• 2022-2023 CSPA Crown Award Finalist
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

Matthew Xu, staff writer

Senior Matthew Xu is a staff writer in his second year on the Common Sense staff. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer, lacrosse, and spending quality time with his friends. You can find him on Instagram @matth3wxu.
All content by Matthew Xu
Westfield Montgomery Mall saw large crowds on Black Friday. "The malls were packed out and there were often lines going out of the stores when I went," senior Ashi Stanislaus said.

Click vs cart: Cyber Monday or Black Friday

Matthew Xu, staff writer
December 19, 2024
Senior captain defender Madeline Zincke plays a long ball to her attackers in a 3-1 win against Blake on Oct. 7.

Varsity girls’ soccer ends strong season as regional champions

Matthew Xu, staff writer
November 20, 2024
Senior Defenseman, and three-season athlete Matthew Deleon picks up a groundball in a game against Damascus on Apr. 9 of last season.

The ups and downs of being a three-season athlete

Matthew Xu, staff writer
October 29, 2024
The varsity girls' flag football team lines up for pictures alongside five other teams at the opening ceremony of the inaugural games on Sept. 5. The team defeated Clarksburg 14-13 that night.

Girls’ flag football’s scores touchdown in MOCO

Matthew Xu, staff writer
October 7, 2024
Senior Max Greenberg works on his college common application essay to get ahead of the crowd.

College applications: Hurdle for many, opportunity for all

Matthew Xu, staff writer
September 14, 2024
Junior Goalie Connor Jackson, named second team all-division, makes a save against Richard Montgomery on Apr. 27.

All-division, all-county athletes shine in respective sports

Matthew Xu, staff writer
May 24, 2024
Boys' varsity lacrosse celebrates in front of the scoreboard after their 11-10 win against Rockville.

Boys’ JV lacrosse comes to close; varsity near playoffs

Matthew Xu, staff writer
May 15, 2024
Junior Marissa Cook gets past her defender in a 16-0 win against Kennedy at home on Apr. 2.

Girls’ lacrosse stays strong at halfway through season

Matthew Xu, staff writer
April 23, 2024
Junior Rendon Yerman runs at the Seneca Valley Regional Championships in the 2023 season.

Track & Field strides into season with high hopes

Matthew Xu, staff writer
April 3, 2024
Junior Will Balian, a doubles player, hits a forehand against Walter Johnson on Mar. 29 of the 2023 season, the game ended in a 7-0 win.

Tennis builds on prominent history to form bright future

Matthew Xu, staff writer
March 5, 2024
AP Calculus teacher Madison Swan teaches the "Lunar New Year" themed Wellness Wednesday to her extended fourth period on Feb. 14. This lesson was all about the Chinese Lunar New Year as well as school announcements.

Are Wellness Wednesdays helpful?

Matthew Xu, staff writer
February 23, 2024
Science teacher Ellen Polster prepares work and lesson plans for her students during her free period on Nov. 20.

Physics teacher Ellen Polster juggles different aspects of teaching

Matthew Xu, staff writer
November 22, 2023
The Rotary Interact Club hosts a park cleanup on Apr. 21.

Rotary interact club strives to help community

Matthew Xu, staff writer
October 26, 2023
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