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
Elana Renbaum

Elana Renbaum, Print Managing Editor

Elana Renbaum is a senior and is excited to be a Print Managing Editor for her second year working on The Pitch. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, creating art, watching baseball and playing with her dog.

All content by Elana Renbaum
Senior Elana Renbaum

Elana Renbaum’s Senior Reflection

Elana Renbaum, Print Managing Editor
Jun 15, 2021
Netflix displays just a handful of shows and movies that have English subtitles. Subtitles allow for increased understanding and can broaden viewers horizons beyond contents in their native languages.

Overcoming the one-inch barrier in TV: Subtitles

Elana Renbaum, Print Managing Editor
Feb 21, 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
Rabbi Gil Steinlauf delivers his Rosh Hashanah sermon over Zoom. In order to save time and technical difficulties, Steinlauf pre-recorded his sermon, which also allowed for the texts he referenced to show up on the screen.

Jewish community remains united as service platform shifts

Elana Renbaum, Print Managing Editor
Oct 27, 2020
Ruth Bader Ginsburg discussing her career at the Library of Congress in January, 2020. Ginsburg was a trailblazer who paved the way for women all over the country.

Why RBG is more than a Supreme Court Justice

Elana Renbaum and Hannah Markov
Oct 3, 2020
The Renbaum Family celebrates Passover at their home, but have a computer open with their cousins on the screen. Due to COVID-19, Passover seders were held over Zoom to spend it with family across the country.

Why was this night different from all other nights?

Elana Renbaum, Sports Editor
Apr 26, 2020
How to maintain a healthy relationship with yourself

How to maintain a healthy relationship with yourself

Elana Renbaum, Sports Editor
Feb 18, 2020
Senior Chris Dorrer chases down a loose puck. The team lost 4-3 but rebounded in their rematch against Wooton with a 3-3 draw

Winter sports in review

Arturo Alipio, Ethan Oyeniyi, Elana Renbaum, Ben Files, Zachary Meyers and Isaac Snow
Feb 14, 2020
Sophomore Alexa Hackmann lines up for a free throw against the Seneca Valley High School Eagles. Hackmann started the season on JV, but due to the struggling varsity team, was pulled up in mid December.

Basketball looks to rebound after shaky start

Elana Renbaum and Ethan Oyeniyi
Jan 18, 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

What should you buy from the new vending machines at school?

Elana Renbaum and Kayla Kahrl
Jan 3, 2020
In a back to back appearance at the World Series in 1925, the Washington Senators home field of Griffith Stadium is filled with fans. In 2019, a similar spectacle could be found at Nationals Park when hoards of fans crowded the stadium to witness the first World Series in Washington since 1933.

Oh Walter J, how would your world compare to today?

Elana Renbaum, Sports Editor
Dec 7, 2019
Junior Leah Assaker prepares to take a free throw in a game last season. As a sophomore last year, she was the team's leading scorer.

Girls’ basketball prepares for bounceback season

Elana Renbaum, Sports Editor
Dec 7, 2019
Fans hold a "District of Clutch" sign to catch the attention of players standing on the bus. "It was so much fun. I love this team and I love the fans. Everyone was so excited and the energy was unbelievable. I was shocked to see so many people and their pride for the Nationals." -Eilis Cawley, senior

WJ students attend unforgettable Nats parade

Elana Renbaum, Sports Editor
Nov 12, 2019
Junior lacrosse player Emma Richardell poses in her new Navy gear. After she finishes her education, she will be in the US Navy for five years.

WJ student athletes take next step for their collegiate careers

Elana Renbaum, Sports Editor
Nov 6, 2019
Nine girls on the varsity girls team race down the river at a regatta. Succeeding in regattas during competition seasons is critical for sending a boat to Nationals.

They row, row, row their boats

Elana Renbaum, Sports Editor
Sep 28, 2019

Grandslams Podcast: Cereal

Elana Renbaum, Staff Writer
Jun 11, 2019
Students use apps such as Google Classroom and Quizlet to help with assignments. The use of cell phones for these kinds of purposes.

The effects of social media

Elana Renbaum, Staff Writer
Mar 12, 2019
Load More Stories
Donate to The Pitch
$356
$1000
Contributed
Our Goal