The School Newspaper of Winston Churchill High School.

The Observer
The School Newspaper of Winston Churchill High School.

The Observer
The School Newspaper of Winston Churchill High School.

The Observer
News
On Sep. 24, WCHS AP Spanish students settle into the classroom to get ready for their lesson. More Spanish and other language classes will be available at WCHS, as part of one of its proposed themes for the 2027-2028 school year.
BOE has innovative plan to specialize MCPS high schools
By Ava Van Vuren, News Editor • October 7, 2025
The Hubert H. Humphrey Building, headquarters of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in Washington, D.C., issued a federal directive in August 2025 requiring states, including Maryland, to remove references to “gender ideology” from federally funded sex education materials.
The cost of gender: HHS threatens public school funding
By Aryana Ali, Assistant News Editor • October 7, 2025
In order to stay organized and succeed with the stricter grading policies, WCHS senior Leah Sonnabend checks her grades regularly to ensure she is on top of assignments and knows how she is doing in each of her classes.
New grading policies change the game for MCPS
By Lily Chadwick, Editor-in-Chief • October 7, 2025
Recently the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) has been facing controversy after the president published an executive order of March 27. Executive Order 14253 focuses on the Smithsonian Institution's language and content on American history.
White House executive order stirs up problems for the Smithsonian Institution
By Ava Van Vuren, News Editor • June 3, 2025
Observations
Features
As Halloween is getting closer, stores have their Halloween decorations and candies on full display.
The Observer’s favorite Halloween candy
By Cailey Harrington, Features Editor & Photo Manager • October 7, 2025
Micheal Short is one of the new nurses at WCHS. After retiring from the navy as a clincal nurse specialist for 20 years, he decided to work as a school nurse to serve the community.
Here to help: say hello to our brand-new WCHS nurses
By Kennedi Vincent, Assistant Arts Editor & Promotions Manager • October 7, 2025
The National High School Ethics Bowl is nation-wide with high schools competing regionally in preparation for the finals hosted at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Two years ago, WCHS Ethics Bowl team competed regionally at University of Maryland's Baltimore campus.
WCHS Ethics Bowl team put morals in motion
By Dehab Deglel, Features Editor & Photo Manager • October 7, 2025
On Sept. 17, Kellie Spivak sits in her bright and beach themed office. WCHS opened its doors to the new counselors, Kellie Spivak and Taylor Reese.
Two new counselors pave their way at WCHS
By Ava Van Vuren, News Editor • October 7, 2025
No-bake desserts and minimal ingredient recipes spike in popularity when summer hits.
Sweeten your summer with these 5 no-bake recipes
By Anne Ma, Managing Online Editor • May 22, 2025
  • WCHS
    16
    Bethesda-Chevy Chase
    0
    Sep 5 / Football
  • WCHS
    1
    Richard Montgomery
    0
    Sep 5 / Girls Varsity Volleyball
  • WCHS
    0
    Leonardtown
    5
    May 24 / Softball
  • WCHS
    9
    Roosevelt
    5
    May 20 / Softball
  • WCHS
    5
    Blair
    0
    May 19 / Softball
  • WCHS
    12
    BCC
    2
    May 15 / Softball
  • WCHS
    7
    Walter Johnson
    0
    May 12 / Softball
  • WCHS
    0
    Quince Orchard
    4
    May 8 / Baseball
  • WCHS
    12
    Gaithersburg
    0
    May 8 / Softball
  • WCHS
    7
    Northwest
    4
    May 5 / Softball
  • WCHS
    14
    Einstein
    0
    May 1 / Softball
  • WCHS
    12
    Poolesville
    10
    Apr 9 / Boys Lacrosse
  • WCHS
    17
    Poolesville
    12
    Apr 9 / Girls Lacrosse
  • WCHS
    6
    Whitman
    1
    Apr 9 / Boys Varsity Tennis
Meet the Staff
Zafina Matin
Zafina Matin
Opinions Editor & Internal Communications Manager
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Staff Editorials
Observer Opinion: All for showboating?
Observer Opinion: All for showboating?
By Anne Ma, Online Managing Editor • October 7, 2025
Paws for Thoughts: social (media) polarizes
Paws for Thoughts: social (media) polarizes
By Maximus Wang, Editor-in-Chief • October 7, 2025
Arts
Superman stands in his lair before his dog (Krypto), after returning from an intense battle against a powerful foe.
DCU’s “Superman” is new kryptonite for Marvel
By Malaki Kagwa, Assistant Online Editor & Internal Communications Manager • October 8, 2025
Sabrina Carpenter released her seventh studio album on August 29. This album has received both praise and controversy.
Sabrina Carpenter’s new album is catchy and controversial
By Cailey Harrington, Features Editor & Photo Manager • October 8, 2025
The members of KATSEYE showcase their signature denim pieces from GAP, embodying their commitment to their message of authenticity and celebrating their cultural identities.
KATSEYE’s advertisement brings everybody to the yard
By Zafina Matin, Opinions Editor • October 8, 2025
On September 26th, Zara Larsson released her new album, 'Midnight Sun'. The album consists of upbeat feel-good tracks, with a few that could resonate with the audience. Her incredible vocal range and catchy lyrics make the album enjoyable by many audiences.
Zara Larsson shines bright with new album “Midnight Sun”
By Kennedi Vincent, Assistant Arts Editor • October 2, 2025
Last year, WCHS Junior Heidi Gohari performed a solo at Carnegie Hall with the Strathmore Youth Chorus. The holiday concert titled "A World of Celebration" featured holiday music from various global traditions, including carols, folk songs, and traditional pieces from countries like Thailand, Korea, and Sweden.
Sports
WCHS senior Santiago Gutierrez handed off the baton to WCHS freshman Patricio Pardo at the 52nd annual Woodward Relays at Georgetown Prep in September.
Passing the torch: the next generation of cross country
By Issac Ban and Ryan Shenker • October 8, 2025
The Varsity Girls Soccer team lines up to honor the Class of 2025 during their senior night on October 18, 2024. The team holds cardboard cutouts of the senior class and wears handcrafted senior shirts.
Jesse Smith is the magic behind thriving WCHS athletics
By Sydney Stern, Copy Editor & Social Media Manager • October 8, 2025
On September 12, the Varisty sports team captains surrounded a new addition to WCHS' trophies, the Legacy Cup. Based on all the Varsity scores across all three seasons last year, WCHS was declared the winner.
WCHS wins Legacy Cup in its first year in existence
By Ava Van Vuren, News Editor • September 29, 2025
Jana Abanulo is a freshman at WCHS, and has been running track for three seasons. In this picture, she runs a race and is pictured in the far right, in the blue uniform.
WCHS track team runs a unique fundraiser
By Kennedi Vincent, Assistant Arts Editor and Promotions Manager • May 12, 2025
WCHS Senior Laila Foose kicks the soccer ball in from the corner of the field. She is a captain on the WCHS Girls' Soccer team.
Opinions
Students have hired college counselors to help them navigate the tricky college admissions process, but this practice creates inequity in admissions process.
College admissions: just a money and numbers game?
By Dehab Deglel, Features Editor & Photo Manager • October 7, 2025
The WCHS Media Center is home to hundreds of books, many waiting to be read by students.
Books are being overtaken by the booming digital age
By Felix Bernstein, Assistant Online Editor & Promotions Manager • October 7, 2025
A WCHS freshman uses a MacBook Pro before class, finishing his work that could not be completed on a chromebook before the bell rings. The new policy would require him to put the device away when class starts.
Taking it personal: why school Chromebooks?
By Ryan Shenker, Sports Editor • October 7, 2025
Observer Opinion: All for showboating?
Observer Opinion: All for showboating?
By Anne Ma, Online Managing Editor • October 7, 2025
Sudhir Bottu holds up his "Teacher of the Month" certificate. For about three years, Bottu has been teaching autistic students at WCHS.
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The School Newspaper of Winston Churchill High School.