The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
Junior club treasurer Lily Bienfang unlocks the equipment collection bin. As of April 2024, the WJ LPF club became the bin ambassador for the Falls Road bin.
WJ LPF club levels the playing field
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
The college and career center there are many pamphlets on college information and SAT/ACT prep. Within the center is Mrs. Evans' office, she can help answer some questions one may have about the next steps
The benefits of college visits
Junior club treasurer Lily Bienfang unlocks the equipment collection bin. As of April 2024, the WJ LPF club became the bin ambassador for the Falls Road bin.
WJ LPF club levels the playing field
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
Students give their thoughts on the fall play
Students give their thoughts on the fall play
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 reused via Fair Use)
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
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 Grant Levins sprints down the track. "I'm here to try out because I love the sport of track and field and I'm working on my 800 [meter] time. Just trying to get better," Levins said.
Photo Gallery: Friday winter track tryouts
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
Washington Capitals captain and forward Alex Ovechkin tracks the puck while Colorado Avalanche defenseman Bowen Byram skates behind him getting ready to defend. Both teams are competing for playoff spots this season. (Courtesy Brian Murphy via Wikimedia Commons)
WJ hockey players discuss Capitals’ strong start
Students give their thoughts on the fall play
Students give their thoughts on the fall play
ASL 2 students eat at Mozzeria, a deaf- owned restraunt. Students practiced their signing with the deaf employees to order their food and drinks.
Photo Gallery: ASL Gallaudet Field Trip
Junior Grant Levins sprints down the track. "I'm here to try out because I love the sport of track and field and I'm working on my 800 [meter] time. Just trying to get better," Levins said.
Photo Gallery: Friday winter track tryouts
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
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
Austin Mucchetti

Austin Mucchetti, Copy Editor

Senior Austin Mucchetti is excited to be returning for his second year with the Pitch, this time as Online Copy Editor. In addition to writing for the Pitch, Austin enjoys hanging out with friends and making music.

All content by Austin Mucchetti
Senior Gwen Rodriguez made a video to the commemorate the Class of 2020. The video allows seniors to look back on their senior year, which was cut short.

Senior’s video lifts spirits

Austin Mucchetti, Copy Editor
May 5, 2020
With colorful lights and a wide space, The Block has an inviting atmosphere for diners. The food court style restaurant also provides many different food options.

The Block: Not so average concept produces average meals

Austin Mucchetti and Lucas Gillespie
Mar 2, 2020
Swim and Dive competes in a scrimmage at Montgomery Blair High School. The team hopes to continue their good form from last year.

A day in the life of a student athlete: Brady Meyers

Austin Mucchetti, Copy Editor
Jan 31, 2020
Greta Thunberg, the Swedish 17 year-old who took the world by storm in 2019 with her empowering climate change activism, has won the TIME Person of the Year Award. She is the youngest ever recipient.

Greta Thunberg: TIME Person of the Year

Austin Mucchetti, Copy Editor
Jan 15, 2020

Austin and Allie: Tik Tok trends

Allie Rothman and Austin Mucchetti
Dec 18, 2019
Although Walter White doesn't appear in "El Camino," Aaron Paul holds it down as Jesse Pinkman and delivers a great performace to make for a great watch.

Breaking Bad returns with “El Camino”

Austin Mucchetti, Copy Editor
Nov 14, 2019
Netflix has announced that there will be a fourth season of their top-rated show Stranger Things. The show brought in record viewing numbers during the third season’s release last summer.

Stranger Things announces new season, excites WJ students

Austin Mucchetti, Copy Editor
Oct 29, 2019
D.C. United forward Quincy Amarikwa strolls towards the stands with teammate Wayne Rooney after a game. The pair have helped D.C. United reach playoff birth this season.

Getting to know a pro: Quincy Amarikwa

Austin Mucchetti, Copy Editor
Oct 3, 2019
Friday night lights shine down on the players as WJ football takes on Gaithersburg at home. WJ’s turf field is set to be replaced at the end of the season.

New turf brings uncertainty for WJ athletes

Austin Mucchetti, Copy Editor
Sep 27, 2019
WJ Jazz Band put great performances together as they played at the Chantilly Jazz Invitational. The group finished third overall and is hoping to continue their success next school year.

WJ Jazz Band excites at Chantilly Jazz Invitational

Austin Mucchetti, Staff Writer
Jun 14, 2019
Buttigieg announced his 2020 presidential campaign. The 37 year-old would be the youngest U.S. President ever.

Pete Buttigieg announces Presidential bid

Austin Mucchetti, Staff Writer
May 22, 2019
The recent college admissions scandal has shocked students across the country. It is yet to be seen what will happen to the participants.

College admissions scandal opinion

Austin Mucchetti, Staff Writer
Apr 25, 2019
MCPS has been contemplating several changes to the school system in recent weeks. It remains to be seen whether many of the proposed changes will take place.

MCPS updates

Austin Mucchetti and Ethan Oyeniyi
Apr 16, 2019
D.C. United season preview

D.C. United season preview

Austin Mucchetti, Staff Writer
Mar 12, 2019
Mr. Butler lectures to his Medieval History class. Government and History teachers are often faced with task of attempting to remain unbiased.

How much do teachers’ political views influence students?

Austin Mucchetti, Staff Writer
Mar 8, 2019
Sophomore Ben Cope (left) and Junior Declan Stablow (middle) spring into action for WJ. Both the boys and girls teams performed well at the Last Track to Philly meet and MCPS Championships.

Indoor track improves down stretch

Austin Mucchetti, Staff Writer
Feb 14, 2019
Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren officially announced she was running for president.

Elizabeth Warren announces 2020 Presidential Bid

Austin Mucchetti, Staff Writer
Jan 25, 2019
Junior Jake Marks competes in a tight race at the Ed Bowie Classic. The boys finished 2nd in the DMR.

WJ indoor track begins season with Ed Bowie Classic

Austin Mucchetti, Staff Writer
Dec 20, 2018
Boys' soccer finished their season with a 4-5-1 record. They lost their playoff game against Churchill 5-2.

Boys’ soccer motivated heading into playoffs

Austin Mucchetti, Staff Writer
Oct 29, 2018
The fans have been electric since United's move to Audi Field. The team clinched the playoffs with a 3-1 win against NYCFC.

D.C. United clinch playoffs following unbelievable comeback season

Austin Mucchetti, Staff Writer
Oct 29, 2018
Montgomery County schools are plastering ads like these in school bathrooms to persuade students to put down the Juuls.

Are anti-Juul ads on social media effective?

Allie Rothman and Austin Mucchetti
Oct 25, 2018
WJ fights for the ball in a game against Kennedy High School. The Wildcats have been looking to improve from last season.

Q & A with boys’ soccer captain

Austin Mucchetti, Staff Writer
Oct 3, 2018
WJ was renovated from 2007 to 2010 to accommodate the influx of new students.

WJ grows through size and diversity

Austin Mucchetti, Staff Writer
Sep 30, 2018
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