The Pitch Issue 5 19-20

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The Pitch

Walter Johnson’s Student Newspaper

Walter Johnson High School

Volume 65, Issue 5

February 14, 2020

6400 Rock Spring Drive, Bethesda, MD 20814

Classes clash in Clash of Classes Freshman Jacob Oshinsky attempts a shot in the obstacle course. When asked what he most enjoyed at Clash of Classes, Oshinsky said, “Spending time with friends and trivia.”

S e n i o r s S a r a h O’Donnell, Kayla Kazemzadeh, and Meghan Rinehart welcome everyone to Clash of Classes, which pits the grades a g a i n s t each other in friendly games of trivia, soccer, dodgeball and basketball.

Junior Caylah Kang completes a throw during the dodgeball competition portion of Clash of Classes. The juniors beat the combined team of freshman and seniors. “It was a fun experience to go against the other classes,” Kang said. Photos by Lucas Gillespie and Judith Altneu

WJ and B-CC tensions ignite in brawls

@TheWJPitch

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Sports Relive the BCC and WJ rivalry in timeline form

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By Emily Speranza News Editor On Feb. 7, due to countywide push from students and parents, Montgomery County Public Schools released a “comprehensive plan” that will help address hate and bias across all MCPS schools. The county released several initia ǡ Ƥ being the availability of mental health services for students who have been victims of hate or bias. Students and parents will now be able to report these incidents of discrimination or bullying in an online form within the next few months, according to Deputy Superintendent of MCPS schools, Monifa B. McKnight. “We don’t want there to be anything that impedes students and parents and community members to be able to report,” McKnight said. “Having this process online as a reporting system will allow us to create the opportunity of access.” Due to the rise of incidents involving bias across the country, such as swastikas being drawn on school property at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School and Silver Creek Middle School it has been brought to the attention of MCPS Acts that are considered biased or hateful can be based on a person’s race, ancestry, religion, sex, gender identity, socioeconomic status, immigration status or marital status, McKnight said. “I have seen hate bias with my own ǯ Ƥ should be dealt with,” junior Samar Jahanbin said. A $110,000 grant was given to MCPS from the Maryland State Department of Education in order to help with the plans of Project Interrupt, a training ơǡ members of the community that will teach them how to prevent and respond to these incidents. ơ ǯ ƥ review the data about bias incidents and propose actions that can be taken to respond to them. MCPS policy says “discrimination in any form will not be dz ơ school district can educate students about these hate/bias concerns. “I have been bullied pretty badly in the past because of the color of my skin. I’m really glad that now people can have the chance to report this kind ơǡdz said. Photo courtesy of Flickr

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Black icons of pop culture

Photo courtesy of Xan Korman

The fatal response to the Coronavirus

basketball game on Friday, Jan. 24 as a ƪ Ǥ to prevent altercations, the game was moved to the afternoon and WJ security and administration teams set in place strict security measures. “[The police presence was] unnecessarily overwhelming, [there were] like 20 police cars, too many cops in bullet proof vests,” junior Arun Sen said. The game was relatively tame, especially due to many of the upperclassmen being gone for their Canada skiing trip. Nonetheless, the underclassmen-dominated student section helped cheer the Wildcats to a landslide victory, 71-47. The Wildcats kept a lead throughout the duration of the game. Ƥ ǡ and cheering was respectful and controlled. Tensions between the two schools have calmed since the games, but there is no doubt that this age-old school rivalry has reached a new level.

A&E Photo courtesy of Flickr

Photo courtesy of Pixabay

Opinion

was intense, with the Wildcats taking an early lead, but as the game went on the Barons caught up. Cheering inten Ƥ ǡ across the student sections. Dz Ƥ ǡ could hear people saying F-WJ, F-BCC,” junior Enzo Molina said. The Wildcats fell to the Barons 59-58. Students from B-CC stormed the court, with both sides taunting each other and getting close. Everyone rushed out the same doors to the parking lot, and chaos ensued. “A mass of kids, there [were] people everywhere, colliding,” an anonymous senior said. Student-on-student violence was rampant across the B-CC campus as many students were spotted in brief skirmishes. “One of their guys just completely socked my friend in the face,” an anonymous senior said. Students looked to the boys’ varsity

the

By Emma Saltzman and Danis Cammett News Editor d t ơ riter In recent weeks, the WJ/B-CC rivalry came to a head in a series of vandalism Ƥ boys’ varsity basketball game that led to three B-CC students being arrested and thousands of dollars worth of damage at both schools. Although the rivalry is known to be intense, many didn’t expect this outcome. Tensions began to rise on Jan. 14, when WJ students walked into school to notice that their beloved senior shed had been spray-painted over by B-CC grafƤ Ǥ such as “roll barons” and “sad cows.” WJ students retaliated the next day, allegedly spray-painting obscene messages on the sides of the building, near the entrance and on their electronic sign. Ƥ Ƥ two schools before the game. The game

MCPS addresses hate and bias

Feature Check out local allergy friendly restaurants

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@HumansOfWJ

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NEWS

FEBRUARY 14, 2020

New turf field inconveniences students By Aya Hesham Assistant News Editor MCPS authorized a $700k project to replace the Ƥ Ǥ ƥ ǡ ͜͝Ǧ Ǥ ͜͜͞͞ǡ Ǥ ǡ Dz ǡdz Ǥ Dz ǡdz Ǥ ǡ Ǥ ǡ Ƥ Ǥ ǡ Ǥ ơ Ǥ Ǥ Dz ǯ Ǥ ǯ ǯ ǡdz Ǥ ǡ Ǥ Ƥ Ǣ ǡ Ǥ Ǥ

Construction workers discuss the next step in replacing the turf. In the meantime, the stadium is closed until the Ƥ Ǥ ǡ ơ Ǥ

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Upperclassmen hit the slopes Media Center Corner

taơ riter ǡ ǡ ͞͠Ǥ ǡ Ǣ ǡ Ǥ ǯ Ǥ ͝͡Ǧ Ǧ Ǣ ǡ Ǥ ǡ Ǥ ǡ Ǥ Ǥ ski passed their time at restau ơ Ǥ Ǥ Dz Ǥ ǡdz Ǥ ǡ Ƥ Ǧ ǡ Ǥ

Did you know that the h Media Center:

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• Has lots of books, including test prep books, core books and fiction titles available on Overdrive (SORA app) that you can download and read on your own device, plus it returns them automatically, so no more overdues. • Lets you check out Chromebooks overnight and over the weekends -Just get a permission slip from the media center staff and have it signed by your parents to start having access • Has lots of databases, Ebooks, and other online resources that you can use to help meet your research needs • And of course, books -Fiction -Non Fiction -Test Prep -College and Career -Graphic Novels and Manga You can also • Ride exercise bikes while you work or read • Play with an assortment of games • Use the lego table • Finish the sticker poster • Color on the coloring table • In March, participate in our Book Face Contest! Keep your eyes and ears open for information!!!

Keep your eye on this space in the future for Highlighted Resources and Databases!

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OPINION

FEBRUARY 14, 2020

Z oning in

Desensitized by meme culture A column by Nyomi Fox Opinion Editor Our nation displays no shortage of ƪ ǡ national. Awareness of these issues should burden those who are knowledgeable, even in the slightest. Gen Z’ers, however, ignore the socially acceptable responses - you know, panic or fright - and instead laugh. Widespread desperation for online validation, whether it takes the form of likes, comments or reposts, has desensitized our generation’s responses to devastating occurrences. The military draft jokes that spoiled Twitter like bird poop on a public bench frustrated me to no avail. It’s not that I expected @All_Cake88 to draft a proposal for a peace treaty, but reacting ơ captioned, “Me dodging Iran’s bullets” launches immaturity to another realm. Even Buzzfeed, a rather informal news source, was taken aback, titling an article, “The Threat Of World War III Has Become A Meme And No One Knows How To Feel About It.” Professional comedians embody the theory that—on occasion—humor is a useful coping mechanism. Sometimes recognizing the downward spiral that we occupy is overwhelming. The satirical op-eds mocking Donald Trump that saturate the Washington Post will never fail to make me smirk, even if it’s a reminder that our country is ruled by a tyrannical imbecile. But completely replacing any morsel of sensitivity with an attempt at mediocre humor is gravely disappointing. Our generation does not use memes to aid those grieving. The “humor” is backed by the selfish desire for three seconds of stardom. A quick disclaimer—the percent of Gen Z’ers who actually post this unfortunate content make up the minority. The issue is that these memes go viral, becoming celebrities among compet Ƥ Dz dz Ǥ anything to go viral, they must have a following. And our generation is that following. When people learn of news through jokes that strip the situation of its severity, they have no choice but to appreciate the event as one deserving of a laugh. Those exposed to the draft avoidance jokes saw the potential Iranian war as a source of comedy. To the unfortunate victims of this ignorant propaganda: the threat of war is not funny, even if you laughed at the meme. ƪ ǡ clicked out of this document and took a scroll through Instagram. One of the Ƥ girl swooning over hot murderers from the ‘50s. Pitying the girl for failing to acknowledge the inhumane crimes of her crushes, I dismissed the video. In the next, Kobe Bryant’s death was dramaticized through a TikTok that depicted him serenading his daughter in heaven. The intent in producing this video was not to mourn, but to exploit the death for views. Our generation is young, but immaturity cannot excuse the widespread ǡ ƪ Ǥ Death, war and a withering constitution do not incite fear, but instead pose as content for viral jokes. With the overuse of electronic devices and platforms with digital friends, our emotional responses have become robotic, devoid of sensitivity and empathy. Engagement with technology will not cease, so we might as well emote more sophistically than our AI counterparts.

Illustration by Nyomi Fox

Coronavirus won’t end humanity; racism, hysteria will By Siddharth Srinivasan Opinion Editor My symptoms checked out. Fever, body aches, chills, sore throat, cough ǡ Ǥ Ƥ to my bed, I contemplated my inevitable demise. How would I go? Maybe my 103.5 degree temperature would take me in my sleep. Or perhaps I’d spend my last seconds hacking and convulsing in the pale claustrophobia of a hospital sick ward. The coronavirus had devoured Wuhan, and would soon devour me. I prepared for the inevitable. I rewatched my favorite movie, reread my favorite book, cursed Xi Xinping and his CCP shills; I even penned my will. ƪ Ǥ As my health improved, thousands were infected with coronavirus. As I regained my sanity, people around the world lost their minds. Mass hysteria appears to be conquering a large part of the global population. The coronavirus has torn down the popsicle-stick foundation of our societal order. In Wuhan, a man was arrested for viciously beating a doctor after the death of his father-in-law. Videos have surfaced of patients spitting on elevator buttons and coughing in doctors’ faces. The Chinese government placed Wuhan, China’s seventh most populous city, under quarantine on Jan. 23, suspending all public transportation shortly after. The cultural heart of Central China, an epicenter of vibrant culture, is now a shriveled up skeleton of a town. COMIC BY BRADLEY WOODSIDE

Ƥ lion who made it out of the city, it’s not much better. Wuhanese have been turned away from hotels and restaurants in other parts of China. They’re ơ of their own country. Internationally, the Wuhanese are the undesired face of China. As the virus sweeps across the world, the racists have come out in droves. There’s been a deluge of sinophobia over the past few weeks; Conservative commentators Rush Limbaugh and Ann Coulter tweeted their support for the imposition of a travel ban on all Chinese passengers; Danish newspaper JyllandsPosten printed a cartoon depicting ǯ ƪ ǡ by the coronavirus symbol; a restaurant in downtown Seoul put up a sign with the words “No Chinese Allowed” emblazoned in big, blood-red letters; the stereotype of the Chinese as some vile, neolithic proto-culture with barbaric cravings for bushmeat has blackened hundreds of thousands of minds worldwide. The delirium is similar to that which poisoned the world during the West African Ebola epidemic when irrational suspicions of Africans reigned supreme and Africa was portrayed as a hellish and primitive wasteland; the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks when Islamophobia skyrocketed worldwide, as uber “patriots” assaulted and brutalized several innocent Muslims and Sikhs—anyone brown, really—across the United States and China began im Ƥ -

tention camps; the events following the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, when Japanese-Americans were stripped of their possessions, rights and identities, forced into detainment camps. All it takes is a simple catalyst, like the outbreak of some virus, a coordinated terrorist attack or a global war, and we sound society’s death knell. Sure, all are awful. But are they really enough to justify the mass hysteria and mushrooming hatred? We’ll go to school, do our homework, attend college, join the rat race, live normal lives, all under the false pretense of order and security. We place too much blind faith in a shallow and decrepit social order, one that has failed us over and over and over again. Our extreme reactions to events like the coronavirus outbreak puzzle me. In ƪ of people per year, while the death toll is in the thousands. Why don’t we initiate mass quarantines and travel bans ƪ ǫ ǯ Ƥ ơ for spreading it? Why do we dismiss a constant threat to our well-being as if it were nothing more than a scratchy throat? We’re ignorant about the perils of our everyday lives. So, at the slightest hint of crisis, a blind fear eclipses our compassion and logic—virtues which should shine through the fog of racism and hysteria during the most trying of times. We must reject the self-induced ƪ ǡ Ƥ humanity.

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OPINION

Illustration by Nyomi Fox

How the gluten-free trend jeopardizes health

By Cora Flynn Special to the Pitch About a year ago, my sister and I were at Giant when we saw a new type of Annie’s mac and cheese in the glutenfree section. Delighted, we picked it up and were walking to the checkout aisle ™Š‡Â? ™‡ ”‡ƒŽ‹œ‡† –Šƒ– –Š‡ ĆŞÂƒÂ˜Â‘Â” ™‡ Šƒ† picked up actually contained gluten. For anyone who is on a gluten-free diet for non-medical reasons, the Giant’s shelf stocking mistake would simply be a nuisance. But for those like me, who have gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, that mistake could result in severe pain and illness. This stocking error is an example of the gluten-free diet’s damaged reputation, garnered due to the recent emergence of the gluten-free fad. Once only practiced for medical necessity, the popularity of the gluten-free diet rose in the early 2010s as celebrities claimed it helped with weight loss and overall health. For people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivities, the diet is essential to minimizing the potential consequences, but it does not reap all –Š‡ „‡Â?‡Ƥ–• –Šƒ– Â?ƒÂ?› ’‡‘’Ž‡ ƒ••—Â?‡Ǥ

Just being on the diet for non-medical reasons does not mean a person is immediately healthier. “Going gluten-freeâ€? means cutting out wheat, rye and barley—main sources of complex carbohy†”ƒ–‡• –Šƒ– ƒ”‡ †‹Ƽ…—Ž– –‘ •—’’Ž‡Â?‡Â?–Ǥ Also, most gluten-free processed foods contain more sugar to improve the taste. The gluten free diet is not only exclu•‹˜‡Ž› Â‡ĆĄÂ‡Â…Â–Â‹Â˜Â‡ ˆ‘” ’‡‘’Ž‡ ™‹–Š …‡Ž‹ƒ… and gluten sensitivities, the diet costs a lot of money to maintain. According to a 2015 study conducted by NIH, gluten-free bread and bakery products are 267% more expensive than their glutencontaining counterparts. There are many more practical and less expensive ways to be healthy for those without a medical restriction. But for people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivities, the gluten-free diet is our only option to live a healthy and productive life. The sensitivity varies from person to person, but for most people with celiac disease, even the smallest amount of gluten can ignite a painful reaction. Celiac disease requires vigilance, especially from restaurants, to ensure that

the customer does not get sick. The problem with the rise of the diet is that people started regarding “glutenfree� as a luxury instead of a necessity. When people mistake a medically necessary diet for a health-related trend, people form misconceptions of the severity of the condition. For example, Albanese Gummi bears very clearly state they are gluten-free on the front of the bag, but if you look at the ingredients, it states the product “may contain gluten.� Companies like Albanese capitalize on the gluten-free health trend but convey disgusting disregard for those with actual medical conditions. The trend of the gluten free diet is undeniable, but it should be reserved to consumers, not companies. By hopping on the lackadaisical bandwagon of being loosely gluten-free, companies put those with medical restrictions at serious risk. Companies that want to enter the gluten-free market need to take the proper precautions to ensure that their products are safe for all gluten-free consumers, not just the ones who are participating in a temporary trend.

Superbowl halftime show: offensive or empowering? yelled, on the stage that she shared with Shakira, two women who gave an unrivaled show in a city with 70 percent HisAs I tuned in to watch the Super Bowl panic inhabitants. Half-time show, I was super excited The crowd went wild as Shakira to see two talented performers grace ĆŞÂƒÂ—Â?–‡† Š‡” ‡„ƒÂ?‡•‡ ÂŠÂ‡Â”Â‹Â–ÂƒÂ‰Â‡ÇĄ ›‡ŽŽ‡† ƒ the stage. This year it would be JenniArabic whoop called the zaghrouta and fer Lopez & Shakira performing, and I shared the stage with an Afro-Colomhad high expectations since they’re bian dance crew followed by a salsa both powerful on stage. dance troupe. Miami, a cultural melting pot, J-Lo braved through a cultural Dz › ˆ‘…—•‹Â?‰ ‘Â? •—’‡”Ƥ…‹ƒŽ was the perfect place for the world’s Â?‹Â?‡Ƥ‡Ž† „› ‹Â?˜‹–‹Â?‰ –Š‡ Š‹Ž†”‡Â?ǯ• most popular Latina artists to show- aspects like the display of nudity, Voice Chorus, who were singing in case their talents. Shakira showed stylized cages which represented the subliminal political ‘ƥ Š‡” Š‡”‹–ƒ‰‡ ™‹–Š ‡Ž‡‰ƒÂ?– „‡ŽŽ›nj the migrants seeking asylum.Her dancing and J-Lo sported a half Í?Í?ÇŚÂ›Â‡ÂƒÂ”ÇŚÂ‘ÂŽÂ† †ƒ—‰Š–‡” Â?Â?‡ǥ …‘Â?Ƥstatements were ignored.â€? Â?‡”‹…ƒÂ? ĆŞÂƒÂ‰ÇĄ ŠƒŽˆ —‡”–‘nj ‹…ƒÂ? dently sang alongside her mother ĆŞÂƒÂ‰ÇĄ ’”‘—† ‘ˆ Š‡” ‘”‹…—ƒ ”‘‘–•Ǥ ™Š‘ Šƒ† Œ—•– ƤÂ?‹•Š‡† ƒ Â’Â‘ÂŽÂ‡ÇŚÂ†ÂƒÂ?…‡Ǥ There are bound to be critics of The choices of J-Lo and Shakira every major event. After the nation’s from the rest of the world. spoke volumes but unfortunately were highly televised broadcast, controversy Hence, negative reactions from the overlooked by the fact they’re 43 and •’”‡ƒ† Ž‹Â?‡ ™‹Ž†Ƥ”‡Ǥ ‡‘’Ž‡ …Žƒ‹Â?‡† –Š‡ public coalesced with lack of under- 50 years old and mothers of young chilhalf-time performances were “degrad- standing for the cultural and political dren, having acted the way that they ing, suggestive and suggested women statements that both performers gave. did. It is to the fault of fans with ethnoare only good for sex,â€? said spokesper- › ˆ‘…—•‹Â?‰ ‘Â? •—’‡”Ƥ…‹ƒŽ ƒ•’‡…–• Ž‹Â?‡ centric views who wrongfully snubbed sons from WRCBtv, a Southwestern the display of nudity, the subliminal po- this important event for something else. news channel. litical statements were ignored. I’m not surprised, considering this I disagree with the sentiments—the “Latinos, let’s get loud,â€? J-Lo proudly world of crumbling morals. By Brigitte Kaba StaĆĄ riter

overly-sensitive feedback is not what these women deserve. They did a nice job saluting their cultures, but unfortunately the provocative nature of their dancing did detract from their intent. Cultural relativism easily overtook the message that audiences received, our nation being so detached and oblivious

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF ONLINE PRINT Will Cohen Cara Demitz Julia Hananel Kiley Ring Daria London Thomas Wolfson MANAGING EDITORS Molly Benson Zach Meyers Matt Shea ADVISER Wendy Borrelli NEWS EDITORS Judith Altneu Emma Saltzman Emily Speranza Arturo Alipio (online) Aya Hesham (assistant) OPINION EDITORS Nyomi Fox Siddharth Srinivasan Hannah Markov (online) FEATURE EDITORS Caeden Babcock Stella Hadamer Kayla Kahrl (online) Sadie McMullen (assistant) ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITORS Benicio Balignot DeVoncye Freelon Cyiza Andermambia (online) SPORTS EDITORS Ben Files Elijah Kasten Elana Renbaum CARTOONISTS Nora Talbott Bradley Woodside Izzy Zavareei COPY EDITOR Isaac Snow (print) Austin Mucchetti (online) LAYOUT/DESIGN EDITOR Rafael Friedlander 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 Rebecca Davids Ethan Oyeniyi Maram Faragallah Sammy Peterson A.J. Frattarelli Gabe Riveiro Alan Gahart Matt Roman Brigitte Kaba Einav Tsach Chelsea Laurik Lily Salvatore Jackie Maloney Noah Walker Sloane Morra Simon Wiederkehr The Pitch is published eight times a year by the students of Walter Johnson High School, population of 2,517 and located at 6400 Rock Spring Drive, Bethesda, Md. 20814. Advertising and subscription rates are available by calling 301-803-7184. Opinions represent –Š‘•‡ ‘ˆ Š‡ ‹–…Š Â•Â–ÂƒĆĄ ƒÂ?† †‘ Â?‘– Â?‡…‡••ƒ”‹Ž› ”‡ƪ‡…– –Š‡ ‘’‹Â?‹‘Â?• ‘ˆ –Š‡ Â•Â–ÂƒĆĄÇĄ ˆƒ…—Ž–› ‘” student body. We welcome letters, articles, photographs and artwork, submitted to room 193 or e-mailed to wjpitch@gmail.com. The Pitch is an award-winning paper that works towards providing the student body with accurate, credible, information.

AWARDS

CSPA Silver Crown 2016 CSPA Gold Medalist 2009, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2019 CSPA Silver Medalist 2014, 2015, 2018

A&E

FEBRUARY 14, 2020

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IN MEMORIAM:

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Black Icons of Pop Culture Ph o

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The Black Mamba: Kobe Bryant

The Queen of Soul: Whitney Houston

By Benicio Balignot A&E Editor

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By DeVoncye Freelon A&E Editor

Kobe Bryant; an inspiration for millions across the globe. His impact on the game and trademark “Mamba Mentality� has had a near unrivalled effect on today’s youth and young adults. Just the mere act of yelling “Kobe!� when throwing something away shows the extent of his reach. A role model for many, his dominance on the court in his peak years was a sight to behold. With a terrifying combination of pure athleticism, excellent basketball IQ and a brilliant mind, Kobe’s playstyle drew in thousands of eyes every night he played. Even after daunting injuries, his playmaking skills and experience more than made up for his less-thanoptimal condition. Off the court, Kobe was a family man, taking care of five children with his wife Vanessa. Additionally, his philanthropic efforts have impacted many, with the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Foundation (KVBFF) having helped both the homeless and troubled youth. More than anything, Kobe Bryant was an icon; a cocksure athlete who believed he was the best and had the skills and work ethic to prove it.

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No matter how much time passes, we will never forget the prom queen of soul. Whitney Houston went from enduring boo’s at the Soul Train Awards in 1988-89 to selling 200 million records worldwide. Her African Americans in music, theatre, art, dance beauty, style and overall spirit shaped her into the true definition of an icon. The legend became known as the most-awarded female artist of all time winning over 415 awards in total. She sang hits like “I DQG D VSHFLDO IHDWXUH WR WKH %ODFN 0DPED DQ LQĂ€XHQWLDO PDQ Will Always Love You,â€? “I Wanna Dance with Somebodyâ€? and “I Have Nothingâ€?. She possessed many attributes that in society that adopted the term, #girldad. Black people have been have caused many to deem her the “Queen of Soul.â€?

the backbone and mold of pop culture. The most credited creation in music today for black people has been R&B music and hip hop/rap. In reality, black SHRSOH KDYH LQÀXHQFHG DOO JHQUHV RI PXVLF UDQJLQJ IURP JRVSHO EOXHV FRXQWU\ and jazz. In the 1950s Rock N Roll was cultivated by artists such as Chuck Berry and Little Richard. Fashion is also another aspect of pop culture that blacks have LQÀXHQFHG %ODFN HQWUHSUHQXHUVKLS KDV FRQWLQXHG WR ÀRXULVK ZLWK FRPSDQLHV Photo by Lucas Gillespie

“Even among names like Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner and Ella Fitzgerald, Whitney Houston is still a legend among legends, and she really helped in paving the way for future black entertainers.�

Damir Pimenov, senior

Unfortunately, Kobe, along with his daughter Gianna and seven other people, tragically died in a helicopter accident on January 26. Kobe was 41 years old, and with his untimely death, the world will never be able to see what the Black Mamba would’ve done with the rest of his life. In the week leading up to his death, he spoke about uplifting female athletes and expanding his horizons

such as Air Jordan, Beats by Dre and Baby Phat.who have made trends in WKH IDVKLRQ PDUNHW ZRUOG LQĂ€XHQFLQJ WKH VW\OHV ZHÂśYH ZRUQ IRU WKH SDVW FHQWXU\ %ODFNV KDYH VHW WUHQGV LQĂ€XHQFLQJ FXOWXUHV

Despite this tragedy, Kobe’s legacy will live on as one of the greatest athletes to have ever graced the realm of basketball.

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The Artist: Prince By Stella Hadamer and Cyiza Andemambika Feature and A&E Editors

“I adore Prince. His music has always really resonated with me. He’s been an icon and a powerful figure for so long so it truly hurt me when he passed. His androgynous genius challenged the world he lived in at the time, and he helped shape both the fashion and entertainment industry.�

The Greatest:

Muhammad Ali

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By Benicio Balignot A&E Editor

Touted as one of the greatest boxers of all time - Muhammad Ali shaped the world of boxing through his incredible movement and hand speed, and his stellar defensive work. “Float like a butterfly, Sting like a bee,� perfectly describes Ali’s dominance in the ring, swiftly dodging jabs and haymakers before unloading with fast and powerful strikes. Aside from his influence in his sport, Ali was also a human rights activist and spiritual leader, resulting in him being regarded as one of the most polarizing athletic figures in American history. “Muhammad Ali was a legendary figure in the realm of boxing. It’s clearly evident that his success in the sport has impacted his legacy, as even now, traces of his form still appear in the fighting styles of the world’s top boxers.�

Amelia Fink, junior

Alex Curtis, junior

Photo by Lucas Gillespie Photo by Lucas Gillespie

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Prince. Artist. Musician. Actor. Director. Genius. Prince was and will always be a musical icon. The 48time Grammy nominated and Oscar winning musician rose to fame in the late 80s. Most notable by his Grammy award winning album Purple Rain, and hits like “Let’s Go Crazy� and “When Doves Cry�. His work reached millions with the wide range of music he wrote, produced and performed. From deep gospel to psychedelically rich to dreamy ballads, Prince sang it all. He went even further beyond the normal bounds of pop music by writing from the perspective of both men and women. From a more technical viewpoint Prince experimented, arguably more than any other pop artist of his time, with the incredible diversity of his music. Needless to say, Prince broke barriers and paved the way for musicians and artists to come. He will always have a special place in the hearts of pop fans.

Photo by Lucas Gillespie

“Kobe will always be one of the greats; the pure skill and finesse he had when he played was always incredible and aweinspring to see. Even though he died young, his legacy will live on until basketball stops being a sport.�

Mason Davies, junior

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Sports

FEBRUARY 14, 2020

Athlete of the Issue e e p d i ve i n to f re s h m a n s w i m m e rǯs s u c c e s s Staơ Writer ͝͡ǡ Ǧ mer Maren Conze is already ǡ Ǧ ͜͡​͜ ǯ Ǧ ȋ ȌǤ Q: How long have you been swimming? Have you played other sports? ǣ Dz ǯ Ǧ ͜͝Ǥ Ǧ Ǥdz Q: What gravitated you toward swimming? ǣ Dz Ǧ Ǥ Ƥ Ǧ Ǥ Ǧ ǡ Ǥ ǡ ͜͝ Ǧ ȋ ȌǤdz Q: What competitions do you excel in? What about them allows you to perform at such a high level? ǣ Dz ǯ ͜͡​͜

͜͞​͜ Ǥ ͜͡​͜ ǯ ǡ ǯ

Ǥ ͜͞​͜ ǡ Ǧ Ǥ Ǧ ơ Ǥdz Q: How often do you swim? ǣ Dz ǡ Ǥ Ǥdz Q: Who inspires you the most? ǣ Dz ǡ Ǥ Ǥ Ǥdz Q: How has Becca impacted you on a personal and athletic level? ǣ Dz ǯ that there are many challenges Ǧ Ǥdz Q: How long have you known Becca? Where do you think you would be without ƪ ǫ ǣ Dz ǯ ǡ ǯ

Freshman Maren Conze is pictured diving in at one of her meets. Strong underclassmen have always played a key role in the success of the team.

Ǥ ǡ Ǥdz Q: Being a freshman, are you ever nervous when competing against older competitors? ǣ Dz ǡ Ƥ Ǥ ǯ ƤǦ nitely intimidating going Ǥ Ǧ ͜͞ Ǧ really intimidating as they’re Ǧ Ǥdz Q: How have the upper-

classman helped you this season? ǣ Dz Ǥ ǡ Ǧ Ǥ ǡ

ǯ Ǥdz Q: What are your goals for the next three and beyond? Do you have dreams of swimming in college and/ or the olympics? ǣ Dz

ǯ Ǧ

Ǥ ǡ Ǧ ǯ Ǥ

ǯ ǡ Ǧ Ǥdz Conze’s success at such a young age not only acts as an ǯ Ǧ ǡ ơǤ ǡ Ǥ

Winter Sports in Review Boys basketball looks for success as playoffs near Staơ Writer ǡ ǯ ͥǦͤ Ƥ Ǥ ơ ǡ Ǥ ǡ ͥ͝Ǧ ǡ ͞͠Ǧ Ǧ ͥ͞Ǧ ǡ Ǥ ǡ ǡ ǡ Ǥ ơ ǡ ơ Ǥ ǡ ơ Ǥ ͡ Ǥ ǯ Ǧ ǡ Ǥ ơ ǡ ǯ Ǥ ǡ ͣǣ͝͡ Ǥ Ǥ

Girls’ basketball fights to break even By Elana Renbaum Sports Editor

Ƥ Ǥ ͣǦͤ ͝Ǧ͡ Ǥ ǡ ͣ͢Ǧ͢͡ Ǥ Ǥ Ǧ ǡ Ǥ Ǥ ǡ ͡ǣ͟͜ Ǥ

Swim and dive falls just short Sports Editor ǡ Ƥ Ƥ Ǥ ǯ Ƥ ǡ Ǥ Ƥ Ƥ Ƥ ǡ Ǥ Dz ǯ Ǥ Ǥ Ǧ Ǥdz Ǥ Ǧ ǡ ǡ Ǥ

UPCOMING GAMESǣ ǣ ͡ǣ͟͜ǡ ͣǢ͝͡ǡ ǣ ͠ǣ͜​͜ ͤ͝ǡ ǣ ͞ǣ͜​͜ ͝͡ǡ ǣ ͤǣ͜​͜ ͝͡Ǥ

Senior Chris Dorrer chases down a loose puck. The team lost 4-3 but rebounded in their rematch against Wooton with a 3-3 draw.

Hockey cruises into playoffs Managing Editor and Copy Editor ƥ Ǥ Ƥ ơ Ǥ ǡ Ƥ ͟Ǧ͜Ǧ͞ǡ Ƥ ơ Ǥ ơ ǡ ơ Ǧ ͟Ǧ͟ Ǥ ơ Ǧ ǡ ǡ Ǥ ơ Ȁ Ǧ Ǧ Ǥ ơ Ǥ ǡ Ƥ ͝͡ ͞͝ Ǥ

ơ Ǥ Dz Ƥ ǡdz ơ ǡ ͞͝ ǡ Ǥ

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FEBRUARY 14, 2020

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SPORTS

9

Bethesda clash: Tracing the WJ-BCC rivalry Staơ Writer

ǡ Dz dz Dz dzǤ ǡ Ǥ Ǧ Ǥ

Ǧ ǡ Ǥ Ǧ ǡ ǯ Ǣ ǡ ǯ Ǥ ǯ ǫ ǯ ǯ ƪ Ǥ

January 14, 2019: WJ Responds

ǯ ǯ ǡ ǡ ǡ Ƥ ǯ ǡ Ǥ Ǥ Ǥ

October 31, 2017: A brawl erupts

Ƥ ͣ͜͞͝ǡ Ǧ Ǥ ǡ Ƥ ǡ ƥ ǡ Ǥ ͠Ǧ͝Ǥ

November 1, 2017: Fight goes semi-viral

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January 11, 2019: Close contest

ͣ͡Ǧ͡͝ Ǧ ǡ ǯ ǡ Ǥ ǡ Ǥ Ƥ ǡ ǯ Ǥ

Former guard Dwonn Williams rises up for a layup in a 2018-19 game against BCC. Dressed for a funeral, WJ fans watch closely in one of many meaningful games against the Barons.

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March 4, 2019: Hey, hey, hey, goodbye

ǯ ǡ Ǧ ǯ Ǥ Ƥ ǡ Ƥ Ǥ Ǧ Ǥ ǡ March 1, 2019: Bring on the Cats Ǧ ǡ

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September 27, 2019: Madcows too mighty

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January 13, 2019: Senior shed repainted

͝͠ǡ Ƥ ǡ Ǧ Ǥ -

January 17, 2019: Gametime

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January 24, 2019: Timechange

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Spring athletes prepare for successful 2020 campaigns Ǥ Ǥ Staơ Writer ơ ǣ ǡ Ǥ ǡ ơ Ǥ Ǥ ǡ Ƥ ͠͡ ͠͡ Ǥ Ƥ ǡ ǡ ǡ -

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FEBRUARY 14, 2020

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FEBRUARY 14, 2020

FEATURE

11

Students deal with food restrictions Guide to local allergy friendly restaurants

By Einav Tsach and Cora Flynn StaĆĄ Writer and Special to the Pitch Junior Nikita Mallik’s parents expected nothing but a nice family dinner when they took their then one-year-old daughter to a local Thai restaurant, but when Mallik dipped her hand in peanut sauce on the table, their nice family dinner went out the window. Mallik immediately went into anaphylactic shock and was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with a severe peanut allergy. The events of that day still have an impact on the now 16-year-old Mallik, who consistently monitors the things she eats. Mallik is not alone in dealing with food restrictions. Though people have †‹ƥ‡”‡Â?– ”‡ƒ•‘Â?• ˆ‘” Â?ƒ‹Â?–ƒ‹Â?‹Â?‰ ˆ‘‘† restrictions, whether religious, medical or moral, students throughout WJ can relate to the challenges that come with having limited food options. Many people with food allergies are diagnosed at a young age, but most people who participate in religious fasts or veganism start the diet as a teenager. In the Islamic faith, it is customary for Muslims to start participating in the Ramadan fast after they have started puberty. The fast lasts from sunrise to sundown and is held for 30 days. “You have to do it after you hit puberty but most kids want to do what their parents do so they start young. I only started after puberty because I used to be very thin when I was young, so my mom didn’t want me to not eat all day,â€? freshman Nour Faragallah said. Orthodox Ethiopian Christians also annually fast, but their main fast starts in February. It consists of the 55 days before Easter and prohibits the consumption of meat and dairy. The fast is held to strengthen member’s belief in God and it is one of many other fasts that

By Sloane Morra StaĆĄ Writer

Photo by Lucas Gillespie

‡Â?‹‘” ‘‡ Š‹Ž‹’•ǥ ™Š‘ Šƒ• •—ƥ‡”‡† ˆ”‘Â? ƒ •‡˜‡”‡ –”‡‡ Â?—– ƒŽŽ‡”‰› ƒŽŽ Š‡” ÂŽÂ‹ÂˆÂ‡ÇĄ †‘‡• her best not to let it stop her from living a normal life.

takes place throughout the year. Orthodox Ethiopian Christians usually start participating in the fast at a relatively young age, but are not required to until they are 13. “I was in Ethiopia and so everybody starts fasting. You are supposed to start at seven so I started pretty late,â€? sophomore Meron Berhe said about starting fasting at age 12. Food restrictive diets come with many „‡Â?‡Ƥ–• „—– •‘Â?‡–‹Â?‡• …ƒÂ? „”‹Â?‰ ‘–Š‡” challenges like social isolation, especially for younger children. “When I was little, I had to sit at the peanut-free table and no one else had a peanut allergy so I just sat alone at lunch which kind of sucked, but now that doesn’t really happen because it is much more common, so people are aware,â€? Mallik said.

Freshman Lila Cohen has Celiac disease, meaning she has to avoid all foods with gluten in them. She manages it well at home. “Well, at home it’s pretty easy because you just have to make sure to keep things separate and to check labels and •–—ƥǥdz ‘Š‡Â? •ƒ‹†Ǥ Having a food restriction can impact a person’s health in various ways. For people with food allergies, avoiding the allergen is obviously the healthiest option, but for people with religious restrictions or other non-medically necessary restrictions, following the diet does not always lead to positive health results.

Not so average concept produces average meals By Austin Mucchetti and Lucas Gillespie Copy Editor and Photography Editor Pike and Rose is constantly bringing in high-end, hip restaurants and their newest addition is no exception. The Block is an Asian food hall consisting of Poke bowls, noodles, Taiwanese ice cream and more. From the start, our night out at The Block didn’t go well. Ž–Š‘—‰Š ‹Â?‡ ƒÂ?† ‘•‡ Šƒ• Ž‘–• ‘ˆ ’ƒ”Â?‹Â?‰ǥ ƤÂ?†‹Â?‰ ƒÂ? ‘’‡Â? spot proved to be a challenge, especially on a Saturday night. Be advised that both parking garages may be full if you plan to go for dinner. Once inside, diners will discover that The Block has a refreshed and modern atmosphere. There are couches and plush seats in the bar area and the whole dining space is adorned with bright pastel-colored tables and chairs. The multicolored lights and large, garage-style windows also make the space feel a lot brighter and more lively. The basic premise of the dining experience is simple. There ƒ”‡ ˆ‘—” †‹ƥ‡”‡Â?– ”‡•–ƒ—”ƒÂ?–• ‹Â? –Š‡ Â•Â’ÂƒÂ…Â‡ÇĄ ™‹–Š ƒ …‘Â?Â?—Â?ƒŽ soda machine in the middle. Diners can choose from Pokeworks, which serves Poke bowls, Oppa for rice bowls and hot pots, Mama Meis for noodles and lastly Snocream for dessert.

– ‹• ƒŽ•‘ ƒ ˜‡”› ‡Ƽ…‹‡Â?– •›•–‡Â?Ǥ ƒ–Š‡” –ŠƒÂ? Šƒ˜‹Â?‰ –‘ Ž‹•–‡Â? ˆ‘” Photo by Lucas Gillespie ›‘—” ‘”†‡” –‘ „‡ …ƒŽŽ‡† ‘Â?…‡ ‹–ǯ• ƤÂ?‹•Š‡†ǥ –Š‡ ‹Â?†‹˜‹†—ƒŽ ”‡•–ƒ—”ƒÂ?–• Šƒ˜‡ –Š‡‹” ‘™Â? „—œœ‡” –Šƒ– Â?‘–‹Ƥ‡• ›‘— ™Š‡Â? ›‘— ‰‡– ›‘—” With colorful lights and a wide space, The Block has an inviting atmosphere for diners. The food court style restaurant also order, allowing customers to wait patiently. We both chose to go to Mama Meis, and got the spicy Singa- ’”‘˜‹†‡• Â?ƒÂ?› †‹ƥ‡”‡Â?– ˆ‘‘† ‘’–‹‘Â?•Ǥ pore noodles with beef, as well as General Tso’s chicken wings. The sauce was sweet and savory, complementing the tender

Â? –‡”Â?• ‘ˆ ĆŞÂƒÂ˜Â‘Â”ÇĄ –Š‡ ‹Â?‰ƒ’‘”‡ Â?‘‘†Ž‡• ™‡”‡ Žƒ…Â?‹Â?‰Ǥ Ž–Š‘—‰Š …Š‹…Â?‡Â? ™‡ŽŽ ƒÂ?† Ž‡ƒ˜‹Â?‰ —• †‹•ƒ’’‘‹Â?–‡† ™Š‡Â? ™‡ ƤÂ?‹•Š‡† it was spicy, we found that this spice overpowered some of the them all. Aside from the taste, there were some other imporĆŞÂƒÂ˜Â‘Â” ˆ”‘Â? „‘–Š –Š‡ „‡‡ˆ ƒÂ?† –Š‡ Â?‘‘†Ž‡•Ǥ ‡ ƒŽ•‘ –Š‘—‰Š– –Šƒ– tant things to note. For one, $13.45 for wings and soda was on more could have been added to the dish in terms of toppings the pricier side. Although we enjoyed our meal, we kept thinkand ingredients. The whole meal was just noodles, beef, and a ing we could’ve gotten something similar at other restaurants minimal amount of vegetables. Even though there was extra soy for much cheaper. In addition, after eating them, there was sauce and peanuts for customers, we wish that there were more •ƒ—…‡ ƒŽŽ ‘˜‡” ‘—” ŠƒÂ?†• ™Š‹…Š ™ƒ• Â?‘– ‡ƒ•› –‘ ‰‡– ‘ƥǤ options for veggies, sauces, and other toppings to be added in Overall, we found that The Block was a bit disappointing. before the meal is cooked. The wings were another story. We However, in terms of decor and atmosphere, it was fantastic. would say there were about 8-10 wings, but unfortunately, we Altogether, Although, with overpriced meals, a general lack of were so hungry that we forgot to count them before digging in. ĆŞÂƒÂ˜Â‘Â” ‹Â? •‘Â?‡ †‹•Š‡• ƒÂ?† ‹Â?…‘Â?˜‡Â?‹‡Â?– ’ƒ”Â?‹Â?‰ ‘’–‹‘Â?•ǥ Š‡ All in all, they were better than we anticipated. Block is just...average.

Whether you are gluten-free or dairyfree, it can be challenging and inconveÂ?‹‡Â?– –”›‹Â?‰ –‘ ƤÂ?† ”‡•–ƒ—”ƒÂ?–• ™Š‡”‡ you can eat. Luckily, many restaurants in the area have transformed their menus in order to accommodate their customers with special dietary restrictions. One restaurant that has made big changes to their menu recently is Not Your Average Joe’s, which is located in Georgetown Square right next to WJ. Not Your Average Joe’s has recently added a “Fit For Youâ€? section at the end of their normal menu. This section includes all their gluten-free, vegetarian, keto, paleo and vegan appetizer, entree, side and dessert options. The glutenfree Chicken Parmesan, the vegan and gluten-free Veggie Harvest Bowl and the gluten-free, paleo, vegan Spaghetti Squash Mushroom Veggie Bolognese are just a few of the delicious entree options. If you are looking to grab a quick bite, another great option for people with dietary restrictions is the hidden gem ‘ƥ ‘Â?–”‘•‡ Â‘ÂƒÂ†ÇŁ ƒÂ?‡† —Â?…ŠǤ Š‹• restaurant is often overlooked by restaurant-goers, due to its unique location inside the grocery store Mom’s Organic Market. Most bowls on the menu can be made gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian and vegan. Naked Lunch’s menu also offers an Organic Raw Juice menu. Silver Diner is the classic old school †‹Â?‡” Ž‘…ƒ–‡† ‘ƥ ‘…Â?˜‹ŽŽ‡ ‹Â?‡Ǥ •—ally, diners are not the most progressive when it comes to incorporating allergyfriendly items into their menus, but Silver Diner is an exception. On every page of the menu, a little symbol (GF for gluten-free, VG for vegetarians and V for vegan), indicates which items are ÂƒÂŽÂŽÂ‡Â”Â‰Â›ÇŚÂˆÂ”Â‹Â‡Â?†Ž›Ǥ Š‡› ƒŽ•‘ ‘ƥ‡” ‰Ž—–‡Â?ÇŚ free bread, meaning almost all of their sandwiches can be made gluten-free. Substitutions can be made for many items to be dairy-free as well. To be extra cautious, you can also ask a server to see the Allergen Index (also available on their website) to see exactly what is in the items on the menu. “It’s really nice that places nearby like Silver Diner have a bunch of gluten-free options for people like me who have dietary restrictions because there aren’t many restaurants that have that many options,â€? junior Mackenzie Matyas said. Lastly, if you are looking for a cafe that is known for its gluten-free food, Lilit Cafe in Bethesda is the spot to try. Lilit is most famous to gluten-free locals for their gluten-free crab cakes. “Lilit Cafe’s crab cakes are amazing. They don’t taste gluten-less at all. I think everyone (gluten-free and glutenconsuming people) should give them a try,â€? gluten-free and dairy-free junior Courtney Schneider said. Almost all items on their menu can be made gluten-free, and many of them can be made dairy-free, vegan and vegetarian. Other tasty options on Lilit Cafe’s menu are the Steak and Cheese Sub (order with gluten-free bread), the Chicken Kabob and any of their pizzas ȋ‘”†‡” ‘Â? ‰Ž—–‡Â?ÇŚÂˆÂ”Â‡Â‡ Â…Â”Â—Â•Â–ČŒǤ ‘ ƤÂ?‹•Š ‘ƥ your meal, try one of Lilit Cafe’s glutenfree cupcakes and gelato.

the

Pitch 12 There and back again: FEATURE

FEBRUARY 14, 2020

Staff Alums get nostalgic

By Arturo Alipio News Editor

Imagine if your teacher had once roamed these halls just as you do today, sat in the very seat you’re sitting in and heard the same lecture \RX DUH KHDULQJ QRZ <RX PD\ WKLQN RXU WHDFKHUV GRQ W XQGHUVWDQG WKH OLYHV RI :- VWXGHQWV EXW VRPH DFWXDOO\ GR )RU WKHVH VWD྾ PHPEHUV IRXU years at WJ wasn’t enough. They are back and are working hard to send their fellow Wildcats on their way.

Sean Hemsley ‘89

Jeremy Butler ‘99

Then

Now

Jeremy Butler graduated in 1999 and returned to educate Wildcats on all things KLVWRU\ +H WHDFKHV 0HGLHYDO +LVWRU\ (XURSHDQ +LVWRU\ $QFLHQW 0HGLWHUUDQHDQ +LVWRU\ $IULFDQ $PHULFDQ +LVWRU\ DQG 86 +LVWRU\ At WJ, Butler was on the football team, basketball team and track. Despite these afterschool activities, the renovations haven’t hindered his past recollections. “There’s not much nostalgia for me because the school has been so heavily remodeled. 7KH ELJJHVW QRVWDOJLD LV GHÂżQLWHO\ VHHLQJ 0U 0RUULV +H ZDV P\ WHDFKHU :KDW D OHJHQG ´ Butler said.

Daniel Kempner ‘96

6HDQ +HPVOH\ FXUUHQWO\ ZRUNLQJ LQ EXLOGLQJ services, did not witness the remodeling and UHWXUQHG WR DQ HQWLUHO\ GLŕľľHUHQW VFKRRO +HPVOH\ graduated in 1989 and, as a student, played basketball and wrestled. “I think the biggest change to the school is the technological advancements. Also, the math and science hallways did not exist before. Those were WKH IRUHLJQ ODQJXDJH KDOOZD\V ´ +HPVOH\ VDLG 5LYDOULHV KDYH FKDQJHG VLQFH +HPVOH\ÂśV FODVV Then )RUPHU :RRGZDUG +6 ZKLFK ZDV PHUJHG LQWR :- DV RI ZDV :-ÂśV ELJJHVW ULYDO +HPVOH\ experienced a change in mascot. Âł, FDPH LQ DV D 6SDUWDQ :-ÂśV ROG PDVFRW DQG OHIW DV D :LOGFDW ´ +HPVOH\ VDLG

Now

Wendy Borrelli ‘94

Daniel Kempner graduated in 1996 and returned as the photography teacher. :HQG\ %RUUHOOL LV WKH VFKRRO QHZVSDSHU DQG \HDUERRN DGYLVHU DQG VWDŕľľ PHPEHU RI WKH Âł, WRRN RYHU IRU P\ SKRWRJUDSK\ WHDFKHU ,W ZDV WKH SHUIHFW VWRUP +H FDOOHG PH DQG (QJOLVK GHSDUWPHQW 6KH JUDGXDWHG FODVV RI Âľ DVNHG LI , FRXOG WDNH RYHU ZKHQ KH UHWLUHG +H NQHZ WKDW , ZRXOG XVH WKH GDUNURRP Contrary to other teachers, Borrelli reminisces about her time as a student through just as I learned as a student,â€? Kempner said. school events and constant school facilities. Flashbacks to his high school years “I get the biggest nostalgia still plague Kempner. from pep rallies and games that Âł0\ ÂżUVW \HDU WHDFKLQJ ZDV D ZHLUG I attend. Also, the stadium is the feeling. To be honest, the last place I VDPH WKH WUDFN VSHFLÂżFDOO\ WDNHV thought I would work was my high me back. I was a cheerleader, school. Every morning, parking my soccer player, editor for Pitch car and walking through the parking DQG 6 7 $ * ( PHPEHU lot, reminds me of when I was a so I spent a lot of time at the student. It’s like a horror movie,â€? stadium,â€? Borrelli said. Then Then Kempner said.

Chase Rieder ‘09

WJ

Chase Rieder graduated in 2009 and is now back as a paraeducator at WJ. As a student, Rieder experienced the mass remodeling of the school. “We called it portable city. There were 40 portables outside and most classes were outside for two years,â€? Rieder said. 7KH FRQVWUXFWLRQ ZDV ÂżQLVKHG E\ KLV VHQLRU \HDU +H JUHDWO\ appreciated being inside the school during the winter again. “The school was brand new. Both gyms were completely remodeled. Also, they added the student commons and expanded the wings and rooms,â€? Rieder said. Rieder does not encounter much nostalgia going throughout the day. “First year was nostalgic but since then I’ve been used to it,â€? Rieder said. Then

Adam Zeitlin ‘13

Then

Now

Adam Zeitlin graduated in 2013 and returned as a physics teacher and coach of the debate team. $V D VWXGHQW KH GLG PRFN WULDO SRS Ă€\ DQG ZDV president of chemothon. “The school itself is pretty similar. The biggest change has been mental health awareness. Talk of suicide prevention and events like suicide prevention day have become more prevalent, although that might be a county-wide change, not just WJ,â€? Zeitlin said. Zeitlin experiences a lot of fond memories as he goes through his school day. Âł6SHFLÂżFDOO\ ZDWFKLQJ WKH +RPHFRPLQJ PRYLH DQG VHHLQJ WKH VHQLRU RŕľśFH EURXJKW PH EDFN ´ Zeitlin said.

Adrian Harris ‘10

$GULDQ +DUULV LV D QHZO\ DSSRLQWHG GLJLWDO DUW WHDFKHU +H JUDGXDWHG IURP :- LQ +H UHFRJQL]HG WKH ELJJHVW FKDQJH LQ WKH VFKRRO DV WKH PDVVLYH LQFUHDVH WHFKQRORJ\ 6R he decided to alter his lesson plans accordingly. “I’ll give an assignment on their phones since they’ll be XVLQJ WKHP DQ\ZD\ ´ +DUULV VDLG +DUULVÂś KLJK VFKRRO FDUHHU ZDV TXLWH HYHQWIXO DQG H[FLWLQJ since he returned to a at least partially renovated school every year. “My class was during the construction years. Everything ZDV HVVHQWLDOO\ GLŕľľHUHQW ZKHQ ZH UHWXUQHG DIWHU VXPPHU EUHDNV ´ +DUULV VDLG

Then

Laura Brager ‘09 /DXUD %UDJHU JUDGXDWHG ZLWK 5LHGHU LQ 6KH has returned as a math teacher. “I miss being a student. It was a lot easier than being a teacher. For example, I used to have all the classes to choose from, now I just do math everyday,� Brager said. Brager noticed how the student population has increased, and with its rigorous classes. Technology is Then used much more, with the likes of chromebooks and more. “Despite the nuisance of students on their phones, technology has really helped the school evolve,� Brager said. Now

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