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
Jake Brown

Jake Brown, Sports Editor

This is Jake’s third year on The Pitch, and second year as a sports editor. He is also on WJ’s wrestling team in his 4th year. Jake also does the sports announcements on WJ’s morning announcements every (Fedora) Friday. Jake is also excited to be apart of WJ’s Madrigal choir. Jake plans to be a sports journalist when he goes to college next year.

All content by Jake Brown
Senior Kyle Peterson hits a ball up at bat. The Wildcats ended their season with a 7-8 record after a loss to Whitman. Photo courtesy of Lifetouch.

WJ baseball ends their season

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
May 31, 2018
Jake's Take: My high school experience

Jake’s Take: My high school experience

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
May 25, 2018
Junior outfielder Anthony Lacola converses with coach Steve Sutherland. WJ had a tough loss against Whitman in the first round 19-16. Courtesty of Lifetouch.

WJ Baseball loses in the first round of the playoffs after controversial calls

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
May 22, 2018
Capitals and Penguins handshake after a game. The Capitals beat the Penguins in game 6 of round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Capitals finally beat the Penguins in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
May 22, 2018
Mariners James Paxton has silently been one of the best starting pitchers in the past two years. He recently pitched a no hitter in his native Canada against Toronto. Photo courtesy by hj_west

Jake’s Take: Which MLB teams are legit?

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
May 16, 2018
Seniors pitcher/shortstop Kyle Peterson, first baseman Connor Phelps, pitcher Kevin Good, and infielder Ian Rickles meet at the dugout after a successful inning. Photo courtesy of Imageflo.

Baseball hits cold streak towards end of season

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
May 8, 2018
Cubs infielders Kris Bryant (17) and Anthony Rizzo (44) are the cornerstones of the Cubs offense. Rizzo believes that there are too many baseball games during a season. Courtesy of Ron Cogswell.

Jake’s Take: Sports seasons are too long, but not too long

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
May 2, 2018
Former Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III was one of the biggest prospects coming into the 2012 NFL draft. After leading the Redskins to the playoffs in his first year, he regressed in production as years went on. Courtesy of Pintrest.

Jake’s Take: NFL Draft hype is stupid

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
April 26, 2018
The Washington Nationals have had one of the most successful teams within the past six years. Pitcher Max Scherzer (left) has won two Cy Young awards and outfielder Bryce Harper (right) has won an MVP within that span.

Jake’s Take: Don’t worry about the Nationals

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
April 18, 2018
Senior Kyle Peterson pitches a ball to the batter. Peterson struckout nine batters in his no hitter against Watkins Mill.

Senior Kyle Petersen throws a no hitter against Watkins Mill

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
April 17, 2018
Security guard Tony Howard was one of the best high school wrestlers of his time. He won states three times and was inducted into the Maryland Wrestling Hall of Fame. Courtesy of Jack Linde

WJ Security Guard inducted into Maryland Wrestling Hall of Fame

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
April 4, 2018
After an interview with The Undefeated, LeBron James was criticized for calling out Donald Trump. The superstar forward is currently on his way towards an MVP award. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Jake’s Take: LeBron shouldn’t ‘shut up and dribble’

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
February 28, 2018
Katie Ledecky is one of the best young swimmers in the sport. She won three gold medals in the summer Olympics in 2016. Courtesy of wikimedia commons

Jake’s Take: Female athletes impress, astonish

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
February 23, 2018

PyeongChang Olympics Highlights

Courtney Cohn, Bradford Clarkson, Thomas Wolfson and Jake Brown
February 23, 2018
Senior Katherine Papadopulos is one of the catalysts to girls basketball. She's one of the two seniors on the team.

Girls basketball is ready for the playoffs

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
February 22, 2018
First baseman Eric Hosmer is among one of the unsigned free agent stars. He has been offered approximately seven years and $150 million. Courtesy of Keith Allison

Jake’s Take: The pay debate among MLB free agents is ridiculous

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
February 9, 2018
Justin Timberlake’s “Man of the Woods” is a jumbled mess

Justin Timberlake’s “Man of the Woods” is a jumbled mess

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
February 9, 2018
Former Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith was recently traded to the Redskins. Smith is coming off an All-Pro season and lead his team to the postseason.

Jake’s Take: Alex Smith trade isn’t as bad as you think

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
February 8, 2018

Jake’s Take: Who Cares About the Pro Bowl?

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
January 29, 2018
Jake’s Take: Who Will be Super Bowl Champs?

Jake’s Take: Who Will be Super Bowl Champs?

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
January 12, 2018
Jake’s Take: Jack Morris and Alan Trammell do not deserve to be in the Baseball Hall of Fame

Jake’s Take: Jack Morris and Alan Trammell do not deserve to be in the Baseball Hall of Fame

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
December 22, 2017
Jake’s Take: Who is NFL MVP?

Jake’s Take: Who is NFL MVP?

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
December 22, 2017
Jake’s Take: 2017 had the greatest World Series of all time

Jake’s Take: 2017 had the greatest World Series of all time

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
November 20, 2017
Maroon 5's new album "Red Pill Blues" was worth the "Wait"

Maroon 5’s new album “Red Pill Blues” was worth the “Wait”

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
November 14, 2017
Jake's Take: Umpires and referees have found ways to ruin the games we love

Jake’s Take: Umpires and referees have found ways to ruin the games we love

Jake Brown, s
November 7, 2017
Nationals fire manager Dusty Baker

Nationals fire manager Dusty Baker

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
October 27, 2017
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 13: Jose Lobaton #59 of the Washington Nationals reacts after being picked off against the Chicago Cubs during the eighth inning in game five of the National League Division Series at Nationals Park on October 13, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Jake’s Take: NLDS Game 5 was a dumpster fire

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
October 17, 2017
Jake’s Take: The Dodgers won’t win the World Series

Jake’s Take: The Dodgers won’t win the World Series

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
October 9, 2017
Tom Petty: An inspiration

Tom Petty: An inspiration

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
October 9, 2017
WJ Football suffers injuries in game vs. Richard Montgomery

WJ Football suffers injuries in game vs. Richard Montgomery

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
October 5, 2017
The Indianapolis Colts were one of the many teams that knelt during the National Anthem.

Jake’s Take: Players protest Trump comments by kneeling during National Anthem

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
September 28, 2017
Football working on coming back after heartbreaking losses

Football working on coming back after heartbreaking losses

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
September 20, 2017
Rising Sports Leagues You Need to Watch

Rising Sports Leagues You Need to Watch

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
May 16, 2017
Alleged Damascus child abusers lose custody of two children over YouTube videos

Alleged Damascus child abusers lose custody of two children over YouTube videos

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
May 5, 2017
Capitals face struggles against the Penguins again

Capitals face struggles against the Penguins again

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
May 4, 2017
Local parents accused for child abuse on their YouTube prank videos

Local parents accused for child abuse on their YouTube prank videos

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
April 25, 2017
Baseball with key wins unites the team in big way

Baseball with key wins unites the team in big way

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
April 21, 2017
The state of Texas are favorites, but Seattle looks to take AL West

The state of Texas are favorites, but Seattle looks to take AL West

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
March 30, 2017
MLB Previews: Cubs look for back to back World Series in dwindling division

MLB Previews: Cubs look for back to back World Series in dwindling division

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
March 9, 2017
MLB Previews: Nats look to run away, but rest of division looks to improve

MLB Previews: Nats look to run away, but rest of division looks to improve

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
March 1, 2017
MLB Previews: AL East looks to be a competitive division

MLB Previews: AL East looks to be a competitive division

Jake Brown, Sports Editior
February 16, 2017
New England Patriots at Washington Redskins 08/28/09

Super Bowl LI is one for the ages

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
February 10, 2017
Falcons and Patriots face off in Super Bowl LI

Falcons and Patriots face off in Super Bowl LI

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
February 7, 2017
Senior Andrew Leverenz competes in the high jump, his signature event, at a county meet. Photo Courtesy of Andrew Leverenz

A speedy update from Indoor Track

Jake Brown, Online Sports Editor
January 13, 2017
Indoor Track team has the complete package

Indoor Track team has the complete package

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
December 23, 2016
Varsity Football plays their first home game of the year

Varsity Football plays their first home game of the year

Jake Brown, Sports Editor
September 20, 2016
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