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)
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
Mackenzie Norris

Mackenzie Norris, Print Sports Editor

Senior Mackenzie Norris is excited to particpate in her first year with the Pitch as Print Sports Editor and Business Manager. In addition to writing for the Pitch, Mackenzie enjoys representing WJ on the softball field with some of her best friends and teammates.

All content by Mackenzie Norris
Mallory Striplin leads the WJ Step Team and the Spring Pep Rally. She has been on the team for the past three years, as well as many other clubs. (Courtesy Mallory Striplin)

Senior Standouts

Geetanjali Raju and Mackenzie Norris
May 21, 2024
Senior Joe Flynn shakes hands with head coach Bryan Hoffman during the track team's senior day ceremony. Flynn, a football commit, will be attending Bridgewater College next year.

Track and field celebrates their seniors, wins division

Mackenzie Norris and Joshua Singer
May 3, 2024
Beyoncé performs at her Renaissance movie in a stunning green dress. The fashion icon and iconic star has transformed pop and R&B music and with the release of her song, "TEXAS HOLD 'EM," she could transform the country music industry as well.

Beyonce’s newest single puts us in a Lone-Star state of mind

Mackenzie Norris, Print Sports Editor
March 23, 2024
Team captain and starting pitcher Sami Rosenberg lifts the region champion plaque over her head as teammates celebrate. WJ softball won its region in 2023, a feat the team hopes to repeat this year.

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
Junior Kai Lawson performs a 103B, which is one-and-a-half front flips in a pike position at the first meet against B-CC. His skill has been a weapon for the Aquacats this season as he has consistently placed high in his meets.

Gymnast to diver: Going upside down with Kai Lawson

Mackenzie Norris, Print Sports Editor
March 8, 2024
The Aquacats cheer on their teammates as they race in Regionals on Feb. 17. "I'm really excited for States and I cannot wait to watch my teammates swim fast," junior Isla Bartholomew said.

Regionals go swimmingly: Girls win, boys place second

Mackenzie Norris, Print Sports Editor
February 23, 2024
WJ swim cheers on their swimmers as they compete in Metros on Feb. 10. The Aquacats are known for their spirit as they don the famous WJ green. "I was definitely really nervous but the energy was so supportive from my team," junior Isla Bartholomew said.

WJ Swim breaks multiple records in postseason competition

Mackenzie Norris, Print Sports Editor
February 18, 2024
Senior Paulina Horowitz does a back somersault in the straight position into the water. "At practice we have been working on upgrading consistency throughout the season to maintain our 5-0 streak," said Horowitz.

Swim and dive freestyles to victory

Mackenzie Norris, Print Sports Editor
February 2, 2024

Pitch Picks: Super Bowl LVIII Predictions

Lily Tapparo, Joshua Singer, Audrey Ring, Mateus Bouquet, Mackenzie Norris, Anna Zucconi and Elizabeth Finn
February 2, 2024
Released on Dec. 19, fans from all around the world joined together to watch the long awaited, highly anticipated first episode of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians television show. With high hopes for this new show, fans were very surprised when author Rick Riordan made several changes to the storyline.

New Percy Jackson series should be dubbed “Peter Johnson” due to extreme plot changes

Sara Elster and Mackenzie Norris
February 1, 2024
Senior captain Healey Morgan bids the opposing team good luck as they prepare to race. Morgan performed well this meet, coming in first in the 100 Freestyle.

Swim and dive dives into 2024 with victory against QO

Mackenzie Norris, Print Sports Editor
January 12, 2024
The Grammy Awards, hosted annually, are regarded as the most major American music awards. This year's nominees are full of beloved and commercially acclaimed songs, albums and artists.

2024 Grammy nominations: Pitch editors reveal their picks for the four major categories

Mackenzie Norris and Mia Halper
December 21, 2023
The Queen Bey of fashion flaunts a sparkly bodysuit, knee-high boots and matching sunglasses. Throughout the film, she alternates outfits, proving how connected she is with the fashion world.

Beyoncé’s new movie is ALL UP IN OUR MINDS

Mackenzie Norris, Print Sports Editor
December 17, 2023
Track and Field flaunts their winter holiday theme following the newly implemented guidelines. The team shared the same theme and similar costumes, with no apparent division of grades. "Traditionally, track and field has been such a large team that we split the costumes between seniors and underclassmen ... Now, we just don't have the division, ... but it doesn't hurt the team morale in any way," senior captain Beth Fogg said.

Pep rally costume guidelines reformed in attempt to address hazing concerns

Mackenzie Norris, Print Sports Editor
December 17, 2023
Winter sports previews

Winter sports previews

Jeremy Silberglied, Anna Zucconi, Mackenzie Norris, Peter Kahrl, Mateus Bouquet and Lily Tapparo
December 5, 2023
Journey to Bethlehem, directed by Adam Anders, is a musical retelling of the biblical story of the Nativity of Jesus. Released on Nov. 10, the musical follows the Virgin Mary through her pregnancy as she faces accusations of adultery and eventually travels to Bethlehem to give birth.

Feminist approach to Nativity story flops in “Journey to Bethlehem”

Mackenzie Norris and Sara Elster
November 30, 2023
The team huddles for the final time during half-time to discuss strategy for the second half. With a score of 0-0, the Cats were working to elevate their offensive play. "I absolutely loved the competitive fire in the team and their strong desire to work hard in practice and carry that over to games. They craved hard work, and that is also on of my favorite parts of coaching WJ. The work ethic of this team is amazing," coach Neil Gottlieb said.

Girls’ soccer falls to Bulldogs, finishes season 6-6-1

Mackenzie Norris, Print Sports Editor
November 6, 2023
Fans are going crazy after spotting Taylor Swift at the Chiefs game against the Bears at Arrowhead Stadium. Since then, her army of Swifties have speculated a relationship between Swift and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Is Travis Kelce “the 1” for Taylor?

Mackenzie Norris, Print Sports Editor
October 20, 2023
Senior Irena Sanchez-Burgueno faces off against Whitman senior Riley DeMartina. After scoring her first goal, Sanchez-Burgueno worked to keep the momentum going. “We did well in dominating the play in the second half through pressing, attacking runs, and generating scoring opportunities,” Sanchez-Burgueno said.

Girls Varsity Soccer falls 3-1 to Whitman in competitive match

Mackenzie Norris, Print Sports Editor
October 3, 2023
Head coach Neil Gottlieb (middle) observes the girls' varsity soccer game against Wootton on Sept. 11. Gottlieb's coaching style gives the girls the ability to play freely. "He is very hands-off during games and generally lets us do what we know how to do," senior Federica Gavelli said.

Girls varsity soccer scores new head coach Neil Gottlieb

Mackenzie Norris, Print Sports Editor
September 20, 2023
Sophomore friends Elsa Santighian and Lena Sbaschnig pose in the front row of their General Admission seats, ready for Taylor Swift to appear on stage. Santighian (left) dresses as Swift’s “1989” era, while Sbaschnig (right) dresses as Swift’s “Lover” era. “Taylor walked straight up to us and looked at us during ‘my tears ricochet’ and ‘The Archer,’” Santighian said.

It’s been a long time coming: Was the Era’s Tour worth the hype?

Mackenzie Norris, Print Sports Editor
June 12, 2023
Students are in support for summer break, are you?

Students are in support for summer break, are you?

Mackenzie Norris, Business Manager
May 24, 2023
Is there a solution to the drop-off line debacle?

Is there a solution to the drop-off line debacle?

Mackenzie Norris, Special to The Pitch
March 2, 2023
Junior Elizabeth Fogg runs a 5K behind Elizabeth Finn in the Gunpowder Falls Invitational; during the cross-country season. Running long distances is preferred by Fogg because she enjoys pushing her body to the limits. “Runners’ high is real, and I feel it most when I run long distances,” Fogg said.

Junior battles for her spot in states this winter track season

Mackenzie Norris, Special to The Pitch
February 3, 2023
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