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

Evan Candelmo, Co-Online Editor-in-Chief

Senior Evan Candelmo is excited to continue his work on The Pitch Online as the Co-Online Editor-In-Chief. Besides being involved in the Leadership class at WJ, Evan spends most of his time working on his own magazine, Line-Up. Evan is thrilled to lead with the new online team and think of more Pitch puns. #PitchBetterHaveMyMoney

[email protected]

All content by Evan Candelmo
2015's Sweetlife Festival is looking to be one of the most successful years in the event's short but sweet history.

Sweetlife Festival stands out in a sea of DC events

Evan Candelmo, Online Arts & Entertainment Editor
May 11, 2015
Kelly Clarkson represents the small minority that has competed on American Idol and has been successful. All three contestants this year have the possibility of leading a legacy similar to Clarkson's.

Why you are missing out on American Idol

Evan Candelmo, Online Arts & Entertainment Editor
May 10, 2015
Jenner finally made his transition announcement after numerous rumors from various tabloids.

Bruce Jenner comes out as transgender

Evan Candelmo, Online Arts & Entertainment Editor
May 4, 2015
Saturday's cast of "Shrek The Musical" featuring Bradley Stein, Amanda Tang and Darien Djourabtchi sing the final song of Act One, "Who I'd Be."

Review: “Shrek The Musical” excites audiences on opening night

Evan Candelmo, Arts & Entertainment Co-Editor
Apr 23, 2015
The iconic painted ladies featured in the opening credits of "Full House."

John Stamos announces Netflix spin-off for “Full House”

Evan Candelmo, Online Arts & Entertainment Co-Editor
Apr 22, 2015
UK singer Natalia Kills, now formerly of The X Factor NZ, has since apologized to the contestant.

New Zealand music competition judges sparks sensation

Evan Candelmo, Online Arts & Entertainment Editor
Mar 18, 2015
Mumford & Sons' latest album is slated to be released in May.

Mumford & Sons abandon the banjo to go electric

Evan Candelmo, Online Arts & Entertainment Co-Editor
Mar 16, 2015
Carly Rae Jepsen is looking to make a comeback this summer season.

Songs to start off the spring season

Evan Candelmo, Online Arts & Entertainment Editor
Mar 12, 2015

WJ’s Leadership class takes on thrifting

Evan Candelmo, Online Arts & Entertainment Editor
Mar 3, 2015
Sam Smith earned three out of four of the major categories at the 57th annual Grammy Awards.

2015 Grammys turn out to be a snoozer

Evan Candelmo, Online Arts & Entertainment Co-Editor
Feb 11, 2015
Orange Is The New Black is one of Netflix's most edgy shows.

Netflix continues to break boundaries with original content

Evan Candelmo, Online Arts and Entertainment Co-Editor
Jan 30, 2015
Charli XCX is one of the most recognizable names in pop music from 2014.

25 of the Best Songs of 2014

Evan Candelmo, Online Arts and Entertainment Co-Editor
Dec 22, 2014
Lana Del Rey's "Ultraviolence" was one of many works snubbed at this year's Grammy nominations.

Snubs and Surprises at the 2014 Grammy Nominations

Evan Candelmo, Online Arts and Entertainment Co-Editor
Dec 10, 2014
Post by Hitomi Angela.

BBC Sound Of 2015 Longlist Announced

Evan Candelmo, Online Arts and Entertainment Co-Editor
Dec 3, 2014

Music Highlights For the Week of Nov. 10

Evan Candelmo, Online Arts and Entertainment Co-Editor
Nov 14, 2014

A New “Toy Story” Movie To Release

Evan Candelmo, Online Arts and Entertainment Co-Editor
Nov 9, 2014
Meester poses at a red carpet event back in her "Gossip Girl" days.

A Look Into Leighton Meester’s “Heartstrings”

Evan Candelmo, Online Arts and Entertainment Co-Editor
Nov 6, 2014
One of the most anticipated comebacks comes from Fergie, lead singer of The Black Eyed Peas.

Is It 2006 Again: A Look Into Music Comebacks

Evan Candelmo, Online Arts and Entertainment Co-Editor
Oct 30, 2014

Internet Personalities Jump Into the Mainstream

Evan Candelmo, Online Arts and Entertainment Co-Editor
Oct 7, 2014

Song Of The Week: “Nostalgia” by Martin Luke Brown

Evan Candelmo, Online Arts and Entertainment Co-Editor
Oct 6, 2014

Five Up-and-Coming Songs: October 2014

Evan Candelmo, Online Arts and Entertainment Co-Editor
Oct 3, 2014

Song Of The Week: “LNDNBRDGE/SXYBCK” by Alex Young

Evan Candelmo, Online Arts and Entertainment Co-Editor
Sep 29, 2014

Song Of The Week: “No Enemiesz” by Kiesza

Evan Candelmo, Online Arts and Entertainment Co-Editor
Sep 19, 2014

First Glance: New Fall 2014 Shows

Evan Candelmo, Online Arts and Entertainment Co-Editor
Sep 15, 2014

Song of The Week: “Hunger” by Sam Sure

Evan Candelmo, Online Arts and Entertainment Co-Editor
Sep 15, 2014

New Apple Products Announced: iPhone 6, Apple Watch And More

Evan Candelmo, Online Arts and Entertainment Co-Editor
Sep 15, 2014
Second Royal Baby On The Way

Second Royal Baby On The Way

Evan Candelmo, Staff Writer
Sep 9, 2014

One Direction Announces New Album

Evan Candelmo, Online Arts and Entertainment Co-Editor
Sep 8, 2014

5 Best Concerts To Attend In The DC Area: September 2014

Evan Candelmo, Online Arts and Entertainment Co-Editor
Sep 5, 2014
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