The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

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The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
Marie-Isabelle Nachega

Marie-Isabelle Nachega, Print Managing Editor & Illustrator

Senior Marie-Isabelle is thrilled for her second year on The Pitch as a Print Managing Editor. Marie-Isabelle loves reading, hanging out with her family and friends as well as eating almond butter.
All content by Marie-Isabelle Nachega
Pitch Opinion: school spirit submerged

Pitch Opinion: school spirit submerged

Jay Resnik, Jonathan Bahat, Jeremy Silberglied, Maayan Keren, Michal Shmaya, William Murphy, Meher Parsinni, Vania Charo, Marie-Isabelle Nachega and Bea Roberts
Oct 5, 2025
Assistant Principal Brett Imamura oversees student transition. Though Imamura made the switch from middle school to high school just this year, he says the work is quite similar. "At the end of the day it's supporting your students and their safety," Imamura said.

Admin changes bring new and familiar faces

Michal Shmaya and Marie-Isabelle Nachega
Oct 3, 2025
Katharina Matro's AP World History class watches 2001 Bollywood film "Lagaan". The film follows a group of Indian villagers as they accept a wager to win a cricket match in order to evade two years worth of taxes. Though the film is set in the context of British colonialization it is still manages to be a lighthearted and entertaining film.

Post-exam activities entertain, educate students

Marie-Isabelle Nachega, Print Managing Editors
Jun 13, 2025
Maryanna Donahue, Sonya Lewis and Kenneth Ong take attendance for their classes. Though the three substitute teachers come from very different walks of life, they all have found purpose and comfort in the walls of WJ. “The level of expertise among the teachers and student body is such that you’re constantly stimulated and I don’t feel negative about what I see everyday coming from the students. I actually feel energised,” Lewis said.

Substitute teachers sub their professions for teaching

Marie-Isabelle Nachega, Print Managing Editors
Jun 12, 2025
Students gather around the flagpoles in prayer for National Prayer Day. The event was organised by WJ’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes, one of many religion based clubs at WJ. Junior Tasnim Hussien, the secretary of Muslim Student Association, is hoping to build community amongst people in her religion. “I wanted to bring us together, to create friendships and meet people who understand your thinking and struggles,” Hussien said.

Livin’ on a prayer: Students tie faith to academics

Marie-Isabelle Nachega, Print Opinion Editor
Apr 10, 2025
Tasnim Hussien's family prepares for iftar. Suhoor and iftar are usually spent eating with family or friends at home or at the mosque.

A month in faith: Muslim students celebrate Ramadan

Marie-Isabelle Nachega, Print Opinion Editor
Apr 10, 2025
WJ Jazz Ensemble prepares for next song. The ensemble performed on The Bijou stage at the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival, Feb. 15. “When I first auditioned I wasn't really familiar with [the genre], but I feel like I’ve really grown a lot. As a jazz musician it’s pretty natural,” senior pianist Meley Ghermey said.

All that jazz at WJ

Marie-Isabelle Nachega, Print Opinion Editor
Mar 7, 2025
Firefighters work to contain the flames in Los Angeles. The wildfires began in areas surrounding the city but strong winds continued to endanger people in areas nearby. “It's all super complicated what's going on out there. But climate's a driving factor. Power management, water management. I mean, all of it’s a mess in a huge population center,” AP Environmental Science teacher Brock Eastman said. (Via California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection)

Los Angeles wildfire effects rage through WJ

Marie-Isabelle Nachega, Print Opinion Editor
Feb 6, 2025
Sophomore Grace Harrington and father dress down in their regalia for powwow. Photos similar to these hang in her house with her father often reminding her of her Native ancestry. “Some people put little pilgrim decorations up on their house at Thanksgiving, we do not do that, but we do still celebrate it because it brings our family together,” Huntington said. (Courtesy Grace Harrington)

To celebrate or not to celebrate: Thanksgiving’s meaning today

Marie-Isabelle Nachega, Print Opinion Editor
Nov 15, 2024
Senior Lenny Yuhi fries bacon for a grilled cheese sandwich during culinary club meeting. The club was founded this year and has made a range of foods, from pancakes to french toast. “Cooking has always been one of my favorite things to do and I was excited to join a club that involved cooking,” sophomore Kayla Mitali said. (Courtesy Guillaume Fradet)

Culinary club whips up community through food

Marie-Isabelle Nachega, Print Opinion Editor
Nov 11, 2024
Students begin a practice Kahoot for French class. Walter Johnson offers a total of six languages including American Sign Language, Chinese, Italian and more, giving students the opportunity to explore different languages and cultures. “I switched [from Spanish] to Latin freshman year and I love it,” junior Abigial Samuels said.

Beat the American stereotype, stick with your language class

Marie-Isabelle Nachega, Print Opinion Editor
Oct 4, 2024
MCPS’ Summer RISE program aims to provide students with work experience before graduating high school. “I worked with ‘Girls with Impact’...it was kind of entrepreneurial and that’s what I want to get into,” junior Alexis Batac said. (Courtesy MCPS)

Students elevate college applications with ‘Summer RISE’

Marie-Isabelle Nachega, Print Opinion Editor
Sep 13, 2024
Sophomore Ahrin Letourneau looks through the College Board website attempting to get information about the SAT and ACT. “I’m feeling scared, petrified to be honest, to be a junior. Summer’s gonna be stressful … and I need to be really thinking about colleges and programs,” Letourneau said.

Previewing the summer by grade

Marie-Isabelle Nachega, Print Opinion Editor
Jun 12, 2024
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