Inside, Check Out:

Arts & Ent., pgs. 13-16

Editorial,

pgs. 5-8

The Pitch Volume 57 Issue 8 6400 Rock Spring Drive, Bethesda, MD 20814May 25, 2012 Walter Johnson High School . . .

Photo by Julia Cinquegrani

Feature, pgs. 9-12 Sports, pgs. 17-20

2 MAY 25, 2012NEWS Pitchthe

LETTER FROM THE

EDITORSDear Pitch Readers,

Sincerely, Print-editors-in-chief Rosie Hammack, Hannah Flesch

and online-editor-in-chief Ali Jawetz

Photo by Steven Groobert

In anticipation of her new child, social studies teach-er Keeley Hagan will be departing WJ for maternity leave at the end of the school year. Hagan said her favorite part about working at WJ has been the “daily interaction with [her] students,” and many of them are sad to see her leave. Hagan came to Maryland in 2001 after teaching for two years in Kentucky, and has been working at WJ for 12 years. During her time at WJ, she has worked as a senior class advisor for six years, taken seven trips to Europe and coached poms. When Hagan leaves, she said the people she will miss the most are the other social stud-ies teachers. “[WJ] is like a second home to me,” she said, adding that she plans to visit WJ in the future.

After teaching for seven years, foreign language teacher Katherine Thomas will be leaving WJ. For-merly Katherine Baird, Thomas married during spring break this past year, changing her last name. Next year, she plans to teach at Seneca Valley High School as the new foreign language resource teacher. “[When] this opportunity came up, I thought it was just too good to pass up,” said Thomas. During her time at WJ, Thomas has taught both Spanish and several levels of French classes. Thomas said making the choice to leave WJ was a difficult deci-sion because she has grown to love her students and colleagues. “I feel like I definitely have a community here,” she said.

By Claudia NguyenBy Zach Williams

KATHERINE THOMASForeign Language

KEELEY HAGANSocial Studies

Wildcat Teachers on the Move

Photo by Claudia Nguyen Photo by Emily Cosentino

Thank you so much for reading The Pitch this year. We truly enjoyed bringing you the best of WJ in each and every issue. We also love the fact that the online paper, wjpitch.com, has risen in popularity with more hits on the Internet. This issue is specifically dedicated to the se-niors, the class of 2012. You’ll see a number of pages that celebrate these awesome students’ ac-complishments, culminating four years of hard work and success. We also have the best-dressed of Prom and a summer playlist in the Arts and Entertainment section to get you in the end-of-school-year mood. Please check out The Pitch Online for the links to those songs and also for Ask Ali’s sign-off. We’re excited to leave you with the best is-sue yet and hand off to the next editors-in-chief, print editors Phillip Resnick, Sari Amiel and on-line editor Megan Chun. Best of luck in your future endeavors class of 2012, and for all underclassmen, congrats on finishing another year and we hope you enjoy next year’s Pitch even more.

Two teachers reflect on their time at WJ as their final year comes to a close

3Pitchthe

MAY 25, 2012

At the end of the school year, spring sports teams have playoffs, chorus and band have spring concerts, and WJ’s art department has the annual Fine Arts Festival. But only the latter involves every student taking an art class at WJ. The festival runs from May 22 to May 24 in the small gym during the entire school day and from 6:00 to 9:00 every evening. This undertaking is no small task for the students and faculty involved. “In the week leading up to the festival, most of the art classes are franti-cally trying to matte and label all of their work,” said senior Helena Klas-sen, who is in AP Studio Art. “[Students] start setting up the [small] gym with the art on the day of the festival.” Art Resource Teacher Stephanie Ellis started the Fine Arts Festival when she came to WJ almost a decade ago. “Every year we have teachers and parents and even just the other kids that are wowed by how much talent we have here [in the art department],” said Ellis. “It’s a great confidence boost [for students].” Students typically choose to display the pieces they feel they have done the best job on, and choose between one and 10 pieces, depending on the level of their class. The Fine Arts Festival is also a prime way for students to showcase exactly what the curriculum is like in their specific classes, and to recruit new students to art classes. “I think sometimes it’s hard for people to who aren’t in the art depart-ment to always understand how much work we put into our art through-out the year,” said junior Maddy Bazil, who takes AP Studio Art and Fash-ion and Merchandise. “The art show is when we get to show it off a little for people to appreciate. That’s also the most nerve-wracking…because you’re basically just putting the highlights of a year’s worth of your art on the walls and letting everyone look at it.” Once everything is set up, both Bazil and Klassen enjoy seeing pieces from other classes, especially from classes that they have not taken in the past, such as ceramic sculptures and advanced photography subjects Despite the craziness that occurs preceding the festival, Klassen, Bazil and Ellis all agree that the hard work is worth the outcome. “There is so much talent at this school and it feels great to be a part of it,” said Klassen. “People will come up to you and compliment you on your work and it’s really nice. I think WJ has one of the best art depart-ments in Montgomery County, and it has been great to experience it. The art show helps solidify that feeling.” Although the festival is a large undertaking for Ellis, seeing the final product is worth the stress. “It’s so crazy before [the festival], and it’s so crazy afterward,” said Ellis. “But there’s this brief moment when everything’s up…and there’s music and there’s people milling around and you can hear people going, ‘That’s really cool!’ That’s my favorite part.”

By Ellie Jorling

NEWS

2

3

4

68

1

1. Senior Spencer Razick’s art.2. Senior Kathleen Branthover displays one of her pictures at the festival. 3. At front, freshman Tess Crowley’s sculputre.4. Students explore the art displays at the festival.5. An arial view of the Fine Arts Festival.6. Senior Josh Ellis arranges his work during the set up of the festival.7. Freshmen Katie McGill and Maayan Albert’s collaboration for their ceramics class. 8. Digital art teacher Paul Engelhardt directs students as they set up their work.

5

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Photos by Steven Groobert

Small Gym, Big Art:Fine Arts Festival Displays Student Work

4 MAY 25, 2012NEWS Pitchthe

Q: What is your favorite part of being princi-pal? A: I really like the fact that I work with students, parents, teachers, my administrative staff and the lead-ership teams. I just like the fact that everybody comes to my door with a different issue, and we sit down together and figure out what we’re going to do. I also like the celebratory aspects of congratulating students when they’re signing to play sports at a college, or just talking to people in the hall and hearing what their plans are for next year.

Q: What are you least favorite parts of being principal? A: I think the toughest part is having difficult con-versations with people about choices that they have made. So let’s say a student makes a bad choice, it’s re-ally hard to sit down with students and sit down with parents. It can be rewarding in the end when you work through the problem.

Q: How does being principal of a high school compare to middle school? A: It’s the same title, but at high school it’s so much bigger. The problems at the high school level are big. Everything counts. Your grades count because they’re going on your transcript and colleges see that. Your de-cisions count, because if they’re good decisions, really great things happen, and if they’re bad decisions then sometimes that can mean really dramatic things.

Q: What do you consider to be the biggest changes that you made this year? A: I don’t really think that I made a lot of changes because when coming into a school like WJ, the goal is not to make huge, sweeping changes. The goal is to help enhance what’s already going on. I do consult with Dr. [Christopher] Garran a lot and ask in certain situations what he would do. I didn’t want to come in and do things dramatically different from what he did because I thought he did a really great job.

Q: What have you learned from being princi-pal this year? A: I’ve learned that listening is very important. I work with a lot of very smart people and they have really great ideas, so I’ve learned to guide from a dis-tance. I am so excited to be around the students at WJ. It’s really an amazing school, and I’ve learned that it’s really important to me to keep it like that and to figure out how to continue helping WJ become one of the best schools in the United States.

Q: Because former principal Christopher Gar-ran was so well-loved, did you feel like you had big shoes to fill upon replacing him? A: Oh definitely. I’ve known Dr. Garran for a long time because I’d taught here with him, and I respect him a lot. He’s been a great mentor and advisor since I’ve been here. I knew that I had big shoes to fill but I wasn’t intimidated. One goal for myself is to follow in his legacy but also create a legacy of my own.

Q: Do you foresee any changes being imple-mented in the future? A: I want WJ to continue on the path that it’s been on. I really want to focus on helping all students be successful. I love that fact that we have college level classes here but we also need to make sure that we’re offering something for everybody. Also, when students come here I want them to be able to see themselves here and find areas that they’re interested in [extra-curricularly]. I always want us to be a very inclusive school.

Following the Leaders: Baker, SGA Reflect on 2011-2012

Q: How was the experience of coordinating Pennies for Patients? JB: It was definitely such a great month, being in-volved in all these events and knowing that everything you’re doing is for such a good cause. Every single dol-lar of that 58,000 we counted personally. It was really labor intensive, but in the end it was totally worth it. JK: Everything that we’ve worked for since the be-ginning of WJ has led up to this, where we did some-thing really awesome for a lot of underprivileged, sick people.

Q: What were some of your goals, and were you able to accomplish all of them? SD: Initially our goal was just not to lose [Pennies for Patients]. Every SGA [wants] to pass last year. But this year, just not only passing them, but going that extra mile, going 58,000, coming in first in the nation and beating [most other schools] by at least 20,000. JB: It’s so cool, everybody in this school was a part of something incredibly special and I think in 20 or 30 years, we’ll be able to look back and say, “Wow, we re-ally did something special.” JK: If you raise 20,000 dollars, they have a grant at a research center in the school’s name. We’re funding two or three whole research grants where people are legitimately trying to cure cancer. It’s really great to be in first place, but once it really hit us, the impact it’s making is even better.

Q: How is your relationship with Mr. [Nico]Atencio and the leadership class? SD: Atencio is our dad. JK: We call him “dad.” It’s sort of been this in-side joke ever since the homecoming movie, and [ever since] we started calling Atencio “dad.” JB: He’s such a cool guy. He really knows how to buckle down and get business taken care of. He can be really strict and [makes] sure that all of us are focused, but [it’s] because he expects us to do great things. He’s our mentor. He also knows how to just joke around with the class. SD: [In leadership,] we’ve gone through so much stuff together. JK: We’ve had some awkward moments. At the end of the day, we all know we’re part of something together and we respect each other for that.

By Julia Cinquegrani

Jake Karlin, President (JK)Josh Brenits, Vice President (JB)Santi De Paco, Treasurer (SD)

*Secretary Takunda Ndoro was unable to comment.

By Claudia Nguyen

Q: What advice would you give next year’s SGA? SD: There’s always something that’s going to hap-pen. Sometimes it will lead things in the right direc-tion, but most of the time it’s going to be the opposite and you’re going to have to work through that. JB: It’s cliché, but expect the unexpected. You can plan for everything, but you never know what’s go-ing to happen. But also, good things can come out of things that are seemingly bad. JK: Be prepared to work [and] sacrifice your free time. It takes up part of your senior year, but it’ll make one of the most memorable years you’ll have.

Q: What are some perks to being in SGA? SD: I love the pep rallies I don’t know about you but I love [them]. Like, the introductions that just pump me up so much. JK: Nothing feels better than hearing them say your name in front of 2,300 kids and hearing everyone cheer; it’s just like, surreal. SD: Our first pep rally, I remember we were dis-cussing which song we wanted to come out with and someone threw out the idea of “Touch the Sky” by Kanye. And literally, every time I hear that song I get so happy because it reminds me of that day and how I felt. It’s just incredible. I love it. JB: You don’t really feel it as an SGA officer, but even the first week of school, the freshmen kind of know who you are. We associate ourselves with every-body. We try to be diplomatic and represent the school because that’s what we were elected to do.

Photos by Emily Cosentino

Photo by Emily Cosentino

Left: (from top to bot-tom) SGA Vice Presi-dent Josh Brenits, Treasurer Santi De Paco, President Jake Karlin.

Top right: Treasurer Santi De Paco, Vice President Josh Bren-its, President Jake Karlin.

Principal Jennifer Baker Student Government Officers

Bottom right: Vice President Josh Bren-its, President Jake Karlin, Treasurer Santi De Paco.

From top to bottom: Vice President Josh Brenits, Treasurer Santi De Paco, President Jake Karlin.

Pitch Seniors Sign Off5MAY 25, 2012 EDITORIALPitchth

e

By Nathaniel ReesPrint Editorial Editor

Rees’s Pieces

AJ: “The Pitch Online rocks and y’all should continue to take advan-tage of it. Also this staff is made up of some of the greatest people in the world.”

HF: “Finally making the joke issue was awesome, especially seeing people believe it.”RH: “Is doing cut-outs a useful skill in real life?”

CK: “Best Pitch mem-ory: Meeting various eccentric and foul mouthed professional journalists who came to talk to our class.”

GB: “It’s been incredible working (or not working, as the case may be) with The Pitch staff. Thanks especially to our readers throughout these past few years!”

DM: “Haha I remember playing club penguin with Phillip Resnick in J1.”

JC: “I loved seeing stu-dents read and hold the paper. It makes me feel like all the hard work has paid off.”

JD: “My favorite mem-ory was getting pro-gressively sillier during press and wondering what’s for dinner.”

SG: “My favorite mem-ory was all the late night presses.”

Below is a list of things we never accomplished, either because we ran out of time or they went out of style:

Make a “S**t Pitch People Say” viral You-

tube video

All get matching feather hairpiecesMake a satire issue of the

Pitch (oh wait…)

Travel overseas to cover The Pitch Online’s “Top 5 World News Events” firsthand

Somehow make Cami stop complaining about his in-grown toenail

Hack WJ computers to

allow access to Retire-

ment Home Tycoon

Win the world record for watching the most amount of baby sloth videos in one class pe-riod

Publish a convincing conspiracy the-ory that former advisor Ms. Gates is related to Bill Gates

Create a “We’ve got Pitches,

Bi***es” T-shirt for distribu-

tion days

Agressively confront Cal Thomas

Get the silver

fox himself

to be a guest

speaker

Make a “Call Me Maybe” video

Ask Ali

Our final reflections

TD: “There’s nothing like good music to get you through press.”

D a n i e l l e Markow-itz (DM)

Jenny Deutsch (JD)

Ali Jawetz Hannah Flesch (HF)

Rosie Hammack

Julia Cinquegrani (JC)

Daniel Thaler (DT)

Steven Groobert (SG)

Cami Keyani (CK) Girard Bucello

(GB)

Taliah Dommerholt (TD)

“Scared of Leaving”

I’m really afraid to graduate high school. Everyone is so excited to leave this suburban bubble and move on with their lives, but I’m legitimately worried about relation-ships changing with my best friends, being on my own in college and just not seeing some of these people ever again. Do you have any last-minute advice before grad-uation? How do I maintain relationships with my best friends?

Dear Ali,

Sincerely, Scared of Leaving

Even those of your friends who are “excited to leave this suburban bubble” are still feeling your same trepidations. I promise you, there is not one graduating senior (myself included) who assumes that all of their current comforts and relationships are going to stay the same. However, our generation has a huge advan-tage....

Dear Scared of Leaving,

To see more visit wjpitch.com

Online editor-in-chief Ali Jawetz gives advice to any and all sub-missions at eics.wjpitch.com

Photo by Emily Cosentino

Photo by Emily Cosentino

Politicizing Gay Rights The subject of gay marriage has al-ways been a highly controversial topic. Ever since the first recorded gay couple, in Egypt in 2400 B.C., gay and lesbian couples have faced hatred, hurdles and bitter conflicts between the proponents of gay marriage and its critics. Due to its controversial nature, most high-ranking officials, including all of the presidents in the history of the United States, have never fully en-dorsed the legalization of gay marriage. That is, until President Barack Obama announced that he believes same-sex couples should be granted the right to marry on Wed., May 9. The fallout from this statement was huge; the announcement gave an imme-diate jolt to the decades-long movement for gay equality and caused a rapid back-lash from its opponents. But as Obama’s statement became the highest trending news topic across America, and news-papers and news stations raced to cover the event, I only felt confusion, and an-ger. Almost every single news source focused on the political impact of the statement. The impact on Obama’s fight for the presidency. The impact on Mitt Romney’s campaign. But there was almost no information on the actual impact of the statement on the move toward equality for the LGBT commu-nity. It seemed as though the subject of legalizing gay marriage was just a tool for politicians to boost their campaigns, according to the press. I find this sad. I find it sad that when a president finally has the courage to take a stand on an issue that has been skirted over by politicians for decades due to its contentious nature, most reporters focus on the political aftermath. I find it sad that so many people focus on the political, rather than the human aspect of the issue. The statement may hurt Obama’s chances of reelection. It may not. But regardless of the outcome, Americans should focus on the fact that this an-nouncement could spur the LGBT’s move for equality to victory. In a country that prides itself on the fact that “all men are created equal” and have certain “unalienable” rights, but does not convey this belief with its treatment of the gay and lesbian popula-tion, a president’s statement supporting gay marriage should not be analyzed for its political impact. It should instead be considered as a sign for a hopeful future, one in which all Americans, regardless of race, background or sexual inclina-tion, are treated equally. Forget the politics. Forget the race for the presidency. Focus on the fact that a president finally publicly and unequivo-cally endorsed gay marriage. Focus on the fact that maybe, just maybe, the gay and lesbian population might enjoy the equal protection under law that all hu-man beings need and deserve.

(AJ)

(RH)

6 MAY 25, 2012EDITORIAL Pitchthe

Q: What is the one thing you want to do most in the summer and why?

UpBatat

THE STAFFThe Pitch is published eight times a year by the students of Walter Johnson High School, 6400 Rock Spring Drive, Bethesda, Md. 20814. Advertising and subscription rates are available by calling 301-803-7302. Editorial opinions represent those of The Pitch staff and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the staff, faculty, or student body. We welcome letters, articles, photographs and artwork, to be submitted to room 193 or e-mailed to eics.wjpitch@gmail.com. The Pitch is an award-winning paper that works towards provid-

ing the student body with accurate, as well as credible, information.

Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Medalist 2009

American Scholastic Press Association First Place 2010-2011

Maryland HS Journalism Award Best Newspaper Overall Third Place 2009-2010

Feature Editors Jenny DeutschSari AmielMegan Chun*

Copy ChiefSari Amiel

Copy EditorsMegan ChunNathaniel ReesClaudia Nguyen

AdvisorSylvie Ellen

Business/PR ManagerClaudia Nguyen

ArtistsAnders NorbergEmily Cosentino

Staff WritersAnders NorbergMatthew MorrisEllie JorlingBen ResnickSabrina ClarkeJordan DeeterWahid IshrarBen LevingstonDashel Lewis Ian MorrisonIzzy SalantZach Williams

Photo EditorsEmily CosentinoSteven GroobertCartoonistMichael Matthes

Editors-in-ChiefHannah FleschRosie HammackAli Jawetz*

News EditorsJulia CinquegraniGirard Bucello*

Editorial EditorsNathaniel ReesDanielle Markowitz*

Sports EditorsPhillip ResnickDaniel Thaler*

Arts & Entertainment EditorTaliah DommerholtCameron Keyani*

*Online Editors

“Sleep. We are sleep deprived children.”

Brendan AlcantaraJunior

“I want to be on America’s Got Tal-ent because I love Howie Mandel.”

Claire WeitznerSophomore

All photos by Wahid Ishrar

Summer is less than a month away. Fresh air, lack of stress from school and the beach are just some of the things stu-dents are looking forward to. The Pitch staff asked students

what they wanted to do most during the summer.

Arlo PerezSenior“I want to go visit the largest tire in the world.”

“Travel to Europe, because they have hot guys.”

Grace BatistaFreshman

“I want to practice for varsity basketball.”

Sid Tan Sophomore

“Go to California with my friend Tyler Pham because it would be awesome.”

Taylor SwiftSenior

“I want to go to camp because I love being away from home.”

Val CampanellaJunior

“Chill out with friends and take it easy.”

Ben JaffeFreshman

Assistant News EditorClaudia NguyenAssistant Arts & Ent. Editor Emily Cosentino

7MAY 25, 2012 EDITORIALPitchthe

CurveballBy Wahid Ishrar

By Rosie Hammack Print Editor-in-Chief

By Megan Chun

I am a self-diagnosed romantic; my future consists primarily of nostalgic, timeworn, faded sepia photographic stills. In one, a Victorian house with a white-washed front porch and pillars, black shutters and a stone base, sporadically clung to by scattered green patches of ivy, overlooks a gurgling creek, where my four wild children catch crayfish and guppies, and where I sit on a warm flat rock and write poetry and fiction. In another, I sit at my computer in a corner office at the National Geo-graphic Magazine headquarters. I am dressed in a silk button-down blouse, a long black pencil skirt, dark tights and black, close-toed heels, and my hair is tied tight in a professional bun. I hold in one hand a raised and blinking record-er; in another, a small spiral notebook filled with scribbled quotes and facts. The bright and bustling outline of D.C. is etched into the tall panels of win-dows surrounding me. In the next, I’m leading a clump of excited elementary school students down rows of historical, anthropologi-cal artifacts, pointing out my favorite exhibits and watching their little faces brighten with the novelty of fascinating new facts. And then I am traversing the jungles of Peru. Machu Picchu towers above, its famous Incan ruins partially hidden by the overgrowth of mammoth trees and the pregnant umbrella of Amazo-nian clouds. Romantic, I know, but it is my ro-mance, and within the folds of my con-sciousness it has therefore taken on its own kind of warped reality. And yet, as I make my steady beeline towards graduation, it is beginning to become painfully apparent that some – if not all – of these stills will never receive the blessing of animation. The inevitable clash of inner realist and romantic has led me to the following understanding: no matter what, I cannot live out each of my fantasies. Each reality, with its own style, flavor and setting requires an entire lifetime of attention to become mine. No matter what, I, the self-diag-nosed romantic, will eventually need to let go. And though it killed me at first thought, I’m finally beginning to come to terms with the fact. See, the trouble with my fantasized stills is that they are exactly that: fan-tasy. Try as I might to give life to their bare bones, to breathe motion and color into their static frames, they can never be anything but the shadow of whatever future I actually live out. My little dreams have done their job. They have amused me and provided me with the motivation to do well, and now it’s time for reality to take the reins. Underclassman romantics, cherish those fantasies with the understanding that in a few short years it will be time: time to sidestep the colorless, lifeless stills, and pick up the vibrant thread of life; time to spin reality.

In March, the winter weather is clear-ing up, but for many high school stu-dents, the school year is not winding down. We all know it: the countdown on the whiteboard, the practice tests and the seemingly endless review books. Over a two week span, students will be tested on the information (or lack thereof) they have ob-tained over the course of the year. But unlike final exams, which occur just weeks later, material in other classes are still presented to students dur-ing AP testing. This means that while they take AP exams, stu-dents are still responsible for actual coursework in non-AP classes that continue until ear-ly June. Because they must si-multaneously study for exams and complete coursework, students taking AP exams get double the work and double the stress for students taking AP exams. So why take these exams in the first place? Don’t get me wrong, I think there are plenty of benefits to the AP courses. First of all, they give a student’s weighted grade point average (WGPA) a nice boost. This allows students to achieve over a 4.0 GPA on a 5.0 scale, something that makes a student more

competitive when applying for college. Additionally, although most students only consider the WGPA boost when selecting classes, it is important to re-member that AP courses are called “ad-vanced” for a reason. They are supposed to be stimulating courses that help pre-pare high school students for college-level workloads. Students will be forced

to balance their time between AP work and their regular courseload. By taking AP courses in high school, students will be better prepared for college. But the exam itself is a totally differ-ent story. In mid-May of each year, AP

The ongoing investigation of the tragic shooting of Trayvon Martin by George Zimmerman in Sanford, Fl. on Feb. 26 has increasingly gained in-terest in the nation-al media. Zimmerman shot Martin once in the chest on close contact in claims of “self de-fense,” leading to the death of Martin. This case high-lights a substantial problem in the Cons t i tu-tion of the U n i t e d States: the Second Amendment, which guarantees the right to bear arms. The Second Amend-ment was passed in 1791, a time when the country had just formed and was surrounded by enemies on all sides. We were still figuring out how to shape the country, and had not established a solid national security institution. But now, we live in the 21st cen-tury, in a country that provides us with a level of security that many countries

can only dream of providing their citi-zens. If anything happens that requires police or medical attention, one call to 911 brings us assistance within minutes. There are thousands of police officers on duty at any given point of time

to ensure that none of us are being vio-lated in any

way, physically or mentally. And yet, some states, and some citizens, still feel the need to allow individuals to carry guns, to let them take the law into their

own hands without re-quiring them to retreat first. And these people have the Second Amendment to back up their claims. After all, the Framers authorized the right to bear arms. But why must

we strictly interpret the Constitution, when we haven’t done so in so many cases? For example, during the 1920s, the government added the 18th Amend-ment, prohibiting the selling and con-sumption of alcohol. Later, however,

this prohibition was repealed in the 21st Amendment, be-cause the world was changing and the masses were against prohibition. Well, guess what? The world

is still changing. We no longer have en-emies surrounding us, and therefore, we don’t need to have individuals carry around their own weapons. This only heightens a sense of paranoia for the population. They think that the country is unsafe, and the only way to ensure safety is to carry around your own weapon.

Not only does it heighten the sense of paranoia, but it also directly insults the police force of the United States. In-stead of appreciating their dedication to public safety, we are telling those who serve their country that they are not good enough to protect us, and there-fore we need to take safety into our own hands. It is time to take a stand against this futile attempt at false security. As in the case of Martin and Zimmerman, it can only lead to unnecessary deaths and injuries. We should have the decency to applaud our police force, and at the same time should not have to experi-ence such tragedies as the death of Tray-von Martin.

On Feb. 26, 2012, Trayvon Martin was shot and killed by George Zimmerman.

On April 11, 2012, a charge of second degree murder was filed against Zimmerman.

The case sparked debate over the right of Americans to carry guns.

exams are tests presented to students on all course material, in hopes that these students will perform well enough to earn college credit. Mind you, only those who earn a three, four or a five (out of a five point scale) may be eligible to receive this college credit, which is mostly used to place out of entry-level courses (e.g. Intro to Chemistry). It is

up to the individual college to decide which, if any, AP credits they accept. For example, the University of Maryland, Col-lege Park (UMCP) accepts AP credit for most courses, which can be very helpful to students who choose to attend UMCP. Coming into UMCP with AP credits, which may count as elective credits, could increase a student’s standing in the school, allowing them benefits such as better course schedules and higher dorm lottery num-bers. However, for students

who don’t end up attending schools that accept the credit, the time and the money spent preparing for these exams can be better spent elsewhere.....

To see more, visit wjpitch.com

Many students taking AP classes buy review books in order to prepare for their numerous and stressful tests.

Photo by Emily Cosentino

Photo courtesy of flickr.com

False Security Leads to Unnecessary Deaths

The AP Dilemma: Are They Worth the Stress?

Picturing the Future

8 MAY 25, 2012EDITORIAL Pitchthe

Point- Counterpoint: Running

By Matthew Morris

Photo courtesy of Mocorunning

Every fall and spring between first and eighth grade, I played rec league soccer. To put it simply, I sucked. I couldn’t pass the ball well and I rarely got it when it was passed to me. In sev-en years, I only managed to score three times, and that included the time when the ball bounced off my leg into the goal when I wasn’t paying attention. As the years went on I only got worse until I was eventually the least skilled player on the team. Teammates started to wonder what was going on. But I knew what the problem was. I didn’t even remotely care about soccer; I just really liked run-ning up and down the field. Since then, running has into a full blown passion for me. I’ve traded run-ning up and down a soccer field for cross country, a sport involving running up and down hills, around tracks and through just about every weather con-dition. And now I am here to argue to you, my dear readers, why running not only doesn’t suck, but may just be the greatest thing ever. Let’s start with the basics. You owe your life to running. It may sound ex-treme, but it’s true. Humans evolved to run well as a means of survival. If your Neanderthal ancestors hadn’t been a good runner, that Saber tooth tiger would have eaten them and there would be no you. Skeptics may point out that in the modern era running doesn’t accom-plish any of those things. However, I beg to differ. A runner has a much better chance of getting away from a potential threat, such as a mugger for example, than most other people. The idea of running down your dinner is still very much alive, as my friend once proved by trying in vain to chase a deer. And while it’s not quite attracting a mate, a girl at a track meet once told me I had “nice legs,” which sort of proves my point.

People who think that run-ning sucks will often argue that running is pain-ful and isn’t fun to do. I have reached the con-clusion that these individuals must be doing a differ-ent activity than I am. Running isn’t generally painful, and even when it is, the feeling of success you get when you’re done makes it more than worth it. I personally like to use running as a way to get away from the usual stresses of daily life and think deep thoughts. It’s kind of like meditation; except it’s not boring and if planned correctly it can end at a Chipotle or other location of your choice. Speaking of Chipotle, because of running I am always hun-gry. And I am mean always hungry. Two burritos? A whole pie of pizza? No problem! For the serious competitive eater looking to take their game to the next level, running could be the perfect metabolism expanding activity. Still not convinced? Runners can wear just about anything without their running peers blinking an eye. In addi-tion to way too short shorts, there’s way too tight spandex and, in my opinion, strangest of all, way too short shorts on top of way too tight spandex. Heck, I once ran a race in my boxers. Ok, so maybe this last part isn’t actually a good incentive to run, but I still think I’ve made my point clear. Running is more than an activity, it’s a lifestyle.

Cross country at WJ is a kind of cult, a gang of select boys and girls who en-joy the pain and exhaustion induced by their grueling, miserable sport. This is not to say that running does not require tremendous work ethic and talent. It is to say that there are many things more enjoyable than driving you to the brink of exhaustion. Apart from this select group of people, to put it kindly, running is uni-versally disliked. There is no particu-lar aspect of running that can be held responsible for this universal hatred; rather every aspect of running is simply unpleasant. As far as I can tell, the only reason runners like running is for the feeling of exhaustion experienced after a race. Though this may appeal to some, society perceives that running is agoniz-ing, laborious and debilitating. Cross country, an activity some indi-viduals participate in to “have fun”, is every other sport’s punishment. At any sports practice, the most dreaded words to ever be delivered through a coach’s mouth are “losing team has to run.” This is all it takes to motivate any team to perform, due to the fact that running is an almost unbearable way to spend an afternoon. What has yet to be addressed is why running is so unbearable, and there are many contributing factors that make running the most torturous sport imaginable. Let it be known that it is running, not jogging, that is being ad-dressed. Running is pushing your body to perform even when it is hurting you. Imagine the simple cramp you experi-ence when you jog after eating some-thing. Now imagine that feeling, mag-nified, running up and down the back of your legs. Calf and hamstring cramps

feel as if someone is stabbing the back of your leg, until you can no longer walk because the pain is so intense. What can be done to rectify a cramp? Stretch-ing, and stop the run. A cramp is your body’s way of telling you to stop what you are doing, to stop running! Leg cramps are only the beginning. As you continue to push through the misery, you begin to experience emp-tiness in your lungs and pain in your chest. You try to breath, but you realize that you are so tired that even a simple task such as this has been made ardu-ous. As an anonymous runner told me, “It hurts to laugh and run at the same time.” Laughter is the expression of merriment and mirth, yet runners ad-mit that it is painful to do so simultane-ously. This must be fate. The reality is that running could never be associated with such words as “merriment” and “mirth.” It is the epitome of pain in the world of sports, and will inevitably re-main as such.

By Ian Morrison

On March 12, the Discovery Chan-nel decided to sever its ties with Bear Grylls, the host of the wildly popular survival show “Man vs. Wild.” With this shocking development, I have now lost one of my favorite TV per-sonalities of all time. The show “Man vs. Wild” has al-ways been a hit since its inception in March, 2006. The shows consisted of survival expert Bear Grylls drop-ping into a remote location via heli-copter or plane. Then Grylls typically navigated his way towards civiliza-tion along a pre-determined course.

Along the way, he encountered danger and demonstrated where to find food and how to build shelter. The show’s appeal revolves around the events Grylls endures. He insists that the show represents the worst pos-sible scenario, which means he jumps in frozen lakes, eats larvae and does other generally incredible things stranded travelers might have endure. This doesn’t mean the show hasn’t encountered its fair share of problems. Critics have complained since the be-ginning of the show questioning events as staged. There are some rumors that say Grylls often retires to comfy jungle lodges and base camps at night. To his

credit, Grylls has always been outgoing and transparent about the show’s inner workings, appearing on talk shows to discuss how the show is put together. The criticisms of the show tend to derive from most viewers who gener-ally misunderstand the purpose of the show. While many think that the show is a reality show it’s actually more or less a how-to show. Grylls is showing the viewer how to survive in intense condi-tions, although it appears as though he is engaging on his own personal conquest. Nevertheless the show has provid-ed me with seemingly endless hours of entertainment. Grylls’ swagger and bravado in the wild was something to

behold and his feats were nothing short of spectacular. His attitude and energy made me feel like I was in the jungle with him. This is why he developed a cult-like following. The show forced viewers to ponder what they would do if they were stranded in Zimbabwe with a water bottle and some flint. Those who complain about how it’s not a reality show miss the point. The show provided incredible entertain-ment and some interesting facts that I wouldn’t have known otherwise. And while I doubt I’ll ever be stranded in the wilderness (crosses fingers), at least I have some info if I ever do. And for that, thank you Bear Grylls.

I Miss Bear Grylls

By Dashel Lewis

Senior Scott enjoys running, even when it hurts.

Cartoon by Matthew Morris

Why Run? Pain, Stress Greatly Exceed Benefits

The Joy of Running

Photo courtesy of beargrylls.com

“Man vs. Wild” host represented extreme bravado in the wild

Running can cause excessive pain and dis-comfort.

9MAY 25, 2012 FEATUREPitchthe

SENIORS Class of

2012

While listening to the graduation speaker generally offers the graduating class a chance to hear from an unfamil-iar guest, this year’s speaker is more familiar with the class of 2012 than is current princial Jennifer Baker. Former principal Christopher Garran, who in-troduced the graduating class of 2012 to WJ four years ago, will be seeing the graduates off and providing them advice at DAR Constitution Hall on May 31. “I’m in a different position [now] because for seven years, I went to the podium and I presented the class to the board of education member,” said Gar-ran, “but this year [new principal] Ms. [Jennifer] Baker gets to do that, and so I’m sort of supposed to reflect upon my own experiences and give some words of advice.” Before speaking in the graduation ceremony as principal of WJ, Garran, as a faculty member, gave the open-ing speech at the graduation ceremony twice. Despite his experience with speaking at the ceremony, though, it will be difficult for Garran to articulate this year’s message. “I’m not sure how I will speak to the class without talking about having been away this year and having missed them,” said Garran. Nonetheless, Garran plans to avoid overlap between his speech and Baker’s, which will come after his. His experi-ence with leaving WJ is similar to that which the senior class is soon to have. “For the most part, I’m kind of a graduate and I don’t want to be… the student who graduates and then they’re back the next day, and the next day, and [they’re back] before they go to college in the fall and they’re back on the week-ends,” said Garran. For this reason, the former prin-cipal watched from afar as the news-

worthy events of the past year unfolded. He cited the victory of the boys cross country championship, the symphonic orchestra’s win of the Forte Award at the National Orchestra Cup, the spring production of “Les Miserables” and the national Pennies for Patients victory as being some of the many achievements of this year’s senior class that, despite his distancing himself from WJ, Garran was proud to hear about. “It’s just a very impressive group of young people,” he said. “In a sense it’s awesome to hear about all those accom-plishments but it also reinforces [my

nostalgia]. I can honestly say how much I miss being here and being able to be a part of that as compared to now just hearing about it.” At the time of this interview, Garran had not yet written his speech, and may end up writing or changing it at the last minute. “When I was principal [at WJ] pretty much all the talking I did here was sort of off the cuff,” he said. “I don’t usually prepare [speeches]… but graduation’s the one difference. Almost every year that I’ve been at the podium, I’ve had my prepared remarks but I often will

veer away from them a little bit.” Something Garran is likely to refer-ence in his speech is his own graduation from Hartford High School in Vermont. “We had about a hundred students in our graduating class and we graduated on the front lawn of the high school,” he said. After graduating, Garran moved to the D.C. area and attended American University, where he had a double ma-jor in international relations and eco-nomics. He planned to enter the field of international relations, but a summer internship that was heavy on paperwork caused him to change his mind. Around this time, Garran was tutoring students at Lincoln Junior High School in D.C., and he decided to go into the teaching profession. He then worked as a teach-ing assistant in macro- and micro-eco-nomics at American University. “[I] slowly watched my study sessions get bigger and bigger as more students came,” recalled Garran. “There was something that seemed to be working there, and I realized that I really enjoy working with people and helping them learn and wrestle with ideas.” He quickly got a master’s degree in teaching, and taught as a student teach-er at WJ, where appreciative students wrote a letter to the principal at the time to ask if Garran could be hired. Following this, Garran taught here for nine years, and later served as principal for seven, with a brief interlude as assis-tant principal at Wheaton High School before becoming principal at WJ. So far, Garran does have one aspect of his speech planned out. “As someone who ran seven gradua-tions here, I understand how important it is that graduation speeches are con-cise and to the point,” he said.

A Familiar Face on Graduation DayBy Sari Amiel

Dr. Garran, former principal of WJ, is set to address this year’s graduating class at DAR Constitution Hall.

Photo by Sari Amiel

10 MAY 25, 2012FEATURE Pitchthe

Jaynie Chartrand

Sam Cummins Sam Cummins has dedicated his life to

the classical styles of singing since the third grade, when he signed up for

a gospel class. His many years of practicing and perseverance have gotten him into the 14th best college in the world, ac-cording to U.S. News and World Report, the University of Michigan. “When I checked my email I immediately got up, started shaking and asked my teacher if I could call my parents... I got into the University of Michigan,” said Cummins. “The shaking didn’t stop for the rest of the day.”

Cummins had spent years pre-paring for his audition by attending opera summer camps and perform-ing in all of WJ’s plays and musi-cals. Recommendations from voice coaches brought him to apply to Michigan’s strong music program.

“I hope to spend the next four years immersing myself in opera music and performing,” said Cummins.

He upheld a 3.0 GPA and spent his senior year challenging himself, musically and academically. He as-pires to represent some of his fa-

vorite classical voices and inspira-tions such as Freddie Mercury, from the band Queen, and Nathan Gunn. “If you think you might want to do anything else [other than music], music is not for you,” he said.

Senior 2012 Standouts

120

01

0

26

318 2

17314

11

60

721

6

4

10

3

90

3

03

1

0

10

0

01

1

0

20

2

1

10

0

5

4

13

3

0

5 Number of seniors from WJ who are going to school in that state

International-

Undecided-

Military-

Overseas Schools

1

1432

Jaynie Chartrand has used her four years at WJ to cultivate a great passion for art. This passion, which is deeply rooted in her blood, as both her parents are art-ists, has inspired her to pursue a future career in the art field. She has chosen to accept a Creative and Performing Arts scholarship to University of Maryland, College Park. “Art school was never really an op-tion,” said Chartrand, “so with a full ride, UMD was too good an offer to pass up.” Part of the scholarship requires that Chartrand participate in a gallery at UMD where she can show off her tal-ent and all she is going to learn there. In addition to creating art, Char-trand has spent a tremendous amount of time playing the viola as a part of WJ’s Orchestra. “Even though art has always been my ‘thing,’ life without being in-volved in the music department would be so different [that] I can’t even imag-ine it,” she said.

Chartrand encourages art lovers to pursue their dreams and has ample wis-

dom to bestow upon them. “The thing about art is you can always get

better,” said Chartrand. “Even if you can’t draw, or aren’t good with colors or some-

thing, art has become such an open con-cept [that[ there will always be some way that you can create, [and] that you can get better.”

Work-

Gap Year-

Senior Scatter by State

Other

5 Most Popular Schools1

14

32

15

University of Maryland, College Park

Montgomery College

Towson University

University of Maryland, Baltimore County

St. Mary’s College of Maryland

6148

1812

12

By Jenny Deutsch

McGill 5University of Edinburgh

University of Warsaw

Carleton University

University of the South Pacific (Fiji)-University of Buenos Aires

1516

11

11

1

Inforgraphic by Sari Amiel

179551

To the naked eye, Leo Mahony may look like an average skinny, tall, high school student. However, upon closer look, he is much more. After graduating, Mahoney is packing his bags and heading off to the United States Military Academy at West

Point. Some may be devastated by a shortened summer break, but Ma-hony will not let this get him down. “It just makes Thanksgiving break even more awesome,” he said. Mahoney is used to the military lifestyle. “Growing up, I was always in the armed force culture,” Mahony said. “My dad retired last year af-ter 30 years in the army.” Being admitted to West Point was not simple, but Mahony cred-its an extracurricular for his accep-tance.

“I wouldn’t have gotten in[to] [West Point] without track,” he said. “[It gave me] the discipline and work ethic that I needed.” Mahony, who has been running since

sophomore year, believes that trying something difficult and sticking with it is what it takes to be successful.

“I’ll be shining my boots while my class-mates party,” he said. “But the payoff is more than worth it.”

Jaynie Chartrand Leo Mahoney Jake Verner

Sam Cummins Lucy Murnane Sam Cummins has dedicated his life to

the classical styles of singing since the third grade, when he signed up for

a gospel class. His many years of practicing and perseverance have gotten him into the 14th best college in the world, ac-cording to U.S. News and World Report, the University of Michigan. “When I checked my email I immediately got up, started shaking and asked my teacher if I could call my parents... I got into the University of Michigan,” said Cummins. “The shaking didn’t stop for the rest of the day.”

Cummins had spent years pre-paring for his audition by attending opera summer camps and perform-ing in all of WJ’s plays and musi-cals. Recommendations from voice coaches brought him to apply to Michigan’s strong music program.

“I hope to spend the next four years immersing myself in opera music and performing,” said Cummins.

He upheld a 3.0 GPA and spent his senior year challenging himself, musically and academically. He as-pires to represent some of his fa-

vorite classical voices and inspira-tions such as Freddie Mercury, from the band Queen, and Nathan Gunn. “If you think you might want to do anything else [other than music], music is not for you,” he said.

Senior 2012 Standouts

It’s almost the end of the year for seniors, which means that it’s time for summer, fol-lowed by the first year of college, for many

graduates. Not everyone is heading to col-lege right after high school, though. For instance, senior Lucy Murnane is plan-ning to travel to Italy for three months. Murnane’s mother encouraged her to take a gap year, and her friend Bryn Houri is taking a gap year in France. These factors contributed to Mur-nane’s final decision, made in Decem-ber when she was filling out her col-lege applications. “[I realized that] there are more im-portant things in life than grades,” said Murnane. Following that realization, she found that she wanted to take a year off.

Even though Murnane is taking a gap year, she still applied for college. This spring, she was accepted to the University of California at Berkeley. When she visited the campus, she instantly loved it. Taking a gap year has its benefits and its downsides. “[The easiest part is] I don’t have to go to school next year,” said Murnane. She also said that the hardest part was find-ing a program in Italy and getting Berkeley to defer her acceptance. Murnane believes that taking a gap year will improve her college experience. “I used to think that college wasn’t a privi-

lege,” said Murnane. “But, in reality, it’s a step toward higher education and it really is a privilege. A year off in the real world will really help.”

Massachusetts Institute of Technol-ogy (MIT) is one of the most competi-tive universities in the United States. According to the College Board, only ten percent of the almost 18,000 appli-cants are accepted. However, these sta-

tistics did not deter senior Nayeon Kim from applying and eventually getting accepted to MIT. "[Being accepted to MIT] feels surreal. I never even consid-ered applying to MIT until last spring," said Kim, "and after be-ing deferred in the early admis sion cycle, I was sure I'd been rejected." At MIT, Kim will be studying business management and mar-keting. "I was actually up in Bos-ton last summer to visit Boston College and thought I'd drop

by MIT's campus, just out of curiosity." Kim said. "There was so much going on [in] campus - events, activities and activism groups - and I immediately felt attracted to the vi-brant atmosphere and how passion-ate the students were."

Kim has been actively involved in WJ's Crew and Debate teams, along with the Art Club, since her freshman year, and wants to become involved in similar activities at MIT.

11MAY 25, 2012 FEATUREPitchthe

Jake Verner, captain of the WJ lacrosse team, will be attending Gettysburg Col-lege to play lacrosse next fall.

After a successful senior year and an overall record of 10-4, Jake looks for-ward to playing at Gettysburg.

“[I was] immediately drawn to the coach and the school after only a few hours,” he said. Although it may not be easy, Verner wants to get a chance to break into the starting lineup as a freshman.

“It will be pretty difficult, especially because they are a young team right now, but it’s all about hard work in the off-season and getting better every day,” said Verner. This hard work is what has made Jake so successful at WJ,

and it has led him to realize an important bit of advice. “[Success] is all about managing your time” he said. It may be challenging to balance school and lacrosse at Gettysburg, but with good time

management and hard work, Verner hopes to become a key player in the Gettysburg roster in the next few years.

United States Military Academy at West Point

Gettysburg College

Gap Year in ItalyUniversity of Michigan MITNayeon Kim

University of Maryland

Jaynie Chartrand has used her four years at WJ to cultivate a great passion for art. This passion, which is deeply rooted in her blood, as both her parents are art-ists, has inspired her to pursue a future career in the art field. She has chosen to accept a Creative and Performing Arts scholarship to University of Maryland, College Park. “Art school was never really an op-tion,” said Chartrand, “so with a full ride, UMD was too good an offer to pass up.” Part of the scholarship requires that Chartrand participate in a gallery at UMD where she can show off her tal-ent and all she is going to learn there. In addition to creating art, Char-trand has spent a tremendous amount of time playing the viola as a part of WJ’s Orchestra. “Even though art has always been my ‘thing,’ life without being in-volved in the music department would be so different [that] I can’t even imag-ine it,” she said.

Chartrand encourages art lovers to pursue their dreams and has ample wis-

dom to bestow upon them. “The thing about art is you can always get

better,” said Chartrand. “Even if you can’t draw, or aren’t good with colors or some-

thing, art has become such an open con-cept [that[ there will always be some way that you can create, [and] that you can get better.”

By Jenny Deutsch By Ben Resnick By Ian Morrison

By Ellie JorlingBy Izzy SalantBy Jordan Deeter

Photos by Steven Groobert & Sari Amiel

12MAY 25, 2012 FEATUREPitchthe

LAST PLANSAbraham Eliyana Parsons Design

Abrams Michael GW

Acquaviva Thomas Marymount

Adler Abigail Bard Coll

Afsah Aman St. Mary’s

Agha Omar U of Chicago

Aguilar Sulma MC

Alemayehu Kassa Stevenson

Ali Adrianne Drexel

Allen Andrew MC

Amrane Anis UMCP

Anand Nikhil Undecided

Andes-Gascon Alexandre Catholic U

Andreu Ignacio UMCP

Artim Jonathan U of Utah

Asada Eri Japan

Assaraf Ben MC

Baca, Vi Jose Towson

Ballon Sergio Towson

Banegas Damien Frostburg

Barner Kate U of Colorado

Barnoshian Parishad MC

Beaty Andrea Marquette

Becker Jeffrey Embry-Riddle

Belegu Megi Brandeis

Berlin Steven Marines

Bernstein Robyn U of Mich

Bernstein Sarah UMCP

Berry Patrick MC

Bieganski Wojtek U of Warsaw

Bigot Florian UMCP

Bochner Marissa MC

Bonilla Laura UMCP

Book Daniel West VA U

Bowman Maya CA Inst. of Arts

Boyd Samantha West VA U

Bradley-Banish Charli Louis & Clark

Branthover Kathleen Drexel

Breen Sarah Wake Forest

Brenits Joshua U of Miami

Brizuela Jasmine MC

Brodnick Conor Tulane

Brodsky Shiri UMCP

Brovkina Margarita UMBC

Brown Juan MC

Bruch Justin UNCC

Bucello IV Girard U of Mary Wash

Buchanan Alexine Eckerd Coll

Buckley Fiona U of Montana

Buel Bethany Penn State

Buiquil Nicole Undecided

Cahill Joseph UMCP

Camacho Sonia Towson

Camara Modibo U of Penn

Carlin Joseph MC

Carreiro Caitlan U of Central FL

Carroll Collin Towson

Carton Isabel Indiana U

Cassell ChristopherHigh Point

Castro-Pineda Benjamin UMCP/Work

Cedillo Larisa MC

Chambers Matthew MC

Chartrand Jaynie UMCP

Chase Madison UMBC

Chatham Charles Frostburg

Chen Christina Williams Coll

Chen Yi-Ting MC

Chipkin Gregory U of New Haven

Choi Hyunguk Undecided

Cinquegrani Julia Emerson

Clarke Caldwell UMCP

Clarkson Brady UMCP

Clay Lauren UMCP

Cocco Mateus UMCP

Cohen Alyssa High Point

Cohen Claire St. Mary’s

Cole Tyler St. John’s

Collins Jack Towson

Collins Sarah Pitt

Cooke Elizabeth U of Miami

Covaliu Elad Holy Cross

Cronin Brianne Mount St. Mary’s

Cummins Samuel U of Mich

Curtin Daniel U of Delaware

Dally Laura Undecided

Daniere Alessandra UMCP

Davis Anthony Ohio State

Daza Brian UNC

De Alwis Sahan UMCP

de Paco Priess Santiago USNA

Decampos Marcela UMCP

Deutsch Jennifer UMCP

Dia Soukaina Eugene Lang

Dixon Shaquille Art Inst. of Wash

Dommerholt Taliah McGill

Dory Katya Loyola

Doyle Zachary U of Colorado

Duala Dolegui Alexandra UMCP

Dwyer Matthew Northeastern

Earenfight Emily Loyola

El Hamti Omar Salisbury

Eldridge Marielle Howard

Ellis Joshua Appalachian St.

England Bryan UMBC

English Breanna Penn State

Epps Charlotte UMBC

Esenstad Benjamin UMCP

Ezekilova Annie GW

Falconi Luciana Loyola

Fallick Emily Occidental Coll

Fanaroff Daniel Indiana

Faotusia Amelia U of South Pacific (Fiji)

Fell Angelica West VA U

Feng Konrad UCLA

Fertig Robert U of Mich

Figueiredo Rebeca UMCP

Fine Katya School of Vis Arts

Fisher TGraham Webb Inst.

Flesch Hannah Wellesley Coll

Forline Antonio Coastal Carolina

Frankel Justin Indiana

Frazer Winston MICA

Frazier Ian Denison

Gabala Austin Towson

Galardi Maria U of Buenos Aires

Gallagher Liam Eckerd Coll

Gallagher Michaela UMCP

Garcia Reyes Karen America-Korea Inst.

Genner Rylee UCLA

Gerber Eli U of Mich

Gibert Harrison UMCP

Gilligan Margaret McGill

Glynn Kimberly MC

Gokpinar Baris UMCP

Goldstein Nicole U of Miami

Gottlieb Seth RIT

Greenan William Towson

Groobert Steven RIT

Gzirian Sasha NYU

Hagerty Caroline Penn State

Halary Azita UMCP

Hamadi Halid Penn State

Hammack Rosemary St. Mary’s

Hampton Bradley McDaniel

Han Ahreum UMCP

Hane Forrest UMCP

Haner Benjamin Wisconsin

Hanger Evan UMBC

Hao Ruiren UMCP

Harris Emily Goucher

Hart Renee Villanova

Haugrud Samuel UMCP

Hazlett Hannah U of DE

Heagen Chris Cornell

Heagen John Indiana

Hedg-Peth David WVU

Hein Olga Work

Herold Maria UMCP

Hobson Benjamin VA Tech

Holmes Leah Loyola Chicago

Hong Woong UMCP

Horowitz Russell UVA

Horvai Nora Undecided

Houri Bryn Gap Year

Hoveka Uetupa Pace

Huaroto Daniela MC

Huffman Morgan Abroad

Hussey Timothy RIT

Huyser Tyler U of Miami

Hvizda Mason Coast Guard

Illei Dora St. Mary’s

Ionno Peter St. Mary’s

Ippolito Alberto University in Rome

Ishida Taisuke MC

Issiakou Barbara MC

Ivers Jonathan U of Miami

Jawetz Alison UVA

Jensen Cassandra Susquehanna

Jockel David Indiana

Johnson Catrina UMBC

Johnson Elena VA Tech

Johnson Jeffrey Auburn

Johnson Yaleasha Cosmetology School

Jordan Antonio MC

Jordan Maya Fordham

Kanner Sadie Tulane

Kapit Ilana Barnard

Kaplan Gavin Cooper Union

Karimi Arman St. Mary’s

Karimi Kian St. Mary’s

Karlin Jacob U of Texas

Karpati Charles UMBC

Kastanos Alexis St. Mary’s

Kastler Anne UC Berkeley

Katz Danielle Israel

Katz Emily Dickinson

Kay Margaret Towson

Kehoe Kathryn Ursinus Coll

Keller Paige U of DE

Kenney Connor MC

Kerich Evan Bucknell

Keyani Cameron St. Mary’s

Khan Kristina MIC

Khan Sarah MC

Khattar Anish UMCP

Kidwell Catherine VA Tech

Kilinskaite Karolina MC

Kim Junhee GW

Kim Kun Woo MC

Kim Nayeon MIT

Kirwan Charlotte Appalachian St.

Klassen Helena St. Mary’s

Koby Ross McGill

Kone Mikaela UMCP

Kosogof Peter UMCP

Kraft Leah Wash U

Krasner Jordan Gap Year

Kulathunga Kasun Amer U

Kunkle Madeleine U of CA

Labonski Max MC

Lafferty Bridget Drexel

Lakhdar-Hamina Djamil Columbia

Lang Iliana Georgetown

Le Gall Morgan U of Prince Edward Island

Lee Kwesi Widener

Lee Sojeong UMCP

Lefkow Elijah Work

Lehman Joshua UMCP

Leontyev Anton UMCP

Lerner Max U of Mich

Leslau Shaked MC

Leverknight Matthew MC

Levi Danielle Arizona State

Levy Noya Jacksonville State

Lindsey-Severn Emma MC

Liu Catherine UMCP

Liu Jessica UMCP

Lizama Nestor Catholic U

Lock Haley Frostburg

Lu Sheung UMBC

Luna Ignacio Bolivia

Luna Irene Rivera Coll

Lynch Ryan St. John’s

Macedonia Mary Kate Case Western

Machlin Cara St. Mary’s

Madden Gerard Abroad

Maghdouri Sepand MC

Mahany Kathleen U of Tampa

Mahany Nathan Towson

Mahony III Leo West Point

Maia Paula UMCP

Maloney Catherine VA Tech

Mapes Michael Vermont

Maranville Jacqueline Loyola

Markowitz Danielle Tulane

Masison Joseph UMCP

Mata Karen Stevenson

Matheos Costa Coast. Carolina

Matthes Michael U of Colorado

Mayhew Virginia U of DE

McCleskey Maxwell Gap Year

McIntosh Shawna NC A&T

McMannis Susana MC

Mendez Alejandra Wash Adventist U

Mendoza Christian Lafayette

Mengesha Tsion UMCP

Mensah Pierre-AlainTowson

Mercer Nicole MC

Miller Andrew Rice

Miller Jeffrey U of SC

Miller Micheal Work

Miller Michlene Work

Miller Molly Towson

Mindes Sophie NYU

Modjeska Tyler Indiana

Molayem Nicholas UMCP

Molloy Bryn Catholic U

Moncayo-Escala Sara Towson

Moura Amelia USC

Mulder Alexander MC

Mullokandov Roshel UMBC

Murillo Mario UMBC

Murnane Laura Gap Year

Murphy Brian Xavier

Ndoro Takunda St.Mary’s

Nguyen Kevin UMBC

Niyongere Romeo Carleton

Nowitz Michelle School of Art Inst.

O’Connell Danielle U of Colorado

Ortiz Adrian Swarthmore

Owens Beatrice U of Pitt at Johnstown

Owhadi Roya UPJ

Park Ji Hyun Parsons Design

Parker James UMCP

Pearl Jessica U of Mary Wash

Pepus Hannah MICA

Peredo Natalia UMCP

Perera Piumi Penn

Perez Arlo Boston Coll

Perica Maria NYU

Perry Sarah Coll of Charleston

Phifer Naysia Trinity

Philips Cecilia Denison

Piao Hailan MICA

Piccola Francis Gap Year

Pigman Amy Undecided

Pineda JR Manuel MC

Pinto Yoav JMU/Gap Year

Pitsenberger Andrew Catholic U

Polk William UNCW

Polsky Jaclyn U of Arizona

Ponce Joseph Frostburg

Powell James U of GA

Price Chad U of Wash

Puerto Shanilka Barry

Pyle Daniel Drexel

Quattrucci Maximilian MC

Rabe Mirantsoa MC

Rabemananjara Tovohaja MC

Ramadan Manelle Penn State

Ramos Diego Towson

Rangel Eugenia Staying at WJ

Rao Denali Tufts

Ratnasinghe Sean Undecided

Raviv Noga Towson

Razick Spencer School of Visual Arts

Reardon Colin MC

Reber Chris Coast. Carolina

Redmond Catherine UMCP

Regan Amanda UMCP

Regan Timothy UMCP

Reiss Roey Johns Hopkins

Revaliente Alfaro

Elena MC

Reyes-Chave Karen MC

Rich Maxine UMCP

Richey Lane Undecided

Richman Sarah Macalester

Roberts Bokai Penn State

Robinson Jasmine Princeton

Rodgers Najea UMES

Romanov Vitaliy UMCP

Rothfeld Zachary MC

Rothstein Adam Towson

Rouai Jallal MC

Rudt Elizabeth UMBC

Saez Vicente MC

Sanchez-Mar-tinez

Oscar U of Baltimore

Sanchez-Mar-tinez

Yessica MC

Saphire Matthew U of Wisconsin

Sauro James Boston Coll

Savidis Kirk Syracuse

Sawyers Ashley UMCP

Scarnecchia Maxwell UC at SB

Schapiro Ian U of Tampa

Schneider Katherine DePaul

Schoemer Lucy Clemson

Schuler Chris U of Montana

Segal Valeria Parson Design

Sen Vivek U of Pitt

Serrano-Valder Joanne MC

Shams Nuzhat Howard

Shay Martin St. Mary’s

Shea Maura Xavier

Sheed Grace Bard Coll

Sheehan Jerry Johns Hopkins

Sheetz-Ziegel Noah Gettysburg

Shekarchi Amanda UMCP

Shekarchi Julia UMCP

Shereef Summie Penn State

Sherman Max Gap Year/AU

Shields Joshua Vassar

Shriver Laura Hood Coll

Sidibe David Haverford

Silva Raul MC

Silva Sofia Columbia

Silverman Brett Indiana U

Simon Edward Duke

Simon Rachel Oberlin

Sipes Deanna Towson

Smart Rory Eckerd Coll

Smith Connor Mississippi U

Smith Natalie Smith Coll

Smith Rebecca Towson

Smithers Emily Rhodes Coll

Snodderly Michael Indiana U

Spera Lauren East Carolina U

Srinivas Aditya UMCP

Stadnik Samantha Santa Clara U

Stearn Olivia U of Penn

Stein John UMBC

Stone Emily Fordham

Streets Joseph U of Pitt

Strochak Joseph Penn State

Strocko Kiarra FSU

Swift Taylor Oberlin

Szebeni Miklos Princeton

Tanabe Kotoko UMCP

Teicher Ethan Coll of Will & Mary

Tennyson Stephen UMCP

Tenorio Lauren Catholic U

Tesfaye Rediet MC

Thaler Daniel U of Missouri

Thomas Paige MSU

Ting Alexander Emory

Tollefson Fletcher VA Tech

Udumalagala Shammi MC

Urban III Thomas Wash Coll

Van Wagoner Carly UMCP

Van Wagoner Emma Towson

Veerhoff Benjamin MC

Veerhoff William Compass, Inc.

Velon Garcia-Velasco

Paloma Spain

Verner Jacob Gettysburg

Walpole Elizabeth MC

Walsh Dianne U of Edinburgh

Wang Mengchiao U of CA

Wannon Avi Emory

Waqa Paige Urbana

Ward III Richard MC

Wasden Grant MC

Weed Austin WVA

Weiss Jordan High Point

Weissman Dylan U of Colorado

Whitescarver Ryan UMCP

Wilhite Orlan MC

Willhite Alex MC

Wood Jared Gap Year

Wu Xueyi McGill

Wu You MC

Xiao Jennie Cornell

Yanushevsky Daniel UMCP

Yasur Itai Berklee Coll of Music

Youn Jaeeun UMCP

Zackowitz Leah Slippery Rock University

Zhang Marvin UC Berkeley

Zisk Anna U of Mich

The Senior ScatterFIRST

LAST FIRST PLANS

LAST FIRST PLANSLAST FIRST PLANSLAST FIRST PLANSLAST FIRST PLANS

LAST FIRST PLANS

13ARTS & ENTERTAINMENTMAY 25, 2012 Pitchthe

Summer Bucket List

DL: Although I’ve grown up in posh sub-urbs with a communal pool, I’ve always want-ed to hit a fire hydrant with a sledgehammer and have a block party. CK: “The Dark Night Rises” is coming out this summer, and I want to see it on opening night at the Udvar-Hazy Center, which feau-tures a six story screen. Yes, it is miles away, but the end of a seminal movie series of my youth should be epic. DL: While I’ve spent my entire life en-viously watching rappers in their enticing music videos, I’ve never made my own. This summer, it’s time to channel my inner rapper and get signed by a major label. My rapper name will be “D Lew,” and I’ll lyrically an-nihilate my competition with my videos for “Swagtastrophe” and “Hurricane Swag Cat-egory 5.” CK: I’ve always wanted to hike the en-tire Appalachian trail, but it seems outside of my physical limits and not within the time constraints of summer. However, an abbrevi-ated version of this hike would be available in northwestern Maryland and West Virginia. DL: I want to have a summer so wild and awesome that a picture of me becomes a meme, like Handsome Jogger, Gene Wilder from “Willy Wonka and the Chocalate Fac-tory”, and Scumbag Steve. CK: The past 18 years have been filled with me not watching much television, and I feel

By Cameron Keyani and Dashel Lewislike with the huge amount of free time this summer and the internet at my disposal, I can fill in the gaps. DL: I want to visit Dubai, and live like a billionaire. I’ll own a baby giraffe, bathe in caviar, and summon my servants with the snap of a finger. CK: In my town, there is a Fourth of July parade every year, and the entire town either participates or watches. For a few years now I’ve been planning to sabotage it and create a huge spectacle that halts the parade. Maybe this summer I’ll finally do it. DL: I want to find the legendary home-less shantytown in the forest near D.C. I’ve heard stories about it and I want to see it for myself. CK: At my pool, I have a reputation for being a diligent worker and for working double shifts (eight hours). I have never done a 12 hour shift however, and while this undertaking might seem the opposite of pleasurable, I just want to be able to say that I’ve done it. DL: Like any teenager in the United States, I want to go skydiving. The thrill of jumping out of the plane and feeling the wind rush by would be an experience of a lifetime. CK: I have money. I am 18. I can go to most concerts now. Time to do that. DL: Participate in a protest on the streets of D.C. Maybe get arrested or tear gassed by the cops, who knows? YOLO. Cartoon by Libby Rice

With the last day of school drawing near, Cameron Keyani and Dashel Lewis explore the question: What would you do if it were the last

Summer of your life?

Third BaseThe Humor Column

14 MAY 25, 2012ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Pitchthe

Dorm Essentials Summer is around the corner and for seniors, college is less than three months away. On top of the expected anxieties about what lies ahead for them, there is the typical “will my roommate and I be compatible” anxiety. While you may not auto-matically be life-long friends if you have the coolest dorm room, designing a room that reflects your personal style and portrays a positive image is essential. Dorm decoration does not have to be over-the-top or outrageously expensive, and below are some affordable and inspirational decoration ideas to add some spice to your living space.

1. Turn your bed into a couch by buying large, slouchy pillows.

2. Create that at-home feel by purchasing a floor lamp.

3. Hang jewelry from the walls to add texture to the room. You can hang a wire or a screen for earrings and necklaces.

4. Embrace your heritage by hanging up some flags from around the world.

5. Illuminate your room by stringing colored lights.

6. Generate the illusion your room is more spacious by hanging mirrors on the walls. The mirrors can reflect your style, with ornate, Victorian style frames to modern shapes.

7. Stack milk crates to create your own bookshelves.

8. Make creative wall art by framing vinyll records.

9. Buy plants to add life to your probably otherwise stuffy dorm.

10. Coordinate a color scheme with your roomate to avoid an overload of colors. Your room is your home for the next

year, and also a study haven, so don’t overcrowd it with too many colors that will distract from an

atmosphere that should be relaxing. Keep it classy.

11. Hang maps to add a colorful and scholarly feel, also add pins to indicate where you have traveled.

12. Add your personal touch with festive curtains that make the room feel less like a jail cell and more like a home. Dorms can be ugly; brighten yours up!

13. In order to keep your friends and memories close; postcards and photo murals can be great reminders of home.

For more room inspiration:

www.retroplanet.com

www.urbanoutfitters.com

www.pbteen.com

In a few days, I’m going to walk down the stage and shed my earthly trappings. Now some may say graduating isn’t quite the same as dying, but in the context of WJ, it might as well be a walk to the gal-lows. Sure, some people will remember me, and talk about memories they shared with me in hushed tones of mourning, but I will be gone. No amount of prayer, phoenix downs or voodoo rituals will ever bring me back. Every culture has myths about the afterlife. The Norse had Valhalla, a paradise for valiant warriors, while the ancient Egyptians had the night lands, a perpetual nighttime desert. In high school mythol-ogy the afterlife is an Eden called “college.” Friends and family will say that I’m “in a better place,” but that won’t make me any less dead. After high school comes heaven, equipped with dorms, lecture halls and a quad. I’ll live forever in this para-dise, which they call “college.” I’ll even get to come down during the holidays and summer to visit those I knew when I was alive. Obviously the metaphor of death is melodramat-ic. I have what could be an amazing life ahead of me. I’ve had a good and full high school career, replete with the trappings of any active student. I’ve been educated by this great school, both in an academic and social context. Graduating isn’t the end; graduation is just an-other path on the road that started when I was born. Change isn’t always a heartbreaking affair, change is often for the best, and change is unavoidable. It isn’t always such a scary thing. My entire life I’ve been terrified of change. From when I was 10 and refused to be potty trained, right up into my teenage years when my parents made me start eating hard food. This change is unique in that it is purported as the best time of my life. But nothing will ever be the same. A malaise of work and intermittent good times known as real life awaits me. The classroom setting of college will hardly be enough to convince me I’m still a child, which I so desperately want to remain. The only lasting testament to my existence is this humor column, which I assume no one but my mother and Amanda Regan reads. This year, Michael Matthes, Philip Resnick and I touched on such subjects as asking a girl to Homecoming, the meaning of Thanksgiving and the more inane points of Christmas. These past few issues however, I addressed less hu-morous topics, notably Carpe Diem and high school nostalgia. Now, here at the end of my tenure as a humor columnist, I can’t think of any other con-cepts more fitting than death, rebirth and renewal. It’s not easy coming to terms with death. In my four years at WJ, I’ve learned so much and met so many unique and incredible people. Yet, after I get handed that diploma, all of those memories, the summation of my high school experience, will be lost in time, like tears in the rain. Yes, I stole that line from Philip K. Dick. Sadly, unlike this writer, plagiarism never dies.

By Cameron Keyani

Death Comes for the Arch-Senior

Lamp, mirror and jewelry board from pbteen.com; Plant and flag from retro-

planet.com; Color strip from Lowes.com

15MAY 25, 2012 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENTPitchthe

See answers online at www.wjpitch.com!

Sudoku

Sudo

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nom

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doku

Word Search: Summer

WORDSAir Conditioner, Beach Week, Bikini, Camp, Camping, Concert, Dehy-dration, Fourth of July, Frisbee, Fruit, Heat, Hike, Hotdog, Humidity, Ice Cream, Lemonade, Ocean, Party, Picnic, Pool, Popsicle, Romance, Speedo, Sunburn, Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Thunder, Vacation, Watermelon

Word Search by Taliah Dommerholt

DR

Summer Playlists Start off Summer with a Kick

Ali’s Picks Taliah’s Picks

As short season creeps up, there’s nothing like some new music to relax you into that summer vibe. For some inspiration other than what comes off the radio, here are two playlists to set the mood.

Somebody - Jukebox the GhostSweeter - Gavin DegrawOk It’s Alright with me - Eric HutchinsonCars - Lady DanvilleThis Head I Hold - Electric GuestLittle Talks - Of Monsters and MenAfterglow - Schuyler FiskFrom Me to You - The BeatlesChicken Fried - Zac Brown BandA Field of Birds - The Tallest Man on EarthGangsta - Tune-YardsLight a Roman Candle with Me - Fun.Ignition Remix - R. KellyNightcall - KavinskyNext in Line - Walk the Moon

Neil Armstrong - Allo Darlin’ Naked Kids - Group Love WHALE - Yellow Ostrich Excuses - The Morning Benders Quesadilla - Walk the Moon Waiting for My Chance to Come - Noah and the Whale Seaside - The KooksMy Maudlin Career - Camera Obscura Crystal Clear - Opus Orange Daydream - Youth Lagoon Ghost Under Rocks - Ra Ra Riot The Past and the Pending - The Shins Walk in the Park - Beach House We Are the Tide - Blind Pilot Summer Dust - The Love Language

To listen to playlists, visit www.wjpitch,com

By Ali Jawetz and Taliah Dommerholt

Online Editor-in-Chief Print A&E Editor

Photos courtesy of Am

azon.

The album Anna Sun by Walk the Moon.

The album Twist and Shout by the Beatles.

The album We are the Tide by Blind Pilot.

The album Europe by Allo’ Darlin.

The album Inside in the Inside Out by the Kooks.

16 MAY 25, 2012ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Pitchthe

Prom StandoutsVivid Colors

High-LowRetro

Patterns

Cutouts

Simple and Elegant

Sexy and chic, these dresses have the elegance of a maxi dress with the edgy and revealing calf of a shorter party dress. The flowing skirts with the fitted sweetheart bodices create a modern princess look.

Katya Dory Catie KidwellDora Illei Charli Banish

Emily Earenfight

These vintage-inspired dresses are reminiscent of Hollywood starlets. With a halter neck and solid color, Illei wears a modern version of Au-drey Hepburn’s iconic Breakfast at Tiffany’s dress, and Banish’s white wrap dress with the low V-neck and brooch has a late 1950s, Marilyn Monroe feel.

Dianne Walsh

Lucy Murnane Ashley Sawyers

Olivia Stearn Maddy Kunkle

Kiarra StrockoSoukie Dia

Sofia Silva

Geometric cutouts are all the rage this year, as girls test the boundaries of how much skin they can show while still remaining appropriate. Both Murnane and Sawyers kept it classy and showed off their figures.

Patterns allow for the incorporation of multiple colors, from Walsh’s floral to Earenfight’s tribal prints. Walsh’s gold chain necklace comple-ments the yellow flowers in her dress, while Earenfight’s updo accentu-ates her intricate neckline.

These girls popped in standout shades and flowing skirts. From Silva’s ombre and Dia’s bold and unique color choice, to Strocko’s vibrantly colored classic cut, all three stood out in the crowd.

Stearn and Kunkle did not go over the top with their minimalist styles, but with Stearn’s subtle touch of turqiouse shoes and Kunkle’s modest glitter, both girls were memorable and stunning.

By Taliah Dommerholt

All photos courtesy of those pictured

17MAY 25, 2012 SPORTSPitchthe

The girls lacrosse team finished the regular season with an impressive 8-4 record. The team had a rough stretch in the middle of the season, dropping three games in a row to powerhouse schools Damas-cus, Churchill and Wootton. Coach Chrissy Yetter was able to motivate her team to get back on track. “The girls were determined to get back on their winning streak,” said Yetter. “After the losing streak the team fired off four straight wins.” The team, composed of many underclassmen, had to learn some of the basics before they were able to excel. Yetter had to help out the younger players with techniques such as breaking down certain defensive and offensive movements. The team was led by senior captains Bryn Molloy, Paige Keller and Paige Waqa who all had to adjust to help the team. Molloy said that the young team was “more successful when we just had a fun time and joked around.”

When I saw the X-ray of my hand, I legitimately cried for the first time in a long while. My thumb was completely fractured and I was made aware that there was no possible way I’d recover in time to play another inning this season. This being my senior year and last season with the WJ varsity baseball team, the doctor’s diagnosis meant my baseball career was over. I have been playing since age three, so I have under-standably come to love the game, making this circumstance more painful than the actual injury. Yet I tended to get annoyed with the season, as I think all high school athletes do. Practices and games six days a week meant little free time and little sleep. There were plenty of times when I really just wanted to get away from the sport. But now, after sitting out due to my injury, I realize that I in fact loved every moment. The negative feelings were simply stemmed from stress. With that being said, if I had to leave one message to high school kids as I graduate in the coming weeks, it would be for the athletes: appreciate every moment. Although the season may be long and taxing, you will never get a similar experience ever again. High school sports are the perfect blend of competitive-ness and fun spiritedness. They carry enough pressure to feel satisfaction with accomplishments but not too much to the point where you feel burdened to play like college and profes-sional athletes. Not to mention, we play in a county with some of the best facilities in the country and at the school with the best fans in that county. So next time you’re dreading going to practice or counting down the days for the season to end, just remember how great an experience high school sports really is. You only get four years to partake in that experience and you’d be surprised how quickly those years fly. One dive for a fly ball and it could all be over with a broken thumb.

Thaler’s Senior Signoff:Cherish Every Moment

By Daniel Thaler

After finishing its season the regular season with a record of 12-5, WJ baseball was upset by B-CC in extra innings in the first round of playoffs. “I think we [had] a great team this year,” said one of the three team captains, senior Tyler Modjeska. “We [had] good chemis-try and good depth. A couple of injuries created a challenge but we [were] still solid.” They entered the playoffs as the fourth seed and lost in the first round against B-CC, by a final score of 7-5. Besides Modjeska, the baseball team’s two other captains were seniors Caldwell Clark and Gus Gill. The team was led by coach Kim Ahearn and assistant coach Mike Egan. “My favorite part about being captain,” said Modjeska, “is that I get to stand in a circle with Gus and Caldwell every day dur-ing warm-ups. [The hardest part is] Ahearn is always watching.” The team did well overall, but they let a few games slip that they should have won. Modjeska still likes the way the team worked together. “The team camaraderie is the best I have seen since being at WJ,” he said.

Girls Lacrosse

Baseball

Connor KenneyPhoto by Steven Groobert

Paige KellerPhoto by Steven Groobert

By Ben Resnick

By Izzy Salant

18 MAY 25, 2012SPORTS Pitchthe

Division I Committing to play a high school sport may seem difficult, but at the college level, it is much more time-consuming and rig-orous. From the re-cruiting process to choosing a school, and from summer workouts to the sea-son itself, it can be quite a daunting ex-perience that many high school athletes choose not to go through. However, four WJ athletes have decided to take the plunge into col-lege sports, in both Division I and Divi-sion III. Senior Renee Hart plans to attend Villanova Univer-sity next fall as a member of the wom-en’s soccer team. Villanova competes in the NCAA Division I Big East con-ference and competes with some of the nation’s top women’s soccer programs. Hart has been playing soccer since she was six years old and since then she has given up a lot of free time to achieve her success. “Very rarely did I have a free weekend,” said Hart. “Because I was so busy on the weekends, I would often miss out on events with friends or other fun events.” Hart played so much soccer that at times she admitted, “There were a cou-ple of times where I would question if I wanted to play soccer at such a com-petitive level and I considered quitting.” But despite these thoughts, she stuck with the sport. “I kept playing because I knew that if I did quit I would regret it for the rest of my life,” said Hart. “I would remember how much I love to play the sport.” Athletes need a true desire to excel at a sport in order to succeed in it, regard-less of which division they want to play or what school they dream to play at. Elad Covaliu will be attending College of the Holy Cross next year to play Di-vision I football. After a successful four years playing football at WJ, and four years of planning to play college foot-ball, Covaliu has made his dream a real-ity. Covaliu has had widespread success in WJ athletics, playing football, wres-tling and running track, but in college he knows he wants to play football. He admitted that UMCP was his ideal choice but he was offered to wrestle

there, not to play football. Covaliu nev-er doubted that football was the sport he wanted to play in college. It is this

love that kept him pushing through the daily workouts and practices, as well as the sacrificed week-ends and time with friends. “There hasn’t been one day in high school where I’ve [been] able to go straight home after school; I’ve always had practice,” he said. But even with daily practice, Co-valiu has stuck with his passion, and now has an opportunity to play football in

college.

Division III In the beginning, recruiting was quite the stressful experience for senior Emily Smithers, who will be playing Di-

vision III field hockey at Rhodes College in Memphis. “You first send e-mails and videos to 60 coaches just to introduce yourself and establish a connection,” said Smith-ers. “You eventually weed out the pro-grams that you like and the coaches that like you. Coaches came to [my tour-naments around the country] and also to some of [my] high school games here at WJ. It was worse knowing when they were going to be there because I felt the pressure to per-form well.” Senior cross coun-try and track runner Scott Sheehan, who will be running at the Division III level for Johns Hopkins University, never considered quitting the sport because of the higher level of competition in college. “I love the sport and I [didn’t] want to give it up,” said Sheehan. “It just seemed odd to think about not running.”

For Smithers, playing anything but Division III would conflict with her de-manding pre-med major in college. Because of the rigor of Division I and II, both Sheehan and Smithers wanted to play at schools that didn’t require the high level of pressure that they felt was associated with more highly competitive programs, so they settled on Division III schools. However, this means that they cannot receive scholarships for athlet-ics, though they can for academics. Even though they are not playing Di-vision I or II, both of the Division III ath-letes still have to practice regularly over the summer. “It’s hard to practice alone over the summer,” admitted Sheehan. “Team practices [with fellow Johns Hopkins runners, later in the summer] should be okay because it [will be] a great way to get to know the team.” Smithers felt similarly. “I’m always jealous of my friends when they decide that they don’t want to work out because it’s raining, too hot, or they just want to tan at the pool,” said Smithers. “But I know that to be the best ,I have to work hard, and that motivates me to follow the workout packet that

Rhodes sent me.” Both Sheehan and Smithers must fol-low workout plans sent by their re-spective colleges in order to stay in shape over the summer, and the plans average two hours a day for

field hockey, and forty minutes of run-ning for track and cross country, not in-cluding summer team practices. While working through the stringent workout routines, both athletes agreed that WJ has prepared them well for college-level

athletics. “I’ve learned al-most everything I know about running while I’ve been at WJ,” said Sheehan. “I think the most valuable thing I learned here at WJ was to always give 110 percent,” said Smithers. “It’s dif-ficult to stay dedi-cated to something demanding…I feel honored to be a col-legiate athlete. In elementary school I never thought in a million years that

this is where I’d be today [and] I am so grateful that I have these opportunities.”

Like a number of the other editors on The Pitch this issue, I decided to wrap up the year with my own personal bucket list. People often make bucket lists for college, summer, senior year and high school in general. But a few weeks ago, after my teammates on the varsity base-ball team and I had a viral-video wor-thy dance-off after a rained out game against Blake, I decided to make my own sports bucket list as both an athlete and a spectator. Here is just a sample of a few things I have completed and a few that I hope to sometime in my future: I just recently knocked having a dance contest off my list a few weeks ago. An-other item no longer on my list is to at-tend a “walk-off ” win; among these have been the Wizards Gilbert Arenas’ three to beat the Utah Jazz in 2007 and the Nationals’ Wilson Ramos’ three-run-homerun last summer. I’ve visited the three classical baseball stadiums (Wrig-ley Field, The Old Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park). I was at a classic playoff game, game two of the Eastern Confer-ence Semis when both Ovechkin and Crosby notched hat tricks. I have per-sonally been on the playing surface of a professional game when I worked ice crew at the Caps home opener this sea-son, and last but not least,p I have been ejected from a game (apparently heck-ling the other team at my nine-year-old brother’s hockey game was frowned upon by the ref). There are still a number of things I want to do both in my own sporting career and also as a fan. It has always been my goal to score the game winning goal or hit a walkoff. I have yet to have the opportunity to complete this but when the time comes knocking, I will most definitely be ready. Also, my inner hockey player caused me to put getting into a fight on this list as well. Playing with a professional athlete and getting paid to play sports are also some per-sonal goals of mine. As a fan, I would love more than anything to go to a ma-jor championship event like the World Series, Stanley Cup Finals or the U.S. Open. Storming the field at a college football game seems like it would be a once in a lifetime experience, as does making it onto a Sportscenter highlight. Although some of these things may seem trivial or impossible to achieve, they are all definitely worthy of being on my bucket list. Hopefully, my list will be completed one day, but if not, it will have been a good ride nonetheless.

Fielder’sChoice

My summer bucket list

sports

Stepping Up Their GameHard work pays off for WJ athletes who will play college sports

By Ian Morrison and Ellie Jorling

Photo courtesy of William Edgar

Emily Smithers will continue her field hockey career at Rhodes College in Tennes-see next fall.

Photo courtesy of Adam StrochakAfter compiling an unbelievable 12 seasons at WJ, Elad Covaliu will continue to play football at Holy Cross University.

I feel honored to be a collegiate athlete. In elementary school I never thought in a million years that this is where I’d be today [and] I am

so grateful that I have these opportunities.

“”

By Phillip Resnick

19MAY 25, 2012 SPORTSPitchthe

Matt Radack

Hope Flieger

Laura Dally

Gus Gill

Elad CovaliuRenee Hart

Eli GerberGrace Leslau

Sarah Bernstein Paige Waqa

Gina Fischetti

Jr., Boys Lacrosse

Fr., Gymnastics

Sr., Track and Field

Jr., Baseball

Sr., Track and FieldSr., Track and Field

Jr., Gymnastics Sr., Boys Volleyball

Sr., Softball Sr., Girls Lacrosse

Jr., Coed VolleyballFlieger was also a key component of gymnastics success this season, consis-

tently scoring points on the beam.

Radack used his size and athleticism to anchor the boys lacrosse defense and lead the Wildcats to a regional-semifinal

berth.

Dally was one of the premier jumpers and hurdlers in the state, finishing off her high school career with another su-

perb season.

The junior helped lead the gymnastics team to one of its best seasons in recent history, placing third individually at the

county meet.

The senior was one of the best hurdlers in the state, gaining his third All-Pitch team selection in three different sports.

In her first year running track, Hart won the county championship in the 200m and was a key member for a num-

ber of relays.

The senior captain anchored the back row for boys volleyball, nearly earning

them a playoff berth.

Gill was a key contributor both on the mound and at the plate for the Wildcats, one of the main reasons the team fin-

ished 12-5.

Jordan Krasner

Sr., Boys Tennis

The speedster set the tone for softball, leading the team in stolen bases and pa-

trolling center field on defense.

The goalie was the anchor of the girls lacrosse defense this year, allowing just

over eight goals a game.

Fischetti used her superior passing skills to establish herself as one of the key

players on the coed volleyball team.

A four-year varsity tennis player, Kras-ner finished his high school career on a high note, qualifying for the state tour-

nament.

The Spring All-Pitch TeamThe Sports staff concludes the year with its final installment of the All-Pitch Team, selecting 16 spring sport athletes deemed

the best in the school for on-field their performances and off-field leadership.

Caldwell Clarke

Bethany Buel

Jake Verner

Bryn Molloy

Sr., Baseball

Sr., Softball

Sr., Boys Lacrosse

Sr., Girls Lacrosse

Along with junior Gus Gill, Clarke added to the dominant pitching for the Wildcats, beating a number of quality

teams during the season.

Despite missing the start of the season due to injury, Buel dominated on the mound and helped the Lady Cats re-

bound from a sub-par start.

Verner was the heart and soul of the boys lacrosse team this season, leading

the Wildcats to a 9-3 record.

Molloy was the most potent attacker for the girls lacrosse team, finishing with

the most goals on the season.

All photos by Steven Groobert

SportsMAY 25, 201220

What’s Inside19

Spring All-Pitch Team

18WJ Student-Ath-letes sacrifice for

success

17More Spring

Wrapups

The season for the softball team was full of ups and downs. Finishing with a record of 6-11, the girls pushed their way through the season. Star pitcher senior Bethany Buel was severely in-jured in the second scrimmage, a major loss for the team before the season even began. The girls definitely had some bright spots during the year. Senior captain Sarah Bernstein was a solid leadoff hitter for the Cats and played a flawless cen-terfield. Other standouts included sophomores Kris-tin Scott and Sarah Duncan. Scott batted .545 for the season and was very solid in the field at shortstop. Duncan played an excellent catcher for the team, the same position for every game. Although the team’s hitting was exceptional, the squad was plagued by errors, costing them runs. “We started the season making a lot of errors and we have improved,” said Coach Jamie Ahearn. “We had a perfect game against Gaithersburg and my hope for next year is to continue with this improvement.” In the playoffs, the girls defeated Richard Mont-gomery but lost in the second round against Magrud-er, 5-1, in a close match up.

Both the boys and girls teams ran well this year, with both teams winning many dual meets and having a suc-cessful meet at the Penn Relays. Coach Tom Martin said this season was memorable, but would like for the team to have done better. To do so, he wants to “reignite the burning desire to com-pete” in his runners. He added that the hardest part about coaching the track team was handling the large number of runners. Martin said he is very upset that the senior run-ners are graduating, but is happy to know that what they learned in track will help them when they leave WJ, especially because multiple students will contin-ue running on college. Martin said he will have great memories this season, such as when both of his teams beat B-CC and when the boys beat Wootton in their first meet. “I get to work in a sport I’m passionate about,” said Martin, “[And my lessons] will serve [my runners] for the rest of their life.”

Gymnastics had phenomenal results this year in competition, posting an undefeated record of 8-0 in the regular season. Led by captain senior Deanna Sipes and standouts sophomore Ella Wu and junior Grace Leslau, WJ gymnastics cruised through their season. Coach Erika Aguilar felt that an early season win against Blair set the ball rolling for an undefeated season. On May 9, the girls took second place at the county championships, falling short of a flawless sea-son. The Cats used their strength on the vault to propel themselves through their matches. “We have such powerhouses in that event,” said Agui-lar. The team is looking forward to next season, where they will look to attain the perfect record in the coun-ty championships that eluded them this year.

The boys volleyball team finished with a record of 4-7, highlighted by a dramatic win over Gaithersburg in the season finale that kept their playoff hopes alive. The team was led by senior captains Jack Collins and Eli Gerber. The captains dealt with many responsibili-ties since the team had no returning starters. Although the team did not make the playoffs, Ger-ber was proud of his team. “I would argue we definitely had a good season con-sidering the strength of our schedule and the lack of experience on our team.” Coach Brian Fairall was happy with his team’s per-formance and hopes his team can begin next season where they left off. The coed volleyball team started the season very well, winning three of the first four matches, but was unable to maintain the streak and lost the final seven games. Coach Bill Morris was proud of his team and be-lieved they had several tough matches, and played well in all of them. Junior captain Gina Fischetti said that her goal for the team was for everyone to have fun, which she felt they succeded in doing.

The boys tennis team lived up to the high expecta-tions they set at the beginning of the year, finishing the regular season with an 8-4 winning record, despite losses to tough opponents like Wootton and Churchill. The team managed to shut out their opponents 7-0 in six out of their eight wins. This success continued into the post-season, where the team finished fourth overall. At the regional meet, senior Jordan Krasner earned a silver medal in the singles category and will be the first WJ athlete to compete at the state tournament in at least a decade. The tennis state tournament will take place in College Park, Md. on May 25 and 26.

Spring Sports WrapupsPhoto by Steven Groobert Photo courtesy of Stephanie SalvatorePhoto by Steven GroobertPhoto by Steven GroobertPhoto by Wahid IshrarPhoto courtesy of Janice Hazlehurst

By Ben ResnickBy Zach Williams By Ben Levingston

By Ben Levingston By Matthew Morris By Sabrina Clarke Boys lacrosse finished the spring season with a record of 9-3, losing only to Churchill, B-CC and Sherwood. The team made it to the Regional semifinal, where they suffered a heartbreaking loss to Sherwood in double overtime. As a result, they don’t get to move on to States on May 18-23. “It was disappointing that we lost to Sherwood, but [the boys] put in a lot of effort overall this season,” said head coach Alan “Poho” Pohoryles, who took over the team during the 2011 season. Captain Jake Verner push his team to such a suc-cessful season alongside his three co-captains, Cole Miller, Matt Radack and Timmy Seppi. “Staying focused and being ready to come out and give it our all no matter who we played was the key to some of our success,” said Verner.

Gymnastics Tennis Boys Lacrosse

Boys and Coed Volleyball Track and Field Softball

Ross Koby Laura Sutherland Aldo Filas Jordan Krasner Sarah Duncan Max Vanegas