The Pitch April 20, 2012

The Pitch

Walter Johnson High School

April 20, 2012

Volume 57 Issue 7

6400 Rock Spring Drive, Bethesda, MD 20814

Around Europe in 10 Days From March 28 to April 6, 27 WJ students traveled to Berlin, Prague and Vienna on a trip that was chaperoned by teachers.

Along the way, they learned about the history, architecture and art of the cities firsthand. Photos shown were taken throughout the three cities, and for a full account of the trip, see page 3.

Photos courtesy of Jeffrey Clarke

Inside, Check Out:

re, u t a e F 9-12 . s g Editorial, p pgs. 5-8

Arts & Ent., pgs. 13-16 Sports, pgs. 17-20

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Follow the WJ Pitch on Twitter! @TheWJPitch

Top Aids Researcher Speaks to WJ Students

Teacher of the Week: Nicole Ford

By Girard Bucello, Online News Editor In the early 1980s, HIV/AIDS had just been recognized as a disease. The general public thought that HIV was limited to homosexuals and drug users. There was no cure or treatment option, and the life expectancy of a person with the virus was only a few months long.

Enter Dr. Anthony Fauci, currently the head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, a branch of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

It was through his work that AIDS was recognized for Photo by Emily Cosentino the epidemic that it was. He pushed for the funding of AIDS research and oversaw the development and By Megan Chun, Online Feature Editor approval of drugs that keep HIV-infected patients Nicole Ford has been a teacher at WJ for eight years, alive for decades. To reach that point, however, meant struggling against the misconception that AIDS was a and has been an active member of this community for even more before that; she was a student teacher here “gay” disease... during the 2003-2004 school year. Ford currently teaches Honors U.S. History and AP Psychology, and sponsors the Feed Hope, Habitat for Humanity and Psychology clubs.

Photo by Steven Groobert

Dr. Anthony Fauci speaks to WJ students in the auditorium on March 26.

APRIL 20, 2012

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS Dear Pitch Readers, Spring has officially sprung, and it has come bearing flowers, sunshine and this school year’s seventh edition of The Pitch.

WJ is abuzz with activity, and for this issue, readers should expect to find appropriately springy coverage, from a News feature on the annual Europe trip to an Editorial on student activism to a health-themed Feature spread to a springtime word search in Arts and Entertainment, to a breakdown of spring sports.

Additionally, with SMOB elections fast approaching, readers will get a glimpse into the candidates’ personal stances on many pressing issues in an in-depth News Q&A. We hope Pitch readers continue to check out The Pitch Online as the end of the school year brings students closer to their computer screens.

As always, questions, comments and concerns may be directed to eic.wjpitch@gmail.com.

Sincerely, Print-editors-in-chief Rosie Hammack, Hannah Flesch, and online-editor-in-chief Ali Jawetz

What are your extra-curricular interests?

NF: I would say number one is definitely traveling.

I mean, certainly I like to hang out with friends and family just like anybody else, and go to movies and go out and about. I like adventure, I have to say. There’s pretty much nothing I wouldn’t do at least once. But again travel, travel has had the biggest impact on my life, it’s changed me the most, I think it’s the best education...

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

Photo by Steven Groobert

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APRIL 20, 2012

NEWS

LISSE ESCO T TE BAR Q: How did you originally get

Q&A with SMOB Candidates JOHNNES

By Julia Cinquegrani How did you first beMAN comeQ:involved in public afNorthwest HS junior John Mannes and Rich-

fairs and government?

A: I’ve been involved in public affairs since elementary school. It’s been a passion for me that’s grown over time.

Q: What are the most important changes that need to be made next year?

A: One of the key things I would like to change is to split up the SMOB Council [composed of approximately 20 students who work with the SMOB] into two organizations. One would be communication and events oriented and the other would be organization oriented. We weren’t coordinated enough the last few years and we need to do the best we can to bring people together. We need to take a look at the attendance policy. There are also budgetary issues that need to be solved and a potential deficit for next year.

Q: What positive changes has the Board of Education made recently?

A: I think the decisions made on cell phone use, allowing them to be used during school lunches are positive. This year the connection between the Montgomery County Council and Board of Education has been kind of hostile. There have been rejections from the County Council in what the Board of Education asks for for their budget [without open debates about it]. So it’s important to have a student voice in the debate next year.

Q: If elected, how will you stay connected with students and various schools?

A: I’ve visited 18 schools already on my campaign trail; the only way you can develop a platform is with student input. I also want to further the involvement of school newspapers and network more effectively with different schools.

Q: Why are you the best student to be SMOB and why do you want to be SMOB? A: I bring a neat perspective to the Board by working for organizations at all levels, like national, state and local levels. You have to be able to look at issues from every perspective, and because of my experience I can. The job is beyond just voting rights; it is also about being a youth advocate and working to lobby on issues. I feel that being SMOB is a natural fit for me. I want to help make MCPS the best it can be.

ard Montgomery HS junior Lissette Escobar are running to become next year’s Montgomery County Student Member of the Board of Education (SMOB).

On April 25, all MCPS secondary school students will have the opportunity to vote for one of the candidates. To understand the differences between the candidates, The Pitch interviewed both students.

Photo courtesy of John Mannes

Photo courtesy of Lissette Escobar

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involved in public affairs and government?

A: I began my involvement in sixth grade and I’ve grown to genuinely like being involved. I believe in the importance of communication between students, parents and teachers, and I want to advocate for that. My brother is two years older than me and he was involved in the SGA, so he was the one who really got me involved at first.

Q: Have you been in contact with current SMOB Alan Xie to get advice from him?

A: [Alan and I] go to the same school so we talk pretty much daily. I’ve learned that time management is huge and we have to balance our time between school work and SMOB. Q: What issues do you hope to make a priority next year?

A: I want to establish communication between school newspapers and morning announcements at different schools, and send out monthly reports about our progress. It’s unfortunate that students don’t necessarily see their SMOBs after the election video, and I would like to change that. Also, I want [the disciplinary issue] revised so we can provide a unique punishment for each different situation. Also the flier distribution policy [should be fixed] .

Q: What do you realistically think you can accomplish next year?

A: Definitely the flier policy.There has been talk of completely getting rid of it. The disciplinary policy is more touchy because it is something that is set by the State Board of Education. It’s a work in progress and hopefully we can shed some light on it next year.

Q: Why are you the best candidate for SMOB and why do you want to be SMOB? A: I’m very outgoing and relatable, which helps me connect with students. [But I’m also] poised when I talk to adults. I believe that the students should and can have a voice. We don’t have adults in our classrooms, we have kids, and so we need to have someone advocating for them. I want to be recognized as a SMOB who actually connects with the students... who is a real person, not a robot-SMOB, and not just a person pictured on a poster.

Around Europe in 10 Days

Students Traveled to Berlin, Vienna and Prague Over Spring Break

From “Europe Trip” featured on page 1

By Julia Cinquegrani

W

hile most students spent their spring break unwinding from school and getting a perhaps much needed break from teachers, some students chose to spend even more time than usual with their teachers.

Twenty-seven juniors and seniors traveled to Vienna, Berlin and Prague on a trip during spring break, chaperoned by social studies teachers Fred Delello and Beth Muehl. The trip cost $3,200 for students to attend and lasted from March 28 to April 6.

Juniors and seniors were eligible to attend the Europe trip, which is held annually. Other students visited Italy over spring break through a separate trip that traveled through many Italian cities. The Italy trip is held every other year.

The geographical focus of the Europe trip varies slightly each year. This year, the organizers of the trip first decided to visit Berlin and Prague for their historical value and later added a visit to

Vienna because of its proximity to the other cities and its own important history.

“I definitely want to go back to Prague,” said senior Bethany Buel, who attended the Europe trip. “The city is beautiful. I hadn’t been to Europe before this trip, and it is so huge, I definitely want to visit it more in the future.”

Students began with a visit to Berlin, then spent a day in the city of Dresden, and then moved on to Prague and Vienna. On an average day, students rode a sight-seeing bus tour for an approximately two-hour long tour and had a walking tour. Students were given a few hours of free time each day, with which they could do anything they wanted.

Typical activities included sampling new types of food at different restaurants, going shopping or visiting museums.

“We went to different cities on our own [during our free time] using public transportation, which was very similar

to D.C.’s Metro,” said Buel. “It was not that difficult to get around [despite the language barrier] because most people that we needed information or directions from spoke English, like shopkeepers or police officers. Maps and restaurant menus also often had English on them.”

The group’s main tour guide was fluent in German and English, and students began picking up on some simple phrases in other languages, according to junior Jeffrey Clarke, who also went on the trip.

“In German, I learned how to say ‘please’ and ‘you’re welcome,’ but German also has many long, compact words that were hard to understand,” said Clarke. “In the Czech Republic it was sometimes hard to communicate.”

Some of the highlights of the trip included visiting a museum of the history of communism, Holocaust museums, a Nazi concentration camp, centuries-old

castles in Prague and bomb shelters in Berlin that were used by citizens during World War II. Of the three cities, each had a distinct atmosphere and style of architecture.

“Berlin had a lot of political graffiti and newer architecture than some of the cities,” said Clarke. “Prague is really pretty and had a lot of older buildings.

Vienna has a mix of modern and older architecture and felt the safest and most family-friendly.”

While the grand architecture and rich history of the cities will surely remain vivid in the students’ memories, some smaller features of the trip also made a big impression.

“The Chinese food in Berlin was better than American Chinese food,” said Clarke. “The spices used were better than the ones normally used here. And in Dresden I bought a cake in the shape of a lamb. It was so funny I had to get it.”

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APRIL 20, 2012

Making History Students to Participate in Maryland History Day Competition

By Claudia Nguyen After winning at both the school and county levels, six WJ sophomores are set to compete in Maryland State History Day on April 28.

The students competing are from two separate groups, with three to each group, both of which created their own projects. Maddy Goldberg, Melanie Ackerman and Catherine Royston created a documentary, “Stonewall and the Gay Rights Movement,” and Elizabeth Winter, Tenni Idler and Rebecca Lerner created an exhibit, “America and The Magic Kingdom: The Walt Disney Company’s Impact on Animation and Popular Culture.”

Students in APEX AP U.S. History classes are required to participate in the National History Day (NHD) competition as an assignment. Students can work either as a group or individually to create a project reflecting the given year’s theme, which this year is “Reaction, Revolution and Reform.”

At the beginning of the project, the groups had to choose topics and conduct research. Both groups expressed that an important part of the process was selecting a unique and interesting topic.

“We wanted something that happened in recent history so that we could really show it through pictures and primary sources,” said Goldberg. “I think that the gay rights movement is relevant today but a lot of people don’t know how it began, so I thought that was interesting.”

Winter and her fellow group members chose their Disney-related topic because they thought it would be fun to research and less serious than others.

Researching was a vital part of the process, and the two groups used a variety of sources. Winter said most of her group’s information was gathered from library books, from which the group members created notecards. Goldberg said her group utilized Internet resources more than print.

Both Winter and Goldberg mentioned research as being one of the more difficult parts of the project; however, there

were also other challenges the groups faced.

“The research and also the word count [were] really hard to deal with,” said Winter.

The word count for NHD exhibits is limited to 500 words of student-produced text. Winter said that she and her group members had to look for many quotes, which are not counted toward the 500 words, in order to enhance their exhibit without violating the limit.

Despite the pressure, they found the experience to be rewarding in the longrun. Winter said, though there was a lot of work involved, it was fun because she learned many interesting facts.

“I think it’s a good project,” added Goldberg. “It’s stressful, but I think as far as long-term projects go, it’s definitely worth doing... I enjoyed making the movie, and overall, looking back I really enjoyed the project.”

They both also said one of the largest rewards of the project was the opportunity to move on to the state competition. Goldberg added that she had not expected to win at the county level, so she felt this opportunity was especially exciting.

Goldberg and Winter said that they are excited to compete at the state competition, although they both admitted to being a bit nervous as well.

The two groups have made changes to their projects in order to prepare, and they are hoping for the best in what they anticipate to be a tough competition at states.

“I don’t really know [what to expect at states] because I’ve never been,” said Winter, “but I’m expecting the competition to be tough, tougher than it was at counties.”

Photo courtesy of Maddy Goldberg

Stonewall riots photo in sophomores Maddy Goldberg, Melanie Ackerman and Catherine Royston’s winning documentary.

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Winter

Sophomores Elizabeth Winter, Rebecca Lerner stand next to their winning exhibit, created with group member Tenni Idler (not pictured).

Photo courtesy of the Montgomery County Historical Society

Exhibits on display at the Montgomery Couty History Day competition held at Richard Montgomery High School.

Photos by Steven Groobert

Michael Richards’ AP Physics B students do their homework in class as a part of the flipped classroom teaching style.

Flipped: AP Physics Students Experience New Teaching Model

By Matthew Morris Each day, the students in science teacher Michael Richards’ four AP Physics B classes come prepared with all the usual school supplies: paper, pencils and an open mind. But something is different in each of these classes. These students are experiencing something called a flipped classroom.

The flipped classroom model earned its name because students learn at home and then do their homework in class.

“In the flipped classroom students receive the lecture at home via a recording I make and post on the web,” said Richards. “The next day they do the homework in class where I, and fellow students, can help them as needed.”

The flipped classroom became possible in the 1990s as computers became more widespread. However, the idea took off in 2004 with the growing popularity of educational videos by Salman Khan on his website Khan Academy.

Khan thought that posting the videos online would allow students to work at their own pace and would mean that the videos could reach a larger group of people.

“It’s in our mission statement: a free world-class education for anyone anywhere,” said Khan, in an interview with 60 minutes.

Richards began flipping some of his classrooms as a way to teach more information and to help cut down on stress among his students.

“In the past, some might get stuck on the first homework problem and give up,” said Richards. “Now, they can get immediate clarification if they have a problem,” said Richards.

Educators in other parts of the country have seen similar positive results.

In one high school in Detroit, failing rates among freshmen in English class dropped from more than 50 percent to 19 percent after the school implemented flipped classrooms, according to a study conducted by the Knewton Company, a group which helps provide a service for teachers to post lectures on.

While Richards said the results of flipping his classroom haven’t been quite as

Richards helps sophomore Sam Pruitt with his AP Physics homework during class.

dramatic, as grades have remained about the same, he noted that a clear majority of his students like the system.

“Those in favor of [flipping] feel very strongly that it should continue while most of the others are closer to being 50-50 on the matter,” he said.

Students in favor of the flipped classroom note a variety of benefits. “[The flipped classroom] makes it really easy to get caught up when you’re out sick,” said sophomore Sri Krishna.

So are flipped classrooms the future of education? While some believe so, other implementers, including Richards believe it is not something that works universally.

“Each teacher has to look at his or her subject matter, the needs of [the] students and how responsible their students are before deciding to flip,” said Richards.

He’s quick to add, however, that in general he has students who are responsible enough to make the flipped classroom work.

“I might be prejudiced, but I think I have the best students in the county,” said Richards.

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APRIL 20, 2012

EDITORIAL

Changing the World One Jug At a Time one week of its release were twice as many as any other generation. The end result was that the despicable crimes of Those dreaded water jugs. You know international war criminal Joseph Kony them — the ones that your fellow class- were brought to international infamy. mates shake in your face in the hallways The Internet is a wake-up call to our and during lunch, attempting to extract generation to take a stand on global isthose few pennies you had left over sues. Unlike our parents and grandparfrom your Chipotle burrito. We all hate ents before them, we are more connectthem, but at the same time, those water ed to people across the world than ever jugs are necessary. before. Our fondness for social media Ever heard of the butterfly effect? It’s when the flap of a butterfly’s wings in, say, China, could perpetuate a hurricane all the way over in the Caribbean. Metaphorically, the butterfly represents what young people of the world can do to initiate great changes. A small effort could spark a whole lot more.

Take the uprisings in the Middle East; most of them started on a social networking site.

Think of the more recent Kony 2012 phe- The senior class tries to extract money from WJ students at lunch. nomenon. Although the business practices of the organiza- is in fact strengthening our resolve to tion Invisible Children have been under shape our futures in a more connected scrutiny. According to a Pew Research global community. survey, the percentage of Millenials However, activism starts locally. A (those born between 1982 and 2003) few students walking around with the who had heard or seen the video within water jugs can raise a decent amount

By Danielle Markowitz

of money. And what happens when more than a few students lend a hand?

Just look at the amazing efforts at WJ to raise money for Pennies for Patients.

Local fundraising, at just one school in Bethesda, can make national rankings for its contribution to fund research to find a cure for leukemia and lymphoma.

Go down one tier to smaller fundraisers on the school club level. I remember last year in the aftermath of the Japan tsunami when several school clubs like Amnesty International and Asian American Club all teamed together to raise money for aid. We brought in whatever art supplies we had to create a few dozen makeshift piggy banks from empty tissue boxes all in the matter of 24 hours. It was incredible to work alongside peers who cared a great deal for a devastated nation across the ocean.

As Margaret Mead, the famed American anthropologist, once said, “Never doubt that a small group Photo by Steven Groobert of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

That action starts with you, reader.

Take a stand on something. Stick by it.

Who knows, you might be the butterfly who changes the world.

Mean Memes Bully Teens

For further reading about High School Memes, see “Cyberbullying at WJ” on wjpitch.com

post anything without another person others. being able to figure out who it was. The With social networking sites like In early March, the Spartz Media second big problem, something Spartz Twitter and Facebook, people tend to Network made a new website called does with every other one of its sites, say things they wouldn’t regularly say High School Memes, also known as is that there was a lack of a voting sys- to a person’s face. With these sites, they HSMemes. The Spartz network’s pre- tem. The voting system allows for only have their name on everything they vious works were such popular sites funny or true posts to get through the post, meaning they’ll be more cautious as OMGFacts, Taste of Awesome and process and stops people from posting about attacking others. On a site where they can be anonymous, SixBillionSecrets. This spestudents can say whatever cific site was made for stuthey want and not fear any dents of certain schools to repercussions. take images, also known as Students should undermemes, and place text on stand such an issue. The old them that pokes fun at the saying is, “If you don’t have inside jokes of their schools anything nice to say, don’t and teachers. say it at all.” Although cliFor about three or four ché, it is needed more than days, people actually folever in today’s society. If lowed this idea. Soon people want to post mean enough, though, word got things about other people, out about this site and an then they should walk right influx of new people came up to that person and say it. and began posting inapproIt is fair to say that everyone priate things. Within a day, that attacks another person a refresh of the WJ page Photo by Steven Groobert online is either too scared would give you an entirely An example of a meme, where text is placed on a recurring picture. to defend themselves in new page of “Memes.” Unreal life or just jealous. fortunately these images This isn’t meant to be a preachy were less about the school itself or the bad things.

Perhaps the website isn’t to blame, speech; it is meant for people to figteachers, but about specific students.

As the page grew in number of posts, but rather the students. The website ure out that cyberbullying is a terrible so did the amount of people targeted by had rules on every page, though they thing, that to willfully commit such an the website. Two big issues with the site weren’t enforced. One was to keep action makes you worse than an actual allowed for such a thing to happen. The student names out of the images. The bully, because at least they can say such first is the ability for anyone posting to students clearly disregarded that rule things to a person’s face. be anonymous, allowing for them to and continued on with their mockery of

By Anders Norberg

Rees’s Pieces

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By Nathaniel Rees Print Editorial Editor

I think I’ve forgotten what it is like to wonder.

Once, my laptop’s battery died and I spent the rest of the night completely clueless and wondering how in the world to use the MLA format for my bibliography. Otherwise, I have information at the click of a mouse, everything from directions to the nearest pizza restaurant to facts from Wikipedia, to watching the video “Charlie Bit My Finger” on YouTube. This appears in front of my eyes, before I can say, “Encyclopedia Britannica is going out of print” or “libraries across America are closing down.”

Which reminds me: After 244 years, Encyclopedia Britannica is going out of print. Along with the humble library, its origins dating back to 2600 B.C., that is becoming an outdated thing of the past. Major cities, like Detroit and Denver, may close down all their libraries by 2013. Though my opinion could be found to be old- fashioned by many, I find this disheartening.

The Encyclopedia Britannica used to be a source of information for generations, bringing pleasure to researchers when, after a long search, they came upon that priceless piece of information they had been looking for. Libraries used to be a place where imaginations roamed free, where kids and adults alike could immerse themselves in fictional worlds and complex biographies of their heroes.

But, as immediacy becomes more important than quality in American culture, our attention spans have been reduced to virtually nothing. We want information instantaneously, and through Twitter, Wikipedia, Facebook, Bing and other Internet sites, there seems to be no point to libraries or encyclopedias.

But books and encyclopedias provide an intangible sense of reverie and thoughtfulness that the Internet, with its ability to answer any question in a split second, cannot hope to achieve.

Books give us a chance to wonder, at a time when wondering is at a remarkable low.

Though reading books or perusing the Encyclopedia Britannica for information is a time- consuming process, it is exactly that which makes reading such a joy. Reading gives us a chance to slow down, to spend time delving into a subject.

And the library is the creative instigator of the wondering, with shelves piled high with books just waiting to inspire and capture hours of the readers’ attention. The library is a safe haven from the distractions outside, where people can explore any subject imaginable in peace.

So as the Encyclopedia Britannica and books from the library bid their final goodbyes to American culture, I know I’ll miss the cracking of the spine as I open a new book. I’ll miss being transported to a different world or time. I’ll miss the moments of reverie and sparks of creativity that come from finishing a thought-provoking book.

But most of all, I’ll miss wondering.

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EDITORIAL

APRIL 20, 2012

Janie Hammaker Sophomore

at

“I would go to Alaska because I want to learn how to hibernate.”

As the end of the school year swiftly approaches, students are planning for summer and thinking about their dream vacation spots. Whether it’s the beach, sight-seeing or a trip outside the country, The Pitch staff wants to know where you want to go.

Monique Mendez Freshman

“Australia because I love kangaroos.”

Q: If you could go on vacation anywhere, where would it be and why?

Janoli Chen

Sepand Maghdouri

Junior

Senior

“Hawaii, because there is a pretty clean ocean.”

“I would go to the Virgin Islands because there are a lot of fun activities.”

Taylor Fairbanks

Santi De Paco

Sophomore

Senior

“I would go to Ocean City, Md., because it’s lots of fun and I go there every year.”

“I would go to Spain, because of Ibiza ;).”

Annie Heffernan

L’darius Williams

“Hogwarts, because it’s magical.”

“Compton because it’s my hometown.”

Junior

Sophomore

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STAFF

All photos by Ian Morrison

Arts & Entertainment Staff Writers Editor The Pitch is published eight times a year by the students of Walter Johnson High School, Anders Norberg Taliah Dommerholt 6400 Rock Spring Drive, Bethesda, Md. 20814. Advertising and subscription rates are Matthew Morris Cameron Keyani* available by calling 301-803-7302. Editorial opinions represent those of The Pitch staff and Ellie Jorling do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the staff, faculty, or student body. We welcome News Editors Assistant Arts & Ent. letters, articles, photographs and artwork, to be submitted to room 193 or e-mailed to Julia Cinquegrani Editor eics.wjpitch@gmail.com. The Pitch is an award-winning paper that works towards provid- Photo Editors Emily Cosentino Girard Bucello* Emily Cosentino ing the student body with accurate, as well as credible, information.

Steven Groobert Assistant News Editor Editorial Editors Photographers Nathaniel Rees Claudia Nguyen Anders Norberg Columbia Scholastic American Scholastic Danielle Markowitz* Maryland HS Journalism Award Sports Editors Girard Bucello Press Association Press Association Best Newspaper Overall Phillip Resnick Gold Medalist First Place Third Place Feature Editors Cartoonist Daniel Thaler* 2009 2010-2011 2009-2010 Jenny Deutsch Michael Matthes Sari Amiel Megan Chun* *Online Editors Editors-in-Chief Hannah Flesch Rosie Hammack Ali Jawetz*

Copy Chief Sari Amiel Copy Editors Megan Chun Nathaniel Rees Claudia Nguyen Artists Anders Norberg Emily Cosentino Business/PR Manager Claudia Nguyen Advisor Sylvie Ellen

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APRIL 20, 2012

Curveball Credit Where It’s Due

By Hannah Flesch Print Editor-in-Chief To be honest, the last thing I want to hear is what Republican candidate for president said what. (Although Mitt Romney has wrapped up the nomination, I’m still tired of hearing about useless sound bites.) I’m annoyed when analysts, commentators and even people in casual conversation discuss what Rick Santorum or Romney recently said. I don’t even care so much anymore about the latest speech President Obama made. You want to know why I can’t stand this trivial subject of conversation? Because this country was never supposed to be about a single leader.

The U.S. constitution names the legislative branch, first, ahead of the executive branch. The powers set for the House and Senate are much more prioritized and specific than the powers of the executive. If the founders tried to prevent absolute power in the hands of one person, then why do we, as Americans, continually elevate presidents and presidential hopefuls as if they were The Almighty?

Now, I understand the magnitude of U.S. presidential elections. This November, we choose whether to keep or change the leader of the free world.

Based on the way the world works today, it is a big deal. But it never was supposed to be this way.

To highlight my point, let’s look at the issue of contraception. Now, when Santorum got the nation’s attention about the “dangers of contraception,” the media and political world blew up.

Debate after debate was raging on about how conservative this attack was toward contraceptives was and how backwards Santorum’s viewpoint seemed in the history of American policies. It’s a valid issue to discuss, and I have no problem with people having healthy conversation about topics like these. But my question is why. Why is Santorum suddenly the face of the issue? Why does he get all the heat/credit (depending on your view) when contraception is discussed?

I’m trying to understand our political philosophy. Why is a presidential hopeful and even the president always at the forefront of these types of issues?

The founders purposefully created a framework in which no one person in the form of a president would rule absolutely. It was the whole basis for the founding of our country. We did not want to be ruled by a single monarch as in England. Why do we, in this day and age, see it differently? So pause for a moment and think of where the true power in our government lies. The president will never be the “be all and end all” of America. It’s the legislative branch, the grassroots politicians and the people’s own opinions that make or break policies. They make the laws, not the president. It’s time to give credit where it’s due.

EDITORIAL

Metro Station Badly In Need of Makeover

By Girard Bucello The Bethesda Metro Station will be featuring art by senior Spencer Razick.

It’s a positive gesture, certainly – there should always be opportunities to feature art in public. But it only addresses part of a larger issue with the Washington Metro system. Its appearance, compared to the subway systems of other major cities, is very unappealing.

The high vaulted ceilings, intended to be a beautiful white expanse cov- The London Unering the derground is well train plat- lit and clean. the form, in- walls are also filled stead give with mosaics. a cavernous feel to poorly lit stations. Many of these stations are devoid of art – and no, advertisements don’t count. The trains themselves are a graceless boxy shape, adorned with a dull grey-brown paint scheme.

Contrast this with, for example, the London Underground. Despite being the oldest subway system still in operation, its stations are modern and welllit, and many of them feature decorative tile mosaics on the walls. The organization Transport for London,

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prove the appearance of a station while giving an aspiring artist a suitable venue to showcase his or her work.

Installing lighting and revamping the Metro’s subway cars requires more work than merely putting up art galleries or wall murals. Even so, lighting installation ought to be done quickly, as poor lighting is a risk to safety and can allow for petty crime on crowded train platforms. In the meantime, Metro’s operators The Metro has bad should conlighting and drab sider replacgray walls ing some of their older trains with newer, sleeker models used in other countries.

With the Silver Line still under construcPhotos courtesy of Flickr tion, there is also a great For many riders, aesthetics may not oppor tuninecessarily be the most pressing issue related to the Metro. Rather than im- ty to totally rethink the design of staprove the appearance of the system, tions that have not yet been built. Such time and money may be better spent changes might seem petty to the avermaking it more reliable and safe for age rider, but Washingtonians deserve a riders. This is absolutely true, but that world-class transit system. It is appeardoesn’t mean that the Metro isn’t past ance that can make a good subway sysdue for an overhaul, or that Metro’s op- tem into a great one. erators are faced with a choice between safety and appearance. Promoting art on the Metro is a low-cost way to imwhich oversees the Underground, has a long history of promoting the arts in subway stations. The trains, despite some of them being decade older than those in D.C., are sleek and rounded with a brilliant red, white and blue paint scheme. The emblem for the London Underground, a red circle with a blue bar bearing the word “UNDERGROUND,” is iconic of London – and by extension, of the U.K.

Teachers’ Pension a State Problem

By Matthew Morris While it may seem boring, teacher pensions are a big deal, and not just to teachers. This February, Governor Martin O’Malley proposed a plan to have individual counties pay for their teacher’s pensions instead of the state.

At first look, this seems like a good idea, since counties pay for many of the other parts of public education.

The problem is that many of the counties don’t have the money pay for the pensions, which could lead to cuts in many other parts of the county’s budget.

Over the last three years, Montgomery County has had to deal with a $1.8 billion budget gap, one that would only increase with the addition of having to pay for teacher pensions. The cost of teacher pensions for Montgomery County is currently estimated at $47 million, according to Stop the Shift, a Maryland organization fighting against the pension plan.

This is a big deal for both the students and the teachers of the county. School sports and extracurricular activities could be impacted as the county tries to find things to cut to make up a for the budget gap. The $47 million budget deficit is the equivalent of the jobs of 624 teachers. However, dismissals would be given out to other county em-

ployees other than teachers.

Though they are not hired by the school system, firefighters and police officers could lose their jobs as well. Although it may not seem like a big deal, the teacher pensions plan would not only negatively impact our teachers, but would also decrease the quality of life for students and the general safety of the public.

Supporters of the measure argue that it should be the county’s responsibility as much as the state’s. However, the state actually controls teacher’s pension plans and has been paying for them for the last 80 years. The immediate transfer to the counties could have disastrous effects.

Since the Maryland Legislature did not actually appropriate funds for the state budget within the session, which ended on April 9, O’Malley will have to call a special session of Congress to approve these plans.

Luckily, there are things you can do to help stop the pension measure from passing. Organizations like Stop the Shift have created online petitions to help raise awareness and provided resources for individuals to contact their state congressmen.

Photo courtesy of Stop The Shift website

Graphic by Steven Groobert

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EDITORIAL

APRIL 20, 2012

The Pressure To Be Perfect Students Bear the Stress of Good Grades and Demanding Courses

By Megan Chun Walking down the hallways in between classes, a colorful array of topics can be heard being discussed. From the baseball game on Friday to the weekend trip to the beach, an innocent passerby gets a snapshot of the life of a typical teenager. But beneath the surface of idyllic teenage life lies a dark truth.

Teenage stress and anxiety has risen exponentially, to uncharted territory, due to multiple factors in recent years.

As the number of Advanced Placement (AP) and Honors level courses offered has increased over the last few decades, the expectations from schools and parents alike have also risen. According to a 2009 New York Times editorial, the number of American students taking AP courses rose roughly 50 percent from 2004 to 2009. Not too long ago, it was perfectly normal to see a student taking mostly on-level courses, perhaps with an Honors class or two in that student’s strong subjects.

But now, in the 21st century, where unemployment continues to be an issue, parents are pushing their kids even more to take courses they believe will make them more attractive applicants for college. The high percentage of highly-educated adults in the Bethesda, Potomac and Chevy Chase area is also a factor that contributes to pressure that is placed on students. According to a Nov. 2011 article by The Business Journals, 81 percent of adults (ages 25 or older) in the Bethesda area hold a bachelor’s degree, versus 30.4 percent of adults in the country (over age 25) as of March 2011, according to a New York Times article published in February.

What parents don’t realize is that the stress they put on their kids often has a reverse effect. Many students have motivation to perfect their grades, and they become obsessive over their GPAs in the process. This society has become one of perfectionists. This needs to stop.

This is coming from a student who used to be one of the obsessed, and has now left living hell to live a normal teenage life.

Although I have always been an A or a B student (minus a C I got in sixth grade), I had no idea of what was coming when I started my sophomore year this past fall.

Due to my ignorance prior to this year, I registered for two AP courses, a load of Honors classes and no art credit, no tech credit and no fun. In other words, no electives, besides the Pitch class, where the

wo r k load is easily equal to that of another Honors class.

By the second week of school I was drowning in coursework. No, we’re not talking four hours per night.

We’re talking at least six. Thinking about it now, it seems absolutely ridiculous. I was so obsessed with obtaining and keeping a perfect 4.0, I lost sight of all else. Sleep was the first thing to go.

Dance was the second. And my sanity was the third.

This horrible cycle continued until quite recently. My parents, through all this, helped me the best they could, saying things like, “If you fail the test tomorrow, it’s okay!” But what they said didn’t even matter. It was my own belief that having absolutely perfect grades were necessary to achieve happiness in life. But the event that changed my mindset just occured a few weeks ago.

One Tuesday morning, I was coming out of a confusing chemistry class, looking forward to a relaxing lunch before

an AP NSL test. I arrived at my usual lunch table only to find a depressing sight: two people were studying, one person was reading, the other was going over notes and the last was sobbing quietly (so as to not disturb the others). Upon probing deeper, I found out that the latter had supposedly failed a math test she had taken earlier that day, a test she “needed” in order to bump her grade up to an A for the quarter. I realized that the obsession over grades is simply ridiculous. Doing poorly on a test or getting a few “undesirable” grades over the course of your high school life will not matter in 10 years.

When you look back on high school, will you really think about that C you got in pre-calculus, or that test you failed in AP French? No, you won’t.

Grades may seem significant now, but they are only a small step taken to get you to the next part of your education.

This isn’t supposed to encourage students to fail out of their classes. Instead, it should let those “perfectionist” students, like my former self, know that not being perfect doesn’t define you as a person or even as a student.

I’m sure some parents will read this and argue that having good grades in high school is necessary in order to get into a college which leads to a “good” job (i.e. pays a lot of money) down the road. Sure, there is most definitely truth in that. In their eyes, good grades equal wealth. But as the saying goes, I would rather be poor and happy than be rich and miserable.

Cartoon by Sarah Chipman

How to Minimize Stress:

What I Wish I Knew Freshman Year:

Be honest with yourself about your limits. Not everyone can handle five AP courses.

Do not put too much pressure on yourself to get a certain grade.You will do better if you relax.

Research potential classes ahead of time. Talk to friends who have taken them so there won’t be any unpleasant surprises in the fall.

Avoid procrastination. Set personal limits at the beginning of the year. For example, decide that “I will not stay up past midnight.”

Keep track of your life in your student handbook. This includes homework and extracurriculars.

Do not sit in a classroom confused. Ask the teacher if you do not understand a concept.

Take elective classes in addition to your academics.

Don’t overwhelm yourself with too many difficult classes your freshman and sophomore years.

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APRIL 20, 2012

FEATURE

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By Sari Amiel gomery County Road Runners. The group On Sat. March offers training for three 17, senior Rylee months before a maraGenner ran 13.1 thon, but Fazio is now miles in the Sunworking with it yeartrust Rock ‘N’ Roll round. With the USA Marathon in group, Fazio runs D.C. and raised 40 to 50 miles a over $1,500 for week and goes on the Leukemia and four 20-mile runs Lymphoma SociPhoto courtesy of Rylee Genner each season. She ety in the process.

While this was the Members of Genner’s Team in Training eats a balanced diet first half-marathon group club run the 10K Turkey Chase in and makes sure to consume enough carshe participated in, preparation for the half marathon. bohydrates and fluids in and she ran half of the 26.2-mile distance of a marathon, the days leading up to a race. Additionscience teacher Susan Fazio has been ally, Fazio trains herself mentally.

“I use a lot of visualization; running full marathons for the past 10 I imagine myself running years, in nine different states. said.

On Mon. April 16, Fazio was set to the course,” she According to Runparticipate in her 15th race, the Boston a Marathon, which she qualified for by ning Times Magearning a time of 3 hours and 48 min- zine, some more utes in the 2010 Chicago Marathon. The helpful tips for marathon Boston Marathon is made up of expe- training include going on rienced runners, some of whom have practicing runs that are about broken world records and participated the same speed and distance as in the Olympics. However, due to ex- the marathon, but that are on flat treme and unhealthy weather conditions surfaces, since the strain of training in Boston on Tuesday, Fazio deferred her on elevated tracks can cause injury. It is big race until next year. She recognizes also useful to practice eating and drinkthe gravity of running a marathon, espe- ing while running, and practicing fewer longer races is more beneficial than gocially in difficult weather.

“Just to finish a marathon is accom- ing on many short runs.

Before racing, runners experienced plishment enough,” she said.

Genner was motivated by English both excitement and apprehension teacher Rachel Gold, who ran a mara- about the race that lay ahead.

“It was a mixed bag of excitement, anxithon last September.

“The whole atmosphere is just inspir- ety, [and] nervousness,” said Gallagher. ing and it looked like a lot of fun,” said “It was a lot of pressure.”

Fazio was also concerned about Genner.

Before racing, Genner already had being able to finish a marathon. running experience from the field Now, she feels more confident about hockey team, which runs the Kensing- races because she knows that she is ton 8K and the 10K Turkey Chase each capable of finishing them.

During the race, Genner carried a wayear. This year, Genner signed up for a Team in Training Program, through ter bottle and passed multiple stations which participants take part in long- distributing Gatorade, water and energy distance races in order to raise money bars. Thousands of people participated to help find a cure for cancer. After se- in the race, which looped around D.C., lecting which type of cancer research beginning at the D.C. Armory.

“I feel relieved that it’s over,” said she wanted to fund, Genner started the “Run for the Cure” club at WJ in order Genner. “I’m proud of myself for finishto reach her goal of collecting at least ing it and doing it.”

“At the time after the race, I was $1200 for the half marathon.

Genner and seniors Liam Gallagher pretty much dead… but looking back and Elise Rudt trained for the half mara- I’m pretty proud of myself that I did thon after school and on the weekends. it,” Gallagher agreed.

These seniors do not have any plans to They began by running three to four miles, and increased the amount to sev- run more marathons in the near future, en or nine, but did not run the full 13.1 but would like to continue running shorter races and probably will commiles until the day of the race.

“I wouldn’t have wanted to do it by plete entire marathons when they have myself,” said Genner. “I liked being able more time to train.

On the other hand, Fazio plans to to train with them.”

Fazio is also part of a marathon- continue running marathons and would training organization, called the Mont- like to try racing in other states.

Mental Training

Start out by setting a goal for yourself, in terms of how far or in how much time you would like to run.

Once you reach this goal, you can set a higher one.

Throughout the training process, visualize yourself running a marathon.

Start out the race slowly and calmly. Do not jump up if you see your friends and family on the sidelines.

Imagine the race as being made up of many different parts, and do not get upset if someone passes you. Just keep your own goal in mind, and count down the time and distance as you approach the end of the race.

Develop a technique, such as listening to music, talking to yourself, or noting the things that you pass, to keep yourself interested and occupied during the race.

Information from running.about.com.

Dietary Prep Eat fruits and vegetables, especially ones that have not been cooked and still have full nutritional contents.

Red meat should be replaced with chicken, fish or soy products.

Avoid caffeine, fast foods and frozen foods.

Eat enough complex carbohydrates in the weeks leading up to a race.

It can be helpful to make fruit or vegetable juice, or to eat vitamin supplements or fish oil in order to get the needed nutrients.

Information from marathon.ipcor.com.

Physical Build-up Do not run faster during training than you would during the race; try practicing at the same speed and for close to the same distance.

Instead of going on many short runs, try fewer longer ones.

Practice drinking water while running and eating small snacks like those you would have access to during a marathon.

Monitor your heart rate and glucose levels while practicing; it will help you figure out what to work on for the marathon.

Run on flat surfaces as opposed to hills, which place a large strain on your muscles. This can include a track, grass or dirt.

Cartoon by Michael Matthes

Information from runningtimes.com.

Graphics courtesy of flickr.com, unless otherwise noted.

APRIL 20, 2012

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FEATURE

APRIL 20, 2012

FEATURE

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Ready for school to be over so you can hit the beach? The Pitch staff offers tips to get fit in preparation

By Jenny Deutsch for the most wonderful time of year!

The Pushup This common workout move is actually one of the most effective. As a full body workout, it engages almost all of your muscles, making it one of the most efficient. Just be sure to use proper form!

To make it harder: Put your feet on top of a box or chair.

To make it easier: Do the pushups from your knees or put your arms on a wall, box or table.

Start in a plank position, with your hands a shoulder-width apart. Then, keeping your head in line with your spine, bend your arms and then lift yourself back up.

4 workouts to TONE UP

All workouts courtesy of experienced, certified personal trainer Beth Scott. Exercises modeled by junior Grace Leslau.

The I, T and Ys

This exercise engages muscles from the back and shoulders. It also promotes shoulder flexibility.

To make it harder: Do this over a bench or stability ball with some light weights, but don’t go heavy (1-3 lbs).

To make it easier:You can do this from a seated postion.

Start laying down on your stomach with your arms extended above your head. Then, lift your arms up and down slowly. Repeat the motion with your arms 90 and 45 degrees away from your body

essential tips to maximize your workout 15

The Mountain Climber

When doing this exercise, make sure to think of pulling with your quad as opposed to pushing off with your feet.

The Burpee

To make it harder: Increase reps and increase speed.

To make it easier: Elevate your hands.You can do this by putting your hands on a bench or wall.

Start in a plank position and bring one of your knees up close to your arms, then bring it back down behind you. Repeat this motion rapidly, alternating between legs.

The Burpee is not only a full body workout, but it also is a cardio move.

To make it harder:You can do a push-up right here.

To make it easier:You can omit jumping at the end and instead just stand up.

Start crouched down touching the ground, in one swift motion, kick your legs behind you. Then, jump back up into the same starting position. Then, jump up in the air.

Everyone knows that exercise is extremely important, but what most people don’t realize is that without good form, all workouts are not only useless, but Here are some recommended workout routines for the month of May. Take this calendar to the also dangerous. In order to avoid a painful injury or wasting precious time, it is in your best interests to follow the following workout tips, suggested by certified personal trainer Beth Scott, in order to maximize your efforts and keep yourself safe. gym and work out the various muscle groups and you are bound to look smokin’ come June. mean you can’t try to increase flexibilweights that are too heavy for them. your legs and joints, which can lead to 1. Brace from your abdominals. ity; you just cannot stretch too far too If you must compromise your form to overuse injuries. The best thing you can Whether you are running or lifting soon. complete a workout, then the exercise do to prevent those types of injuries weights, it is imperative to keep your abs is too difficult and you should either tight. This increases stability and protects is to replace your running shoes every 6.

Stretch after every workout. lower the intensity or stop. your whole body. A strong core is the key 300 to 500 miles Despite popular belief, flexibility is one to overall strength and well-being in any . of the most important aspects of exer- 10. Rest for a period in be13. When running, hold your athletic endeavor. cise. While you are working out, your tween workouts. When you exerhands like you are cupping an muscles tighten considerably. It is imcise, you create thousands of micro2. Keep your pelvic region enegg. While running, instead of letting portant, while your body is still warm, scopic tears in your muscles, which gaged. Most people don’t know that your arms fly loose, keep your arms to stretch. Maintaining good flexibility need to heal before being reused. your core stretches from your chest to bent 90 degrees in front of you, not now will make a dramatic difference in Aerobic exercise can be daily, but your your knees, and does not just include your crossing the midline of the body, and your life when you are older. muscles need a break after resistance stomach. keep your hands neutral, not tightly training. clenched. Keeping your hands balled 7. Warm-up before every work3. Keep your shoulders back and up into fists wastes energy. out. The reason why it is important to 11. Mix it up. Don’t continue down. This simple movement promotes warm up before delving into a major doing the same types of workouts day 14. You are what you eat. proper posture and prevents injury. It also workout is to loosen up your muscles. after day. Make sure you include a removes unnecessary stress from your back Obviously, working out is important Tight and cold muscles are more likely healthy balance of cardio, weight liftand neck. to maintain overall fitness. However, to become injured. ing and stretching. Not only will this when it comes to one’s physical ap4. Stack joints. Make sure your whole ensure that you will look good, but it pearance and body fat percentage, it is also keeps your workouts exciting! If 8. Stay Hydrated. When you body is in alignment. No matter what you more about what you eat. If you want exercise, your body loses a lot of water you continue exercising the same way, to truly maximize your workout, then do, you should practice good posture. through sweating. Replacing this water your body becomes more efficient at There is an example of this posture to the be sure to eat cleanly and you won’t be is necessary, as it plays an important doing it, so you are actually burning right. Notice how you can easily draw a sorry! role in your body. It controls heart fewer calories.

15. When squatting, push straight line from the ear to the shoulder to rate and blood pressure, regulates body the hips to the feet. your hips back instead of bendtemperature, lubricates joints, protects 12. Replace sneakers often. ing at the knee. Common injuries 5. Keep yourself within a safe organs and tissue and creates saliva. All Running in old shoes is one of the most among workout enthusiasts are knee Photos and graphics by Jenny Deutsch of these functions are necessary while common causes of running injuries. range of motion. Whether it is while injuries. To avoid permanent damage working out.

Your running shoes lose shock absorp- when doing squats, dead lifts or other stretching or lifting weights, it is extremely tion, cushioning and stability over time. types of workouts, keep your feet necessary to know your own body. This 9.

Don’t overdo it.

It is very Continuing to run in worn-out running facing forward and do not allow your Leslau exemplifies proper posture. Nomeans not letting your joints surpass their tice how you can draw a straight line common for people to try to lift shoes increases the stress and impact on knees to bend too far over. natural range of motion. This does not from her ear down to her feet.

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FEATURE

APRIL 20, 2012

Frolicking in a Foreign Land: Spending the Summer Abroad

By Claudia Nguyen

Sasha Marshack

Junior Sasha Marshack plans to travel to London this summer for an internship at the British Federal Communication Commission (FCC). While attending a wedding last year, she was offered the internship by one of her father’s friends who works at the FCC. Marshack said she accepted the internship because she did not have any pre-existing summer plans and she thought it would be a great experience.

Although she has traveled on her own for some family reunions in the past, Marshack said she is excited for the chance to stay in another country without her parents, which will allow for increased independence.

“I think it’s an awesome chance to see what it’s like [being] by yourself,” she said. “I think it’s going to be almost college-like.”

Marshack has already begun preparing for the trip, and said the process has been relatively easy so far.

“It’s mostly just been getting the tickets and talking things out,” she said. “Telecommunication has been a big part of it.”

Her departure is set for June 16, and Marshack plans to remain in London for three weeks. Although she will be working, she has some plans for her free time.

One of the activities she hopes to do is play tennis with a friend at Wimbledon.

England Photo by Sari Amiel

Iliana Lang

Canada Photo by Steven Groobert

Carly Chase

Sophomores Carly Chase, Claire Atkinson, Irina Bukharin, Cassie Hart and Caroline Steele, and freshman Corey Emden, are going to Nova Scotia in midJune. Their youth group, Journey to Adulthood (J2A), at the Christ Episcopal Church in Kensington, organizes the trip with travel company Wonder Voyage every two years.

“We’re going to explore our faith and… do service projects while we’re there,” said Chase. “[But our teachers] don’t tell us anything that we’re doing until we get on the plane and they give us an itinerary, so we have no idea what we’re doing when we get there.”

In order to prepare, J2A has been conducting fundraising events to help pay for the trip. The group has done an Italian dinner, two car washes, a silent auction and a swing festival at which the Rockville Swing Band performed.

“Once we do the fundraising it becomes [close to] a thousand dollars for each kid to go,” said Chase.

She also added that she is looking forward to the trip, as it will be a completely new experience to her. This will be her first time visiting another country and her first plane ride. She said that although she is excited, she is also a bit nervous. “[I’m also excited] just to see what another country is like, and [to learn about] the people and their culture and their customs,” she said.

At the end of June, Senior Iliana Lang will travel to Guatemala with her older sister for a Spanish immersion program in Antigua. They will be staying with a host family and working one-on-one with tutors for eight hours a day. “[My sister and I] will be with different tutors, and they tailor it to your level,” said Lang. “You’re only allowed to speak Spanish, no English at all.”

Her parents attended the program over 20 years ago, and encouraged Lang and her sister, who are both originally from Spanish-speaking countries, to do it,too. Lang was born in Honduras and her sister was adopted from Guatemala.

“I’m a little nervous because it’s very intense. My dad said it exhausted him to speak Spanish for eight hours,” said Lang. “All you want to do is speak English, but you can’t.”

However, Lang said she is mostly excited about the trip. She has never been to Antigua before, and is looking forward to the overall experience of traveling there, learning about the culture and seeing if she can increase her Spanish fluency.

“It’s kind of interesting because my sister [is] very outgoing and talkative, but she doesn’t know all the grammar exactly,” said Lang. “I’m the opposite; I know all the grammar and everything, but I’m more shy to speak. We have opposite viewpoints, so I think it will be interesting to see.”

Guatemala

All other graphics courtesy of flickr.com

Photo by Sari Amiel

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

APRIL 20, 2012

Movie Reviews The Hunger Games 21 Jump Street

By Cameron Keyani

By Danielle Markowitz Can’t get enough of “The Hunger Games?” If the answer is yes, you are bound to enjoy the movie, which has remained number one in the box offices in its third week.

Published in 2008, “The Hunger Games” trilogy by Suzanne Collins caught fire in the past few months with the hype that came with the release of the movie, directed by Gary Ross, on March 23.

The movie has recieved a lot of hype due to its literacy predecessor and I am here to say it’s well worth it.

Set in a futuristic and dystopian United States called Panem, the movie follows heroine Katniss Everdeen, who is chosen to participate in the sadistic annual tournament, called the Hunger Games, where 24 teens compete to the death in an intricate arena.

ABC recently bought the rights to the movies, and Mattel will be releasing its “Hunger Games” Barbie doll this August: a fierce looking b r u n e t t e, brandishing a bow and arrows. The obsession has moved past the page and screen to become a community for all: male and female, young and Images Courtesy of the Hunger Games offical website old.

The movie appeals to a teen audience, but the message goes much further than that.

The intensity of the movie, with its clever script and impressive editing, speaks to all ages. Themes like survival, war, rebellion and familial love speak true to any generation.

Katniss Everdeen serves as an excellent role model for girls, giving them a female who is strong, clever and naturally beautiful. The action-packed plot and gruesome details provide the blood and gore that keeps the viewer on the edge of his or her seat.

With regards to the similar fandoms, like Harry Potter or The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Hunger Games remains unique. Its idea is old, a science fiction dystopia on the verge of toppling over (like George Orwell’s 1984 and Anthony Burgess’ A Clockwork Orange). And yet, the hype continues.

Even actress Kristen Bell was talking about the famed Games on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

What’s next for Suzanne Collins fans?

According to her publicist, she plans on writing other books and series. In addition, if you liked her writing, check out her other series, The Underland Chronicles, and be on the lookout for the next movie, Catching Fire, in 2013.

Potty humor has method and artistry, as proven by this year’s movie adaptation of “21 Jump Street.”

Even the sternest of nuns probably chuckled at the lewd humor of 2007’s “Superbad,” which had dialogue that was believable and humor that was crude but not excessive.

“21 Jump Street” is on the exact opposite side of the spectrum, with its gratuitous toilet humor that produces minimal laughs and seems to have little purpose.

It is almost as if the screenwriter ran out of funny plot turns and decided to fill up the movie with profane banter and ridiculous antics that require a giant suspension of disbelief. Admittedly, this movie did not set out to have acting and dialogue like “Mystic River,” but its comedic forebears, including the T.V. show from the late ‘80s and early ‘90s that it was based on, seemed to have less of a problem with stories and dialogue that were believable.

To elaborate on the plot, which seems to take a back seat to the mildly funny relationship between Officer Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Officer Jenko (Channing Tatum), it focuses on two youthful- looking officers who get assigned to pose as high school students in order to infiltrate a dangerous drug ring that produces “HFS,” a designer drug that caused the death of a teen.

Schmidt, who was a socially awkward nerd in high school, is ironically absorbed into the core group of popular seniors, and Jenko, a handsome ath-

Photo Courtesy of Flickr.com

lete who had horrible grades, makes nice with a tech-savvy group of nerds.

Hilarity ensues.

And while this movie has its moments, like when the protagonists have to take HFS and have a mental breakdown, or when the pair of officers steal drugs from the evidence room to throw a party, it fails at its one job: making the viewer laugh.

The laughs are not consistent enough throughout to call this a hilarious movie, nor is the story coherent or compelling enough to warrant calling it a “comedydrama,” despite its attempts at serious moments. It was less of a failure of acting and more a failure in writing. The delivery is spot on, but what the characters are saying and doing just doesn’t stir any great desire to laugh.

It had a great deal of potential, and it did not “fail” as a movie at all. It has done very well at the box office and received good reviews. Most people did seem to enjoy this movie, and these grievances very well may be misplaced, as there are already talks of a sequel. But for now it remains a mystery to this reviewer how the American viewing audience, who have recently seen both successful teen comedies (like the aforementioned “Superbad”) and hilarious action comedies

Walter Johnson All School Booster Club We are here to support YOU! TEAMS AND CLUBS CAN EARN MONEY FROM BOOSTERS IN THESE WAYS: 1) 2) 3)

Sign up to work the concession stand at any of the events posted. All groups who work will receive $100.

Sponsor, create and run a fundraising event that is co-sponsored with Booster. Take advantage of the events we already use to raise funds, or ask us to help you with your own fundraiser.

Direct request for assistance. Request assistance through our Funding Request Form. TO JOIN THE BOOSTER CLUB – Look for our flier ONLINE at www.wjboosterclub.com.

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Third Base The Humor Column

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

APRIL 20, 2012

ART CONCENTRATIONS

Fast Times at WJ

By Cameron Keyani

The last four years of my life have been spent in these hallowed halls. If my calculations are correct a whopping total of roughly 240 days, if all the hours of each school year are added together.

Photo by Winston Frazer Short of my own home, or one of the many corBy Emily Cosentino rectional facilities I’ve served sentences in, I cannot think of another place where I’ve spent so much time.

Some students at WJ are taking their photography With the hours I’ve clocked in here, this school qualiskills to the next level by specifying the subjects and fies as a home in more than just the sentimental way. themes of their photographs. Various students are I’ve eaten, slept, learned and grown in this place. progressing on their photography concentrations for While I have literally not grown at all in maturity, it this year, and most concentrations are unique expresis in these halls that I have aged from a short, ridiculous looking eighth grader into the rippling lovegod sions of the artists.

A photo concentration is a portfolio of photographs you see before you. My eighteenth birthday is comfocusing on the same topic or idea. It is intended to ing up, and soon society will deem me mentally fit be an expression of the photographer and a look into to vote, smoke cigarettes and fight in a war, the latter his or her mind. being the most exciting of the three.

Ideas can come from anywhere. Inspiration can With this passage of time comes fond memories of come from dreams, thoughts, other artists’ work, time spent at WJ, but these memories are unavoidably conversations with other people and more. paired with regret. I made it out perfectly unscathed “[My] inspiration is definitely my imagination and doing what mischief I did, which only makes me realize I could have done much, much worse. A few choice [photography teacher] Mr. Kempner definitely helps with all of the colors I really want to come through memories come to mind. in my pictures,” said senior Winston Frazer, whose Writing an Essay at Lunch I was very tired the night before! Yes, we had weeks photo concentration focuses on super powers and in advance to write it, but don’t be ridiculous- no one abilities.

According to Frazer, he also gets inspiration from does that. In the middle of my sophomore year, I wrote professional photographer Wolfgang Tillmans, bea five paragraph essay using only my lunchtime and the precious minutes before each class started. It was cause he wants to start progressing towards abstract horrific. I compared Odysseus to Gottfried Leibniz, photography. A problem holding him back is that the inventor of calculus, and made wildly inaccurate high school makes it difficult to experiment with abclaims that Leibnitz was a murderer and an alcoholic stract work because one needs to have a meaningful to fill up space. I received a B, and never questioned subject.

Senior Kathleen Branthover, whose photo concenmyself ever again. tration is about people acting their own age, gets her “Borrowing” inspiration from working with her family.

I don’t know what affliction with which I am beset, “I take a ton of pictures of my niece Berkeley but something went awry in my brain and caused me to start hoarding TI-83s. At one point I was carrying because she does modeling and pageants,” says Branaround eight graphing calculators in my backpack. The thover. “She kind of inspired me to do this because appearance of these ill-gotten treasures was as much she always dresses in these crazy outfits and looks a mystery to their new owner as their disappearance way older than five years old.”

Many students are working on concentrations on was to the old. I have returned the ones with names to the side of their already school-related photography their owners, and I suppose the rest will be donated projects for class. Even with the class work, they are to the school before graduation. Which reminds me, Vivek Sen, I need to return your TI-83. I have no clue still creating unique photo concentrations that can better reflect themselves and the kind of photograhow I obtained it. phy they want to pursue. Some are fun and carefree, Mont Tremblant If you haven’t gone on the Canada Trip, you haven’t while others address more serious topics.

Photography is a creative way in which the artists lived. Imagine the independence of college, without can make their thoughts come to life and let others any of the educational obligation.

Romancing the Ladies Let us be frank. Title aside, this man right here has not do too well with the ladies. From the Love Shack all the way to Rack City, my plans have always managed to spin out of control and land in places that were, for lack of a better phrase, more awkward than Chris Root at Starscape. No regrets, however, as the various disasters have lead to countless hours of laughter at my expense among friends and family members.

Many of my memories couldn’t be printed here for various reasons, but rest assured, the list would go on for miles if there wasn’t the limitation of length and the censorship of a school paper. To those reading, I say this: cherish your time here and make great memories while you can.YOLO, as the cool kids say.

Top left to right: Photo by Kathleen Branthover; Photo by Alex Fizbein; Photo by Steven Groobert Bottom Photo by Winston Frazer

see the world through their eyes. Some photographers choose to document ordinary events while others demonstrate magical and unreal thoughts.

“My concentration is about super powers and basically I use Photoshop and other skills to describe a special power or ability that I think is cool,” said Frazer.

He highlights super powers that live in his imagination in order to create a playful portfolio.

A concentration is also a way to focus on very serious topics and let people see the way that the photographer views the issue.

Branthover has a previous concentration on people acting their own age and conveying people in society today trying to act a different age than they are, whether it is adults acting younger than they are, or children trying to grow up too quickly.

“It was through my series that I portrayed adults playing dress up or doing youthful activities in order to be younger,” said Branthover. “I captured little kids doing more adult activities like dressing up, driving a car or having tattoos in order to seem older.”

She originally wanted to work with photography focusing on fashion but when the distinct outfits played directly into age, it gave her the idea to start working with the concentration.

Being a student photographer could be difficult without the support of fellow students, but ,according to Frazer, most of the students in the art wing assist and benefit each other.

“The kids in the art wing are really helpful and without them I couldn’t do any of my work,” said Frazer.

Whether these students decide to continue with their photography or move on to something else, they have focused and sharpened their skills and produced impressive portfolios made to impress and have produced memories and friendships along the way.

Left to right; Photo By Kathleen Branthover; Photo by Alex Fizbein; Photo by Steven Groobert; Photo by Kathleen Branthover

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Pitch

APRIL 20, 2012

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

15

Student’s Idea to Illuminate Bethesda Metro Station

By Ellie Jorling

E

xcluding the occasional advertisement or map, the walls of the Bethesda Metro station are completely bare. However, starting May 17, the public will also see senior Spencer Razick’s graphic design work.

His piece, entitled “Bright Ideas,” was submitted along with several others in an art competition called Tunnel Vision, sponsored by the Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District. The competition showcases 12 artists’ pieces in the metro tunnel that runs under Wisconsin Avenue In addition to a cash prize, Razick will have his “Bright Ideas” piece displayed forever on the walls of the Bethesda Metro.

“I’m really excited [to see my art displayed publicly],” said Razick. “I don’t really look at the money aspect of the contest… I’m just excited to have my art viewed.”

“

I feel like if [my art] is in a museum, [fewer] people are going to see it, really, than if it’s just out in the public.

”

Top: “Bright Ideas,” senior Spencer Razick’s winning entry in the Tunnel Vision competition by Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District, will be on display in the Bethesda Metro Station on May 17.

Bottom: Graphic by Spencer Razick of photography teacher Daniel Kempner.

Razick’s interest in art began as a child, when he made crafts with his mother, a nursery school teacher, and art, taking Digital Art 1 and 2 and AP and I began to express myself,” he said.

There, Razick discovered an affinity took art classes when in elementary Studio Art: 2D Design, among other art classes. for graphic design. school. However, it was not until high “In my junior year, during the second Razick, who plans to attend the school that he started to really enjoy half of AP 2D, I started branching off... School of Visual Art in Manhattan in the

Word Search: Spring

Sudoku courtesy of Gnome Sudoku

Sudoku

fall, would rather not see his art in a gallery, unlike many accomplished artists whose dream is to be displayed in the National Gallery of Art in D.C. or the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

“I feel like if [my art] is in a museum, [fewer] people are going to see it, really, than if it’s just out in the public for anyone’s response,” he said. “[Ideally the pieces would be] on clothing, on buildings [and] on signs.”

In that respect, Razick has been doing just that. He created T-shirts to go along with the KONY 2012 movement and numerous people will be able to see his work on their way to the Metro in Bethesda. “[Graphic design] is an open-ended form of art…[art teachers Dan Kempner and Paul Engelhardt] have opened up a lot of avenues for me,” said Razick. “They’ve given me all my knowledge [about art].”

Engelhardt, whom Razick considers one of his mentors, has seen Razick excel in the classes he has taken, realizing that he had a talent and drive for graphic design by the end of his freshman year in Digital Art 1.

“I couldn’t be more proud of Spencer and his achievements,” said Engelhardt.

“Spencer is extremely hardworking and passionate about the work he creates.

He deserves all the accolades in the world.”

Word Search by Taliah Dommerholt

See answers online at www.wjpitch.com!

WORDS Allergies, Baseball, Bird, Bud, Bumblebee, Bunny, Butterfly, Caterpillar, Cherry Blossoms, Chocolate, Cinco de Mayo, Daffodil, Easter, Egg, Equinox, Flower, Grass, Junioritis, Matzo, Mother’s Day, Passover, Picnic, Rain, Rainbow, SATS, Seed, Senioritis, Sunshine, Tulip, Umbrella

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APRIL 20, 2012

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16

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

WJ Alum Launches Online Fashion Boutique

By Taliah Dommerholt

Marcela

Olivia

Azita

Katherine Martinez, WJ graduate class of ’06, has proven that finding a job right out of college is not as impossible as everyone says it is. With a motivating love of fashion, she has taken her greatest interest and turned it into a career that is both enjoyable and profitable.

Martinez has taken advantage of the Internet and the business opportunities it holds, proving that e-commerce is not only for large corporations and established enterprises.

In March of 2011, during her senior year at the University of Maryland, Martinez began selling vintage clothing online, on an e-commerce website that sells handmade and vintage items. With a major in economics, Martinez decided to give Photos by Katherine Martinez fashion a go, starting her cloth- Senior Marcela DeCampos models the clothes in Senior Olivia Stearn models in a photo shoot for Senior Azita Halary, new to La Petite Marmoset, ing line and blog called La Pe- action for the lookbook at a Latino Supermarket. photographer Katherine Martinez. models in her first photo shoot. tite Marmoset.

“When I was in high school, I really wanted to have tributes her clothing to La Petite Marmoset. While 100 items every photo session,” said Martinez. “With a boutique,” said Martinez. “My favorite animal is the Martinez primarily focuses on marketing, finding the the girls, it’s always fun—every time we have these pygmy marmoset, and I decided that the logo for my pieces, working with the reconstruction, choosing the photo shoots it’s like a party; we have three or four store would be a tiny monkey with a bow on its head. models and putting together the photo shoots, Turchin models, the makeup artist [and] the hair stylist. We’ll Since so many stores call themselves these French is able to update the blog and Etsy page from her home have food and music going, and we always keep it renames, trying to be exclusive and high class, I decided in Pennsylvania. ally fun and the girls always have a blast.” to be funny about it.”

“That is the beauty of having an online store verMartinez has so far used local hair and makeup deWith her young and hip target audience online, her sus a physical boutique,” said Martinez. “A lot of [our sign trade artists, helping them grow and giving them blog allowed her to branch out, create connections, success] comes from making connections in the local good publicity and recognition. During the shoots, receive recognition and build a solid, unique style. She community, and our blog has helped us a ton.” she directs the girls to a small extent, but mostly steps also has a Lookbook, the modern version of a cataTo be economical, Martinez has turned to WJ, back and lets them do what feels comfortable. logue, where she can show the clothes and styles on- finding girls to model her clothing, such as senior “The girls have a natural sense of what to do,” said line and in action.

Olivia Stearn. Martinez first turned to her brother, Martinez. “As we go along, they become more confi“I’ve always loved vintage,” said Martinez. “I find it so who graduated in 2011, for model suggestions, and dent.” much more exciting than going to the mall and buying since then has found models through mutual friends Martinez currently sells her clothing in two local a mass-produced piece made in China, and I’ve always on Facebook. Since she lives in the area, it has been boutiques, Violet Boutique in Northwest, D.C. and loved the idea of taking what’s old and making it new, easy to get in touch with local girls and invite them to Brightside Boutique in Baltimore. However, one day for me it’s more fun [to make something] that no one model for her. she hopes to sell to boutiques across the country, exelse has, something that’s unique and well-made.”

“I love using girls who are real, who you can just pand her online market and establish a showroom.

Martinez’s interest in fashion began when she was a project through the camera,” said Martinez. “They “We want to have a physical showroom where we little girl. From trips to thrift stores with her babysit- have good style naturally, they’re confident and they can reconstruct, keep all of our stuff, host events and ter, to inspiration from her grandmother, an experi- connect well. They’re not necessarily stick-skinny— host photo shoots,” said Martinez. “[It would be a place enced seamstress, Martinez grew up loving clothing they’re girls you can relate to.” where] people can come and try stuff on in a really and design.

Though Stearn did not have previous modeling ex- relaxed environment.”

“My ‘Abuelita’ would come up from Colombia every perience, a friend recommended her to a local fashion Having an online presence is incredibly important couple of years, and she would help me sew clothes show, organized by La Petite Marmoset. There, Stearn for Martinez’s line of work, but she also makes sure to for my dolls,” said Martinez. “We would see items in got in touch with Martinez, and since then she has par- attend local events in order to get her name out in the magazines that were really expensive, and then [recre- ticipated in two photo shoots. The photos can be seen fashion and blogging community and to make profesate them].” on La Petite Marmoset’s Facebook page, Etsy account, sional connections.

Now, Martinez has added reconstructed vintage website and blog. These sites can all be accessed from “I hope to take it to the point where we have very pieces to her collection. With her sewing knowledge lapetitemarmoset.com. solid e-commerce and online pricing—we want to do and eye for fashion, she is able to create new fashion “It’s been really fun,” said Stearn. “I’ve met some more reconstruction and expand [the entire producpieces, while taking inspiration from vintage styles and cool people and I’d be up for [modeling in the future].” tion],” said Martinez. “There is a very strong e-comarticles of clothing that she finds at places like thrift In fact, Martinez has even inspired Stearn, who has merce presence—really, online is where it’s at; that’s stores and estates sales. always had a love of fashion and design, to get into the where people get their information [and] that’s where “I work with my ‘Abuelita’ and another seamstress, world of blogging. Through Martinez, Stearn has been people shop.” and together we pick out certain styles that we like able to meet other D.C. bloggers, and has created her While expansion is important, Martinez does not and make vintage pieces [more modern],” said Marti- own DIY blog, Catwalk Stalk. stray from her original goal: to produce well-made nez. “The main place I get inspiration is [from] items in “I make a lot of my own clothes,” said Stearn. “[Mar- clothing that is true to her style. stores or on blogs [that have] clearly taken inspiration tinez] inspired me there. I think it’s really cool that “Instead of paying for this thing that is just a copy from vintage items, prints and fabrics. We do all kinds she’s managed to make a business that is so integrated and is going to fall apart in three months in the wash, of pieces—from the basics to the crazier [items], like with WJ. She’s staying true to her roots.” why not find what inspired that [piece] and make that floor-length gowns. We go all over.”

Martinez, who works as a model and a photog- same style but be unique,” said Martinez. “We’ve got Martinez serves as the creative director of La Pe- rapher, enjoys using local girls to show her clothing vintage and then we’ve got modernized pieces that are tite Marmoset, along with her partner Ashley Turchin, in action and to add an element of familiarity to the taken from vintage styles.” who began the Etsy blog, La Belle Vie Vintage, and clothing line. now also hunts for items in Pennsylvania and con“We are at the point where we will shoot close to

Pitch

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APRIL 20, 2012

SPORTS

17

Vow to Pledging Respect: Student-Athletes Lead with Tolerance

By Hannah Flesch

B

efore any games were played, gay and lesbian students in high schools every spring team at WJ scored a in the U.S. Upon his return from WJ, victory. As rosters were finalized Murray heard GSA president, senior and practices were under way, each Ilana Kapit speak at a staff meeting and spring athlete signed the Team Respect immediately felt compelled to initiate Challenge, an effort by the Gay, Les- positive change and to make students bian and Straight Education Network feel more welcome and ac(GLSEN) to initiate respect and inclu- cepted. sion for all team members despite dif“I started putting the ferences in sexual orientation, race, pledge together in the wingender identity/expression or religion. ter and everyone was on The challenge is part of GLSEN’s board,” said Murray. “[The “Changing the Game” project, launched pledge] overemphasizes the to concentrate on the role of athletes as idea of not only the way you act, but [of] leaders. Pending signatures by the fall being a good bystander in our commusports teams next nity and speaking year, WJ will beup for individuals come the first high who may not be school in the natreated the way tion to have all its they want to be sports teams sign treated.” the pledge.

As an openly Social Studgay student, Kapit ies teacher and felt it was necesJV Baseball coach sary to share the Chris Murray has effects of bullying Photo by Steven Groobert to teachers, who been leading the Murray, history teacher and JV Baseball campaign this win- Chris are leaders in the coach at WJ, has spread the pledge throughter and spring sea- out the athletic department, getting signa- classroom. sons. After meet- tures from athletes on a number of teams.

“Most of the buling two GLSEN lying that I receive speakers at a social studies teacher comes in the form of dirty looks, beconference over winter break, Murray ing accidently shoved [and] being moved got a stronger look at the treatment of away from when I’m walking down the

“

hallway for fear that someone could potentially catch my homosexuality,” said Kapit. “I wanted to alert the teachers to the fact that this is something that is constantly going on right under their noses, and that if they don’t do some-

“Our teams have now become the role models by letting other students know that they will not stand by and allow their peers to be bullied or harassed because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, or, more importantly, because a student is different,” Murray said in the article.

After next school year’s fall athletes and coaches sign, it is very likely WJ will become the first high school in America to have 100 percent of their athlete’s sign the pledge. The honor would resonate in the school and the community and further encourage clubs and other groups to embrace the goal of respect.

“It would be absolutely amazing for WJ to be the first in the nation to have everyone sign this pledge,” said Kapit.

“I’m hoping that if WJ gets all their teams to sign it, other schools will follow suit, and it would be absolutely incredible to have started this wave of tolerance.”

”

Sports are places that LGBT teens feel especially unwelcome thing to address it in their classrooms, it is only going to get worse.”

Athletes on all levels are often leaders on and off the field, setting an example for others. Through the project, GLSEN hopes these athletes will be a positive catalyst for change and respect for students and opposing teams.

“Sports are places that LGBT teens feel especially unwelcome,” said Kapit.

“It would be amazing for kids on sports teams to recognize their actions as well as the consequences that those actions can have, and then agree to stop.”

Murray wrote an article titled “Changing the Game for LGBT Students in School” for the Huffington Post in which he outlined his desire to see more action taken by the school in support of LGBT students, starting with sports teams and their players.

Read Chris Murray’s blog at huffingtonpost.com

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SPORTS

APRIL 20, 2012

The Grid:

get to know your spring sports captains

Compiled by Phillip Resnick

Bryn Molloy Gina Fischetti

Jordan Krasner Laura Dally

Tyler Modjeska Joshua Ellis

Deanna Sipes

Sarah Bernstein

Jake Verner

Eli Gerber

All photos by Steven Groobert

What is the best part of your sport?

What is the worst part of your sport?

What is your favorite pregame tradition?

If you could give one person aVIP seat to one of your games, who would it be?

Unlike girl’s basketball, we I like to feast on whatever snacks do not exactly have the repu- Mrs. Schapiro chooses to provide tation of being “the bait,” but on that given day. This usually inwe are striving to change that cludes some type of pretzel. this season.

I would not give anyone a VIP seat.

The stands are always empty, so I am sure they can find a seat somewhere.

Mrs. Buel. Her signature cheer is, “You’re a star!”

Tyler Modjeska

You could say good endurance is not vital for the sport.

Sarah Bernstein

Watching an umpire bend over and sweep the dirt off the plate.

Getting hit with a fast pitch.

The best and most important thing about lacrosse is building team camaraderie. Playing as a team goes a long way towards success.

The worst thing is losing a For my club team my teammates I would give the seat to Mikey Powgame we know we could have got me to start wearing short socks. ell. He was a Syracuse attackman in I’ve started to wear them more the early 2000's. and was one of the won had we done a few things recently even though my WJ best to play the game. differently and capitalized on teammates make fun of me. more opportunities.

Baseball

Softball

Jake Verner Lacrosse

Eating yummy treats from my secret sister.

Gymnastics

Getting to bond and cheer for The cleaning up and setting each other at meets and pracup. It takes forever. tices.

We have a little speech and chant be- The seniors from last year; they were fore every meet to get us pumped! such a great part of the team and we miss them.

Jordan Krasner

You don't have to be big or tall It is considered a "girly sport." to be successful.

Having my team stand around me in a circle and cursing them out.

Santi De Paco because he's Santi De Paco.

Laura Dally

The uplifting feeling when Meets taking up every Saturyou've had a great race or day of my high school career. jump, knowing you can only get better.

Sleep.

My coaches because they’re the ones that really understand what I do and how to analyze how I can get better.

Lamb sacrifice in the dance studio.

Ben Haner, because he’s the most.

Deanna Sipes

Tennis

Track

Eli Gerber BoysVolleyball

Bryn Molloy Girls Lacrosse

Gina Fischetti Co-EdVolleyball

Joshua Ellis Track

How tight both volleyball teams are with each other. We practice together, warm up together and generally really like each other. The Spandex is cool too.

That guys can’t wear Spandex. I feel like it’s gender discrimination, but it also seems like I’m the only one that has a problem with it.

The refs tend to be The fact that it acquires a lot ridiculous and we can never Team dinners! Always a yummy of skill rather than just play for more than 30 seconds meal! contact. at a time.

Brad Pitt because he’s yummy.

The feeling after a kill, block It’s inside so you don’t get a tan, and it’s just as hot because or ace. there is no air conditioning in the gym.

Going to the Strochak’s house to I would probably say Phil Daulhausser eat before a game. Wildcat pasta because he is really tall and is amazing yumm!!! at beach volleyball.

It’s one of the hardest sports at WJ and requires the most training. The amount of work you put in is equal to what you get out of it.

Pasta dinners are fun, but usually Alberto Salazar, who is probably the it’s just good to relax with friends greatest American distance coach and not worry about the race the ever, or Bill Bowerman, the founder of Nike. next day. Worrying too much just goes to your head.

The ridiculous timing of meets, and all of the Saturdays given up for races and practice.

the

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APRIL 20, 2012

SPORTS

Spring Sports Power Rankings

19

By Daniel Thaler

Top Tier Boys Lacrosse 5-1

Track and Field Boys: 3-2 Girls: 4-1

A huge win over a stellar Wootton team confirmed this team’s legitimacy. The hyped defense has lived up to expectations so far, allowing just 5.4 points per game.

The boys and girls both have two wins through three meets, the boys lone loss coming to a superb Gaithersburg squad and the girls falling to Wootton. Senior Josh Ellis is the top boys runner and senior Laura Dally is the premier girls runner.

Baseball 7-2

After dominating powerhouse Quince Orchard in the opener, the team has maintained success against a tough schedule. Senior Caldwell Clarke, Junior Gus Gill and sophomore Ben Webster headline a strong lineup.

Middle of the Pack Coed Volleyball 3-4 The team has battled through a bunch of close games, two of which went five sets. With a well-balanced roster, they’ve had contributions from multiple players.

Girls Lax 3-3

Photo by Wahid Ishrar

Gymnastics 3-0

So far, the girls have taken care of business, beating Blair and a tough Whitman team. Junior Grace Leslau and sophomore Ella Wu have put together exceptional performances.

Boys Tennis 3-3

After starting the season off with three wins, the team has now hit a threegame losing skid. Leaders of the team, seniors Bryn Molloy and Paige Keller, will try to get the team out of its funk.

Coming out of the toughest portion of their schedule, the team is at .500.

They pulled out a quality win over Blair but suffered bad losses to Wootton and Churchill.

Rebuilding Process Boys Volleyball 2-5

Softball 2-7

The inexperienced team is making strides and has won games against Einstein and Paint Branch.

All reecords as of April 17

Softball struggled to start the year after losing star pitcher Bethany Buel to injury.

However, in Buel’s return last Monday, the team picked up a quality win against B-CC. All photos by Steven Groobert unless otherwise noted

Fielder’s Choice: My True Motivaton

By Phillip Resnick

A few weeks ago, before our varsity baseball game against Paint Branch, head coach Kim Ahearn said something that really hit home with me. The Paint Branch team was blasting a warm-up CD with tracks like “The Motto” by Drake and “Lose Yourself ” by Eminem.

In his kvetching way, Ahearn griped, “Why do they need all this rap music to get ready? Shouldn’t they just be excited to play baseball?”

At first, I paid the comment no mind as I continued singing along to “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne while taking some practice swings, but as I was driving home, I began to think more and

more about what my coach had said.

For those of you that who don’t know, Kim Ahearn has been a coach at WJ longer than your parents have known each other, guaranteed. He took over as the head baseball coach in 1978. The man knows what he’s talking about.

The more I thought about what he said, the more I agreed. Having played sports since kindergarten, I know all about warm-up routines. I’ve done everything from secret handshakes to haka dances (look those up, by the way.

They’re really cool) to a pregame hug and kiss from my mom, but when the game begins, none of those shenanigans

matter anymore.

By the time I arrived home, I was sold on what Ahearn had said. I realized that no matter what I or my teammates do before the game, no matter how amped we get, it does nothing for us during the game. It may be fun to dance around with my teammates and what not, but it doesn’t match the adrenaline rush that I get from stepping up to the plate in baseball or jumping onto the ice in hockey.

There are a number of notable pregame rituals in professional sports: LeBron James always throws powder into the air, Kevin Garnett always talks

to himself while slamming his head into padding under the basket, and, years ago, Ozzie Smith would do flips before big games. All three are well known in their sports, but for their MVP caliber play more than their pregame routines.

I don’t have any regular pre-game rituals as of right now, and after Ahearn’s little rant, I don’t plan on creating one.

In his words, the game itself is enough to pump me up.

Sports 20

What’s Inside 17 18 19

Athletes sign Respect Pledge

The Grid: Spring Sports Captains

Spring Sports Power Rankings

APRIL 20, 2012

Going Out Guide: D.C. Sports Edition D.C. United

By Phillip Resnick

For those students who are Fútbolheads, D.C. United is your fix. The team has been successful in years past and is looking to make the playoffs again this year. Also, RFK stadium, where the team plays, is known for having some of the craziest fans in the DMV. Put all of this together and you’ve got yourself a fun night out with your friends.

Pricing

Commute RFK Stadium 2400 East Capitol St, SE Washington, DC 20003 Metro from Grosvenor to Stadium/ Armory station, approximate time 45 min.

Pricing; $2.75

Cheap Seats $24.00 for Middle Endline Reasonable Seats $32.50 for Middle Sideline Best of the Best $60.00 for Lower Midfield

Driving from WJ: 34 min. 24.8 miles via I-495 Photos courtesy of Flickr.com

Upcoming games to watch

April 22 vs. New York Red Bulls 6:00 PM

April 28 vs. Houston Dynamo 7:30 PM

Nationals

This may be the best bargain for the spring/summer, where you can go see the area’s best baseball team for next to nothing. The Nationals have received the most pre-season hype since they arrived in D.C. in 2005, and have started, the season hot. If you’re lucky, you might get to see Steven Strasburg, the Nationals all-star pitcher, start a game, or later in the season you may see rookie phenom Bryce Harper play.

Pricing

Reasonable Seats Cheap Seats Best of the Best $5.00 for Grandstand $24.00 for Outfield Reserve $325.00 for Presidential Box

May 16 vs. Colorado Rapids 7:30 PM

Mystics

The Wizards definitely aren’t making the playoffs and Georgetown and Maryland basketball is done for the year, but fans of the hardwood shouldn’t fret because the Mystics begin their season in a few weeks. The team features a number of local stars including Crystal Langhorne, a University of Maryland graduate, and Demya Walker from Virginia. With the easiest commute and affordable tickets, heading to the Verizon Center to see the Mystics is a great idea.

Cheap Seats $17.00 for Loge seats

Pricing

Reasonable Seats Best of the Best $24.00 for Endzone seats $300.00 for Floorside seats

Commute

Commute

Nationals Park

Verizon Center

1500 South Capitol St., SE Washington, DC 20003

601 F Street NW Washington, D.C. 20004

Metro from Grosvenor: To Navy Yard, approximately 40 min., pricing; $2.75 on reduced fare, $4.70 and rush hour.

Driving from WJ: I-495 to GW Parkway, 21.4 Miles, approx. 30 min.

April 20

Metro from Grosvenor to Gallery Place/Chinatown approx. 24 min. Pricing; $2.75 Driving from WJ 31 min. 12.4 miles via Connecticut ave.

Photos courtesy of Flickr.com

Upcoming games to watch April 21

April 22

7:05 PM 1:05 PM

1:35 PM

Upcoming games to watch

May 4 May 6 May 5 vs. Miami vs. Miami vs. Miami vs.Philadelphia vs.Philadelphia vs.Philadelphia Phillies Marlins Phillies Phillies Marlins Marlins 7:05 PM

1:05 PM

Photos courtesy of Flickr.com

8:05 PM

May 14 vs. Connecticut Sun (Preseason) 7:00 PM

May 19 vs. Chicago Sky (Home opener)

May 26 vs. Tulsa Shock

7:00 PM

7:00 PM