THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR JOAQUIN Hurricane scare ends up overblown
CHILLIN’ & GRILLIN’ BBQ club grows in popularity every year
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RFMS Eagle
FROSTY TO CABIN JOHN ALUMNI Student ratios bring a Frost-led homecoming court 11
BRINGING HOME THE W Football ends losing streak with homecoming win 13
Malcolm Amobi ‘16
Thomas S. Wootton High School | 2100 Wootton Parkway | Rockville, MD woottonnews.com
@woottonnews
Volume 45, Issue 3 | October 19, 2015
Students show spirit, staggering swagger Photos by Felipe Mejia Captions by Felipe Mejia and Matt Silverman
Both at school and on the basketball courts, senior Michael Myers wears his Arron Afflalo Denver Nug gets jersey. “I like to give it my all when I am breaking ankles during pickup basketball and when I’m working on this homework I didn’t finish last night,” Myers said.
Students gather around the limbo pole in the cafeteria on Class Color Friday. The SGA held spirit building activities in the cafeteria all week long.
Langston Thomas shows off his patriotic, wild-West spirit for Western Wednesday. ”I wore the hat to look like a cowboy straight out of Texas and the American flag bandana to represent my love for America regardless of what spirit day it is,” Thomas said.
Senior Jake McCasland gives his best tourist impression on “Tacky Tourist” Thursday. Students around the school sported Hawaiian-print shirts, floral clothing, and plenty of socks with sandals.
Students of all grades came together to form a sea of red, white and blue on Spirit Friday. Excitement filled the hot, early fall air as the marching band performed and as the members of the freshman, sophomore and junior homecoming court were announced. “Wearing my white BBQ Club today was a wise choice,” senior Nathaniel Rosov said. Shortened classes and fellow classmates showing off their skills? What’s not to like about pep rallies?
Photo courtesy Jackie Kempa
These are the pajamas we are looking for. Senior Andrew Guiberson rocks his Vader-approved, Stor mtrooper onesie to school for Pajama Monday. “I felt like today was the perfect day to rep the Empire and be comfortable while doing it,” Guiberson said.
While the underclassmen and junior court was announced at pep rally, senior king and queen were announced at the dance itself. “It felt amazing. I was so surprised when they called my name,” senior Jackie Kempa said. “Thank you to all of those who voted for me. It’s great to think about how supportive my friends and class are.”
Publications rack up awards in Columbia competition
Allie Lowy editor-in-chief The Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA), the governing body for high school and college publications, rewarded all three of the school publications for their steadfast dedication to excellence in their respective crafts. The yearbook, Fife & Drum, and the newspaper, Common Sense, both won the highest of awards, CSPA gold medals, and the newspaper also won “All Columbia Honors” in two out of three categories, more than any other year under advisor Evva Starr’s leadership. Pulp Literary Magazine editors Sophia Menconi, editor-in-chief, and former editors JoAnna Mak, Anjali Ravi and Konsantin Mekhontsev won
individual awards. As for Common Sense, arts editor Julia Gastwirth and former newspaper editors Liz Leung, Myles Romm, Allie Greenspun, Jared Beinart, and Brian Gastwirth won individual awards. Menconi and former literary magazine editors-in-chief Mak and Ravi -- who now attend the University of Maryland College Park -- won a Certificate of Merit for Aether, last year’s edition of the magazine. Former photography editor Mekhontsev and Menconi won third place in the category of typography on one page or spread for “Houseplant.” Individually, Mekhonstev received first place for his photography portfolio of work, Mak won second place in the category of literary multi-page presentation for “Birds
with Mustaches” and Ravi won second place for her literary portfolio. Mak expressed her excitement with lit mag’s awards. “I was surprised to hear we won anything in the Overall Design category, since the three of us (me and Anjali and Sophia) had extremely limited InDesign experience before second semester of last year,” Mak said. “I’m glad our crazy hours in the lab paid off. I’m also really proud of the rest of my staff on their awards. Newspaper won a slew of awards across an array of sections, from opinion to sports to arts to front page. Former opinion editor Liz Leung, who is now a
see CSPA, page 4
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News
Common Sense | October 19, 2015
BBYO mobilizes to maximize convention registration, holds global launch parties
Fantasy Sports scandal generates legal action against Fanduel, Draftkings Recently controversial commercials from Fanduel and Draftkings have pushed a debate over the legal status of Fantasy Sports into the worldwide spotlight. The whole scandal that went national on Oct. 5, mainly focuses on Draftkings employee Ethan Haskell. On Sept. 27, Haskell claimed to have accidentally posted the player ownership data for Draftkings Millionaire Maker tournament, a tournament that rewards first place just over $1 million. A week later Haskell won $350,000 on Fanduel, coming in second place in a big tournament, where his team contained players of very low ownership. Later that day, Fanduel and Draftkings released a statement. The New York Times ran a story with the headline, “Scandal Erupts in Unregulated World of Fantasy Sports.” The boom in commercials from each industry has prompted immediate attention from legislators. New Jersey congressman Frank Pallone called for a hearing on the legality of Fantasy Sports. His encouragement to address Fantasy Sports’ legal status, voiced in a letter to the GOP leaders of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, has been criticized as a poor use of congressional time that could be used to address prominent socioeconomic issues. On Oct. 8, Adam Johnson from Kentucky filed a lawsuit against Draftkings and Fanduel for false advertising. Johnson’s case can use false advertising from the commercials due to the fact that .5 percent of players account for 98.5 percent of winning lineups on both sites. Both sites have banned employees from playing any DFS site for money. For now, Fanduel and Draftkings are still up and running. - Radley Ellenbogen, staff writer
At a basic level, BBYO is an international organization. From that point, it is separated into regions; Montgomery County is part of NRE, which covers three councils: D.C. Council, Baltimore Council and Northern Virginia Council. Students here who are involved in BBYO are members of NRE,
teens and parents frantically tapped away at their phones and computers to sign up and be put Throngs of Jewish students on the waitlist for attendance arrived at California Pizza immediately. “IC is a great place Kitchen in Rio on the evening to see your friends from summer of Oct. 8 to register for programs or even ones you’ve BBYO’s upcoming International met through mutual friends,” Convention and rally spirit junior Ronnie Schoen said. “You for their designated region, want to sign up right away so Northern Region you know for sure East. you can see them. BBYO holds When you register its International for IC, you, along Convention (IC) with 4,000 other annually, typically people, are put on in February, and a waiting list and in recent years the the hope is that the event has garnered sooner you get on an attendance of over the sooner you’ll get 3,000 Jewish teens off.” hailing from a wide S t u d e n t s variety of countries. involved in BBYO The location of IC zealously await changes every year Feb. 11 to Feb. 16, and in 2016 it will be 2016 when they hosted in Baltimore. will be surrounded An IC in Maryland by a worldwide is an enticing prospect community and for local BBYO constantly engaged members firstly At BBYO’s IC 2015 in Atlanta, GA, popular rapper Hoodie Allen surprised attendees with a rowdy concert. and entertained. because it eliminates “The convention travel expenses, which can D.C. Council and their individual for IC. Between 6:30 p.m. and begins with Opening make a $950 convention even local chapters. 9 p.m., teens buzzed about the Ceremonies, announcing each less affordable for financially Active members of BBYO restaurant talking to their friends region and celebrating us coming insecure families. The location are enthusiastic about the choice and entering contests. together,” senior Elliott Davis also unites and invigorates to host IC in Baltimore because As the council held its own said. “Throughout the weekend Northern Region East (NRE), it brings global attention to NRE launch party, other IC registration there are icebreakers, leadership where Baltimore is situated. In and might encourage participants launch parties occurred across programming, Shabbat services addition to having a male branch to become more active in the the country, even across the and electives, experiencing the called Aleph Zadik Aleph organization. “When you have globe. These parties were part surrounding area, international (AZA) and a female branch a bigger regional representation, of a coordinated strategy to board elections and a concert. called B’nai Brith Girls (BBG) not only does it make IC more magnify convention attendance But the best part is the similarly to the Greek system, fun because you’re with your and unify regional spirit efforts. development and strengthening BBYO is organized based on close friends from home, but When 8 p.m. struck and IC of relationships between Jewish whereabouts. it also allows the members of registration officially opened, teens from all over the world.” Rachel Altman news editor
NRE to show off their pride for their own region more easily,” sophomore Margot Bartol said. D.C. Council board members planned an IC launch party at California Pizza Kitchen in order to elevate regional spirit and create a fun environment where BBYO members and their parents could register online
Photo coutresty BBYO Facebook page
Brief online buyer becomes Google’s friend with (charitable) benefits On Oct. 8, Google rewarded Sammay Ved, the man who bought Google for just one minute. Google originally told Ved that he wouldn’t receive any money for what they claim was an “accidental transaction.” Ved claimed he never cared about the money but thought it was cool to be that “guy who bought google.com for one minute,” according to Business Insider. After some deciding Google decided to double Ved’s reward since he planned to give all of it to charity. “It was never about the money. I also want to set an example that it’s people who want to find that it’s not always about the money,” Ved said according to Business Insider. Ved managed to buy the Google domain for $12. He gained access to some of the company’s webmaster tools, which contained information about the domain that was intended to be private, before Google cancelled the sale. This isn’t a first for Google as the company regularly rewards people who can “discover hiccups” in their system as part of their securityvulnerabilities program. Ved decided to donate the money to an Indian foundation that focuses on “bringing education to the slums,” according to Business Insider. As a result, Google offered to double the amount of money to go toward The Art of Living India.
NASA orbiter discovers running water on face of Mars Maria Hafeez managing editor
The latest discovery from the team behind NASA’s Mars and Science Laboratory/Curiosity reveals that billions of years ago there was water on Mars. Three years ago, the team launched a rover named Curiosity onto Gale Crater to explore the area. According to Fox News, the data gathered confirmed that water helped deposit sediment onto the crater. B e f o r e Curiosity landed on Mars, it was already believed that the crater had been filled with layers of sediment. How the crater was filled was unknown, leading to multiple theories. The new data reveals that sediment of the bottom layers of the crater were caused by ancient rivers or lakes. “Observations from the rover suggest that a series of long-lived streams and lakes existed at some point between 3.8 and 3.3 billion years ago, delivering sediment that slowly built up the lower layers of Mount Sharp,” Mars Science Laboratory Project scientist Ashwin Vasavada said, to businessinsider.com. Curiosity is located near a mountain called Mount Sharp, which may have the
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presence of recurring slope linae (RSLs). The rover may even be able to gather samples and analyze them in greater detail than the satellites used by scientists. Receiving these samples may not prove easy because Curiosity might not be allowed to travel onto the mountain due to possible contamination issues. Cassie Conley, NASA’s planetary protection officer, is in charge of deciding if allowing the rover to roam the area will keep the planet and its water safe
contaminated the rover when it was first launched is still alive after three years. Until scientists can figure out the level of contamination on the rover, they cannot send Curiosity near the RSLs because it runs the risk of contaminating future searches for life on Mars. The discovery of water on Mars is exciting for scientists and students alike. “It’s amazing that the evidence they found proved that there were huge lakes on Mars several billion years ago. Now the challenge is to find out how it was possible on Mars and what happened to it,” junior Rhea Kulkarni said. “This discovery can open the doors to discovering other life forms on other planets.” If Curiosity is cleared to explore the mountain, more information about the planet can be revealed and used to discover more about Earth’s closest neighbor. “What we thought we knew about Mars is constantly being put to the test,” lead scientist for NASA’s Mars Exploration Program at NASA Headquarters Michael Meyer said to businessinsider.com. “It’s clear that the Mars of billions of years ago more closely resembled Earth than it does today.”
The evidence they found proved that there were huge lakes on Mars several billion years ago.” -Rhea Kulkarni, grade 11 from contamination. Conley’s job is to serve as a planetary protection officer for Mars and any other alien surface NASA explores and to protect these areas from Earth-based contamination from microorganisms. Conley understands that it is impossible to sterilize any alien surface completely so she focuses on determining how much contamination is acceptable. Determining how contaminated Curiosity is presents another problem: scientists are unsure if the bacteria that
News
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Common Sense | October 19, 2015
NHS hosts annual Walk for the Homeless indoors Students raise money for Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless
Despite an immense amount of rain and a threat of inclement weather due to Hurricane Joaquin, the National Honor Society (NHS) made appropriate accommodations and continued with their Walk for the Homeless. NHS organizes the Walk for the Homeless, an annual September event, with help from their sponsor, social studies teacher Fevronia Cresham. The money, compiled from walker donations, goes to the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless. “People should participate in the Walk for the Homeless because the money raised from the walk directly helps MCCH provide the homeless with a home,” senior NHS officer George Trapaidze said. Despite the poor weather, the success and spirit of the walk went uncompromised due to the NHS’s accommodative and organized ‘Plan B.’ The walk’s course was moved inside
and planned around the first floor of the school, with Cresham’s room acting as the official starting, finishing and lap point. The effects of the weather along with the NHS’s hard work proved to be a lucky combination, as the walk raised a total of $3,100. This school’s donations alone were enough to help a veteran suffering from both Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and physical disabilities. The contributions allowed MCCH to place this homeless veteran into an apartment, as well as sign a one-year lease and buy furniture. “I’m actually so pleased with the turnout—especially because the walk got rained out. It’s just amazing to see what an amazing community we have to see everyone come out and support such a great cause,” senior board member Julia Fanzeres said. Those who participated in the walk not only contributed to helping the homeless, but also earned SSL and NHS hours for walking and donations.
Photo by George Trapaidze
Rachel Clair features editor
Students walk through the school while participating in the NHS Walk for the Homeless to raise money and support those in need.
SGA scrambles to reach homecoming ticket sales quota Zach Lowy managing editor
We’ve all seen it happen in movies. The hero needs to save the day before the bell rings, before the powder keg explodes, before time runs out and the referee blows his whistle. However, we rarely see such desperation in our daily livessuch clutch feats with the clock ticking. But three days before the homecoming tickets sale ended, the Student Government Association (SGA) had only sold 200 tickets, a quarter of what they needed to sell for the dance to happen. “We were told in SGA we needed to sell 800 tickets in order
to still have a dance, and halfway through ticket sales, we realized we weren’t even an eighth of the way there,” senior SGA secretary Carly Haynes said. “We got nervous and made sure to remind students through social media and other forms of communication every night. We thought of alternative ideas, like setting up a table in the Commons or even a laptop, but due to student obligations, it was too difficult.” A last-minute “BUY YOUR HOMECOMING TICKETS” campaign by tons of students on Twitter sold SGA enough tickets to still have a dance. Ticket sales
have slowly been dwindling over the past couple of years due to the increased concentration on homework and extracurricular activities. This fear of not selling enough tickets was reflected when for the first time, SGA was told they needed to meet a specified quota of ticket sales for the dance to happen. “It’s been about the same percentage we drop every year. If we didn’t do anything and take action then it would’ve been continually dropping,” senior SGA president Melanie McLean said. If SGA had sold all of its 1,500 tickets, they would’ve been
much closer to their goal of having a “Rock The Vote” Spring Project. Instead, for the past two years they have just reached the bare minimum to have homecoming, and Rock The Vote is unlikely to happen. While they might still have a political awareness campaign in the fourth quarter, it would be far less extravagant with no big-name concert headliners. Perhaps this failure to sell tickets can be partially attributed to SGA’s theme and planning, but it can be also argued that the annual tradition of homecoming itself should automatically attract at least 1,000 students to drop an Andrew
School adjusts to faculty changes John Riker staff writer
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Jackson and Abraham Lincoln, to engage in one of the most prevailing and ubiquitous elements in one’s high school career. For this school in particular, with unparalleled losses and struggle, it might be expected that all sectors of the student body come together for what is seemingly one of the most memorable nights in a teenager’s life. “I’m disappointed in the student body and the lack of care about school-sponsored events. We’ve been through so much together, it’s a shock that we don’t have the best school spirit,” McLean said.
The death of Dr. Michael Doran in late August resulted in five changes in the school’s staff, beginning with Kimberly Boldon’s promotion from 12th grade administrator to acting principal, affecting the entire school community. On August 19, Doran, who served as principal for the last 12 years, was found dead in his apartment. The death sent shockwaves through the community, from faculty members to students to community members. “It makes me sad,” Acting Principal Kimberly Boldon said. “It still hasn’t hit me in many ways.” Doran’s death caused immediate changes in the school’s staff. Boldon said that every year, the school submits emergency plans in case the principal is unable to fulfill duties. Boldon was the designated acting principal, so she was promoted following Doran’s death. “Everything that has happened with Dr. Doran’s passing has been surreal,” Boldon said. “I have had aspirations of becoming a principal, but I couldn’t imagine that these were the circumstances.” The promotion of Boldon, who was previously the 12th grade administrator, caused another void. “I felt strongly that everyone else in terms of positions would be filled internally,” Boldon said. Crystal Dovman, the previous assistant administrator (ASA), filled the empty position. That left the ASA position open and to find the replacement Boldon looked in the English department. Jaclynn Rozansky, the resource teacher in the English department, was chosen to move into the administrative role. When Rozansky moved to the ASA
position, English teacher Mike Dickel was asked to become the new English resource teacher. Dickel kept several classes and Kristen Haynes, a former long-term substitute teacher, was hired to teach Dickel and Rozansky’s other classes. Despite all of these changes, Boldon believes that the school year started well. “We were successful with the first day of school,” she said. “Given the circumstances, I think it went well.” Students have taken the changes in stride, even those directly affected. “I liked Mr. Dickel, but Ms. Haynes is also fine teacher,” freshman Joshua Rabinowitz said, who is enrolled in one of Haynes’s English classes. Another freshman, Andrew Fisk, holds a similar view. “I’m fine with the change. Ms. Haynes is a good teacher.” Boldon has experience as both a teacher and administrator. She came to the school in 2000 as an English teacher and held the position until 2004. After spending several years at Richard Montgomery, Boldon returned in 2007 as a resource teacher. In 2012, she was promoted to the position of assistant principal. A week before school started, Boldon was notified that she would be the acting principal for this school year. So far, Boldon’s transition has been smooth. “It is different having my eye on the big picture,” Boldon said. “There are certain aspects that I like. For me, personally, I love being in a school and I love working with students and that doesn’t change.” Even with the changes, Boldon is optimistic about the future of the school and suspects that the community will continue to thrive despite previous hardships. “There are problems,” she said. “But there is nothing that we can’t overcome.”
News Newspaper, litmag win Hurricane Joaquin wrecks the Bahamas, whiffs the East Coast awards from CSPA
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from CSPA, page 1
college, the hard work I put into this paper in high school is still being recognized and that’s a great feeling,” Greenspun said. “I also happened to find out that I won the award while I was sitting in one of my college journalism classes, which really just reaffirmed for me that journalism is what I want to do with my life.” As for sports, former sports editor Brian Gastwirth placed third in the country for sports commentary for his article “Stadium lacks catchy nickname, time for change.” Gastwirth, who has since matriculated to Vanderbilt University, was excited to learn of his receipt of the award. “I was really honored to win an award for my sports writing,” Gastwirth said. “It was a pleasant surprise for me at Vanderbilt and is really a testament to how hard everyone worked last year.” Excellence in newspaper apparently runs in the Gastwirth family. Junior arts editor Julia Gastwirth won a Certificate of Merit for typography for her arts page featuring senior Julia Fanzeres and former student Max Fowler locking lips in the play “The Drowsy Chaperone.” Inspired by the praise and recognition, all three publications look forward to improving their final products in the year to come.
Alex Bellot staff writer
Hurricane Joaquin originated in the Atlantic Basin and left the Bahamas in shock after it lashed over the islands for several days. Joaquin left its mark as it brought flooding and destroyed homes and businesses throughout the towns in the islands. A recovery effort has been put together and is expected to take months, possibly years to complete. Although there were no fatalities, thousands of people have been left homeless, unemployed or without basic needs. Volunteers have recently been delivering supplies by plane and boat to local residents. Students are aware of the situation and feel the need to offer their support. “I feel terrible for the people who lost their homes, I think everyone should do what they can to help the recovery,” junior Georgia BartelsNewton said. Joaquin was a category four hurricane that reached surface winds up to 155 mph, only two mph from being a category five hurricane. Joaquin first developed in the Atlantic Ocean on Sept. 27, and intensified rapidly as it made its way to the Bahamas and rose along the East Coast until Oct. 7. The storm not only affected the Bahamas, but also made a huge
impact in South Carolina. Joaquin but I don’t understand why the caused chaotic floods, which were captain would sail right into the said to be the worst flooding in storm.” South Carolina history. Record The hurricane didn’t hit land up downpours were reported to have north like people were anticipating. reached about seven to 20 inches Joaquin didn’t quite live up to the near Charleston and Columbia. hype it stirred, as the worst thing Along with the flooding came it brought was heavy rain. The stranded cars, ground-level houses hurricane was expected to cost flooding, and numerous power billions in damages and people outages. Unlike the Bahamas, were preparing for what they seven people were killed in South thought would be a storm filled Carolina during the storm. with flooding and power outages. One question that remains The hurricane only brought cloudy unanswered is the location of the days for a week straight. “I’m glad missing cargo ship, El Faro, that the storm didn’t hit us bad; I was sailed into the path of Joaquin and really scared that the hurricane sunk east of the Bahamas. El Faro would cause a lot of damage,” was carrying 28 American and five junior Rachel Feldman said. Polish crew members when it was last heard from on Oct. 1. The Coast Guard as well as the owner of the ship believes that the ship sank 15,000 feet to the ocean floor and all searches to find it have been suspended. All that has been recovered from El Faro was a damaged lifeboat, a raft, and the dead body of one of the American crew members. “That’s something a lot of people don’t This was the original path that hurricane Joaquin know about,” senior Al was suppose to take. It ended up missing the Mirzania said. “It’s tragic East Coast.
Photo courtesy Tribune News Service
freshman at UMCP, placed second in the country for her editorial page design portfolio of work. Leung was surprised by her receipt of the award, but nonetheless happy that her hard work was recognized. “The award took me by a shock,” Leung said. “I didn’t expect to win an award for anything, much less page design. I spent time working on my pages because I loved how clean the end result was and it makes me proud to know that the pages are commendable from the standard of a third party.” Romm, last year’s other opinion editor, was also rewarded with a CSPA award, winning third place in the category of oped design portfolio of work. As for front page, former managing editors Allie Greenspun and Jared Beinart won a Certificate of Merit for page one design. Greenspun, who is continuing to nurture her love for journalism at the University of Missouri’s prestigious School of Journalism, expressed her excitement to have won the award, which not only rewarded her for her hard work, but reaffirmed the notion that journalism was her calling. “Even now after graduating from high school and moving hundreds of miles away for
Common Sense | October 19, 2015
Arts
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Common Sense | October 19, 2015
Wootton Center for the Arts presents...
Edges: A Song Cycle
Song cycle - a group of art songs that are usually all by the same poet and composer and have a unifying subject or idea
Senior Cole Abod focuses on his piano-playing in the pit.
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Edges is completely different than any other show that Wootton’s done in a long time. It’s essentially a snapshot of about a dozen different lives, a dozen different situations of people who want to change for the better. The show portrays events that everyone can associate with, whether they’ve been directly involved in a situation or not. Edges isn’t just entertainment: it’s thought-provoking art. - Cole Abod, senior
Junior stage crew member Aaron Green works behind-the-scenes to construct the stage.
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This set is designed by Cameron Walkup, which is amazing because it is the first student-designed set since the Wizard of Oz in 2012. The show really gives insight into what it is like becoming an adult. Having such a small cast and crew really helped us to get to know each other and allows us to create a cohesive show. - Aaron Green, junior
Junior sound designer Roma Venkateswaran works to operate the microphones of the performers.
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As the sound designer, I run the board and help crew members in charge of the microphones. This production is really different than anything I’ve ever done as a sound designer because the show is all singing. I find this show to be easier than most because there’s not as much diversity in terms of songs, dialogue, sound effects and the pit. - Roma Venkateswaran, junior
Photos by Felipe Mejia
Junior Emily Ray performs at a dress rehearsal.
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The rehearsal process is a tedious for sure. We’ve been working until 8 p.m. most nights for the past week. That said, I think that all of our practice is going to make for a great show that everyone should come and see. - Emily Ray, junior
Theatres attract movie Fall ushers in action, laughs, horror lovers with lush perks New TV shows captivate teenage audience Smriti Gupta commons editor Scream Queens: Scream Queens is a mixed-genre show involving horror, comedy and drama. The show is centered around a group of college students who live in a sorority called Kappa Kappa Tau. After the induction of new members, things at Kappa Kappa Tau begin to take a horrifying turn. A person in a red devil costume begins a murder spree and attacks the sorority girls. The series follows the girls as they try to discover the identity of this mysterious killer. A handful of popular Hollywood actors star in the show such as Emma Roberts, who plays the leader of Kappa Kappa Tau, Keke Palmer, Lea Michele, Nick Jonas and Ariana Grande. Quantico Quantico is a thriller series about a group of students at the FBI training base in Quantico, VA.The main character, Alex Parrish, is played by the famous Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra. The plot follows Parrish as she interacts and trains with the other students at Quantico.
At the end of the first episode, the viewers are flashed forward to a scene in which Agent Parrish is lying on the ground amongst a pile of broken . It is revealed that a terrorist has blown up Grand Central Station and Parrish has been identified as a possible suspect. Parrish declares that she is innocent, but the FBI do not believe her. Through each episode, the viewers are flashed back and forth between the FBI training base and Parrish’s attempts to uncover who is framing her. The Muppets Produced by ABC studios, The Muppets is a mockumentary comedy series about puppets and their daily lives. The show follows the Muppet Characters as they go behind the scenes of Miss Piggy’s late night talk show, Up Late with Miss Piggy. The Muppet characters each have a role in Miss Piggy’s production team. Kermit the frog is the executive producer of the show, Fozzie Bear is Miss Piggy’s co-host Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem, the opening band performers.
Sydney Cohen staff writer ArcLight in Montgomery Mall in Bethesda and iPic in North Bethesda have become two of the top movie theaters in Montgomery County. They both serve to bring a more upscale experience to audiences, but also have differences. The most prominent similarity between the two is that both theaters offer wider, more comfortable seating, and with that steeper ticket prices than a typical movie theater. According to the ArcLight website, ArcLight tickets go for $13.75 with a $3 discount for senior citizens. The differences begin with iPic having a membership option, which gives moviegoers a discount from $18 to $14 on the “premium” option, according to iPic’s website. Membership is free on the first level and comes with perks such as
special email offers and deals on food and drink, but the price of membership escalates throughout the four levels. For an additional $10, the “premium plus” option offers reclining seats, a blanket and pillow, and in-theater food and beverage service, including bottomless popcorn, according to the iPic website. Another area of common ground is the variety of food. According to Bethesda Magazine, as well as the typical popcorn, candy and soda, ArcLight additionally has a café, which offers food including but not limited to pizza, wings and lobster rolls. iPic follows suit, with food items ranging from biscuits, hamburgers and lobster rolls. They each aim to serve food that is not crunchy and distracting to the movie. Both theaters are new within the past year. iPic opened on Halloween in 2014 and ArcLight on the next weekend, Nov. 7.
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Opinion
Common Sense | October 19, 2015
Editorial Staff Editors-in-Chief Alex Klugerman Alessandra Lowy Catherine Yang Managing Editors Maria Hafeez Zach Lowy Matt Silverman Arts Editor Julia Gastwirth Commons Editors Smriti Gupta Chanta’l Nomen Shelby Ting Features Editors Rachel Clair Max Jordan Gwen Klein News Editors Rachel Altman Sarah Greenberg Joey Voyta Opinion Editors Brent London Kyle Perel Editorial Cartoonist Sarah Fagan Sports Editors Charlie Eichberg Drew Lind Max Shapiro Zach Smith Photo Editor Felipe Mejia Online Editor Sarah Fagan Business Manager Maddie Reiter Adviser Evva Starr
Thomas S. Wootton High School 2100 Wootton Parkway Rockville, MD 20850 301-279-8550
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Does SGA do enough to encourage school spirit? No,
Yes,
The Student Government Association (SGA) does enough to showcase school spirit throughout the year. They set up pep rallies and homecoming, while planning events like school spirit week. While students have questioned the SGA due to the lackluster number of tickets bought, SGA has still done their part, as they were able to get enough students that where the school was able to have homecoming. The SGA did all they could to make homecoming happen but the students just weren’t showing much enthusiasm this year toward the event. The SGA did even more than probably any student government organization at another school when setting up this year’s homecoming. They were put in an extremely tough position and they managed to come through in the clutch. “We put in a lot of time and effort to make homecoming the best it could possibly be,” junior SGA member Justin Pykosh said. Not only does SGA work extremely hard to make homecoming great, but it also spreads school spirit in other ways like school spirit week. In the week leading up to homecoming, the SGA held school spirit week with each day being a different theme. On Monday, the majority of the school showed up like they had just gotten out of bed, due to the pajama theme. On Tuesday, students wore clothes that represented their favorite teams. Wednesday, everyone showed up as if they were straight out of the Wild West. Even though everyone here goes to the school, on Thursday, it looked like everyone was touring the school in crazy fashion, as part of tacky tourist day. On Friday, it was easy to tell what grade everyone was in, as everyone in the school wore a patriotic color to represent their
grade. School spirit week showed just how much work the SGA puts in to show off school spirit. This year, they have already had two pep rallies, school spirit week, and they successfully hosted
The lack of school spirit is not connected to the effort put in by the Student Government Association (SGA). It is not reasonable to ask people to put themselves out there. The majority of people do not feel comfortable dressing up and plastering
homecoming. Homecoming went extremely well, with the dance being lots of fun. “The DJ they got was great, it created a fun environment,” junior Jared Fishman said. “We had to do a lot to make it happen and have it run smoothly the way that it did,” junior SGA member Charlie Eichberg said. The SGA does more than enough to enhance school spirit at this school. The students who also need to show their spirit and join in. It can’t only be the SGA showing spirit, the students have to want to show spirit also.
themselves with weird items because it is not seen as the “cool” thing to do. The SGA does do a lot to attempt to promote school spirit. They close the Commons, in an effort to bring more people down to the cafeteria and participate in the school spirit week. Doing so did bring more people down to the cafeteria; however, most students do not feel comfortable stuffing their faces with donuts or fruit rollups in front of a bunch of random strangers. Students here feel no need to put themselves out there and embarrass themselves for the SGA. “I get what they are trying to do but I don’t want to embarrass myself in front of hundreds. Especially with the social media out
—Joey Voyta, news editor
there today,” senior Kameron Outten said. Creating spirit week was a great way to promote school spirit. It allowed people to join together and created a friendly competition based on who could wear the most creative outfit each day. The SGA did not account for the fact that most people wouldn’t dress themselves up in pajamas, a jersey, western front, or a tacky tourist because it is the same themes that students dressed up for in their elementary school spirit week. “I feel like my little brother’s spirit week had the same themes as ours and he’s in fourth grade,” junior Ben Murk said. Also, students around the school don’t feel the need to get dressed up in foolish outfits for school. “I always try to look presentable at school. I could never wear a sombrero, bathing suit, Hawaiian shirt, and sandals to school,” freshman Aaron Strauss said. A lot of the students who enjoy dressing up and getting involved with the school already are members of the SGA. Some would question why this matters, however, it does because students see members of the SGA dressed up in wacky outfits and attempting to drive school spirit, but do not see students outside of the SGA doing the same. This makes it seem like SGA is the only group that can have school spirit and the only ones who can try to increase the school spirit. Ways that SGA can attempt to increase school spirit would be to make their themes and ideas more mature, try to assure students that dressing up and being involved in the school is not embarrassing, and make themselves seem like less of an organization and more just like an average student. —Dean Spitz, staff writer
Letter to the Editor: Students believe in use of chromebooks Dear Editor, My name is Srushti Kshirsagar, I am a sophomore and would like to address the article regarding the addition of Chromebooks to classrooms in the October 5th edition of The Common Sense. I have spoken to my peers and teachers, and we all share the same feelings about this article. We believe that this article has a biased opinion on the topic, and does not give an accurate sample of opinions on the issue. In the entirety of the article, all but one statement by a student or teacher has been negative and this is not representative of the body that actively uses Chromebooks.
Teachers Amy Buckingham and Bryce Coon both have valid opinions but you must keep in mind Chromebooks are for the benefit of the students. In this case their opinion is much appreciated but unnecessary. Later in the article you introduce the Math Department and make the point that “other subjects do not have the same luxury”. This argument is baseless because math is a completely different subject that has no reasonable use for classroom Chromebooks. Most people will agree with me when I claim, you don’t need a laptop to find the hypotenuse of a triangle. Lastly, I would like to regard the picture of me and my tablemates,
whom all feel the same negative feeling as I do. When the picture was taken we had no idea of the use or context that the picture would be used in, and we feel misrepresented. My tablemates, and the rest of Mrs. Steppling’s Period 8 APUSH class (including Mrs Steppling) all have a positive opinion on the chromebooks and do not appreciate being exploited for a cause we do not support. I hope you consider these points and continue to write interesting and impartial articles for Wootton High School. Thanks. —Srushti Kshirsagar, sophomore
Opinion
Common Sense | October 19, 2015
This year’s BBQ club shirt designs still ‘Wootton Strong’ Common Sense Editorial The BBQ Club designs have been getting progressively better as the years go by and as the club continues to draw members Some may argue that the shirt designs are identical every year and isn’t worth getting the same red shirt for all four years. Members often only get the current year’s alternate shirt and continue to wear the red one they received years prior. BBQ club was founded 11 years ago by former student Jon Sockol and sponsored by AP Psychology teacher Jennifer Bauer. Bauer continues to sponsor the club alongside her husband, Modern World teacher Kraig Bauer. Every year, the four club presidents and the sponsors design the shirts and run the cookouts before the home football games. Not only do the BBQ club shirts represent their involvement in the club, they are a great way to have a good time with friends at the cookout. By wearing the shirt to the cookout, a student may receive free burgers and hot
dogs. Every year, BBQ club continues the tradition with the classic red shirt with personalized names on the back. The red shirts are similar, however, they do change the design so they are not identical to the previous year’s. The red shirts create an opportunity for students to express their
other while eating hamburgers and hot dogs before the games. Recently, BBQ club has offered a second shirt for members to buy. This year, the secondary shirt is a white longsleeve shirt. “We decided to make the white shirts in honor of Dr. Doran, showing how much he made an impact on the whole school,” senior co-president Justin O’Daniel said. T h e secondary shirts honor Doran with “ D o r a n ’s Army” written on the back, representing his presence in students’ hearts. Last year’s grey alternate shirt featured a slogan that said, “Kill em’ and grill em’.” Another secondary shirt was a black and yellow T-shirt celebrating the clubs 10-year anniversary. Having something special for each year they are a part of the club is good to have as a sentimental value, and the secondary shirts allow this to happen. The BBQ club shirts are a way to get everyone together and the designs of the shirts continue to get better as the years go on.
grill ‘em.” “Kill ‘em and-Alternate gray BBQ shirt
(2014-2015)
creativity as students can get any name of their choice, as long as the club approves it. “I like having the opportunity to create a name for my shirt, it lets me be creative and I like to see what other students’ names are,” junior Benson Child said. The BBQ club cookouts bring students together from different social groups on facebook. The club has over 1,000 members and continues to grow over the years, becoming one of the school’s most popular clubs. The club provides an opportunity for all different types of people to come and enjoy the presence of each
7
What is your opinion on the BBQ Club shirts this year?
“I think they’re pretty “I like how you can choose interesting and I like the your name on the back guy on the back of them.” and the guy on the back” Darius Dudley, junior
Felicia Johanssen, freshman
“At first it took me a while to figure out what the shirt represented and it’s different. But I feel like it’s a good, clean start”
“This is actually the first year I’ve gotten a BBQ Club shirt and I really like the color and how everyone in the school is matching.”
Jim Long, P.E. teacher
Lydia Mazze, senior
Seniority, once a defining part of high school, no longer exists
Dean Spitz staff writer
Over the years, the culture here at school has changed greatly. It was only a few years ago that freshmen worried about the notorious freshman Fridays, however now a days, it is only a vague reminder of what used to be. There are a few reasons why I believe seniority, a word that means precisely what it sounds like, is no longer a thing. Seniors no longer have total authority. First, allowing freshman to play varsity sports: this is a key contributor to the new, less respectful, generation of freshmen. “When I went to Wootton, the division between upper and lower classmen was in ath-
letics. No freshman was on varsity sports,” alumni Max Spitz said. The idea that the majority of freshman played junior varsity sports means that they were never really able to socialize with the seniors, which created a feeling of inferiority. Recently, freshmen have made varsity sports teams, which allowed them to relate to the upper classman. This took away the division between the two, which lowers the fear the freshman have toward the seniors. “Making varsity football definitely allowed me to hang out with the older guys more. It made me feel more like them and it was almost like they looked at me as one of them, not a freshman,” freshman football player Matt Kelly said. Second, the lack of respect. Parenting
continues to change. Parents have become more like friends than authoritative figures. “My mom is always there for advice and I can do anything I do with my friends with her,” junior Isabella Oliva said. It has also become common to make fun of ones own parents and say whatever you please around them. “Me and my dad always joke with each other and make fun of each other. It doesn’t really matter what I say when I’m around him anymore,” sophomore Michael Pisarra said. Both of these facts make the relationship between a kid and an adult less respectful. This then translates to school, where freshman no longer look at older people with the same respect. Third, more freshmen know upper
classmen prior to attending high school. When the freshmen entered the school year, some had previously known upper classman. “A lot of my friends have little brothers and sisters in the school. I think they already know us and don’t look at us as mean, angry bullies,” junior Will Quam said. I am deeply saddened by the decline of seniority. My whole life I waited for my time to use the power of being a senior next year. Due to the fact that freshman are now playing varsity sports regularly, have a lack of respect for their elders, and arrive to school already knowing the upperclassmen through relatives, I will never be able to terrorize and bring fear into the lives of these young people, as I had been promised.
students would go. The trouble is that year after year, I leave the dance with a feeling of disappointment. To me, this year’s cereal theme had plenty of potential. I was looking forward to seeing how the SGA and PTA would design the Commons. Unfortunately, the school did the same thing it did last year. Upon walking into the school through the cafeteria, students were given one ticket. Said ticket was capable of endless opportunity. Well, not exactly. Each student was entitled to one water bottle and one snack. Not just any snack. The school went all out by offering a variety of selections that can also be purchased almost every day from the school store. We still had no access to caffeinated soft drinks, but that’s a story for another day. The majority of students wound up congregating in the Commons. I found that a portion of the school became overcrowded quickly and I soon became uncomfortable trying to weave my way into a location with more breathing room. The school did decide to switch things up by offering the redemption of a student’s ticket in the form of cereal, which corresponded with the theme. Unfortunately, the
school made it very clear that there was a limit to our excitement. “Only one quarter turn,” students could easily read when retrieving their cereal. The restriction and consistency is where the trouble exists for me. I want to enjoy my homecoming dance. I only have one more before I leave for college, but this unfortunate trend of anticipation and disappointment makes me question the legitimacy in the hope for a better homecoming dance in 2016. I understand there are limitations due to budget constraints, but at the end of ticket sales over 700 tickets had been sold. Granted that leaves the other two thirds of the school unaccounted for. Even if all of the ticket sales were made when prices were $20, which they were not, the total revenue collected from sales comes out to at least $14,000. I would have loved to see exactly how much was really collected, but the financial office told me that information would not be available for some time. What I do know is that the DJ cost about $3,000 and the PTA had a budget of about $2,000 according to SGA sponsor Jen Taylor. I do know where some of the rest
of the money collected went. Some helps to fund new band equipment and some helps fund the Spring Project. I, as a student who purchased a ticket had not been told that a portion of the money I contributed was not actually going to the dance funding. I am sure that the money went to programs in need, but I would have liked to be informed. I would like to know how many tickets needed to be sold to fund the dance. Did we reach that point while still being told that a lack of sales would mean no homecoming? I may seem hypocritical as I’m sure that I will still purchase a ticket next year as I always have. I just want my contribution to mean something. I want to see that all of the money raised was there to fund that single night. If I'm asking for too much then so be it. I’ll still be there next year. I’ll still walk into the school that I enjoy being at with the same excite-ment and anticipation as I always have had. I just hope that next year, I’ll be writing a news article. one that embodies the actual “night of our lives” that I have been waiting three years for.
Homecoming does not live up to fabled ‘night of our lives’ status Josh Friedman staff writer
As was the case in years past Homecoming was almost canceled as a result of minimal ticket sales. The SGA had such trouble generating enough ticket sales this year because of the inability to make the dance appealing to students. Each year, students are encouraged to support their school in its effort to raise money for the annual Homecoming dance. This year, the school’s fundraising efforts were contested by a lack of ticket sales. Ticket sales began at $20 per ticket, a price that could cover the expenses of the night of students’ lives. I myself have bought a ticket each year of my attendance here, yet I seem to be missing the excitement that embodies the Homecoming dance. Like many other students, I waited until the last moment to purchase my ticket after the prices were raised to $25. I love the idea of supporting my school and was more than comfortable paying for my ticket. I was excited to see where my contribution and those of my fellow
College essays: our Page Design by Chantal Nomen, Simrit Gupta and Shelby Ting commons editors
When I grow up Sagy Amar guest writer
Seniors labor to colleges with pe Chanta’l Nomen commons editor
“If I had the chance to do it all over again, the same things with the same people, I would.” My dad loves telling From parking privileges to shorter schedules, senior year us stories about his experiences in the army. The long nights comes with a large number of advantages. Seniors are not only guarding the base and the months of training to be ready the leaders of the school, but also the ones that set a good for war. My sisters and I would hear about them way example for underclassmen. more when we were younger after our family dinners. He never runs out of stories. Every time we have Holly Kuldell guests over, somehow the conversation ends up with With all of the perks of being a senior comes guest writer my dad and his friends sharing memories for hours the challenges of college applications. Common App “When you get to Wootton, you’ll find a janitor who about some of the most influential, interesting, and is a service that a majority of students use to easily calls everyone buddy. Just say, ‘Hi buddy!’ right back. He’s thrilling moments of their lives. send out applications and essays to dozens of schools I was born and raised in Israel. I lived in a city so nice,” said Kiralyn Harrison, who, at the time, was a high with just the click of a mouse. Once a student signs school freshman talking to my seventh grade self. We never in the north called Ma’alot until I was 10 years old. ran out of things to talk or laugh about, especially since she In Israel, both boys and girls, after turning 18 up for Common App he or she must fill out an had one of the most contagious laughs you would ever and finishing high school, are required application regarding GPA, extracurriculars, hear. Little did I know she would be gone before I to serve in the Israeli Defense Force classes, scholarly achievements, etc. Everyone even finished my four years of high school. (IDF) because it is a mandatory who signs up for the Common App has to Kira and I carpooled to gymnastics service. Men are required to serve practice every day for about a year and a half two years and eight months and when I was 13 and she was 15. We bonded very women are required to serve quickly and there was never a dull moment two years and four months. My during those many car rides. When she quit father, grandfather, uncles, and gymnastics soon after, we grew apart, but many other family members after she took her own life I realized I never have served in the army. stopped caring about her. Hundreds of Almost every Israeli kid people realized that very same thing. has heard their mom say, An extraordinary amount of people “K’shetigdal kvar lo attended her funeral and her vigil ihiye tzava,” (When at our school giving stories of you grow up, there her amazing help that she would will no longer be an provide in a heartbeat for everyone. army), hopeful that Every single day there are their child will not an average of over 5,400 suicide have to be put in attempts by people grades seven danger. to 12. I had no idea that such day But in reality, in August would be the day I was so every Israeli kid knows strongly affected by such tragedy. I am that by a certain age, unless you not explaining this to provide a sob somehow get out of it, you will have story about my life and how I have to serve in the army. For me, it was grown by overcoming this hardship. always a must, but it became more of An amazing person like Kira, who a question when I moved to America. always took care of everyone else In America, the mentality is much before herself, made me realize how different. Almost every American kid anyone around me could be suffering with depression. where we live grows up knowing he will This is why I hope to attack go to college right after high school, get a depression at the source and change the successful job, and have their life planned statistic that claims suicide is the second out. leading cause of death for ages 10-24, 12-18, Even though I was only in fifth grade and college age youths. In any average high when I left Israel, I always felt a sense school, counselors are used for their ability of duty that had to be fulfilled. Along Senior to switch you from a teacher everyone says with that, I had a growing feeling of S a g y is “annoying” to one that is more “fun.” Amar patriotism to my home country. I knew Students fail to use counselors for their that by the time I turned 18, I could ability to help them go through high school easily send the Israeli Army a letter I wake up tired as strong and healthy as possible. I feel that saying I live in America now and I want to continue Jake Soberman and come down organizations like Sources of Strength (SOS) guest writer my life here and not enlist. But I did not want to. I want should spend lots of time, months even, at the stairs slowly, to be able to share stories from the army with my kids. I each school and offer individual meetings every day, backpack in tow. On the kitchen want to come back from the base wearing that green army with students every day whether it be counter, next to my breakfast and a drink, is a uniform. I want to be the one to protect my country. I want through text message, video message, small capsule about the size of a tic-tac awaiting to make my family, and myself, proud. phone call, or in person. At Wootton, its fate, its combination of colors signifying It all started getting real when I was a little they have chosen students to be taught Senior Holly Kuldell its strength. This small pill is my ADHD older and got a letter sent to my old house in by SOS in order to create peers who can Israel. At the age of 16 and six months, just like medication, and its sole purpose is to allow me be seen as approachable for students who every Israeli kid, I got my “Tzav Rishon,” the to focus and to do my schoolwork in an efficient are depressed. However, it was only one seminar. I feel that programs like these should stick with a high school first call to the army, where I would go through physical, manner, something that I would otherwise not for a longer period of time to gain the trust and create an psychological, and mental tests. Around the same time, my be able to do. This routine has characterized everyday regularity for the students causing them to become older sister, Eden, had made the final decision of moving every morning of my life for almost as far back accustomed to SOS’s presence. They should almost get to the back to Israel after high school and enlisting in the IDF. as I can remember. After I was first diagnosed during elementary point where the school and the students are overwhelmed She had always been very passionate about moving back one with information about places, students, adults, and hotlines day and that inspired me, too. I have a lot of Israeli friends school, I became convinced that I would never who live in the United States and face the same question be able to do well in school. I was unable to focus that can help. Her death brought be closer with many of her as me: to stay in the US for college or to go to the army? during class and constantly needed to be moving. best friends, one in particular who I feel changed drastically It is not an easy question to answer. I am surrounded by My parents and I went to great lengths to help me because of it. He’s always standing up for people, checking in people sending college applications, visiting future schools, succeed, and we tried new medications, dosages on his friends, and is an overall more compassionate person. and committing because of sports and I feel like an outcast. and accommodations. While trying to find the I feel that I have changed in the same way. I find myself Going to the army means leaving my home in America, as giving compliments everywhere I go and judging people well as my parents, younger sister, cousins, aunts and uncles, right medication, I experienced severe stomachaches significantly less because I am aware that we never know classmates, and close friends. It also means I will be a lone and headaches, especially when I was crashing as the medicine wore off. At the same time, I was ravenous what this person is overcoming. “Cute boots!” could have soldier, living across the globe from my parents. because my appetite was no longer suppressed. We also a way greater impact than I ever imagined before I learned I will be moving to Israel in the summer of 2016. I am about depression. moving back with a program called “Garin Tzabar.” Garin tried private elementary school for a year in the hope Not every teenager with depression seems Tzabar is a program helping lone soldiers settle in Israel, that it would be better suited to my educational needs. depressed. We learn about the warning signs: grades drop, providing housing, host families, benefits in the army, and But because of all the obstacles I had to overcome, I appearance and mood drastically change, hinting at saying speeding up the enlistment process for the group. My sister did not feel “normal” or that I would be able to do well goodbye. Unfortunately, these signs do not always show in and several other friends have moved to Israel and served in school. The social aspect of my life also suffered, some mentally ill teens. Kira never felt that she could share in the army through this program and all had amazing as the medicine would wear off at night and I would her darkness with anyone, even though she was someone sometimes say or do something inappropriate while who had too many friends to be able to count. Being one of experiences whether they moved back to America or stayed talking to friends, but they would not understand why. and made a living in Israel. Both my family in the United those friends, it is nauseating to think about how I could have I began skateboarding in middle school and fell in helped, and I am positive that all of the many other people States and my family in Israel are there for me in any way she touched in her life can agree. I would give anything to that I need help. I cannot know what to expect going to the love with the sport and culture. Skating allowed me to army, but I am certain it will not be easy. I am very excited, hear her inform me about the school janitors again. to say the least, to finally move back and fulfill my duty.
Kira
ADHD
w th w ch qu
te th stu th th fe th to pr
stories, our lives
impress target rsonal stories
write and submit one essay that they send to the schools of heir choice. Some schools might require additional or optional writing with different prompts. The Common App prompts hange each year, allowing students to have a broad range of uestions they can expand on.
Open Sesame
Salma Ghorab guest writer
My tongue had never felt heavier. The weights of speaking a second language made me stammer, stutter, forcefully sputter out verbs and nouns in a heterogeneous mixture that made no sense. I was a foreigner in my own country. My family had just moved from America, my home and birthplace, to Despite all of the test scores, academic transcripts and Egypt, the home of my parents. Previously, my visits to Egypt eacher recommendations, one of the most important factors were limited to a couple of weeks of feeling self-conscious hat admissions officers consider is the college essay. With essays, about having my parents translate between myself and my grandparents. This, however, was no visit. I knew I would not udents are able to share their experiences and aspirations so be able to survive in a country when I did not know its own hat their selected college can have a better understanding of who language. hey are, not just academically, but on a personal level. Here are a The skills that I had just begun to practice were already ew remarkable college essays written by seniors mastered by my fellow classmates. I forcefully held the pen, hat are sure to being some inspiration etching down rigid box-like Arabic letters, in an attempt to o anyone starting their application match the fluidity of my classmates’ calligraphy. The rocess. way in which their letters glided into one another, as a cohesive unit, made me notice more clearly my incompetence, as I was so accustomed to the discord among the letters in the English language. The swaggering manner in which the words swiftly and nimbly escaped from their tongues mocked my accent, as I would dawdle and stumble over my words. I began my journey of learning this new language with my grandma. After school I would ride the bus to her house. She spent all of her time in the kitchen. That small 675 square foot room- with the chipped white tiles on the wall, the silver pots toppled over one another on the floor next to the stove-became my second classroom. My grandmother, Zaza, would hold my Arabic book in one hand, and stir the lentils for the koshari on the stove with the other. Her voice resonated over the sound of the oil dancing in the pan, whether it was when she recited to me the various pronunciations of a single letter, or when she recounted Egypt’s extensive history. All the while I would be sitting down on the small wooden chair in the corner of the kitchen. While the street barters were hollering below, touting passerbyers channel my extra energy into an activity that embraced to purchase their fruits, chickpeas, it and that I loved. Being able to learn new skating or popcorn, my Saturday evenings techniques in a skate park setting came easily, would be devoted to watching and it helped me to build confidence and make Egyptian black and white new friends. I was patient and persistent, cinema. I, like the damsels he because learning to land new tricks took would try to woo in his lots of time and repetition, and I also Senior Salma Ghorab movies, was enthralled became comfortable interacting with by the captivating voice of people older and younger than myself. Abdel Halim Hafez. As I began to Slowly, I began to also become more patient be able to discern the meaning of innuendos and jokes, in my schoolwork, which allowed me to benefit I would find myself bursting into laughter along with my from the focus that the medication provides. cousins at the acclaimed comedian Ismail Yassin when he I am determined to work hard, because doing would manifest his by presence by his gawkiness. well in school will open up new opportunities I started reading the Mickey Mouse comic books of for me and help me to become more connected seven year olds, but I was only at first able to ascertain the to the world I live in. This was reinforced about meaning of the storyline from the pictures that supplemented a year ago, when my parents allowed me to take a it. Eventually I turned to One Thousand and One Nights. Much job while in high school, provided that I was able to like the king Shahryar, I became enraptured by the stories maintain my academic and personal performance. I Scheherazade narrated, similarly losing track of time. am proud of the fact that I am still working and skating Iftah Ya Simsim. Upon the orders of Ali Baba, “Open almost every week. Sesame,” the doors to a cave unlocked, unleashing the As I have gotten more confident, my parents treasures that were hidden inside. Unlike Ali Baba, opening have also put more of the responsibility on me to selfthis door took much more exertion than mindlessly reciting advocate with respect to my educational needs, and three words. Nonetheless, the treasure I emerged with when I I have slowly embraced this responsibility. This has eventually opened the door, mastering the language, would be allowed me to achieve even greater success, as I not only a treasure I would keep with me for the rest of my life. feel more confident in my schoolwork, but I also feel ready When I returned to America three years later, I was at to take on the responsibility for managing my education first relieved to use English again. However, I found myself and my future. I am looking forward to the opportunities naturally slipping into speaking Arabic with my family. Arabic and challenges that the college experience will provide, and had become the language of my home. will find a way to skate through them with hard work and perseverance. Senior Jake Soberman
Piano Kwasi Frimpong guest writer I fail. To be more specific, I fail everyday between the times of 6:00 to 6:30 am and 10:30 to 11pm. These times in the day are reserved for my personal piano practice. I believe it was the famous Thomas Edison that once said, “I have not failed, I have just found 10,000 ways that will not work”. This principle has impacted my life immensely and my craft on the piano. This is how it all began just 6 years ago. I began playing the piano when I was 11 years old. I took two different lessons each week, one from my uncle and another from a local music shop. At the beginning, I struggled mightily to understand concepts such as tempo, finger placement, reading notes, and rhythm. The more I failed to grasp the concept, the more stressed I became. Then one saturday morning after another disappointing practice, my uncle asked me, “Do you really want to continue playing? Because you seem frustrated and stressed out”. I did not know what to say. On one side, I really wanted to give up because I was tired of failing to understand how to play the instrument. On the other side, I did not want to quit because that would mean that I wasted my parents money, my uncle’s time, and even my own time that I sacrificed. After an awkward silence I finally responded, “I’m tired of failing and not meeting the expectations that I set for myself when I decided to learn the piano”. My uncle stared at me and said, “You can not be afraid to fail, you have to keep practicing until you get it, or you’ll never make progress not just at the piano but in life. That’s how life works buddy.” From that day on, I took it upon myself to practice more and more. Through hard work and practice nearly every single day, I was able to play music from all sorts of genres within just a year. From beethoven’s famous classical piece, “Fur elise” to Josh Groban’s Senior Kwasi Frimpong famous gospel song, “You raise me up”. After the worship team leader and the pastor acknowledged my talent, I was called to become the lead pianist at my church congregation at the age of 13! When many of the church members heard the news they were surprised that a 13 year old would be taking such a huge role in the church. However, I was not taken by surprise because I knew that all my persistence and hard work was paying off. After playing in my first service, many of the members came up to me and expressed their gratitude, others still couldn’t believe I was just 13, and some even asked me to give them a lesson. Playing the piano has taught me that you can not move forward in life if you are afraid to fail. No matter how many times you fall down, you must get up and continue walking to face your next challenge. Sometimes I look at my transcript and think about how much better I could have done, but I understand those 13 AP and Honors classes I took during my time at Wootton were only obstacles that made me stronger and more prepared for my future in college, and my life after college.
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Common Sense | October 19, 2015
Features
Former Patriots carry out passions in college
Thespian-athlete in a new world From gracing the auditorium stage to playing competitive golf, the college version of Class of 2015 alumnus Graysen Bright is not much different from her high school self. Bright is now a freshman at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA, where she is still an avid golfer and performer. “I was looking for a small school where I would be able to continue the two things I love to do: play golf and participate in theatre,” Bright said. “My main focus is voice and when I was being recruited, I made sure that if I were to go there I would be able to do both singing and golf. The golf coach and the voice professor said that it would be possible for me to do both so I decided on Bucknell.” Though Bright has yet to land a role in a theatre production, she is working on exercising her voice and honing her acting skills through a theatre class. “The class I am taking is an intro to theatre class called Discovery of the Expressive Self,” Bright said, excited by the opportunities the course offers. “It’s not your typical theatre class because [it focuses] on improvisation.” Already, Bright has noticed a key difference between high school and college theatre: while in high school many people signed up only to fulfill fine arts credit, Bright’s new classmates are sharing her passion and enthusiasm for the craft. “Pretty much everyone in my class is a theatre major so everyone takes it very seriously,” Bright said. Despite her hiatus from show business, Bright remains just as prolific a golfer as she was in her Patriot days. In her few short months on the Bucknell team, Bright has already traveled to North Carolina, New Jersey and Ohio for tournaments with four other girls. In addition to out-of-state excursions, Bright attends weekly practices and biweekly 7 a.m. workout sessions with her teammates. The hectic and demanding agenda of a collegiate golf team has proved drastically different from high school but Bright is doing her best to adapt. “Golf in college is way different than I honestly thought it would be,” Bright said. “Playing in high school, I was used to missing class for matches but not to this extent. I also miss being with both guys and girls in high school because it was more interesting. Now, playing against only girls and being on a team with only girls isn’t normal for me.” Collegiate athletes Among the slew of athletes who are talented and lucky enough to commit early was Class of 2015 alum Patrick Cornelius, who was recruited by Lynchburg College in Lynchburg, VA to play lacrosse alongside his brother. Cornelius was offered a position the summer before his senior year and based his decision off of what the school had to offer in terms of his sport as well as academia. “I decided to commit mainly because I was very interested in the school’s lacrosse team and lacrosse has been a large part of my high school career,” Cornelius said. Though he has only been playing at Lynchburg a few short months, Cornelius reports that collegiate lacrosse is “much more intense” than high school lacrosse. “The game is a lot faster, it makes my weekly schedule much busier.” Class of 2014 alum Andrew Gibson, an economics major at
Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD, has a similar story to tell. The star swimmer was attracted to Hopkins for its unique athletic community and prestigious academics in which fellow swimmers support each other both in the pool and in the classroom. “I wanted to of 2015 graduate Graysen Bright shoulders her golf supplies and marches across the grass at the annual Burknell keep pursuing Class Invitational, hosted by the Bucknell Golf Club. Bucknell finished ninth out of the 12 teams competing. swimming for translated effortlessly into her success on the magazine. my love of But, as Yu soon came to realize, producing a bi-semester competing at meets with my teammates,” Gibson said. magazine is vastly different and significantly more drawn out “Putting months of hard training in and then competing than creating a bimonthly high school paper. with the people you worked so hard with makes it all worth it. “I love Common Sense because I liked working with In college, you have to learn to work your training in around other editors after school, pitching article ideas and helping your academic schedule and the practices and workouts are writer improve their articles. But with this magazine, it’s tougher.” different because you write your articles at home and email To Gibson, the sense of community is lacking compared them to editors for edits,” Yu said. to the unparalleled feeling of competing within Montgomery Yu is also a part of her college’s recreational soccer team, County. tech crew, Buddhism, photography and ballroom dancing “I miss competing against my friends at surrounding clubs. Channeling her love for high school theatre, Yu high schools. In most cases in college, I’ll only know a few applied to be a tech crew assistant but was instead recruited people on each team we compete against,. unlike in high by the Northeastern Musical Theatre Company as their first school.” ever make-up and paint designer. Jack of all journalistic trades Yu is no stranger to homesickness and reminisces about As a junior, former Common Sense features editor Tiffany her time as a Patriot. “I miss newspaper and [our advisor] Yu joined the newspaper staff and was instantly smitten Mrs. Starr the most. I loved how easy it was to interview with all-things journalism. Graduating in 2015, Yu has since people at school and how local our stories were. As for crew, started school at Northeastern University in Boston, MA, as I really loved everyone involved in theatre and getting to an undeclared student but remains firm in her resolve that spend a wonderful week in hell with them. And the two-byjournalism will continue to be a part of her life in years to fours. I’ll never forget those suckers.” come. “While I’m not pursuing journalism as a major, I’m glad that my campus has a weekly student paper,” Yu said. “To me, it’s a sign of an active and well-rounded student body and I was definitely looking for a college with many studentrun publications and organizations.” Yu has begun to explore other media outlets by trying out designing for what she describes as a “lifestyle magazine” instead of writing for a traditional newspaper. The talents and creativity she fostered as a Common Sense editor and designer have
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Catherine Yang editor-in-chief In an environment like that of this school, it is easy to lose sight of our hobbies amid the torrent of academic rigor. Here are some graduates who not only chased their passions throughout high school but are pursuing similar extracurriculars in college and beyond.
Features
Common Sense | October 19, 2015
Cartoon by Sarah Fagan
Hurricane names hit hard
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Kyle Perel opinion editor
depending on your opinion of the original Hermione, she is also unattractive. #6- Hurricane Dolly (2008) – With all these horror Looking back on Hurricane Joaquin, or the lack there of movies coming out about these weird dolls that are possessed Hurricane Joaquin in this area, I realized the only thing more by evil forces, I am surprised this isn’t farther up on the frightening than the prospect of a category four Hurricane, is countdown, but it just be like that sometimes. We aren’t the name Joaquin. With Joaquin out of the way and back to talking about Barbies here, we are talking about those weird the Atlantic Ocean where it came from, I present the top 10 stuffed dolls who happen to be missing an eye. hurricane names of all time. #5Hurricane Bernard (NA) – Bernard is that 6’7’’ #10- Hurricane Fran: Kicking off the countdown is offensive lineman that destroys other inferior players on the the fourth hurricane from the 1996 season, Fran. Let me tell football field at the varsity level even though he has already you about the name Fran. Fran is that older cousin who you accepted a scholarship to Alabama. If whoever comes up with see once a year at Thanksgiving, who doesn’t talk to you, but hurricane names wants to scare some people or make them stares at you from across the room. He or she might ask you want to evacuate, I highly suggest the name Bernard. to pass the cranberry sauce. Fran is a unisex name, but I have #4Hurricane Gert (1999) – Its name is Gert… I rest never met a person named Fran, and at this rate, I certainly my case. don’t intend to. #3- Hurricane Gaston (2004) – Gaston sounds like the #9- Hurricane Rita (2004) - Don’t let the name similar name of a French spy posing as a middle class American, who to a popular shaved ice joint fool you; this hurricane was not then befriends the local townspeople (probably in Iowa), and sweet. See what I did there? On the real though, Rita is that then turns on them in as an act of treason after rising to the crazy aunt who always tells you she is going to get you an position of head sheriff, as the French special forces take over awesome gift, but never comes through on Hanukah. and occupy Iowa. #8- Hurricane Odile (2014) - I cannot lie, Odile sounds #2- Hurricane Isadore (2002) – Isadore reminds me of less like a name and more like an African military operation to a name of a wife in a Columbian Cartel. After seeing mass save the white rhinos in the Serengeti. With that being said, murder all her life, along with being complacent in major those white rhinos are some big bad bama jamas. I am not counts of drug trafficking, this is the last chick I want to get trying to mess with them and neither should you. involved with. #7- Hurricane Hermine (2010) – Hermione Granger is #1- Hurricane Igor (2010) – Channeling the image of a one of my favorite characters from Harry Potter, and through Sydney Cohen mid-century Viking, this man is probably the equivalent of a process of elimination, it is evident based off her name that staff writer this is her evil twin. Being her evil twin and all, she is the gang member today, but instead of a Glock 40, he’s been dual As Halloween approaches and most people eagerly opposite of Hermione. Hermine is not smart or clever, and wielding axes; That’s his problem solver. anticipate gaining five pounds solely from excessive candy consumption, one question remains: What will you dress up as? While there are thousands of creative costume choices, be sure to stay away from these four: Anything pumpkin related Pumpkins represent the epitome of fall. Although pumpkin-picking is a fantastic fall activity, that does not mean it is a fantastic idea to dress up as one. Spooky Jack-o-lanterns look scary and spirited on a front porch, not on an actual body. Besides that, pumpkins are so plain. Halloween only comes around once a year, so take advantage and step up your game. A sexy pumpkin does not exist (see below). Ghost Throwing a sheet over your head and poking a couple holes in it does not qualify as a costume. First of all, how are the holes going to stay over your eyes? Second of all, a sheet does not even closely resemble a ghost. (Casper the friendly ghost? No feet there.) Most other ghosts are transparent (depending on the television show/movie), so there is no way around this one. Ghosts are really cute on five year olds, but once it gets to the point where a teenager throws a sheet over hia head just to try to get Seniors CarrieAnna and Holly Kuldell pose in front of the gym on homecoming night. Both girls were nominated for the senior homecoming court. candy? Not so much. Cat For the girls who are not planning on dressing up as cats this year, kudos to you, but you probably did it last year. Cats will most likely always be the most popular small lull in the excitement and spectacle of it all, when the Matt Silverman option for girls, so try not to fall into that trap (like me, homecoming court is announced. When the results of the managing editor circa eighth grade). Black cats are a known superstition An imbalance in the number of students coming from election, (a Frost-biased popularity contest, see above) are for bad luck anyway, so do not bring other people bad the two feeder middle schools results in an inherently biased announced, the underclassmen winners are asked a question, luck on arguably the best holiday of the year. If that is not homecoming election process that favors students from Frost. similar in style to those asked of contestants in traditional enough of a reason to avoid cats, black cats (especially Consider the student demographic: two-thirds of students beauty pageants. The sashes presented to the winners are when associated with Halloween) are super spooky and went to Frost while only one-third went to Cabin John. As familiar as well regardless of similarity to other paegants, the about 99 percent of people who dress up as cats do not a result, the homecoming voting system has always unfairly homecoming questions provide an occasionally humorous, look anywhere near spooky, because frankly I do not (though unsurprisingly) favored Frost students. Students who but frequently superficial glance into the personalities of the think that is their goal. came from Cabin John, even if they are well liked and have princes and princesses. Anything with the word “sexy” in its description In case you weren’t paying attention, here’s an example infectious school spirit, can and often do lose in the running The number of advertised “sexy” costumes is against their Frost counterparts simply because their names question , posed to senior David Auth: “What’s your least absurd. For starters the majority of these costumes do favorite thing about Churchill and why?” Auth, known on are not as well known. not make any sense. It baffles me that someone thought It doesn’t make sense why this bias continues past Twitter for his remarkable ability to start beef with anyone, it would be beneficial to sell a “sexy bumblebee” outfit. freshman year. After a year of school together, which middle especially Churchill students, replied with a series of witty Feel free to dress up as a regular bumblebee, but a sexy school one went to should matter less as students assimilate reasons he had prepared beforehand, including “Churchill bumblebee? Let bumblebees be in peace without turning into their class and form new relationships. Logically, that students like unfrosted Pop Tarts.” them into an excuse to wear less clothing. But bees are For others who might not be as passionate about their should translate into a less biased homecoming voting system. not even the worst of it. A sexy Ebola nurse, sexy Barney, Despite this, there remain few Cabin John students who question because really, who can be passionate about which sexy Lo Mein, and sexyHulk Hogan? Who would ever are nominated to the court every year. For some, it becomes cereal box character would win in a fight? Or who don’t do dress up as a sexualized disease, Chinese food or a male less of a vote and more of a tradition to nominate the same few well when asked to speak publically, it’s hard for their answers wrestler? How could you ruin Barney’s legacy by turning people every year, in hopes that the people they vote for will not to fall entirely flat on an audience that is likely paying little him into a provocative costume? Why would anyone want finally make the court. Even after three years of high school, attention. Students who panic often answer their question to dress up as “Donna T. Rumpshaker (also known as the “Frost bias” shows little decline. Every Homecoming distastefully, or otherwise inappropriately in front of the a sexualized, female Donald Trump),” a $70 costume court nominee from the class of 2016 was a Frost graduate. entire school as an audience. While thematic and occasionally currently being sold on Yandy.com. That’s not all! For Overall, the Frost bias makes having a truly representative interesting, the time devoted to these Homecoming Court only one additional payment of $9.95, whoever wears this questions could be used differently; here’s looking at you, homecoming court difficult. outrageous ensemble can complete it with the “CombEvery year at the homecoming pep rally, there is a Woottonettes. over Politician Wig.”
Costumes booed this halloween
Photo courtesy CarrieAnna Kuldell
Homecoming court proves bias
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Features
How not to walk in the hallways Common Sense | October 19, 2015
Maddie Reiter business manager
We have all witnessed people (mainly freshmen) who are unaware of the social etiquette of hallway walking. In high school, one of the most valuable things I have learned so far is the art of navigating crowded halls filled with Zombies, Jellyfish, Drunkards, and Door Jams. Allow me to explain: The Zombies: Zombies feel no remorse for meandering at their own pace and leaving accumulating traffic in their wake. In some cases, the Zombies focus their attention on their phones, due to their attraction to light and Instagram. The Zombies are often unaware of their doing, which is why it would be a great service to them simply tell them to move faster or “accidentally” bumping into their backpack to propel them forward. But don’t be too harsh; if they get mad they could intentionally walk slower or eat your brains and then how would you take your biology test? The Jellyfish: This species has the psychiatric community baffled for their apparent inclination to walk backwards in the hallway. Jellyfish tend to think that the
most effective way to communicate with their peers is to locomote backward so they can face their audience. When approaching a Jellyfish moving at a dangerously fast speed, try to find an alternate route to avoid contact. If the speed is slow enough and you have the skill, you can try to bounce off the Jellyfish’s backpack like the scene in Finding Nemo. It is difficult to avoid an embarrassing interaction with the Jellyfish, so if one of your friends is portraying Jellyfish-like behaviors and you wish to potentially save a poor freshman, just tell them, “Dude, stop walking like a Jellyfish.” The Drunkards: This particular specimen is known for its zigzag gait and its fondness for communicating with friends at high volumes and/or frequencies. The Drunkards are oblivious to their surroundings and view the hallways as the board game “Candy Land” to stagger across. In addition to their careening movement, they converse with their peers so their discussion is fully audible to all passers by. A subgroup of Drunkards is the type that will have conversations with their peers from far down the hall, speaking over all the people between them. When faced with a Drunkard, it’s best to steer clear of their zigzagging path
at all costs. The Door Jams: The most common creatures of the various hallway specimens, this group has the tendency to stop in the middle of a hall or doorway, causing an extreme backup in the flow of traffic. This is another absolutely baffling species because most researchers cannot fathom why the Door Jams choose tight intersections to stop and catch up with their peers. Often, researchers ponder who informed the Door Jams that it was a good idea to block said intersections and bother everyone else with whom they share the hall. My professional suggestion is to gather your friends and barrel through the blockade of Door Jams to unclog the passageways. The main and vital goal is to fragment the group until it is completely disintegrated. With the reliable information I provided, I hope you will be able to properly identify and divert from these peculiar specimens. They all have one thing in common: oblivion. Don’t be shy to teach them appropriate hallway manners. The best way to teach is by example, so, my dear reader, do your best to display acceptable hallway behavior and make everyone’s day a little less stressful.
Homecoming: Stall graffiti unites females We need to talk Sarah Fagan online editor Homecoming, We need to talk. Before I tell you this, I think you should know I appreciate you. I appreciate everything you do and all your attempts to make me enjoy myself, but something just isn’t working. So, I think we should take a break. The past few years it has been a challenge to become invested in this relationship. Every year you threaten to cancel yourself if I try to break things off, and some of my peers start to make me feel bad for not buying a ticket to you. You require me to buy a new dress, new shoes, get my hair and makeup and nails done when, frankly, I am only doing all of this for a couple hours of an activity that I would not characterize as my cup of tea. I won’t spend the money I slaved my summer away to receive on the likes of you. I want to spend it on myself, doing what I want to do. Is that so hard to ask? Apparently so. When I make this decision you say that I am not spirited or appreciative. I am appreciative, I just respectfully allocate my earnings toward something I personally enjoy. I have something to admit. Please do not get mad. Rock the Vote has seemed all the more appealing to me. He has been missing in action for a long
time and seems a lot more… compatible to be with. I don’t know, he just seems more passionate about voting and he throws all these concerts. Or how about that silver fox, Mr. Wootton? My older sister has told me of him—that guy was a legend. Get with the times, bud. I know you have this idealistic image in your brain that everyone will just dress up in our poodleskirts and leather jackets, and handjive our way into a good time, but guess what—this is reality. This is the present. Sandy and Danny are out. They are done. It’s Kim and Kanye’s world now—there’s no flying up into the sky in our greased lightning car, and the closest thing we have to a handjive is whipping. We are just awkward humans going through our adolescence trying not be noticed, and mushing me together with people in our school in a compact, sweaty place is not really my style. I think we need to just take a break, maybe only a few years. In that time, maybe we can both grow to be better. You can become financially stable and more exciting; I can become more enthusiastic and start to resent you less, you will gain some independence and lose the need for me to attend your big day. You know what they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder. - Sarah
along with names of students of both genders. Symbols and sketched faces surround these names and numbers, all of which are carefully assessed by each student who uses the stall. In addition, conversations between random people can be
Photo by Julia Gastwirth
world is not going to end, no matter how badly they failed their math quiz. “It’s actually really comforting With just a quick peek into to look around the bathrooms and a school bathroom it’s easy to see all of this positivity. Sometimes construct a list of supplies that the I am having a really bad day and school lacks: paper school is the last towels, mirrors, place I want to be, toilet paper and soap and these words just to name a few. kind of remind While the doors to me that a lot of the stalls are busted other people are and the hand dryers feeling the same do a pretty pathetic way and that I can job, maybe we are all finish this day out,” just being pessimistic junior Ali Zifrony by refusing to said. actually look up These colorful and notice what we sets of doodles do have: character. aren’t just for looks One upward glance though. Writing will force you to on the bathroom notice the colorful walls can have a sharpie marks that large impact on coat the dull, white the student body cinderblock walls and as a whole. After traditional black stall writing, expect to dividers. hear people talking Not only do the about your quotes stall walls provide in the hallways a quiet and private between classes corner, but they and tweeting about are also one of the them after school. only sections of the “Ask any girl school that continue here about the to be unrecorded by phrase ‘Babe I’m a security. This leads tree’ and they will students to feel free know exactly what and willing to express you are talking The famous bathroom stall quote “Babe I’m a tree” has been scrawled on the wall themselves openly about,” senior of a second floor bathroom, accompanied by a an equally famous sub-quote. while on their muchOlivia Mangum needed break from class. found, some kind and some just said. “No one really knows what it The walls are a blank canvas plain funny. means, but it can be found all over where each and every student has But the main thing people will pretty much every girls bathroom in a chance to represent him/herself notice when they walk into any girls the school.” equally. Since most choose to stall, at least, is the positive words The “Babe I’m a tree” remain anonymous, it is impossible that seem to cover the originally phenomenon proves how quickly for anyone to be judged by anything white barren surfaces entirely. and to how much of an extent that other than their writing or doodles. Phrases like, “Baby don’t cut,” and simple words scrawled onto a wall Random phone numbers can “You’re worth it” are written by with sharpie can have. be found scrawled upon the blocks, students to inspire others that the Gwen Klein features editor
Wikipedia helps cure students of constant boredom Max Jordan features editor The Internet is a place full of endless entertainment. Full of memes, gifs, articles, videos and social media, the Internet is a place to go when boredom strikes, or when you need an answer to any question. Sometimes, however, people get tired of typical Internet navigation. That’s where Wikipedia can provide some help. By playing games with Wikipedia, people gain knowledge, both useless and useful, that is likely unknown to most people. Playing these games may actually make users smarter, as well as provide an alternative procrastination activity. Five Clicks to Jesus Believe it or not, this game is as simple as browsing Wikipedia page by page. The game begins one of two ways:
starting on a Wikipedia article of your choice, or clicking the “random article” button on the left margin. After setting up, the objective is to navigate your way through links embedded in articles within each page, ultimately ending up on the “Jesus” Wikipedia page, all in five clicks or less. Allow me to give you an example: if you begin at the Oprah Winfrey page, it will lead you to The Wall Street Journal, who have written many reviews about her show. From there, through the links scattered amongst the page, the Christianity page can be found (New York is apparently 59 percent Christian.) From here, the Jesus page is finally available, thus granting victory. There are several variations of this game that can be played just as easily, but with different rules. WikiAata Just like Five Clicks to Jesus, this game has the player navigating through Wikipedia hyperlinks in search of the winning page, but this version has multiple added twists.
Instead of only having five clicks, you have the amount of clicks that the website provides for you. The beginning and ending pages are also given to you by the website, so it may be much more difficult to complete the challenge. There is also a points system, which is based off of the time taken to complete the puzzle. The one benefit to this game is that you are allowed to use the tabs in the game to move back to an article, or move ahead of an article that has already been visited. The game can be found at www.wikiaata.com. WikiTrivia The premise of this game is simple. Players log ontowww.wikitrivia.net, choose a category they would like to be tested on, and answer as many trivial facts gathered from different Wikipedia articles as they can. There are currently 23 different categories to pick from, including movies, sports, music, animals, video games, cars, crime, politics and food.
Sports
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Common Sense | October 19, 2015
RECORDS&SCHEDULES RECORDS&SCHEDULES RECORDS&SCHEDULES RECORDS&SCHEDULESRECORDS&SCHEDULES
Fockey
7-1
Girls’ Soccer
5-1
Boys’ Girls’ Soccer Volleyball
8-1-1
Girls’ Tennis
10-5
6-1
Football
2-4
Cross Country Handball Golf
5-0
4-0 *Home against
11-5-2
*Coyote Run 10/15 *Home vs *Home against *Away against *Counties on Seneca Valley on Damascus on QO on 10/16 *Home vs QO Linganore 10/9 10/19 on 10/20 10/23 10/14 RECORDS&SCHEDULES RECORDS&SCHEDULES RECORDS&SCHEDULES RECORDS&SCHEDULESRECORDS&SCHEDULES
*Home Oct. 16 vs Spalding
Photo courtesy Wootton Football
Senior Brent London breaks away from the B-CC defense during the 2014 season.
GOLF
FOOTBALL
Boys bounce back with homecoming win Charlie Eichberg sports editor The boys have had a tough start to the season, dropping four straight losses before picking up a win in the homecoming game. This puts the boys at a 2-4 record and 2-2 at home. The most recent game played was the homecoming game against Rockville. The game was scheduled for Oct. 9. After several lightning delays, the game was eventually cancelled and postponed to the next morning, Oct. 10. The game, was played at 10 am, and took the place of the boys’ junior varsity game which was ultimately cancelled. “I think I can speak for all of the guys when I say we were all pretty bummed when it got postponed. But I think the smaller turnout on Saturday pushed us harder to catch the dub,” junior cornerback Joey Roach said. Several of the JV players were then moved up to varsity for the game to help with depth. Sophomore safety Jake Rosenblatt was one of the selected players and played a crucial role in relieving several key offensive players from their defensive duties. The boys jumped out to an early 7-0 lead in the first quarter. The scoring drive was led by senior running back Brent London, who had a monster 65-yard run followed by another 14-yard run for the score. London had 19 attempts for 216 yards and two touchdowns in the game. The second quarter was highlighted by a touchdown catch from senior receiver Kingsley Ofori, who reached up and over a Rockville player in the end zone for a
touchdown. The pass came from sophomore quarterback Grant Saylor, who had seven completions for 114 yards, three interceptions and one touchdown. The second half included several scores from the Rams, but the boys were able to hold off Rockville’s late run. Junior quarterback Phillip Garrett replaced Saylor in the third quarter after Saylor threw an interception, which was taken back 70 yards for a Rockville touchdown. The boys finished out the game with a touchdown and prevailed 28-18. “Getting a win on homecoming senior year was huge, but we can’t be complacent just because we won a big game. We have to take this momentum and carry it for the rest of the season,” senior linebacker Andrew Gorsky said. In the previous game, the boys faced off at home against the Clarksburg Coyotes. The game was close from the start, but a 13-point second quarter was the dagger that put Clarksburg past the team and led to the 20-12 loss. Junior kicker Sanjay Krishnan had two field goals and half of the teams points in the game. Saylor had nine completions for 159 yards with four interceptions and one touchdown pass. Junior running back Dean Spitz also had himself a game, tallying 72 yards on 19 attempts. Ofori had the lone touchdown. “I think we had a good shot at winning that one. We just gotta pick ourselves up and move on,” Ofori said. The boys’ next game is a non-conference game at Linganore on Oct. 16.
Team produces strong showing at Districts led by Weitz, Shah Josh Friedman staff writer
Kerr said The Patriots will face the other top schools in the state championship on Oct. 26 and 28. The match will be held at the University of Maryland Golf Course. “I’ve played it before and I like the way the course plays,” Voyta said. Photo courtesy Wootton Golf
The Patriots each played an 18-hole round at Poolesville Golf Course. The five-player districts team had yet another second place performance trailing Churchill by 10 strokes. Seniors Delaney Shah and Jordan Weitz led the team with a combined score of two under par. Wootton is ranked fourth in the county with 11 wins, five losses and two ties. Averaging about 2.5 stokes more than this year’s team to beat, Winston Churchill, the team statistically has the potential to win states. On Oct. 7, the two captains led the pack placing second and third with their individual scores. Shah came in second with a two under 69. Shah trailed the tournaments leader, Adam Grey of Churchill by only one stroke. Weitz had a strong par round for the team shooting a 71. “I was pretty happy taking third place but I was even happier knowing that Delaney and I
were both in the top three,” Weitz said. For the two senior captains, this marked the final districts match of their high school career. “It’s been a great experience for me, but I’m also looking forward to the program at Yale,” Weitz said. The team has some developing talent in the younger side of the roster. Junior Joey Voyta finished in the top 15 players with a six over 77. Voyta regularly participates in other out of school American Junior Golf Association matches where he currently ranks 46th in the state. Finishing within a single stroke of each other, freshman Noah Siman and Zach Kerr closed out their round within the top 90 players. Siman shot a 12 over par 85 in his fourth match of the season. The fifth and final player to close out the 18 hole round was Zach Kerr. Kerr played in his fourth match of the season, shooting a 13 over par 86. “It wasn’t my strongest match but I’m happy with the way I played,”
Junior Joey Voyta hits off the first tee at Little Bennett Golf Course.
FIELD HOCKEY
Girls continue winning ways, hopes remain high for playoff run After suffering a loss to the top private school team in the state McDonogh, the girls got back on track with three consecutive wins over Richard Montgomery, Einstein and Churchill with a combined score of 16-0. The girls continued their winning streak on Oct. 5, when they beat Bethesda Chevy Chase at home 3-0. The team scored two goals in the first half and one more in the second half to beat one of their rivals 3-0. Last year, twitter beef took place between the two teams before and after their game. One BCC girl tweeted, “They may have won the game, but they still have to go to Wootton.” BCC won last year but the girls got their revenge. Goals were scored by seniors Lacey Rubin and Marissa Morakis, as well as junior Marlena Barouth. Rachel Maizel contributed to the win
by recording two assists in the game. The play of the goalies in the game was exceptional as they recorded yet another shutout win. “We really wanted it more in the BCC game and the score proved it,” Rubin said. The team was told not to participate in post game twitter beef but that didn’t stop other students from both schools. At the end of the day the girls got their revenge from last year and are now on a four game winning streak and have a record of 101. The girls next game was on Oct. 8, at Blair. The team played a strong first half scoring three goals. Maizel scored one goal and Barouth scored two, leading the team to its fifth consecutive victory and an overall record of 10-1. Senior Emily Krotman recorded one assist and Morakis recorded two. Barouth is the team’s leading scorer with 13 goals and Rubin and Krotman both have
seven. Morakis leads the team with 13 assists with Maizel and Rubin just behind with seven and five assists. The girls returned home on Oct. 12, to face off against Springbrook. This game was the team’s senior night. The game was neck and neck in the first half with the team taking a 2-1 lead. The team continued to play hard and confident in the second half scoring one goal and winning the game 3-2. Maizel, Rubin and Barouth lead the attack throughout the game each recording one goal and putting shots on the goalie all night. Morakis and Krotman controlled the midfield and each contributed by recording one assist each. “We were excited for the game and we use all of our adrenaline positively on the field,” Krotman said. The girls are now on a six-game winning streak and are looking to take the momentum with him into the playoffs.
Photo courtesy Wootton Field Hockey
Radley Ellenbogen staff writer
Junior Ali Silver controls the ball against Whitman.
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Sports
Common Sense | October 19, 2015
CROSS COUNTRY
Runners flood standings, shocking no one
Sarah Greenberg news editor
The school’s cross country team has done exceptionally well this season, as demonstrated by their undefeated record and various awards won. However, their performance was not unexpected, as the team continuously works hard to achieve excellence. The team continued their winning streak by defeating Paint Branch at the only home meet of the season on Sept. 29. Paint Branch’s cross country team is much smaller than this school’s team, with only 29 athletes competing in the race in comparison to the school’s 85. Although the team had to run what is considered by some to be one of the most difficult courses, with athletes running up the infamous Frost Hill a total of three times, they won by a landslide, even in the rain. In the boys’ race, the team filled the first nine places of the race led by senior Colin SyBing who placed first with a time of 17:29. In the girls’ race, the team filled six of the top 10 places, led by senior Grace Dellapa, who
placed second with a time of 20:58. This race was the last county meet prior to the county championship. After winning this race, the team was able to end their regular season undefeated, making them the Montgomery County Division II Cross Country champions. The team will go on to compete at the county meet on Oct. 24 and advance to Division I next year. The previous season the team competed in Division I, but after a series of athletes became injured the team did not perform well enough in the county championship, resulting in their Division II placement this year. “It was a little disheartening to drop down a division this year, but I think it will be good for moral to get a trophy at county’s for winning Division II,” senior captain Lauren Sachs said. After competing in their home meet, the team had small break from competing with almost a two-week gap between meets. During this time the team participated in vigorous
workouts to maintain and improve their performance. One of these workouts included a two-mile time trial, in which the team raced against each other in a two-mile race on the school’s campus to simulate a race. The team ran this same course at the beginning of the season in a scrimmage against B-CC. After running the course a second time, almost every athlete on the team finished with a time better than his or her previous one. On Oct. 15 the team competed in the Coyote Run Invitational meet at High Point Farm against multiple cross-country teams in the area, however it was too late to cover in this issue. The team’s next meet will be the Montgomery County Cross Country Championship against all of the schools in the county on Oct. 24. The team hopes to continue their winning streak as the season progresses into the post-season and varsity runners focus on maintaing and improving their form. They will have to continue their vigorous training and team builiding during this difficult climax to their journey.
GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL
Girls respond to tough losses, prepare for Churchill
Max Shapiro sports editor
After a rough weekend tournament in which the girls lost a number a games, including two to Churchill, they have bounced back strong, stringing win after win dominantly. After defeating Einstein on Sept. 21, the team took on a scrappy Clarksburg squad on Sept. 24. The girls were clicking on all cylinders. Wootton swept the match, 2520, 25-17, 25-13, led by junior Eleni Panagopolous with nine kills. Senior Catherine Liu also played well with six
kills, junior Fatim Bouzid with six aces and four kills, and senior Hannah Liao with a pass rating 2.4. On Sept. 29 the ladies travelled to Springbrook and took the Blue Devils. They again swept the match, with strong play from sophomores Chanel Lucas and Katheryn Potemken. Two days later on Oct. 1 they continued their winning streak, defeating Pain Branch in straight sets, 3-0. “After the tournament it was great to finally put some wins together and get back on track,” junior Emily Miles said. On Oct. 6 the team took on Northwest away. Though all three sets were hard
fought, the girls dropped the game 3-0. Against Kennedy on Oct. 8 the Patriots got back in the win column, defeating the Cavaliers in straight sets 3-0. While the girls have responded well to a few tough losses, they are looking to improve even more as playoff time nears. Their biggest obstacle standing in their way of a title is Churchill, who has defeated them three times this season between conference and tournament play. This team is on a hot streak, and is looking forward to the return of senior captain Sami Weisberg, who has been out for weeks with a back injury. “Watching from the sidelines for most
of the year has been tough for me. I can’t wait to get back out there and help the team in whatever way I can,” Weisberg said. On Oct. 13 the girls took on Gaithersburg away. Though each set was close, the Patriots ended up losing in a very difficult match to the Trojans in straight sets, 3-0. “They were really tough, and even though we lost I’m proud of how we competed and we can build on this going forward,” Miles said. The girls’ next game is at home against Quince Orchard on Oct. 30 and will be a spectacle for all to see.
Sports
Common Sense | October 19, 2015
BOYS’ SOCCER
HANDBALL
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Net replacement needed Boys look to continue hot streak as season winds down after recent blowout wins The Northwest Jaguars visited the boys at James A. Cole stadium on Oct. 6. Senior Dylan Parr came back from a serious knee injury and got back on track early by assisting senior Cristobal Corvalan. The addition of Parr will be yet another crucial piece to the Patriot’s midfield as they continue to pursue their goal of a state championship. Corvalan’s goal was just one of the three he tallied. The defense played solid as well only giving up one goal to the Jaguars. The Patriots outlasted the Jaguars, coming away with a 3-1 victory. Seniors Matt Waclawiw and Josh Shcherbelis split time in goal in each half respectively. The Patriots did concede the lone goal in the second half. The goalkeepers have a 1.96 goals per game average and over a 752 minutes of play combined. When the team needed it most the two senior goalies have shined. “It’s a good feeling knowing that we have such consistent goal stoppers as our last line of defense. Matt and Josh have really stepped up this season,” senior captain Taylor Noble said. Not only was Shcherbelis able to keep shots out of the back of the net but he was
Photo by Felipe Mejia
Brent London opinion editor
Senior Cristobal Corvalan looks to dribble past a defender against Churchill.
able to create opportunities on offense with his saves. Off of a Northwest free kick late in the game, Shcherbelis was able to make the save and get a quick counter attack started as well. Senior Rameen Kamazani got the ball on a breakaway and after making a defender miss he found himself one on one with the Jaguar goalie. Kamazani, being the unselfish player that he is decided at the last second to dump the ball off to Corvalan who had a wide open net and scored. Kamazani has been a standout player all year dazzling fans with his slick dribbling abilities. “I love watching my boy Rameen play and as a true soccer fan I can honestly say I appreciate his style of play. He’s great and always has the benefits of the team in mind,” senior
Michael Nazarian said. Prior to the boys defeating Northwest, they took on Seneca Valley on Sept. 30. The game was a breeze for the boys, winning 4-0 allowing some of the less experienced players on the squad to get playing time. Juniors Victor de Avila, Sam Browning and Brandon Scherf all scored goals with Kamazani assisting de Avila and Browning Corvalan kept up his scoring consistency with a goal of his own while also assisting fellow goal scorer Kamazani. The two have paved the way for the team’s offense by leading the team in goals. Nearing playoffs it is crucial for them to continue to provide an offensive spark. The next game is scheduled for Oct. 14 against Damascus, which was too late to be covered in this issue.
GIRLS’ SOCCER
Zach Smith sports editor
After a loss in the playoffs last year, the handball team is looking to improve on an impressive season by making it to counties this year. The team improved their record to 3-0 to start the season. The team’s first game of the season was on Sept. 21 at home against Magruder. Hoping to start off the season on a high note, they wanted to win big. The team got out to a big lead early, easily getting past the Magruder defense. They would not look back from their early lead and ended up winning 23-7. “This win will definitely give us confidence for the rest of the season,” junior Derrick Doust said. Their next game was on Oct. 1 at Clarksburg. The game was a blowout early, as the team roared out of the gates and caught the Coyotes off guard. The Clarksburg defense could not contain the team’s high octane offense, which led to many easy scores for the team. The team’s defense also shut down the Coyotes offense as well, which led to more scoring opportunities. The team went on to win the game 22-2, continuing their hot start to the season. After their two-game winning streak to start the season, the team faced a tough challenge in their next game on Oct. 6 against Richard Montgomery. Richard Montgomery entered the game with an impressive win over Northwest. The game was tightly contested throughout, with lead changes early on. As the game was nearing the end, there was no clear winner in sight, until the team pulled ahead late. They were able to hold on to the late lead and win 24-20. The win extended their winning streak to three games. “As a former player, I’m really proud of the team for their big win,” said sophomore Ryan Warshaw. Their next game was on Oct. 13 at Northwest. The team looked to extend their season-opening three game winning streak with a win against the Jaguars. The game was close throughout, with both teams converting early chances and taking advantage of defensive lapses. In a tightly contested game, the team prevailed, winning 15-9. The team will play their next game on Oct. 23 against Seneca Valley.
GIRLS’ TENNIS
Girls look to close season Team continues strong season, strong leading into playoffs hope to win counties remains Nic Band staff writer
The Patriots look to continue their success as they near the end of the regular season after going 4-1 in the last five games The girls visited Northwest on Oct. 6. The Jaguars had dropped only one match prior to this game and put the girls’ skills to the test. The game started off with the Jaguars having a lot of possession with multiple chances on goal as they took a 1-0 lead to end the first half. Entering the second half, the girls displayed their dominance with a goal from sophomore forward Alex Poltorak off a corner from sophomore outside back Jillian Gonzales. The Jaguars quickly answered with a goal of their own putting them up 2-1. After a hard fought game for both sides, the girls were unable to pull out a win and fell to the Jaguars 2-1. With the season winding down, the girls have impressed the league and are currently sitting in third place in the 4A/3A West, behind Damascus and Northwest. The Damascus game on Oct. 14 was a crucial game that has potential to bump them up in the rankings, but was too late to be covered in this issue. Head coach Liz Seligman has proven her ability and the girls have gained her trust in her first season.
“This season is great. The whole team is so positive and we really love the sport and enjoy playing it together under our favorite coach,” senior midfielder co-captain Gabi Bianchi said. The Patriots are starting to come together with playoffs in sight and the girls have their hopes set high. “We’ve been preparing for the playoffs by trying to connect more as a team,” senior midfielder Maddie Mays said. The girls have exhibited more young talent with sophomore goalkeeper Jill Geline showing her presence in net with an incredible season so far. Geline has had four shutouts in seven games and has only let up three goals the whole season. Another young star is Poltorak, who leads the team in scoring in her first year with varsity. Poltorak continues to score clutch goals for the Patriots and contribute largely to the team’s victories. The team faced Quince Orchard on Oct. 13 at home in their rescheduled match which was postponed due to the rain on Oct. 1. The girls came out dominating from the start in a 5-1 win. A strong performance by Gonzales, netting two goals for the Patriots. Goals also came from sophomore forward Rachel Feldman, senior Maria Harrington and Bianchi. The team’s next game is on Oct. 19 at Walter Johnson.
Geoff Pisarra staff writer
After suffering their first regular season loss in two years, the girls got back to their normal winning ways. The girls faced off against Walter Johnson on Oct. 12 and dominated easily. Only one game was dropped as they went on to win the match 6-1. The team was led by doubles partners senior Gabby Glueck and junior Kathy Lin, who dominated their match with a 6-0, 6-0 victory. The match was the last one of the regular season and the team look to carry the winning momentum into counties. The previous week was a busy one for the team. The team faced off against four different teams on four consecutive days, as the matches against Kennedy and Blair had to be rescheduled due to rain delays.
The girls faced off against Kennedy on Oct. 9. The match was won with ease, as the ladies again won in dominant fashion, 7-0. The team played so well that they only dropped three sets the entire match. Sophomores Grace Evans and Kara Wong helped out in the victory, beating their doubles opponents 6-0, 6-0. The girls had a rivalry game as they faced off against the Churchill Bulldogs on Oct. 8. Although one match was unable to be completed, the score was not affected and the Patriots again won with ease, taking the match 6-0. Captains Georgia Bartels-Newton and Varna Kishore helped lead the doubles team to victory, continuing their undefeated season as a duo. The other rescheduled match was held on Oct. 7 as the Patriots went up against Blair. The team continued their dominance over
opponents, not losing a single game, winning 7-0. Again, BartelsNewton and Kishore helped lead the way to victory for the team. “Varna and I just work really well together. The chemistry is there, and it shows on the court,” Bartels-Newton said. Their match against Northwest was on Oct. 6, and once again the Patriots had no trouble with securing the win. With another 7-0 victory, the team got wins from singles players senior Claire Chen and freshman Angela Wu. With the regular season ending following the win against Walter Johnson, the girls will continue their season on Oct. 19 as they start counties and hope to repeat the success they had last year and win the state title “Were hoping to win counties but were taking it one match at a time, not getting too far ahead of ourselves,” junior Elizabeth Band said.
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Common Sense | October 19, 2015
Patriot Profiles
Photo by Charlie Eichberg
Photo by Joey Voyta
What’s your favorite... Movie: Jordan Weitz: Sybil Jenna Cohen: The Way Way Back
Pregame Meal: JW: Lean Cuisine Senior golf captain Jordan Weitz.
Jordan Weitz: Golf
Drew Lind sports editor Some people work their whole life to perfect a craft and excel in that field, while others are naturally born with a gift just waiting to be discovered. Jordan Weitz is the epitome of the second option. Weitz began swinging his club in the gentleman’s game of golf in the summer going into freshman year. He was not even planning on playing golf until it was introduced to him by his father. His dad saw something in his perfectly combed hair and athletic mold and the school is very happy he did because Weitz has become an icon here through his play on the green. Along with his father’s presence, Jordan tore his ACL twice whcih took him away from asketball, another aport he excelled at from a young age. Weitz has come a long way since he first started playing golf as his game has improved each and every year he has played. Weitz has consistently turned heads of rambunctious golf spectators with his impressive stroke and mesmerizing scores. His best score came in a tournament last year when he posted an impressive score of 67 (five under par for that course). He also recently won a qualifier for a big tournament called the Scott Robertson Memorial by shooting a 70 (2 under par). Weitz has also recently received the AJGA HP Scholastic AllAmerican award and has consequently been invited to the biggest junior event of the year in Florida. Weitz understands that if a player wants to play good, they have to look good and takes great pride in the incredibly stylish golf shirts that he wears at every event. In order to look good, one must strike a perfect balance between the color and the pattern of the shirt. “If I want to play well, I’ve got to make sure the outfit is on point,” Weitz said. Weitz has impressed more than just high school students as he has committed to Yale University in a long and hard decision. He committed based on his wild golf skills, but plans to major in economics and mathematics during his time at the university. Weitz’s bright hair color corresponds perfectly with his bright future.
Junior soccer captain Jenna Cohen.
Jenna Cohen: Girls’ Soccer
JC: Avocado Toast
Alex Bellot staff writer
Subject: JW: The first semester of onlevel matter and energy JC: Psychology
Pregame Ritual: JW: Clean my clubs the night before JC: Bean Dip
TV Show: JW: Real
Housewives Dallas JC: Friends
of
Sport beside Golf/Soccer: JW: Intramural underwater basket weaving JC: Futbol
Jenna Cohen has been on the varsity soccer team for three years and is currently playing in her junior season. Cohen was one of three freshmen to make the team back in 2013 and has been the team’s starting center back ever since. As a captain for two years now, Cohen has been looking to lead her team to a state title and believes that this year could finally be the year. “I think we have a lot of talent and really good chemistry on and off the field,” Cohen said. “If we keep up the high intensity we will definitely go far this year.” The girls have been looking good so far with five wins and two losses. No doubt that they could make it deep into the road in the playoffs with the skill and motivation that the team has. With an early defeat last year in the playoffs, the girls are surely looking to change things up. Soccer has been a part of Cohen’s life ever since she was in kindergarten and she has been playing since. At first soccer was more as a social activity for her but from there it has quickly progressed as it now takes up a big part of her life. Beginning in the third grade, Cohen has taken her soccer career up to the travel level with her club team Bethesda Impact. The team is currently ranked number two in the state and plays in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL). Throughout the years she has been playing with Bethesda up until today, and has competed in and won numerous titles such as the Jefferson Cup, Maryland State Cup three times, ECNL Regionals, and ECNL nationals. “I love impact so much, along with the school team I wouldn’t want to play with any other team,” Cohen said. Cohen has plans to play soccer in the future and hopes to play in college. She has been receiving a lot of college exposure by playing in numerous college showcases. Cohen has recently been in touch with colleges like Gettysburg, Emory, and Rochester. Although she is currently unsure about what school she wants to attend, she hopes to find a school that she really likes. “I don’t really have a dream school,” Cohen said. “Whatever school I find that I fit in both academically and soccer wise will probably be the best for me.” Photo courtesy Jenna Cohen
Photo courtesy Wootton Golf
Weitz holds swing as he watches his shot in the district finals.
Cohen takes a free kick during the regular season. Her big feet allows her to take free kicks for the team.