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
Jona Jancewicz

Jona Jancewicz, Online Editor-in-Chief

Jona Jancewicz is in his senior year of high school. He is the appointed Online Editor-in-Chief, who is very excited to keep writing and reporting for The Pitch and the Walter Johnson community.
All content by Jona Jancewicz
Jona Jancewicz's senior reflection

Jona Jancewicz’s senior reflection

Jona Jancewicz, Online EIC
May 24, 2023
Traffic along I-495 and I-270 has garnered DC area traffic an infamous reputation. Despite earlier plans for toll lanes along I-270, Austrian company Transurban has backed down from its original plans.

MoCo news blurbs

Jack Stashower and Jona Jancewicz
April 12, 2023
This photo was taken on the Rock Creek Trail near Viers Mill Local Park on Feb. 11. Recent rises in antisemitism acts have occurred in the WJ community in places like Bethesda and Tilden Middle School.

Antisemitism continues to plague Bethesda community

Jona Jancewicz and Joshua Singer
February 28, 2023
After a long hiatus, TV morning announcements are back

After a long hiatus, TV morning announcements are back

Jona Jancewicz, Online Editor-in-Chief
February 24, 2023
Last year's male poms team completed their dance routine during the spring pep rally. The dance routine and atmosphere around the event caused many in the school to question whether the tradition should continue.

Male Poms altered; new tradition on the horizon

Jona Jancewicz, Online EIC
January 23, 2023
Freshman Jason Carcamo, Ahrin Letourneau and Brian Tudor participate in the safety training drills. They practiced their severe weather drill, where students must find shelter in hallways with no windows near by.

Safety drills test emergency preparedness

Jona Jancewicz and Nicole Weaver
December 11, 2022
The vandalism on the corner of Old Georgetown Road and Tuckerman Lane depicts a swastika and a message of "Ameri(c)a Awak(e)". The vandalism was washed off shortly after the police were contacted.

Antisemitic vandalism blindsides WJ community again

Jona Jancewicz, Online EIC
November 16, 2022
AP classes are not equitable for students

AP classes are not equitable for students

Jona Jancewicz, Online EIC
October 25, 2022

The J&J Show: Episode 1

Jona Jancewicz and Jack Stashower
September 21, 2022
Thomas Edison High School offers many unique courses. Students who complete their courses are rewarded certifications.

Students explore career pathways at Thomas Edison

Jona Jancewicz, Online EIC
September 19, 2022
Firefighters show up to WJ after a fire alarm is pulled due to the smell of smoke. The fire fighters isolated the source and made sure it was safe for the students to return.

Fire fighters respond to the smell of smoke

Jona Jancewicz, Online EIC
September 12, 2022
(Left to Right) Next year's SGA officers juniors Ethan Mendes, Lauren Kim, Bryan Kibet and Luke Liden discuss the homecoming video for next year. Many of these meetings have been held by the officers to start planning for next year.

Sneak peek into next year SGA plans

Yuval Shachar and Jona Jancewicz
June 14, 2022
Head of the ESOL department Andrew Won teaches a class of non-native English speakers. ESOL classes will be offered in the summer through a partnership with Richard Montgomery High School.

WJ opens summer program registration

Jona Jancewicz, Online News Editor
May 20, 2022
The WJ senior class spray paints the roof with 2022. The prank was very popular among the senior class.

Seniors host a ‘senior prank’ during school hours

Jona Jancewicz, Online News Editor
May 20, 2022
It is the people who protest President Putin and help the refugees who we should follow. Their examples of compassion should be the baseline.

Fight hate with hate?

Jona Jancewicz, Online News Editor
March 30, 2022
The WJ boys lacrosse team huddles up to start the spring season. As the first practices get started, a new bonding period between teammates forms.

MCPS reverses religious exemption ruling for student athletes

Jona Jancewicz, Online News Editor
March 7, 2022
President Joe Biden has come under fire for electing to transport 3000 American troops to help defend Ukraine. The longer the situation goes on, the more tense it grows.

Ukraine v. Russia: What WJ students would do if they were the President

Jona Jancewicz, Online News Editor
February 17, 2022
Adam Zeitlin teaches Honors Physics to his junior and senior class. Zeitlin had to learn to balance in person schooling with students who chose remote schooling or were out to do Covid-19 exposure.

Changes to student absence policy in review

Jona Jancewicz, Online News Editor
February 10, 2022
Security guard James Etheridge and English teacher William Griffiths discuss students being late to class. Security guards and teachers check the hallways to see if students are skipping class.

Admin penalizes tardiness

Jona Jancewicz, Online News Editor
December 20, 2021
"It's not about being lazy, it is a learning disability. It's not something that someone can just get over by working harder. It's not going to help by just giving extra time, which is required by the accommodations, but you have to put in the work that your students need and the extra support your students need," senior Felix Bellotti said.

Up at Bat: What do you want people to know about learning with ADHD?

Jona Jancewicz and Aya Hesham
December 17, 2021

ADHD affects student educational experience

Jona Jancewicz, Online News Editor
December 17, 2021
Maria Aliaga works on her computer, sorting out forms for students. Aliaga sends student forms and documents to Colleges.

WJ introduces new registrar

Jona Jancewicz, Online News Editor
November 10, 2021
Walter Johnson was vandalized with messages of white pride. The WJ staff was quick to remove the messages soon after the news broke out.

Bethesda vandalized with hate speech

Jona Jancewicz, Online News Editor
October 15, 2021
Juniors take a 100 minute MCAP test on Oct., 5. Students were sectioned off into different groups throughout the school to alleviate overcrowding.

Students sound off on standardized testing

Jona Jancewicz, Online News Editor
October 11, 2021

Bethesda vandalized with hate speech and white supremacy

Jona Jancewicz, Online News Editor
October 6, 2021
Walter Johnson students wade through the crowded stairwells trying to get to class. Many find the slow, jammed hallways a difficult adjustment, especially after distancing for so long.

Walter Johnson deals with overcrowding issues amidst pandemic

Jona Jancewicz, Online News Editor
September 23, 2021
Walter Johnson music students have to play some of their instruments without masks on. Some long time music students now feel unsafe playing their instrument in school.

Covid-19 cases rise as students return to in person school

Jona Jancewicz, Online News Editor
September 23, 2021
As AP tests start taking place in the building, classes need to be moved to other classrooms. With the weather warming up, The Pitch class decided to have their class outside due to an AP test taking place in their classroom.

Within these walls: students return to WJ

Jona Jancewicz and Yuval Shachar
May 25, 2021
How have you adapted to online school emotionally, mentally, and/or physically? "I have taken an attitude of "It is what it is." I do vent every now and again because I do want to be in the building. I know that things will eventually return to normal - whatever that means."

The teacher’s return to school

Jona Jancewicz, Staff Writer
May 12, 2021
SGA president Konchok Chopel, SGA VP Joey Barke, SGA Secretary Tatyana Ramirez, SGA Treasurer David Gardner all pose in front of the shed for the upcoming SGA student elections.

2021 SGA elections provide normalcy back to students

Jona Jancewicz, Staff Writer
March 26, 2021
MCPS has made many decisions this school year regarding this school year and the impact of COVID-19.

MCPS plan for going back to school

Jona Jancewicz, Staff Writer
February 12, 2021
Teachers vs students: who gets the vaccine first?

Teachers vs students: who gets the vaccine first?

Jona Jancewicz, Staff Writer
February 3, 2021
WJ students trie to relieve themselves of the stress filled year of 2020 with something normal of celebrating Thanksgiving.

How WJ students celebrated Thanksgiving

Jona Jancewicz, Staff Writer
December 21, 2020
WJ students trie to relieve themselves of the stress filled year of 2020 with something normal of celebrating Thanksgiving.

How WJ students celebrated Thanksgiving

Jona Jancewicz, Staff Writer
December 16, 2020
Ohio State clashes with their bitter rival Michigan. The last time Michigan beat Ohio State was 2011, the Wolverines are looking for revenge this year.

Big 10 football preview

Jona Jancewicz, Staff Writer
December 8, 2020
WJ student's have socially bubbled with some of their closest friends over the quarantine. Those students become closer as they get to spend more time with their bubbled friends than ever before.

How covid is changing relationships

Jona Jancewicz, Staff Writer
November 9, 2020
Painting has become popular for Walter Johnson students over the quarantine. Art can act as a stress relieve for many students.

Hobbies students have taken up in quarantine

Jona Jancewicz, Staff Writer
October 6, 2020
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