The Pitch
Walter Johnson High School
September 29, 2014
Volume 60, Issue 1
6400 Rock Spring Drive, Bethesda, MD 20814
MCPS introduces Chromebooks
New technology attempts to modernize classrooms
Photo by Sarah Schecker
Junior Mandy Spiwak uses one of the new Chromebooks in Christopher Murray’s AP World History class.
By KathrynVan Artsdalen
This summer, MCPS introduced a new technology initiative to provide all students with “anywhere, anytime access” to mobile technology. The plan calls for students in third, fifth and sixth grade, along with those in high school social studies classes to receive Chromebook laptops, while students in Kindergarten through second grade will get Androidbased tablets. For the current school year, elementary and middle schools received 30,000 devices, while high schools obtained 10,000, which totaled to $15 million. According to MCPS, the program’s cost was included in the Fiscal Year 2015 Operating Budget and the Capital Improvements Program. Additional funding will be provided through the Federal Education Rate program, whose mission is to “provide money to help schools increase access to the Internet and technology.” Schools were divided into three cohorts, and devices will be given to each cohort over the next two years. WJ, one of 67 schools in the first tier, re-
i s In
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ceived 704 Chromebook laptops at the beginning of the school year. The initiative supports the cloudbased Google Apps for Education platform to provide, according to MCPS, “dynamic resources that promote effective communication and collaboration.” WJ students and staff will be assigned secure, monitored accounts, and will have access to an array of tools and webbased communication applications. “Our community has been asking MCPS to make more technology available in the classroom, and I am excited to begin ramping up our efforts to provide students with 21st century learning space,” said MCPS Superintendent Dr. Joshua Starr, according to MCPS’s website. “This technology initiative will enhance teaching and learning and provide our educators with the tools they need to engage students and individualize instruction to meet their needs.” MCPS, which has a page dedicated to the technology program on their website, said it believes that the new devices will “inspire intellectual curiosity,” develop students’ critical thinking skills, and prepare students to “thrive”
in the “evolving digital age.” With the Chromebooks, students can view lessons at home, collect information more easily, and create and share presentations using interactive websites. The devices will also encourage teacher collaboration and help in lesson planning. With the new technology, MCPS claims it will achieve a 70 percent reduction in print learning materials by 2016. The Chromebooks have already altered classroom dynamics at WJ. David Uhler, an AP and Modern World History teacher, explained that with the Chromebooks, students in his classes can share documents and submit assignments electronically. Although his students are still familiarizing themselves with the technology, Uhler believes the Chromebooks are a good investment. “[The Chromebooks] have the potential to make research and collaboration [more] efficient,” he said. Anjali Lindsey, a freshman in U.S. History, is also pleased with the new technology. “It was a good idea to buy [the Chromebooks] because [they have] improved and upgraded the school software system,” she said. AP U.S. History teacher and Senior Project Coordinator Kathy Simmons added that the Chromebooks will help MCPS achieve the same technological savviness as other school systems, and ultimately, the world. However, she is only using the Chromebooks when appropriate in lessons, because in many ways the technology is slowing the pace of her class. Students can instantly message each other and comment on their work, which is distracting during class. Simmons has also taken class time to teach students about the Chromebook’s applications and deal with password issues. Senior Ruth Shatkay, who is currently taking AP World History, is disappointed in the MCPS Chromebook initiative. “[The Chromebooks] are less practical for schools purposes,” she stated. The times her class has used the
Chromebooks, they took time to get out and load. Plus, when Shatkay took a quiz using Chromebooks, she said that it was easy for students to glance at each other’s screens and cheat. “People have been studying history for many, many years and they’ve never had Chromebooks,” Shatkay explained. Sammy Siegel, a senior in AP Human Geography, is upset about the cost of the new technology. “The [Chromebook investment] is really excessive,” she explained. Siegel said that MCPS needs to fix overcrowding issues and fund art programs before spending money on more technology. Although some are disappointed with the investment, Chromebook applications offer opportunities for student and teacher collaboration, and may help MCPS acclimate to the 21st century digital age.
Chromebooks
Chromebooks
Graphic by Kathryn Van Artsdalen
EDITORIAL pages 5-8
FEATURE pages 9-12
A&E pages 13-16
SPORTS pages 17-20
Debates in the classroom can become heated, so teachers should limit their participation.
Homcoming is highlighted in Feature, including the annual WJ Homecoming football game.
Butler’s Orchard is one of the attractions covered in A&E’s Guide to awesome Autum.
New head coach looks to turn the football program around.
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NEWS
SEPTEMBER 29, 2014
Criteria leads to WJ’s exclusion from top ranking of Maryland high schools By Kevin Lu According to US News & World Report magazine, Walt Whitman High School is the number one school in Maryland. WJ is not ranked at all. The Washington Post also compiled a list of the top high schools in Maryland, in which WJ came in fifth place behind Poolesville, Wootton, Whitman and Churchill. Every year, different organizations and news outlets collect statistics from Maryland high schools and their districts. Each compiles a list to determine each high school’s rank. AP Statistics teacher Mary LaFratta takes issue with how some organizations rank schools. US News & World Report uses certain criteria, and according to LaFratta, the magazine’s criteria is biased against high performing schools. “Schools have to score more than [half a] standard deviation above a linear regression line in order to be ranked,” said LaFratta. “The data [for WJ] did not fit the linear regression equation.” Standard deviation is how far a value is from the average value, meaning that it can be close to the average, too high, or too low. A school has to be at least half a standard deviation above the linear regression line in order to be ranked, and can range all the way to extreme values above it. Consequently, schools that do not achieve a certain standard will not be ranked by US News & World Report magazine. WJ did not meet this criteria based on factors such as test scores and number of college ready students.
So why is WJ ranked in other publications? Sources like Washington Post and Zillow place WJ as one of the top 10 best high schools in Maryland, while MoCoRealEstate.com places WJ at the end of the Top 20, and as mentioned, U.S. News & World Report did not rank WJ at all. The reason is that each source uses a different formula and set of criteria to create its list and rankings. For example, MoCoRealEstate.com ranked the high schools based on SAT reports. Sophomore Josh Karpatkin said he believes WJ and other Montgomery County high schools would perform better, and therefore be ranked higher, if school start times were pushed back. “The American Academy of Pediatrics released a policy statement that says for the sake of public health, high school
start times should start no [earlier] than 8:30 [a.m.],” said Karpatkin. He added that later school start times would allow students to possibly get a few more hours of sleep and therefore perform better in school and on tests. The updated high school rankings for the 2014-2015 school year will be released when the school year ends.
SOURCE
WJ’S RANK
US News & World Report
Unranked
Zillow
4th
Washington Post
5th
MoCoRealEstate
20th
Information from respective websites. All from 2013-2014 except MoCoRealEstate, which is from 2009-2010
FROM WJPITCH.COM Like The Pitch on Facebook and follow us on Twitter! @TheWJPitch
More than a musical: Performing helps students on and off the stage
By Leila Siegel
When people hear the words “high school theater program”, they may start thinking of “High School Musical”. However, theater is more than a bunch of kids singing about how they are all in this together, while wearing trendy clothes and performing professionally choreographed dances. WJ has a successful theater program, having two productions each year, but the program goes deeper than just presenting entertaining plays. Theater can also help students in other parts of their lives. According to the American Alliance for Theatre and Education, students involved in dramatic performance at their school scored higher on their SATs than students not involved in theater. The drama participants averaged 65 points higher on the verbal component and 34 points higher in the math component than nondrama students. Also, the Center for Arts Education published a 2009 study showing that public schools in New York with the highest dropout rates were the schools with the weakest arts programs, suggesting a correlation between arts participation and staying in school. Play rehearsals provide a source of fun and comraderie after school. Some participants in S*T*A*G*E identify acting and singing as their primary extracurricular activity and may even plan on pursuing it as a career. Junior Mandy Spiwak has been participating in WJ S*T*A*G*E since her freshman year when she worked on the crew for the fall play and S*T*A*G*E is one her major extracurricular activities. “[Theater] is definitely one of the main things I’m part of,” said Spiwak.“We’re just a really big family, and I love being a part of it; all my friends are there,” she said. S*T*A*G*E is also something that helps her pay more attention in school. “I have something to look forward to at the end of the day by having rehearsal and hang[ing] out with friends, so it keeps me a lot more focused and energized to get through the day,” said Spiwak.
Photo by Leila Siegel
Many drama students find theater to be a fun escape and, additionally, something to help them focus. For example, being in a play gives students a better understanding of its inner workings, so they can study one better.
English and theater teacher Colleen McAdory, who has been directing WJ’s plays since 1992, said acting helps students develop real-life skills. “[I like] watching people grow as individuals because of what they’re learning as actors,” said McAdory. She said on average, five to 10 people from WJ go on to pursue careers in acting or singing. McAdory said theater can help students in other areas of their lives. “[Acting] teaches discipline; it teaches people to get to know themselves,” said McAdory. She encourages everyone to take part in theater, saying it can help them in ways other than improving their acting skills. “Everyone can benefit from it, I have a few students in my theater class right now who are very shy,” said McAdory. “They’re doing [theater] because they think it will help come out of themselves and to be different.”
LETTER FROM THE EDITORS Dear Pitch Readers, The Pitch is turning 60, but we’re not ready to retire. We have a new editing staff and a new team of staff writers, so get ready for a great year! For our first issue, News is covering the IsraelPalestine conflict, in addition to introducing our SGA representatives for this school year. Editorial dicusses body shaming in the media, and how testing redundancies affects high schoolers. Feature previews WJ Homecoming and recaps service trips students took over the summer. Arts and Entertainment provides an activity guide for the upcoming season in addition to covering the balance between pursuing music and education. Finally, sports closes us out with an article about new WJ football, coach Greg Kellner, and profiles of freshman athletes playing on varsity teams. We as a staff are excited for this issue and and hope you are too.
Sincerely, Your 2014-2015 Print Editors in Chief Audrey Marek, Ben Resnick and Selma Stearns.
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SEPTEMBER 29, 2014
NEWS
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SGA ushers in the 2014-2015 school year with new plans By Sarah Schecker
This year’s SGA, comprised of seniors President Justin New (JN), Vice President Amanda Tang (AT), Secretary Kassidi Baldwin (KB) and Treasurer Teddy Manogue (TM), kicked off the year during the fall pep rally, and that was only the beginning. The officers, working alongside leadership advisor Rainer Kulenkampff, have a lot more in store for the 2014-2015 school year. In this Q and A, The Pitch sat down with the officers to find out exactly what Mad Cows can expect to see this year.
What is your favorite WJ event and why? JN: [My favorite event is the] Homecoming hallways [because] it allows spirited students from each grade to go all out on their hallway. TM: I’d say PPP [Pong for Pennies for Patients] because you get to see everyone in different costumes. Everyone means business at pong. What are you guys going to do differently this year to ensure that WJ raises the most money for P4P? KB: For Pennies for Patients this year, we are going back to the idea of student unity. We are going to try to have more events where everyone can get involved regardless of what [students are] interested in. What should we expect to see in the homecoming movie*? TM: The student body is going to look forward to every second of this movie.
How is the leadership class working together so far? JN: This could be the greatest leadership class in the history of WJ thus far. We have a really diverse group of kids from all the different corners of WJ.
Why did you run for SGA? AT: In middle school I ran for VP and I lost, so I decided that one day I would run again. KB: I spent the majority of my junior year at a school across the country in anther high school and it opened my eyes to how lucky I am to be a part of the community here at WJ. I want to give back to the community. TM: As a freshman, I looked up to all the SGA officers and I saw how people looked up to them. [I saw] how much people respected them as the people who run WJ and from then I knew that that was something I wanted to do my senior year. I worked hard and I got to where I wanted to be. JN: I thought that putting together a homecoming movie, organizing pep rallies and all the other events [would be fun to be a part of]. Pennies for Patients was really important and it seemed like a job I was eager to take part in.
How is SGA using social media to connect with the student body? TM: Social media has become the most important part of everyone’s life here at WJ. Reaching out to people via social media is going to be the number one way to get people active and participating in all the spirits and going to all the events. We are going to try to friend and follow everyone to make sure everyone knows what’s going on all the time. KB: I think we are using social media this year to reach out to students so that students can reach back out to us so they know that everyone is being heard. We are always open to hearing new opinions. We are using social media as a bridge between us and the student body. *For more information on WJ Homecoming, see Feature pages 10-11
SGA Fun Facts
President Justin New’s best friend is math teacher Mike Laukaitis. Vice President Amanda Tang owns a slightly overweight beagle named Sparky. Secretary Kassidi Baldwin is fluent in signlanguage. Treasurer Teddy Manogue’s role model is Kanye West. Photo by Sarah Schecker
Afie Mirshah joins the administrative team By Kara Gordon Afie Mirshah is joining the administrative team this year as the administrator for the freshman class of 2018 and as a principal intern. She is local to the area and graduated from Thomas Wootton High School and subsequently earned degrees at the University of Maryland College Park and American University. She has previous experience as an administrator at Richard Montgomery High School. Prior to becoming an administrator she worked as a teacher at Albert Einstein and John F. Kennedy high schools. Mirshah said she is very excited to join the WJ com-
munity and get involved with teachers, parents and students. “[I find the best part of the job to be] getting to know the students, seeing the classrooms in action and meeting the instructors,” she said. Although Mirshah is loving her time so far, she finds being new to the school the most challenging part of her job as sheis still learning names and becoming accustomed to the community. For this school year, Mirshah said she hopes the freshman class gets involved in school early, attends events, takes honors and AP classes and balances their schedules.
In addition to being the freshman class administrator, Mirshah is also a principal intern. She has learned that Principal Jennifer Baker does a lot for the school, especially with after school activities and community events. Mirshah loves being immersed in the high school atmosphere because it means she gets to watch students get excited about school spirit and get involved in school events. “I love the kids, the parents are great and the staff is so dedicated,” she said.
Photo by Sarah Schecker
Mirshah said she is excited to be here because she loves being immersed in the high school atmosphere.
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NEWS
SEPTEMBER 29, 2014
Middle Eastern tension hits home
How the Israel-Palestine conflict affects the WJ community By Gideon Epstein and Izzy Salant Since the UN voted to establish the State of Israel on May 14, 1948, there has been war and fighting between Israel and all of its surrounding countries, including Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and the Gaza Strip. Gaza has been the subject of the most conflict since 2005, when Israel withdrew from the 139 square mile zone of land so it could serve as a home for Palestinians. Instead of being a peace agreement, as it was designed to be, the Gaza Strip and Israel are currently fighting. The people in Gaza elected the extremist terrorist organization Hamas to govern over Gaza. Since the election, Gaza and Israel have been fighting on and off. AP Comparative Government and AP World History teacher Mitchell Joy has a unique historical perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. “[I believe] history itself has been disastrous to the conflict,” said Joy. “After breaking a promise in which the Arabs vowed to revolt from inside the Ottoman Empire, in exchange for independence, Great Britain effectively stole the [now] Israeli territory in the Middle East. In 1917, [Great Britain] made a vague agreement called the Balfour Declaration, which gives land to the Jewish people but at the same time, does not take land away from the Arabs.” Joy said that this decision by Great Britain, which was seemingly impossible, was the basis for most fighting to follow. There have been rockets fired on both sides in the past. According to the New York Times, Hamas fired the first rocket in the 2014 conflict, and Israel responded with rockets headed towards Gaza within the next nine hours. To combat rocket firing, Israel created the Iron Dome, a missile defense system designed to shoot down incoming rockets. Along with the Iron Dome, the Israeli neighborhoods and “Kibbutzim,” or settlements, are all equipped with bomb shelters. Teen political activist and student at the University of Chicago Matthew Foldi, who has lobbied congressmen and taken part in rallies for Israel activism, said he thought Israel is doing the right thing in combatting the issue. “No other nation has dealt as humane-
ly with groups whose charters call for their destruction,” he said. The most recent conflict started this past summer, which began with the kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teens, Eyal Yifrah, Gilad Shaar and Naftali Fraenkel who were hitchhiking in Israel. In response, citizens of Israel murdered two Palestinian teens, Nadem Syam Nawara and Mohammad Mahmoud Odeh. After that, rocket fire
c
Graphic by Audrey Marek
resumed, this time with military bases planted in Palestinians’ schools and houses of civilians to obscure Israel’s targeting. In response, Israel has sent out warnings to people living in the nearby areas of the command centers via text message, flyer, phone call and dummy missiles. According to the New York Times, Hamas forces civilians to stay in their homes despite the clear warnings. Freshman Amir Kalantary fully supports Palestinian nations, including the Gaza Strip, in their ongoing conflict with Israel. “[I recognize] that the Palestinians are planting their military bases in civilians’ houses,” said Kalantary. “[However], the Israelis still shouldn’t be striking.” According to the BBC, in late July, the death toll of this 2014 encounter in Gaza was over 1,000 individuals, while Israel’s death toll was 42 individuals. This recent conflict has carried over continents, and has affected students at WJ. Senior Omer Greenberg is an Israeli student who still has family in Jerusalem and Netanya, two regions in central Israel. “[I don’t know] if [my family is] going to be in their home, [a] bomb shelter [or] if their house is going to stand,” said Greenberg. He added that the southern and central parts of Israel are the most affected by bomb threats. Greenberg is pro-Israel. However, he understands the point of view of those
who say that the conflict is Israel’s fault. “Israel has more firepower,” said Greenburg, “and the casualties on the [Palestinian] side have been greater.” Senior Miranda Mlilo also has family affected by the conflict. “Half of my family is Palestinian on my mothers side. My mother was born in Egypt because her family was forced to move due to the conflict” said Mlilo. The violent fighting in the IsraeliPalestinian conflict began with the Independence War following the British withdrawal from Palestine in 1948. There has been an abundance of fighting between Israel and its surrounding nations. However, the last fighting between Israel and a surrounding nation, not Gaza or West Bank settlers, was in 1999. Israel currently has peace treaties with Egypt in 1979 and also Jordan in 1994. In the past 15 years, the subject of all violent action involving Israeli military has been with Palestinians specifi-
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who fully supports the action. Mlilo experienced the conflict first hand, as she lived in Lebanon for a year and worked in the refugee camps where Palestinians were living. “The conditions are awful, they live in cramped spaces with irregular electricity and limited access to clean water,” she said. Foldi and Greenberg looked to the future for a potential peace solution, and they shared the common belief that the government is the barrier stopping the nations from having peace. “Gaza will have to realize that their people and civilians are more important than their evil cause,” said Greenberg. “It is not the citizens’ fault, it is just the governments. The children are taught from a young age to hate Israel.” Foldi believes for a peace solution to come about, Government needs to change. “[A solution will be reached] when the Palestinian people realize that peace is in their best interests and have governments that embody their wishes.” Greenberg said that the Palestinian government needs to actually work towards a peace solution instead of temporary cease fires, but added that every time a temporary cease-fire was recognized by both sides, Palestine fired while Israel did not. Many people do not agree that the Palestinians are starting the gunfire in each of these conflicts. Kalantary said that the Israelis “initiate” each conflict. Mlilo added that part of the reason there is no peace solution is because of misconceptions toward Graphic courtesy of flickr.com/MrDevlar the conflict, such as stereotyping. cally in Gaza. “One misconception that really bothAlthough Kalantary’s family lives in ers me is how people often accuse PalIran, he has empathy for those suffering estinians, and Arabs in general of being in the Gaza Strip. He said that the Pales- terrorists,” said Mlilo. “They are not tertinians were there first. rorists. They are people who are suffer“The Israelis just came in and [they] ing. Palestinians had all their basic rights think they are boss now,” said Kalan- taken away from them.” tary. “They are treating the Palestinians Another major component of this conhorribly, so the Palestinians need to re- flict preventing a peace solution from spond.” occurring is extremists on both sides. After deaths and tragedies on both “You’ve got Hamas extremists, and sides, in late August, Israel reclaimed even extremists on the Israeli side,” said 988 acres of land in the West Bank. The Joy. “Right now, with these radicals on West Bank is to the northwest of Isra- both sides, I do not see a peace solution el while Gaza is on the east. There has near in the future.” been no explanation for this by Prime
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SEPTEMBER 29, 2014
EDITORIAL
THE STAFF
WJ offers a variety of classes to all students. Now over a month into the school year, The Pitch asked students, “What is your favorite class and why?”
Gabi Vogel Freshman
“Digital Art, because I like fixing up old photos.”
Jordana Gruber Sophomore
“Theater, because it’s a cool way to learn charisma.”
Oren Peter Junior
Zack Cain
“I like AP Music Theory because it’s interesting to learn about, and music is cool.”
Senior
“AP Photo because I love photography.” All photoss by Nick Williamson
We polled 100 random WJ students on the following question: Will the addition of Chromebooks improve education at WJ? To read more about new Chromebooks at WJ, read “MCPS introduces Chromebooks to the classroom” on the front page.
Yes, they will be helpful in class.........65% No, students will get too distracted....22% Indifferent...................................13%
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EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Audrey Marek, Print Co-Editor Ben Resnick, Print Co-Editor Selma Stearns, Print Co-Editor Amanda Gross, Online Co-Editor Marissa Nardella, Online Co-Editor ADVISOR Sylvie Ellen, Print and Online NEWS Izzy Salant, Print Editor Gideon Epstein, Print Assistant Editor Anna Hovey, Online Co-Editor Kelly Chartrand, Online Co-Editor EDITORIAL Nick Williamson, Print Editor Charlie Kanter, Print Assistant Editor Zoey Becker, Online Editor FEATURE Anja Shahu, Print Editor Kevin Lu, Print Assistant Editor Leila Siegel, Online Editor ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT Annika La Vina, Print Editor MK Greening, Print Asisstant Editor Hitomi Mochizuki, Online Co-Editor Zack Shapiro, Online Co-Editor SPORTS Jake Weinischke, Print Editor Patrick Jorling, Print Assistant Editor Kevin O’Leary, Online Editor Grant Weaver, Online Assistant Editor COPY EDITORS Suejean Han Kathryn Van Artsdalen Hannah Sachs Daniel Flesch ART Steven Judge PHOTOGRAPHY Sarah Schecker PUBLIC RELATIONS Shashank Narayan, Social Media Consultant, Business Manager Gideon Epstein, Assistant Business Manager STAFF WRITERS
Evan Candelmo Daniel Leonard Emma Higgins Iris Vukmanovic Allie Miljanic Kara Gordon Hannah Sachs Kathryn Van Artsdalen Daniel Flesch Suejean Han Meg Tamara The Pitch is published eight times a year by the students of Walter Johnson High School, 6400 Rock Spring Drive,Bethesda, Md. 20814. Advertising and subscription rates are available by calling 301-8037184. Editorial opinions represent those of The Pitch staff and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the staff, faculty or student body.We welcome letters, articles, photographs and artwork, to be submitted to room 193 or e-mailed to thepitch@walterjohnson.com. The Pitch is an award-winning paper that works towards providing the student body with accurate, as well as credible, information.
AWARDS
Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Medalist 2009, 2013 American Scholastic Press Association First Place 2010-2011 Columbia Scholastic Bronze Medalist 2010-2011 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Marylander Award Newspaper Division C 2011
EDITORIAL
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SEPTEMBER 29, 2014
Teachers should remain neutral in classroom debates By Charlie Kanter
to do that is through debate. Classroom We all need a way to express our- debates provide an organized setting selves, and for students, a perfect way for students to say what they think, but
they wouldn’t work without the supervision of a teacher. The presence of a teacher during a debate not only allows students to express their opinions, but also provides teachers an opportunity to share their points of view. But just because teachers can, doesn’t mean they should. Teachers have a role that is not in their official job description: to act as role models and examples for students. Teachers have a responsibility to not express their opinions during classroom debates. It prevents students from developing their own points of view. Because teachers are in a position of authority in the classroom, some students will merely agree with teachers instead of developing original ideas, saving them from the work and effort of forming their own thoughts. To be honest, teachers can be very intimidating. When two students are debating, and the Graphic by Steven Judge teacher sides with one student,
When teachers decide to participate in classroom debates, they to tend harm students more than they help them.
the other will most likely immediately back down, partly from intimidation and partly from belief that the teacher knows best. Teachers are more influential than other students, and resistance from teachers is a lot more impactful. Often students are encouraged to share their opinions and express their ideas, but may not do so if they fear getting shut down by teachers. Another very likely possibility is that students may become frustrated if they believe they are being ganged up on. Students may lose trust in their teachers. All students should trust that their teachers respect them, even if they disagree. Students should be able to develop their own points of view based on the unbiased material they learn in class, without direct opposition from teachers. High school is an appropriate time to start thinking more independently as we move toward college and adulthood. While important in both managing debate and providing our education, teachers violate student trust and work against independent thinking when they participate in classroom debates.
Standardized superfluity increases stress By Audrey Marek
As I exited my final AP exam in May of last school year, I was thrilled I had chosen to put off SAT Subject Tests until a later date. If I saw one more Scantron, I was going to involuntarily rip it apart and throw it in the recycling bin. Looking back on that decision now, I regret it. In standardized testing there is currently an irritating amount of redundancy. In terms of the SAT and ACT, it is an “either-or” situation, which makes logical sense. Why test the same skills two times? This is where other areas of testing, such as AP and SAT II exams, fall short, resulting in endless stress during the college application process. At minimum, every student must take some combination of the HSAs and PARCC assessments. These tests are designed to assess students’ mastery of the high school curriculum, so the fact that the tests are required and standardized is a measure to ensure equal education and achievement standards for all students. However, as more standardized tests are created, they become increasingly redundant, frustrating and less relevant. Many students take AP classes and their corresponding exams, then find that some colleges ask for SAT II tests, also known as SAT Subject Tests. Most colleges ask for either the SAT or ACT, and look at AP test scores. SAT II tests are roughly divided into math, science, foreign language, social studies and English. Every single one of these
subjects are available in AP tests, Eng- in addition to this year’s menagerie of a point of absurdity. Scantrons can only lish and math are both covered on the tests and assignments, and it seems en- get you so far, and the stress that accomregular SAT, and English, biology and tirely unnecessary when I have already panies them may not be worth it. But if algebra are required HSAs. There is no taken a test on the subject. While ensur- it’s necessary, take the tests on the same discernable purpose in taking additional ing that every student gets a thorough subject at the same time, or you’ll find SAT II subject tests. education is a valid pursuit, there comes yourself wishing you had. In addition to this meaninglessness, there is an element of contradiction. These tests are supposedly standardized and comprehensive assessments of the material. Yet personally, I have scored very differently on SAT II and AP tests that are said to be on the same subject. This is part of the reason why I regret not taking the SAT II tests at the same time as the AP tests; it would have been a more direct connection, and now going into the US History SAT II two years after taking the US history class, a lot of the information has escaped my memory. Yet what exactly would be the point of taking two “standardized” tests on the same subject within the same month? With more testing options comes more testing requirements, and subsePhoto by Charlie Kanter quently more stress. I am Stress generated by standardized tests causes students to stay up late at night studying things they have already now reviewing US history learned in previous years.
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SEPTEMBER 29, 2014
EDITORIAL
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This generation needs a new and improved attitude By Ben Resnick
It was one of the hottest days of the summer, and my friends and I were drenched in sweat and panting when we came up to a stoplight and caught our breaths. Suddenly, a big SUV pulled up to the light and the window rolled down. The next thing we heard was someone yelling a derogatory slur from the passenger seat right before the car sped off. This past summer, I spent a significant amount of time out on the roads and trails training for the upcoming cross country season. When my teammates
and I are out running, it is fairly common for people to honk and wave at us as we run by. People we know, as well as complete strangers, do this on a regular basis. It only becomes an issue when
it is funny and do it for sheer pleasure. This is just one example of the unkindness and downright rudeness in today’s world. There are still many bullies, operating in person and online. Throughout life, it’s inevitable that you’ll encounter rude or vicious people. According to www.bullyingstatistics.org, over 75 percent of teens between sixth and 10th grade are bullied. Society today is believed to be accepting of everyone.The fact that people can not run down the street without having people swear at them or degrade them
“Change is necessary; today’s world can be a cruel, demeaning place and we are the people who can change this.” people yell derogatory slurs at us for no reason whatsoever. Some people feel the need to yell insulting remarks at runners to make themselves feel better, while some think
proves our society has not come as far as we believe it has. Kids who are picked on and are rude to each other in school can grow up to become ignorant adults. This is something our generation can and needs to change. As a group of young up-andcoming adults, we need to start caring more and being genuinely nicer to one another. Change is necessary; today’s world can be a cruel, demeaning place and we are the people who can change this. Next time you see bullying occur, stand up and say something. People can make a difference by standing up for what’s right. Hopefully, kids can run down the street 20 years from now without being cursed at or bullied.
The Pitch Overcoming early Opinion onset senioritis proves to be beneficial and that just makes me more stressed. When I get home from rehearsal for It has only been about a month and the play, I check various social media a half of school, and already, my moti- sites, take a nap, watch an episode or vation for school work has gone com- two on Netflix and then have dinner. By pletely out the window. I procrastinated the time I’m ready to sit down and do writing this column just as I find myself some homework, it’s too late to accomprocrastinating nearly every assignment plish much. that comes my way. Like many seniors, I have a far less challenging course load than I did junior year in order to give myself more time to relax. I’ve found that I am already partially in the mindset of a second-semester senior and have not even sent out my college applications yet. Don’t get me wrong. I’m sure that my apathy towards school will only get stronger as the year goes on; but even now, it is with great effort that I unzip my backpack every evening. On the other hand, at least I still open my backI know I’m not the only one in this pack, unlike some seniors who leave situation; seniors are all resisting the them in their cars. “second-semester mentality, but I am thankful that I wrote most of my if you are one of senior” the lucky who college essay drafts during the summer. maintains their motivation, ones you are If I had waited, I honestly don’t know blessed. how I would have been able to find time sure I don’t even know what I’m to get them done with all of the “Break- in I’m for after I am accepted into college, ing Bad” I’ve been watching. My list of but I still can’t shake the feeling that this schools I’m applying to changes every year doesn’t have as much significance day depending on how smart, lazy or as the past three years of high school. self-confident I am feeling at the time,
By Selma Stearns
Junior year was stressful because my grades from that year contributed to my final GPA that I’m sending to colleges, but mid-year reports somehow don’t seem as important. For all the seniors out there who are suffering from early onset senioritis, know that you’re not alone. If you are
“My list of schools I’m applying to changes each day depending on how smart, lazy or self-confident I am feeling at the time, and that just makes me more stressed.” suffering from undiagnosed early-onset senioritis, think of how the work you do now will pay off when you’re relaxed second semester. If you get your college applications done weeks before the deadline, the only thing you’ll have to do on the night before is click “send application.” The cure for this tragic disease is to think about how calm and happy you’ll be as soon as the first semester exams are over.
The art department has seen some major cuts this year, eliminating student options in terms of art courses and options for obtaining an art credit. While it is regrettable for the students who wished to take those courses, the reasons for cutting them are understandable. With insufficient enrollment, the courses would have been an unnecessary use of space and resources. Though all students should be able to take the classes they want, having small classes would take teachers’ time away from other, more populous ones. In addition, classes like Animation take up coveted lab space. Though the exact same skill set taught in the cut classes can not be found in others, some overlap allows for substitution. Charcoal and line drawing instruction previously found in a class for fashion design are also taught in various studio art course levels, and some animation is taught in commercial art. Advanced Placement Art History is harder to substitute, but if more students sign up, then the course will return next year. For now, cutting these courses was the right call.
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EDITORIAL
Online privacy is hard to find By Allie Miljanic
College tours are too generic By NickWilliamson As a junior in high school, SAT preparation is constantly on my mind. With all the work that goes into preparing for the SAT, I am also thinking of the final goal, what students spend hours laboring to impress: colleges. I may have started looking a little early, but I have already been on a few tours and visits to prospective colleges. Based on my experiences, it seems pretty safe to say that watching paint dry will be more interesting than 95 percent of the college visits you make. Sure, the buildings look cool and the people are nice, but no one seems to say much about what makes their school interesting or unique. I think the problem is that nowadays, everyone is too focused on the numbers.You sit down at a presentation only to hear the typical enthusiastic alumni regurgitate class sizes, teacher-student ratios and a multitude of other statistics off of their website. This is usually followed by the number of kids in Africa the student body saved last year whilst digging wells for fun over the summer. The first time you hear that, it sounds pretty neat. Then you hear it a few more times, and realize that college students in general seem to have a lot of free time to dig wells, build huts and cure cancer. I don’t have a problem with that, but the colleges seem to use these stories as a reason for being better than other schools, as if they do not realize that other schools are doing the exact same thing. I don’t think the tours are all that bad; generally if a tour is not great, it does not reflect badly on the school. The buildings do not vary too much from place to place, but students should pay attention to some of the differences that do exist. Personally, I want a campus to make me feel like I am somewhere spread out and interesting, not in a concrete jungle. Other students may want a somewhat closed community, or a place where you know everyone. I think that is really what the tours are for, and that usually gets the job done, although the weather on the day of the tour can have a huge influence on a student’s perception of the school. While I may be ragging on the tours and presentations, they are important to take advantage of. And not all of them are bad. One of the presentations I found most interesting was at Tufts University in Boston. The presenter didn’t recite numbers by heart, but instead decided to talk about what makes a Tufts student unique. Instead of giving the audience a Statistics 101 course, he decided to talk about the student body, what they expect to get out of Tufts and what makes the school different from others. It helped that he was funny, but at the same time I managed to get a feel for the identity of the school, which was lacking in other presentations. Am I a Tufts student? I don’t really know. Regardless of whether or not I am, I think Tufts has some important lessons for other schools: you may want your numbers to sound great, but students can find those on their own. To draw students in, schools really need to show off their unique identity, and what sets them apart from other schools.
SEPTEMBER 29, 2014
On Aug. 31, a massive wave of photos of female celebrities hit the internet, courtesy of a user on 4chan, “an English-language image board website”. No big deal right? Celebrities constantly have their pictures taken and posted all over the web - but this time it was different. The images shared were naked pictures, taken by the women for their own personal use, and rather than being purposefully released or sold, they were stolen. Some people have expressed the idea that if they did not want these kinds of pictures to get out, then the women should not have taken them. Also, lots of celebrities do risqué photo shoots (cough, cough, Kate Upton) anyway. While these are all reasonable statements, there are flaws in all of them. Addressing the first thought: they accepted the risk by taking the photos. According to an article in last month in Cosmo, “89 percent had taken nude photos of themselves at some point. Of that group, only 14 percent regretted doing so, and 82 percent said they’d do it again.” 89%! People expect those photos to be private. They were taken in private and intended for personal use only. Those 89 percent, just like the celebrities, have the right to expect that those photos will not be shared with anyone; much less the entire world. The second thought was that the victims are not at fault for sending the pictures.There is a concept in psychology called the “just-world hypothesis” which people blame the victim for what has happened to them, and this violation of privacy is a prime example of that. These women are victims of theft, and are undeserving of blame. These pictures were stolen off of Apple’s iCloud after the celebrities accounts were hacked.This is something that could happen to anyone. Think about how easy it is to figure out someone’s email password to get into the cloud. There is no need to even to hack your iTunes account. All a hacker needs to know are the answers to your two security questions. Have you ever mentioned to anyone what your
mother’s maiden name is? What street you live on? Your first job? Now consider just how easy it is to find out all those facts about a celebrity. Google “Jennifer Lawrence wiki” and you can find out that her mother’s maiden name is Koch and her first job was Photos courtesy of Britannica “assistant nurse at the Graphic by Charlie children’s summer day Kanter camp that her mother ran.” Regardless of whether or not celebrities, man or woman, at one point sent nude images to someone, or simply had them on their phone, it is not their “fault” that these images were stolen. The final arguement is that they are celebrities. In almost every tabloid magazine there is a section of photos entitled, “Celebrities: They’re just like us!” and that is the truth. They may be rich and famous, but they are people just the same. These are women and men who had private images stolen from them and shared with the entire world. Could you imagine what that would be like? First someone steals extremely private images, but then random strangers, as well as your friends and family, can see you when your’re most insecure and there is nothing you can do about it, other than to threaten legal action. That helps very little once millions of people have already seen these photos. Everyone is equally susceptible to something as invasive as this. Remember: once something is in the cloud, it stays there, and there’s no guarantee that others will not uncover it.
Point/Counterpoint: Skinny shaming or body positive? By IrisVukmanovic
There has been a flood of songs on popular media lately endorsing the idea of having a “big booty.” Songs like “All About That Bass” by Meghan Trainor and “Anaconda” by Nicki Minaj promote positive body image for girls with curvier frames.While Trainor’s song features lyrics such as “Every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top,” there has been some controversy about other parts of the songs. Both songs refer to smaller girls as “skinny bitches.” Consequently, the internet erupted into debate about whether or not these songs should be shunned for their “skinny shaming.” Skinny shaming is when someone decides to verbally or physically abuse someone, because of their thin appearance. Trainor’s song backtracks on her negative attitude towards skinny girls by saying, “I know you think you’re fat/but every inch of you is perfect…” as a sort of, ‘just kidding.’ Unfortunately, half apologizing and saying that you’re joking doesn’t actually erase the damage done by the insult. Songs that promote having a positive body image are beneficial to society, however it should not be at the cost of shaming others for the way their bodies look. Yes, both “Anaconda” and “All About That Bass” are trying to tell people to embrace their curves. However, if these songs really were body positive, they wouldn’t be mentioning girls who are, “too skinny.” Instead they would say that it doesn’t matter what you look like, and everyone is perfect, regardless of body type.
By Anja Shahu
Meghan Trainor’s body positive song “All About That Bass” has recently been accused of “skinny shaming.” The accusations stem specifically from the lyric “I’m bringing booty back / go ahead and tell them skinny bitches that.” But the issue is much deeper than a lyric--It involves years of discrimination and privilege. “Bigger” girls have historically faced more systematic maltreatment than skinny girls. Researchers at Bowling State University found that overweight girls are less likely to be accepted in college than skinnier students. Yale scientists found that obese women are 37 times more likely to face employment discrimination than their normal-weight colleagues. Doctors also misdiagnose women, giving them incorrect assessments of their conditions if they are overweight, according to the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at Yale University. These “skinny shaming” accusations against Trainor come from a side that has constantly been privileged in a weight- obsessed society. Everywhere you look in the media, skinny is being glorified. Finally there is a song with a message that gives “bigger” girls the representation they’ve lacked in pop culture, and people ignore it because of a careless comment towards “skinny bitches.” Instead of obsessing over the small details, we should be looking at the bigger picture. Trainor conveys a general message of being confident in your body, while simultaneously breaking apart typical stereotypes that equate the idea of being fat to being lazy, unhealthy, unattractive and undesirable. These songs can’t take back the years of discrimination heavier girls have faced, but they pave the road to acceptance
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SEPTEMBER 29, 2014
FEATURE
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Art classes are cut due to low enrollment numbers Discontinued art classes leave students disappointed
rollment was the main reason for the cuts. Around 25 students need to be enrolled in any given class for it to be offered. “If we have the numbers for [classes], then we’ll hold them,” said Ellis. “We have a bunch of art classes, [and] only so many teachers and only so many rooms and only so many periods of the day, so we [run] the classes that have the most students in them.” Many students were upset when they heard the news of these cuts. Junior Leo Cantergiani, who had originally signed up for Fashion and Merchandising, was disappointed that the class was not being offered this year. “I think [the class] would be beneficial to a lot of students looking to get into something that isn’t offered elsewhere,” he said. “I know I’m not the only one who wishes to have the class.” Junior Adinah Price was also upset that Animation was not offered this Photo by Sarah Schecker year. “I was really looking forward to that Ceramics/Sculpture 1 teacher Stephanie Ellis gives a student advice on his ceramics project. class,” said Price. “Animation is someBy Meg Tamara thing that I’m passionate about, and I As of the 2014-2015 school year, WJ “Counselors notify their students if would really love to learn it.” However Ellis said the Animation class has stopped offering AP Art History, the courses requested either don’t fit in Fashion and Merchandising andAnima- their schedule or if a course is not going was not offered because many students tion. Students who were originally en- to be available due to low enrollment,” signed up for the Commercial Art class instead. Both classes allow students to rolled in these classes for this school said counselor Jodi Edmunds. year were notified that these classes According to art department resource utilize their creativity through digital would not be on their schedule. teacher Stephanie Ellis, low class en- media.
Similarly, low enrollment numbers was also the reason AP Art History has not been offered in the past couple of years. Photography teacher Dan Kempner last taught AP Art History in the 2010-2011 school year. Although the class is not being offered this year, he still encourages students to take AP Art History in the future. In the class, students study art from prehistoric times to the modern day, throughout every major art movement. “It’s a very, very extensive survey of the history of art. It looks at the history of the world through the lens of cultural production, architecture, painting, sculpture and in modern day’s photography. It’s very fun,” said Kempner. Low enrollment numbers does not stop Kempner from promoting the class. “In the past I’ve gone… to talk to students in World and US History classes…to try to target kids that are interested in history as well as kids that are interested in the arts who I see every day,” said Kempner. However, Kempner still struggles to find enough students willing to take the difficult course. If enrollment numbers are high enough, underclassmen can look forward to many of these classes being offered in the future.
Guidance counselors give an inside look into the college process Naviance and other resources help high school students with college applications
By IrisVukmanovic Applying for college can be a very stressful ordeal for anyone. Thankfully, schools and counselors try to make the pressure a little more bearable by providing various resources to make things easier for students. While some high schools use resources such as Max U, ACT College Search and the College Board website, WJ uses a program called Naviance. According to its website, Naviance is structured to “help connect academic achievement to post-secondary goals.” The website is introduced to students in their sophomore year after they complete a career interest inventory and is a reliable resource until graduation for many students. “Junior year, students can use Naviance to complete a college search, sign up for college visits in the Career Center and start working on their resumes,” said counselor Nancy Blanco. “Senior year, students use Naviance to complete their self-evaluations, finalize their college lists and track their transcript requests.” Gayle Evans from the WJ College and Career Center also recognizes the benefits for students. “Naviance is a great tool for students,” she said. “This program gives you so much information about each school. There is a great search engine for students to use.” However, Evans added that Naviance
will only ever be helpful to students if extremely useful for students stressing should utilize that opportunity to use they are willing to use it. about applying to multiple schools. the program with more than one school The benefits of Naviance aren’t lim“More than 500 colleges and universi- because it will save time. ited to students. Both counselors and ties have agreed to help streamline the However, the application method teachers use the website for its acces- application process for students by using should not be the deciding factor in a sibility and simplicity. Counselors use one application,” said Blanco. “Students college search. it to submit recommendations and the are able to use one website to complete “Please don’t base your college choices Career Center uses it to submit tran- applications for multiple colleges, sub- on whether it is a common app [school] scripts to colleges. mit application fees, and complete col- or not,” said Evans. “The important Blanco also said that what makes Na- lege-specific supplements.” thing is to define your criteria [such as viance really special is that it is customIf a student is applying to more than what’s important to you in a college]”. ized for each individual student and can one college that accepts the Common be helpful when students are looking for App, Blanco recommends that they colleges, careers and scholarships. “Unlike other websites, [Naviance] is tailored to WJ and each student because it includes school data and student information including current GPA as well as PSAT, SAT, ACT and AP test scores,” said Blanco. Naviance is useful for storing students’ personal data. Information is also available about how other students did the previous year in regards to college admissions. “Students can get a sense of how competitive they might be for a particular college and how many alumni have applied to and attended a particular college,” Blanco said. While Naviance has become an integral part of the college admissions process here at WJ, resources aren’t limited to the website.There Photo by Kevin Lu are other resources, such as the Students attend a college visit from the University of Chicago in the College and Career Center. Common Application that can be
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FEATURE
SEPTEMBER 29, 2014
The inside scoo
The Pitch provides a complete sur
This look is classic and timeless. Though it is easily the most formal option because of the coat and tie, the outfit is still casual. The khakis add a laid back element, and are balanced perfectly by the fun patterned tie. The best part of this look is that it is easily changed. Not feeling the coat? No problem. You can adapt this outfit and make it unique to your own personal style.
Boys’ fashion By Hannah Sachs
A perfect mix between the two other options, this outfit is the most popular among guys. The tie is a bit formal, but the rolled back sleeves and lack of a coat create a unique look. This outfit gives the impression of effortlessness.
Dance By Suejean Han
Save the date, Wildcats! Homecoming this year is going to take place on Sat., Oct. 18 from 8 to 11 p.m. It’s time for the girls and guys to doll up and attend the dance that literally, welcomes home all the Wildcats. Homecoming dances have been a tradition at practically every high school in the nation for decades. WJ is no exception to this tradition; homecoming is a very big deal. Every year, the SGA and their leadership team come up with a theme the student body
Girls’ fashion
follows throughout the week. Some past themes include seasons, movie genres and decades. After a week of fun festivities planned by the SGA and leadership class, the last thing on the list is the dance itself. The hallways leading up to the gym and the dance itself will be filled with themed decorations. While the major dance of the year for seniors is Prom, underclassmen have Homecoming as their one formal dance. All grades are permitted; however, tickets are limited. Only 1,000 tickets are available. Be-
This look is laid back and casual, but still looks put together. The rolled up sleeves and lack of a tie or jacket emphasizes comfort. Khaki slacks are a safe choice and are the best option for a less formal but still dressy look. The laid back nature of this outfit adds a definite cool factor that is sure to impress.
cause there are over 2,000 students, many often find themselves waiting in line to buy tickets for the entire duration of lunch in the weeks prior to the dance. Popular music genres that are played at homecoming include rap, hip hop, EDM and top 40. But if a student is uncomfortable with dancing but still wants to make an appearance, students are able to leave the dance zone and hang out in the senior hallway and courtyard with friends.
By Hannah Sachs
Velvet is an increasingly popular trend, and this look is the perfect way to rock it. The body-con style works well with the more conservative long sleeves, and the black wedges pull together the ultimate wintery homecoming outfit. Though the dress is a solid color, the velvet texture adds interest and makes the dress look less casual.
Models: Ryan Cirillo and Melanie Cirillo All Photos by Meg Tamara
Fit and flare dresses are universally flattering and an extremely common choice. This style accentuates the waist, but is not form fitting all the way down, making for a very forgiving style. The mesh inserts add edginess to the dress, but the solid color balances it out. For shoes, wedges are a great choice, especially for those unsure of their ability to walk in high heels. Wedges are much more comfortable and easier to walk in.
The beading on this dress really makes the outfit stand out. These details take what would have otherwise been a simple tank-top dress and turn it into a homecoming showstopper. Because of the intricate design, minimal jewelry or accessories are needed. Strappy black heels compliment the outfit, adding a touch of class while still looking young and fun.
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SEPTEMBER 29, 2014
FEATURE
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op on Homecoming
rvival kit to this year’s fall festivities
Movie By Iris Vukmanovic
This year’s Homecoming video is awaited with much anticipation and excitement from all of those who are involved. Past Homecoming movies have featured their fair share of teacher guests, SGA alumni and big fight scenes, so what is going to make this year’s movie different? “We’ve maintained the obvious traditions, like spoofing a movie,” said SGA Vice President senior Amanda Tang. “We’ve also gone about including the student body in a different way that connects better with the movie plot. Students and clubs aren’t just being put into the movie randomly; this year they’re really essential to the plot.” One of the most notable differences from last year is that WJTV, the crew in charge of the morning announcements, will be filming the video. “[We] show up with our equipment and film the
scene,” said WJTV club member Johannes Bang. “We are going to be carrying the brunt of the editing.” According to SGA Treasurer senior Teddy Photo courtesy of Sasha Sibley Manogue, the filming has been a lot of work. President Justin New and Treasurer Teddy Manogue go He said senior Justin New, the SGA president, for a ride in the homecoming video. has worked hard to schedule filming dates and organize other aspects of the film. “We’re really organized and prepared this year, and people should be really excited,” said Manogue. “It’s going to be big.” Students can look forward to seeing a huge competition scene at the climax, and there might even be a cameo from Micah Wiggins, who was an assistant principal at WJ last year. All in all, this year’s homecoming movie is definitely one to watch. Photo courtesy of Sasha Sibley
SGA officers Kassidi Baldwin, Amanda Tang, Teddy Manogue and Justin New pose for a group photo during the shooting of the homecoming video.
Hallway
for their money. “Homecoming hallways are a great way to pull a Homecoming hallways are not unique to WJ, but class together,” said senior Krista Smith-Hanke, who no one else does them quite like WJ. The week leading helped with the junior hallway last year for close to up to homecoming is spirit week. With spirits ranging seven hours. “You definitely feel a lot closer to all these from camouflage to beach wear to denim day, students people you don’t usually get to hang out with.” have a ton of fun dressing up in ridiculous outfits. Decorating the hallways are a great way to get exDecorating the hallways is a huge part of the enthu- cited for homecoming, and this year, it is sure to be as siasm that builds up to the football game. Each grade fun as ever. is assigned a theme and a hallway. This year’s theme is board games. The senior theme is Candy Land, the junior theme is Monopoly, the sophomore theme is Operation and the freshman theme is Chutes and Ladders. In previous years the themes have been seasons, decades, movie genres and much more. The night before the hallway spirit day, kids from every grade stay at school well into the night, in an attempt to decorate their hallway better than the other grades for the competition. The next day, after all the teachers votes are in, administration announces the grade with the best hallway. Though the seniors always Photo from Flikr, John Morgan seem to win, the underclassmen have really stepped Seniors plan to beat the other classes with this year’s Candy up their game and are sure to give the seniors a run Land themed hallway.
By Hannah Sachs
Photo from Flikr, Mike_fleming
Juniors prepare to give the competition a run for their money with a Monopoly themed homecoming hallway.
Football Game By Hannah Sachs
The homecoming football game is unlike any other. The spirit level and school pride at the game is off the charts. Win, lose or draw, students are sure to have a great time, decked out in all green, supporting the football team. In addition to the spectacular football showing, Cheer and Poms bring out their best routines for the night. “[Homecoming] is usually our most intricate routine during football season and we can’t wait to perform it,” said Poms captain senior Rachel Allen. “Get excited WJ.” This year’s leadership class is bringing back the Mad Cow t-shirt. The infamous unofficial WJ mascot, the mad cow, is a WJ tradition dating back to the 1960’s when cows would roam around on the football field. The shirts are being sold for $8.00 and are perfect for the game, which is going to be a green-out.
The homecoming game will be played against Northwood at home on Oct. 17, and kickoff will take place at 6 p.m.
Photo by Sarah Schecker
Students show their intense spirit during at a previous football game this year.
Photo by Sarah Schecker
The Poms team performs a routine during one of the football games
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FEATURE
SEPTEMBER 29, 2014
Students lend a helping hand to impoverished countries
By Suejean Han
ing things for the community. While the cost of the service trip As the 2013-2014 school year apmay be an issue for many student volproached its end, students and their unteers, it is possible for students to families searched for ways to stay ocraise the money through donations to cupied during the summer. Many chose help pay for the trip. This helps alleviate from a variety of hobby-focused camps some financial pressure on volunteers and summer programs, such as World and their families. Camp USA for athletes or SAT/ACT In places like El Salvador, the stuprep classes. Many chose to go on a dents were able to create interpersonal pricey family vacation. relationships with the people who lived In the past couple of years, more teens there. However, many experienced a and their families have opted for a differlanguage barrier; the native language ent kind of summer experience. Sumin El Salvador is Spanish. This doesn’t mer service trips have become the popnecessarily mean that volunteers are ular go-to activity for many students. unable to do their work, however. The interest in participating in these “The community members are inservice trips goes beyond school recredibly patient and understanding and quirements or college admission goals. will help you communicate,” said MurMany students sign up for these trips doch. “The people will do anything to because it gives them an understandmake you feel more comfortable. They ing of the world outside the borders of are truly amazing.” Bethesda. Once communication wasn’t an isThis past summer, several altruistic sue for Murdoch, she was able to get to students packed their bags and traveled know the inhabitants of the area. Murhalf-way across the world to the rural doch described them as hard working, communities of South America, Censelfless, loving and genuine. tral America and Africa. All photos courtesy of Danya Firestone Rabin admired the emphasis on comSeniors Danya Firestone, Julia Mur- Seniors Julia Murdoch and Danya Firestone visited the village of Hacienda Vieja. Helping and edumunity during his stay in El Salvador. doch and other WJ students had the cating the children in the community was their main mission. “Every resident took pride in themopportunity to travel with Internaselves and in each other and shared a tional Partners, a non profit organization, to El SalvaEach service trip has a mission or an objective to great sense of community,” he said. dor. According to its website, the program’s mission accomplish that is relevant to the problems that exist If students are interested in getting involved in sumis to “cultivate leadership capacity and create personal in each given area. International Partners does both mer service trips, they should visit websites of nonpartnerships with grass-roots leaders in developing physical and education based projects. On the particuprofit organizations similar to International Partners countries to bring education, health and opportunity lar trip that Firestone and Murdoch went on, the misor attend club meetings for Project HaVi, a club creto people in impoverished communities.” sion focused on education because many Salvadoran ated by Firestone and Murdoch that meets the second Murdoch appreciated the trip because she was able children have either never attended school or dropped and fourth Monday of every month. The purpose of to immerse herself in a completely different culture out after a couple years. To try to help this situation, the club is to educate students and the greater comand lifestyle. Firestone also enjoyed working with the they worked in village schools and taught students in munity about the living and socioeconomic situations people in El Salvador. first through ninth grade in English, math, writing, as well as the obstacles hindering educational oppor“Living with host families that each have very real handwriting, science, computers and art. While Firetunities for community members in the small, rural and present financial struggles as well as social strug- stone and Murdoch’s missions were focused mainly village of Hacienda Vieja, El Salvador. gles [in some way helps you] understand the dynamic around education, students like senior Sam Rabin had of relationships within the community,” said Firestone. a mission that was focused on physical labor and build-
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Pitch
SEPTEMBER 29, 2014
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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Upcoming Movie
Previews
The Best of Me
Dracula Untold
Left Behind
Hitting theaters on Oct. 3, this film combines the aftermath of The Rapture with Nicholas Cage. Cage plays a father piloting a plane over the Atlantic during the apocalypse who is attempting to get back to his family on the ground who have also been separated. The film is split between a plane in the air and a planet plunged into violent anarchy as individuals have either disappeared or been “left behind”.
This retelling of Dracula’s tale delves into his past as a warrior attempting to defend his home and family. The movie begins with Prince Vlad as a human man who later becomes the vampire Dracula, thereby entering a state of moral dubiousness. Morality is one of the main themes of the movie, with a quote about sometimes needing a monster rather than a hero being integral to the trailer. Starring Luke Evans as Prince Vlad, the historical figure that Dracula was based on, the movie looks to be an interesting mix of a classic story and the motives behind it. It will be released on Oct. 10.
Sudoku
For answers, visit www.wjpitch.com
By Audrey Marek
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
If you’re looking for a movie to see with your little siblings, then you’re in luck. On Oct. 10, Disney’s “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” will hit theaters. Based on the book of the same name by Judith Viorst, the movie promises a wholesome good time. Though it may not be a life-changing experience, the movie features many talented comedians including Steve Carrell, and early reviews have described it as very funny.
The extravagantly romantic “The Best of Me” looks to follow suit with author Nicholas Sparks’ usual maudlin style. If it’s anything like the book, the movie will basically be “The Notebook” with different character names. It’s an unabashed chick-flick, but movies based on Sparks’ books tend to draw crowds regardless. Starring James Mardsen as the male lead Dawson, and Michelle Monaghan as female lead Amanda, the story follows two people who fell in love in high school, then are reunited 20 years later. However, Amanda is now married with a son, and the problems that came between them have not disappeared. It will be released in theaters on Oct. 16.
Word Search
AUTUMN FOOTBALL CHILL HALLOWEEN CORNUCOPIA HAYRIDE
LEAVES PUMPKIN RAKE
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SEPTEMBER 29, 2014
Balancing music and By Annika La Vina
For most artists, schooling stops after they’ve hit stardom. Many current singer/songwriters have ditched the books and headed to Hollywood in hopes of pursuing their musical dreams. However, some musicians still wish to hold on to their education while simultaneously building their music career. The problem? There’s no time. The solution? They make time. Some argue it’s a myth that once music takes off, education has to shut down. Many current artists hold music awards in one hand and graduate degrees in the other. For example, pop duo 3OH!3, who featured two top Billboard singles within the same year, went to college and dealt with their newfound fame, all while maintaining GPAs close to 4.0 at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Furthermore, Vampire Weekend, an indie group famous for their unique sounds and catchy tunes, managed to form their own band and also keep up with schoolwork at Columbia University.
Gallup P o “Americ ll 2003 an Attitu des tow ard Mus
ic”
academics creates Harmony Junior Emily Roe knows firsthand what it’s like to work late night shows while working on homework. Roe interns for the well-known venue 9:30 Club, occasionally works shows and concerts, rows for the school crew team, and studies for her four AP classes each week. “[Balancing music and school] is difficult but definitely manageable.” said Roe. Very often, events that I have to work at are either on school nights or during school and I don't have very much time to get all of my homework done but I try my best to get everything done.” Music majors not only further their own music career, but they also expand their education. “I try to not procrastinate on projects and get things done as soon they’re assigned,” said Roe. “For example, if I know that I’m going to be working a show one night but I have an essay project due the next day I’ll make time to finish it beforehand so I don’t have to worry about it.”
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Ga l “A lup P me oll ric an 2003 Att itu d
According to a study of 7,500 university students by the Phi Delta Kappan magazine, music students score the highest reading scores among all majors, scoring higher than other popular majors such as English, biology, chemistry or math. In fact, music majors are the most likely group of college grads to be admitted into medical school. 66 percent of music majors are accepted to med school, followed by Bio-Chemistry majors at 44 percent. However, some artists have chosen to go a different path. Big names like Christina Aguilera, Elton John and Billy Joel all made history without finishing their own history class. Many musicians have exchanged record deals for high school diplomas. In a sampling provided by the Department of Education, in the United States alone, a shocking 1.2 million students drop out of high school every year. In other words, 7,000 students walk out the doors a day, or more specifically one student drops out every 26 seconds. It’s true that we all dread the countless hours of homework and the early morning alarms, but as a student, how do we know if dropping out
music majors
who apply to medical school are accepted Phi Delta Kappa Magazine American Musical Conference
Ameof canrifee s tha l Mus t is ic ver a imp y tanorpar t t o the f liv ir es ”
“I don’t have very much time to get all of my homework done but I try my best to get everything done.”
66%
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7 Am8e% of f r leeael itcans a r ha insmusniing t h t ca steulpsrumenl t p d beetrfoernts in ter m sch ool
is really a good choice, especially if music, acting, or entertainment is on the line? Roe, however, disagrees. Even though dropping out of school would definitely clear up time, she feels as though there is no substitute for an education. “As much as music means to me, school is definitely my number one priority and I know that I will get nowhere with my career without an education,” said Roe. In this day and age, high school students often find it hard to balance their musical interests with their need for education. By learning how to budget their time, young musicians have combined both schooling and music to produce catchy tunes that ring in everybody’s ear. Musical students like Roe find creative ways to combine their two loves. “I hope to study music business in college,” said Roe. “For now I’m just focusing on my internship. And my homework. ”
“As much as music means to me, school is definitely my number one priority.”
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Pitch
SEPTEMBER 29, 2014
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Affordable Fall Trends: Spice up your style for fall
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By Mary Kate Greening
Keep up with the latest fall fashion trends straight from New York Fashion Week. Unlike the apparel seen on the runway, these outfits won’t break the bank. T
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KT C E H
C
OU E S E
Chic
Tomboy
Fine-knit Sweater: H&M- $14.95
University of Arizona T-shirt: University of Arizona Bookstore- $10-20
Soft Floral Leggings: Forever 21- $10.80
Distressed Boyfriend Jeans: H&M-$20
Sleek Wedge Sandals: Forever 21-$29.80
Airwalk Women’s Twin Gore Slip-On: Payless- 12.00 - $24.99 Modeled by senior Emily Burk
Photo by Audrey Marek
A perfect balance of edginess and comfort is key. No one can go wrong with a college tee and boyfriend jeans to keep it fashion-forward without trying too hard. A pair of graphic loafers completes the outfit, and you still have time after getting dressed for breakfast.
Modeled by junior Reka Illei
Smart
Single-Button Blazer Forever 21-$27.80
LC Dot Oxford Shirt Kohl’s-Clearance $13.20
Volcom Moto Skinny Jeans PacSun- Sale $24.99
Photo by Mary Kate Greening
To start the school year right, add patterned leggings to a black sweater and black heels to create a classy look perfect for a chilly fall. To stand out, keep the look mostly black and white, but add some neon statement jewelry to make the look more exciting.
Boho
Open-Front Cardigan Forever 21-$24.80
Distressed Denim Cutoffs Forever 21-$24.90
Diba Candy Bootie: DSW-$29.94 Modeled by junior Reka Illei
Modeled by senior Emily Burk
Photo by Audrey Marek
Button-downs are your new best friend. Pair them with sleek skinny jeans and a pair of Sperry’s. Soft jewelry, like pearl earrings and Alex & Ani bracelets, keeps the look feminine, but functional.
Photo by Mary Kate Greening
To get the free-spirited “boho” look, it’s all about incorporating flowing pieces and layers. An oversized cardigan over a tank top and shorts gives the outfit that laid-back look, and pairing it with boots makes it ready to trek through piles of leaves.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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SEPTEMBER 29, 2014
Guide to an awesome Autumn By Emma Higgins
Butler’s Orchard
Photo Courtesy of Butler’s Orchard
Butler’s Orchard displays many pumpkins for its 34th Annual Pumpkin Festival.
Butler’s Orchard is located at 22200 Davis Mill Rd Germantown, MD. It is open this fall from Sept. 2 until Dec. 24, Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Butler’s Orchard is a family run farm with more than 25 varieties of fruits, vegetables, flowers and trees on over 300 acres of land. This fall, the Butler family will be hosting its 34th Annual Pumpkin Festival, which invites families to come and enjoy free activities on the farm, including visiting their famous pumpkin patch, navigating a straw maze and going on hayrides.
98.7 WMZQ Fall Fest
WMZQ Fall Fest is an annual concert event hosted by the radio station 98.7 FM at Jiffy Lube Live, located at 7800 Cellar Door Dr, Bristow, VA; approximately a 45-minute drive from WJ. This year,Fall Fest will be on Oct. 4 at 6 p.m. and will be headlined by Darius Rucker. Other artists such as David Nail, Eric Paslay, Cassadee Pope and Chase Bryant will also be there. The venue has amphitheaterstyle seating with an overhang and a huge lawn area where attendees can set up blankets and chairs. Ticket prices range from $20 for general lawn admittance to $290 for front row seats.
Photo Courtesy of Jackson Lange
Seniors Matty Daza, Colin Whitescarver, Sam Jacobson, and Jackson Lange enjoy a performance at the festival last year.
Field of Screams
Photo Courtesy of Field of Screams
The Zombie King, a main character in one of Field of Screams’ main attractions, bares his teeth and gory features.
Field of Screams is located at 4501 Olney-Laytonsville Rd Olney, MD. It is open every Friday and Saturday between Sept. 19 and Nov. 1 and entry is from 6:30 - 10 p.m. Ticket prices range from $10 to $84 depending on how many attractions you want to see. This year’s story line revolves around the demise of a utopian society. The main attractions this year include the Trail of Terror, Lusion Manor and Haydes’ Haunted Hayride. Trail of Terror is a 35-minute walk through a haunted forest inhabited by werewolves, killer clowns and other scary creatures. Lusion Manor is a tour through an abandoned orphanage that was terrorized by angry citizens and now houses people who have nowhere else to go. Haydes’ Haunted Hayride takes visitors through a hayfield full of evil clans from the underworld.
YOUR AD HERE Advertise your business with The Pitch! 1/4 page- $90 per issue 1/2 page- $150 per issue Full page- $250 per issue Insert- $200 per issue Contact thepitch@walterjohnson.com or 240-671-5806
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SEPTEMBER 29, 2014
SPORTS
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SPORTS
Baseball Buzz: By Allie Miljanic Something unusual is happening, something so unusual in fact that it has only ever happened once before: both the Washington Nationals and the Baltimore Orioles are playoff bound. This is an exciting time for many locals who for years have been disappointed by the Nationals, who have only once, in 2012, ever advanced to the playoffs. Many people believe this year will be the year they will finally stop being one of only two teams in the National League to never play in a World Series. The Baltimore Orioles have a better record with 11 advances to the playoffs in franchise history, how-
SEPTEMBER 29, 2014
Area teams Nationals, Orioles are postseason bound
ever the last time they won the AL East, was in 1997 (the same year most seniors were born). While it does seem possible for a “Beltway World Series” to happen, the Nationals and Orioles both need to stay healthy and keep performing the way they have been. For the Orioles, losing star third baseman Manny Machado, a reigning Gold Glove winner, to a knee injury was definitely a major blow, but other players have come up and compensated for his loss. Coming up big for the Orioles have been Alejandro De Aza, with a .254 batting average, and Adam Jones who is batting .285. The Os’ pitchers have also been fan-
tastic. Leading them with an impressive 16- 4 record and a 3.58 ERA is Wei-Yin Chen. The Nationals roster is also everchanging. Ryan Zimmerman, a veteran leader of the team, has missed the last quarter of the season with a hamstring injury. Due to this injury, the Nationals’ pitchers have had to pick up the slack leading the team to the playoffs with the league’s second best overall ERA. Jordan Zimmermann leads the Nationals’ pitchers with an ERA (earned runs allowed) of 2.93 and 6-foot-8 Doug Fister has commanded an impressive team high 15 wins. Offensively, players such as Denard Span, Antony
Rendon and Ian Desmond have been clutch hitters this year. Although both teams secured a spot in the playoffs two weeks before the end of the season, neither team show signs of slowing down. In fact, the night after the Orioles won their division, they had a convincing win over the Toronto Blue Jays where Steve Pearce hit two homers and drove in four runs. With both the Nationals and Orioles having won their respective divisions, the National League East and American League East, students are looking forward to what could potentially be a “Beltway Series” at this season’s World Series.
Infographics by Audrey Marek Information from ESPN
Checked Swing For the NFL, the cover-up is worse than the crime
By JakeWeinischke The term “bystander” often paints a cliché image of a fourth grader being stripped of his lunch money during recess while the student’s peers anxiously watch but fail to intervene. Seldom if ever is the term associated with sports. However, the scandal circulating around former Baltimore Ravens’ running back, Ray Rice, after a hotel surveillance camera caught him dragging his unconscious fiancé out of an elevator, has drawn new perspec-
tives on the term, hoarding mass amounts of criticism on the NFL, a league already under ample scrutiny for the concussion lawsuits, the Redskins name debate, and most recently, the Adrian Peterson child abuse case. After gaining access to a surveillance video showing an altercation that occurred in February between Rice and his newly wedded wife, Janay Palmer, the NFL deliberately kept the incident under the radar. The league, led by commissioner Roger Goodell failed to pursue justice. Instead, Goodell shielded the disgusting act from the public face and turned a blind eye to the matter altogether. We as a people are frequently guilty of attending to what has already been said and done, and in turn fail to recognize the significance of what has not been said and what has not been done. Goodell’s ignorance is a prime example of how silence can be just as harmful as our actions.
When footage of the incident surfaced on the web just a few weeks ago, the NFL was instantly bombarded with criticism and hit with a barrage of accusations. Unsurprisingly, Goodell was first to be interviewed and when asked whether or not he had prior access to the video, he promptly answered “no.” His swift lie in this scenario adhered to what the public wanted to believe: that Goodell too had been caught off guard by Rice’s brutality; that he like everyone else knew little about the elevator confrontation and that’s why he had yet to appropriately respond. Unfortunately it’s not what we want to hear that matters, but what we need to hear. And what we needed to hear was that Goodell and his colleagues were equally in the wrong as Rice, for they had access to the video and they failed to act, thus endorsing the idea that as long as athletes are excelling on the field and raking in money for the
league, their actions off of the field may as well be irrelevant. If anything, the celebrity status of the players should hold them more accountable for their actions. After all, their fame was originally gleaned from excellence and they are undoubtedly some of society’s most influential role models. Their predominantly positive presence in our lives gives much of what they do a positive connotation, regardless of what it is. The weight of their mistakes is often abated because of their status. This is particularly scary in context of the Ray Rice incident because domestic violence is no joke. It’s a big deal. In fact, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, women constitute 85 percent of domestic violence victims and one in every four will experience domestic violence at some point in their lives.
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SEPTEMBER 29, 2014 2014
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Standout Freshman Athletes By Daniel Flesch
Varsity sports are the highest level of competition in high school. WJ already has had several freshman athletes make major contributions on the varsity level.These are a few of the freshmen who have already taken WJ sports by storm.
Jessica Lee sets the stage for volleyball Jessica Lee is one of two setters on the varsity volleyball team. She started playing volleyball four years ago in P.E class, and she instantly fell in love with the sport. Lee then began playing club volleyball as well. She has played club volleyball for four years and each year has had a new coach. She enjoys new coaching because each coach has had a different coaching style which allows her to incorporate different techniques. “Because I’ve had four different coaches I have kind of picked and chosen my favorite aspects from each coach and incorporated them into my play, which I think and hope has made my play better,” said Lee. This season, she is playing under new head coach Jason Lee, a current member of the Chesapeake Rising Tide Men’s Team representing the Chesapeake region, and a former professional volleyball player in Asia. This blend of different styles has helped formulate the player Lee is today. Lee has club practice two or three times a week when volleyball is in season, so
staying conditioned is also part of her training regimen. This training regimen exemplifies her dedication and determination to volleyball. Lee has also found volleyball to be beneficial to her social scene. “Making friends just kind of comes naturally, especially since we are all diving all over the floor together,” said Lee. This benefit of being on the team consistently motivates Lee to keep playing volleyball. She continues to strive to make the connections with her teammates as the youngest and newest member on the varsity squad. Lee hopes to learn from the veteran varsity players such as Captains senior Emily Burk, senior Stephanie Gnammakou and junior Kelly Morrison. Her club play is a key to her success, and a reason why she is the only freshman on the varsity team. Lee hopes to establish a solid foundation that can lead WJ to future volleyball championships.
Photo courtesy of Andrew Ship
Freshman Jessica Lee sets the ball for her teammates in a recent match against Wootton High School.
Spencer Brody looks to drive golf as the lone freshman on the team Spencer Brody is part of a select few, being one of ten players to make this year’s golf team, and only one of six to be a starter. He is also the only freshman to be one. Brody began playing ten years ago at the age of five and instantly fell in love with the game. One aspect Brody loves about golf is that he feels his game reveals something about his personality. “I enjoy [playing golf] over a team sport because I love having all the pressure on me and having no teammates to rely on,” said Brody. “It makes [me] really competitive because it’s just me verse all.” He added that he believes golf is all about practice, as well as mental toughness, which he has developed in large part because of both his golf coach and his mental coach. This belief and years of training have helped him make the team. This year, Brody feels that the upperclassmen are
good enough to go to states because of the experience and skill they have acquired on the team. Looking forward, Brody hopes to learn from his older teammates this season so he can become the best golfer he can. Last season, the team had an astounding record of 17 wins & one loss in 6 matches, to lead them to the 2013 Yachmetz Division Championship title. “My goal for next year is to go to states because I’ll have the experience and skill to help my team do great and hopefully win a state championship” said Brody. Brody hopes to develop his skills and to build off of the team’s previous success in order to ensure an even more successful future for WJ golf. Photo courtesy of Justin New
Freshman Spencer Brody follows through after putting a ball during a recent practice.
Michaela Anderson kicks off her freshman season undefeated
Photo courtesy of Melissa West
Freshman Michaela Anderson passes the ball to a teammate during a game against Northwood High School.
Michaela Anderson is a midfielder on this year’s girls’ varsity soccer team. Anderson has been playing soccer since she was very young and joined her first club team in the fourth grade. Being on the varsity squad this fall, there is no dispute that she is a great young player, however, she explained this was not always the case. “I was not very coordinated when I was younger and the game did not come to me naturally, but I have had some great coaches who have helped me improve a lot over the years,” said Anderson. Anderson had to work for the skills she has acquired. She exemplifies the attitude it takes to become a varsity athlete at this young age. Looking towards her role for the team, Anderson even hopes to be able to start for the team at some point this season. She finds
her time on varsity to be an educational experience as she learns from her upperclassmen teammates. “I hope to become a quicker, more physical player through the older girls, but I also hope to gain some of their leadership skills,” Anderson said. Anderson recognizes the attributes her older teammates have, and hopes to learn and add these to her play. “All the upperclassmen, especially the captains, have been great and extremely welcoming,” said Anderson. Anderson expects the team to do well this year. She admits that consistency has been a problem at the beginning of the season, yet there has been improvement. However, she believes that if the team can stay consistent they can do extremely well.
Sports
Both the Nats and O’s are playoff bound. + The NFL gets hit by another scandal.
What’s Inside
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The Pitch features several freshmen on varsity teams. SEPTEMBER 29, 2014
New face, new culture, new coach
Varsity football head coach Kellner strives to introduce winning ways to an underdog By Patrick Jorling
Coming off of a disappointing 1-9 season, WJ football looked to make a change. They needed a coach who could start a new era of football and could help restore the momentum the program gained just a few years ago. To change the culture and identity of the program, WJ has turned to former JV head coach, Greg Kellner, to take charge of the varsity team. Taking over for former coach Jon Kadi, Kellner is looking to restore the form of a program that was a six-win team just four seasons ago. With solid senior leadership, and depth at many skill positions, the team looks not only to meet, but to exceed expectations this year and surprise many teams in the county. Getting the team to play as one unit has been one of Kellner’s goals early this season. “We, as a team, have worked hard to play as a team,” said Kellner. “Without teamwork in this sport you will not succeed, so we have focused on being one unit and not 11 individual players on the field. I am confident in the guys that we have this year, and if we play together and work with each other, the sky is the limit.” One of the main values Kellner has preached is discipline among his players. “There is now a great sense of discipline being applied to the team,” said senior Teddy Manouge. “Players have an even greater desire to leave it all on the field.” The expectations go further than just on-field-performance for Kellner. He expects excellence from his players in everything they do, and hopes that leads to success off the field as well. “I expect the players to give their all with everything
that they do,” Kellner said. “It starts in the classroom and carries over to the field. Once they do their job in the classroom, playing football should be easy for them. They are expected to be a model citizen both in and out of school.” The values of hard work and giving their all has been something that has been instilled within his players. “Running through during every sprint and going full speed will also play a big role in winning games this year because finishing strong has always been something WJ has lacked,” said Manouge. “[These values] are going to be key in being fitter and more diligent than our opponents,” said senior captain Peter Caggiano. The members of the team are aware that, in order to be successful, they will need to limit mistakes and capitalize on those made by their opponents. “Keys to success this year will be staying healthy, maintaining discipline and improving on our mistakes,” said Manouge. “We have a good squad this year, but don’t have as many players on our team compared to other schools, so staying healthy will be huge.” “We will need to play consistent for four quarters and capitalize on big plays and turnovers,” Caggiano said. But most of all, improving over the course of the season is most important for the Wildcats, according to Manogue. “Improving is probably the most important key to success for us because we came off a poor year last year and we need to see what we did wrong and change those losses into wins,” said Manouge. With the new team values, Kellner expects to sur-
prise people in the county this year who don’t give WJ much of a chance. “I expect to shock a lot of people with the team we have this year,” said Kellner. “Not many people give WJ football a chance, but that makes it so much better when we go out and beat teams. We take the season one day at a time and are always working to improve on the previous day.”
“I expect the players to give their all with everything that they do.”
The Wildcats charge onto the field prior to their season opener against Wootton.
All Photos by Sarah Schecker
Newly hired head varsity football coach Greg Kellner yells his play call during WJ’s home opener against Wootton.
Senior running back Trenton Moore stiff arms a Wootton player in the first half of WJ’s home opener.