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Lily Freeman

Lily Freeman, News writer

Grade 11

Why did you join the Black and White?

I love writing and learning about issues that affect the community.

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All content by Lily Freeman
It's important to embrace happiness, sadness and your love of the Jonas Brothers.

Apologies to the Jonas Brothers: It can’t be “Like It’s Christmas” every day

April 15, 2021
Advocates gather during the student-led Black Lives Matter demonstration in Bethesda on June 2. Since the protest, many students'

‘More than just an incident’: One year after initial racist graffiti, community continues to push against prejudice

April 1, 2021
The MCPS Board of Education finalized the 2021–22 school year calendar on Tuesday. Classes will begin after Labor Day for the second consecutive year.

Board approves 2021–22 calendar; school year to begin before Labor Day

March 27, 2021
Over six thousand students reported experiencing technical problems with Canvas this morning. As a result, many students were unable to access MyMCPS Classroom and complete tests and assignments.

Canvas connectivity issues disrupt morning classes, force teachers to postpone tests

March 25, 2021
Walter Johnson high school football players pose for a photo at the March 14 “Let Us Play” rally. About 100 MCPS student athletes, parents and coaches gathered to protest restrictions on sports, despite coronavirus outbreaks on Whitman teams.

Local families push for athletes to return to the field despite outbreaks, shutdowns on Whitman teams

March 18, 2021
The BOE's approval of an increased budget comes after multiple significant pandemic-induced budget adjustments for the next fiscal year.

Hogan proposes ‘surprise’ grant, quells fears of MCPS budget reductions

March 14, 2021
Retired State Department employee Patricia Tyson poses at her home in Lyttonsville, the Silver Spring neighborhood where she's lived for other 70 years. Lyttonsville is one of the few communities in the D.C. area to have never had racially restrictive deed covenants, which excluded minority groups from living in parts of Bethesda and other neighborhoods.

Decades later, institutional segregation lives on in Bethesda

February 25, 2021
Maryland Del. Brooke Lierman (left), who graduated from Whitman in 1997, is running to be the first woman in the state’s highest financial position. An education advocate, Orioles fan and former Black & White writer, Lierman said she hopes to bring “new energy” to the comptroller’s office.

Q&A with Maryland comptroller candidate Del. Brooke Lierman (‘97)

February 8, 2021
At one point, the line of students, starting from the small gym, reached all the way down the front side of the fence bordering the football field.

Second semester material distribution causes frustration, long lines and wait times

February 3, 2021
MCPS school buildings closed today due to inclement weather

MCPS school buildings closed today due to inclement weather

February 1, 2021
MCPS Superintendent Jack Smith is retiring this spring. His colleagues described the lifelong educator as

“Deeply committed” MCPS superintendent retires after 40 years in education

February 1, 2021
Connectivity issues around noon caused interruptions of the school day.

Afternoon classes delayed, cancelled due to regional connectivity issues

January 26, 2021
Whitman juniors will not be able to take the PSAT — which means a loss of the opportunity to receive a National Merit Scholarship.

Cancellation of January PSAT renders MCPS juniors unable to take exam

January 14, 2021

Discovering one second of joy every day in 2020

December 30, 2020
Superintendent Jack Smith has proposed a lowered MCPS school budget for the 2021–22 school year.

Proposed MCPS budget exhibits first contraction in over a decade

December 28, 2020
MCPS modifies grading guidelines for second marking period

MCPS modifies grading guidelines for second marking period

December 7, 2020
A tree crashed into utility poles across the street from junior Peter Silvia's home this morning, causing Silvia and many other students to lose power and miss class.

Power outages leave students in the dark; cause absences, connectivity issues

December 1, 2020
MCPS' new policy allows students struggling with mental health to transfer schools.

MCPS modifies transfer policy, allows students to relocate for mental health

October 28, 2020
Student leaders and panelists take viewers' questions about best practices in dealing with sexual misconduct.

Town hall brings to light MCPS’ sexual misconduct allegations

October 14, 2020
Bradley Hills Elementary School, where four staff members tested positive for COVID-19.

Four Bradley Hills Elementary School staff members contract COVID-19; building temporarily closes

October 8, 2020
MCPS enrollment declined by over 2000 students this year following a period of sustained growth.

MCPS enrollment down thousands from last year

September 29, 2020
The AEF sued MCPS on September 1, citing discriminatory admissions practices of middle school magnet programs.

Nonprofit sues MCPS over changes to middle school magnet program admissions

September 25, 2020
Assistant Principal Joseph Msefya joined Whitman's staff this year. Msefya formerly served as a staff development teacher at Newport Mill Middle School.

“Phenomenal” educator Joseph Msefya joins staff as new assistant principal

September 23, 2020
First virtual school week brings community resilience and optimism

First virtual school week brings community resilience and optimism

September 7, 2020
Photo taken of the recent racist graffiti before Principal Robert Dodd painted over it.

Two Whitman students and one alumnus arrested for recent racist graffiti

June 16, 2020
Students and staff protesting in front of Walt Whitman High School in response to racist graffiti on school grounds.

Recurrence of racist graffiti on school property marks second time in months

June 13, 2020
Assistant Principal Phillip Yarborough poses with sophomores Rafe Epstein (left) and Quentin Corpuel (right). Yarborough has served as Whitman's 9th grade administrator for the past two years. Photo courtesy Phillip Yarborough.

Assistant Principal Phillip Yarborough steps down; replaced by Gregory Miller

June 10, 2020
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