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
Geetanjali Raju

Geetanjali Raju, Online News Editor

Senior Geetanjali Raju is excited to participate in her first year with the pitch as a Online News Editor. In her free time, Geetanjali being active, and going out with friends.

All content by Geetanjali Raju
Mallory Striplin leads the WJ Step Team and the Spring Pep Rally. She has been on the team for the past three years, as well as many other clubs. (Courtesy Mallory Striplin)

Senior Standouts

Geetanjali Raju and Mackenzie Norris
May 21, 2024
Since the collapse of the Baltimore Bridge in late March, federal law enforcement has began investigating what preceded the event. In a statement to CBS News, a spokesperson for the FBI said, "[The] FBI is present aboard the cargo ship Dali conducting court authorized law enforcement activity. There is no other public information available and we will have no further comment." (Courtesy Isaac Smay via Flickr)

Navigating the aftermath of the Baltimore Bridge collapse

Geetanjali Raju, Online News Editor
April 20, 2024
Attendees listen to a guest speaker talk about their experience in journalism, a wide and diverse field. "J day is helpful in showing that journalism is not one specific thing. There are a million different components that make up journalism, and what it means to be a journalist," 2023 graduate Jona Jancewicz said.

WJ journalists set to shine at annual J-Day conference

Geetanjali Raju, Online News Editor
March 21, 2024
Photographer Mac Cosgrove-Davies teaches AP Photo students historical photographic processes like wet plate collodion (or tintype) photography. "It changed the way we look at history, and remember events," Davies said.

Photos of the week: 3/4-3/8

March 8, 2024
The school campus looked dramatically different from what is is today. Grassy fields and open spaces where students used to hang out have been turned into parking lots and athletic spaces.

WJ through the decades: Then, now and always

Geetanjali Raju, Online News Editor
March 8, 2024
Recent complaints about students without permits parking in the student lot has reached an all time high. Administration and security have been cracking down on this, with increased punishments, threats of towing, and enhanced monitoring of the lot.

Photos of the week: 2/5-2/9

February 9, 2024
Science Olympiad - Neb Mammo

Academic All-Stars: Students shine in club competition

Elli Karistinou, Sara Elster, Abby Kee, Geetanjali Raju and Maya Panicker
February 2, 2024
Small Things Matter led a "crafting for charities party," including bead making, card-making and knitting.

Students volunteer for MLK day

Geetanjali Raju, Online News Editor
January 26, 2024
Students by day, musical stars by night: Meet WJ’s student bands

Students by day, musical stars by night: Meet WJ’s student bands

Geetanjali Raju, Online News Editor
December 15, 2023
Members of the Hispanic/Latin Heritage Club, Pasion Latino, Fashion Club and Tech Crew joined to host the Hispanic/Latin Cultural Assembly on Friday, Nov. 17.

Photo Gallery: The Hispanic Assembly

Geetanjali Raju and Seyun Park
December 5, 2023
Junior Julin Marcelino-White serves food to a senior citizen at the school's 45th senior citizen luncheon. "It was really nice to be able to host this event. Its a great gesture by the school," Key Club vice president Maya Zutsi said.

Annual Senior Citizen Luncheon returns from hiatus

Geetanjali Raju, Online News Editor
December 5, 2023
Administration and staff pose with handmade wellness signs. "We're so excited about everyone who participated or stopped by. We hope these activities brought a little bit of positivity to your day," Youth Development Specialist Payton Belisle said.

Mind over matter: WJ celebrates mental health

Geetanjali Raju, Online News Editor
November 6, 2023
WJ Baby celebrates the Wildcat win over the Paintbranch Panthers. "Its a great tradition; its unique, its funny, I hope that we carry it on," senior Anthony Levri said.

WJ Baby’s comeback: an inside look

Geetanjali Raju, Online News Editor
October 20, 2023
Even after getting their parking permits, students are still struggling to find a spot in the lot. Many are in favor of assigned spots, which could make the process more convenient and fun. “I think we should each have our own allotted spot, and decorate them,” senior Sylvie Bergoffen said.

Assigned parking spots make sense

Geetanjali Raju, Online News Editor
September 14, 2023
The fair served as a reminder of our uniqueness and creativity. “I want people to know that STEM encompasses so much, and whatever position you find yourself in, there’s so much to explore!” STEM4all treasurer Jeffery Tan said.

Exploring boundless possibilities: a recap of the WJ STEM4all STEM Fair

Geetanjali Raju, Online News Editor
June 16, 2023
Point/Counterpoint: Should WJ adopt more open note quizzes?

Point/Counterpoint: Should WJ adopt more open note quizzes?

Geetanjali Raju and Guilherme Bonzi
February 26, 2023
Ella Berton performs the Gamzatti variation from “La Bayadère” Ballet. Berton has been recognized for her skills by the American Ballet Theatre, one of the leading ballet companies in the world.

Spinning into stardom: meet dance prodigy Ella Berton

Geetanjali Raju, Special to the Pitch
February 24, 2023
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