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 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
Ila Gordon

Ila Gordon, Print Managing Editor

Senior Ila Gordon is excited to contribute in her second year on the Pitch as the Print Managing Editor. Outside of room 193, Ila enjoys playing soccer and spending time outdoors!

All content by Ila Gordon
Ila Gordon's senior reflection

Ila Gordon’s senior reflection

Ila Gordon, Print Managing Editor
May 24, 2023
AP Biology students pose with their teacher Khanh Chau and the in-person panelists Judith Arroyo, PhD, NIH and Lunet Luna, PhD, NIH and the discussion on public trust in science concludes.

AP bio students, NIH specialists discuss public trust in science

Ila Gordon, Print Managing Editor
March 8, 2023
The Girls Lacrosse team shows their preseason spirit during a training session. This was a lifting session for the team to get stronger and excited for the upcoming season.

Senior captains, players, prepare for upcoming spring season

Ila Gordon, Print Managing Editor
March 1, 2023
`

How students celebrate Valentines Day

Grace Willis, Print Feature Editor
February 13, 2023
An English-theater combo classroom has possibly the most uncommon design in the school. An entirely black-colored space with ascending desks that face a stage-like area is the perfect set up for theater students to learn.

Best classroom designs

Ila Gordon, Print Managing Editor
January 24, 2023
College and career coordinator Gayle Evans helps senior Tiffany Gibson navigate the strenuous college application process. As always, Evans greets students with a smile and ensures all their questions are answered.

Students, staff praise Evans’ tireless efforts to help WJ community

Ila Gordon, Print Managing Editor
December 15, 2022
Adding to the school agenda: Does WJ got talent?

Adding to the school agenda: Does WJ got talent?

Raquel Daley and Ila Gordon
November 10, 2022
Overcrowded lunch in student commons poses difficulty for regulars

Overcrowded lunch in student commons poses difficulty for regulars

Jose Tovar and Ila Gordon
November 6, 2022
John McCarthy's Gun Violence assembly: good intentions, bad execution

John McCarthy’s Gun Violence assembly: good intentions, bad execution

Ila Gordon, Print Managing Editor
November 2, 2022
Work by Imran Hussien, 11 Work title: Kareen Bartholomew "Kareen Bartholomew is a very beautiful swordsmen. He is 204 years old. He never lost a battle. He has been fighting since he was 3 years old. Everyone is afraid of him. He sleeps with his sword every night."

Art students display “Junk Bots” in media center

Ila Gordon
June 14, 2022
Junior Nik Avillo climbs the medieval walls of Obiods during his trip to Portugal over spring break. He notes that this part of the adventure was most special because of its uniqueness, history and beautiful scenery.

Students venture to Portugal

Ila Gordon, Print News Editor
May 6, 2022
The updated "Lockdown with Options" instructions have been posted in all classrooms to aid students in quick decision making and thoughtful action in the event of an emergency situation that would warrant such a practice.

Are lockdown drills effective?

Ila Gordon, Print News Editor
April 7, 2022
The counseling center at WJ provides important information and resources to aid students in managing their mental health. There are informational posters and forms that are easily accessible to students in the counseling center, although many students remain hesitant or unaware of these opportunities.

How mental health is (or isn’t) being addressed at WJ

Ila Gordon, Print News Editor
April 2, 2022
As the beloved reality show Too Hot Handle releases its third season, an intriguing new cast with unprecedented plot twists prompts excitement, but also concern as to how the show, among other similar reality shows, is impacting us.

Evaluating reality relationship shows

Ila Gordon, Print News Editor
February 18, 2022
Precalc teacher Tricia Cooper teacher her 6 period Precalc class while recording the class on zoom. Cooper usually records her classes to later post on Canvas for students who were absent to follow along.

Teachers accommodating students online

Ila Gordon and Yuval Shachar
February 14, 2022
Students sit in the cafeteria during a study hall. Students are often sent to the cafeteria if their teacher is out with Covid because there are not enough substitutes to cover all the classes.

Staff shortages cause classroom chaos

Maeve Sanford-Kelly and Ila Gordon
February 10, 2022
While Junior Kate Fuller set the goal for herself to be more productive during lunch and other free times, she often finds herself getting distracted with her phone. This is one of the most common goals that students aim for in the new year but also one of the biggest distractions from New Years resolutions.

Why New Year’s resolutions are ineffective

Ila Gordon, Print News Editor
January 12, 2022
The thick layers of chocolate topped with mouthwatering candy canes is simply irresistible. Especially around the holidays, there is simply no better dessert.

Can the holidays be enjoyed vegan?

Yuval Shachar and Ila Gordon
December 21, 2021
Senior Maeve Sanford-Kelly receives her COVID vaccine when she became eligible in the late spring of 2021. As the booster vaccine has become available to more of the population, Kelly awaits her opportunity to get the final dose.

Approval of booster vaccine changes perspective policy

Ila Gordon, Print News Editor
December 20, 2021
The holiday season brings many good things: presents, family time and delicious sweets! Unfortunately, behind the jingle bells and good cheer lurks an underlying stress of buying presents for all your loved ones. Students turn to websites like Buzz-feed to get ideas for holiday gifts.

Students face the underlying stress of gift giving

Ila Gordon, Print News Editor
December 20, 2021
English 10 students work on an assignment in room 194. Throughout MCPS a discussion about the diversity gap is being held, as the student body is more diverse than its staff counterpart.

Demographic discrepancies prompt concern

Yuval Shachar and Ila Gordon
December 20, 2021
Instagram leads to eating disorders... news flash?

Instagram leads to eating disorders… news flash?

Ila Gordon, Print News Editor
November 16, 2021
Junior Shiima Nantulya stands up in front of the entire student body at the student-led walkout. Nantulya, along with other student leaders spoke in response to the vandalism on and around WJ property.

Students recap schoolwide rally

Ila Gordon, Print News Editor
November 16, 2021
Health teacher Lorraine Goldstein assists her students with an in-class assignment. While in-person assignments are fairly low-stress, the work level differs for online health class.

The disparities between online and in-person health

Ila Gordon and Yuval Shachar
November 12, 2021
Students were administered the SAT and PSAT on October 13 and completed the test during the school day. While most sophomores and juniors took the PSAT and only select seniors who requested it took the SAT.

Walter Johnson administers SAT to seniors and PSAT to juniors

Ila Gordon, Print News Editor
October 19, 2021
During in-person school students are able to eat with their friends during lunch. Students can choose to eat almost anywhere on campus as well as off campus at G-square or at the mall if they can drive.

Point Counter Point: In person vs online school

Ila Gordon and Yuval Shachar
October 15, 2021
Sophomore Nathan Henderson (middle) rows with his teammates in the Gunston Regatta. This event was the final race of the crew season for novices on the team, as well as others who didn’t qualify for the national Regatta.

Virtual school year increases participation in school-sponsored extracurriculars

Ila Gordon, Print News Editor
June 15, 2021
Freshman Lily Tapparo faces the unfortunate reality of virtual school; reading books from home and taking classes from her bedroom. These challenges have had a significant effect on Tapparo, and all freshman who struggle to find their place in high school without ever stepping foot in the building.

Starting high school in a global pandemic

Ila Gordon and Ruby Topalian
March 15, 2021
People across the country have protested in response to the death of George Floyd last spring, and WJ students are no exception. Many students have gotten involved with the Black Lives Matter movement and are making their voices heard.

The effect of the Black Lives Matter movement on Walter Johnson students

Ila Gordon, Special to The Pitch
December 18, 2020
(From left) Juniors Caeden Babcock, David Bowers, Charley Carr, Will Wise and Sophia Carrasco pose with trash collected from a Rockville stream. Members of the Go Green club partake in many local volunteer activities to better the environment.

Go Green Club persists despite virtual challenges

Ila Gordon, Special to The Pitch
November 19, 2020
Load More Stories
Donate to The Pitch
$356
$1000
Contributed
Our Goal