The Student News Site of Walt Whitman High School

The Black and White
The Student News Site of Walt Whitman High School

The Black and White
The Student News Site of Walt Whitman High School

The Black and White
News
The research finds that average admission rates at bachelor’s degree-granting colleges and universities now exceed levels from 20 years ago.
College acceptance rates rebound after downturn in recent years
By Noah Bloom • March 21, 2025
Starting Jan. 1, 2026, MoCo businesses will no longer be allowed to provide customers plastic bags at checkout, except for certain items like fresh meat, prescription drugs and dry cleaning.
Montgomery County bans plastic bags at retail stores, doubles paper bag tax
March 11, 2025
In addition to Herbert’s retirement, Assistant Coach Kenneth Heckert will also be stepping down. The two teachers have a unique relationship compared to other teacher duos at Whitman, having grown up together in Philadelphia. Heckert and Herbert have been long-time friends and continue their relationship with neighboring houses and classrooms.
Varsity girls’ soccer coach Gregory Herbert retires after 20 years
March 6, 2025
Trending Stories
Tyler Okonma, more commonly known as “Tyler, the Creator” released his most recent album, “CHROMAKOPIA,” Oct. 28. The album is a major breakthrough for both the artist and the industry as a whole.

Every song on Tyler, the Creator’s "CHROMAKOPIA," explained

The report card measures high schools in five key performance areas: school quality and student success, academic achievement, graduation rate, progress in achieving English language proficiency and readiness for post-secondary success.

MCPS approves 2025-2026 school year calendar

“Short n’ Sweet” is a great addition to the pop star’s discography and regardless of some weaker songs, was exactly what she needed to take the next step into pop stardom.

Every song on Sabrina Carpenter’s “Short n’ Sweet” ranked

The challenge lies in finding a balance between reaping the benefits of these platforms and avoiding excessive use that may lead to addictive behaviors.

Unmasking the allure: The instant gratification trap of social media

The UFC is a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) promotion that hosts multiple fighting events year-round, such as their UFC Fight Night cards and their UFC pay-per-view (PPV) cards, garnering millions of views and thousands of PPV buys.

The rising popularity of UFC with Gen Z

Sports
After an offseason with record-high contracts and trades, teams across the league are hoping to compete into the playoffs this year.
B&W’s 2025 MLB season predictions
April 4, 2025
Girls lacrosse outduels B-CC 8-7 in ultimate Battle of Bethesda
Girls lacrosse outduels B-CC 8-7 in ultimate Battle of Bethesda
April 3, 2025
Before the 2024 season, the College Football Playoff Committee expanded the playoff system and several teams changed conferences.
One year later: College Football’s 12-team successful playoff had a major flaw
March 25, 2025
Heroines of Maryland: Katie Ledecky
Heroines of Maryland: Katie Ledecky
March 24, 2025
After an offseason with record-high contracts and trades, teams across the league are hoping to compete into the playoffs this year.
B&W’s 2025 MLB season predictions
By Leo Pelmoter • April 4, 2025
After receiving my permit, it took me four months to work up the courage to drive. When my friends discussed how eager they were to get their licenses, I could never relate because of how badly I wanted to procrastinate driving in the first place. 
Driving anxiety made me a better driver
April 4, 2025
The Division of Pupil Personnel and Attendance Services (DPPAS) reviews all COSA requests, processing between 3,000 to 4,000 annually.
MCPS updates Change of School Assignment process
April 3, 2025
The Phoenix Recovery Academy is a private school with a $13,000 yearly tuition. It has three locations: Cloverleaf, Avery Road and Plum Orchard. All the branches share three pillars of overall success: attitude, attendance and achievement.
How MCPS pioneered alternative schooling
April 2, 2025
Feature
With an increased trend for social activism, the number of nonprofits has grown at a steady rate of 1.4% annually over the past twenty years. However, numerous obstacles stand in the way of true success for these high school students, from employment to tax-exempt status.
Youth creating change: how nonprofits clash with performativity
By Katja Treadwell • April 1, 2025

In June 2023, senior Suzy Samayoa co-founded a nonprofit dedicated to environmental education and conservation efforts. While the organization began strongly after Samayoa...

First ladies have accomplished numerous achievements throughout history. Through their work, they have facilitated change and helped improve the lives of Americans, altering the previous stereotyped perceptions of first ladies’ capabilities.
Five most influential first ladies
March 28, 2025
The liberal bookstore became a place for open expression and free discussion, promoting conversations about sensitive topics such as politics, constitutionalism and religion.
Chinese bookstore begins new chapter in D.C.
March 25, 2025
Heroines of Maryland: Katie Ledecky
Heroines of Maryland: Katie Ledecky
March 24, 2025
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Mini Crossword – 3/3
Opinion
The semester grading system allows Whitman students to allocate focused time to their work and concentrate on different subjects at varying times. Critics should not see the semester grading system as promoting laziness. Instead, they should acknowledge its value in letting students divide their time and encouraging better mental health. 
Why Whitman’s semester grading system is here to stay
By Allegra Bai • March 26, 2025
Before the 2024 season, the College Football Playoff Committee expanded the playoff system and several teams changed conferences.
One year later: College Football’s 12-team successful playoff had a major flaw
March 25, 2025
The term “tradwife,” short for traditional wife, refers to women who embrace conventional gender roles, often prioritizing homemaking and family care over professional pursuits.
Tradwife influencers: A cult of domesticity
March 23, 2025
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The Black & White reviews the Starbucks Fall menu
November 14, 2024