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
Zack Shapiro

Zack Shapiro, Co-Online Arts & Entertainment Editor

Zack Shapiro will be spending his second year with The Pitch as the online Arts and Entertainment co-editor. He hopes to bring a dose of humor to his articles and encourage more people to use The Pitch’s website.

All content by Zack Shapiro
Maryland's Best Haunted Attractions

Maryland’s Best Haunted Attractions

Zack Shapiro, and
Oct 30, 2015
Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom share a laugh at practice

The Washington Capitals are a team with personality

Zack Shapiro, Online Arts & Entertainment Editor
Jun 5, 2015
Photo courtesy of Flickr/Rodrigo Ferrari

Video of the Week: Kanye West delivers awkward impromptu performance

Zack Shapiro, Online Arts and Entertainment Editor
May 25, 2015
Waka Flocka is determined to win your vote in the 2016 presidential election.

Eight reasons you should vote Waka Flocka for president

Zack Shapiro, Online Arts & Entertainment Editor
May 12, 2015
How I Met Your Mother is available for streaming on Netflix.

Hilarious TV shows you NEED to binge-watch

Zack Shapiro, Online Arts & Entertainment Editor
Mar 24, 2015
Apple's famous logo impresses

The Apple Watch’s Biggest Problem is Apple

Zack Shapiro, Online Arts & Entertainment Editor
Mar 16, 2015
The Torah is often read at Bar Mitzvahs

Video of the Week: Young Jew on the rise changes the Bar Mitzvah game

Zack Shapiro, Online Arts & Entertainment Editor
Mar 11, 2015
Neil Patrick Harris opened the Oscars in style this year.

Video of the week: Neil Patrick Harris opens the Oscars in style

Zack Shapiro, Online Arts & Entertainment Editor
Mar 9, 2015

Mariah Carey Delivers Hilarious Rockefeller Center Performance

Zack Shapiro, Online Arts & Entertainment Editor
Dec 12, 2014
People sprint to check items off their shopping list when the doors open on Black Friday.

Reflecting on the Reality of Black Friday

Zack Shapiro, Online Arts and Entertainment Editor
Dec 5, 2014
The second Spongebob movie is set to be released this February

While You Wait: Kids Movies to Watch While Pixar Takes Its Time

Zack Shapiro, Online Arts & Entertainment Editor
Nov 20, 2014
A large variety of secret Starbucks drinks await curious customers.

EspressOMG! The Secret Life of an American Starbucks

Zack Shapiro
Nov 13, 2014
White punpkins are all the rage this Halloween season. Use crayons and a hairdryer for a creative twist without the knife.

Zack’O’Lanterns 2.0: Let’s get Pump(kin)ed

Zack Shapiro, A&E Editor
Oct 30, 2014

Video of the Week: SNL Pokes Fun at Recent NFL Scandal

Zack Shapiro
Oct 6, 2014

Celebrities Show Support for Ferguson Protests

Zack Shapiro, Online Arts & Entertainment Editor
Sep 16, 2014

Video of the Week: The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon Plays Family Feud

Zack Shapiro, Co- Online Arts & Entertainment Editor
Sep 15, 2014
YikYak is a new app that allows people to post anonymous comments

New Social Media App Makes Cyber Bullying Easier, More Accessible For Students

Zack Shapiro, A&E Co-Editor
Sep 7, 2014

“The Wolf of Wall Street”: A Captivating and Thrilling Flick

Zack Shapiro, Staff Writer
Apr 9, 2014

Carving Up October: How to Make the Perfect Jack-o-Lantern

Zack Shapiro, Staff Writer
Nov 3, 2013
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