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
Sam Falb

Sam Falb, Editor in Chief

This is Sam’s third year on The Pitch. He took the Journalism course during freshman year and was hooked – last year he served as the online news editor. Aside from The Pitch, Sam is the Vice President of the Environmental Club and a tutor. When he’s not in school, he enjoys running, biking, and photography.  

 

All content by Sam Falb
Thomas Wolfson's senior reflection

Thomas Wolfson’s senior reflection

Thomas Wolfson, Print Editor-in-Chief
Jun 2, 2020
WJ's Class of 2019 prepares for the start of their graduation ceremony. The Class of 2020 did not get to have a lot of the typical senior events because of COVID-19, and probably will not get a proper graduation either.

The disappointing ending for the Class of 2020

Thomas Wolfson, Print Editor in Chief
Apr 26, 2020
Rachel (class of '24), senior Thomas, class of '17 alum Margaret and sophomore Alex enjoy a beautiful day in New York City this past summer. They've all maintained close bonds with each other.

Relationship Issue: Why sibling relationships are important

Thomas Wolfson, Print Editor-in-Chief
Feb 15, 2020
Senior Jack Danco lets one fly from deep. Danco has been playing rec basketball since he was young and loves the easy-going environment.

Rec sports provide a competitive balance

Thomas Wolfson, Print Editor-in-Chief
Jan 18, 2020
James Harden goes up for a layup. Harden averaged 36.1 points last year and is averaging nearly 40 points per game this year.

Top NBA storylines so far

Thomas Wolfson, Print Editor-in-Chief
Dec 5, 2019
Ariana Grande sings in a concert. Grande was not afraid to use profanity in her hit single last year "thank u, next."

Limit the inclusion of profanity in music

Thomas Wolfson, Print Editor-in-Chief
Nov 1, 2019
MCPS's grading system can inflate grades. It's also caused students to not work as hard in certain classes.

Grade inflation hurts work ethic

Thomas Wolfson, Print Editor-in-Chief
Sep 27, 2019
The Atlanta Braves logo. Stewart decided to not play for the Braves and play in Japan instead.

Carter Stewart’s decision to bypass MLB is risky, but it may pay off

Thomas Wolfson, Opinion Editor
Jun 12, 2019
Former MLB player Vladimir Guerrero up at bat. Guerrero's approach at the plate, which was mostly just about making contact and putting the ball in play, is a dying breed in today's game.

MLB hitters must find ways to evolve

Thomas Wolfson, Opinion Editor
May 21, 2019
WJ's bell schedule could use change.

Schedule changes to consider

Thomas Wolfson, Opinion Editor
May 21, 2019
Sam Falb's Senior Reflection

Sam Falb’s Senior Reflection

Sam Falb, Senior Editor-in-Chief
May 17, 2019
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
Reactions to “Schindler’s List” controversy

Reactions to “Schindler’s List” controversy

Thomas Wolfson and Rafael Friedlander
Apr 12, 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
Mar 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
Mar 8, 2019
College basketball players such as the ones here in The Xfinity Center at the University of Maryland generate large revenue but don’t get paid. Following the injury of Duke star Zion Williamson, debate over whether college athletes should be paid sparked up again.

Should college athletes be paid by the NCAA?

Thomas Wolfson and Alan Gahart
Mar 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
Feb 25, 2019
Kyler Murray lifting up the Big 12 Conference Championship trophy. Murray chose football over baseball.

Murray choosing football over baseball makes sense

Thomas Wolfson, Opinion Editor
Feb 25, 2019
Food Trends class hosts chocolate themed bake-off

Food Trends class hosts chocolate themed bake-off

Julia Eisen and Sam Falb
Feb 19, 2019

HypeCheck – ARTECHOUSE (“New Nature” by Marpi)

Matt Garfinkel, Online/Multimedia Managing Editor
Feb 15, 2019
A scene from Aqua-man. Aqua-man was one of the biggest releases of the winter, yet it only got so-so reviews.

This year’s winter movies weren’t up to par

Thomas Wolfson, Opinion Editor
Feb 8, 2019

HypeCheck – VR Zone DC Arcade

Matt Garfinkel, Online/Multimedia Managing Editor
Jan 23, 2019
James with the USA basketball team. James caused controversy with a song lyric he put on his Instagram.

LeBron shows lack of judgement by putting up Anti-Semitic lyric on Instagram

Thomas Wolfson, Opinion Editor
Jan 16, 2019
Walter Johnson looks onto the field during a game with the Washington Senators. After baseball, Johnson served on the Montgomery County Council and made a difference in the community.

Students don’t know enough about Walter Johnson

Thomas Wolfson, Opinion Editor
Dec 21, 2018
Senior DH Chris Manguelle hands a student transfer form to counselor Jamie Ahearn. Counselors try to help students new to WJ, but MCPS policy can make this difficult.

MCPS should honor transfer students’ credits

Sam Falb, Editor-in-Chief
Dec 20, 2018

HypeCheck – Insomnia Escape Rooms DC

Matt Garfinkel, Online/Multimedia Managing Editor
Dec 19, 2018
Elementary school students stand for the Pledge. Many WJ students did the same when they were in Elementary school, but most don't stand anymore.

Students should stand for the Pledge of Allegiance

Thomas Wolfson, Opinion Editor
Nov 30, 2018

HypeCheck – Rockin’ Jump

Matt Garfinkel, Online/Multimedia Managing Editor
Nov 19, 2018
DJ Durkin with Wallace Loh and Kevin Anderson being visited by Governor Larry Hogan. Durkin was fired by Loh shortly after it was announced he would be retained.

Maryland football disgraces themselves

Thomas Wolfson, Opinion Editor
Nov 14, 2018
Netflix is taking over the way we watch TV. People used to watch their favorite shows on television.

Netflix ruins the way we watch TV

Thomas Wolfson, Opinion Editor
Oct 29, 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
Oct 21, 2018
Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs were forced to play in the Wild Card game despite having the second best record in the NL.

MLB playoff format needs radical adjustments

Thomas Wolfson, Opinion Editor
Oct 14, 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
Oct 11, 2018

Teachers sport student jerseys

Matt Garfinkel, Online/Multimedia Managing Editor
Oct 5, 2018
Letter from the editor

Letter from the editor

Sam Falb, Editor-in-Chief
Sep 28, 2018
Overcrowding is the biggest issue WJ faces today. Should WJ renovate or split?

Point/counterpoint: Solution for overcrowding

Thomas Wolfson and Daria London
Sep 28, 2018

WJ Cribz – The Portables

Matt Garfinkel, Allie Nadelman and Trevor Kanter
Sep 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
Sep 20, 2018
Serena Williams waits to hit the ball. Serena Williams has been scrutinized recently over how she reacted to a call during the 2018 U.S. Open.

Serena was in the wrong

Thomas Wolfson, Opinion Editor
Sep 17, 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
Abbey Green runs during a meet. Green lead WJ to a great season this year. Photo Courtesy of Lifetouch Studios.

Girls’ track and field maintains domination

Thomas Wolfson, Sports Editor
May 29, 2018

Standout athletes: Taking their talents to college

Thomas Wolfson, Sports Editor
May 22, 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
Spanish Honors Society enhances WJ’s palette

Spanish Honors Society enhances WJ’s palette

Sam Falb, Senior News Editor
Apr 26, 2018
Junior Ethan Opdahl keeps the ball away from a Blair defender. Although the team has struggled, Opdahl has been a bright spot, helping to keep the Wildcats competitive. Already a captain as a junior, Opdahl supplies guidance for younger players both on and off the field. He is defensive stalwart for the ‘Cats, and has already committed to play Division 1 lacrosse for the Bucknell University. The season has certainly had its ups and downs. The team has had exhilarating victories like an 11-10 win over Springbrook and some poor losses like an 18-2 blowout loss against Churchill High School. But as long as Opdahl is anchoring the defense, the ‘Cats have a chance to win. Photo courtesy of Lifetouch Studios.

Players who have sprung into action

Thomas Wolfson, Sports Editor
Apr 26, 2018
Senior Will Moulec runs a relay. Photo courtesy of Lifetouch Studios.

Track sprinting out of the gates

Thomas Wolfson, Sports Editor
Apr 16, 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
Apr 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
Apr 5, 2018
Senior Will Moulec runs a relay during a meet. Moulec and the team had a solid indoor season. Photo courtesy of Lifetouch studios.

Track preview

Thomas Wolfson, Sports Editor
Apr 4, 2018
WJ's "Stellar Steppers" round out a series of performances at the 2018 Black Heritage Assembly. Song, dance, poetry and more were presented for audiences. Photo by Heather Rudick.

Black heritage assembly commemorates black success

Sam Falb, Senior News Editor
Apr 4, 2018

WJ student voices heard in protest

Matt Garfinkel, Arts and Entertainment Editor
Apr 3, 2018

Shooting at Great Mills High School in Maryland

Matt Garfinkel, Online Arts & Entertainment editor
Mar 22, 2018

Black heritage assembly showcases talent

Sam Falb, Senior News Editor
Mar 19, 2018

Students demonstrate in national walkout

Sam Falb, Senior News Editor
Mar 16, 2018
Students head back into the building after a 17 minute walkout meant to honor each victim of the Parkland tragedy on its one month anniversary. Some chose to demonstrate their views on the event through a mass protest in DC, MCPS students mobilizing with posters and slogans in front of the US Capitol Building. Photo by Beatriz Olivares.

Students take part in walkouts nationwide

Sam Falb, Senior News Editor
Mar 14, 2018
Coach Jamie Grimes instructs his racers during a meet. Coach Grimes led WJSD to another successful season this winter. Photo courtesy of Lifetouch Studios

WJ swim and dive succeeds in states

Thomas Wolfson, Sports Editor
Mar 7, 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
Mar 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
Mar 5, 2018
In light of heavy stress that high school students often experience, WJHS Principal Jennifer Baker is sponsoring a mental health event to grant students a much-needed break. Photo courtesy of Flickr.

WJ takes steps towards improving mental health

Sam Falb, Senior News Editor
Mar 1, 2018
MCPS Superintendent Jack Smith opened his office to student media representatives from county middle and high schools earlier this month. Topics discussed included sexual harassment allegations and the annual budget. Photo courtesy pf Wikimedia Commons.

Superintendent hosts student media reps

Sam Falb, Senior News Editor
Feb 23, 2018

PyeongChang Olympics Highlights

Courtney Cohn, Bradford Clarkson, Thomas Wolfson and Jake Brown
Feb 23, 2018
Federer hits a slice backhand in his finals run at the 2009 Australian Open, where he lost in the finals. Federer managed to turn things around this time, winning his 20th grand slam.

Federer wins Australian Open

Thomas Wolfson, Sports editor
Feb 12, 2018
Mont Tremblant twinkles in the sunlight on a bright, winter day. WJ students traveled to the mountain-side town rto partake in three days of skiing and snowboarding among their peers. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Upperclassmen embark on ski trip

Sam Falb, News Editor
Feb 1, 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
Jan 29, 2018
Junior Timmy Ellett swims breaststroke during a meet. Ellett’s strong swimming is one of the reasons the boys have performed so well after last year’s disappointing season. Photo courtesy of Lifetouch Studios

Swim dives into postseason

Thomas Wolfson, Sports Editor
Jan 29, 2018
Health student Ilana Maiman showcases the ins and outs of hallucinogens at Thursday’s Health Fair. Students across health classes worked for weeks leading up to the event, preparing gripping presentations about various issues that will affect students as they move through the different stages of life. Photo by Sam Falb.

Health Fair educates with unique strategies

Sam Falb
Jan 18, 2018
Health Fair educates with unique strategies

Health Fair educates with unique strategies

Sam Falb
Jan 16, 2018
Swim and Dive off to a solid start

Swim and Dive off to a solid start

Thomas Wolfson, Sports Editor
Jan 3, 2018
Q&A with state champion swimmer Molly Benson

Q&A with state champion swimmer Molly Benson

Thomas Wolfson, Sports Editor
Jan 2, 2018
Former MLB star Roy Halladay dies in plane crash

Former MLB star Roy Halladay dies in plane crash

Thomas Wolfson, Sports Editor
Nov 28, 2017
Griffin impresses at states, but Brody scratches

Griffin impresses at states, but Brody scratches

Thomas Wolfson, Sports Editor
Nov 20, 2017
School cracks down on vaping machines

School cracks down on vaping machines

Matt Garfinkel
Nov 6, 2017
Aaron Rodgers breaks collarbone; likely out for the season

Aaron Rodgers breaks collarbone; likely out for the season

Thomas Wolfson, Sports Editor
Oct 24, 2017

All Things Go Fall Classic 2017 recap

Matt Garfinkel, Arts and Entertainment Editor
Oct 13, 2017
Coed golf qualifies two players for states

Coed golf qualifies two players for states

Thomas Wolfson, Sports Editor
Oct 13, 2017
Cardi B tops Billboard charts with "Bodak Yellow"

Cardi B tops Billboard charts with “Bodak Yellow”

Matt Garfinkel
Oct 12, 2017
"It All Matters" club hosts supply drive

“It All Matters” club hosts supply drive

Sam Falb, Senior News Editor
Oct 5, 2017
Big wins for diversity at Emmys 2017

Big wins for diversity at Emmys 2017

Matt Garfinkel
Oct 4, 2017
Baltimore Orioles minor-leaguer dies in car crash

Baltimore Orioles minor-leaguer dies in car crash

Thomas Wolfson, Sports Editor
Oct 3, 2017
Coed golf looking better as districts approach

Coed golf looking better as districts approach

Thomas Wolfson, Sports Editor
Oct 2, 2017
WJ's favorite songs of the summer

WJ’s favorite songs of the summer

Matt Garfinkel and Luiza Silva
Sep 25, 2017
Boston Red Sox put a technological twist on stealing signs

Boston Red Sox put a technological twist on stealing signs

Thomas Wolfson, Sports Editor
Sep 22, 2017
Broccoli City Festival showcases major talent

Broccoli City Festival showcases major talent

Matt Garfinkel, Arts and Entertainment Editor
Jun 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
Jun 14, 2017
Hand completing a multiple choice exam.

Why we need to bring back final exams

Thomas Wolfson, Staff Writer
Jun 14, 2017
STYLUS performing live soundtrack to Man Ray's film Emak-Bakia at the AFI Silver Theater, Silver Spring MD. Part of the 2011 Sonic Circuits Festival of Experimental Music.

APUSH students take field trip to AFI

Sam Falb, Online News Editor
Jun 5, 2017
Sources of Strength launches 10,000 step challenge

Sources of Strength launches 10,000 step challenge

Sam Falb, News Editor
May 31, 2017
MCPS combats hate with new contest

MCPS combats hate with new contest

Sam Falb, Online News Editor
Mar 27, 2017
Betsy Devos squeezes through final confirmation vote

Betsy Devos squeezes through final confirmation vote

Sam Falb, Online News Editor
Feb 9, 2017
Vandalism hits WJ and local rival school

Vandalism hits WJ and local rival school

Sam Falb, Online News Editor
Feb 6, 2017
Uzbek students experience American culture at WJ

Uzbek students experience American culture at WJ

Sam Falb, Online News Editor
Jan 11, 2017
Choral groups enchant at winter concert

Choral groups enchant at winter concert

Sam Falb, Online News Editor
Jan 3, 2017
Breathe Deep walk raises awareness, remembers founder

Breathe Deep walk raises awareness, remembers founder

Sam Falb, Online News Editor
Dec 19, 2016
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Aaron McFarland, from 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, bumps knuckles with an Iraqi boy while he provides security during a market assessment at the Cherry Market in Al Karama, Mosul, Iraq on Sep. 17, 2008. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Sarah De Boise/Released)

American-Iraqi forces push into Mosul

Sam Falb, Online News Editor
Nov 22, 2016
Walter Johnson reaches 129

Walter Johnson reaches 129

Sam Falb, Online News Editor
Nov 15, 2016
A message to America

A message to America

Sam Falb
Nov 10, 2016
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
Oct 23, 2016
Spacex reaches for stars with new proposal

Spacex reaches for stars with new proposal

Sam Falb, Online News Editor
Oct 18, 2016
California teen combats bullying with unique app

California teen combats bullying with unique app

Sam Falb, News Editor
Sep 28, 2016
Students explore character

Students explore character

Sam Falb, News Editor
Sep 28, 2016
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