Print Edition: Oct. 8, 2012

The Pitch

Walter Johnson High School

October 8, 2012

Volume 58 Issue 1

6400 Rock Spring Drive, Bethesda, MD 20814

Press, politics and a place to be heard

Montgomery County youth impacts Democratic National Convention

By Izzy Salant Before the major event of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) began in Charlotte, N.C., the nation’s youth held a conference to express their ideas and voice their opinions. One of the conference speakers was Derek Mong, recent graduate of Duke University and a Montgomery County Public Schools and Winston Churchill High School alumnus.

Mong spoke about his life and his involvement in politics at a press conference, held by College Democrats of America. Its speakers included Tori Taylor, Youth Engagement Coordinator of the Democratic National Convention Committee and Rod Snyder, the National President of Young Democrats of America.

Mong also was a featured speaker in the conference, which was held before the DNC began.Following his high school graduation in 2008, Mong graduated from Duke University in 2012. Mong started getting involved in politics because it is a big deal in Maryland and it just spoke to him.

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Salant

“Convention” continued on page 3

State delegates and members of the press congregate in the stands to listen to various speakers at the Democratic National Convention.

The man behind the lens

By MelissaWainaina Gabe Jacobsohn is not just an average senior; he is the man behind the ideas of major WJ film productions.

Jacobsohn’s interest in film production dates back to middle school, where he was involved with the theater crew and the production process of stage. Then he worked on sound production, which relates to some of the things he is in charge Photo by Caroline Steel of at WJ.

Gabe Jacobsohn films for this year’s homecoming movie.

Inside, Check Out:

Jazz band starts year on high note

Jacobsohn’s middle school success continued at WJ where he has directed many films, including “Every 15 Minutes,” this and last year’s homecoming videos and other films. Jacobsohn is also involved in some clubs such as WJ S*T*A*G*E crew, and has been the treasurer of the Theater Honor Society for two years.

Jacobsohn has been involved with technology and production since elementary school.

“I’ve always been behind the scenes,” said Jacobsohn.

“In first grade I remember [teachers] always had me go around and turn all the computers off at the end of the day. That was my thing. Then it always kept going from there.”

Jacobsohn’s passion for stage and technical production followed him through high school and later became a gateway for his interest in film and moviemaking.

By Sari Amiel

“Behind the Lens” continued on page 13

“Jazz” continued on page 12

Editorial, pgs. 5-8

Feature, pgs.

9-12

Jazz Ensemble, although it is an extracurricular team in most schools, is an honors-level class at WJ with 18 students. The band consists of saxophones, trombones, trumpets, guitar, piano, bass and drums. While some students play multiple instruments, each has a distinct role.

“In Jazz Band, you have your part,” said senior Molly Narkis. “It’s more individual so everyone is sort of accountable [for] their own [performance] and everyone plays a big part.”

Narkis, who plays the alto saxophone, also studied the clarinet. She has been playing the saxophone for eight years. Narkis joined Jazz Ensemble, commonly referred to as Jazz Band, in her sophomore year, the first year that WJ competed in the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival.

nt., E & s t Ar 3-16 1 . s g p

Sports, pgs.

17-20

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NEWS

M O R F

OCTOBER 8, 2012

wjpitch.com Follow the WJ Pitch on Twitter! @TheWJPitch

Opinion Blast:

Presidential economic plans

By Dashel Lewis, Online Editorial Editor On Nov. 6, Americans will go to the polls to elect a new president. The candidates are Democratic incumbent Barack Obama and Republican Mitt Romney.

The candidates provide drastically different plans for the country moving forward.

Obama’s plan is to extend what he has been doing for his first four years in office, pumping money into the economy in order to strengthen the middle class. Romney’s proposal involves cutting the budget and implementing tax cuts on the country’s wealthiest people. To me, Obama’s plan is the way forward.

Giving the middle class tax cuts and putting more money in their pockets allows them to spend more, which strengthens the economy. In turn, this benefits businesses by allowing them to bring in more income, which then allows them to hire more people.

A top-down approach, which is almost certainly the economic plan Romney will have, says that providing more money to the country’s richest will allow them to “trickle down” their excess profits to the middle class and below. In theory this sounds very good, but it doesn’t include a vital aspect, human nature. People are inherently greedy and, to be honest, the rich tend to be even greedier.

These profits might just end up in offshore accounts and won’t necessarily be re-invested into the economy whereas the middle class needs to spend. It’s no surprise then that, over the last 10 years, middle class pay has plummeted while the top one percent’s income has skyrocketed...

Video by Hope Marshall

Junior Coty Novak discusses his excitement for the upcoming play. Visit wjpitch.com for the full video!

WJ S*T*A*G*E begins the school year with a dose of humor in “Noises Off”

By Megan Chun, Online Editor-in-Chief Following the debuts of The Diary of Anne Frank and Les Miserables last year, both theatric works with heavy undertones, WJ S*T*A*G*E is determined to lighten the mood with the comedy Noises Off this fall.

Auditions took place during the second week of school, and saw close to 60 students come to try out for nine roles. Callbacks were the day after initial auditions and the final cast list was posted the weekend of Sept. 8-9. Thirteen people in total were cast; four of those roles were double-cast.

Senior Felice Amsellem has played leading characters in four of her five previous WJ productions, most recently the role of Anne in The Diary of Anne Frank, and Cosette in Les Miserables. This will be her sixth show at WJ...

To see full articles and much more, visit www.wjpitch.com

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS Dear Pitch Readers, Welcome back to WJ! The Pitch has lots of exciting plans for the 2012-2013 school year ,starting with this issue.

One of our main goals for the paper is to cover national stories while still relating them back to the WJ community, which can be seen in this issue’s coverage of the upcoming presidential election. Through news articles, we are covering student voters and election volunteers, as well as a staff member’s first-person account of the Democratic National Convention.

We are also kicking off homecoming week with a fashion preview and an interview with the homecoming movie’s director, senior Gabe Jacobsohn. Finally, we introduce WJ’s new staff members and include some helpful tips for freshmen.

The paper is trying to utilize social media more frequently to cover breaking school news, so be sure to “like” The Pitch on Facebook and follow us on twitter @TheWJPitch.

And as always, make sure you keep up on WJ news at wjpitch.com!

Sincerely, Print Editors-in-Chief Sari Amiel and Phillip Resnick,and Online Editor-in-Chief Megan Chun

3 Going local: National politics hit close to home November 6: the

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OCTOBER 8, 2012

NEWS

Students volunteer as judges, aids in upcoming election

By Audrey Marek

Aids assist the public in exercising its A group of people called election right to vote, whilst gain political expejudges assist in the voting process by rience.

The presidential election is by far the linking the Montgomery County Board most publicized political event in the of Elections to the public. Judges work nation, and it provides a great deal of both before the election with early votexposure for volunteers. ing and on Nov. 6, the day of the presiFor students under 17, there are other dential election.

Several WJ students currently hold ways of participating that do not require positions as judges in the upcoming any choice of candidate or party. These election. One of these students is senior options are a good way to preface beKevin Cotter, who has been volunteer- coming a judge and furthering political ing since 2008 as an election aid and is involvement of any sort. One option now going to be a judge for this election. is the Future Vote Program from the Election aids work fewer hours and have Montgomery County Board of Elections. fewer responsibilities than judges.

Started in 2004, the program allows Cotter is motivated both by the Student Service Learning (SSL) hours and students to volunteer as election aids by his interest in the process. He said it with a one-hour training session for is a good experience and a great way to each election. Cotter was a part of this program before he started working as be prepared to vote when of age.

“It’s much more hands-on than any of an election judge. The trainees learn to the classes I’ve taken,” said Cotter. “It’s assist in the set-up of polling places and help the voters to navigate through the nice to try.”

With the approval of the County Board poll place. The volunteers may also be asked to help of Elections, people who any student “I want to show that are in wheelover the age of 17 is eligible young people are helping chairs to vote.

Sophomore to become a Keith judge. Other out, and that we are in- Kevin’s Cotter, brothrequirements include being volved in the community.” er, has also been volunregistered to teering since vote, being cathe 2008 election.

He hopes to someday pable of working a 15-hour day, being become a judge as well. willing to work outside home precincts For the time being, Keith Cotter is and being able to speak, read and write an election aid, a position that can be in English.

The U.S. also needs bilingual elec- held at a younger age. Like his brother, tion judges, so students fluent in two or he is also involved in order to earn SSL more languages are ideal for this posi- hours, but wants to represent his party as well. Though no party affiliation is tion.

Though work as an aid is not paid, required for the position, and the activielection judges receive a salary for at- ties are impartial, it is still a way to suptending training and working on elec- port personal political views.

“I want to show that young people tion day. Salaries range from 50 to are helping out, and that we are involved 250 dollars.

There is value in learning about the in the community,” said Keith Cotter.

Both election judges and volundemocratic process through helping teer positions have many benefits, and with the inner workings of the election. provide a way to help the public vote.

The positions allow students to learn about the system of voting in the U.S. even before they are eligible.

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Salant Photo courtesy of Jonathan Salant

Attendees at the Democratic National Convention surrounded the stage, waiting for the arrival of the next speaker.

Montgomery County youth impacts Democratic National Convention “Convention” continued from page 1

By Izzy Salant “Living in Montgomery County helped a lot because there were a lot of local issues to write about,” he said. “I got involved very, very early on.”

He added that one of his biggest deciding moments, which helped him get into politics, was when he took a class taught by Maryland Delegate Matthew Schilling.

Taylor kicked it off by welcoming everyone and introducing herself and the rest of the speakers. Then each speaker described what his or her organization did and how it was important that youth get involved in the elections. Each organization had different goals on how to make this possible.

Snyder said his goal was to enhance the electoral vote of youth under age 30.

“President Obama has been with the youth since he stepped into office,” he said.

When it was Mong’s turn to speak, he talked about how his background influenced him and his involvement in politics.

“For a while, I was part of an Asian-

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Salant Photo by Audrey Marek

Brothers Kevin and Keith Cotter plan to volunteer as an election judge and election aid, respectively, in the upcoming presidential election.

Political banners were interspersed throughout the building at the convention.

Pacific Islander group,” he said. “They backed me up and helped me get another stance on my role in politics.”

Every four years, the DNC is held in a different city, but it attracts politicians, commentators and spectators from all over the country. Many Democratic delegates from all the states and U.S. territories gather there to support presidential and vice presidential nominees. Republican delegates attend the Republican National Convention to do the same. This event is also largely covered by the press as many news organizations, large and small, gather at these conventions.

As well as being a melting pot for delegates and press, the DNC is used to announce the official nominees. Since President Obama and Vice President Biden are running for re-election, they were already nominated as candidates for 2012. Also, since they are already in office, the Secret Service went took extreme security measures to protect the president. These included having security checkpoints where they open the hoods of cars to see if there are bombs, using dogs to detect bombs and toxic chemicals and managing personal screenings.

There were also many protests, including signs depicting aborted fetuses, marches against Obama, trucks driving by with many harsh opinions, such as, “Islam is a false religion” and “No same sex.” There were also many signs criticizing Obama’s campaign and America today.

Through all the excitement and protests of the convention, Mong was still able to send a message to the youth of America.

“Get involved,” he said. “The country depends on youth, just like us.”

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NEWS

OCTOBER 8, 2012

Here’s looking at you, WJ

Hundreds of students, dozens of teachers featured in upcoming homecoming video SGA officers strive to include WJ community in filmmaking process

By Caroline Steel This year’s homecoming film will feature the largest number of student and teacher participants in WJ history, according to SGA President Chris McCurry. Students will witness the culmination of ideas, hard work and massive student turnout which is to be featured on screens across the school.

Senior SGA officers McCurry, Ty Glover, Andrew Matus and Barry Mangold have labored since late last spring to bring WJ a homecoming video that all can enjoy. This Friday, Oct. 12, the movie will premiere during the double third period in classrooms throughout the school.

Teachers and students will consistently make appearances in this year’s rendition. Ultimately, McCurry’s goal from the beginning was to include as many students as possible. SGA sponsor Nico Atencio noted that, besides including many students, the film will also cater to a large number of students. He said there will be something in it for everyone.

“For the people that want to laugh, for the people that want to cry – whatever you want, it’ll be there,” said Atencio.

This year, there were a variety of ways in which students were able to participate in the film. On Friday, Sept. 14, students were invited to show up to an enormous fight scene in what the SGA later called “the biggest battle in homecoming movie history,” referring to the

Photo by Caroline Steel

Senior Gabe Jacobsohn films SGA Treasurer Barry Mangold, Vice President Ty Glover and President Chris McCurry for one of the scenes in the homecoming video.

nearly 200 volunteers who engaged in the hour-long campaign.

But students are not the only focus this year. McCurry confirmed that the officers’ intention was to also include teachers from a wide array of departments.

“We have more faculty [and] more students in this film than there have ever been in homecoming movies,” he said.

The notion of including WJ staff and students was a presence in the creative process from the beginning. Consequently, after spending an estimated 225 hours brainstorming, scripting and filming the video, Glover hopes students will be able to appreciate their efforts.

“I’ve aged terribly because of this movie,” Glover said.

“I feel like I’ve lost most of my youth,” Matus added.

Meanwhile, Atencio guessed he spent

30 hours of his own time in assisting the Friday. Until then, all McCurry has to SGA and providing them with advice. say is, “I hope you’re hungry.”

This year’s movie will follow a bit of a different path than prior films. Instead of parodying a single hit blockbuster such as last year’s “Hot Tub Time Machine,” the student officers intend to combine several choice plot lines, drawing from movies such as “The Avengers” and “The Hunger Games.” Nevertheless, multiple outside movie references, as opposed to themes, will be littered throughout the film. McCurry joked that anyone who can name all those references will earn a prize.

The storyline of the homecoming movie has not yet been released. RuPhoto by Caroline Steel mors have been circulating, of course, SGA Treasurer Barry Mangold, Vice Presibut they do not move past guesses and dent Glover and President McCurry up whispers. Accordingly, to find out, you in their costumes for the homecomingsuit video. will have to wait until it premiers this

Tech Troubles: New computer system poses problems an effort to create a uniform enterprise.

The new system has allowed the county This school year, MCPS decided to to update its software and organize the implement the new Windows 7 com- database, but as with any major systems puter system across the entire county in change, issues have arisen as a result.

By Claudia Nguyen

Photo by Wahid Ishrar

Students work on the computers in room 193, one of the writing labs where the Internet was unable to open on certain computers.

Collin Fotia, WJ’s information technology support specialist, said that moving to Windows 7 has posed some minor challenges with both printing and application software compatibility. “[The media center has] been having some printer issues,” said media specialist Naomi Gelfand, “but they are quickly getting fixed.”

Another issue that has posed challenges for students and teachers was difficulty opening Internet Explorer on select computers throughout the building.

The students and faculty were required to adapt to the temporary issue by sharing or switching computers while Fotia made his way around the building to quickly resolve the issue.

With the help of information technology regional support experts, especially Robert Jones of Winston Churchill High School, Fotia has been successful in solving many of the software issues and aiding staff members in getting situated and comfortable using the new operating system.

“Mr. Robert Jones is a seasoned expert in [information technology] and

has been a key player with the success of enhancing WJ’s system,” said Fotia.

A new staff member to WJ, Fotia arrived at the beginning of this school year and has already addressed many of the changes that the new MCPS computer system has posed. He previously worked at The World Bank Group in Washington, D.C. as information technology support, and said that he is accustomed to technology issues similar to those he has been encountering at WJ. “I love challenges and welcome new learning opportunities,” said Fotia.

“I have embraced every moment as a positive experience and look forward to not only making my transition into WJ a success, but enriching the technology support in WJ as a whole.”

Currently, he is responsible for maintaining application software, managing desktop resources and monitoring and supporting all components of the school’s local network, which includes managing computer security for all WJ students and staff.

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OCTOBER 8, 2012

EDITORIAL

The Presidents People

5

Youth voting could decide the 2012 presidential election

By JJ Henn Would you be alarmed if I said that you are still unable to directly vote for the president once you are of voting age?

It is true; we vote for electors of the Electoral College, people who tend to vote in accordance with their constituents. The number of electors each state has is decided based on the quantity of the state’s senators and representatives.

In turn, this means the amount of electors is relatively proportional to the amount of people who are living in the

state. This does not factor in whether or not the population votes.

Therefore, it is imperative that you vote, provided you are 18 years of age and registered, in order to ensure that the person elected to the presidency is the one that favors the majority of the population. There is a group of seniors who will be able to vote this year in the presidential election. I encourage all of these seniors to go exercise the right to vote so that our age group is better represented in the upcoming election.

Sure, your vote may not be the swing

Percentage of eligible, registered voters in each age group who voted in the 2008 election

Aged 55 or older 73% 67.4% Aged 45-54 Aged 35- 44 62.8% 57.0% Aged 25-34 Aged 18-24 48.5% All infographics by Nathaniel Rees

1

OFFICIAL BALLOT, GENERAL ELECTION MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MARYLAND NOVEMBER 4, 2012

(DEMOCRATIC) ELECTORS FOR PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT

(A vote for the candidates will actually be a vote for their electors)

BARACK OBAMA. PRESIDENT

JOE BIDEN. VICE PRESIDENT

(REPUBLICAN) MITT ROMNEY. PRESIDENT

PAUL RYAN. VICE PRESIDENT vote that lands your candidate into office, but it gives the politician a more accurate view of his or her electorate.

According to the Roper Center archives, in the 2004 presidential election, the age group of 18-24 made up a mere nine percent of the total vote.

This number rose to 18 percent of the total vote when Obama was running for president in 2008. Because our age group of 18-24 does not normally vote as frequently as older age groups do, we give older voters a disproportionate amount of influence. Politicians will not act in our interests because they acknowledge that our age group does not vote, so we have no bearing on their job security.

Not being registered isn’t a valid excuse to not go and vote, as it takes only a few minutes to register. For all the students who are about to go to the DMV to get their permit, register to vote while you are there! It takes less than a minute and will save you the trouble of registering independently when the time comes for you to vote.

If we vote, lawmakers and politicians become more aware of the large amount of 18-24 year-olds who are underrepresented in this country. Currently, the biggest influence on today’s policymakers is the group of voters aged 55 and over, and many policies are being made with those voters in mind. So, WJ seniors, go out and vote for your future!

Cramming for Space: Students overflow MCPS

By Hope Marshall

to issues that touch the very quality of the education we receive, such as class sizes, this will impact the school community in ways both big and small.

Principal Jennifer Baker said that the student popula-

Some teachers must move from class to class because Montgomery County’s population they have no set classroom growth in recent years has created hard of their own. Songtao Shu, choices for public school system leadWJ’s only Chinese teacher, ers, who find themselves faced with the has been moving from class prospect of educating the largest stuto class since she first startdent population in the county’s history. ed teaching here. You may Nearly all MCPS schools – WJ included have noticed her in the halls – and the commuwith her cart full of supnities surrounding plies for her next class. them will be affect“I just try to arrange this ed. small cart and imagine it’s In short, we’re all my classroom,” she said. “I going to feel it. really wish that I could have Not far from my own room.”

WJ, the White Flint But growth has an upAll photos by Wahid Ishrar development that such an outcome is several years away, side, too. Yes, the portables includes high-rise the signs are already here. With the may be cold in the winter, but a bigger apartment buildings 2,269 students that currently go to student body means a more diverse stuwill fall within our WJ, the freshman class is the largest of dent population with its different culdistrict, resulting in the four at over 600, while the senior tures and personalities. more students at WJ. class is the smallest.

“Growth is not always bad,” said BakAccording to figures Additionally, county officials project er. “I think that we have a really vibrant posted on the Marythat student population growth will community here at WJ and I love it. The land State Data Cenrequire an entirely new elementary more the merrier.” ter website, Mont- Top Right: An overflow of students has caused the hallways to be clogged school that will feed first into Tilden So the question is this: How do we gomery County’s and congested with student traffic.

Middle School and then into WJ. handle the oversized classes, the crowdpopulation will jump In the future, Baker suggests there’s ed hallways or the full parking lots? We from 971,777 to Bottom Left: The amount of buses needed for MCPS has a good chance that WJ students at have to get ready. Even though there is 1,141,000 between skyrocketed as more students flow into the Montgomery County. some point in the future will have to still time left, administrators need to 2010 and 2030. From be taught in the infamous portables. tion growth will eventually overwhelm start planning now in order to get ahead the amount of time it will take to get WJ’s existing school facilities that were There are examples of WJ staff al- of the issues and successfully prepare to school on more heavily traveled roads recently renovated in 2010. Although ready being squeezed by tight facilities. the WJ community.

Up Bat

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EDITORIAL

OCTOBER 8, 2012

Libby Rice Senior

“I would vote for Obama because I disagree with all of Mitt Romney’s policies.”

at

Danya Firestone Sophomore

November is swiftly approaching, bringing with it a new presidential election season. The Pitch asked you, the students of WJ, to weigh in on the topic.

“[I would vote for] Obama because Romney doesn’t support the lower and middle class.”

Q: If you were to vote, who would you vote for and why?

Samuel Pruitt

Zoe Jansen

Freshman

Junior

“I would vote for Obama because Romney doesn’t care about women.”

“I wouldn’t vote because I don’t agree with Obama and Romney is not well-equipped to run this country.”

Jamie Fitzpatrick

Kai Zlotnitsky

Senior

Sophomore

“I would vote for Obama because he is the incumbent.”

“[I would vote for] Obama because my parents are Democrats and his policies have been working.”

Kelly Waychoff

Freshman

Zack Schapiro

Junior

“[I would vote for] Obama because what Romney said in his video was racist.”

“[I would vote for] Romney because he could do a better job and because he is conservative enough.”

THE

STAFF

All photos by Wahid Ishrar

Editors-in-Chief Arts & Entertainment The Pitch is published eight times a year by the students of Walter Johnson High School, 6400 Sari Amiel Editor Rock Spring Drive, Bethesda, Md. 20814. Advertising and subscription rates are available by Phillip Resnick Emily Cosentino visiting www.wjpitch.com. Editorial opinions represent those of The Pitch staff and do not Megan Chun* Sabrina Clarke* necessarily reflect the opinions of the staff, faculty or student body. We welcome letters, arNews Editors Assistant Arts & Ent. ticles, photographs and artwork, to be e-mailed to thepitch@walterjohnson.com. The Pitch Claudia Nguyen Editor is an award-winning paper that works towards providing the student body with accurate, as Izzy Salant* Audrey Marek well as credible, information.

Caroline Steel* Assistant News Editor Editorial Editors Nathaniel Rees Columbia Scholastic American Scholastic Maryland HS Journalism Award Izzy Salant Dashel Lewis* Press Association Press Association Best Newspaper Overall Sports Editors Assistant Editorial Editor Gold Medalist First Place Third Place Ian Morrison Wahid Ishrar 2009 2010-2012 2009-2010 Ben Resnick* Assistant Sports Editor *Online Editors Ben Resnick

All photos by Wahid Ishrar

Feature Editors Copy Editors Sari Amiel Ellie Jorling Sabrina Clarke* Megan Chun Photo Editors B u s i n e s s / P R Emily Cosentino Manager Claudia Nguyen Wahid Ishrar Photographers Hope Marshall Sarah Schecker Cartoonist Caroline Steel Advisor Sylvie Ellen

Head Staff Writer

Anders Norberg Staff Writers Christine Bersabal JJ Henn Grace Leslau Michael Lumbuku Melissa Wainaina

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Pitch

OCTOBER 8, 2012

EDITORIAL

New Lunch Policy: Food for thought

The first floor is extremely crowded, with students trying to find a spot to eat lunch amidst an overflow of students.

Point

Photos by Wahid Ishrar

Principal Jennifer Baker ensures lunch remains strictly on the first floor.

The recent changes to the lunch policy include lunch being named fifth period and students being limited to the first floor. Many wonder what caused these strange adjustments.

According to Principal Jennifer Baker, this change occurred because in previous years, after lunch, the halls were often filled with garbage.

Building services frequently had to clean up trash on all three floors.

For us students it seems unfair, but the new policy makes building services workers’ jobs easier and allows for cleaner halls. That being said, students can actually eat on any of the three floors as long as they are with a teacher in their room.

Some argue the first floor will be overcrowded when winter rolls around and more students stay in instead of going out. The truth is that the first floor can actually hold all students comfortably within the halls. There are a lot of different areas around the first floor to eat and hang out in, and even with all of the student body eating on the first floor, there won’t be a cluttering prob-

lem.

Another common complaint is lunch becoming fifth period, but this change wasn’t instigated by Baker or the school.

MCPS decided that all schools needed to make lunch a period. This is because not all schools have one lunch period for all grades and therefore give lunch a period to keep everything organized.

They wanted this to be uniform countywide. This also matches teachers’ schedules, which are listed as eight periods a day.

One probCartoon by Caroline Steel lem that caused this change is the only thing preventing the system from returning to its former glory. Students left their trash all over the ground last year with no regard for who had to clean it up. If students were to clean up their own trash then there would be no issue at all and we could eat wherever we wanted to. So unless we, the students of WJ, actually clean up our own messes, we will not get our old lunch system back. Baker said she is not opposed to changing the new policy, but for such a change to be made, students need to start taking responsibility for their trash.

Message Megan

The top floor is now completely deserted during lunch, as students are banned from eating lunch on the second or ground floors.

Counterpoint

Step up to the plate, clean up your mess

By Anders Norberg

7

By Wahid Ishrar

Eating away at our freedom

As the 2012-2013 school year begins at WJ, students and staff are faced with a major change in the lunch policy.

The declaration of lunch as a separate period, namely, period five, creates unnecessary confusion for all the students.

All juniors and seniors, who are accustomed to calling the current “period six” “period five,” will take some time to adjust to the new schedule. The underclassmen, who look up to the upperclassmen to lead their high school lives, will be confused when they hear lunch being called “period five” by the administration and “lunch” by their role models. Even teachers that have been teaching here for years will be confused over whether to call their afternoon classes “period five” or “period six” and so on.

An even bigger change that has occurred is the policy that states that students will not be able to eat on the second and ground floors of the school unless they are with teachers in their rooms. The only floor available for eating on is the first floor, which includes the cafeteria and student commons as large student accommodations during

Dear Seriously and Severely in Need, Wow, I can definitely relate to all of the points you made. One of the most important parts of high school is learnit can also take a toll on a person. I ing how to strike the perfect balance feel so weighed down with work, between your academics and extracurbut, more importantly, with ex- riculars, such as sports.

The first thing you need to do is pripectations. Montgomery County is so competitive, and I feel like it oritize.

Make a list of goals you have, whether is all about being better than the person sitting next me. My par- the are for the quarter, semester or year. ents expect so much from me, and Do you want to get all As and Bs? Do I expect so much from myself. I you have specific sports goals? Do you want to succeed in my athletics want to spend time with a new group and academics here at WJ, but I of friends? Whatever you plan to do, also want to maintain a social life.

How do I find balance?

Dear Megan, High school can be the greatest place in the world, what with my Sincerely, friends and all the cute guys, but Seriously and Severely in Need

lunch.

However, as winter approaches, more and more students will migrate indoors instead of using the open lunch privilege, which will create an overflow of students on the first floor. The noise levels will be up and hallway congestion will inevitably become a major issue.

Also, the students that are taking make-up tests during lunch on the first floor may have a hard time concentrating due to the increased noise levels.

Principal Jennifer Baker has not yet looked into whether or not the teachers Cartoon by Caroline Steel taking make-up tests are being disturbed by the noise levels, but has stated that she will do so soon.

Another group that has not been considered are people that want to eat their lunch in quiet spaces. Since the lunch spaces have been reduced by twothirds, there is virtually no space left to eat your lunch without loud groups being inches away, unless you are accompanied by a teacher.

Overall, the changes in the lunch policy confuse some, disturb some and leave others wanting peace and quiet.

it's important to get them all down on paper. This will help you stay organized and on top of things.

Right now it sounds like you're trying to divide your time between academic, social and athletic commitments, which probably isn't working too well, because you're writing to me.

Focus on one thing and try to get that done. You'll feel better about yourself when you accomplish that goal, and then you can move on to the next.

Lastly, addressing your concerns of academic pressure from the county... ...For further reading, go to wjpitch.online....

Following the success of 2012 graduate Ali Jawetz's advice column "Ask Ali," current Online Editor-in-Chief Megan Chun will also serve to tackle your life problems. Please email inquiries or suggestions to thepitch@ walterjohnson.com. Please specify in the title that your submission is for "Message Megan." Also, be aware that your question may also be printed in the monthly version of The Pitch.

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Pitch

OCTOBER 8, 2012

Editorial

Rees’s Pieces

Curveball

Politicians scared to shoot back at gun laws

The new face of beauty

Photo by Wahid Ishrar

Photo by Wahid Ishrar

By Nathaniel Rees

sion a future with automatic machine guns and semi- automatic rifles. They did not know that guns would be built Picture this: It’s July 20, 2012, and with the sole purpose of killing other you are about to see the midnight pre- humans. miere of “The Dark Knight Rises.” You Americans should have the right to enter the theater, ecstatic for the epic bear arms, but only arms for hunting or climax of the Batman franchise, and the self- defense. Not guns that have 100 movie begins. Thirty minutes later, and round drums that your life has been upended into chaos can kill large groups and tragedy. Everyone in the theater is of people in screaming and crying, and your friend is seconds. shot and killed next to you by a masked gunman.

August 2012 - A gunman kills six people at Sikh temple in Wisconsin before being killed by police.

July 2012 - Masked gunman opens fire at midnight screening of The Dark Knight Rises, killing 12 and injuring 58.

The alleged April 2007 - Student Seung-Hui Cho killed 32 people and wounded 15 shooter in the Aurora shootothers at Virginia Tech, making it the ing came to the theater with worst mass shooting in the United two .40-caliber Glock handguns, a States after 2000.

This is the catastrophe that occurred in theater nine in Aurora, Colo.

Fifty-eight people were injured, 12 were killed and all were affected psychologically. It was the worst mass shooting since Columbine, and thus reinvigorated the fight for stricter gun laws. But as families mourned in Colorado, and waited anxiously in hospitals for news concerning their injured loved ones, articles across the nation were published explaining that gun laws were not going to be changed because of the incident.

Why? Because many Americans place a lot of value on their Second Amendment right to bear arms. Hunting and guns are an integral part of American culture, so politicians are scared to address the issue and risk offending many Americans who enjoy guns.

But when the constitution was written, the founding fathers did not envi-

Changeup

Remington 12-gauge shotgun and a Smith & Wesson AR-15 assault-style rifle. According to NBC news, “the weapons were legally bought from local stores of two national chains — Gander Mountain Guns and Bass Pro Shop — beginning in May.” Yes, the Second Amendment protects a citizen’s right to own a gun, but it does not prevent reasonable regulation of guns for public safety. Yes, mass killings occur in societies with stronger gun laws, but not with such regularity — and not against the backdrop of daily gun violence that distinguishes the United States. And yes, there will always be psychopaths like James Holmes who want to kill other human beings, who succumb to fits of rage. But if these psychopaths can’t get their hands on semi-automatic weapons, there will be far fewer mass shootings in the U.S.

out well. I woke up to about a dozen Facebook notifications from people I don’t know who posted “happy birthday” on my wall and then had a filling breakfast. My mom walked into the kitchen, and this is where the problems began.

“Oh my gosh, Phillip! This is going to be the last breakfast you eat at home on your birthday before you leave for college!” she exclaimed.

“Not if I become a stay-at-home son,” I sarcastically responded as I continued Photo by Wahid Ishrar to eat my breakfast.

By Phillip Resnick Although this moment seemed insigA few weeks ago, I celebrated my nificant at the time, it foreshadowed the 17th birthday. Now, like most people horrors that were to follow. As we left turning 17, I was looking forward to the house for family brunch, my mom a fun birthday full of presents, friends commented on how this was the last and, most importantly, minimal family family birthday brunch I would have at home. Then she stated how it was commitments.

The morning of my birthday started the last time I’d be going to Ize’s on

Birthday Lessons

By Megan Chun “I look so fat in this dress.”

This saying is commonplace in today’s society, where tight, body-con outfits are the norm and clothing companies seem to be using less and less material to make their clothes. Crop tops and booty shorts are no big deal to teenagers today. In fact, they’re almost expected to be wardrobe staples. Though provocative, the skimpy and revealing clothes by themselves are not an issue.

However, these clothes have led to the distortion of the body image that young adults, particularly females, hold close to their hearts during their teen years.

Don’t get me wrong: I think showing some skin is great. I’ll be the first to confess my love for short-shorts and tiny skirts and dresses that would probably make your middle school administration wince. However, in an era where image and peer acceptance is of the utmost importance, these promiscuous clothes often torment their owners. In fact, girls may not even like these clothes; they may only purchase them because they feel compelled to do so, in order to “fit in.” But buying clothes that aren’t physically the best fit can lead to a lowered self-esteem, which just fosters the cycle of negativity. Our peers can also be especially cruel: how many times have you overheard a conversation degrading someone else?

However, we’re probably our own worst critics. We’ve all seen the selfdegrading comments on Facebook. We don’t say these remarks like we mean them, and often times we say them in

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jest. The bottom line, though, is that it’s unhealthy behavior.

Remember health class? You probably took it in your freshman or sophomore year, or if you’re like me and forgot about the requirement, eighth grade. Eating disorders. Bulimia and Anorexia Nervosa, or in non-scientific terms, throwing up after meals and starving yourself.

I recall learning about these things and thinking that it was dumb. But thinking about it now, it is easy to see how this culture of clothes, combined with peer pressure to fit in and poor self-esteem, can lead to these psychological diseases.

Although you may or may not know anyone who has personally suffered from an eating disorder, it’s much more common than you think. According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), Anorexia Nervosa is the third most common chronic illness among teens and adolescents. The ANAD also reports that over 50 percent of female teens use “unhealthy weight control behaviors such as skipping meals, fasting, smoking cigarettes, vomiting and taking laxatives.”

It’s a scary statistic, and there is no easy fix to this problem. Getting rid of the clothes won’t do any good, and people should be free to dress the way they want. The only feasible solution is to boost self-esteem and raise one’s body image. Whether that means separating yourself from a group of people, or learning to eat healthy, there’s always a way to make things right again. Be proud. Be confident. And take care of the body you have, because you won’t get another.

“Over 50 percent of

female teens use unhealthy weight control behaviors”

my birthday. By the end of brunch she was nearly sobbing over the fact that it was the last time we would eat brunch on my birthday on a Saturday at Ize’s at 10:37 a.m. in partly cloudy weather.

My family has issues.

However, despite the clinginess and over-dramatization of my mother (which we can all expect), I learned some important lessons on my birthday. First, I learned that Ize’s still has the best breakfast sandwiches in MoCo, hands down. But I also learned that growing up happens really fast, and you don’t even realize it’s happening until it’s already over.

It seems like just yesterday it was a huge deal that I was allowed to finally bike to the pool all by my big-boy self, and yet I drove up to Clarksburg by myself the other week for the football game. I remember in middle school

when our parents would follow us around at the mall to make sure we were safe, but now we take ourselves to all kinds of places far away without any supervision at all. Growing up is fun, exciting and scary all at the same time, so we should all just make the most of it and hope for the best.

Finally, I learned that family is really, really important even if they are annoying most of the time. Although my mom made a bit too much of a point about it being the last time I did anything on my birthday, it made me realize that we (fortunately) don’t live at home forever.

So, while we’re here we should cherish and value our families, with a little sibling rivalry and fighting mixed in.

I think this was the best last column in the October issue of The Pitch that came out on Oct. 8 that I wrote about my birthday ever!

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Pitch

OCTOBER 8, 2012

FEATURE

9

WJ welcomes new staff

Photo by Wahid Ishrar

Photo by Emily Cosentino

Kelly Butler

Regina Rodriguez

By Sabrina Clarke

By Grace Leslau New chorus teacher Kelly Butler anticipates an outstanding first year at WJ. “The reputation of the school is overall very positive in every way,” she said.

Butler has been teaching for 11 years.

She grew up in the Midwest and attended St. Olaf College in Minnesota. Before coming to WJ, she taught part time at both Sherwood High School and Eastern Middle School. She enjoys teaching and looks forward to working with WJ students. “[I like] working with kids who are excited to do well, to be involved and to have fun,” she said.

Outside of school, Butler spends most of her time with her one-year-old

daughter. She also likes to travel. Butler describes herself as goofy, energetic and hardworking.

Butler is excited to be working this year at the same school as her husband, social studies teacher Jeremy Butler.

They met teaching at Altona Middle School in Longmont, Colo., and coach the Glenmont Tigers swim team together.

Butler is adjusting to her new position and has yet to determine whether she wishes to make changes to the WJ choral department.

“It would be great to have a men’s and women’s choir someday,” she said.

Ninth-grade administrator Regina Rodriguez is one of the many new staff members at WJ for the 2012-2013 school year.

Rodriguez has taught for 17 years at various middle schools, including Tilden, North Bethesda and other schools in Montgomery County that are not a part of the WJ cluster.

Rodriguez was apprehensive about working in a high school at first, because her position had been held for 15 years by Christopher Merrill.

“I thought that it would’ve been tough for me because [the administrators] were already in their own circle that included Mr. Merrill,” said Rodriguez.

Photo by Wahid Ishrar

Photo by Emily Cosentino

Carolyn Clark

By Christine Bersabal This is Dr. Carolyn Clark’s first year teaching French at WJ, but she certainly is no outsider to the community. Her three kids, all WJ alumni, advocated for WJ and encouraged her to teach here.

Clark grew up in Ithaca, N.Y. “I started when I was very young, teaching my stuffed animals… also, my father is a professor and my mother is a high school teacher,” said Clark.

After taking a gap year, Clark continued to develop her passion for teaching at Cornell University, majoring in Classical Civilizations, and went on to receive her doctorate in Classics from Johns Hopkins University in 1998.

“I wanted to finish something I started,” Clark said. “I was in a master’s pro-

Rodriguez is uncertain as to whether she prefers being an administrator or a teacher, but she does feel that it is odd being on the “other side,” as an administrator.

Outside of school, Rodriguez loves taking any spare time to hang out with her two daughters, aged 19 and 16. She also enjoys watching baseball and taking road trips.

Her grade school education took place in North Carolina, and she then proceeded to East Carolina University for her undergraduate degree. She later attended Bowie University and McDaniel College for her master’s degrees.

Christine Hernandez

By Michael Lumbuku

gram at Brown University. When I left in [1983] I got married [and] had a family and I wanted to finish the Ph.D. in Classics.”

Although many may find it impressive, having a doctorate sometimes can be troubling for Clark.

“When you apply for things, sometimes they say you’re overqualified,” she said.

Clark has been teaching for 28 years, first starting out in colleges and universities as an adjunct professor and then simultaneously teaching high school in 2000.

Outside of school, Clark enjoys horseback riding, skiing and reading classical mythology.

This is counselor Christine Hernandez’s first year at WJ. Hernandez graduated from James Madison University and later attended George Washington University for her graduate degree. While at George Washington, she interned as a counselor at WJ and decided that this was where she wanted to work.

Hernandez considers herself to be a down-to-earth, approachable and dependable person.

“I like to think people can come talk to me,” said Hernandez.

As a part-time counselor at both WJ and Cold Spring Elementary, Hernandez often finds herself occupied but enjoys her work.

“I’m usually busy, but when I have time I either work out or hang out with friends,” she said.

She also enjoys spending time with her family, playing tennis and running in her free time.

Hernandez graduated from Winston Churchill High School, where she participated in many school-spirited events. Now that she works at WJ, she plans to attend sports games when she has time.

For more about new staff members at WJ, visit wjpitch.com.

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FEATURE

OCTOBER 8, 2012

L

UNOFFICIA

The WJ School Photos and text by Ellie Jorling

Starting a new grade can be overwhelming and inimidating. The Pitch asked WJ s dents struggling during the first month of school. Their bottom line: don’t stress out

Advice for Freshmen

Advice for Sop

Hannah Allgood Sophomore If you bomb an assignment, don’t freak out.

Do your homework.

Try to get some sleep.

Sam Jacobson Sophomore

Kyle Lopez Junior

Don’t eat lunch in the English hallway.

Work hard.

Become best friends with Ms. Reynolds.

Don’t slack off.

Go to your teachers and ask for help.

Always go to the Asian café.

Chris Hairston Sophomore Don’t [tick] off other kids.

Keep your time in check.

Stay fresh.

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OCTOBER 8, 2012

FEATURE

l Survival Guide

11

students to offer advice on what they wish they knew last year in order to help stutoo much and try to balance schoolwork with things you enjoy. Have a great year!

phomores

Advice for Juniors Mira Kruger Senior

Emma Teal Junior Take all required classes.

Try to get good grades because they matter.

Be social.

Work hard.

Your homework is not everything.

Study for your SAT.

Jesse Cole Senior Take all standardized tests early.

Try to have fun.

Keep your grades up.

Melanie Ackerman Junior Sleep more.

Don’t procrastinate.

Use all the school’s resources.

Jamie Fitzpatrick Senior Don’t walk through the senior hallway.

Do well on the SAT. Have fun.

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12

FEATURE

OCTOBER 8, 2012

Jazz Band looks to continue recent success

“Jazz” continued from page 1

The band placed first at this festi- plays the drum set. val in 2011 and third in 2012, and has Godfrey has been playing drums been invited to compete again this for nearly seven years. Along with jazz February. The group participates in band, he is also in Symphonic Orchesonly two major competitions, the Mid- tra, Drumline, Pep Band and Jazz ComAtlantic Jazz Festival and the Chantilly bo. Jazz Combo is a group of five stuJazz Invitational, which will be held in dents in Jazz Band that performs twice March. In addition to these large per- a month on average and meets outside formances, the band usually performs of school. about once a month. Oct. 4 marked “We get a lot of our gigs outside of the ensemble’s first performance of school but all of them [are] through Mr. this school year, at the meeting for ris- [Kosmaceski],” said Godfrey. ing freshmen.

In addition to these independent perThe band will perform again at the formances, the members of Jazz Combo Senior Citizens’ Luncheon in Novem- are also responsible for playing in the ber, followed by Montgomery Coun- class’ concerts and competitions. The ty’s Big Band Festival. two festivals that Jazz Band participates “[Where we perform] depends on in are unique in that the top three teams the opportunities and the calendar,” are ranked and given professional comPhoto courtesy of Molly Narkis said Jazz Band director Christopher mentary.

The Jazz Band competed in the 2012 Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival in Rockville, Md., one of Kosmaceski. However, due to recent “It’s an educational experience be- their larger competitions. success, the amount of contests they cause we’re getting some feedback,” “A huge part of [jazz] is getting the participate in has been increasing over said Kosmaceski. “There’s a professional such as Swing, Latin, ballads and contime. jazz clinician who’s listening to the per- temporary. Some of the competitions right feel,” said Narkis. “You can play The group has been led by Kosmac- formance. They meet you in another have more specific requirements than a song technically with the wrong feel others. and it would just be terrible.” eski since 2005. He Both Godfrey and Narkis Kosmaceski, who also teaches AP Mutrains the band and sets In Jazz Band, you have your part. It’s notice a major distinction sic Theory, Symphonic Orchestra, Wind its schedule, but does between Jazz Ensemble and Ensemble and Concert Band, recogniznot hold practices out- more individual so everyone is sort other forms of music they es the difference in the musical genres side of class. Instead, themselves but still teaches them in the before a contest, differ- of accountable [for] their own perfor- have studied.

“In Orchestra, the notes same way. ent sections of the band “[In jazz], the parts are independent, often meet to practice mance and everyone plays a big part are all written out for you, no matter what instrument and the style is different,” Kosmaceski their parts. you’re playing, including said. “The inflection of the notes [and] “Mr. [Kosmaceski] is a really great room and tell you how to improve.” percussion,” said Godfrey. “[Jazz Band] the nuances [are] placed differently in director and always gets the best out During festivals, the Jazz Ensemble gives you a lot more freedom.” jazz music.” of us,” said junior Henry Godfrey, who must play music from multiple genres,

“

.”

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OCTOBER 8, 2012

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The man behind the lens

13

Senior Gabe Jacobsohn is one of WJ’s film masterminds. He is currently directing the homecoming video, “The Daily Lineup” and other WJ productions “Behind the Lens” continued from page 1

By MelissaWainaina Jacobsohn has always had an interest in film, like when his family needed help with making videos, he was always interested.

“I started studying up on cinematography and different filmmaking techniques so every time I heard [WJ] would do a video I would always get involved,” said Jacobsohn.

He enjoys dealing with technical production because there is a wide experience available with film, sound, set production and more techniques. As an inspiration, he looks up to “Inception” film director, Christopher Nolan.

Jacobsohn tries to emulate aspects of Nolan’s work, especially the famed director’s command of audience attention.

He has gone on to make a huge impact on WJ by helping out in some of the biggest school productions such “Every 15 Minutes”(a movie done at WJ in 2010 that focuses on the dangers of underage drinking), “The Daily Lineup” and the

Depicted above is a still from one of Jacobson’s works, “Every 15 Minutes,” which portrays Death coming to a classroom. The film was made to raise awareness of student drunk driving.

Homecoming videos.

His involvement in these films started out when he got involved with the morning announcements. Once he was associated with, “The Daily Lineup” it was easier to get into filming movies for WJ. “The TV club has a big role in filming movies because we do most of the filming, so since I’m kind of heading the club, I ended up taking to position of

Co-director,” he said.

Once he took that position, he started working on videos like the 2011 Homecoming video and “Every 15 Minutes,” which has been one of his favorite films so far.

“Every 15 Minutes was my favorite film, because it was all done in a one day, and it was interesting to see how it came together,” said Jacobsohn This year, he has taken the role of be-

ing the student producer for the morning announcements and the main director of WJ films.

Jacobsohn has also taken the lead in organizing the Homecoming video and some aspects that go into filmmaking.

Jacobsohn explains that the process was much easier and faster compared to last year’s Homecoming video, because there was more time to film it.

“We spent three and half months on the video this year whereas last year we only spent about three weeks on it.”

Although having a smooth run coming up with the ideas, he did face some obstacles with the camera. This did not stop him from filming the huge fight scene that will appear in the homecoming video this year.

Jacobsohn has dedicated a lot of his time to helping make WJ films production more interesting.

“I try to watch movies and try to incorporate good techniques in making the films,” said Jacobsohn.

His passion stretches through the camera into the things he loves to films.

Whether it’s the morning announcements, the Homecoming video or S*T*A*G*E, Jacobsohn has a strong commitment to the projects he works on.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

OCTOBER 8, 2012

Third Base The Humor Column

Love Lost for Lang: How this class has effectively ruined our social skills.

By Megan Chun and Claudia Nguyen This class seemed straightforward enough: read a couple books, write a bunch of essays and you’re good to go. In our heads we’re thinking: I’ve been writing essays for years now, so this can’t be too bad. Plus, I actually know English! This should be a cinch. WRONG. Sure, AP Language and Composition, a junior year staple, teaches you valuable information and definitely improves your writing skills. But after reading the same article for the umpteenth time (sorry David Sedaris, even you’re not that interesting), your eyes just want to fall out of your head and roll across the paper.

We have to analyze each essay for purpose, tone and rhetorical devices. You can really only identify an author’s purposeful use of diction and imagery so many times before you kind of want to blow your brains out.

Okay, so perhaps this sounds a bit dramatic, but imagine never being able to read a single book, enjoy a TV show or hold a normal conversation with anyone without analyzing the heck out of whatever is being said.

But let’s use an example that everyone can relate to. Textbooks. Or, for most high school students, that heavy object that you only open the first week of school.

A few nights ago, we observed that textbooks tend to use formal sentence structure in order to create informative and educational tones. These tones are further supported by the use of the pronoun “we,” which serves to mimic the student-teacher relationship. In addition, textbooks often use real world examples to aid readers in their understanding of practical applications.

Oh dear. But if that wasn’t enough, we have also begun to analyze other literary works, including text messages, a popular form of communication in today’s society.

“Heyy gurl u down 4 dat game 2nite? ;)))))))” The informal sentence structure and slang words in the text message create a playful tone, which supports the speaker’s intention to persuade the reader to attend the football game. The extended smiley face is used not to convey that the speaker has seven chins, but rather to emphasize the excited and jubilant nature of the speaker.

All in all, AP Lang has taught us numerous skills.

One: To detect every single tone in every single conversation. Two: To hunt for rhetorical devices like you’re looking for a homecoming date freshman year (look, a simile!). And lastly, to become best friends with your red and blue pens, because by the end of the year, they’ll be the only weapons you have to fend off the nightmares of annotation and rhetoric you’ll most likely have for the rest of your life.

But in all seriousness, although this class has proceeded to take over our lives, we recognize that our age of blissful ignorance is over and our lifelong quest for tone and purpose has begun.

Photo by Emily Cosentino

Photo by Audrey Marek

At Left: An information board in the art hallway advertising various aspects of the art community, such as internships.

At right: Lishani De Silva, the president of the WJ Art Club.

ART FOR THE INARTISTIC

By Audrey Marek

shorter periods of time. This particular gathering is two weeks long and relies on hundreds of volunteers, but only takes place once every summer.Students must be 16 years or older in order to apply.

However, there are other programs provided by the Smithsonian institution that last year-round. One such program is the Behind the Scenes Volunteers, but this particular option requires a large commitment.

According to their website, volunteers must serve for three consecutive months with six hours a week of service.

The program is also extremely competitive, and has applicants with a wide range of ages and skill types.

The activities in the program vary throughout the Smithsonian, so not all will involve art, but the Smithsonian is a very organized and accessible institution to work with.

If you’re looking for something a little less timeconsuming, there are many websites, such as Volunteermatch.org or Smartvolunteer.org, that can supply great opportunities and good ideas on how to get involved. There are both long-term volunteering connections and one-time events at galleries and small art shows.

The jobs range from writing positions covering artwork or galleries to teaching opportunities for children’s art classes. All possibilities shown will be in the zip code you specify, so they are convenient to attend.

It is easy to narrow down the search with optional specifications that include age and the type of volunteering you prefer. These websites also offer virtual volunteer connections, so there are opportunities to work with people all over the country without leaving your home.

Even if drawing is a drag, painting is petrifying and sculpting is simply scary, these institutions, both in and out of WJ, are welcoming your help.

The art community contains a lot of talent, but even if you’re not this generation’s Vincent Van Gogh, there are still plenty of opportunities to get involved. Volunteering is a viable option for helping the art community, even if stick figures are your greatest strength.

The art community is also a great place to get Student Service Learning hours, while actually learning skills that are hard to find in other places. There are opportunities to get involved everywhere, some of which are available without even having to leave the school.

A good way to start getting involved in volunteering is to join the WJ Art Club. This group of students volunteers in many different ways and can always use some extra help.

“We finished the mural up in the gymnasium area and we just have to finish the letters, so anyone who wants to join Art Club can join and help out with that,” said Lishani De Silva, the president of the art club.

The administration also suggested the club do an additional mural on the outside of the school, a project which the club will be embarking on.

If painting is still out of your artistic comfort zone, there are other ways to help out the club. For instance, last year, the members assembled Valentine’s Day baskets for cancer patients.

Additionally, there are ways to help the club without even becoming a member, like volunteering to paint faces or helping to collect cans for an upcoming project. One of the more well-known activities the club participates in is the “Bad Day to be a Pumpkin” shirt contest, in which anyone can take part. To participate, all the student must do is submit a design for consideration to be the official logo for this year’s shirt.

However, for some activities, like the murals, it is preferred that only club members participate. Traditional art skills or artistic ability is not required as the club is very open. The club encourages you to join, as new members are apprecitated regardless of ability.

“We had students that were coming from Photo [classes]: AP 2D, Digital One [and] Digital Two,” said De Silva.

She went on to explain that Art Club is very open, and that it does not have any specifications, so anyone can join.

If the club isn’t what you’re looking for, there are many other places in Bethesda and Washington, D.C. where you can get involved in the art Photo by Emily Cosentino community. Some opportuAt the end of the previous school year, the WJ Art Club painted a mural of a wildcat nities, like the Smithsonian pouncing out of the school wall in the gymnasium stairwell.

Folklife Festival, occur over

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OCTOBER 8, 2012

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Wildcat Art Update

15

Student artists have been experimenting with different forms of art and have found their favorite mediums. Here is a feature of some of the artwork supplied by WJ’s up-and-coming artists.

Photo courtesy of Steven Gondre-Lewis Photo courtesy of Jennifer Christakos Photo courtesy of Emma Teal

Junior Emma Teal found her passion in photography during her freshman year. Above is a photo from her trip to Chicago in which she captured an image of the buildings in the city.

In the photo below, Teal focuses on a bicycle in Chicago, using her camera to create a shallow depth of field.

Photo courtesy of Steven Gondre-Lewis

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Christakos

Senior Steven Gondre-Lewis has been drawing intensely since the fourth grade and is still going strong.

The charcoal piece on the top right is an attempt at showcasing human emotions, mainly focusing on rage and anger. On the bottom right is his interpretation of a rose, created in charcoal and intended as a gift.

Junior Jennifer Christakos found her artistic inspiration when she was in the fourth grade. The piece of artwork on the top left is an oil painting of lips in a jungle, which was inspired by the idea that beauty is hidden. The bottom left is an interpretive self-portrait reflecting her inner self, which was created in acrylic paint.

Photo courtesy of Emma Teal

Word Search: Seasonal Fun

SUDOKU

Words:

AUTUMN, LEAVES, CIDER, PUMPKIN, YELLOW, ORANGE, RED, TREES, FALL, WINDY, HALLOWEEN, BRISK

See answers at wjpitch.com!

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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OCTOBER 8, 2012

Homecoming Fashion

By Emily Cosentino

It is almost fall and one of the most heavily anticipated weeks of school is approaching us, the week of homecoming. This week students show their school spirit and the week culminates with the annual dance. Students find a date, dress up and dance all night. One of the biggest parts of getting ready for the dance is style, specifically the dress. Students want an outfit that is stylish, shows their personality and stay where it is supposed to be throughout the night. Here are some styles that the Lady Wildcats are putting together.

Sexy:

Wearing a simple and sexy white dress can illuminate the look. The snug fit highlights body shape and curves.

The rippled cut compliments the shorter hem. Wearing a simple pair of small black heels creates a contrast between the shoes and the dress, making them both stand out, while nicely highlighting the legs. A suggestion for wearing a short, white dress is to dress it up with some jewelry. Take advantage of the simplicity of the white and match up a cute bracelet with the outfit. A benefit of white and black is that almost anything can match. A simple black bracelet will look classy, while a colorful bracelet will add a snazzier and spiced-up look.

Classic:

Photo courtesy of senior Maesa Titensor

Conservative:

If wearing a shorter dress is not your particular style, try wearing a dress that has a hemline below the knee. While being cute and conservative, there’s no worrying about the dress being too revealing. The bold floral print and keyhole neckline is eye-catching. Adding white sandals continues the tropical theme, and they are embellished with a flower to match the print. They are flat and comfy, so having sore feet through the night will not be an issue. Altogether, it is a unique and fun style while still being practical. It is also a dress that allows for careless, fun dancing while still being fashion savvy.

Photo courtesy of senior Sarah Hamel

Photo courtesy of senior Sarah Sull

You cannot go wrong with a fun, strappy and bright homecoming dress, a classic style. This dress will allow you to dance with your dress staying up throughout the night. The slight sweetheart neckline is noticeable without being too revealing. It also allows a necklace to be worn with the dress, without being overwhelming. The border along the top adds a distinguishing touch without being too unusual. With a dress that is formfitting, it can give your body a trim, fit shape. A standard pair of cute black heels can complete any homecoming look. By wearing sandals with a smaller heel, your feet will be thanking you at the end of the night for easing up the pain of wearing high heels all night.

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OCTOBER 8, 2012

SPORTS

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OCTOBER 8, 2012

Girls’ Soccer Tackling Matters:

By Grace Leslau

Photo by Sarah Schecker

Junior captain Anna Rowthorn-Apel shoots on goal.

Field Hockey

By MelissaWainaina

The varsity field hockey team has begun its season with a successful start, winning five of six games so far. Although the team lost to Wootton 4-2, the girls have been working hard to lead off this season with strong wins and are striving to win more games.

“We played a good game and, while there were times where we could have done better, we pulled it together and got the win,” said senior defender Rachel Wang.

With playoffs in late October, the team’s main goal is to focus on the games as they play them, as well as on their practices.

“Our focus for the season is to take each game one at a time,” said coach Erika Murray. “Every season is different from the one before. We have a lot of new players on varsity so we are very team-oriented this season, [and will be] working on building relationships so that we can work together on the field.”

This may be the key to the team’s hard work and dedication to the game.

After a devastating overtime loss to Churchill in the 4A West Semifinal, the girls’ soccer team is working hard to go further this year. The team lost seven starters, but is bouncing back this year with many new players as well as some more experienced ones.

“The returning players are stepping into leadership roles,” said coach Elizabeth Friedman.

Senior captains Carina Deandreis and Cori Caggiano, as well as seniors Zoe Park and Sydney Calas and junior captain Alejandra Ramos, are expected to significantly contribute to the team’s success.

“It’s a really tough and energetic team [that is] willing to work hard,” said Deandreis.

Possibly the toughest division in Maryland stands in the way of the team’s high hopes, including Churchill, Whitman and Wootton. Four-year consecutive state champions B-CC will also be competitive opponents.

Its season opening loss to Holy Cross exposed many of the team’s weaknesses. The team learned that it needed to play harder and more aggressively.

“With injuries and tired legs, mental toughness needs to be better,” said Freidman.

The team is working hard and has made many improvements.

“The loss of some of our starters has motivated us to keep our standard high,” said Deandreis.

They have lost two 1-0 games to Blair and Clarksburg, but hope to bounce back in upcoming matches.

Sophomore forward Caroline Braviak attacks the defense.

Girls’ Tennis

Photo courtesy of Rich Gilman

Golf

By Michael Lumbuku

As their season progresses, the WJ golf team continues to perform beyond expectations. Led by senior captain Evan Shapiro and sophomore co-captain Joshua Jacobs, the golf team has started out the season winning the majority of their matches against tough competition like Wootton, Damascus and Whitman.

“We started out underperforming and we have progressively gotten better and in our last match we shot 3 over as a team, beating Wootton, Churchill, and BCC”, said Shapiro.

Although the golf team lacks seniority, as the team consists mostly of sophomores and freshman, the underclassmen have persevered stroke after stroke to make the team as good as it is today. Throughout all of their matches, both the boys and girls of the team have showcased progress in maturity and skill level. “[We have a] strong freshman class and only one graduating, so we are only going to get better,” said Evan Shapiro.

As they approach the end of their season, the WJ golf team plans to finish with their spirits high and a winning record. As for their potential in future years, the sky is the limit.

By Ben Resnick and Ian Morrison

Sports Section Editor Ian Morrison and Assistant Sports Section Editor Ben Resnick share their thoughts on the NFL season thus far.

Robert Griffin III

IM-RGIII has undoubtedly brought a new swagger to his Washington teammates and even to ‘Skins fans.

He has a bright future here, but he will not be able to transform the team in his rookie season. The team may do well, but the pressure can’t all fall on such a young player’s shoulders.

BR- RGIII is one of the best young quarterbacks in football. He revamped the Redskins’ offense and is looking like the next big thing. Like Cam Newton did for the Panthers last year, Griffin will be lighting up defenses through the air and on the ground.

Andrew Luck

IM-Luck is another rookie quarterback with hugely high expectations. He, like RGIII, will be successful in the NFL. But the Colts are coming off of a dreadful season and one man cannot change a whole team so quickly; check back with the Colts in two years as he starts to re-emerge as a league leader.

BR- The Indianapolis Colts know how to draft rookie quarterbacks in the first round. The last two times they have done this, they have drafted Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck (who many say will be the next Peyton Manning.) This young talented player has the poise and decision-making skills of a veteran and will be a household name for years to come.

Peyton Manning and the Broncos

IM-Peyton has still got it. He is one of the most experienced and most talented quarterbacks in the game.

Despite sitting out last season, he still has the talent to revamp the Broncos’ offense and thrust them into the post season. You can’t argue with the Broncos’ week four slaughtering of the Raiders.

BR- Peyton Manning is not the same Peyton Manning

By Christine Bersabal Girls’ tennis is currently playing very well, with we came to know and love. Coming off serious neck seven wins and only two losses, which were against surgery, the all-time great’s mobility and accuracy are way down, leading to more turnovers and making the Wootton and Churchill.

“I think that we’re actually really competitive this Broncos a very mediocre team. season and we have a chance of being division champs,” Top teams said senior captain Amy Caplon.

This year, the team is filled with talented players such IM-Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons has started off as senior Arielle Hartz, junior KaseyYamashita, sopho- the season better than any other quarterback. He is more Nicole Fatemi and freshman Eden Sela. Accord- top of the league in quarterback ratings and the Faling to Caplon, one of their strengths is the chemistry cons have an excellent record to show for it. The Ravens also look promising, despite a frustrating week the team shares.

The girls endure difficult two hour practices every two loss to the Eagles. day and analyze each match afterwards to fully prepare BR- With arguably the best passing attack in the NFL and a solid run game, the Falcons’ offense is already for the upcoming one.

“We look at how the match went [and] look at the firing on all cylinders. The defense has a knack for weaknesses per match, per game, [and] per set,” said making big plays and the special team is very good.

Caplon. ‘And we really think about, for doubles, the This team is good in every phase in the game and looks chemistry between the two players [and], for singles, to make a run deep into the playoffs. the mentality of how you have to Dark Horse face your oppo- IM-The Chargers have had a shaky last few seasons, after once being annual AFC championship contendnent.”

After beating ers, but with a 2-0 start to the season, it looks like B-CC and Whit- things may be turning around. More surprisingly, the man, usually the Cardinals have started off well with a big win over the Wildcats’ tough- Patriots. Was this just a sloppy game from the Patriots? est competitors, Or could this be the emergence of a new NFC playoff the girls are con- team? fident and look BR- After shocking the 49ers at home, the Vikings forward to end- move to 3-1 and 2-0 at home. This team wins by playing the season on ing good defense and running the ball well, and looks to make a very surprising run for the division title. a high note.

Photo by Sarah Schecker

Junior Michael Gilman tees off.

NFL Predictions

Photo by Wahid Ishrar

Freshman Sun Jung returns a serve at practice

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OCTOBER 8, 2012

Photo courtesy of Beth Muehl

Sports

Photo courtesy of Tom Rogers

Tom Martin (second from left) and Tom Rogers (right), after winning the state championship in the 4x800 meter relay.

Photo by Wahid Ishrar

Photo by Wahid Ishrar

Beth Muehl, who was named Coach of the Decade for girls’ cross country by mocorunning.com, ran for four years at Bucknell.

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Photo courtesy of Jamie Grimes

Photo by Wahid Ishrar

Martin (left) and Rogers (right) won a state championship in the 4x800m relay for Friendly High School in Price Georges County.

Photo by Wahid Ishrar

Above: Jamie Grimes pictured at the FINA World Cup in 1999. Grimes swam in a number of major meets, including the U.S. Olympic trials and the NCAA Divison I Championships.

Achievement as student athletes leads to exellence as coaches

By Ian Morrison WJ has established a history of excellent athletics. It has become an expectation to have at least one team each season in contention for a regional or state title. But it is not simply stellar athletes who have built such a great athletics program at WJ. Also contributing to this tradition are our very experienced, talented and dedicated coaches, many of whom have experienced the very same pressure WJ’s student athletes experience every time they compete.

Coaching takes just as much commitment as playing a sport does. Our coaches have had a huge impact on our teams. They have developed our athletes and pushed them to perform better each year. Much of the credit for WJ’s athletic success must go to them.

Last year, the school celebrated our swim team as they brought the state title to WJ. Science teacher and Head Coach Jamie Grimes was key to the swim team’s huge victory. However, Grimes had personal success in the pool long before last year’s state title was won.

Grimes began swimming when he was just six years old. When he was 10, he began to swim locally at Rockville Montgomery Swim Club, where many current WJ swimmers compete.

However, Grimes wasn’t naturally a great swimmer.

“It took me a while to get to where I was,” said Grimes.

During his four years at The University of Virginia, Grimes, an All American swimmer, won three conference titles with the team, and swam at the Olympic qualifiers in 2000 and 2004.

He even competed in a race against Michael Phelps, in which he came in second only to Phelps. There’s no doubt

that Grimes has all the credentials to be The two head coaches of WJ’s running an excellent swim coach. program, Tom Martin and Tom Rogers, “I can relate to the kids,” said Grimes. have been best friends and teammates “I won’t give them anything they can’t since high school, are both state chamdo.” pions and are now enjoying teaching With his experience, Grimes says and coaching careers together at WJ. he can always tell his athletes that he’s Rogers was inspired to run while done worse. watching track in It motithe 1968 Olymvates athletes pics. He went on to know that to win three state their coach has championships in already put in high school, run the work they at Frostburg State themselves now and even commust do. In pete at Nationswimming, moals three times in tivation is key, college. considering that Rogers and swimmers must Martin both endure pracfondly rememtice up to eight ber running the times a week.

3200-meter relay For many, such together in high a rigorous school; they won schedule could the state champicause burnout. onship.

“I like hard Rogers said he work, I like and Martin were training, I like Photo courtesy of Jamie Grimes so good simply practice and I Jamie Grimes celebrates after reciving a bronze because they like to work to medal at Senior Nationals. competed at each see results,” said Grimes. practice. Every practice was a competiGrimes does not credit his success to tion between the two of them, and, as natural talent, but he believes that it is a result, each pushed the other to run the hard work you put into something even faster. that will carry you forward. Talent can They both attribute their success to only take you so far. the coaches that they had in high school.

Despite Swim and Dive’s recent suc“I had great coaches,” said Rogers. “I cess, WJ is also well-known for pro- learned a lot from them.” ducing excellent runners year in and He said coaching has been a sort of year out. Sure, there is talent on all of passing of heritage for him. Rogers the school’s teams, but no other team learned a lot from his high school coach, has had success comparable with cross and brought that knowledge to the WJ country’s four consecutive state titles. track program. Rogers has even passed

down his love of coaching to his son, who is now the track coach at Richard Montgomery.

Rogers, like Grimes, said his coaching success comes from his personal experience with the sport.

“There is nothing I would ask them to do that I haven’t done myself,” said Rogers. “More than anything else in any sport, it’s about passion.”

To succeed in any sport, athletes must be just as driven as their coaches are to succeed.

Social Studies teacher Beth Muehl,no longer coaches high school track, despite having an excellent coaching career at Northwest High School in Germantown. She was a runner and a gymnast in high school, and she ran in college at Bucknell University, so she has experienced the rigorous schedule many student athletes must manage.

Muehl, like Rogers and Martin, was a state champion runner. She was state champion in the 1600-meter relay during her senior year of high school, and she also won a state title as a member of her high school cross country team.

Muehl’s coaches had an incredible impact on her.

“I was committed to listening to my coaches,” said Muehl. “I trusted them, and I believed in their training philosophy.”

Her success in high school and collegiate athletics translated to her coaching career, as she was named Coach of the Decade from 2000-2010 for her accomplishments as the girls’ cross country coach at Northwest.

WJ is home to an abundance of coaching talent. These coaches began their careers as athletes and used their experience from competition to boost their coaching careers.

Sports

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What’s Inside

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Photo by Wahid Ishrar

OCTOBER 8, 2012

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Sports updates Coaches: continued, When coaches NFL opinions were athletes

Photo by Wahid Ishrar

Girls’ volleyball: Set up to spike down competition

By Ben Resnick and Caroline Steel

All Photos by Sarah Schecker

Clockwise from top left: Senior middle blocker Corry Straathof blocks a hit, junior captain Brigid Morris serves, Morris hits through a block and senior libero Gina Fischetti passes to senior setter Stephanie Paul.

Girls’ volleyball started the season jumping to an impressive 11-0 record.

The team is the strongest in years and is poised to make a deep run into the playoffs later this month.

The team mainly consists of returning players, allowing them to focus more on playing the game itself, rather than on technicalities.

“We do have talent, and talent will take us pretty far – the question is how far,” said head coach Bill Morris.

The team earned impressive victories over Richard Montgomery and Paint Branch and won every match in straight sets.

Despite early success, the team must work consistently if it wants to do well in the playoffs.

“Who plays well at the right time will determine who will win it all,” said Morris.

So far, the team has been consistent in dominating its opponents. Compared with last year’s 5-2 opening record, this years’ 11-0 streak is very promising.

“We’re looking to beat everybody,” said Morris, as the Lady Cats get into the heart of their schedule.

The team has a key match against Damascus on Oct. 17 and potentially its biggest game of the season against reigning state champion Sherwood in

Boys’ Soccer

Football

By JJ Henn

By JJ Henn

With a senior-heavy line-up, WJ football is ready to go into this week’s game against Churchill for the homecoming game.

“Coach Kadi and [senior defensive end] Charlie Barry are the best at pumping the team up,” said senior quarterback and captain Gus Gill.

“The unsung heroes [of our team] would be our whole offensive line,” said Gill. “They get the least amount of credit when they’re the reason we’re putting points on the board.”

Senior Dimitri Xeron, captain and leader of the offensive line, pins the team’s success so far on its work ethic.

“Hard work and devotion during the offseason has led to our success this season so far,” said Xeron.

Last year, the football team managed to take down Poolesville and Kennedy for a final record of 2-8. This year’s team is currently 2-3 with wins against Clarksburg and Springbrook and is looking to improve.

The most notable game of the season is the upcoming homecoming game against Churchill on Oct. 14, where the boys will try and extend the homecomPhoto courtesy of Eggerton Campbell ing game win streak Senior wide reciever Courtney to two.

Caldwell slips a tackle.

its season finale on Oct. 25. However, with a solid core of seniors and great team chemistry, the team is moving in the right direction as playoffs approach.

“The seniors have really taken ownership of the team,” said Morris.

Seniors Stephanie Paul and Kristen Larrick, both William and Mary commits, along with seniors Gina Fischetti and Ivana Stojisavljevic and junior Brigid Morris, round out the key starters for a team that is very deep at a number of positions.

Paul said the team has played well up to this point and, along with the other seniors, has taken her game to the next level this season.

According to Paul, the seniors realize this is their last year to make a difference.

The intensity the team brings to the floor each game starts in practice. The girls push each other to get better and to be prepared for the games.

A major concern coming into the year was that the Lady Cats would struggle to stay focused in their games against easier opponents. “[The team] has not play[ed] down to the level of other teams,” said Paul.

If the team continues their dominance and performs well in the state playoffs, they could achieve their ultimate goal of a state championship.

Photo courtesy of John Romer

The cross country races hard, led by senior Ben Crites and junior Michael Spak.

Cross Country

By Anders Norberg

According to coach Tom Martin, this year’s cross country team is said to be one of the best in years. The top runners so far this year are seniors Nathaniel Rees, Ben Crites and James Duncan, along with juniors Michael Spak and Matthew Morris. Rees recently set a course record against Northwest High School at Timberlawn Park and Duncan also ran a 5k in 16 minutes and 33 seconds.

The team has placed first in every meet, excluding the Bull Run Invitational, in which they placed third out of 19 teams, and the Carlisle Invitational, where they finished fourth.

“These guys are running well as a team earlier than [they] did last year,” said Martin. “The chemistry is really good.”

Cross country’s goal this year is to win its fifth state championship, which should be their hardest meet of the season.

Rebounding from last year’s surprising loss to Bowie in the state finals, the boys’ soccer team looks ahead to games at Whitman and then against Churchill. They have high expectations to live up to, as last year’s team had an outstanding record of 17-1-1.

The team currently has four returning starters, seniors Juan Ortiz and Mateo Arenas, junior Gabe Vasconcelos and sophomore Jeremy Ebobisse. The rather young team has performed well, winning games against tough opponents, such as Bowie, Blair and Northwest.

“Our team this year is really young, [but] we still haven’t changed our style of play,” said senior striker Nabayee Tesfu. “The day before games we try to have clear minds during practice and to stay focused.”

“The toughest game [this season] is against Wootton,” said Tesfu.

On Sept. 27, the Washington Post rated Wootton as the fourth best team among public and private schools in this area.

“Every year we have been a serious contender in the region and in states,” said Tesfu.

Boys’ soccer plays their next game at Whitman Photo courtesy of Jonathan Meyers Senior captain defender Rodrigo Vil- at 7 p.m. on Oct. 10. lordo clears the ball from the back.