The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
Walter Johnson High School students learn AP Human Geography during fourth period in Chris Merrill's class. They listened to a lecture and took notes.
MCPS to cover AP exam costs for second straight year
(Courtesy Lightspeed Systems)
MCPS jumps into Lightspeed
MCPS initiates new policy regarding the quarterly progress checks. This new change affects impacts final student grades in common subjects. (Courtesy Gordon Lee - Substack)
Progress checks initiate new policy
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
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
The Student Advisory Board organizes WJ's international week each year. This showcases different cultures from around the world and gives students a taste of various heritages. (Courtesy Essil Ezzoug)
Student advisory board creates a more inclusive WJ environment using students’ voices
Many students choose to study independently for standardized tests instead of participating in courses, such as those at Capital Educators, C2 Education or Everest. Khan Academy, an education website run by the College Board, is a fantastic tool for independent SAT or ACT preparation.
Standardized tests bounce back to college admissions
The Multicultural Club discusses their plans for the year. Cultural clubs are one of the best ways to form relationships with other students.
Cultural clubs create community
Senior Simone Bacon works on her Common App questions while preparing to submit her early action applications. Bacon hopes to major in marketing.
Why do people really go to college?
Freshmen participate in the fall pep rally’s tug of war. After winning against sophomores, freshmen went on to compete against juniors. “I couldn’t believe we lost against freshmen,” sophomore Dea Krasniqi said.
Class of 2028 jumps into a new start
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
Short n’ Sweet debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart songs like "Please Please Please," "Expresso" and "Taste." Short N Sweet is Sabrina Carpenter's 7th studio album. (Courtesy Genius)
Sabrina Carpenter is short and sweet
The entrance to the AMC at Westfield Montgomery. This theater offers some screenings from time to time of older movies.
Re-released movies renew attention to cinema
Every September the NBA 2K franchise releases a new version of the game ahead of the upcoming year. The games usually have new features and updates to keep players coming back for more. (Courtesy The Prospector)
NBA 2K25 Review: Is the game worth $80?
The movie poster for the adaptation of Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel "It Ends With Us". The movie stars Blake Lively as Lily Blossom Bloom, Justin Baldoni as Justin Baldoni and Brandon Sklenar as Atlas Corrigan. (Courtesy IMDb via Fair Use)
It Ends With Us: Movie adaptation causes controversy
"Inside Out 2" introduces new emotions to add to the original five. The film surrounds a bunch of emotionable topics for teens, such as anxiety, one of the new emotions.
“Inside Out 2” portrays everyday teenage problems
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 AP program allows students to gain experience with taking college level courses. Popular AP courses here at WJ include AP Computer Science Principles and AP United States Government & Politics.
Ranking WJ’s most popular AP classes
Teachers Katherine Simmons and Nathaniel Schwartz instruct during lunch in room 130. Both are co-directors of the APEX Reach Program and teach a variety of courses in the social studies field. The two have made necessary changes to the program with the increasing population of WJ students.
Is it beneficial to participate in the APEX Program?
Students return to school after enjoying their open lunch in G-Square. Returning to school with a lack of choice has become a daily routine at WJ.
‘Pay and Go’ rule creates more problems than it fixes
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
Seniors Ellie Weinstein and Naamiah Corke celebrate their win over the Northwood Gladiators with an final score of 34-0.
Photo Gallery: Flag Football vs Northwood
Senior Francisca Siboni clears the ball up the sidelines for a defensive stop. The Cats ended the game 5-3 against Holy Cross in a controlling win.
Field Hockey wins back-to-back games to start season
Junior Alessandro Marenco chases after a loose ball. Despite a game-tying goal, the Cats ended up losing to QO in overtime. (Courtesy Roy Rozin)
Boys’ soccer opens season 3-3, faces tough upcoming stretch
Junior John Laird warms up for their pre-season scrimmage against Magruder. "I enjoy warmups because it gets everyone hyped and ready to play," Laird said. (Courtesy Johnny Abrams)
Laird rushes back to WJ, football
Junior Daniel Gershon gives a pep talk to Dylan Byrd during the B-CC game last year. Gershon and Byrd were great teammates last season but the star running back recently transferred to Whitman, and will be facing off against Gershon in the Thursday night game.
WJ football set to face former teammate
The girls soccer team lines up before the Oakdale game during the National Anthem. Oakdale ultimately had the upper hand, handing WJ it's first loss of the season. (Courtesy Merrie Gramlich)
Girls’ soccer dealt pair of losses to Oakdale, QO
Homecoming fashion preview
Homecoming fashion preview
Staff spotlight
Staff spotlight
Seniors Ellie Weinstein and Naamiah Corke celebrate their win over the Northwood Gladiators with an final score of 34-0.
Photo Gallery: Flag Football vs Northwood
#1: Passing the Mic
#1: Passing the Mic
Behind the scenes of concessions’ most hectic night
Behind the scenes of concessions’ most hectic night
Clubs' first meetings
Clubs’ first meetings
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 Hannah Markov
Demi Lovato recently released a new documentary recounting the events that contributed to their overdose. The four part series can be viewed on the pop singer's Youtube channel.

Demi Lovato astounds in new documentary series, “Dancing with the Devil”

Hannah Markov, Online Editor-in-Chief
May 25, 2021
Members of the National Guard converse outside the Capitol.

Photo gallery: DC Capitol fencing

Hannah Markov, Online Editor-In-Chief
March 23, 2021
It's quarantine, not a productivity contest

It’s quarantine, not a productivity contest

Hannah Markov, Online Editor-in-Chief
February 12, 2021
An electric Hanukkiah stands on a windowsill on the sixth night of Hanukkah. The Jewish holiday last for eight days and eight nights.

A guide to 2020 Hanukkah music

Hannah Markov, Online Editor-in-Chief
December 16, 2020
The Potomac River rushes past a rock scramble in Section A. The Billy Goat Trail has been one of most popular day hikes in the DC-Maryland area for years.

WJ area offers many great locations for hiking

Hannah Markov, Online Editor-in-Chief
December 8, 2020
Screenshot courtesy of Hannah Markov.

MCPS holds virtual Mental Health Awareness Week

Hannah Markov, Online Editor-in-Chief
November 15, 2020
AOC neglects the Jewish community

AOC neglects the Jewish community

Hannah Markov, Online Editor-in-Chief
November 2, 2020
Drive-ins have gained popularity since social distancing guidelines have been enforced. There are numerous drive-ins open in the DC area.

Drive-ins ramp up in popularity

Hannah Markov, Online Editor-in-Chief
October 4, 2020
Ruth Bader Ginsburg discussing her career at the Library of Congress in January, 2020. Ginsburg was a trailblazer who paved the way for women all over the country.

Why RBG is more than a Supreme Court Justice

Elana Renbaum and Hannah Markov
October 3, 2020
Several friends go on a social distanced hike together. Hiking is a great way to spend time with loved ones, while also staying safe and healthy. Photo courtesy of Needpix.com.

How to spend summer break in quarantine

Hannah Markov, Online Editor-in-Chief
June 17, 2020

Day in the life: Babysitting little kids in quarantine

Hannah Markov, Opinion Editor
May 27, 2020
Homemade birthday cakes such as the one above are a fun way to prep for the special day.

How to celebrate a birthday in quarantine

Hannah Markov, Opinion Editor
May 14, 2020
People have been quick to blame the government for the worsening outbreak of coronavirus, instead of accepting some responsibility themselves. Illustration by Nora Talbott.

Is the government doing enough?

Hannah Markov, Opinion Editor
May 5, 2020
Going on a run is one of the many exercises that people can do to stay active during the coronavirus outbreak.

How to stay active during coronavacation

Hannah Markov, Opinion Editor
March 26, 2020
The re-education camps in Xinjiang are being compared to the concentration camos in Nazi Germany and the Gulags in the Soviet Union. The Chinese government has said that the re-education camps are a safety measure to prevent terrorism.

Why the situation in Xinjiang is much worse than we originally thought

Hannah Markov, Opinion Editor
March 16, 2020
Baking is a great activity to do with loved ones on Valentine's Day. Photo courtesy of Foodista.com

Relationship Issue: Valentine’s Day date ideas

Hannah Markov, Opinion Editor
February 14, 2020
Unhealthy relationships can be difficult to identify. According to HHS.gov, 8% of adolescents report being physically hurt by a partner. Photo courtesy of libela.org.

Relationship Issue: Unhealthy relationships and their warning signs

Hannah Markov, Opinion Editor
February 13, 2020
A man sits outside Congregation Beth El in Bethesda, MD. Beth El and many other synagogues have increased their security after recent shootings and hate crimes.

Pitch Reactions: Pittsburgh Shooting

Rafael Friedlander and Hannah Markov
December 3, 2018
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