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
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
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 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
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
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
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch

Emily Speranza, Online Editor-In-Chief

My name is Emily Speranza, and this is my third and final year on Pitch. I’m a super adventurous person and I love doing anything that gets my adrenaline going. In my free time I love binge-watching Netflix and learning new hobbies

All content by Emily Speranza
Many students have social media. Here are a few reasons to take a pause on the apps.

I´ve never had social media: Here´s why

Emily Speranza, Online Editor-in-Chief
Jun 15, 2021

Sudoku #1 (easy)

Emily Speranza, Online Editor-In-Chief
Apr 1, 2021

Sudoku #2 (easy)

Emily Speranza, Online Editor-In-Chief
Apr 1, 2021

Sudoku #3 (moderate)

Emily Speranza, Online Editor-In-Chief
Apr 1, 2021

Sudoku #4 (moderate)

Emily Speranza, Online Editor-in-Chief
Apr 1, 2021

Sudoku #5 (hard)

Emily Speranza, Online Editor-In-Chief
Apr 1, 2021

Sudoku #6 (hard)

Emily Speranza, Online Editor-In-Chief
Apr 1, 2021

Umm what?

Emily Speranza, Online Editor-In-Chief
Apr 1, 2021

Quarantine Edition

Emily Speranza, Online Editor-In-Chief
Apr 1, 2021

Picasso

Emily Speranza, Online Editor-In-Chief
Apr 1, 2021

Crossword #1- Watermelon Frenzy

Emily Speranza, Online Editor-In-Chief
Apr 1, 2021

Crossword #2- The Disney Madhouse

Emily Speranza, Online Editor-In-Chief
Apr 1, 2021

Crossword #3- Collaborative Thinking

Emily Speranza, Online Editor-In-Chief
Apr 1, 2021
The overwhelming truth of college rejections

The overwhelming truth of college rejections

Emily Speranza, Online Editor-in-Chief
Mar 21, 2021
"I've chosen to stay true to myself": The unfortunate truth behind the political minority at WJ

“I’ve chosen to stay true to myself”: The unfortunate truth behind the political minority at WJ

Emily Speranza, Online Editor-in-Chief
Mar 15, 2021
"Its the start of people realizing what really happens with minorities, with our legal system. This was the turning point of change for black people."

#TheMoment

Emily Speranza, Online Editor-in-Chief
Mar 15, 2021
Sophomore Kiki Gazit -Rosenthal thanks Mr.Helgerman for all of his hard work this year.

(Ep.2) Kiki Gazit -Rosenthal thanks Mr. Helgerman

Emily Speranza, Online Editor-In-Chief
Mar 14, 2021
Sophomore Leo Pahuja thanks Ms.Shu for all of her hard work this year.

(Ep.3) Leo Pahuja thanks Ms. Shu

Emily Speranza, Online Editor-In-Chief
Mar 14, 2021
Senior Cooper Mahne thanks Ms.Borrelli for all of her hard work this year.

(Ep.1) Cooper Mahne thanks Ms. Borrelli

Emily Speranza, Online Editor-In-Chief
Mar 14, 2021
Junior Julia Garms had both strep and early signs of Covid-19 just a few days before New Years eve when her final results came back.

Resilience and recovery

Emily Speranza, Online Editor-in-Chief
Mar 9, 2021
WJ continues with the discussion of equity in their last town hall

WJ continues with the discussion of equity in their last town hall

Emily Speranza, Online Editor-in-Chief
Feb 2, 2021
The 2021 leadership class dress up in spirit of mullet day. The SGA and leadership adviser Melanie Schwed were all a part of the spirit day as well.

Leadership class overcomes virtual struggles

Emily Speranza, Online Editor-in-Chief
Jan 7, 2021
WJ Principal Jennifer Baker talks about future opportunities that could help students manage stress and have a lighter workload.

WJ held its second town hall

Emily Speranza, Online Editor-in-Chief
Dec 18, 2020
Students play a "Would you rather" activity before starting the lesson plans for the day.

Child development cruises through the virtual school year

Emily Speranza, Online Editor-in-Chief
Nov 12, 2020
Sierra-Cabrera looks at Pennsylvania State University's test-optional policy in hopes to receive a holistic admissions review. Penn State is one of many universities in the U.S. with this policy.

Covid-19 pushes colleges to go test-optional

Emily Speranza, Online Editor-in-Chief
Oct 5, 2020
Health and hygiene have been so important during this weird time. hand washing is one of the most important steps to take in staying as healthy as possible.

How to stay coronavirus free

Emily Speranza, News Editor
Jun 8, 2020
The whole world is feeling the tiring effects of self-quarantine and with summer vacation coming up, nearly all vacations have been put on a hold. Spending the days by doing productive activities like painting or reading can help reduce these stressful times.

50 random things to do during quarantine

Emily Speranza, News Editor
May 14, 2020
Project Interrupt will be implemented in the next few months, to address increase of hate and bias acts across the county. Community members will get together frequently to discuss any new ideas.

MCPS addresses hate and bias

Emily Speranza, News Editor
Feb 26, 2020
With the recent end of season one of The Mandalorian, many fans are excited to see the development of the sequel story with season two coming out this year.

The Mandalorian takes WJ by storm

Emily Speranza, News Editor
Jan 19, 2020
Many students at WJ take the school bus daily which means that the school bus tracking app set in the budget proposal will be used many parents and students. The app is set to be finished within the next 12 years.

Funds for an MCPS school bus tracking app set in budget proposal

Emily Speranza, News Editor
Jan 18, 2020
Junior Kai Svenson looks out the window on an MCPS bus. Over the next few years, seatbelts will be added in either the lap or shoulder position.

Seatbelts set to be implemented on MCPS buses

Emily Speranza, News Editor
Dec 7, 2019
Montgomery County will continue to provide free vaccination services until all of the remaining students receive their requirements.

Students worried by lack of vaccination requirements

Emily Speranza, News Editor
Nov 3, 2019
Howard County - Montgomery County's neighbor - is voting on a major redistricting proposal in November. If the proposal passes, potentially thousands of students would switch schools. The redistricting effort is aimed to balance out poverty and inequity in Howard County.

Hundreds of Howard County students protest redistricting plan

Emily Speranza, News Editor
Oct 11, 2019
Junior Saoirse Tolbert checks up on her grades on the MCPS Portal website. Since the 50 percent rule will remain in place, all grades that students receive as a zero, will be shown as a 50 percent on MCPS Portal.

Churchill removes new, controversial ‘No-Zero’ policy after first week

Emily Speranza, News Editor
Sep 27, 2019
Forth of July fireworks displayed at Washington Monument.

Fun activities for Fourth of July

Emily Speranza, Staff writer
Jun 13, 2019
Avengers: Endgame will shock, excite audiences

Avengers: Endgame will shock, excite audiences

Emily Speranza, Staff Writer
Apr 15, 2019
WJ alum writes organ donor bill

WJ alum writes organ donor bill

Emily Speranza, Staff Writer
Mar 12, 2019
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