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
Mateus Bouquet

Mateus Bouquet, Online Managing Editor

Senior Mateus Bouquet is thrilled to be part of The Pitch Editorial Board in his second year with The Pitch as a Online Multimedia Managing Editor. Mateus loves playing and watching sports along with hanging out with his friends.

All content by Mateus Bouquet
Snapshot of FedEx Field pregame before the Commanders' matchup versus the Chicago Bears last year on Monday night football. The stadium name is now Northwest Stadium for the 2024-2025 season and the foreseeable future.

Washington Commanders: Is there hope in D.C.?

Mateus Bouquet, Online Managing Editor
October 19, 2024

The Pitch takes on golf bloopers

Mateus Bouquet, Online Managing Editor
October 10, 2024

The Pitch takes on golf

Mateus Bouquet and Seth Stein
October 10, 2024
Senior defensive and offensive lineman Jonathan Fisher trots off the field after a big defensive stop. Fisher was named a team captain for the Wildcats this 24-25 season. (Courtesy Spencer Robinson)

Fisher competes to the end of the line

Mateus Bouquet, Online Managing Editor
October 4, 2024

Girls’ flag clinic brings excitement to MCPS

Joshua Singer and Mateus Bouquet
June 12, 2024
LIVE: Baseball takes on Churchill HS in regional quarterfinal

LIVE: Baseball takes on Churchill HS in regional quarterfinal

Mateus Bouquet and Joshua Singer
May 9, 2024
Senior captain Natalya Krouse walks with her family on the Cats' senior night on May 1. Each senior was given a bouquet of flowers and was greeted by their coaches at the end of the walk.

Girls’ and boys’ lacrosse dominate on senior night

Lily Tapparo and Mateus Bouquet
May 9, 2024
Senior defenseman Dylan Minnick sets himself up for the opposing offensive push. Minnick has been a leader for the Wildcats team all season.

Boys’ lacrosse extends win streak to five games

Mateus Bouquet, Print Sports Editor
May 1, 2024
LIVE: Softball takes on Damascus HS

LIVE: Softball takes on Damascus HS

Mateus Bouquet and Seyun Park
April 20, 2024
LIVE: Baseball takes on Walt Whitman HS

LIVE: Baseball takes on Walt Whitman HS

Mateus Bouquet and Joshua Singer
April 16, 2024
Junior defenseman John Jernell presses up on the incoming Quince Orchard attackman. The Cats fell 7-10 on home turf, and play Rockville tonight. (Courtesy John Jernell)

Boys lacrosse bests B-CC, tumble against QO

Mateus Bouquet, Print Sports Editor
April 16, 2024
Junior attacker Ryan Gardner assesses the field before making an offensive push towards the net.

Boys’ lacrosse week in review

Mateus Bouquet, Print Sports Editor
April 8, 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
Senior Guard Tyrese Rucker sinks a three during the Wildcat's first-half dominance. Despite the strong first half, the team's season ended with a 48-53 loss.

Cats stunned by Bulldogs in first round of playoffs

Mateus Bouquet, Print Sports Editor
March 11, 2024
Senior Guard Isaiah Nickelson shoots the game-sealing free throw in the Wildcats' win over Whitman.

Boys’ basketball slips past Whitman

Mateus Bouquet, Print Sports Editor
February 20, 2024
The All-Star game will be played in Indianapolis on Feb.18. WIth the three-point contest starting at 8. p.m.

NBA, WNBA stars face off in 3-point contest

Mateus Bouquet, Print Sports Editor
February 15, 2024
Cats basketball held off in frustrating loss

Cats basketball held off in frustrating loss

Mateus Bouquet, 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
Wildcat players huddle up before their matchup.

Wildcats fall to Churchill, Paint Branch

Mateus Bouquet, Print Sports Editor
January 24, 2024
Wildcats claw past Northwood in bounce-back win

Wildcats claw past Northwood in bounce-back win

Mateus Bouquet, Print Sports Editor
January 12, 2024
Senior guard Tyrese Rucker throws down the transition dunk. The Cats propelled past the Hornets 71-50 in their fourth quarter surge.

Boys’ basketball pulls past Damascus in home-opening victory

Mateus Bouquet, Print Sports Editor
December 15, 2023
Winter sports previews

Winter sports previews

Jeremy Silberglied, Anna Zucconi, Mackenzie Norris, Peter Kahrl, Mateus Bouquet and Lily Tapparo
December 5, 2023
Senior linebacker Dylan Minnick tackles junior Blair wide receiver Jay Mendoza in the second round of the MPSSAA playoffs. With the Wildcat's win over the Blazers, the Cats advanced to the school's first-ever state quarterfinal.

Wildcats down Blazers, look to biggest football game in school history

Mateus Bouquet, Print Sports Editor
November 17, 2023
Senior Pierce Goodenow rushes past the High Point defense. The Wildcats defeated the Eagles 61-12 on Friday, Nov. 3.

Photo gallery: Wildcats take down High Point in first round of playoffs

Ely Snow, Joshua Singer and Mateus Bouquet
November 10, 2023
Senior Nick Zampardi dives in an attempt to block the game-winning field goal from Bulldogs kicker Nasim Elkhassem, who joined the team less than a month before the game.

Football falls to Churchill in heartbreaking fashion

Mateus Bouquet, Print Sports Editor
November 3, 2023
Senior receiver Daniel Kenvo suits up for their face-off against the Vikings. After eight season games, the Wildcats prepare for their toughest matchup against the Churchill Bulldogs.

Previewing Wildcats, Bulldogs matchup

Mateus Bouquet, Print Sports Editor
October 20, 2023
"For All The Dogs" is Drake's eighth studio album. Following its release, Drake announced that he would be taking a break from his music career in order to focus on his health.

Drake’s “For All The Dogs” album review

Mateus Bouquet, Print Sports Editor
October 20, 2023
Junior John Jernell and sophomore running back Dylan Byrd celebrate scoring a touchdown against the Blair Blazers. Byrd has been a key player for the Wildcats offense this season.

Wildcats bolt past Blazers in Homecoming win

Mateus Bouquet, Print Sports Editor
October 13, 2023
Sophomore Dylan Byrd attempts an end zone catch. Byrd rushed for 173 yards with one touchdown against Paint Branch.

Wildcats fight off Panthers, Patriots in striking triumphs

Mateus Bouquet, Print Sports Editor
September 29, 2023
Senior defensive back Nick Zampardi makes an impressive play on the ball forcing a breakup on second down. Zampardi will look to extend his great start to the year against Paint Branch Thursday.

Wildcats hammer Vikings in blowout victory

Mateus Bouquet, Print Sports Editor
September 20, 2023
The Wildcats make a statement entrance as they prepare to take on Richard Montgomery. WJ would go on to win the game 53-22.

Photo gallery: Wildcats shoot down Rockets in delayed home opener

Ely Snow, Mateus Bouquet and Nick Opipari
September 14, 2023
Sophomore Dylan Byrd maneuvers past defenders to get the Wildcats inside the 5 yard-line. Byrd is looking to build on his impressive freshman season and has been off to a hot start so far.

Football squeezes out close win over B-CC

Mateus Bouquet, Print Sports Editor
September 8, 2023
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