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 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
Kayla Kahrl

Kayla Kahrl, Online Feature Editor

Senior Kayla Kahrl is excited for her first year on Pitch as an Online Feature Editor. She loves writing feature because it allows her to talk to people from all grades.  Besides writing, Kayla loves playing lacrosse, skiing, and going to all of WJ’s events and sports games.

All content by Kayla Kahrl
Darby removes her original blue color to go pink. She's had pink hair before and loved it.

The Hair Dye Diaries: Ep 1

Kayla Kahrl, Feature
Apr 29, 2020
Shelton Neal 1. 3 years 2. I spend time with my 8-year-old granddaughter. We go fishing, rock climbing, and 3. biking. She recently started running track and playing sports. 3. I love being able to see the kids grow. I also like that I can make sure the kids are okay and they have everything the kids need in order to succeed. 4. I wish people knew how generous I am. I’m a very nice, lowkey guy who loves God. I’m also very supportive and always put other people above myself. 5. Stay focused, and recover after downfalls because they’re not the end of the world. Also, always learn from your mistakes and treat others the way you want to be treated.

The faces behind the spotless halls of WJ

Kayla Kahrl, Feature
Apr 8, 2020
Senior Olivia Tetrault's friends threw her a bed party after she committed to the University of Delaware. Her friends brought school apparel and Delaware themed treats to celebrate her big decision.

When are seniors making their college commitments?

Kayla Kahrl, Feature
Mar 4, 2020
This is Casasola's most recent design for a company that contacted him. Casasola typically makes around one design a week and it often takes him from 1.5-3 hours to design it.

The up and coming businessmen of WJ

Kayla Kahrl, Feature
Jan 18, 2020
Senior Jomel Velasquez rolls the ball in hopes of scoring a point for his team. As a returning player, he knows the game and he's a leader to the newer players.

Bocce rolls into competition

Kayla Kahrl, Feature Editor
Jan 18, 2020

What should you buy from the new vending machines at school?

Elana Renbaum and Kayla Kahrl
Jan 3, 2020
Laura Brager is a teacher, senior class advisor, and the junior varsity field hockey coach. She is loved by students for her genuine desire to connect with them and help them succeed.

Staff member of the issue: Laura Brager

Kayla Kahrl, Feature Editor
Dec 9, 2019
Senior Jomel Velasquez attempts a shot in a match against Churchill. A strong senior class looks to improve on last year's results with hopes of a tournament run.

Bocce rolls into new season

Kayla Kahrl, Feature Editor
Dec 7, 2019
Ms. Evans shows senior Sophie Difrank information on the college she's planning on attending. Evans is always willing to lend a hand when it comes to finding the job or college that's right for you.

The inside scoop on the College and Career Center

Kayla Kahrl, Feature Editor
Nov 6, 2019

Driving tips with Kayla: tips to pass your Driving Test!

Jack Linde and Kayla Kahrl
Oct 29, 2019
Are you a Wildcat or a Madcow?

Are you a Wildcat or a Madcow?

Kayla Kahrl, Feature Editor
Oct 21, 2019
The Sources of Strength Offcers hand out yellow ribbons for suicide prevention awareness month. The club strives to spread awareness on these issues and create a safe place for people to talk about them.

Clubs to check out at WJ

Kayla Kahrl, Feature
Oct 17, 2019

Noteworthy clubs to check out this year!

Kayla Kahrl, Feature Editor
Oct 17, 2019
First female SGA President Jacqui Moss takes charge for the 19-20 school year.

Jacqui Moss makes WJ history as the first female SGA President

Kayla Kahrl, Feature Editor
Sep 28, 2019

Everything you need to know about Ms. Herdman!

Kayla Kahrl
Oct 8, 2018
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