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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
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Billie Eilish attends the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party on Mar. 10 in Beverly Hills. Eilish won the Oscar for Best Original Song for "What Was I Made For?" from "Barbie." "I’m so thankful for this song and for this movie, and the way that it made me feel," Eilish said in her acceptance speech.

[Photo] 96th Oscars were more than ‘Kenough’

Pragna Pothakamuri, staff writer
March 23, 2024
Kyle Walker is shown a red card during a 2-1 Champions League defeat to RB Leipzig on Dec. 7, 2021. Walker has played as a right-back for Manchester City since his signing in 2017 from Tottenham Hotspur.

[Photo] Manchester City trial set to take place

Cameron Cowen, staff writer
March 6, 2024
Superbowl 58 had an estimated 350.5 million bets placed in sportsbooks, 228.2 million of which were placed illegally. The American Gaming Association (AGA) represents the legal market and advocates for legalizing sports betting. "We will continue to advocate for policies that promote a safe and accessible marketplace," the AGA advocacy page states.

[Photo] Sports betting: dandy or dangerous?

Liam Christensen, staff writer
March 5, 2024
Protesters of Tyre Nichols' unlawful murder stand in front of Ohio Statehouse 8 with a chilling reminder of previous unjust police brutality.

[Photo] Reviving the humanity of hashtags: The death of Tyre Nichols and the overexposure to body cam videos

Margarita Williams, staff writer
February 27, 2023
Spanish actor Antonio Banderas is the voice of Puss in the new Dreamworks film "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish."

[Photo] Puss in Boots returns for another adventure

Leah Pratt, staff writer
February 25, 2023
Dunkin' Donuts Drive-Thru in the state of Connecticut represents a similar model to one coming to Travillah shopping center soon.

[Photo] New Dunkin’ Donuts opening locally

Brendan Glaser, staff writer
February 24, 2023
Rescuers work to save trapped worshipers and recover dead victims inside the mosque after the bomb caused a whole wall to collapse. Citizens observe the damage from behind police tape.

[Photo] The World Is Ending: No space for anti-Muslim hate

Catie Russ, profiles editor
February 23, 2023
California citizens pay respects to victims of the Monterey Park shooting.

[Photo] Gun violence in California leads to increasing concern for students on opposite side of country

Maria Sofronas, features editor
February 23, 2023
Civil Rights Movement co-founder David Abernathy marches with Martin Luther King Jr. from Selma to Montgomery in 1965.

[Photo] Florida Governor Ron DeSantis bans AP African American Studies class

claire lenkin, arts editor
February 14, 2023
Nintendo Switch was one of the most popular devices to play the Smash tournament on.

[Photo] Nintendo smashes down worldwide Super Smash Bros tournament before their grand finale

Angelina Helfman, staff writer
January 24, 2023
Activists assemble in front of the White House to protest discrimination against LGBTQ students based on gender identity.

[Photo] Then and now: Queer upperclassmen share experiences of acceptance, bigotry at school

Isaac Muffett, opinion editor
January 23, 2023
The death of Mahsa Amini has caused women in Iran to protest against the government, chanting "Woman. Life. Freedom."

[Photo] Death of Mahsa Amini changed future of women in Iran

Niki Naderi, staff writer
January 17, 2023
Simone Biles warms up for her floor routine when competing for Team USA.

[Photo] Simone Biles withdraws from Tokyo Olympics, raises questions about athlete mental health resources

Naeha Muralikrishnan, staff writer
January 11, 2023
Governor elect Wes Moore and Lieutenant Governor elect Aruna Miller speak with voters in Montgomery County on Oct. 23.

[Photo] Governor elect Wes Moore plans comprehensive changes to Maryland’s education system

Elizabeth Mehler, senior commons editor
December 18, 2022
Former President Donald Trump announces he will be running for president in 2024 in an hour long speech at his club in Mar-a-lago, FL, on Nov. 15.

[Photo] Trump 2024 campaign speech: lies get wilder and wilder

Rae Weinstein, EIC
December 17, 2022
A protester fights for more gun law reform at a protest in New York during 2020.

[Photo] When Will It End?

Claire Lenkin, arts editor
December 16, 2022
According to the CDC, one in 10 teens in high school drinks and drives.

[Photo] Drunk driving among students becoming more prevalent as time passes since 2015 crash

Isaac Muffett, opinion editor
December 14, 2022
Thousands of public school teachers are fighting for fair pay and higher stipends all around America and here in Montgomery County.

[Photo] Low stipends leave teachers questioning their value in MCPS

Julia Lvovsky, EIC
December 6, 2022
Wes Moore discusses his proposals for Maryland, including marijuana legislation, while campaigning to become governor.

[Photo] Marylanders vote for legalization of marijuana

Emma Karcz, staff writer
December 6, 2022
Chris Meledandri, founder of Universal Pictures’ Illumination animation division, and Shigeru Miyamoto, creator of Mario, prepare to launch the new Mario movie, Super Mario Bros. Movie. With lessons learned from previous films in the Mario franchise, this one is going on a path separate from the games on the big screen.

[Photo] Mario Movie: Miyamoto making masterpiece

Ben Shoykhet, staff writer
November 21, 2022
With Thanksgiving coming up on Nov. 24, students are looking to get involved in the community.

[Photo] Students learn how to give back this Thanksgiving season

Ryan McGraw, senior sports editor
November 20, 2022
The 1975 announced their lead single "Part of the band" via Instagram post on June 28.

[Photo] British band The 1975 releases new album

Heerah Jayakumar, staff writer
November 10, 2022
Katie Ledecky wears her gold medal after the 2016 Rio Olympics.

[Photo] Maryland star Katie Ledecky dominates Olympics

AJ Shiflett, staff writer
November 10, 2022
DAR Constitution Hall is where the school's graduation was held before the Covid-19 pandemic and for the Class of 2022.

[Photo] Seniors wonder where this year’s graduation will be

Evan Lewis, staff writer
October 31, 2022
Three-time NBA All-Star Jayson Tatum dribbles the ball downcourt for the Boston Celtics.

[Photo] NBA offseason consists of chaos

Brendan Glaser, staff writer
October 27, 2022
A national chess championship is coming to Maryland in December, the ultimate scholastic opportunity to compete and excite. With seven rounds and hundreds of players joined, now is the time to pick up the chess pieces again, and play your own 'Queen's Gambit'.

[Photo] Chess scholastic nationals coming to Maryland: Now is the best time to learn

Ben Shoykhet, staff writer
October 21, 2022
Thomas S. Wootton, the founder of Montgomery County, was a slave owner who's name is still engraved at the front of the school building.

[Photo] Six MCPS schools under consideration for renaming due to racist namesakes

Elizabeth Mehler, commons editor
September 28, 2022
House of the Dragon is HBO's latest hit show. The Game of Thrones spinoff features Rhaenyra Targaryen, pictured, and new characters that fans of the show will enjoy.

[Photo] HBO’s House of the Dragon breaks records, lives up to hype

Evan Lewis, staff writer
September 28, 2022
A School Resource Officer bonds with students at his assigned elementary school.

[Photo] Implementation of police in schools not a good idea

Daniel Sofer, managing editor
May 25, 2022
WNBA All Star Brittney Griner was supposed to play winter basketball for UMMC Yekaterinburg in Russia before being detained at a Russian Airport.

[Photo] Star WNBA player Brittney Griner detained in Russia

Darren Shapiro, staff writer
May 24, 2022
Elon Musk on the Royal Society admissions day in London, July 2018.

[Photo] BIllionaire Elon Musk is on the verge of acquiring Twitter

Jake Hoffman, managing editor
May 24, 2022
The world fawned over the Ghost of Kyiv, when it should have focused on the unstoppable determination of the real heroes in this war. Ukraine's fighting spirit needs no introduction, by a made-up character.

[Photo] Ukraine’s fighting spirit needs no myth to represent it

Ben Shoykhet, staff writer
May 24, 2022
The January 6 committee's investigation has continued, with public, primetime hearings to come in June.

[Photo] The January 6th Committee: What has been discovered and what is to come

Ethan Lenkin, EIC
May 19, 2022
A Baltimore Jewish Council meeting from Nov. 2, 2012, in Annapolis. This meeting addressed concerns of the Jewish community in the region.

[Photo] Race for governor of Maryland commences

Shravan Kannepalli, staff writer
May 10, 2022
College application resources meant to assist in the process.

[Photo] Seniors give advice on challenging college application process

Joyce Yang, staff writer
May 8, 2022
The story of the Showtime Lakers was released on HBO Max on Mar. 22.

[Photo] The story of the greatest dynasty in sports: the Showtime Lakers

Justin Miller, staff writer
May 8, 2022
Despite averaging just over 30 points, eight rebounds, and six assists per game this season, NBA star LeBron James and his Los Angeles Lakers failed to reach the playoffs in an underwhelming season. James, age 37, would have finished second in points per game this season if he had not been injured for a large portion of the time.

[Photo] NBA play-in tournament ends with Lakers out; Nets struggling

Brendan Glaser, staff writer
May 7, 2022
Oil is an important resource from Russia. Russia's conflict with Ukraine has caused sanctions and price increases on oil, impacting the United States' gas prices and stock market.

[Photo] Russia invades Ukraine, impacts U.S. economy

Josh Erd, staff writer
May 6, 2022
Theranos Chairman, CEO and Founder Elizabeth Holmes and TechCrunch writer and moderator Jonathan Shieber speak onstage at TechCrunch Disrupt at Pier 48 on Sept. 8, 2014

[Photo] The Poisoned Apple: Elizabeth Holmes goes from being billionaire to criminal

Emma Song, managing editor
May 4, 2022
Rapper Kanye West performs live in concert.

[Photo] Kanye banned from Grammys after internet scandal

Anna Darby, staff writer emeritus
May 4, 2022
An example of defensive architecture, a bridge underpass is lined with raised bricks in order to deter homeless people from sleeping there.

[Photo] Instead of solving America’s homelessness problem, hostile architecture is being used to deter the homeless

Mathis Chavez, staff writer emeritus
May 3, 2022
Spring and summer break are times of frequent travel. Covid-19 precautions must be taken into account to prevent further outbreaks, like the BA.2 Omicron sub-variant.

[Photo] Spring break travels induce BA.2 Omicron; students take precautions to prevent spread

Maya Seiler, senior commons editor
May 4, 2022
U.S. men's National Team star Christian Pulisic was in action on the pitch during a match against the Trinidad and Tobago men's National Team. Pulisic looks to help guide the U.S. to success on soccer's biggest stage during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

[Photo] U.S. men’s national soccer team looks to make noise, shock world in 2022 FIFA World Cup

Carter Jones, managing editor
May 1, 2022
Actor Will Smith hits comedian and Oscars host Chris Rock after he made a joke comparing Jada Pinkett Smith to GI Jane. "Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family," Smith said later in apparent justification of his actions.

[Photo] Students react to so-called “slap heard around the world”

Maria Sofronas, staff writer
April 29, 2022
Since the release of Sour, Rodrigo has won three Grammys and is touring the album on the Sour Tour.

[Photo] Olivia Rodrigo opens up to world in highly anticipated film

Josie Rosenstein, managing editor
April 28, 2022
Hell's Kitchen restaurant in Las Vegas

[Photo] Gordon Ramsey brings heat to D.C. with announcement of Hell’s Kitchen restaurant

Shreyas Jindal, staff writer
March 29, 2022
After the pandemic prevented Wootton's previous two graduating classes from holding their graduation ceremony at DAR Constitution Hall, the Class of 2022 will have the opportunity to do so with a few caveats.

[Photo] Graduation back at DAR Constitution Hall with mask requirement

Joaquin Moreno, staff writer
March 29, 2022
Planta Restaurant's interior reflects the plant-based menu.

[Photo] Lettuce Celebrate: Plant-based restaurant Planta opens in Bethesda

Jelissa Ngako, staff writer
March 27, 2022
The Amazon Prime original series "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" is premiered worldwide for its fourth season this spring.

[Photo] Amazon Prime original The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Delivers its fourth season

Maya Seiler, senior commons editor
March 24, 2022
The United States Women's National Team poses after their win against New Zealand in 2017.

[Photo] U.S. women’s soccer gets equal pay

Sarah Nanos, features editor
March 23, 2022
The Superbowl halftime performers celebrate after the end of the show.

[Photo] Super Bowl halftime show does not disappoint

Alec Fleischer, reviews editor
March 22, 2022
The cast of the new show "Bel-Air."

[Photo] The fresh prince makes dramatic return

Jake Hoffman, features editor
March 21, 2022
The exterior of the Singer Laren museum, where an early Vincent van Gogh painting was stolen and not yet found.

[Photo] Poisoned Apple: Present day art thieves steal art along with public attention

Emma Song, arts editor
February 25, 2022
Police cars arrive at Magruder after the shooting.

[Photo] Shooting at Magruder alarms students

Darren Shapiro, staff writer
February 22, 2022
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin speaks at a World Economic Forum convention in February 2021.

[Photo] Governor of Virginia, Republican Glenn Youngkin, bans teaching of Critical Race Theory in schools

Ellie Reiter, race and equity editor
February 22, 2022
Kobe Bryant was a leader, an inspiration and an icon.

[Photo] Two years later, how has Kobe Bryant’s death impacted basketball and the world?

Simon Kidane, managing editor
February 22, 2022
One way to socialize safely is to hang out in a park.

[Photo] How to socialize during COVID-19

Ethan Berman, staff writer
February 21, 2022
Despite not being a cast member, Charli' D'amelio's relationship with Chase Hudson is covered throughly in the Hype House Netflix series.

[Photo] Hype House reality TV show hits Netflix

Josie Rosenstein, managing editor
February 20, 2022
Coachella has also enlisted new contemporary artists to create fixtures to display on the campgrounds. The festival has been widely praised for its opportunities for unknown artists.

[Photo] Coachella 2022: Don’t be sad about this lineup

Claire Lenkin, staff writer
February 19, 2022
Celebrations of the Lunar New Year unfold in New York City's Chinatown. The Lunar New Year was celebrated on Feb. 1 this year. For senior Sasha Annabel, celebrations including having "a big dinner with the entire family, and we go back to Indonesia or some of them come here."

[Photo] Students usher in Year of Tiger on Lunar New Year

Hannah Rah, managing editor
February 18, 2022
Actress Betty White attends the 41st Emmy Awards in 1989.

[Photo] Betty White leaves behind legacy of 99 years as actress trailblazer

Maya Seiler, senior commons editor
January 23, 2022
Maryland gubernatorial candidate Wes Moore sits on a panel at the 2020 Social Innovation Summit.

[Photo] Maryland‌ ‌gubernatorial‌ ‌race‌ ‌fields‌ ‌13‌ ‌candidates‌

Mason Berk, news editor
January 19, 2022
Fans dress up as Boba Fett and other Star Wars characters at a local fair.

[Photo] Star‌ ‌Wars‌ ‌bounty‌ ‌hunter‌ ‌Boba‌ ‌Fett‌ ‌gets‌ ‌his‌ ‌own‌ ‌show‌ ‌

Jake Hoffman, features editor
January 19, 2022
The cast on the set of the Harry Potter Reunion.

[Photo] Harry Potter is back for highly-anticipated reunion

Ethan Berman, staff writer
January 18, 2022
The Weeknd performs his album Starboy live at a festival.

[Photo] Dawn FM by The Weeknd Debuts at Number 1

Shreyas Jindal, staff writer
January 14, 2022
The reddish color of a Blood Moon is caused by the reflection of sunlight that has first passed through the Earth's atmosphere.

[Photo] November’s lunar eclipse makes history: longest in 580 years

Simon Kidane, managing editor
December 26, 2021
A student prepares for their driver's test by practicing parking skills.

[Photo] Maryland drivers test is not reliable way to test new drivers

Alec Fleischer, reviews editor
December 25, 2021
For some, the holiday season brings feelings of isolation and depression.

[Photo] Rates of depression, feelings of anger higher in winter holiday season

Sean Snyder, staff writer
December 25, 2021
Whether you celebrate Christmas or the Honda Days sales event, the holidays are the best moments to spend time with cherished loved ones.

[Photo] Is holiday cheer here too soon?

Joaquin Moreno, staff writer
December 24, 2021
Sugar cookies fresh out of the oven are delightful.

[Photo] Best holiday treats to make over your break

Ryan McGraw, profiles editor
December 20, 2021
The greatest Christmas movie of all time is 'It's A Wonderful Life' from 1946.

[Photo] Christmas Movies to watch during winter break

Jake Hoffman, features editor
December 19, 2021
Stylists on Gossip Girl created new trends and experimented when coming up with the characters' outfits.

[Photo] Trendsetter vs follower: comparing the old and new ‘Gossip Girl’

Claire Lenkin, staff writer
December 15, 2021
The USA Badminton organization is leading badminton's rise in popularity in the U.S..

[Photo] Badminton begins jump in U.S. popularity

Shravan Kannepalli, staff writer
November 12, 2021
NFL coaches wearing masks full-time was a rule in place last year, but has been removed this year.

[Photo] COVID-19 protocols for NFL change from 2020 to 2021

Simon Kidane, managing editor
November 3, 2021
Venom hits the big screen for the second time in the sequel 'Venom: Let There Be Carnage.'

[Photo] ‘Venom 2: Let There Be Carnage’ generates mixed reactions from fans

Ryan McGraw, profiles editor
October 23, 2021
A viewer watches season two of Apple TV's hit show Ted Lasso.

[Photo] Ted Lasso coming back after a successful second season

Peter Stanton-Shepherd, staff writer
October 21, 2021
The Black Widow cast, including Kevin Feige, Scarlett Johansson, David Harbour, Florence Pugh, O.T. Fagbenle, Cate Shortland and Rachel Weisz, announce their film at the 2019 San Diego Comic-Con.

[Photo] Decade long wait ends; Marvel Studios’ Black Widow released

Maya Seiler, senior commons editor
September 23, 2021
A wanted poster from 1947 shows an image of Elizabeth Short and asks for information on her disappearance.

[Photo] Poisoned Apple: The Gripping story of the Black Dahlia

Emma Song, arts editor
September 23, 2021
CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky stated recently that those who have been fully vaccinated can return to regular activities after two weeks of their final dose.

[Photo] COVID-19 vaccinations continue in US; Brazil, India still struggling

Elliot Wang, news editor
June 2, 2021
The Mortal Combat movie was released on Apr. 23.

[Photo] New Mortal Kombat movie fails to live up to hype

Justin Miller, staff writer
June 1, 2021
Students often complete schoolwork sitting on the floor.

[Photo] Pre-covid activities that were unsanitary in retrospect

Sammantha Lim, opinion editor
May 30, 2021
U.S. News & World Report ranks Wootton the fourth best public high school in Maryland.

[Photo] Wootton ranks 4th in Maryland, no surprise to students

Jake Dolan, managing editor
May 28, 2021
Jockey Gary Stevens celebrates after winning the Preakness.

[Photo] Local horse race, The Preakness, continues to decline in viewership 

Mason Berk, staff writer
May 28, 2021
Students may benefit from the MCPS Virtual Academy by having more time to take care of siblings.

[Photo] Alternative, fully virtual education option available next school year

Daniel Sofer, staff writer
May 24, 2021
Summer camps are in full effect this year so get out on that lake and enjoy the season.

[Photo] Summer Camps have returned: Are you going this year?

Jake Hoffman, staff writer
May 24, 2021
Mother's day was last Sunday on May 9.

[Photo] Although Mother’s Day passed, it’s never too late to show moms some love with this gift and activity guide

Danielle Land, staff writer
May 11, 2021
Octavia Spencer stars in new movie ThunderForce.

[Photo] New movie ThunderForce comes to Netflix this month

Danielle Land, staff writer
May 6, 2021
Brood X, a periodical cicada, comes out from underground every 17 years and can be seen in the billions.

[Photo] Ex out Brood X

Dylan Cohen, staff writer
May 6, 2021
Soon community pools will open and students will be working at them over the summer.

[Photo] Students make side hustle from variety of summer jobs

Ryan McGraw, staff writer
May 3, 2021
Football fans in Europe protested wildly against the Super League and the agenda of the club owners.

[Photo] European Super League sparks controversy across Europe

Simon Kidane, managing editor
May 3, 2021
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[Photo] Seaspiracy documentary: thought provoking, misleading

Emma Song, staff writer
May 3, 2021
NFL and MLB play-by-play announcer Joe Buck will be a guest host of Jeopardy this summer.

[Photo] Jeopardy guest hosts to include Joe Buck

Ethan Stoller, staff writer
May 2, 2021
Director Zack Snyder left the project due to a personal tragedy prior to the film's theatrical release.

[Photo] Zack Snyder’s Justice League: A flawed but satisfying improvement

Elliot Wang, news editor
April 30, 2021
Taylor Swift is trying to stop people from buying the original Fearless album produced with Big Machine Records.

[Photo] Taylor Swift is fearless

Rae Weinstein, staff writer
April 28, 2021
The NFL draft begins at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Apr. 29 in Cleveland, Ohio.

[Photo] With NFL Draft fast approaching, here’s everything you need to know

Jake Hoffman, staff writer
April 26, 2021
The March Madness tournament revealed unfair differences in treatment of male and female athletes.

[Photo] Sports world erupts at NCAA following March Madness tournaments

Brett Halpern, staff writer
April 26, 2021
An AP Biology book like the one that would be used to study for the AP exam awaits reading.

[Photo] Rundown of this year’s virtual and in-person AP exams

Daniel Sofer, staff writer
April 26, 2021
The Masters concluded on Apr. 11 on Augusta National Golf Course in Augusta, GA.

[Photo] Masters brings unexpected views, shocks fans

Mason Berk, staff writer
April 24, 2021
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