The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
Language teacher Maria Cavallini instructs her 3A Spanish class. Cavallini’s high level Italian classes were cut along with other electives. Advanced Italian students have been left to learn on their own or drop the language.
Montgomery County cuts $30 million from school system
There is a rise in teenagers using e-cigarettes compared to last year, the percentage of sophomores using vapes doubled to 16%. It was becoming more of a problem in schools, causing MCPS to implement vape detectors. (Courtesy Flickr)
Stopping the smoke: vape detectors to be added to high school bathrooms
Social studies teacher Mitchell Joy lectures during his AP World History class last school year. While the school policy on students use of phones in class has not changed since last year, many teachers have increased their enforcement of the policy.
Teachers increase phone policy enforcement
Dr. Thomas Taylor, the Board of Education's pick for the next superintendent, stands with members of the Board at the announcement on Monday. Taylor is a graduate of MCPS but has never worked for the district. (Courtesy MCPS News)
Dr. Thomas Taylor to be appointed MCPS superintendent
Incoming SGA plans for successful school year
Incoming SGA plans for successful school year
From left: Junior Honorary officer Skylar Zheng, junior Secretary Alexis Batac, junior President Sareen Papangelou. The officers of the Southeast Asian Union pose in front of a mural in the school. The club will join the school roster for the 2024-2025 school year, and all are welcome.
Southeast Asian Union to bring region’s culture, food to WJ
A sign at Walter Johnson indicates that students can only move down stairwell S03. However, students often ignore such direction moving as they please.
Point/Counterpoint: The ups and downs of getting to class
School + Extracurriculars + Job = Burnout
School + Extracurriculars + Job = Burnout
The WJ Step Team readies themselves to perform one of their iconic numbers at the 2024 Fall Pep Rally.
Pep rallies should include JV sports
Time to break the ice: best to worst icebreakers
Time to break the ice: best to worst icebreakers
Columbia University is one of many schools across the United States where large groups of students have been protesting at.
Columbia protests escalate
Item bought online from "Demons Basement".
What’s wrong with these new online clothing brands?
The newest "Despicable Me" movie, "Despicable Me 4," was released this July. This film is the sixth installment in the series, which is composed of the "Despicable Me" movies and the "Minions" prequels. (Courtesy Goodfon)
The “Despicable Me” franchise, ranked
The new movie poster for the upcoming film "Inside Out 2." The poster features existing emotions from it's past film, as well as new emotions such as Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, Nostalgia and Ennui.
Inside Out 2: Preview into the realm of new emotions
Zendaya scowls into the lenses of paparazzi on the Met Gala carpet. 2024 was Zendaya’s first year co-chairing the Met as she hadn’t attended the red carpet spectacle in five years. (Courtesy Getty Images)
The Met Gala: rating 2024’s best and worst dressed
Twenty One Pilots "Clancy" review
Twenty One Pilots “Clancy” review
Billie Eilish released her third studio album "Hit Me Hard and Soft," on May 17. All 10 songs on her brand new album were able to make their way up into the Billboard Hot 100. (Courtesy Glenn Francis via Wikimedia Commons)
Billie Eilish: “Hit Me Hard and Soft” most viral tracks
Drake performs on his Summer Sixteen tour in 2016. Along with many other rappers, he was accused of being an industry plant at the beginning of his career. (Courtesy The Come Up Show)
Are industry plants real?
Computer science teacher Mike Livermore addresses a student's raised hand in the 4th period class on Sept. 9. This is Livermore's first year teaching at WJ. "I've taught adults and I've taught young ones, but I've never taught at a public school at any level, only small private schools," Livermore said.
Mike Livermore joins computer science department
MCPS’ Summer RISE program aims to provide students with work experience before graduating high school. “I worked with ‘Girls with Impact’...it was kind of entrepreneurial and that’s what I want to get into,” junior Alexis Batac said. (Courtesy MCPS)
Students elevate college applications with ‘Summer RISE’
Students hard at work during class. Many students struggle with balancing work with play. Students share how they overcome distractions and prioritize their work.
Balance between school life and extracurriculars and athletics
The Oreos have been a classic cookie for generations but which one is the best one? Out of all the different fillings, is there one that stands alone? (Courtesy nicoleleec via Wikimedia Commons)
How much stuf is too much stuff?
Special clubs at WJ to check out
Special clubs at WJ to check out
Sophomore Ahrin Letourneau looks through the College Board website attempting to get information about the SAT and ACT. “I’m feeling scared, petrified to be honest, to be a junior. Summer’s gonna be stressful … and I need to be really thinking about colleges and programs,” Letourneau said.
Previewing the summer by grade
Senior Nolan Ross winds up to pitch against Churchill in the playoffs. Ross pitched the 5th inning and came in as a relief pitcher.(Courtesy Nolan Ross)
Baseball hits triple with Division III commits
The Year of the Coach recognized Thomas Martin, one of WJ's most decorated coaches, during the first week of school.
The Year of the Coach: MCPS coaches receive recognition
Senior Hannah Schmidt prepares to take a shot in a preseason game this year against Einstein. The Wildcats prevailed against the Titans with a score of 5-1. (Courtesy Hannah Schmidt).
Divison III-bound: Schmidt commits to Kenyon College
Co-captains Connor Kim and Paul Gomes walk across the golf course during a practice. Both players gave impressive performances in their match on Sept. 3. (Courtesy Paul Gomes)
Golf comes out swinging with win over Clarksburg, Damascus
Senior Ginger Fishberg dribbles the ball into the attacking half, with junior captain Evie Avillo approaching behind her. (Courtesy Spencer Robinson)
Girls’ soccer dominates Poolesville in shutout win
Barons hold Cats in final minutes
Barons hold Cats in final minutes
Behind the scenes of concessions’ most hectic night
Behind the scenes of concessions’ most hectic night
Clubs' first meetings
Clubs’ first meetings
Barons hold Cats in final minutes
Barons hold Cats in final minutes
Assistant Principals Jeff Leaman and Terry Heintze, dressed up as Gru for Despicable Me day, mimic the movie villain's iconic pose.
Photo gallery: Spirit Week
Freshman Owen Struzzerio winds up for his shot on Hole #12 a par 3. While Struzzerio's shot did not reach the green, he got up and down for par from a disadvantaged position.
Photo gallery: Golf starts out swinging
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
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
All content by Alex Baden

Letter to the Editor

Administrator and Alex Baden
March 5, 2009

Out of Left Field: Dear Tabloids, YOU DON’T KNOW ME. Sincerely, Katie Holmes

Alex Baden
December 18, 2008

The Killers Recover from the Bombastic Sam’s Town

Alex Baden
December 18, 2008

Calling All 30 Rock Viewers… All Three of You

Alex Baden
December 18, 2008

Heartbreak Never Sounded So Good

Alex Baden
December 18, 2008

Great Films are Made of Milk

Alex Baden
December 18, 2008

When I Was Your Age, Toys Were Life-Threatening

Alex Baden
December 18, 2008

From South Africa to South Korea: It’s Not Just About Santa

Alex Baden
December 18, 2008

The Insider’s Guide to the Holidays: Feeling Poor? DIY Gifts!

Alex Baden
December 18, 2008

A Day in the Life Of: The Mall Santa

Alex Baden
December 18, 2008

Curveball: Ironed Private Pants vs. Public No-Pants

Alex Baden
December 18, 2008

Point-Counterpoint: MCPS Pays the Price for New Holiday

Alex Baden
December 18, 2008

Point-Counterpoint: Board of Ed. Makes Right Call in Cancelling School

Alex Baden
December 18, 2008

Letter to the Editor

Administrator and Alex Baden
December 18, 2008

Mustachioed Men of WJ Form New Guild

Alex Baden
December 18, 2008

Bias Plagues Blood Collection

Alex Baden
December 18, 2008

Pitch Opinion: ‘Ficker Amendment’ Hinders Efficiency

Alex Baden
December 18, 2008

The Roberts Rant: Reasons for Teen Cheating Found in Adults

Alex Baden
December 18, 2008

Student Profiles: Volunteer Work

Alex Baden
December 18, 2008

Up At Bat: What is the Most Unique Gift You Have Ever Given or Received?

Alex Baden
December 18, 2008

New Year Ushers in New Wing; Move Set for Jan. 5

Alex Baden
December 18, 2008

News Briefs for December 2008

Alex Baden
December 18, 2008

Leadership Leads the Way in Altruistic Fundraising

Alex Baden
December 18, 2008

Governor Howard Dean Brings Politics to Life After Speaking to WJ Students

Alex Baden
December 18, 2008

Athletes of the Month, November 2008

Alex Baden
November 19, 2008

ELECTION 2008: Who is Barack Obama?

Alex Baden
November 14, 2008

ELECTION 2008: Dealing with the Economic Crisis

Alex Baden
November 14, 2008

BAD DAY TO BE A PUMPKIN: Halloween Festivities Offer Hidden Learning Experience

Alex Baden
November 13, 2008

ELECTION 2008: Watching the Election Night Coverage from the Associated Press Newsroom

Alex Baden
November 12, 2008

ELECTION 2008: When Your Actions Speak Louder than a Vote

Alex Baden
November 12, 2008

State Department of Education Votes to Keep the HSA

Alex Baden
November 12, 2008

Pre-Gaming Leads to Consequences at Homecoming Weekend

Alex Baden
November 12, 2008

New Look Football Team Inspires Hope

Alex Baden
November 12, 2008

Field Hockey’s Playoff Run Ends in Regional Finals

Alex Baden
November 12, 2008

Second Round Upset Stuns Soccer After First Round Bye

Alex Baden
November 12, 2008

‘It’s Easy Being Green’: MCSEA’s Effort for Grid Neutrality

Alex Baden
November 12, 2008

Boys Cross Country Wins States by Wide Margin: Sophomore Anna Bosse Wins Girls Individual State Title

Alex Baden
November 12, 2008

TV Shows from the Vault: Political Skits

Alex Baden
November 12, 2008

Disappointed Girls Soccer Falls Short of States

Alex Baden
November 12, 2008

Erratic Season Ends Well for 9-3 Girls Tennis

Alex Baden
November 12, 2008

Sherwood Too Much for Volleyball

Alex Baden
November 12, 2008

Feldman Represents Golf Team at States

Alex Baden
November 12, 2008

Soul Men Perform as Expected in Decent Comedy

Alex Baden
November 12, 2008

Moo Not Boo

Alex Baden
November 12, 2008

SLIDER: National Debt

Alex Baden
November 12, 2008

News Briefs for November 2008

Alex Baden
November 12, 2008

Out of Left Field: Ear Abuser, Ear Abuser, Oh You’re An Ear Abuser

Alex Baden
November 12, 2008

Out of Left Field: Spotted On Network TV: Surgically Enhanced, Old-Ass, Fake Teens — xoxo Gossip Girl

Alex Baden
October 30, 2008

Modernization Brings New Technology

Alex Baden
October 2, 2008

These Boots are Made for Assisting: New Administrator Fran Irvin is a “Breath of Fresh Air”

Alex Baden
October 2, 2008

Up at Bat: What do you hate about construction?

Alex Baden
October 2, 2008

Donald Reddick: The Legacy Who Changed the Halls We Walk

Alex Baden
October 2, 2008

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About WJ but Were Afraid to Ask: Your Biggest Questions Answered

Alex Baden
October 2, 2008

Pitch Opinion: Policy Changes Prevent Potential

Alex Baden
October 2, 2008

Movies from the Vault: The Princess Bride

Alex Baden
October 2, 2008

The Roberts Rant: The Standard of Stereotypes

Alex Baden
October 2, 2008

Palahniuk’s Novel Adaptation Choke Falls Flat

Alex Baden
October 2, 2008

News Briefs for October 2008

Alex Baden
October 2, 2008

Gossip Girl Returns for Second Season

Alex Baden
October 2, 2008

Chipotle:The “Burrit-ification” of G-Square

Alex Baden
October 2, 2008

Point-Counterpoint: Prometheans Revolutionize Classroom Potential

Alex Baden
October 2, 2008

“Skins”: The Best TV Show You’ve Never Seen

Alex Baden
October 2, 2008

Point-Counterpoint: Cost of Prometheans Not Worth Insubstantial Benefit

Alex Baden
October 2, 2008

Athletes of the Month, October 2008

Alex Baden
October 2, 2008

Your Parents’ Tax Dollars at Work

Alex Baden
October 2, 2008

Spirit: Not Just Fun and Games

Alex Baden
October 2, 2008

Skeletal Lamping a Jumbalaya of the Zany, Ironic and Fantastic

Alex Baden
October 2, 2008

Local Institutions Greatly Misjudged

Alex Baden
October 2, 2008

Close, But No Cigar

Alex Baden
October 2, 2008

Building Services “Backbone” of School

Alex Baden
October 2, 2008

Home Away from Home: Fans Adjust to Life on the Road

Alex Baden
October 2, 2008

The Troubles of Modernization

Alex Baden
October 2, 2008

4:30 A.M. to 8 P.M.: For Muslim Students, Fasting is More Than It Seems

Alex Baden
October 2, 2008
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