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
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
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
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
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: Winter track kicks off 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
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
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 takes field trip to Gallaudet
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: Winter track kicks off tryouts
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
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
Caeden Babcock

Caeden Babcock, Print Editor-in-Chief

Caeden is the Print Editor-in-Chief for his third year writing for The Pitch. In his free time, Caeden relaxes by watching television, hanging with friends, and walking his dog.

All content by Caeden Babcock
Richard Regan jogs down Cedar Lane on his daily 7-mile run. Regan runs all throughout Kensington and has been doing so for 25 years.

The story behind Kensington’s mystery runner

Caeden Babcock, Print Editor-in-Chief
May 26, 2022
Caeden Babcock's senior reflection

Caeden Babcock’s senior reflection

Caeden Babcock, Print Editor-in-Chief
May 24, 2022
Senior Alejandro Linares, junior Ellie Hilton and senior Alex Wolfson struggle to balance work and play. Managing the stress and demanding schedules of both high school sports and school can be extremely challenging

WJ after school activities: A net positive or negative?

Caeden Babcock, Print Editor-in-Chief
Apr 2, 2022
The Poms team celebrates after hearing they got first place for the county competition. They now have the potential to become D1 depending on their performance next season.

Poms shines at counties competition

Caeden Babcock, Print Editor-in-Chief
Feb 23, 2022
Nachtrieb heads down the hatch of a submarine on summer training.

WJ Grads in the Military

Caeden Babcock, Print Editor-in-Chief
Dec 20, 2021
Junior Jack Melton swings at a birdie during PE class. PE provides a break from standard classes for students. However, the Board of Education is possibly removing half of the PE credit.

Board of education proposed changes to PE course requirements

Caeden Babcock, Print Editor-in-Chief
Nov 16, 2021
Kool-Aid can be seen again but in a different bathroom. Both instances occurred on Friday, Sept. 17.

TikTok challenge causes vandalization of bathrooms

Caeden Babcock, Print Editor-in-Chief
Sep 20, 2021
Students signed up for in-person schooling gather in the auxilary gym to attend Zoom classes for their teachers who opted to stay online due to health concerns. In-person schooling will not look like what it is now as MCPS is planning on returning to the full 5-day schedule at normal capacity for the 2021-2022 school year.

The impacts of COVID: What schooling looks like next year

Caeden Babcock, Senior News Editor
Jun 15, 2021
Dr. Monifa B. McKnight has been chosen as the Acting/Interim Superintendent for MCPS. She will serve for one year starting on July 1, 2021.

MCPS chooses new superintendent

Caeden Babcock, Senior News Editor
May 25, 2021
Shervin Pishevar's high school photo from when he attended Montgomery Blair High School. Pishevar was elected as SMOB in 1991 and served for one year.

MCPS SMOBs where are they now?

Caeden Babcock, Senior News Editor
May 5, 2021
SMOB candidates Henry Kaye and Hana O'Looney visited WJ via Zoom to allow students to get to know them. On April 21, students in MCPS will be able to vote for the 2021-2022 SMOB.

Q&A with SMOB finalists

Caeden Babcock, Senior News Editor
Mar 31, 2021
What are the most prominent struggles you have faced as a result of online teaching? “Learning new technology platforms has been a major challenge, as well. Teachers, overnight, had to become proficient at Zoom, Canvas, a brand new grade book, Nearpod, Peardeack, Whiteboard.fi, Padlet, Jamboard, Desmos, Geogebra, Loom, Screencastify, etc.”

Teachers triumph over online challenges

Caeden Babcock, Senior News Editor
Mar 15, 2021
Former U.S. President Donald Trump raises his hand in the air as he gives a speech. Trump did not win the 2020 election, ceding the presidency to Joe Biden.

Donald Trump’s Presidency: a recap of the highs and lows

Caeden Babcock, Senior News Editor
Jan 27, 2021
Many apps have been developed in response to the COVID-19 breakout. The purpose of the apps is to track who people have been in contact with and if any of them have tested positive recently.

How countries have conquered covid

Caeden Babcock, Senior News Editor
Jan 11, 2021
Teachers and students gather to discuss race issues at WJ via Zoom. These meetings called study circles were created back in February to help the administration gain valuable insight on race issues at WJ.

Study circles created to combat racism at WJ

Caeden Babcock, Senior News Editor
Oct 25, 2020
WJ remains closed despite Hogan encouraging schools to open and providing incentives. Hogan's statement came a few days before schools were beginning online instruction causing widespread confusion.

Governor Hogan pushes to open schools promptly

Caeden Babcock, Senior News Editor
Sep 30, 2020
County Executive Marc Elrich steps up to the microphone. Elrich delivered the details of Montgomery County's reopening plan which was met with a tough crowd.

Montgomery County puts reopening plans in place

Caeden Babcock, Business Manager & Print Feature Editor
Jun 1, 2020
The Supreme Court is left empty and desolate. It has been closed to the public due to health concerns.

Supreme court continues within pandemic

Caeden Babcock, Business Manager & Print Feature Editor
May 24, 2020
Uncle Julio's stays open during these trying times. Many other restaurants have also stayed open offering food for take-out or delivery.

Best restaurants offering take out/delivery

Caeden Babcock, Business Manager & Feature Editor
May 7, 2020
Protesters hold up signs in reaction to a law proposed in the Virginia Senate. Gun rights activists call the law a "Unconstitutional gun grab".

Virginia gun rally brings thousands together

Caeden Babcock, Business Manager & Feature Editor
Feb 5, 2020
Pro-life activists gather in front of the Supreme Court. Thousands of protesters attend the March For Life every year which have occurred ever since the Roe v. Wade decision.

SCOTUS leaves Kentucky abortion law in place

Caeden Babcock, Business Manager & Feature Editor
Jan 23, 2020
The donkey is the official symbol of the Democratic party. The recent Democratic debate has played a big role on polls leading into the next debate in December.

A Democratic deep dive

Caeden Babcock, Business Manager & Feature Editor
Dec 12, 2019
Studying for standardized tests is the worst. Having just one test would make things a lot simpler.

Two tests are too many

Caeden Babcock, Feature Editor
Dec 7, 2019
The WJ security team is stationed on the first floor. MCPS has made many changes to the security protocols and more are expected.

Summer bears many new security policy changes at WJ

Caeden Babcock, Business Manager & Print Feature Editor
Sep 27, 2019
Swimmers enjoy their afternoon at Cedarbrook Swim and Tennis Club. With so many pools around, the question arises, which pool is best?

WJ pools in a wrap

Caeden Babcock, Staff Writer
Jun 11, 2019
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