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
Junior Courtney Cohn, The Pitch's first ever female sports editor.

Courtney Cohn, Managing Editor

Junior Courtney Cohn is very excited for her second year on The Pitch this year as a Managing Editor. She has always loved writing and really enjoyed taking journalism 1 two years ago. She loves following sports, especially the NBA, and is a huge Chicago Bulls fan. She is on the debate team and Spanish Honors Society at WJ and also likes to play tennis in her free time.

All content by Courtney Cohn
Courtney Cohn's Senior Reflection

Courtney Cohn’s Senior Reflection

Courtney Cohn, Managing Editor
May 21, 2019
The U.S. Women’s Soccer Team has won multiple accolades, including winning the World Cup in 2015 and the gold medal in the 2012 Olympics. Despite their achievements, they still have lower salaries than the U.S. Men’s Soccer team, which they are now fighting against with a lawsuit. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

U.S. Women’s Soccer stands up against gender discrimination

Courtney Cohn, Print Managing Editor
Apr 12, 2019
Junior Gabi Alvarez works on an assignment on her computer during Wildcat Wellness. Many students have benefited from the extra opportunity to get homework done during this period. Photo by Eleanor Wright

Wildcat Wellness receives mixed reviews from staff and students

Courtney Cohn, Print Managing Editor
Mar 8, 2019
Senior Hank Roll passes to a teammate in a game against RM. RM would later be disqualified from playoff contention.

Athlete of the Issue Q&A: Senior Hank Roll

Courtney Cohn, Managing Editor
Feb 8, 2019
Mary Poppins Returns continues the story of the Banks family, which was first presented to us in 1964 in the original film. The movie has made over 200 million dollars in the box office since its premiere.

Mary Poppins Returns revives the magic of a Disney classic

Courtney Cohn, Print Managing Editor
Feb 4, 2019
Multiple people at the 2017 Women’s March held up colorful signs with important messages. There were thousands of people at the march and there will likely be thousands more at the 2019 Women’s March.

Women’s march empowers, inspires

Courtney Cohn, Managing Editor
Dec 20, 2018
WJ seniors enjoy the performances at this year’s winter pep rally. Many students catch senioritis during their last year of high school, struggling to find motivation once they are accepted into colleges.

How to prevent senioritis

Courtney Cohn, Print Editor-in-Chief
Dec 20, 2018
Senior Anjelica Marzan browses through her social media. Due to the accessiblity of their accounts, politicians and other public figures need to choose their words more wisely. Photo by Danielle Limonchik

Social media has taken over politics

Courtney Cohn, Managing Editor
Sep 28, 2018
The WJ defense gets set during their 34-7 loss to Northwest. WJ football looks to beat the 1-1 Springbrook in their week 3 matchup.

WJ football has high hopes for this season

Courtney Cohn, Managing Editor
Sep 14, 2018
Senior captain Ethan Kowalski runs to return his opponent's shot. Photo courtesy of Lifetouch Studios

Boys’ tennis closes out their season with many playoff victories

Courtney Cohn, Sports Editor
Jun 12, 2018
Sophomore Alessandro Vallefuoco has been one of the young players to help lead the tennis team to success this season.

Tennis looks to finish their season with strong playoffs

Courtney Cohn
May 25, 2018
Junior Courtney Cohn, The Pitch's first ever female sports editor.

First female sports editor on The Pitch

Courtney Cohn
May 22, 2018
Junior Ian Greenwood hits a volley at the net. Boys' tennis finished their regular season with an 8-4 record.

Boys’ tennis concludes their successful season with high hopes for the playoffs

Courtney Cohn
May 8, 2018
Wizards guard John Wall goes up to make a layup. The Wizards are ___ to the Raptors ____ in the first round of the 2018 NBA playoffs.

Wizards face the Raptors in the first round of the NBA playoffs

Courtney Cohn
Apr 26, 2018
Junior Ian Greenwood returns a shot to his opponent. Boys' tennis has a 3-2 record so far this season.

Boys’ tennis starts out strong this season

Courtney Cohn
Apr 13, 2018
Junior Ian Greenwood gets ready for the next shot.

Boys’ tennis preview

Courtney Cohn
Apr 4, 2018
Jennifer Nielsen comes to WJ to sign copies of her new book

Jennifer Nielsen comes to WJ to sign copies of her new book

Courtney Cohn, Sports Editor
Mar 20, 2018
Senior captain Nick Bournias dribbles to the basket. Boys' basketball had a 4-16 record this season and lost their first game of the postseason.

Boys’ basketball is out of the playoffs after losing their first game

Courtney Cohn
Mar 6, 2018

PyeongChang Olympics Highlights

Courtney Cohn, Bradford Clarkson, Thomas Wolfson and Jake Brown
Feb 23, 2018
Boys baseball attends the annual Polar Plunge event in Maryland. Head coach Stephen Sutherland wanted the team to participate in more community service this year.

Boys’ baseball attends “Polar Bear Plunge” with their coach

Courtney Cohn, Sports Editor
Feb 14, 2018
Senior captains William Koenick and Nick Bournias jump to block their opponent’s shot. Koenick and Bournias have been leading scorers for the team throughout the season.

Boys’ basketball looks to improve and recapture its early season success

Courtney Cohn
Jan 29, 2018
Senior captain William Koenick dribbles the ball and looks to get around Whitman's defense. Boys' basketball has a 3-7 record so far this season. Photo by Jack Linde

WJ boys’ basketball looks to bounce back from recent losses

Courtney Cohn
Jan 12, 2018
Q&A with senior basketball captain William Koenick

Q&A with senior basketball captain William Koenick

Courtney Cohn
Dec 22, 2017
Boys' basketball looks to bounce back from early season struggles

Boys’ basketball looks to bounce back from early season struggles

Courtney Cohn
Dec 12, 2017
Live action remake of "The Lion King" premieres this summer

Live action remake of “The Lion King” premieres this summer

Courtney Cohn
Nov 30, 2017
NBA makes major changes this season

NBA makes major changes this season

Courtney Cohn
Nov 17, 2017
Boston Celtics forward Gordon Hayward suffers gruesome leg injury

Boston Celtics forward Gordon Hayward suffers gruesome leg injury

Courtney Cohn
Oct 26, 2017
Max Yodice

Captains chat

Courtney Cohn
Oct 13, 2017
Girls' tennis quickly bounces back from scrimmage loss

Girls’ tennis quickly bounces back from scrimmage loss

Courtney Cohn
Oct 3, 2017
Girls' tennis moved to spring for 2018-2019 school year

Girls’ tennis moved to spring for 2018-2019 school year

Courtney Cohn
Oct 2, 2017
Junior Nikki Emamian hits a great shot in one of WJ's many victories. Emamian became a team captain this year.

Girls’ tennis team starts off season with success

Courtney Cohn
Sep 21, 2017
Bucaneers-Dolphins game postponed due to Hurricane Irma

Bucaneers-Dolphins game postponed due to Hurricane Irma

Courtney Cohn
Sep 21, 2017
Kevin Durant shines in the NBA Finals as the Warriors defeat the Cavaliers

Kevin Durant shines in the NBA Finals as the Warriors defeat the Cavaliers

Courtney Cohn, Staff Writer
Jun 14, 2017

Classes host experimental ‘Privilege Walk’ activity

Courtney Cohn, Staff Writer
Mar 2, 2017
Best movies coming in 2017

Best movies coming in 2017

Courtney Cohn
Jan 18, 2017
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