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
Jackson Buss

Jackson Buss, Online Editor-in-Chief

Jackson is a senior and is psyched about being an Online Editor-In-Chief in his second year on the Pitch. In his free time Jackson enjoys playing basketball and hanging out with friends.

All content by Jackson Buss
WJ sports blurb: Boys Lacrosse

WJ sports blurb: Boys Lacrosse

Jackson Buss, Online Editor-in-Chief
May 17, 2022
Seniors Will Dash and J.P Rakis strategize their next attack in a game against Walt Whitman. WJ went on to win this game in overtime with the game-winner coming from Rakis.

Boys lacrosse gains momentum as the end of the regular season approaches

Jackson Buss, Online Editor-in-Chief
May 8, 2022
Seniors Immanuel Harper and Jackson Van Wagener during the Wildcats regular season game against RM. Dealing with injuries the Wildcats lost this game 62-50. However, they have since gotten healthy and look to get revenge on Friday in the first round of the playoffs.

Boys playoff basketball game moved to earlier time due to concern for violence

Jackson Buss, Online Editor-in-Chief
Feb 25, 2022
The varsity girls basketball team take a team photo before the last home game on senior night. Seniors Trinity Hill, Alexa Hackman and Ellie Tan were worried they wouldn't have a senior night when their season was paused due to covid.

Girls push through Covid induced mid-season pause

Jackson Buss, Online Editor-in-Chief
Feb 18, 2022
Head Coach Hector Morales receives an award for all he has contributed to the Walter Johnson soccer program. Seniors (from left) Mathew Eisenbrey, Fernando Ibarra, Leo Dobosz, and Alejandro Linares surround him.

Boys varsity soccer coach Hector Morales retires days after reaching historic milestone

Jackson Buss, Online Editor-in-Chief
Jan 18, 2022
NFL Playoff Preview

NFL Playoff Preview

Jackson Buss, Online Editor-in-Chief
Jan 15, 2022
The Wildcats celebrate their 27-8 victory against the Wootton Patriots. The Wildcats closed their regular season with this win and want to ride this momentum into the playoffs.

Football closes regular season, prepares for first playoff battle

Jackson Buss, Online Editor-in-Chief
Nov 5, 2021
The Wildcats celebrate a goal as they take the lead against Churchill. WJ went on to win 3-1.

Boys soccer playoff preview

Jackson Buss, Online Editor-in-Chief
Nov 1, 2021
The starting lineup for the WJ boys varsity soccer team kneels in a huddle together before a regular season game against Churchill. This has become a ritual they do before every game.

Boys soccer county championship game cancelled to the dismay of the team

Jackson Buss, Online Editor-in-Chief
Oct 28, 2021
This is the first year of juice at WJ. The game was dubbed "BCC's funeral" as students wore all black and leading seniors came in formal attire. WJ would come out on top with an exhilarating overtime win.

Students bring the “juice” three years later

Jackson Buss and Alex Wolfson
Oct 15, 2021
Athletic Director Tom Rogers (right) with his late brother, Keith.

WJ community comes together in support of AD Mr. Roger´s brother Keith

Jackson Buss, Online Editor-in-Chief
Sep 27, 2021
Sophomore Nick Avillo slides in for a tackle and regains possession for the Wildcats.

Boys varsity soccer finishes season strong and looks toward future

Jackson Buss, Online Sports Editor
May 14, 2021
The famed Rose Bowl Stadium where No.1 Alabama defeated No. 4 Notre Dame 31-14 in the first 2021 playoff semi-final. The historical Rose Bowl stadium is nearly 100 years old and has been host to many legendary games and players.

2021 college football playoff provides more interesting storylines than football games

Jackson Buss, Online Sports Editor
Feb 24, 2021
Charlie Newman takes the ball down the court in a basketball game against Wooton High School.

Senior basketball players reflect on their time at WJ

Jackson Buss, Online Sports Editor
Feb 21, 2021
Indoor Track runner Adam Morad at a trual meet last winter. Morad specializes in the two mile race.

Winter sports cancelled for 2021 school year

Jackson Buss, Online Sports Editor
Feb 16, 2021
Junior Andrew Schell and Senior Alex Scott running at last year's Cross Country County Meet.

Cross country team continues to train amid pandemic

Jackson Buss, Online Sports Editor
Oct 30, 2020
Free image/jpeg, Resolution: 1365x1024, File size: 893Kb, All NFL Logos clipart

Previewing the NFL season in a so-far unpredictable year

Jackson Buss, Online Sports Editor
Oct 12, 2020
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