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
Laura Mata

Laura Mata, Layout and Design Editor

This is Laura’s second year as the layout and designer editor for the Pitch. She enjoys spending time with friends and family.
All content by Laura Mata
Many sitcom fans, especially those of "That '70s Show," were riled up about the upcoming release of "That '90s Show." The show has been controversial as it does not exactly resemble the original cast and storyline.

That 90s Show Opens with Mixed Reviews

Laura Mata, Layout and Design Editor
March 1, 2023
Sophomore Lianis Melo watches the recap of Miss Universe on her phone. Melo was amazed by the character of the crowned Miss Universe.

Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel wins Miss Universe

Laura Mata, Layout and Design Editor
February 8, 2023
Wednesday has skyrocketed as one of the most popular Netflix shows of all time. The show has had a steady viewing audience since it's release.

Show Review: Netflix’s “Wednesday”

Laura Mata, Layout and Design Editor
January 17, 2023
Senior Eva Griebl takes on the holiday rush as a barista at Starbucks. Working during the holidays can especially be overwhelming as a student because of the Starbucks holiday specials.

Working students take on the busy holiday season

Laura Mata, Layout and Design Editor
December 21, 2022
Junior Nick Zayas hops from store to store searching for the perfect suit. Many students start shopping several weeks before Homecoming in order to be put together ahead of time.

Students get runway ready for Homecoming 2022

Laura Mata, Layout and Design Editor
October 25, 2022
Freshmen Nikita Gonzalez and Ibtisam Ferried study while eating during lunch. Students take advantage of their hour-long lunches to eat and take care of their school work.

Longer lunch schedule pleases staff and students

Laura Mata, Layout and Design Editor
September 19, 2022
Justin Fraser's Calculus with Applications class spends their last weeks of school on their phones with their curriculum finished early.

Emptier classes, hallways post graduation

Laura Mata, Layout and Design Editor
June 17, 2022
This nostalgic art piece portrays Guillen-Sanchez being exposed to both American and Mexican environments as she grew up.

Artist of the issue: Valeria Guillen-Sanchez

Laura Mata, Layout and Design Editor
May 24, 2022
The Tidal Basin brings many people from all over to experience the beauty of Cherry Blossoms.

Cherry Blossom activities taking place around Washington D.C.

Laura Mata, Layout and Design Editor
April 5, 2022
Many people use yoga as form of coping with mental health. Students at WJ find yoga to be calming.

How to cope with mental health

Laura Mata, Layout and Design Editor
April 2, 2022
Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak join forces for the release of their album, "An Evening with Silk Sonic." Many fans are excited for the start of the accompanying tour to promote the album in 2022.

Silk Sonic releases their debut album, “An Evening with Silk Sonic”

Laura Mata, Layout and Design Editor
December 13, 2021
Thanksgiving is a deeply held tradition for many Americans. Foods such as turkey, ham, cranberry sauce, stuffing and gravy are the pillars of a Thanksgiving meal.

Students’ Thanksgiving plans

Laura Mata, Layout and Design Editor
November 17, 2021
Every year WJ students dive deep into the Halloween craze. Some like to dress up to watch their favorite Halloween movies together.

What WJ students watch for Halloween

Laura Mata, Layout and Design Editor
November 16, 2021
Junior Ava Franke pumps up the crowd during our homecoming game. Franke is a flyer for the team, striking a posed lib with one leg in the air.

How comfortable are students with their return to school?

Laura Mata, Layout and Design Editor
October 19, 2021
The spotlight shines on Harry as he takes the stage.The fans in the arena roared through their masks.

The Harry Styles Experience

Laura Mata, Layout and Design Editor
October 18, 2021
Load More Stories
Donate to The Pitch
$356
$1000
Contributed
Our Goal