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
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
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
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

Marissa Nardella, Co-Online Editor-in-Chief

This is senior Marissa Nardella’s third year writing for The Pitch Online as Co-Online Editor-in-Chief. She is very excited to be part of the effort to increase the website’s audience alongside her co-editors Evan and Amanda. Marissa is also involved in Pep Band, Peer Counseling, and Together to End Hunger Club at WJ. She lifeguards during the summer and enjoys reading, writing, swimming, and spending time with friends.

[email protected]

All content by Marissa Nardella
Local foundation holds fourth annual 5K and one mile race

Local foundation holds fourth annual 5K and one mile race

Marissa Nardella, Online Editor-in-Chief
Oct 8, 2015

Pit orchestra is key to S*T*A*G*E productions

Marissa Nardella, Online Editor-in-Chief
May 12, 2015
WJ students haul mulch at one of WJ's annual mulch sales, which are organized by the Booster Club to give back to the school.

Mulch sales contribute to different aspects of local high schools

Marissa Nardella, Online Editor-in-Chief
Mar 21, 2015
There are many different options for students to see in theaters this spring to relax.

Top 3 movies to see in theaters in spring 2015

Marissa Nardella, Online Editor-in-Chief
Mar 10, 2015

The best always Glo the last in February

Marissa Nardella, Online Editor-in-Chief
Mar 9, 2015
A health professional educates students about stress at WJ's first-ever health summit on Feb. 27.

Students’ disrespectful attitude at health summit reflected poorly on WJ

Marissa Nardella, Online Editor-in-Chief
Mar 3, 2015
"Game of the Month" answers from the February issue of The Pitch

“Game of the Month” answers from the February issue of The Pitch

Marissa Nardella, Online Editor-in-Chief
Feb 20, 2015

Breaking News: MCPS Changes School Start Times

Marissa Nardella, Online Editor-in-Chief
Feb 11, 2015
Throughout high school, students are given advice on everything from how to choose their classes for the next school year to how to navigate the college search process.

High school survival guide: 5 tips for freshmen

Marissa Nardella, Online Editor-in-Chief
Jan 27, 2015
Montgomery County Councilmember Phil Andrews speaks with YNC members about his work and how to get more youth involved in politics.

Youth for National Change Fights to Give Youth a Voice in Government

Marissa Nardella, Online Editor-in-Chief
Dec 26, 2014
CIA director John Brennan addresses the concerns that have arisen since the Dec. 9 release of a controversial report by the Senate Intelligence Committee.

Senate Report on CIA Torture Program Inflames Controversy

Marissa Nardella, Online Editor-in-Chief
Dec 16, 2014

Throwing Wrenches and Serving Waitresses

Marissa Nardella, Co-Online Editor-in-Chief
Oct 25, 2014

Long-Lost Video of the 1924 World Series Discovered

Marissa Nardella, Online Editor-in-Chief
Oct 10, 2014
Students and parents alike learn about the various clubs and organizations offered at WJ during the New Student Picnic, which took place in the cafeteria due to rain.

Parents, Freshmen Attend New Student Picnic

Marissa Nardella, Co-Online Editor-in-Chief
Aug 24, 2014
Sophomores Explore the World Through Spring Break Trips

Sophomores Explore the World Through Spring Break Trips

Marissa Nardella, Online Feature Editor
May 19, 2014
A group of the kids, whom the organization Advantage Ethiopia has helped, poses for a shot with club president and co-founder Leo Blumberg-Woll.

Advantage Ethiopia: Kids Tennis and Education Initiative Gives Kids Opportunity for Better Education and to Play Tennis

Marissa Nardella, Online Feature Editor
Apr 30, 2014
Juniors Darien Djoiurabthi and Evan Boone and freshman Celeste Rubino perform "No Music" by Mali Music in the African American Heritage Assembly.

BSU Organizes African American Heritage Assembly

Marissa Nardella, Online Feature Editor
Mar 11, 2014
The WJ Poms team perform at the County Competition on Feb. 1.

Pompons Win County Competition

Marissa Nardella, Online Feature Editor
Feb 25, 2014
WJ's Model United Nations Club's delegation to the Johns Hopkins University Model United Nations Conference in Baltimore, MD, poses for a group shot.

Model UN Club attends Johns Hopkins Conference

Marissa Nardella, Online Feature Editor
Feb 24, 2014
Spanish teacher Esther Onto Porto Carreiro takes a selfie.

Teacher Profile: Esther Onto Porto Carreiro

Marissa Nardella, Online Feature Editor
Feb 12, 2014
Staff members of the online magazine Line-Up pose during a meeting.

WJ Sophomore Publishes Online Magazine

Marissa Nardella, Online Feature Editor
Feb 7, 2014
The Traditional Asian Dance Association (TADA) auditions were held on Jan. 29 in the student commons.

Preserving Asian Heritage, One Assembly Audition at a Time

Marissa Nardella, Online Feature Editor
Feb 6, 2014

WJ Cheerleading: They Didn’t Just Win a Championship

Marissa Nardella, Staff Writer
Jan 6, 2014
An example of an origami wizard, created by club president and founder, freshman Michael Gancz.

Folding with the Origami Club

Marissa Nardella, Staff Writer
Nov 25, 2013
Author Dan Morse signs a book for citizen Steven Kupferberg. Photo by Marissa Nardella.

Let’s have a talk about Lululemon

Marissa Nardella, Staff Writer
Nov 19, 2013

Pennies for Patients: A Mixture of Old Traditions and New Events

Marissa Nardella, Staff Writer
Mar 18, 2013
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