The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
Junior club treasurer Lily Bienfang unlocks the equipment collection bin. As of April 2024, the WJ LPF club became the bin ambassador for the Falls Road bin.
WJ LPF club levels the playing field
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
The college and career center there are many pamphlets on college information and SAT/ACT prep. Within the center is Mrs. Evans' office, she can help answer some questions one may have about the next steps
The benefits of college visits
Junior club treasurer Lily Bienfang unlocks the equipment collection bin. As of April 2024, the WJ LPF club became the bin ambassador for the Falls Road bin.
WJ LPF club levels the playing field
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
Students give their thoughts on the fall play
Students give their thoughts on the fall play
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 reused via Fair Use)
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
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 Grant Levins sprints down the track. "I'm here to try out because I love the sport of track and field and I'm working on my 800 [meter] time. Just trying to get better," Levins said.
Photo Gallery: Friday winter track tryouts
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
Students give their thoughts on the fall play
Students give their thoughts on the fall play
ASL 2 students eat at Mozzeria, a deaf- owned restraunt. Students practiced their signing with the deaf employees to order their food and drinks.
Photo Gallery: ASL Gallaudet Field Trip
Junior Grant Levins sprints down the track. "I'm here to try out because I love the sport of track and field and I'm working on my 800 [meter] time. Just trying to get better," Levins said.
Photo Gallery: Friday winter track tryouts
Day in the life of a student-athlete
Day in the life of a student-athlete
Washington Capitals captain and forward Alex Ovechkin tracks the puck while Colorado Avalanche defenseman Bowen Byram skates behind him getting ready to defend. Both teams are competing for playoff spots this season. (Courtesy Brian Murphy via Wikimedia Commons)
WJ hockey players discuss Capitals’ strong start
ESOL hosts pumpkin carving event
ESOL hosts pumpkin carving event
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
Beatriz Olivares

Beatriz Olivares, Print News Editor

Beatriz Olivares is a senior at WJ. She took the Journalism class on a whim during sophomore year and became completely hooked. After being an assistant copy-editor, she’s excited to be a Print News Editor for her second and last year on the Pitch! Aside from being on the Pitch, she loves watching netflix, spending time with her dog Willie and is a part-time hostess at Nando’s Peri Peri in Pike and Rose.

[email protected]

All content by Beatriz Olivares
Seniors Ayana Gaskins and Krithi Sriram leave the counseling wing satisfied. Flash passes have been widely appreciated by students with mental health issues and/or acute stress.

Flash passes offer important breaks: Students with mental illness gain relief system

Beatriz Olivares, Print News Editor
Mar 8, 2019
The D.C. Metropolitan area is home to thousands of federal employees affected by the shutdown. Many of whom, are parents of students at WJ.

WJ response to elongated government shutdown

Beatriz Olivares, News Editor
Feb 8, 2019
AP Government and Micro/Macroeconomics teacher Timothy Rodman prepares his Microeconomics students for an upcoming Unit Test. AP classes tend to move at a faster pace.

Diving in to AP culture in MoCo

Beatriz Olivares, News Editor
Dec 20, 2018
Social studies teacher Jeremy Butler explains the scenarios of an active shooter to his students. Students had the opportunity to comment and ask questions on safety measures during the presentation.

Preparing for an active shooter with new drill

Beatriz Olivares, News Editor
Nov 30, 2018
Montgomery County's decision has been sparking a lot of controversy among students, teachers and parents throughout the county.

Montgomery County introduces redistricting plan: WJ community reacts to controversial decision

Beatriz Olivares, News Editor
Oct 26, 2018
One of the many restaurant chains located in Georgetown Square nearby the school.

Open lunch fuels complaints: Georgetown Square’s reaction

Beatriz Olivares, News Editor
Oct 1, 2018
Senior Drew Skilton and former candidate David Blair work together on campaigning for the Montgomery County Democratic Primary. They both encouraged young voters to take action. Photo courtesy of Andrew Skilton.

WJ students prepare for upcoming voting season

Beatriz Olivares, News Editor
Sep 28, 2018
Robb playing basketball in the WJ gym.

50 years later: an interview with ’68 senior

Beatriz Olivares, Copy Editor
May 29, 2018
Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan-Tatum at the 71st Annual Peabody Awards Luncheon 2012, just three years after getting married in 2009. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan call it quits

Beatriz Olivares
Apr 17, 2018
Black Panther: The Album review

Black Panther: The Album review

Beatriz Olivares
Apr 3, 2018
WJ students sign a banner with their names and nice messages that will be sent to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida. Photo courtesy of Wendy Borrelli.

WJ responds to Florida school shooting

Beatriz Olivares
Feb 23, 2018
WJ faces harsh winter cold in new year

WJ faces harsh winter cold in new year

Beatriz Olivares
Feb 19, 2018
Best Movies of 2017

Best Movies of 2017

Beatriz Olivares
Jan 22, 2018
Bad Day to be a Pumpkin: Canceled

Bad Day to be a Pumpkin: Canceled

Beatriz Olivares
Nov 17, 2017
2017 Fall Pep Rally kicks off to an exciting new school year

2017 Fall Pep Rally kicks off to an exciting new school year

Beatriz Olivares, Assistant Copy Editor
Sep 21, 2017
Students from around the world

Students from around the world

Beatriz Olivares
Jun 14, 2017
Are we there yet?

Are we there yet?

Beatriz Olivares, Staff Writer
Jun 14, 2017
Curse words have become so common they have lost their meaning

Curse words have become so common they have lost their meaning

Beatriz Olivares, Staff Writer
Mar 17, 2017
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