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
Ian Rees

Ian Rees, Online Editor in Chief

This is Ian’s second year on the Pitch, and he’s excited to work as an Online Editor-in-Chief. Outside the Pitch, you’ll see Ian hanging out with his friends, dabbling with baseball and bringing the juice at WJ sports events.

All content by Ian Rees
Juan Guaido supporters gather in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. Guaido declared himself interim president on January 23, a move that sparked controversy within and outside of the country.

Crisis in Venezuela spurs mass protests

Ian Rees, Online Editor-in-Chief
May 22, 2019
Construction of the wall on the southern border has begun. President Trump used his power to declare a national emergency to get the funds for the wall, though opponents argue the constitutionality of the emergency declaration.

Trump’s national emergency sparks constitutional debate

Ian Rees, Online Editor-in-Chief
Mar 25, 2019
Bryce Harper signed a 13 $330 million deal with NL East foe Philadelphia Phillies. Nationals fans should boo him in his return to DC.

Bryce Harper deserves to be booed in DC return

Ian Rees, Online Editor-in-Chief
Mar 21, 2019
President Trump 2019 State of the Union address revolved around unity, America first and border protection. The address was essentially all the same of what Trump has harped on for months.

State of the Union: all talk, no action

Ian Rees, Online Editor-in-Chief
Feb 14, 2019
Students at WJ are typically liberal. This creates an unfortunate confirmation bias that damages the school.

Confirmation bias: a damaging aspect to life at WJ

Ian Rees, Online Editor-in-Chief
Jan 23, 2019
A total of 161 WJ students responded to a poll asking which political party matches their views best. Students confirmed the stereotype that WJ is very liberal.

Politics at WJ: which way does the student body lean?

Ian Rees, Online Editor-in-Chief
Jan 23, 2019
President Trump signs an Executive Order in early August to reimpose sanctions on Iran. Trump elected to withdraw the US from the Iran nuclear agreement in May, among other controversial decisions.

President Trump 2018 year in review

Ian Rees, Online Editor-in-Chief
Jan 4, 2019
President Trump on his visit to Jerusalem in 2017. Many have accused the president of inspiring radical conservatives to carry out acts of terror.

Point counterpoint: who’s to blame for the Pittsburgh shooting?

Julia Hananel and Ian Rees
Nov 19, 2018
Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh's High School days at Georgetown Prep were filled with partying and alcohol. Students say this same culture exists today.

Public versus private school party culture

Ian Rees, Online Editor-in-Chief
Oct 29, 2018
There have been a plethora of new initiatives and policies at WJ this year. The Pitch sat down with Ms. Baker to discuss them.

State of the school

Ian Rees, Online Editor-in-Chief
Oct 26, 2018
Congrats to senior Timmy Ellett for committing to University of Kentucky!

Senior Timmy Ellett commits to University of Kentucky

Ian Rees, Online Editor-in-Chief
Oct 5, 2018
Student's in the Women's Studies class get ready for the day's lesson. This is the inaugural year of the Women's Studies course at WJ.

Teachers strive to individualize curriculums

Ian Rees, Online Editor-in-Chief
Oct 1, 2018
Former Arizona Senator John McCain worked in government for 35 years and was a POW in Vietnam for over five years. McCain passed away on August 25 after a long battle with brain cancer.

John McCain: one of America’s greatest public servants

Ian Rees, Online Editor-in-Chief
Sep 18, 2018
Social studies teacher Tim Rodman (center) won the 2018 Maryland High School Financial Educator of the Year award. Photo credit to Maryland State Department of Education.

Rodman wins financial educator award

Ian Rees, Online News Editor
Jun 6, 2018
The media center recently purchased exercise bikes for students to use. Photo Courtesy of Naomi Gelfand

WJ news digest: 6/4/18

Ian Rees, Online News Editor
Jun 4, 2018
Mike Pompeo meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un. The Trump Adminsitration has been working on scheduling a summit with North Korea in hopes of denationalization. Photo courtesy of the White House.

North Korea denuclearization

Ian Rees, Online News Editor
May 30, 2018
News Digest 3/1-3/6

News Digest 3/1-3/6

Ian Rees, Online News Editor
Mar 9, 2018
President Trump delivers his first State of the Union. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

State of the Union: it’s time to rally behind the universally American goals of the President

Ian Rees, Online News Editor
Feb 23, 2018
Baltimore saw a record-breaking year in homicides in 2017. This is unfortunate statistic for the city, as crime rates have been on a steady upward trend for years. Photo credit by Pixabay.

Baltimore continues disappointing trend in crime

Ian Rees, Online News Editor
Jan 31, 2018
News Digest 1/19-1/24

News Digest 1/19-1/24

Ian Rees, Online News Editor
Jan 25, 2018
Call of Duty: WW2 is the latest game in Sledgehammer's Call of Duty series.

Call of Duty: WW2 review

Ian Rees, Online News Editor
Nov 17, 2017
WJ Alum wins Nobel Prize in Medicine

WJ Alum wins Nobel Prize in Medicine

Ian Rees, Online News Editor
Nov 1, 2017
DACA: How it Affects WJ

DACA: How it Affects WJ

Ian Rees, Online News Editor
Oct 18, 2017
Antifa emblazoned on a wall in the Czech Republic. Antifa’s recent violence has stirred up outrage across America. Photo courtesy of flickr.com

ANTIFA: The Dangerous Far Left Movement

Ian Rees, online news Editor
Oct 13, 2017
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