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
ASL 2 students eat at Mozzeria, a deaf- owned restraunt. Students practiced their signing with the deaf employees to order their food and drinks.
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
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
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
Jona Jancewicz

Jona Jancewicz, Online Editor-in-Chief

Jona Jancewicz is in his senior year of high school. He is the appointed Online Editor-in-Chief, who is very excited to keep writing and reporting for The Pitch and the Walter Johnson community.
All content by Jona Jancewicz
Jona Jancewicz's senior reflection

Jona Jancewicz’s senior reflection

Jona Jancewicz, Online EIC
May 24, 2023
Traffic along I-495 and I-270 has garnered DC area traffic an infamous reputation. Despite earlier plans for toll lanes along I-270, Austrian company Transurban has backed down from its original plans.

MoCo news blurbs

Jack Stashower and Jona Jancewicz
Apr 12, 2023
This photo was taken on the Rock Creek Trail near Viers Mill Local Park on Feb. 11. Recent rises in antisemitism acts have occurred in the WJ community in places like Bethesda and Tilden Middle School.

Antisemitism continues to plague Bethesda community

Jona Jancewicz and Joshua Singer
Feb 28, 2023
After a long hiatus, TV morning announcements are back

After a long hiatus, TV morning announcements are back

Jona Jancewicz, Online Editor-in-Chief
Feb 24, 2023
Last year's male poms team completed their dance routine during the spring pep rally. The dance routine and atmosphere around the event caused many in the school to question whether the tradition should continue.

Male Poms altered; new tradition on the horizon

Jona Jancewicz, Online EIC
Jan 23, 2023
Freshman Jason Carcamo, Ahrin Letourneau and Brian Tudor participate in the safety training drills. They practiced their severe weather drill, where students must find shelter in hallways with no windows near by.

Safety drills test emergency preparedness

Jona Jancewicz and Nicole Weaver
Dec 11, 2022
The vandalism on the corner of Old Georgetown Road and Tuckerman Lane depicts a swastika and a message of "Ameri(c)a Awak(e)". The vandalism was washed off shortly after the police were contacted.

Antisemitic vandalism blindsides WJ community again

Jona Jancewicz, Online EIC
Nov 16, 2022
AP classes are not equitable for students

AP classes are not equitable for students

Jona Jancewicz, Online EIC
Oct 25, 2022

The J&J Show: Episode 1

Jona Jancewicz and Jack Stashower
Sep 21, 2022
Thomas Edison High School offers many unique courses. Students who complete their courses are rewarded certifications.

Students explore career pathways at Thomas Edison

Jona Jancewicz, Online EIC
Sep 19, 2022
Firefighters show up to WJ after a fire alarm is pulled due to the smell of smoke. The fire fighters isolated the source and made sure it was safe for the students to return.

Fire fighters respond to the smell of smoke

Jona Jancewicz, Online EIC
Sep 12, 2022
(Left to Right) Next year's SGA officers juniors Ethan Mendes, Lauren Kim, Bryan Kibet and Luke Liden discuss the homecoming video for next year. Many of these meetings have been held by the officers to start planning for next year.

Sneak peek into next year SGA plans

Yuval Shachar and Jona Jancewicz
Jun 14, 2022
Head of the ESOL department Andrew Won teaches a class of non-native English speakers. ESOL classes will be offered in the summer through a partnership with Richard Montgomery High School.

WJ opens summer program registration

Jona Jancewicz, Online News Editor
May 20, 2022
The WJ senior class spray paints the roof with 2022. The prank was very popular among the senior class.

Seniors host a ‘senior prank’ during school hours

Jona Jancewicz, Online News Editor
May 20, 2022
It is the people who protest President Putin and help the refugees who we should follow. Their examples of compassion should be the baseline.

Fight hate with hate?

Jona Jancewicz, Online News Editor
Mar 30, 2022
The WJ boys lacrosse team huddles up to start the spring season. As the first practices get started, a new bonding period between teammates forms.

MCPS reverses religious exemption ruling for student athletes

Jona Jancewicz, Online News Editor
Mar 7, 2022
President Joe Biden has come under fire for electing to transport 3000 American troops to help defend Ukraine. The longer the situation goes on, the more tense it grows.

Ukraine v. Russia: What WJ students would do if they were the President

Jona Jancewicz, Online News Editor
Feb 17, 2022
Adam Zeitlin teaches Honors Physics to his junior and senior class. Zeitlin had to learn to balance in person schooling with students who chose remote schooling or were out to do Covid-19 exposure.

Changes to student absence policy in review

Jona Jancewicz, Online News Editor
Feb 10, 2022
Security guard James Etheridge and English teacher William Griffiths discuss students being late to class. Security guards and teachers check the hallways to see if students are skipping class.

Admin penalizes tardiness

Jona Jancewicz, Online News Editor
Dec 20, 2021
"It's not about being lazy, it is a learning disability. It's not something that someone can just get over by working harder. It's not going to help by just giving extra time, which is required by the accommodations, but you have to put in the work that your students need and the extra support your students need," senior Felix Bellotti said.

Up at Bat: What do you want people to know about learning with ADHD?

Jona Jancewicz and Aya Hesham
Dec 17, 2021

ADHD affects student educational experience

Jona Jancewicz, Online News Editor
Dec 17, 2021
Maria Aliaga works on her computer, sorting out forms for students. Aliaga sends student forms and documents to Colleges.

WJ introduces new registrar

Jona Jancewicz, Online News Editor
Nov 10, 2021
Walter Johnson was vandalized with messages of white pride. The WJ staff was quick to remove the messages soon after the news broke out.

Bethesda vandalized with hate speech

Jona Jancewicz, Online News Editor
Oct 15, 2021
Juniors take a 100 minute MCAP test on Oct., 5. Students were sectioned off into different groups throughout the school to alleviate overcrowding.

Students sound off on standardized testing

Jona Jancewicz, Online News Editor
Oct 11, 2021

Bethesda vandalized with hate speech and white supremacy

Jona Jancewicz, Online News Editor
Oct 6, 2021
Walter Johnson students wade through the crowded stairwells trying to get to class. Many find the slow, jammed hallways a difficult adjustment, especially after distancing for so long.

Walter Johnson deals with overcrowding issues amidst pandemic

Jona Jancewicz, Online News Editor
Sep 23, 2021
Walter Johnson music students have to play some of their instruments without masks on. Some long time music students now feel unsafe playing their instrument in school.

Covid-19 cases rise as students return to in person school

Jona Jancewicz, Online News Editor
Sep 23, 2021
As AP tests start taking place in the building, classes need to be moved to other classrooms. With the weather warming up, The Pitch class decided to have their class outside due to an AP test taking place in their classroom.

Within these walls: students return to WJ

Jona Jancewicz and Yuval Shachar
May 25, 2021
How have you adapted to online school emotionally, mentally, and/or physically? "I have taken an attitude of "It is what it is." I do vent every now and again because I do want to be in the building. I know that things will eventually return to normal - whatever that means."

The teacher’s return to school

Jona Jancewicz, Staff Writer
May 12, 2021
SGA president Konchok Chopel, SGA VP Joey Barke, SGA Secretary Tatyana Ramirez, SGA Treasurer David Gardner all pose in front of the shed for the upcoming SGA student elections.

2021 SGA elections provide normalcy back to students

Jona Jancewicz, Staff Writer
Mar 26, 2021
MCPS has made many decisions this school year regarding this school year and the impact of COVID-19.

MCPS plan for going back to school

Jona Jancewicz, Staff Writer
Feb 12, 2021
Teachers vs students: who gets the vaccine first?

Teachers vs students: who gets the vaccine first?

Jona Jancewicz, Staff Writer
Feb 3, 2021
WJ students trie to relieve themselves of the stress filled year of 2020 with something normal of celebrating Thanksgiving.

How WJ students celebrated Thanksgiving

Jona Jancewicz, Staff Writer
Dec 21, 2020
WJ students trie to relieve themselves of the stress filled year of 2020 with something normal of celebrating Thanksgiving.

How WJ students celebrated Thanksgiving

Jona Jancewicz, Staff Writer
Dec 16, 2020
Ohio State clashes with their bitter rival Michigan. The last time Michigan beat Ohio State was 2011, the Wolverines are looking for revenge this year.

Big 10 football preview

Jona Jancewicz, Staff Writer
Dec 8, 2020
WJ student's have socially bubbled with some of their closest friends over the quarantine. Those students become closer as they get to spend more time with their bubbled friends than ever before.

How covid is changing relationships

Jona Jancewicz, Staff Writer
Nov 9, 2020
Painting has become popular for Walter Johnson students over the quarantine. Art can act as a stress relieve for many students.

Hobbies students have taken up in quarantine

Jona Jancewicz, Staff Writer
Oct 6, 2020
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