The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
Seniors Michelle Lett and Bella Relacion lead the MSP and BSU-led demonstrators in chants, calling out MCPS for a lack of response to recent racism incidents. Other BSUs and MSPs around the county led similar rallies.
MSP, BSU rally, raise awareness of racism in MCPS
Students attend AP African American History during fourth period. WJ has implemented programs to provide support for first-time AP test takers.
Equal Opportunity Schools, Study Circles programs improve learning landscape
Students exit WJ after school on Tuesday, Oct. 1. Exiting through the front door in the afternoon often involves waiting in a long line. “We got way too many kids here; it’s ridiculous,” freshman Veer Anand said.
WJ surpasses 3,000 students for first time
A ballot box sits just outside of the WJ school building in May, right before the 2024 primary election. Ballot boxes like this will be used by many WJ seniors this November to cast their votes for the first time.
WJ students share opinions, take action before 2024 election
Denmark students and teachers from Fredrica High School come together to pose for a photo alongside WJ administrators and student ambassadors. The photo was held in the commons after everyone enjoyed their pizza-provided lunch.
WJ welcomes Danish students
The Pinstripes building in Pike and Rose featuring its outdoor terrace. Pinstripes is in the middle of a popular outdoor shopping center close to WJ. (Courtesy Wikimedia Commons)
Prom to be held at Pinstripes
Seniors Michelle Lett and Bella Relacion lead the MSP and BSU-led demonstrators in chants, calling out MCPS for a lack of response to recent racism incidents. Other BSUs and MSPs around the county led similar rallies.
MSP, BSU rally, raise awareness of racism in MCPS
Samantha Arenberg works at a site inspection of a historic barn. They used drones to create an accurate 3D imaging of the barn to help identify areas of structural concern. “I miss certain aspects of my job. I miss being able to eat when I want, and go to the bathroom when I want, and the time flexibility. But I don’t miss being in a cubicle for nine hours a day, and feeling like I wasn’t helping people,” Arenberg siaid.
Prior jobs lead teachers to WJ
From the left: Ellie Macfarlan, Charlotte Kuperstein, Alice Frank, Olivia Crawford, Lucia Kanazir, and Daniele Perez. They all intend to attend Homecoming again this year and have fun
Students plan for Homecoming
Karen Generose reviews practice sentences with her Latin Two students. Each day Generose teaches five different levels of Latin.
Language teachers cope with packed classes
Michael Laukaitis explains a calculus concept to students during lunch. He has always made himself available for help outside of class, something many students appreciate.
Behind mathematical maestro Michael Laukaitis
(Courtesy Hildi Altman)
Homecoming: Is it best to go with a date or friends?
The VMA's is an annual Video Music Award ceremony hosted in the month of September. The award show was available for fans around the world to tune in and watch their favorite artists get the chance to receive many outstanding awards. (Wikimedia Commons)
Performance ranking of the VMA’s
Bradley plays at the Global Strings Program at Berklee College of Music. She learned about several different styles of music and got a chance to perform them live, last summer. (Courtesy Alice Bradley)
Hard work, passion talent compose student musician
Sophomores, sisters and Hadestown cast and crew members Kelsee (left) and Kylee (right) Solt-Linville never get bored of one another and can be found socializing together throughout the school.
Acting in harmony: Balancing the demands of school and theater
Leads Yuri Sternberg, Sasha Rotton and Mason Lee rehearse lines. Preparations for the play require a mix of running lines and blocking scenes.
WJ STAGE tackles “The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon”
The woman poses for her fall photo shoot in an outfit she found inspiration for on Instagram. She wore ripped jeans, a jacket and statement sneakers, showing how the trends from the early 2010s have continued for years. (Courtesy PickPik)
Flipping through fall fashion trends
Senior Hal Fischer plays bass for his band The Haze. Fischer is excited to play with The Haze at BabyCat again once the other members return. (Courtesy Sam Deichman Caswell)
Fischer’s soundtrack: Senior finds harmony across instruments
A student's collection of college pamphlets and magazines from universities across the country. Every year, students receive pamphlets from universities that are recruiting them.
The downsides of looking at colleges too early
WJ students sit in the school's library in the morning. There are already many students, with even more coming to study for upcoming tests or relax before the school day.
Classes should be made longer for WJ students
I visited the German government in Berlin with fellow exchange students from America. Our presidential election was frequently debated and I was often asked about my political beliefs.
Looking back on my year abroad in Germany
Is PDA too public in schools?
Is PDA too public in schools?
Students begin a practice Kahoot for French class. Walter Johnson offers a total of six languages including American Sign Language, Chinese, Italian and more, giving students the opportunity to explore different languages and cultures. “I switched [from Spanish] to Latin freshman year and I love it,” junior Abigial Samuels said.
Beat the American stereotype, stick with your language class
Pitch Opinion: It's time for The Juice
Pitch Opinion: It’s time for The Juice
Wide receiver Devin Markert catches a pass deep into Whitman's 20'. WJ dominated Whitman 41-0 on a Thursday night home game. The student section watched as the play unfolded.
County-wide initiative sacks season-long Friday night football.
Snapshot of FedEx Field pregame before the Commanders' matchup versus the Chicago Bears last year on Monday night football. The stadium name is now Northwest Stadium for the 2024-2025 season and the foreseeable future.
Washington Commanders: Is there hope in D.C.?
The team poses for a photo before beginning their tour with Johnson. The Cats were given a full tour of the University of Maryland football facilities. "My favorite part of the tour was getting to meet players from the actual team. They were all so nice and we got to take pictures with them," senior Mimi Dietrich said.
Photo Gallery: Girls’ flag football visits UMD
The Change-Up: Capitals Edition
The Change-Up: Capitals Edition
The team completes a breathtaking stunt in a pyramid. The high-risk nature of Cheer is always something for the athletes to keep in mind. "Cheerleading is very, very, hard," head coach Vanessa Barnes said. It's one of the most dangerous sports. A lot of people don't know that because it's overlooked, but it is very difficult. Any minute, someone can be dropped from all the way up in the air. That's probably one of the things I would think people need to know about cheerleading."
Photo Gallery: Cheers first competetion
Cats bounce back, beat undefeated school rival
Cats bounce back, beat undefeated school rival
Students react to the upcoming presidential election
Students react to the upcoming presidential election
Seniors Michelle Lett and Bella Relacion lead the MSP and BSU-led demonstrators in chants, calling out MCPS for a lack of response to recent racism incidents. Other BSUs and MSPs around the county led similar rallies.
MSP, BSU rally, raise awareness of racism in MCPS
The team poses for a photo before beginning their tour with Johnson. The Cats were given a full tour of the University of Maryland football facilities. "My favorite part of the tour was getting to meet players from the actual team. They were all so nice and we got to take pictures with them," senior Mimi Dietrich said.
Photo Gallery: Girls’ flag football visits UMD
Healthy relationships 101
Healthy relationships 101
The Change-Up: Capitals Edition
The Change-Up: Capitals Edition
The team completes a breathtaking stunt in a pyramid. The high-risk nature of Cheer is always something for the athletes to keep in mind. "Cheerleading is very, very, hard," head coach Vanessa Barnes said. It's one of the most dangerous sports. A lot of people don't know that because it's overlooked, but it is very difficult. Any minute, someone can be dropped from all the way up in the air. That's probably one of the things I would think people need to know about cheerleading."
Photo Gallery: Cheers first competetion
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
Jeremy Silberglied

Jeremy Silberglied, Print Sports Editor

Jeremy Silberglied is a Junior who is thrilled to be in his second year with the Pitch as a Print Sports Editor. Jeremy runs track and cross country for WJ and also is class treasurer for his grade.

All content by Jeremy Silberglied
Senior captain Ella Hoban attempts a free kick, which was awarded to the Wildcats after a foul on junior Haley Prindle. The Wildcats took down reigning state finalists Montgomery Blair 2-0 on Monday. (Courtesy Lifetouch)

Girls’ soccer defeats Churchill, Blair, looks towards challenging matches

Jeremy Silberglied, Print Sports Editor
October 4, 2024
MCPS parents appeal to Supreme Court in recent LGBTQ books case

MCPS parents appeal to Supreme Court in recent LGBTQ books case

Jeremy Silberglied, Print Sports Editor
October 4, 2024
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

Jeremy Silberglied, Print Sports Editor
September 18, 2024
"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

Jeremy Silberglied, Print Sports Editor
September 18, 2024
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

Jeremy Silberglied, Print Sports Editor
September 10, 2024
The Wildcats make a statement entrance as they prepare to take on Richard Montgomery. WJ would go on to win the game 53-22.

Fall Sports Previews

September 6, 2024
The WJ Crew team poses for a picture following the Metropolitan Championships. The team had many good races at the tournament, such as the Girls winning the Varsity 4. (Courtesy WJ Crew)

Crew in review: team paddles their way to success

Jeremy Silberglied, Print Sports Editor
June 12, 2024
Boy and Milicevic pose with the MCPS county championship plaque. The team got first place in the tournament, finishing a great season. (Seyun Park)

Girls’ tennis serves up titles at regions, counties

Jeremy Silberglied, Print Sports Editor
May 24, 2024
Sophomore Addie Strbak converses with sophomore Elizabeth Borrisow in the outfield during their fundraiser game against Springbrook High School on May 2. The players all wore green ribbons in their hair throughout the game to symbolize mental health awareness. (Seyun Park)

Strbak shines spotlight on athlete mental health

Jeremy Silberglied, Print Sports Editor
May 24, 2024
LIVE: Softball takes on Urbana HS in state quarterfinal

LIVE: Softball takes on Urbana HS in state quarterfinal

Seyun Park, Jeremy Silberglied and Joshua Singer
May 20, 2024
LIVE: Softball takes on Whitman HS in regional final

LIVE: Softball takes on Whitman HS in regional final

Seyun Park and Jeremy Silberglied
May 16, 2024
LIVE: Girls’ lacrosse takes on Whitman HS in regional final

LIVE: Girls’ lacrosse takes on Whitman HS in regional final

Jeremy Silberglied and Joshua Singer
May 13, 2024
Junior Christina Simpson hits a ball in her doubles match against Quince Orchard. She and her doubles partner, sophomore Sonia Gass, help WJ beat QO 7-0, contributing to the team's current five-game win streak.

Girls’ tennis concludes regular season, sets up for playoffs

Jeremy Silberglied, Staff Writer
May 3, 2024
Junior attacker Ginger Fishberg carries the ball during a match. With her scholarship to Butler University, she looks to continue her performance on a bigger stage. (Courtesy Ginger Fishberg)

Wildcat to Bulldog: Fishberg Butler bound

Jeremy Silberglied, Staff Writer
April 26, 2024
Girls' tennis falls to Bulldogs, slams Rockets, Patriots

Girls’ tennis falls to Bulldogs, slams Rockets, Patriots

Jeremy Silberglied, Staff Writer
April 16, 2024
Junior Miram Elag hits a volley against B-CC on Monday. Elag, along with freshman Zoe Rojas, were the number one doubles pair against B-CC. They won their match in straight sets (6-3, 6-1), helping the Wildcats to sweep the Barons to remain undefeated. (Courtesy Mia Milicevic)

Girls’ tennis slam opponents in start to season

Jeremy Silberglied, Staff Writer
April 10, 2024
Team captain and starting pitcher Sami Rosenberg lifts the region champion plaque over her head as teammates celebrate. WJ softball won its region in 2023, a feat the team hopes to repeat this year.

Spring Sports Previews

Seyun Park, Anna Zucconi, Joshua Singer, Lily Tapparo, Hillevi Schine, Mateus Bouquet, Jeremy Silberglied, Elizabeth Finn, Cecilia Saltzman, Michelle Kim and Mackenzie Norris
March 20, 2024
Sonia Pegoue (left) and Maddox Zuniga (right) celebrate with their medals after the Maryland state championships. Pegoue placed second and Zuniga placed sixth in their respective weight classes.

Sonia Pegoue, Maddox Zuniga place in states

Jeremy Silberglied, Staff Writer
March 11, 2024
Junior Bahdan Kurepkin beats out his opponent to score points for WJ at a meet. Kurepkin is one of the four boys being sent to states on the team, with the addition of three girls also headed to the state championships.

Wrestling completes regions, qualifies seven for states

Jeremy Silberglied, Staff Writer
February 28, 2024
GoGuardian has served as an online monitoring helper for teachers. Now, without the classroom tool, questions arise as to how the change will affect the classrooms (Courtesy GoGuardian via Wikimedia Commons).

MCPS to block GoGuardian funding for 2024-25 school year

Jeremy Silberglied, Staff Writer
February 27, 2024
Junior Hudson Barrett works on pinning down an opponent to score points for WJ in a match vs Seneca Valley High School earlier in the season. Barrett and the Cats will look to perform strongly in the upcoming MCPS championships to advance further.

Wrestling falls in Battle of Bethesda, looks towards playoffs

Jeremy Silberglied, Staff Writer
February 16, 2024
Senior Zach Morales wrestles against an opponent in the first match of the season against Seneca Valley. The Wildcats beat Seneca Valley 49-27 and have gone 3-2 to start the season.

Wrestling in a wrap: team starts off season strong

Jeremy Silberglied, Staff Writer
January 18, 2024
Winter sports previews

Winter sports previews

Jeremy Silberglied, Anna Zucconi, Mackenzie Norris, Peter Kahrl, Mateus Bouquet and Lily Tapparo
December 5, 2023
Junior Stella Lichter spikes the ball against Gaithersburg. The team won the match 3-0, but went on to be defeated once again at the hands of Churchill.

Volleyball eliminated in heartbreaker vs Churchill

Jeremy Silberglied, Staff Writer
November 15, 2023
Senior Maya Zutshi takes the serve in a 3-1 loss at the hands of Magruder. This was the last game of the regular season for the volleyball team, as they will now look to carry their 9-5 record into the playoffs.

V-ball ends season on loss, set up for playoffs

Jeremy Silberglied, Staff Writer
October 31, 2023
Students dancing at the 2023 homecoming dance. With the exception of Seniors, homecoming is likely the only dance that students have the whole school year.

Should there be an underclassmen dance?

Jeremy Silberglied, Staff Writer
October 27, 2023
The Wildcats huddle together after a point at home against Gaithersburg HS. The Cats won the game 3-0, extending their current 3-game win streak.

Girls’ v-ball earns 4 game win streak

Jeremy Silberglied, Staff Writer
October 19, 2023
Sophomore Celiana Caraballo, junior Stella Lichter and junior Claire Kuemmerle get ready to return a serve against Quince Orchard on Sept. 13 . The team rebounded from a loss two days prior, winning 3-1.

Girls’ v-ball pushes record to 3-2

Jeremy Silberglied, Staff Writer
September 27, 2023
Students at a home football game cheering on their team. Because of football games getting moved to thursdays, the student section might become less packed than a normal friday.

Controversial call: Referee shortage shifts football games to Thursday

Jeremy Silberglied, Staff Writer
September 14, 2023
Girls volleyball players huddle in between sets during their first game of the year at home vs Watkins Mill. The team won in a blowout, 3-0.

Girls’ volleyball wins first game vs Watkins Mill

Jeremy Silberglied, Staff Writer
September 11, 2023
Senior midfielders Ellie Hilton (left) and Olivia McCloskey (right), pictured walking off the field during a game. The two players were both captains, and they both played a key role to lead the girls' lax team to win regionals.

Girls lacrosse team all-county players

Jeremy Silberglied, Staff Writer
June 14, 2023
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