The Pitch Issue 4 19-20

The Pitch

Walter Johnson’s Student Newspaper

Walter Johnson High School

January 17, 2020

Volume 65, Issue 4

6400 Rock Spring Drive, Bethesda, MD 20814

Pennies for Patients plans to excite in February

By Lily Salvatore ơ When it comes to fundraising, WJ doesn’t mess around. February, Pennies for Patients month, is jam-packed with a wide range of activities all centered around raising money. Pennies for Patients is an organization meant to connect schools with blood cancer patients to make a meaningful impact on each other’s lives.

Along with the beloved annual events, Leadership has decided to introduce a few new things to the P4P schedule. ơ Carnival on February 1st, an afternoon Ƥ Ǥ The carnival was a staple event in past years and Leadership decided to bring it back for this year.

Partners can compete in Pong on the 6th, a water pong tournament where duos dress in coordinating costumes and compete against their classmates. ǡ ơ ativity in costumes covering a variety of subjects. From Dora and Diego to Milk ǡ Ƥ up with are impressive every year.

“This year I am really excited to participate in Pong. I have always seen pictures from the event and it always looks so fun,” junior Ella Gaul said.

The same week, Leadership is hosting a basketball tournament on Saturday the 8th where students have the op ơ -

mates.

The busy calendar also includes some of the Pennies for Patients classics like Clash of Classes Wednesday the 12th. ǡ Ƥ ǡ ơ obstacle courses, trivia and dodgeball.

While many students have the ability to participate by playing in the games, others enjoy coming decked out in their class color to simply cheer on their friends.

While Glo on the 21st, a neon themed dance, has usually closed out the busy month of activities, Leadership has decided to include the Burrito Mile on the ͣ͞ Ƥ ͠ Ǥ Ƥ potle burrito and then run a mile as fast as they can. Having been done in the past, this event proves to be disgustingly entertaining.

Adding new activities this year to the Pennies for Patients itinerary has made a lot of students excited about participating and donating,” senior Holly Darby, a member of Leadership, said. “In the end the motive behind these events is to raise funds, so anyway we can get the ǯ Ƥ Ǥdz While Leadership decided to retire some beloved events, their replacements are proving to already create excitement among the student body.

“I am most excited for the events that have never been done at Walter Johnson since I will have no expectations going

Photo by Lucas Gillespie

Members of Leadership, seniors Brian Rivas and Chase Seabreeze, brainstorm new, exciting events for Pennies for Patients. Pennies for Patients is an organization that raises money for blood cancer patients.

into it,” sophomore Mila Perkar said.

While the events are entertaining and fun for students, the impact that the organization makes is truly the most important part about this month.

“While the events are designed to be fun, students should know the impact they could be having on other people’s ơ pate this coming February,” Darby said.

B-CC vandalizes WJ senior shed, students outraged

@TheWJPitch

Feature The up-andcoming businessmen of WJ

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Pitch WJPitch.com Online

A&E Does “The Irishman” live up to the hype?

13

Photo by Jack Linde

Vandalism found on the wall by the entrance to BCC. This message was spray painted on the wall along with other profane messages. It is unknown who left these messages.

Photo by Thomas Wolfson

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“We don’t know who did it. I’m not convinced it was BCC but we are very disappointed in anyone who could vandalize or damage property. If anyone has any information on who’s responsible please share with security or administration.” Heintze said.

Photo courtesy of Petr Novak, Wikipedia

A new perspective on the Gary Reburn story

up that rivalry,” head of security Patrick Rooney said. “I’m not going to blame BCC unless I know for a fact that someone from that school did it.” ƥ he is disappointed that students would want to vandalize property.

Photo by Jack Linde

Photo courtesy of Lifetouch

Opinion

Photo by Danis Cammett

Students walked into school on Tuesday morning to notice that the shed where the seniors painted their names at the start of the school year was vandalized, presumably by BCC students.

the

By Julia Hananel Ǧ Ǧ The WJ shed where seniors paint their names was vandalized this week, presumably by BCC students. Many seniors’ names were covered in yellow paint reading “roll Barons” and “Sad Cows.”

Within the last few days, the wall by BCC’s entrance was vandalized with ƥ Dz dz inappropriate messages.

“This is actually a whole new level of disrespectful,” junior Leo Dobosz said.

“It’s the seniors’ last year and [BCC] just comes and writes all over their names.”

It’s a yearly tradition for seniors to paint their names on the shed at the senior picnic. Dz Ƥ have a senior picnic part two,” senior Holly Darby said. “The most important thing is that we don’t retaliate because it’s stopping to their level.”

Security and administration said they are not convinced that it was BCC students that did the vandalism.

“I’m not sure it’s a BCC student. It ƪ

Sports WJ students playing recreational sports

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@HumansOfWJ

the

Pitch

JANUARY 17, 2020

2 MCPS releases 2020-2021 calendar WJ News Updates NEWS

› ‡„‡……ƒ ƒ˜‹†• Â–ÂƒĆĄ ”‹–‡”

Graduation date announced Administration released that graduation for the class of 2020 will be on June 3 at 2:30 p.m. at UMBC instead ‘ˆ –Š‡ ƤÂ?‹–› ‡Â?–‡”Ǥ Š‡ ƤÂ?‹–› ‡Â?–‡” „‡…ƒÂ?‡ –‘‘ expensive so WJ decided to …ŠƒÂ?‰‡ ˜‡Â?—‡•Ǥ Š‡”‡ ™‹ŽŽ be no school for students on –Š‹• †ƒ›Ǥ

Update on Eyal Haddad A GoFundMe was organized ‹Â? •—’’‘”– ˆ‘” •‡Â?‹‘” ›ƒŽ ƒ††ƒ† ™Š‘ ™ƒ• Š‹– „› ƒ …ƒ” last month. So far $70,090 out of the goal $118,000 has been raised; proceeds will go –‘ ÂƒÂ†Â†ÂƒÂ†ÇŻÂ• ˆƒÂ?‹Ž›Ǥ Šƒ• also been selling green wrist bracelets in order to raise Â?‘Â?‡›Ǥ

Woodward meeting MCPS is beginning the design development phase for the Woodward reopening project and has extended an invitation to the commu�‹–› –‘ ƒ––‡�† ƒ ™‘”� •‡••‹‘� to share how the project is †‡˜‡Ž‘’‹�‰Ǥ Š‡ ™‘”� •‡••‹‘� ™‹ŽŽ –ƒ�‡ ’Žƒ…‡ ƒ– ‹Ž†‡�

Middle School on Jan 28 at 6:30 p.m.

Boundary Analysis meeting Š‡ ‹•–”‹…–™‹†‡ ‘—Â?†ƒ”› Â?ƒŽ›•‹• Â?‡‡–‹Â?‰ Šƒ• „‡‡Â? rescheduled for Jan. 23 from ÍŁÇŚÍĽ ’ǤÂ?Ǥ Š‡ Â?‡‡–‹Â?‰ ™‹ŽŽ –ƒÂ?‡ ’Žƒ…‡ ƒ– Ǥ Š‡ website has details including videos as well as a place to ’”‘˜‹†‡ ˆ‡‡†„ƒ…Â? ƒ„‘—– –Š‡ „‘—Â?†ƒ”› ƒÂ?ƒŽ›•‹• ’”‘…‡••Ǥ

PE Department WJ PE teachers Chad Bes™‹…Â?ÇĄ ”‡‰ ‡ŽŽÂ?‡” ĆŹ ‹…Šƒ‡Ž ŠƒŽ‡Â? ”‡…‡Â?–Ž› ™‘Â? ƒÂ? ƒ™ƒ”† ˆ‘” „‡‹Â?‰ –Š‡ ‘’ ‹–Â?॥ ‡ƒÂ? ‹Â? Ǥ Š‡› won the grand prize of $500 ˆ‘” ǯ• Š›•‹…ƒŽ †—…ƒ–‹‘Â? department.

Coach Larry Hurd ˆ‘‘–„ƒŽŽ …‘ƒ…Š ƒ””› —”† Jr. was honored at the New ‘”Â? ‹ƒÂ?–• ˜•Ǥ ƒ•Š‹Â?‰–‘Â? ࠥÂ?‹Â?• ‰ƒÂ?‡ ‘Â? ‡…Ǥ ÍžÍ?ÇĄ ͜͞Í?ÍĽ ĥ ƒ ƤÂ?ƒŽ‹•– ˆ‘” –Š‡ ͜͞Í?ÍĽ ƒ•Š‹Â?‰–‘Â? ࠥÂ?‹Â?• ‘ƒ…Š of the Year award.

Š‡ ‘Â?–‰‘Â?‡”› ‘—Â?–› ‘ƒ”† ‘ˆ †—…ƒ–‹‘Â? …‘Â?Ƥ”Â?‡† –Š‡ ÍžÍœÍžÍœÇŚÍžÍœÍžÍ? •…Š‘‘Ž ›‡ƒ” …ƒŽ‡Â?†ƒ” ƒ– ‹–• ‡…Ǥ Í&#x;ÇĄ ͜͞Í?ÍĽ Â?‡‡–‹Â?‰Ǥ Š‡ •…Š‘‘Ž ›‡ƒ” ™‹ŽŽ „‡‰‹Â? „‡ˆ‘”‡ ƒ„‘” ÂƒÂ›ÇĄ ‘Â? —‰Ǥ Í&#x;Í?ÇĄ 2020 and conclude on June 16, ͜͞͞Í?Ǥ Š‡ …ƒŽ‡Â?†ƒ” ƒŽŽ‘–• ˆ‘” Í?ͤ͞ †ƒ›• ‘ˆ ‹Â?•–”—…–‹‘Â?Ǥ –ƒ”–‹Â?‰ –Š‡ •…Š‘‘Ž ›‡ƒ” „‡ˆ‘”‡ ƒ„‘” ƒ› †‘‡• Â?‘– ÂƒĆĄÂ‡Â…Â– all people. Dz †‘Â?ǯ– –Š‹Â?Â? ‹– Â?ƒÂ?‡• Â?—…Š ‘ˆ ƒ †‹ƥ‡”‡Â?…‡ „‡…ƒ—•‡ ‹–ǯ• –Š‡ •ƒÂ?‡ ƒÂ?‘—Â?– ‘ˆ Â†ÂƒÂ›Â•ÇĄ •‘ ‹– †‘‡•Â?ǯ– Â?ƒ––‡” –‘ Â?‡ ‘Â?‡ ™ƒ› ‘” another,â€? freshman Naomi Calhoun said.

Other students have mixed ‡Â?‘–‹‘Â?• ƒ„‘—– –Š‡ •…Š‘‘Ž ›‡ƒ” having an earlier start date. Dz ÇŻÂ? Â?‘– –‘‘ Šƒ’’› ƒ„‘—– –Š‡ summer being cut short, but I –Š‹Â?Â? ‹– ƒŽŽ‘™• ˆ‘” Â?‘”‡ †ƒ›• ‘ƥ ƒ…–—ƒŽŽ› ™‹–Š‹Â? –Š‡ •…Š‘‘Ž ›‡ƒ”Ǥ It’s better than forcing the start ƒˆ–‡” ƒ„‘” ÂƒÂ›ÇĄÇł Œ—Â?‹‘” ‘‡› ƒ”Â?‡ •ƒ‹†Ǥ Š‡ Â?‡™ •…Š‘‘Ž ›‡ƒ” …ƒŽ‡Â?†ƒ” ˆ‘” ÍžÍœÍžÍœÇŚÍžÍœÍžÍ? Šƒ• ™‹Â?–‡” „”‡ƒÂ? •–ƒ”–‹Â?‰ Žƒ–‡” ƒÂ?† •’”‹Â?‰ „”‡ƒÂ? starting earlier than the current •…Š‘‘Ž ›‡ƒ”Ǥ ‹Â?–‡” „”‡ƒÂ? •–ƒ”–• ‘Â? ‡…Ǥ ÍžÍ ÇĄ ͜͜͞͞ ƒÂ?† ‡Â?†• ‘Â? ƒÂ?Ǥ Í ÇĄ ͜͞͞Í?Ǥ ’”‹Â?‰ „”‡ƒÂ? „‡‰‹Â?• on March 26, 2021 and ends on April 6, 2021.

For the 2019-2020 school Â›Â‡ÂƒÂ”ÇĄ ™‹Â?–‡” „”‡ƒÂ? ™ƒ• ˆ”‘Â? ‡…Ǥ ÍžÍ&#x;ÇĄ ͜͞Í?ÍĽ –Š”‘—‰Š ƒÂ?Ǥ ͞ǥ ͜͜͞͞Ǥ ’”‹Â?‰ „”‡ƒÂ? ™‹ŽŽ „‡ ˆ”‘Â?

’”‹Ž ͢ǥ ͜͜͞͞ –Š”‘—‰Š ’”‹Ž Í?Í ÇĄ 2020.

In addition, there will be one ˆ—ŽŽ †ƒ› ‘ˆ ’Žƒ��‹�‰ ƒ�† ’”‘fessional development at the end of all four quarters. Also, in September there will be an operational closure and two ex–”ƒ ’”‘ˆ‡••‹‘�ƒŽ †ƒ›• ‹� •‡…‘�† semester. For the 2019-2020

•…Š‘‘Ž Â›Â‡ÂƒÂ”ÇĄ –Š‡”‡ ™ƒ• Â?‘ †ƒ› ‘ˆ closure in September. ‡ƒ…Š‡”• ƒŽ•‘ Šƒ˜‡ ‘’‹Â?‹‘Â?• about the new change. Dz ÇŻÂ? ‘Â?ƒ› ™‹–Š ‹– –Š‹Â?Â? –Šƒ– ‹–ǯŽŽ „‡ ”‡ƒŽŽ› „‡Â?Â‡Ć¤Â…Â‹ÂƒÂŽ ˆ‘” •–—†‡Â?–•ǥ „‡…ƒ—•‡ –Š‡›ǯŽŽ ‰‡– a little bit more content earŽ‹‡” ‹Â? –Š‡ Â›Â‡ÂƒÂ”ÇĄ ™Š‡Â? ‹–ǯ• ƒ Ž‹––Ž‡ bit more important. Not that

”ƒ’Š‹… …‘—”–‡•› ‘ˆ

†‹†Â?ǯ– Ž‹Â?‡ –Š‡ ‡š–”ƒ –‹Â?‡ ‘ƥǥ „—– †‘Â?ǯ– –Š‹Â?Â? •–ƒ”–‹Â?‰ ƒ ™‡‡Â? ‡ƒ”Ž‹‡” ”‡ƒŽŽ› Š—”–• ƒÂ?› ‘ˆ —•ǥdz social studies teacher Allison ‘‡ƪ‹Â?‰ •ƒ‹†Ǥ ‡ƒ…Š‡”• ƒÂ?† •–—†‡Â?–• Šƒ˜‡ ˜ƒ”›‹Â?‰ ‘’‹Â?‹‘Â?• ”‡‰ƒ”†‹Â?‰ –Š‡ Â?‡™ •…Š‘‘Ž ›‡ƒ” …ƒŽ‡Â?Â†ÂƒÂ”ÇĄ „—– –Š‡ …ƒŽ‡Â?†ƒ” ‹• ƒŽ”‡ƒ†› •‡– ƒÂ?† cannot be changed.

The impeachment hearings: what you need to know › ŽŽ‹‡ ‘–ŠÂ?ƒÂ? —•‹Â?॥ ƒÂ?ƒ‰‡” ”‡•‹†‡Â?– ”—Â?’ǯ• ‹Â?’‡ƒ…Šment. We’ve seen the tabloids; Š‡ •ƒ‹† –Š‹•Ǣ •Š‡ –‡•–‹Ƥ‡† Â–ÂŠÂƒÂ–Ç˘ he denied these, etcetera. But Â™ÂŠÂƒÂ–ÇŻÂ• ”‡ƒŽŽ› ‰‘‹Â?‰ ‘Â? ‹Â? Â?‡”‹…ƒÂ? ’‘Ž‹–‹…• –Š‡•‡ Â†ÂƒÂ›Â•ÇŤ Â? ‡…Ǥ Í?ͤǥ ͜͞Í?ÍĽ ”‡•‹†‡Â?– ”—Â?Â’ ™ƒ• ‹Â?’‡ƒ…Š‡†Ǥ Š‹• does not mean, however, that Š‡ǯ• „‡‡Â? ”‡Â?‘˜‡† ˆ”‘Â? ‘Ƽ…‡Ǥ Š‡ ‹Â?’‡ƒ…ŠÂ?‡Â?– ˜‘–‡ Â?‘™ travels to the Senate where a –™‘nj–Š‹”†• •—’‡”Â?ƒŒ‘”‹–› …‘—Ž† ”‡Â?‘˜‡ ”‡•‹†‡Â?– ”—Â?Â’ ˆ”‘Â? ‘Ƽ…‡Ǥ Š‡ –”‹ƒŽ ‹• ‡š’‡…–‡† –‘ •–ƒ”– on Jan. 21. ”—Â?Â’ ‹• „‡‹Â?‰ ƒ……—•‡† ‘ˆ ’”‡••—”‹Â?‰ Â?”ƒ‹Â?‡ –‘ –—”Â? ‘˜‡” damaging information regard-

‘ ›‘— –Š‹��

President ”—�’ ™‹ŽŽ „‡ removed from ‘Ƽ…‡Ǎ

‹Â?‰ ‘Â?‡ ‘ˆ Š‹• ’”‹Â?ƒ”› ‡Â?‘cratic challengers for the 2020 ’”‡•‹†‡Â?…›ǥ ‘‡ ‹†‡Â? ƒÂ?† Š‹• son, Hunter Biden. Hunter had ™‘”Â?‡† ˆ‘” ƒ Â?”ƒ‹Â?‹ƒÂ? …‘Â?’ƒÂ?› ™Š‡Â? ‘‡ ‹†‡Â? ™ƒ• •‡”˜‹Â?‰ his term as U.S. Vice President. ”—Â?Â’ ‹• ƒ……—•‡† ‘ˆ ™‹–ŠŠ‘Ž†‹Â?‰ Í ÍœÍœ Â?‹ŽŽ‹‘Â? †‘ŽŽƒ”• ‘ˆ Â?‹Ž‹–ƒ”› ÂƒÂ‹Â†ÇĄ ™Š‹…Š Šƒ† ƒŽ”‡ƒ†› „‡‡Â? †‡•‹‰Â?ƒ–‡† „› ‘Â?‰”‡•• –‘ Â?”ƒ‹Â?‡ –‘ —•‡ ƒ‰ƒ‹Â?•– ƒÂ? ‘Â?‰‘‹Â?‰ …‘Â?ƪ‹…– ™‹–Š Â—Â•Â•Â‹ÂƒÇĄ until the information regarding Hunter was released to him. If proven, this would amount to an abuse of presidential power; —–‹Ž‹œ‹Â?‰ Š‹• ’‘•‹–‹‘Â? ‹Â? ‘Ƽ…‡ for personal political gain. ‘Â?‡ •–—†‡Â?–• ™‹•Š –Š‡› †‹•cussed impeachment more in their social studies classes. “I’m not sure what to expect ‘ˆ –Š‡ ‹Â?’‡ƒ…ŠÂ?‡Â?–ǥ Š‘Â?‡•–Ž›dz

Š‘–‘ „› ›ƒ ‡•Šƒ�

Dz –Š‹Â?Â? ‹– ’”‘„ƒ„Ž› ™‘Â?ǯ– Šƒ’’‡Â? „‡…ƒ—•‡ –Š‡”‡ ƒ”‡ •‘ Â?ƒÂ?› Republicans in the Senate ƒÂ?† –Š‡› ™‘Â?ǯ– Šƒ˜‡ ‡Â?‘—‰Š people to do that and there’s too much blind support.â€?

Olivia Zaid, 11

Œ—Â?‹‘”ǥ ƒ—Ž‹Â?ƒ ƒ–œÂ?‹Â?ÇĄ •ƒ‹† Dz

™‹•Š ™‡ –ƒŽÂ?‡† ƒ„‘—– –Š‡ •‹–—ƒtion more in our social studies classes.â€? Â? ”Â?› ‘Ƽ…‡” ƒ••‹‰Â?‡† –‘ –Š‡ ƒ–‹‘Â?ƒŽ ‡…—”‹–› ‘—Â?…‹Žǥ Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, –‡•–‹Ƥ‡† –Šƒ– ”—Â?Â’ ™ƒ• ’”‡•suring the foreign power that Ç˛Â†Â‡Â•Â’Â‡Â”ÂƒÂ–Â‡ÂŽÂ› Â?‡‡†‡† Â?Â‡Â”Â‹Â…ÂƒÇŻÂ• helpâ€? for the president’s per•‘Â?ƒŽ ‰ƒ‹Â?Ǥ ”—Â?Â’ Šƒ• †‡Â?‹‡† ƒÂ?›–Š‹Â?‰ ™ƒ• —Â?Žƒ™ˆ—Ž ™‹–Š –Š‡ phone call, insisting it was “perÂˆÂ‡Â…Â–Ç¤Çł ‘Â?‡ ‡Â?Â‘Â…Â”ÂƒÂ–Â•ÇĄ –Š‘—‰Šǥ deem it a form of extortion. Â? ‡…Ǥ Í ÇĄ –Š‡ Š‡ƒ”‹Â?‰ ™ƒ• transferred to the House Judi…‹ƒ”› ‘Â?Â?‹––‡‡ǥ ™Š‹…Š Š‡ƒ”† ˆ”‘Â? Žƒ™›‡”• –‡•–‹ˆ›‹Â?‰ ĥ –‘ whether Congress has premise under the Constitution to im’‡ƒ…ŠǤ Â? –Š‡ ™‡‡Â? ‘ˆ ‡…Ǥ ÍĽÇĄ –Š‡ —†‹…‹ƒ”› ‘Â?Â?‹––‡‡ ‹Â?˜‹–-

Š‘–‘ „› —†‹–Š Ž–�‡—

Dz †‘Â?ǯ– –Š‹Â?Â? Š‡ ™‹ŽŽ ‰‡– ”‡moved because...the impeachment vote was super strict ƒŽ‘Â?‰ ’ƒ”–› Ž‹Â?‡• ƒÂ?† –Š‹Â?Â? that the trial in the Senate will „‡ –Š‡ ‡šƒ…– •ƒÂ?‡ Â™ÂƒÂ›Ç¤Çł Damon Termini, 11

‡† ƒ ‡Â?‘…”ƒ–‹… Žƒ™›‡” ƒÂ?† ‡’—„Ž‹…ƒÂ? Žƒ™›‡” –‘ ’”‡•‡Â?– –Š‡‹” positions before the law. Now, –Š‡ —†‹…‹ƒ”› ‘Â?Â?‹––‡‡ Â?ƒ› draft articles of impeachment ƒÂ?† ˜‘–‡ ‘Â? –Š‡Â?ÇĄ ˆ‘ŽŽ‘™‡† „› a full vote in the House, requir‹Â?‰ ƒ Â?ƒŒ‘”‹–› ˜‘–‡Ǥ If, in fact, the president is ˆ‘—Â?† ‰—‹Ž–› „› Â?ƒŒ‘”‹–› Â˜Â‘Â–Â‡ÇĄ ƒ ‰”‘—’ ‘ˆ ‡Â?‘…”ƒ–‹… Š‘—•‡ Â?‡Â?„‡”• ™‘—Ž† ‡••‡Â?–‹ƒŽŽ› ƒ…– as prosecutors before the senƒ–‡Ǥ ”—Â?Â’ ƒÂ?† Š‹• Ž‡‰ƒŽ –‡ƒÂ? would then have equal time to defend the president, with the ‡Â?ƒ–‡ ƒ…–‹Â?‰ ĥ ƒ Â?‹Â?† ‘ˆ Œ—”›Ǥ Dz Š‡ •‡Â?ƒ–‡ Ž‹Â?‡Ž› ™‘Â?ǯ– ‹Â?’‡ƒ…Š ”—Â?Â’ „‡…ƒ—•‡ –Š‡ ‡’—„Ž‹…ƒÂ?• Š‘Ž† –Š‡ Â?ƒŒ‘”‹–› ‹Â? –Š‡ •‡Â?ƒ–‡Ǥ Š‡”‡ǯ• Â?‘ ™ƒ› –Š‡›ǯ”‡ ‰‘‹Â?‰ –‘ ˜‘–‡ –‘ ”‡Â?‘˜‡ –Š‡‹” ‘™Â? ’ƒ”–› ˆ”‘Â? ‘Ƽ…‡ǥdz Œ—nior Emmie Maisel said.

Š‘–‘ „› ›ƒ ‡•Šƒ�

Dz †‘Â?ǯ– –Š‹Â?Â? ”—Â?Â’ ™‹ŽŽ ‰‡– impeached because he needs 2/3 of the Senate to vote and –Š‡›ǯ”‡ Â?‘•–Ž› ‡’—„Ž‹…ƒÂ? •‘ –Š‡› ™‘Â?ǯ– ˜‘–‡ ƒ‰ƒ‹Â?•– •‘Â?‡one in their own political par–›Ǥdz Anisah Caicedo-Saleh, 10

the

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JANUARY 17, 2020

NEWS

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Long-term math substitute abruptly leaves WJ

By Emma Saltzman News Editor

Š‘–‘ „› ƒˆƒ‡Ž ”‹‡†Žƒ�†‡”

Many students at WJ take the school bus daily which means that the school bus tracking app set in the „—†‰‡– ’”‘’‘•ƒŽ ™‹ŽŽ „‡ —•‡† Â?ƒÂ?› ’ƒ”‡Â?–• ƒÂ?† •–—†‡Â?–•Ǥ Š‡ ƒ’’ ‹• •‡– –‘ „‡ ƤÂ?‹•Š‡† ™‹–Š‹Â? –Š‡ Â?‡š– 12 years.

Funds for an MCPS school bus tracking app set in budget proposal

By Emily Speranza News Editor ‹–Š –Š‡ ƒ††‹–‹‘Â? ‘ˆ ǯ• budget proposal to implement seatbelts on school buses with‹Â? –Š‡ Â?‡š– Í?Íž Â›Â‡ÂƒÂ”Â•ÇĄ ˆ—Â?†‹Â?‰ ˆ‘” •…Š‘‘Ž „—• –”ƒ…Â?‹Â?‰ Â?‘bile apps will also be included. ƒ”Ž‹‡” –Š‹• Â›Â‡ÂƒÂ”ÇĄ –Š‡ •…Š‘‘Ž board asked the district to consider the development of the software needed for the mobile app. ƒ…Â? ‹Â? ͜͞Í?ͤǥ –Š‡ ‘ƒ”† of Education unanimously decided that the operating budget for the county for the next Í?Íž ›‡ƒ”• ™ƒ• ƒ ƤÂ?ƒŽ ͊͞Ǥͥ͞ „‹ŽŽ‹‘Â? dollars.

The development of the app ™‘—Ž† ”‡“—‹”‡ ƒ„‘—– ÍŠÍŁÍĄÍœÇĄÍœÍœÍœ out of the budget. “[The funds would] provide Â”Â‡ÂƒÂŽÇŚÂ–Â‹Â?‡ Č‘ Č’ ‹Â?ˆ‘”Â?ƒ–‹‘Â? for parents and guardians to know the location of our bus‡•ǥdz ƒ……‘”†‹Â?‰ –‘ –Š‡ „—†‰‡– ”‡…‘Â?Â?‡Â?†ƒ–‹‘Â?ÇĄ ”‡Ž‡ƒ•‡† „›

Superintendent Jack Smith.

The app would allow parents and guardians to track the location of their child’s bus during all times of the day.

The reason for the implementation of the app is due to the multiple complaints from parents about the school buses being consistently late without the parents being aware of –Š‡ Â†Â‡ÂŽÂƒÂ›ÇĄ ™Š‹…Š Â?ƒ› ÂƒĆĄÂ‡Â…Â– –Š‡ timing schedule in which parents pick up their children. “As a kid my bus would be delayed like all the time and it was really tough for my mom having to stand around and wait for a long time without any clue on how long I was going to take –‘ ‰‡– Š‘Â?‡ǥdz ˆ”‡•ŠÂ?ƒÂ? ƒ…Š‡Ž ƒ”–ƒÂ?‹ƒÂ? •ƒ‹†Ǥ Over 300 school districts ƒ…”‘•• Â?Â‡Â”Â‹Â…ÂƒÇĄ ‹Â?…Ž—†‹Â?‰ ƒ‹”ˆƒš ƒÂ?† ”‹Â?…‡ ‡‘”‰‡ǯ• …‘—Â?ties use an already made app …ƒŽŽ‡† Dz ‡”‡ ‘Â?‡• Š‡ —•dz that serves the same func-

–‹‘Â? Š‘’‡• –‘ ’”‘˜‹†‡ through their own app. The app allows parents to see the location of their child’s school „—• ‘Â? ƒ •Â?ƒ”–’Š‘Â?‡ǥ –ƒ„Ž‡– ‘” ’‡”•‘Â?ƒŽ …‘Â?’—–‡”Ǥ ƒ”‡Â?–• know when the bus is near their …Š‹Ž†ǯ• •–‘’ǥ •‘ –Š‡› ƒ”‡ ƒ„Ž‡ –‘ send their child out at the right time. “I think that an app that allows parents and even older students to track where the bus ‹•ǥ ‹• ”‡ƒŽŽ› ‰”‡ƒ–Ǥ – …ƒÂ? ƒŽ•‘ „‡ really useful for high school students since my bus is really late sometimes and I can never tell how long it will be un–‹Ž ‹– ‰‡–• –Š‡”‡ǥdz Œ—Â?‹‘” ƒŽ‡”‹ƒ Ibanez said. ‹–Š‹Â? –Š‡ Â?‘Â?–Šǥ –Š‡ •…Š‘‘Ž board will review the operating budget and hold several hearings and sessions before it is sent to the Montgomery ‘—Â?–› …‘—Â?…‹Ž ˆ‘” ƒ ƤÂ?ƒŽ …‘Â?sideration for the app within all ‘Â?–‰‘Â?‡”› ‘—Â?–› •…Š‘‘Ž•Ǥ

Long-term substitute math teacher Gregory Gherman was abruptly removed on Dec. 9 for “inappropriate language and comments.â€? Students have mixed emotions about Gherman’s exit. Dz ĆĄÂ‡Â…Â–Â‹Â˜Â‡ ‹Â?Â?Â‡Â†Â‹ÂƒÂ–Â‡ÂŽÂ›ÇĄ †—‡ to inappropriate language and comments used by Mr. GherÂ?ƒÂ? ‹Â? Â…ÂŽÂƒÂ•Â•ÇĄ Š‡ ™‹ŽŽ Â?‘ Ž‘Â?ger be substituting at Walter ‘ŠÂ?•‘Â? ÇĄÇł ”‹Â?…‹’ƒŽ ‡Â?Â?‹fer Baker wrote in a message to parents and students.

Gherman had been long–‡”Â? •—„„‹Â?‰ ˆ‘” †‹ƥ‡”‡Â?– math teachers out on materni–› Ž‡ƒ˜‡ ‘˜‡” –Š‡ Žƒ•– –™‘ Â›Â‡ÂƒÂ”Â•ÇĄ …—””‡Â?–Ž› ƤŽŽ‹Â?‰ ‹Â? ˆ‘” Â?ƒ–Š teacher Rachel Zussman since Â?‹†nj …–‘„‡”ǥ –‡ƒ…Š‹Â?‰ ‡‘Â?‡–”› ƒÂ?† ƒŽ…—Ž—•Ǥ Gherman posted a mes•ƒ‰‡ ‘Â? Â?› Žƒ••”‘‘Â? –‘ Š‹• ƒŽ…—Ž—• …Žƒ••‡• ƒˆ–‡” •…Š‘‘Ž ‘Â? ‡…Ǥ ÍĽÇĄ •ƒ›‹Â?‰ Š‡ ™ƒ• thankful for his students and announcing that Dec. 9 was his last day. “I am sorry for letting you down but want you all to keep your chin up and know that you …ƒÂ? †‘ –Š‹•ǥdz Š‡”Â?ƒÂ? •ƒ‹† ‹Â? the message.

Some students liked Gherman as a teacher and were upset by his leaving. “I thought Mr. Gherman was an excellent teacher. He was one of the best math teachers I ever had‌he was extremely competent with the content‌ he made the class more engag-

ing for me and he improved my Ž‡ƒ”Â?‹Â?‰ǥdz •‡Â?‹‘” Žƒ‹•‡ ”‘•nan said.

Rumors by students claim that the event that led to Gh‡”Â?ƒÂ?ǯ• Ƥ”‹Â?‰ ™ƒ• Š‹• •ƒ›‹Â?‰ “F*** youâ€? to a freshman student in his geometry class and calling other students in the class “dummies.â€?

There have been a number ‘ˆ †‹ƥ‡”‡Â?– •—„•–‹–—–‡• •‹Â?…‡ his departure. Dz ‡ Šƒ˜‡ Šƒ† ƒ †‹ƥ‡”‡Â?– •—„ ‡˜‡”› Â†ÂƒÂ›ÇĄÇł •‘’Š‘Â?‘”‡ ‡ometry student Anais Harley said.

Students enrolled in Gherman’s class are now uncertain of their future in their math classes. Since Gherman’s deÂ’ÂƒÂ”Â–Â—Â”Â‡ÇĄ –Š‡”‡ Šƒ˜‡ „‡‡Â? Â?—Ž–‹’Ž‡ •Š‘”–nj–‡”Â? •—„•–‹–—–‡•ǥ but the constant changing of –‡ƒ…Š‡”• Šƒ• Â?ƒ†‡ ‹– †‹Ƽ…—Ž– for students to retain information. “We were not properly taught up to the other classes and didn’t get a good foundation ˆ‘” –Š‡ —Â?‹–ǥdz Œ—Â?‹‘” ƒŽ… student Danielle Nevett said. “We had to work hard at home in order to actually understand –Š‡ –‘’‹…ǥ •‘ Š‡”Â?ƒÂ?ǯ• Ž‡ƒ˜‹Â?‰ caused a lot of confusion and chaos.â€?

A permanent long-term •—„•–‹–—–‡ǥ ‡–‡” ƒŽ†‡”Šƒ—‰ started on January 6. “The situation now is horrible. We haven’t learned something in a week and then they expected us to take a formaÂ–Â‹Â˜Â‡ÇĄÇł ƒ”Ž‡› •ƒ‹†Ǥ Zussman is expected to return for the second semester.

Montgomery County sues largest e-cigarette company, JUUL

By Aya Heshman Assitant News Editor ‘Â?–‰‘Â?‡”› ‘—Â?–› •—‡† ÇĄ ‘Â?‡ ‘ˆ –Š‡ Žƒ”‰‡•– Â‡ÇŚÂ…Â‹Â‰ÂƒÂ”Â‡Â–Â–Â‡ …‘Â?’ƒÂ?‹‡•ǥ …Žƒ‹Â?‹Â?‰ ‹– ˜‹‘Žƒ–‡• –Š‡ ƒ”›ŽƒÂ?† ‘Â?•—Â?‡” ”‘–‡…–‹‘Â? …–ǥ ‘Â?–‰‘Â?‡”› ‘—Â?–› ‘Â?•—Â?‡” ”‘–‡…–‹‘Â?

Act and alleging negligence ƒÂ?† —Â?Œ—•– ‡Â?”‹…ŠÂ?‡Â?–Ǥ ‘Â?–‰‘Â?‡”› ‘—Â?–› …Žƒ‹Â?• that JUUL labs have caused severe public harm to youth in ƒ”›ŽƒÂ?†Ǥ Š‡ ÂˆÂ”Â—Â‹Â–Â›ÇŚĆŞÂƒÂ˜Â‘Â”Â‡Â† ’‘†• –Šƒ– ƒ”‡ —•‡† –‘ ƒ†† ĆŞÂƒÂ˜Â‘Â” to the e-cigarettes can also be easily concealed with electron‹…• ƒ’’‡ƒŽ –‘ ’‘–‡Â?–‹ƒŽ —•‡”•ǥ and the easy access to the products have sparked concern. “I support the lawsuit because JUULs are so easily accessible in our school and they are ÂƒĆĄÂ‡Â…Â–Â‹Â?‰ •‘ Â?ƒÂ?› ‘ˆ ‘—” ’‡‡”•ǥdz sophomore Aurelia Baier said.

The Food and Drug Administration declared that teenagers’ use of e-cigarettes had reached an “epidemicâ€? and required companies to make changes to their devices to lower appeal to minors. As a re•—Ž–ǥ ƒ‰”‡‡† –‘ •–‘’ •‡ŽŽ‹Â?‰ ˆ”—‹– ƒÂ?† †‡••‡”– ĆŞÂƒÂ˜Â‘Â”Â‡Â†

JUUL pods at retail stores.

JUUL also agreed to require age Â˜Â‡Â”Â‹Ć¤Â…ÂƒÂ–Â‹Â‘Â? ˆ‘” ‘Â?Ž‹Â?‡ •ƒŽ‡• ‘ˆ –Š‡ ĆŞÂƒÂ˜Â‘Â”Â• –Š”‘—‰Š ’Š‘–‘

Â—Â’ÂŽÂ‘ÂƒÂ†Â•ÇĄ Â–Â™Â‘ÇŚÂˆÂƒÂ…Â–Â‘Â” ƒ—–Š‘”‹zation and additional public records check. JUUL has also removed itself from social media sites.

The lawsuit also claims violations of federal racketeering Žƒ™• „› ƒÂ?† ÂŽÂ–Â”Â‹ÂƒÇĄ –Š‡ parent company of Marlboro …‹‰ƒ”‡––‡• –Šƒ– ‘™Â?• ƒ Í&#x;ÍĄĎ„ •–ƒÂ?‡ ‹Â? Ǥ ŽŽ‡‰‡†Ž›ǥ Ž–”‹ƒ had also sought to enter the Â‡ÇŚÂ…Â‹Â‰ÂƒÂ”Â‡Â–Â–Â‡ Â?ƒ”Â?‡–ǥ „—– ‹Â? Žƒ–‡ 2018 Altria wrote to the FDA with concerns about youth access to e-vapor products ƒÂ?† ”‡Â?‘˜‡† ‹–• ˆ”—‹–› ĆŞÂƒÂ˜Â‘Â”Â• ˆ”‘Â? –Š‡ Â?ƒ”Â?‡–ǥ ƒ……‘”†‹Â?‰ –‘ Ǥ Dz –Š‹Â?Â? ‘Â?–‰‘Â?‡”› ‘—Â?–› is trying to protect the public so I agree [with this lawsuit].

This will be challenged in courts and that’s where public •—’’‘”– ™‹ŽŽ „‡ ÂŠÂ‡ÂŽÂ’ÂˆÂ—ÂŽÇĄÇł •‘…‹ƒŽ studies teacher Liliana Monk said.

A new Maryland law was passed that raised the age to purchase tobacco from 18 to 21. There have also been sev-

eral bills introduced that would prohibit vape shops from being within a half-mile of middle and high schools in the county ƒÂ?† ’”‘Š‹„‹– –Š‡ •ƒŽ‡ ‘ˆ ĆŞÂƒvored e-cigarette products within a mile of county schools.

There also have been several attempts in Maryland to stop minors from getting a hold of e…‹‰ƒ”‡––‡•Ǥ ‡…‡Â?–Ž›ǥ ƒ”›ŽƒÂ?† passed a law that raised the age to purchase tobacco from 18 to ÍžÍ?Ǥ ‘Â?–‰‘Â?‡”› ‘—Â?–› Šƒ• also spent money on tobacco …‘Â?–”‘Ž –Šƒ– –ƒ”‰‡–• ˜ƒ’‹Â?‰ǥ police underage sales and antivaping advertisements in public schools. “I think that it’s smart of –Š‡ Â?‡™ Žƒ™ ˆ‘” –Š‡ „‡Â?‡Ƥ– ‘ˆ teenagers because of all the increase of use of nicotine.

ÇŻÂ? Šƒ’’› ‘ ‘ ‹• –ƒÂ?‹Â?‰ ”‡sponsibility and protecting the ›‘—–Šǥdz •‘’Š‘Â?‘”‡ ‡Ž‡Â? ƒcheco said.

A new study claims that vaping may be worse than traditional smoking. Greek re•‡ƒ”…Š‡”• ˆ‘—Â?† –Šƒ– ĆŞÂƒÂ˜Â‘Â”Â‹Â?‰• in e-cigarettes harm the lungs „› …ƒ—•‹Â?‰ ‹Â?ĆŞÂƒÂ?Â?ƒ–‹‘Â?Ǥ “We don’t know many of the elements contained in the

Š‘–‘ …‘—”–‡•› ‘ˆ ƒ’‹Â?‰Í&#x;Í˘Íœ ‘Â? Ž‹…Â?”

• …ƒÂ?‡ ‹Â? ƒŽŽ •‘”–• ‘ˆ ĆŞÂƒÂ˜Â‘Â”Â• —Â?–‹Ž –Š‡ …‘Â?’ƒÂ?› •–‘’’‡† •‡ŽŽing the JUUL pods in an attempt to decrease appeal to youth. One ‘ˆ –Š‡ ”‡…‡Â?– ‡ƥ‘”–• –Šƒ– ƒ”›ŽƒÂ?† Šƒ• –ƒÂ?‡Â? Šƒ• „‡‡Â? ”ƒ‹•‹Â?‰ –Š‡ tobacco purchase law from 18 to 21.

JUUL oils. There have been lots of reports about vitamin E in the oil and when you smoke the ÇĄ ‹– †ƒÂ?ƒ‰‡• –Š‡ Ž—Â?‰ –‹••—‡ǥdz •…Š‘‘Ž Â?—”•‡ ‹ ƒÂ? ‹Â? said. “I also heard that the addictiveness in JUULS is higher in the United States than in Europe because the nicotine in the JUULS here is double than the nicotine in Europe.â€?

Some students think that

the new laws and the lawsuit against JUUL is a positive thing and will lead towards a health‹‡” ™‘”Ž†Ǥ Â? –Š‡ ‘–Š‡” ŠƒÂ?†ǥ some students believe “I don’t –Š‹Â?Â? ‘Â?–‰‘Â?‡”› ‘—Â?–› Šƒ• –Š‡ •–ƒÂ?†‹Â?‰ –‘ •—‡ǥ Â?‡ƒÂ? what we want to do and put in our bodies is our choice and it shouldn’t be challenged in …‘—”–ǥdz ƒÂ? ƒÂ?‘Â?›Â?‘—• •‡Â?‹‘” said.

Pitch

the

4

NEWS

JANUARY 17, 2020

Opioid related deaths decrease in Maryland

By Aya Heshman Assistant News Editor The number of opioid-related deaths in Maryland has decreased by 5% in 2019, compared to 2018 according to data released by the state in the time from January to September, according to the Washington Post. “All county schools are equipped with narcotics which are used to reverse overdoses, but I haven’t needed to use them,â€? school nurse Ki Nam Kim said. Š‹• ‹• –Š‡ Ƥ”•– ›‡ƒ” ‹Â? –Š‡ decade that Maryland saw opioid-related deaths decline.

Fentanyl, a powerful opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times stronger, is credited as responsible for 91% of deaths.

There were 1,436 deaths related to fentanyl in that period in 2019, a 1.1% decrease compared to the same time period in 2018. “People add fentanyl to other drugs such as morphine and other opiods to increase their high without knowing how powerful they really are. Nowadays people get them from wrong resources and the people selling the drugs don’t say where it is from and how po-

Photo courtesy of Air Force Medicare

Deaths from overdoses of prescription drugs have increased since the early 1990s mostly because of the increase of opioid drug use.

tent it is, which is what causes deaths. On the other hand, if you use it right, it’s very good for people with constant pain,�

Kim said.

The use of fentanyl has increased in the United States with a study of over 1 million urine drug tests from across the United States showing in-

creased rates of fentanyl and methamphetamine (meth). “It’s really bad if the use of fentanyl is abusive because they’re abusing a prescription that people should be using to get better. I also bet that some people steal the fentanyl from their parents and get high,� sophomore AJ Moore said.

In just the state of Maryland, 8% of overdose deaths were related to fentanyl, and many overdose-related deaths involved more than one drug.

Cocaine-related deaths have increased throughout the years due to the mixing with fentanyl. Baltimore City leads the state in opioid-related deaths

™‹–Š ͢Í&#x;ÍĽ †‡ƒ–Š• ™‹–Š‹Â? –Š‡ Ƥ”•– nine months of 2019. “Baltimore City is known for that and the state is trying to put people in treatment centers instead of arresting people. The state is trying to help by allocating more money to drug centers,â€? Kim said.

Baltimore County and Anne Arundel County, both of which saw declines in 2019, reported the second and third-highest number of fatalities.

Deaths in those three jurisdictions represent 65% of total opioid-related deaths across the state, according to the Washington Post. “I’m happy to hear that drug deaths and drug use is declining because a lot of people die due to overdosing but I’m surprised that it is going down in Baltimore because that is where most use is located,� sophomore Sara Susa said.

WJ students believe that the ‘’‹‘‹† ‡’‹†‡Â?‹… …‘—Ž† ÂƒĆĄÂ‡Â…Â– students in the future years as students could be involved with drug use. “Nowadays they add fentanyl into marijuana in vape juice without realizing how powerful it is. Sometimes I do need to call 911 if a student shows up intoxicated which happens every once in a while,â€? Kim said.

What’s going on in the world? WJ receives a

By Danis Cammett Â–ÂƒĆĄ ”‹–‡”

Tensions on the Tigris On Dec. 27, an Iranian-backed Shiite militia launched rocket attacks against an Iraqi military base, killing an American civilian contractor while wounding several others.

The United States responded to this attack by launching a drone strike, killing 24 members of the militia. In response, members of the militia protested and besieged the U.S. embassy in Baghdad, damaging much of the property.

The U.S. retaliated by launching a drone strike that killed an Irainain Major General, Qassem Soleimani, outside of Baghdad’s International airport.

Soleimani was seen as the chief architect in the •’”‡ƒ†‹Â?‰ ‘ˆ ”ƒÂ?‹ƒÂ? ‹Â?ƪ—‡Â?…‡ ƒ…”‘•• –Š‡ ‹††Ž‡ ƒ•–Ǥ The Iraqi parliament responded to this crisis by voting to oust U.S. troops from Iraq because they feel that the U.S. violated their sovereignty by taking action within their borders without the consent of the Iraqi government.

Then, on the night of Jan. 7, the Iranians launched ballistic missile attacks against Iraqi bases housing U.S. servicemen with no reported deaths.

A Venezulan Showdown On Jan. 7, Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido and his followers stormed the Venezuelan national assembly.

While making their way into the National Assembly, President Nicolas Maduro’s opposition, led by Juan Guaido, was blocked entry by Venezuelan military police.

The opposition then pushed and shoved through the police and scaled the iron fence in order to enter the assembly.

Once inside, Guaido took his oath and was proclaimed as rightful President of Venezuela. Many see this moment as the start to an anticipated movement, but many question if this will be enough to drive Venezuelans to begin protests again, as many Venezulans have been struggling to maintain basic needs and a series of missteps by the opposition have led some to question their ability to successfully oppose Maduro’s government.

A Mysterious Disease Outbreak In the central city of Wuhan, China, there have been 59 reported cases of a new pneumonia-like illness, with ˆ‡ƒ”• ‘ˆ Â?‘”‡ …ƒ•‡• ›‡– –‘ „‡ ”‡’‘”–‡†Ǥ Š‹Â?‡•‡ Â‘ĆĽÂ…Â‹ÂƒÂŽÂ• ƒ”‡ ƒŽƒ”Â?‡† ƒÂ?† ƒ”‡ ‘Â? –Š‡ Š—Â?– –‘ ƤÂ?† –Š‡ ‘”‹‰‹Â? ‘ˆ Australia Burns this new disease. —•–”ƒŽ‹ƒ ‹• ‡š’‡”‹‡Â?…‹Â?‰ –Š‡ ™‘”•– ™‹Ž†Ƥ”‡ •‡ƒ•‘Â?

Symptoms of the illness include a high fever, lung ever as it enters its summer months. Similar to Cali- Ž‡•‹‘Â?• ƒÂ?† †‹Ƽ…—Ž–› „”‡ƒ–Š‹Â?‰Ǥ Š‹Â?‡•‡ Â‘ĆĽÂ…Â‹ÂƒÂŽÂ• Šƒ˜‡ ˆ‘”Â?Â‹ÂƒÇĄ —•–”ƒŽ‹ƒ ‡š’‡”‹‡Â?…‡• ƒ ™‹Ž†Ƥ”‡ •‡ƒ•‘Â? ™Š‡”‡ traced a possible origin of the disease to the Huanan many parts of the country dry up and are vulnerable Seafood Market in Wuhan and thus have disinfected –‘ ™‹Ž†Ƥ”‡•Ǥ and shut down the market. Š‡ ”‡…‡Â?– ™‹Ž†Ƥ”‡ •‡ƒ•‘Â? Šƒ• „‡‡Â? …‘Â?•‹†‡”‡† –Š‡ Many fear that this disease is yet another outbreak of worst in Australian history, with 15 people killed, many Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which was homes destroyed and millions of acres scorched. a highly contagious disease that infected 774 people On top of infrastructural damage, the environmental and infected 8,000 more between 2002-2003. damage has been drastic as Australia is home to thouSARS originated in China and was believed to have sands of species that have been forced to escape their originated from human contact with infected animals. habitats.

Many compare this new mysterious disease to SARS as Š‡ ‘”‹‰‹Â? ‘ˆ –Š‡ Ƥ”‡ Šƒ• „‡‡Â? –”ƒ…‡† –‘ ”‡…‘”†nj they share common symptoms but the newer one apbreaking temperatures, an extended drought season pears less lethal. and strong winds.

So far no deaths have been reported and Chinese It is estimated that about 12 million acres in total Â‘ĆĽÂ…Â‹ÂƒÂŽÂ• Šƒ˜‡ •–ƒ–‡† –Šƒ– –”‡ƒ–Â?‡Â?– ƒ’’‡ƒ”• –‘ „‡ ‡ˆhave been burned with an estimated 10 million acres fective for all of the people who have received it so far. burned to be in the province of New South Wales. š’‡”–• ™‹ŽŽ •‘‘Â? †‡–‡”Â?‹Â?‡ ™Š‡–Š‡” –Š‡ Š‡ƒŽ–Š The Australian government has mobilized thousands agency should declare an international health emer‘ˆ Ƥ”‡Ƥ‰Š–‡”• ƒÂ?† ™‹–Š –Š‡ Š‡Ž’ ‘ˆ –Š‡ —•–”ƒŽ‹ƒÂ? Â?‹Ž‹- gency - a designation used only for the gravest epidemtary they have been able to help with extinguishing ics. It’s very rare to see this kind of health emergency –Š‡ Ƥ”‡•Ǥ but it will soon be decided.

five-star rating

By Judith Altneu News Editor For the second year in a row, the Maryland State ‡’ƒ”–Â?‡Â?– ‘ˆ †—…ƒ–‹‘Â? ”‡Ž‡ƒ•‡† –Š‡‹” •…Š‘‘Ž ƒ……‘—Â?–ƒ„‹Ž‹–› ”‡’‘”– ƒÂ?† Šƒ• ”‡…‡‹˜‡† ƒ Ć¤Â˜Â‡ÇŚÂ•Â–ÂƒÂ” rating. The state report card rates each Maryland school’s success based on factors such as gradua–‹‘Â? Â”ÂƒÂ–Â‡Â•ÇĄ ’”‘‰”‡•• ‹Â? ƒ…Š‹‡˜‹Â?‰ Â?‰Ž‹•Š ŽƒÂ?‰—ƒ‰‡ ’”‘Ƥ…‹‡Â?…›ǥ ”‡ƒ†‹Â?॥ ˆ‘” ’‘•–nj•‡…‘Â?†ƒ”› •—……‡••ǥ achievement on standardized testing and wellrounded education. “I think they are actually very good measures and we have very high success rate of graduation‌[and –Š‡ Č’ ’”‘‰”ƒÂ? ‹• ƒ„•‘Ž—–‡Ž› ˆƒÂ?–ƒ•–‹… Š‡”‡ǥdz ”‡source teacher Karen Onley said.

WJ scored high on graduation rate and readiness for post secondary success. WJ scored averagely on ƒ…ƒ†‡Â?‹… ƒ…Š‹‡˜‡Â?‡Â?–ǥ ’”‘‰”‡•• ‹Â? ƒ…Š‹‡˜‹Â?‰ Â?‰Ž‹•Š ŽƒÂ?‰—ƒ‰‡ ’”‘Ƥ…‹‡Â?…›ǥ •…Š‘‘Ž “—ƒŽ‹–› ƒÂ?† •–—†‡Â?– success.

Principal Jennifer Baker is very proud of WJ’s score. “It is very very wonderful that we are one of the higher ranking schools...the state of Maryland in general is always one of the top states nationally in other rankings so I think to be a top school in a top state means that we have a pretty fantastic school,�

Baker said.

Poolesville High School, Wootton High School and Š—”…Š‹ŽŽ ‹‰Š …Š‘‘Ž ƒŽ•‘ ‡ƒ”Â?‡† Ć¤Â˜Â‡ÇŚÂ•Â–ÂƒÂ”Â•Ç¤ Dz –Š‹Â?Â? –Š‡ •…Š‘‘Ž †‡•‡”˜‡• –Š‡ Ć¤Â˜Â‡ •–ƒ”• „‡…ƒ—•‡ it is a great school, teachers are supportive, the counselors are happy to see you and there are great people to meet new friends,â€? sophomore Mark Grigoryan said. In addition to the factors above, the teachers …‘Â?–”‹„—–‡ –‘ ǯ• Ć¤Â˜Â‡ÇŚÂ•Â–ÂƒÂ” ”ƒ–‹Â?‰Ǥ Dz ‹• ƒ Ć¤Â˜Â‡ÇŚÂ•Â–ÂƒÂ” •…Š‘‘Ž „‡…ƒ—•‡ ™‡ Šƒ˜‡ •‘Â?‡ ˜‡”› †‡†‹…ƒ–‡† Â•Â–ÂƒĆĄ Â?‡Â?„‡”• Š‡”‡ ™Š‘ ™‹ŽŽ ‰‘ ƒ„‘˜‡ ƒÂ?† beyond to help out the students to make sure they succeed,â€? Onley said.

WJ scored a 76% on the report card, which was the „‘”†‡”Ž‹Â?‡ „‡–™‡‡Â? ˆ‘—” ƒÂ?† Ć¤Â˜Â‡ •–ƒ”• •‘ –Š‡”‡ …‘—Ž† be improvement. One area WJ plans to improve on is student attendance. “Student attendance is very important and I think that you have to be here to learn and so I think that’s a way to improve,â€? Baker said.

Z oning in

A column by Nyomi Fox Opinion Editor We’ve known the rule since child Ȅ ǯ Ƥ Ǥ ǡ Ƥ

ǡ ǡ be shoved into one with which they do Ǥ ǡ

Ǥ Ƥ Ǧ ǡ Ǥ ƪ

to be yet another element of diversity.

In recent years, schools have embraced the notion that “she” and “he”

Ǥ Dz tral” have been introduced—WJ has Ǥ Ǧ ǡ ǡ Ǧ Ǥ

Ǥ ǡ ǡ Ƥ Ǥ

and celebrated.

ǯ Ǥ ǡ Ǧ Ǧ ǡ ǡ Ǥ Ǥ not limited to the attraction towards Ǣ male labels. ǡ who bravely disassociate from a certain Ǧ Ǥ ǡ ǡ Ǥ For reasons other than the celebration of diversity, why should this nu ǫ ǡ

ǡ Ǥ at every mode of currency in America Ȅ Ǥ ǡ ǡ ǡ ơ

Ǥ

matism that America radiates. While

ǡ ƪ ǡ Ǥ

decision to divorce oneself from the Ǣ identity is a source of confusion for

era. Ǧ sionism as a source for confusion is Ǥ will not feel confused, but instead un Ǥ ǡ

ǡ comfortable. If this is considered confusion, then we may as well be labeled the Land of the Confused. Freedom ǯ ǡ ǫ

5 Narcissism prevails against common sense Pitch

the

JANUARY 17, 2020

By Siddharth Srinivasan Opinion Editor

cissism. When each new edition of The ǡ

Ǧ Ǥ Ƥ ǡ Ǥ Yet every once in a while I come face

Ǥ Dz ǡdz ǡ Ǥ Ǥ Ǥ

ǫ

ǫ ǡ I—I took the one more travelled.

Ǥ

ǡ ǯ Ǥ

Ǧ Ǥ At least I’m not alone. In whichever

ǡ ǯ ǡ narcissism abounds.

ǯ Ǧ Ǥ

Ǥ Ǥ ǡ Ǥ ǯ ǫ other world leaders and the fathomless

Ǥ ǡ Ȅ Ǥ ǫ ơ ǫ ͢͝Ǥ͟τ

OPINION

blame their students’ inability to learn ǫ And by the same token, why are stu ǫ

ƫ ǡ have no excuse.

ǯ Ǥ

ơ Dz dz ǯ Ǧ Ǥ ǯ ǯ ǫ ǡ

Ǥ

ǯ ǡ Ǥ ǡ

Ǥ Ǥ lies one crucial factor: the desire for im Ǥ result of careful examination reinforced by objectivity and balanced feedback. Ǥ

ǯ Ǧ only to belittle and humiliate. Unfortunately, as constructive criticism is often ǡ ǯ ƪ diatribe.

Therein, as the bard would say, lies Ǥ ǯ ǡ Ǥ ǯ ǯ Ǥ Ǥ Ǥ Ǣ Ǥ

ǯ Ǥ our inability to do so is sure to be our Ǥ ǯ Ǥ narcissism manacles any drive for im Ǥ ǡ Ǥ ǯ unencumbered.

Break free from “new year, new me”

By Chelsea Laurik ơ ǡ all over the world are blinded by the

ơ Ǥ broke and bloated from the holiday season, everyone vows to save money,

than last. More often than not, by Janu ͣ͝ abandoned and left for next year. Stud ͤτ ǯ ǡ ǡ ǯ stick.

ǯ ǯ

͜͜͞͞ǡ Ȁ Ȁ Ǧ Ȁ

Ǥ ͝​͝ǣͥ͡ ͟͝ ͝͞ǣ͜​͜ ͝ǡ ǯ

͡ Ǥ ǯ

ǡ Ǥ

ǯ to mark the new year with some sort Ǥ ǯ ǡ as New Year’s resolutions can be traced back to the time of the ancient Babylo ǡ ͠ǡ͜​͜​͜

Ǥ ǡ ǯ ǯ

blindly. Society is all about innovation, so why not innovate the way we think ǯ ǫ This year, liberate yourself from the ǯ Ǥ

͟͝ǡ ͜͞ ͣ͝Ǥ ǡ ǡ ǡ Ǥ ǯ restrict yourself to an arbitrary societal ǯ ͥ͞τ Ǥ Ȅ Ǥ

the

Pitch 6 What the team didn’t get to say: Coach Gary Reburn OPINION

By Lily Salvatore Â–ÂƒĆĄ †‹–‘” ƒŽÂ?‹Â?‰ ‹Â?–‘ Â?› Ƥ”•– ‰‹”Ž•ǯ ˜ƒ”•‹–› lacrosse practice, the seniors obviously had rules for us freshman to follow. Expecting mandatory clean up and duty as packing mules, I was stunned and a little •…ƒ”‡† ™Š‡Â? –Š‡ Ƥ”•– ”—Ž‡ ™ƒ• –‘ Â?‡˜‡” go to coach Gary Reburn’s car alone.

Every girl on the lacrosse team who had interacted with Reburn, regardless ‘ˆ ÂƒÂ‰Â‡ÇĄ Â?Â?‡™ –Š‡”‡ ™ƒ• •‘Â?‡–Š‹Â?‰ ‘ƥ with our varsity coach. From his bor†‡”Ž‹Â?‡ ‘ƥ‡Â?•‹˜‡ –‡ƒ•‹Â?‰ǥ –‘ Š‹• –‘—…Š› mannerisms, we knew to keep our distance.

The parents were even suspicious of the way he ran the team. Prior to my freshman year, news broke that Reburn was a part of a dating website, Ashley Madison. This website, sporting the slo‰ƒÂ? Dz Â‹ÂˆÂ‡ÇŻÂ• •Š‘”–ǥ Šƒ˜‡ ƒÂ? ÂƒĆĄÂƒÂ‹Â”ÇĄÇł Ž‹Â?Â?‡† married men and women together in order to fuel secret romances.

While part of his personal life, and not part of the team, Reburn’s activity on this sight made players question his motives and morals. “I would witness him rubbing girls’ shoulders and whispering in their ears [to ask] if they were ready to go in during games,� goalie Colleen Besche said.

His inappropriate actions didn’t stop there. In “funâ€? practices he would have us wrestle each other, sometimes even Œ‘‹Â? ‹Â?ÇĄ Šƒ˜‹Â?‰ Â?‘ Â?‡”…› ƒÂ?† ƪ‹’’‹Â?‰ —• to the ground.

We had ways of coping with his weird antics; “When he would say creepy things, we all just tried to turn it into a joke to dismiss it,� Sadie Keller, a graduate from Walter Johnson, said.

Then, it seemed like the best way to handle things, but looking back, joking about what he said pretty much gave him permission to do it again.

Reburn was also a goalie coach for Rebels Lacrosse Club, the club most of –Š‡ ’Žƒ›‡”• ’Žƒ›‡† ˆ‘” ‹Â? –Š‡ ‘ƥ •‡ƒ•‘Â?Ǥ His odd mannerisms continued during club practices where he worked privately with Goalies.

In late 2018, after a record-breaking season, we were told that Reburn would not be returning as our coach. While the team was shocked and a little confused, the mixed feelings were glazed over with excitement when we realized that Colleen Gradowski, the previous junior varsity coach, would be coaching us.

Shortly after we were told the news, the team gathered for a meeting with administration about the future of our lacrosse team. Yearning for a new positive experience at practice and games, conversation about Reburn and his coach‹Â?‰ ĆŞÂƒÂ™Â• Â?ƒ–—”ƒŽŽ› „‡‰ƒÂ?ÇĄ †‡ƤÂ?‹Â?‰ ™Šƒ– we didn’t want in a coach. We had held in our feelings for so long it was a relief –‘ ƤÂ?ƒŽŽ› „‡ ƒ„Ž‡ –‘ –‡ŽŽ ’‡‘’Ž‡ǥ „—– –Š‡ administration was frustrated with how Ž‘Â?‰ ‹– –‘‘Â? ˆ‘” –Š‡Â? –‘ ƤÂ?† ‘—–Ǥ We didn’t know the extent of what the administration knew about how Reburn acted with the team, making us unsure if our concerns were legitimate or not.

Due to his somewhat unpredictable nature, we didn’t know how Reburn would act when administration told him our concerns. Fear of punishment during practices and games kept us quiet while he was still our coach. Their frustration was valid, but I think they didn’t take the time to look at things from our point ‘ˆ ˜‹‡™ ƒÂ?† Š‘™ ‹– …‘—Ž† ÂƒĆĄÂ‡Â…Â– ‘—” ‡š’‡rience on the team.

Thoughts about Reburn faded away ĥ ‘—” –‡ƒÂ? ƤÂ?‹•Š‡† ƒÂ?‘–Š‡” ƒÂ?ƒœ‹Â?‰ season with our new coach. Going into the new school year, however, rumors of Reburn’s involvement in a plethora of ƒ””‡•–ƒ„Ž‡ ƒ…–‹‘Â?• ĆŞÂ‘ÂƒÂ–Â‡Â† ƒ…”‘•• ‰”‘—’

JANUARY 17, 2020

Photo courtesy of Stephanie Salvatore

‘”Â?‡” ‰‹”Ž•ǯ ˜ƒ”•‹–› …‘ƒ…Š ƒ”› ‡„—”Â? ‰‡•–‹…—Žƒ–‡• –‘ Š‹• –‡ƒÂ? ‹Â? ƒÂ? ‡ƥ‘”– –‘ Â?‘tivate them during a game. Since he was charged with attempted murder and kidnapping, his former players have struggled to grasp the severity of their involvement with him.

chats and in the hallways in between teammates. A running team joke de˜‡Ž‘’‡† –Šƒ– Dz ƒ”› ƪ‡† –Š‡ …‘—Â?–”›dzǥ as teammates who lived in his neighborhood learned he was evicted from his Kensington residence, and his old white corvette still remained parked on the property. The entire team seemed to have intuition that some radical story would be dropped about his disappearance, we just didn’t know when.

On December 11, 2019, news broke that Gary had been involved in an attempted murder and kidnapping. While unsettling, it didn’t seem entirely out of character. For someone in a position of leadership for a school sponsored team, acts like these, attempted or not, should be unthinkable. For the most part I think we were all simply rattled in thinking we had dedicated so much of our time with a potentially murderous man. As his

players, we were sickened to learn that our instincts were validated in discovering what Reburn was truly capable of.

No blame should be placed on the school, for the team never collectively nor independently voiced our discomfort and concerns regarding our coach’s behavior and there was absolutely no way for them to anticipate his future plans. However, if there is anything we can truly take away from this situation, it is that people are unpredictable and constant awareness is necessary in order to ensure safety for students in any sort of extracurricular activity.

With all the information surfacing, it’s important to recognize how the lacrosse team has grown since Reburn left. Not only have Coaches Gradowski and Herdman cultivated a positive team environment, but we have also experienced one of our best recorded seasons

Is Gen Z’s awareness and activism any different from previous ones’?

By Benicio Balignot A&E Editor Picture this: The 1960 Greensboro sit-ins, protests against the Vietnam war, the University uprisings of 1968 and, more recently, the Black Lives Matter and March for Our Lives protests. What they all have in common is rebellious teenage spirit; a product of the counterculture—it’s a generational trend every teen goes through when they want to feel like they’re a part of something greater.

Or is it?

It’s undeniable that every generation (except maybe the Boomers) experiences some sort of social enlightenment and decides to protest against the system in the name of righting a national or global tragedy.

However, in light of this relatively new age of social media and its ensuing culture of being “wokeâ€? and aware of what crises humanity is facing, some questions arise: is this form of social awareness and responsibility ƒÂ?› †‹ƥ‡”‡Â?– –ŠƒÂ? ™Šƒ– ’”‡˜‹ous generations had? Are the more vocal uprisings, protests and outcries of Generation Z no more than a byproduct of social media, or do we as a whole truly care more than our predecessors?

Rewind to the Civil Rights Movement of the ‘60s. Teens and young adults across the nation protest the institution-

alized and systematic discrimination of people of color in the U.S. A few years later, students are staunchly protesting against the Vietnam War, forgoing the graduation cap for the black armband of solidarity. Fast forward almost half a century later, and history has seemingly repeated itself—students are at the forefront of the Black Lives Matter movement, while also protesting against U.S involvement in foreign lands like the Middle East. While these two

even cementing the ones that lurk in the back of our mind.

As “woke� culture, at least in its tamer forms, has become more widespread among the youth, we’ve become more aware of what’s been going on around the world. As the years have gone on, I’ve seen more of my peers openly speak out against social and racial injustice, post on social media about ongoing global crises and even be at the forefront of local protests and groups. Yes, caring about Uyghur and Rohingyan genocide has been assisted by social media and online news, but at the end of the day, it’s a choice to care and learn, one that we as a generation have been more proactive in making.

Of course, all of this is from a teenager’s perspective. To many, particularly those with far more years of experience and wisdom, I may be coming ‘ƥ ĥ •‘Â?‡ ‹Â?Â?ÂƒÂ–Â—Â”Â‡ÇĄ ‹†‡ƒŽ‹•Illustration by Benicio Balignot tic, self-centered generational periods of time draw many knowledgeable, or at least care supremacist who just learned Â’ÂƒÂ”ÂƒÂŽÂŽÂ‡ÂŽÂ•ÇĄ –Š‡”‡ǯ• ‘Â?‡ Â?‡› †‹ƥ‡”- as much as their kids. As many to explore outside of his little ence: the globalized outlook. of us begin to reach this thresh- bubble. While previous generaFar more teens are aware of old of supposed maturity and tions may have gone through –Š‡ •—ƥ‡”‹Â?‰ ‘ˆ Â?‹ŽŽ‹‘Â?• ƒ…”‘•• wisdom, I remain wary but also the same cycle of caring until the world than before. While hopeful that we can still hold the point of becoming jaded, widespread apathy is still a dis- fast to our empathy as the years my peers have broken the loop. ease that plagues millions in pass by.

The very same students that the U.S, it seems that far more To say that social media has spoke out against racial vioƒ†—Ž–• ƒ”‡ ÂƒĆĄÂ‡Â…Â–Â‡Â† –ŠƒÂ? –‡‡Â?•Ǥ ÂƒĆĄÂ‡Â…Â–Â‡Â† ™Šƒ– ™‡ …ƒ”‡ ƒ„‘—– lence, police brutality and lax Sure, adults have jobs and need is among the most egregious gun regulation are still continuto pay bills—and the internet of understatements. What ‹Â?‰ –Š‡ Ƥ‰Š– ’ƒ•– Š‹‰Š •…Š‘‘Ž has made information more ac- we consume on a daily basis and college, and I predict that cessible to everyone—but that shapes us from the inside, in- this new trend will only condoesn’t mean they can’t be as troducing new thoughts, or tinue.

Pitch Opinion

Do more than post In the wake of the catastrophic Aus–”ƒŽ‹ƒÂ? „—•ŠƤ”‡•ǥ Â?ƒÂ?› …‡Ž‡„”‹–‹‡• Šƒ˜‡ ’Ž‡†‰‡† ƤÂ?ƒÂ?…‹ƒŽ •—’’‘”– –‘ –Š‡ ”‡Ž‹‡ˆ ‡ƥ‘”–•Ǥ —– ƒ ’‡”•‘Â? †‘‡•Â?ǯ– Â?‡‡† –‘ „‡ ƒ Â?‹ŽŽ‹‘Â?ƒ‹”‡ –‘ Â?ƒÂ?‡ ƒ †‹ƥ‡”‡Â?…‡Ǥ As many WJ students know, there are many fundraisers through social media, particularly Instagram. The Pitch understands that social media can be a convenient platform for people to raise awareness for pressing issues like the Ƥ”‡•ǥ „—– ƒ…–‹˜‹•Â? •‘Ž‡Ž› –Š”‘—‰Š •‘…‹ƒŽ media inhibits students from comprehending the depth of these issues or taking any further action.

It’s great that through social media, teens can donate money towards causes by just liking a photo. But if helping out is that easy, then one may just tap on their screen or repost a photo and move on without a second thought. That should not be the extent of this supposed activism.

The Pitch is not dismissing advocacy on social media as miniscule or unimportant. Of course, there is no such thing as too small a donation and something is better than nothing. Liking a photo on social media, from a legitimate money-raising account, is indeed doing something. But students must ƒŽ•‘ ”‡ƒŽ‹œ‡ –Šƒ– ™‹–Š ƒ…–‹˜‹•Â? Â?—•– Ƥ”•– come understanding. Before reposting a photo on Instagram about whatever is in the news, students should read up on it and expand their knowledge on the issue. For it is this that promotes longterm activism: absorbing knowledge about the roots of globalized issues and taking action—outside of a screen—to Â?ƒÂ?‡ ƒ †‹ƥ‡”‡Â?…‡Ǥ COMIC BY BRADLEY WOODSIDE

Can’t get HQRXJK"

www.wjpitch.com

the

JANUARY 17, 2020

Pitch

Is political diversity welcome in MCPS?

7 THE STAFF OPINION

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF ONLINE PRINT representing the other side of the spec- Cara Demitz Will Cohen

By Hannah Markov trum, WJ has both the Young Demo- Kiley Ring Julia Hananel Opinion Editor crats Club and its own branch of MoCo Thomas Wolfson Daria London MANAGING EDITORS While MCPS excels in racial and eth- for Change, among others. Something nic diversity, it lacks political contrast. should also be noted about the chosen Molly Benson – Ƥ”•– ‰ŽƒÂ?…‡ǥ –Š‡ …‘—Â?–› ƒ’’‡ƒ”• –‘ „‡ anonymity of several of this article’s Zach Meyers entirely blue and seeing anyone stray sources. If people are afraid, then maybe Matt Shea ADVISER from the Democratic norm is rare. More the environment here at school isn’t truso, this political uniformity extends ly as welcoming and open as we consider Wendy Borrelli NEWS EDITORS past Montgomery County, into Mary- it to be.

Discrimination based on political af- Judith Altneu land state demographics, making me, a left-leaning independent, wonder how Ć¤ÂŽÂ‹ÂƒÂ–Â‹Â‘Â? ‹• –Š‡ •ƒÂ?‡ ĥ ƒÂ?› ‘–Š‡” ˆ‘”Â? Emma Saltzman we possibly came about electing and of intolerance—horrible and unnacept- Emily Speranza reelecting a Republican governor. But able. If we want to encourage diversity Arturo Alipio (online) then again, Larry Hogan is much closer and compromise among people of dif- Aya Hesham (assistant) OPINION EDITORS to the center of the political spectrum ferent beliefs, then we have to not only than he is to the right and is one of the start teaching that open mindedness in Nyomi Fox ˆ‡™ ’‘Ž‹–‹…‹ƒÂ?• ‹Â? ‘Ƽ…‡ –‘†ƒ› ™Š‘ ‹• class, but also train teachers and other Siddharth Srinivasan bipartisan—a disposition that is, unfor- Â•Â–ÂƒĆĄ –‘ ‡š‡Â?’Ž‹ˆ› ‹– ‹Â? –Š‡‹” ‘˜‡”ƒŽŽ „‡- Hannah Markov (online) FEATURE EDITORS tunately, far too rare in today’s govern- havior as well. “During a discussion in [middle] Caeden Babcock ment. However, the increasing party ’‘Žƒ”‹œƒ–‹‘Â? †‘‡•Â?ǯ– Œ—•– ÂƒĆĄÂ‡Â…Â– ’‡‘’Ž‡ school, my sister raised her hand and Stella Hadamer working in the Capitol—it extends its told the teacher that her father dis- Kayla Kahrl (online) agreed with one of the things that peo- Sadie McMullen (assistant) ‹Â?ƪ—‡Â?…‡ ‹Â?–‘ ‡†—…ƒ–‹‘Â?Ǥ ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT According to freshman Moshe Kash- ple were saying,â€? an anonymous junior EDITORS linsky, the AP Government textbook this said. “The teacher said that her father year conveyed a tone that is very anti- was wrong and told her to stand outside Benicio Balignot Israel. Furthermore, he says that the ar- ‘ˆ –Š‡ …Žƒ••”‘‘Â? ™Š‹Ž‡ –Š‡› ƤÂ?‹•Š‡† –Š‡ DeVoncye Freelon Cyiza Andermambia (online) ticles presented in the English progress discussion.â€?

SPORTS EDITORS While it may be impossible to instan…Š‡…Â? ™‡”‡ •‘Ž‹†‹Ƥ‡† ‹Â? Ž‹„‡”ƒŽ ‹†‡ƒŽ• ƒÂ?† †‹†Â?ǯ– ‘ƥ‡” ƒÂ? ‘’’‘•‹Â?‰ ˜‹‡™ ˆ‘” –Š‡ taneously clean up a hostile culture of Ben Files claims and information they presented. “I’m always rightâ€? at WJ, especially if Elijah Kasten An anonymous sophomore also be- certain aspects of the curriculum stem Elana Renbaum CARTOONISTS lieves that the curriculum is intention- from the county, some small but imally leaning left and says that its purpose portant changes can be made. If you’re Nora Talbott is to expose people to certain beliefs and having a discussion with someone who Bradley Woodside –Š—• ‹Â?ƪ—‡Â?…‡ –Š‡Â? –‘ –Š‹Â?Â? ƒ …‡”–ƒ‹Â? you don’t agree with, don’t immediately Izzy Zavareei COPY EDITOR rush to interrupt them and make them way.

Moreover, the 2019-2020 school year feel unwelcome. Pay attention to what Isaac Snow (print) ‹• –Š‡ Ƥ”•– ‹Â? ƒ ™Š‹Ž‡ †—”‹Â?‰ ™Š‹…Š –Š‡”‡ they’re saying, and really try to under- Austin Mucchetti (online) LAYOUT/DESIGN EDITOR is no Young Republicans Club, due to is- stand where they’re coming from. Don’t Rafael Friedlander sues with disorganization. Meanwhile, just hear them—listen.

Marie-Elise Latorre BUSINESS MANAGERS Caeden Babcock Allie Rothman SOCIAL MEDIA/MARKETING Callie Metzman Izzy Zavareei MULTIMEDIA EDITORS Charley Becker Jack Linde (sports) PHOTO EDITORS Lucas Gillespie Rafael Friedlander FILM EDITOR ƒ–› ”Â?†‘”ƥ WEBMASTER Ryan Leal STAFF WRITERS Danis Cammett Jackie Maloney Rebecca Davids Sloane Morra Maram Faragallah Ethan Oyeniyi A.J. Frattarelli Sammy Peterson Alan Gahart Gabe Riveiro Brigitte Kaba Matt Roman Chelsea Laurik Lily Salvatore

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8

Pitch

OPINION

JANUARY 17, 2020

Corruption in MCPS’s grading policy erases disparity

By Nyomi Fox Opinion Editor The application process is a game. Supplements are tedious. No essay can truly reƪ personality or passion. What you’ve just internalized is a brief example of seniors’ complaints as they endure the preentry requirements for college.

Although students burdened

by Common App and Coalition expectations have every right to protest the heavy weight, there’s a corrupting process that must be addressed.

Amidst these valid yet less substantial complaints, one is missing: The grading policy is serving to our detriment.

The luck and external factors ƪ plication process are undeniable, but there’s one thing that holds true—grades do matter.

Why am I making a con ơ monplace knowledge? It is because we, the members of the beloved Montgomery County, are at a stark disadvantage. The grading policy that we hold so dear to our beating heart is jeopardizing our potential success in the realm of college applications. It would appear that boosting what should ǯ ơ ǯ

would place us at the tippitytop of considered applications, but this belief is obliviousness masked by optimism.

GPA disparity evaporates un ƪ Ǥ With the 50 percent rule and completion grades serving as a safety net to students, earning a higher grade is easier than ever. After a quarter of aided efforts, students are free to relax, given the opportunity to earn a letter grade less than their previous quarter without any vis-

ible impact on their semester grade. The students who challenge themselves, refuse to relax, continue to work with the same ethic as they did before, are given no reward. Nada. Nihil. Nothing.

The intentional lack of pluses, minuses and percentages on students’ transcripts fails ƥcers of this corruption that occurred throughout the semester. Montgomery County, as a result, still stands as an apple to

How the Western media distorts Iranian reactions

By Daria London Editor-in-Chief Elvis. Princess Diana. That’s who MSNBC’s Chris Matthews compared General Quassem Soleimani’s death to for the Iranian people.

“It turns out that this general [President Trump] killed was a beloved hero of the Iranian people," he said on his show “Hardball”.

Although Matthews is an extremely idiotic example, it is part of a larger pattern of the western media’s failure to identify propaganda from the Iranian regime. When every cable news channel covers the weeping masses and packed crowds, it gives the Iranian regime legitimacy and paints a false narrative of Iran in hundreds of millions of American’s minds.

While Soleimani is touted as the second most popular man in Iran, he has not only killed hundreds of Americans but also killed thousands of Iranians, including the 1,500 protestors killed and 7,000 others arrested by the security forces, including units of Soleimani’s revolutionary guard.

As for the crowds, many people in Iran truly were mourning Soleimani’s death because of their own extreme views or their belief in propaganda from the regime. But the western media fails to ƥcials were forced to come. The regime ƥ look powerful and meaningful to the people undercutting any images of resentment the west has. Young kids were told to cry or write about how much they loved Soleimani. Shops were shut down and free transportation was provided to draw big crowds in the streets.

The Associated Press predicted that about one million people attended

Solemani’s funeral. Yet, hundreds of thousands were forced or urged by the state to participate. During the protests last fall, millions took to the streets and were shot at under Soleimani’s watch, ơ Ǥ Not to mention the total incompetence of the Iranian military, which acci Ƥ ger plane killing 176 passengers.

In short, the Iranian people don’t love Soleimani. He’s not the cultural equivalent of Elvis; he’s not a martyr. He’s a symbol of silent Iranian descent of their oppressive regime amid the stupidity of the western media. While people in the Ǥ Ǥ

masses shouting death to America further intensifying this Iranian tension, the real story is that many Iranians are glad he is dead. They know their own regime’s extreme policies, evil intentions and oppressive actions that cause sanctions and misery for their people.

So, it’s the ayatollah who should be uneasy in power, hoping that the domestic tensions ease so they don’t lose the power to cause havoc and misery for 83 million people.

I am not arguing that killing Soleimani was a good policy choice within the broader context of the Middle East; however, Soleimani was a true terrorist, not an Iranian hero.

Americans have the right to know the true Iran. The one that doesn’t blindly support the regime, wants democracy and doesn’t hate America. The whole point of the western media reporting in places like Russia, North Korea and Iran is to push past the propaganda and get Americans the true story. In this instance they not only failed to do that, but they also played right into the legitimacy and hands of the regime, warping the American public’s perception.

In Montgomery County, there Ƥ ǡ guishing, no competition. We are competing with identical grades.

If it has not already been assumed of me, I am not a student who neglects personal expectations and enjoys a leisurely second and fourth marking periods. My GPA is therefore respectable, but does this ƪ ơ gic manipulation of the grading policy? To colleges, the answer is unknown, and will remain unknown until some method of distinguishing is implemented into grading policy.

Montgomery County may wince at the idea of incorporating a feature that distinguishes between the aptitude of letter Illustration by Nyomi Fox grades or ridding the system of the country’s eye, consistently ƪ Ǥ producing cumulative 4.0s and so would instill work ethic in weighted GPAs soaring tenths negligent students and reward higher. The Board of Education conscientious students who debasks in their success, while serve collegiate recognition. they disregard that students are I recognize it may seem un ơ Ǥ realistic, as grading policies are In Howard County, semester often determined by individual grades are numerical averages, counties, but there should also derived from each marking pe- be standardization. If a univer Ƥ Ǥ sal grading policy came into In South Newport High School, fruition, comparing students grades are tagged by pluses and from separate high schools minuses, specifying the apti- would be a breeze for admistude of students’ achievements. ƥ Ǥ

2020

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JANUARY 17, 2020

FEATURE

9

Students find success in business world

By Kayla Kahrl Feature Editor

of close to 9,000 on his business account, @design_galaxy.

This growth has allowed him From designing company lo- to reach clients as far as Hong gos to mowing lawns, WJ stu- Kong and Nigeria. In order to dents are doing it all! Amidst progress his business, Casoala piles of homework and proj- stays active on social media, ects these ambitious students improves his skills with the Ƥ - programs he uses and markets es their passionate about and his designs. gain experience in the business Senior Ruben Guevara has world. also started his own business, Senior Oscar Casoala began ơ his graphic design business the ping and selling products onsummer before freshman year line and now helps people after experimenting with vari- with stocks and mutual funds. ous graphic design programs.

Guevara started his business “Prior to starting my busi- as a sophomore with one of his ness I played around a lot with friends. graphic design and my parents “My friend and I wanted to told me I could use the skill Ƥ for something bigger,” Casoala successful in and we found that said. we could be successful in help ơ Ƥ to companies and uses graphic the time drop shipping was also design applications to create very popular,” Guevara said. logos and designs. Casoala does In order to maintain his the majority of his advertis- business, Guevara regularly ing on Instagram and over the changed his shelves for the years he’s acquired a following market, advertised, read about

what interested the population, observed how people reacted ơ Ƥ advisors to gain information.

Guevara is grateful for the experience he’s gained and hopes to continue to use the skills he’s learned to one day start a soccer training company that creates products to prevent injuries.

“I’ve gotten a lot of experience and learned how business works; it’s not easy and it takes a lot of time, you have to be wise with money,” Guevara said.

Another young businessman, junior Kobe Villordo, began his business of selling shoes two years ago after witnessing his brothers Villordo buys shoes and resells them for more money than he originally paid for them. In order to keep his business running, he’s constantly buying new shoes that he thinks his customers will Ǥ Ƥ people working for him and has even sold to some famous cli-

ents.

“I was able to sell a pair of shoes to the rapper Shy Glizzy,” Villordo said.

Villordo loves what he does and plans to continue to manage his business after high school.

Unlike the others who had quick starts, senior Timothy Moore began his business in sixth grade after he and a few friends shoveled 15 walks and used the money to buy a lawn mower. As one of the managers of the business, Moore mows lawns, manages the other workers, creates schedules and advertises by going door to door giving out business cards. The business has been growing. Dz Ƥ only had one client and now we have 11. We even created our own website,” Moore said.

Moore enjoys setting hours and is proud of how far the company has come but doesn’t anticipate that he’ll continue his business into college.

Photo by Jack Linde

Senior Tim Moore mows lawns all around the Kensington area.

His business has grown sig Ƥ Ƥ Ǥ

Teens risk hearing damage Science Olympiad

By Einav Tsach Special to The Pitch

The inner ear contains the cochlea, which contains hair cells responsible for transmitting sound you hear to the brain. They are Brian wakes up for school. He brushes his vulnerable to high volume and long durations teeth, gets dressed and pops in Apple AirPods he of sound. Furthermore, inner ear damage got for Christmas to start the day. He listens to doesn’t heal like the rest of the body, so any his favorite Drake hip-hop album as he eats his damage sustained is permanent and can build daily Lucky Charms. A sophomore at WJ, Brian and worsen. Ƥ Shachar was surprised about the consetoday. He didn’t study. He just wants to get away quences of listening too much and too loudly. from the world. He turns the music up louder “[I’m] kind of worried for myself. I’ll proband lets himself get pulled into the bass and ably listen to lower music,” Shachar vibration in his ears. He does this on the said. bus. And at school. And when he does his Experts have established the 60/60 homework. He even lets himself fall asleep rule, directing individuals to allow in bed while listening. Wake up, repeat. Brithemselves only 60 minutes of music an doesn’t realize he’s constantly putting at 60% volume, as any higher and/ himself in danger. or any longer is dangerous.

Young people everywhere like Brian are Sophomore Evan Maynard estilistening to music for too long at too high mates listening to music for three a volume. In fact, experts at the World or four hours per day, with the volHealth Organization say that 1.1 billion ume near max. When he learned teenagers and young adults are in danger of the distressing consequences, he of losing their hearing because they use was concerned. “personal audio devices” unsafely. One in “I didn’t know that. Now that I Ƥ know I think I’ll probably reform of hearing loss, a rate 30% duce it because I want to higher than it was 20 years ago. be able to hear when I’m Experts believe the recent older,” Maynard said. jump in use of headphones Some students by teens might be a conaren’t as concerned tributor. as Shachar and MayFreshman Yuval Shachar nard. Senior Diya listens to music with Thangada doesn’t headphones during a think she’ll turn lot of her day. the volume “I listen to it on the down. bus and on the way “I would listen to school and on the to music as loud way back. A lot of the as I want because time when I’m at Ƥ home, I’ll be weigh the cons,” listening to it Thangada and my parsaid. ents get mad So what at me becan the cause I can’t teens of tohear them,” day do to Shachar said. avoid this When the worrying music is so possibility high that in their future? you can’t Doctors recomhear others mend that Brian around you and teens like well, experts Photo by Maram Faragallah him keep the say you need Ǥ volume bar to turn it no higher down. than half. Ǥ ǡ Ǥ

prepares for states

By DeVoncye Freelon A&E Editor There is no shortage of intelligent students at WJ, with many of them signed up for clubs to express their scholastic ability. Clubs such as Science Olympiad allow students to compete against many other Montgomery County schools.

The club currently has an average of 70-80 people, but there are some who lack the commitment of attending meetings.

Science Olympiad has a wide variety of events that the club studies, trains, builds and participates in. They participate in events such as building, engineering and studying. They study things from astronomy to birds, chemical labs and circuitry. Each individual event ranges from 8-12 people who consistently participate and work one-on-one with the club’s student executive board.

Most of the time at competitions, the club ranks the teams to see overall how they did as a school. It has consistently been ranked as one of the top teams in the Maryland area. Two years Ƥ states, last year fourth in states and this year they are hoping to Ƥ place.

“Most recently we had a competition at the National Cathedral School in D.C. and we got Ƥ Ǥ were many teams around the D.C. area, but one of the major schools against us was probably Fairfax High School because they’re a fairly strong team, but Ƥ so that was good,” senior Steven Shockley said.

Science Olympiad works ev ơ ing lunch and after school to prepare for their competitions.

Every day, time is set aside to prepare, build or study so they can be 100% certain that they are ready. With the help of their two sponsors, Mr. Eastman and Mr. Menchukov, the members of the club are able to test their knowledge with games and small quizzes made by the leaders of each event.

“I’m the leader of forensics so within my event, I hold a weekly meeting every Tuesday after school and every single week ơ eas of knowledge that you need to know for the event. So sometimes, I’ll give them quizzes ơ ders, sometimes I’ll give them little worksheets or activities to work on vocabulary or the different terms that they need to know, or anything like that. It really depends on what kind of event you have,” senior Marina Smith-Hanke said.

Some of the Science Olympiad members have been involved since their days in middle school and many of the seniors are going to continue on the science track for college.

Even with all of their accomplishments, some of the members feel as if the club is under appreciated.

“I don’t feel like we get the recognition we deserve from the school. I mean last year we didn’t have all that much success; we got fourth at states which isn’t great, but this year Ƥ the season, which is like a me ƥ Ǥ

we keep on winning, then it’ll be really cool if we got recog ǡ Ƥ at least in the top three in the state competition,” senior Matthew Lewton said.

Science Olympiad’s next competition will be Feb. 1 at the University Of Maryland.

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11

Wildcats welcome the new year FEATURE

Out with the old In with the new:

JANUARY 17, 2020

Pitch

JANUARY 17, 2020

Olympics in Tokyo, Japan

366 days of 2020

Student Resolutions

New Years: Would you rather...

Count down from 10 every time you want to talk

“To work harder.�

FEATURE

or

Kiss everyone you meet for a week

-Samar Jahanbin, 11

“My new years reso-

2020 Presidential Election

Make resolutions for yourself

or

Make resolutions for other people

Is 2020 going to be “our� year?

Live 2019 over again

or

Move on to 2020

Give up Snapchat for a year

or

Give up 1HWÂşL[ IRU a year

Go back in time one week

or

Go one day into the future

Total solar eclipse on December 14th

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By Stella Hadamer Feature Editor

“To be more in shape and be more disciplined about my eating habits.�

-Joseph Meyers, 11

“I want to get better at playing songs on the piano.�

-Halle Burns, 10 Photos by Rafael Friedlander

three times faster than the current WiFi 5.

There will also be many greatly anticipated events such as the presidential election and the Olympics in Tokyo. Needless to say, there will As the Zombies once sang, “this will be our year.â€? While this was be something for everyone to look forward to or at least expect in 2020. originally sung in 1968, the sentiment has seemed to hold true as a comforting, yet false, promise year after year. In recent years, this quote Âł,ÂśP UHDOO\ ORRNLQJ IRUZDUG WR WKH HOHFWLRQ , WKLQN ZH FRXOG DOO EHQHÂżW may have become more of a joke than anything as modern times seem from a change in leadership especially with all the political problems that have become a threat to millions of people all over the world,â€? sophomore to disprove that “our yearâ€? will ever come.

Ella Nilsen said.

However, the hope of a bright and prosperous 2020 has Now a days with the internet being an ever present source of information overshadowed past disappointing years. Perhaps it is the start of a and discussion, popular sites such as Twitter and Reddit have gathered new decade or a generational shift, but many optimists have taken to people from all walks of life to come together to exchange views on the internet to share the hope of a bright, successful and somewhat the new year. However, the internet also brings about a darker side to redeeming year. Âł$OWKRXJK WKH ÂżUVW IHZ GD\V RI KDYHQÂśW EHHQ SURPLVLQJ , KRSH WKH XSFRPLQJ \HDU :LWK *HQHUDWLRQ =ÂśV PHPH FXOWXUH DQG GDUN KXPRU overshadowing much of the positivity of the new year, any hope of a that in the next decade the world is going to be able to get past its VXSHUÂżFLDO GLŕľľHUHQFHV DQG EHFRPH XQLÂżHG ´ MXQLRU 6RSKLD /\QFK VDLG decadal change is slowly dwindling. “I feel like just because it's a new decade isn't going to change anything.

However, no one can deny that 2020 is bringing about many new War and climate change don't care if its a new year, so it's really up to us advances including everything from technological developments to to do something about it and I don't see anyone doing anything. I don't H[FLWLQJ QHZ PRYLHV DQG ERRNV $OWKRXJK SUHGLFWLRQV RI À\LQJ FDUV think that change has anything to do with it being 2020 or not,� sophomore DQG WLPH WUDYHO PD\ EH D ELW R྾ LV EULQJLQJ DERXW PDQ\ QHZ Kalkidan Jemere said. technological wonders.

Jokes and memes including ones referencing current political tensions These include advancements in commercial space travel and self and climate struggles dominate much of what the younger population GULYLQJ FDUV DV ZHOO DV -DSDQÂśV DPELWLRXV SODQ WR FRPSOHWH D URERWLF VHHV RQ WKH LQWHUQHW :KHWKHU LW LV WKLV RU VLPSO\ *HQHUDWLRQ =ÂśV QDWXUDOO\ lunar outpost in 2020. The outpost will be built entirely by robots for cynical attitude that is bringing about a harsh change in new year robots. More mundane technology will continue developing such as new 5G technology and WiFi 6 which will be able to download media DVSLUDWLRQV LV GLŕľśFXOW WR GHWHUPLQH

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JANUARY 17, 2020

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JANUARY 17, 2020

A&E

“The Rise of Skywalker� fails to redeem

By Benicio Balignot A&E Editor Like the anticipated and arduous birth of a third child following four years of a boring marriage and disappointing children, “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalkerâ€? debuted in theaters following the catastrophic disaster known as “The Last Jediâ€?. Marred by the failures of –Š‡ ’”‡˜‹‘—• ƤŽÂ?ÇĄ Dz ‹•‡ ‘ˆ Â?›walkerâ€?, while visually extravagant and bodacious, ultimately fails to redeem the Abrams trilogy. ‹”•– ƒÂ?† ˆ‘”‡Â?‘•–ǥ –Š‡ Ƥ”•– ƒ…– ‘ˆ –Š‡ ƤŽÂ? ‹• ”—•Š‡†Ǥ Š‡ plot jumps from destination to destination, skipping key character development and spewing ‘—– ‡š’‘•‹–‹‘Â? ‹Â? ƒÂ? ‡ƥ‘”– –‘ Â?‘˜‡ –Š‡ ƤŽÂ? ‹Â?–‘ ’Žƒ…‡ ˆ‘” –Š‡ ‰”ƒÂ?† ƤÂ?ƒŽ‡ ˆ‘ŽŽ‘™‹Â?‰ ƒŽŽ –Š‡ time wasted in “The Last Jediâ€?.

Director J.J Abrams attempts to rectify the horrid mistakes of his predecessor, Rian Johnson, but it’s simply too little and too late. The movie feels jarring and discombobulating; for the Ƥ”•– Í&#x;Íœ Â?‹Â?—–‡•ǥ ‹– ˆ‡‡Ž• Ž‹Â?‡ ‹– has no clue where it’s going and how to move forward.

Despite this disappointing Ƥ”•– ÂƒÂ…Â–ÇĄ „”ƒÂ?• •–‡‡”• –Š‡ ’Ž‘– back onto course following all of the corrections and retcons Š‡ Â?ƒÂ?ƒ‰‡† –‘ Ƥ– ‹Â?Ǥ Žƒ•Š‡• of George Lucas’ original vision are drawn out by Abrams, be it through the use of practical effects, the Star Wars mythos or grandiose set pieces and action scenes.

Spoilers ahead: One of the most anticipated •…‡Â?‡• ‘ˆ –Š‡ ƤŽÂ?Č„ ‡› ƒÂ?† ›Ž‘ ‡Â?ǯ• ƤÂ?ƒŽ •Š‘™†‘™Â? ‹Â? the ruins of the Second Death Star, does a far better job of respecting the Star Wars universe than Rian Johnson’s infamous –Š”‘Â?‡ ”‘‘Â? Ƥ‰Š– ‹Â? Dz Š‡ ƒ•– Jediâ€?. The overwhelming dif-

ference in power between Ren ƒÂ?† ‡› ‹• ƤÂ?ƒŽŽ› •Š‘™Â?ÇĄ ™‹–Š Ren dominating and controlŽ‹Â?‰ –Š‡ ƪ‘™ ‘ˆ –Š‡ Ƥ‰Š– ™‹–Š his mastery of the dark side of the Force. The setting also adds –‘ –Š‡ Ƥ‰Š–ǥ †”ƒ™‹Â?‰ ˆ”‘Â? „‘–Š the original trilogy and the prequels.Taking place in the aforementioned ruins of the Death Star from “Return of the Jediâ€?, the scene is reminiscent of the duel between Darth Vader and Obi Wan Kenobi from “Return of the Sithâ€?, with the two combatants traversing treacherous terrain, all the while trying to kill the other.

Arguably one of the most visually impressive set pieces in ƒŽŽ ‘ˆ –ƒ” ÂƒÂ”Â•ÇĄ –Š‡ ƤÂ?ƒŽ …‘Â?frontation between Rey and the Resistance against Palpatine and his Final Order feels like a lover letter by Abrams to fans. A massive handcrafted battle be-

–™‡‡Â? ƒ’’”‘š‹Â?ƒ–‡Ž› Í?͢njÍ?ÍŁÇĄÍœÍœÍœ space ships against over a thousand Star Destroyers, this scene is one of the most ambitious to be seen in all of Star Wars.

Juxtaposing this, the apex of –Š‡ …‘Â?ƪ‹…– „‡–™‡‡Â? ‡› ƒÂ?† Palpatine, where she and Kylo ‡Â? ˆƒ…‡ ‘ƥ ƒ‰ƒ‹Â?•– –Š‡ †ƒ”Â? emperor, is satisfying to watch. ‡•’‹–‡ –Š‹•ǥ –Š‡ ƤŽÂ? —Ž–‹mately falters in a lot of areas. As stated before, Abrams spends too much time trying to right the wrongs Johnson did in the previous movie. Due –‘ –Š‡ –™‘ †‹ƥ‡”‡Â?– †‹”‡…–‘rial visions, there’s simply no attachment the viewer has to the characters and plot. Despite the visually grandiose na–—”‡ ‘ˆ –Š‡ Žƒ•– ƒ…– ‘ˆ –Š‡ ƤŽÂ?ÇĄ there’s no emotional ties that the movie can use to amplify it.

As a result, the whole product lacks a soul. Character arcs are

By Siddharth Srinivasan Opinion Editor “The Irishman.â€? It’s like a high school reunion you’d actually want to attend. Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, working together after a ÍžÍ Â›Â‡ÂƒÂ” ÂŠÂ‹ÂƒÂ–Â—Â•ÇĄ ƒŽ‘Â?‰ ™‹–Š Ƥ”•–nj time Scorsese collaborator Al Pacino. It’s a sight to behold.

On paper, it’s quite possibly the ƤÂ?‡•– …ƒ•– ˆ‘” ƒ ‰ƒÂ?‰•–‡” Â?‘˜‹‡Ǥ But how does it hold up to clas•‹… ƪ‹…Â?• Ž‹Â?‡ Dz Š‡ Â‘Â†ÂˆÂƒÂ–ÂŠÂ‡Â”ÇĄÇł “Once Upon a Time in Americaâ€? and “Goodfellas?â€?

Too often do we witness keen, †›Â?ƒÂ?‹… ƤŽÂ?Â?ƒÂ?‡”• „‡…‘Â?‡ blunt with old age. But not Scorsese. In fact, “The Irishmanâ€? just might be Scorsese’s magnum opus. It might even Â„Â‡Č„Â†ÂƒÂ”Â‡ •ƒ› ‹–Ȅ–Š‡ ‰”‡ƒ–‡•– ‰ƒÂ?‰•–‡” ƤŽÂ? ‹Â? Š‹•–‘”›Ǥ Š‡ ƤŽÂ?ÇĄ „ƒ•‡† ‘Â? Šƒ”Ž‡• ”ƒÂ?†–ǯ• Â?‘Â?njƤ…–‹‘Â? „‘‘Â? Dz

Heard You Paint Houses,â€? revolves around mob hitman Frank Sheeran (De Niro) and his relationships with labor —Â?‹‘Â? Ž‡ƒ†‡” ‹Â?Â?› Â‘ĆĄÂƒ Č‹ ƒ…ino) and crime boss Russell Bu-

falino (Pesci).

The performances are breathtaking. De Niro gives his most soulful performance to date; Pacino is captivating; Pesci is quietly chilling, a stark contrast to his almost cartoonish portrayal of Tommy DeVito in “Goodfellas.�

The three leads underwent •‹‰Â?Â‹Ć¤Â…ÂƒÂ?– Â†Â‡ÇŚÂƒÂ‰Â‹Â?‰ ‹Â? ‘”†‡” –‘ play younger versions of their characters. Admittedly, I found it noticeable at times, particularly in their movement. HowÂ‡Â˜Â‡Â”ÇĄ ĥ –Š‡ ƤŽÂ? ’”‘‰”‡••‡† ƒÂ?† the characters aged, the de-aging blended in seamlessly.

An interesting aspect was seeing the character’s age. We see how they evolve, how their relationships develop and how they cope with the choices they Â?ƒÂ?‡Ǥ Š‡ ƤŽÂ? ’Žƒ›• ‘—– ‘Â? •‘ epic a scale that the slow-burn progression of the plot and ƤŽÂ?ǯ• Â–ÂŠÂ”Â‡Â‡ÇŚÂƒÂ?Â†ÇŚÂƒÇŚÂŠÂƒÂŽÂˆÇŚÂŠÂ‘Â—Â” runtime are both deserved.

To supplement the fantastic acting (this includes Ray Romano) and direction, the soundtrack, cinematography

ƒÂ?† ‡†‹–‹Â?‰ ÂƒÂ”Â‡Č„ÂƒÂ• ‹• ‡š’‡…–‡† ˆ”‘Â? ƒ …‘”•‡•‡ ƤŽÂ?Č„Â„Â”Â‹ÂŽÂŽÂ‹ÂƒÂ?–Ǥ Spoilers ahead: Š‡ ƤŽÂ? ‹• ƒ …‘Â?†‡Â?Â?ƒ–‹‘Â? ‘ˆ a passive approach to life. In the Ƥ”•– ÂƒÂ…Â–ÇĄ Š‡‡”ƒÂ? ”‡…ƒŽŽ• Š‹• ™ƒ”time experiences to Bufalino. “From now, whatever happens, happens,â€? he had decided after the war. This unassertive mantra led to Sheeran living his life ™‹–Š‘—– Â?ƒÂ?‹Â?‰ ƒÂ?› •‹‰Â?Â‹Ć¤Â…ÂƒÂ?– choices. That is, until he was forced to. He ambled through life seeking only to be loyal, to follow orders. When the relationship between the mob and Â‘ĆĄÂƒ ‹• „‡›‘Â?† Â”Â‡Â’ÂƒÂ‹Â”ÇĄ ‘Â?Ž› then is Sheeran forced choose Š‹• ˆƒÂ?‹Ž› ‘” ‹Â?Â?› Â‘ĆĄÂƒÇ¤ ‡ picks the former, murdering his best friend.

The decision is one that visibly haunts Sheeran. As he ages, everything he chose to protect is gone. His friends in the mob are all dead. His family has disowned him. He’s all by himself, living the rest of his days as a miserable old man, a shell of Š‹• ˆ‘”Â?‡” •‡ŽˆǤ Š‡ ƤŽÂ?ǯ• ƤÂ?ƒŽ •Š‘–ǥ ™Š‹…Š ‡š‡Â?’Ž‹Ƥ‡• Š‘™

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“The Witcher� brings bingeworthy fantasy world to Netflix

By Cara Demitz Editor-in-Chief

Photo by Rafael Friedlander

The journey to “Rise of Skywalker� began all the way back in 2015 with J.J Abrams’ “The Force Awakens�.

Following it came Rian Johnson’s terrible “The Last Jediâ€?, which has been widely regarded to be the ™‘”•– –ƒ” ƒ”• ƤŽÂ?Ǥ Â?†‹Â?‰ –Š‡ –”‹Ž‘‰›ǥ Dz ‹•‡ ‘ˆ Â?›™ƒŽÂ?‡”dz •‡‡• –Š‡ —Ž–‹Â?ƒ–‡ –”‹—Â?’Š ‘ˆ –Š‡ Š‡”‘‡•Ǥ

either rushed to conclusion, or Œ—•– …—– ‘ƥ …‘Â?’Ž‡–‡Ž› †—‡ –‘ ƒ lack of time.

As a run-of-the-mill Holly™‘‘† •…‹njƤ „Ž‘…Â?„—•–‡”ǥ Dz ‹•‡ ‘ˆ Â?›™ƒŽÂ?‡”dz ‹• ƒ †‡…‡Â?– ƤŽÂ?ÇŁ it has a great score, impressive visuals, and a coherent plot.

However, because it’s linked with one of the most beloved franchises of all time, it just feels disappointing and stale. Š‡”‡ ƒ”‡ •‘ Â?ƒÂ?› †‹ƥ‡”‡Â?– ƒÂ?† unique directions that the trilogy could’ve gone in, but due to Rian Johnson’s need to “subvert expectationsâ€?, the franchise is irrevocably stained. “Rise of Skywalkerâ€?, while disappointing, at least manages to convey some version of the story that Abrams wished to tell, and it’s simply unfortunate that Star Wars fans around the world will never get the chance to see it in all of its splendor.

I heard you paint houses: Scorsese strikes film career gold with his new movie “The Irishman�

Photo courtesy of Petr NovĂĄk, Wikipedia

Robert De Niro gives a performance that is equal parts intimidating and melancholic.

alone Sheeran is as he sits at death’s door, is haunting and depressing; the perfect ending –‘ ƒ Â?‡ƒ” ’‡”ˆ‡…– ƤŽÂ?Ǥ

Š‡ ‡‹‰Š–nj‡’‹•‘†‡ ‡–ƪ‹š original series, “The Witcher,â€? generated a lot of buzz upon release, catching the eye of viewers drawn to dark fantastic ™‘”Ž†•Ǥ Š‡ ‡–ƪ‹š ‘”‹‰‹Â?ƒŽ ‹• an adaption of the book series

by Andrzej Sapkowski. The series stars Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia, a Witcher, which is basically a monster hunter in the fantasy world called The Continent. ‹‰Š– ‘ƥ –Š‡ Â„ÂƒÂ–ÇĄ –Š‡ •‡”‹‡• ‰‹˜‡• ‘ƥ ‘”† ‘ˆ –Š‡ ‹Â?‰•Ȁ Game of Thrones-esque vibes.

For viewers who have never read or heard of the books, the visuals alone are enough to appeal to a fan of the fantasy-adventure genre. Just the trailer ĥ ™‡ŽŽ ĥ ’‘•–‡”• ‘Â? ‡–ƪ‹š ƒ”‡ attention grabbing and draw in viewers.

Â? ™ƒ–…Š‹Â?‰ Œ—•– –Š‡ Ƥ”•– ˆ‡™ episodes, remembering all the names of the characters can be †‹Ƽ…—Ž–ǥ •‡‡‹Â?‰ ĥ –Š‡”‡ ƒ”‡ •‘ many that play crucial roles in the plot. Since The Continent is broken into the Northern Kingdoms and the Southern Empire, grasping who is who and their loyalties is confusing ƒ– Ƥ”•–Ǥ Â‘Â™Â‡Â˜Â‡Â”ÇĄ ‘Â?…‡ –Š‡ ’Ž‘– ”‡ƒŽŽ› –ƒÂ?‡• ‘ƥ ‹– ‰‡–• ‡ƒ•‹‡”Ǥ The story itself is extremely compelling; however, the ini–‹ƒŽ …‘Â?ƪ‹…– ‹• Ž‡ˆ– •Ž‹‰Š–Ž› —Â?said and the viewer may have to do a little research if they have no background knowledge from the book. Without giving away any spoilers, everything gets explained as the storyline continues.

The structure of the story is „ƒ•‹…ƒŽŽ› ‡”ƒŽ– ‰‘‹Â?‰ ‘ƥ ‘Â? †‹ƥ‡”‡Â?– ƒ†˜‡Â?–—”‡• ‡˜‡”› ‡’‹•‘†‡ǥ Š—Â?–‹Â?‰ ƒ †‹ƥ‡”‡Â?– Â?‘Â?ster in each one.While it may •‡‡Â? ƒ– ’‘‹Â?–• –Šƒ– –Š‡ †‹ƥ‡”ent hunts have little impact on each other, they’re continuing story lines with multiple characters and their development.

A young woman named Yennefer is shown growing her powers in the art of magic while also discovering herself.

The show constantly keeps the viewer wanting to press play on the next episode. The complexity of the plot and the spot on casting create a feeling of being immersed in the plot and the show itself. If you’re dedicated enough, it is possi„Ž‡ –‘ Ƥ�‹•Š –Š‡ ‡�–‹”‡ •‡”‹‡• ‹� one sitting, but hour long episodes may make for a day just for The Witcher.

Overall, the show is extremely enjoyable and captivating. The characters are played perfectly (from a standpoint of never having read the book series).

Despite confusing aspects regarding all of the names and intertwined stories, it does an excellent job of creating beŽ‹‡˜ƒ„Ž‡ …‘Â?ƪ‹…–• ‹Â? ƒ …‘Â?’‡Žling world.

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A&E

JANUARY 17, 2020

Ellie Greenberg hits the stage with success

By Sloane Morra ơ Since the age of seven, junior Ellie Greenberg has been expressing herself through her music. Although she has developed a passion for the art of playing instruments, it did not start out that way for Greenberg.

“Getting into music was not originally my decision to be honest! I was around seven when my mom took the liberty of signing me up for piano les Ǥ Ƥ ǡ

averse to the idea and wanted nothing to do with the piano, but my mom had already made up her mind,” Greenberg said.

The piano was Greenberg’s Ƥ ǡ she know that in the near future, she would come across another that would grab her attention. Dz Ƥ strument I picked up after the Ǥ Ƥ regarding which instrument I wanted to play that I made for myself. When I entered my freshman year of high school, I felt like I was ready to push myself beyond my comfort zone,” Greenberg said.

Ƥ guitar in December 2017 and for the next eight months, she worked hard to learn the basic open chord shapes and techniques. In August 2018, Greenberg decided to take her music to the next level and started working with her current

teacher, Manny Bernardo.

“Manny Bernado is really pushing me to meet my full potential. I haven’t looked back since!” Greenberg said.

Greenberg has also improved a lot over the past few months.

“When Ellie started guitar she didn’t know much. She knew a handful of chords and she played them all strangely. Since then she has learned a bunch of scales and how to solo. Her guitar playing has gone from 0 to 60 in the year and a half she has been playing. At the rate she is at, she could go to 1000,” Bernado said.

Deciding to pursue music in ƥ for many, but Greenberg is tak ơ subject.

“I grappled with the thought of pursuing music in my studies during college, but I’m still undecided. I can see myself choosing music as a minor if ơ ǡ ǯ think it would be my focus. In no way do I plan on giving up music anytime soon, but I am looking towards other paths for those four years,” Greenberg said.

Although Greenberg has only performed live on stage twice, she has grown to really enjoy the feeling of being on cen Ǥ Ƥ formed at Howard Theater last spring, and in mid November, she performed at Union Stage in D.C. She performed with her studio, Middleway Music, and played on three songs on a two-

By Aya Hesman Assistant News Editor

Photo courtesy Lauren Greenberg

Greenberg performs at Union Stage with Middleway Music Studio in her second concert ever back in November. Although she had some pre-show nerves, Greenberg felt happy with her performance.

set show.

“A highlight of my Union Stage performance was helping my friend Nick on an original song he wrote. It was pretty special to have a part in helping it all come together,” Greenberg said.

Greenberg’s next performance is located at the Bethesda Blues and Jazz Club. In addition, to

music, Greenberg also has another hobby.

“I am head of writing at WJ’s very own literary publication, Spectator Magazine. Writing has always been a passion of mine and I feel so proud to be part of putting together this meaningful and important student-run project every year,” Greenberg said.

Symphonic director orchestrates musical selections ơ Special to the Pitch Groups of parents swarm into the colossal Walter Johnson auditorium, chattering among Ƥ stage and warm up on their instruments for the music department’s annual winter concert.

One parent sees an old friend in the next row of seats and starts talking about what she did that summer. The slip of paper that was handed to her at the doorway containing the pieces that ơ ƪ ters into the aisle like a piece of garbage. This program may not seem like much to an average spectator but selecting the pieces and their order is one of a music director’s most intricate roles.

“We have to order the pieces strategically so it pulls the audience into the next piece,” Band and Symphonic Orchestra teacher Cristopher Kosmaceski said.

As a public school, Walter Johnson must include it’s instrumental and choral ensembles in county festival which is a graded adjudication of the ensembles’ performance. If the ensembles earn an exceptional grade, they can have the privilege of moving on to state festival which is a statewide adjudication along with other counties in Maryland. After the winter concert, directors got to work selecting pieces to prepare

Senior Gretchen Roa performs at the Winter concert. Roa plays Ƥ Ǥ

Photo Courtesy of LifeTouch

Band and Symphonic Orchestra teacher, Cristopher Kosmaceski conducting the concert on Decmber 12, 2019. Kosmaceski has taught at WJ since 2005.

for these important events.

“There are six factors that I reference when considering a piece: diversity, ability, instrumentation, range, key signatures and the strengths and weaknesses of the ensemble,” Kosmaceski said.

In order to not repeat too many pieces from previous years, the Walter Johnson music directors often visit many ơ new music.

“A lot of music that we come up with are discussed in countywide conferences,” Chorus and Concert Orchestra teacher Kelly Butler said. “However, we also look at music websites and emails from music distributors or even composers to try to get

Spotlight artist of the month Ella Nilsen branches out with digital classes

us to perform their pieces.”

Although there are an unlimited number of pieces to choose from, public school ensembles must follow certain restrictions.

“We are able to perform any piece that appears on the Maryland Music Education Association Graded List which grades ƥ one to six,” Kosmaceski explained. “If we want to perform another piece, we have to send a formal request and have it approved by the county.”

The next step in the selection process is narrowing down all the pieces that have been introduced to the ensemble into the three pieces that will be presented at the festivals.

Photo Courtesy of LifeTouch

In Kosmaceski’s sixth period Symphonic Orchestra class, he allowed his students to choose the pieces through an online survey.

“I like how we picked our own pieces because it allows us to perform music that we are truly passionate about,” sophomore violinist Maris Leese said.

Finally, the directors must order the pieces to appeal to the performers and the audience.

“I always start with an easier piece that the students are most comfortable with so they can ease into the concert,” Butler said. “I also save the most memorable piece for last so the audience leaves with a smile.”

Sophomore Ella Nilsen believes she is the reincarnation of her grandmother who was also an artist. In contrast to the rest of her family, Nilsen resembles her grandmother physically with red hair, blue eyes and freckles. Nilsen also was born on the same day as her grandmother two generations later, Bentley, who was also a full time artist.

Nilsen has always had a love for drawing outside of school, where she used the majority of her free time to draw, craft or paint. At WJ, Nilsen has pursued her passion for digital art and painting.

“I can’t remember a time when I didn’t love art and as I got older, I started to appreciate ơ ǡdz Nilsen said.

While art might not have been her “thing” in elementary school because the lessons made art feel like a chore, she ơ niques that she would not have Ƥ Ǥ Nilsen had always had a passion for traditional drawing and painting, but recently she’s been doing a lot more digital art and it has become one of her favorite types of arts and pass times.

She enjoyed making stilllifes in class based on the same setups but creating one digitally and one traditionally with paint.

“I wasn’t really aware of digital art until I saw it was a class at WJ. None of the rest of the schools I went to had any cool art classes like that. I thought I’d give it a try and I’m really glad I did,” Nilsen said.

Inspiration all around her, Nilsen grew up around very artistic women. Her grandmother’s pieces are all over Nilsen’s home. Her mother and friends also enjoy scrapbooking and Nilsen is constantly around people who are creating some kind of art.

“All the women I grew up with were very artistic, so I guess I just kinda followed their lead,” Nilsen said.

While Nilsen sees doing art in the future, she doesn’t see it as a career. She loves art too much to not continue it, but would rather do it for fun. She does see herself pursuing a career in Ƥ Ǥ “If I had to do art for my career, I know that I wouldn’t enjoy it as much. I don’t ever want art to be something I’m required to do, that takes away the magic for me,” Nilsen said.

“While I don’t wish to pursue art as a future career, I fully intend to keep up my hobby as long as I live,” Nilsen said.

the

Pitch

JANUARY 17, 2020

Why students are deleting social media

By Emma Saltzman News Editor Many adults complain that teenagers are addicted to social media. They rely on it for all of their news, information and communication.

An increasing number of teenagers have made it their new year’s resolution to delete their social media accounts in order to improve their work ethic, mental health and overall well-being.

Social media is becoming increasingly controversial be…ƒ—•‡ ‘ˆ –Š‡ ‡ƥ‡…–• –Šƒ– ‹– Šƒ• Photo courtesy of Flickr had on the mental health of Students across WJ are deleting social media as of late. For those teenagers.

Studies show that social me- that have, they’ve reported that their lives have felt less stressful. dia has led teenagers, especially A common view of social me- back from deleting their social girls, developing problems with body image, comparison to dia by adults is that it is a dis- media is worrying that they will their peers and cyber bullying traction from schoolwork. This feel disconnected. Students does prove to be true in many who have taken a break from to name a few.

The many pathologies of so- classes in school. Teachers •‘…‹ƒŽ Â?‡†‹ƒ †‡ƤÂ?‹–‡Ž› ”‡Žƒ–‡ –‘ cial media have led students to feel that they have a hard time this FOMO. decide to take a break. Quitting grasping the attention of their Dz Š‡ Â?ƒ‹Â? ™ƒ› ƤÂ?† ‘—– social media was a common students when their students about trends or big events was through Instagram,â€? junior New Year’s resolution discussed are staring at their phones.

Students agree that so- ‡Â?—• ÂƒÂ–Â‹Ć¤ÂƒÂ? •ƒ‹†Ǥ Dz Â?Â?‘™

in the hallways of WJ. Students have noticed chang- cial media does distract from sound really Gen Z, but I don’t schoolwork. Deleting social actively check news sites or es since deleting social media. “Sometimes seeing other media has allowed students read the newspaper because I people’s posts on social media to dedicate more time to their usually get my news from social media.� makes me feel jealous, left out, schoolwork.

Deleting social media has its “Because I was less distracted or lowers my self esteem,� junior Victoria Rentsch said. “Not by social media, I was able to pros and cons, but an increasbeing on social media helped complete my homework more ing amount of students are trying it to see what life is like remove those feelings from my quickly,� Rentsch said.

Often, what holds teenagers without it. everyday life.�

S*T*A*G*E* prepares to go “Into the Woods�

By Julia Hananel Editor-in-Chief After a successful run of “The Diary of Anne Frank,�

S*T*A*G*E is moving on to their spring musical “Into the Woods,� the Broadway masterpiece by Stephen Sondheim.

The show merges the plots of several fairy tales, such as Cinderella, Little Red Riding, Rapunzel and Jack and the Beanstalk.

Many cast members agree –Š‡ Â?—•‹… ‹• –Š‡ Â?‘•– †‹Ƽ…—Ž– aspect of the show. The majority of the show’s musical numbers are fast-paced with lots of quickly-sung lyrics. “A lot of the music doesn’t make melodic sense, and there’s very wacky entrances and harmonies,â€? senior Anna Lebrun,who plays Cinderella in the show, said.

Into the Woods is Lebrun’s favorite show, and she’s dreamed of being Cinderella since seventh grade. “I really gravitate towards the role,â€? Lebrun said. “I personally think she’s very spunky and smart and very imperfect. The Šƒ”†‡•– –Š‹Â?‰ ˆ‘” Â?‡ ‹• ƤÂ?†‹Â?‰ ƒ ™ƒ› –‘ Ƥ– –Š‡ ˜‹•‹‘Â? Šƒ˜‡ ‘ˆ Cinderella with the vision everyone has grown up with.â€?

Senior Caroline Wagar, who plays the Wicked Witch, said the cast’s chemistry is tight. “We are not just committed to the show -- we’re committed to each other,� Wagar said. “Because we’re a very close cast, we are really excited to show up to rehearsals every day and work together.�

A&E

15

Pitch picks

Movie of the Issue: 1917

Â? ‡’‹… ™ƒ” ƤŽÂ? ˆ”‘Â? Â?

Sam Mendes, “1917â€? is a tale of two soldiers in World War I sent to deliver a message warning Allied forces of a impending German ambush. Made to appear as one continuous •Š‘–ǥ –Š‡ ƤŽÂ? Šƒ• „‡‡Â? nominated for 10 Academy awards.

Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures

TV Show of the Issue: The Morning Show

Š‹• †”ƒÂ?ƒ ƤŽŽ‡† •‡ries tells the story of two women (Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon) surviving the competitive New York media storm.

The show focuses on the life of the two women both inside and outside of their work environment.

Photo courtesy of Apple Tv+

Song of the Issue:

“Wells Fargo� by J.I.D ft. Buddy, Guapdad 4000 & Earthgang

A part of Dreamville Records, J.I.D. and Earthgang release their feature from “Revenge of the Dreamers III�. The song was produced under the supervision of BET Hip Hop Award winner, J. Cole.

Photo courtesy of Interscope

“The Mandalorian� takes WJ by storm

By Emily Speranza News Editor

Photo by Rafael Friedlander

The cast for WJ S*T*A*G*E* rehearses for their upcoming production, “Into the Woods�. The play, originally written by Stephen Sondeim, is very intensive in vocals, dancing and acting, resulting in the cast needing to work dilligently every practice.

The cast rehearses nearly every day after school, and there are three main types of rehearsal: vocal, character and blocking. Vocal rehearsals are where the cast members learn the songs; blocking rehearsals ƒ”‡ ˆ‘” Ƥ‰—”‹Â?‰ ‘—– Š‘™ –‘ —•‡ the stage -- where the actors •Š‘—Ž† „‡ †—”‹Â?‰ •’‡…‹Ƥ… •‘Â?‰• and the movements they plan on doing. “Character rehearsals mainly consist of us discussing who the characters are, why they’re doing what they are doing, and brainstorming quirks and other Ž‹––Ž‡ –Š‹Â?‰• –‘ ”‡ƒŽŽ› ƪ‡•Š ‘—– and humanize the characters,â€?

Lebrun said.

Stage crew is responsible for •‹‰Â?Â‹Ć¤Â…ÂƒÂ?– ƒ•’‡…–• ‘ˆ –Š‡ •Š‘™ that audience members don’t typically see or realize. Senior Ian Combs is the master electrician and lighting designer, meaning he is responsible for coming up with all the lighting cues for the show. “The challenging thing is trying to bring as much of the script to life as possible with what we have without overworking ourselves. The process of brainstorming the best ways to make the show memorable is a long process,â€? Combs said.

The show will run during the last two weekends of March on Fridays and Saturdays.

One of the biggest hits on Disney+, “The Mandalorianâ€?, premiered on November 12, ͜͞Í?ÍĽÇĄ –Š‡ Ƥ”•– †ƒ› –Šƒ– ‹•Â?‡› launched their new streaming entertainment service. The exciting new series in the Star ƒ”• —Â?‹˜‡”•‡ –ƒÂ?‡• ’Žƒ…‡ Ć¤Â˜Â‡ years after the events of “Re–—”Â? ‘ˆ –Š‡ ‡†‹dzǤ Š‡ Ƥ”•– •‡ƒson has now been concluded, ”‡Ž‡ƒ•‹Â?‰ ‹–• ‡‹‰Š–Š ƒÂ?† ƤÂ?ƒŽ episode recently.

Many WJ Star Wars fans have long anticipated the arrival of the show and were very pleased with the overall acting ƒÂ?† ‡ƥ‡…–• ‘ˆ –Š‡ •Š‘™Ǥ “I bought Disney+ the same day it came out and I couldn’t wait to start watching “The Mandalorianâ€?. I’m a big Star Wars fan and with every episode I fall in love with the show every time,â€? junior Arno Almaliyan said.

The star of the show, Pedro Pascal, best known for his role in Game of Thrones, plays the lead role of “The Mandalorianâ€?, depicting a lone bounty hunter. With this show be…‘Â?‹Â?‰ –Š‡‹” Ƥ”•– ‡˜‡” ÂŽÂ‹Â˜Â‡ÇŚ action TV series, Disney has

invested a lot of time and money into the show, estimated to be about 15 million dollars per episode, making it one of the most expensive TV series’.

Luckily, Disney’s work has paid ‘ƥǥ •‹Â?…‡ Dz Š‡ ƒÂ?†ƒŽ‘”‹ƒÂ?Çł has been in high demand and has earned 40 million “demand expressionsâ€? according to data provided to Observer news by ”‡•‡ƒ”…Š Ƥ”Â? ƒ””‘– Â?ƒŽ›–‹…•Ǥ Š‡ Ƥ”•– •‡ƒ•‘Â? Šƒ• ‡‹‰Š– ‡’‹sodes, and a second season has already been ordered to premiere on Disney+ in late 2020. “I only got Disney+ just to watch the show [The Mandalorian], and it’s really good and so is the storyline, since it has a really great plot,â€? junior Rohan Panigrahi said.

With Disney+ only releasing one episode per week, it keeps fans on their toes and prolongs their subscription to the streaming service. If the popularity of the show continues on this trend, Disney may be able to look forward to the future Star Wars series. “The Mandalorian is such a great show to watch after the latest movie and I really hope the next season is just as good,� sophomore Angelo Mazhandu said.

the

16

Pitch

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Pitch

the

JANUARY 17, 2020

SPORTS

17

Winter sports calendar Ice Hockey

Home against Whitman at Cabin John Ice Rink Photo courtesy of Mackenzie DiLima

Senior Karina Yung hits the ball over the net in the Dig Pink game against Whitman. The game is an anual fudraiser in October to raise awarness for breast cancer.

Athletes give back: â&#x20AC;&#x153;My Cause My Cleatsâ&#x20AC;?

By Elijah Kasten Sports Editor Professional athletes, who are regularly criticized and under pressure, have some of their charitable acts lost and forgotten as they are routinely judged Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x17D;Â&#x203A; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2039;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2019;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â?Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2018;Â? Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; ƤÂ&#x2021;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2020;Ǥ Most people only get to see one side of athletes - their athletic side, watching them perform year-round and getting Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â?Â?Â&#x2018;Â&#x2122; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â? Â&#x192;Â&#x2022; Â&#x192; Â&#x2019;Â&#x17D;Â&#x192;Â&#x203A;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Ǥ Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2019;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2019;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021; tend to overlook is the other side - the Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2C6; Â&#x2019;Â&#x17D;Â&#x192;Â&#x203A;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2018;ĆĄ Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; ƤÂ&#x2021;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2020;ÇĄ Â&#x192;Â&#x2122;Â&#x192;Â&#x203A; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â? Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; hectic life that professional sports creÂ&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Ǥ Many of these charitable acts occur throughout the calendar year but are most noticeable following ThanksgivÂ&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030;Ǥ A well-known charitable act took place throughout week 14 of the NFL season, where hundreds of players showcased their creatively designed football cleats that supported various causes and loÂ&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D; Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2030;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2039;Â&#x153;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2022;Ǥ Â&#x160;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2021;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2013;ÇĄ Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020; Â&#x203A; Cause My Cleats, was initiated back in 2016 and has gained recognition, with all proceeds going to each athleteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021;Ǥ Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2022; Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â? Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2018; Â&#x201E;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2020; Â&#x2018;Â? Â&#x2030;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2021;ÇŚÂ&#x2039;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020;

player cleats to help players raise money Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2039;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;Ǥ â&#x20AC;&#x153;I remember the 2016 season when it started during week 13 and every game would bring new local organizations Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x2026;Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;Ǥ Â&#x2013; Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022; Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2122;Â&#x192;Â&#x203A;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030; to learn about all these causes and how some of the causes connect to players and their lives since they were kids,â&#x20AC;? juÂ?Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â&#x192;Â&#x2026;Â&#x160; Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2022;Â&#x192;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2020;Ǥ Â&#x2018;Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D;Â&#x203A;ÇĄ Â&#x192;Â&#x2022;Â&#x160;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018;Â? Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2022;Â?Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2022; Â&#x2019;Â&#x17D;Â&#x192;Â&#x203A;ers supported causes and organizations Â&#x201E;Â&#x192;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020; Â&#x2039;Â? Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Ǥ Â&#x2018;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2039;Â&#x2021; Â&#x201C;Â&#x2014;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x201E;Â&#x192;Â&#x2026;Â? Â&#x2122;Â&#x192;Â&#x203A;Â?Â&#x2021; Â&#x192;Â&#x2022;Â?Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2022; and defensive end Matt Ioannidis supÂ&#x2019;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020; Â&#x2018;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2C6; Â&#x201D;Â&#x192;Â&#x2019; Â?Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x192;Â&#x17D; Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2021;ÇĄ Â&#x192; Â&#x17D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D; animal rescue organization located in Â&#x2039;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2039;Â&#x192; Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; Ǥ Ǥ Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2022;Â?Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2022; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â?Â?Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x153; Â&#x2122;Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;ÇĄ Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x153;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2013; Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021;Â? Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2022; Â&#x201D;Ǥ Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D; sported cleats representing the Brem Foundation, an organization based in Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2019;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030;ÇĄ Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x203A;Â&#x17D;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; ƤÂ&#x2030;Â&#x160;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030; Â&#x201E;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Ǥ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Many local organizations that were Â&#x2022;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020; Â&#x201E;Â&#x203A; Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2022;Â?Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2022; Â&#x2019;Â&#x17D;Â&#x192;Â&#x203A;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2122;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021; some that I have heard of from living in Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022; Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x192; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â&#x192; Â&#x2122;Â&#x160;Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Ǥ Â&#x2013; Â&#x2122;Â&#x192;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2018;Â&#x17D; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021; Â&#x160;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2122; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2021; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2C6; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x201E;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013; Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026; ƤÂ&#x2030;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022; have a relationship with some smaller,

more local organizations,â&#x20AC;? junior Evan Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x160;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â? Â&#x2022;Â&#x192;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2020;Ǥ Players like cornerback Quinton Dunbar showcased cleats promoting national causes like the National Alliance on Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D; Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D;Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2022;Ǥ As the range of organizations expands throughout the NFL, more causes are drawing support from fans across the Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x201D;Â&#x203A;Ǥ Â&#x2018;Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D; Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2030;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2039;Â&#x153;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2022; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2019;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;ƤÂ&#x2013; regionally are now seeing prosperity Â&#x2C6;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â? Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2030;Â?Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â? Â&#x192;Â&#x2026;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Ǥ Ǥ Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020; Â&#x192;Â&#x2022; Â&#x192;Â? Â&#x2039;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2021;Â&#x192; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2019; Â&#x2026;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;ate a platform for athletes to tell their stories, has been going strong for three years and has developed into something that players and fans look forward to Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â&#x2026;Â&#x160; Â&#x203A;Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Ǥ Â&#x2022;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2022; Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x201E;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; the community in the past with events that have not only raised money, but Â&#x192;Â&#x2122;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2022; Â&#x192;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2122;Â&#x2021;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D;Ǥ Dig Pink, an annual event held by girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; volleyball raises money through Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026;Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2022;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;ÇĄ Â&#x192; Â&#x201D;Â&#x192;ĆŤÂ&#x2021; Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x201E;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2021; Â&#x2022;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2039;Â? Â&#x2022;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2C6; Â&#x201E;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2026;Â&#x160;Ǥ In recent years, baseball has raised Â?Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x203A; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2122;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2122;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2019;Â&#x2021;cial Olympics Maryland, participating Â&#x2039;Â? Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x192;Â?Â?Â&#x2014;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D; Â&#x2019;Â&#x2018;Â&#x17D;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D; Â&#x201E;Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2019;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2014;Â?Â&#x2030;Â&#x2021;Ǥ

Rec sports provide a competitive balance Â&#x203A; Â&#x160;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x192;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2018;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2018;Â?

Editor-in-Chief Â&#x17D;Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2030;Â&#x160; Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x2022; Â&#x192; Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x203A; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2022; Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;letic environment, with many students playing for the school and other intense travel or club teams, there is also a great Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2026;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x192;Â&#x17D; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2019;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021;Ǥ Â&#x2021;Â&#x2026; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022; Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021; Â&#x192;Â? Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2013;Â&#x201D;Â&#x192;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021; Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â?Â&#x192;tive for students who are still seeking to continue their athletic careers, albeit Â&#x192;Â&#x2013; Â&#x192; Â&#x2022;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2030;Â&#x160;Â&#x2013;Â&#x17D;Â&#x203A; Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2022; Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021;Â&#x17D;Ǥ Â&#x2013;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022; participate in rec sports for a multitude Â&#x2018;Â&#x2C6; Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2022;Ǥ Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2021; Â?Â&#x192;Â&#x203A; Â&#x152;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2122;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2013; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2030; out with friends a little more, some may Â&#x2122;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2013; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013;Â&#x192;Â&#x203A; Â&#x2019;Â&#x160;Â&#x203A;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D;Â&#x203A; ƤÂ&#x2013; Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2021; Â?Â&#x192;Â&#x203A; be serious athletes playing a secondary Â&#x2022;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2021; Â&#x2021;Â&#x161;Â&#x2013;Â&#x201D;Â&#x192; Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026; Â&#x2013;Â&#x201D;Â&#x192;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030;Ǥ Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022;ÇĄ Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;ÇŻÂ&#x2022; Â&#x2026;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013; Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2026; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022; Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021; Â&#x192; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2030; Â&#x2019;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021; Â&#x192;Â&#x2013; ÇĄ Â&#x2019;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030; students with the thrill of competition while emphasizing the aspect that can sometimes get lost in organized sports: Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2014;Â?Ǥ Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â&#x192;Â&#x2026;Â? Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018; Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x2022; Â&#x201E;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021;Â? Â&#x2019;Â&#x17D;Â&#x192;Â&#x203A;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030; Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2026; Â&#x201E;Â&#x192;Â&#x2022;Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013;Â&#x201E;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â?Â&#x2018;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2C6; Â&#x160;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022; Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2021;Ǥ Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2019;Â&#x17D;Â&#x192;Â&#x203A;Â&#x2022; Â&#x17D;Â&#x192;Â&#x2026;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021; Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x2030;Â&#x2018;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2C6; Â&#x192;Â&#x2013; ÇĄ Â&#x201E;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D; ƤÂ?Â&#x2020;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2021; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2026; Â&#x201E;Â&#x192;Â&#x2022;Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013;Â&#x201E;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D;Ǥ Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â&#x192;Â?co, rec sports are a nice change of pace from the more intense atmosphere that comes with his lacrosse and golf trainÂ&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030;Ǥ Dz Â&#x2021;Â&#x2026; Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022; Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2122;Â&#x192;Â&#x203A;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2014;Â? Â&#x201E;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013; Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2022; me to have fun and I get to be somewhat Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021;ÇĄ Â&#x201E;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2013; Â?Â&#x2018;Â&#x2013; Â&#x192;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021; Â&#x192;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2026;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201E; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2022;ÇĄÇł Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2022;Â&#x192;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2020;Ǥ But rec basketball is not just merely a fun activity for Danco, it also provides Â&#x201E;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2021;ƤÂ&#x2013;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022; Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;ÇŻÂ&#x2022; Â?Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2022;

Â&#x192;Â&#x201E;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2013;ÇĄ Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2021; Â&#x17D;Â&#x192;Â&#x2026;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021;Ǥ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Playing rec basketball allows me to Â&#x2030;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2039;Â? Â&#x2022;Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2021;ÇĄÇł Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2022;Â&#x192;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2020;Ǥ Dz Â&#x2014;Â?Â?Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; ĆŞÂ&#x2018;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2039;Â? Â&#x201E;Â&#x192;Â&#x2022;Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013;Â&#x201E;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D; Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2021; Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â? Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D;Â&#x203A; Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2019; Â?Â&#x2021; Â&#x2122;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x160; Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2020;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021;Ǥdz Â&#x2021;Â&#x203A;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x2019;Â&#x160;Â&#x203A;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D; Â&#x201E;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2021;ƤÂ&#x2013;Â&#x2022;ÇĄ Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018; Â&#x201E;Â&#x2021;lieves that rec basketballâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more relaxed environment improves his overall attitude and temperament during athletic Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2019;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â?Ǥ â&#x20AC;&#x153;I can learn when to focus and when to Â&#x17D;Â&#x192;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2030;Â&#x160; Â&#x192; Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2013;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;ÇĄÇł Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2022;Â&#x192;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2020;Ǥ Part of why rec sports are so popular Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2030; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022; Â&#x192;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022; Â&#x201E;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2C6; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x201E;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2022;Â&#x203A;ÇĄ Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026; Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2C6; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x192;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2022;Ǥ Â&#x2026;Â&#x160;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2018;Â&#x17D;work, extracurriculars and jobs can leave Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2013;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2021; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â?Â&#x2014;Â&#x2026;Â&#x160; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2C6; Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x203A;Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030; Â&#x2021;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021;Ǥ Â&#x2C6; a student does want to continue to play Â&#x2022;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022;ÇĄ Â&#x2022;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022; Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2026; Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x201E;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â?Ǥ â&#x20AC;&#x153;I really love playing soccer but I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a lot of time on my hands,â&#x20AC;? senior Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2026; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2019;Â&#x17D;Â&#x192;Â&#x203A;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022; Â&#x192;Â&#x2122;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x203A; Â&#x2022;Â&#x192;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2020;Ǥ Dz Â&#x2018; Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2026; Â&#x2122;Â&#x192;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2019;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2019;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021;Ǥdz Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;ÇŻÂ&#x2022; Â?Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013; Â&#x192;Â&#x2122;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x203A;ÇĄ Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2021; Â&#x192; Â&#x17D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2013; of young athletes, did experiment with more intense advanced leagues, but found the rec experience to be more fulƤÂ&#x17D;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030;Ǥ â&#x20AC;&#x153;In middle school, I joined a classic team which was fun for awhile, but in the end I realized I had a lot more fun Â&#x2018;Â? Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2026; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â?ÇĄÇł Â&#x192;Â&#x2122;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x203A; Â&#x2022;Â&#x192;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2020;Ǥ Like Danco, Cawley is also a serious Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;ÇĄ Â&#x2122;Â&#x160;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022; Â&#x192; Â&#x2019;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2C6; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2026;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2122; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â?Ǥ Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022; Â&#x201E;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2021;ƤÂ&#x2013;Â&#x2022; Â&#x201E;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021;Â? Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2026; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2018;Â? Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026; Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Ǥ â&#x20AC;&#x153;A huge part of soccer and crew is Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2122;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â?Ǥ Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve learned the importance

Friday, Jan. 24th at 10 PM

Swim & Dive Meet against Churchill at Kennedy Shriver Aquatic Center Saturday, Jan. 18 at 9:15 AM

Indoor Track MCPS Indoor Track & Field Championship At Prince Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sports and Learning center Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 2:30 PM

Boys Basketball Away against BCC Friday, Jan. 17 at 7:15 PM

Girls Basketball Home against BCC Friday, Jan. 17 at 7:15 PM Â&#x160;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â&#x201E;Â&#x203A; Â&#x160;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x192;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2018;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2018;Â?

Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â&#x192;Â&#x2026;Â? Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018; Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2021; ĆŞÂ&#x203A; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â? Â&#x2020;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2019;Ǥ Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018; Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x2022; Â&#x201E;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021;Â? Â&#x2019;Â&#x17D;Â&#x192;Â&#x203A;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030; Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2026; Â&#x201E;Â&#x192;Â&#x2022;Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013;Â&#x201E;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021; Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2122;Â&#x192;Â&#x2022; Â&#x203A;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â?Â&#x2030; Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x17D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â&#x2022;Â&#x203A;ÇŚ going environment.

of working together and trusting the Â&#x2018;Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2030;Â&#x2039;Â&#x201D;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2018;Â? Â&#x203A;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â?ÇĄÇł Â&#x192;Â&#x2122;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x203A; Â&#x2022;Â&#x192;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2020;Ǥ In an age where youth sports are getting more and more intense, rec sports Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D; Â&#x2019;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2039;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2122;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Ǥ Â&#x2013;ÇŻÂ&#x2022; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â?Â?Â&#x2018;Â? Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â?Â&#x2039;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2018;ĆĄ Â&#x2019;Â&#x17D;Â&#x192;Â&#x203A;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030; Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2026; sports, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s abundantly clear that they still hold value for older teens as Â&#x2122;Â&#x2021;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D;Ǥ Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2C6; Â&#x192; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x192;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â? Â&#x201E;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2022;ful, but rec sports provide an outlet for students to get away from their worries and bond with friends over a shared, fun Â&#x2021;Â&#x161;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021;Ǥ

Wrestling Home against Clarksburg Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 6:30 PM

Bocce Away against Churchill Wendesday, Jan. 22 at 3:30 PM

Pitch

the

18

SPORTS

JANUARY 17, 2020

Basketball looks to rebound after shaky start School, Hackmann scored 15 points on four three-pointers and free throws.

The need for Hackmann was obvious, as the team was struggling to come toAfter a rocky start, the girls’ varsity gether and not play as individuals.

“Right now we are very inconsistent in basketball team continues to struggle to terms of the product that we put on the connect with each other on the court.

The Wildcats have a record of 5-4, in- ƪ Ǥ ǡ cluding a game with a 42 point win and but we’re not consistent and we haven’t really gelled as a team,” Campbell said. many tight scoring losses.

To help combat this, the team will put As predicted by coach Jason Campbell, junior Leah Assaker continues to an emphasis on preparation for games, have a standout season, contributing Ƥ Ǥ at least 18 points in six of her last sev- when teams look back at videos of their en games. Against Seneca Valley High previous games to see any errors in their School, Assaker dropped 27 points out plays, mistakes on the court, or to learn about their opponent’s game plans. of her team’s 68.

“We have been working towards being “Leah Assaker is huge, she is a big ǡ ơ more consistent in what we do well as a defensively, so we certainly need her to team, but are still struggling to improve perform well in order to have chances in in some areas,” Assaker said. “I think that we will constantly be getting better big games,” Campbell said.

Assaker does not take her coach’s as the season goes on and we are able to focus on improving certain aspects of praises lightly.

“It is great to be a valued member of how we play.”

The Wildcats take the court against the team and I feel like it allows me to contribute to the team’s morale and be- the BCC Barons tonight at 7:15 p.m. ing a leader of the court,” Assaker said.

A new contributor to the team is Boys: Hoping for progress after sophomore Alexa Hackmann, who was rough start to season recently pulled up to the varsity squad from the junior varsity team in mid- By Ethan Oyeniyi December. ơ “We were really struggling in terms of The boys’ basketball season is well our outside shooting and she was really ƪ ȑ ǤȒ underway and so far they are in a neuplayer on JV and we’ve known that for tral position. They are 5-4 after games some time, she really could have started against Quince Orchard, Rockville, on varsity, but she’s really proven herself Wheaton, Northwood, Churchill, Gaithto step up. So at this point not only is she ersburg, Seneca Valley, Einstein, Wooton varsity, but she’s starting on varsity,” ton and BCC. There are 11 games left in the regular season and the players are Campbell said.

In a game against Rockville High eager to conquer the division. The time

Girls: Working towards consistency

By Elana Renbaum Sports Editor

Photo courtesy of LifeTouch

Sophomore Alexa Hackmann lines up for a free throw. Hackmann, formally on JV, has since proved herself on the varsity squad.

to improve their game is now, and they will do everything in their power to win their upcoming games.

To start the season, the boys were defeated by the Gaithersburg Trojans by ͤ͜Ǧͣ͜Ǥ ǡ where progress was needed when it comes to playing in games. This led to another win against Quince Orchard, 69-64. To follow up that win, they come out on top against Rockville High School 64-50 at the home opener. Unfortunately for the Wildcats, just a little over a week after the game, they lost against Seneca Valley 66-69. Dz ơ pretty good. The games really showed us where our strengths and weaknesses are. Now we just need to resolve those Ƥ for the season,” junior forward Liam Levine said.

The boys conquered their next game against Northwood 59-56, but lost to

Churchill, 79-60. Dz ǡ Ƥ better, but it could also be worse. Every game we go out and play our best, and the unfortunate losses just show us where we need to improve,” senior Kai Holloway said.

The boys redeemed their loss against Churchill with back to back wins against Wheaton and Einstein , by scores of 6644 and 66-31. Less than a week after, their streak came to an end as they lost to Wootton by one point.

“I think over time we will be able Ƥ Ǥ Mainly we need to work on defense and communicating more on the court,” junior Bradley Abrams said.

With ample time left in the season, the boys still hope to reach their goals of making it to States. They know the areas Ƥ and are hopeful that in doing so they Ƥ ơ Ǥ

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JANUARY 17, 2020

SPORTS

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Sophomore Clara Abdelmalek (sixth from left) rows with her team in a race during a regatta. Like most athletes, Abdelmalek takes care of her mental and physical health so she is able to excel in her sport and push her limits.

Students take care of mental and physical health in sports

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Senior Jomel Velasquez rolls the ball in hopes of scoring a point for his team. As a returning player, Velasquez has lead the new players.

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Sports

What’s Inside Boys’ and girls’ mid season basketball updates

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Athletes focus on mental and physical health JANUARY 17, 2020

Athletes o f the issue: Transfers elevate boys’ basketball An athletic and life reset:

By Sammy Peterson ơ Senior Mikel Fornwald, a newcomer to Walter Johnson, has quickly become one of the anchors of the boys’ varsity basketball team.

“He’s willing to do whatever it takes for the team to Ǥ ơ ǡdz head coach Kevin Parrish said.

Fornwald, who is 6’1’’, grew up in Philadelphia. Spe Ƥ ǡ ǡ ơ pared to Bethesda. Dz ǯ ơ Ǥ ǯ and crime. It’s a better atmosphere here,” Fornwald said. “In Philly, it’s more like dog-eat-dog. You’re out for yourself.” Ƥ rived at WJ was that many students have cars. In Philly, he says, students take buses and trains until they’re through college. Nobody has money for cars and other luxuries.

“It keeps me humble and makes me appreciate where I come from and why I’m doing what I do,” Fornwald said.

Fornwald didn’t start his sports career playing basketball. When he was 11, Fornwald started playing football with the “Pop Warner Little Scholars,” the largest youth football organization in the U.S. He continued playing football as a quarterback until he fractured his jaw when he was 15.

Fornwald’s delve into sports came during a tumultuous period in his life.

“I got kicked out of school in fourth grade and got sent to a disciplinary school. I was in a disciplinary school from sixth grade to eleventh grade,” Fornwald said. “I was supposed to stay there for 30 days, but I Ƥ Ǥdz Fornwald moved to Bethesda to reset his life. Dz ǯ ȑ ơȒǡ ǯ ǡ Ƥ ures, nobody to show you the way or help you maneuver,” Fornwald said. “It was hard just being there and surviving everyday by myself and with my mom.”

Fornwald already had an aunt who lived in the area near Walter Johnson, so when he and his mom decided

Dual sport athlete from a crosstown rival:

By Daria London Editor-in-Chief

As the son of a former NFL player, athleticism is practically in senior Kai Holloway’s blood. The transfer from Walt Whitman High School plays on both the varsity football and basketball teams.

Holloway admits he originally thought the team chemistry and connection in football and basketball would be worse than what he experienced at Whitman, but he has come to think of his WJ teammates as family.

As for the student section, Holloway says WJ is simply much better than Whitman.

“More people want to come to games, more people stay the whole game and don’t just leave at halftime.

Over at Whitman, people were leaving at halftime,” Holloway said.

For the current basketball season, Holloway says the team has a lot of work to do. Varsity coach Kevin Parrish says the experience he adds makes the turn around from losing 10 seniors from last year easier.

[He] brings a lot of experience and athleticism and toughness that has made our team a lot better. He understands what it takes to win and he’s just brought that mentality to the team,” Parrish said.

Holloway thinks that the team welcomed him and teammate senior Mikel Fornwald, also a transfer, with open arms.

One teammate in particular has transformed Holloway’s athletic and social experience at WJ. Senior Josh Forburger, quarterback on football and forward

that it was time to change scenery, he moved here.

“There’s a lot more people willing to see you suc Ǥ ǯ Ƥ Philly,” Fornwald said.

With all of the changes in his life, “sports keep me level,” Fornwald said.

After Fornwald fractured his jaw, he switched to basketball. He’s been in love with the game ever since.

“When I got to high school and started basketball, I had to get good grades and maintain good grades to [continue] to play,” Fornwald said. ǡ Ƥ ơ moment, it’s basketball that grounds him.

“If I don’t turn in work, that’ll bring my grade down.

Then I got to get it together,” Fornwald said.

Shortly after moving to Bethesda in 2019, Fornwald, a point guard and a shooting guard, played with some of his varsity teammates during the summer.

When the school year started and the rest of the team came together, Fornwald quickly emerged as a leader.

Coach Parrish stressed that while Fornwald played in the summer and met a few of his teammates, he did not know most of the team heading into the season.

“In practice, when it seems like guys are not having the best practice, he’ll try to push the other guys to work harder. He’s very competitive and wants to win,” Parrish said.

“He’s a great player and teammate, genuinely a nice person, and a great competitor,” Chris Doughtery, a junior who plays on the varsity team with Fornwald, said.

Fornwald attributes his role as a leader to his days as ǡ ơ highly competitive environment.

“It was a lot of competition. Moreso than out here.

A lot of people out here are more fundamental. But in Philly you got more urban type play,” Fornwald said.

The urban sports culture shaped Fornwald into the player he is now.

“I’ve always had this leadership mentality. I want to win and I want to see everybody else win. So anytime I get a chance, I tell [my teammates] to keep working, keep pushing,” Fornwald said.

Fornwald’s dedication to the team is not missed by on basketball, knew Holloway, a guard on basketball and a wide receiver and safety on football, prior to his transfer.

“We already had chemistry. Quarterback receiver chemistry which is what you need. We’ve always been playing together,” Holloway said.

Forburger and Holloway have been playing football ƪ played basketball together as well.

“Kai and I have really good chemistry as a quarterback and receiver because we have played together for so long. Kai has impacted football and basketball this year a lot because he is such a good athlete and is able ơ both sports,” Forburger said.

Senior Stephen Hairston, also a wide receiver, acknowledged the importance of having good quarter Ǧ ơ Forburger and Holloway have just that.

“They get along with each other really well. They both help each other out. It makes the team work better when both of them are having good days with each other.” Hairston said. Ƥ ͣ͟͝ ǡ Ƥ ǡ an integral part of the historic football success. Holloway also starred defensively as a safety with several interceptions over the course of the season. He has played both sides of the ball his entire life.

“This was probably one of the best seasons I’ve had in football. It was good to bring back the football program at this school,” Holloway said.

Holloway plans to play football in college but is unsure where yet. However, one thing is clear: Holloway will be a formidable talent no matter where he goes.

Mikel Fornwald,12

Photo courtesy of Daryl Vaca

his coach. Dz ǯ Ƥ ǡdz Ǥ Dz much,” he added with a chuckle.

Parrish spoke to the fact that in one game, Fornwald can hit three or four three-pointers and put up a Ǥ ơ ǡ ǯ any points, but will get 14 rebounds.

When asked about his plans beyond high school, Fornwald says if he’s given a chance to further his basketball career, he wants to play overseas.

“But, as far as careers in general, outside sports, I want to go to college and major in early childhood education or physical education,” Fornwald said.

Kai Holloway,12

Photo courtesy ofDaryl Vaca