Pg. 2 Pg. 8 See the results of the Pg. 14 Commentary on Free Internet now available Beacon’s survey on racial profiling modern expression through fashion

Woodrow Wilson High School

THE VOLUME 77 ISSUE 2 September 27, 2013 BEACON

Photo by Nell Bayliss TIMBER! - This ficus tree surprised everyone when it fell over on Monday, September 9, at approximately 11:20 a.m. Fortunately no one was injured. See the full story on Page 2. Dress Code Stress: Admin Step Up Enforcement Rachel Page metal detectors with clipboards Junior Editor in hand, scanning the masses for The Beacon is online! dress code violators. Technically, Check out our new website: The gaggle of freshman girls Wilson has always had a dress thewilsonbeacon.com, for has almost made it to the code. But this year is the first atrium when they hear the that the administration has cho- exclusive content and coverage on words: “Come back!” They turn sen to enforce it wholeheartedly, current events. reluctantly, surreptitiously pull- and they aren’t backing down. ing down their cutoff shorts as Why the sudden shift in New to the website will be a low as they can. “Arms by your policy? Instructional Coach Top 10 writing contest! Head side,” the teacher instructs. “No, Linda Wanner says the change over to the site for more info straighter.” began in March of last year, on how you can help write Shoulders raised, fingers after numerous teachers and the Top 10. curled, arms forward; by now, parents voiced their concerns the girls know how to cut out about dress code enforcement those few precious inches that to herself and Principal Cahall. make the difference between Over the summer Wanner met Connect with us on . . . too-short shorts and an accept- with a committee of parents, able length. Two of them get teachers, and students; the last, “The students have been very Instagram nods from the teacher. The third she admits, on a less than regu- nice. I don’t think that anyone @wilsonbeacon is not so lucky. “Your shorts lar basis. “Students are always has brought up anything nega- Facebook are too short,” the teacher says busy-- they have things to do tive with me.” facebook.com/ apologetically. “You’re going to after school. They participated Just a few blocks down thewilsonbeacon have to go home and change.” off-and-on,” she says. With or Wisconsin Avenue, at Sidwell Students walking into Wilson without the help of students, Friends School, the conflict Twitter over the past few weeks have the updated policy was intro- Cartoon by Deng Phua over the dress code has gone @thewilsonbeacon been greeted with an unpleasant duced this fall, causing an uproar that the majority of students are in a different direction. While surprise: teachers and admin- among the student body. fine with Wilson’s dress code. istrators lined up behind the However, Wanner maintains “It’s been wonderful,” she says. CONT. ON P 6 Navy Yard Tragedy Jars the District of Columbia shooting’s proximity to Wilson red flags, on September 14th, found out about the shooting in rible, but this one really hit hard Claire Parker and Annie and students’ homes made the Alexis was able to purchase the second period on Monday, and because it was just so close to Rosenthal tragedy personal to the Wilson shotgun he used in the massacre his first reaction was to call his my house,” Arlotto said. “It was News Editors community. two days later and retained his mother to ask if she was alright. a big scare for me.” Aaron Alexis, a Navy veteran Alexis had a history of post- government security clearance. At that point, it was unclear To The Beacon’s knowledge, with a history of mental instabil- traumatic stress, psychological The Navy Yard incident oc- whether the gunman had been no Wilson students had any ity, entered Navy Yard Building issues, and multiples arrests for curred approximately a mile and caught, so Arlotto was worriedly connection to the victims. How- 197 in Southeast DC at 8:15 am violent tendencies, The Wash- a half from the Capitol, where picturing a shooter on the loose ever, one near miss temporarily on Monday, September 16th, ington Post reported. He was stricter gun control regulations in his neighborhood. devastated a Wilson family. A armed with an Altered Rem- treated twice for severe insom- were defeated in April. And it Arlotto said he reacted differ- senior whose identity The Beacon ington 870 shotgun. Over the nia, an indicator of anxiety occurred less than eight miles ently to the Navy Yard shooting will not disclose due to the next hour, he went on a shoot- and depression. And in August, from Wilson. than past mass shootings, such sensitivity of the issue received ing rampage that left 12 dead police in Rhode Island informed Senior Andrew Arlotto lives as those in Newtown, Connecti- a call from her mother during and 14 wounded, ending only the Navy that Alexis had report- within 10 minutes walking cut and Aurora, Colorado. “Those the school day on September when police fatally shot him. The ed hearing voices. Despite these distance from Navy Yard. He [other shootings] were also ter- 16, notifying her that the police PAGE 2 NEWS September 27, 2013 Michelle Obama Puts on the Moves Evan Hamlin fully and exercise are 40% more Editor-in-Chief likely to do well on tests and 50% more likely to go to college. On September 6 The Beacon at- As the conference came to a tended an event hosted by First close, Obama stressed the need Lady Michelle Obama promoting to “leave something better for her “Let’s Move” campaign. The our children and grandchildren,” initiative, which aims to bring and avoid “raising the most inac- healthier foods and increased tive generation in our nation’s exercise into schools, has been history.” the hallmark of the First Lady’s Shortly after she made her time in the White House. closing remarks, the First Lady The event was hosted at Orr exited the stage and got ready Elementary in Southeast, and to move. Hula hoops and jump featured a star-studded cast that ropes took the place of chairs included Olympians Allyson and posters, and 45 students Felix and Dominique Dawes, from Orr were brought out onto President of Reebok USA Uli the floor. Obama, O’Neal, Felix, Becker, DCPS Chancellor Kaya and Dawes stretched, skipped, Henderson, and former NBA All- jumped, and ran around a large Star Shaquille O’Neal. circle as part of Reebok’s “Boks” Citing a 19% decline in pre- program, an initiative that has schoolers’ obesity rate, Obama partnered with the First Lady’s emphasized the “pivotal mo- aim to improve health in schools ment” we have reached in the as well. Some students attempt- struggle to make schools healthy ed to high-five the towering 7”1’ and active. The issue of a better O’Neal, while others flocked to lunch, a specific focus of the con- the First Lady for handshakes ference, struck particularly close and hugs. to home at Orr, an elementary “No school is more deserving Photos by Ellie LeBlanc and Isabel GLoss school where 99% of students of this phenomenal visit from MEEEOOOOW - Members of the Kelly Kittens Dance Club, including Nariah Jones and receive free or reduced lunch. the First Lady,” said Niyeka Wil- Oddyssey Wade(CHECK SP), attracted a crowd when they performed on Wednesday, Obama touched on the positive son, the proud principal of Orr September 18 as part of the Wilson Involvement Fair that took place in the atrium effect a healthy lifestyle has on Elementary School. during lunch. The team competes in competitions around the area throughout the one’s mind. Kids who eat health- year. Navy Yard Shooting Comcast to the Rescue: Students

CONT. FROM P 1 enough for a bill tightening gun laws to pass. Instead, Congress’ Get Internet Aid had identified her uncle, who focus has been on mental health Emma Buzbee worked in Building 197, as one legislation. Contributer one child in the National School complete homework and check of the victims. Many Americans are pes- Lunch Program and must be in Edline regularly. “It was nerve-wracking,” she simistic about the impact the a Comcast covered area. Once Principal Pete Cahall agrees said. “Everyone in my family -- Navy Yard shooting will have Each month, families may in, students can receive Internet that technology is important to we were all shaking, and crying, on legislation. Arlotto said, “I spend over $40 on Internet at home for $9.95 a month plus school work. “I know when my we didn’t understand. It was don’t think anything’s actually services, costs that can be a hin- tax and then have the option to internet is down at home I have difficult for me because I had going to change. A lot of people drance to low-income families. A buy an Internet-capable com- a hard time working,” he said, just seen him the day before.” will rally and want change, but I lack of internet puts students at puter for $149.95. There are no adding that he feels that the For four hours, she believed don’t think change will come.” a disadvantage. activation fees, price increases, reduced price Internet at home he was dead. But at a family Mr. Ajibade DaSilva, Wilson’s This year, Comcast’s Internet or rental equipment fees. is more of a “convenience thing,” gathering later in the day, to financial manager, agrees. Essentials program is providing The other resource offered by since Wilson offers computer the astonishment of her family, “We’re so dependent on our a solution to Wilson students Internet Essentials is training access through the library. her uncle walked into the room, legislators, lawmakers, and our in the form of reduced Inter- in how to effectively use the To request an application for demonstrating that the police institutions for direction and net and computer costs. The computers and technology and Internet Essentials, students had misidentified the body. leadership. But they have flaws, program is designed to give incorporate them into everyday should call 1-855-8-INTERNET However, outside of DC, the and can only be corrected by the students of modest means the life. (1-855-846-8376). The applica- public outcry in response to populace. But if the populace same educational resources as Thirty-eight percent of Wil- tion should include students’ this shooting was muted in only remains interested every everyone else. son’s student body is eligible lunch forms. Comcast pledges comparison to the responses to two years or every four years, The basic idea of Internet Es- to participate in the program. to respond in seven to 10 days. past shootings. (see Navy Yard or self-motivated, then eventu- sentials is to provide cheaper Art teacher Avram Walters Students who wish to purchase opinion article on page ally, the ramifications of apathy Internet and other technological first introduced the program to a low cost computer will receive President Barack will rear its ugly head, when we resources to students who are Wilson after hearing about it on a packet with information along Obama gave his condolences have senseless crimes like the already receiving free or reduced the radio. He believes Internet with Comcast’s response. at a memorial service for the Navy Yard shooting,” he said. lunch at school. To be eligible, access at home for those who victims on Sunday, and called “We don’t ever ask the question a household must have at least don’t have it will help students for Congress to reopen the issue of causality. What are we doing, of gun control. But lawmakers whether knowingly or unknow- Next Wednesday, October the 2nd, the Wilson Players will be hosting another interest say that a renewal of the debate ingly, to contribute to despair? 24 HOUR meeting for all those who wish to be involved in the October 11-12 “24 Hour Play’s”. Come to in Congress is unlikely because And then what are we doing to the black-box theatre, room B-207, to sign up to write, direct, or act in a short, student pro- they don’t think politics sur- counteract despair?” PLAYS duced play in the most exhilarating, comedic, and enjoyable drama experiences of the year! rounding gun laws have changed If a Tree Falls in the Atrium... of the other trees into question. riod. If it had fallen on another troublesome, it brought to at- certain that the trees are always Story Sullivan Many students appreciate the day of the week, it could have tention the type of care these pruned to the right proportion, Contributer trees, and find it hard to envi- landed on students eating lunch indoor trees need. While the sodded and mulched regularly, sion the atrium without them. beneath it at STEP. atrium can protect these trees and given the proper nutrition One of the trees in the atrium The trees help make Wilson Principal Cahall was concerned and plants from the intense heat that nature needs to survive came loose and fell from its interesting and attractive. as well. In a statement to the of our city’s summer weather to even the most beautiful indoor foundation on Monday, Septem- The situation of the tree fall- Wilson community, Cahall the ice and frost of the winter, settings. ber 9, landing on top of one of ing was potentially dangerous, wrote, “It made me sick but [I] we cannot forget the unique The trees inside our atrium the circular lunch tables that but luckily, no one was injured. was happy that no one was in- environment that they live in. represent what a unique place serve as an eating and gathering The tree fell at 11:20 am on a jured and that we corrected the In the future, Wilson’s mainte- Woodrow Wilson High School is. space for students. seven-period day, meaning that problem.” nance department will be even The incident called the stability students were still in fourth pe- Though the incident was more vigilant about making September 27, 2013 OPINIONS PAGE 3 THE Syria: What You Need to Know BEACON After weeks of arguments and Alex Dorosin mudslinging by both sides, the Contibuter United States and Russia have Editors-In-Chief finally come to an agreement. Nathan Davis As we walk through the streets Syria has agreed to join the Evan Hamlin of downtown DC, questions Chemical Weapons Convention, Managing Editor about Syria fill our ears: What an international agreement that is it, what is Obama’s plan, limits the use of chemical weap- Claire Parker what is Russia doing and why? ons and would require them to Advisors Although Syria has been the destroy their chemical weapons. Mary Stapp subject of headlines for over two Alexandra Stryker years now, many of us still can’t Now, we are faced with the answer these questions. So let’s question, as American citi- Design Editors start with the basics: zens: Are we satisfied by how Mia Strazzella Photo Creative Commons: Freedom House this has turned out? Sarah Torresen What and where is Syria? SEEKING FREEDOM - The Syria independence flag flies Finance Editor Syria is a small country located over a protest in the northwestern Syrian town of Bin- I personally think that this is a in the Middle East, neighbor- nish. good temporary resolution, but Nathaniel Remez ing Iraq and Israel. Syria gained will not work in the long run. News Editors independence from France in Then, in 2011, came the Arab Recently, a series of chemical Congress has indefinitely post- Claire Parker 1936, and has faced political Spring: a series of protests and weapons were launched towards poned its discussion of the U.S. Annie Rosenthal instability ever since. uprisings against the many targets outside of Damascus, military response. New events in dictators in the Middle East. killing thousands of civilians, Syria could cause more instabil- Opinions Editor Who is the leader? The people of Tunisia, Libya, Ye- including hundreds of children. ity, leading to more problems. Erin Sternlieb In 1970, Hafez al-Assad, men, Bahrain and Egypt rioted Each side blamed the other There is a good chance that no Features Editors the father of Syria’s current to remove their leaders and are for the strike. Soon after this action will be taken for some Maria Brescia-Weiler ruler, seized power. Al-Assad currently attempting to instill happened, a UN inspection time while the issue is dealt with was an Alawite Muslim, while democratic systems. However, in team was sent into Syria to find in the international arena. I feel Lauren ReVeal the majority of the country’s Syria, when the Arab Spring be- out if chemical weapons were that there should still be some Sports Editor citizens were Sunni Muslims. gan, Assad killed many peaceful used. The United States almost sort of military action plan for Henry Shuldiner He ruled for 30 years, mak- protesters. This started violent instantly took the stance that the U.S., otherwise we might be Style Editor ing himself into the country’s uprisings, which began the Syr- the Syrian regime used chemi- forced to deal with the issues as supreme dictator. He appointed ian Civil War. For the past two cal weapons and threatened to they come up, quickly and with- Annie Rosenthal his second-oldest son, Bashar, years rebels have been fighting, take military action and asked out proper deliberation. Once an Photo Editor as his successor. Bashar became trying to oust Assad. Assad has Congress to authorize military emergency plan has been made, Isabel Gloss the ruler after his father’s death responded by sending military force. The Russian government the U.S. needs a long-term solu- Junior Editors in 2000. Bashar has been widely troops, to fight rebel protesters. opposed any military resolution tion towards ending the Syrian viewed as a bad ruler. at the United Nations, saying civil war. Nell Bayliss, Erin Doherty, Why does this matter to the that it was the rebels who were Rachel Page, Maddy Taub Why is Syria in the news? United States? responsible. Columnists Jackson Ross, Eboni Ellis An Appeal To voted for in 2004. That John several ways. That John Kerry But it was proposed by a mem- Staff Writers Kerry was against going into made waves as a decorated war ber of your own Democratic Elias Benda, Gregory John Kerry Iraq, and was vocal about it veteran to stand before congress party, and therefore you have Kopetsky, Rio Osborne, throughout his campaign. His and tell them that American seemingly tossed principles, Jack Price, Martin Sakan- Jackson Ross campaign, that I may remind involvement in Vietnam was a experience and logic out the song Columnist you, was only two to three years bad choice. window in order to blindly go after 9/11. That John Kerry When I hear along with it. Vladimir Putin is Photographers knew the consequences would you speak, I don’t picture that more of a John Kerry at the mo- Ellie LeBlanc, David Rojas Dear John Kerry, be bad, and wanted to stay man. I picture a slave to his ment then you are. Take some Rosario I’m disappointed in away. That John Kerry knew it party who is going along with time to think that over. Contributers you. John Kerry, obedient man- firsthand, as he had fought in something that, if proposed by Val Pehrson, Aidan Caldwell, servant to Obama is not who Vietnam, which 2004 America a conservative Republican, he forty eight percent of America had become a near parallel to in would be vehemently against. Jane Martin, Matt Solberg, Devin Khan, Brian Angel, Alex Dorosin, Ellice Ellis To Wear or Not to Wear... Thank you to our faithful volunteer, Mary Carpenter. Is there such thing as a ‘perfect’ ones responsible for what they clothing that was dress-code ap- decide what they wear. The idea dress code policy? wear. propriate if they knew who they of “dressing for success” is not Georgetown Day School’s Bobby As high schoolers, we’re in a actually were offending, or what enough to explain what students The Beacon is published monthly by Asher says that in an ideal pivotal moment in our lives, the arguments are for dress code can wear, or why they should. students of Woodrow Wilson High world, the dress code would where we’re beginning to define rules, and that requires a conver- In a realistic world, there’s prob- School, 3950 Chesapeake St. N.W., be “a community conversation ourselves through the choices sation not just between students ably no such thing as a perfect Washington D.C., 20016. Unsigned that involves significant output we make-- choices, perhaps, and administration, but between dress code. Mandating what stu- editorials and cartoons are the views from kids.” Perhaps, then, the as simple as what we wear to students and other students. dents wear creates divides--how- of the staff; personal commentaries fault in Wilson’s dress code is school every day. Clothing is one The slogan “dress for success” ever unintentional--between reflect the opinions of the writers. that it is not a conversation. of the many mediums we use to follows wilson students every- ethnic groups, religions, and Our mission is to provide an ac- Students were angered by the express ourselves, and it’s an im- where, starting on day one at genders. Restricting the length curate representation of the diverse increased enforcement in large portant one. The gray area that freshman orientation. It seems of shorts out of respect for con- views, opinions, and concerns of part because it was a surprise; comes with restricting this right as if it is the school’s easy way servative dressers is viewed as the students of Wilson High School. the majority of the student body is akin to restricting the right to of explaining the purpose of the demeaning by the girls who are We aim to serve as the voice of the was never involved in any form speech: where do we draw the dress code, and what students targeted most. students. Through responsible, ethi- of discourse with the adminis- line between our right to dress should wear. It’s not complicat- Telling one group that they can cal journalistic practices, we strive to tration. how we want as individuals and ed, kids -- just dress for success! wear their culture’s traditional provide thorough, reliable news cov- Wilson students represent a the right of those around us The implications of this simple clothing while another group erage of issues relevant to Wilson. range of diverse backgrounds, to feel safe and comfortable at phrase are much broader cannot will inevitably be found Advertising and subscription rates each of which has its own school? though. It implies that students offensive. Even in a world are available by emailing beacon- distinct and valuable opinion. This question can’t be answered who dress a certain way will not where Wilson’s dress code was a [email protected]. Instead of the administra- with a few pieces of paper from be able to succeed. It implies conversation and every opinion The Beacon welcomes all student tion deciding what offends or the administration, no matter that if you don’t dress the way had the chance to be heard, it’s and guest contributions: articles, distracts us, maybe it’s time how good their intentions. The the school deems appropriate, unrealistic to think that every photographs, art, commentary, and for Wilson students to speak best way to get us to comply you aren’t professional, and opinion would be manifested in letters to the editor. All submissions for themselves. After all, no with the dress code isn’t to you won’t be able to get a job. the dress code policy, or would can be sent to beaconchiefeditor@ one knows more about what is punish--it’s to demonstrate why This is not true though; in the carry equal weight. But a conver- gmail.com, and become property of disrespectful or distracting to the dress code matters, and the future, some Wilson alumni will sation is a start. It’s a step in the The Beacon. different cultures and groups of only way to do that is to hear wear uniforms to work, others right direction, and maybe it’s as The Beacon is a public forum creat- people than the students that from the students who it affects will have to wear suits and ties close as we’re going to get. ed for the purpose of expressing the belong to them. At the end of most. Most Wilson students every day, and some will work views of and providing information the day, students are the only would be more likely to wear for themselves and be able to -The Beacon Editorial Staff to the Wilson student body. Thank you for reading The Beacon. PAGE 4 OPINIONS September 27, 2013

Eboni Ellis

Q: Why are the white kids in Wilson so white like this is astounding, you are What’s the best way to ask somebody to homecoming? in a school with a majority of black kids but still manage to remain this white? Help Q: me. A: The best way is to ask them straight up and in advance. Homecoming isn’t In a school this big it may be really overwhelming to venture out of your prom, a simple ask out would be the best. A nice text, phone call, Facetime, or even comfort-zoneA: and make friends with people of other backgrounds. But, it is worth asking them in person would be great for this situation. Also, make sure you give that it! Being in such a diverse school we should take advantage of different types of person enough time to think their decision through, and to prepare for the homecom- friends. Imagine if someone asked, “why do black kids act so black,” saying things ing! If you ask last minute it will add pressure to the situation. like this reinforces stereotyping, and should be avoided. Think about the specific behaviors that bother you, and try to address them outside the sphere of race.

Q: What’s your advice for good grades and a good social life at the same time? What happens if there’s this guy that I kinda used to like and now we have Q: been getting closer and closer what should I do? My advice is to keep the two balanced at the same level because they are bothA: very important when it comes to high school. Always make sure your grades are straight and you are on top of your work, but also make sure you still have time You should definitely just let you guys continue to get closer and closer for yourself and your friends. You don’t want to let school stress you out! Work first, andA: then everything between you two will fall into place as it should! then have fun!

Q: If you have brothers and sisters at the school how do you distinguish your I started to like this guy for a year now, but he’s moving away in a few own identity? Q: weeks, what should I do?

A: There are many ways that you can distinguish your own identity! The easiest A: If you haven’t already told him how you feel about him by now it’s too late thing to do is to join different clubs and activities than your sibling and be interested sweety. He’s going to move away regardless of how you feel about him. So just make in different extra-curriculars. That will cause you to stand out as an individual so you sure that you guys keep in touch so you can still be close. won’t be known as “_____’s sister/brother” anymore! Leaving the Lines Behind How Much is Too Much? feel elevated and full of energy. Garima Tandon Molly can also cause hyper- Greg Kopetsky Contibuter Staff Writer thermia because temperatures can go up to 105 degrees which Two young adults passed Before administrators estab- can also cause kidney failure, away Labor Day weekend due lished a senior entrance to the seizures and even death. to “molly” overdoses during a school, the lines to get into the In big parties or at music music festival in New York City. building were ridiculous. I was festivals, drugs may be easy to The victims of the tragedy were late to my first period numerous get. Jesse Jacobsen, a 19 year identified as Jeffrey Russ, 23, of times because I was stuck in a old who attended the festival Rochester, New York and Olivia sweaty throng of people at the says “ [he] thinks the main cause Rotondo, 20, of North Provi- entrance for 20 minutes. of teenage drug use is escap- dence, Rhode Island. Jeffrey Some people were able to wea- ism from their daily lives,” and Russ was a recent graduate of sel their way through the crowd, believes, “teenagers choose to Syracuse University and Olivia while others (myself included) rely on drugs to evoke euphoric Rotondo was a student at the just had to wait it out. I wit- emotions, a way to excite their University of New Hampshire. nessed some crafty line-beating lives apart from the obstacles Molly is a form of the illegal tactics, most clever of which was every day holds.” drug Ecstasy that has become someone pretending to have a Jacobsen was excited to be at- popular among some teenagers. wheelchair, yelling, “Wheelchair tending the popular festival that “This has become the drug of coming through!” Others were is held every Labor Day weekend choice for fans on the electronic less creative, and able to swag- since 2009. “The first two nights dance music circuit,” says Julie ger on by with a simple “excuse were great and full of thrill,” he Holland, a psychiatrist who re- me.” I have no idea why nobody describes. “There was music and searches the deadly drug, to The stopped them. Maybe they’re friends and dancing, there are New York Times. just really popular. Who knows. other ways to have fun instead Many teenagers think that Page 46 of the student hand- of catching up with drugs.” drugs are only dangerous if you book states, “Students are After a long conversation take too much and just trying expected to plan their time ef- with Jacobsen on the tragic them out once is harmless. But fectively so that they may arrive Photo by Brian Angel event, he shared some things illegal drugs are quite addictive. to school and classes in a timely POSH LIFE - Senior Gabe Cano enters the school through teenagers can do besides drugs. Each time you go under the manner.” Some mornings I ar- the new entrance set up to ease congestion in the morn- “Life can be stressful especially influence, you destroy your body rived to school just before 8:30 ings. in your teenage years. It’s okay even more. Becoming an addict and was not in my class until Beth Waits, assistant principal. have made a difference in con- to have fun but just be smart has become easy because of the 8:50. In my opinion, this wasn’t “We got a message last week trolling the out-the-door lines. and know the consequences of way our bodies respond to illegal due to a lack of planning on my that the downtown producer of I can confirm from experience your actions. Try talking it out and dangerous drugs. part. It is the result of a lack the cards has had difficulties and that this strategy has dramati- with a friend or get involved in Molly, after being inhaled of organization on the school’s new cards won't be in for several cally quickened entry time. The your community! Keep yourself or eaten, will flood the user’s part. Recently, however, the weeks.” Also, some of the metal school has also requested 2 more busy and embrace your hobbies!” brain with neurotransmitters problem was addressed. detectors have been malfunc- scan machines in order to avoid Scholars, you’re on the road to serotonin, norepinephrine and “Part of the issue was the delay tioning, adding to the disorder. this mess from ever happening success, don’t do anything that dopamine, which makes the user in getting ID cards,” said Mary The senior entrance seems to again. might risk it!

The Beacon Wins Five CSPA Awards for 2012-2013 School Year

On Friday, September 20, The Columbia Scholastic Press Association, an international student press organization run by Columbia University, announced their annual awards for student work published in the 2012-2013 school year. The Gold Circle Awards include four types of publication categories in which 12,847 entries were submitted recognizing individual achievement. The Beacon (after not winning a single award the previous year) won five Gold Circle awards. Senior Nathan Davis won 3rd place in news writing for his article “School Board Candidates.” Class of 2013 graduate Shane Achenbach and Junior Claire Parker won honorable mention in news writing for their article “Boundaries to Change.” Former student Anna Viemose won 3rd place in Personal Opinion: On Campus Issues for her article “Wilson’s dress code for curves.” Senior Evan Hamlin and Junior Claire Parker won honorable mention in sports news for their article “Tigers Disqualified.” Class of 2013 graduates Izzy Jensen and Sasha Pfeiffer won honorable mention in single subject news or feature package, two pages, double-truck or special section design tabloid format for their layout of the double truck “Body Images.” September 27, 2013 OPINIONS PAGE 5 Navy Yard: Close to Home, Far From Change

Erin Sternlieb other day, and it struck a real And now there is the Navy Yard ing gun control regulations is Post op-ed by Cynthia McCabe. Opinions Editor chord with me, with all the gun shooting. Twelve people were 1.6 miles from Navy Yard. That’s There have been no scream- violence that has been going on. killed in my city, just miles away 8,848 feet, or an eight minute ing protests, or social media “First they came for the Socialists, First there was the Newtown from where I live. The day before car ride. Maybe it would take a explosions, and it is already past and I did not speak out-- shooting at a school in Connecti- the shooting I was a few blocks shooting on the mall, or at the being a headline, even in the city. Because I was not a Socialist. cut last spring. This hit close to away, and many friends and White House, or a member of Maybe this is because it was at a Then they came for the Trade home, because I too go to school. family live in that neighborhood. congress’ house, to force our military site, or maybe because Unionists, and I did not speak Then came the Boston bombings The shooting did not just hit leaders to finally do something. it is D.C., but maybe people are out-- and related violence. This hit close to home, it was home. How ironic is it that while politi- getting used to it. It can not be Because I was not a Trade Union- close to home because Boston These shootings just keep hit- cal leaders are failing to make that people are longer shocked ist. is a city I love, a place where ting closer and closer to home, the decisions necessary to curb by these acts of violence. How Then they came for the Jews, and I my friends and family live, a and I’m not saying that to be the gun violence in our country, much closer to home do these did not speak out-- place where I’ve walked blocks morbid. I’m not saying that I it is happening blocks away. shootings have to be, on how Because I was not a Jew. away from where the bombings believe that it’s going to be my The rest of the country much bigger of a scale do they Then they came for me--and there occurred. Next came Trayvon school, or my neighborhood, or has failed to notice this irony have to be before there is action, was no one left to speak for me.” Martin, who, while many others me that is next, but how much though, or the shooting at all. or are we in our city, our coun- can relate much more than I can, closer does it have to get before There has been much specula- try willing to accept these mass This is a famous quote by I too related. His death hit close there’s a change? tion as to why this shooting has shooting as an inevitable part of Martin Niemöller, a pastor dur- to home, because I too am a The Capitol Building, where gone virtually under the radar, the future? ing World War II. I heard it the teenager, an innocent teenager. lawmakers are currently debat- especially after The Washington

TOP TEN TOPICS WILSON KIDS WRITE THEIR COLLEGE ESSAYS ABOUT 1. #thestruggle 2. 8 Leadership Positions I Made Up 3. My service trip to Africa 4. My service trip to Latin America 5. Crew changed my life #dedication 6. Going to an inner-city public school but being white 7. Being bagged at Ft. Reno changed my life forever 8. I’ve learned a lot from living in the city aka tenleytown 9. Creasing My J’s: A True Hardship 10. My 1/16 Latino ethnic background has impacted my life experiences G ENTRIFICATION By Aidan Caldwell CON Hey Wilson students, I know the land that they have created PRO By Elias Benda you might want to just skip to a community around is now so “Kids in the Hall” but I want to high in value. Why? Because of Gentrification is extremely rel- dation, reconstruction, and talk about a problem in our city, the new bar across the street or evant to DC and the surrounding renovation projects, or those in our neighborhoods, and even the condos next door. areas. However, the definition that new businesses would bring our school. So listen up. We as a city are losing our of gentrification falsely paints to the neighborhood. This could This problem is “gentrifica- culture and identity quickly due it as an adverse occurrence. The provide an excellent, convenient tion.” Washington D.C. has to gentrification. People who definition of gentrification, by source of income for the (previ- quickly become gentrified; espe- were born, raised and made their Princeton University, reads; ously) low-income residents of cially within the last five years. careers in D.C. are moving out to “the restoration of run-down the neighborhood. The capital To the untrained eye, gentrifica- P.G. county and sometimes even urban areas by the middle class being invested in the neighbor- tion in D.C. looks like regular further out in the DMV. (resulting in the displacement hood by the middle-class will development. Sometimes it is A fancy new hipster bar/cof- of low-income residents)”. Since undoubtedly draw the atten- and sometimes it is not. feehouse developed by some gentrification tion and Gentrification occurs when restaurant ‘guru’ from the Bay is a seemingly “The renovation of funds of the members of a higher economic Area can’t make up for the loss inevitable government, class move into a neighborhood of homes, neighborhoods and event, it is im- ‘run-down urban areas’ resulting in or urban area, forcing out a more even livelihoods. These new and portant to try investment economically-challenged group upcoming businesses don’t think and approach is a good thing, regard- in public of people. Sound familiar? I twice about bulldozing local it in a positive, less of who or how it is services and thought so. business to make a buck. proactive light, amenities. Some of D.C.’s most gentrified One longtime owner of a leg- as opposed to being funded.” And who is areas are H Street NE, Brook- endary body shop off H Street immediately to say that land, Columbia Heights, Shaw, NE, says, “It’s really a shame. It giving the word a powerfully the gentrification of the city Adams Morgan, Navy Yard and seems like each day five busi- negative connotation. “The reno- in the past 15-20 years hasn’t Capitol Hill. Other neighbor- nesses are closing down.” He too vation of run-down urban areas” been the reason for the drop in hoods are is currently is a good thing, regardless of murder and crime rates? quickly being “People who have packing box- who or how it is being funded. These examples are just a few impacted by the lived in their homes es because The problem with the defini- of the innumerable positive same problem. the owner of tion of gentrification is the as- outcomes of gentrification, and And yes, gen- for decades are forced his building sumption that it always results seem to benefit not only the trification is a has made “in the displacement of low-in- middle-class investing in the problem. out.” other plans come residents”. This statement neighborhood, but also those Imagine this: for it. disregards the variety in cases of who originally inhabited it. Gen- people who have lived in their Meanwhile city officials are gentrification. Think about the trification is a tool that society homes for decades are forced praising all this the expansion possible benefits for low-income can take advantage of in order to out. They move to different parts and development while ignoring residents who live or work in or improve ourselves, our neigh- of the city or out of the city alto- its negative effects. There is no around the gentrified neighbor- bors, and our city as a whole. gether. Property taxes rise and development in this city. There hood. Gentrification offers new as the neighborhood changes, is only gentrification. Gentrifica- possibilities such as property people can’t afford amenities tion will eventually cause us to value increases that give families in their own neighborhoods lose the thing that makes this leverage in the housing market anymore. Gentrification affects city so great: its people. and jobs created by the liqui- local businesses. Owners can’t come up with their rent because PAGE 6 September 27, 2013

Dress Code Enforced At Wilson

CONT. FROM P 1 simple phrase: “Dress for suc- that the Wilson administration inequality in the way that boys cess.” When they are at Wilson, might say defines respect for its are treated compared to girls; at Wilson most students are students are representing their scholars: a dress code. he says he feels it is a double concerned about how the new school, and shirts emblazoned “At GDS we like to joke that standard when boys are able to policy seems to target girls, stu- with marijuana leaves or naked the dress code is ‘you must wear take their shirts off during hot dents at Sidwell see bias in the women would not make a good shoes,’” says Dean of Student days or sports games, while girls opposite direction. “Girls more impression if the Chancellor Life Bobby Asher. He explains are left to sweat in silence. The consistently break the dress stopped by. that, although occasionally stu- administration tries to be mind- code so administrators are more But the policy isn’t just about dents are taken aside and told ful of these differences, but it accustomed to it. Society holds how outsiders view Wilson; that their outfits are inappropri- can be difficult. women to a lower standard of it’s about how students treat ate, it’s a one-on-one endeavour. Whether you go to a school bodily modesty than it does each other, and the idea that For the most part, the adminis- like GDS, Sidwell, or Wilson, men,” says one Sidwell senior no one should wear clothes tration trusts students to decide navigating the myriad of choices who did not want to be named. that are offensive to another what they can wear to school. and norms of how to dress can Last year, the school admin- person. “We need to respect the “We’re trying to help kids navi- be controversial, not to men- istration allowed girls to wear diverse culture here at Wilson,” gate on their own,” he says. “We tion overwhelming. The Wilson tank tops but told boys that says Wanner. “There are some want them to be able to figure administration has yet to decide they could not. The students students here that have to stay out what’s appropriate.” whether the dress code policy protested by organizing an event completely covered; they don’t Nonetheless, Asher ac- will remain a hot topic through- called “Tank Top Tuesday,” in even show their ankles. We don’t knowledges that a dress code out the year, or slowly fade into which more than 100 students have to go that far. But we have at GDS means something very oblivion. With the rapid ap- wore tank tops to school. The to be respectful.” different from a dress code at proach of colder weather, one administration seemed to be giv- Georgetown Day School, Wil- Wilson. Parents can choose not thing is certain: there are already ing in, but this year the no-tank- son’s closest neighboring high to send their children to GDS if far fewer shorts length violators tops-for-males rule is back in full school, also emphasizes diversity they don’t approve of the way walking around Wilson, and it force. and respect towards others. It students dress. But at a public isn’t because of the rules in the On both sides of the debate, was the first integrated high school, there is no choice. student handbook. potential discrimination and school in DC in 1945, and its GDS’s policy-- or lack thereof-- gender bias beg the question students are taught to be accept- isn’t an entirely equitable solu- of why we have dress codes ing and welcoming to all cul- tion. Even in a school without in the first place. The Wilson tures, religions, and ethnicities. dress codes, gender divides administration’s answer is a However, GDS lacks an element are still apparent. Asher sees

By Maria Brescia-Weiler ashion in the alls Compiled by Nell Bayliss Diversity is something Wilson students pride themselves on, and to many studentsH that includes the ability to dress the way they want in school. Clothing, afterall, is a key com- ponentF of a person’s character. This year’s renewed enforcement of the dress code policy is reducing some students’ opportunities for expressing their individualism at school. Fashion In the Halls took a look at students who still wear their favorite styles to school, whether or not they are in violation of dress code. Compiled by Nell Bayliss

LEFT TO RIGHT: Jack Price (12), Jacinda Miller (12), Sasha Gates (12), Yana Madrid (11), Demond Powell (12), Fenice Thompson (12) September 27, 2013 PAGE 7 Girls Talk Dress Q & With Ms. Wanner Code A On Dress Code apply more to girls than it does Lina Klose and Molly Wackler By Maria Brescia-Weiler Contributers to the boys. Sophomore Henry Cohen told us, “The concept What inspired increased enforcement of the dress code this school year? As many students have that it is distracting for guys is noticed, teachers and admin- sexist,” so it is not just the girls If you look at old planners there was a dress code and it was very explicit about what istrators at Wilson are strictly that feel they are being primar- students could wear and it was flagrantly ignored. ...Some teachers said if we have a enforcing the dress code this ily targeted for their clothing. dress code we ought to follow it, because it is pretty pointless to have if we have so year. Administrators watch as Sophomore Logan Segraves, many violations. students enter school to make told us that he thought admin- sure that students’ clothing is istrators are taking the dress Why is the dress code important at Wilson? complies with the dress code code too seriously. “We should rules. As female students at this be able to wear what we want,” In every establishment there are certain codes of dress that are acceptable. If you go school, we have encountered Segraves said. to the beach, you’re not going to wear a suit and tie. A school is an academic institu- problems with this policy, and Other students think that if tion and I think that there is a certain attire that is appropriate for a school. we’re not the only ones. your parents approve of your Already, there have been mul- clothing when they see you What is the reasoning behind sending students home for violating dress tiple students who have been walk out of your house then you code? sent home, including junior Ella should not be stopped at school. Hansen, because their shorts There are some situations where We have sent very few students home. The students choose to go home if they live were dress code infractions. we see certain clothing that is nearby and want to go get their clothes. We have other outfits, or they can borrow When we asked her and her inappropriate for school. We clothes, or get clothes from their locker, and that’s perfectly fine. friend, Rose Ettleson, what they spoke to Junior Class President thought of the dress code, they Margaret Kellogg who said she Has the enforcement of the dress code been effective? immediately responded with, understood the administrators’ “We hate it.” perspective. She suggested that I think it’s been absolutely effective. In the beginning, some students wanted to get Most of the students we instead of students being sent into an argument and we took time with those students and explained it is a multi- interviewed believe the dress home the school could continue cultural institution, and we want to be sensitive to all cultures and sensitive to the code is unfair. The guidelines of having a box of tee-shirts and academic atmosphere, and we want all our students to be dressed for success. Once finger-tip length for shorts cause gym shorts readily available for we talked to them in that way, they’ve been mostly cooperative. numerous conflicts for teenage students to borrow for the day. girls. There are students who wear How many students do you stop a day? Stores that attract teenage clothing that is too revealing buyers do not carry the type to be worn in school. Clothing Today, I stopped one student and she put on her jacket right away. I will say the of shorts that Wilson requires, with inappropriate messages weather has cooperated, but for the most part young men and women have dressed making it hard for students to takes breaking the dress code appropriately. shop according to the Wilson too far. Shorts that do not fully dress code. cover your butt and shirts that Do you have anything else to say? One freshman, Emma (who are see-through or too revealing asked us to not use her last should be saved for the weekend Sometimes students might see someone with an inappropriate shirt on and assume name) pointed out, “I don’t or out-of-school functions. they have not been addressed, but we have enough people at the doors that we talk have any problem with the dress In general, the majority of to everyone. We know we are working with young people and they sometimes go into code rules but there is some students we talked to believe the bathroom and change back. Some students think we are picking on some groups inequality.” Not every student the newly enforced dress code and not others, but nothing could be further from the truth. We aren’t trying to set a has the same body, so someone is unfair. The sudden placement style, we just want students to be dressed appropriately at school. Parents have been with longer arms has to wear of administrators at the door extremely cooperative in talking to kids at home. Personally we like that Wilson is not longer shorts, whereas someone is extreme, and inevitably, the a uniform school and kids can dress how they choose to, but some students say they else can get away with shorter rules are applied inconsistently. want a uniform. shorts. Rather than clinging to Students should be able to wear an unfair finger-tip length pants the clothing that they want, but policy, the school should have a they also should choose clothing system that does not vary based that does not reveal too much. on body type. Maybe the school should add The dress code also seems to more defined rules as opposed to ones that are ambiguous. Boys Talk Dress Code

sophomores scored proficient or by sending these girls home is Henry Shuldiner better on the DC CAS. (The data that they value boys’ education, Sports Editor from 2012 is not available). That which they say is in jeopardy due leaves a whopping 34.3 per- to the “distraction” of inappro- Recently, the talk of the school cent who have yet to reach the priately dressed girls, over the has been about dress code and acceptable score. Does sending education of the girl who would its ridiculousness. To be fair students home really encour- be sent home. to the administration, dress age students to come back and Another major problem with code makes sense in theory. In learn, and thus do better on the the enforcement of dress code practice, however, it does not CAS, which is one of the main is how the administration treats work. I am not saying that there ways our school is rated? Is this people who do not meet their should be absolutely no dress really helping to achieve the 90% standards for dress code. I’ve code. I might even go so far as attendance rate which was so heard from multiple sources, to say that the dress code right avidly promoted in the power- who wished to remain anony- now is acceptable, and that the point on the first day of school? mous, that they felt insulted and students here should just have There are definitely conflicting even horrified at the comments to deal with it. However, the interests of the administration. administrators made to them problem here at Wilson is not To make sure that all the goals about their attire. “How did you the question of what the dress and expectations for students even get in here?”, “Would you code is; it is the dilemma of how are met, I think the best solu- go to church dressed like that?” the administration is enforcing tion is to organize and prioritize and similar comments are not it. acceptable for an adult to say to whatever they believe is most By Annie Rosenthal The fact that students -- the vast important, whether it be dress a student, a student to say to an majority being girls -- are being code, attendance, or whatever. adult, or anyone to say to any- sent home when their attire is And let’s not forget the fact that one in a school environment. in violation of the dress code is the majority of people being sexist, prejudiced, and shameful. sent home are girls. So what Wil- In 2011, 65.7 percent of Wilson son’s administration is saying PAGE 8 September 27, 2013

On September 12 and 13, The Beacon conducted a survey in social studies classes in an attempt to understand how racial profiling affects Wilson students. We received 716 responses to 12 questions on topics ranging from witnessing racial profiling at Wilson to experiencing it first hand. The clearest trend that the Beacon noticed was the prevalence of student on student racial profiling. Students are not only the biggest victims, but the biggest perpetrators. Trayvon Martin Exposed the Road to Justice that Lays Ahead become nonexistent. The black Eboni Ellis community can no longer afford Columnist to backtrack due to incidents like these. We must take it upon The infamous incident regard- ourselves to educate one another ing Trayvon Martin and George and our community as a whole Zimmerman took the summer about these issues and how to of 2013 by storm. The murder move forward from them. trial that started in June lasted a From the beginning this case month. This was an eye-opening really touched my heart and event for many youths and caused me to raise lots of aware- adults all over the country. The ness and try to do my best to be a part of the “Justice for Trayvon RACIAL trial was action packed and filled with witnesses. Martin” movement. I had high This trial was also filled with the hopes for a conviction of Zim- powerful arguments of skilled merman at the beginning of the attorneys who got people talk- trial but the outcome did not PROFILING ing. Every TV news station was surprise me at all. I truly believe 3/10 Students airing it, various radio stations the country I live in has such a were all over it and twitter was long way to go until my people lit up, bringing chaos. receive equal justice. The reason surveyed feel they The verdict finding George Zim- I felt so strongly about this case merman not guilty left many is because I can easily relate. I have been stopped Americans outraged. have friends that look like Tray- Black youth all over the country von, I have a little brother that now must learn from this verdict looks like Trayvon, I have been unreasonably by a and continuously remind them- stereotyped and racial profiled selves that Martin could have myself. It’s unbelieveable that been anyone of us. An eye-open- a boy my age did not receive security guard be- ing case like this was a tragedy, justice for a wrongful death but it was needed to serve as and at the end of the day this cause of their a wake-up call to this country. is not a question about the fate Americans must not forget the of equality in this country but impact the verdict of trial had on humanity period. Why is one race. them. Even in the year of 2013 person’s life not as important as we must still be mindful of the the next person’s? This case has many stereotypes and gener- motivated me to prove all the alizations that are made about stereotypes wrong and to also the black community. The black excel to make tragedies of this community as a whole must kind known all over the world. A work together to make sure death like Trayvon’s was not the those stereotypes are starting to first and it will not be the last.

Percent of Students who feel they have been unreasonably stopped 62% by security guards of students because of their race have witnessed racial 50 profiling at 40 Wilson Trayvon Martin could have been me 35 30 years“ ago....There are very few African American 20 men who haven't had the experience of walking 10 across the street and hearing the locks click on

0 ASIAN MIXED HISPANIC BLACK WHITE the doors of cars. That happens to me -- at least Percent of Students (%) of Students Percent before I was a senator. Race of Students ” - Barack Obama on Trayvon Martin I was walking along Georgia Ave and a - corner store nearby had apparently got ten robbed by a couple of teenage girls and the police stopped me because I fit the description but they didn’t tell me what the description was other Someone got robbed at Fort than that they had weave and Totten and I fit the profile so were black. the police officer thought it was organ Butler-M me. And also, in Safeway, they thought I was stealing and they took me in the office and found nothing. William White-

Every time I walk in the CVS or a store, I feel the workers always look at me or watch me. -Anonymous

September 27, 2013 PAGE 9

A Black Man Under DaSilva’s Story: the Law’s Scrutiny Wilson Business Manager Ajibade DaSilva talked to The Beacon about his personal experience with racial profiling. In 2006, he was pulled over by a police of- ficer for a broken tail light, and the situation quickly spiraled out of control.

Claire Parker: Can you the door, and he tries to pull me point I grab the pepper spray really working. describe the incident with the out. So I’m like, “What’s going before I went blind and I threw All the charges got dropped broken tail light and racial on?” concerned with the fact it away, and I separated myself except the broken tail light. profiling? that I haven’t done anything. from the officer and moved They dismissed everything, but And I’m still talking to him in a around the other side of the car, the officers lied in court...The Ajibade DaSilva: Basically, I calm voice, saying, “Hey, what’s and I just started cursing at him legal process is funny. Because was at a red light, turning south going on? What’s the situation?” because [the officer] wouldn’t do to drop 18 charges down to just on Georgia Avenue towards DC, and he’s being belligerent, but that if [he] didn’t have a gun, a a broken tail light, to remove which is like a block from my I’m still cooperating. I have my badge, and these type of things. the 18 charges from my arrest home. [The officer] turns on his hands up...I’m like, “Can you just So why is he doing it to me, and record, I can’t pursue that officer lights. I make the first left at the tell me what’s going on? What right in front of my house? or Montgomery County legally. intersection...he cuts me off and is all of this for?” And he’s like, Long story short, I got jumped The only way you can have that I see metallic flash, and I think “Shut up or I’ll pepper spray by the police that night. They record expunged is by alleviat- he’s holding a gun up to me. So you.” So I slowly get out of the took me away in front of my ing the county and that officer I turn my car off and I just take car, and rise up, and he pepper mom’s house, in front of my of any civil responsibility. So it’s my hands off the steering wheel. sprays me anyways. mom and my younger sister rigged. Because why is the record RACIAL He comes up and rushes to the You know, there’s a certain de- while they were in their PJs. important? To get a job, to go car, and says, “Get out the car,” gree of respect men give to men. They gave me 18 charges -- to school. I can’t hold them ac- and I ask, “For what, I didn’t do In this situation, here is the law resisting arrest and all types of countable if I want to be employ- anything.” He tries to pull me abusing law, and I’m being civil stuff. All for a broken tail light. able in this economy. PROFILING out of the car, but the door is as a person, trying to cooperate I ended up having to pay 12 to locked and I have my seatbelt the best way I see fit, but yet 15 thousand dollars in legal fees, CONT. ON P 11 on. So I just asked him what was I’m being abused as a person. So money I didn’t have at the time. going on, and told him I was when I’m pepper sprayed, I feel That was a tremendous impact gonna open the door. I opened like I’m being violated, so at that to us at the time, since I wasn’t The Fight Continues by Kiah Lewis I am African American. I know how it feels to be racially profiled. Since I was in elementary school, there have been many instances of being followed in stores, prejudged and looked at as if I might steal. Once a store clerk left her register and came and followed me from aisle to aisle. It was a rude awakening for me to realize that someone would categorize me because of my skin color. My older brothers have been stopped standing in front of our house and walking to the neighborhood store. It appears that because of their skin color, the police labeled them guilty of something. But they were wrong every time. I believe that society’s racial profiling today comes directly from slavery and the unwarranted hatred of people of African descent. This country has had a hard time evolving from its denial of civil rights for people of color. My grandparents and parents suffered more injustices than I have. Each generation has seen some improvements but racial profiling still exists. We all must continue to put forth effort to ensure equality and to teach each other to be more tolerant of others. Students felt they were Percent of Students Who Feel most likely to encounter Race Puts Them at a Disadvantage 60 discrimination from...

50 NO ONE DISCRIMINATES 40 10% EVERYONE DISCRIMINATES Trayvon Martin could have been me 35 30 EQUALLY ASIANS years ago....There are very few African American 20 32%

Percent of Students (%) of Students Percent HISPANICS men who haven't had the experience of walking 10 33% across the street and hearing the locks click on 0 BLACKS Asian Black Hispanic White Mixed Race 20% the doors of cars. That happens to me -- at least WHITES before I was a senator. Race of Students 3% - Barack Obama on Trayvon Martin 2% If the roles were flipped [in the Trayvon Martin case] it could be a bigger problem. If it was a black guy they would have said end him straights to jail. Its not ocietal problema s but a govern ent problem.m Racial profiling is something that is done subconsciously, solmar Zelaya-O ignoring it will do no good. It is something that we need to think about constantly before it gets better. -Anonymous PAGE 10 FEATURES September 27, 2013

Restaurant Review: Phone: (202) 726-2646 By Ellice Ellis Contributer Sweet Mango Address: 3701 New Hampshire Follow them on twitter: Ave NW, Washington, DC @SweetMango_DC Café 20010 On the surface Sweet Mango appears to be just like every other Caribbean restau- two sizes--large and medium--which are equally huge. rant, but here the flavors are especially rich and have remarkable depth. Located on A few downsides to one of D.C.’s go-to places for Caribbean food are the lack of staff, New Hampshire and Georgia Avenues, right by the Metro, Sweet Mango is reputable slow service, uninviting atmosphere, and if you get there later in the day, your favorite for their jerk chicken, plantains and even jerk tofu! The food is made fresh daily and dish will probably be gone. you can carry out or eat upstairs, which has an outdoor patio. Regardless, the restaurant has amazing food, good prices and is at a convenient loca- If you order any of the meals, be prepared to taste sweet, tangy and spicy Caribbean tion. I would recommend this for anyone searching for authentic Caribbean food. flavor. All the meals come with vegetables, rice and beans, and you can choose from My Life So Far: Ms. Kosman Lunch with the Erin Doherty Junior Editor First Lady From Namibia to Luxembourg to Washington, D.C., Janice Kos- Senior David Rojas-Rosario was one of six Wilson students nominated man’s life has been a plethora to represent the school at the Smithsonian’s Teen Design Fair last Friday, of outstanding experiences in September 20. He was then selected by the Smithsonian to represent amazing places. Her extensive Wilson High School and DC Public Schools at a formal luncheon with international experience helps First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House. He shared his experience her relate to her junior and with The Beacon: senior English students here at Wilson. Kosman traces her interest last course of the meal.” We went David Rojas-Rosario in travel and living abroad to back and sat down. While eating Staff Writer middle school. She was intrigued our last course Liedel told Curtis by her brother-in-law’s experi- The morning of the White and I to go to Ms. Obama’s table ences in Swaziland as a Peace House visit, I wore my gray suit, and thank her for the amazing Corps volunteer. When she white shirt, and black-and-white time and for welcoming us to graduated from college with an striped tie. The bus ride to the her home. English degree, she really wasn’t Photo by Pieter Fosburgh White House felt surreal. I had She then asked us about our sure about what to do next. WORLD TRAVELER - English teacher Janice Kosman been there on a few different career goals as well, so I told She decided to follow in her is new to Wilson, but has lots of other experiences to occasions for tours and school her I wanted to be aeronautical brother-in-law’s footsteps and share with Beacon readers like Luke Kopetsky (12) and trips, but this time I was about engineers. join the Peace Corps. Kosman Diego Ramos-Meyer (12) to dine with a member of the “We need more minority served as a volunteer for two first family. When arriving at the people in the engineering field years in Namibia; a newly-in- ined it working out any better. ketball, coaching, and teaching gate entrance, everything got and more teens interested in the dependent country in southern After the Peace Corps Kos- English. But she also knew that real: we got screened by Secret STEM field,” she said. “Don’t let Africa. It was exciting to finally man’s life took a very different it would be hard to make basket- Service. anyone tell you what you can explore a country that she had turn. She wasn’t quite ready to ball a career. “I never thought I was seated with Christopher and cannot do. Determine your only read about. Her role as an return to the U.S.; she wanted playing professional basketball Liedel, President of the Smith- own future.” English teacher was important, to continue to travel. Having was an option,” she says. sonian Enterprise. He was a very After that Secret Service came because Namibians were eager played basketball in high school Kosman’s experiences give cool guy, curious to know who in and cut us off because it was to learn the language. It also was and college, she took a chance her insight into the challenges we were, what our career goals time for the First Lady to leave. important for Kosman person- on calling a coach who she knew Wilson students face. She says and potential college aspirations I was so excited by that point, ally, because it helped her decide was living in Europe. Pretty soon that it is important to be open might be. He later introduced us I was like “I GOT TO TALK TO her future career. she found herself in Luxem- to new experiences and to learn to Wayne Clough, Secretary of MS. OBAMA, HOW MANY Ms. Kosman describes her time bourg, a tiny country in Europe what you like to do by volunteer- the Smithsonian Institute. STUDENTS GET TO MEET MS. in the Peace Corps as “one of bordering France, Germany and ing. She speaks from experience We were asked by Secret Ser- OBAMA?” those experiences you [either] Belgium. She says she knew she when she says: “Try different vice to “please be seated for the know you want to do or you was “in the right place at the things and who knows what will don’t.” She could not have imag- right time,” -- playing club bas- happen!” Wilson Joins the Pollination Nation

Lauren ReVeal rate with community members HOME TO Features Editor in establishing youth driven, BIRDS AND sustainable, green spaces.” BEES - This Out front of Wilson lies a These spaces are mostly com- garden is be- quaint, beautiful, albeit mys- munity gardens, and elementary coming more terious garden. It’s shaped like through high school gardens. established in a tiger’s paw, with signs pok- “There was a six week class its second year. ing out of it that read various leading up to build,” said It was planted phrases about butterflies, bees, Riesner, “where one of [City to attract pol- moths, hummingbirds, and is Blossom’s] instructors would linators, which teeming with foliage and insect come in once a week and talk is beneficial to life. When it seemingly sprung about pollinators and the whole the environ- out of the ground last school process.” ment. year, I wondered where it came Riggen said these six weeks Photos by Isabel Gloss from. I kept on wondering until consisted of watching TED talks this year when I learned that it about pollination, researching was a pollinator garden. different plants for the gar- Last year, a nonprofit orga- den, making granola bars from nization called “City Blossoms,” scratch and out of all natural junior Annie Rosenthal, to get can lay their eggs in nesting many other species.” was offering these gardens to ingredients, making signs for more information about the tubes. These are attached to If anyone is interested in DC schools as gifts. Thinking it the garden, creating the layout, types of plantlife. She told me poles sticking out of the dirt, helping out with weeding the would be a good opportunity for and finally building the garden. that often, pollinator gardens and look like reeds. garden, come by Room 224. Wilson, AP Environmental Sci- The reason this garden contain nectar host or larval Aside from being aestheti- Community service hours can be ence teacher Gabrielle Riesner seemed to appear overnight is plants, for butterflies and cater- cally pleasing, this pollinator given to volunteers. If you would and former Wilson teacher Sarah because the AP Environmental pillars. Wilson’s garden is home garden is important. “Without like to see more City Blossom’s Riggen applied to the project students built it over the course to a few larval host plants. This [pollination],” Riggen said, “we projects, all are open to the and w as accepted. of one day. is a major perk for pollinators. can’t have flowering plants and public, and give access to fresh Carla Burns, a representative I spoke to Dr. Martha Weiss, The garden also offers benefits then we lose a large propor- produce, herbs, and of course, of City Blossoms, said that their a Biology professor at George- to bees. Instead of having a large tion of our food supply, not to nature. “primary mission is to collabo- town University and mother of hive, “unsocial” or solitary bees mention food sources for many, September 27, 2013 FEATURES PAGE 11 CONT. FROM P 9 Hispanic Heritage Celebrated our criminal justice system is [the policemen] is their clique. flawed. [As a black male] you’re They may empathize with me, or Brightly colored flags hanging between poles in the atrium guilty before proven innocent. recognize ‘hey, that could have greet Wilson students, faculty, and staff as they walk in the door CP: Just out of curiousity, You have all of these charges, been me or my son,’ but they of the school building this month and next. The flags are evi- what race was the officer? you might be locked up, you also have to work with these dence of the rich cultural diversity that Wilson has long prided AD: Caucasian. have bond; you have all of these guys. So it’s kind of frustrat- itself on possessing. They are also part of Hispanic Heritage things stacked against you, ing when you look at them [the Month celebrations, which recognize the culture and contribu- CP: Would you describe your creating an uphill battle that can black officers] and you wonder tions of the Hispanic community at Wilson and the rest of the experience as a common occur- be overwhelming financially, ‘What do you think? Why aren’t country. rence for black males? mentally, and spiritually. But you saying anything? Why aren’t In years past, the month was celebrated by an assembly during AD: Yes. In the prison-indus- you can’t allow it to create hate you bridging the gap?’. the school day featuring Hispanic dances and music. This year, trial complex...there’s an insti- within yourself. however, a lack of student interest in participation forced After tutional focus on my descrip- CP: What would you suggest School Programs Director Sheilla Hara to forego the assembly. tion [a black male]. You “fit the CP: Would you say that the way in terms of moving forward? In lieu of the assembly, Hara organized a host of new activi- description,” meaning typically Caucasian policemen and black How can we move past and try ties celebrating Hispanic culture. The Art Department painted you are being grouped in with a policemen interact with you is to overcome stereotypes and the students’ faces with the flags of Hispanic countries this week, a lot of teenaged black males. It’s different? Do they approach tendency to profile? musical performance took place on Thursday, and a professional another stigma or institutional policing from different cultural AD: Profiling is one of those ills flamenco dancer will introduce students to the Argentinian fla- practice to not be more critical standpoints? in America. It exists. I think we menco tradition. Instead of the pizza typically sold to students about who [the police] are actu- AD: In a setting where there’s could do things to better educate in the atrium after school, on Fridays throughout this month ally looking for. a group of caucasian officers and everybody -- the people who traditional Hispanic foods such as papusas and taquitos will be maybe one or two black officers, commit crimes, and the people sold. CP: Do you believe that racial the black officers are mum. who police crimes. [Education] is Hara hopes these exposures to Hispanic culture will allow profiling, accompanied by steep They’re quiet. They’re kind of re- breaking down the institution of students to try new things and learn more about the cultural legal fees, could send innocent moved from the situation; they ignorances...That’s what educa- diversity surrounding them. The theme this year means “to be people to jail? don’t really want to participate, tion provides: an opportunity proud to be Hispanic, and to really embrace that,” Hara said. AD: Yes. There’s a lot of in- and they don’t want to comment for us to understand each other. “It’s nice to bring different [cultural] elements to the school.” formation out there as to how to the contrary, because that -Claire Parker

Brookland is one of Washington, Franciscan Monastery, with beauti- D.C.’s best kept secrets. The up-and- ful gardens and friendly nuns and coming neighborhood in Ward 5 priests; Turkey Thicket Recreational is home to The Catholic University Center, where anyone can go to of America and numerous small swim, run around the track, play Neighborhood businesses. Living in Brookland sports, or workout; the Basilica of Spotlight: isn’t like living in any other part of the National Shrine; and Catholic D.C. Brookland is quiet and isolated University with its large population from the hustle and bustle of Wash- and beautiful campus. ington. The neighborhood is locat- One of the greatest parts about ed in Northeast, across town from Brookland is its diversity. All differ- Wilson High School. In a low-key ent people from all different parts neighborhood like this one, anyone of the U.S., even the world, come to who visits can find a friend. live in Brookland for its comfort- In Brookland you can find the able environment and good vibes. By Zoe Mills & Ellice Ellis Photo By Ellice Ellis Brookland Spotlights The Brookland neighborhood will soon feature “Monroe Street Market,” a mix of unique apartments, arts establishments, and vibrant shops and restaurants. Located on 716 Monroe St. NE, the market will link up with Rails to Trail bike path that will lead from Brookland to Union Station.

Dance Place, a cultural community center for the performing arts is located in the heart of Brookland, on 3225 8th St. NE. Its performanc- es, resident companies, and classes for kids and adults are expanding, and they have several studios in the area.

The Franciscan Monastery’s Rosary Walk, 1400 Quincy St NE, is one of the District’s nicest places for prayer and meditation. Both reli- gious and non-religious visitors can delight in the beautiful artwork, Byzantine Revival architecture and a gorgeous rose garden. Yoga Club: Just Warming Up Ellie Melick friendly, introducing themselves ting your mind wander) to calm Contributer and making sure I felt comfort- down and simply relax. This part Yoga Club. You may have heard able. So far the mission was was my favorite. It was basically of it, through whispers in the going well, no one suspected a like sleeping, but somehow more halls or perhaps even a notice in thing. relaxing. Principal Cahall’s weekly news- We began by stretching. I After spending an afternoon letter. But does anyone really was told we do this to loosen with the yoga club, I found know what it is? I took it upon our muscles so we don’t hurt my initial suspicions about it myself to figure out, and solve anything, but there is possibly were wrong. The club was not this pressing mystery of the a more sinister reason behind mysterious. Everyone was really Woodrow Wilson Yoga Club. that. After that we did a series nice, and the actual yoga part If I were going to successfully of sun salutations, a sort of was actually really fun! I left the infiltrate this exclusive organiza- choreographed set of moves dance studio feeling refreshed tion, I would have to look the corresponding with your breath. and relaxed. I will definitely be part. I suited up in tank top, I found these movements felt back. headband, and of course, yoga Photo by Domonique Landinez good but gave me head rushes. If you would like to infiltrate pants. It was Tuesday, Septem- BREATHING EASY - Wilson’s yoga club provides a tran- We also practiced poses such the yoga club yourself, feel ber 17, and I was ready to go un- quil space for students to relieve their stresses of the as downward dog and cat/cow, free to meet them in the dance dercover in order to bring some day after school. which actually felt really nice studio on Tuesdays, at 3:30. hard-hitting journalism straight and helped with my headache The club goes to about 5 p.m. to the students of Wilson High (behind the Black Box Theater, members began showing up, all from the sun salutations. After I’m sure the members would be School. Room B207)--where the yoga wearing similar flexible clothing. that we practiced Shavasana happy to have you. Immediately after school, club meets. Around 3:30, other The other members were very (the act of lying down and let- Namaste, everybody! I went to the dance studio PAGE 12 SPORTS September 27, 2013 Q&A: Coaches Round-Up Coach Sal Caccavale, Boys Soccer Coach Mark Martin, Varsity Football

Q: Coach Sal, how is the team doing? Q: How is the team doing?

A: The team is doing quite well at this time, we actually played a game A: The team is doing well. We are progressing and getting better each on the 18th against McKinley Tech, a 12-0 game. Since McKinley is a week. We had a tough loss against Duval High School. We didn’t play new team in DCPS it was a struggle for them and it gave everyone on the way we should have, but overall the team has been playing hard. the team an opportunity to play and work on some things that will help us [in the future]. We don’t want to be hogging the ball, we want Q: How does the schedule look this year? to be passing it. We want everyone to get involved in the game. A: The schedule is tough, we have three tough scrimmages. Myself and Q: How many games are in the schedule and do you have any Mr. Gore set up the scrimmages to get the team ready to play. We had a predictions for your standings? scrimmage at McKinley Tech, Dunbar Baltimore High School, and Roos- evelt & Douglas High School. Douglas is #14 in the area. A: We have about 20 games in the schedule. My prediction is that we’ll finish 1st in D.C. Public Schools and go on to the citywide tournament Q: How many games are you playing and what do you predict your which includes some of the private schools as well. Hopefully we will standings to be? compete to win a title in the city tournament. A: We hope to play 14 games, be in the Turkey Bowl and the state Q: Any stand out players? championships. The team and I really want to go 12-0, and I hope to be having Thanksgiving Dinner at home this year. I don’t want to make A: We have Senior Jesse Lauritsen, #3, he is our organizer; he keeps any predictions or anything; I just want to take one game at a time. everything under control kind of like a quarterback. He’s the guy we need the play to go through, and we want him to get the ball as much Q: Any standout players? as possible. He plays simply but effectively. Also, our right defender is RJ White, #6. RJ is our most athletic player, one of the most athletic A: Quarterback Scot Beumel, Running Back Abdul Adams, Offensive players I’ve seen in a long time. Hes been working very hard on his line, Joe Green. On defense, Acey Calhoun, Kareem McDonald, Don skills to become a better soccer player. I’m looking forward for him to McFerguson, and Richard Scheler. We don’t have a superstar, all the step up and lead the defense. Hopefully chip in some goals on the at- players are working together, playing together. Everybody is working as tack as well. one. There is no ‘I’ in team; it is a team game not an individual one.

Perette Arrington and Patrice Arrington, Volleyball

Q: How is the team doing?

A: The team is off to a good start, we started practice on August 12th. We started off strong this year because we had no graduating seniors,and ev- eryone returned. We also pulled two players up from the Junior Varsity squad, Blair Townsend and Mickey Rucksarash. Their contributions to the team are excellent, because they are very knowledgeable about the sport. We are getting stronger as a cohesive team.

Q: How favorable is your schedule?

A: Our schedule is the standard DCPS one, and 5-6 private school matches because our DCPS competition is not as strong. We want to win the DCIAA Championship because we have won the last 14 out of 15 years. We also added Sidwell Friends, St. Johns, Stone Ridge, Georgetown Day School and Maret to our schedule. We host our own tournament, the 3rd annual Tiger Paws tournament, on October 19th. We are doing a dig pink match, which is to represent October’s Breast Cancer Awareness month, with the Side-Out Foundation for the research of breast cancer. That is another tournament we are in favor to win.

Q: Are you guys feeling confident about an undefeated season?

A: We are very confident because we are much more skilled than the other DC Public Schools. We (the coaches) have immense experience in the sport of volleyball, both of us have coached at George Washington University. My sister (Perette Arrington) played for Seton Hall and I (Patrice Ar- rington) coached at Fordham University.

Q: Any stand out players?

A: Junior Alexis Coates (who wears a different colored jersey on the court). She is our defensive specialist. Senior Cristina Johnson has been play- ing for us for four years, a left side hitter. Our Junior transfer from Mckinley, Abigail Bibb, came in knowledgeable about the game because she has played before and she runs our offense as the setter. Marissa Donnelly is another person to look at because she is very versatile. Our other senior Elizabeth Dunn is versatile as well and will probably be seen on the right side. We have 13 players on the roster and all 13 players contribute to our team. That is rare, we have not had that in a long time. Compiled by Michael Aniekwe Emmanuel Atufu Wilson Alumni Athletes Go the Distance Luke Thomas-Canefield and professional sports for (Carleton), and Noah Lipshie ated three soccer players who Giants in the first round of the Contributor years. and Joe Greenberg (both at now play for their college teams, 2006 MLB draft. He played in From the class of 2013, Oberlin). A Wilson swimming including Isabel Albee who went the infield for the Giants from No matter what sport we Varsity football placed the most dynasty has been built in New north of the border to play for 2008-2012. Van Johnson, a wide play, Wilson alums keep win- athletes at the next level of Haven, with sisters Elizabeth McGill University in Montreal, receiver for Wilson’s football, ning even after high school. the game, with a whopping 11 and Callie Fosburgh swimming Claudia Merlos who is playing team went on to play for Temple Take Melvin Tuten, an offensive players currently playing college at Yale. Wrestling phenom Sam at Trinity, and Laniyah Elam for University, and after was signed lineman who was drafted by the ball. Varsity Baseball had the Paulay is now wrestling for the Fairleigh Dickinson. by the New York Giants. Cur- Cincinnati Bengals and later second most athletes to play Virginia Military Institute. From In the past, there have been rently, however, there are no won a Super Bowl with the Den- in college, four players from Wilson’s crew team, rower Max Wilson grads in professional Wilson alumni that are playing ver Broncos. Wilson graduates last year’s team, Pedro Mateo Cronyn is currently rowing for sports. Emmanuel Burriss was professional sports. Hopefully have been tearing up collegiate (Grambling State), Sean Kelley Wisconsin. Wilson also gradu- drafted by the San Francisco that is a subject to change. PAGE 13 SPORTS September 27, 2013 Long Swings Into the Limelight the course has been host to such Matthew Smee annual golf tournaments as the Contributor National Pro-Am tournament To most, golf is a relaxing and the First Tee Open. Long game played by businessmen was selected to be one of 81, 14- and retired people. To Lennard to 18-year-old golfers competing Long, a Wilson junior, it is much in this year’s tournament. more. Long, who has only been He will have the opportuni- playing golf for three years, has ty to meet and play golf with big dedicated more time to the sport names such as Clint Eastwood than most of us do to any other and Arnold Palmer (the two commitment. chairs of the committee) and Typically, people who play will battle it out against, argu- sports competitively get into a ably, the 81 best youth golfers in sport through a parent or a sib- the country. The tournament is ling. Lennard is the first person set to take place from Septem- in his family to play golf. He ber 24 through 29, and will be says “I just got tired of playing nationally televised on the Golf basketball. I tried out a bunch of Channel. sports,” he says. “I liked golf.” Wilson’s very own Lennard Since then Long has won Long has achieved so much as multiple tournaments and a golfer and will undoubtedly earned an undefeated record achieve much more. He looks up his freshman year playing for to and models his playing style the Wilson golf team. The team after golf greats Lee Trevino started recently at Wilson but and Charles Schwartzel. If Long did not compete last year. After doesn’t make it on tour as a a strong first year playing for the professional, he says he would team, Long hopes to continue like to teach golf. where he left off this spring “Golf has taught me that when the season opens and will Used with permission from the Long family you have to be respectful to all be coached by history teacher LOOK FOR HIM ON THE GOLF CHANNEL! - This weekend junior Lennard Long will be [and] aware of your surround- David Heckler. competing in Pebble Beach, California with some of the nation’s other top student ings,” he says. “You meet some To keep his play up to par, golfers. amazing people [playing golf] Long says he practices five days and you learn that they really a week at a variety of courses more hour.” in one of the most commend- Pebble Beach, to play in the Na- do want to help you…and care in the D.C. area: “I arrive at the This evidently rigorous able youth golf tournaments in ture Valley First Tee Open. about you.” course at 4:30. I putt for one practice itinerary has made Long the country. On September 26, Pebble Beach is one of the hour. I drive at the range for two one of the most elite golfers in Long won’t be taking his talents most historic golf courses in the hours, and then I putt for one the area and landed him a spot to South Beach, but rather to country. For close to 100 years,

Photo by Evan Hamlin Athlete of theMonth Scot Beumel

Ben Gutman tunity,” Beumel said. Staff Writer Beumel and the Tigers went to work fast with a striking 55- Ever since Wilson’s 12 blowout of Perry Street Prep questionable disqualification School in the season opener. from last year’s DCIAA football Beumel completed 26 of 35 championship, veteran senior passes for 241 yards and three quarterback Scot Beumel has touchdowns, along with a rush- had a chip on his shoulder. ing touchdown to boost Wilson After leading the Tigers to an past their long-time rival. impressive 8-3 regular season Wilson continued its the city and record last year, including a 7-1 unbeaten streak against DCIAA they really help record in DCIAA play, Beumel teams, which dates back to Sep- me out,” he said. set some high expectations for tember of last year, with a 30-14 Two tough losses unyielding dedication and Wilson football this fall. win at Anacostia avenging their against two very competi- success on the field, throw- The Tigers have been chal- only loss to a public school last tive Prince George’s County quarter comeback throwing ing for an average of 144 lenged early on in the 2013- season. Beumel led Wilson with Public Schools Surrattsville three touchdown passes against yards per game with seven 14 season, coming up with two touchdown passes and an High School from Clinton, Surrattsville, Wilson was unable touchdowns. “The team is a 2-2 record at the start of a early 1-0 record in league play. Maryland(3-0) and DuVal High to capitalize, losing 20-19 on a working really hard to get fairly formidable schedule. “The However, Beumel isn’t School in Lanham, Maryland botched two point conversion back to the Turkey Bowl to coaches put more responsibil- the only one who deserves the (ranked 14th in Maryland), has, attempt in the last few seconds prove it wasn’t just a one ity on me this year, so I’ve got credit for recent outstanding however, brought the Tigers of the game. year fluke,” Beumel said. to work hard and play well to offensive efforts. “My offensive down to a 2-2 record. While Beumel has displayed prove that I deserve the oppor- line and receivers are the best in Beumel led a daring fourth September 27, 2013 STYLE PAGE 14 Fashion Adaptations

Jack Price Staff Writer

America is amalgamation. We are a land of mimics, early adopters. We cull, combine, and improve. This melting pot nature is apparent in every part of our national DNA, from our government, which borrowed as much from Thomas Paine as it did from Plato, to our food: this is the country that invented the cronut. Everyone copies everyone in America, and nowhere is this more apparent than in our style. In the 1990s, African-American rappers wanted to present themselves as wealthy. They needed to convince the public that they were as rich as they said they were, and to do that, they mimicked the wealthy white elite. They thrust heritage sportswear brands such as Polo Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger back into popular culture. And teenagers ate it up. As rappers such as the Notorious B.I.G and the Wu-Tang Clan became themselves icons of wealth, the Coogi sweaters and Clarks Wal- labees they wore became equally desirable. In the same way that early humans often donned lion- and bearskins, hoping the skins would im- bue them with the power of the predator, white suburban youths began to buy Polo sweaters and six-inch Timbs. But instead of transform- ing into an army of albino Method Men, all the poor white boys ended up looking like their grandpas. White people were very sad for a while, but then they discovered The Smiths and Urban Outfitters. But the times are changing. Rap is still a dominant force in American culture, but its style has evolved, splitting and diversifying alongside the genre. For every kid in a Polo shirt and Air Force 1s, there is a Kanye West Zara knockoff in Air Force 1s (see Deandre Cash for future reference). The Internet has made style more acces- sible, more democratic; the nobody in an Ohio cornfield can influence a CEO. If what’s popular isn’t your cup of tea, you can find something on Tumblr or some lame blog that isn’t as good as mine. The Internet democratized the Middle East, and now it is democratizing fashion. Any- thing is possible. Except for Diamond Supply Playlist compiled by Nell Bayliss Co. You all can stop with that.

: Raw and Uncut Movie Reviews RatedR From J Ross the Boss Jackson Ross son demonstrates this character isn’t that the material isn’t obnoxious neighbors head onto Besson’s wicked cinematography Columnist quirk throughout the movie, good; it’s that there’s barely the lit grill, but most of the time techniques come into play. letting De Niro use the word as any material at all. Besson, a it’s just stupid and pointlessly Besson has made some visu- a reaction to everything from native of France but familiar violent. ally marvelous action films such There is no doubt that anger to exhaustion to utter with America, is clearly attempt- Gratuitous violence as a pull as The Fifth Element and Leon: Robert De Niro is one of the confusion flawlessly. ing to skewer the lifestyles of for a movie can work if the main The Professional, and a scene greatest actors ever, though De Niro’s character, Giovan- both countries, but we won’t idea and the violence itself are where Pfeiffer looks through teens may only know him from ni Manzoni, is a former mob get many of the jabs aimed at clever enough. Just watch the the nearly empty midnight recent fare like the Fockers mov- boss who snitched on all his France, and the only one for first Kick-Ass to see that. But village in one revolving shot is ies and other low-par comedies cohorts to avoid jail time, and is Americans seems to be that all things don’t get a lot more cre- more absorbing than any of the and thrillers (the man loves a now hiding out with his wife and mobsters are violent. ative than that grill scene. Poor comedy in here. Besson can be paycheck). But films such as kids in Normandy, France, under The idea of a crime family Michelle Pfeiffer, as De Niro’s witty, however, and there are Raging Bull, Goodfellas, and more the alias Fred Blake. De Niro has relocating to a small European wife, doesn’t have anything to some very funny moments, a lot recently, Silver Linings Playbook, no trouble playing mobsters, village seems funny on paper, do the first hour and a half other of them involving the Blakes’ show the man’s immense talent. be it serious, (Goodfellas, The but it proves hard to milk. than burn down a supermarket teenage son, Warren. One of the better scenes Godfather Part II) or comedic Most of the jokes consist of because they don’t have peanut This movie is not one of his in his new movie, The Family, (Analyze This), so it’s refreshing the “Blakes” beating anyone butter. stronger offerings, but don’t give shows this. Two characters to see that he actually put in a with whom they have a minor Not until the last 25 min- up on Besson. And definitely discuss the ability of De Niro’s bit of effort instead of floating problem into a pulp. It’s funny utes or so, when Manzoni’s old not De Niro. character to use a certain through it as he’s been doing so the first few times, such as when mob pals find out where he is unprintable four letter word. often lately. they host a barbecue and Blake and send several hitmen into the Co-writer and director Luc Bes- The problem with the movie pictures himself shoving an village, do things pick up, and PAGE 15 STYLE September 27, 2013 West Side Story Rehearsals for this year’s fall musical are in full swing under the direction of drama teacher Harriet Bronstein and assistant director Jill Roos. Actors meet several times a week to work on songs, dancing, blocking, and learning lines.Clockwise left to right: Teo Topa (9), Alex Carroll (11), Zack Nachbar-Seckel (10), Cleo Krupa (10), Michael Bayliss (10), Ethan Bohorquez (10), Gigi Gonyea (11), Tristan Huber (11), D’Mani Harrison-Porter (12), and Fenice Thompson (12)

Phtos by David Rojas-Rosario DC Rappers On the Rise

SDMG by Fat Trel By Martin Sakansong In D.C. we have many people who aspire to be artists; to be known, talked about, and listened to. All across the country, D.C.’s very own Fat Trel is on the rise. He grew up at 1600 E Street, near Benning Road. Fat Trel has just dropped a new mixtape: “SDMG.” SDMG is about Fat Trel’s everyday life: women, what it is like finally to be making it in the music industry, and living in California, Miami and D.C. Junior Patrick Paniagua is an avid listener of Fat Trel. He says, “I thought some of the songs on the mixtape were awesome, like ‘We4min’ and ‘Willie Dynamite.’ But [this mixtape] cannot compare with ‘Nightmare on E St’ [another one of Trel’s mixtapes]. Nightmare on E St was probably the best mixtape he has released up to date. We will just have to see what [else he] has in store.” Though some argue that this mixtape might not be his best, others argue that it is. I recommend listening to this mixtape to hear good music from a real D.C. rapper. Fat Trel is making a name for himself across the country and may soon be big. The District of Columbia is already known as the capital of the United States, but it hasn’t really been known as the origin of good artists. But with Fat Trel making it in the big leagues now, this may make way for new artists from D.C. to become just like him. We just have to see what’s in store.

Law 2 by Shy Glizzy By Val Perhson Coming from the opposite end of DC from Fat Trel, Shy Glizzy is the other rising DC rapper. Shy Glizzy actually first rose to fame because of a beef with Fat Trel that started when he re-mixed Fat Trel’s “Respect With the Tech”, and then from beefing with Chicago native Chief Keef. Apparently his diss track “3milli” was so good that Chief Keef himself had it on repeat. Glizzy hails from 37th Street Southeast, and is the polar opposite of Fat Trel. While Trel’s style is a barreling, avalanche-like flow, Glizzy has a nasally and at times sing-song-like delivery. In his recently released sequel to his mixtape Law, Glizzy returns just as raw as before, but this time with a lot more help. With Law 2, Glizzy stepped up his beat selection, and raps over synths from hot young producers like Metro Boomin, and Izze The Producer. Not only is the production an obvious improvement, but the people that Glizzy raps with are an improvement as well. Although Law did see a feature from DMV native Wale, his was the only big name feature on the tape. It has been said that it’s all about the features in rap, and Law 2 sees a definite improvement on that front as well. With features from Yo Gotti, The Migos, and Kevin Gates, Law 2 definitely has the potential that Shy Glizzy needs to gain recognition. Wilson junior Alex Rochon shared his thoughts on the mixtape, saying, “Law 2 is a step forward for Shy Glizzy, and puts him a step ahead of Fat Trel.” DC rapper, and junior at McKinley Tech, Zayy Capone thinks that “Law 2 is better than any of his previous projects.” While plenty of people may disagree with these statements, it’s obvious that Shy Glizzy is about to blow up. PAGE 16 SeptemberMarch 24,27, 20112013 KIDS IN THE HALL Compiled by Ellie LeBlanc What is the weirdest dream you’ve ever had?

The whole planet was abducted by hot dogs I was getting chased by I was afraid of a dandelion Stephanie Cuffy- pizza Lisa Truong, 11 Jeffries, 11 Monique Edwards, 12 There were a bunch of dancing skeletons who kidnapped my dog and threatened to blow him up Eoin McKenna, 10

My sister was roasting an ox with her friends at a satanic party on We dreamed about being unicorns and Alton St. and I had to stop it jumping from building to building Isaac Sarnoff, 11 Tymathi Martin, 12 Tymara Burton, 12 Cahall was rapping “No Worries” Aidan Parisi, 12 Silvi Weiser, 12

I [Sarah] was Beyonce and Rose was My guinea pigs turned into de- Blue Ivy mons and attacked me Isabella Albamonte, 12 Rose Ettleson, 11 Sarah Marion, 11 A clown was living in my basement and when I went to do the laundry it pushed me into the dryer and I couldn’t get out Juliette Fratto, 9

I saved the world from a race of aliens All my hair fell out, and grew back by sacrificing my life for the greater I was a dinosaur and I flew to orange good of mankind Wilson to play soccer Leah Bender, 10 Sam Longman, 12 Sebastian Duque, 12