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
Students give their thoughts on the fall play
Students give their thoughts on the fall play
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
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
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
Washington Capitals captain and forward Alex Ovechkin tracks the puck while Colorado Avalanche defenseman Bowen Byram skates behind him getting ready to defend. Both teams are competing for playoff spots this season. (Courtesy Brian Murphy via Wikimedia Commons)
WJ hockey players discuss Capitals’ strong start
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: Winter track kicks off 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
Washington Capitals captain and forward Alex Ovechkin tracks the puck while Colorado Avalanche defenseman Bowen Byram skates behind him getting ready to defend. Both teams are competing for playoff spots this season. (Courtesy Brian Murphy via Wikimedia Commons)
WJ hockey players discuss Capitals’ strong start
Students give their thoughts on the fall play
Students give their thoughts on the fall play
ASL 2 students eat at Mozzeria, a deaf- owned restraunt. Students practiced their signing with the deaf employees to order their food and drinks.
Photo Gallery: ASL takes field trip to Gallaudet
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: Winter track kicks off 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
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
Rafael Friedlander

Rafael Friedlander, Layout/Press Copy Editor

Senior Rafael Friedlander is excited to be returning to the Pitch for his third and final year, continuing as Layout Editor and now assuming the additional role of Press Copy Editor. In his spare time, he is a big baseball fan, rooting especially for the Houston Astros, and sings with many musical groups, including the Strathmore Children’s Chorus, WJ’s very own co-ed a cappella group Red Velvet, and Wildcat chamber choir Madrigals.

All content by Rafael Friedlander
As vaccines continue to roll out, feeling of hope and progress increase. What comes next in this year.

It’s been a year, what comes next?

Rafael Friedlander, Layout Editor
Jun 15, 2021
Washington Nationals infielder Howie Kendrick splinters his bat as he makes contact with the baseball against the New York Yankees on Opening Day. Despite a Hollywood ending in 2019, the Nationals were unable to capitalize on the success of being the reigning World Series Champions.

Dodgers, Rays meet on the national stage as irregular baseball season draws to a close

Rafael Friedlander, Layout Editor
Oct 25, 2020
One of the seven bumper photos produced for this SNL At Home episode, depicting the skyline of New York City made from various different cameras and other photographic equipment. The second episode produced from home, it greatly improved upon the first, providing another high-quality episode for the viewers at home.

“Saturday Night Live” returns from home to provide laughs during a difficult time

Rafael Friedlander, Photo/ Layout Editor
Apr 29, 2020
An ode to a bygone era, Knives Out has an interesting, family-friendly plot. It was nominated for an Academy Award, but it didn't get the nod.

A game of Clue come to life in the 21st century: What makes Knives Out fun

Rafael Friedlander, Photography & Layout/Design Editor
Feb 16, 2020
The Nationals are looking to have an even better season in 2020 after winning it all in 2019 despite entering the postseason as a wild card. The Nationals kept World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg, but lost third baseman Anthony Rendon to the Angels.

MLB Spring training offfseason recap

Rafael Friedlander, Photo/Layout Editor
Feb 7, 2020
Students deserve a day to reflect on the service of US military members. School is off for the majority of federal holidays, why not Veterans Day?

School should be off on Veteran’s Day

Rafael Friedlander, Photography/Layout Editor
Nov 21, 2019
Reactions to “Schindler’s List” controversy

Reactions to “Schindler’s List” controversy

Thomas Wolfson and Rafael Friedlander
Apr 12, 2019
Sophomore Jeffrey Sampson is frustrated as he can't get the WJ wireless to load.

Delving into Walter Johnson’s Wi-Fi problem

Rafael Friedlander, Staff Writer
Mar 28, 2019
A man sits outside Congregation Beth El in Bethesda, MD. Beth El and many other synagogues have increased their security after recent shootings and hate crimes.

Pitch Reactions: Pittsburgh Shooting

Rafael Friedlander and Hannah Markov
Dec 3, 2018
People protest against Trump's immigration polices in Pittsburgh. These protesters are protesting policy which may affect thousands of immigrant's lives.

Pitch reactions: Politics and Pittsburgh

Rafael Friedlander
Nov 1, 2018

Club Spotlight: Red Velvet

Jane Fleischman, Benicio Balignot and Rafael Friedlander
Oct 26, 2018
Despite having decent players like Bryce Harper and Max Scherzer, and the temporary fame of hosting the 2018 All-Star Game, the Nationals didn't make the playoffs. The Nationals will have a long winter to think about what they did wrong and how they can improve for 2019.

2018 MLB season draws to a close as teams prepare for the postseason

Rafael Friedlander, Staff Writer
Oct 3, 2018
Shown (from right) are the red iPhone 8, the iPhone XS and XS Max which are superficially similar to the current iPhone X.

WJ students remain unimpressed about Apple’s new products

Rafael Friedlander, Staff Writer
Sep 30, 2018
The traditional Ethiopian cuisine consists of selection of meats, vegetales and dips served on a traditional Ethiopian bread. Photo by Rafael Friedlander

Sheba’s Ethiopian Restaurant Review

Rafael Friedlander
Feb 9, 2018
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