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
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
Backstage with WJ STAGE
Backstage with WJ STAGE
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
Matt Shea

Matt Shea, Managing Editor

Matt Shea is a Managing Editor for The Pitch and currently in his senior year at WJ. This is his second year with The Pitch and after contributing last year he looks forward to another great year on staff. Besides his work on The Pitch he enjoys watching sports and hanging with friends.

All content by Matt Shea
Michael Jordan drives to the basket in another pivotal game in his remarkable career. “The Last Dance” gave fans an inside look at the legendary Bulls dynasty.

Top moments and biggest takeaways from “The Last Dance”

Matt Shea, Managing Editor
Jun 1, 2020
The Cubs celebrate after overcoming a 3-1 series deficit to win their first World Series in over 100 years. This classic game seven in Cleveland is among some of the top sports games that fans should watch again while stuck at home.

Top sports games to re-watch during quarantine

Matt Shea, Managing Editor
Apr 29, 2020
The Cubs celebrate after overcoming a 3-1 series deficit to win their first World Series in over 100 years. This classic game seven in Cleveland is among some of the top sports games that fans should watch again while stuck at home.

Sports games to re-watch during quarantine

Matt Shea, Managing Editor
Apr 26, 2020
With the playoffs fast approaching, MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo has the Bucks in impeccable shape. Other top contenders in the league are hoping to keep up pace and take the title in June.

Things to notice and look out for as the NBA season winds down

Matt Shea, Managing Editor
Mar 6, 2020
Senior Matt Shea attends Wootton homecoming with his girlfriend Hannah Mikowski (senior at Wootton). The couple attended WJ homecoming a couple weeks later and continue to have a great time at various events between the two schools.

Relationship Issue: Don’t confine your dating life to WJ

Matt Shea, Managing Editor
Feb 15, 2020
Bowl season always provides highly anticipated matchups. Heisman favorite Joe Burrow looks to lead LSU to a National Championship in this year’s College Football Playoff.

College football bowl season: predicting the top games

Matt Shea, Managing Editor
Dec 19, 2019
A beautiful feast is prepared for Thanksgiving dinner. This holiday has given Americans the chance to eat a great meal, but are there flaws with this holiday?

Point-counterpoint: Is Thanksgiving worth the hype?

Jackie Maloney and Matt Shea
Dec 4, 2019
Home to the Clippers and Lakers, the Staples Center will host many battles between the two teams. The road to NBA glory will most likely go through Los Angeles this season.

New faces in new places: 2019-2020 NBA Season Preview

Matt Shea, Managing Editor
Oct 22, 2019
Senior Matthew Lewton checks his lineup before a pivotal matchup. After a hectic week, he claimed an overwhelming victory over his opponent.

Touchdowns and trades: a look into fantasy leagues at WJ

Matt Shea, Managing Editor
Oct 1, 2019
The varsity basketball team gathers before another crucial home game. After finishing first in their division and making it to regionals, the team looks to repeat that success in the fall.

WJ Sports Highlights

Matt Shea, Opinion Editor
Jun 13, 2019
Stephen Curry takes a shot in a game against the Wizards. Curry looks to keep up his great postseason play and lead the Warriors to a third straight title.

NBA Finals 2019: Kawhi vs Curry

Matt Shea, Opinion Editor
May 29, 2019
Nate Tinbite gives a presentation on his campaign trail at WJ. As the next SMOB, Tinbite will get the chance to be the student voice as he pushes for policies that empower students around the county.

SMOB position provides opportunity, voice for students

Matt Shea, Opinion Editor
May 17, 2019
The Capitals celebrate a home goal. After winning the Stanley Cup last year, the remaining teams will try achieve what Ovechkin and the Caps could not repeat.

Stanley Cup Playoffs round 1: what we learned

Matt Shea, Opinion Editor
May 7, 2019
UCL Quarter Finals preview

UCL Quarter Finals preview

Matt Shea, Assistant Opinion Editor
Apr 3, 2019
The Kansas Jayhwaks warm up for a game in the 2018 NCAA tournament. March madness is one of the most anticipated times of the year for many sports fans.

Pitch staff: March Madness predictions

Ned Storer, Ben Files, Matt Shea and Elijah Kasten
Mar 21, 2019
The NBA All Star game has been a big attraction for fans in the past. With Team LeBron facing off against Team Giannis, the game was once again a fan destination this year.

Wade, Nowitzki take part in All Star Game

Matt Shea, Opinion Editor
Feb 25, 2019
Clemson fans gather for a home game in Memorial Stadium. With another championship under their belt, Tigers fans hope next season will produce similar results.

New Year’s Six recap: what we learned

Matt Shea, Opinion Editor
Feb 4, 2019
Lamar Jackson rushes for a positive gain against the Bengals in his first career start. Jackson hopes to continue his rushing success for years to come.

Lamar Jackson Point/Counterpoint

Patrick Markey and Matt Shea
Jan 23, 2019

Unscripted Podcast

Ethan Schwager and Matt Shea
Jan 4, 2019
Musel flips during an incredible dive, look for more impressive dives like this during the season.

Athlete of the issue Q&A: Swim and dive star Julien Musel

Matt Shea, Staff Writer
Dec 21, 2018
The Redskins face off against the Eagles in a key division matchup. Amidst a tight division race, the Redskins make a controversial signing in Reuben Foster.

NFL continues to face controversy around domestic violence

Matt Shea, Staff Writer
Dec 19, 2018
Alabama lines up for a crucial play against Auburn. This year they got past the Tigers with ease and look to continue success in the College Football Playoff.

College football’s six bowls: What to look for

Matt Shea, Staff Writer
Dec 19, 2018
Junior Quinn Mulligan warms up for the game against BCC with a skate around. Mulligan had one goal and three assists for a game high four points, leading the Icecats to a 6-5 victory over rival BCC.

Athlete of the issue: Icecats’ Mulligan excels

Zachary Meyers and Matt Shea
Nov 30, 2018
The Hanukiah has been lit for another night of Hanukkah. Many families in the Jewish community will light their Hanukiahs for the holiday this December.

Hannukah: eight days of reflection and celebration

Matt Shea, Staff Writer
Nov 21, 2018
The Red Sox and Cardinals lineup prior to the matchup. The stadium atmosphere at this World Series game is what draws many fans to the action packed postseason.

Why MLB postseason scheduling is all wrong

Matt Shea, Staff Writer
Nov 14, 2018
Captain Alexander Ovechkin skates with the puck in a regular season game. Ovechkin looks to lead the team to another Stanley Cup this season.

Capitals season preview: champs look to defend cup

Matt Shea, Staff Writer
Oct 15, 2018
Mystics forward Elena Delle Donne skies in for a layup in a regular season game against the Indiana Fever.

Mystics reach first WNBA Finals

Matt Shea, Staff Writer
Sep 30, 2018
Load More Stories
Donate to The Pitch
$356
$1000
Contributed
Our Goal