The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
Vice President of South Asian Student Union (SASU) Jecintha Perianayagam serves samosas. "I think it's just important to emphasize our culture, our food, and to be able to share with our peers," Perianayagam said.
Diwali celebration attracts students of all backgrounds
Sources of Strength holds their Peer Mentor Leadership Training in the student commons during periods one through four. "Some benefits were being able to learn more about suicide prevention and how to include yourself more in Sources of Strength and using the skills we learn here in the real world," club leadership officer, junior Avery Bennett said.
Sources of Strength Club strengthens mental health throughout WJ
Members of the Youth for Harris Fellowship attend a Zoom call with Senator Chris Van Hollen (top left). Past guest speakers include Kaya Jones, National Director of Youth Engagement for the Harris campaign.
Youth political organizing blooms approaching election
This New Smyrna Beach rental home, occupied by ASL teacher Kiara Campbell's friend, experienced flooding that overflowed the lake. "Usually her husband and kids can go on the outside of this [fence] and fish in that in that little pond and it almost hit where her pergola is," Campbell said. (Courtesy Kiara Campbell)
WJ community experiences far-reaching impacts of Florida storms
The club Sources of Strength passes out pins and pamphlets reading 'Because you matter' as a slogan to promote positive mentalities and well-being.
Photo Gallery: Mental Health Awareness Week
Junior Sarp Ustundag and seniors Nolan Ross and Taylor White use a net and move rocks to collect macroinvertibrates from Cabin John Creek.
APES students investigate Cabin John Creek
Students in Adam Zeitlin's seventh-period AP Literature and Composition class analyze Act 3 of "King Lear," the second full length text they will read this semester. Students are encouraged to work together on their notes and discuss with those around them. “I think lit is taught better although I don’t like it as much. My teacher, Mr. Zeitlin is very very good at reading and he really engages you when he reads the novels in class and the explanations that he gives are very detailed and help you understand the text better," senior Mia Milicevic said.
The two Ls: comparing AP Lit, AP Lang
Vice President of South Asian Student Union (SASU) Jecintha Perianayagam serves samosas. "I think it's just important to emphasize our culture, our food, and to be able to share with our peers," Perianayagam said.
Diwali celebration attracts students of all backgrounds
Everybody celebrates Halloween differently, and WJ students are no exception. From movies to Markoff's, students make Halloween their own. (Courtesy AglampetGruodje via Wikimedia Commons)
Halloween traditions through the years
An online resource on the MCPS website shows the four core steps for completing the SSL requirements. Groups of students have still struggled despite such resources. (Courtesy MCPS).
Students express concerns about SSL requirements
Sources of Strength holds their Peer Mentor Leadership Training in the student commons during periods one through four. "Some benefits were being able to learn more about suicide prevention and how to include yourself more in Sources of Strength and using the skills we learn here in the real world," club leadership officer, junior Avery Bennett said.
Sources of Strength Club strengthens mental health throughout WJ
The Common Application is an undergraduate college admission application website that applicants can use to apply to over 1,000 colleges. This simplifies the college application process simpler for applicants and makes it easier and faster to apply (Courtesy Common Application).
Common App vs. non Common App schools
Cooper Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez (left) play Erik and Lyle Menendez (right) in "Monsters." Both images feature the brothers at trial, following their murder of their parents after enduring year of trauma and abuse at the hands of their father. (Courtesy Netflix used via fair use)
The controversy behind the hit Netflix show ‘Monsters’
English teacher Alexia Remy reads Shakespeare’s "King Lear". Her job as a teacher has made her appreciate Shakespeare’s work more. “My favorite Shakespeare plays to teach have been 'King Lear', 'Romeo and Juliet', and 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream',” Remy said.
WJ students share their love for reading
Chappell Roan performing at the Hollywood Palladium in November 2022. This was before her breakthrough album "The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess". (Courtesy Justin Higuchi via Wikimedia Commons)
Midwest princess faces controversy
The VMA's is an annual Video Music Award ceremony hosted in the month of September. The award show was available for fans around the world to tune in and watch their favorite artists get the chance to receive many outstanding awards. (Wikimedia Commons)
Performance ranking of the VMA’s
Bradley plays at the Global Strings Program at Berklee College of Music. She learned about several different styles of music and got a chance to perform them live, last summer. (Courtesy Alice Bradley)
Hard work, passion talent compose student musician
Sophomores, sisters and Hadestown cast and crew members Kelsee (left) and Kylee (right) Solt-Linville never get bored of one another and can be found socializing together throughout the school.
Acting in harmony: Balancing the demands of school and theater
Point/Counterpoint: Is America overrated or overhated?
Point/Counterpoint: Is America overrated or overhated?
Junior year workload outweighs senior year college process
Junior year workload outweighs senior year college process
Senior Hildi Altman and Stella Lichter dress up for Halloween in a Little Red Riding Hood costume and a cheetah costume. (Courtesy Stella Lichter)
Halloween 2024 showcases new and improved costumes
Lunch time should not be taken away from students
Lunch time should not be taken away from students
Is trick or treating underrated?
Is trick or treating underrated?
A student's collection of college pamphlets and magazines from universities across the country. Every year, students receive pamphlets from universities that are recruiting them.
The downsides of looking at colleges too early
Volleyball spikes past Vikes, advances to first regional final in 12 years
Volleyball spikes past Vikes, advances to first regional final in 12 years
Sophomore Emilia Zhang effortlessly spikes the ball onto the opponent's side of the net. The Cats approached the MCPS County Championship with an 84.62% win percentage. (Courtesy Tyler Shores viaLifetouch)
Girls’ volleyball falls to RM in County Championship
Junior Tauren Sirleaf celebrates with his teammates after scoring a touchdown. Although the Wildcats were able to get on the board, it wasn't enough as the Warriors trampled the Cats 47-19. "We didn't come out with the right attitude the whole game, " senior Lloyd Erim said. "Obviously Sherwood is a good team but we believe we're also a good team."
Photo gallery: Football senior night
Senior Megan Raue powers through the course with a strong, fast, consistent pace. Raue completed her race in 1st place out of 338.
Cross country takes on North Carolina
The WJ pickleball team poses after receiving the county title trophy. The team tied with Damascus for first place after winning their Division II matches.
Pickleball clinches county title in style
Senior captain Jackie Fuller controls the ball inside the opposing team's defensive half. The Cats rely heavily on their defense to help keep the game close week after week.
Field hockey upsets RM in playoff match
Homecoming hallways walkthrough
Homecoming hallways walkthrough
What conspiracy theories do you believe in?
What conspiracy theories do you believe in?
Are you smarter than a 5th grader?
Are you smarter than a 5th grader?
As the students work on their final projects, they are also enjoying the experience. “This class is really fun and I hope my pot turns out good,” freshman Giovana Ruiz said.
Photo Gallery: Art Classes
Volleyball spikes past Vikes, advances to first regional final in 12 years
Volleyball spikes past Vikes, advances to first regional final in 12 years
Vice President of South Asian Student Union (SASU) Jecintha Perianayagam serves samosas. "I think it's just important to emphasize our culture, our food, and to be able to share with our peers," Perianayagam said.
Diwali celebration attracts students of all backgrounds
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
Point/Counterpoint: Is America overrated or overhated?
Point/Counterpoint: Is America overrated or overhated?
November 2, 2024
Vice President of South Asian Student Union (SASU) Jecintha Perianayagam serves samosas. "I think it's just important to emphasize our culture, our food, and to be able to share with our peers," Perianayagam said.
Diwali celebration attracts students of all backgrounds
November 1, 2024
Junior Tauren Sirleaf celebrates with his teammates after scoring a touchdown. Although the Wildcats were able to get on the board, it wasn't enough as the Warriors trampled the Cats 47-19. "We didn't come out with the right attitude the whole game, " senior Lloyd Erim said. "Obviously Sherwood is a good team but we believe we're also a good team."
Photo gallery: Football senior night
October 30, 2024
The WJ pickleball team poses after receiving the county title trophy. The team tied with Damascus for first place after winning their Division II matches.
Pickleball clinches county title in style
October 30, 2024
The club Sources of Strength passes out pins and pamphlets reading 'Because you matter' as a slogan to promote positive mentalities and well-being.
Photo Gallery: Mental Health Awareness Week
Meher Parsinni, Photo Editor • October 29, 2024
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Latest in Print

Is America overrated or overhated?

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News
Sources of Strength holds their Peer Mentor Leadership Training in the student commons during periods one through four. "Some benefits were being able to learn more about suicide prevention and how to include yourself more in Sources of Strength and using the skills we learn here in the real world," club leadership officer, junior Avery Bennett said.
Sources of Strength Club strengthens mental health throughout WJ
Addie Strbak, Online News Editor • October 29, 2024
Members of the Youth for Harris Fellowship attend a Zoom call with Senator Chris Van Hollen (top left). Past guest speakers include Kaya Jones, National Director of Youth Engagement for the Harris campaign.
Youth political organizing blooms approaching election
Liam Barrett, Online Managing Editor • October 29, 2024
This New Smyrna Beach rental home, occupied by ASL teacher Kiara Campbell's friend, experienced flooding that overflowed the lake. "Usually her husband and kids can go on the outside of this [fence] and fish in that in that little pond and it almost hit where her pergola is," Campbell said. (Courtesy Kiara Campbell)
WJ community experiences far-reaching impacts of Florida storms
Riley Berkowitz, Print News Editor • October 29, 2024
Junior Sarp Ustundag and seniors Nolan Ross and Taylor White use a net and move rocks to collect macroinvertibrates from Cabin John Creek.
APES students investigate Cabin John Creek
Abby Kee, Print Managing Editor • October 28, 2024
Board of Ed candidates discuss issues at WJ forum
Board of Ed candidates discuss issues at WJ forum
Seyun Park, Editor-in-Chief • October 22, 2024
Decorative Background
WJ Sports
Volleyball spikes past Vikes, advances to first regional final in 12 years
Sophomore Emilia Zhang effortlessly spikes the ball onto the opponent's side of the net. The Cats approached the MCPS County Championship with an 84.62% win percentage. (Courtesy Tyler Shores viaLifetouch)
Senior Megan Raue powers through the course with a strong, fast, consistent pace. Raue completed her race in 1st place out of 338.
Senior captain Jackie Fuller controls the ball inside the opposing team's defensive half. The Cats rely heavily on their defense to help keep the game close week after week.
Freshman Sienna Neuman charges through the puddles, keeping up with her pace. Neuman is new to the team and has performed exceedingly well this season so far.
The WJ Cheer squad poses with the Quince Orchard cheer squad and the Churchill cheer squad after the Invitational on Oct. 9. The WJ squad scored the highest in WJ history in the pyramid category in difficulty and execution. (Courtesy Holly Siegel)
The Wildcats storm the field following the game-sealing penalty kick from goalie Chloe Russ. After an action-filled 3-2 win in penalty kicks, WJ was full of excitement.
Senior WR Joshua Koenick runs with the ball in the homecoming game against Wheaton. Koenick was a major playmaker in the absence of wide receivers Devin Markert and Ryan Gardner as the Wildcats took down the Knights. (Courtesy Spencer Robinson)
Owen Altman and Spencer Robinson pose after winning the Divison I category. They look to continue their success at the county level on Wednesday.
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Multimedia
Homecoming hallways walkthrough
What conspiracy theories do you believe in?
Are you smarter than a 5th grader?
As the students work on their final projects, they are also enjoying the experience. “This class is really fun and I hope my pot turns out good,” freshman Giovana Ruiz said.
Students pick their brackets for presidential election swing states
Rating the best french fries
Listen to the Change-up
Feature
Students in Adam Zeitlin's seventh-period AP Literature and Composition class analyze Act 3 of "King Lear," the second full length text they will read this semester. Students are encouraged to work together on their notes and discuss with those around them. “I think lit is taught better although I don’t like it as much. My teacher, Mr. Zeitlin is very very good at reading and he really engages you when he reads the novels in class and the explanations that he gives are very detailed and help you understand the text better," senior Mia Milicevic said.
The two Ls: comparing AP Lit, AP Lang
Elli Karistinou, Print Managing Editor • November 2, 2024
Everybody celebrates Halloween differently, and WJ students are no exception. From movies to Markoff's, students make Halloween their own. (Courtesy AglampetGruodje via Wikimedia Commons)
Halloween traditions through the years
Mia Halper, Print Editor-in-Chief • October 31, 2024
An online resource on the MCPS website shows the four core steps for completing the SSL requirements. Groups of students have still struggled despite such resources. (Courtesy MCPS).
Students express concerns about SSL requirements
Graeme Pearce, Print News Editor • October 29, 2024
Sources of Strength holds their Peer Mentor Leadership Training in the student commons during periods one through four. "Some benefits were being able to learn more about suicide prevention and how to include yourself more in Sources of Strength and using the skills we learn here in the real world," club leadership officer, junior Avery Bennett said.
Sources of Strength Club strengthens mental health throughout WJ
Addie Strbak, Online News Editor • October 29, 2024
The Common Application is an undergraduate college admission application website that applicants can use to apply to over 1,000 colleges. This simplifies the college application process simpler for applicants and makes it easier and faster to apply (Courtesy Common Application).
Common App vs. non Common App schools
Lena Sbaschnig, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Editor • October 29, 2024
Arts & Entertainment
Cooper Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez (left) play Erik and Lyle Menendez (right) in "Monsters." Both images feature the brothers at trial, following their murder of their parents after enduring year of trauma and abuse at the hands of their father. (Courtesy Netflix used via fair use)
The controversy behind the hit Netflix show ‘Monsters’
Isabella Suarez, Social Media/Marketing • November 1, 2024
English teacher Alexia Remy reads Shakespeare’s "King Lear". Her job as a teacher has made her appreciate Shakespeare’s work more. “My favorite Shakespeare plays to teach have been 'King Lear', 'Romeo and Juliet', and 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream',” Remy said.
WJ students share their love for reading
Sabrina Solares, Online Feature Editor • October 28, 2024
Chappell Roan performing at the Hollywood Palladium in November 2022. This was before her breakthrough album "The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess". (Courtesy Justin Higuchi via Wikimedia Commons)
Midwest princess faces controversy
Vania Charo, Online A&E Editor • October 25, 2024
The VMA's is an annual Video Music Award ceremony hosted in the month of September. The award show was available for fans around the world to tune in and watch their favorite artists get the chance to receive many outstanding awards. (Wikimedia Commons)
Performance ranking of the VMA’s
Maayan Keren, Print Feature Editor • October 10, 2024
Bradley plays at the Global Strings Program at Berklee College of Music. She learned about several different styles of music and got a chance to perform them live, last summer. (Courtesy Alice Bradley)
Hard work, passion talent compose student musician
Graeme Pearce, Print News Editor • October 4, 2024
Opinion
Junior year workload outweighs senior year college process
Junior year workload outweighs senior year college process
Olivia Stokes, Print A&E Editor • November 2, 2024
Senior Hildi Altman and Stella Lichter dress up for Halloween in a Little Red Riding Hood costume and a cheetah costume. (Courtesy Stella Lichter)
Halloween 2024 showcases new and improved costumes
Isabella Suarez, Social Media/Marketing • October 31, 2024
Lunch time should not be taken away from students
Lunch time should not be taken away from students
Ivan Duchkov, Staff Writer • October 29, 2024
Is trick or treating underrated?
Is trick or treating underrated?
Hugo Conquet, Film Editor • October 24, 2024
A student's collection of college pamphlets and magazines from universities across the country. Every year, students receive pamphlets from universities that are recruiting them.
The downsides of looking at colleges too early
Finn McArdle, Staff Writer • October 17, 2024
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