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
Students give their thoughts on the fall play
Students give their thoughts on the fall play
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
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
Students give their thoughts on the fall play
Students give their thoughts on the fall play
ASL 2 students eat at Mozzeria, a deaf- owned restraunt. Students practiced their signing with the deaf employees to order their food and drinks.
Photo Gallery: ASL Gallaudet Field Trip
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
Washington Capitals captain and forward Alex Ovechkin tracks the puck while Colorado Avalanche defenseman Bowen Byram skates behind him getting ready to defend. Both teams are competing for playoff spots this season. (Courtesy Brian Murphy via Wikimedia Commons)
WJ hockey players discuss Capitals’ strong start
ESOL hosts pumpkin carving event
ESOL hosts pumpkin carving event
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch

Kelly Chartrand, Co-Online News Editor

This is senior Kelly Chartrand’s first year on The Pitch. As Online News Editor, she is excited to work alongside her coeditor Anna Hovey and the rest of the staff to deliver successful and interesting stories. Kelly is a varsity cheerleader and gymnast for WJ, as well as president of the Psychology Club and member of numerous other activities and events. Kelly hopes to eventually get a degree in journalism and loves that The Pitch Online is her first official experience in an editorial role.

All content by Kelly Chartrand

WJ Gymnastics Takes Home Second Place at MCPS County Competition

Kelly Chartrand, Online News Editor
May 20, 2015
Mayweather vs. Pacquiao posters, such as the one pictured, represent what many feel was the greatest fight of the century.

Floyd Mayweather sued for $20 million on domestic abuse defamation charges

Kelly Chartrand, Online News Editor
May 13, 2015

State Music Festival cancelled due to Baltimore riots

Kelly Chartrand, Online News Editor
May 10, 2015
Previous Superintendent Joshua Starr resigned in February of 2015.

MCPS Board of Education Narrows Down Superintendent Candidate Pool

Kelly Chartrand, Online News Editor
May 5, 2015

Baltimore Riots Wreak Havoc Across The City

Kelly Chartrand, Online News Editor
May 3, 2015
Ambassador Lippert speaking during a farewell reception hosted by Republic of Korea Ambassador to the United States Ahn Ho-Young.

North Korea Threatens US Ambassador With “Mishap” After Diplomat’s Speech

Kelly Chartrand, Online News Editor
Apr 29, 2015
Elton John, pictured here performing at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on May 12, 2008, is a strong advocate for IVF fertility treatments and surrogacy.

Dolce & Gabbana Boycott Begins After Shocking Interview Remarks

Kelly Chartrand, Online News Editor
Mar 23, 2015
A marker on the university's campus brings to light the school's historical fight against federal guard regarding desegregation.

University of Alabama elects first African American SGA President in four decades

Kelly Chartrand, Online News Editor
Mar 17, 2015
Tsarnaev's mugshot remains imprinted in the public's minds as the face of the terror Boston experienced on April 15, 2013.

Boston Bombing Trial Begins

Kelly Chartrand, Online News Editor
Mar 12, 2015

Student vs. Staff Basketball Game Raises Donations and School Spirit

Kelly Chartrand, Online News Editor
Feb 27, 2015
Some parents feel that the side effects of vaccines for diseases such as the measles are not worth the benefits that they provide.

Measles Outbreak Sparks Vaccine Controversy

Kelly Chartrand, Online News Editor
Feb 11, 2015
Kaci Fennell, Miss. Jamaica, poses in her evening gown after arriving at Trump National Doral Miami on Jan. 8, 2015.

Social Media Questions Miss Universe Results

Kelly Chartrand, Online News Editor
Jan 28, 2015

Plane Crashes Into Gaithersburg Houses, Killing Six People

Kelly Chartrand, Online News Editor
Dec 12, 2014
Protesters at the "We Will Not Go Back" march in Staten Island on August 23 stand to demand justice for the family of Eric Garner.

NYPD Cop Who Killed Eric Garner Dismissed of All Charges

Kelly Chartrand, Online News Editor
Dec 8, 2014

Cyberbullying or Simple Opinion?

Kelly Chartrand, Online News Editor
Dec 8, 2014
This artist’s impression of the Rosetta orbiter shows it deploying the Philae lander to comet 67p. The image is not accurate to scale.

“Rosetta” Probe Makes Historic Comet Landing

Kelly Chartrand, Online News Editor
Nov 20, 2014
This photo of Pettey playing hockey has been set as many of his friends' Facebook profile pictures as a way to honor his life and spirit.

Gonzaga Student Dies in Tragic Car Accident

Kelly Chartrand, Online News Editor
Nov 7, 2014
Pham and President Obama embrace in the Oval Office on Friday, October 24, 2014.

Dallas Nurses Declared Free of Ebola

Kelly Chartrand, Online News Editor
Nov 5, 2014

UK Stays United: Scotland Votes “No” in Historic Referendum

Kelly Chartrand and Anna Hovey
Oct 27, 2014
Jim Ferlo presenting his Anti-War stance on March 19, 2006.

Pennsylvania Senator Propels LGBT Community Forward With Casual “Coming Out”

Kelly Chartrand, Online News Editor
Sep 29, 2014
Riot-ready SWAT teams in Ferguson patrol the streets on August 15, 2014 at 3pm.

From Ferguson to WJ: How the Missouri Riots are Affecting Us at Home

Kelly Chartrand, Online News Editor
Sep 21, 2014

Georgetown Prep Graduate Dies in Plane Crash

Kelly Chartrand, Online News Editor
Sep 8, 2014
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