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 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 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
Ishaan Ramola

Ishaan Ramola, Photography Editor

Ishaan is a senior, and he’s the Photography Editor for the Pitch. He loves to watch movies, take photos and videos in his free time.

All content by Ishaan Ramola
Ishaan Ramola's senior reflection

Ishaan Ramola’s senior reflection

Ishaan Ramola, Photography Editor
May 24, 2023
The South Asian Student Union offered samples of common dishes in South Asia. "A lot of people came for food day -- it was a success," junior Aria Tahsmabi, one of the students who helped coordinate international week, said.

Exploring cultural diversity: A glimpse into International Week

Allison Xu, Sydney Fraser and Ishaan Ramola
March 10, 2023
Senior Kevin Murphy goes in for a jump shot during the Pennies for Patients 3v3 tournament on Feb. 16. The tournament was a big hit and raised money for the P4P fundraiser.

Leadership continues to raise money for P4P throughout February

Abby Kee, Print News Editor
February 22, 2023

Black Student Union celebrates Black History Month by hosting impactful assembly

Zsuzsanna Juhasz, Ishaan Ramola and Sanir Byanjankar
March 1, 2023
The greenhouse room is home to many new and old plants. The room has an auto sprinkler system to water the plants from time to time and also has a massive window to allow sunlight.

Hidden spaces around WJ

Ishaan Ramola, Photography Editor
January 24, 2023
Students celebrate Vincent Aboubakar's goal for Cameroon.

Student organizations celebrate holidays

Allison Xu and Ishaan Ramola
December 20, 2022
Senior Alex Alfelor wrestles against Kennedy High School. He is one of the leaders on the team and a very important wrestler.

Wrestling team dominates Kennedy, finishes fourth at the Mad Mats invitational

Dylan Schmidt
December 16, 2022
Students Celebrate Vincent Aboubakar's goal for Cameroon putting them in lead. Despite the close calls, students cheer in joy as Cameroon upset Brazil 1-0.

Students watch Brazil vs. Cameroon with Latin club

Ishaan Ramola
December 14, 2022
Students from International Club create a mural on the white board for all the things they are thankful for. For students who have just moved to the US, like sophomore Camila Hernandez, this event has shown them what the holiday is all about. “I’m from Colombia; it’s my first Thanksgiving. [This event] makes me know how they celebrate because I don't know anything about [Thanksgiving],” Hernandez said.

International club hosts Thanksgiving

Sydney Fraser, Sammie Cohen and Ishaan Ramola
November 29, 2022
The step team gets ready to put on a performance during halftime at the varsity game. "It was nerve-wracking especially since it was my first time performing with this team, we have a lot to improve on but it was an experience I'll never forget," freshman Meher Parsinni said.

Homecoming game experience brings thrill

Ishaan Ramola
November 4, 2022

South Asian Student Union hosts a Diwali celebration

Rutajit Shetty and Ishaan Ramola
November 3, 2022
Movies and biopics have always been sources for the public to learn about important issues or people. “Watchmen”, for example, brought the horrific Tulsa Race Massace into the public consciousness for the first time since the 1920’s.

Are movies and shows reliable sources for historical accuracy?

Ishaan Ramola, Photography Editor
October 24, 2022

New school year outfits

Ishaan Ramola, Photography Editor
September 29, 2022

What’s your song of the summer?

June 15, 2022
Netflix faces one of its worst years yet after losing over 200,000 subscribers. Fans rushed to different streaming platforms as Netflix raised its prices once again and began cracking down password sharing.

Netflix struggles to maintain their audience

Ishaan Ramola, Staff Writer
May 11, 2022
With COVID slowing down the SSL process and volunteer opportunities skyrocketing, students see this as a perfect opportunity to get back on track and complete their SSL requirements.

WJ provides endless SSL opportunities

Ishaan Ramola, Staff Writer
April 21, 2022
“I disagree with it because we are still in a pandemic and people are still getting covid but I also agree with it because people have had to deal with masks for a long time now and a lot of people are fully vaccinated and boosted." -Pearse Worden, 9

Up at bat: How do students feel about the mask mandate being lifted?

Ishaan Ramola, Staff Writer
March 17, 2022
2021 came with many titles, some that people loved and some that they despised, but what does 2022 have in store? With multiple announced and to-be-dated films, 2022 has multiple varieties of films that people can look forward to.

Upcoming films to look forward to in 2022

Ishaan Ramola, Staff Writer
March 10, 2022
Marvel and DC are massive media franchises mainly focusing on superheroes. Fans have been debating which one is better especially with the new content from both parties.

Marvel Vs DC shouldn’t be a debate

Ishaan Ramola, Staff Writer
February 18, 2022
The WJ film club held its first meeting on Oct.1. The club is run by Nicole Weaver(President), Raquel Daly(Vice President), Josephine Meriot(treasurer) and officers Charlotte Brown, Janaiyah Inniss

Film Club directs new path for the school year

Ishaan Ramola, Special to the Pitch
November 30, 2021
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