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
Hailey Chaikin

Hailey Chaikin, Staff Writer

This is senior Hailey Chaikin’s first year writing for the Pitch. Coming out of AP Lang, Hailey learned the ropes easily and is regarded as a Staff Writer. In her free time, Hailey enjoys playing for WJ Varsity soccer as well as hanging out with her friends and dogs. She is also an officer of Best Buddies. Hailey hopes to go to college studying Communications and Public Relations.

All content by Hailey Chaikin
Starting next school year, students will need to take the MISA test as a graduation requirement. Photo courtesy of google images.

MISA Testing

Hailey Chaikin
May 22, 2018
Is Prom overrated?

Is Prom overrated?

Hailey Chaikin
Apr 26, 2018
Parkland advocate David Hogg. Picture courtesy of Google Images.

David Hogg faces criticism from television hosts

Hailey Chaikin
Apr 18, 2018
An image of the Pack 500. Photo courtesy of google images.

Catch: Backpack speakers fill WJHS

Hailey Chaikin
Apr 3, 2018
Junior Casey Sherman from Stoneman Douglas HS. Photo Courtesy Julia Nestel.

Interview with Parkland student

Hailey Chaikin
Mar 7, 2018
The official Bocce team for the 2017-2018 season. Photo Courtesy of Lifetouch.

Bocce’s season comes to a close

Hailey Chaikin
Feb 16, 2018
WJ bocce seniors line up next to Coach McArdle (left). Photo courtesy of Gerald Gruber.

Bocce honors seniors in last game of the season

Hailey Chaikin
Feb 2, 2018
The Bocce team says the pledge before the game against Churchill. Image Courtesy of Lifetouch

Bocce midseason recap

Hailey Chaikin, Staff Writer
Jan 29, 2018
Photo courtesy of “12 Keys of Rehab”

The hidden dangers of laced drugs

Hailey Chaikin
Jan 29, 2018
Junior Justin Zimmer pitches the bocce ball. Photo courtesy of Lifetouch.

Bocce has best result in game against BCC

Hailey Chaikin
Jan 23, 2018
Senior, Jomel Velasquez pitches the ball at the Whitman game.

Bocce falls to Whitman in their first game

Hailey Chaikin
Jan 16, 2018
Holiday materialism: Has it gone too far?

Holiday materialism: Has it gone too far?

Hailey Chaikin
Dec 22, 2017
Bocce season preview

Bocce season preview

Hailey Chaikin
Dec 4, 2017
MCPS calendar change for 2018-2019 school year

MCPS calendar change for 2018-2019 school year

Hailey Chaikin
Nov 20, 2017
Handball ends their season with a bang

Handball ends their season with a bang

Hailey Chaikin
Nov 13, 2017
Handball has closest score in game against Whitman

Handball has closest score in game against Whitman

Hailey Chaikin
Nov 3, 2017
Handball gains motivation against Montgomery Blair

Handball gains motivation against Montgomery Blair

Hailey Chaikin
Oct 24, 2017
The faults in the College Application process

The faults in the College Application process

Hailey Chaikin
Oct 18, 2017
Handball adjusts in game against Wootton

Handball adjusts in game against Wootton

Hailey Chaikin
Oct 17, 2017
Handball: The start of the season

Handball: The start of the season

Hailey Chaikin
Oct 5, 2017
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