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
Cyiza Andemambika

Cyiza Andemambika, Online Editor-in-Chief

Senior Cyiza Andemambika is excited to start her 3rd year on Pitch as an Online Editor-In-Chief. Outside of Pitch she is BSU’s secretary, and in her free time she enjoys reading, cooking, and hanging out with friends.

All content by Cyiza Andemambika
Photo by Josephine Meriot

Cyzia Andemambika’s senior reflection

Cyiza Andemambika, Online Editor-in-Chief
Jun 16, 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
Mar 29, 2022
The GSA gathers outside in the courtyard for its first meeting. The turnout was larger than expected so it had to be relocated outside.

Gender and Sexuality Alliance comes back full force

Cyiza Andemambika, Online Editor-in-Chief
Jan 28, 2022
"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
Dec 20, 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
Oct 30, 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
Sep 22, 2021
Netflix's fantasy series Shadow and Bone, based off of Leigh Bardugo's book series of the same name released in April. The series was a massive hit and garnered over a billion streaming minutes in the first week it was released.

Netflix’s Shadow and Bone immerses viewers into the Grishaverse

Chelsea Laurik and Cyiza Andemambika
Jun 8, 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
Jun 1, 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
Apr 23, 2021
Junior Tomisin Ogunnusi started playing guitar at the beginning of quarantine when she received her first one. Like many other students, playing an instrument and music has helped relieve not only their boredom but also has acted as a stress reliever.

Students explore new and different instruments during quarantine

Cyiza Andemambika, Senior A&E Editor
Mar 15, 2021
Black History Month is an annual observance that occurs during the month of February. The month serves as a way to acknowledge and celebrate Black achievements.

Is Black history month enough?

Cyiza Andemambika, Senior A&E Editor
Mar 2, 2021
Zendaya at the Spider-Man: Homecoming premiere (2019). Zendaya stars as Rue in Euphoria, and historically won an Emmy for her performance in the show.

Euphoria surprises viewers with a heart-wrenching special episode

Cyiza Andemambika, Senior A&E Editor
Jan 15, 2021
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
Nov 12, 2020
Joe Exotic, one of the stars of Netflix's Tiger King pictured with a tiger. Tiger King a popular tv show released during quarantine.

Top quarantine entertainment

Cyiza Andemambika, Senior A&E Editor
Oct 12, 2020
The Fault in our Stars (2014) Movie poster. The Fault in our Stars based on on the book by John Green, follows two cancer patients falling in love.

Relationship Issue: A look at the most substantial romance movies on screen

Cyiza Andemambika, A&E Editor
Feb 14, 2020
Penn Badgley at the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival.

Netflix’s YOU returns for a second season (Spoilers ahead!!)

Cyiza Andemambika, A&E Editor
Jan 19, 2020
On December 13, 2019 Harry Styles released his sophomore album, Fine Line. The record features sad songs about an emotional breakup and upbeat tunes about love and rejoicing in kindness.

Fine Line album review

Cyiza Andemambika, Chelsea Laurik and Elana Renbaum
Jan 8, 2020
Actor Timothee Chalamet at the 2018 Toronto Film Festival.

The King movie review

Cyiza Andemambika, A&E Editor
Dec 3, 2019

Bringing it- Elite review

Cyiza Andemambika , A&E Editor
Nov 12, 2019
Netflix has become one of the leading streaming services since its launch in 1998.

Hidden gems on Netflix

Cyiza Andemambika, A&E Editor
Oct 31, 2019
Lilly Singh speaking at the 2014 VidCon convention at the Anaheim Convention Center.

‘A little late with Lilly Singh’ makes late night history

Cyiza Andemambika, Online A&E Editor
Oct 21, 2019
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