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
Will Cohen

Will Cohen, Online Editor-in-Chief

Will Cohen is an online editor-in-chief in his second year with The Pitch. Will loves to cover online content with The Pitch, especially news and sports. Outside of school, he enjoys being with friends and family, plus playing basketball and baseball.

All content by Will Cohen
Senator Bernie Sanders was unable to come away with a victory in Iowa in 2016, narrowly losing to eventual nominee Hillary Clinton, and came up just short in 2020 as well. While results are still technically up in the air, the Democratic Party has gone ahead and awarded Pete Buttigieg the most delegates from the caucus.

Iowa caucuses lead to concerns, not clarity

Will Cohen, Online Editor-in-Chief
Feb 11, 2020
A Ferrari? A Lambo? Guess we'll never know what type of de-badged car this is or who is responsible for this stunning parking job.

Parking Shaming 6: Worst parking job of the week

Will Cohen and Daria London
Feb 5, 2020
Redskins fans were thrilled to see Bruce Allen finally out of Washington, but many question why it took so long. Owner Dan Snyder must be sure not to make the same mistake he did with Allen again, and hire a more football-minded general manager.

Redskins changes hint at future success

Will Cohen, Online Editor-in-Chief
Jan 22, 2020
We all know that cube cars are attractive, but did you really have to get that close?

Parking Shaming: worst parking job of the week 5

Will Cohen and Daria London
Dec 11, 2019
The Thanksgiving race is an annual classic, and WJ students should get out and participate in any way they can!

Turkey Chase Preview

Will Cohen, Online Editor-in-Chief
Nov 27, 2019
It's always nice to be able to fully open the drivers side door. Yet, this car should take it's pious parking to the Academy of the Holy Cross lot.

Parking shaming 4: Worst parking job of the week

Will Cohen and Daria London
Nov 21, 2019
In the empty lot, this fall themed fake minivan is slightly off-center. Pontiacs are a rare sight, but a parking job this bad may be even rarer.

Parking shaming 3: Worst parking job of the week

Will Cohen and Daria London
Nov 18, 2019
When juniors complain about not being allowed in the lot, show them this atrocity! Many students will agree that Davis is the place for this shameful parking.

Parking shaming week 2: worst parking job of the week

Will Cohen and Daria London
Nov 3, 2019

Parking Shaming: worst parking job of the week

Will Cohen and Daria London
Oct 24, 2019
Students wait at the Ride On stop outside of Georgetown Square. A significant amount of WJ students use the bus for after-school transportation, which is already free with a student ID.

Kids ride free on Ride On bus

Will Cohen, Online Editor-in-Chief
Sep 28, 2019
MCPS faces similar questions about standardized testing late in the year once again. Many believe the system needs reform, and these recent issues strengthen that argument.

WJ June news briefs

Sadie McMullen, Ethan Oyeniyi and Will Cohen
Jun 7, 2019
As the 2018-19 school year nears its ending, many final assesments are being made about the quality of education in the county's schools. WJ has apparently fallen behind its counterparts such as Whitman, Churchill and Wootton.

WJ news updates

Will Cohen, Ethan Oyeniyi and Koby Epstein
May 17, 2019
Tinbite speaks to students in Mr. Rodman’s class on March 20. MCPS’s 42nd SMOB made an effort to get in touch with all students through social media, in school visits and other efforts coordinated with MCPS students such as MoCo For Change.

Nate Tinbite elected as 42nd SMOB

Will Cohen, Online news editor
May 17, 2019
The two students were suspended from school for one week, although their actions will likely have negative impacts down the line. Posting offensive images on social media does more harm to oneself than it will do to others in general, but using a Snapchat story shows a lack of awareness that has to change.

Whitman students face backlash from blackface

Will Cohen, Online news editor
May 17, 2019
Junior Kaliah Alford works at Foot Locker and is very happy to hear about the increasing minimum wage. As the decision was reached, many workers look forward to their new pay in the upcoming years.

Maryland becomes sixth state to approve 15 dollar minimum wage

Will Cohen, Online News editor
Apr 12, 2019
British citizens are currently living in a state of uncertainty, as free movement laws, trade policies and the European economy as a whole is susceptible to change over the next months. No final decision will satisfy all citizens, but for now, the government is hoping to try and reunify the country after Brexit debates have polarized them over the past couple of years.

Brexit talks continue into 2019

Will Cohen, Online news editor
Apr 11, 2019
North Carolina’s first and eleventh congressional districts were ruled unconstitutional in 2011, when a U.S. circuit judge found them to be racially gerrymandered. The ninth district includes part of Charlotte and is also divided in a suspect manner.

North Carolina orders redo election in ninth district

Will Cohen, Online news editor
Mar 2, 2019
21 Savage’s fast ascension in the rap game paired with the extremely popular album he released in December 2018 made for quite the surprise when ICE agents detained him and claimed that he was born in the United Kingdom. Now that fans understand the full ramifications of his case, many have showed support, instead of making jokes about Savage’s ethnicity.

21 Savage taken into ICE custody, released

Will Cohen, Online News Editor
Feb 21, 2019
MCPS has seen a sharp uptick in the amount of A's and B's in the years since final exams were eliminated and the new grading system was instituted. The percent of A's in math classes rose from 16% in 2014-15 to 32% in the 2017-18 school year.

MCPS Board of Education meets to discuss issues in county

Will Cohen, Online News Editor
Feb 11, 2019
There has been no shortage of missed school due to snow this year, and this has evoked different reactions from parents, students and teachers. The issue will likely continue to be a divisive one and will continue to be looked at for years to come.

Snow days cause unrest in MCPS

Will Cohen, Online News Editor
Feb 7, 2019
Pray for Bethesda has posted signs alongside sidewalks on Old Georgetown Road and the group plans keep protesting outside all winter. Here, group member Ken Garrison stands next to signs against Wildwood Medical Center abortionist Leroy Carhart.

Anti-abortion group protests across the street from WJ

Will Cohen, Online News Editor
Dec 21, 2018
Leadership students pose outside of the Rockville escape room in their new “Astroworld” themed shirts Students enjoyed the escape room and saw a it as a great break from school during the school year.

WJ December news digest

Will Cohen, Online news editor
Dec 20, 2018
Bush has been remembered all week by former presidents and citizens alike, and his memorial service occurred on Wednesday, December 5.

Former U.S. president George Bush dead at 94

Will Cohen, Online News Editor
Dec 6, 2018
Democrats retake House in contentious midterm elections

Democrats retake House in contentious midterm elections

Will Cohen, Online News Editor
Nov 21, 2018
Khashoggi was known for his unrelenting criticism of the Saudi government and its policies. He was subsequently murdered by Saudi officials in the nation's capital, revealing their desire to prevent public criticism. Photo credit to Wikimedia Commons

News Digest 10/20-10/26

Will Cohen, Online News Editor
Oct 29, 2018
Homecoming courts from 2017-18 (Jake Steinberg Haley Karr) and 2016-17 (Michael Blakeslee and Jane Markey) years previous have always been heterosexual couples. Leadership hopes to give this opportunity to any couple regardless of gender this year.

Homecoming court changes to be more inclusive

Will Cohen, Online News Editor
Oct 26, 2018
Marc Hoffman has brought dedication and leadership to WJ security that will be difficult to replace. His improvements to school safety will make a positive difference down the line for future students.

Head of security departs from WJ

Will Cohen, Online News Editor
Oct 26, 2018
Assistant Principal Vernitta Tucker speaks to students at the first Sit With Us meeting of the new school year. Tucker stands alongside club president Sarah Potts (left), vice president Matt Flynn (right) and member Aiden Cohen (far right). Photo courtesy of Will Cohen

Sit With Us hosts first open lunch of the year

Will Cohen, Online News Editor
Oct 11, 2018
Robert S. Mueller III has installed a team of investigators to look for a link between the Trump administration and Russian officials.

New developments in the Mueller investigation

Will Cohen, Online News Editor
Sep 28, 2018
Junior Sean Lynch warms up during game day in the WJ gym. He averaged 10 points in the spring season, while many continue to sleep on his abilities. Photo courtesy of Will Cohen.

The season for summer sports approaches

Will Cohen
Jun 13, 2018
Hall of famer Michael Jordan dunks from the free throw line. During this game and throughout his career, Jordan wore UNC shorts underneath his Bulls shorts as a superstition.

WJ athletes open up about their superstitions

Will Cohen
Jan 31, 2018
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