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The Student News Site of Thomas S. Wootton High School

Common Sense
The Student News Site of Thomas S. Wootton High School

Common Sense
The Student News Site of Thomas S. Wootton High School

Common Sense

Kian Kaz, staff writer

Kian Kaz is a 2025 graduate.

All content by Kian Kaz
Senior Justin Huang prepares to serve against his Northwest opponent. "I made sure to throw the ball higher and let it drop before I swung for my second serve," Huang said.

Boys’, girls’ tennis both victorious in season openers

Kian Kaz, staff writer
March 31, 2025
Senior Justin Huang plays with a battery, magnet and wire kit in his AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism lab period. "This class forces you to think more conceptually rather than algebraically. I had to break things down and see things in a more simple way," Huang said.

Seniors reflect on most impactful classes

Kian Kaz, staff writer
March 10, 2025
Senior Maddy Matthews plays defense against a Churchill player during senior night on Feb. 4. Senior night was memorable for Matthews "because it was fun to play [in]," she said.

Playoffs approach for varsity girls’ basketball; players remain optimistic despite challenges

Kian Kaz, staff writer
February 20, 2025
The Goon Squad poses for a team picture after defeating the Ohio Skibidis in a 22-21 thriller in their season opener. "We felt very confident as a team with a dominant win over the Skibidis," junior Shreyas Ganeshan said.

City of Rockville Recreational Basketball League returns

Kian Kaz, staff writer
January 16, 2025
Senior Xinsu Lu runs the 55-meter event on Jan. 27 at the Last Chance Meet last season. "In my previous seasons, I ran the 55 m, 300 m, 500 m, and 4x200 m relay," Lu said.

Indoor track team abundant with experience

Kian Kaz, staff writer
December 11, 2024
Senior Rendon Yerman (left) runs in the 3A state championship on Nov. 9. "It’s very important to be mentally tough for these long distances," he said.

Cross country starts season slow; makes historic comeback to win state championship

Kian Kaz, staff writer
November 23, 2024
Jayden Daniels searches for passing options in his first NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Raymond James Stadium. Despite losing, he would lead the Commanders to a four-game winning streak following this game.

My Apology to Jayden Daniels

Kian Kaz, staff writer
October 27, 2024
Assistant School Administrator Gillian Ratti views the Oct. 2 wellness presentation on her computer in her office. She said that students would benefit from changes to the current wellness lesson structure. “I would like to see community circles and opportunities for students to bring concerns or questions forward. I would like to see student voice. I would like to see something that is more like a class meeting and a student voice rather than instruction," Ratti said.

Students reflect on mandatory Wednesday wellness lessons

Kian Kaz, staff writer
October 9, 2024
Senior Tobias Subiela works on his college applications during lunch. He said that any free time should be used to his benefit. “During advisories and lunches I take those times as opportunities to finish supplemental essays, " Subiela said.

A guide to college applications: seniors reflect on process

Kian Kaz, staff writer
September 12, 2024
Junior Jack Sullivan is marked by a Rockville player in their matchup on Dec. 15. He attributes his success on the court to his dedication to his workouts.

Going to the gym; same building, different goals

Kian Kaz, staff writer
May 27, 2024
Junior Max Greenberg plays 2v2 basketball with his three brothers in O'ahu, Hawaii.

Sibling age gaps: Same generation, different experiences

Kian Kaz, staff writer
May 4, 2024
Former Commanders quarterback and second overall pick Robert Griffin III stiff-arms a Cowboys safety on Dec. 30, 2012.

Commanders hold second pick in draft; will it be a bust or new hope for fans?

Kian Kaz, staff writer
April 20, 2024
Senior Lucas Sossa is at bat against Poolesville. "Our coaches encourage us to make mistakes because it means we are stepping outside of our comfort zone," Sossa said.

Baseball season begins, players reflect on team experiences

Kian Kaz, staff writer
March 26, 2024
The Ohio Skibidis play the Panthers at Rockville High School on Jan. 6 while fans hold a flag of the team mascot. Although sophomore Jonas Klein was on the bench he would later be subbed in as a small forward. “I play small forward because I am smaller and more lean than the other guys on the team, so I played that position," Klein said.

Recreational basketball opens opportunities for student-athletes

Kian Kaz, staff writer
March 5, 2024
Sophomore Nathan Downie rounds the curve in the 1600-meter event on Jan. 27 at the Virginia Beach meet.

As indoor track comes to close, athletes prepare for spring track

Kian Kaz, staff writer
February 15, 2024
Junior Daniel Yaya represents Colombia's national soccer team as a child.

Copa America 2024 to be hosted in USA

Kian Kaz, staff writer
January 10, 2024
Senior Sreeanish Yarra attempts the high jump at MCPS Meet #3.

Winter track hurdles into season

Kian Kaz, staff writer
December 15, 2023
Senior Jake Kelley attributes his touchdown catch to the pound of grass-fed beef he ate for breakfast.

Breakfast – the most important meal of the day

Kian Kaz, staff writer
November 20, 2023
Sophomore Shayna Kreiser lines up a shot on Whitman's goal.

Handball claims victory at county championship

Kian Kaz, staff writer
October 29, 2023
Sophomore Blake Graham and friends meet NBA player Udonis Haslem in Capital One Arena (Washington D.C.)

Battle of the fans: Students debate Washington, D.C. vs Baltimore sports teams

Kian Kaz, staff writer
October 6, 2023
Inter Miami fans, junior Tobias Subiela and friend, wash hands and search fridge at half-time of an Inter Miami game.

Messi: Coming to America

Kian Kaz, staff writer
September 20, 2023
Graduates Josh Mirsky and Max Mirsky celebrate their graduation outside of DAR.

Graduation celebrates class of 2023

Kian Kaz, staff writer
June 6, 2023
Shazam and Freddy Freeman, played by Zachary Levi and Jack Dylan Grazer, adventure together.

Warner Bros releases sequel, ‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods’

Kian Kaz, staff writer
April 27, 2023
Sophomore Alex Balian dribbles a defender in a game against Rockville last year.

What school sport is the hardest to play?

Kian Kaz, staff writer
March 23, 2023
Senior Matthew Serrano scores against 3A Damascus during the past soccer season.

School sports move to 3A division for 2023-2024

Kian Kaz, staff writer
February 27, 2023
Club President Brandon Sun writes a rough draft of his letter to Congress.

Speak your voice and join the Letters to Congress Club

Kian Kaz, staff writer
November 3, 2022
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