The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
MCPS Board of Education members raise their hands in favor of delaying construction at Woodward and Crown High Schools. The plan specifically calls for delaying auditoriums at both schools until funds are appropriated for their construction.
A look at the winners of the Board of Education elections
NAHS brushes up creative murals
NAHS brushes up creative murals
Social studies teacher Mitchell Joy analyzes an AP World student's work using the timeline feature in the Brisk program. Brisk allows educators to see students type each word, making it much easier for teachers to ensure that students do not use AI or other students' work to cheat.
New academic integrity systems strengthen WJ grading system
With phase I of construction completed, Woodward High School now accommodates Northwood students. Phase II and III of the project have yet to be started, and will likely incorporate the construction of an athletics field and auditorium.
MCPS miscalculation leads to $39 million construction deficit
(Courtesy Maryland GovPics - The Celebration of Maryland Black Excellence Reception via Wikimedia)
Alsobrooks wins major fight for Senate seat
Paper Bridges letter drive to be set in December
Paper Bridges letter drive to be set in December
Two friends play video games together through their TVs. They met through social media, and have become best friends since thanks to the internet. Without it, their friendship wouldn't have been possible, as it is the case for many real life relationships.
How social media has changed relationships
AP Calculus teacher Rachel Zussman works on finishing up her grades prior to the end of the quarter. With many teachers wanting change in the MCPS pay system, a performance-based pay system is an intriguing idea.
Teachers reflect on performance-based pay system
Senior Mwape Sokoni (middle), junior Daniella Ngah (right) and senior Michelle Lett (left) practice a routine in the cafeteria. Step Team practices diligently, performing the routine until the entire group catches on.
A force for good: Mwape Sokoni’s social impact on WJ
Club president Sadie Morgenstern and treasurer Brady Chan embrace in a hug with his younger brother, Ryder, at the annual friendship walk last year. “The walk is a fun way to interact with people from other schools and everyone seems to really enjoy it,” Chan said.
Generational friendship: Best Buddies between siblings
A family happily enjoys a holiday meal together, with all the members seemingly enjoying themselves except for the only child in the image. We all know what she's going through and wish we had something-anything to talk to our extended family about.
No politics, just pie: seasonal dinner table topics
Sophomore Grace Harrington and father dress down in their regalia for powwow. Photos similar to these hang in her house with her father often reminding her of her Native ancestry. “Some people put little pilgrim decorations up on their house at Thanksgiving, we do not do that, but we do still celebrate it because it brings our family together,” Huntington said. (Courtesy Grace Harrington)
To celebrate or not to celebrate: Thanksgiving’s meaning today
A group of kindergarteners sit on the carpet listening to their teacher tell them about the months of the year. Teenagers feel nostalgia when remembering how they used to sit on the carpet in elementary school. (Courtesy woodleywonderworks via Wikimedia Commons)
What nostalgia means to teenagers
Vijay Kannen (11), Bertie Bennett (11), Theo Hansen (11) and Idan Tzioni (12) pose for a photo at the Junior's Homecoming Hallway. Their performance caused a traffic jam as students stopped to listen to the music. (Courtesy Paul Gomes)
Jazz quartet reaches for the high notes
Pep Band plays a song at a home fall football game. "I think pep band is for people that want to go to football games a lot and maybe don't have people to go. It's a place to have fun with a lot of friends," pep band captain senior Theo Hansen said.
Putting the pep in WJ’s step: pep band rallies “juice,” builds community
Opening night's narrators, juniors Yuri Sternberg and Sasha Rotton, turn to watch as a wave of confetti is dropped onto the stage. The performance was unusually colorful, complementing its chaotic nature. "I’m really proud of the cast and the way we were able to come together and work towards putting on the show,” Rotton said.
STAGE salvages ‘Grimm’ choice of play
Backstage with WJ STAGE
Backstage with WJ STAGE
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’
The college application process is stressful for all seniors; many students work their way up the grades with stacked extracurriculars. However, student-athletes seem to be favored more than "regular" applicants. (Courtesy Empowerly)
Student-athlete or part-time worker; which weighs more?
Senior Ginger Fishberg defends the ball against an opposing player during a varsity girls' soccer game against Blair. Despite her obvious athleticism, as well as that of other varsity athletes, she is still required to take a full year of Physical Education to earn the credit. (Courtesy Lifetouch)
Varsity athletics should count as a gym credit
Almost every student takes the ACT or SAT and many take both. Preparation outside of school often correlates with high scores. (Courtesy Citrus County School District)
ACT/SAT prep should be accessible in English, math classes
The WJ Baby is held up for a photo by one of its fans during a football game in 2021. Unfortunately, the baby was only able to attend one football game this season before being incarcerated. (Courtesy WJ Baby)
Free the WJ Baby
Common slang ranked from best to worst
Common slang ranked from best to worst
A student tiredly walks down a hallway after a school day. Many students feel drained after a day of school, but is WJ the problem?
Is the school the problem? The case for WJ
Senior Ginger Fishberg defends the ball against an opposing player during a varsity girls' soccer game against Blair. Despite her obvious athleticism, as well as that of other varsity athletes, she is still required to take a full year of Physical Education to earn the credit. (Courtesy Lifetouch)
Varsity athletics should count as a gym credit
Captain Patrick Murphy skates past a defender on a race to the puck. Murphy's defense was a huge contributor in the 1-9 win against Blair.
Icecats breakaway to 4-0 after win against Blair
The cheer squad struts to the floor to start their routine for regionals on Nov. 2 at Harford Community College. The team spent weeks working on their routine and were proud to get the chance to perform it at regionals. “Stepping on to the mat at regionals, I felt really nervous, but I was also very excited because I wanted to show the judges all the hard work we put into the routine,” junior Lyla Cho said. (Courtesy Candice Nsoga-Mahob)
Cheer closes season, scores 4th at regionals
Seniors Ellie Weinstein, Rhea Noumair, Naamiah Corke, and Natalie Annulis celebrate Weinstein's first touchdown of the game.
Girls’ flag football falls to Whitman in playoffs
Junior Annie Linkie and senior Anna Kotek run down one of the many hills of the states course. "The race was really crowded at the start and it was difficult to find a spot where I could keep my pace," Linkie said. "Luckily, I was able to run with some of my teammates which always helps with the mental difficulty during the race."
Girls’ cross country bolts over the hills, finishes 5th in state
Junior quarterback Jake Forburger takes the snap from junior center Andrew Corrado during the game against Laurel. Forburger consistently drove the ball down the field, contributing to a 40-13 win.
Wildcats trample Spartans in playoffs
ESOL pumpkin carving
ESOL pumpkin carving
Opening night's narrators, juniors Yuri Sternberg and Sasha Rotton, turn to watch as a wave of confetti is dropped onto the stage. The performance was unusually colorful, complementing its chaotic nature. "I’m really proud of the cast and the way we were able to come together and work towards putting on the show,” Rotton said.
STAGE salvages ‘Grimm’ choice of play
Support staff of WJ
Support staff of WJ
Backstage with WJ STAGE
Backstage with WJ STAGE
Homecoming hallways walkthrough
Homecoming hallways walkthrough
What conspiracy theories do you believe in?
What conspiracy theories do you believe in?
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
Alex Wolfson

Alex Wolfson, Print Editor-in-Chief

Alex Wolfson is a senior and is excited to be serving as a Print Editor-in-Chief in his second year on the Pitch.  In addition to the Pitch, Wolfson plays baseball and swims for WJ.  He also likes to read about US presidents. 

All content by Alex Wolfson
WJ's softball team huddle up before game time. The team's spring season ended abruptly after a loss to Whitman.

WJ softball’s season ends abruptly, looks forward to next year

Alex Wolfson, Print Editor-in-Chief
June 15, 2022

People of WJ at Graduation

Andrew Plotnick, Luke Liden, Alex Wolfson and Caleb Kasten
June 14, 2022

The People of WJ challenge

Andrew Plotnick, Alex Wolfson, Luke Liden and Caleb Kasten
June 8, 2022

People of WJ interrupt AP exams?

Alex Wolfson, Andrew Plotnick, Luke Liden and Caleb Kasten
June 7, 2022

People of WJ: The Health Fair

Alex Wolfson, Luke Liden, Andrew Plotnick and Caleb Kasten
June 6, 2022
Alexander Wolfson's senior reflection

Alexander Wolfson’s senior reflection

Alex Wolfson, Print Editor-in-Chief
May 24, 2022

People of WJ 3: Students “Pushing P”

Alex Wolfson, Caleb Kasten, Luke Liden and Andrew Plotnick
May 18, 2022

People of WJ: Episode 2

Alex Wolfson, Caleb Kasten, Andrew Plotnick and Luke Liden
May 12, 2022

People of WJ: Prom edition

Alex Wolfson, Andrew Plotnick, Luke Liden and Caleb Kasten
May 5, 2022
The WJ softball team huddles together during one of their first games. The team is looking to defend their regional championship from last season.

Softball poised for another strong season

Alex Wolfson, Print Editor-in-Chief
March 29, 2022
WJ students enjoy PE class, moving around and getting a break from the sitting at the desk.

MCPS should make PE a requirement for every year in high school

Alex Wolfson, Print Editor-in-Chief
March 28, 2022
For mental health, students are better off only taking AP classes that they know they can handle and benefit from.

WJ students shouldn’t overload on AP classes

Alex Wolfson, Print Editor-in-Chief
March 28, 2022
Fans pack the stands as they root on their schools. March Madness presents an opportunity to any school with merit, regardless of size or prestige.

March Madness: democracy triumphs

Alex Wolfson, Print Editor-in-Chief
March 17, 2022
Recently some WJ students left class to stage a walkout in support of virtual school, citing Covid safety. WJ students need a juice rejuvenation and pride to have the courage to come to school.

Covid walkout calls for “juice” rejuvenation

Alex Wolfson, Print Editor-in-Chief
February 16, 2022
Monday Night Football is a staple in the NFL, now over 50 years old. Nonetheless the start time is too late, with kickoff not until 9 p.m. Sports games are on too late.

Sports games are on too late!

Alex Wolfson, Print Editor-in-Chief
February 16, 2022
Point/Counterpoint: Does the 5% rule make sense?

Point/Counterpoint: Does the 5% rule make sense?

Alex Wolfson and Jillian Ward
January 6, 2022
The Wolfson siblings stand next to Walter Johnson's gravestone. It was a meaningful experience that all WJ students should try to have.

Remembering Walter Johnson

Alex Wolfson and Rachael Wolfson 
December 23, 2021
Pictured here is a zygote, two haploids fused together to make a new individual being. This is the creation of life.

Examining Roe from a biological perspective

Alex Wolfson, Print Editor-in-Chief
December 17, 2021
The Math team poses for a group picture after practice. Some members held up their favorite numbers!

WJ Math team finds success following virtual school year

Alex Wolfson, Print Editor-in-Chief
December 17, 2021
Ace Cardinal pitcher Adam Wainwright pitched 3 complete games this season, the best in the best in the MLB. In the NL Wild Card game, he pitched only 5.1 innings.

MLB postseason isn’t the same with analytics

Alex Wolfson, Print Editor-in-Chief
October 26, 2021
WJ's former School Resource Officer (SRO) Shate Jackson was present at WJ every school day during her tenure. She is no longer at WJ due to MCPS ending the SRO program this year.

Students, staff react to MCPS removing SROs from schools

Alex Wolfson, Print Editor-in-Chief
October 15, 2021
This is the first year of juice at WJ. The game was dubbed "BCC's funeral" as students wore all black and leading seniors came in formal attire. WJ would come out on top with an exhilarating overtime win.

Students bring the “juice” three years later

Jackson Buss and Alex Wolfson
October 15, 2021
WJ softball huddles together after their loss to Catonsville in the state quarterfinals. It was a record breaking season for the team.

WJ softball’s historic season ends with 3-0 loss to Catonsville.

Alex Wolfson, Print Editor-in-Chief
June 18, 2021
Some members of the San Francisco 49ers kneel during the National Anthem before a game against the Washington Football Team in 2017 in Landover, Maryland.

Point/Counterpoint: Should politics and sports mix?

Alex Wolfson and Sammy Peterson
June 15, 2021
The 2020-21 Regional Champions take a photo with the trophy. They'll play for the state semi-finals Tuesday afternoon.

WJ softball pulls away from Wootton, wins regional championship

Alex Wolfson, Print Editor-in-Chief
June 15, 2021
The 2020-21 WJ Softball team poses for a photo after defeating Whitman 5-3 in the second round of the playoffs. They host Wootton Friday evening for the regional championship.

WJ softball to play for regional championship

Alex Wolfson, Print Editor-in-Chief
June 10, 2021
The image depicts Israel's missile defense system in action, commonly known as the Iron Dome. The terrorist group Hamas sent thousands of rockets towards Israel civilian cities in May. Thankfully, Iron Dome was able to intercept 90 percent of the rockets.

Israel has a right to exist

Alex Wolfson, Print Editor-in-Chief
June 8, 2021
Washington Nationals shortstop Trae Turner rounds first base. The Nats are among the teams hoping to rebound from a rough 2020 season. Opening Day for the new season is April 1.

MLB preview: a report on all 30 teams

Alex Wolfson, Print Opinion Editor
April 16, 2021
Dr. Seuss, author of children books, has written great stories with powerful themes, such as equality and tolerance. However, recently a few of his books have been canceled for having politically incorrect illustrations and phrases.

Dr. Seuss book burning is wrong and illiberal

Alex Wolfson, Print Opinion Editor
March 24, 2021
MCPS must allow students to take AP exams in schools during May to ensure that students will do their best on these exams.

MCPS must have all AP exams in person

Alex Wolfson, Print Opinion Editor
March 19, 2021
MCPS plan to return is overdue and eyebrow raising

MCPS plan to return is overdue and eyebrow raising

Alex Wolfson, Print Opinion Editor
March 9, 2021
Abraham Lincoln and George Washington are widely regarded as the two greatest presidents in US history. However, today, there is growing animosity directed towards these great men, which is a shame considering how much they did for the country.

Remembering Lincoln, Washington on President’s Day

Alex Wolfson, Print Opinion Editor
February 14, 2021
For WJ students the past Presidential election was significant, as 42.3% of students said they were invested in it and another 27.4% said it meant everything to them. Overall, WJ students are really into politics.

WJ students are really into politics: is that a good thing?

Alex Wolfson, Print Opinion Editor
February 2, 2021
Eight-time All-Star James Harden has requested a trade, naming the Nets, Bucks, Heat, and 76ers as preferred destinations. However, teams should be cautious of him due to his record of selfish play.

NBA teams shouldn’t trade for Harden

Alex Wolfson, Print Opinion Editor
January 12, 2021
Whether schools should continue to have school resource officers (SROs) has become a hot button issue in MCPS.

Should MCPS continue to have SROs?

Alex Wolfson and Nour Faragallah
January 4, 2021
The MCPS Boundary Analysis has been met with fierce debate throughout the county.

Should MCPS be conducting the boundary analysis?

Nour Faragallah and Alex Wolfson
January 2, 2021
Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts commemorates the Pilgrims landing in 1620, 400 years ago this November.

Remembering the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrims

Alex Wolfson, Print Opinion Editor
November 25, 2020
The Rays have the third lowest payroll in the MLB, but will play in the 2020 World Series against the Dodgers, who have the second highest payroll in the MLB.

Moneyball: $107,917,397 vs $28,290,689

Alex Wolfson, Print Opinion Editor
October 24, 2020
TikTok: The end of civilization

TikTok: The end of civilization

Alex Wolfson, Print Opinion Editor
October 16, 2020
Many schools in the United States have moved to distance or remote learning due to the coronavirus pandemic for the 2020-21 school year.

Schools should open in person

Alex Wolfson, Print Opinion Editor
October 8, 2020
NBA players were wrong for kneeling on 9/11

NBA players were wrong for kneeling on 9/11

Alex Wolfson, Print Opinion Editor
October 4, 2020
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