I loved being at a school “The Tigers were not letting Check out “that embraces diversity. anything stop them this our prom ” year. photos! -Sissela Tucker on -Henry” Shuldiner on leaving Wilson P. 2 Wilson baseball P. 9 P. 13 Woodrow Wilson High School Please Recycle THE EACON June 6, 2014 3950 ChesapeakeB St. NW Washington, D.C. 20016 |www.thewilsonbeacon.com VOLUME 77 ISSUE 9

Graphic by Mason Strazzella Boundary Proposals and Jarrah May Would Shake Up the School System Emma Buzbee The current method for de- News Editor termining where DCPS students go to school is a neighborhood D.C. officials released a feeder system. Children go to revised proposal for elemen- the public school near where tary school boundaries as well they live, or that their lower as three proposals for changes schools “feed into.” However, to the current school feeder many out-of-boundary students system for all schools on April 5, are able to enter public schools sparking waves of controversy outside their neighborhoods by throughout a city divided by its lottery. Out-of-bounds Wilson schools. sophomore Marquise Andrews Problems have risen within said, “It was easy to get in [to DCPS due to an unequal distri- Wilson]. I got into a feeder bution of students and academic school, Hardy.” performance. Wilson and Deal Boundary lines for DCPS are both located in Ward 3 in schools have not been updated Northwest and each boast high since 1968. Wilson’s jurisdiction diversity and enrollment well stretches all the way across Rock over 1,000. By contrast, Anacos- Creek Park, covering almost tia High School, located across half the city, while the rest of the city in Southeast, has 751 DCPS high schools’ jurisdictions students and is 99 percent Afri- DCPS PLAYS WHEEL OF FORTUNE - Two out of three proposals call for a lottery can American. CONT. ON P 3 system that could shuttle students far from home. Westboro Baptist Church to Target Wilson Pride Day 1,000 plan on attending the Sophie ReVeal WBC counter-protest in order Videographer to support LGBTQ+ Pride Day at Wilson. Principal Pete Cahall The Westboro Baptist said in an email to one of the Church plans to picket Wilson Facebook group founders, Brian High School from 8:15 to 8:45 Keyes, that although the school a.m. on June 9. The Westboro couldn’t officially endorse the Baptist Church (WBC) is a protest, students would not face Kansas-based church known consequences for participat- for its radical religious beliefs, ing. Openly gay mayoral candi- its extreme protests against date David Catania asked D.C. gay marriage, and its pickets at residents to stand with Wilson funerals for soldiers. “in support of tolerance and There are 40 members of respect.” WBC, most of whom are rela- Senior Josh Kennedy-Noce tives of Fred Phelps, who was took to the Facebook group to the head of the church until his share his own story growing death in March. The church’s up with two moms. “I’m super first service was held in 1955. excited for this protest because Its anti-gay picketing started in I want to show these haters that 1991 in Kansas and then trav- family comes in so many shapes eled around the country. WBC Photo by Joey Keegan and sizes,” he wrote. This post is generally considered a “hate TIGER PRIDE - Wilson students, led by Biology received over 130 likes and the group” and does not receive teacher Chris Obermeyer, gear up for Westboro support of many people in the much outside support. Baptist Anti-Protest on June 9. One-thousand group. In 2009 WBC set out to people plan on attending this much anticipated “I get really passionate picket Sidwell Friends School in celebration of Wilson’s diversity. Photo by Eliza Hamburger about stuff like this,” said Gus D.C., and over 150 students met Inset: WBC counter-protest in 2009 Marrkand, an openly gay Wilson the protest with signs of their beliefs, have already posted on freshman. “Who are they to tell own. Some of the signs read, Sidwell, chose to protest outside Wilson’s LGBTQ+ Pride Day. Im- the Facebook group, titled West- me who I can love and who I can “There is that of God in Every- of their school. The same year, mediately after WBC announced boro Meet and Greet. Students get married to.” one” and “I Kissed a Girl and I WBC picketed Wilson, and these plans, Wilson students plan on creating posters, holding Marrkand has the support Liked it.” WBC had previously students reacted similarly to Kellik Dawson and Brian Keyes rainbow flags and standing of his peers, Wilson’s principal referred to Malia and Sasha Sidwell’s students in 2009 with took to Facebook and started together against the WBC. Pete Cahall, and D.C. Council- Obama as “satanic spawns” and, signs and a protest of their own. planning a peaceful counter- Wilson students and outside member David Catania. because of their attendance at Now, five years later, WBC is protest. Hundreds of support- supporters have come together visiting Wilson again to protest ers, excited to stand up for their in such a unified way that almost PAGE 2 NEWS June 6, 2014 TEACHERS HEAD OFF INTO THE WILD by Megan Bell

MS. HARA MS. DEVINE After four years at Wil- son, After-School Program World History 1 and Coordinator Sheila Hara is 2 teacher Aimee Devine MS. TOCCO leaving. She oversaw various has been at Wilson for four HealthCorps coordina- clubs, including the His- years, including one as a tor and guru Micheline Tocco panic Heritage Club, where student teacher. For the has been at Wilson for two MS. TUCKER she played an important past two years, Ms. Devine years, where she has worked role in the group’s activi- has coached the JV Vol- Sissela Tucker is cur- to make Wilson a healthier ties. Hara counts the first leyball team, and this year rently an Intro and AP place. HealthCorps, which Hispanic Heritage assembly she became involved with Biology teacher, the girls JV aims to empower students two years ago as one of her the softball team, where she soccer coach, Special Olym- to lead healthy lives, has MS. KOWALEW favorite moments at Wilson, really enjoyed being sur- pics Team coordinator, and been active around Wilson when the group was able to rounded by wonderful and testing committee member. implementing programs Kristin Kowalew, World embrace its culture and teach fun ladies. As a new teacher, She will be leaving after and sponsoring activities to History, AP Human Geogra- other students. “Working at Ms. Devine had “nothing to three years at Wilson and promote improving health. phy, and Sociology teacher, Wilson has been an amazing compare Wilson to but has says, “I love the soccer girls Ms. Tocco teaches lessons on will be leaving after three experience. I’m going to miss loved so many things and will and the Special Olympics nutrition, fitness, and mental years at Wilson. During her so many students and our cherish these experiences.” were life-changing.” While resilience, and runs various time here, Kowalew has been interactions, especially those During her time here, “I’ve at Wilson, Tucker has most activities including the Dance involved in multiple activities students who entered at the grown as a person and will be enjoyed meeting all sorts Club, Healthy TiGIRLS, and and clubs: WISP, the Wilson same time who I’ve been forever changed be changed of different students and Teen Battle Chef- whose first Players, Human Geography able to see grow up.” Hara by this experience,” she says, teachers. Academically, she place in the regional cook-off Quiz Bowl, as well as tutor- has seen her role at Wilson and “I’ve really loved the one- says she has loved the labs she considers to be one of ing students in Russian after extend and develop to much on-one conversations that I and activities, as well as the her favorite experiences. “The school. “I have particularly en- more than a coordinator get to have with the amazing cross-disciplinary aspects of whole school community has joyed working with students -- she’s become a mentor, youth of this generation.” her subject. “I loved being at been so welcoming and open and staff during the Wilson a counselor, and a mother Ms. Devine will be moving a school that embraces diver- to me and my programs, and Players fall and spring produc- figure. Hara will continue to to Salt Lake City and will be sity, and where the teachers we have such a diverse and tions and the One Acts. There attend graduate school and teaching a religious course are here for the benefit of amazing student body,” Ms. are some incredibly talented is starting a job in the federal based on ancient scripture. students and work as a fam- Tocco says of her time at young people in our midst!” government shortly. “I’m As a final message to Wilson ily to promote success,” she Wilson. Ms. Tocco is moving says Kowalew. While at Wil- going to miss Wilson dearly students Ms. Devine says, says. Tucker will be mov- to Boston where she will con- son, Kowalew has been able to but I will still be part of the “Be an active participant in ing to Rhode Island where tinue to work in the health develop and teach courses that Wilson community.” your life!” her husband will pursue a and wellness field. have allowed her to cultivate program at Brown and where her own vision and to “grow she will hopefully teach and a lot personally and profes- DR. WILDER MR. MERLOS continue to be a big fan of sionally.” She says her favorite MS. BAER Wilson from afar. experience at Wilson has Dr. Anna Wilder, head Assistant Principal Mr. After five years at Wilson been, “watching students grow of the science department Jaime Merlos is leaving filled with World History, over the last three years, see- and chemistry teacher, will Wilson after 14 years. During U.S History, and student ing them grasp the real-world be retiring this year. Dur- his time here, Mr. Merlos MS. MATSON government, Susan Baer will meaning and identify what is ing her nine years here she’s served as a School to Ca- not be returning this fall. “I Ms. Jennifer Matson, most important to them from been through all the stages reers Facilitator, a guidance love the diversity that Wilson English 9,10, and 11 teacher what they do and study, and of Wilson: the old building, counselor, and eventually provides and have been has been at Wilson for three witnessing their talent and UDC, and the new building. Assistant Principal, his posi- impressed by the talents and years. She has been involved creativity shine in and out of “Over the course of nine tion for the past six years. He knowledge that this student with curriculum writing, DC- class.” After Wilson, Kowalew years, there is a lot more was involved in running after body possesses,” says Baer. CAS test prep, and has been hopes to remain active in -- and better -- science, and school programs for Lati- While at Wilson, she said she an active part of helping education and community we’ve started to gain more nas, the Hispanic Heritage has grown as an individual make DCCAS run smoothly development. recognition,” she says. Wilder Assembly, the golf team, and established the Honors and the girl’s soccer team, whose and as a teacher, and has and be accessible to all stu- AP Chemistry programs and two city championships he been able to meet wonderful dents. Of her experience at the new Oceanography class, considers to be among his fa- students and coworkers. “I Wilson, Ms. Matson says,”it’s which she credits to the fact vorite experiences at Wilson. have a lot of favorite experi- been really positive. I’ve that there has “always been “My 14 years here have been ences: utilizing the many never worked with smarter a lot of science interest. We filled with diversity, vibrancy, historic sites in D.C. to teach teachers and with so many worked hard to meet the energy and Wilson is a true and promote history with resources- it’s a cool place to needs of all students.” Her reflection of D.C.,” say Mr. my students, working with work.” While at Wilson, Ms. “awesome students” have Merlos, “I’m going to miss student government, dance Matson has enjoyed amazing been her favorite part of her the energy of the kids, who parties in the classroom, teachers who are role models time at Wilson and are what keep me on my toes, and my and seeing the progress here at Wilson- “there is a lot kept her going for nine years. colleagues who are my fam- and growth of my students of excellence here,” she says. After this year, Wilder is ily.” Mr. Merlos will be mov- throughout the years.” Baer Ms. Matson will continue going back to her ten acres in ing to Hardy, to experience will be heading back West to teach in Prince George’s New Mexico. working at a middle school. and attending graduate County. school. June 6, 2014 NEWS PAGE 3 E-Cigarettes e-cig User finds habit tough to conquer The E-Cig, which started as an idea in the 1960s, is now used nationwide. Composed of a battery, vaporizer, and e-liquid, the e-cig is meant to be used as an alternative, Impact on a vaporized solution. Since I have never smoked a cigarette (or an e-cig, for that matter) I coerced a friend of mine into sharing his personal opinion on the e-cig. My interviewee has asked to remain anonymous. Health Remains by Michael Aniekwe a Mystery Michael Aniekwe: How did you find out about the E-Cigarette? Anonymous: My girlfriend introduced the e-cig to me after I’ve been smoking cigarettes for some time. She was worried that I was smoking too many cigarettes. Sophie ReVeal cigarettes and a means of help- Junior Editor ing people get over cigarette addiction. They also allow people MA: Did you like it when you first tried it? Over 1.78 million middle to smoke indoors, as they pro- duce a byproduct of water vapor and high school students used Anon: Yeah, it was good. There were many flavors like Pina Colada. electronic cigarettes in 2012, rather than smoke, another rea- according to the Centers for son they have become popular. Disease Control and Prevention Very soon after e-cigarettes MA: What was your first flavor and was it your favorite? (CDC). The percentage of high became popular, researchers and schoolers who tried them had scientists started to question nearly doubled from 2010 to the if they were really safe. Mostly Anon: Mint, and yes. time the survey was taken. there was speculation around In April, the Food and Drug the fact that clinical reports do MA: Isn’t it different smoking an e-cig than a cigarette? If yes, how so? Administration (FDA) proposed not have to be submitted to the banning the sale of electronic FDA because the e-cigarettes do not contain tobacco. Without cigarettes, or “e-cigarettes,” Anon: Yeah, it is. Well, it depends on what brand you buy? Many brands try to replicate that real FDA approval it is very hard to along with other currently- cigarette feel. unregulated tobacco products in- know anything about e-ciga- rettes, like what chemicals they cluding cigars, pipe tobacco and MA: Did you feel any different smoking an e-cig than a cigarette? hookahs, to minors (under age contain and how much nicotine 18). The proposal also includes is really inhaled. This also means evaluating e-cigarette ingredi- there are no regulations on the Anon: No. ents and labeling intended use. e-cigarettes, which puts users at Major U.S. medical associa- a higher risk of danger. tions including the American The University of Califor- MA: Do you still smoke cigarettes? Why or why not? Heart Association have sup- nia at San Francisco conducted ported the FDA’s proposed ban, a large scientific review of pointing out the absence of e-cigarettes, their advertising, Anon: Yes. People have problems, I have problems. I smoke cigarettes to chill out. I dont like to talk proof that e-cigarettes do not and how they really affect users about it. This is why cigarettes are bad, they work off of people’s problems. It becomes a bad habit cause long-term harm, as well and those around them. In this because it comes with a positive and negative. It helps one cope with their problems but at the same as the suggestion that they may review, published in May 2014 time it destroys the body. It takes years for the chemicals in a cigarette to leave your body. worsen nicotine habits and make in American Heart Association’s it easier for younger kids to use journal Circulation, the UCSF MA: What can you say about e-cigarettes? this product and get hooked. scientists explained that the E-cigarettes are battery- “harmless water vapor” from powered devices that simulate e-cigarettes actually contributed Anon: E-cigarettes have different chemicals right? That are not FDA approved, you can research smoking a real cigarette. They to indoor air pollution. more about that to see if im correct. E-cigs do not have tar in them which destroys your lungs, an work by heating up and vapor- Although e-cigarettes are added bonus the cigarette provides. Also the e-cig is more portable. If you want to smoke a cigarette, izing chemicals that you inhale, often advertised as a product you have to leave wherever you are, buy a pack, then smoke it. Whereas with the e-cig all you have to do including glycerin, propylene that will help people get over is charge it every once in a while and change your e-liquid sometimes. glycol, and, in most cases, nico- addictions, the UCSF research- tine, a highly addictive drug that ers also learned “e-cigarette use MA: Is the e-cig a valuable way to stop cigarette smoking? acts in the brain and body. Real is associated with significantly cigarettes are made up of to- lower odds of quitting ciga- Anon: No, it all comes from self control. The e-cig will only meet you halfway, the rest is up to you bacco leaves along with additives rettes.” Advertising leads people to decide whether or not you want to stop the addiction or not. Also if you could just quit without like nicotine. Smoking anything to believe e-cigarettes are a safe the e-cig, then why don’t you? Even though it is hard to go cold turkey on smoking, it pays off in the can be harmful to your lungs, alternative to real cigarettes, but end. and 80% of lung cancer cases are there is still not enough data to caused by smoking. prove this. E-cigarettes were created to MA: Would you recommend the e-cig? be a safe alternative to tobacco Anon: No I wouldn’t. Just tackle your addiction with self-control, but what do I know, I have prob- lems just like everybody else. Boundaries and School Assignment to Change “People who do advocate FROM P 1 student has a right to enroll in city-wide lotteries: “It is over- to the Washington Post, both one elementary, middle, and whelmingly clear across the for a city-wide lottery believe Bowser and Catania have said are about a third that size. In a high school close to where they District that people want quality that the city lottery would help they can’t guarantee a continua- phone interview, Mary Cheh, live. Policies A and C involve neighborhood schools. If we support diversity and help bring tion of Gray’s proposal if elected. the Ward 3 councilmember, city-wide lotteries for high start moving people around, it better access to high quality edu- In a statement Bowser said, stated her belief that “there is schools, take away the feeder will destroy their confidence in cation,” said Matthew Frumin, “Let me be clear about my posi- overcrowding of schools in Ward system, and give students a neighborhood schools.” Wilson parent and member of tion: I will only support neigh- 3 and the underutilization of mostly-equal chance at DCPS She said she fears that if the boundary committee, who borhood school assignment. This schools in other areas.” schools anywhere in the city, Policy A or C is put into action, also said that he personally means that students must have To combat this issue, a with preferences for siblings. the more affluent residents of thinks the high school lottery by right, as opposed to lottery, newly formed boundary com- The committee will make Ward 3 will choose to send their will bring a “lack of predictabil- an assignment to a school at the mittee has to date released only a preliminary decision on the kids to private or charter schools ity and neighborhood schools.” elementary, middle and high a comprehensive proposal for proposals in late June which will rather than risk the uncertainty Under Mayor Gray’s plan, school levels in their area.” new DCPS elementary school be followed by a period of public of the lottery. the endorsed policy would come Principal Cahall says that boundaries. comment. Their final recom- Giavonni Taliaferro, an into effect in 2015. How- with effort, a student can get a The same boundary com- mendation will come at the end out-of-bounds Wilson junior ever, since Gray did not win the good education anywhere, but mittee has also proposed three of July or August, and the mayor from Southeast, said, “Most of Democratic Primary and can’t be he sees the value in a location policies, two of which could get will decide whether or not to the schools in my neighborhood re-elected, mayoral candidates close to home. “I like neighbor- rid of the feeder system alto- endorse it in September. are bad. I wouldn’t risk the lot- Muriel Bowser and David Cata- hood schools. It’s crazy to have a gether. Policy B is very similar to Cheh of Ward 3 strongly tery and going to a bad school. I nia would be able to stop the lottery system. Wilson’s not just the current feeder system: each disagreed with the plans for would try for a charter school.” process altogether. According a school, it’s a community place.” PAGE 4 June 6, 2014 OPINIONS

lem is by giving them a cut of the massive profit. Every season there are sto- Should College ries about top programs break- PROby Alex Conte ing NCAA regulations. Recruit- ing is so competitive that often It is estimated that the recruiters will pay athletes to go NCAA, a non-profit organiza- to their schools. And since often tion, earns around $800 million Athletes Get these athletes do not come from per year from college sports. wealthy backgrounds, they ac- Also, recently, CBS and the Big Graphic by cept the money in order to help Domonique Landinez 10 conference reached a TV deal their families. Eventually, this that is projected to produce $45 catches up with most players million in revenue for 12 out of and as a result, the school and Paid? its 14 schools during the 2017- the players are punished. 2018 school year. However, none Most recently, Reggie Bush lead to an array of new prob- few schools, creating another of this money will end up going had his Heisman Trophy taken lems. Playing a sport is a privi- problem. to the players, which I believe is away for violations, and the Uni- lege (and honor) that athletes As I said before, the simple a mistake. Instead, it will go to versity of Miami had 13 players receive, but it is secondary to answer is no, college athletes pay the million-dollar salaries of deemed ineligible due to recruit- their education. should not be paid. But the coaches and NCAA executives. ment violations. But in order The NCAA alone awards true answer to the question is And while it is true many players for a program to be successful, it $2.7 billion in athletic scholar- unfortunately more convoluted will go on to make millions of needs top recruits. This problem ships every year to more than than that. College athletes have dollars playing in the pros, it will continue unless students 150,000 student-athletes, which a dangerous job, and put their does not mean we should ignore know they will receive a certain does not include financial aid bodies on the line every day. their needs as players now. amount of money in college that that athletes may receive from There is a very high risk for all, Generally, a college athlete can go to their families. the school they attend. Athletes but only a privileged few end up practices for upwards of four By allowing student athletes CON receiving scholarships are receiv- with a high reward. hours each day plus spending by Henry Shuldiner to be paid, the NCAA will be- ing a free or extremely low- College athletes should, on time in the classroom. On top of come a cleaner organization and “Sometimes, there’s hungry priced college experience. the other hand, be able to mar- that, there is the constant travel a healthier one for athletes. The nights where I’m not able to eat, These student-athletes are ket their own names without from game to game, and with amount athletes should be paid but I still gotta play up to my ca- being paid with an education, repercussions or consequences. the recent conference realign- is another argument, but the pabilities.” It’s hard to grasp that which includes myriad opportu- Last year, Texas A&M quar- ment, this sometimes is a cross- evidence for payment is clear. University of Connecticut Point nities and luxuries provided to terback, and recent Cleveland country journey. As a result, A normal student who is given Guard Shabazz Napier, Ameri- them by the school. Browns draft pick, Johnny Man- playing a sport in college is like money to attend a school does can Athletic Conference Player Many student-athletes ask ziel was suspended for allegedly having a full-time job--one that not have his or her jersey sold of the Year, two-time National the question, “Why should the signing autographs in exchange is unpaid. for profit, or risk a career-ending Champion of the NCAA Division school make money off my skills for money. The “scandal” Also, due to strict NCAA or life-altering injury. Why I basketball tournament, could and abilities?” It’s a fair point, tarnished Manziel’s name and regulations, college athletes are shouldn’t those students who possibly have said these words. except that money made from also cost him playing time. This sometimes left without the most do receive a little more for what Even before Napier’s re- massive college sports programs should never have occurred in basic necessities of life. Shabazz they are doing? marks, diatribes began when the is redistributed to other sports the first place because athletes Napier, the championship win- Also, by giving athletes National Labor Relations Board and clubs at the school that have should be in charge of what they ning point guard from UConn, money in college, they become decided to categorize football not received as much funding or do with their own name, with- was recently quoted saying that more prepared to handle the players at Northwestern Univer- support. The school is providing out any regard from the NCAA. there were some nights that he millions of dollars they will sity as employees, thus making its athletes with a platform to Colleges should not pay ath- went to bed “starving.” This is- make if they play professionally. them eligible to unionize and showcase their abilities at the letes but athletes should be able sue has been reinforced by other Too often one hears stories of seek benefits. most competitive non-profes- to make profit from their skills players like the Vikings’ Adrian former athletes who blow their These controversial stories sional level. in other ways. There is bound to Peterson, who made remarks money and are left without came to attention on a national If schools were able to pay be some reform in the system about being hungry during his anything when their career ends. scale, and alerted the popula- athletes, there would be very sooner rather than later, and it playing career at Oklahoma. Getting paid in college would al- tion to an important question: little parity left in college sports. will be of great interest to see It is unacceptable that players low them to learn basic financial Should college athletes get paid? Schools with enormous endow- which way the NCAA rules. who make the school millions of strategies so they will be better The simple answer is no. ments and lots of excess money Meanwhile, Shabazz Na- dollars are allowed to go hungry. able to handle their money in Universities and colleges have would be able to offer the most pier’s hunger should convince One easy way to solve this prob- the future. zero obligation to pay their money to athletes, so all of UConn to up the amount of free athletes, and paying them could the best would flock to only a food available for their athletes. June 6, 2014 OPINIONS PAGE 5 Sexual Assault Denies Girls the Safety They Deserve Erin Sternlieb was a selling point on college are not happening on a walk colleges are not doing enough often difficult and demeaning. Chief Web Editor tours. I had heard the statistics, home by a creepy stranger late to punish and remove repeat Looking at colleges and read articles, been warned by at night; at least 80% of sexual offenders from campus. eventually going to college This spring I have visited a concerned parents and health assaults are committed by an While the problem of sexual should be a fun and exciting few very different colleges: big, teachers, but it really took the acquaintance of the victim, assault on college campuses is experience, not a fearful one. small, public, private, city, rural, college tours for the extent of according to a publication by all around inexcusable, what To reduce this fear colleges East Coast and West Coast. the problem to hit me. the New York Coalition Against bothers me the most is that it is shouldn’t be implementing inef- The schools had little in com- Nineteen percent of col- Sexual Assault. Sexual as- violating girls’ right to an equal fective blue light systems, but mon, except for one somewhat lege undergraduates will be saults are happening at parties, education. It is unfair that girls should be making substantive alarming object. Most schools sexually assaulted during their executed by frat boys and by in my generation, myself includ- changes to reassure girls that have referred to it as the blue time at college, and this statis- boyfriends when girls are unable ed, are scared to go to college. It they won’t be assaulted. And light system. Essentially how tic includes only assaults that to say no. So while blue lights is unfair that victims spend their if girls unfortunately are, the it works is that if a student is meet schools’ often-inadequate might be a reassuring feature for time in college attempting to school should address their walking around campus and definitions of sexual assault, and parents and potential students, cope with depression and other cases fairly, quickly, and effec- feels threatened or unsafe, they only accounts for the around they don’t even address the real severe issues. It is unfair that tively, and provide the necessary are always close to one of the 12% of women who are believed problem. the process of reporting rape is resources for recovery. blue light poles, where they can to report the sexual assault, as The real problem is that press a button and the police reported in The Campus Sexual schools are ineffective in ad- department will be notified and Assault study by the U.S. De- dressing and preventing sexual respond within minutes. partment of Justice. assault. Many colleges have Congratulations Sarah! The light poles seem like a For me, looking at colleges poor definitions of what sexual smart idea for campus safety, has coincided with Obama’s assault is. Often schools do little We are so proud of you. new initiative to combat sexual to nothing to encourage victims but what alarmed me was first Love, that they were necessary, and assault and the flood of assault or witnesses to report sexual reports in recent months, along assault. And schools do not have Mom, Dad second that the schools’ secu- and Kate rity measures seemed geared with media attention in the well-trained individuals who towards females. Many of form of videos, viral articles, are sufficiently independent of the schools also talked about and social media campaigns. the school to fairly assess sexual programs they had for walk- Obama’s stronger stance on assault complaints. In fact, ing students to their dorms at sexual assault, which uses Title colleges often exacerbate the night, even on campuses located IX to require schools to increase problem by dismissing cases that in small towns or rural areas transparency and improve the implicate other students. far from urban crime. The fact rights of victims, stems from Ninety percent of rapes are of the matter is I know very public outcry, and his attention committed by three percent of few guys who feel uncomfort- to the issue has brought even college men. This means that able walking home at night. The more focus on the appalling college is not a place bursting more security pitches I heard, facts. with rapists and violent men. the clearer it became that the What scared me on my But the truth is that the #YesAll- security measures are aimed at college visits at first was that it Women slogan that has recently protecting girls from the grow- was necessary to take security been trending on social media ing number of sexual assaults on measures like the blue light is accurate. Not all men are college campuses. system, but the more I learned perpetrators, but all women are It began to scare me that about sexual assault it became victims of sexual harassment college was so ridden with sexual clear that these measures are in some form, whether verbal assault that safety and security inadequate. Most sexual assaults or physical. The problem is that

Congratulations, Des! We’re so proud of all that you’ve done and all that you’ve become. Dad & Jane PAGE 6 OPINIONS June 6, 2014 Prom Has Eboni Its Drawbacks Ellis ASK EB there is almost a sense of com- Congratulations to Eboni on her last column! Elias Benda Opinions Editor petition for who has the most extravagant means of asking out a date. Should I work this summer or travel? Prom is a major, important, It is no secret that some Q and exciting event for high people see prom as a heterosexu- This is a really good question and I have actually been in the same predicament. I definitely think school seniors. Recently, this al event. In this sense, prom can A you should travel this summer over working. Traveling is a great experience that lots of people practice of an end-of-the-year and tends to reinforce tradition- your age do not get. Opportunities to make money will happen year-round, but opportunities to travel dance extravaganza has been al gender and sexuality stereo- for a long period of time will not. You can always work during the school year! receiving some flak -- and in my types: one man and one woman opinion, rightfully so. together. With this mentality, it Much of my criticism is a is possible that those who don’t I’ll be going off to college soon and don’t know what I should do result of one of prom’s possible identify as straight feel excluded Q origins, as a dance for women to and unaccepted. In some places, regarding my relationship with my girlfriend. Can you help me? advertise themselves in pursuit this intolerance has led to a push of an acceptable husband, or a for a “straight” prom, as is the Wow, you are in a really awkward position at this point and time in your relationship. I personal- ‘promenade’, according to social- case with an Indiana teacher, A ly would continue on with the relationship while in college just to see how things pan out. Break- news website BuzzFeed. who said that “[homosexuality] ing up before even experiencing how a long distance-type relationship might work out, is not smart. On the practical side, prom is offensive to us”. Obviously, When people do that it is usually out of fear. Things might change in the relationship but the distance is increasingly expensive. The Wilson has a decent atmosphere will really be a test to see if you guys should stay together or not. I also advise to tone down the serious- average amount spent on prom of tolerance, but it is nonethe- ness, because it is college and you both will meet new people. Just let the cards fall into place over time; in 2014 in the Northeastern less important to be conscious don’t force a breakup, but also do not force keeping the relationship together. U.S. was a whopping $1,104 per of others feelings. For more in- person, according to U.S. News formation, DoSomething.org, a & World Report. Promgirl.com youth social activism site, has an How can I turn things around over this summer to be prepared for gives a range of $175 to $2100 article in their Prom Prep Series Q for 2014. The most unnerving specifically dedicated to “What senior year? statistic shows that those paying LGBTQ Youth Need to Know.” most for prom have tradition- There is no denying the I’m so happy that you’re interested in using the summer as a time to better yourself for the next ally been those with the low- importance of prom as a social A school year. Senior year is very important, so being prepared is a good idea. est income, though that trend landmark in one’s life. Everyone - Having a set plan or idea will allow you to have goals for senior year that are narrowed down; for ex- changed for the first time in fondly remembers their prom ample, picking a career path or major makes things a lot easier than being undecided. 2014. as a final hurrah of high school. -Looking at the Common App when it opens up (August 1st) will really be helpful if you’re planning to The social implications must It is a great chance to have fun attend college. That will allow you to get a headstart on writing your essays and getting the materials also be taken into consideration. and express yourself. But as together for applying to college. Many people feel they have to future generations face their -Forming a resume will be a good idea as well, whether it’s for a job or college application. People always go to prom, whether they want special night, it is important to want to know what you’ve done and your experiences. to or not, and that they must think about those around you, - Lastly, prepare yourself to answer lots of questions about your future, whether from your peers or ask someone to be their date. and make sure prom is a fun, adults. Senior year is the time where you get nagged about your plans after high school almost daily. “Promposals” have undeniably reasonable night that everyone Be prepared to give answers to those interested without attitude, sometimes people have really good been getting more intricate and can enjoy. advice or connections along the path you might be planning to take! complicated, to the point where

Congratulations on a job well done, Naomi. Treasure this moment of success and enjoy the journey ahead! With Much Love Always, Mom & Dad, Jovanni, Daniella, Dianalyn and Max June 6, 2014 OPINIONS PAGE 7 THE BEACON Picketing Provides Opportunity Co-Editors-in-Chief Claire Parker to Promote Equality By The Beacon Editorial Staff Annie Rosenthal and support for Wilson’s and Chief Web Editor As a Staff, we’ve talked and way into the news, they high- thought a lot about the West- light the homophobia that exists D.C.’s LGBTQ+ community. Erin Sternlieb boro Baptist Church’s upcoming in our society. And they give us But all this solidarity and Managing Editor visit to Wilson. We’ve realized an opportunity to prove them love can’t just be a one-time Lauren ReVeal that the fastest way to make the wrong. display. Wilson students can’t stand up for gay rights only Visual Content Editor WBC go away would be to ignore The coming protest has them. Hateful organizations united Wilson and our com- when Wilson as an entity is Sarah Torresen feed off publicity and attention, munity in a way that most of us attacked. We can’t chant our Photo Editor so if we simply went about our never could have imagined. The slogans for half an hour, then go Joey Keegan daily lives every time the WBC Westboro Meet-and-Greet Face- to school and forget about the whole thing. We can’t only fight Business Manager picketed a school or a funeral, book event, created by students, it’s quite possible that their now boasts nearly a thousand the overt violence of the West- Alex Conte cult-ish organization’s influence members. The page is filled boro Baptist Church, because Advisers would fade. with supportive messages and it’s covert violence that has the Mary Stapp But maybe that’s not what comments from students and greatest impact on members of the Wilson community--not just Alexandra Stryker we want. adults all around the D.C. area, Our country was founded from Georgetown Day School to on June 9, but in our day-to-day on the principle of free speech, the spoken word poetry group lives. PRINT WEB and free speech is what creates Lyrikal Storm Poets. Though we’ve been praised change. As Jonathan Rauch (or insulted, as by the WBC) for News Editor News Editor As The Beacon Staff, we pointed out in a November have never been more proud of being an accepting school, ho- Emma Buzbee Helen Malhotra Atlantic editorial, knowledge is our school. But as we prepare mophobia within Wilson’s walls Opinions Editor Features Editor born when many opinions are our counter-protest, Wilson stu- is still very real and very much Elias Benda Greg Kopetsky considered and all but the most dents and allies need to ensure an issue, and often it appears Features Editors valid are found wanting. Hate that we act in the most effective in forms much more damaging Sports Editor speech, when contrasted with than a couple of people with Maria Brescia-Weiler manner to demonstrate our sup- Matthew Smee reasonable counter-arguments, port for the LGBTQ+ people in posters. Rachel Page Videographer highlights the flaws in hateful our community. It is not enough to fight Sports Editors Sophie ReVeal beliefs. Wilson’s counter-protest homophobia with signs and slo- gans. We must fight it by educat- Erin Doherty Graphic Designer In publishing their poorly- needs to be respectful. We can- spelled press releases and using ing ourselves about LGBTQ+ his- Henry Shuldiner not lash out at the WBC, because Mason Strazzella foul language to attack high doing so would detract from tory, by correcting friends who Style Editor school students, the WBC is the message we are trying to use words like “gay” as insults or Ellie Melick hurting their cause more than send. And even though this is a make jokes about sexual orienta- helping it: even the Klu Klux counter-protest, we must keep tion, by joining or donating to Klan has denounced their orga- that message positive. Our dem- organizations that advocate for Layout Graphic Designers nization. The Southern Poverty onstration isn’t about attacking LGBTQ+ rights year-round. Mia Strazzella Jane Martin Law Center has labeled them the WBC, it’s about showing our The Westboro Baptist Ellice Ellis “arguably the most obnoxious school’s solidarity and pride, and Church isn’t the real enemy, and rabid hate group in Amer- the love and support we give one or at the very least it isn’t the Junior Editors ica.” And it seems that the an- another. only enemy. Our protest against Greg Kopetsky, Helen Malhotra, grier the WBC gets about it, the If the WBC decides not to homophobia shouldn’t start in Sophie ReVeal, Matt Smee, Conall Rubin-Thomas faster the legislation expands to show up, as it has been known front of the school at 8:15 in allow gay marriage. to do, June 9 is still an opportu- the morning on June 9, and it Staff Writers When the WBC picket their nity for us to express our pride certainly shouldn’t end there. Megan Bell, Henry Cohen, and Jake Radack Staff Photographers Will Hamlin, Devin Khan, and Hannah Wyatt Contributors Departing Editors-in- Michael Aniekwe, Lillie Bufkin, Sophia Cordes, Dominique Landinez, Jarrah May, Zoe Mills, Kate Stokes, and Franklin Webber Thank you to our faithful Chief Say Farewell volunteer, Mary Carpenter. It’s definitely hard for either tersweet. special because of the effort we We’d like to thank all those put into it, the thought of seeing The Beacon is published monthly by students of Woodrow Wilson High of us to imagine life without School, 3950 Chesapeake St. N.W., Washington D.C., 20016. Unsigned editorials The Beacon. Having our Tuesday who worked on the paper with all of the upcoming issues by and cartoons are the views of the staff; personal commentaries reflect the opinions mornings without staff meet- us this year: our writers, editors, next year’s staff (and issues by of the writers. and advisers were all a pleasure staffs to come) is an incredibly Our mission is to provide an accurate representation of the diverse views, ings, our afternoons without opinions, and concerns of the students of Wilson High School. We aim to serve as story researching and the end of to work with, and all helped us exciting prospect. We both are the voice of the students. Through responsible, ethical journalistic practices, we our months without production grow, as writers, managers, and certain that the paper is going strive to provide thorough, reliable news coverage of issues relevant to Wilson. people. The ways we’ve both de- nowhere but up and can’t wait Advertising and subscription rates are available by emailing beaconchiefedi- nights is a bit of a shock to our [email protected]. systems. Having invested four veloped this year have definitely to watch the improvement as it The Beacon welcomes all student and guest contributions: articles, photo- years in The Beacon, we both been influenced by our work on happens. graphs, art, commentary, and letters to the editor. All submissions can be sent to the paper. Best of luck to everyone on [email protected], and become property of The Beacon. feel a pretty strong connection The Beacon is a public forum created for the purpose of expressing the views to it. While the break from the Most of all, we look forward next year’s staff. It’s been real. of and providing information to the Wilson student body. Thank you for reading stress and work is quite a relief, to the future. While seeing every The Beacon. our feelings are definitely bit- paper this year was incredibly -Evan and Nathan

1. Get your fork taken away by 6. Get abandoned on a field trip security 7. Get called sweet by people you 2. Be an extra in a “WorldStar” fight don’t know Top 10 video 8. Use a slang term you don’t 3. Awkwardly witness sexual understand activity in the halls 9. Get hit on by freshmen at least a Wilson Rites 4. Attend a yogurt social and not foot shorter than you win an iPod 10. Get pushed out of the way in of Passage 5. Get forced into a flash mob in the the hall and apologize atrium PAGE 8 June 6, 2014

Ravanni, I have watched you grow up as I was just a kid myself when I had you. I was still in high school and would get you to daycare all before my full day be- gan. We have had our good, bad, ugly, and won- derful times. Now you are going off on your own. You have the skills to survive and have been equipped with the ability to make the right decision. Over the past 3 years, you’ve en- dured a lot from the pass- ing of your grandfather to the sudden death of your stepfather, yet you’ve re- mained focused and main- tained your composure during some obstacles that have came your way. I’m proud of the young lady that you are becoming and I’m sure grandpa is as well....and what do you think “L” or Rasheem as some called him would say? Things can only go up from here. My oh my how time flies. We are happy for you and wish you the best. Love Mommy and your sisters (The Rascals)

Congratulations to Wilson Varsity Lacrosse Seniors. Your dedication to the sport is inspiring and will translate to success wherever you go. --Coach Arlotto jermaine, very proud of you!

love, mom & family HOPE A. OLSON CLASS OF 2014 Congratulations, Hope. We are so proud of you! Love, Lee, Mom and Papi June 6, 2014 SPORTS PAGE 9 Wilson Makes Strides in Baseball Playoffs Henry Shuldiner would take the field against Ma- Sports Editor ret again, only this time at Jellef Boys and Girls Club in George- On a warm June 2, 2013, town. Yet again, the weather was the Wilson varsity baseball team great, the fans were cheering, took the field at Nationals Park and things looked very promis- against Maret in the D.C. Base- ing for the Tigers. Wilson was ball Classic. The weather was up to bat first and took an early great, the fans were cheering, lead after Sophomore Luke Wal- and things looked very promis- lis hit an RBI groundout to score ing for the Tigers. The team built Junior Devin Rivera. Junior up a 1-0 lead, and kept it all the Pitcher Will Gibson would let way through the fifth inning. in one run in the bottom of the Right when the elusive city title first, tying the game at 1-1. In seemed to be in Wilson’s grasp, the second inning, Senior Liam the skies opened and it began Fisher hit an RBI triple, scor- to pour. The game was post- ing sophomore Henry Cohen, poned because of heavy rain, allowing the Tigers to go in front and was rescheduled to resume again. three days later at Maury Wills The Tigers defense really field. Everything went down- began to heat up after the first hill from there. At Maury Wills two innings. Senior catcher field, Maret had a resurgence Scot Beumel picked off a Maret of energy and momentum, and runner at first, after the run- third. Junior Alex Conte hit an was able to completely turn the ner took too big of a lead off the RBI single scoring Wallis and, game around and overpower the bag, to end the second inning. after a mishandling of the ball Tigers, eventually winning the Beumel would also throw out a by a Maret outfielder, Gibson. championship game with a score runner at second base during It was 5-1 in the bottom of the of 10-1. Wilson was devastated. the third inning. In the fourth fifth, and it was raining cats and How could they have let the vic- inning, Gibson made a spectacu- dogs. tory slip away? lar bare-handed diving catch off During the sixth inning, Ri- This year, for the first time, the mound to end the inning. vera would bunt in another run, the D.C. Baseball Classic was It was the fifth inning, and followed by another Wallis RBI played as the official D.C. High the sky was beginning to look single scoring two more runs. School Baseball Champion- more murky than most would During the bottom of the sixth ship operated by the D.C. State find pleasing. First just a few inning, the game was delayed Athletic Association (DCSAA). drops fell, but then rain began due to lightning and thunder; it Photos by Henry Shuldiner The new tournament included to cascade down from the sky. would resume 30 minutes later. SLIDING HOME - Wilson Varsity Baseball makes it far an expanded field of eight teams It was déjà vu, the Tigers had a The score was 8-1 heading into in the playoffs. They beat Maret 8-1 on the road to the in a bracket. First-round games lead and were so close to victory, the seventh. Senior Pitcher Jack DC Baseball Classic. were played at the higher seeded but the weather refused to act in Price would come in to close out team’s home field. Wilson was their favor. the game and secure the victory Wilson faced the #1 ranked St. semifinal game. The Tigers were awarded the #5 seed and Maret The Tigers were not letting for the Tigers with a final Score Johns in the next round. able to keep the Cadets scoreless the #4. This meant a first round anything stop them this year. of 8-1. The Tigers had a quick through the third inning, but rematch of last year’s champion- Because the field is astroturf, Although the team wanted turnaround, and two days later eventually St. Johns was able to ship game and an opportunity the umpires allowed the game to celebrate, there was still much the team travelled to the Nation- penetrate the Wilson defense. for the Tigers to extract their to continue. Wallis would hit an- work to be done on the base- als Academy in Southeast to St. Johns won the game 4-0, revenge. other RBI, followed by a Gibson ball diamond. The Maret game face the St. Johns Cadets in the ending the Tiger playoff run. Almost a year later, Wilson double which brought Wallis to was only the quarterfinals, and Wilson Runs the City time off earlier in the season due Even with tough competi- Sophia Cordes to injury, Pendergast returned tion from the other D.C. public Staff Writer to the running scene just in time schools, Wilson remained con- for the city championships, and After an impressive year, sistent and successful through- went on to win a DCIAA race for the Wilson track team has out the two-day city champion- the first time. Pendergast will at- become one of the top programs ships. Even though the team had tend the University of Michigan in the D.C. area. Following a earned one memorable victory, in the fall and plans to run for devastating defeat at the DCIAA the state championships were their club track team. championship during the indoor still to come the following week, Another Wilson Tiger track season, the Lady Tigers and the Tigers would have to who made history at the city were looking for redemption in face Dunbar once more. championships was senior Acey both the outdoor city and state The state championships Calhoun, who became the first championships. would be a much bigger task for DCIAA runner in 20 years to win The Wilson Tigers track the Wilson team, with the threat the 100, 200, and 400-meter team arrived at the DCIAA out- of competitive private school races, while also assisting his door city championships on May teams and a second face-off team in the 4x100-meter relay. 15 ready to show how far they against Dunbar. Wilson went on Calhoun will run track for North had come this season. to make history for the second Carolina State in the fall. Since early March, the time in two weeks, with the The Wilson girls faced a Wilson track team had practiced boys team earning second place tough matchup against Dunbar, rain or shine, preparing for any behind Georgetown Day School, but came out looking strong. obstacles that might come their and the girls team winning first Senior sprinters Ashley Younger, way in the championships. Ulti- place in the DCSAA state cham- Deonna Diggs, and Harper Ran- mately, the months of hard work pionship meet. dolph all placed in their events. paid off. The Tigers made history Head Coach Desmond Dun- Younger won both the 100 and as both the boys and girls won ham had nothing but positive 200-meter dash, with team- the DCIAA outdoor city champi- words to say about the team’s Photo courtesy of Jacqueline Beliveau mate Randolph coming in close onships, the boys earning their accomplishments this spring, CROSSING THE FINISH LINE - Wilson boys and girls behind. Diggs went on to win first win since 2006, and the “I feel like we came together as outdoor track team wins the DCIAA. Girls win DCSAA, the 100-meter hurdles, while girls since 2003. a family. Everyone on the team boys are runner ups. underclassmen Asia Amis and Helping to lead the Tigers to was a part of the winning effort Jordan Dean earned first and their win was senior Ross Pend- this season.” Members of the second in the 400-meter race. The boys lacrosse team had a spectacular sea- ergast, who ran a personal best Wilson track team will continue In the girls 3200-meter race, the son, winning the WILL championship. Go to of 9:55 in the 3200-meter race, to train this summer, in prepara- Tigers swept the podium, with earning first place against long- tion for the fall cross-country TheWilsonBeacon.com to read Ben Kostyack’s freshman Mayim Lehrich plac- time rival Abdur-Rahmaan Kelly season. article on the team. ing first. from Roosevelt. After taking Page 10 SPORTS June 6, 2014

Graphic by Jane Martin GIRLS SOFTBALL The softball diamond was full of victories this GIRLS LACROSSE year. Junior Hannah Thompson, former All-Met Hon- The intimidating girls lacrosse orable Mention, reported, “The softball team really team had a very productive season. came together this season. We have a winning record, Junior Suzanna Carnevali-Doan gave (13-4) going undefeated in league play.” On May 30, the season a thumbs up, saying “This the Tigers won the DCIAA city championships, crush- season was the most intense it’s ever ing School Without Walls 20-0. been! Everyone really worked as a team and improved tremendously.” The lady Tigers boasted a 7-6 record. By Henry Cohen and Jake Radack TENNIS According to Wilson tennis player Yannick Roots, the team had a successful season, with both JV and varsity winning the CREW majority of their matches. In the DCIAA Championship, junior Despite the unforgiving winter, the crew team put their work in and got results. Muhammad Ismail defeated sophomore Francis Dragulet in a Sophomore rower Thomas McCarren explains, “Our first couple of races did not tiebreak set 10-8. Wilson swept the singles podium for boys, meet our expectations, but as the season went on, we got better and better.” Boys winning first, second and third. Junior Suzie Newell persevered crew earned a bronze medal at Nationals, while the girls placed 19th in the nation. through early rounds of the girls bracket before being defeated in the semifinals. Wilson also finished first for team points overall.

BOYS CAPTURE BRONZE - Wilson’s varsity boys crew team earned 3rd place at Nationals on May 23. Pictured to the left, the team throws coxswain Cleo Krupa (10) into the water. On the right Peter Maeder (10) celebrates the team’s bronze metal. Photo by Carl Stewart

See thewilsonbeacon.com to read Asa Canty’s article on the Wizards basketball team’s recent success. June 6, 2014 FEATURES Page 11 WHERE WILL THE CLASS OF 2014 TIGERS MAKE THEIR MARK ?

2YQFIVSJ ;MPWSRKVEHYEXIW EXXIRHMRKGSPPIKI MRIEGLWXEXI  *this data was provided by the  Graphic by Ellice Ellis and Mason Strazella College & Career center and is current as of June 2nd

NR: I think that I kind of real- CL: There have been mixed reac- ized maybe in the first or second tions. Some good and some bad year of high school that [ballet] is reactions. Some say I should just what I want to do as a career. I got go to college and then pursue my injured and I couldn’t do anything career in becoming a D.C. fire- for a while, and I realized how fighter once I finish college. Some important it was to me. And then say that this is a good idea but it it became a reality last summer is a dangerous job. when I went to SF Ballet (their summer program), and they asked CP: What do you hope to accom- me to stay for the year last year. I plish as a firefighter? was almost able to do that, but in 2 CL: I would like to become a Lieu- the end I decided with my parents Seniors tenant first and then Captain and to come back home, finish high possibly even the D.C. Fire Chief school, and then move on from of the Fire and EMS Department. there. Calvin Lewis: In order to accomplish my goals, CP: What reactions have you Choose plans to start the D.C. Firefighter I should always be better than Nathaniel Remez: received from people about your Cadet Program in January 2015 the next man. Never be average; Has danced ballet for 12 years and plans? to train to become a firefighter. always strive for the best. is planning to pursue it after high NR:There are two major reac- Alternate school at the San Francisco Ballet tions I get. One is people are very Claire Parker: What made you CP: Do you think that Wilson and School. interested and excited; they ask interested in becoming a fire- D.C.’s education system focuses Claire Parker: How does ballet me questions about it and they fighter? mostly on preparing people for school work? think it’s cool. Or the other reac- Calvin Lewis: Actually, this is college and encouraging them to Nathaniel Remez: The San tion I get, which is actually kind Paths something I always wanted to do go? Francisco Ballet School is basically of fun to get, is that people are so growing up, and I believe if you CL: Yes, Wilson and DCPS have Claire Parker a feeder program housed in the confused about it that they just stay focused on becoming some- encouraged many students to go Co-Editor-in-Chief same building as the San Fran- like stop talking and have to walk thing in life and put in the work to college. They also encourage cisco Ballet. The idea is that you away and recompose themselves, for it, you will have a great you to visit places such as the Col- go to the school, work your way which is kind of funny to watch. outcome. The Fire Department lege and Career Centers at your up through the levels, and then But mostly, people are interested will also pay for your college school where you pick out your eventually you go to the company by it. education. route for the future after high or another company…[But] there CP: What advice would you give school. I think that is a good idea are a lot more kids in the school to younger students who might CP: Did you think about going to for some students that want to at- [than make it]. There’s a lot of be interested in doing a similar college or doing something else? tend college after high school but competition. thing? CL: Well since the program does [for people like] myself, I believe CP: Do you think you’ll be com- NR: I think that if you are inter- not really start until January they should also focus on voca- peting a lot with your classmates? ested in a legitimate thing, [with 2015, I have planned to attend tional training because college is NR: I feel like I’m not a very which] you can get a legitimate Clark Atlanta University in the not for everyone. [But] without competitive person. I feel that I’ll job, and college stands in the way fall of 2014 to get my college the College and Career Center at do what I have to do to get where of it, you should go for that thing, experience and start working on Wilson, I would have never found I want to go, but I’m not going to because you can always go back my majors. out about the DC Firefighter have to worry about anyone else. to college, and the opportunities Cadet Program. I’ll end up where I’m supposed to you have [right now] aren’t always CP: What have been the reactions end up. going to be there. you’ve received from people about CP: What made you decide to pur- your plans to be a firefighter? sue ballet beyond high school?

See thewilsonbeacon.com to read Kate Stokes’ article on twins who will separate for college. Page 12 FEATURES June 6, 2014 SHINE BRIGHT LIKE A DIAMOND PROM 2014

Photos by Henry Shuldiner & Elias Benda For more prom photos check out thewilsonbeacon.com June 6, 2014 FEATURES PAGE 13 GSA Talks Prom and Pride Day out couple. He says there was time she attends prom, Horvath GSA and educate the members other be intimate enough to be a Rachel Page Features Editor nothing positive in the media wants to see prom as a safe place of the Wilson community about safe space for those who need it. about the LGBTQ+ community to bring anyone you want, not identities and orientations. “It’s hard to balance,” she says. “There were no gay people at the time; it wouldn’t have just another space for hetero- For Obermeyer, it’s a symbol of Despite its potential dif- when I was in school,” says social even occurred to people to think sexual couples. safety and acceptance for the ficulties, the GSA remains an studies teacher and co-sponsor about non-heterosexual couples Creating safe spaces is a underrepresented students at integral and essential part of of the GSA (Gender and Sexuali- going to prom together. Forty common theme in Wilson’s Wilson. “I spent most of high the Wilson school community. ties Aligned) Michael Garbus. years later, Wilson’s senior prom GSA. The group has been busy school hating myself because I Events like Pride Day represent He allows himself a laugh at this is more than a little bit differ- planning this year’s Pride Day was gay,” he says. He wishes that just how far our school and statement. ent-- but has it changed enough? on June 4th, an event that calls he could have had a Pride Day of society as a whole have come in In the back of the room, a Freshman Joey Horvath together LGBTQ+ organiza- his own when he was a teen, so terms of openness and accep- small group of students-- mem- doesn’t think so. As a ninth tions from around the city for that he could have seen that he tance since the days when teach- bers of the GSA-- are engaged grader, her actual experience an exhibition in the atrium. “I’m wasn’t alone. ers could be fired for coming out. in quiet discussion over what with prom is limited, but she excited to create a space where Senior Charlotte Hovland However, the GSA reminds us type of sticker to give out at the knows enough to be able to criti- people can be themselves,” says sees the day as beneficial for an- that some classic school events, upcoming Pride Day. Here at cize its basic premises. To her, teacher Christopher Obermeyer, other reason: to make the GSA like prom, may still be stuck in Garbus’ desk, however, it is 1973 the traditional high school event who has been involved in the and its goals more public and the past. again. “I didn’t think there were remains heteronormative. GSA since last year. visible. “We’re usually in a little Interested in joining the any gay people in New Jersey,” “The idea of a prom king For the GSA, Pride Day insular room,” she says, “so this GSA? The club meets every he continues. “The year I gradu- and queen reinforces gender is the antithesis of prom; a is an opportunity to get in touch Wednesday at STEP in room ated, my English teacher came binaries,” she says, “and they’re day to celebrate differences in with the school.” Hovland recog- 223, and new members are out and was fired.” supposed to be a couple.” She backgrounds and to make the nizes the difficulty in maintain- always welcome. As a teen growing up in suggests changing the name of community more open and ing an organization that on one New Jersey, Garbus didn’t know the pair to “prom royalty” to welcoming. Horvath sees it as hand should be active and public anyone who went to prom as an make it less gendered. By the a time to bring attention to the in the student body, but on the

WILSON’S ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CONGRATULATES Bravo! THE 2014 GRADUATION CLASS to the Wilson Theater Department's and To learn more about the association Wilson Players' go to Wilson’s website and click Graduating Seniors on alumni.

wilsonhs.org from the Wilson Theater Boosters

NathanDavis Wild Thing is off to college. But the wild things cried, “Oh, please don’t go—we’ll eat you up—we love you so!” And Nathan said, “No!” So here we are, sending you off with terrible roars, gnashing teeth, and all our love. Daddy, Mommy and Lukie Wild Thing Page 14 FEATURES June 6, 2014 My Life So Far: D’Mani Harrison-Porter plays the role of right hand man where he represented Wilson, Matthew Smee Web Sports Editor or choir administrator to teacher beating out ten kids from ten Lori Williams, tasked with han- schools across the country. Hearing the name D’Mani dling social media for the choir, His extensive resume has Harrison Porter, for most Wil- making sure everyone is aware helped him a lot. Next year he son students, is closely associ- of trips, and more. A lot of his will attend Morehouse Col- ated with the number 1,000. hours are spent using his talents lege in Atlanta, where they will While the rest of us struggle to in these two fields. For example, undoubtedly appreciate all his get in our community service he helps out at Alice Deal Middle hard work. hours, he faces a struggle of School with the drama program. D’Mani’s modesty and his own, a race against time: to “I’ve always found myself to be a kindness are among his many beat the DCPS record for most student who does a lot of extra- great defining features, which community service hours before curriculars, so I took advantage complement his achievement he graduates this month. He is and found a way to help people,” on and off the stage. When I just shy of the current record he says. asked to sit down with him, we of 1,238 hours and although he D’Mani’s community had to postpone our interview says, “after a while I stop keep- service hours pay off quite a because he was the front man in ing track,” he isn’t done working. bit, although he says “I don’t do a flash mob put on at STEP. This D’Mani has more to his Photo by Will Hamlin things to get recognition, but truly embodies who D’Mani is name than just “the guy with COMMUNITY CUTIE - Senior D’Mani Harrison-Porter it feels good to get it.” Recently as a person and as a member of 1,000 hours,” however. Aside has over 1000 community service hours. He will be at- he has been nominated for the Tiger community. He is the from dedicating an incredible tending Morehouse College this fall. multiple awards, including the Renaissance man of Wilson. amount of time and effort to President’s Volunteer Service bettering the community by, D.C., he plays an active part in put on in all four of his years at award for community service say, founding the Wave Club, school life. A longtime member Wilson. and the Standing Ovation award which donates sandwiches made of the drama program, D’Mani He is also a member of the from the WorldStrides Heritage by students to shelters around has been in just about every play choir, where he sings as well as Performance music competition,

Go to thewilsonbeacon.com to read Ellie Botsford’s most recent article in Spanish.

To OUr SON, ARIEL L. WATSON Congratulations CONGRATULATIONS CLASS of 2014

On Your Graduation and the Completion Of your Ethan Canan! FIRST step on a JOURNEY Towards a wonderful Life! Love Mom & Dad!

Gr8 JB EV!

Love, Mom, Dad, Will + Moxie June 6, 2014 FEATURES PAGE 15

Editor’s Note: The Beacon set up two students on a blind date, each hoping to find the Kim to their Kanye. If you are interested in having a blind date for next year’s BaeWatch scan the QR code or visit the URL provided and we will do our best to set you up with your soul mate. www.tinyurl.com/beacondatelab

by Ellie Melick and Helen Malhotra DATE RANK out of 10 For this edition of Bae- is short and friends last longer.” remain buds. watch, The Beacon decided to get Martin, on the other hand, The date was rated off the 7.5&11 fancy. has been looking for love. But charts by Zoe, with a rating of The lovely people at Pete’s not too seriously, because “it’s 11 out of 10. Martin gave it a Pizza bestowed us with a beauti- whatever.” At the end of the 7.5, which was still really good! ful $30 gift card for the happy date, once the pizza was finished The two really had a great time, couple to use on their date. But and the gelato was gone, both and they’ll be sure to wave at that isn’t the only reason why Zoe and Martin were feeling each other as they walk between this month’s Baewatch was so pretty good. The couple returned classes. special. Sophomore Zoe Mills to school and headed on to their Sadly, this date just about and Junior Martin Sakansong respective 5th periods, but it’s wrapped things up for the 2013- had a great time talking about safe to say that the two will 2014 editions of Baewatch. their hobbies, Four dates were despite the fact that set up by the Martin doesn’t have Beacon, and we any. They also hit are proud to say it off talking about that all eight soccer; Zoe plays on participants a travel team and still know each Martin tried to play other’s names. If as a kid but said he you’re as upset wasn’t very good. to see Baewatch Go to thewilsonbeacon.com to read Ellie Botsford’s most recent article in Spanish. Finally they talked end as we are, a lot about the don’t worry student elections, because it will be discussing the vari- up and running ous candidates and next year, with a their super compli- whole new set of cated platforms. prospective ro- Before the mances and gift date, Zoe admit- cards to Pete’s. ted that she was Be sure to sign mostly looking for yourself up; who friendship. “I’m a knows, maybe strong, independent you’ll also rate DOES NOT woman,” Zoe said. “Besides, life Cartoon by Jarrah May your date an 11 out of 10!

Congratulations! Mattie Friberg, MaryBeth Burst and Andrew Arlotto: Ms. Frances '00 Peabody '02 Watkins '06 Stuart Hobson '10 Wilson '14 Congratulations Zoe! Lots of love from Dad, Mom, Ali, Jophie, G-Ma, Love, the Arlottos Ice, Yuki, Ambrose and Ruby Jack Price - the life of the party since age 1! We're SO Nathaniel Remez proud of you! We are proud of you and what you have accom- plished. We are excited about what’s ahead as you Love, Mom, Dad, leap into the future. With Love and Tiger Pride, Mom and Dad Addie and Charlie Page 16 FEATURES June 6, 2014 advice to the grade below Compiled by Maria Brescia-Weiler Get your work done but remember, this is your senior year, you’re the kings and queens of high school so make the most of it. --Adam Pine class of class of Always remember your dream, don’t let it get behind you. --Me’shel Davis Don’t make “save your grades week” a quarterly thing. --Shela Hasugian 2014 2015 Don’t follow your friends, be a leader. --Jazmyne Lomax In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks LOL. --Charlie Feller class of class of Do your work the week it’s due--don’t procrastinate. --Yana Madrid 2015 2016 It’s easier to keep up than it is to catch up. --Lucas Lytel There’s no such thing as a due date. --Ethan Tanen

You might be a sophomore, but you’re still a freshman. --Zach Essig Don’t go to Walls, don’t transfer from Wilson. --Charlie Caspari class of class of Don’t let grades make you who you are. --Ali Sefsaf 2016 2017 Don’t procrastinate, don’t have too much fun. --Yannick Roots

Don’t, while carrying pottery, fall down in front of a bunch of juniors that you kind of know and run away. You’ll regret it for class of class of the rest of your high school career. --Patrick Mulderig 2017 2018 Don’t start skipping cause you won’t stop. --Isabella Cruz Keep up with your work, no matter how late it is. --Erik Latimer If a senior asks you out, say no. --Rina Holzman To the Graduating Seniors of the Beacon Editorial Staff: Maddy, Nathaniel, Nell, Thank you so much for your incredible contributions to the Beacon during your time at Wilson! Maddy, in your own quiet way you brought to the Beacon table your fresh ideas, intelligence and enthusiasm for making the paper better. Nell, your artistic talent, eye for fashion and sports savvy have given the Beacon some of the best sports stories and playlists we’ve ever had. Nathaniel, you put in a lot of time behind the scenes to smoothly manage the Beacon’s finances, allowing the writers and editors to focus on writing and editing. Best of luck next year! We will miss you guys so much and are so grateful for your hard work! “Today is your day, your mountain is waiting. So get on your way.” Dr. Seuss

Andrew Arlotto: With a lacrosse stick in your hand since almost the day you were born, we know you are going to rock the lacrosse world at Bard College next year! We are so very proud of you! Love, Mom, Dad, MaryGrace and Maisie June 6, 2014 STYLE PAGE 17 Pillars of Fashion, it really of bread on basics when the Gap should be because it’s way more has sales like every two weeks Summer Movies practical than the Pilgrimage to and in addition to getting a new Milan. The main issue with weed designer who is somewhat wavy “Guardians of the Galaxy” Conall Rubin-Thomas socks isn’t the fact that your in moderation. If all else fails, Junior Editor opens on August 1. Guardians mom cries every time you wear hit up Uniqlo. is about an unlikely gang of them, or that “Yonkers” is still When it’s summer, you intergalactic heroes who defend in your Top 25 Most Played; it’s Thing 5: Beat the Crap out of want to go outside. You want to the galaxy from any threat. The that marijuana leaves are ugly. Your Shoes go to the beach, hang with your movie features a green-skinned So ugly. Why else would people This applies to other articles friends, or go hiking. But there is female assassin, a larcenous light them on fire? Also, gainful of clothing, too, but shoes are one good reason to stay indoors raccoon and a hulking, talking employment is a pretty good the most obvious example, and during summer-- other than the tree. This film will likely be an look. what kind of senior am I if I air conditioning-- the Summer enormous box office draw, with don’t go for the low-hanging Movie Season. a sequel already scheduled. Thing 2: Word on the fruit? Sometimes you just have “Summer Movie Season” re- “Into the Storm”, which Street(wear) to put down the toothbrush and fers to the time between the first opens August 8, has one of We must guard against give up on keeping your shoes Friday of May and the middle the most original plots of the the acquisition of unwarranted clean. Most shoes, especially of August, when Hollywood summer. A group of high school influence, whether sought or ones with a white base, look a releases its blockbuster movies. students film the effects and unsought, by the streetwear- lot better with a little wear and Most popular during the Sum- aftermath of a tornado with industrial complex. The poten- tear, and this way you don’t mer Movie Season are the action handheld cameras. Basically a Farewell tial for the disastrous rise of have to walk like Daffy Duck to movies; films that feature heroes found-footage disaster movie, bad streetwear exists and will keep your cypher complete and facing difficult odds and danger- the trailer showcases some persist, particularly in eighth- crease-free. ous challenges, often involving pretty incredible scenes, with fi- Address graders who have just discovered fights, shootouts, and chases. ery tornadoes and other images Jack Price Urban Outfitters. One last thing: spend time Below is a listing, complete with of destruction. Columnist WITH (and steal ideas FROM) descriptions, of some of this Finally, on August 15 “The Thing 3: Be Careful with as many types of people as summer’s most anticipated ac- Expendables 3” promises to end It seems my time with you Camo possible. If your friend group is tion movies. the season with a BANG! The has come to a close. Honestly, No matter how hard you try, homogeneity incarnate, your de- On June 27, “Transformers: third movie in the blockbuster I’m surprised they didn’t pull you will never look as hype as velopment as a fashion god and Age of Extinction” smashes into series about a team of mercenar- the hook on me after I called Mr. Singer. Sorry. person will be severely limited. theaters with new characters ies is sure to please action fans out my boy Woody Wilson, but The more people you interact and a new storyline, beginning a with its over-the-top violence The Beacon moves in mysterious Thing 4: Be Basic with, the more ideas you have new Transformers trilogy. New and explosions. Former action ways. Before I go, I’ve decided to Sometimes, dressing simply access to. Also, the more people to the franchise is are Dinobots, stars Harrison Ford, Antonio share with you a few final things is a good idea–it draws focus you know, the more daps you get a never-before-seen species of Banderas, and Wesley Snipes you really ought to know about to you, rather than to your in between classes, and every Transformers, as well as ac- join the cast in this install- being afraid and wearing cloth- red corduroy sweatpants that dap brings you one step closer to tor Mark Wahlberg, who has ment. The Expendables series is ing when I’m not here to cook you bought on sale from some filling the void created by your replaced Shia LaBeouf. “Trans- already getting a fourth movie, To the Graduating Seniors of the Beacon Editorial Staff: you in the halls. unintelligible Japanese website, pet hamster who “ran away” formers: Age of Extinction” is and shows no plans of stopping wore once and realized were a when you were eight. Shoutz 2 predicted to be a massive box unless Hollywood runs out of Thing 1: Nay to the weed huge mistake. Basic stuff almost your dead hamster. Shoutz 2 da office success, no doubt due to grizzled, former action heroes to socks always looks more expensive Beacon. its new cast, new robots, and its work with. If this isn’t one of the Five than it is. Also, don’t spend a lot inevitable product tie-ins.

Emmie, Sofie, Natty & Luke - Key Elementary thru Wilson SHS, buddies forever. Making the Palisades and your parents proud! Page 18 STYLE June 6, 2014

5 Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989) Woody Allen is my FAVORITE filmmaker, despite his family drama. I chose my favorite out of his enormous collection. Allen tells two stories, one an existential drama concerning a man (Martin Landau) who experiences a crisis of faith while trying to deal with an unstable mistress. The other, a comedy about a documentary filmmaker (Allen) who’s forced to make a puff piece about a man he absolutely hates (Alan Alda). It covers everything good about Woody, from a brilliant deconstruction of religious obligations to my favorite Woody-ism ever (“It’ll be a year [since we last slept together] come April 20th. I remember the date exactly, because it was Hitler’s birthday.”).

4 The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) Rated I’ve already said a lot about the Wolf of Wall Street, so I’ll keep it brief. Imagine Oliver Stone having by JacksonR Ross a mental breakdown while filming Wall Street (1987) and convincing Charlie Sheen to do the rest of the movie under the influence of Quaaludes, plus directing the remainder of the movie completely naked. What you’re picturing right there is pretty much the Wolf of Wall Street. 3 Dazed and Confused (1993) Top 5 I’m a sucker for romanticization of teenage life, as long as it’s done well. Dazed and Confused, a twenty-four hour slice of life of the last day of high school in 1976, is done damn well. It presents the last day of school almost as an unstructured teenage commune, with all the strolling around and peeking heads in classrooms, and the nights spent driving around a one-horse town looking for any parties hap- Favorite pening with a mustachioed Matthew McConaughey. As the big party ends, you’re going to wish you were right there with that mustache. Films 2 The Dark Knight (2008) There was a long period of time where The Dark Knight was my number one favorite film, and it was (Jackson’s 6th - 10th favorite hard for me to finally accept that something had taken its place. My first viewing of The Dark Knight marked the point where I became a movie nerd. It was the first movie where I could clearly identify what its movies can be found on merits were, and how they formed a fantastic film. When I got it on DVD, I watched it every single day of winter break that year. I’ve watched it so many times, I’m amazed the disc stills works, but I never get tired thewilsonbeacon.com) of it no matter what. 1 Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) Like The Wolf of Wall Street, I’ve already talked about Kiss Kiss Bang Bang before. I’ve talked about it’s hilarity, I’ve talked about Robert Downey Jr.’s freewheeling performance, I’ve said what needs to be said. Please, for the love of God, watch Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. COP OR NAH? with KOPETSKY and SMEE Congratulations Caitlin! We are so z-SANDWICH

proud of you! We thought we would never see the day: after what felt like an eternity of waiting, Z -Sandwich is finally open! Centuries ago, Z-Burger announced the upcoming opening Love always, Dad, Mom and Caden of its second branch, a sandwich store, but the store never opened. The bright green, yellow, and red sign, which read “Z-Sandwich,” provided false hope for a number of years. It’s very possible that the owners of Z-Sandwich forgot about their plans, since it seems unlikely that it would take five years to buy enough bread and sandwich meat to start a business. But they finally did it, so we gave it a visit and a taste.

Upon entering, we realized that this was no normal eatery. The music selection was like no other-- we were entertained by the smooth stylings of the Royal Concept and various other FIFA soundtrack artists, as well as old school Britney Spears and Go Awa Sargent! the Backstreet Boys, while waiting for our order. Another thing that stood out to us was the beverage selection. As opposed to mainstream Coca Cola/Pepsi products, we had the privilege of choosing foreign delicacies such as Inca Cola. For those of you that don’t know, Inca Cola is a soda native to Peru that tastes like a mix between Mountain Dew, cream soda, and ancient bloodletting rituals.

As we took our first bite into the three sandwiches we ordered, we immediately realized one thing: the unique sandwich shop we had believed to be in was actually just a Potbelly in disguise. With identical prices, sizes, and tastes, this place might as well have been a Potbelly. The meatball sub was properly toasted and well sauced, but was nothing we hadn’t seen before. Their trademark sandwich The Masterpiece was pretty Congratulations much a copy of Potbelly’s signature sandwich The Wreck, both meaty and boily. Don’t get us wrong, these sandwiches tasted good, but we feel that with five-plus years of preparation, they should have come up with more original and groundbreaking sam- to the mies. Final Verdict: Cop, at least until Jimmy John’s runs it out of business (if it ever opens, because as we have learned it takes on average five-10 years to open a sandwich Class of 2014 shop). *Quick side-joans: this establishment had literally, YEARS to perfect their interior design, yet they forgot to proofread their overhead menu, which had the “Meatball from the Wilson Parent- sandwich” listed twice. **Also they have close to no web presence (try googling “Z-sandwich”). Teacher-Student Organization Final Verdict: COP June 6, 2014 STYLE PAGE 19 Wilson Students’ Creativity Displayed at the First Annual Arts Fest with Lambert, Alex Wilson, and Zoe Mills Contributor other PTSO members to get the show up and running. Wiltshire During the week of May plans to stay on as the head of 19-23, the first Arts Fest in Wil- next year’s Arts Fest, so that the son’s history took the school by extravaganza becomes an annual storm.“ This one is kind of an ex- event. The end goal is for it to Photos by Devin Khan Dazed and Confused (1993) periment to see what happens,” become a community event to GETTING CREATIVE said art teacher Mary Lambert, show student talents and the - On May 22, stu- one of the heads of Arts Fest and types of art programs at Wilson. dents’ artwork went the initial organizer. The festival gave students on display at Wilson’s The festival was a great an opportunity to showcase first ever Arts Fest. opportunity for students to sell their different types of art. Parents who were in their work as well as gain feed- Numerous students set up tables charge of the event back from others, whether from to sell work, including drawings, hope to make it an- participating in performances or paintings, sculptures, t-shirts, nual. Apart from stu- The Dark Knight (2008) having their original art hung in jewelry, photographs and plants. dents’ work, Arts Fest the school. Students were also A concert featuring Wilson band also featured art from able to participate by helping members took place, as well local artists, perfor- out behind the scenes, from as a fashion show showcasing mances, plants from designing publicity materials to handmade clothing worn and Wilson’s greenhouse, helping set up and earn some made by students. Three West as well as a fashion community service hours. Side Story songs were performed show. For a few hours, Some Arts Fest events took by the fall musical’s original cast, students and mem- place during the week, such as as well as a few scenes from this bers of the community the creation of the tall painting year’s Shakespeare play, Two gathered to show off on Monday and a flashmob put Gentlemen of Verona. There what they could do. on by the theater department at were also opportunities for kids STEP on Tuesday. The anticipa- of all ages, whether a Wilson tion was mainly focused around student or younger sibling, to Thursday, where food, art, mu- get their faces painted and their sic, and live performances took arms, hands, or legs decorated place from 4-8 p.m. with henna. Wilson’s 2014 Art Serena Wiltshire, a Wilson Fest was an experiment well parent and the head of Arts Fest done! for the PTSO, worked all year z-SANDWICH ARTISTS’Compiled by Ellie Melick CORNER

CONGRATULATIONS NELL BAYLISS and the 2013-14 WILSON TIGERS MarchJune 24, 6, 20112014 SENIORS IN THE HALLCompiled by Will Hamlin and Hannah Wyatt What will you miss the most about Wilson?

“Mr. Cahall’s goofy outfits” “The squad. Shoutout to Gena Basha Chris, Steve,Sophie” Will, Matt, and Richard Sheler “Teachers letting us turn in work [at] the end of the advisory” Marques Ross

“The trusty ‘ole Beacon” “Dress code tyranny” Nathan Davis Eileen Connor, Natasha Timmons, Emma Whitehead, Rosie Cohen, Maddy Taub “Each other and the experiences” D’Mani Harrison Porter, Harper Randolph

“Ms. Guo’s cherubic smile” “Baby J-Rad” Kenny Hahn, Amara Kutos Ulysses Campbell

“Ms. McGlennon” Drew Cave, Brian Angel

“Jack Price” “Everything” Emmie Woscoboinik, Alicia Oluhara, Farah El Misora Enslein, Sofie Heffernan Sobki “The ratchetness I guess” Henry Hoffman (left)