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
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 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
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
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
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
Einav Tsach

Einav Tsach, Online Editor-in-Chief

Senior Einav Tsach is proud and excited to serve as Online Editor-in-Chief for his second year on The Pitch. Outside of school, Einav enjoys gardening, playing tennis, baking, and hanging out with friends. He’s also a lead counselor for the Israeli Scouts.

All content by Einav Tsach
WJ students walk to the school stadium to have lunch outdoors on April 12. The experience of returning to in-person learning has been unique to every person.

The social impact of one year on Zoom

Einav Tsach, Online Editor-in-Chief
May 18, 2021
The panel provides the WJ community an overview of athletics during the coronavirus period and transition to in-person learning. The second semester athletic schedule includes the Fall and Spring seasons as well as Winter sports.

Administration details WJ’s plans for return to in-person learning

Einav Tsach, Online Editor-in-Chief
Apr 9, 2021
Passengers at Washington Dulles International Airport lining up at the check-in area for their flights. As national vaccination efforts have progressed and travel restrictions have been eased, high levels of travel are expected this spring.

Top packing tips for a tremendous vacation

Einav Tsach, Online Editor-in-Chief
Mar 19, 2021
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan visits the mass COVID-19 vaccination site at Six Flags America, in Bowie on Feb. 5. Some WJ teachers have been able to get the vaccine at the site.

Delays in vaccinations – why is it taking so long?

Einav Tsach, Online Editor-in-Chief
Mar 9, 2021
The Regal Cinemas movie theater in Rockville on Feb. 10. The chain has closed its locations due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Full stream ahead: what will be the impact of COVID-19 on cinemas?

Einav Tsach, Online Editor-in-Chief
Mar 5, 2021
A sign near the entrance to Walter Johnson's football field displays the rules for users on Nov. 14. Coronavirus restrictions in Montgomery County have tightened recently to account for the sharp spike in confirmed cases.

To restart in the age of COVID-19, school sports should adapt

Einav Tsach, Online Editor-in-Chief
Jan 11, 2021
Dulles Airport on Dec. 4 during the afternoon. The aviation industry as a whole has suffered throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

What does traveling during COVID look like?

Einav Tsach, Online Editor-in-Chief
Jan 6, 2021
With Zoom being used to hold classes for the past months, many wonder about the effect of video-conferencing for long hours. A survey indicates that students are facing tough challenges during the online learning period.

“Zoom fatigue” is real: online school’s exigent effects on students

Einav Tsach, Online Editor-in-Chief
Dec 8, 2020
SAT 2020: a tale of cancellations, suitcases and hotels

SAT 2020: a tale of cancellations, suitcases and hotels

Einav Tsach, Online Editor-in-Chief
Sep 30, 2020
WJ math teacher Laura Brager introduces WJ's virtual graduation stage party. Brager served in the Class of 2020 Leadership Team as the Faculty Sponsor.

Unprecedented virtual graduations take place due to coronavirus pandemic

Einav Tsach, Staff Writer
Jun 12, 2020
The MCPS Board of Education outlines the specific details of the 2019-2020 fourth marking period grading framework. The Board considered several other options before deciding on this specific policy.

Breaking down new MCPS grading guidelines

Einav Tsach, Staff Writer
May 26, 2020
Affluence shouldn't influence test prep

Affluence shouldn’t influence test prep

Einav Tsach, Staff Writer
May 14, 2020
The impact of the Coronavirus is felt by all. Actor Tom Hanks tested positive for COVID-19 in mid-March.

Celebrities contribute cash for Coronavirus relief

Einav Tsach, Staff Writer
Apr 27, 2020
New social distancing guidelines pose new challenges in everyone's lives. It's important to consider how to maintain as much normal as possible.

The need for a routine while social distancing

Einav Tsach, Staff Writer
Apr 4, 2020
Students working on Python programming problems in Mr. Hanlon's class on Feb 28. The WJ Computer Science department's offerings will be expanded with the addition of a new Apple programming class.

MacBooks, Marriott and engineering soon at WJ: Next year’s new classes

Einav Tsach, Staff Writer
Mar 19, 2020
Currently, there are six positive cases of the novel coronavirus in Maryland (Four in Montgomery County), and MCPS has determined they will not close schools. However, was this the right response?

Coronavirus calls for vigilance, not hysteria

Einav Tsach, Staff Writer
Mar 10, 2020
Senior Zoe Philips, who has suffered from a severe tree nut allergy all her life, does her best not to let it stop her from living a normal life.

Students deal with food restrictions

Einav Tsach and Cora Flynn
Feb 15, 2020
Portal denies access to students entering accurate login information. The Portal issue was fixed on Monday afternoon after accounts were refreshed back into the system.

MyMCPS Portal Down

Einav Tsach, Staff Writer
Feb 10, 2020
Listening to music through earphones or headphone has become popular among teens. However, listening to music too loud is becoming a prominent issue

Teen music is too loud

Einav Tsach, Special to The Pitch
Jan 21, 2020
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