The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
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
(Courtesy Maryland GovPics - The Celebration of Maryland Black Excellence Reception via Wikimedia)
Alsobrooks wins major fight for Senate seat
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
Club president Sadie Morgenstern and treasurer Brady Chan embrace in a hug with his younger brother, Ryder, at the annual friendship walk last year. “The walk is a fun way to interact with people from other schools and everyone seems to really enjoy it,” Chan said.
Generational friendship: Best Buddies between siblings
A family happily enjoys a holiday meal together, with all the members seemingly enjoying themselves except for the only child in the image. We all know what she's going through and wish we had something-anything to talk to our extended family about.
No politics, just pie: seasonal dinner table topics
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)
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
Seyun Park

Seyun Park, Editor-in-Chief

Senior Seyun Park triumphantly returns to The Pitch in his fourth and final year, this year as Editor-in-Chief, managing content both online and in print. When he isn’t fixing tabs on Adobe InDesign, messing around with SNO widgets, or dropping horrible sports takes in class, you can find Seyun on the tennis court, crushing the daily New York Times games or fanatically supporting the Washington Caps and Nats.

Seyun is also a 2024 National Scholastic Press Association Multimedia Journalist of the Year Finalist.

All content by Seyun Park
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

Seyun Park, Editor-in-Chief
November 15, 2024

Rodman earns UChicago Outstanding Educator award

Maya Panicker and Seyun Park
November 15, 2024

Volleyball spikes past Vikes, advances to first regional final in 12 years

Seyun Park, Editor-in-Chief
November 2, 2024

Hot Ones with Mr. Joy

Seyun Park, Gil Gordon and Liam Barrett
October 26, 2024

Board of Ed candidates discuss issues at WJ forum

Seyun Park, Editor-in-Chief
October 22, 2024

The Change-Up: Capitals Edition

Seyun Park and Mia Halper
October 11, 2024
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Pitch Opinion: It’s time for The Juice

Pitch Editorial Board
October 4, 2024
District 3 Board of Education member Julie Yang converses with WJ Principal Nicole Morgan. The two discussed many topics, including the large number of portables at WJ, and the future plans for Woodward and WJ High Schools.

Board member Julie Yang visits WJ

Seyun Park, Editor-in-Chief
September 18, 2024
A group of seniors triumphantly celebrate their class' victory in the class tug-of-war. It is the fourth consecutive year the seniors have won the fall tug-of-war.

Photo gallery: Fall Pep Rally

Liam Barrett, Seyun Park, Meher Parsinni and Joshua Singer
September 10, 2024
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.

Live updates: MCPS Board meeting 6/11

Seyun Park, Editor-in-Chief
June 10, 2024
The Wildcats softball team cries as they walk off the field at Bachman Stadium following their 12-6 loss to the Leonardtown Raiders in the state semifinal. The game was a heartbreaker as the Wildcats choked away the 6-3 lead they had held going into the top of the seventh inning.

Leonardtown deals heartbreak to softball in extra innings

Seyun Park, Editor-in-Chief
May 24, 2024
Sophomore shortstop Addie Strbak slides into home plate to open the scoring for the Wildcats. Strbak and the team's offensive hitting led them to a 9-7 win over Urbana HS in the 4A state quarterfinal Monday. Strbak's run was also the first-ever run the Wildcats had scored in a state quarterfinal, having been shut out in their two previous appearances.

Back-and-forth game sends softball into first-ever state semifinal

Seyun Park, Print Editor-in-Chief
May 20, 2024
LIVE: Softball takes on Urbana HS in state quarterfinal

LIVE: Softball takes on Urbana HS in state quarterfinal

Seyun Park, Jeremy Silberglied and Joshua Singer
May 20, 2024
Sophomore third baseman Ella Reynolds approaches home plate as the team celebrates her grand slam. Reynolds gave the team a 4-0 lead in their regional final.

Softball goes back-to-back with region championship win over Vikings

Seyun Park, Print Editor-in-Chief
May 17, 2024
LIVE: Softball takes on Whitman HS in regional final

LIVE: Softball takes on Whitman HS in regional final

Seyun Park and Jeremy Silberglied
May 16, 2024
The softball team celebrates and awaits as senior Carly Gilder rounds the bases after hitting a home run. Gilder's home run was the first hit she had gotten off of Churchill pitcher Maggie King in nine attempts and sealed the victory for the Wildcats in the regional semifinal.

Softball overpowers Bulldogs behind Gilder homerun

Seyun Park, Print Editor-in-Chief
May 14, 2024
LIVE: Boys' lacrosse takes on Churchill HS in regional semifinal

LIVE: Boys’ lacrosse takes on Churchill HS in regional semifinal

Seyun Park, Joshua Singer and William Murphy
May 10, 2024
LIVE: Baseball takes on Northwest HS

LIVE: Baseball takes on Northwest HS

Seyun Park and Joshua Singer
April 27, 2024
Senior Carly Gilder attempts to tag out a Blair runner. The Wildcats lost against the Blazers 11-10 in extra innings, one of only three losses this season.

Softball sweeps conference opponents

Seyun Park and Anna Zucconi
April 26, 2024
(Courtesy MCPS)

Praneel Suvarana elected SMOB

Seyun Park, Print Editor-in-Chief
April 26, 2024
LIVE: Softball takes on Damascus HS

LIVE: Softball takes on Damascus HS

Mateus Bouquet and Seyun Park
April 20, 2024
The Wildcats gather around in celebration as sophomore catcher Alina Bonior approaches home plate following her 2 RBI home run in the bottom of the third inning. Bonior's home run was the first by a WJ player on the WJ field over the fence.

Home runs seal victory for softball over Vikings, Rockets

Seyun Park, Print Editor-in-Chief
April 15, 2024
LIVE: Baseball takes on Montgomery Blair HS

LIVE: Baseball takes on Montgomery Blair HS

Seyun Park and Joshua Singer
April 13, 2024
Sophomore Addie Strbak swings with her signature slap swing, taking a step forward while swinging. Strbak went 3 for 5 at the plate and hit the game-winning double in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Big-swinging Strbak powers softball to walk-off Clarksburg win

Seyun Park, Print Editor-in-Chief
April 7, 2024

The Change-Up: Spring Sports Yap Session

Liam Barrett, Seyun Park and Joshua Singer
April 5, 2024
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.

McKnight to receive $1.3 million, other MCPS news updates

Seyun Park, Print Editor-in-Chief
March 22, 2024
Team captain and starting pitcher Sami Rosenberg lifts the region champion plaque over her head as teammates celebrate. WJ softball won its region in 2023, a feat the team hopes to repeat this year.

Spring Sports Previews

Seyun Park, Anna Zucconi, Joshua Singer, Lily Tapparo, Hillevi Schine, Mateus Bouquet, Jeremy Silberglied, Elizabeth Finn, Cecilia Saltzman, Michelle Kim and Mackenzie Norris
March 20, 2024
Members of the House of Represenatives of the US Congress voted to approve H.R. 7251 Wednesday 352-65.

House passes bill to potentially ban TikTok

Seyun Park, Print Editor-in-Chief
March 15, 2024
New boys' tennis coach Franck Soulerot talks with girls' coach Mitch Duque. Soulerot played college tennis at Seward County College and Middle Georgia State.

Franck Soulerot takes over as boys’ tennis head coach

Ian Alves, Staff Writer
March 12, 2024
The Washington Capitals celebrate a decisive win against the Chicago Blackhawks, their first game following the trade deadline. The Capitals are 7-2-1 in their last 10 games.

Future uncertain for Capitals following trade deadline

Seyun Park and Mia Halper
March 11, 2024
The Icecats start the game in an intense face off against the Howard County Wolves. The Icecats lost 3-2 bringing their title defense to a premature end.

Icecats fall to Wolves in first round of states

Seyun Park and Zoe Ottenritter
March 1, 2024
Juniors Sam Ross and Praneel Suvarna are the two finalists for Student Member of the Board. The winner of the April election will become a full voting member of the MCPS Board of Education.

SMOB finalists selected

Seyun Park, Print Editor-in-Chief
February 15, 2024
Dr. Monique Felder was appointed MCPS interim Superintendent of Schools Tuesday. Felder and MCPS face questions regarding her history and the hiring process.

Dr. Monique Felder appointed MCPS Interim Superintendent

Seyun Park, Print Editor-in-Chief
February 6, 2024
The seat for Dr. Monifa McKnight, Superintendent of MCPS, sits empty at the Board of Education's table at MCPS central offices. McKnight resigned Friday in the wake of numerous controversies and allegations of misconduct.

Superintendent Monifa McKnight resigns in ‘mutual separation’ with Board

Seyun Park, Print Editor-in-Chief
February 2, 2024
MCPS Superintendent Dr. Monifa McKnight listens to testimony during a Board of Education budget hearing on Jan. 25 as President of the Board Karla Silvestre presides. Officers of the Board, including Silvestre, allegedly asked McKnight to resign the week prior.

Superintendent under fire

Seyun Park, Print Editor-in-Chief
February 2, 2024
WJ hockey seniors line up on the ice in the pre-game ceremony. The team's eight seniors all played during the game, although they combined for only two points.

Icecats finish regular season on five-game win streak

Zoe Ottenritter and Seyun Park
February 2, 2024
The Icecats huddle around their net following their 6-3 win over the Whitman Vikings. The win was their fourth win in a row.

5-goal period leads Icecats to revenge win over Vikings

Seyun Park, Print Editor-in-Chief
January 9, 2024
Captain Brendan Klotz celebrates with linemates after a goal. Klotz scored four goals to lead the Icecats to victory over Churchill.

Klotz’s four-goal performance serves Bulldogs first taste of defeat

Seyun Park, Print Editor-in-Chief
December 21, 2023
The Icecats and Barons prepare to faceoff midway through the first period. The Icecats routed the Barons 6-2 on Friday night.

Icecats bash Barons in battle

Zoe Ottenritter and Seyun Park
December 19, 2023
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The Pitch’s guide to holiday activities

Seyun Park, Print Editor-in-Chief
December 15, 2023
The Board of Education released its calendar for the 2024-25 school year at its board meeting on Dec. 5.

Board approves calendar for 2024-25 school year, other MoCo news updates

Seyun Park, Print Editor-in-Chief
December 15, 2023
Icecats recover 3-game winless streak with win against DC Stars

Icecats recover 3-game winless streak with win against DC Stars

Zoe Ottenritter and Seyun Park
December 15, 2023
Members of the Hispanic/Latin Heritage Club, Pasion Latino, Fashion Club and Tech Crew joined to host the Hispanic/Latin Cultural Assembly on Friday, Nov. 17.

Photo Gallery: The Hispanic Assembly

Geetanjali Raju and Seyun Park
December 5, 2023
Icecats' alternate captain senior Jon Corwin moves with the puck as Churchill senior forward Dalton Esko-Himmelfarb skates in pursuit. Corwin scored a crucial goal with less than two minutes left to bring the Icecats within one goal of the Bulldogs.

Late comeback levels Icecats with Bulldogs

Zoe Ottenritter and Seyun Park
November 16, 2023
Board members unanimously vote to approve a resolution strengthening security measures in MCPS. The resolution was introduced by Student Member of the Board Sami Saeed (far right).

Board approves security resolution, other actions from Nov. 9 meeting

Seyun Park, Print Editor-in-Chief
November 15, 2023
The Capitals take warmups ahead of their Nov. 4 game agains the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Capitals won the game 2-1, one of the five games they have won this season.

10 games in, Capitals experience mixed results

Seyun Park and Mia Halper
November 7, 2023
A Montgomery County Police Department police car stands stopped on Democracy Boulevard as WJ students cross. MCPD has dealt with a large spike in the number of school-related security incidents, including a student with a loaded gun at WJ on Oct. 23

Countywide school security incidents prompt concern

Seyun Park, Print Editor-in-Chief
October 27, 2023
Freshman forward Matthew Corwin skates with the puck as a Sherwood skater attempts a poke check. With their 11-1 win over Sherwood, the Icecats have started their season 2-0.

Icecats start state title defense with 2-0 record

Seyun Park, Print Editor-in-Chief
October 25, 2023
WJ senior striker Loic Nsoga-Mahob skillfully moves past Northwest junior defender Noah Henseler to score the game-winner in overtime. Nsoga-Mahob has scored the game-winner in three of the team's past four games.

Cat fight: Wildcats pounce undefeated Jaguars

Elizabeth Finn and Seyun Park
October 21, 2023
Former Farquhar Middle School principal Joel Beidleman was appointed to be Paint Branch High School principal this summer, but his nomination was pulled as a Washington Post investigation revealed allegations of abuse and misconduct.

Board releases Beidleman report, other MoCo news updates

Seyun Park, Print Editor-in-Chief
October 20, 2023
Principal Jennifer Baker poses for a photo with MCPS Superintendent Monifa McKnight during a January 2023 visit. Baker's 12-year tenure as principal saw four county superintendents, hundreds of staff and thousands of students.

Principal Baker announces intention to retire Dec. 1

Joshua Singer and Seyun Park
October 2, 2023
Sophomore Brady MacBride runs to high-five mixed doubles partner junior Sky Carter during the pair's regional final matchup against Wootton. The two won the state mixed doubles title on May 27.

Mixed doubles cap off Cinderella run with state championship

Seyun Park, Print News Editor
June 13, 2023
Alicia Barnett and Mia Milicevic practice together during regionals. Each won singles championships during the county tournament.

Milicevic, Barnett win at Counties

Seyun Park, Print News Editor
May 24, 2023
Georgetown Square sits mostly abandoned during the lunch hour on May 8. Since the implementation of Pay and Go, students have returned to campus afer purchasing lunch.

Students, community adjust to “Pay and Go” lunch policy

Seyun Park, Print News Editor
May 24, 2023

Q&A with SMOB elect Sami Saeed

Elizabeth Finn and Seyun Park
May 23, 2023
Freshman Elizabeth Borissow hugs senior Maya Rickles while others cry following the team's 18-0 loss to Urbana. Despite losing four seniors this year, talents like Borissow and other freshmen will return next year to compete again.

Softball falls to Urbana to end season

Seyun Park, Print News Editor
May 22, 2023
Freshman catcher Alina Bonior tags out a BCC runner at home. The team won the regional championship defeating BCC 13-10 on Wed, May 17.

Softball claims regional title in heavy-hitting contest

Seyun Park, Print News Editor
May 22, 2023
Starting pitcher junior Sami Rosenberg throws a pitch during the team's May 1 senior night game against Watkins Mill. Star pitching from four different pitchers led the team to a 17-0 no-hitter win.

Softball finishes first in region, looks to return to region championship

Seyun Park, Print News Editor
May 15, 2023
Montgomery County Police Department 2nd District Commander Amy Daum, Principal Jennifer Baker and Community Engagement Officer Shate Jackson address the school during the morning announcements informing them of the changes to the open lunch policy. The new policy will require students to return to campus after purchasing food and drink.

Open lunch reformed, “Pay and Go” to be implemented Monday

Sourish Dey and Seyun Park
April 26, 2023
Model UN President senior Max Turnacioglu explains the various aspects of participating in a conference during a club meeting. The club is excited for a return to an in person conference format this year following a long period of virtual conferences.

Academic Clubs February Recap

Seyun Park and Alexander Lewton
February 28, 2023
Sami Saeed and Yoseph Zerihun are the two finalists for the 46th Student Member of the Board.

SMOB finalists selected

Seyun Park, Print News Editor
February 26, 2023
One of the bathrooms locked by security was the gender-neutral bathroom on the G-level by the child development room. Various bathrooms are and will continued to be locked as security works to prevent overdoses and improve student safety.

Security locks certain bathrooms during school day

Seyun Park, Print News Editor
February 6, 2023
Superintendent Monifa McKnight and Principal Jennifer Baker pose for a photo outside of the college and career center. McKnight visited WJ friday to talk about AP and IB classes. One of McKnight's budget proposals is to eliminate all fees for taking AP and IB exams.

Superintendent McKnight visits WJ

Alexander Lewton and Seyun Park
January 9, 2023
Walt Whitman High School's sign on Whittier Boulevard was found vandalized with an antisemitic message on Saturday, Dec. 16.

String of antisemitic vandalism continues at Whitman HS

Seyun Park, Print News Editor
December 22, 2022
WJ alum Tim Kurkjian was enshrined in the Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame in December.

WJ: A year in review

Joshua Singer, Liann Keren and Seyun Park
December 21, 2022
Board members raise their hands in support of the proposal for next year's calendar. The calendar will have an Aug. 28 first day and June 13 last day.

Board decides on calendar for 23-24 school year

Seyun Park, Print News Editor
December 13, 2022
The WJ Pantry Club held a food drive for the Manna Food Center on Nov. 14-18. Many clubs and groups were holding drives to give back to the community.

Community gives back through holiday drives

Seyun Park, Print News Editor
December 11, 2022
A plane crashed into high-voltage power lines in Gaithersburg Sunday evening, causing widespread power outages, leading to MCPS closing schools Monday.

MCPS closes schools following widespread power outages

Seyun Park, Print News Editor
November 28, 2022
Senior captain Wendy Liu receives a ball during the team's Sept. 22 game at Northwood HS. The team won this game 3-0 and finished the season 10-5.

Girls’ volleyball falls to Churchill, ending season

Seyun Park, Print News Editor
November 18, 2022
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