The student voice of West Potomac High School

The Wire
Photo from the brochure provided at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner showing the layout of the ballroom.
One West Po Student’s Experience at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner
The Virginia Supreme Court struck down the redistricting referendum Virginians voted for on April 21.
Virginia Redistricting Referendum Struck Down: West Po Students Conflicted
May 2, 2026; Louisville, KY, USA; Trainer Cherie DeVaux kisses the trophy after her horse Golden Tempo with Jose L. Ortiz won the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Mandatory Credit: Matt Stone/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Trainer Cherie DeVaux Wins the Kentucky Derby
Claudia Bunea, senior, at her local precinct voting in the Apr. 21st special election on Redistricting. Bunea believes the Redistricting was important to level the countries political playing field.
Special Election About More Than Redistricting
Students record the speakers at a Sep. 5th walkout against gun violence. Students who attended the walkout did not receive any disciplinary consequences despite the new FCPS walkout policy.
Is Walking Out Worth It? FCPS Changes its Walkout Policy
Students taking an AP exam.
AP History Exams Are Being Revised. What is Changing?
The number of Gemini and ChatGPT users has grown over the years, leaving educators and students to worry that generative AI will change the classroom.
Concerns About AI Access Puts Cheating Center Stage
SOL scores may be incorporated in students grades in the future.
SOLs Will Not Be Included in Grading Next Year
Students can be seen in classrooms and the halls using their cellphones, in violation of current FCPS policy. Faces blurred to protect student identities.
Phone Confiscations Drop as Enforcement Weakens
Students have taken to playing hackey sack at lunch, or after tests in the hallways.
Sacking or Slacking? Hacky Sack Resurrection Moves the Masses
Period products are stocked in front of the clinic and are available to all students.
Bathrooms Lack Menstrual Products
Ultra-local Java Loco is a great place to stop by for a matcha, but at $7.08, it’s a pricey option.
Call Your Mother Makes the Best Matcha
All International Night performers with Ms. Terry after the events concluded.
International Night Review
Cherry blossoms reach stage four, at the title basin in Washington DC.
Cherry Blossom Season Has Sprung
Official poster for International Night with information and dates.
International Night Preview
Movie Magic Workshop at its first interest meeting.
Movie Magic Workshop Q&A With Jovanny Felix Luna
This is Ms. Dalton's first year working at West Po. She works as a Dean of Students.
Teacher Feature: Scherrie Dalton
Student watching a soccer game before the World Cup
West Po Prepares For The World Cup
All of the One Love club coming together for a photo.
One Love Q&A With Ireland McGee
Calling all Juniors and Seniors to come and attend this year's Prom being held from 8pm-11pm at the Torpedo Factory Saturday May 16. Prom is West Po’s annual upperclassmen formal and was planned by the Class of 2027.
Mask Up For Prom 2026
The poster of the WP Wire Pi Day Contest, took place on March 14 and high 101-digit steak!
West Potomac Wire Pi Day Contest Wraps Up with Impressive 101-Digit Streak
Mr Landis, a world history/geography teacher who grew up in Pennsylvania.
Teacher Feature: Mr. Landis
Parent volunteers operate a concessions booth during most West Po Athletics home games.
Band Concessions Sell Out Quickly after Sudden Home Game Cancellation
One vote, One chance
Teacher Feature: Ms Lutzker
Teacher Feature: Ms Lutzker
CAT B students and their teacher Mr. McFarlane working together to help restore the pond and its surroundings.
West Po Community Transformed Forgotten Hole into Thriving Pond
Former West Po students Brad and Robert Dalton revisit the rock which they remember painting during their time at West Po.
West Po’s Spirit Rock a Beloved Tradition
Lydia Grace, junior, plays the guitar at this year’s Waynewoodstock, which also served as a post-storm distraction.
2nd Waynewoodstock Featured Local Musicians
A Tour Through the Lesser Known Museums of DC
A Tour Through the Lesser Known Museums of DC
Brief information on The Wire's Pi Day competition.
The Wire to Host Pi Day Competition Next Friday
Claudia Bunea, senior, at her local precinct voting in the Apr. 21st special election on Redistricting. Bunea believes the Redistricting was important to level the countries political playing field.
Special Election About More Than Redistricting
At the start of the 2025-2026 school year FCPS changed its policy surrounding walkouts and student demonstrations. This policy change limits student demonstrations to occur either before or after school, limiting the ability of students to express their views on various issues.
FCPS Fumbles Student Expression Rights
Abigail Spanberger previously served Virginians as a U.S. Representative for the 7th District of Virginia. Now, she has become the first female governor of Virginia.
Spanberger Expected to Spur Change
Protests throughout Minnesota demonstrate the strength of first amendment rights.
Minnesotans Keep Hope Alive
Former CNN anchor Don Lemon (L) appears in a hearing following his arrest for involvement in a protest at a church in Minnesota, in Los Angeles, California, U.S., January 30, 2026, in this courtroom sketch. REUTERS/Mona Edwards
Arrest of Journalists Uses One Right to Oppress the Another
Belen Estrada joined the staff of The WP Wire her senior year. She urges other seniors to dream, but not forget to live in the present.
Don’t Write Off Senior Year: Enjoy the Present
The ERA is an amendment calling for the equality of sex in the U.S. Constitution, graphic created using Canva.
Why We Need the Equal Rights Amendment
Alessandro Della Bella / ETH Zurich
Engineering an Equitable Feature
Photo Illustration: Nora Fitzpatrick
The Importance of Local Journalism in the Fight Against Disinformation
Phoebe Shultz, a staple of West Po journalism for 4 years, is headed to Clemson University in the fall.
Keep it Newsworthy, West Po
Claudia Bunea, senior, at her local precinct voting in the Apr. 21st special election on Redistricting. Bunea believes the Redistricting was important to level the countries political playing field.
Special Election About More Than Redistricting
At the start of the 2025-2026 school year FCPS changed its policy surrounding walkouts and student demonstrations. This policy change limits student demonstrations to occur either before or after school, limiting the ability of students to express their views on various issues.
FCPS Fumbles Student Expression Rights
During the 2025 Virginia Gubernatorial race abortion rights have been in the hot seat, with the rights of abortion for women throughout the South on the line.
Abortion Rights Throughout the South Take Center Stage in Governor’s Race
FCPS Affirms Protection of Transgender Students’ Rights
FCPS Affirms Protection of Transgender Students’ Rights
UVA has been under immense pressure to sign President Trump’s education compact.
University of Virginia Declines Trump’s Higher Education Compact: Other Schools Should Follow Suit
Cartoons of 2024-2025
Cartoons of 2024-2025
Student Cartoons of the Week: 5/29-6/4
Student Cartoons of the Week: 5/29-6/4
Olivia Rodrigo’s third album “You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love” is releasing on June 12, 12:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
Olivia Rodrigo Releases New Album
The poster for the movie Michael, a biopic about Michael Jackson.
Michael Review: Biopic or Blockbuster?
Actors left to right: Beeh Work-Dembowski, Vinn Vatalaro, Evelyn Tomblin
You’re Going to Have Fun “Into the Woods”
Students Across Schools exhibit their hard work in annual featured Art Show
Students Across Schools Exhibit Their Hard Work in Annual Pyramid Art Show
Beyond the Page Theatre Company's spring musical is "Into the Woods", which is opening on April 30.
Beyond the Page’s Into the Woods: A Magical Journey You Will Want to Take
Actors left to right: Beeh Work-Dembowski, Vinn Vatalaro, Evelyn Tomblin
You’re Going to Have Fun “Into the Woods”
Wuthering Heights has been adapted many times over the years. Most recently, a new movie depiction of the story released.
‘Wuthering Heights’ (2026) Plays up Romance; Ignores Class Themes
The 2026 Oscars occurred on Sunday, March 15, at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, LA.
Lights, Camera, Action: 2026 Oscars Recap
The Beyond the Page Theater Company just finished their spring musical.
Once on This Island Review
The cast of Twelfth Night the Musical bow after their opening night performance.
Review for Twelfth Night the Musical
Dire Wolves have been revived from their previous extinction.
Return of Dire Wolves
Taylor Swift and her carbon emissions from her private jet.
Taylor Swift’s Carbon Footprint: Something She Can Not Shake Off
The growth of AI chatbots like ChatGPT have raised many questions including how the growth of AI has affected the environment.
Hey ChatGPT, Write me an Article on Your Environmental Impact
Donald Trump and Kamala Harris enjoy some time outside while questions on their environmental views are still at large.
Our Presidential Candidates Views on the Environment: What the Frack do They Stand For?
Claudia Bunea and Lucy Wilson posing with some of their Back To School supplies
Back to School: The Hidden Costs of Overbuying on the Environment
Student watching a soccer game before the World Cup
West Po Prepares For The World Cup
The boys lacrosse team, pictured here after winning the State Championship in 2025, has benefit from leadership activities. As of now, they in the hunt for a repeat.
Boys Lacrosse Team Builds Character
West Po Boys Varsity Soccer Team Faces Justice Tonight at 7pm.
West Po Kicks Off Regional Tournament Against Justice in the First Round of Playoffs
West Po Rocket League team athletes Eamon Kretzer, James O'Neill and Alex Nestares pose for a shot with Xbox controllers.
No History, No Problem: West Potomac Rocket League Team Rolls Into States
West Potomac Boys Varsity Soccer team rallies together to face opponent West Springfield in tonight's matchup at 7:15pm.
High Stakes Match Up Between West Po and West Springfield Tonight
A algunas personas les gustan ese tipo de pantalones.
Spanish Corner: ¿Cuáles Pantalones Crees que son Mejores?
All International Night performers with Ms. Terry after the events concluded.
International Night Review
Bad Bunny performed during the Superbowl halftime show, standing on top of a car with people down below.
Bad Bunny Superbowl Halftime Show Review
Official poster for International Night with information and dates.
International Night Preview
West Po hosts its annual soul food luncheon to celebrate Black History Month. This event is organized by Mr. Cooper and consists of a variety of foods that are staples in black culture and the event also has facts about important black figures lined across the walls.
West Po Celebrates Black History Month With Soul Food
The student voice of West Potomac High School

The Wire
The student voice of West Potomac High School

The Wire
Annabelle Pianalto

Annabelle Pianalto, Reporter

Entering her first year of Journalism, freshman Annabelle Pianalto brings writing experience from two years of creative writing classes and one year of a media communications class. She is excited to write about sports games, reviews on school plays, and other school events. She joined this class to continue her interests in reading and writing. In her free time, she likes to listen to Harry Styles, play volleyball, shop, and drink iced chai.

All content by Annabelle Pianalto
These are examples of the NeeDohs some students play with in class.

NeeDohs Squeeze Into Classrooms

Annabelle Pianalto, Reporter — May 14, 2026

NeeDohs are quickly taking over West Po. A fun squishy toy that was created in 2018 has been spotted in students' hands and backpacks.  Stress toys have been proven to help with anxiety levels. NeeDohs are just one of the many out there, but one of...

Harry Styles Releases New Album, Kiss All The Time, Disco Occasionally, Breaking Streaming Records Worldwide.

Harry Styles Creates a New Sound

Annabelle Pianalto, Reporter — Mar 17, 2026

With a new single followed by a new album featuring 12 new songs, Harry Styles is officially back. "Kiss All The Time, Disco Occasionally" is the title of Styles’ new album, released to billions on March 6th. “American Girls”, “Ready, Steady Go!”...

A West Po student looking at available courses through the course catalog.

Wolverines Pick Classes

Samantha Apricena and Annabelle Pianalto — Feb 5, 2026

It's around that time of year where highschoolers are having to pick and choose the classes they would like to take next year. Rising 12th graders pick classes Jan. 20-Feb. 6, rising 11th graders pick classes Feb. 9-Feb. 20 and rising 10th graders pick...