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
Blake Bailey

Blake Bailey, Online Opinion Editor

Blake Bailey is a senior and he is the Online Opinion Editor for the Pitch. He enjoys writing short stories and playing basketball for the WJ team.
All content by Blake Bailey
Appreciation of current grading system

Appreciation of current grading system

Blake Bailey, Online Opinion Editor
March 28, 2023
Yeat has captured a global audience with his creative sound. He struggled to meet the rising expectations in his newest album, "AftërLyfe."

A look back at AftërLyfe

Blake Bailey, Online Opinion Editor
March 28, 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
The Potomac Speedskating Club wins the national championship in 2019. They waited for another opportunity at the title for four years.

Ben Sullivan skates, practices patience

Blake Bailey, Online Opinion Editor
February 27, 2023
The separation of Church and State has been a staple of America for centuries. The move had been necessary after several oversteps of power made by the Church, however, in this time of national mental health crisis, could religion be worth turning to?

Could religion be an answer in an era of progressive mental awareness?

Blake Bailey, Online Opinion Editor
February 24, 2023

Embrace the journey, savor the moment: a poms documentary

Sanir Byanjankar, Jalen Scott and Blake Bailey
February 21, 2023
From bizarre, pagan history, Valentine's Day has become one of the most popular American holidays. With the exchange of Valentine's Day gifts, many were polarized on the exclusive, commercial nature of the celebration.

Point/Counterpoint: Is valentine’s day overhyped?

Blake Bailey and Mia Halper
February 16, 2023
M3GAN is the newest iteration of the "killer-doll" horror genre with a comedic twist. The brief, 105 minute-long movie surpassed all financial and critical expectations.

Movie review: M3GAN

Blake Bailey, Online Opinion Editor
February 3, 2023
Print Feature Editor Julia Ratner remains hard at work on the upcoming Pitch magazine. During the annual transition of positions, she applied for the position last year and hoped for the best.

Inside the workplace of WJ’s student publications

Blake Bailey, Online Opinion Editor
January 26, 2023
The fall JV baseball team discusses the previous inning in the dugout in their fall league game at Povich Field. Though not an official team sanctioned by MCPS, the Wildcats compete against other county and club teams.

WJ sport’s biggest secret: The story behind the Wildcat offseason teams

Andrew Plotnick, Joshua Singer and Blake Bailey
January 25, 2023
MCPS employee Daniel Yankie patiently sits on stand-by. The Health Room is prepared to act in the case of an emergency.

Should virtual lessons return for sick and absent students?

Blake Bailey, Online Opinion Editor
January 11, 2023
The beautiful Killington Ski Resort, located in Vermont, brings in thousands of tourists annually. The compiled list below was made for those who enjoy winter thrills big and small.

Recognizing the best local and national slopes

Blake Bailey and Nick Opipari
December 22, 2022
Winter brings snowfall, cheer and, of course, winter break. The potential extension of winter break was a big topic among administrators this past year.

Point/Counterpoint: Should MCPS extend Winter break?

Jose Tovar and Blake Bailey
December 14, 2022
Violent Night sleds to box office brilliance with David Harbour playing the merry murderer. Despite the noted public interest, the movie has received questionable reviews.

“Violent Night” is a Christmas disaster

Blake Bailey, Online Opinion Editor
December 14, 2022
Cheer looks on and supports as Poms performs during halftime. The crowd roared as the team performed their signature "snake" move.

Getting a quick look at Poms before counties

Blake Bailey, Online Opinion Editor
December 13, 2022
Freshman RB Dylan Byrd powers forward against Wootton. The roaring crowd fueled the players in the win.

Raising MCPS GPA thresholds serves athletes off the field

Blake Bailey, Online Opinion Editor
December 11, 2022
The plane hangs carefully within the power lines. Thousands of locals experienced outages.

Students react to closures, outages across the county after plane crash

Blake Bailey, Online Opinion Editor
December 7, 2022
The WJ XC State championship athletes for both the boys and girls pose for a photo. The girls finished 2nd, while the boys finished 13th.

Young stars power XC girls to the podium, boys finish 13th

Blake Bailey, Online Opinion Editor
December 1, 2022
Transitioning to a new school can take months. In my experience, I found several methods to make the transition smoother.

What I wish I knew before I came to Walter Johnson

Blake Bailey, Online Opinion Editor
November 30, 2022
Junior runner Mackenzie Raue runs during regionals. The girls' cross country team celebrates their second-place finish at the 4A West Regional Championship. They will be running in the 4A State Championship at Hereford High School on Nov. 12 and hope to blaze past the Wootton Patriots who won regionals and are favored to win the state meet.

As Regionals comes and goes, XC races towards states

Blake Bailey, Online Opinion Editor
November 11, 2022
Black Adam has been one of DC's most complex characters, being portrayed as both supervillain and hero depending on the comic. Led by Dwayne Johnson, the character made its live-action debut in the DC Extended Universe's "Black Adam" on Oct. 21.

Black Adam battles demons, critics amidst massive opening

Blake Bailey, Online Opinion Editor
October 31, 2022
Junior Calix McCormick paces himself in the Invitational. He finished 9th overall and led the boys to a 3rd place overall finish.

XC County Preview/Recap of Tri-Meet, Gunpowder Falls

Blake Bailey, Online Opinion Editor
October 21, 2022
"Smile" leaves audiences in sheer horror in Parker Finn's feature debut. The film opened on Sept. 30.

“Smile” is a Halloween must-watch

Blake Bailey, Online Opinion Editor
October 17, 2022
The night is only beginning. All ranks of classes crowded the front-end of the bleachers in support.

Boys soccer kick off a historic home-opener

Blake Bailey, Online Opinion Editor
September 19, 2022
Senior Matt Uhl competes in a meet. The Cats compete weekly and have seen a turbulent start to the season.

Cross Country blazes the way for friendship

Blake Bailey, Online Opinion Editor
September 16, 2022
A gender-neutral bathroom finds splatters of canned chili about its walls. This was one of many "pranks" that took place that night.

Senior prank stains class of ’22 legacy

Blake Bailey, Staff Writer
June 2, 2022
Doubles partners junior Utkarsh Srivastava and senior Nick Bloch prepare to field a serve during their April 8 game against Whitman HS. The Wildcats look to bounce back from a mixed season come Regionals.

Boys tennis sets their eyes on Regionals

Blake Bailey, Staff Writer
May 19, 2022
The Washington Monument sticks out from the sea of pink, across the tidal basin. This 2022 Cherry Festival marked 110 years since the original blossoms were gifted from Japan.

Local teams celebrate DC’s blossoming culture with the unveiling of new jerseys

Blake Bailey, Staff Writer
May 11, 2022
Matt Reeve's "The Batman" spawns the 14th iteration of the famed character. The film debuted March 4 to overwhelmingly positive reviews.

The Batman soars

Blake Bailey, Staff Writer
March 28, 2022
The Black Student Union commemorates black history. The assembly met mixed reactions.

A review of Black Student Union assembly

Blake Bailey, Staff Writer
March 11, 2022
Adventurefuls are experiencing nationwide shortages. The new cookie packed a unique punch, along with some familiar elements of flavor.

Taking a bite of the newest Girl Scout cookie, Adventurefuls

Blake Bailey, Staff Writer
February 25, 2022
Kristaps Porzingis attempts a floater versus the Washington Wizards. Porzingis was traded to the Wizards at the deadline with the Wizards hoping to give Bradley Beal a star counterpart.

Recapping an eventful NBA trade deadline

Blake Bailey, Staff Writer
February 23, 2022
Coach Emilia O'Connor and senior team manager Jomel Velasquez examine a well thrown ball during practice.

Bocce is getting the ball rolling with inclusivity

Blake Bailey, Staff Writer
February 18, 2022
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