The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
WJ Food4All serves community
WJ Food4All serves community
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. (Courtesy MCPS)
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
A group of Israelis in the community rally together on Montrose Bridge. They decided to gather together around 6:30 a.m., marking the exact one-year anniversary of the war. (Courtesy Liann Keren)
Oct. 7: the impacts one year later
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
Ariana Grande as Ghilda whispering in Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba's ear. A fan edit of this poster caused controversy with Cynthia Erivo. (Courtesy Universal Pictures)
Wicked movie promotion causes mixed reactions
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
President-elect Donald Trump speaks to a crowd at a 2024 Arizona rally. Trump swept all seven swing states and won the popular vote en route to a victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. (Courtesy Gage Skidmore via Flickr)
Alienating Trump voters is counterproductive
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 class
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
Junior WR Corey Dooren checks with the referee that he is on the line of scrimmage. Dooren helped step up throughout the Wildcat's season and will continue to step up as he matures into a senior next year.
Panthers pounce Wildcats, ending football season
Day in the life of a student-athlete
Day in the life of a student-athlete
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
Day in the life of a student-athlete
Day in the life of a student-athlete
ESOL hosts pumpkin carving event
ESOL hosts pumpkin carving event
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
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
Audrey Ring

Audrey Ring, Online Editor-in-Chief

Senior Audrey Ring is so excited to be an Editor in Chief for the Pitch! In her free time she enjoys having out with friends and attending sporting events.

All content by Audrey Ring
Audrey Ring's Senior Reflection

Audrey Ring’s Senior Reflection

Audrey Ring, Online Editor-in-Chief
May 21, 2024
Jay Wandell on the mound pitching against the Vikings at 3:45. The buildings shown in the far right make is very challenging to install the lights.

Why there are no lights on the baseball field

Audrey Ring, Online Editor-in-Chief
April 26, 2024

Freshmen on varsity

Audrey Ring, Online Editor-in-Chief
April 15, 2024
Senior guard Isaiah Nickelson (left) sets up the Wildcats offense against Northwest on Friday, Jan. 26. Nickelson scored a clutch basket in overtime to take a one point lead while senior guard Tyrese Rucker (right) grabbed a rebound on the following Jaguars possession before making an assist to seal the game.

Barons to Wildcats: Nickelson, Rucker help vanquish opponents

Joshua Singer and Audrey Ring
February 2, 2024

Pitch Picks: Super Bowl LVIII Predictions

Lily Tapparo, Joshua Singer, Audrey Ring, Mateus Bouquet, Mackenzie Norris, Anna Zucconi and Elizabeth Finn
February 2, 2024
Senior Hosea Johnson swings his mallet back as he guides his polo horse where to go. Johnson wants to use his love for horses in the future as he plans to major in veterinary medicine.

Hosea Johnson gallops into polo career

Audrey Ring, Online Editor-in-Chief
December 15, 2023
Senior Sven Meacham commits to play soccer at Yale University. Meacham thanked his family, coaches and team for supporting him in his athletic career.

Sven Meacham dribbles into the Ivy League

Audrey Ring, Online Editor-in-Chief
November 14, 2023
Sophomore quarterback Jake Forburger throws long to left field. This was Forburger's first game as the starting quarterback and led the Wildcats to a 40-14 win.

Forburger thrown into starting spot as sophomore

Audrey Ring, Online Sports Editor
October 20, 2023
Senior captain Marina Thorn is joined by her family as they walk down the field. Thorn has been playing for the varsity Wildcats for four years and got to celebrate her commitment to the program.

Senior soccer players celebrate final season

Cecilia Saltzman and Audrey Ring
October 6, 2023
Junior Dylan Minnick smiles with Temple's inside linebacker coach Chris Woods. After an intense college camp, the players can meet and make connections with the coaching staff.

Students athletes overwhelmed with summer approaching

Audrey Ring, Online Sports Editor
June 13, 2023

WJ’s face off against Whitman in the first round of states

Audrey Ring and Andrew Plotnick
May 23, 2023
Wildcats hyped up in the bottom of the seventh gaining the lead against Churchill. Boys' baseball played the Bulldogs after being named Montgomery County Champions.

Boys’ baseball defeats Churchill, falls to Whitman

Audrey Ring, Online Sports Editor
May 22, 2023
Junior Jay Wandell eyes down Whitman's batter. Wandell pitched an impressive game with eight strikeouts.

Baseball trounces Whitman Vikings 5-1

Audrey Ring, Online Sports Editor
April 26, 2023
Junior Jay Wandell lines up to hit and scores a single. The Wildcats' record now stands at 8-3-1.

Baseball mercies Poolesville and defeats Wootton

Audrey Ring, Online Sports Editor
April 17, 2023
Captain Leo Simpson eyes the catcher, throwing a fastball. Simpson pitches and is a first baseman for the Wildcats.

Baseball secures two wins against Gaithersburg and Richard Montgomery

Audrey Ring, Online Sports Editor
April 17, 2023
Junior Jay Wandell up at bat as he swings and connects with the pitch. Wandell had a very successful season pitching last year and is excited to make it even farther this season. The Wildcats lost their first game to the Blake Bengals on Tuesday, March 21 12-6.

WJ athletics Spring into new season

Elizabeth Finn, Audrey Ring, Raquel Tolin, Sebastian Beltran, Joshua Singer, Josh Hananel, Blake Bailey and Jose Tovar
March 22, 2023
Senior Christion Wright waits to defend his man as Seneca brings the ball up. The Wildcat's record is now 6-9.

Wildcats fall to Seneca Valley

Audrey Ring, Online Sports Editor
February 16, 2023
Senior Christion Wright shoots two at the line. Wright went on to make 4 back-to-back three-pointers in the third quarter.

Boys’ basketball loses last-second heartbreaker at BCC

Audrey Ring, Online Sports Editor
January 31, 2023
Senior Dawson Carr lays the ball over Magruder's post player. This winning streak has given the team more confidence for the rest of the season.

Wildcats defeat Magruder in fourth quarter

Audrey Ring, Online Sports Editor
January 24, 2023

Pre game interview with Ben Kim

Audrey Ring, Online Sports Editor
January 19, 2023
Sophomore Jordan Silverstein races down the court on a fast break. The Rockville game was the first victory the Wildcats had in six games.

WJ boys’ basketball falls to RM and Gaithersburg, defeats Rockville

Audrey Ring, Online Sports Editor
January 17, 2023
Junior Namori Omog brings up the ball, looking for an opportunity. This was the second time the Wildcats competed against the Patriots.

Week in review: Wildcats fall to Barons and Patriots

Audrey Ring, Online Sports Editor
January 11, 2023
Junior Ben Kim looks for an open opportunity on the court. Kim was the leading scorer with a game-high 18 points this season.

WJ improves to 3-1, victory over Blair

Audrey Ring, Online Sports Editor
December 19, 2022
Senior captain Christion Wright lines up as Blake Baily shoots free throws. The Wildcats are now 2-1 entering the game Friday night against Blair.

Boys’ basketball bests Northwood

Audrey Ring, Online Sports Editor
December 16, 2022
Christion Wright shoots at the line two free throws after getting fouled during a layup. Wright went on to score nine points in the game against Wootton.

Boys varsity basketball falls to Wootton

Audrey Ring, Online Sports Editor
December 14, 2022
Senior rowing captain Haley Minnick commits to Syracuse University. Minnick is excited to advance her academic and athletic career at the central New York university.

Haley Minnick commits to Syracuse

Audrey Ring, Online Sports Editor
December 5, 2022
The boys line up before every game for the national anthem. They finished the regular season with a record of 3-6-3 and will face Richard Montgomery on Oct. 26.

Boys’ varsity soccer rides out a bumpy season

Audrey Ring, Online Sports Editor
October 26, 2022

PRE-GAME: Interview with Linebacker Dylan Minnick

September 23, 2022

PRE-GAME: Interview with Wide Receiver Reid Wisniewski

September 23, 2022
Senior captain Leo Macdonald tries to create space and look for an opportunity to advance the ball. Macdonald is a midfielder which means he's responsible for keeping the defensive and offensive lines together.

Varsity boys soccer kicks off 1-2

Audrey Ring, Online Sports Editor
September 19, 2022
"I am so excited for the incoming freshmen to play with us, but it's also nerve-racking because with losing a lot of seniors we lost a lot of talent and many girls from the starting lineup." - Lilly Delp, 10.

Up At Bat: How are you feeling about the upcoming fall season?

Audrey Ring, Staff Writer
June 14, 2022
Some students place their phones up against their desk to look at during assessments as demonstrated by a sophomore here.

What is considered cheating?

Audrey Ring, Staff Writer
June 2, 2022
Number 25 Doug Edert and the Peacocks celebrate the win after the insane upset against Kentucky.

Saint Peter’s March Madness journey ends

Audrey Ring, Staff Writer
March 29, 2022
Track is another one of WJs popular spring sports. Sprint time trials are one of the things both the girls and boys did.

That’s a wrap on spring tryouts

Audrey Ring, Staff Writer
March 29, 2022
Lacrosse is one of the most popular spring sports. Both the boys and girls teams are looking to find promising new athletes at tryouts this year.

Spring tryouts bring excitement and anxiousness for WJ athletes

Audrey Ring, Staff Writer
March 1, 2022
“I was very upset when we couldn’t go to games anymore because I know that the crowd has an influence on the game, having one of the best crowds in moco I think that us being there really helps out.” -Alejandro Linares, 12

Up at Bat: Spectators at Sports

Audrey Ring, Staff Writer
February 17, 2022
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