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
Julia Eisen

Julia Eisen, Print Editor in Chief

Julia Eisen is a senior at WJ. She took the journalism class on a whim two years ago and instantly fell in love. She worked as a Feature Editor last year and this year she will be working as a Print Editor-in-Chief. Her time on The Pitch has definitely been a highlight of her high school career.  

All content by Julia Eisen
Pitch Opinion: Black Student Union Assembly should've been scheduled better

Pitch Opinion: Black Student Union Assembly should’ve been scheduled better

Julia Eisen, Print Editor-In-Chief
Jun 3, 2019
Students of all grades take time during the stress buster day to participate in leadership led community service activities. Activities included packing “comfort cases” with coloring books and more, making friendship bracelets which were sent to a woman’s shelter and writing letters to active service members and firefighters thanking them for serving the community. From left to right, top; Jackie Orsak, Julianne Okim, Martine Cardichon and Darby Harris. Bottom: Darley Melgar.

WJ gives back to community: day of service engages students in activities

Julia Eisen, Print Editor-in-Chief
Apr 12, 2019
Junior Nate Tinbite talks to a Watkins Mill High School student as she congratulates him on becoming one of the final two candidates for SMOB. The hallways were filled with students excited about Tinbite’s campaign in the final stretch before voting on April 24.

WJ delegates nominate final candidates for SMOB

Julia Eisen, Print Editor-in-Chief
Mar 8, 2019
Food Trends class hosts chocolate themed bake-off

Food Trends class hosts chocolate themed bake-off

Julia Eisen and Sam Falb
Feb 19, 2019
Prices of concerts are going up. Folks have complained about the uptick in the price of tickets.

Glo date change sparks outrage

Julia Eisen, Print Editor-in-Chief
Feb 8, 2019
Students from across the county meet together in breakout groups to discuss what is important to them in the coming years for MCPS. A variety of topics were discussed such as Montgomery College classes, final exams and IB programs.

Students voice concern in MCR general assembly

Julia Eisen, Print Editor-in-Chief
Feb 8, 2019

How I changed in high school

Julia Eisen, Print Editor-in-Chief
Dec 6, 2018
The Pitch Opinion: Cheating

The Pitch Opinion: Cheating

Julia Eisen, Print Editor-in-Chief
Nov 30, 2018
Governor Hogan changed standardized testing for the next academic school year.

Governor Hogan replaces PARCC test

Julia Eisen, Print Editor-in-Chief
Nov 1, 2018
Senior Grace Burgett places some canned goods into the senior bin. She is part of the Leadership class that collects the donations at the very end of the fundraiser.

Leadership promotes Manna Food Drive

Julia Eisen, Print Editor-in-Chief
Oct 26, 2018
Vidcon creators Hank Green (left) and John Green (right) present at the convention. These two youtubers have also had success with their books and movies.

YouTube sparks a revolutionary new culture

Julia Eisen, Print Editor-in-Chief
Sep 28, 2018
Women in the Miss America system serve pizza to those in the U.S. Air Force and their families. Many women who receive these positions do community service to help those around them.

Miss America succeeds at its 2.0 vision

Julia Eisen, Print Editor-in-Chief
Sep 24, 2018
Students express their creativity in a local story writing contest. A WJ student won the first place prize.

WJ students find success in local story writing contest

Julia Eisen, Feature Editor
May 31, 2018
The Fashion Club is putting on a fashion show on April 24. The club members have been working really hard and are ready to present their work.

Fashion club to host showcase

Julia Eisen, Feature Editor
Apr 16, 2018
The current SGA president and many presidents in the past have been male. Hopefully in the future there can be a change.

WJ lacks representation in SGA presidency

Julia Eisen, Feature Editor
Apr 5, 2018
County finalists line up to hear the results from the “Drama Interpretation”. Seniors (from left) Sam Stashower, Maiya Trombley and Sophie Schulman all placed in the top six in the county.

Forensics team wins county champions

Julia Eisen, Feature Editor
Mar 7, 2018
Q & Gay with LGBTQ+ students

Q & Gay with LGBTQ+ students

Julia Eisen, Feature Editor
Feb 25, 2018
Senior Paige Chase, freshman Jeffrey Sampson, senior Maiya Trombley, junior Eva Tsitohay and senior Kevin Kauffman rehearse for “Mary Poppins.” Photo by Julia Eisen.

Popppin’ into the WJ musical

Julia Eisen
Feb 23, 2018
Senior Paige Chase, freshman Jeffrey Sampson, senior Maiya Trombley, junior Eva Tsitohay and senior Kevin Kauffman rehearse for “Mary Poppins.”

Poppin’ into the spring musical

Julia Eisen, Feature Editor
Feb 23, 2018
Girl Up members junior Emma Jean Thomas and sophomore Mallory Laing educate others on the importance of girls education.

Girl Up starts up again after hiatus

Julia Eisen
Jan 29, 2018
Senior Sydney Albert delivers presentation of “Diversity in Children’s Literature. Each APEX student gave a presentation on a topic of their choice.

APEX seniors stunt on finals

Julia Eisen
Jan 29, 2018
WJ Forensics team triumphs at first meet

WJ Forensics team triumphs at first meet

Julia Eisen, Feature Editor
Nov 16, 2017
11th grade administrator Janan Slough and husband Sam Slough marvel atthe gorgeous view of the Peruvian mountains. The couple spent two weeks hiking and visiting the sites that Machu Picchu has to offer.

Slough hikes Machu Picchu

Julia Eisen
Oct 13, 2017
Wonder Woman receives positive reviews

Wonder Woman receives positive reviews

Julia Eisen, Staff Writer
Jun 14, 2017
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