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 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
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
Aya Hesham

Aya Hesham, Online Editor-in-Chief

Aya Hesham is a senior at WJ and is excited to be spending her third year on Pitch as an Online Editor-in-Chief. Outside of writing for the Pitch, Aya enjoys watching documentaries and kayaking.

All content by Aya Hesham
Aya Hesham's senior reflection

Aya Hesham’s senior reflection

Aya Hesham, Online Editor-in-Chief
May 24, 2022
Cultural perspectives on emotional well-being

Cultural perspectives on emotional well-being

Aya Hesham and Stella Hadamer
April 2, 2022
"Today Tonight Tomorrow" is a classic contemporary ya romance perfect for fans of "The Hating Game."

Pitch Book Club: Today Tonight Tomorrow

Zsuzsanna Juhasz, Aya Hesham, Meron Berhe and Cyiza Andemambika
March 29, 2022
On or off: is it really just me?

On or off: is it really just me?

Aya Hesham, Online Editor-in-Chief
March 29, 2022
Russian citizens are protesting against the actions of the government but are silenced by being arrested. Russian President Vladimir Putin is quickly taking control of the area.

Global tensions rise as Russia invades Ukraine

Aya Hesham, Online Editor-in-Chief
February 25, 2022
"Love is how someone shows they care about you, whether its through physical touch, words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service or gifts." CJ Newman, 11

Up at bat: What does love mean to you?

Aya Hesham, Online Editor-in-Chief
February 9, 2022
Although Colleen Hoover is known for her contemporary romance books, her latest novel is a heart-wrenching and emotional story surrounded by the theme of forgiveness and family.

Reminders of Him book review

Aya Hesham, Online Editor-in-Chief
January 21, 2022
Year in review: What did 2021 mean to us?

Year in review: What did 2021 mean to us?

Aya Hesham and Ellie Montemayor
December 21, 2021
"Gods of Jade and Shadow" is a historical fantasy novel by Silvia Moreno-Garcia who became a renowned novelist with her book "Mexican Gothic" published in mid-2020.

Pitch Book Club: Gods of Jade and Shadow

Cyiza Andemambika, Aya Hesham, Stella Hadamer and Meron Berhe
December 20, 2021
"It's not about being lazy, it is a learning disability. It's not something that someone can just get over by working harder. It's not going to help by just giving extra time, which is required by the accommodations, but you have to put in the work that your students need and the extra support your students need," senior Felix Bellotti said.

Up at Bat: What do you want people to know about learning with ADHD?

Jona Jancewicz and Aya Hesham
December 17, 2021
Students in the Law elective spent time following the trial in class and discussing it with their peers. Students have very different opinions about the verdict.

Law students react to the Kyle Rittenhouse trial

Aya Hesham, Online Editor-in-Chief
December 13, 2021
Whether it is a computer, cell phone, or tablet, students utilize multiple devices everyday to communicate with friends all around the world.

Into the exclusively virtual relationships of students

Aya Hesham, Online Editor-in-Chief
December 7, 2021
Travis Scott has had many previous concerts before but none had caused damage like this one. Many speculate that his performing career will take a detrimental hit.

Travis Scott’s chaotic concert ends in deadly tragedy

Aya Hesham, Online Editor-in-Chief
November 12, 2021
What's going on in the world? (October 2021)

What’s going on in the world? (October 2021)

Aya Hesham, Online Editor-in-Chief
November 3, 2021
WJ students struggle with navigating the hallways and making it to class on time as the WJ student population increases.

Students frustrated with hallway traffic

Aya Hesham, Online Editor-in-Chief
November 2, 2021
In addition to "The Guest List," The Pitch also suggests you try out some of these books. Perfect for Halloween, these spooky stories will delight any mystery or thriller fan!

Pitch Book Club: The Guest List

Meron Berhe, Cyiza Andemambika, Aya Hesham and Stella Hadamer
October 30, 2021
After the leak of the Pandora Papers, lawmakers on Capitol Hill introduced a bill that would require trust companies and banks to investigate foreign clients.

WJ students react to the Pandora Papers scandal

Aya Hesham, Online Editor-in-Chief
October 24, 2021
The Pitch Book Club's September read was "The Inheritance Games" by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. This is an exciting YA mystery that fans of "Knives Out" will really enjoy!

Pitch Book Club: The Inheritance Games

Meron Berhe, Stella Hadamer, Aya Hesham and Cyiza Andemambika
September 22, 2021
Many WJ seniors will be attending the University of Maryland in the Fall and will be impacted heavily by the vaccine requirements.

MD university system requiring covid vaccinations

Aya Hesham, Online Editor-in-Chief
June 15, 2021
"They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera is a story of love and loss that follows two teenage boys throughout their last day alive.

Book Club: They Both Die At The End

Aya Hesham, Cyiza Andemambika and Stella Hadamer
June 1, 2021
With seniors reuniting for the first time this year at the annual senior shed painting event, the senior party will be one of the last events where seniors will be reunited.

Preview: Aloha WJ seniors

Aya Hesham, Online News Editor
May 14, 2021
Due to the pandemic, students have utilized Zoom for club meetings and to prepare for future competitions.

Competitive clubs at WJ thriving in a pandemic

Aya Hesham, Online News Editor
May 3, 2021
The Six Flags mass vaccination site was one of the first to open in Maryland. Many other mass vaccination sites will open up soon throughout the state.

Maryland expands vaccine eligibility to all adults

Aya Hesham, Online News Editor
April 26, 2021
The House in the Cerulean sea, by TJ Klune, is a heartwarming tale of found-family and overcoming prejudice. In this stunning novel filled with magic, laughs and love Klune envelopes you in a hung (in the form of a book).

Pitch book club: The House in the Cerulean Sea

Cyiza Andemambika, Aya Hesham and Stella Hadamer
April 23, 2021
Now with vaccinations becoming easier to receive, many teachers have found it easier to become vaccinated before returning to school.

Teachers work to get vaccinated in preparation for return to school

Aya Hesham, Online News Editor
April 12, 2021
Due to the pandemic and self-isolation, students are cocooned with themselves and their thoughts. Students have utilized social media apps such as TikTok and Pinterest to assist with their self-discovery.

Students finding themselves during quarantine

Aya Hesham, Online News Editor
March 15, 2021
Seniors participate in the yearly senior shed painting at WJ.

Life before and after

Aya Hesham, Online News Editor
March 15, 2021
Before moving to Maryland, junior Karen Howell lived and grew up on the beaches of Hawaii. Due to spending most of her time on the waves and the abundance of time on her hands, she finally had time to begin surfing again with her friends.

Hobbies students have developed during quarantine

Aya Hesham, Online News Editor
March 15, 2021
Black History Month is an annual celebration every February to spotlight the achievements of African Americans in history.

Influential black figures

Aya Hesham, Online News Editor
February 28, 2021
Nolan was a beloved member of WJ's class of 2018 and will be missed very much.

Former WJ student Martin Nolan killed

Aya Hesham, Online News Editor
February 16, 2021
Many low-income women struggle when they menstruate because they do not have the resources to purchase sanitary products. By installing sanitary and products in MCPS bathrooms, many female students will be able to gain access to this necessity.

MCPS installs sanitary products in all middle and high school bathrooms

Aya Hesham, Online News Editor
January 22, 2021
The House of Representatives is now impeaching President Donald Trump for a second time for "inciting violence" after loyalists broke into the Capitol.

President Donald Trump is being impeached again after sparking chaos in the Capitol

Aya Hesham, Online News Editor
January 19, 2021
Ever since the last day of in-person school, many teachers, students, and parents are unaware as to when students will return back to in-person school.

WJ community reacts to news of possible reopening

Aya Hesham, Online News Editor
December 4, 2020
Systemic racism is a serious issue that is deeply engrained in today’s society, particularly in the school system. WJ is no exception and the administration is working to create a more safe and equal environment for BIPOC.

Instagram account exposes racism at WJ, students seek justice

Cyiza Andemambika and Aya Hesham
November 12, 2020
Soon after Judge Amy Coney Barrett was nominated to the Supreme Court by President Trump, outrage sparked from the opposing party.

Students react to Supreme Court nomination of Amy Coney Barrett

Aya Hesham, Online News Editor
October 25, 2020
With presidential elections approaching, presidential nominees hold rallies to discuss issues and policies.

Presidential policies affecting WJ students

Aya Hesham, Online News Editor
September 30, 2020
Students face several challenges at school on a daily basis such as dealing with bullies, stress and anxiety.

Why I prefer online school

Aya Hesham, News Assistant Editor
May 20, 2020
The Federal Government recently gave out stimulus checks to most Americans in light of the coronavirus events.

How the government is responding to the coronavirus

Aya Hesham, News Assistant Editor
April 26, 2020
Two students steal time to rekindle their romance. While this choice is favored by the couple, not all passer-bys appreciate the PDA.

Abundance of PDA disturbs the school environment

Aya Hesham, News Assistant Editor
February 20, 2020
Construction workers discuss the nest step in replacing the turf. In the meantime, the stadium is closed off until the construction is finished. The construction has caused many inconveniences for students, especially because it is closed off an entrance from Democracy Blvd.

New turf inconveniences students

Aya Hesham, News Assistant Editor
February 20, 2020
Asking for inappropriate pictures is a common type of peer pressure teens face daily.

Relationship Issue: Red flags that you should not ignore

Stella Hadamer and Aya Hesham
February 13, 2020
This piece of art was inspired by a poem inspired by Nilsen's zodiac sign, aries.

Ella Nilsen branches out with digital classes

Aya Hesham, News Assistant Editor
January 18, 2020
JUUL's came in all sorts of flavors until the company stopped agreeing to sell fruit and dessert flavored JUUL pods to stop appealing to the youth. One of the recent efforts that Maryland has taken has been raising the tobacco purchase law from 18 to 21.

Montgomery County sues largest e-cigarette company, JUUL

Aya Hesham, News Assistant Editor
January 18, 2020
Deaths from overdoses of prescription drugs have increased since the early 1990's mostly because of the increase of in misuse of prescription in opioid pain relieves.

Opioid related deaths decrease in Maryland

Aya Hesham, News Assistant Editor
January 17, 2020
Ninth grade administrator Kimberly Leaman and head of security Pat Rooney discuss student consequences for fighting.

Increase in fights at WJ

Aya Hesham, News Assistant Editor
December 11, 2019
Thousands of students from all over the D.C. Maryland and Virginia area protest gun violence in front of the Capitol.

WJ News Recap

Aya Hesham, News Assistant Editor
December 11, 2019
This piece was inspired by the housing crisis in Iran. Those living outside of Tehran have a lack of basic resources.

Spotlight artist of the month

Aya Hesham, News Assistant Editor
December 6, 2019
Popeyes has seen a resurgence in popularity over the past months with its viral chicken sandwich. However, the sandwich has sparked violence across the country also, as many people simply cannot wait to get their hands on it.

Popeyes chicken sandwich sparks violence around the country

Aya Hesham, News Assistant Editor
November 14, 2019
Semira Hill playing a bass outside the band practice room. Hill can play over half a dozen instruments ranging from the drums to the violin, and she is also a part of Madrigals, the highest level choir class WJ offers.

Spotlight artist of the Month: Semira Hill

Aya Hesham, News Assistant Editor
November 5, 2019
HJI has annual 5K’s and and 1 mile runs to provide housing for families of Georgetown University Hospital pediatric cancer patients pursuing cell transplants at Duke University Medical Center.

WJ alum foundation hosts annual 5k

Aya Hesham, News Assistant Editor
October 25, 2019
The unexpected violent incident shocked the Whitman and MCPS communities.

Student at Walt Whitman high school assaults classmate with frying pan

Aya Hesham, News Assistant Editor
October 7, 2019
Students use apps such as Google Classroom and Quizlet to help with assignments. The use of cell phones for these kinds of purposes.

WJ teachers enforce stricter phone policy

Aya Hesham, Assistant News Editor
September 27, 2019
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