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
Benicio Balignot

Benicio Balignot, Print Editor-in-Chief

This is senior Benicio Balignot’s third year on The Pitch, this time returning as one of three Print Editors-in-Chief. When he’s not perusing for new music to add to his playlists, he’s either doing digital art or working out. Within the realm of WJ, he’s actively involved in the music department, leading the male a cappella group, “Chocolate”.

All content by Benicio Balignot

Status Quo and what comes next

Benicio Balignot, Print Editor-in-Chief
Jun 15, 2021
WJ Artists During Quarantine

WJ Artists During Quarantine

Benicio Balignot, Print Editor-In-Chief
Mar 17, 2021
The Asian paradox: ¨I love America but America doesn't love me¨

The Asian paradox: ¨I love America but America doesn’t love me¨

Benicio Balignot, Print Editor-in-Chief
Mar 11, 2021
A BMW M2 captured in motion. Gregorio is known most for his prowess and skill as an automotive photographer.

Artist Spotlight: Marcos Gregorio

Benicio Balignot, Print Editor-in-Chief
Jan 27, 2021
For an industry that heavily relies on artist and audience interaction, the K-pop industry has continued onward despite COVID. Countless groups have continued to release music and perform live.

K-pop closes out 2020 with a bang despite COVID

Benicio Balignot and Elana Renbaum
Jan 19, 2021
&Pizza, located in Pike and Rose, offers easily customizable and fresh slices - or squares - of pizza. One of it's most disguising factors was the stretch of its mozzarella cheese.

Bethesda pizza restaurant reviews

Nyomi Fox, Benicio Balignot and Ben Files
Jan 15, 2021
In his newest film, "Tenet", Christopher Nolan once again wows audiences with yet another cinematic spectacle. The film follows an unnamed protagonist as he attempts to stop World War III through the use of inversion.

Christopher Nolan once again bedazzles audiences with new movie “Tenet”

Benicio Balignot, Print Editor-in-Chief
Sep 30, 2020
An upcoming action-adventure game developed by the creators of the "Infamous" game series, Sucker Punch Productions, "Ghosts of Tsushima" follows Jin Sakai, a samurai of Tsushima island, during the Mongol's first invasion of Japan. While originally set for a PlayStation exclusive release on June 26, the ongoing COVID-19 crisis has delayed it to July 17.

COVID-19 results in mass delays across the film and video game industries

Benicio Balignot, A & E Editor
May 10, 2020
Relationship issue: Is it acceptable for high school students to be sexually active?

Relationship issue: Is it acceptable for high school students to be sexually active?

Benicio Balignot, A&E Editor
Feb 14, 2020
Is Gen Z's awareness and activism any different from previous ones'?

Is Gen Z’s awareness and activism any different from previous ones’?

Benicio Balignot, A&E Editor
Jan 17, 2020
The journey to “Rise of Skywalker” began all the way back in 2015 with J.J Abrams’ “The Force Awakens”. Following it came Rian Johnson’s terrible “The Last Jedi”, which has been widely regarded to be the worst Star Wars film. Ending the trilogy, “Rise of Skywalker” sees the ultimate triumph of the heroes.

“Rise of Skywalker” fails to redeem

Benicio Balignot, A&E Editor
Jan 17, 2020
China: A great danger for an ignorant world

China: A great danger for an ignorant world

Benicio Balignot, A&E Editor
Dec 6, 2019
In response to an increase of violent outbursts, politicians returned to scapegoating video games and entertainment. Extensive research has shown claims about the correlation between violence and video games to be flimsy and unsubstantiated.

The crusade against our entertainment

Benicio Balignot, A&E Editor
Nov 3, 2019
Senior Damir Pimenov listening to "Jesus Is King". The album has divided West's fanbase due to its purely gospel nature.

Kanye West reborn, embraces God in album “Jesus Is King”

Benicio Balignot and Ben Files
Nov 1, 2019
A student fills out a bullying and harassment form. Teachers and staff recommend students refer to the form when being bullied, despite its gross inefficiency.

The Zero Tolerance policy is an abject failure

Benicio Balignot, A&E Editor
Nov 1, 2019
Godzilla emerging from the waves and breathing his iconic atomic breath. "Godzilla: King of the Monsters" features not only the titular kaiju, but three other famous ones, Mothra, Ghidorah, and Rodan.

Godzilla makes a triumphant return to theaters despite critics

Benicio Balignot, Staff Writer
Jun 13, 2019
BTS at the 2019 Seoul Music Awards. BTS saw the most success at the award show, winnning the Grand Prize as well as Best Album.

K-pop: The Importance of Asian Representation

Benicio Balignot, Staff Writer
May 29, 2019
Teaser poster of Brie Larson as Captain Marvel (Carol Danvers). Captain Marvel was released on March 8 and is already the second highest grossing Marvel movie as of now, behind only last year’s critically acclaimed Avengers: Infinity War.

Captain Marvel blasts into movie theaters worldwide

Benicio Balignot, Staff Writer
Apr 12, 2019
Every Marvel film, minus Captain Marvel and Avengers: Endgame, that has been released within the past decade is pictured. Numbering at 22 films and capping off at Endgame, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is the most lucrative film franchise of all time. Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Marvel’s superhero movies: the greatest cultural and entertainment revolution of our generation

Benicio Balignot, Staff Writer
Apr 12, 2019
Danis Cammet speaking about the rise and fall of the American leftist parties for his NHD documentary. Him and fellow sophomore, Beri Gershwind, qualified for counties but failed to move on to states.

APUSH students and National History Day

Benicio Balignot, Staff Writer
Mar 15, 2019
Students both socializing and studying in Adam Graham’s sophomore Honors English class during the wellness period. Wildcat Wellness gives students the time to either relax and take a break from work or catch up on assignments. Photo by Benicio Balignot.

WJ’s school programs are helpful but limited in effect

Benicio Balignot, Staff Writer
Mar 8, 2019
Olivia Colman accepting the Best Actress award for "The Favourite" onstage during the 91st Annual Academy Awards. Colman’s performance in the film has been lauded for how she portrayed Queen Anne in the historical period satire film.

A recap of the 2019 Oscars

Benicio Balignot, Staff Writer
Mar 7, 2019
Jason Momoa’s Arthur Curry (Aquaman) fighting Black Manta aboard a submarine. The beginning of the film kicks off with Aquaman intervening in an attempted submarine takeover by Black Manta’s crew.

Aquaman movie review

Benicio Balignot, Staff Writer
Feb 8, 2019
The main cast of Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse along with its directors and screenwriters speaking at the 2018 San Diego Comic Con International. Plans for the film were revealed as early as 2014, with its casting being released in late 2018.

Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse: A refreshing take on the classic superhero

Benicio Balignot, Staff Writer
Feb 8, 2019
The 1975 releases new album “A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships”

The 1975 releases new album “A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships”

Benicio Balignot, Staff Writer
Dec 20, 2018
A capella group Vanilla practices during lunch in preparation for the Benefit Concert. The group has performed alongside two other a capella groups at WJ for the two previous concerts.

A cappella groups sing together for a cure

Benicio Balignot, Staff Writer
Nov 30, 2018

Quiz: What grade level are you?

Benicio Balignot, Staff Writer
Nov 29, 2018
Nick Orellana proposes to his Homecoming date. With Homecoming just around the corner, many students have already proposed to their dates.

The ultimate Homecoming question: date or no date?

Benicio Balignot, Staff Writer
Oct 31, 2018

Club Spotlight: Red Velvet

Jane Fleischman, Benicio Balignot and Rafael Friedlander
Oct 26, 2018
Rohingya refugees waiting for consultation by a clinic funded by the European Commission. Due to the fact that undocumented refugees have no access to healthcare, the European Commission has set up and funded various clinics throughout the region.

Ongoing crisis in Myanmar sparks discussion throughout the world

Benicio Balignot, Staff Writer
Oct 25, 2018
Vanilla singing at the Bethesda United Methodist Church. Last Sunday, all of the a cappella groups sang at the church along with various other performers and speakers in commemoration of all of the lives lost to gun violence in this year alone.

A sight-reading of the a cappella groups

Benicio Balignot, Staff Writer
Sep 30, 2018
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