The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
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.
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
Paper Bridges letter drive to be set in December
Paper Bridges letter drive to be set in December
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
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
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
Cooper Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez (left) play Erik and Lyle Menendez (right) in "Monsters." Both images feature the brothers at trial, following their murder of their parents after enduring year of trauma and abuse at the hands of their father. (Courtesy Netflix used via fair use)
The controversy behind the hit Netflix show ‘Monsters’
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 English, math classes
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
A student tiredly walks down a hallway after a school day. Many students feel drained after a day of school, but is WJ the problem?
Is the school the problem? The case for WJ
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
Junior quarterback Jake Forburger takes the snap from junior center Andrew Corrado during the game against Laurel. Forburger consistently drove the ball down the field, contributing to a 40-13 win.
Wildcats trample Spartans in playoffs
Junior Annie Linkie and senior Anna Kotek run down one of the many hills of the states course. "The race was really crowded at the start and it was difficult to find a spot where I could keep my pace," Linkie said. "Luckily, I was able to run with some of my teammates which always helps with the mental difficulty during the race."
Girls’ cross country bolts over the hills, finishes 5th in state
ESOL pumpkin carving
ESOL pumpkin carving
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
What conspiracy theories do you believe in?
What conspiracy theories do you believe in?
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
Matt Garfinkel

Matt Garfinkel , Online/Multimedia Managing Editor

Matt Garfinkel is excited to return to The Pitch as the Online/Multimedia Managing Editor. He is also President of the Jewish Student Union, Treasurer of National Honor Society and Officer of Television Production Club.

All content by Matt Garfinkel
Childish Gambino takes the stage during his headlining performing at Broccoli City. The previous two weekends, Gambino headlined Coachella Music Festival.

Broccoli City brings together music and culture

Matt Garfinkel, Online Multimedia/Managing Editor
May 9, 2019
Ashburton Elementary School teacher Daemon Dartouzos was charged with 10 counts of possession of child pornography. Dartouzos taught at Ashburton for 20 years as a physical education teacher.

Ashburton teacher arrested: Possession of child pornography

Sophie Becker and Matt Garfinkel
March 8, 2019
Students share vibrant aspects of black culture during the Black Student Union's annual cultural assembly. This year's assembly elicited controversy over the decision to hold the assembly during an extended lunch period rather than the double third period schedule that has been used in years past. Pictured from left Ourmaroul Gueye (12), Eagla Tilahun (11), Paula Tinong (10), Juweriya Omar (11), Yerim Kone (11), Bethelehem Wossene (11), Oumar "Farouk" Adboulahi (12).

Black History Month recap: Assembly time change sparks conversation

Matt Garfinkel and Trevor Kanter
March 8, 2019
Vince Staples takes the 9:30 Club stage.

Vince Staples brings Smile, You’re on Camera Tour to 9:30 Club

Matt Garfinkel, Online/Multimedia Managing Editor
February 25, 2019

HypeCheck – ARTECHOUSE (“New Nature” by Marpi)

Matt Garfinkel, Online/Multimedia Managing Editor
February 15, 2019

HypeCheck – VR Zone DC Arcade

Matt Garfinkel, Online/Multimedia Managing Editor
January 23, 2019

HypeCheck – Insomnia Escape Rooms DC

Matt Garfinkel, Online/Multimedia Managing Editor
December 19, 2018

HypeCheck – Rockin’ Jump

Matt Garfinkel, Online/Multimedia Managing Editor
November 19, 2018
Luis Cabrera wins senior superlative "Eternal Freshman" in last year's yearbook. Students were shocked by the news that Cabrera threatened mass violence against our school.

Former student arrested after threatening school shooting

Matt Garfinkel and Trevor Kanter
October 21, 2018
Protesters assemble on the steps of the Supreme Court after the announcement of Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation.

Protesters object to Kavanaugh confirmation outside Supreme Court

Matt Garfinkel, Online/Multimedia Managing Editor
October 11, 2018

Teachers sport student jerseys

Matt Garfinkel, Online/Multimedia Managing Editor
October 5, 2018

WJ Cribz – The Portables

Matt Garfinkel, Allie Nadelman and Trevor Kanter
September 25, 2018
Trillectro’s 2018 lineup features big names such as SZA, 2 Chainz, RL Grime and more. The festival will take place at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia on Saturday Sept. 22.

Trillectro Music Festival returns to DMV – Preview

Matt Garfinkel, Online/Multimedia Managing Editor
September 20, 2018
Pusha T responded to Drake's diss track "Duppy Freestyle" with "The Story of Adidon," a hard-hitting attack which exposes Drake for allegedly hiding a child. This is the latest in a long standing feud between the two rappers. Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Did Pusha T take it too far?

Matt Garfinkel, Arts and Entertainment Editor
May 31, 2018
Junior Cole Bagshaw claims teacher Stuart Safford violated his First Amendment rights by preventing him from reciting the Pledge of Allegiance during class. Photo courtesy of Public Domain Pictures.

Student claims teacher impeded First Amendment freedom

Matt Garfinkel, Arts and Entertainment Editor
May 18, 2018
Drake's third new single of the year, "Nice For What" was released April 6, 2018.

Drake releases new single “Nice For What”

Matt Garfinkel, Arts and Entertainment Editor
April 16, 2018
King T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman) sits upon his throne as the protector of Wakanda. The movie has grossed over one billion dollars since the release. Photo courtesy of Quartz.com.

Black Panther shocks box office and marvel fans

Allie Nadelman and Matt Garfinkel
April 5, 2018

WJ student voices heard in protest

Matt Garfinkel, Arts and Entertainment Editor
April 3, 2018

Shooting at Great Mills High School in Maryland

Matt Garfinkel, Online Arts & Entertainment editor
March 22, 2018
2 Chainz performs his hit single "Watch Out" at The Fillmore Silver Spring in December 2016. His EP "The Play Don't Care Who Makes It" was released last month. Photo by Matt Garfinkel.

2 Chainz drops EP, announces new album

Matt Garfinkel, Arts and Entertainment Editor
March 6, 2018
WJ students Kaleigh Young, Kate Rarey and Amina Hossain stand on the National Mall protesting in favor of gun control. Hundreds of MCPS students traveled to the protest from around the region to express their frustrations. Photo by Matt Garfinkel.

WJ students participate in school walkout

Matt Garfinkel, Arts and Entertainment Editor
March 5, 2018
This sign, which stands outside of our school on Rock Spring Drive, proudly proclaims that our campus is drug-free. It is not a very well-kept secret that this is not necessarily the truth - we decided to investigate our school’s drug culture.

An inside look at WJ’s drug culture

Matt Garfinkel
January 29, 2018
School cracks down on vaping machines

School cracks down on vaping machines

Matt Garfinkel
November 6, 2017

All Things Go Fall Classic 2017 recap

Matt Garfinkel, Arts and Entertainment Editor
October 13, 2017
Cardi B tops Billboard charts with "Bodak Yellow"

Cardi B tops Billboard charts with “Bodak Yellow”

Matt Garfinkel
October 12, 2017
Big wins for diversity at Emmys 2017

Big wins for diversity at Emmys 2017

Matt Garfinkel
October 4, 2017
WJ's favorite songs of the summer

WJ’s favorite songs of the summer

Matt Garfinkel and Luiza Silva
September 25, 2017
Broccoli City Festival showcases major talent

Broccoli City Festival showcases major talent

Matt Garfinkel, Arts and Entertainment Editor
June 21, 2017
Chance The Rapper brings Be Encouraged Tour to DC area

Chance The Rapper brings Be Encouraged Tour to DC area

Matt Garfinkel, Staff Writer
June 14, 2017
Jay IDK preforms at U Street Music Hall on October 18, 2016. He will return to the venue as an opening act for Isaiah Rashad on Feburary 2.

Maryland Rapper Strives to Unite DMV Artists

Matt Garfinkel, Arts and Entertainment Editor
October 23, 2016
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