The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
Ila Gordon

Ila Gordon, Print News Editor

Junior Ila Gordon is excited to contribute to the Pitch as the Print News editor for her first year on the Pitch! Outside the classroom, Ila enjoys playing soccer and spending time with friends. 

All content by Ila Gordon
Junior Nik Avillo climbs the medieval walls of Obiods during his trip to Portugal over spring break. He notes that this part of the adventure was most special because of its uniqueness, history and beautiful scenery.

Students venture to Portugal

May 6, 2022
The updated Lockdown with Options instructions have been posted in all classrooms to aid students in quick decision making and thoughtful action in the event of an emergency situation that would warrant such a practice.

Are lockdown drills effective?

April 7, 2022
The counseling center at WJ provides important information and resources to aid students in managing their mental health. There are informational posters and forms that are easily accessible to students in the counseling center, although many students remain hesitant or unaware of these opportunities.

How mental health is (or isn’t) being addressed at WJ

April 3, 2022
As the beloved reality show Too Hot Handle releases its third season, an intriguing new cast with unprecedented plot twists prompts excitement, but also concern as to how the show, among other similar reality shows, is impacting us.

Evaluating reality relationship shows

February 18, 2022
Precalc teacher Tricia Cooper teacher her 6 period Precalc class while recording the class on zoom. Cooper usually records her classes to later post on Canvas for students who were absent to follow along.

Teachers accommodating students online

February 14, 2022
Students sit in the cafeteria during a study hall. Students are often sent to the cafeteria if their teacher is out with Covid because there are not enough substitutes to cover all the classes.

Staff shortages cause classroom chaos

February 10, 2022
While Junior Kate Fuller set the goal for herself to be more productive during lunch and other free times, she often finds herself getting distracted with her phone. This is one of the most common goals that students aim for in the new year but also one of the biggest distractions from New Years resolutions.

Why New Year’s resolutions are ineffective

January 12, 2022
The thick layers of chocolate topped with mouthwatering candy canes is simply irresistible. Especially around the holidays, there is simply no better dessert.

Can the holidays be enjoyed vegan?

December 21, 2021
Senior Maeve Sanford-Kelly receives her COVID vaccine when she became eligible in the late spring of 2021. As the booster vaccine has become available to more of the population, Kelly awaits her opportunity to get the final dose.

Approval of booster vaccine changes perspective policy

December 20, 2021
The holiday season brings many good things: presents, family time and delicious sweets! Unfortunately, behind the jingle bells and good cheer lurks an underlying stress of buying presents for all your loved ones. Students turn to websites like Buzz-feed to get ideas for holiday gifts.

Students face the underlying stress of gift giving

December 20, 2021
English 10 students work on an assignment in room 194. Throughout MCPS a discussion about the diversity gap is being held, as the student body is more diverse than its staff counterpart.

Demographic discrepancies prompt concern

December 20, 2021
Instagram leads to eating disorders... news flash?

Instagram leads to eating disorders… news flash?

November 16, 2021
Junior Shiima Nantulya stands up in front of the entire student body at the student-led walkout. Nantulya, along with other student leaders spoke in response to the vandalism on and around WJ property.

Students recap schoolwide rally

November 16, 2021
Health teacher Lorraine Goldstein assists her students with an in-class assignment. While in-person assignments are fairly low-stress, the work level differs for online health class.

The disparities between online and in-person health

November 12, 2021
Students were administered the SAT and PSAT on October 13 and completed the test during the school day. While most sophomores and juniors took the PSAT and only select seniors who requested it took the SAT.

Walter Johnson administers SAT to seniors and PSAT to juniors

October 19, 2021
During in-person school students are able to eat with their friends during lunch. Students can choose to eat almost anywhere on campus as well as off campus at G-square or at the mall if they can drive.

Point Counter Point: In person vs online school

October 15, 2021
Sophomore Nathan Henderson (middle) rows with his teammates in the Gunston Regatta. This event was the final race of the crew season for novices on the team, as well as others who didn’t qualify for the national Regatta.

Virtual school year increases participation in school-sponsored extracurriculars

June 15, 2021
Freshman Lily Tapparo faces the unfortunate reality of virtual school; reading books from home and taking classes from her bedroom. These challenges have had a significant effect on Tapparo, and all freshman who struggle to find their place in high school without ever stepping foot in the building.

Starting high school in a global pandemic

March 15, 2021
People across the country have protested in response to the death of George Floyd last spring, and WJ students are no exception. Many students have gotten involved with the Black Lives Matter movement and are making their voices heard.

The effect of the Black Lives Matter movement on Walter Johnson students

December 18, 2020
(From left) Juniors Caeden Babcock, David Bowers, Charley Carr, Will Wise and Sophia Carrasco pose with trash collected from a Rockville stream. Members of the Go Green club partake in many local volunteer activities to better the environment.

Go Green Club persists despite virtual challenges

November 19, 2020
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The Pitch

The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School
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