The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
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The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
Ryan Martinez plays new songs on the guitar. Martinez shared his music at a party in May for family and friends. (Courtesy Ryan Martinez)
Harmony in every language; Ryan Martinez incorporates a unique musical approach to language classes
Orit Vainstein, Feature Editor • May 27, 2025
Junior Alina Bonior attempts to tag Churchill freshman Netah Shekel as she slides towards home plate. The Wildcats couldn’t generate any offense against the Bulldogs, contributing to their 7-0 loss in their only playoff game of the season. (Seyun Park)
Softball Shutout: Bulldogs blank Wildcats in region semis
Jeremy Silberglied, Print Sports Editor • May 24, 2025
Chase Rieder instructs players during a junior varsity (JV) boys’ basketball game which he coached for five years. Rieder has also worked with the Washington Wizards and coached Northwest to their first regional championship. (Courtesy Lifetouch Studios)
Rieder named boys’ basketball coach
Emily Proger and William Murphy • May 24, 2025
People pose with syringe with needle in front of displayed Novavax logo in this illustration taken, December 11, 2021. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration
Five years after Covid, still feeling the effects
Bea Roberts, Copy Editor • May 23, 2025
Decorative Background
Senior Reflections
2025 Pitch Senior Send Off
News
(Seyun Park)
MCPS to release Woodward boundary study options
Gavin Tribble, Print News Editor
MCPS updates PMD policy for next school year
MCPS updates PMD policy for next school year
Kareena Panicker, Print News Editor
Brandy Melville: Doors open close to home
Brandy Melville: Doors open close to home
Maayan Keren, Print Feature Editor
A demonstrator holds placards as students from Washington, DC universities protest U.S. President Donald Trump's dismantling of and funding cuts to the Department of Education, in Washington, U.S. April 4, 2025. REUTERS/Allison Bailey
Department of Education cuts prompt concern
Kareena Panicker and Mia Halper
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2025 Senior Issue
Latest in Print
WJ Sports
Junior Ian Perry stands ready to receive a pass from his teammate. (Courtesy Spencer Robinosn)
Junior captain Shoshana Berger poses after she dismounts. saluting the judges. (Courtesy Shoshana Berger)
Junior Marie Boy and Sophomore Zoe Rojas after their game. The pair beat Churchill 3-2 in a tiebreaking set.
Boys' tennis celebrates senior night
Athlete Profile
Senior Noah Butterfly swims butterfly in a WJ Swim Meet. Although fly is his best stroke, Potter also medaled as an anchor of the 200 freestyle relay at the state championship, with a final leg of 45.1. Potter's time was enough to help break a school record, which people have come to expect from Potter.(Courtesy Marcus Chen)
Senior swimmer etches himself into history books
William Murphy, Print Sports Editor • Mar 7, 2025
Senior Kendall Alexander goes up for a contested layup against the Quince Orchard Cougars. Alexander led the team in points last season and helped the Wildcats make it to the second round of the playoffs.
Alexander soars to next level with NC Central commitment
Isabel Chomas, Staff Writer • Dec 13, 2024
Junior Wilson Faucette cycles in a race as a part of the USA Cyclocross series. Faucette has had an impressive season and will be competing in nationals in December. (Courtesy Wilson Faucette)
Pedal to the medal: Faucette, Gentry cycle around Bethesda
William Murphy, Print Sports Editor • Nov 15, 2024
Photos
A student discusses alcoholism, which included a game of beer pong. "My favorite game this year was beer pong," health teacher Candis Fratkin said. "It was a new and creative one."
Senior captain Mallory Booth hugs coach Lauren Zucconi, thanking her for the season. "Lauren really listens to our input as seniors which is good to have in a coach," Booth said. "She wants us to have the best season for our senior year and really made senior night special."
Videos
BSU hosts annual block party
Meher Parsinni, Josh Hananel and Xavier Alexander-Pounds
Behind the scenes of male poms
Joshua Singer and Mateus Bouquet
Protestors rally at NIH against DOGE cuts
Josh Hananel and Jay Resnik
Spring Sports Preview: Boys’ Lacrosse
Feature
WJ top vacation spots
Macie Redmond, Special to the Pitch
Junior Zach Chaouchi participates in the USC "Speak Your Mind" Ice Bucket Challenge. The challenge aims to raise awareness for mental health. (Courtesy Zach Chaouchi)
Ice bucket challenge makes a comeback, raises awareness for mental health
Jonathan Bahat, Print Opinion Editor
While there are students who, as soon as they turn the required age, begin the process of getting a credit card, other students don't feel the need to. Getting their license is not every student's priority. (Designed with Canva)
No rush to drive: Students pump the brakes on getting their licenses
Jonathan Bahat, Print Opinion Editor
EF Educational Tours is an organization that manages school trips. They will be providing the resources to make WJ's Rwandan excursion possible (Courtesy Neil Palmer.)
Students to expand their cultural knowledge with a trip to Rwanda in 2026
Madeleine Simmons, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Editor
Arts & Entertainment
Fashion club president and founder, senior Marissa Campos models her designed garments. "We were just getting it all together, trying to get that real vibe of a fashion show, kind of like a school version of the Met Gala," Campos said. (Courtesy Nila Amin)
Fashion club struts in style
Henry Haskell, Online A&E Editor
Tilden Woods Pool is a hot spot for WJ lifeguards, whether it's for relaxing by the pool or being on watch, patrolling the pool.
Wildcats on watch: WJ students spend their summers as lifeguards
Karla Fabregat, Social Media Manager
Junior Cyrus Froozan practices guitar with his local church band. Froozan plays in his free time and during church gatherings. Oftentimes, the church sees audiences of up to 200 people.
Music and medals: Cyrus Froozan shoots for the stars
Ben Goodstein, Business Manager
Senior Valeria Lopes Lamia completes one of her projects to submit to the AP College Board. She worked hard on the little details to make the craftsmanship worthy of being submitted for the exam.
Students sculpt their way to completed portfolios
Olivia Stokes, Print A&E Editor
Opinion
Harvard University has faced numerous attacks from the Trump administration in recent months. (Courtesy Wikimedia Commons)
Trump attacks higher education, puts WJ students’ futures on defense
Ben Goodstein, Business Manager
(Courtesy Associated Press)
Lack of Literacy: AP World should cover more WW2 content
Michal Shmaya, Print A&E Editor
AP Stat and Algebra 2 teacher Laura Brager helps students complete their math assignments during lunch. Willingness to support students is a trait that good teachers have.
How teachers can make or break your experience
Becca Dodek, Print Feature Editor
The pressure for a perfect summer
The pressure for a perfect summer
Leila Singer, Print Opinon Editor
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