Then vs. Now

WJ alumni who returned as teachers share their experiences

Rachael Wolfson, Print Editor-in-chief • Mar 9, 2024

Laura Brager – Class of 2009

Courtesy WJ Yearbook

Then:

Fun facts: Brager played on the WJ field hockey team. She was also the coach of the team for eight years.
(Shae McCloskey)

Now:

"I really liked my experience at WJ and the connections I had with both the students and teachers, so when I was given the opportunity to come back and potentially contribute to other students' experiences, I simply couldn't turn it down," - Laura Brager, math teacher

Staci Gallun – Class of 2008

Courtesy WJ Yearbook

Then:

Fun Facts: Gallun was on the WJ tennis team. She taught at Richard Montgomery High School with math resource teacher John Chase before they both ended up at WJ.
(Elli Karistinou)

Now:

"When I was looking at different schools, I was like 'Where are there teachers that don't want to leave?' And there's a lot of teachers at [WJ] that worked here when I went here so that was a big drawback to here. Because if you don't want to leave, it must be a good environment to work in, so that was a big reason [why I came back to WJ]." - Math teacher Staci Gallun

Laura Drummey – Class of 2006

Courtesy WJ Yearbook

Then:

Fun facts: Drummey played on the WJ field hockey team alongside Brager.
(Rachael Wolfson )

Now:

"When I was a senior, I was on the SGA. I was the class treasurer. So my favorite memory was at graduation. We graduated at DAR Constitutional Hall and I did the turning of the tassels when
everyone throws their cap in the air." - Counselor Laura Drummey

Gabriela Trainor – Class of 2003

Courtesy WJ Yearbook

Then:

Fun Fact: Trainor was on the WJ cheerleading, cross country and track team. She recalled how track coach Tom Martin and former Athletic Director Tom Rogers would encourage her to do hurdles.
(Elizabeth Finn)

Now:

"We lost every football game sophomore year and junior year and we beat BCC ... I think we won 30-13. And you would have thought that we won the Super Bowl. The entire student body was on the football field and were just screaming. We owned Bethesda ... I will never forget that day. I don't think anyone slept at all. It was so much fun." - Yoga instructor Gabriela Trainor

Jeremy Butler – Class of 1999

Courtesy WJ Yearbook

Then:

Fun facts: Butler was on the WJ basketball, football and track team. He was also the Yearbook Sports Editor.
(Rachael Wolfson )

Now:

"Some of my best friends in life are some of my friends from high school so I feel fortunate about that. And I really enjoyed playing football and basketball here." - History teacher Jeremy Butler

Daniel Kemper – Class of 1996

Courtesy WJ Yearbook

Then:

Fun Facts: Kemper took photos for The Pitch
(Ada Hillman)

Now:

"When I went to WJ it was almost a third of the size. The graduating class had only 300 people and I knew everybody. It felt like there was a very close-knit community where everybody knew every- body and that was very nice." - Photo teacher Daniel Kempner

Wendy Borrelli – Class of 1994

Courtesy WJ Yearbook

Then:

Fun facts: Borrelli was a feature editor and the managing editor on The Pitch, the paper which she now advises.
(Rachael Wolfson )

Now:

"I flashback to my time as a student when I was able to do so many different things and be a part of so many different groups at WJ. Being able to spend time with cheerleading, Pitch, STAGE and soccer and having such a diverse group of people and activities is what stands out the most." - Pitch Adviser Wendy Borrelli

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About the Contributor

Rachael Wolfson, Print Editor-in-Chief

Rachael Wolfson is currently a senior and this is her third year on The Pitch. During her first two years, Rachael was a Print Opinion Editor and now she is a Print Editor-in-Chief. In addition to The Pitch, Rachael runs on the cross country and track team. She's also the Co-Founder and Co-President of The WJ Gilmore Girls Club. Her two older brothers (Thomas '20 and Alexander '22) also served as Print Editors-in-Chief when they were Wildcats/Madcows (take your pick). Rachael is looking forward to ending the Wolfson Dynasty (2017-2024) on a high note!!