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
Rachael Wolfson

Rachael Wolfson, Print Editor-in-Chief

Rachael Wolfson is currently a senior and this is her third year on The Pitch. During her first two years, Rachael was a Print Opinion Editor and now she is a Print Editor-in-Chief. In addition to The Pitch, Rachael runs on the cross country and track team. She’s also the Co-Founder and Co-President of The WJ Gilmore Girls Club. Her two older brothers (Thomas ’20 and Alexander ’22) also served as Print Editors-in-Chief when they were Wildcats/Madcows (take your pick). Rachael is looking forward to ending the Wolfson Dynasty (2017-2024) on a high note!! 

All content by Rachael Wolfson
Rachael Wolfson's Senior Reflection

Rachael Wolfson’s Senior Reflection

Rachael Wolfson, Print Editor-in-Chief
May 21, 2024
The seder plate above contains six food dishes (karpas, charoset, maror, hazeret, zeroa and beitzah), which all have significant meaning to the story of Exodus.

The foods of Passover: meaningful and delicious

Rachael Wolfson, Print Editor-in-Chief
April 26, 2024
AP U.S. History teacher Katherine Simmons begins her class. Teachers are very dedicated to their professions and have a significant impact on students' lives.

Teachers deserve our gratitude and higher pay

Rachael Wolfson, Print Editor-in-Chief
April 3, 2024
IMG_1753

Wendy Borrelli – Class of 1994

March 9, 2024
Then vs. Now

Then vs. Now

Rachael Wolfson, Print Editor-in-chief
March 9, 2024
IMG_1724

Jeremy Butler – Class of 1999

March 9, 2024
IMG_1721

Laura Drummey – Class of 2006

March 9, 2024
AP Literature teachers Melanie MacFadden and Adam Zeitlin go back a long way. MacFadden taught Zeitlin AP Literature at WJ in his senior year (2012-2013). Now teaching alongside each other, the two have become good friends.

From student to colleague: Zeitlin joins MacFadden to teach great books

Sophie Linkie and Rachael Wolfson 
March 8, 2024
Point/Counterpoint: Virtual snow days

Point/Counterpoint: Virtual snow days

Rachael Wolfson  and Joshua Singer
February 1, 2024
The girl's WJ Crew team celebrates after racing in one of the biggest regattas, The Head of the Charles. WJ Crew enjoyed the film, "The Boys in the Boat," believing it was an inspirational film that realistically captured the sport of rowing.

WJ Crew reacts to “The Boys in the Boat”

Rachael Wolfson, Print Editor-in-Chief
February 1, 2024
Principal Jennifer Baker and new Acting Principal Nicole Morgan share a long, sentimental hug. "I am grateful to Mrs. Baker for mentoring, coaching and allowing me to lead this school community," Morgan said.

Principal Jennifer Baker celebrates retirement with schoolwide clap out

Allison Xu and Rachael Wolfson 
December 18, 2023
The case for handwritten assignments

The case for handwritten assignments

Rachael Wolfson, Print Editor-in-Chief
December 15, 2023
The class of 2022 lines up on the football field for graduation. The location of graduation for the class of 2024 has not been decided yet.

Graduation should be held at Walter Johnson

Rachael Wolfson, Print Editor-in-Chief
October 20, 2023
Senior Paulina Horowitz reads "Othello" in Melanie MacFadden's sixth period AP Literature class. There are parallels to the tragedy's theme and our society.

What we can learn from Shakespeare about social media

Rachael Wolfson, Print Editor-in-Chief
October 20, 2023

Girls’ distance dominates Track and Field State Championships

Rachael Wolfson , Print Opinion Editor
May 27, 2023
Timothy Rodman pictured with some of his fourth period AP Government students. WJ’s U.S. government and history classes prepare students well to become educated citizens, actively participating in politics.

Government and history: it’s more than the AP exam

Rachael Wolfson, Print Editor-In-Chief
May 24, 2023
Seniors John Grossman (left) and Sebastian Lee (right) play their instruments during lunch. They're very dedicated to WJ music and are hoping to pursue music in college.

Honoring WJ’s talented music students

Rachael Wolfson, Print Opinion Editor
March 27, 2023
On Nov. 14, the Trolley Trail in Bethesda was vandalized with graffiti, depicting people being hung with the words , "NO MERCY FOR jEWS." This is one of many antisemitic acts that have happened in Montgomery County over the last couple of months.

Social media fuels antisemitism in MCPS

Rachael Wolfson, Print Opinion Editor
February 26, 2023
Ira struts his stuff on a walk. He was such a cheerful dog who always made me smile.

For my special Valentine, Ira

Rachael Wolfson, Print Opinion Editor
February 14, 2023
We need to bring Driver's Ed back to MCPS

We need to bring Driver’s Ed back to MCPS

Rachael Wolfson, Print Opinion Editor
January 24, 2023
One of the projects in Foundations of Technology that students especially enjoy is building their own car. The cars pictured here were built by my three older siblings who all took the class.

Foundations of Technology teaches life long skills

Rachael Wolfson, Print Opinion Editor
December 13, 2022
Kelyn Soong interviews Olympic gold medal gymnast Dominique Dawes. Soong graduated from WJ in 2005. He is currently a Wellness Reporter at The Washington Post.

From WJ to the WAPO: Kelyn Soong shares his career journey

Rachael Wolfson, Print Opinion Editor
October 27, 2022
Top Gun: Maverick became a big summer blockbuster hit, making $1.355 billion dollars in the box office. The film was ready for release in 2020, but it was put on hold due to Covid-19. The two years were worth the wait. Top Gun: Maverick brought back the magic to the big screen that many of us had been missing.

Top Gun: Maverick: Rediscovering the experience of the big screen

Rachael Wolfson, Print Opinion Editor
September 16, 2022
Today is the 78th anniversary of D-Day. 78 years ago American soldiers and allied powers stormed the beaches of Normandy, France and attacked Nazi, Germany that occupied the land. D-Day is a very important day in American history, as it was the day in which Nazi, Germany was defeated.

Remembering D-Day

Rachael Wolfson, Print Opinion Editor
June 6, 2022
History of WJ's phone policy: What happened?

History of WJ’s phone policy: What happened?

Rachael Wolfson, Print Opinion Editor
May 20, 2022
WJ should have a study hall period everyday

WJ should have a study hall period everyday

Rachael Wolfson, Print Opinion Editor
April 6, 2022
Too much screen time is bad for our mental health

Too much screen time is bad for our mental health

Rachael Wolfson, Print Opinion Editor
April 2, 2022
WJ Swim and Dive show team spirit at a meet against Wootton. The swim team along with other winter sports at WJ were very lucky to have a whole season this year.

Seniors grateful MCPS kept winter season open

Rachael Wolfson, Print Opinion Editor
February 14, 2022
Novak Djokovic, the 20-time grand slam winner will not be playing in the Australian Open this year. After refusing to get a Covid vaccination, the Australian government deported him.

“Novax” Djokovic deported from Australia after refusing to get vaccine

Rachael Wolfson, Print Opinion Editor
January 17, 2022
The Wolfson siblings stand next to Walter Johnson's gravestone. It was a meaningful experience that all WJ students should try to have.

Remembering Walter Johnson

Alex Wolfson and Rachael Wolfson 
December 23, 2021
This statue remembering John Winthrop lays in New London, Connecticut. Winthrop was the Puritan Governor. He is most known for his "city upon a hill" speech.

The Significance of Thanksgiving

Rachael Wolfson, Print Opinion Editor
November 24, 2021
George Orwell's 1984 is still relevant today

George Orwell’s 1984 is still relevant today

Rachael Wolfson, Print Opinion Editor
November 15, 2021
There are so many great bakeries in Bethesda. It was close between Levain, Paul, Le Pain Quotidien and Sunday Morning Bakehouse to see which one of them had the best chocolate chip cookie.

Which Bethesda Bakery has the best chocolate chip cookie?

Rachael Wolfson, Print Opinion Editor
November 10, 2021
MAP testing was recently taken by underclassmen to measure student's academic level. But at this point, in high school, what can students really infer from the MAP test scores?

Is MAP testing useful for highschoolers?

Rachael Wolfson, Print Opinion Editor
October 15, 2021
English teacher Jenelle Ryan leads her classroom behind a mask. It's been a challenge this year, but Ryan has enjoyed being back in the classroom with her students.

Teachers restore connection

Rachael Wolfson, Print Opinion Editor
September 23, 2021
One year during the Fred Juvenile Handicap Hurdle race, Jockey Ruby Walsh’s horse, Voix Du Reve (right) fell. Jockey Berry Geraghty’s horse, Campeador (left), also fell during this race.

The truth of professional horse racing

Rachael Wolfson, Print Opinion Editor
June 15, 2021
MCPS recently announced the cancellation of all winter sports, including those that require minimal contact like winter track.

MCPS shouldn’t have canceled winter track

Rachael Wolfson, Special to The Pitch
February 16, 2021
Load More Stories
Donate to The Pitch
$356
$1000
Contributed
Our Goal