Print Edition: October 27, 2014

The Pitch

Walter Johnson High School

October 27, 2014

Volume 60, Issue 2

6400 Rock Spring Drive, Bethesda, MD 20814

Emma Watson’s campaign resonates with Feminism Club

By Gideon Epstein

On Sept. 20, actress Emma Watson addressed the UN on the issue of feminism, launching her #HeForShe campaign. The goal of this initiative is to get males involved in the fight for equal gender rights.

“Feminism has so often become synonymous with man-hating,” said Watson. “By definition [feminism] is the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities. It is the theory of political, economic and social equality of the sexes.”

Just hours after Watson addressed the UN, the video of her speech went viral, racking up over six million views on YouTube. The speech was very moving and powerful, as it resonated with many people who saw it, including members of the WJ Feminism Club.

Honors English 10 and AP Literature teacher Joanne Reynolds sponsors the Feminism Club. She was enthused

by Watson’s message and had a sudden realization.

“I think [feminism] should be called ‘genderism,’” said Reynolds.

Reynolds explained that feminism is the belief in complete equality for both genders, not just more rights and empowerment for women.

In her speech, Watson pointed out how many men do not feel comfortable with male gender stereotypes.

“Men also feel trapped in roles that are not always ideal or healthy,” added Reynolds.

The message of #HeForShe continues to spread following Watson’s speech.

Senior Evan Boone-Lewis said he feels passionate about what he calls feminism, the equality of men and women among all spectrums. Boone-Lewis said he has seen and experienced male gender stereotyping.

“Many [male] teens are afraid that they’ll be seen as less ‘manly’ [if they support feminism], but that’s really not the case at all,” said Boone-Lewis.

Senior Emily Lavine is the president of the Feminism Club.

“The main message of the club is to just be respectful of everyone and to not judge people based on how they choose to identify,” said Lavine.

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Members of WJ’s Feminism Club express their support for the #HeForShe campaign and gender equality for all.

The media perpetuates the idea that men do not experience gender stereotyping, rape and other abuse. Lavine said that it does, in fact, happen, quite frequently.She said that in order to have more gender equality in the world, people will have to start realizing the hardships that men go through.

“There is pressure to be masculine and hide emotions or weakness,” said Lavine. “As a result, men are less likely to admit to domestic abuse and rape.”

The concept of complete gender equality resonated with Reynolds.

“The idea that women are always the victims while men are always the perpetrators of evil needs to end,” said Reynolds.

At WJ, the Feminism Club is a place where the concern of gender equality is discussed weekly. Despite this positive

EDITORIAL pages 5-8

Gender role traditions are often maintained in society.

concept, Reynolds said that at times, the club is too homogeneous, and that it often devolves into a room full of people venting shared frustrations.

“Preaching to the choir” is how Reynolds described the atmosphere.

“We don’t want people to come in and be haters,” said Reynolds. “However, it would be more interesting to have more men, who could share their view on [feminism], and their feelings of being disenfranchised and stereotyped.”

Like Reynolds and Boone-Lewis, Lavine said she felt Watson’s message was inspirational and innovating.

“Her message was exceptional and necessary in today’s world,” said Lavine.

“There are way too many misconceptions surrounding the Feminist agenda, [and] she did a great job addressing them.”

Graphic and photos by Sarah Schecker

Check out the Pitch Online for an article on feminism, “Public figures work to end the negative reputation of feminism.”

For an editorial on classic gender roles, see “Tradition is an important part of our student culture” on page 5

A&E pages 9-12

Feature pages 13-16

The “Halloween Town” series is a fall classic for ushering in the holiday.

The upcoming fall show, “The Crucible,” is previewed.

SPORTS pages 17-20

A look at soccer culture at WJ.

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OCTOBER 27, 2014

U.S. History rewritten for the future

By Iris Vukmanovic

In the past couple of weeks, there has been a lot of controversy surrounding the appeal sent to the College Board that would prompt a reconsideration of how U.S. History classes in our country are taught.

This news mostly comes from Colorado as teachers and students have been protesting to change, and potentially censor part of the AP U.S. History curriculum to appear more patriotic.

AP U.S. History teacher Katherine Simmons said she believes changing the U.S. history curriculum would be the wrong thing to do.

“I believe that excluding portions of our history that show the struggles people have gone through to make our nation more democratic is not very patriotic,” said Simmons.

She said it would not make sense to cut out learning about parts of U.S. History because part of the beauty of the United States is that we can discuss, remember and learn from our past.

“No nation is perfect,” said Simmons. “One thing that makes the USA a great place is the idea that we are willing to learn about the past- both the good and the bad- to help us understand our nation.”

AP U.S. History teacher and APEX coordinator Nathan Schwartz said that this issue has a lot to do with how people view history.

“It comes down to this battle between what is history about and what is the purpose of it,” said Schwartz. “[People who want to revise the curriculum] believe

history is about transmitting cultural information and embracing what is positive as opposed to looking at it in kind of a fuller way.”

He said that trying to avoid teaching students about concepts of disobedience and protest are actually antiAmerican.

“That’s kind of against what the U.S. is actually about,” said Schwartz.

Both Simmons and Schwartz support and admire those students and teachers involved with the protests.

“I think that for the students involved in the protest, it can be a valuable lesson in a democratic soci-

ety. Hopefully, this is going to inspire these students to vote, to try to understand issues, and to value their education more,” said Simmons.

In contrast, at WJ there have been some changes to the AP U.S. History curriculum coming into effect this year.

Simmons said the changes taking place focus on having students use both factual information about the history of the U.S., as well as having students analyze primary and secondary sources.

“The AP U.S. course kind of had the same content outline for 40 years,” added Schwartz. “Three years ago, they put a revised outline out and said that this is what it is going to look like in a couple years. It’s a much more fleshed out course outline” said Schwartz.

“It’s really not that different. It’s different in the sense that it brings in more thematic teaching; it asks you to look at more themes like you do in AP World History.”

Simmons added that there was less of an emphasis on analyzing primary sources on the AP exam in previous years and that’s what makes the current course different from years past.

Both sides can agree on one fact; AP U.S. History teaches the fundamental principles of what this nation is about and how we go about it is unique from teacher to teacher.

Illustration by Steven Judge

The AP U.S. History curriculum has been changed but some made more drastic changes to the way it is being taught.

FROM WJPITCH.COM Like The Pitch on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @TheWJPitch!

Tilly Talks: Battles of an older sister Dear Tilly, I have a huge problem! My sister has been driving me crazy lately. Every time she sees me doing homework or enjoying myself, she either smothers me with sisterly affection, or puts me down. I can’t even begin to count the number of times that she has walked into my room without asking and grabbed the first five things she sees, and yet she has the audacity to claim that its my fault when we fight.

What do you think I should do?

Sincerely, Annoyed Older Sister Dear Annoyed Older Sister, One solution is to go on a big adventure to find a fire breathing dragon, and then train it to guard your room against annoying people in your life, including little siblings. Or, if you happen to be allergic to dragons, or are more of a cat person, then you can ask your parents to sit down with your sister to talk about it. By telling your parents what’s happening, you are getting them to tell your little sister to back off without starting a fight. This solution makes your parents act as the mediators and keeps any possible fights from happening.Your parents will probably understand if you tell them that you need the peace and quiet to study; plus, it is way cheaper than feeding a dragon. If that doesn’t work, you can go buy a lock for your door.Your parents would understand, as long as they have a key. They might never use it, but your little sister won’t have a key, and that’s who you’re trying to keep out of your room, right? This should help to prevent fights from occurring, and will hopefully keep her from getting into your room to grab your stuff.

Sincerely, Tilly

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS Dear Pitch Readers, As the first marking period comes to a close,The Pitch staff has been working tirelessly to come out with the second issue.

In this edition we cover the #Heforshe movement with opinions from the feminism club. The fall play, “The Crucible,” will be opening in a couple of weeks, so we interviewed several cast members about the process and what audiences can look forward to in the play. Feature examines what happens when students receive citations for being under the influence.They also covered Principal Jennifer Baker’s trip to China. A&E provides you a guide for Halloween. We also recognize some of WJ’s best athletes in the All-Pitch Team and we look at WJ’s soccer culture.

We think this is some of our finest work yet and we hope you do too.

Internet personalities jump into the mainstream

By Evan Candelmo Whether we have seen them through a glimpse of the iTunes Hot 100, YouTube or recently on the red carpet, internet personalities are slowly working their way into mainstream media. Names such as Shawn Mendes, or Michelle Phan may ring a bell, but to get in on this new trend, one needs to understand the basics of an “internet celebrity.”

Today, there tends to be two types of internet personalities: YouTube stars and Vine stars. With some earning up to one million dollars a year, it is surprising that some internet celebrities are not considered household names. YouTubers make money by putting ads next to or on top of their videos. For many, a video

recording their daily lives can get 500,000 plus views.

Others take to skits or do-it-yourself tutorials for their video content.YouTubers are now gaining a huge fan base, and to add to their fame, some are already touring across the world, writing books or appearing on reality shows such as Dancing With the Stars, like self-acclaimed beauty guru, Bethany Mota.

The 18-year-old video maker has been on YouTube Happy reading, since she was 13 and now has a fan base made of more Your 2014-2015 Print Editors-in-Chief than seven million dedicated watchers. Mota started using YouTube to escape the stress of bullying, and Audrey Marek, Ben Resnick and Selma Stearns. though widely popular throughout the site’s community, she doesn’t even rank in the top 10 most sub- CORRECTIONS FROM LAST ISSUE scribed to YouTube accounts...

Teddy’s last name is Manogue (pg. 20).

Continue reading this article at www.wjpitch.com

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OCTOBER 27, 2014

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The PSAT has more merit than it is given credit for

By Meg Tamara

Near the end of the marking period, students took the Practice SAT (PSAT) also known as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) on Oct. 14. Though the PSAT provides benefits including giving students exposure to the format of the real SAT, some students question why they are required to take the test.

First administered in 1926 by the College Board, the SAT is a tool used for college admissions. The SAT assessess knowledge in reading, writing, mathematical reasoning and critical thinking skills. It does not measure intelligence and is not a direct measure of knowledge, as it should not be treated as an intelligence test. According to PBS, the SAT was originally based on IQ tests for the army. The first SAT provided 315 questions in a span of 97 minutes.

Even though few are thrilled at the idea of test taking, the PSAT results provide counselors with valuable information about their students. PSAT scores address the strengths of the individual student and suggest areas they need to work on.

Overall, junior Soraya Tolat thought the test was do-able. “[The test] was easier than I was expecting,” said Tolat. “I thought that the English and reading [portion] were pretty straightforward.”

According to counselor Jodi Edmunds, juniors who have exceptionally high PSAT scores can qualify for different awards, national merit recognition, and potential scholarships. In previous years, eight WJ students from the class of 2014 became finalists out of the 44 students who were commended.

There is also a high correlation of PSAT and SAT scores at .86, meaning that students who have high PSAT also tend to have high SAT scores.

While eleventh graders must pay a 14 dollar fee to take the exam, tenth graders are exempt.

Ninth graders took the PLAN, which is a pre-ACT assessment, in place of the PSAT. Eleventh grade administrator Regina Rodriguez said one of the biggest benefits of taking the PSAT is that students can receive information to help them make decisions about where they might

apply to college. test, especially a one that is very long.

“When you take the test it asks your The test is five sections and over two areas of interest,” said Rodriguez. “If hours. you say ‘yes you can share my informaSome students may feel that taking the tion’ it matches colleges that have pro- test does not serve any purpose because grams in the things you selected. You PSAT scores are not usually reported to get mail from colleges that have what colleges. However, if a student reaches you’re looking for.” the merit level with exceptionally high According to Edmunds, the PSAT and PSAT scores, they have the option to SAT are similar, though there is no essay disclose their PSAT scores to colleges. on the PSAT, and as a result, the PSAT is a good indicator of students’ future SAT performance. “[Students get a good idea on how [they] will score on the SAT,” said Edmunds. “Everyone wants to know how they’ll do and prepare the best way they can.”

However, Rodriguez said she thinks the PSAT has some Photo by Sarah Schecker problems. Few are Sophomores and juniors taking the PSAT/NMSQT must prepare for thrilled to take a it like any other standardized test, though many think it is a waste of time and effort.

College costs before you apply

Graphic by Sarah Schecker. Information gathered from College Board, US News and World Report, University of Maryland College Park, U.S. Department of Education, Barnes and Noble, Study Point, Montgomery College.

This graphic represents an estimate of the actual cost of college. There are many hidden fees that many students and parents do not take into account, such as prep courses, application fees and tutoring. There are other costs not mentioned such as the cost of college visits, the average amount of years it takes to earn a degree, costs of different review materials, other than those listed and many other unexpected expenses.

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OCTOBER 27, 2014

November elections mobilize politicians, students

By Izzy Salant This November, there will be many elections taking place in the state of Maryland. Voters will elect a governor, county executive, members of Congress and state representatives.

The candidates for governor and Montgomery County county executive stopped by B’nai Israel Congregation in Rockville for a political forum on Oct. 12, sponsored by the B’nai Israel Men’s Club. The candidates met local residents, gave opening statements and then answered questions from the floor. They also addressed what they plan to accomplish as well as their views, values and political standpoints. Their hope was to gain supporters and to get their respective messages out to the public.

Current governor Martin O’Malley will finish his second and final term so no matter the outcome, there will be a new governor. The two candidates anxiously trying to claim this position are current Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown (D) and Larry Hogan (R), founder of the organization Change Maryland. Montgomery County’s current executive, Ike Leggett (D) is running for another term, and is challenged by Jim Shalleck (R).

Leggett and Shalleck both gave an

Photo by Izzy Salant

Gubernatorial candidate Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown (left) opens his segment of the debate at the B’nai Israel Men’s Club Politcal Forum, moderated by Jonathan Salant (right).

overview of their goals they would en- the county executive primary election act should they be elected county ex- to Leggett. ecutive.

“My favorite part of working on the “[My goal is] two words: Public safe- campaign was learning about the people ty,” said Shalleck. “I never want to see [I] worked with,” said Green. “Sitting a helicopter above a school covering a in a room for hours you get to know shooting. I want people. So it to put a uniwas cool meetformed police ing them and officer at every building relaschool.” tionships.”

He added Green said that he also he had very plans to adjust valuable learnthe budget being experienccause, he said, es while cam90 percent of paigning. the funds that “Every day go to the school I came in I sat board go to at a desk and teachers and called people,” benefits and said Green. there is only 10 “It’s hard to not percent to do get discouranything else. aged when you With the are constantly election quickbeing hung ly approaching, up on and/or there are some Photo from facebook.com, votedougduncan cursed out. But students from Marcel Green’s (left) campaign work involved making the thing to reWJ that will phone calls to promote Doug Duncan’s campaign. member is that get a say in who will govern their state you have a goal and you have to try your because they will reach the voting age of best to achieve it.”

18 by Election Day. During the forum, the candidates Even those who can’t vote still have expressed their plans for education. a say in the political process. Many stu- Both challengers highlighted their funddents have worked on campaigns for ing plans while Leggett and Brown excandidates, learning the ropes of poli- plained what they had already done for tics. Hogan explained what students can education. Each also explained how do to get involved in the political pro- students can express their voices in the cess, even if they cannot vote. political system.

“Even if you can’t vote you can really “What I encourage students to do is to play an important role,” said Hogan. participate in the process at every level,” “You can start by stuffing envelopes said Brown. “For example, when I was and putting on bumper stickers. We growing up they [had something] called have little kids out in the parades with the PTA. Now they call it the [PTSA] us just to get experience. As people get and I encourage students to show up at a little older then you can get involved meetings like that.” in a campaign at a higher level.”

Brown also spoke about more ways Senior Marcel Green worked on the for students to get involved.

Doug Duncan (D) campaign, who lost “Whether you [have] a student mem-

ber on the school board or you show up at school board meetings as a member of the public, or the [PTSA] or the Student Government Association, I think there are a number of avenues and vehicles for students to be involved, to participate in all the decisions that are made at the local level.”

Leggett agreed with Brown’s statement.

“I believe that there is some benefit [in having] additional participation by the community,” he said.

Green said he will use the knowledge he has learned by working on the campaign to make better decisions when voting for the next candidate.

“My experience will drive me to do research about each candidate,” said Green. “While on the campaign I learned new things not only about what my candidate has done and plans to do but also things done in my state, country or city that I never knew about. The experience made me care more about politics.”

The candidates will be campaigning until Election Day, Nov. 4, and will continue to express and voice their ideas and platforms to the public to secure votes and support.

Photo by Izzy Salant

Gubernatorial candidate Larry Hogan (left) gives his opening statement at the forum.

Students have mixed reactions to parents checking Edline

By Kara Gordon

With the first quarter coming to a close, lots of parents are checking Edline to make sure their children are keeping up with their assignments and getting good grades. Other parents however, take a different approach and let students take independent control of their grades. Many students feel as though it is an invasion of privacy for their parents to have access to their grades on Edline.

An anonymous WJ student felt so strongly about her parents’ involvement with Edline that she decided to hack into her dad’s email. She watched her dad log into his email and videotaped him typing in his password. In the email inbox she found a confirmation email that included the username of her dad’s

Edline account. She changed the primary email and password of the Edline account so her dad was locked out of the account. This is an extreme situation, but it shows the great lengths that students will go to if their parents have access.

But not all students share this viewpoint.

“Students shouldn’t feel an invasion of privacy. Their parents are only trying to make sure that they’re doing well in class,” said junior Roxy Kazem.

Edline allows parents to create their own accounts that connect to their child’s grades. Some students may not even be aware that their parents are getting email updates every time a new grade is posted. However, parents may see it as an opportunity to assist their

children academically and make sure they stay on top of their work. Some parents may utilize Edline’s services more than students. Freshman Christian Eisenbrey finds his parents involvement with Edline beneficial and believes it has helped him with his academic transition into high school.

“I truly believe that having my parent’s check my Edline strengthens my academic quality and motivates me to improve my educational experience here at WJ. This is because if I know that I did badly or didn’t put enough effort into my work my parents will steer back to the right direction,” said Eisenbrey.

Parents becoming so involved in their students grades, leads to the question: Will students be able to succeed in college without their parent’s involvement

in their academics?

Sophomore Cory Davis is confident that students can be successful in college on their own.

“I think students can stay motivated through college without the motivation of their parents” said Cory Davis “[My] parents check Edline every single night and I used to get grounded if I got a zero out of two on a homework” said senior Angie Lyubimova.

As long as Edline continues to have the option of parent accounts, parents will definitely be checking student’s grades and whether this is helpful or hurtful is up to students to decide.

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OCTOBER 27, 2014

EDITORIAL

Senior class considers gender sensitivy at graduation

Photo by Emma Higgins

Graduation tradition divides seniors by gender in seating and apparel, with boys in green robes and girls in white robes.

By Emma Higgins

For many years, WJ has had a tradition of having gender segregated seating at graduation. Boys sit in rows on the left side of DAR Constitution Hall, girls sit in adjacent rows on the left. Boys wear dark green caps and gowns, while girls are dressed in white Recently, James Hubert Blake High School changed their graduation tradition from having gender segregated seating and gender oriented cap and gown colors to having mixed seating and uniform colored cap and gown for

graduation. The students in the Gender Sexuality Alliance club at Blake High School wrote a letter to WJ administration asking them to consider a change in tradition: to have one robe color and a mixed seating chart. The senior class is contemplating straying from WJ’s long standing precedent.

This change would allow students who do not identify as male or female to avoid publicly choosing a gender and being sorted by that gender. If all students, regardless of gender or sex, wore the same color and were not sitting ac-

cording to their gender on graduation day, there would not be a glaringly obvious distinction between males and females. Everyone would sit together, organized by last name. Ultimately, no student would feel uncomfortable.

Not only would this change reach out to students who are transgender or do not identify with a gender, but it would also teach a lesson on empathy to the student body as a whole. It would teach students to think of others and inspire progress in our community. As teenagers, we are very malleable and it is essential that we try to walk in other peoples’ shoes.

I believe that enacting this change would unify the senior class. When students graduate together as a unified class, they would feel like one force, one family entering the “real world”.

Changing the caps, gowns and seating chart goes beyond addressing the needs of a minority of students; it strengthens the unity and camaraderie that students would feel at graduation.

Knowing that we have come together as one would give students a sense of pride and triumph in a world that is moving forward. It is our job, as a rising generation, to support and expedite positive change. Graduation is the last time that we will all be together as a class and separating us by something as arbitrary as gender sends the wrong message to our students.

Tradition is an important part of our student culture

By Charlie Kanter

Tradition is a very meaningful thing and should be maintained and encouraged as long as it is not harmful to anyone. There have been many traditions in the history of American culture that separated men and women unfairly and harmfully, such as women being confined to the house while men went off to work. This type of tradition has rightfully diminished significantly in most parts of the country, but there still remain traditions that maintain different men’s and women’s roles. Both men and women deliberately uphold the status quo because these traditions are not only harmless, they are valuable, too. In fact, part of what makes some traditions special is that there are different roles for both men and women to fill.

Take homecoming for example, one of the most popular events during the school year. There are many traditions associated with homecoming where there are different roles for boys and girls, and almost the entire student body continues to participate in these traditions.

It is tradition for boys to ask girls to homecoming, and recently, male students have come up with creative ways to ask their dates to the dance. Girls, on the other hand, are generally content to wait for boys to ask them. In preparation for the actual event, boys buy corsages to place on their dates’ wrists, and girls buy boutonnieres to pin on their dates’ lapels. Both boys and girls seem mostly satisfied with their traditional homecoming roles despite not having

much mobility between both worlds.

The fact that homecoming traditions happen year after year, without much conflict from participants regarding gender traditions, is proof that people are comfortable with their roles. Additionally, every year around homecoming, Facebook and Instagram are packed with photos of smiling couples eager to show their friends and family how elated they are to be participating in the tradition of homecoming. People take part in these traditions and either consciously or unconsciously recognize that they have meaning.

Gender roles are often found in dating, too - typically, boys will ask girls out on a date. The term “chivalry isn’t dead” celebrates the fact that men still act with particular courtesy to their female counterparts. “Chivalry isn’t dead” because many men believe being courteous to women is an important cultural tradition, and women often uphold it as

well.

That being said, many people don’t partake or believe in traditional gender roles. In both homecoming and dating, there are same-sex couples, girls who ask boys, and other individuals and couples who don’t take part in every single tradition. People still go to homecoming and obviously still date, and they feel part of the experience by participating in tradition selectively.

It is not sexist to say that men and women should sometimes have different roles, as it is apparent that many men and women remain content with these roles.Traditions serve as meaningful parts of our culture. They aren’t absolutely necessary, but they give people a path to take, a role to fill, an experience to be a part of. Even if some people don’t like being confined to certain roles, they may appreciate why others still find them important, and why they continue to happen, year after year.

Photo by Charlie Kanter

Junior Justin Liu carrys on tradition by asking senior Nisso Shay to the homecoming dance.

THE STAFF

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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

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EDITORIAL

OCTOBER 27, 2014

Our smartphone-obsessed culture is ruining social interaction and values

By KathrynVan Artsdalen

Television is worth more than meets the eye

By Audrey Marek

One classic complaint about millenials is that our brains are being turned to mush by television, the greatest of all corruptors. It’s destroying our family values, heightening our tolerance for violence and sex and of course, turning us all into obese couch potatoes. However, the merits of television are often entirely ignored.

I’m not here to argue that “Wheel of Fortune” is a thought-provoking masterpiece; many TV shows are intended to be lighthearted fun. However, I highly doubt anyone would classify the “Twilight” series as great literature, nor would the corresponding movies be considered cinematic gems. Still, young people are told to read Jane Austen and watch Woody Allen under the premise they will become intellectually and culturally well-rounded. The range of quality within other mediums is accounted for. Television, not so much.

Part of the issue lies in the nature of writing for television. Unfortunately, TV’s format forces shows to continue until they are played out and dull. By the time a show is off the air, it is often a ghost of what it once was, left with nowhere to grow, playing out the falling action, and essentially jumping the shark. Yet this does not mean the show was never worthwhile. A book is not only the sum of its ending; “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” features an ending that is nearly universally despised, yet it is still considered an American classic. So why is television held to a different standard?

TV is an influential force in modern society, arguably as important as books or movies to today’s youth, especially now that it is available to re-watch and analyze like a book or movie. Netflix’s “House of Cards” contains sophisticated allusions to Shakespeare and a fearsome perspective on the American political system. The BBC’s “Doctor Who” has been on the air for 50 years and has documented a thought provoking struggle of morality in every episode, forcing viewers to look at humanity from the outside. Netflix’s “Orange is the New Black” breaks down a variety of stereotypes from within the walls of a women’s prison. These pieces are worthy of attention and analysis, which they are increasingly achieving. UCLA holds a course in contemporary film and television analysis, so why do so many people still view TV as a worthless medium?

Thought provoking, intelligent TV should be commended. Before you tell someone to turn off the TV and pick up a book, take a look at what they’re watching.You might just find it’s worthwhile.

The iPhone 6 came out on Sept.

19, promising a thinner, more efficient model with a higher resolution and new features such as Apple Pay, an app to easily make online purchases. As great as these upgrades may sound, they only remind me of the iPhone-obsessed culture we live in.

Smartphones in general certainly have some amazing features. They allow fast communication and the cameras are easier to use and transport than a bulky Nikon Digital SLR. Also, certain apps can help individuals monitor their daily exercise, get directions, keep track of appointments and review restaurants.

However, smartphones have created a distracted and numb society.

A study conducted by UCLA concludes that increased screen time Illustration by Steven Judge decreases children’s ability to inter- People have the need to be on their phones all throughout the day, even while crossing the street. pret facial expressions. Researchers This is incredibly disrespectful to our administered a test to sixth graders, James Roberts.

Another study found that compulsive- teachers and peers, yet we are incapable who had to interpret emotions from pictures of different facial expressions. ly checking smartphones can increase of putting our phones down.

Guess what? I don’t have a smartThen, half of the students were sent stress.

“Smartphones are being used more and phone. I have a crappy, old flip phone. to an outdoor camp with no access to electronics, while the others continued more to help people cope with differ- You will never see me texting during their normal lives at home with technol- ent aspects of their life,” said researcher class. You will never see me nervously ogy. After five days, the students took Richard Balding. “But the more [smart- checking my phone during a test. You the test again. The researchers found phones are] being used, the more we’re will never see me racing down the hallthat the sixth graders who attended the courting stress instead of relieving it… way with my head down, waiting to camp were able to read emotions bet- [because people feel] a relentless need crash into someone.

If you remember anything from this ter than those who had access to their to immediately review and respond to each and every incoming message, alert, article, I hope it is this: there is more to phones, televisions and computers. the world than smartphones. I encourA survey by Baylor University found or bing.”

My experiences certainly seem to age you talk to your friends as you walk that female college students spend an average of 10 hours a day on their corroborate the results of these studies. to class, instead of texting them. Listen smartphones, while male college stu- Every day I see people walking across to your teacher rather than tweeting in dents spend an average of eight hours a busy intersections with their eyes glued your lap. Go for a hike instead of getting to their phone. It is pathetic that we put stressed out waiting for someone to like day on their smartphones. “[Phones] are eroding our personal ourselves in danger just to check social your photo. So while you enjoy all of the iPhone’s fun and helpful features, don’t relationships…Getting hooked on a media sites or a text.

I see people in class tapping their forget to live your life. mobile device is similar to other addictions, such as compulsive buying and iPhone screens from under their desks credit card misuse,” said researcher Dr. during quizzes and class instruction.

the

Pitch

OCTOBER 27, 2014

With the recent release of the new iPhone 6, The Pitch asked WJ students, “What do you want in the next iPhone and why?”

Henry Hayden

EDITORIAL

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The Pitch polled 50 WJ students at random on the following questions: What are your plans for Halloween?

Freshman

Go to a party.....................................................28%

“I want it to be cheaper, so I don’t have to spend a lot to own one.”

Trick-or-Treat....................................................26% Hang out with friends...................................24% Other....................................................................16%

Photo by Nick Williamson

Aditya Arun

Sleep ................................................................... 6%

Sophomore

“I want it to be bigger, so that it fills my pocket.”

Do your parents check your grades on Edline?

Does this make you work harder?

Photo by Charlie Kanter

Megan Hussey

My parents don’t check...................................44% They check, but I don’t care...........................28%

Junior

I work harder knowing they check..............28%

“I don’t want it to be as long. It doesn’t fit in my back pocket.”

What did you do/ what are your plans to study for the SAT?

Photo by Charlie Kanter

Study on my own...............................................36%

Kaleigh Wellhofer

Take a prep course.............................................26%

Senior

Wing it....................................................................20%

“Better internet connection, because mine is terrible.”

Hire a tutor............................................................18% Photo by Charlie Kanter

The Pitch Opinion

When Montgomery County began to use Edline, parents and students alike were provided access to grades online.

As students move through high school, they enroll in more difficult classes and the stakes increase. Parents frequently take advantage of Edline, checking their children’s grades, because they know success in high school is crucial for success with future college applications.

When parents check Edline, some students feel oppressed, like there has been a breach in trust, but this increase in pa-

rental attention is justified.

Some students argue that they are growing up and need to learn how to take responsibility for their own grades, without reminders or threats from their parents. By having their parents hover over them, many students feel they are being restricted from this maturation.

Parents have access to their kids’ Edline accounts because they are still their legal guardians. Parents monitor their children’s grades so they can intervene when necessary, fulfilling their responsiblities as parents and guardians, ensur-

ing their kids have as many opportunities as possible available in the future.

Parents only want the best for their kids. Parents may punish their kids for a bad grade or a Z, but it is only because they care, as they should. Parents have the right and the responsibility to check their childrens’ grades on Edline. It is up to each parent to determine how they proceed with information about their children’s grades.

Parents have the power to make a significant impact on their children’s future.

EDITORIAL

Pitch

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OCTOBER 27, 2014

Tips for taking an SAT prep course

By Nick Williamson

High school students will take either the SAT or ACT at some point, and most devote a lot of energy to preparing for these tests. However, those who experience a wave of fear after receiving their score report may go the extra mile and consider a tutor or prep course in order to improve their scores. Being one of the aforementioned students, I signed up for a prep course at Montgomery College and spent half my time learning and improving my skills and the other half kicking myself for signing up for such torture. Based on my experience taking that course, I developed some tips for students who may consider tak-

ing one as well.

Firstly, make sure you are not signing up for more than you need. The course I took was four hours, on both days of the weekend, for four weeks. Unless you really enjoy waking up early or hate weekend free time, you’ll want to spend the least amount of time possible in the classroom. By knowing what you need, you can choose to take sections of the course so that you improve while only sacrificing the neccessary time. I chose to take the whole course, although I really only wanted help on the math section.While this meant that I was focused on Sundays during the math portion, it also meant that on Saturdays, I was silently praying for a fire drill to end my suffering in the reading class.

Secondly, taking a course alone is going to cause a lot of pain. As the saying goes, “misery loves company,” and this couldn’t be truer for an SAT class.

These courses, while beneficial, can be extremely agonizing to sit through.

What better way to prepare for an important test and endure the work that goes with it than by roping one of your unfortunate friends into the same thing?

Although working through math problems, test strategies and different skills for the reading and writing portions was manageable, it would have been easier to give up eight hours of my weekend if I had one of my friends to talk to and take away some of the boredom.

Finally, should you decide to take a course, take it seriously. After all, the ultimate goal of being there is to improve and perform well on the most important test for your admittance into college. Students in my class always showed up late and missed parts of the course that were important to taking the test.

While my time spent taking a prep course was as unpleasant as taking medicine as a kid, I wouldn’t rank it as the worst thing I’ve ever done. Actually, once I managed to look past all the pain I felt being there, I realized that the course was beneficial. It’s an unavoidable fact that these courses are going to cause you some agony. However, I think that the investment of time and money students make in these courses will help them when the time comes to take the actual test.

WJ fundraising efforts are distributed disproportionately

By Sarah Schecker

The WJ social calendar bursts at the seams during the month of February due to Pennies for Patients (P4P) and the events we host that benefit the Leukemia Lymphoma Society (LLS). However, as October comes to a close, I am still waiting to hear about a single event planned to raise money for breast cancer.

There is no doubt that Pennies for Patients is a great cause and that the money WJ raises truly makes a difference for those affected by leukemia and lymphoma. However, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a great example of a cause that remains under the radar for WJ students, in terms of the amount of money raised.

One reason that fundraising for breast cancer research does not reach the same magnitude as P4P is that the October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, is at the beginning of the school year. Because homecoming is also in October, student attention is mostly focused on the football game and dance.

Leadership simply does not have the time required to organize a fundraiser.

The biggest obstacle in the way of breast cancer fundraising is our tendency to stick with what is familiar, and it is imperative that we overcome it so that other important causes receive relatively equal attention. Over the past couple years, WJ has consistently raised over 50,000 dollars for LLS in the month of February, an amount the WJ community should be proud of.

We host events such as Glo,

P4P carnival and Pennies for Patients Pong. We may just feel an obligation to continue to focus on P4P fundraising instead of other causes like breast cancer awareness.

A driving force behind our major involvement in P4P is WJ’s competitive nature. Each year we strive to raise

more money than our biggest challenger, Whitman, even if that means holding a fundraising event every day. Some students may fear that if we put less of an emphasis on P4P, then Whitman will have “won.” In reality, fundraising for many causes would signify that WJ wants to help as many different people as possible.

While WJ’s fundraising for breast cancer may be lacking, there is great focus on awareness. The saying, “On Wednesdays we wear pink,” and sport teams’ pinkthemed games, such as volleyball’s “dig pink” match, demonstrates WJ’s commitment to raising awareness for this important cause.

Leadership also sells pink pin-on ribbons and bandanas to spread awareness and raise money.

I’m not saying that WJ needs to abandon ship in terms of P4P fundraising and shift focus to a completely different cause, but I do think we need to distribute our funds more evenly and hold events for various causes throughout the school year, not just in February. At my time at WJ alone, we have raised nearly 200,000 dollars for LLS. I have no doubt that over the next few years, WJ will continue to raise that much, or even more, but the best thing to do with our money would be to spread it around to support other important causes as well.

“If you’re from Africa, why are you white?”

By Selma Stearns

This iconic quote from Mean Girls is one I have heard from nearly everyone as soon as I mention that I’ve lived in Senegal and Kenya. I understand that it’s meant to be a joke, but this attitude represents the ignorance that Americans, even in Montgomery County, have.

Bethesda is one of the most educated areas in the US, but many people I have talked to are unaware that there are 52 other countries on the African continent besides South Africa. Each African nation has its own distinct cultures, languages and traditions. Some people honestly have no idea that Africa is not a country. When someone is asked to picture “Africa,” they usually think of an image from National Geographic of starving children in extreme poverty or of the wildlife and savageness of The Lion King.

People sometimes make the assumption that every single person in Africa lives in a hut in the grasslands surrounded by elephants and lions, when this is completely unrepresentative of the truth. Poverty and lack of education are problems in developing areas of Africa, but many Africans live in thriving urban centers. The Nigerian capital of Lagos has a population of 5.2 million people, which makes it more populated than Los Angeles, and five of The Economist’s 12 fastest growing economies are African nations.

People’s ignorance may be explained by social studies classes that portray Africa as one unified “nation.” However, it is impossible to describe the elaborate clothing, music, history, language and culture of “Africa.” Also, there is little about current events in Africa.

For example, while there is some limited coverage of Apartheid in AP World History, few people know that there is a town in South Africa today called Orania that only allows white South Africans to live there.

Another source of society’s skewed perception of Africa is the media’s emphasis on the “starving kids in Africa.”

Starvation and extreme poverty are major problems, and millions of people live on less than a dollar a day. However, I have yet to see a mainstream media program in America that portrays Africa’s contributions to the world.

Many Americans can be oblivious about the world. I honestly did not know much about West African culture before I moved to Senegal in sixth grade. We all have access to a constant stream of news and information, so there is really no excuse for being uninformed about world events.

the

Pitch

OCTOBER 27, 2014

By Meg Tamara

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Make the most of your thrift store trip

If it’s your first time thrifting, digging through the racks at the thrift store can seem endless and a little overwhelming.

Unlike chains or department stores, thrift stores can provide you with high quality second hand clothing at a fraction of the price. With a trained eye, you can find unique pieces and the occasional pair of Stuart Weitzman shoes or Moschino sweater that will last you a lifetime. Thrift

This outfit is casual and preferable for school. Adding gold or silver jewelry will make the outfit polished and sophisticated, and brown or black boots, Creepers, or black platform shoes, compliment the outfit. To pull this look together, add a dark trench coat and put your hair in a bun. All garments were purchased at Unique.

stores also force you to be creative. Find a dress you like but dislike the belt?

For only a few dollars, you can purchase another belt and other embellishments to make your dress unique.

Thrift stores are also ecofriendly and humane as many of them are linked to charities, like Good-

This outfit is perfect for mid-fall where you can show a little skin before it becomes too cold. The silver tribal patterned necklace flatters the white top and the light wash jeans provide a nice contrast. The jeweled sandals make the outfit more luxurious and elegant.

Adding a green or red patterned jacket will compliment your look. All garments were purchased at Unique.

will. Good thrift stores to check out in the area include Unique, Goodwill and National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

For a more masculine look, try a muted color scheme and a silver coin necklace adds some interest. When considering this look, keep your color pattern clean and consistent. Most variations of dark colored boots will work with this look. The skinny jeans and the boxy batik top will balance you out without making you look too masculine. The top was purchased at NAMI.

All photos by Sarah Schecker

There are thrift store finds for every season, like this cool dress.

TIP

Thrift stores are great for DIY TIP projects. Want to distress and sew buttons to a three dollar pair of Levis? No problem. Want to tie dye a white shirt without buying an expensive one from a department store in case you mess up? Go for it.

Shop with an idea of what you’re TIP looking for; it will save you time. If you’re unsure of what you want, you can overspend and come home frustrated and empty handed, or in some cases, you can come home with clothes you don’t really like. With that said, evaluate each garment and make sure you like the style.

If it doesn’t fit, don’t buy it. If you don’t absoTIP lutely love it, don’t bother. If the pockets are off or if it’s a little snug in the waist, buy it and have it tailored if you have the money, or tailor it yourself.

Many thrift store pieces can be used in multiple outfits, like these jeans, shoes and bracelet.

Thrift store don’t just carry clothing, they also have fun accessories and shoes.

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TIP

Check the quality of the garment. It should be free of TIP stains, stench from past owners and of lint. The fabric should be in good condition and should seem like new. Avoid buying rayon, a synthetic fabric made from plastic that shrinks in the wash. If you purchase a rayon garment, follow the wash instructions accordingly and with caution.

Check when your local thrift store is having a sale to get more for your money. Often thrift stores will have weekly sales on specific items of clothing.

If you don’t have time to hit up the thrift store, try browsing Goodwill’s online store, shopgoodwill.com. They have high end brands for a meager price that can be delivered to your door.

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Pitch

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Pop Art

Photo by Mary Kate Greening

OCTOBER 27, 2014

Tips, tricks for Hallow

Create a look straight out of a comic book. Apply a foundation lighter than your natural color and use a liquid eyeliner to carefully trace over hairline, nose and jaw. Shade your eyelids a bright color and add a strong wing with more eyeliner. Apply red lipstick, then trace over lips with the eyeliner pen. After the tracing is complete, dot face evenly with red lip liner, giving the idea of pop artist Roy Lichtenstein’s signature drawing style.

Solo Costumes

By Mary Kate Greening and

ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

Relive the summer’s most fun (and most rewarding) phenomenon: the ALS ice bucket challenge. The costume can be made by taking a bucket and adding white streamers and silver embellishments to give the idea of getting drenched by freezing water. Wear with a white t-shirt and jeans, and don’t forget to nominate people.

Photo by Mary Kate Greening

“Nightmare Before Christmas” Follow Skeleton Jack through an adventure in Christmastown after he decides Halloween is not enough for him.

Sing along with spooky favorites like

“This is Halloween” and “What’s This?” as Jack attempts to usurp Santa Claus (aka Sandy Claws) and control Christmas.

Photo from Flickr, Pah Lourenço

“Hocus Pocus”

Three hundred years ago, three witches, the Sanderson sisters, were set to be executed in Salem, Mass. When newkid Max lights a prophetic candle enchanted to resurrect them, they come

back to life with only one night to secure their existence, Halloween. The witches must absorb a child’s energy to stay alive, and hilarity ensues as they attempt to achieve their goal.

Night In

Photo from Flickr, Meredith Mathews

“Halloweentown”

Thirteen-year-old Marnie Cromwell finds out on Halloween night that she is a witch, and follows her grandmother to a town filled with all kinds of spooks,

appropriately named “Halloweentown.”

When people start to disappear in Halloweentown, Marnie, her grandmother Aggie, and her siblings must stop whoever is behind it.

BONUS: Once you finish this, there are three follow up movies: Halloweentown 2, Halloweentown High and Return to Halloweentown.

Photo from Flickr, Monica Gabriele

the

Pitch

OCTOBER 27, 2014

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

a spooktacular ween

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

d Annika LaVina

Ketchup & Mustard

Photo by Mary Kate Greening

Pair up and go as these classic condiments. Whoever is ketchup should wear all red, and make a t-shirt that says “ketchup.”

Whoever is mustard should do the same, but in all yellow with a shirt that says “mustard.”

Photo by Mary Kate Greening

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Get all of your friends together for this group costume. Go as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and protect the halls of WJ from baddies lurking in the dark. Everyone gets a green t-shirt, brown shorts and green tights. Puffy paint the underside on the front, and cut strips of fabric for the ninja masks: blue for Leonardo, purple for Donatello, red for Raphael and orange for Michelangelo.

Group Costumes

“Scary” Perry Street

Night Out

For one day of the year, Perry Ave. in Kensington, Md. turns into a Halloween must-see. On Oct. 31, one particular house on the street trades in its suburban façade for a scary themed

spectacle that changes annually. The event draws thousands of people, provides fun games, and even gives out free candy.

Photo courtesy of Jodi Westrum

Clara Barton National Historic Site If a friendly street isn’t fit for your Halloween scare, grab your video camera and be ready to be a ghost buster.

The Clara Barton National Historic Site, located in Glen Echo along the Clara Barton Parkway, is said to be one

of the most haunted places in the area.

Visitors claim to have seen Clara Barton herself, as well as numerous other apparitions along the site. Tours are daily from 10 a.m.-4 a.m.

Fright at the Museum Tired of the usual haunted houses with plastic skeletons and smoke machines?

Try a haunted museum. The National Museum of Crime and Punishment will hold Fright at the Museum on Oct. 23-

Photo from Flickr, Marcin Wichary

26, 30, 31 and Nov. 1. Brave wanderers will be surrounded by execution devices and their victims, in the dark, after hours. (Recommended for ages 17+)

Photo from Flickr, David

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

OCTOBER 27, 2014

Keep warm with these fall foods

By Sarah Schecker

As the leaves begin to change colors and the temperature drops, try some recipes to spice up your fall eats. Hearty vegetables like squashes and pumpkins come into season, making them a great centerpiece for delicious fall dishes.

Squash Soup

Ingredients:

4 pounds whole butternut squash (about 2 medium), cubed and seeds removed 1 tablespoons butter 1 Granny Smith apple, diced and pealed 1/2 onion, diced 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt 2 1/2 cups water 1/3 cup heavy cream

Directions: 1. In a large pot, melt the butter and sautĂŠ diced apple and onion until softened.

Photo by Sarah Schecker

Squash soup is a fall staple for a warm meal at home.

2.Add cubed squash, broth and water. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.

3.When squash is tender, remove 4.Return pureed mixture to pot and from heat and puree the mixture in a add heavy cream, salt and pepper. blender.

Pumpkin Muffins

Ingredients:

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda Photo by Sarah Schecker

Pumpkin muffins are a quick, easy way to spice up a lunch or breakfast.

1 cup pumpkin puree 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions: 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

2.In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnutmeg, and cloves together Fahrenheit and coat two muffin tins namon, until mixed well. with non-stick spray or liners. Set aside.

1/2 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 cup vegetable oil

3.In a second bowl, whisk the brown sugar and eggs together until combined. Mix the pumpkin, oil, milk and vanilla until combined. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a batter is formed.

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 cup dark brown sugar 2 large eggs 1/3 cup milk

4.Spoon the batter evenly into tins.

Bake for 17-18 minutes or until a toothpick put in the center comes out clean.

How to get fabulous hair in five steps

By IrisVukmanovic

Fall is a time for change. Just as the colors of the leaves change, so inevitably will your hairstyles. Here are some ideas you can try this fall to shake it up.

Artsy Pigtail Braids

Dutch Side Braid

For a fun new look for curly hair, try a pair of artsy pigtail braids. They will definitely make you stand out from the crowd with an edgy punk rock look while still staying flirty and feminine.

For an easy fix to morning bedhead for straight-haired girls, try a fun but simple Dutch side braid.

1.Start by parting all of your hair to the side.

1.Grab a section in the front of your hair and tease it just to add a little volume and then hairspray it in place.

2.Grab three strands from the front of your hair and start to French braid it down the side of your head except pull the strands under each other instead of over.

2.Split your hair into two sections from the back.

3.Split each section into two more sections.

3.Continue the pattern down the side of your head until you run out of hair.

4.Twist the two strands together and tie with a hair elastic. Repeat on the other side. Secure additionally with hairspray.

4.Use a hair elastic to tie it off.

Photo by Iris Vukmanovic

Junior Leena Loo models this intricate looking braid that can be easily mastered.

5.If needed, add some hairspray to keep everything in place.

Photo by Audrey Marek

Senior Angie Lyubimova models this new take on classic pigtails that incorporates braiding and creativity.

5.If you want to make it look more intricate, try and tie parts of the two sections into knots.

By IrisVukmanovic

Pitch

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OCTOBER 27, 2014

FEATURE

WJ S*T*A*G*E presents “The Crucible”

This November, WJ S*T*A*G*E will put on a production of “The Crucible,” a play written by Arthur Miller about the Salem witch trials. It takes place in the Province of Massachusetts Bay in 1692 and 1693 during a time of witch hysteria. “‘The Crucible’ is one of Arthur Miller’s best pieces ever. I would go as far as to say it is one of the best American plays of all time,” said senior actor, Bradley Stein, who plays John Proctor, the main character.

The play opens with a group of young girls entering a forest and dancing around a fire with a slave named Tituba. They are caught by a local minister named Reverend Parris, whose daughter falls into a stupor. The town gathers at Parris’s house and rumors of witchcraft begin to spread.

“The characters are so complex and interesting, and the dialogue is so intriguing and beautiful,” said Stein. “It’s a classic and everyone at WJ should experience it.”

Abigail, Proctor’s former lover, has accused Proctor’s wife, Elizabeth, of being a witch. However, in the process of trying to clear his wife’s name, Proctor himself becomes incarcerated. Senior Amanda Tang is double cast as Elizabeth.

“We have added to our production various vignettes, songs and an ensemble to make it all the more haunting and

Photo by Sarah Schecker

Sophomore Noah Marks, senior Stefanos Nickoloff, and juniors Adam Rarey and Marek Haar rehearse for the upcoming play, “The Crucible”.

realistic. Our additions also help the audience comprehend the greater context of this historical play,” said Tang.

Outside of play rehearsals, Stein spends his free time perfecting and preparing for his role.

“I put in a lot of character work. Miller’s characters are very complex, Proctor in particular, and I am always finding new things in the text [that] I try to add to my performance,” he said.

Like many pieces of art and literature, “The Crucible” has an important

historical context and message that are key to understanding the play and why it was written.

“Coming into the show people should know that the author, Arthur Miller, wrote ‘The Crucible’ in order to bring to light how terrible McCarthyism was.

[Miller] was in fact accused of being a communist himself,” said Stein.

Both the play’s statement about McCarthyism and its historical context of Puritan Massachusetts influence the actors’ portrayals of the characters.

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“People should know that witches really were thought to be real, and that evil overcomes good quite a lot in the reality of the Puritan villages in Massachusetts,” said sophomore Will Canavan, who plays Marshal John Willard, a sympathetic character who is forced to arrest and hang witches by the law.

The cast has finished blocking the play, which is when they physically map out the stage directions.

“It’s great to be back with friends but the play as a whole is a challenge the cast seems to be up for,” said Canavan.

Canavan is preparing for his role by reading about the historical figure that John Willard represents, as well as researching the context that Puritanism and the Salem setting provide.

“The Crucible is a great play and this will be a great production,” Stein said.

“A lot of shows in the area would cost 50 dollars to go see, but to see this rendition it will only cost 10 dollars. Everyone should expose themselves to this great piece of art, especially because it’s so convenient.”

Tang said that watching the play on stage would be a refreshing experience for students because many of them have to, or have read, The Crucible for school.

WJ S*T*A*G*E is presenting “The Crucible” on November 14, 15, 21 and 22. Tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket booth near the Auditorium.

Turn down for citations: Intoxication at school events has consequences with Principal Jennifer Baker to discuss the consequences of their actions in relation to these roles. Disciplinary history can also play a role in determining consequences.

School consequences and legal consequences are entirely separate and do not influence each other when it comes to citations and suspensions.

“If you get a citation, [the citation] could go to the state attorney’s office; you could have to do some kind of supervised work program, you could have to go to an alcohol rehabilitation clinic, or a smoking cessation clinic,” said Resource Officer S.P. Jackson.

One senior boy, who wished to remain anonymous, was caught with alcohol on school grounds by police authorities at last year’s Homecoming Dance.

Illustration by Steven Judge “If I could go back, I would change Citations can appear on students’ resumes, limiting their prospects for acceptance into [my actions], for sure,” he said. prestigious institutions.

The senior boy was moving his backcaught intoxicated or in possession at pack, which contained alcohol, from the

By Suejean Han a school event. However, additional woods to another location when he was A number of students were recently consequences vary depending on what stopped by a police officer. The officer suspended from school and issued cita- activities the student is involved in. In saw alcohol in the bag and then pertions for attending the Saturday, Oct. 18 terms of athletics, the current poli- formed a breathalyzer test on the stuHomecoming Dance while under the cy, created with athletic director Sue dent. Although the student blew a .00, influence.

Amos, is that upon returning to school he was still given a citation for possesAccording to the WJ policy and guide- a student cannot participate in up to 20 sion of alcohol as a minor and for bringlines packet, possession, use and being percent of remaining games, but can ing alcohol onto school property. under the influence at a school event practice with the team. If suspended, As gossip spread and time passed, the has a minimum punishment of suspen- the student is not allowed on school senior boy could not shake off the guilty sion with assessment and a maximum property for the duration of the suspen- feelings and regret. punishment of recommendation of ex- sion, and therefore cannot participate in “I felt like people were judging me pulsion or a police referral. and whenever I saw my parents, I felt any school sponsored activities.

According to 12th grade administraWhen it comes to those in leadership even worse than I already did,” he said. tor Janan Slough, the school administra- roles, consequences are more serious, Officer Jackson said that parents have tion’s goal is to be consistent in its policy as these students are supposed to be set- a variety of reactions after their kids are when dealing with student intoxication. ting an example for others. Students in given citations.

Most students will face suspension if leadership positions may have a meeting “Some [parents] reprimand their kids

and are upset that their kids are even being cited, and then you get parents that are very happy that someone is citing their kid versus finding their kid after an accident,” she said.

Besides the guilt of being punished, having a police citation can interfere with applying to colleges. Most applications have a section where students must state if they have ever gotten in trouble with the law and if so, they must describe the situation and the resolution.

If a student has already turned in his or her college applications and has been accepted into their prospective schools, the student must call the schools to let them know what happened and risk his or her acceptance being withdrawn.

Additional consequences could include going to meetings, missing school and in extreme cases, going to teen court.

Although the senior boy did not have to go to teen court for his offense, he did get suspended from school and had to attend Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings.

Jackson emphasized the possible lifethreatening consequences that could result from decisions like driving under the influence.

“Not only could it affect [the student’s] life, but it could also put their friends’ lives and an innocent person’s life in danger when they make that poor decision,” she said.

Slough emphasized that the main goal of these policies is the safety of students, staff and all others that could be hurt by the consequences of underage drinking.

FEATURE

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OCTOBER 27, 2014

South Korea, Finland top education standings as United States falls short

By Anja Shahu

All around the world, education is a key element of prosperous countries. The benefits of education extend beyond being able to read and write. According to Global Partnership for Education, an organization that focuses on providing quality education to all children, investing in education helps reduce poverty, promote women’s rights, foster peace and boost economies.

Pearson 2014 World Education Ranking #1 South Korea

According to weareteachers.com, a website dedicated to connecting teachers to resources, education in South Korea is very test-driven – the students must take an exam to enter both high school and college. Success on the college entrance test usually determines students’ futures and social statuses for the rest of their lives.

South Korea emphasizes the importance of hard working teachers. Only the top five percent of applicants are accepted into the elementary school teaching program, and those who are accepted enjoy job security.

Students usually go to school from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and then go to tutoring or Hagwons from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

One of the biggest reasons for South Korea’s success is the country’s ability to integrate technology into the classroom. South Korean schools all have high speed Internet and many have made textbooks accessible for students online.

#5 Finland

Finland focuses on employing the strongest teachers. According to Stanford University News, the highly competitive state-funded program to obtain a master’s degree for primary school teaching only accepts one out of every 10 applicants.

The Finnish school system gives teachers a lot of autonomy in the classroom. Teachers are able to construct their own curricula, containing arts and academics to teach concepts.

According to weareteachers.com, Finnish students have five-hour-long school days, starting between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. and ending between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. The average time students spend completing homework is less than an hour. This gives teachers and teacher aids extra time to provide outside help to struggling children. Students also have a lot of extra time for friends, family or other school related interests. Finnish students only take one standardized test when they are 16 years old.

Private schooling in Finland is almost non-existent, allowing for the government to support the public school system completely. Money given to schools is based on need, so schools in poorer areas are given more money to pay for more resources and teacher aids. Finland also has one of the smallest gaps between top and bottom performing students.

#14 United States

Infographic by Anja Shahu

The United States’ education ranking has not changed drastically in the past decade.

According to Amanda Ripley, author of “The Smartest Kids in the World and How They Got That Way,” Finland and South Korea usually do not offer students the opportunity to play sports in school, believing that paying for the upkeep of sports teams takes away money from academics.

This separation between education and sports is non-existent in the United States.

Education in Maryland, currently ranked fifth in the United States according to the 2014 best high school ranking from US News & World Report, is substantially different than education in South Dakota, currently ranked 50th. These differences have created a large gap between the top and bottom performing students, which has resulted in the passage of acts like No Child Left Behind that put a larger emphasis on testing to measure achievement.

Currently, states have started adopting Common Core, a set of academic standards in math and English in an attempt to improve the education system.

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OCTOBER 27, 2014

The history of pink

FEATURE

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How students take on Breast Cancer Awareness Month

By Annika LaVina

with pink outfits that range from fuchWhen students think about October, sia to baby pink in order to show school pumpkin spice lattes, cool weather and support for the cause. This bright spirit hot chocolate come to mind. Colorful has been one of Leadership class’ longhues of autumn such as orange, red and held traditions.

“I love [the pink out spirit],” said seyellow also bring excitement. At WJ nior Kate Howie, a member of this however, another color also makes an year’s Leadership class. “You can reappearance: pink. ally see who cares about breast cancer Breast Cancer Awareness Month is awareness and it’s a great way to get a national and annual campaign that the entire school involved and it really attempts to raise awareness about shows our school spirit.” breast cancer and its side effects. Every “Pink Wednesdays” represent the Wednesday, the halls of WJ are dotted Susan G. Komen organization’s signa-

ture ribbon. As the color pink became more symbolic to the breast cancer cause, it was fused with the famous Mean Girls’ quote, “On Wednesdays we wear pink.”

Combined together, these creative symbols set the stage for a fun, easy way for the whole school to get involved in making a big change.

“We’re trying to continue the tradition and keep raising money for such a great cause,” said Howie.

In addition to raising awareness, Leadership class also raises funds. By selling bandanas and ribbons during lunch and collecting funds at the upcoming football games, the Leadership class hopes to raise enough funds in order to donate a hefty sum to the Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation, separate from the Susan G. Komen Foundation, by the end of October.

In order to keep students in the loop, Leadership class has set up additional efforts to increase involvement. The class’s official Twitter, Facebook and Instagram account all strive to help Photo by Kevin Lu Posters around the school remind students to wear pink on Wednesdays through the month of October. promote awareness, inform stu-

Information from the National Cancer Institute Infographic by Anja Shahu

dents about new spirit ideas and remind people about upcoming Wednesdays.

The school-wide spirit has reaped great benefits for a great cause.

“We also have our president Justin New speak over the announcements during lunch and after school to remind WJ to wear pink the next day,” said Howie.

In previous years, WJ has raised funds for the cause, and has continued the spirit of fundraising into their campaign for Pennies for Patients in February.

Study habits evolve throughout high school

By Allie Miljanic

in both the fall and the spring seasons, is all too familiar with this problem.

Every day a parent somewhere “I realized that taking three-hour complains about their child’s study naps at 11 p.m. to then [waking] up habits and time management skills. It and [doing] more work at 2 a.m. was is nothing new and is not something not an effective way to do work,” Jaffe that is going to change anytime soon, said. but what does change is how students All students have their own unique study as they mature and progress ways of studying and staying focused, through high school. The transition what works for one person may not from middle school to high school work for others. coursework is a huge one and, unforSenior Clara Moreno-Sanchez finds tunately for many students, is not a that she can only study in the Davis seamless shift.

Library study room and that group The way students study and learn studying is a distraction. Berger, in middle school or in their freshman Radhakrishnan, Jaffe and Morenoand sophomore years is drastically Sanchez said that while group studydifferent than when they are in the ing can be effective when it comes last two years of high school. Often to learning concepts, it is almost altimes, these are the years where stuways distracting when one really has dents take many AP classes and have to concentrate and get some sort of teachers who teach through lecturing reading done. only.

Photo by Sarah Schecker Starting high school is a daunting Senior Eli Berger has taken nine AP classes and 11 AP tests in the first As students progress through high school and learn new skills, their study habits change drastically. task, finishing is even more so; it is four years of growth academically, sothree years of high school.

“I’ve taken challenging courses in prove their GPA and other factors that and did everything at the last minute,” cially and personally. It is a time to be stressed beyond belief, be sleep dewhich I’d understand the lectures in may help their chances of getting into said junior Surya Radhakrishnan.

However, Radhakrishnan soon prived and have fun. Academics is obclass but would struggle when it came college. Students must also learn how to a quiz or test,” he said. “I realized that to manage obstacles such as procrasti- changed her study habits and started viously a priority for many, but some I needed to take the initiative to better nation that can add additional pressure meeting with teachers in her free time. feel that students’ social lives are also understand the material on my own to and result in stress. Procrastination is These small adjustments allowed her to important. Learning good time manmake sure I’m as prepared in the class an issue that almost every student will finish her work on time and even some- agement skills is essential to establishing struggle to cope with at some point, and times get ahead in her classes. a balance between academic and social as I can be.”

Learning how to effectively manage success. Study habits will continue to As the material in classes becomes one that every single student must learn more difficult and the course load in- to overcome through time management time is essential because students often evolve and develop as students continfind that poor skills in this department ue their education through college and creases, the stakes get higher. As stu- skills. “[In] freshman year I didn’t have as lead to sleep deprivation. when they potentially seek higher edudents progress further into their high Junior Lainie Jaffe, who plays sports cation. school career, they have less time to im- much work, but I would still be stressed

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FEATURE

OCTOBER 27, 2014

Baker sets up sister school in China

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Baker

In the future, Baker hopes to organize reciprocal visits between WJ students and students in China.

By Kevin Lu This month, principal Jennifer Baker traveled to Beijing, China and stayed there for seven days with the intention of establishing a new sister school. This sister school is called Yongding Branch of Secondary School Attached to Capital Normal University. It is the largest public school in the Mentougou district of Beijing.

Baker said she hopes that the establishment of the new partnership between WJ and Yongding will allow students from both schools to be able to interact with each other through Skype, email and other social media sites. She

also hopes that new learning opportunities will arise from this new partnership with Yongding.

Students from WJ will be able to visit the sister school. The first opportunity to visit will be during the spring break of this year.

“Students who are interested would be able to go and stay with host families over [in China],” Baker said.

“Students would be able to have an opportunity to learn from an-

other culture.”

Baker was not the only high school principal who traveled to China. Wootton principal Michael Doran and Rockville principal Billie-Jean Bensen accompanied Baker on the trip. Doran established a partnership with a school in China six years ago. Doran accompanied the other principals on this trip because his sister school was celebrating its 150th anniversary.

Doran was asked by the president of Laurel International, Randy Liu, to ask colleagues if they would be interested in setting up partnerships with other high schools in China. Laurel International

has helped established U.S.-China exchange programs since 1992. Laurel International sponsored and paid for the entire trip.

Songtao Shu, the Chinese teacher at WJ, helped her Chinese classes prepare a binder of gifts for Baker to give to the students at Yongding. The binder was filled with artwork and letters created by students. The letters were handwritten by students taking Chinese classes.

Baker also brought along some small WJ gifts like pins and scarfs that she hopes will be meaningful to the students at Yongding.

While Baker was away, current principal intern Afie Mirshah-Nayar took over Baker’s duties.

Baker said that although China and the U.S. are fundamentally different in their teaching styles and cultures, a partnership will give WJ students new

and valuable opportunities to interact with students from another country.

“We can learn from countries with deep culture,” Baker said.

In this case, that country would be on the other side of the world with a 12hour time difference and a distinctive teaching method.

The basic structure of teaching methods is similar but WJ goes deeper into the curriculum.

“They talk a lot about making sure that students feel loved and cared for and that they learn to value education,” Baker said. “They really care about more than just the academics.”

Shu hopes that a permanent student exchange program can be set up during the school year so students from Yongding can come to WJ during part of the school year and students from WJ can travel to China to learn at Yongding.

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Baker

Principal Baker organized a sister school relationship with Principal Shu of Yongding Branch of Secondary School Attached to Capital Normal University.

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OCTOBER 27, 2014

SPORTS

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Pitch

By Jake Weinischke Over the course of the past decade, fantasy sports have evolved from a meager industry into a dynamic leader in sports entertainment. Fantasy football in particular has exemplified this change, with roughly 16 million participants registered in several leagues such as ESPN and Yahoo, according to the Fantasy Sports Trade Association.

Fantasy football is an online, interactive competition between users who select players from the NFL to be on their fantasy rosters and then act as general manager of the compiled roster for the course of a season.The user who accumulates the most points wins.

Unlike many sports-oriented simulations, competitors in fantasy football

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18 Fantasy football gives participants a first-hand look inside an NFL front office SPORTS

do not necessarily need to know the nuts and bolts of football to succeed in their respective leagues; participants come from varying backgrounds. Some are football fanatics who know the game inside and out. Others have limited expertise, but instead play for competition’s sake and for the social scene which fantasy has inherently created.

Junior Patrick Winter is an avid NFL fan and fantasy player. According to him, knowing about football is definitely advantageous to fantasy members, but chance is also involved.

“Anytime you play a game where you have limited impact on the outcome, luck is definitely involved more than anything else,” said Winter.

The lack of necessary skills to play fantasy football have fostered an inclu-

sive community and undoubtedly been beneficial to the NFL. Come game day, many participants hover over their TV screens, tracking the performance of each player on their roster, increasing the league’s TV audience.

Some may even argue that fantasy has detracted from the mass media scrutiny regarding controversial topics such as domestic abuse, the Redskins name debate, traumatic brain injuries, and player safety, which have been plaguing the NFL for some time. However, others argue that the NFL has a sufficiently fortified fan base to face these challenges alone and that fantasy is just an additional bonus.

“Fans are fans no matter what,” said senior and fantasy football enthusiast Josh Bernstein. “Football will always

OCTOBER 27, 2014

be popular and advertising will always keep the NFL afloat.”

The idea that football has entrenched itself so deeply in society that nothing can derail its popularity is one shared by many.

“I think the league has a strong enough following that it has overcome these media frenzies just [because] of its popularity,” said Winter.

One thing is definite, and that is that fantasy football is on the rise. Furthermore, so is the game of football itself, and as teams around the country kick off for week nine, they are accompanied by millions of virtual players around the world.

Capitals skate into new era with defensive-minded coach Barry Trotz

By Hannah Sachs

Notoriously defensive-minded, Trotz After the Washington Capitals failed will shape this team, which is known to qualify for the playoffs for the first more for its offensive firepower, into a time since the 2006-2007 season, play- dynamic threat on both sides of the ice. ers and fans alike needed a change in The team has, in the past, lacked the management. Both General Manager strong, high level defensive skill needed (GM) George McPhee and Head Coach to win the Stanley Cup. Along with a new GM and head coach, Adam Oates lost their jobs after the the team acquired Matt Niskanen and disappointing season came to a close.

Brooks Orpik, two top-four defenseIn the seven years since they last failed to make the playoffs, the team has seen men who formerly played for the Caps’ four different coaches. Glen Hanlon, rival, the Pittsburgh Penguins. The two Bruce Boudreau and Dale Hunter pre- worked together previously in Pittsceded Adam Oates, but none of them burgh but were acquired by the Caps managed to pull off the ultimate end this past offseason to aid in revamping a defense that the Capitals so desperately goal: a Stanley Cup championship.

With high hopes, the new GM, Brian need.

This is the Capitals’ first time pickMacLellan, hired Barry Trotz as Head Coach. After 15 years with the Nash- ing a head coach with previous NHL ville Predators, Trotz’s contract was not experience since Ron Wilson was hired renewed in April after the team failed to in 1997. But Trotz is no stranger to the Capitals franchise. He was hired as a advance far into the playoffs. scout for the Capitals in 1987 which began his successful NHL career, leading to many opportunities including the head coach position in Nashville. A lot has changed since Trotz left; the Capitals fan base has grown i m m e n s e l y, and is notoriously enthusiastic and involved. Trotz Photo from Flickr, Ross Hollebon has mentioned Capitals head coach Barry Trotz watches a scrimmage during development that returning camp at Kettler Capitals Iceplex in Ballston, Va.

Infographic by Audrey Marek

to DC feels like coming back home after a long journey. He has uprooted his family for this job and they have moved from Nashville to Washington, making it clear that they are here to stay.

Trotz is renowned for his boisterous and extremely expressive personality - a definite shift from the Oates’ reserved coaching style that players and fans had become accustomed to.Trotz is recognized as a no-nonsense kind of guy who

at the same time is generally well respected and liked by his players. In the preseason he implemented changes both on and off the ice. In the rink, a strict training standard with timed skates and drills was put into effect. And back in the locker room, the quote “To whom much is given, much is expected” was placed above the doorway as a constant reminder to his players of the ultimate goal.

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Pitch

OCTOBER 27, 2014

SPORTS

Q&A with the Fall All-Pitch Team

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by JakeWeinischke and Patrick Jorling

Athlete

What’s one song that describes you in a nutshell?

Celebrity crush?

What is your favorite pregame meal?

Chess or checkers?

Favorite genre of music?

Christian Campbell Junior Football

“Trophies” by Drake

Keke Palmer

Panda Express

Checkers; Chess is too hard

R&B, rap and gospel

Curry

Checkers

[Depends] on how I’m feeling

Kismet Tuli Senior Boys Soccer Cammie Murtha Sophomore Girls Soccer

“Dolce and Gabbana” Alex Morgan or

by Riff Raff Sofia Vergara “Shake it Off”

by Taylor Swift

Theo James

Eggs and Starbucks Coffee

Checkers

Anything I can dance to

“We Move Like the Ocean”

by Bad Suns

Joe Dempsie

Grilled Cheese

Checkers

Alternative

Hannah Teicher Senior Field Hockey

“‘Till I Collapse”

by Eminem

Braden Holtby

Carrots, cheese, crackers and apple slices

Checkers

Country

Jenna Schiponi Senior Girls Tennis

“Shake it Off”

by Taylor Swift

Channing Tatum

Peanut butter sandwich

Checkers

Country

“Work Hard, Play Hard”

by Wiz Khalifa

Ryan Reynolds

Eggs and a banana

Checkers

Pop

White chocolate macadamia nut Clif Bar

Checkers because Ben Resnick beat me in chess

Iggy [Azalea]

Emily Burk Senior Volleyball

Kiernan Keller Senior Girls Cross Country

Itai Bezherano Senior “Milkshake” by Kelis Kassidi Baldwin Boys Cross Country Noah Moss Junior Golf

“As Long as You Love Me”

by Justin Bieber

Tiger Woods

Sushi

Chess

Justin Bieber

Jake Goodman Senior Handball

“Wild Wild Love”

by Pitbull

AnnaSophia Robb

Pizza

Chess

Rap

Leading off: October rejuvenates baseball

By Patrick Jorling

Photo by Sarah Schecker

On the surface, it may seem that baseball’s popularity is on the decline.

The sport has been maligned for being too slow and lacking the star power and excitement of football. While it may be true that baseball’s television ratings have been steadily trending downward as detailed by information from Sports Business Journal, the sport is certainly not on the decline. This year’s playoffs serve as a prime example of peaked interest in America’s national pastime, as close games are being played nightly in front of packed stadiums full of vibrant fans.

Even though local baseball teams’ playoff runs came up short, students at

WJ are walking through the halls sporting their Nationals and Orioles gear more than ever because of their recent successes.

Star power is certainly not lacking in the league either, as young stars such as Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels, and local stars Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals and Manny Machado of the Baltimore Orioles have all shown their ability on a national stage. And the most impressive fact about them is that many stars are under the age of 25.

While the days of steroid-inflated offensive numbers may be in the past, fans are being treated to some of the best pitchers that have been seen in decades.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw recorded a miniscule 1.70 earned run average in 2014, the lowest for a starting pitcher since Greg Maddux in 1995. More pitchers light up the radar gun with their amazing arms, with Aroldis Chapman of the Cincinnati Reds and Craig Kimbrel of the Atlanta Braves routinely reaching 100 mph. All facets of the game are being played at a higher level than ever.

While baseball games can sometimes drag on over three hours, the 2014 play-

offs have shown that the timeless nature of baseball can provide excitement not rivaled in any other sport. This year’s American League wild-card playoff game between the Kansas City Royals and Oakland Athletics was no exception. The game was four hours and 45 minutes of intense drama, with the Royals, down 7-3 in the seventh inning and seemingly dead, rising to life, forcing the game into extra innings and eventually walking off with the win in the eleventh inning. If there was proof that every pitch of a four hour baseball game could be riveting and action packed, that game was a prime example.

Kansas City advanced on to the American League Championship series where they faced the hometown Baltimore Orioles, and produced another instant classic in game one. The Royals, playing off of the momentum from the Wild Card Game and their three game sweep of the Los Angeles Angels, jumped out to an early five to one lead. But the resilient Orioles responded with a vengeance, as they got four runs in the next two innings to tie the game. The two went at it for 10 riveting innings of baseball, with the Royals coming out on top with two home runs in the tenth

inning. For four hours and 37 minutes, two of the league’s best went back and forth as they vied for an early series lead, and captivated viewers throughout its entirety.

Steps are also being taken to shorten these games and increase the pace of play, as Major League Baseball is trying out a 20-second pitch clock in the Arizona Fall League, a developmental program for top prospects, in the hope of speeding the game up. If the pitcher does not deliver the pitch within the 20 second time frame from when they step on the pitching rubber, it counts as an automatic ball. The test has already been a success, as a game finished in two hours and 14 minutes, which is drastically shorter than the average Major League game in 2014, which was over three hours.

The 2014 playoffs are combining heart-pounding action that captivates fans along with providing a stage for the game’s brightest young stars to a national audience. If they are any indication, the game is not declining, but will only be growing for years to come.

Sports

The Caps revamp with Barry Trotz, plus an inside look at fantasy football

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What’s Inside

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The Pitch recognizes the All-Pitch team and discusses baseball’s popularity OCTOBER 27, 2014

Soccer SCORES in hearts, minds of students

By Daniel Flesch The steady rise in popularity of soccer at WJ can be attributed to the successes of past teams, which in turn has changed sports culture, setting the foundation for wide-spread school interest.

“The WJ team traditionally does well and it’s easier to attract fans when we’re winning games,” said senior Jackson Lange, one of the captains for the boys team.

This idea is corroborated by girls varsity captain, senior Katelyn Danco.

“I think [the games] are fun and exciting to watch,” said Danco.

Four years ago, boys varsity went to the State Championship. At that time, the team’s roster featured two freshmen, Gedion Zelalem and Jeremy Ebobisse.

Zelalem is now playing for Arsenal in Barclays Premier league while Ebobisse is a freshman starter on Duke University’s mens team this year.

“I think it’s really incredible what they’ve done,” said Lange. “I was able to play with Jeremy but not Gedion, but it’s fun to watch them play on these bigger stages and follow their progress. It goes to show there’s a lot of talent in this area.”

With the help of both Ebobisse and Zelalem, along with an extremely talented group of upperclassmen, led by former head coach Mike Willams, in 2011 WJ qualified for its first State Championship appearance since 2006.

Last year, in their first season under the watch of Head Coach Hector Morales, the boys reached the regional finals where they lost in a heartbreaker to Magruder 1-0. This year, the team hopes to reach the regional finals again with the guidance of a strong core of senior leaders.

Girls varsity has earned success in its own right, compiling a winning record so far this season.

Danco credits the team’s success with their cohesion.

Teamwork has been the girls’ forte.

“We have learned the value of working together, and that is much more rewarding than trying to play as individuals,” said Danco.

Furthermore, the standard set by both teams in previous years has been a form of motivation for the teams today.

“I think that pride in WJ soccer drives both teams

for success,” said Danco. “These factors combine con- enrolled in the PE soccer class.

With a vibrant buzz surrounding the soccer program, sistently leave WJ among the top teams in the area.” the passion students have for the game is continuing to Both captains agree that the way underclassmen are blossom. systematically developed on varsity is critical to the success of current and future teams.

“I do make the underclassmen work,” said Morales. “Keeping the younger players and moving up JV players at the end of their season builds confidence and experience for the upcoming years.”

Elizabeth Friedman, the girls varsity head coach, has a similar approach to handling underclassmen on her team.

“Having underclassmen from the start ensures some type of stability within the program so you are not constantly rebuilding from scratch,” said Friedman.

The emphasis on bringing up new talent has led WJ to being one of the most renowned public school soccer programs in the area. Additionally, it has sparked new interest in recreational participation in the sport.

Right now, over 120 students Photo courtesy of Melissa West currently participate in PE soc- Sophomore midfielder Isabel Jabara defends the ball from an opposing Whitman player. cer. The students usually practice drills and scrimmage each week.

“The class has a whole range of talent; I have had kids that have never played [soccer] before, and kids on junior national teams,” said Butch Worden, one of the PE soccer teachers at WJ. The class does different soccer-related activities during class including games like Futsal and Soccer Golf. This class allows students at all skill levels to enjoy the game and participate.

“It’s a fun class and Worden is chill,” said senior Kismet Tuli, a varsity soccer player who is also

Photo by Sarah Schecker

Senior midfielder Kyle Madden takes a free kick against Blake on senior night, Oct. 21.

Photo courtesy of Melissa West

Photo by Sarah Schecker

The 2014 boys varsity soccer team huddles prior to their senior night game on Oct.21 against Blake.

Sophomore midfielder Rachel Lux guards the ball from an opposing defender during a game at Blair High School.