The 1992 critically acclaimed film, A Few Good Men, is often noted for its ensemble cast of Tom Cruise, Demi Moore, Jack Nicholson, and many other big Hollywood names, but a man who grew up in Montgomery County, Wolfgang Bodison,  plays a key role in the movie.

The plot follows the court-martial of two U.S. Marines, one played by MoCo’s Wolfgang Bodison, charged with the murder of a fellow Marine and the tribulations of their lawyers as they prepare a case. Bodison, who played the role of Lance Corporal Harold “Hal” Dawson, delivered a powerful performance in what was his first acting role.


By Sarah Elbeshbishi

Most students throw their hall passes away when they’re done with them. But Watkins Mill High School students may soon be trying to sell theirs. WMHS English and journalism teacher Sara Goodman Confino’s second book, She’s Up to No Good, isn’t even out yet, but it’s already a bestseller because of Amazon’s First Reads program. Just four days into the pre-release, Confino’s novel was the #5 book in the entire US Kindle store and was the number one bestseller in three categories, including humorous fiction.


Whether it was a simple shopping trip to the grocery store or a day at the nail salon, she enjoyed spending time with her older sister, mom, and grandmother. She could often be found watching television with her grandfather or spending time with her uncle, with whom she shared a birthday. Due to her armed forces duties, her aunt would come to visit for short intervals at a time, but when she did, Darlie would light up with happiness and spend as much time with her as she could.

Her energy and beautiful smile could bring instant joy to anyone, no matter their situation. She had recently finished 3rd grade and was looking forward to starting summer school before going to the 4th grade in the fall. Her loss was a massive shock to our family. We continue to grieve our loss. We are asking for donations to help cover the cost of Darlie’s funeral as we are still trying to get back on our feet financially due to the pandemic. Any amount you can donate will genuinely be helpful and much appreciated. Any extra funds leftover will be donated to the Animal Humane Society as Darlie was a massive lover of animals.


Winston Churchill High School principal, John Taylor, sent a letter to the Churchill community on Tuesday informing them of the tragic passing of an 11th grade student at the school. The full letter can be seen below:

It is true that the death of anyone close to us, especially a young person, can be emotionally challenging. Our deepest sympathies and thoughts are with the student’s family and friends during this difficult time. You may be concerned about the reaction of your child to this news of the loss of a classmate. Many students will wish to talk with their parents, so I have linked (see below) some general information that may guide you in those conversations.


Class of 1955 students created a plaque commemorating their time at George Washington Carver High School & Junior College. They held a dedication ceremony on June 16, which can be seen below.

The first high school for black children originally opened in 1927 as Rockville Colored High School with 40 students. Built partly with money from the Julius Rosenwald Fund, the two-classroom building stood next to the two-room Rockville Colored Elementary School. Both were wooden buildings that shared one bathroom. The county did not initially provide transportation so parents and the black community pooled resources to buy a used bus.


Churchill High School’s Eliot Dubick was named the 2022 All-Met Boys’ Lacrosse Player of the Year by the Washington Post. Dubick helped lead Churchill to the MoCo’s first State Championship in lacrosse (boys or girls) in county history.

The University of Maryland signee powered the Potomac public school to Montgomery County’s first state championship — for boys or girls — in one of the all-time best seasons for a player from the state. In Churchill’s 15-7 win over Broadneck for the 4A title, Dubick had four goals and six assists to tie the Maryland record for points in a championship game. In a semifinal the previous week, he scored or assisted on all of Churchill’s goals in its 10-8 win against Sherwood. Dubick finished with 73 goals and 94 assists, breaking Maryland’s single-season points record by 20.


Sherwood High School Junior Amari Allen was named the 2022 All-Met Baseball Player of the Year by the Washington Post after helping lead the Warriors to the team’s second straight 4A Maryland State Championship. He went undefeated as a pitcher (9-0 with 81 strikeouts and an ERA of just .56).

A dynamic pitcher with a 90-plus-mph fastball and a powerful hitter who tied the state record for home runs in a season (13), Allen was a force in earning Sherwood its second straight Maryland 4A title. The Class 4A co-player of the year batted .516 for the season and had back-to-back multi-hit games in a semifinal and final at the state tournament. On the mound, Allen went 9-0 with 81 strikeouts and a 0.56 ERA.


Helen Sarikulaya of Wootton High School has been named All-Met Girls’ Tennis Player of the Year by the Washington Post. Helen went undefeated this year and won the 4A Maryland Singles Title.

With graceful confidence, Sarikulaya both motivated her squad and went undefeated to win the Maryland Class 4A singles title. By winning medals and helping train her teammates, she demonstrated a natural leadership that was key to her team’s success.


Per MCPS: Vaccination for COVID-19 is strongly recommended for student-athletes, but is no longer required. This change to the vaccination requirement applies to summer conditioning and the upcoming fall season.

The change is due to community transmission levels, vaccination rates and analysis of activities (mostly outdoors). Vaccination requirements are subject to change, pending the latest guidance from the Student-Athlete Medical Advisory Committee for MCPS Athletics, in collaboration with DHHS.


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