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
Lizzie Kotlove

Lizzie Kotlove, Print A&E Editor

Lizzie is a Print Arts and Entertainment editor for the Pitch this year. This is her second year on the Pitch and in her free time, she likes cheerleading and being with her friends.
All content by Lizzie Kotlove
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Spring Sports Previews

Seyun Park, Anna Zucconi, Joshua Singer, Lily Tapparo, Hillevi Schine, Mateus Bouquet, Jeremy Silberglied, Elizabeth Finn, Cecilia Saltzman, Michelle Kim and Mackenzie Norris
March 20, 2024
Lizzie Kotlove's senior reflection

Lizzie Kotlove’s senior reflection

Lizzie Kotlove, Print A&E editor
May 24, 2023
The promotional photo for "Outer Banks" season three. It features multiple scenes in the new season, including the whole "Pogue" friend group, John B and Sarah's romance and more.

Outer Banks season three: was it worth the hype?

Lizzie Kotlove, Print A&E editor
March 27, 2023
This is an example of a pass given out to students once sent to main office after being tardy to either 1st or 5th period. Students have to go to the office just to return to class to be marked Tardy Unexcused (TU) by teachers, raising lots of frustration on whether that is an effective use of time.

New Tardy Policies cause frustration among students

Lizzie Kotlove, Print A&E editor
March 3, 2023
Should grades be bumped?

Should grades be bumped?

Baxter Roberts and Lizzie Kotlove
February 24, 2023
Senior friends Aurelie Baroody and Chloe Fagan enjoy skiing on the slopes in Quebec, Canada. "I had so much fun skiing even though I'm not an advanced skier. I think this trip was good for all levels of skiers," Baroody said.

Canada Ski trip fun returns after Covid

Lizzie Kotlove and Alessandro Marra
February 8, 2023
Senior designated hitter Hadley Brown helps students in Mr. Lorenzi's astronomy class every day. "I really enjoy getting to make students and Mr. Lorenzi's life easier," Brown said.

Designated Hitters dedicate class periods to helping teachers, students

Lizzie Kotlove, Print A&E editor
November 9, 2022
A colored pencil still life drawing

Artist of the issue: Cooper O’Hair

Lizzie Kotlove, Print A&E editor
October 25, 2022
Freshman Evie Avillo takes on two Blair players as she moves down the field with the ball, showing off her great footwork. Avillo's love for the game started since she got to dress up as a soccer player in a spirit day at school at a very young age.

Freshmen take on varsity sports

Lizzie Kotlove, Print A&E editor
September 16, 2022
The Junior Classes' powderpuff team went against the senior girls in a flag football game. Junior Rita Bousadi enjoyed playing this year, but is excited to be able to be a senior during powderpuff next year. "Powderpuff was super fun, but I'm so excited for events next year when class of 2023 can shine," Bousadi said.

What juniors are looking forward to senior year?

Lizzie Kotlove, Print A&E editor
June 13, 2022
Junior Ava Franke is shown flying at her All-Star cheer practice. She is pulling a heel stretch at the extension level, which is a very difficult skill to conquer in the air. "Flying is super scary, but it is also the best feeling ever," Franke said.

All-Star Cheerleader Ava Franke flips into success

Lizzie Kotlove, Staff Writer
April 4, 2022
Health teacher Lorraine Goldstein attempts to get students involved with games like the 'hot seat,' in which every Friday, one person is asked questions by the rest of the class. "It's paramount with what we have going on in our world to focus on mental health, specifically since so many are trying to cope with a new normal since the pandemic," Goldstein said.

Health class struggles to sufficiently educate on mental health

Lizzie Kotlove, Staff Writer
April 2, 2022
This photo includes many AP study resources for upcoming AP exams. Both flashcards and AP course books help students prepare for their AP exams.

The truth about AP exam season and how to prepare

Lizzie Kotlove, Staff Writer
March 22, 2022
Junior Jackie Ragheb poses in her bedroom to showcase her newly founded Y2K style. “I love dressing in low rise and pink, and I think the Y2K comeback is a great thing for the fashion industry,” Ragheb said.

Y2K fashion makes a comeback at WJ

Lizzie Kotlove, Staff Writer
February 18, 2022
Walter Johnson HS cheer reacts to "Cheer" on Netflix

Walter Johnson HS cheer reacts to “Cheer” on Netflix

Lizzie Kotlove, Staff Writer
February 9, 2022
Fitness Club Strives to Get Female Membership

Fitness Club Strives to Get Female Membership

Lizzie Kotlove, Special to the Pitch
December 1, 2021
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