The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
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.
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
Paper Bridges letter drive to be set in December
Paper Bridges letter drive to be set in December
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
Sophomore Grace Harrington and father dress down in their regalia for powwow. Photos similar to these hang in her house with her father often reminding her of her Native ancestry. “Some people put little pilgrim decorations up on their house at Thanksgiving, we do not do that, but we do still celebrate it because it brings our family together,” Huntington said. (Courtesy Grace Harrington)
To celebrate or not to celebrate: Thanksgiving’s meaning today
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
Cooper Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez (left) play Erik and Lyle Menendez (right) in "Monsters." Both images feature the brothers at trial, following their murder of their parents after enduring year of trauma and abuse at the hands of their father. (Courtesy Netflix used via fair use)
The controversy behind the hit Netflix show ‘Monsters’
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 English, math classes
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
A student tiredly walks down a hallway after a school day. Many students feel drained after a day of school, but is WJ the problem?
Is the school the problem? The case for WJ
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
Junior quarterback Jake Forburger takes the snap from junior center Andrew Corrado during the game against Laurel. Forburger consistently drove the ball down the field, contributing to a 40-13 win.
Wildcats trample Spartans in playoffs
Junior Annie Linkie and senior Anna Kotek run down one of the many hills of the states course. "The race was really crowded at the start and it was difficult to find a spot where I could keep my pace," Linkie said. "Luckily, I was able to run with some of my teammates which always helps with the mental difficulty during the race."
Girls’ cross country bolts over the hills, finishes 5th in state
ESOL pumpkin carving
ESOL pumpkin carving
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
What conspiracy theories do you believe in?
What conspiracy theories do you believe in?
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
Thomas Wolfson

Thomas Wolfson, Print Editor-in-Chief

Thomas Wolfson is currently a senior at WJ. This is his third year on The Pitch staff. He served as Print Sports Editor his sophomore year, Print Opinion Editor his junior year and is now a Print Editor-in-Chief. In addition to being on The Pitch, Thomas plays baseball and runs indoor track for WJ. He is looking forward to a great final year on The Pitch!

All content by Thomas Wolfson
Thomas Wolfson's senior reflection

Thomas Wolfson’s senior reflection

Thomas Wolfson, Print Editor-in-Chief
June 2, 2020
WJ's Class of 2019 prepares for the start of their graduation ceremony. The Class of 2020 did not get to have a lot of the typical senior events because of COVID-19, and probably will not get a proper graduation either.

The disappointing ending for the Class of 2020

Thomas Wolfson, Print Editor in Chief
April 26, 2020
Rachel (class of '24), senior Thomas, class of '17 alum Margaret and sophomore Alex enjoy a beautiful day in New York City this past summer. They've all maintained close bonds with each other.

Relationship Issue: Why sibling relationships are important

Thomas Wolfson, Print Editor-in-Chief
February 15, 2020
Senior Jack Danco lets one fly from deep. Danco has been playing rec basketball since he was young and loves the easy-going environment.

Rec sports provide a competitive balance

Thomas Wolfson, Print Editor-in-Chief
January 18, 2020
James Harden goes up for a layup. Harden averaged 36.1 points last year and is averaging nearly 40 points per game this year.

Top NBA storylines so far

Thomas Wolfson, Print Editor-in-Chief
December 5, 2019
Ariana Grande sings in a concert. Grande was not afraid to use profanity in her hit single last year "thank u, next."

Limit the inclusion of profanity in music

Thomas Wolfson, Print Editor-in-Chief
November 1, 2019
MCPS's grading system can inflate grades. It's also caused students to not work as hard in certain classes.

Grade inflation hurts work ethic

Thomas Wolfson, Print Editor-in-Chief
September 27, 2019
The Atlanta Braves logo. Stewart decided to not play for the Braves and play in Japan instead.

Carter Stewart’s decision to bypass MLB is risky, but it may pay off

Thomas Wolfson, Opinion Editor
June 12, 2019
Former MLB player Vladimir Guerrero up at bat. Guerrero's approach at the plate, which was mostly just about making contact and putting the ball in play, is a dying breed in today's game.

MLB hitters must find ways to evolve

Thomas Wolfson, Opinion Editor
May 21, 2019
WJ's bell schedule could use change.

Schedule changes to consider

Thomas Wolfson, Opinion Editor
May 21, 2019
Reactions to “Schindler’s List” controversy

Reactions to “Schindler’s List” controversy

Thomas Wolfson and Rafael Friedlander
April 12, 2019
College basketball players such as the ones here in The Xfinity Center at the University of Maryland generate large revenue but don’t get paid. Following the injury of Duke star Zion Williamson, debate over whether college athletes should be paid sparked up again.

Should college athletes be paid by the NCAA?

Thomas Wolfson and Alan Gahart
March 8, 2019
Kyler Murray lifting up the Big 12 Conference Championship trophy. Murray chose football over baseball.

Murray choosing football over baseball makes sense

Thomas Wolfson, Opinion Editor
February 25, 2019
A scene from Aqua-man. Aqua-man was one of the biggest releases of the winter, yet it only got so-so reviews.

This year’s winter movies weren’t up to par

Thomas Wolfson, Opinion Editor
February 8, 2019
James with the USA basketball team. James caused controversy with a song lyric he put on his Instagram.

LeBron shows lack of judgement by putting up Anti-Semitic lyric on Instagram

Thomas Wolfson, Opinion Editor
January 16, 2019
Walter Johnson looks onto the field during a game with the Washington Senators. After baseball, Johnson served on the Montgomery County Council and made a difference in the community.

Students don’t know enough about Walter Johnson

Thomas Wolfson, Opinion Editor
December 21, 2018
Elementary school students stand for the Pledge. Many WJ students did the same when they were in Elementary school, but most don't stand anymore.

Students should stand for the Pledge of Allegiance

Thomas Wolfson, Opinion Editor
November 30, 2018
DJ Durkin with Wallace Loh and Kevin Anderson being visited by Governor Larry Hogan. Durkin was fired by Loh shortly after it was announced he would be retained.

Maryland football disgraces themselves

Thomas Wolfson, Opinion Editor
November 14, 2018
Netflix is taking over the way we watch TV. People used to watch their favorite shows on television.

Netflix ruins the way we watch TV

Thomas Wolfson, Opinion Editor
October 29, 2018
Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs were forced to play in the Wild Card game despite having the second best record in the NL.

MLB playoff format needs radical adjustments

Thomas Wolfson, Opinion Editor
October 14, 2018
Overcrowding is the biggest issue WJ faces today. Should WJ renovate or split?

Point/counterpoint: Solution for overcrowding

Thomas Wolfson and Daria London
September 28, 2018
Serena Williams waits to hit the ball. Serena Williams has been scrutinized recently over how she reacted to a call during the 2018 U.S. Open.

Serena was in the wrong

Thomas Wolfson, Opinion Editor
September 17, 2018
Abbey Green runs during a meet. Green lead WJ to a great season this year. Photo Courtesy of Lifetouch Studios.

Girls’ track and field maintains domination

Thomas Wolfson, Sports Editor
May 29, 2018

Standout athletes: Taking their talents to college

Thomas Wolfson, Sports Editor
May 22, 2018
Junior Ethan Opdahl keeps the ball away from a Blair defender. Although the team has struggled, Opdahl has been a bright spot, helping to keep the Wildcats competitive. Already a captain as a junior, Opdahl supplies guidance for younger players both on and off the field. He is defensive stalwart for the ‘Cats, and has already committed to play Division 1 lacrosse for the Bucknell University. The season has certainly had its ups and downs. The team has had exhilarating victories like an 11-10 win over Springbrook and some poor losses like an 18-2 blowout loss against Churchill High School. But as long as Opdahl is anchoring the defense, the ‘Cats have a chance to win. Photo courtesy of Lifetouch Studios.

Players who have sprung into action

Thomas Wolfson, Sports Editor
April 26, 2018
Senior Will Moulec runs a relay. Photo courtesy of Lifetouch Studios.

Track sprinting out of the gates

Thomas Wolfson, Sports Editor
April 16, 2018
Senior Will Moulec runs a relay during a meet. Moulec and the team had a solid indoor season. Photo courtesy of Lifetouch studios.

Track preview

Thomas Wolfson, Sports Editor
April 4, 2018
Coach Jamie Grimes instructs his racers during a meet. Coach Grimes led WJSD to another successful season this winter. Photo courtesy of Lifetouch Studios

WJ swim and dive succeeds in states

Thomas Wolfson, Sports Editor
March 7, 2018

PyeongChang Olympics Highlights

Courtney Cohn, Bradford Clarkson, Thomas Wolfson and Jake Brown
February 23, 2018
Federer hits a slice backhand in his finals run at the 2009 Australian Open, where he lost in the finals. Federer managed to turn things around this time, winning his 20th grand slam.

Federer wins Australian Open

Thomas Wolfson, Sports editor
February 12, 2018
Junior Timmy Ellett swims breaststroke during a meet. Ellett’s strong swimming is one of the reasons the boys have performed so well after last year’s disappointing season. Photo courtesy of Lifetouch Studios

Swim dives into postseason

Thomas Wolfson, Sports Editor
January 29, 2018
Swim and Dive off to a solid start

Swim and Dive off to a solid start

Thomas Wolfson, Sports Editor
January 3, 2018
Q&A with state champion swimmer Molly Benson

Q&A with state champion swimmer Molly Benson

Thomas Wolfson, Sports Editor
January 2, 2018
Former MLB star Roy Halladay dies in plane crash

Former MLB star Roy Halladay dies in plane crash

Thomas Wolfson, Sports Editor
November 28, 2017
Griffin impresses at states, but Brody scratches

Griffin impresses at states, but Brody scratches

Thomas Wolfson, Sports Editor
November 20, 2017
Aaron Rodgers breaks collarbone; likely out for the season

Aaron Rodgers breaks collarbone; likely out for the season

Thomas Wolfson, Sports Editor
October 24, 2017
Coed golf qualifies two players for states

Coed golf qualifies two players for states

Thomas Wolfson, Sports Editor
October 13, 2017
Baltimore Orioles minor-leaguer dies in car crash

Baltimore Orioles minor-leaguer dies in car crash

Thomas Wolfson, Sports Editor
October 3, 2017
Coed golf looking better as districts approach

Coed golf looking better as districts approach

Thomas Wolfson, Sports Editor
October 2, 2017
Boston Red Sox put a technological twist on stealing signs

Boston Red Sox put a technological twist on stealing signs

Thomas Wolfson, Sports Editor
September 22, 2017
Hand completing a multiple choice exam.

Why we need to bring back final exams

Thomas Wolfson, Staff Writer
June 14, 2017
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