standards all over and years to come. MCPS has forcement is extremely imporpolicy has brought many to Montgomery County includbeen reviewing school safety –ƒÂ?– ˆ‘” –Š‡ •ƒˆ‡–› ‘ˆ Â•Â–ÂƒĆĄ ƒÂ?† wonder why it was imple- ing WJ, have lowered due to the protocols and practices around students. At WJ, the security Â?‡Â?–‡† ‹Â? –Š‡ Ƥ”•– ’Žƒ…‡ •‹Â?…‡ change in the grading system. the county for the past two team has a strong relationship Churchill is known to have a 97 Dz –Š‹Â?Â? –Šƒ– ‰”ƒ†‡ ‹Â?ĆŞÂƒÂ–Â‹Â‘Â? years and is starting to make with law enforcement. percent graduation rate. A let- provides a safety net for Montchanges. Some of these chang“We have a very good workter was sent to Churchill stu- gomery County but not neceses include new procedures and ing relationship with the po- ƒ–”‹…Â? ‘‘Â?‡› Photo by Emma Saltzman dents and parents by Principal sarily for students,â€? technology practices, along with technol- lice department; as a matter of ‡…—‹–› –‡ƒÂ? Ž‡ƒ†‡” Brandice Heckert where he ex- teacher Thomas Martin said. ogy updates and facility en- fact, the Chief of Police was my plained their intention of the This central idea of the hancements. rookie,â€? Security Team Leader policy. “countyâ€? providing a safety net “Once again, MCPS is on the Patrick Rooney said. cility security is the controlled “Our intention in moving for students is pretty popular cutting edge as we deal with Technology has been a big access and entrance to the away from giving zeros was among teachers. school safety and wellness of deal for upgrading school se- school building,â€? according to ‰”‘—Â?†‡† ‹Â? ‘—” ‡ƥ‘”–• –‘ ‡Â?The 50 percent rule will still our students,â€? Director of the curity. MCPS has reviewed all the MCPS website. sure that we have a collective remain in place as it has been Department of School Safety technology usage to ensure Some of the older schools in understanding of providing all in previous years throughand Security Ed Clarke said. –Šƒ– ‹– ‹• „‡‹Â?‰ —•‡† Â‡ĆĄÂ‡Â…Â–Â‹Â˜Â‡ÂŽÂ› the county are going to see con- students with multiple oppor- out MCPS, although it is still MCPS is implementing many and strategically and is updat- •–”—…–‹‘Â? ‹Â? –Š‡ Â?‡š– –™‘ Ć¤Â•Â…ÂƒÂŽ tunities to assess their learn- unclear if Churchill or other safety measures to make sure ing outdated technology. years. Schools that don’t have a ing and understanding of con- schools will continue to purschool security is performing Elementary schools will separate entry vestibule, forc- cepts,â€? Heckert said. sue the “no-zeroâ€? policy. This to the best of its abilities. This have more security cameras ing visitors to go through the Despite this, many students leaves students and teachers to starts with the security per- installed and any outdated Â?ƒ‹Â? ‘Ƽ…‡ Ƥ”•– „‡ˆ‘”‡ ‡Â?–‡”‹Â?‰ and community members feel wonder if the “no-zeroâ€? rule at sonnel at MCPS, whose job de- equipment will be upgraded. the school, will be redone in the that the policy was more of an Churchill is just the start? scriptions have been reviewed MCPS has also considered im- next couple years. ‡ƥ‘”– –‘ ‹Â?ĆŞÂƒÂ–Â‡ ‰”ƒ†‡• ‘” ”‡“The thought that this no-zeby MCPS and will be updated plementing a panic lockdown The Board of Education has duce the pressure that was lay- ro rule could have been a thing along with the operating pro- switch that will lock all doors requested $4.9 million from the ing on students. at Churchill is so concerning, cedures. The recruitment pro- if pulled to slow a potential Capital Improvements Project “The policy is a twisted way and I just really hope WJ doesn’t …‡•• ˆ‘” Â?‡› •‡…—”‹–› Â•Â–ÂƒĆĄ ™‹ŽŽ threat. for School Security to help ad- to make the school seem better come up with a policy like that,’’ also be re-envisioned. “One important feature of fa- dress this problem. academically than what it al- senior Marcia Manzengele said.

By Emily Speranza News Editor

Students are affected by new MCPS security policies implemented at WJ

New team room policies following Damascus assault burden students

By A.J. Frattarelli Â–ÂƒĆĄ ”‹–‡” Following the Damascus High School football incident when four student-athletes were assaulted with a broomstick in an unsupervised locker room, MCPS issued a new rule to prevent something similar from happening again. The new rule requires coaches to be supervising the team room at all times. It also requires the locker room to be locked while there is no coach or teacher supervision.

Before the incident, players

were allowed to access the locker room whenever they needed.

The new rule states that coaches must supervise the locker room before and after games and practices. The coaches are also required to lay out a detailed plan on how they will supervise the players, whether they are in the locker room, on –Š‡ Ƥ‡Ž† ‘” ƒ”‘—Â?† …ƒÂ?’—•Ǥ Junior baseball player Dean Wandell is concerned about the ”—Ž‡ „‡…ƒ—•‡ Š‡ ˆ‡‡Ž• ‹– ÂƒĆĄÂ‡Â…Â–Â• practice time. “I understand why but it does ÂƒĆĄÂ‡Â…Â– ’”ƒ…–‹…‡ –‹Â?‡ „‡…ƒ—•‡ our coach doesn’t work at WJ

so it sometimes takes 20 to 30 minutes to get into the locker room,� Wandell said.

Head varsity football coach Larry Hurd feels the new rule should not have had to be put in place. “As coaches, it is our job is to make sure our players are safe. I have always had a plan to make sure that our players our safe,�

Hurd said. ‡Â?‹‘” Ƥ‡Ž† Š‘…Â?‡› ’Žƒ›‡” Garima Gupta feels the rule is an improvement for student safety, but it might not get the ‡ƥ‡…– ‹– Šƒ† ‹Â?–‡Â?†‡† ™Š‡Â? ‹– was put in place.

Photo by Emma Saltzman

—Â?‹‘” Š”‹•–‹Â?‡ ÂƒÂ•Â•Â‡ÂŽÇĄ ˆ”‡•ŠÂ?ƒÂ? ƒ”ƒŠ ƒ™‡”‡Â?…‡ǥ •‘’Š‘Â?‘”‡• ‡••‹…ƒ ‹Â?…‡Â?– ƒÂ?† ƒŽ‡”‹ƒ —‹ŽŽ‡Â? –ƒŽÂ? ƒÂ?† ™‘”Â? ‘Â? Š‘Â?‡™‘”Â? ™Š‹Ž‡ ™ƒ‹–‹Â?‰ –‘ ‰‡– ‹Â?–‘ –Š‡‹” –‡ƒÂ? ”‘‘Â? „‡ˆ‘”‡ ’”ƒ…–‹…‡Ǥ

“I think the rule is a step in the right direction but I also think that if someone wants to

do something they are going –‘ ƤÂ?† ƒ ™ƒ› –‘ †‘ ‹– Â?‘ Â?ƒ––‡” the rule,â€? Gupta said.

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SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

NEWS

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New turf brings uncertainty for WJ athletes

By Austin Mucchetti Copy Editor Walter Johnson is upgrading to a new Ƥ ǡ ͊ͣ͜​͜ǡ͜​͜​͜Ǥ

Ƥ ͜͝ ǡ so this change is not an unexpected Ǥ ơ be the change in the type of turf being Ǥ Dz dz Ǧ ǡ Ǥ

Ǧ becoming much more frequent among Ǥ

͜͞​ͥ͜ǡ ƥ ǡ ǯ ǡ the amount of soccer players she had gotten to know who had been diagnosed Ǥ

͜͞͝͠ǡ research and learning more about the little black dots that comprise the com Ƥ ǡ ͟͡ Ǥ ǡ ͢͜τ Ǥ ǯ ǡ others began to wonder if there was Ǥ ǡ of Health and researchers at the Uni

determine if there were any irregulari-

Friday night lights shine down on the players as WJ football takes on Gaithersburg Ǥ ǯ Ƥ Ǥ

Ǥ that the rate of cancer among soccer

Washington residents around the same Ǥ ǡ dren and parents alike fearing for play ǯ Ƥ Ǥ

of both praise and criticism from ath Ǥ -

ǡ ǡ Ƥ

Ƥ Ǥ Dz

Ƥ Ǯ ǯ shown to be harmful to players com Ƥ Ǥ ǡ Ƥ playing since sometimes it gets in my

ǯ ǡdz Ǥ

ǡ Ƥ ǡ ǯ Ǥ Dz ơ Ƥ Ǥ ǡ ǯ ǯ Ǥ

ǯ ǯ

Ƥ ǡdz Ǥ A frequent issue with sand-based turf ǯ Ǥ ǡ ǯ ǡ ǯ Ƥ ǯ Ƥ Ǥ ǡ important than the risks that come Ǥ Dz ǯ Ǧ Ƥ ǯ ǯ Ǥ

often would get the rubber pellets in ǡ Ǥ ǡ

keep the rubber based turf than switch ǡdz Ǥ Ƥ

and scheduled to hopefully be com Ǥ

WJ teachers enforce stricter phone policy Freshmen post offensive video

By Aya Hesham Assistant News Editor

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Pitch

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4

NEWS

SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

the

Pitch

SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

OPINION

By Nyomi Fox Opinion Editor Respect is the foundation of an operative society. Respect for the laws, respect for the environment and respect for one another serve as the bricks of the foundation. If any of these were to dissolve, society would see a rather rapid demise.

Technology, a treasured aspect of society, is accelerating the arguably inevitable decline by serving as a barrier to interpersonal respect.

The youngest functioning generation, Generation Z, has grown up with the age of technology. According to Eyewitness થ ƒÂ?† •‡˜‡”ƒŽ ‘–Š‡” Â?થ ‘”‰ƒÂ?‹œƒ–‹‘Â?•ǥ –Š‡ ƒ˜‡”ƒ‰‡ ƒ‰‡ ‘ˆ ƒ Ƥ”•–nj–‹Â?‡ …‡ŽŽ phone owner is currently approximately six-years-old. A situation all too familiar captures a toddler at a dinner table facing an ipad rather than their parents or even their plate. When children are taught at that age that this is appropriate behavior, they cannot be expected to grow up thinking otherwise.

But this is not the argument. The issue at hand is that the innate ability to identify an inappropriate behavior is seemingly lost. Members of Generation ÇĄ –Š‘•‡ „‘”Â? „‡–™‡‡Â? Í?ͼͼ͢ ƒÂ?† ͜͞Í?ÍœÇĄ •–”—‰‰Ž‡ –‘ ”‡…‘‰Â?‹œ‡ Š‘™ –Š‡‹” ‹Â?–‡”ƒ…tions with technology demonstrate disrespect. To prove this, simply replace the phone with an object of less attachment in modern society. Imagine engaging in a conversation with someone who decides –‘ ’—ŽŽ ‘—– ƒ Â?ƒ‰ƒœ‹Â?‡ ƒÂ?† ”‡ƒ† ĥ ›‘— continue your enthralling story. Imagine being a teacher passionately lecturing your class when a student at the front row pulls out a deck of cards and begins playing solitaire. These examples so clearly demonstrate disrespect, yet the young generation believes that for some reason doing these things in a more discrete device exempts them from judgement.

This lack of interpersonal respect is so prevalent that there is no need for statistical evidence. Before arguing, observe your surroundings. In any public setting in which teenagers are privileged enough to possess a smartphone, the inability to act respectfully is evident. Adults and peers are drowned out without shame as teens plug in their airpods. Conversations cease to exist as phones are erected as a physical barrier between the talker and “listener.â€? Young girls abandon eye …‘Â?–ƒ…– –‘ –ƒÂ?‡ ƒ “—‹…Â? •‡ŽƤ‡ ‘Â? •Â?ƒ’chat. All this is done without hesitation and without shame. ‡…‘‰Â?‹œ‹Â?‰ –Š‡ ƒ…–• ‘ˆ –Š‡ ‰‡Â?‡”ƒtion is claiming I am exempt from the stereotype I am projecting. Our current society is deprived of respect due to active engagements with technology, and ƒ…Â?Â?‘™Ž‡†‰‹Â?‰ –Š‹• ‹••—‡ ‹• –Š‡ Ƥ”•– •–‡’ –‘™ƒ”†• Ƥš‹Â?‰ ‹–Ǥ

Illustration by Nora Talbott

Refrain from Pledging

By Isaac Snow Copy Editor “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.� 31 words we all know, 31 words we are forced to mem‘”‹œ‡ ‹� •…Š‘‘Ž ˆ”‘� ƒ� ‡ƒ”Ž› ƒ‰‡Ǥ —– should every kid hear those words every day of their childhood? Should we be saying and standing for the Pledge of Allegiance every day in schools?

The answer is no, and what’s more, it should cease to exist at all.

The Pledge of Allegiance is a lie. Two ’Š”ƒ•‡• ‹Â? •’‡…‹Ƥ… …‘Â?‡ –‘ Â?‹Â?†ǣ Dz‘Â?‡ nation, under Godâ€? and “with liberty and justice for all.â€?

The original version of the Pledge didn’t include the words “under God.�

The phrase was added in 1954, under the Eisenhower administration. When signing the bill to reword the Pledge, President Eisenhower said, “From this day forward, the millions of our school children will daily proclaim in every city and town, every village and rural school house, the dedication of our nation and our people to the Almighty...

Â? –Š‹• ™ƒ› ™‡ ƒ”‡ Â”Â‡ÂƒĆĽÂ”Â?‹Â?‰ –Š‡ –”ƒÂ?scendence of religious faith in America’s heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country’s most powerful resource, in peace or in war.â€?

By saying this, Eisenhower told the American people we should believe

America was built from our loyalty to God and religion. That’s simply not true. America was neither built by God nor by loyalty to religion. America was built through our ancestor’s hard work and perseverance. America was built by immigrants from all over the ™‘”Ž† …‘�‹�‰ –‘ ƒ…–—ƒŽ‹œ‡ –Š‡ �‡”‹can Dream and succeed through hard work. America was built with faith in freedom, that people should be able to believe and act on what they want and not be persecuted for it.

Alas, problems remain. Even though our country’s foundation was built on the backs of immigrants, we cannot ƤÂ?† ƒ ™ƒ› –‘ …‘‡š‹•– ’‡ƒ…‡ˆ—ŽŽ›Ǥ Š‡”‡ is certainly not “liberty and justice for all.â€? Many places around the country deny service to the LGBTQ+ community. There is blatant racial injustice, evident in the innumerable murders of unarmed African-American men.

Women still earn just 79 cents for every dollar men make.

Some might say calling for the Pledge to be eliminated makes me unpatriotic or means I don’t love my country. In fact, it’s exactly the opposite. I love that I have the freedom to make this argument. I love that we’re allowed to disagree. I love that we have the power to make our own decisions. But I also reƒŽ‹œ‡ –Š‡ ”‡ƒŽ‹–› ‘ˆ Â?Â‡Â”Â‹Â…ÂƒÇĄ ‘Â?‡ …Ž‘—†ed with all kinds of issues, and as long as these issues persist and we do not truly have “liberty and justice for all,â€? we cannot continue to feed children an obvious lie.

Grade inflation teaches bad habits

By Thomas Wolfson Editor-in-Chief Almost every WJ student knows the feeling. You get an A ‹Â? –Š‡ Ƥ”•– “—ƒ”–‡” ‘ˆ ƒ •‡Â?‡•–‡” ‹Â? ƒ …‡”–ƒ‹Â? …Žƒ•• ƒÂ?† –Š‡Â? †‡…‹†‡ –‘ †‘ –Š‡ Ž‡ƒ•– ƒÂ?‘—Â?– ‘ˆ ™‘”Â? –Š‡ Â?‡š– “—ƒ”–‡” –Šƒ– ™‹ŽŽ •–‹ŽŽ ‰‡– ›‘— ƒ Ǥ Â? ÇĄ ƒÂ? ‹Â? –Š‡ Ƥ”•– “—ƒ”–‡” ƒÂ?† ƒ ‹Â? –Š‡ •‡…‘Â?† “—ƒ”–‡” Â?‡ƒÂ?• ›‘— ‰‡– ƒÂ? Ǥ ˆ ƒ •–—†‡Â?– ‰‘‡• then C then that student gets a B. And so on and so on.

Though most students, including myself, would tell you that they love this system, there’s no doubt that it has led to ‰”ƒ†‡ ‹Â?ĆŞÂƒÂ–Â‹Â‘Â?Ǥ The lowest possible A a student can get in MCPS is an 89.5 percent. The lowest possible B a student can get is a 79.5 percent. If a student got these two grades in a semester they would receive an A. But average these grades out and you get an 84.5 percent. Essentially, as an MCPS student, you can do middle B work and still end up with an A. Š‹• †‘‡•Â?ǯ– ‡˜‡Â? ƒ……‘—Â?– ˆ‘” ‰”ƒ†‡ ‹Â?ĆŞÂƒÂ–Â‹Â‘Â? –Šƒ– ‹• ƒŽ”‡ƒ†› ‡š‹•–• ’”‘‰”‡••‹˜‡Ž› –Š”‘—‰Š‘—– ‡ƒ…Š “—ƒ”–‡” •—…Š ĥ –Š‡ ÍĄÍœ percent rule, stating that no student can receive anything beŽ‘™ ƒ ÍĄÍœ ‘Â? –‡•–• ‘” Â“Â—Â‹ÂœÂœÂ‡Â•ÇĄ ĥ Ž‘Â?‰ –Š‡› ‰‹˜‡ ‹– ƒÂ? ƒ––‡Â?’–Ǥ Š‹• ‹• ƒÂ?‘–Š‡” ”—Ž‡ Â–ÂŠÂƒÂ–ÇĄ ƒŽ–Š‘—‰Š „‡Â?Â‡Ć¤Â…Â‹ÂƒÂŽ –‘ •–—†‡Â?–•ǥ

5

THE STAFF EDITORS-IN-CHIEF

Did technology replace respect?

doesn’t really make any sense. If a student gets a 25 percent on ƒ –‡•–ǥ †‘ –Š‡› ”‡ƒŽŽ› †‡•‡”˜‡ ƒ ÍĄÍœÇŤ ”‘„ƒ„Ž› Â?‘–Ǥ –ǯ• ƒ ĆŞÂƒÂ™Â‡Â† ’‘Ž‹…›Ǥ • ™ƒ• –Š‡ †‡…‹•‹‘Â? –‘ ‰‡– ”‹† ‘ˆ ƤÂ?ƒŽ ‡šƒÂ?• ™‹–Š –Š‡ ƒˆ‘”‡Â?‡Â?–‹‘Â?‡† •‡Â?‡•–‡” ‰”ƒ†‹Â?‰ system that replaced it.

I’m not complaining. Not only do these policies make it easier –‘ ‰‡– ‰‘‘† Â‰Â”ÂƒÂ†Â‡Â•ÇĄ –Š‡› ƒ”‡ ƒŽ•‘ „‡Â?Â‡Ć¤Â…Â‹ÂƒÂŽ –‘ •–—†‡Â?– ™‡ŽŽnj„‡ing. These policies make life a little less stressful on students.

That certainly counts for something. I know for me there’s „‡‡Â? –‹Â?‡• ™Š‡Â?ÇĄ ƒ– –Š‡ ‡Â?† ‘ˆ –Š‡ Â“Â—ÂƒÂ”Â–Â‡Â”ÇĄ ÇŻÂ? Â•ÂƒÂ–Â‹Â•Ć¤Â‡Â† ™‹–Š my grade for almost every class except one or two. This means –Šƒ– Â?‡š– “—ƒ”–‡” …ƒÂ? ˆ‘…—• ‘Â? –Š‘•‡ ‘Â?‡ ‘” –™‘ …Žƒ••‡• ™‹–Šout having to stress out about my other classes.

On the other hand, as a result of this policy, students can Ž‘•‡ Â?‘–‹˜ƒ–‹‘Â?ÇĄ †‡’”‹‘”‹–‹œ‹Â?‰ …‡”–ƒ‹Â? …Žƒ••‡• ‹Â? ˆƒ˜‘” ‘ˆ ‘–Š‡”•Ǥ Ž—•ǥ –Š‡”‡ Šƒ˜‡ „‡‡Â? –‹Â?‡• ™Š‡Â? ƒ “—ƒ”–‡” ‡Â?†• ƒÂ?† ˆ‡‡Ž …‘Â?’Ž‡–‡Ž› Â•ÂƒÂ–Â‹Â•Ć¤Â‡Â† ™‹–Š ƒŽŽ Â?› Â‰Â”ÂƒÂ†Â‡Â•ÇĄ •‘ ”‡Žƒš ‹Â? ˜‹”–—ƒŽŽ› all my classes.

All this is to say that, in addition to grades merely being ‹Â?ĆŞÂƒÂ–Â‡Â†ÇĄ ǯ• ‰”ƒ†‹Â?‰ ’‘Ž‹…› …ƒÂ? …ƒ—•‡ •–—†‡Â?–• –‘ †‡˜‡Ž‘’ bad habits that may hurt them down the road as they get into college and professional life.

ONLINE PRINT Will Cohen ƒ”ƒ ‡�‹–œ Julia Hananel Kiley Ring Daria London Thomas Wolfson MANAGING EDITORS Molly Benson Zach Meyers Matt Shea ADVISOR Wendy Borrelli NEWS EDITORS Judith Altneu ��ƒ ƒŽ–œ�ƒ� �‹Ž› ’‡”ƒ�œƒ Aya Hesham (assistant) OPINION EDITORS Nyomi Fox Siddharth Srinivasan Hannah Markov (online) FEATURE EDITORS Caeden Babcock Stella Hadamer Kayla Kahrl (online) Sadie McMullen (assistant) ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITORS Beni Balignot DeVoncye Freelon ›‹œƒ �†‡”�ƒ�„‹ƒ (online) SPORTS EDITORS Ben Files Elijah Kasten Elana Renbaum (online) CARTOONISTS Nora Talbott Bradley Woodside

œœ› ƒ˜ƒ”‡‡‹ COPY EDITOR Isaac Snow Austin Mucchetti (online) LAYOUT/DESIGN EDITOR Rafael Friedlander Marie-Elise Latorre BUSINESS MANAGERS Caeden Babcock Allie Rothman SOCIAL MEDIA/MARKETING ƒŽŽ‹‡ ‡–œ�ƒ�

œœ› ƒ˜ƒ”‡‡‹ MULTIMEDIA EDITORS Charley Becker Lucas Gillespie Jack Linde (sports) ƒ–› ”Â?†‘”ƥ WEBMASTER Ryan Leal STAFF WRITERS Jackie Maloney Arturo Alipio Danis Cammett Sloane Morra Rebecca Davids Ethan Oyeniyi Maram Faragallah Sammy Peterson A.J. Frattarelli Gabe Riveiro Alan Gahart Matt Roman Brigitte Kaba Lily Salvatore Chelsea Laurik The Pitch is published eight times a year by the students of Walter Johnson High School, population of 2,749 and located ƒ– Í˘Í ÍœÍœ ‘…Â? ’”‹Â?‰ Â”Â‹Â˜Â‡ÇĄ Â‡Â–ÂŠÂ‡Â•Â†ÂƒÇĄ †Ǥ ͤ͜͞Í?Í Ç¤ †˜‡”–‹•‹Â?‰ ƒÂ?† •—„•…”‹’–‹‘Â? ”ƒ–‡• ƒ”‡ ƒ˜ƒ‹Žƒ„Ž‡ „› …ƒŽŽ‹Â?‰ Í&#x;ÍœÍ?ÇŚÍ¤ÍœÍ&#x;ÇŚ 7184. Opinions represent those of The ‹–…Š Â•Â–ÂƒĆĄ ƒÂ?† †‘ Â?‘– Â?‡…‡••ƒ”‹Ž› ”‡ƪ‡…– –Š‡ ‘’‹Â?‹‘Â?• ‘ˆ –Š‡ Â•Â–ÂƒĆĄÇĄ ˆƒ…—Ž–› ‘” •–—dent body. We welcome letters, articles, photographs and artwork, to be submitted to room 193 or e-mailed to wjpitch@gmail.com. The Pitch is an award-winning paper that works towards providing the student body with accurate, as well as credible, information.

AWARDS CSPA Silver Crown ͜͞Í?͢ CSPA Gold Medalist ÍžÍœÍœÍĽÇĄ ͜͞Í?Í&#x;ÇĄ ͜͞Í?͢ǥ ͜͞Í?ÍŁ CSPA Silver Medalist ͜͞Í?Í ÇĄ ͜͞Í?ÍĄÇĄ ͜͞Í?ͤ

the

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Pitch

OPINION

SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

Will WJ S*T*A*G*E uphold Anne Frank’s legacy?

By Hannah Markov Opinion Editor In Aug. 1944, the Nazis apprehended a group of Jews in the Netherlands, concealed behind a movable bookcase. Following the arrest, a journal written by a young girl in the family was found, detailing the life in hiding. Published in 1947, The Diary of Anne Frank would go on to be one of the most popular books in the world, being taught in schools and adapted Ƥ ductions, such as the one WJ S*T*A*G*E will be putting on this November.

A thespian spectacle of a diary about a young Jewish girl’s life in the Holocaust can go awry. Can high school students living more than half a century after the war really capture the tragedy of the 15 year old girl hiding from the Gestapo with her family? Though well intentioned, will they be able to properly portray Frank’s writings, or will the acting be dull and inaccurate? I have nothing against high school theatre (I myself perform outside of

school), but sometimes certain themes can be a bit too mature for teens to fully grasp.

On the other hand, who Ƥ play a teenager than an actual teenager? Although the majority of Frank’s writing documents her life in hiding, she also often mentions feelings and experiences nearly anyone can relate to, such as family drama, the need for a best friend and love interests. And with as much information as we have now on the Holocaust, it would be easy to read Frank’s diary and other Ƥ Ǧ the mind of Frank and the atmosphere of the war.

Additionally, the play allows for non-readers to learn about Anne Frank and her story without ever having to open a book.

In this way, it appeals to both the younger and older generations. Teens can watch the show to get at least a little idea of that horrifying part of history and adults can appreciate the way the arts can captivate their children’s attention in a way that regular history books often fail to.

Photo courtesy of History.com

ͥ͜͞͝Ǥ ǯ Ƥ hand accounts of hiding with her family during the Holocaust.

ƪ ǡ the play is a great approach to spreading awareness of the atrocities of the Holocaust, which can sometimes be a bit overlooked or rushed in the school curriculum. Especially after last year’s behavior at the Schindler’s List movie show-

ing, which clearly indicated how immature and unaware many teens are of the events of the Holocaust, educating the school on Frank’s story could only have good consequences.

No, I don’t think a high school’s interpretation of Frank’s diary will be so well

performed it’ll keep the audience crying, leave them heartbroken or move them to the edge of their seats. What I am sure of is by just honoring that piece of history and putting the show on, WJ S*T*A*G*E will touch the hearts of every single person watching.

Why I quit social media A column by Daria London Editor-in-Chief I used to spend an hour or two scrolling through Instagram, seeing people I am barely friends with boasting some random event or commenting on someone’s post, even though I haven’t had a conversation with them in two years.

I sit there, mindlessly doubletapping someone’s cousin’s Dz ƪ dz who has been exposed several times for Facetune and intense Photo by Kiley Ring Photoshop.

After I abandon my Insta ƥ ǡ Ǥ ǯ gram explore page and those ǡ Ǥ intense mentally stimulating Snapchat stories, I don’t feel great. I feel tired, slow and frankly, just bad about myself.

By Cara Demitz Obviously it made me feel can quickly identify the source going to have to walk, which Editor-in-Chief of the noise. It is so much easier can prove to be extremely in- self-conscious seeing beautiful The WJ school district is one to just talk with friends in huge convenient, especially in the people with incredibly sculpted bodies, but social media also of the most desirable ones in classes, which will hurt stu- winter.

MCPS. WJ consistently ranks dents’ grades and test scores in The hallways are a big prob- made me feel bad about what among the top schools in the long run. lem as well. It is not hard to I was doing. While my sister’s Montgomery County and has Being able to have the teach- tell WJ is overcrowded by tak- best friend’s step-brother is great reviews on Great Schools. er’s attention is also huge for a ing one step into the hallways on a yacht in Morocco, or my However, WJ’s great track re- lot of students’ success. When in between classes. The large co-worker is standing atop a cord as well as its relatively new there are so many people in a crowds and dark, cramped hall- mountain in Hawaii or my secbuilding actually disadvantages class, the teacher can only per- ways keep students from get- ond cousin posted the latest the student body. The school sonally speak with a limited ting to class as quickly as they picture with her boyfriend - I’m has been steadily growing, and amount of students due to time may like and honestly just puts just sitting in my room.

But none of these images this year the student popula- constraints. So either the teach- everyone in a bad mood. The tion is around 2,700 students. er has to spend more class time new down only stairwells also are a reality: bodies are altered This, paired with limited class answering questions from more make it inconvenient for stu- and sometimes fake, faces facerooms and class space, is ex- students or move on, which in dents who have classes right tuned; the trip to Hawaii seems tremely detrimental to stu- turn will leave some students near those stairwells who need cool enough, but I’m sure my co-worker spent more time dents’ ability to actively learn behind. If students do manage to go up. and understand the material. to get called on, the teacher Obviously, there is no easy trying to capture the perfect Overcrowding is inevitable. might not have time to go as in solution to overcrowding, but angle and lighting rather than At some point, a school is just depth in their answer as they the county as well as whoever actually enjoying the view. It going to be too small in a con- might be able to in a smaller else is involved should try to put a damper on her trip, she stantly growing community. class. resolve the issue as quickly as couldn’t just freely enjoy it; But classrooms with over 35 The portables have been im- possible. WJ is not going to stop instead, she is worried about kids create a much bigger dis- ơ growing, and the sooner Wood- ơ traction for the students who with WJ’s growing population, ward opens, the better. Classes her trip to her 2,000 followers need a quieter environment but eventually the school is go- are going to keep getting bigger (most of whom she hasn’t had to focus. There is so much ing to run out of space. Plus, and the quality of our educa- an in-person conversation with more side whispering than in the farther away portables are tion is going to decrease as a in years).

Social media is not a real a smaller class where a teacher placed, the farther students are result.

Overcrowding ruins the WJ experience

representation of people, and once I stopped pretending social media equates to real life, I was easily able to delete my Instagram and stop using Snapchat. Understanding what goes on in people’s lives Ǥ ǯ Dz ǡdz Dz dz ǡ takes a simple text message or a phone call or an in-person conversation.

Social media is not real. It’s a fake reality all about getting attention and validation. The creators made it addictive. It’s fake validation, giving someone temporary happiness from Dz dz couple of hundred likes, but overall it actually made my life a whole lot worse. It is like being stuck in this trap, this unhealthy cycle of posting then getting temporary happiness and validation but then seeing other people’s lives and once again feeling so isolated as if you are the only one not doing amazing things all the time. ƪ ǡ more negative feelings, is toxic to anyone.

The only person who can make you dislike social media is YOU! My parents tried to get ơ Ǥ

and thought their points and ideas made sense but never took my own actions to stop my use. Once I stopped using it, I felt so much better. Ƥ shock and FOMO, I was eventually able to overcome and realize what was best for me.

I know that there are many alternatives to understanding what is going on in the world and in my immediate community than a bunch of liking, commenting and retweeting nonsense.

Earlier AP sign-up assists students

The

SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

Pitch

OPINION

7

By Lily Salvatore ơ

When I began taking AP classes as a freshman, I was scared. Not only of the workload, but also of the large test that lay between me and the end of school. The test was Photo by Nyomi Fox Ƥ Held in the outdoor stadium this year, the fall pep rally brought together students of all grades, many dressed in their designated class back of my mind as content color. A minority of students refrained from participating in the spirit, causing them to appear as outcasts to some. was shoved into every open slot of memory. It wasn’t until the spring when AP registration took place that the pressure of testing unfolded itself. have to go to stores or do online maybe this time around the Join the excitement Particpation is The harsh reminder of testing shopping, which can be expenpositivity and the spirit of unity meaningless is coming earlier than expected sive. However when you buy the will breach my thick hide. But By Rebecca Davids ơ this year. Unlike previous years, By Siddharth Srinivasan materials once, you can generthat never happens. the College Board has decided Opinion Editor During the school year, spirit ally incorporate them into your I just don’t understand school to move the exam registration Here we go again, herded into spirit. That could be on me. weeks are highly anticipated daily life. In addition, if a spirit dates up to November rather the gym like hogs on slaughter Alternatively, perhaps school by the majority of the student day is easy to execute, it will than waiting until March. day. The chanting of a thousand spirit isn’t the bastion of unity body. The spirit days, such as most likely be repeated year afAlthough many students are students coalesces into a single and positivity we believe it to Maryland Monday and Wood- ter year for the school to dress stunned with stress from the ǡ Ƥ be. stock Wednesday, provide up as. This year WJ held a spirit news, The College Board states crescendo. A pulsating frenzy The consequences have the people with fun and creative al- sale, selling everything from that the frontloading of test conquers the gym, spreading potential to be dangerous. Ex- ternatives from their normal at- ƪ Ǥ registration will help improve ƪ - cessive school spirit fosters jin- tire.The purpose of spirit weeks cheap prices from the spirit sale our test scores and success in ing students. And with every goism which, if unchecked, can is to hype people up for the elevated the amount of people the classroom. Ƥ have disastrous consequences, phenomenal event at the end that participated in the fall pep According to The College Mighty Moo and the Wild- such as the brawl that broke out of the week. They elicit positive rally spirit week. Pep rallies are Board pilot program, in which cat, the uniform cheering and a couple of years back at Cabin energy and allow for students held three times a year; for fall 40,000 students registered for unanimous passion swell.

Ǥ ǯ Ƥ to have fun together amidst sports, winter sports and spring their exams during the fall, not There’s a real feeling of unity incident and it won’t be the last. the misery of schoolwork. The sports. Pep rallies can be overonly did their scores improve, and togetherness as students Maybe there are better ways purpose of going to school is to whelming and cause excessive but their commitment to reare divided up by grade and to promote inclusivity. The cul- learn and gain knowledge, but stress on people because they taining information did as well. corralled into four separate cor- tural assemblies were a great the inclusion of spirit adds an take people out of their comfort ơ ners. way to do that. As a diverse element of enjoyment and en- zones. that of previous years where The overall purpose of spirit And still the frenzy refuses to community, it is important we tertainment that is often missstudents were not really pre- cease. All around me students be aware and informed of the ing in the academic setting. is to positively promote the paring for exam until the end of activities and celebrate with ecstasy. But there multitude of cultures, ethnici- Walter Johnson is a school that schoolwide the year. With an early registraI am, all alone, out of place and ties and religions which make encourages the involvement of events. Many people who dress tion quickly binding commitlost. I’m no longer amongst my up our student body. We learn students, participation in spir- up in spirit look forward to takment to classes, students are peers, but amongst aliens. I feel how to be accepting and how to it. Without spirit, people would ing pictures and posting the more likely to work throughout like I don’t belong. cherish others. We learn noth- not be able to express their en- photos on social media. WJ is the year on content since they Herein lies the inherent vice ing from pep rallies. Yet they thusiasm and pride or prosper an amazing school and spirit is are aware of their participation of school spirit. What if you’re are mandatory while cultural as much in school. a way to show your dedication in the exam.

Others may argue that spirit to the place where you learn, like me? What if you don’t have assemblies are relegated to opEarly registration puts a rea- school spirit? What if you’re in tional lunchtime shows. is a waste of time and pointless; grow and make friends for a son behind why students work the overwhelming minority?

Maybe I’m just bitter and my regardless, it is a part of WJ’s lifetime. Spirit weeks are not through the heavy course work It’s like being stranded on an is- words should be taken with culture. Spirit is optional and is that often, meaning it is not a and why they put in hour after land, and all because I don’t un- a pinch of salt. Maybe school intended to encourage students huge commitment that people hour of studying throughout derstand the fuss with school spirit is the cause of quite a few to unite themselves in support need to follow. In the end, spirit the year. The end goal that stu Ǥ ơ of the school and its activities. ơ spirit. dents are given by registering at Every so often, I’m confronted on us should be more carefully A problem with spirit is that creativity and allows you to the beginning of school pushes by school spirit week. There’s examined, and my disillusion- if you do not have the materi- make lifelong memories with motivation into their work, a brief glimmer of hope that Ƥ Ǥ als for the particular day, you school friends. making it more detailed, thor Ƥ COMIC BY BRADLEY WOODSIDE learning experience.

The College Board also states that the early onset promise to engage in test taking proved drastic improvement for underrepresented groups on the AP student spectrum. Minorities saw their test scores rise by 12% low income students by 20% and girls in STEM saw improvement by 14%.

Students who have not participated in early registration Ƥ ƥ their abilities in their classes to determine whether or not taking the exam suits them. This is still not to say, though, that throughout the year with the test in front of them as motiva ǡ ơ to succeed.

Although intimidating, AP registration in the fall gives students a constant reminder of why they signed up to be in a class of greater academic magnitude. It motivates students to ơ the year with the test serving as a symbol of the culmination of their work.

School spirit: is the reward worth the effort?

SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

the

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Pitch

SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

A&E

9

“Controversial� fall foods: candy corn vs. pumpkin spice The Breakdown

By Sadie McMullen Assistant A&E/Feature Editor

At the start of every season there is always a renewed enthusiasm for food only available at that time. Autumn’s …”ƒœ‡ ‹• ‡•’‡…‹ƒŽŽ› •‹‰Â?Â‹Ć¤Â…ÂƒÂ?–ǥ ĥ –Š‡”‡ ƒ”‡ –™‘ Š‘Ž‹†ƒ›• ƒ••‘…‹ƒ–‡† ™‹–Š †‹ƥ‡”‡Â?– ˆ‘‘†•Ǥ ƒŽŽ ‹• Â?Â?‘™Â? ˆ‘” ‹–• •‹‰Â?ƒ–—”‡ ĆŞÂƒÂ˜Â‘Â”Â• Ž‹Â?‡ ÂƒÂ’Â’ÂŽÂ‡Â•ÇĄ ’—Â?Â’Â?‹Â?•ǥ …”ƒÂ?„‡””‹‡•ǥ …ƒ”ƒÂ?‡Ž ƒÂ?† ƒÂ?›–Š‹Â?‰ ™ƒ”Â? ƒÂ?† –‘ƒ•–›Ǥ ‘” ƒŽŽ‘™‡‡Â?ÇĄ –Š‡”‡ ‹• ƒ …ƒÂ?†› Â?ƒÂ?Â‹ÂƒÇ˘ ƒÂ?† ŠƒÂ?Â?•‰‹˜‹Â?‰ ‰‹˜‡• —• „ƒÂ?‡† ‰‘‘†• Â?ƒ†‡ ™‹–Š ƒ …‡”–ƒ‹Â? •’‹…‡Ǥ ˜‡” •‹Â?…‡ –ƒ”„—…Â?•ǯ …”‡ƒ–‹‘Â? ‘ˆ –Š‡ —Â?Â’Â?‹Â? ’‹…‡ ƒ––‡ ‹Â? ͜͜͞Í&#x;ÇĄ –Š‡ ’—Â?Â’Â?‹Â? •’‹…‡ ‘„•‡••‹‘Â? Šƒ• –ƒÂ?‡Â? Â?‡”‹…ƒ „› •–‘”Â?Ǥ —Â?‹‘” ƒŽŠƒƒ” ƒ‹” —•‡† –‘ „‡ ‘„•‡••‡† ™‹–Š †”‹Â?Â?• Ž‹Â?‡ –Š‡ —Â?Â’Â?‹Â? ’‹…‡ ƒ––‡ ƒÂ?† ‘–Š‡” ‡Žƒ„‘”ƒ–‡ –ƒ”„—…Â?• ”‡ˆ”‡•ŠÂ?‡Â?–•Ǥ ‡…‡Â?–Ž›ǥ Š‡ Šƒ• Â?‹…Â?‡† –Š‡ Šƒ„‹– ‘ˆ †ƒ‹Ž› –ƒ”„—…Â?•ǥ ƒŽ–Š‘—‰Š Š‡ ”‡Â?ƒ‹Â?• traumatized by their addicting beverages. Dz ƒÂ? •–‹ŽŽ ‰‡––‹Â?‰ ‘˜‡” Â?› –ƒ”„—…Â?• ƒ††‹…–‹‘Â?ÇĄ ›‡– –Š‡ —Â?Â’Â?‹Â? ’‹…‡ ƒ––‡ •–‹ŽŽ Šƒ—Â?–• Â?‡ ‹Â? Â?› †”‡ƒÂ?•ǥdz Nair said. —‡ –‘ ‹–• Â’Â‘Â’Â—ÂŽÂƒÂ”Â‹Â–Â›ÇĄ –Š‡ —Â?Â’Â?‹Â? ’‹…‡ ÂƒÂ–Â–Â‡ÇĄ „‡––‡” Â?Â?‘™Â? ĥ ÇĄ Šƒ• …ƒ—•‡† –Š‡ ’”‘†—…–‹‘Â? ‘ˆ Â?ƒÂ?› ‹–‡Â?• ™‹–Š ‹–• ĆŞÂƒÂ˜Â‘Â” ƒÂ?† •…‡Â?–Ǥ –”ƒÂ?‰‡ ’”‘†—…–• Ž‹Â?‡ ›‘‰—”–ǥ …ƒÂ?†Ž‡•ǥ Š—Â?Â?—•ǥ „—”‰‡”•ǥ Â–Â‘Â‘Â–ÂŠÂ’ÂƒÂ•Â–Â‡ÇĄ †‘‰ •ŠƒÂ?’‘‘ǥ •’ƒÂ?ÇĄ ’”‹Â?‰Ž‡•ǥ –™‹Â?Â?‹‡•ǥ ’‘’–ƒ”–• ƒÂ?† ’‡‡’• ƒ”‡ ƒŽŽ ’”‘†—…‡† ‹Â? ’—Â?Â’Â?‹Â? ĆŞÂƒÂ˜Â‘Â” †—”‹Â?‰ –Š‹• ˆ‡•–‹˜‡ –‹Â?‡Ǥ Dz ÇŻÂ? ‘„•‡••‡† ™‹–Š ’—Â?Â’Â?‹Â? •’‹…‡ ƒÂ?›–Š‹Â?‰ „‡…ƒ—•‡ ‹– ”‡Â?‹Â?†• Â?‡ ‘ˆ –Š‡ ™ƒ”Â? …‘Â?ˆ‘”–‹Â?‰ ˆ‡‡Ž‹Â?‰ ‘ˆ ÂˆÂƒÂŽÂŽÇł junior Gianna Schulp said. ƒŽŽ ‹• ƒŽ•‘ –Š‡ „‡‰‹Â?Â?‹Â?‰ ‘ˆ „‹œœƒ”‡ …ƒÂ?†‹‡•ǥ ‡˜‡Â? Ž‘Â?‰ „‡ˆ‘”‡ –Š‡ Â?‘Â?–Š ‘ˆ ƒŽŽ‘™‡‡Â?Ǥ Š‡•‡ ‹Â?…Ž—†‡ …ƒ”ƒÂ?‡Ž ƒ’’Ž‡ ’‘’•ǥ •‘—” ’—Â?Â’Â?‹Â?•ǥ Â?ƒ’Ž‡ …ƒÂ?†‹‡•ǥ ƒ’’Ž‡ Â…ÂŠÂ‘Â…Â‘ÂŽÂƒÂ–Â‡Â•ÇĄ ƒ’’Ž‡ …‹†‡” …ƒ”ƒÂ?‡Ž•ǥ …ƒÂ?†‹‡† ’‡…ƒÂ?• ƒÂ?† –Š‡ „Žƒ…Â? •Š‡‡’ ‘ˆ –Š‡ „—Â?…Šǥ …ƒÂ?†› …‘”Â?Ǥ Â? –Š‡ ‘’’‘•‹–‡ •‹†‡ ‘ˆ –Š‡ •’‡…–”—Â? ˆ”‘Â? ’—Â?Â’Â?‹Â? •’‹…‡ǥ …ƒÂ?†› …‘”Â? ‹• Šƒ–‡† „› Â?‘•– ’‡‘’Ž‡ „‡…ƒ—•‡ ‘ˆ Š‘™ ™‹†‡•’”‡ƒ† ‹– Šƒ• „‡…‘Â?‡ ƒÂ?† ‹–• •–ƒŽ‡ ĆŞÂƒÂ˜Â‘Â”Ç¤ ƒÂ?†› …‘”Â? Šƒ• „‡‡Â? ‹Â? ’”‘†—…–‹‘Â? •‹Â?…‡ –Š‡ Í?Í¤ÍœÍœÇŻÂ• ƒÂ?† Šƒ• „‡‡Â? ƒ ƒŽŽ‘™‡‡Â? •–ƒ’Ž‡ ˆ‘” ÍŁÍœ ›‡ƒ”• „‡…ƒ—•‡ ‹–ǯ• …Š‡ƒ’ ƒÂ?† ‡ƒ•› –‘ Â?ƒÂ?‡Ǥ –ǯ• „‡‡Â? ƒ”‘—Â?† ˆ‘” •‘ Ž‘Â?‰ –Šƒ– ’‡‘’Ž‡ Šƒ˜‡ …‘Â?‡ –‘ ƒ„Š‘” ‹–ǥ Œ—•– „‡…ƒ—•‡ ‹–ǯ• ‹Â?…”‡†‹„Ž› common for such a basic tasting candy. Dz ”‡ƒŽŽ› †‡•’‹•‡ …ƒÂ?†› …‘”Â? „‡…ƒ—•‡ ‹–ǯ• Š‘””‹„Ž‡ –ƒ•–‹Â?‰ …ƒÂ?†› ƒÂ?† ‹–ǯ• Â?‘– ‡˜‡Â? •Šƒ’‡† Ž‹Â?‡ …‘”Â?ÇĄ •‘ ‹–ǯ• Â?‹•Ž‡ƒ†‹Â?‰Ǥ Š› ™‘—Ž† ƒÂ?›‘Â?‡ Â?ƒÂ?‡ ƒ …ƒÂ?†› ‘—– ‘ˆ ƒ Â˜Â‡Â‰Â‡Â–ÂƒÂ„ÂŽÂ‡ÇŤÇł Œ—Â?‹‘” ƒ—”ƒ ƒ…Â?‹‡ •ƒ‹†Ǥ Dz ˜‡”›™Š‡”‡ ›‘— ‰‘ †—”‹Â?‰ ƒŽŽ‘™‡‡Â? •‡ƒ•‘Â? ›‘— …‘Â?‡ ƒ…”‘•• …ƒÂ?†› …‘”Â?ÇĄ ‹–ǯ• Ž‹Â?‡ ›‘— …ƒÂ?ǯ– ‡•…ƒ’‡ ‹– ƒÂ?† ‹–• †‹•–—”„‹Â?‰ǥdz ƒ…Â?‹‡ •ƒ‹†Ǥ

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nostalgia

Out with the old and in with the‌ new old? The 2010’s have been n famed for their inspiratio inspirational recreations of 5 with ith boho spirits going viral and boot cut fashion from prominent decades. The ‘70s had their return in 2015 jeans reappearing in headlines. Now it’s time for a ‘90s grunge revival.

After a long hot summer consisting of sweaty thighs sticking to seats and cropped tank tops, senior Abbey Ĺ? ÄśĹ¸Ĺ˜s O Ĺ˜Ë…Çź É ĂžÇź ǟŸ É s Ç‹ ĹŽĂž_Ăž ǣĨÞNjǟǣ É ĂžÇźĂŒ Eޜ ĘŞČ–ÂŻÂŻÉ´ ÇŁÉ s ÇźsÇ‹ÇŁ ÇźĂŒĂžÇŁ ÂŻ ĜĜʳ As we transition into cooler weather, coziness becomes a staple for fashion. But how do we combine comfort with style? Malone had the right idea with midi skirts. There’s no need to wear tight, restricting skinny jeans Ĺ˜É´ĹŽĹ¸Ç‹sĘł ÇťĂŒs ˄˨Ë&#x;ÇŁ Ç‹s ÂŻ ĹŽs_ ¯ŸNj ĜŸŸǣs ĘŠÇźÇźĂžĹ˜Âś OÄśĹ¸ÇźĂŒĂžĹ˜Âś ĜÞĨs ŎŸŎ Ä s Ĺ˜ÇŁ Ĺ˜_ NjŸŸŎɴ ǣĨÞNjǟǣʳ “Denim jackets and mom jeans are my favorite throwback styles so far,â€? sophomore Julia Beato said.

What else can we expect? Styles are slowly becoming more and more edgy, adding chains, distressed shirts and even animal prints. “I’m so excited to see more animal print in fashion, I think it really makes a look more dynamic,� Malone said.

We saw the reappearance of animal print a little bit over the past couple of years, but get ready for it to really explode. It’s time to channel your inner Cheetah Girl and embrace leopard print and tiger stripes.

Along with the fun and wild spirit of the animal prints, there’s also an uproar in business casual looks. Street styles take a turn by pairing the sophistication of tailored blazers with graphic tees and chunky sneakers.

The resurfacing of the ‘90s brings a feeling of nostalgia to everyone. Perhaps a little more to those around us who grew up wearing these styles when they were young. ˆĂ?Çź Þǣ É sÞNj_ ÇŁssĂžĹ˜Âś ĆźsŸƟĜs É s Ç‹ ŸȖǟʊǟǣ ÇźĂŒ Çź ĹŽÉ´ ŎŸŎ Č–ÇŁs_ ǟŸ _Ç‹sÇŁÇŁ ĹŽs ĂžĹ˜Ę°Ë‡ Äśs _sÇ‹ÇŁĂŒĂžĆź Çźs OĂŒsÇ‹ Ĺ?sÄś Ĺ˜Ăžs ǢOĂŒÉ s_ said. “I hated it back then but now I’m all for it. I love the grunge look, especially ripped mom jeans.â€?

So, who wore it better - the ‘90s or the 2010s? I think it’s safe to say that we’ll see really soon.

Pennywise isn’t clowning around (no spoilers ahead)

By Arturo Alipio Â–ÂƒĆĄ ”‹–‡”

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the

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A&E

SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

Filmmakers at WJ set the scene for their future careers

By Callie Metzman Social Media/Marketing Manager From documenting sports games to telling stories with Ƥ ǡ Ƥ the categories. Seniors Phillip

ơ

ǡ Ƥ Ǥ menting gameplays. His videos ơ

Ƥ Ǥ ǡ didn’t start out with big crowds Ǥ Dz

͜͞͝͠ play and sharing them with ǡ ǯ Ƥ ͣ͜͞͝

across travel videos on Youtube and thought they were really ǡdz Ǥ ͤ͜͞͝ǡ

people to repost each others Instagram stories or Instagram Ǥ his videos.

Dz

Dz dz ǯ ǡ

that everyone uses to gain ex ǡdz Ǥ

Ƥ ǡ ǡ

Ǥ ǡ

ates similar videos.

Pham has produced a number

Ǥ ǡ

Ǥ ǡ

on boys and girls lacrosse. Not Ƥ ǡ

ǡ Ǥ ǡ Landon and Bullis. Ƥ Ǥ Dz ǡ

ǡdz Ǥ Ƥ Ǥ Ƥ ǡ

High school: TV vs. reality

Arts & Entertainment Editor From teenage witches to ǡ ǯ Ƥ ǡ shows centered around teenagers in high school are among the most popular on televi ǡ are they portraying high school and teenagers in general and ơ between reality and television? ǡ teens have already been exposed to this unrealistic view ǣ ǡ Ǥ

ǡ school students are spending

the rare case their nights aren’t ǡ ǯ Ǥ

ǡ ǯ showing what high school students are actually spending their time doing. Dz Ƥ

seem; the people in the shows don’t seem as motivated or ǡdz more Precious Noble said. ǯ ters around teenagers in high ǡ Ƥ Ƥ the time to go to school and Ǥ

is that what actual high school students go through.

ǯ

ǡ Ƥ ǡ ing in high school is centered

Ǥ

Dz ǡ ǡ ǯ

ǡdz Ǥ

ǯ ǡ ơ ent trials that teenagers go ǡ

Ǥ “The ones that I do watch

ǡ really stereotypical with the ǡdz

Ǥ ǯ bels that all shows centered around teenagers seem to have ǡ riences the characters undergo

students go through. These

what happens in school and not what truly happens.

“Shows about teenagers and high school are interesting to ǡ ǯ ǡdz Ǥ

meeting your soulmate or every teacher being cruel and out to get their students as seen in ǯ ǯ

about high school.

“I thought that school spirit ǡ

ǯ High School Musical or any ǡdz Ǥ ǯ ǡ shows understand that high

teenagers’ lives and they show its importance.

Ƥ Ǥ Dz ǡ Ƥ ǡdz Rose said.

Ƥ Ƥ Ǥ ǡ Ƥ experience.

Rose tries to pull inspiration

Ǥ ǡ bring those elements into his videos. Dz to oil paintings have inspired

Ǥ

ǡ

ǯ ǡdz Rose said. ǡ Ƥ way. Dz Ƥ

ơ Ǥ

something at some point in my ence. I hope I won’t end up as a Photo by Callie Metzman ǡ Ǥ

ǯ Ƥ Ǥ ǯ Ƥ Ǥ Ƥ ǡdz Ǥ

the

Pitch

SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

Does WJ recycle?

Ž‘‘Â? ‹Â?–‘ ƒŽ–‡” ‘ŠÂ?•‘Â?ǯ• ”‡…›…Ž‹Â?‰ Šƒ„‹–•

By Sloane Morra Â–ÂƒĆĄ ”‹–‡” In the rush of the school day, the idea of carefully sorting and recycling their trash barely crosses stuÇŚ dents’ minds. As lunch winds down, students are ˆƒ…‡† ™‹–Š –Š‡ †‹Ƽ…—Ž– †‡nj cision whether to sort their plastic bottles and soda cans into the nearest recycling bin or have a few more minÇŚ utes to chat with friends.

Freshman James Phillips is among a large group of people who see their peers choosing the second option and completely disregarding where they put their food waste and trash. “I rarely ever see people using the recycling bins staÇŚ tioned around school, but when I have seen people usÇŚ ing them, I’ve watched them put food in the recycling bins,â€? Phillips said.

In a poll taken by 100 WJ students about how often they see another student throwing food into recyÇŚ cling bins, 26% said often, 45% said sometimes, 24% said rarely, and only 5% said never.

When food is thrown into a recycling bin, it conÇŚ taminates the other prodÇŚ ucts that are inside the bin already, and therefore that batch cannot be recycled and reused. The whole bin

becomes trash; counteracting the purpose of recycling: reÇŚ duce waste, help prevent polÇŚ lution and conserve natural resources.

The School Energy and ReÇŚ cycling Team’s manager, John Meyer lll, sees many student and school mistakes when it comes to recycling. “Some of the biggest misÇŚ takes I see are putting trash in the recycling bin. Not only does this contaminate your school recycling but it could hurt the whole load,â€? Meyer said. “Recycling is so easy, it’s one ‡š–”ƒ •–‡’ ‹Â? –Š”‘™‹Â?‰ ƒ™ƒ› your trash, and it only takes about ten seconds. Recycling Â?ƒÂ?‡• •—…Š ƒ „‹‰ †‹ƥ‡”‡Â?…‡ in helping to keep our earth clean, so I don’t understand why people would not want to do it. It makes me mad when I see people showing no regard for where they are putting their trash,â€? junior Sophia AbedellaÇŚ tif said.

According to the School Energy and Recycling Team, (SERT) of MCPS’s Recycling Data Report, Walter Johnson High School is 1.12 pounds beÇŚ low the average high school PPP (pounds per person for recycling.. WJ also does not rank in the top ten schools in the county for recycling. Dz Â? –Š‡ •…Š‘‘Ž Â›Â‡ÂƒÂ”ÇĄ ͜͞Í?ͤnj 2019 Walter Johnson rank 13th out of 26 high schools,â€? Meyer said.

FEATURE

11

Students fight for representation

By Maram Faragallah Â–ÂƒĆĄ ”‹–‡” At WJ, there are U.S. History, World History, ˆ”‹…ƒÂ?ÇŚ Â?‡”‹…ƒÂ? ƒÂ?† ƒ–‹Â?ÇŚ Â?‡”‹…ƒÂ? Š‹•–‘”› …Žƒ••‡•Ǥ ƒ•– Â›Â‡ÂƒÂ”ÇĄ •‡Â?‹‘” ‡”‹Â? ‘Â?‡ ƒÂ?† Œ—Â?‹‘”

”ƒ…‹‡Žƒ —Â?ƒ ’”‘’‘•‡† ƒ ƒ–‹˜‡ Â?‡”‹…ƒÂ? Š‹•–‘”› class to achieve equal representation in the learnÇŚ ing environment. “Our goal is more integration of history and curÇŚ rent acknowledgment of Native American history in school courses,â€? Kone said . —Â?ƒ ƒ Â?† ‘Â?‡ ƒ”‡ ‘Ƽ…‡”• ‘ˆ –Š‡ ÂƒÂˆÂ‡ÇŚ Ž—„ǥ a club dedicated to students who have faced ofÇŚ fensive language and hate speech. They provide a safe environment for students to talk about their problems. They work with the administration to create solutions in order to achieve equality and acceptance in the school. In a discussion meeting, a Native American student proposed the idea for –Š‡ …Žƒ••Ǥ Â?Â?‡†‹ƒ–‡Ž› ÂƒÂˆÂ–Â‡Â”ÇĄ ‘Â?‡ ƒÂ?† —Â?ƒ Â?‡– with Principal Jennifer Baker to discuss the matÇŚ ter.

AP US History teacher Nathan Schwartz said he teaches Native American history in his class. “If the administration wants to do a Native AmerÇŚ Photo by Julia Hananel ican history class, that’s cool, but Native AmeriÇŚ can history ends with European colonization and Seniors Graciella Luna and Yerim Kone discuss Â–ÂŠÂƒÂ–ÇŻÂ• ƒ …‘—”•‡Ǥ Â?‘–Š‡” …‘—”•‡ ™‘—Ž† „‡ –Š‡ ‡ƥ‡…– how to get more students interested in a new Naof Europeans on Native Americans. Those two are –‹˜‡ Â?‡”‹…ƒÂ? Š‹•–‘”› …Žƒ••Ǥ Š‡› Šƒ˜‡ „‡‡Â? Ƥ‰Š–ing for a Native American history class since last †‹ƥ‡”‡Â?– Â…ÂŽÂƒÂ•Â•Â‡Â•ÇĄÇł …Š™ƒ”–œ •ƒ‹†Ǥ The idea of having a Native American history year. course was initially suggested to provide a more diverse learning environment at WJ. having a Native American history class at WJ and “The purpose of this class would be to educate, said that the class will be implemented if there’s not to make anyone feel bad or guilty. Our goal is student interest. not to shame anyone. Our goal is to raise awareÇŚ “If students have an interest in a class, we can ness about what happened in the past and how it work to have this class implemented. We run the ‹Â?’ƒ…–• …—””‡Â?– •‘…‹‡–› Â–Â‘Â†ÂƒÂ›ÇĄÇł —Â?ƒ •ƒ‹†Ǥ class when there’s interest, and I believe high Senior Sewa Eaglehawk is a student at WJ who •…Š‘‘Ž ‹• ƒ –‹Â?‡ –‘ ‡š’Ž‘”‡ǥdz ƒÂ?‡” •ƒ‹†Ǥ is of Native American background. She said she Â? –Š‡ ‘–Š‡” ŠƒÂ?†ǥ „‘–Š …Ž—„ ‘Ƽ…‡”• ƒÂ?† Â–Â‡ÂƒÂ…ÂŠÇŚ Ž‹Â?‡† –Š‡ ‹†‡ƒ ‘ˆ Šƒ˜‹Â?‰ ƒ Â?‡™ …Žƒ•• ƒÂ?† ™ƒ• ‡šnj ers thought that the problem faced is not enough cited that students want to know more about her sign ups. culture. “We understand at the moment, that impleÇŚ “It is pretty cool that people want to know about mentation of another history course is very difÇŚ Native American history. Classes talk little about Ƥ…—Ž–Ǥ Â‘Â™Â‡Â˜Â‡Â”ÇĄ ™‡ ™‹ŽŽ ƒŽ™ƒ›• ƒ†˜‘…ƒ–‡ ĥ ƒ …Ž—„ our history,â€? Eaglehawk said. for equality and Native American representaÇŚ Principal Baker also said she likes the idea of –‹‘Â?ÇĄÇł —Â?ƒ •ƒ‹†Ǥ

Making a difference: How a student connects us with Burundi

By Stella Hadamer Feature Editor

people who had lost so much …‘—Ž† •–‹ŽŽ ƤÂ?† •‘Â?‡ Šƒ’’‹Â?॥ in their dismal situation. “I was incredibly touched and Seven thousand miles away across the Atlantic, trouble has so humbled to see the refugees been brewing in central African not only welcoming me, but country Burundi. Corruption, ƒŽ•‘ –ƒÂ?‹Â?‰ –Š‡ –‹Â?‡ –‘ ‡š’Žƒ‹Â? violence and instability are a ƒŠƒÂ?ƒ …ƒÂ?’Ǥ – ™ƒ• ƒÂ? ‡š’‡nj rience I'll never forget,â€? NantuÇŚ daily reality.

Recently, things have gone lya said.

The Oasis of Peace is not just from bad to worse as more ƒÂ?† Â?‘”‡ —”—Â?†‹ƒÂ?• ƪ‡‡ –‘ a shelter for refugees, it is also a neighboring countries such place of learning where BurunÇŚ as Rwanda and Tanzania. This dians may go to school and parÇŚ summer, WJ freshman Shiima ticipate in vocational courses ƒÂ?–—Ž›ƒ ‰‘– ƒ Ć¤Â”Â•Â–ÇŚÂŠÂƒÂ?† ‡š’‡nj such as culinary classes, sewÇŚ rience of what it's like at one of ing, embroidery, painting and the Burundian refugee camps even mechanics.

As Nantulya toured camp in Rwanda.

This refugee camp, called Mohama and the Oasis, she camp Mahama, is a shelter for discovered that the people livÇŚ over 50,000 Burundian refuÇŚ ing there were people just like gees based just outside Kigali, the rest of us. While the world the capital of Rwanda. Near and the news may view them as the camp there is a commuÇŚ refugees without a home, NanÇŚ nity center called the Oasis of tulya found that the reality is Peace, operated by humanitarÇŚ Â?—…Š Â?‘”‡ …‘Â?’Ž‡šǤ Nantulya was visiting the ian activist Marguerite “Maggyâ€? camp with her mother, Carine Barankitse.

After being chased from Kaneza, who is also an activÇŚ their country and losing many ist and has been working with friends and family members, Barankitse for quite a while. refugees come together at the Nantulya is very proud of her Oasis to celebrate life and mother and sees her as one of learning. This is a place where the bravest women she knows. —”—Â?†‹ƒÂ?• ƤÂ?† ƒ Â?‡™ •‡Â?•‡ ‘ˆ Although activism is not withÇŚ out its risks. family and dignity.

While Nantulya was in RwanÇŚ When Nantulya arrived, she and her family were welcomed da, she met a boy named TrĂŠsor with singing and dancing. NanÇŚ who had been shot in the back tulya was very surprised how while he was protesting with

his best friend Fabrice. This wound paralyzed TrĂŠsor from the neck down.

Fabrice carried TrĂŠsor to safeÇŚ ty and brought him to a hospiÇŚ tal, saving his life. He has been in a hospital bed ever since, unÇŚ able to speak. Meeting TrĂŠsor ™ƒ• ƒ Ž‹ˆ‡ …ŠƒÂ?‰‹Â?‰ ‡š’‡”‹‡Â?…‡ for Nantulya.

"I have never felt so many emotions overtake me than in that moment. I can't even ‡š’Žƒ‹Â? Š‘™ Â?‡‡–‹Â?‰ Š‹Â? changed me," Nantulya said. ˆ–‡” –Š‹• ‡›‡ ‘’‡Â?‹Â?‰ ‡š’‡”‹nj ence, Nantulya wanted to share ™Šƒ– •Š‡ Šƒ† ‡š’‡”‹‡Â?…‡† ™‹–Š students here at WJ, but reÇŚ turning to America was a strugÇŚ gle for her. She wasn't quite sure what reaction she would get. Â? –Š‡ ƪ‹‰Š– „ƒ…Â? –‘ Â?Â‡Â”Â‹Â…ÂƒÇĄ Nantulya asked her mother what she should do. “Shiima, as long as you beÇŚ lieve in yourself and touch at least one person’s life, you're achieving what you're setting out to do. Even if you open one pair of eyes, that's enough,â€?

Kaneza said.

While she didn't know if anyÇŚ one here would be sympathetic to her new cause, Nantulya was ƒ„Ž‡ –‘ †‹•…—•• Š‡” ‡š’‡”‹‡Â?…‡• with many of her classmates and teachers. “It's a beautiful idea, it brings hope and it’s to be encouraged and it’s very inspiring,â€? French

Phot courtesy of Shiima Nantulya

Freshman Shiima Nantulya and her mother visit a hospital in Rwanda where they meet Tresor whose story changed Nantulya's life forever. From left: Rwandan nurse, Nantulya, TrĂŠsor, Kaneza, Fabrice.

teacher Farah Kinani said.

Nantulya has also started an Instagram account dedicated •‘Ž‡Ž› –‘ •Šƒ”‹Â?‰ Š‡” ‡š’‡”‹‡Â?…‡ and spreading awareness for the hardships going on in BuÇŚ rundi and Rwanda.

She has also given presenÇŚ tations in several clubs at WJ asking them to help her raise

money to donate to the Oasis of Peace. But what matters most are her new personal relationÇŚ ships and the way they can inÇŚ spire us all. “I made incredible friends at the Oasis. I love them dearly ƒÂ?† …ƒÂ?̽– ™ƒ‹– –‘ ‰‘ „ƒ…Â? Â?‡š– year to see them,â€? Nantulya said.

the

12

Pitch

FEATURE

SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

Jacqui Moss makes WJ history as the first female SGA President

By Kayla Kahrl Feature Editor ͢͟ Ǥ ǯ as old as most of the students in our school! Since then WJ has come a long way, there are no longer cows roaming Ƥ its surroundings have undergone a multitude of changes.

was one thing that has always stayed the same, that is, until Ǥ

to introduce, on behalf of all ǡ Ƥ

ǡ and only, Jacqui Moss.

Moss, a senior, has attended WJ for all four years of high school and is heavily involved

Ǥ on the varsity girls soccer team, is actively involved in both Chinese and National Honor Society, and is the treasurer for the Heart in Hands Club. She

Ǥ She has her hands full, to say the least, but she still decided

love for WJ and all it’s students. Dz

work that others have done dents’ years great!” Moss said.

Ƥ of WJ is a tremendous honor and while Moss is grateful to be Ƥ ǡ many other girls to run for the Ǥ Dz

Ƥ Ǥ

that WJ had never had a female

the wide diversity here, but to be able to get elected as the Ƥ ǡ

others,” Moss said.

Along with this title comes Ǥ ning of the year is one of the most work heavy times for SGA Ƥ tire movie that will be debuted on homecoming. Dz

Ƥ whole homecoming movie, but thankfully I have an amazing ȑ ƥ Ȓ with that are always there to Ǥ

year goes on, I will get used to

for,” said Moss.

A common issue in our school is the lack of unity between the ǡ Ǥ

and create unity between all the grades this year. Dz

-

cessfully bring all the grades

yet,” Moss said.

Moss has already begun working hard in order to create

has many new ideas for future

Ǥ “I want WJ students to know

events throughout the year that will be fun for each and every student,” Moss said.

Leading the school certainly isn’t a one man job. Luckily ƥ that are working just as hard to make this year the best one Ǥ ǡ ǡ leader this year.

“I ran for SGA because I wanted to become a strong Ƥ year of high school, and kinda leave my mark in a sense. I’ve ing the Homecoming movies a shot, and now that we’re actually doing it I couldn’t be ǯ along,” New said.

One of New’s biggest goals for this year is to make Homecoming an event that all grades want to go to, not just Freshmen. Dz ǡ

New teachers adjust to WJ

By Nyomi Fox Opinion Editor bers of the school, images of freshmen often come to mind: young, frantic, nervous students. However, nervousness sive to the new students. Often forgotten is the abundance of teachers who arrive at WJ each year, forced to adjust just as much as the incoming ninth graders. For 19 teachers, excluding counselors, the 20192020 school year will be their Ƥ Ǥ ơ bers have roots in a wide array of locations and carry with them unique backgrounds.

One teacher may be transferring from a school within the county, whereas another may be abandoning their home across the country. With the vast majority of his teaching

Morocco and California, the

shock for social studies teacher Oscar Ramos.

“It’s so much bigger than anywhere else I’ve taught. My Ƥ ͜͝​͜ students in high school and my most recent one had about 450. WJ is a small town com ǯ Ǩdz Ramos said.

In addition to being over-

Social Studies teacher Oscar Ramos hangs a poster in his new room. Ramos is new to WJ this year and feels more at home once his classroom in decorated.

whelmed by the mass overcrowding WJ exhibits, Ramos has also never taught at a school with a football team

six teachers. Not only does the

adjustment, but the environment does as well.

not a leisurely journey, but it ơǤ ǡ some days for new teachers. ơ and learning from returning Ƥ the stress of their job. For new

ǡ ơ Ǥ

Dz ǯ Ǥ ǯ and nice. I’ve been asked a mil ǯ with anything. Not all schools are as welcoming as this one,” Donlon said. Dz dz WJ is not the only element of Ǥ ͜͟͞͝ǡ Ƥ Ǧ

and a student.

“I always knew this was a good school, but after hearing

ences, I realized WJ might just ǡdz lin said.

Homecoming as fun as Glo alto show out for Homecoming ways is, there’s nothing holding ǡ us back,” said New. stigma that only freshmen go to homecoming. We’re going to try our darndest to make

the

Pitch

SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

FEATURE

13

Alumni interview: WJ’s most famous dropout

By Sammy Peterson Â–ÂƒĆĄ ”‹–‡” This is the story of Nils Lofgren, acclaimed guitarist for Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young, Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame inductee and a Walter Johnson High School dropout.

Lofgren was 17 in 1968, a long ago era of the hippie counterculture and a hot music scene in D.C., a time when WJ students still hung out by the cow pasture in the back.

He was a B student who had made it onto JV football and varsity soccer, but he refused to cut his hair, so he wasn’t allowed to play.

One night, after he and some friends had seen The Who perform at Constitution Hall, they decided to head to the nearby Ambassador Theater to see The Jimi Hendrix Experience. “I remember leaving the Ambassador Theater with a very uncomfortable... I’d call it almost a possession that I needed to be a rock ‘n roll musician,�

Lofgren said.

This was a shocking realization for Lofgren, because “none of us considered that you could do that for a living.�

Lofgren had played accordion •‹Â?…‡ ƒ‰‡ Ć¤Â˜Â‡ÇĄ ƒÂ?† Š‹• „”‘–Š‡” had taught him how to play guitar.

A month into his senior year, he was driving to school with his drummer, when he asked to be let out halfway to WJ, up Fernwood and Greentree Road.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Photo courtesy of WJ WindUp

Nils Lofgren in highschool (left) versus him performing at a concert (right). Lofgren attended WJ and went on to play guitar professionaly even coming back to perform at WJ.

He hitchhiked to Washington National Airport and got on a plane to New York City. Earlier in the day, he’d left a note for his parents under his pillow, telling them he was leaving.

Nine days later, sick with pneumonia, he returned home to his worried family. But, Lofgren’s dream of playing music was stronger than ever.

He knew quitting school was a crazy idea, and he knew his parents would get grief from the community. “Back then, the only people who dropped out of school were the juvenile delinquents... –Š‡ Ƥ”•– „‹‰ …Šƒ’–‡” ‘ˆ –Š‡‹” young lives had already been

written. That certainly wasn’t me, thankfully,� Lofgren said.

Lofgren’s parents came to the understanding that he was going to pursue a career in music, whether they liked it or not, so they allowed him to stay home, but pay $50 a month for rent. ‘ˆ‰”‡Â? ˆ‘”Â?‡† Š‹• Ƥ”•– ’”‘fessional band, Grin, which rocketed to success. The Maryland native got strong reviews from critics and interest from star musicians. “My band opened for Jimi Hendrix three times, I got to meet him on my 19th birthday, we were the opening act. I got to go to his winnebago and shake his hand and say, ‘thank

you,’� Lofgren said.

While his band was gaining steam, Lofgren continued to focus on growth, going to nightclubs across the DC area and sneaking backstage to try and speak with famous artists, and get advice.

One night, he went to The Cellar Door, a hotspot on the DC music scene, and snuck backstage, meeting rock-star Neil Young, and Young’s producer, David Briggs, who became a sort of big-brother to Lofgren.

Lofgren and Young kept in touch, and in less than a year, Young called Lofgren, inviting him to come to Los Angeles,

and play on his latest album “After the Gold Rush.� Not only was this a huge step forward in Lofgren’s career, but it later landed his band a record deal.

After a few months on the West Coast, Lofgren returned home to Bethesda as a successful musician.

As he was driving from Dulles, Lofgren heard on the radio that the WJ Boys Varsity Soccer Team had been invited to play ‹Â? —”‘’‡ǥ „—– …‘—Ž†Â?ǯ– ÂƒĆĄÂ‘Â”Â† it.

Lofgren went straight to the school, where he still had a good relationship with the principal, Dr. Donald Reddick, whose name adorns the school auditorium. “Look my band is pretty popular in D.C. ...why don’t we do a show in the WJ gym and raise some money for the soccer team?� Lofgren said.

The concert turned out to be a great success and was commemorated in the 1972 yearbook.

Flash forward 12 years, and Lofgren was playing his guitar with Bruce Springsteen in the E Street Band, on some of the most famous rock tours in US history, such as “Born in the USA.�

He was living the dream.

Asked about performing live, Lofgren says playing in front of massive crowds never gets old. “It’s like winning the lottery, but the ticket is useless if you don’t work at it.�

High school: The Pitch’s how-to guide for freshies

By Allie Rothman —•‹�‡•• ƒ�ƒ‰‡”

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the

14

Pitch

SPORTS

Freshmen fight their way to varsity

By Ethan Oyeniyi ơ Years of hard work and dedication earned 18 freshmen the opportunity to compete on fall sports at the varsity level. Out of WJ’s 10 fall sports teams, only football and golf don’t have any freshman, which means eight teams possess freshmen competing against players who can be two or even three years older than them.

Bardia Hormozi, Sean Blakeslee and Sammie Gramlich are three of the freshman on the boys’ varsity soccer team. They were very ecstatic to have made the team this early in their career.

“Being on varsity is a great experience and it will be something to remember,” left wing Hormozi said.

Underclassmen are typically more inexperienced players causing them to seldom make varsity teams.

“It was kind of a shock because it’s not everyday a freshman makes varsity. It took a lot of hard work and a lot of hope and support from my friends, family and other coaches,” Hormozi said.

On the varsity girls’ soccer team, there are a total of four freshmen: Caroline Williams, Aranda Hurge, Brooke Onder and Sadie Wilkinson. All four are very talented as explained by their fellow upperclassmen Ǥ Ƥ playing at the varsity level, they seem to be doing a great deal for their team.

“They’re all super good,” senior outside back Geva Smith said. “Aranda starts as a freshman, which is crazy, and we also have Sadie who is a really good top striker. They are all an overall great aspect to our team.”

Beginning at the varsity level is not for everyone; playing JV can build skills and experience.

“I would’ve liked being on varsity freshman year, but being on JV helped because I got a lot more experience playing

Photo by Ethan Oyeniyi

From left: freshmen Bardia Hormozi, Sean Blakeslee and Sammy

Ƥ Ǥ

in games,” Smith said.

The excitement of making the team as a freshman is not with ƥ ǡ “It’s a little scary and stressful because everyone is older than you,” Williams said.

From initially competing against kids around your age for one year to competing against kids that may be up to four years older than you is not easy, and can be very intimidating. Though this may be the case, the players are on varsity for a reason and the coaches know that their younger members can play at the same level as those with more experience.

“Being on varsity is a lot of fun, but a lot more work needs to be put in. I have trained a lot and played club before I made ǡdz Ƥ player Kate Aschenbach said.

What all these freshmen seem to have in common is

the extra work they have put in outside of regular practice. The hours they have put in were dis ǡ ơ in the games.

“They deserved to make the team, their skill levels are more advanced than other girls their ǡdz Ƥ hockey player Brooke Haines said. “Being on varsity is a much greater commitment than JV so I think there is more pressure from a younger age, but it will also make them much better players because when you play against older and more skilled players, you’re already used to playing at that level, making you get better at the sport.”

Freshman athletes that are good enough to make varsity allow for a brighter future for the team, and for years to come coaches and freshman alike hope that they can make their respective varsity team.

SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

Soccer optimistic after positive start

By Arturo Alipio News Editor ƪ ǡ boys’ soccer hopes to improve their 2-2 start in their next match against BCC on Saturday at noon.

Statistically, 2-2 is a mediocre start, but senior Patrick Kenvo claims it can only get better.

“This team has a lot of potential. The chemistry and intensity we put in during practice will show and I think we will have a better record this season than last season,” Kenvo said. ơ ǯ underclassmen to upperclassmen. To put it in perspective, there are a total of six seniors on the squad. Senior captain, Eric Meyers, praises the inclusion of underclassmen on the team.

“This year, we have a lot more young prospects and they are Ǥ ƪ ǡdz ers said.

Meyers has been on varsity for three straight years of his high school career and he has never been more optimistic.

“Our top scorers are all underclassmen. I’ve only known them for two months and I think they’ve brought something new to the program that we haven’t seen before,” Meyers said.

Clearly, the underclassmen are a very crucial addition to the team but Kenvo stresses the importance of experience in the team.

“The underclassmen are very talented and hardworking but we have to remember the seniors and juniors who have been putting in a lot of work. They’re the leaders on the team,” Kenvo said. Ƥ ǡ bination of ups and downs so far. It is a collective opinion that the game against Gonzaga was the greatest performance of the team so far. Sophomore Connor Mucchetti starred in the 2-0 win, scoring one of the two goals.

“For me personally, the Gonzaga game couldn’t have gone any better. We worked and fought hard together as a team and in the end we deserved the 2-0 win. I was also happy to score a goal in Ƥ ƥ ǯ as a team,” Mucchetti said. ƪ ǡ @dmvhighlights. The video of his skills racked up more than 4,000 views.

“It felt great to be on ‘dmvhighlights’. I just hope the kid that fell gets a speedy recovery after that ankle breaker,” Mucchetti said with a grin on his face.

According to Kenvo, the best performances came from the best student sections.

“The Gonzaga game had good support and it was one of the games we won so far. That goes to show how important the support is for us players. I think we need to improve school spirit for the soccer games. The student section has been lacking,” Kenvo said.

Meyers has been impressed with the student section compared to last year.

“There have been more fans than last year, but we need to keep it up,” Meyers said. ơ Ǧ ơ Ǥ ǯ Ƥ looking forward to the rest of the season.

Touchdowns and trades: a look into fantasy leagues at WJ

By Matt Shea Managing Editor As summer winds down, September becomes a month of hope and optimism among fantasy football players everywhere as they prepare for another season and another chance to draft a championship winning team. It is easy to see that the passion and spirit of fantasy football is very much alive here at WJ. Let’s take a closer look at some of the fantasy leagues around the school.

League Name: WJ Dynasty Year founded: 2017 Recent champion: Sweet and Sour (Michael Rubin, 12) When it comes to competitive fantasy football, the WJ Dynasty league is the perfect place to start. It is the classic story of a group of friends who came together with one common goal: defeat the others.

“It was just a great way for

me and my friends to do something. Also there is money on the line and I like money,” senior Jack Danco said.

For many players like Danco, draft day is an exciting start to a new season. However, players can’t help but analyze and question draft day decisions.

When recalling the events of the draft, Danco reminisces about not drafting wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. “I wish I drafted Odell Beckham instead of [running back LeSean] McCoy but I was trying to build a running back core.”

Danco also recalls memorable moments in the league such as a three way trade in which he traded tight end Zach Ertz and running back Melvin Gordon for running backs Saquon Barkley and Sony Michel.

The third team received wide receiver Michael Thomas and running back Philip Lindsay.

“It felt great to get one of

the best running backs in the league and a player I could potentially trade. I would say my Ƥ Ǥ It worked out great for me,” Danco said.

League Name: Bangser’s $60 Buy-In Year Founded: 2017 Recent champion: Glazer Gods (Natan Glazer, 12) Imagine a league in which the commissioner almost quits. Welcome to Bangser’s $60 Buy-In. “I almost quit the league last year because a trade I proposed got vetoed. I wanted Saquon Barkley for James Connor,” senior Seth Bangser said.

This year Bangser hasn’t made any trade proposals yet, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t scouted the other teams.

“I admire [senior] Mason Stern’s team. He has [running backs] Dalvin Cook and Derrick Henry which were poten-

tially two huge steals,” Bangser said.

The ultimate goal of fantasy football is to win the league resulting in pride or cash. But in Bangser’s $60 Buy-In, the loser gets something as well.

“I lost the league last year and ultimately had to stand out on Old Georgetown Road only wearing a dress,” senior Lucas Guberman recalled.. ǡ Ƥdent that this season will bring more fortune than the previous ones.

“This year I think I have the best team,” he said.

As these three prepare to vie for their league titles, other team owners across the school will also be battling it out for the coveted title of champion.

However, there will undoubt ƥ out the season. Player injuries, forgetting to pick up players and poor decision making can

Photo by Jack Linde

Senior Matthew Lewton checks his lineup before a pivotal matchup. After a hectic week, he claimed an overwhelming victory over his opponent.

all put an end to a great fantasy run. No matter what league you’re in or what team you have, the expectations are always the same. As Bangser puts it, the expectation is “nothing less than a championship.”

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15 Undefeated: WJ football turns a new leaf Pitch

the

SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

SPORTS

By Gabe Riveiro ơ

Three weeks into the 20192020 season, the WJ football team has already nearly matched their win total from last year. The Wildcats have ơ and defense, putting up a total of 117 points through three games while also limiting opponents to under 10 points in two of the three contests.

Senior quarterback Josh Forburger and junior running

ƥ Jones have been at the forefront ơ Ǥ burger has accounted for eight ȋƤ ing and three rushing), and his 669 yards through the air sits him atop the county in passing Ǥ ƥ ͢͝ receptions for 265 yards, good enough for second most receiving yards in the county, while Jones’ 319 rushing yards place him at fourth in the county.

ƥ bined for 10 touchdowns thus far, eight and two respectively. ơ not been the only factor in the Wildcats’ early success. Senior transfer Kai Holloway has made his presence felt defensively with two interceptions in two Ǥ Ƥ play as a Wildcat, Holloway intercepted a Gaithersburg pass near the 30-yard line, but it was called back due to a penalty on the play. Within the next few drives, however, Hol ơ Ǧ handed interception in the red zone before nearly returning

Photo by Lucas Gillespie

WJ football lines up on defense during a home game against Gaithersburg. The Wildcats made history Ƥ ͜͠ Ǥ

it for a touchdown. He didn’t stop there. On a deep pass play during the second quarter that looked to be an incompletion,

ƥ Holloway’s arms for his second interception of the game. Holloway has also eased his way ơ coming a common target for Ǥ to reach the end zone, he hopes to in their next game against a BCC Barons defense that has allowed 38 points per game from ơ Ǥ “I’m just trying to play football and I’m expecting a big

year out of the Wildcats,” Holloway said.

The team has welcomed Holloway with open arms and the ơ transition a bit easier for the newcomer.

“Coach Hurd has been very ǡ ǯ Ƥ made me feel like I’m part of the team just like everybody else. To be honest, I don’t even feel like that much of a new kid,” Holloway said.

High praise for the second ơ is not uncommon amongst the players.

Dz ơ us level headed week to week making sure we focus on going 1-0 that week. They make sure we know that what happened a week or two before is behind us and the upcoming Friday is all that matters,” Forburger said.

founded here at Walter Johnson, which is something that has not happened in a long time. The Wildcats have posted φͣ͞ ơ Ƥ continue their winning streak in their week four matchup against BCC tonight.

Damascus forfeits opener Cross country embarks on

By Elijah Kasten Sports Editor Damascus High School is famed for their successful foot Ǥ 53-game winning streak as well as state titles from 2015-2017 Ƥ ments for their elite program.

hazing scandal that put their Ƥ 2018 season, Damascus football took another hit as they forfeit Ƥ ͥ͜͞͝ season due to the holding of an illegal practice in May. Montgomery County was left in shock and concern following the hazing scandal that lead to four teens being charged with rape. On May 14, Damascus junior varsity and varsity football teams were placed on probation and any further violations of local and state rules would lead to consequences.

On May 19, Damascus held Ƥ Ǥ This practice was considered out of season and it consisted of too many returning players in addition to returning coach Ǥ ǯ or compete beyond the guide ȋ land Public Secondary Schools Ȍ season. These parameters start Ƥ end upon the conclusion of the

ơ Ǥ If a school coach is the coach of a non-school team, the number of returning players that can be on the non-school ǯ “80%” Rule. This rule is in play Ƥ sports, to the last spring sport state championship.

“Following an investigation, Ƥ of returning Damascus football players and coaches conducted an out-of-season practice.

Ƥ

by Wallich, the varsity head ǡdz ơ ǡ ǡ

by Bethesda Magazine.

WJ varsity football head coach Larry Hurd Jr. assures that his team is always playing by the rules.

“We adhere to all guidelines and standards that MCPS and the state mandate,” coach Hurd Jr. said.

WJ and other schools are not permitted to use equipment provided by the school. Dz ơǦ ǡ can’t use school equipment. For seven on sevens we use our own footballs,” junior safety David Gardner said.

Both Damsucus junior varsity and varsity football teams forfeited their season opener on September 7 against Rockville High School.

2019 season with success

By Elijah Kasten Sports Editor WJ cross country looks to be picking right up from where ơ Ǥ

seemed to propel the runners for a successful 2019 season.

On September 17, both girls and boys won a dual meet with many impressive times. Senior captain Jake Marks earned the course record for the meet with a commanding time of 16:14 for the 5K run. Senior captain

Ƥ place for the girls 5K run with ͤ͝ǣ͟͜ǡ Ƥ of junior Ella Gaul who landed second place.

Goldberg hopes for big things for 2019 after a great junior year campaign. She looks ƪ at WJ and lead them to many future victories.

“My accomplishments from running last year were being a state medalist and county regional champion in the 3200 meter race. My goal as a senior this year is to encourage the underclassmen, and for them to get excited and love running as much as I do and hopefully lead our team to another state championship,” Goldberg said.

Marks looks to improve on the

Photo courtesy of LifeTouch

Senior Jake Marks runs past an opponent at a meet. Cross country started the season strong with boys and girls both winning a dual meet.

Ƥ Ƥ Ƥ regionals last year. He believes his role will lead the team and himself to success.

“I am one of the captains of the team. Individually and as ǡ Ǥ a leader on the team, I want to help develop new runners and share my love of running with them,” Marks said.

Both the girls and boys teams are 2-0 in the divisional meets so far this year and hope to continue their success throughout the year.

Sports

What’s Inside 14+15

Undefeated football team off to a hot start

Boys soccer anticipates great season

16

SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

Athlete of the issue Q&A: volleyball star, Francesco Sani

ơ Francesco Sani is a senior at WJ who stands 6 feet 8 inches tall, making him a towering Ƥ Ǥ ͢ grade, Sani has devoted his ơ ǡ Ǥ ǡ

ǯ Ǥ

ǯ

Ǥ

Ǧ Ǥ Q: How long have you been training/playing volleyball? ǣ Dz ǯ ǡ ǯ ǡ Ǥdz Q: What made you choose volleyball as a sport? ǣ Dz ǡ ǡ

ǯ Ǥ Ƥ ǡ

Ǥdz Q: How did it feel to be coached by your own mother? ǣ Dz ǯ

tion for starting your YouTube channel? ǣ Dz

ơǤ

Ǥ videos on there and send them Ǥdz

Senior Francesco Sani poses in his Team USA jersey. He played on the US Men’s youth team in the Tunisia World Championship.

ǯ Ƥ Ǥ

Ƥ

Ǥdz Q: When your mother was coaching for your club team, do you believe she made a Ƥ a player? ǣ Dz ǡ ǡ

Ǥ

Ǥdz Q: What was the motiva-

Q: You made the US Men’s youth national team and went to go compete in Tunisia. Could you describe the feeling you had representing the US at a volleyball match? ǣ Dz Ǥ

Ƥ Ǧ Ǥ ǯ

Ƥ ǡ Sani leaps into the air to spike the ball. Sani has been playing vol ǯ ͢ ǡ Ƥ ǡ ǯ ơ WJ boys volleyball team since 9th grade.

ơǤ ǯ ơǤ ǣ Dz ǯ

ǡ ǯ Ǥdz Ǥdz Q: In your years of training, Ǥ Ǥdz ǣ ǯ Ƥ what do you feel prepared Q: Do you believe you will cited about that aren’t you? you the most for playing high skill, high-level volley- continue volleyball beyond ǣ Dz ǡ ǯ Ǥ ball like at the Tunisia World high school? Or beyond col- lege maybe? ǡ ǯ Ǥ Championship? ǣ Dz ǣ Dz Ǥ ǯ - Ǥ ǡ - Ǥ ǡ Ƥ- Irvine in California as a D1 vol- we have a lot of good freshmen Ǥ - Ǥdz - Ǥdz

Ǥ Q: What are your expecta- Ǥ ǯ

tions for the boys volleyball Ǥ - team?

They row, row, row their boats merrily into the new season

The WJ crew team is one

ǡ Ƥ Ǥ ͜͝​͜ ǡ tations are set high for the

Ǥ

rowers, while newcomers are Ǥ ǡ ǡ Ƥ ͜͢͞͝ ͟͜ Ǥ

ǡ

teams and rowing associa Ǥ ǡ Ƥ -

Ǥ “I do a lot of homework on ǡ ǡdz Ǥ Ǥ

ǡ

ǡ

ͣ Ǥ Ǥ Ǥ ǡ

on their own, and go as far as

Ǥ Dz Ǥ When I get home, I have to take ͜͞ ǡdz Ǥ ǡ

Ǥ ǯ ǯ ǯ ǡ

Nine girls from the varsity girls team row down the river at a regatta. Doing well in regattas during the fall and spring seasons is critical for sending a boat to Nationals.

ǯ Ǥ

ơ ǡ crew team is left sitting on the Ǥ ǯ

teams in the school like foot ǡ Ǥ ǯ

Ǥ

ǡ

Ƥ Ǥ

Dz

ǡ

ǡ ǯ ǡdz ǯ

Ǥ While rowers and coxswains ƥ while maintaining their grades ǡ ǯ

ǣ Ǥ Dzȑ Ȓ Ǥ

Ǥ ǡ Ǥ

ǡ

ǡdz Ǥ

Ǥ “We have a lot of high character kids on the team and I

ǡdz Ǥ

Ǥ Dz Ǩ ǯ Ǩ ǡ ǡ ǡdz Ǥ