The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
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
Board of Ed candidates discuss issues at WJ forum
Board of Ed candidates discuss issues at WJ forum
Seniors Michelle Lett and Bella Relacion lead the MSP and BSU-led demonstrators in chants, calling out MCPS for a lack of response to recent racism incidents. Other BSUs and MSPs around the county led similar rallies.
MSP, BSU rally, raise awareness of racism in MCPS
Students attend AP African American History during fourth period. WJ has implemented programs to provide support for first-time AP test takers.
Equal Opportunity Schools, Study Circles programs improve learning landscape
Students exit WJ after school on Tuesday, Oct. 1. Exiting through the front door in the afternoon often involves waiting in a long line. “We got way too many kids here; it’s ridiculous,” freshman Veer Anand said.
WJ surpasses 3,000 students for first time
A ballot box sits just outside of the WJ school building in May, right before the 2024 primary election. Ballot boxes like this will be used by many WJ seniors this November to cast their votes for the first time.
WJ students share opinions, take action before 2024 election
The WJ Food4all Club volunteers at Shepherd's Table Soup Kitchen in Silver Spring. "I love that our new club gives students an opportunity to give back to their community," Food4all president Francesca Lisbino said.
Creating a club has never been easier
Seniors Michelle Lett and Bella Relacion lead the MSP and BSU-led demonstrators in chants, calling out MCPS for a lack of response to recent racism incidents. Other BSUs and MSPs around the county led similar rallies.
MSP, BSU rally, raise awareness of racism in MCPS
Samantha Arenberg works at a site inspection of a historic barn. They used drones to create an accurate 3D imaging of the barn to help identify areas of structural concern. “I miss certain aspects of my job. I miss being able to eat when I want, and go to the bathroom when I want, and the time flexibility. But I don’t miss being in a cubicle for nine hours a day, and feeling like I wasn’t helping people,” Arenberg siaid.
Prior jobs lead teachers to WJ
From the left: Ellie Macfarlan, Charlotte Kuperstein, Alice Frank, Olivia Crawford, Lucia Kanazir, and Daniele Perez. They all intend to attend Homecoming again this year and have fun
Students plan for Homecoming
Karen Generose reviews practice sentences with her Latin Two students. Each day Generose teaches five different levels of Latin.
Language teachers cope with packed classes
Michael Laukaitis explains a calculus concept to students during lunch. He has always made himself available for help outside of class, something many students appreciate.
Behind mathematical maestro Michael Laukaitis
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
Leads Yuri Sternberg, Sasha Rotton and Mason Lee rehearse lines. Preparations for the play require a mix of running lines and blocking scenes.
WJ STAGE tackles “The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon”
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
WJ students sit in the school's library in the morning. There are already many students, with even more coming to study for upcoming tests or relax before the school day.
Classes should be made longer for WJ students
I visited the German government in Berlin with fellow exchange students from America. Our presidential election was frequently debated and I was often asked about my political beliefs.
Looking back on my year abroad in Germany
Is PDA too public in schools?
Is PDA too public in schools?
Students begin a practice Kahoot for French class. Walter Johnson offers a total of six languages including American Sign Language, Chinese, Italian and more, giving students the opportunity to explore different languages and cultures. “I switched [from Spanish] to Latin freshman year and I love it,” junior Abigial Samuels said.
Beat the American stereotype, stick with your language class
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)
Cheer breaks records at invitational, prepares for counties
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.
Girls’ soccer advances, wins PK thriller against B-CC
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)
Wildcats come home with win against Wheaton
Owen Altman and Spencer Robinson pose after winning the Divison I category. They look to continue their success at the county level on Wednesday.
Pickleball celebrates inaugural senior night
Junior Hannah Yen launches the ball over the net, looking to add to the Wildcats' score. The Wildcats defeated the Vikings, winning flawlessly, 3-0.
Girls’ volleyball spikes to 11-2, approaches playoffs
Senior Chloe Palan walks on senior night for the game against Clarksburg High School. Palan was accompanied by her brother, sister, mom and dad for her big night. (Courtesy Spencer Robinson)
From senior night shutouts to double overtime wins
Students pick their brackets for presidential election swing states
Students pick their brackets for presidential election swing states
Rating the best french fries
Rating the best french fries
Hot Ones with Mr. Joy
Hot Ones with Mr. Joy
Media Assistant Kathryn Noonan works on the computer during lunchtime. "If you did a chart on how I spend my time on the job, the biggest piece of the pie would be Chromebooks and Chromebook-related issues," Noonan said.
Photo Gallery: Media Center
The Change-Up: Youth Sports Betting
The Change-Up: Youth Sports Betting
Board of Ed candidates discuss issues at WJ forum
Board of Ed candidates discuss issues at WJ forum
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
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.
Girls' soccer advances, wins PK thriller against B-CC
October 25, 2024
Junior Hannah Yen launches the ball over the net, looking to add to the Wildcats' score. The Wildcats defeated the Vikings, winning flawlessly, 3-0.
Girls’ volleyball spikes to 11-2, approaches playoffs
October 23, 2024
The Wildcats huddle up shortly before the start a game. The team has a big playoff game tonight against B-CC, with hopes of advancing to the second round. (Courtesy Lifetouch)
Girls' soccer looks to carry 7-3-2 record into playoffs
October 23, 2024
Senior co-captain Connor Kim takes a swing during the golf team's match on Oct. 1. In this match, Kim and several other players were instrumental in breaking a 22-year-old WJ scoring record.
Golf breaks school scoring record, dominates division
October 22, 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
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News
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
Seniors Michelle Lett and Bella Relacion lead the MSP and BSU-led demonstrators in chants, calling out MCPS for a lack of response to recent racism incidents. Other BSUs and MSPs around the county led similar rallies.
MSP, BSU rally, raise awareness of racism in MCPS
Kareena Panicker, Print News Editor • October 18, 2024
Students attend AP African American History during fourth period. WJ has implemented programs to provide support for first-time AP test takers.
Equal Opportunity Schools, Study Circles programs improve learning landscape
Macie Redmond, Special to The Pitch • October 18, 2024
Students exit WJ after school on Tuesday, Oct. 1. Exiting through the front door in the afternoon often involves waiting in a long line. “We got way too many kids here; it’s ridiculous,” freshman Veer Anand said.
WJ surpasses 3,000 students for first time
Joshua Singer, Print Editor-in-Chief • October 7, 2024
A ballot box sits just outside of the WJ school building in May, right before the 2024 primary election. Ballot boxes like this will be used by many WJ seniors this November to cast their votes for the first time.
WJ students share opinions, take action before 2024 election
Jay Resnik, Online Opinion Editor • October 4, 2024
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Upcoming Games
WJ HS
Winston Churchill HS
Nov 1 /6:30 p.m. / Football
WJ Sports
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)
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.
Senior Chloe Palan walks on senior night for the game against Clarksburg High School. Palan was accompanied by her brother, sister, mom and dad for her big night. (Courtesy Spencer Robinson)
Senior Captain Jakob Lindsay and Junior Quincy Hunter-Willaims both take a moment to catch their breathe during a ref-stoppage. The Cats would go on to knock off Northwest 1-0 in a late-game thriller. (Courtesy Johnny Abrams)
Senior captain and quarterback Ellie Weinstein walks with her parents for senior night. "I love this school. I love the people here. I think we bonded so much this year. I love celebrating. It's a beautiful school. It's a beautiful team. I love the people and the girls," Weinstein said.
Wide receiver Devin Markert catches a pass deep into Whitman's 20'. WJ dominated Whitman 41-0 on a Thursday night home game. The student section watched as the play unfolded.
The team poses for a photo before beginning their tour with Johnson. The Cats were given a full tour of the University of Maryland football facilities. "My favorite part of the tour was getting to meet players from the actual team. They were all so nice and we got to take pictures with them," senior Mimi Dietrich said.
The team completes a breathtaking stunt in a pyramid. The high-risk nature of Cheer is always something for the athletes to keep in mind. "Cheerleading is very, very, hard," head coach Vanessa Barnes said. It's one of the most dangerous sports. A lot of people don't know that because it's overlooked, but it is very difficult. Any minute, someone can be dropped from all the way up in the air. That's probably one of the things I would think people need to know about cheerleading."
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Multimedia
Students pick their brackets for presidential election swing states
Rating the best french fries
Hot Ones with Mr. Joy
Media Assistant Kathryn Noonan works on the computer during lunchtime. "If you did a chart on how I spend my time on the job, the biggest piece of the pie would be Chromebooks and Chromebook-related issues," Noonan said.
The Change-Up: Youth Sports Betting
Senior Michelle Lett speaks through a megaphone about an incident at Wootton last spring in which a student printed 1,000 copies of paper with a racial slur on it. "This is applicable; this is not only just Wootton, it's countywide," Lett said.
Listen to the Change-up
Feature
The WJ Food4all Club volunteers at Shepherd's Table Soup Kitchen in Silver Spring. "I love that our new club gives students an opportunity to give back to their community," Food4all president Francesca Lisbino said.
Creating a club has never been easier
Megha Mohanty, Staff Writer • October 22, 2024
Seniors Michelle Lett and Bella Relacion lead the MSP and BSU-led demonstrators in chants, calling out MCPS for a lack of response to recent racism incidents. Other BSUs and MSPs around the county led similar rallies.
MSP, BSU rally, raise awareness of racism in MCPS
Kareena Panicker, Print News Editor • October 18, 2024
Samantha Arenberg works at a site inspection of a historic barn. They used drones to create an accurate 3D imaging of the barn to help identify areas of structural concern. “I miss certain aspects of my job. I miss being able to eat when I want, and go to the bathroom when I want, and the time flexibility. But I don’t miss being in a cubicle for nine hours a day, and feeling like I wasn’t helping people,” Arenberg siaid.
Prior jobs lead teachers to WJ
Sabrina Solares, Online Feature Editor • October 17, 2024
From the left: Ellie Macfarlan, Charlotte Kuperstein, Alice Frank, Olivia Crawford, Lucia Kanazir, and Daniele Perez. They all intend to attend Homecoming again this year and have fun
Students plan for Homecoming
Megha Mohanty, Staff Writer • October 14, 2024
Karen Generose reviews practice sentences with her Latin Two students. Each day Generose teaches five different levels of Latin.
Language teachers cope with packed classes
Kareena Panicker, Print News Editor • October 14, 2024
Arts & Entertainment
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
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
Billie Lieber, Podcast Editor • October 4, 2024
Opinion
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
WJ students sit in the school's library in the morning. There are already many students, with even more coming to study for upcoming tests or relax before the school day.
Classes should be made longer for WJ students
Ivan Duchkov, Staff Writer • October 7, 2024
I visited the German government in Berlin with fellow exchange students from America. Our presidential election was frequently debated and I was often asked about my political beliefs.
Looking back on my year abroad in Germany
Bea Roberts, Copy Editor • October 5, 2024
Is PDA too public in schools?
Is PDA too public in schools?
Gabby Davids, Layout and Design Editor • October 4, 2024
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