Reporting and writing
News
As the Class of 2024 said goodbye to WIS after two years of rigorous IB study, I wanted to honor their journey. With 63 graduates, each one has left a unique mark. To capture their reflections and post-graduation plans, I created a survey and analyzed the responses, representing 65% of the senior class. This data provides a meaningful glimpse into their future paths, celebrating their resilience and achievements.
When I heard about junior Dexter Illing’s work with “Who We Play For” to promote heart screenings at WIS, I knew it was a story worth sharing. Illing, inspired by a project on AEDs, connected with the organization to bring heart screenings to campus, supported by a NASCAR grant. His efforts demonstrate how one person’s initiative can make a tangible difference in the health and safety of students, especially in preventing unexpected cardiac events.
Sports
The Boys Varsity Tennis team secured the PVAC Tournament title, tying for first place with St. Anselm's Abbey School. Under the guidance of Coach Guy Neal, players like Sam Huffard and Simeon Bayer excelled, reaching the state tournament. Neal’s vision emphasizes camaraderie and dedication, aiming to make tennis a lasting tradition at WIS. This piece captures the team’s accomplishments and the collaborative spirit Neal instills.
Following a season of rebuilding, the Boys Varsity Volleyball team, now led by Coach Sarah Williams, focuses on development and teamwork. After a roster turnover with seniors graduating, Williams took on the coaching role, prioritizing encouragement and skill-building. This article explores the journey of a young team determined to grow, capturing their first win and setting a strong foundation for the future.
Investigative Journalism
After a tragic car crash on Connecticut Avenue due to a fentanyl overdose, I reported on the scene to highlight the opioid crisis plaguing the nation. The accident occurred near Cleveland Park Library, tragically ending in a fatality. This incident underscored the growing risks of fentanyl use, particularly after WIS hosted a fentanyl awareness assembly. I felt compelled to bring attention to this critical issue, which continues to impact society profoundly.
Features
Francesca Cho, a junior, took her talent to Carnegie Hall after years of dedication to the piano. Inspired by her Moscow Conservatory-trained mentors, Cho’s journey from early piano lessons to performing on one of the world’s most prestigious stages showcases her dedication. Her performance was a culmination of hard work and preparation, reflecting her passion for music and aspirations to continue pursuing musicology and teaching in the future.
Eighth-grader Zaid Zamani has taken the youth tennis world by storm, holding the top rank in D.C. and competing on a national level. Inspired by his father’s passion for tennis, Zamani’s training and dedication have led him to prestigious tournaments like the Eddie Herr International Junior Championship. His ultimate goal is to compete professionally, and he remains determined to continue building his skills and improving his game.
Under the guidance of Coach Jon Tang, the Girls Varsity Volleyball team achieved a stellar season, embodying the spirit of teamwork. With seniors like Elektra Gea-Sereti leading the way, the team concluded with a 13-3 record and a place in the DCSAA quarterfinals. This piece reflects the team’s growth, perseverance, and close-knit bond, which Tang’s philosophy of resilience has helped strengthen.
Senior Jake Drimmer’s journey to playing baseball at Oberlin College is a story of dedication and family legacy. With a lineage of baseball players, Drimmer’s path wasn’t always smooth. Injuries and the lack of a school team didn’t deter him; his determination led to a successful recruitment journey. Through sheer resilience, he will carry his family’s baseball tradition forward as Oberlin’s newest recruit, ready to make an impact on the field.
Coach Andrew Sopher’s unique approach has revitalized the Boys Varsity Soccer team. As a math teacher, he brings a tactical mindset, implementing a 3-5-2 formation and data-driven strategies. This structure helped lead the team to an undefeated season. His commitment to strength training and analytical review sessions underscores his dedication to elevating the team’s competitive edge, fostering discipline and camaraderie on and off the field.
Coach Sean Whalen’s diverse experience in the U.S. and internationally has transformed WIS’s basketball program. With a philosophy that values each player’s role, Whalen has fostered teamwork and resilience, helping students grow both on and off the court. This article highlights his background and the positive influence he brings to the team, creating a sense of camaraderie and dedication.
Freshman Ethan Talapatra’s journey to the DC United Pre-Professional Academy is a testament to his ambition. Playing as a goalkeeper, Talapatra faces the pressures of competing in a high-stakes environment. Balancing academics with rigorous training, he aspires to go pro one day. This experience has taught him resilience, discipline, and the importance of hard work, demonstrating the sacrifices required to pursue a professional sports career.
Senior Xavier Tanyi’s journey from local soccer fields to committing to Harvard’s team exemplifies dedication and talent. With support from his family and a rigorous training regimen, Tanyi developed into a formidable player. His journey, grounded in hard work and determination, is a testament to the possibilities that arise from passion and persistence, inspiring younger athletes to chase their dreams.