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
Sara Elster

Sara Elster, Print News Editor

Senior Sara Elster is looking forward to her first year on the Pitch as a Print News Editor. When not writing for the Pitch, Sara enjoys baking, practicing taekwondo, and hanging out with friends.

All content by Sara Elster
Courtesy Lifetouch

Sara Elster’s Senior Reflection

Sara Elster, Print News Editor
May 21, 2024
Released on Netflix on March 8, Damsel provides a refreshing new take on the traditional fairytale as Elodie, rather than waiting for a man to save her, saves herself after being betrayed and thrown into a dragoness' lair. (Courtesy IMP Awards)

Damsel puts feminist spin on traditional fairytale

Sara Elster, Print News Editor
April 24, 2024
Senior Lucas Jaho discusses college acceptances with counselor Ashley Weddle. So far, Jaho has been admitted to the University of Michigan, Penn State University, the University of Pittsburgh and Ohio State University. The University of Pittsburgh, Penn State and Ohio State are among the list of colleges who have pushed back their decision deadlines due to FAFSA delays.

Colleges postpone commitment deadlines due to FAFSA delays, leave students frustrated

Sara Elster, Print News Editor
April 4, 2024
Ryan Oliver, Class of 2021, (left), Melissa Marquez, Class of 1986, (middle), Dylan Oliver, Class of 2025 (right)

Passing the torch: experiences of WJ legacies

Sara Elster, Print News Editor
March 8, 2024
Science Olympiad - Neb Mammo

Academic All-Stars: Students shine in club competition

Elli Karistinou, Sara Elster, Abby Kee, Geetanjali Raju and Maya Panicker
February 2, 2024
Released on Dec. 19, fans from all around the world joined together to watch the long awaited, highly anticipated first episode of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians television show. With high hopes for this new show, fans were very surprised when author Rick Riordan made several changes to the storyline.

New Percy Jackson series should be dubbed “Peter Johnson” due to extreme plot changes

Sara Elster and Mackenzie Norris
February 1, 2024
The 81st Annual Golden Globes was hosted on Jan. 6 to celebrate the best of 2023's film and television. Hosted by comedian Jo Koy, the event distributed awards for 27 categories.

2024 Golden Globes crashes and burns with sexist host, dull awards

Sara Elster, Print News Editor
January 31, 2024
Honors English 11 teacher Eliana VanCuran teaches in room 195 on Tuesday, Dec. 12. Since mid-October, VanCuran has been teaching in different classrooms due to illness and concerns of mold in her classroom, room 168.

Potential mold in building concerns teachers, students

Sara Elster, Print News Editor
December 15, 2023
Journey to Bethlehem, directed by Adam Anders, is a musical retelling of the biblical story of the Nativity of Jesus. Released on Nov. 10, the musical follows the Virgin Mary through her pregnancy as she faces accusations of adultery and eventually travels to Bethlehem to give birth.

Feminist approach to Nativity story flops in “Journey to Bethlehem”

Mackenzie Norris and Sara Elster
November 30, 2023
A security guard checks student's IDs at the athletic circle entrance on Friday, Nov. 3. Students often quickly flash their IDs to get in, meaning anyone with a backpack and a green ID would likely be let in by security. Students who forget their ID also find it easy to sneak back into school, meaning people who don't belong in the school wouldn't have difficulty sneaking in either.

WJ needs to improve school security for students’ safety

Sara Elster, Print News Editor
November 16, 2023
During a joint meeting between MSA, MENA and the Persian club on Friday, Oct. 13, students anonymously shared their reactions to the attack. Many were saddened by the news, yet felt unheard and overlooked by the larger WJ community.

Student groups respond to Israel-Hamas crisis

Ely Snow, Sara Elster and Rhea Noumair
October 24, 2023
Earlier this year, College Board changed the scoring requirements for the writing section of AP US History, AP Modern World History and AP European History. Changes made to the DBQ will make the essay drastically easier for students taking these exams in the coming years.

AP history exam rubric changes are setting students up for failure

Sara Elster, Print News Editor
October 20, 2023
Principal Intern Nicole Morgan presents updates about an upcoming Culture of Respect lesson during an after school Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 17. During the meeting, Morgan and other ILT members discussed and analyzed data from different departments within the school. Other participants in the meeting included administrators, resource teachers and elected faculty representatives.

Assistant Principal Nicole Morgan embarks on new journey as principal intern

Sara Elster, Print News Editor
October 20, 2023
Junior Alex Koscelnik waits in the checkout line at Giant on Wed., June 14. The Pay-and-Go system was implemented on May 5 as an attempt to limit unruly behavior in restaurants and stores. Pay-and-Go is just one of the current policies that admin plans to discuss further during the summer ILT meeting.

Admin plans to discuss school policy in upcoming summer meeting

Sara Elster, Print News Editor
June 15, 2023
Students and faculty members meet with representatives of the Anti-Defamation League to discuss anti-semitism in Montgomery County.

WJ combats antisemitism

Sara Elster, Print News Editor
May 24, 2023
Members share and enjoy brownies at a Bake with Kindness meeting. The club aims to give back to the community through baking together.

Bake with Kindness organizes bake sales to help people in need

Sara Elster, Special to the Pitch
December 14, 2022
Junior Brandon Moon catches up with the latest copy of People Magazine on Nov 18 at Giant. He was shopping at Giant when the cover model of People Magazine, Chris Evans, caught his eye. “Chris Evans is a very fine looking man, but I personally believe that Michael B. Jordan should have won the [Sexiest Man Alive] title again,” Moon said.

WJ Students react to “2022’s Sexiest Man Alive” Chris Evans

Sara Elster, Special To The Pitch
December 7, 2022
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