The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
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
(Courtesy Maryland GovPics - The Celebration of Maryland Black Excellence Reception via Wikimedia)
Alsobrooks wins major fight for Senate seat
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
Club president Sadie Morgenstern and treasurer Brady Chan embrace in a hug with his younger brother, Ryder, at the annual friendship walk last year. “The walk is a fun way to interact with people from other schools and everyone seems to really enjoy it,” Chan said.
Generational friendship: Best Buddies between siblings
A family happily enjoys a holiday meal together, with all the members seemingly enjoying themselves except for the only child in the image. We all know what she's going through and wish we had something-anything to talk to our extended family about.
No politics, just pie: seasonal dinner table topics
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)
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
Elizabeth Finn

Elizabeth Finn, Print Managing Editor

Elizabeth is excited for her fourth year on The Pitch. Outside of school, she runs cross country and track.

All content by Elizabeth Finn
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

Elizabeth Finn, Print Managing Editor
November 15, 2024
Senior Farhad Sharifai works on transcript request forms in the College and Career Center (across from the Counseling offices). Students are required to fill out one transcript request per school. The first five are free and any more is $5 each.

From Seniors to Juniors: Everything you need to know about the college application process

Elizabeth Finn and Abby Kee
November 15, 2024
Senior Hal Fischer plays bass for his band The Haze. Fischer is excited to play with The Haze at BabyCat again once the other members return. (Courtesy Sam Deichman Caswell)

Fischer’s soundtrack: Senior finds harmony across instruments

Elizabeth Finn, Print Managing Editor
October 4, 2024
(Courtesy Madeleine Simmons)

Simmons cements legacy with four state titles

Elizabeth Finn, Print Managing Editor
May 24, 2024
Healing Thailand's Elephants: Sophia Barrett to travel for veterinary experience

Healing Thailand’s Elephants: Sophia Barrett to travel for veterinary experience

Elizabeth Finn, Print Managing Editor
April 26, 2024
Team captain and starting pitcher Sami Rosenberg lifts the region champion plaque over her head as teammates celebrate. WJ softball won its region in 2023, a feat the team hopes to repeat this year.

Spring Sports Previews

Seyun Park, Anna Zucconi, Joshua Singer, Lily Tapparo, Hillevi Schine, Mateus Bouquet, Jeremy Silberglied, Elizabeth Finn, Cecilia Saltzman, Michelle Kim and Mackenzie Norris
March 20, 2024
IMG_0222

Gabriela Trainor – Class of 2003

March 9, 2024
Sophomore Dylan Cain competes with his partner at the 2024 Youth Olympics. The two have been skating together since 2015.

Fate to skate: WJ skater medals for US at Youth Olympics

Elizabeth Finn, Print Managing Editor
March 8, 2024
The Chamoy Pickle Kit includes a variety of ingredients to fully load up the pickle. The combination of pickle, hot chips and gushers, among other flavors, did not taste good together.

A review of social media’s newest e-commerce enterprise: TikTok Shop

Cecilia Saltzman and Elizabeth Finn
February 2, 2024

Pitch Picks: Super Bowl LVIII Predictions

Lily Tapparo, Joshua Singer, Audrey Ring, Mateus Bouquet, Mackenzie Norris, Anna Zucconi and Elizabeth Finn
February 2, 2024
The choral group Madrigals performs on stage at Winter Wonderland. “I love performing for the community, and anything I can do to give back I always try to make happen. The community has been a great support system for WJ, especially in the Music Department and the least that we can do is sing for them to hopefully brighten their day,” senior Henry Saybolt said.

Chorus carols at holiday event

Cecilia Saltzman and Elizabeth Finn
December 15, 2023
WJ senior striker Loic Nsoga-Mahob skillfully moves past Northwest junior defender Noah Henseler to score the game-winner in overtime. Nsoga-Mahob has scored the game-winner in three of the team's past four games.

Cat fight: Wildcats pounce undefeated Jaguars

Elizabeth Finn and Seyun Park
October 21, 2023

Pregame homecoming football interviews

October 6, 2023

Field hockey pregame interview with Sofia Reyes

September 29, 2023
Point/Counterpoint: Is summer a time for productivity?

Point/Counterpoint: Is summer a time for productivity?

Elizabeth Finn and Sarah Lin
June 15, 2023
Senior captain and midfielder Ellie Hilton takes the ball down the field. Hilton and the Wildcat offense came together and scored 11 points against the 2023 MOCO Champions.

Cat Lax Killas upset Vikings, claim regional title

Elizabeth Finn, Print Sports Editor
May 23, 2023

Q&A with SMOB elect Sami Saeed

Elizabeth Finn and Seyun Park
May 23, 2023
Senior captain and midfielder Olivia McCloskey runs down the field against BCC. McCloskey and the Wildcats came back after being down 5-4 at half, to defeat the Barons 8-7.

Girls’ lax pushes past Barons, prepares for regional finals

Elizabeth Finn, Print Sports Editor
May 15, 2023
Senior captain and midfielder Olivia McCloskey runs through her teammates before the Whitman game. McCloskey committed to Saint Joseph's University to continue her career after high school.

Girls’ lacrosse falls to Sherwood, rebounds against Northwest

Elizabeth Finn, Print Sports Editor
May 2, 2023
The Wildcats huddle before the start of the Whitman game. The Vikings bested the Wildcats 9-8. "I think we need to work on communication and having more faith in ourselves to handle hard situations," sophomore defender Peyton Brown said.

Girls’ lacrosse pushes past Barons, improve to four wins

Elizabeth Finn, Print Sports Editor
April 19, 2023
Larry Hurd Jr. in the middle of a huddle. As head football coach, Hurd Jr. elevated the football program to play against the highest level of public school football.

Larry Hurd Jr. named next Athletic Specialist

Robert Hsu, Joshua Singer and Elizabeth Finn
March 27, 2023
Junior Jay Wandell up at bat as he swings and connects with the pitch. Wandell had a very successful season pitching last year and is excited to make it even farther this season. The Wildcats lost their first game to the Blake Bengals on Tuesday, March 21 12-6.

WJ athletics Spring into new season

Elizabeth Finn, Audrey Ring, Raquel Tolin, Sebastian Beltran, Joshua Singer, Josh Hananel, Blake Bailey and Jose Tovar
March 22, 2023
Junior captain Healey Morgan dives in the pool for her race. She placed third in the 50 freestyle and fourth in the 100 freestyle.

Wildcats dominate and win back-to-back state championships

Elizabeth Finn, Print Sports Editor
March 7, 2023
Senior captain Maren Conze starts her race at regionals. She will be competing in the 200 freestyle and the 100 backstroke in the 4A State Championship on Feb. 25.

Girls’ swim and dive seeks consecutive state titles

Elizabeth Finn, Print Sports Editor
February 24, 2023
Senior captain Sienna Karp high fives sophomore Isla Bartholomew. The two of them swam the 100 breaststroke next to each other and finished first and third.

Girls’ swim and dive finish third, boys’ tie for eighth at Metros

Elizabeth Finn, Print Sports Editor
February 16, 2023
The girls' swim and dive team celebrates their divisionals win. Their win came down to the last event where the 400 freestyle relay held their ground over BCC.

Girls’ swim and dive win divisionals, boys’ tie for fifth

Elizabeth Finn, Print Sports Editor
February 9, 2023
Sophomore Madeleine Simmons swims the 200 Individual Medley (IM) at the meet against Wootton. Senior captain Sienna Karp won this even with a time of 2:06.09 and Simmons came in second with a time of 2:07.28.

Making the laps count: swim and dive prepares for championship season

Elizabeth Finn, Print Sports Editor
January 26, 2023
Junior quarterback Charlie Blessing sets up the offense on the line of scrimmage. Blessing was successful both running and throwing the ball in the first half.

Historic football season ends with first round exit

Elizabeth Finn, Print Sports Editor
November 14, 2022
The defense tries to stop Wootton's offense from scoring. The defense only allowed a total of three points the entire game.

Seniors shine with blowout victory, claim second playoff seed

Elizabeth Finn, Print Sports Editor
November 4, 2022
Freshman running back Dylan Byrd breaks a tackle. Byrd had success running the ball multiple times against Seneca Valley and will make an effort to perform similarly in the regular season finale against Wootton.

Eagles beat Wildcats in fight for playoff home field advantage

Elizabeth Finn, Print Sports Editor
October 28, 2022
Football remains undefeated at home

Football remains undefeated at home

Elizabeth Finn, Print Sports Editor
October 25, 2022
Senior captain and linebacker/running back CJ Newman prepares himself for the start of the game. To get ready, he listened to music including the song, "Forever" by Drake. "Sometimes before a game I'll give a little pep talk to the team, pretty much telling everyone to have confidence," Newman said.

CJ Newman: Leading the way to the next level

Elizabeth Finn, Print Sports Editor
October 22, 2022
Senior quarterback Andrew Plotnick hands the ball to freshman running back Dylan Byrd. Northwest trailed the entire game while trying to stop the WJ offense from continuing their successful.

Wildcats beat Northwest for first time in 12 years

Elizabeth Finn, Print Sports Editor
October 6, 2022
Senior quarterback Andrew Plotnick hands off the ball to senior running back Kiran Sen. Both players hope to find similar connection against Northwest. “I am confident in our team’s ability to come back after a loss last year, and we have the talent to perform well,” Sen said.

Football bounces back against Wheaton

Elizabeth Finn, Print Sports Editor
September 29, 2022
The Wildcats huddle under the lights as they try to fend off the reigning state champions. They were unable to put points on the board as Quince Orchard won 42-0.

Cat fight: Cougars pummel Wildcats

Elizabeth Finn, Print Sports Editor
September 22, 2022
The defense makes a tackle to stop Whitman from gaining yards. The Wildcats defense held the Vikings to only six points the entire game. The Wildcats hope to stay successful in week three against Quince Orchard.

Football stays undefeated after triumph over Whitman

Elizabeth Finn, Print Sports Editor
September 14, 2022
The football team runs onto the field to start the first game of the season. The crowd was dressed in green and cheered in support. "Running out was exciting and nerve-racking. Everyone was feeling a ton of emotions," senior Elijah Barringtine said.

Friday Night Lights return as Wildcats win

Elizabeth Finn, Print Sports Editor
September 8, 2022
The US women's soccer team celebrates winning their World Cup win in 2019. Currently the national team is celebrating achieving equal pay. “I’m just so proud, to be honest. I’m so proud of all of the hard work that all of us did to get us here,” Megan Rapinoe said on Good Morning America.

New deal sparks equal pay for the USWNT

Elizabeth Finn, Staff Writer
June 7, 2022
Quarterback Dwayne Haskins died April 9. During his career he played for Bullis, Ohio State, the Commanders and the Steelers.

Former local quarterback Dwayne Haskins dies at 24

Elizabeth Finn, Staff Writer
May 6, 2022
Paper towels vs hand dryers

Paper towels vs hand dryers

Elizabeth Finn, Staff Writer
April 8, 2022
The gymnastics team wins the 2019 County Championship. Because of the pandemic, the team was unable to have a season in 2020 or 2021.

Gymnastics team looks ahead with new coaches

Elizabeth Finn, Staff Writer
March 21, 2022
Former University of Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett boosts his profile by performing well at the NFL Combine. In week seven of college football Pickett and the Panthers defeated Clemson 27-17.

The NFL Combine exposes future stars

Elizabeth Finn, Staff Writer
March 10, 2022
Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes celebrates a week six victory. Mahomes and the Chiefs, who protested the NFL's overtime rules in 2019, played two playoff games this year under the same format.

P/CP: Should NFL overtime rules change?

Erik Rees and Elizabeth Finn
February 17, 2022
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