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
All content by Hannah Markov
Demi Lovato recently released a new documentary recounting the events that contributed to their overdose. The four part series can be viewed on the pop singer's Youtube channel.

Demi Lovato astounds in new documentary series, “Dancing with the Devil”

Hannah Markov, Online Editor-in-Chief
May 25, 2021
Members of the National Guard converse outside the Capitol.

Photo gallery: DC Capitol fencing

Hannah Markov, Online Editor-In-Chief
Mar 23, 2021
It's quarantine, not a productivity contest

It’s quarantine, not a productivity contest

Hannah Markov, Online Editor-in-Chief
Feb 12, 2021
An electric Hanukkiah stands on a windowsill on the sixth night of Hanukkah. The Jewish holiday last for eight days and eight nights.

A guide to 2020 Hanukkah music

Hannah Markov, Online Editor-in-Chief
Dec 16, 2020
The Potomac River rushes past a rock scramble in Section A. The Billy Goat Trail has been one of most popular day hikes in the DC-Maryland area for years.

WJ area offers many great locations for hiking

Hannah Markov, Online Editor-in-Chief
Dec 8, 2020
Screenshot courtesy of Hannah Markov.

MCPS holds virtual Mental Health Awareness Week

Hannah Markov, Online Editor-in-Chief
Nov 15, 2020
AOC neglects the Jewish community

AOC neglects the Jewish community

Hannah Markov, Online Editor-in-Chief
Nov 2, 2020
Drive-ins have gained popularity since social distancing guidelines have been enforced. There are numerous drive-ins open in the DC area.

Drive-ins ramp up in popularity

Hannah Markov, Online Editor-in-Chief
Oct 4, 2020
Ruth Bader Ginsburg discussing her career at the Library of Congress in January, 2020. Ginsburg was a trailblazer who paved the way for women all over the country.

Why RBG is more than a Supreme Court Justice

Elana Renbaum and Hannah Markov
Oct 3, 2020
Several friends go on a social distanced hike together. Hiking is a great way to spend time with loved ones, while also staying safe and healthy. Photo courtesy of Needpix.com.

How to spend summer break in quarantine

Hannah Markov, Online Editor-in-Chief
Jun 17, 2020

Day in the life: Babysitting little kids in quarantine

Hannah Markov, Opinion Editor
May 27, 2020
Homemade birthday cakes such as the one above are a fun way to prep for the special day.

How to celebrate a birthday in quarantine

Hannah Markov, Opinion Editor
May 14, 2020
People have been quick to blame the government for the worsening outbreak of coronavirus, instead of accepting some responsibility themselves. Illustration by Nora Talbott.

Is the government doing enough?

Hannah Markov, Opinion Editor
May 5, 2020
Going on a run is one of the many exercises that people can do to stay active during the coronavirus outbreak.

How to stay active during coronavacation

Hannah Markov, Opinion Editor
Mar 26, 2020
The re-education camps in Xinjiang are being compared to the concentration camos in Nazi Germany and the Gulags in the Soviet Union. The Chinese government has said that the re-education camps are a safety measure to prevent terrorism.

Why the situation in Xinjiang is much worse than we originally thought

Hannah Markov, Opinion Editor
Mar 16, 2020
Baking is a great activity to do with loved ones on Valentine's Day. Photo courtesy of Foodista.com

Relationship Issue: Valentine’s Day date ideas

Hannah Markov, Opinion Editor
Feb 14, 2020
Unhealthy relationships can be difficult to identify. According to HHS.gov, 8% of adolescents report being physically hurt by a partner. Photo courtesy of libela.org.

Relationship Issue: Unhealthy relationships and their warning signs

Hannah Markov, Opinion Editor
Feb 13, 2020
A man sits outside Congregation Beth El in Bethesda, MD. Beth El and many other synagogues have increased their security after recent shootings and hate crimes.

Pitch Reactions: Pittsburgh Shooting

Rafael Friedlander and Hannah Markov
Dec 3, 2018
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