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 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
Elijah Kasten

Elijah Kasten, Senior Sports Editor

This is Elijah’s third year working on The Pitch for the sports section. He also plays baseball for WJ and enjoys rooting for the Washington Football Team and Nationals.

All content by Elijah Kasten
Senior Henry Bagshaw finishes his last lap at a Montgomery County swim meet. An impressive and decorated high school career for Bagshaw is coming to an end.

Senior athlete profile: Henry Bagshaw

Elijah Kasten, Senior Sports Editor
Mar 4, 2021
Jake Griffin follows through on a swing during the state championship last year. He looks to continue his success at Penn State and even the pros.

Griffin’s journey from Wildcat to Nittany Lion

Elijah Kasten, Senior Sports Editor
Dec 18, 2020
Sophomore Caleb Kasten's desk is still filled with Washington Redskins collector items. The 2020 name change to the "Washington Football Team" has transitioned the historic Native American logo into the letter "W."

Washington Football Team enters a new era

Elijah Kasten, Senior Sports Editor
Oct 6, 2020
While fans across the country will miss out on watching their team compete for an NCAA tournament championship, it can be enjoyable to go back and watch some classic March Madness affairs.

Sports to re-watch during quarantine

Elijah Kasten, Sports Editor
Apr 17, 2020
Senior Karina Yung hits the ball over the net in the Dig Pink game against Whitman. The game is an annual fundraiser in October to raise awareness for breast cancer.

Athletes give back: “My Cause My Cleats”

Elijah Kasten, Sports Editor
Jan 31, 2020
Senior Karina Yung hits the ball over the net in the Dig Pink game against Whitman. The game is annual fundraiser in October to raise awareness for breast cancer.

Athletes give back: “My Cause My Cleats”

Elijah Kasten, Sports Editor
Jan 17, 2020
Sophomore Lianna Rosman dives into the water during a school meet. Winter sport athletes have prepared during the offseason to contribute to the success of their teams.

Behind the preparation for winter sports tryouts

Elijah Kasten, Sports Editor
Dec 11, 2019
Junior Ella Gaul storms past an opponent during a cross country meet. Gaul, apart of indoor track, looks to contribute to the talented 2019-20 team.

Indoor track set to go

Elijah Kasten, Sports Editor
Dec 11, 2019
A rowdy Penn State football crowd anxiously waits for the match up against Ohio State in 2018. Electric crowds in college and professional sporting events make up for special experiences.

Students recount best professional sport events

Elijah Kasten, Sports Editor
Nov 8, 2019
A Damascus football player sprints up the field during a game. The Damascus football program has been under fire lately, having to forfeit their first game of the season due to the holding of an illegal practice.

Damascus forfeits opener

Elijah Kasten, Sports Editor
Sep 27, 2019
Junior goalie Calvin Annulis puts his shot-stopping ability on display in a home victory over Northwood. Annulis has established himself as one of the team's leaders as he enters his final year at WJ.

Athlete of the issue: Calvin Annulis shines

Elijah Kasten, Sports Editor
May 20, 2019
The Kansas Jayhwaks warm up for a game in the 2018 NCAA tournament. March madness is one of the most anticipated times of the year for many sports fans.

Pitch staff: March Madness predictions

Ned Storer, Ben Files, Matt Shea and Elijah Kasten
Mar 21, 2019
Senior midfielder Kamyab Salehi-Pirouz avoids the defender while turf pellets fly around his feet. Health concerns regarding the artificial turf have caused debate over its use on school fields.

Health scares ignite turf debate

Elijah Kasten, Sports Editor
Oct 30, 2018
Sylvia Fowles, the 2017 MVP for the WNBA is one of many women's basketball players who seeks equal pay.

Gender pay gap in the WNBA

Elijah Kasten, Sports Editor
Sep 28, 2018
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