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
Emma Saltzman

Emma Saltzman, Print Managing Editor

Emma Saltzman is a senior at WJ and is thrilled to be spending her second year on The Pitch as a Print Managing Editor. In her free time, Emma loves to dance and spend time with her friends and family.

All content by Emma Saltzman
Emma Saltzman's Senior Reflection

Emma Saltzman’s Senior Reflection

Emma Saltzman, Print Managing Editor
Jun 15, 2021
While many students have returned back to in-person learning, MCPS struggles to shrink the achievement gap.

“Going the distance”

Emma Saltzman, Print Managing Editor
Jun 15, 2021
The leadership class of 2020 poses for a picture on their field trip to an escape room. Leadership is involved in planning many important school events, but the class also presents fun bonding opportunities.

Leadership class to undergo major changes

Emma Saltzman, Print Managing Editor
Apr 9, 2021
A collage illustrating the current political divisions features photos of President Joe Biden, former President Donald Trump and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, among others. The last few years has been marked by particularly high levels of political polarization.

WJ witnesses increasing political polarization

Emma Saltzman, Print Managing Editor
Mar 8, 2021
Every teacher should ask their students for their preferred pronouns

Every teacher should ask their students for their preferred pronouns

Emma Saltzman, Print Managing Editor
Jan 13, 2021
Taylor Swift released her ninth studio album, Evermore, on December 11, 2020.

Taylor Swift’s second surprise album doesn’t disappoint

Chelsea Laurik and Emma Saltzman
Jan 12, 2021
Supporters of President Trump and the far-right stormed the U.S. Capitol building Wednesday in a final bid to overturn the results of the election.

WJ community reacts to political unrest in Capitol

Emma Saltzman, Print Managing Editor
Jan 7, 2021
(Left to right) Seniors Nicole Uhl, Anne-Fleur Winter, Danielle Nevett, Ella Mochizuki, Sophie Kotlove, Emmie Maisel and Maggie Lieberman pose for a photo in their dresses and masks at the Lincoln Memorial.

Students celebrate Homecoming in unconventional ways

Emma Saltzman, Print Managing Editor
Nov 9, 2020
“A hot mess inside a dumpster fire inside a trainwreck”

“A hot mess inside a dumpster fire inside a trainwreck”

Emma Saltzman, Print Managing Editor
Oct 14, 2020
Leadership wears pajamas for virtual spirit week. The SGA decided to hold virtual spirit week to boost students' morale and bring back a sense of normalcy in an unprecedented school year.

Back to school 2020 brings forth a new learning environment for students

Emma Saltzman, Print Managing Editor
Oct 11, 2020
The past few years under President Donald Trump's administration have been an embarrassment for our nation. In order to move forward, young voters must mobilize and participate in the 2020 election.

Young voters must mobilize to create change

Emma Saltzman, Print Managing Editor
Jun 28, 2020
Members of the community took to DC and other cities to protest police brutality and systemic racial injustice in the wake of the killing of George Floyd.

Students protest police violence in the wake of George Floyd killing

Emma Saltzman, Print News Editor
Jun 5, 2020
Researchers work hard to find a vaccine for COVID-19. Many top doctors believe that things will not return to "normal" until a vaccine is developed and distributed.

Coronavirus: What comes next?

Emma Saltzman, News Editor
May 15, 2020
Mocking controversial figures gives them the publicity they crave

Mocking controversial figures gives them the publicity they crave

Emma Saltzman, News Editor
Apr 24, 2020
Joe Biden, the clear Democratic nominee, sees a long road ahead of him in the race for President. The 2020 elections will be unique, as voters and candidates face unprecedented challenges due to COVID-19.

COVID-19 transformed every aspect of Americans’ lives. Politics were no exception.

Emma Saltzman, News Editor
Apr 20, 2020
The recent outbreak of COVID-19 has created a time of uncertainty and unpredictability. Large school systems like MCPS have been faced with the challenge of adapting to a new normal and continuing learning for students from home.

MCPS adapts to unprecedented circumstances

Emma Saltzman, Print News Editor
Apr 5, 2020
My friends and I were feeling down because of the negative news. It wasn't much, but random acts of kindness made these dark times a little brighter.

Spreading positivity one brownie at a time

Emma Saltzman, Print News Editor
Mar 26, 2020
B-CC vandalized WJ's senior shed, sparking a series of events that ended in violent clashes.

WJ and B-CC tensions ignite in brawls

Danis Cammett and Emma Saltzman
Feb 20, 2020
The word "Viking" was spray painted on B-CC's wall, raising some suspicion that Whitman students were involved with the vandalism as well.

B-CC and WJ tensions reach new levels

Danis Cammett, Emma Saltzman, Iman Khosrodad and Jason Grayer
Feb 7, 2020
Juniors Emmie Maisel, Mia Chai, Victoria Rentsch, Nicole Uhl, Ella Mochizuki and Amber Liang pose for a mental health-themed photo booth. This event was hosted by Sources of Strength as a fun activity for students during Mental Health Week.

WJ honors Mental Health Awareness

Emma Saltzman, News Editor
Dec 12, 2019
In 2020, many WJ students will be donning the iconic "I Voted" sticker on election day.

First time voters share excitement

Emma Saltzman, News Editor
Dec 9, 2019
Like counts promote senseless competition

Like counts promote senseless competition

Emma Saltzman, News Editor
Dec 7, 2019
WJ eliminated weekly homerooms due to widespread confusion about schedules. Despite this, utter bewilderment continues to run rampant through the student body.

Weekly homeroom is pointless

Emma Saltzman, News Editor
Nov 5, 2019
Nate Tinbite is the current student member of the MCPS board of education. Tinbite hopes to be able to give student athletes PE credit for participating in school-sponsored athletics.

County hopes to give students PE credit for athletics

Katy Orndorff and Emma Saltzman
Nov 1, 2019
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan passed a bunch of new laws in October. These laws cover vaping, cyberbulling and other topics.

Maryland passes new laws

Emma Saltzman, News Editor
Nov 1, 2019
Vaping has gained popularity over recent years, especially with teenagers.

Vaping-related disease concerns WJ community

Emma Saltzman, News Editor
Oct 1, 2019
Vaping has gained popularity over recent years, especially with teenagers.

Vaping-related disease concerns WJ community

Emma Saltzman, News Editor
Sep 27, 2019
A mural made by the Albert Einstein High School class of 2019. Seniors painted their name on the wall outside the front of the school.

Attendance issues at Einstein High School spark conversations across Montgomery County

Emma Saltzman, Staff Writer
Jun 10, 2019
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