Posts by James Dionne:
Perspectives on new D.C. gay marriage law
In a controversial decision, the D.C. council passed a new law allowing gay couples to apply for marriage licenses, effective March 3.
Model U.N. wins Outstanding Delegation prize
Seniors Jonah Nagrotsky, Vera Carothers, Bill Bode and Carolina Millan all took home awards for Top Delegate. Photo by Carolina Millan.
Model U.N. won Outstanding Delegation at the American University conference Jan. 28-31, their highest finish in the club’s history. The club, led by president Jonah Nagrotsky, received 12 individual awards, along with recognition as the second best delegation at the conference.
Nagrotsky attributed the successful performance to surprising contributions by underclassmen.
“This was supposed to be a transition year,” he said. “But eight out of the 12 people who won an award aren’t seniors.”
The club also features an experienced group of seniors to complement its younger members.One such senior is club secretary Bill Bode, who won best delegate in his committee. Bode noted that the club takes special gratification in performing well in local conferences.
“Doing well at local conferences is a source of pride in the club,” he said. “When schools come here from all over the country, it’s fun to prove to them how great of an organization we are.”
The club’s success at the conference is matched only by their second place finish at the Washington University conference last year. The club has performed increasingly well at each of their three conferences this year, and hopes to build on their success at the upcoming Miami conference, Nagrotsky said.
President Obama delivered a strong bipartisan message
On Jan. 27, President Obama stood before the country and delivered a strong, yet surprisingly bipartisan message to the public. The President’s first State of the Union address focused primarily on the economy, an issue as important to Republicans as it is to Democrats.
Purple Line project finally receives federal funding
The new Purple Line is shown on the metro map. Photo courtesy of smartergrowth.net.
The much-anticipated Metro Purple Line, which has been in the works for years, is finally getting a jumpstart with three million dollars in federal funding from a senate earmark.
Clubs embrace the season of giving
Wertheim edits pictures for A Model Of Charity. The club allows him to put his photography skills twoards helping others. Photo by James Dionne.
A child in D.C. opens up a brand new toy for Christmas. A homeless man keeps warm with a new winter coat. A family of five has enough food for the winter. All thanks to Whitman students.
New urinals spark debate
The administration is replacing the second and third floor urinals. Photo by Sarah Klotz.
There won’t be anymore standing around to see if the toilet will flush. The administration is replacing the 16-year-old second and third floor urinals, after years of faulty operation.
Lee named National Achievement semifinalist
Fourteen seniors in the county were named National Achievement semifinalists, including one Whitman student.