The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
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
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
Instagram announces 'built-in protections' for teen accounts
Instagram announces ‘built-in protections’ for teen accounts
Newly built Woodward High School, currently occupied by Northwood High School, sits empty after a long September school day. The building's construction recently concluded, allowing it to be used for this school year.
Woodward’s building opens for Northwood
Students push through a swarm of their peers going to and from the portables during the transition from sixth to seventh period. Getting into and out of the building can take up to several minutes.
Life in the portables concerns staff and students
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
Internship coordinator Emily Fleisher leads an internship meeting in the auditorium. Check-ins like this are one of the ways Fleisher has added more structure and guidance to this program.
Putting the work in Work Based Learning: behind the modified internship system
A line of students stretches far past the door at Flippin' Pizza, an almost daily occurrence during the school year. Inside, employees work hard to quickly serve their customers.
G Square, Wildwood employees react to start of school year
(Courtesy Wikimedia Commons)
Artificial intelligence clashes with education
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
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
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
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
Students, especially seniors, respond to the new AP exam no-show fee policy of MCPS. The policy requires those who do not attend an exam to pay $40.
Students shouldn’t pay for exams they don’t take
Seniors Ellie Weinstein and Naamiah Corke celebrate their win over the Northwood Gladiators with a final score of 34-0.
Ellie Weinstein makes history as first WJ flag football quarterback
Megan Raue heads toward the finish with a strong push ahead of her opponents. She sprints to the end, eventually obtaining a new personal record.
Megan Raue’s long-distance journey in WJ sports
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
Senior Sofia Silberfeld sets the ball to senior Ariel Mazor. Silberfeld recently passed 1,000 career assists. (Courtesy Tyler Shores via Lifetouch)
Setting new records: Silberfeld hits 1,000 career assists
Varsity cheer drills their routine on Tuesday, Sept. 24 to prepare for their Invitational at Long Reach High School on Oct. 9. The team has been working on sharpening their technique since the start of the season. “I would say everyone is striving to be better and to get what they have to get," Head Coach Vanessa Barnes said. "A lot of them are pushing themselves to get where they need to go."
Cheer jumps into preparation for their first seasonal Invitational
'The Cup' to bring new competition to all school sports
‘The Cup’ to bring new competition to all school sports
Billie on the street
Billie on the street
Becca's Closet returns to WJ
Becca’s Closet returns to WJ
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
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
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
Laura Mata

Laura Mata, Layout and Design Editor

This is Laura's second year as the layout and designer editor for the Pitch. She enjoys spending time with friends and family.
All content by Laura Mata
Many sitcom fans, especially those of "That '70s Show," were riled up about the upcoming release of "That '90s Show." The show has been controversial as it does not exactly resemble the original cast and storyline.

That 90s Show Opens with Mixed Reviews

Laura Mata, Layout and Design Editor
March 1, 2023
Sophomore Lianis Melo watches the recap of Miss Universe on her phone. Melo was amazed by the character of the crowned Miss Universe.

Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel wins Miss Universe

Laura Mata, Layout and Design Editor
February 8, 2023
Wednesday has skyrocketed as one of the most popular Netflix shows of all time. The show has had a steady viewing audience since it's release.

Show Review: Netflix’s “Wednesday”

Laura Mata, Layout and Design Editor
January 17, 2023
Senior Eva Griebl takes on the holiday rush as a barista at Starbucks. Working during the holidays can especially be overwhelming as a student because of the Starbucks holiday specials.

Working students take on the busy holiday season

Laura Mata, Layout and Design Editor
December 21, 2022
Junior Nick Zayas hops from store to store searching for the perfect suit. Many students start shopping several weeks before Homecoming in order to be put together ahead of time.

Students get runway ready for Homecoming 2022

Laura Mata, Layout and Design Editor
October 25, 2022
Freshmen Nikita Gonzalez and Ibtisam Ferried study while eating during lunch. Students take advantage of their hour-long lunches to eat and take care of their school work.

Longer lunch schedule pleases staff and students

Laura Mata, Layout and Design Editor
September 19, 2022
Justin Fraser's Calculus with Applications class spends their last weeks of school on their phones with their curriculum finished early.

Emptier classes, hallways post graduation

Laura Mata, Layout and Design Editor
June 17, 2022
This nostalgic art piece portrays Guillen-Sanchez being exposed to both American and Mexican environments as she grew up.

Artist of the issue: Valeria Guillen-Sanchez

Laura Mata, Layout and Design Editor
May 24, 2022
The Tidal Basin brings many people from all over to experience the beauty of Cherry Blossoms.

Cherry Blossom activities taking place around Washington D.C.

Laura Mata, Layout and Design Editor
April 5, 2022
Many people use yoga as form of coping with mental health. Students at WJ find yoga to be calming.

How to cope with mental health

Laura Mata, Layout and Design Editor
April 3, 2022
Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak join forces for the release of their album, "An Evening with Silk Sonic." Many fans are excited for the start of the accompanying tour to promote the album in 2022.

Silk Sonic releases their debut album, “An Evening with Silk Sonic”

Laura Mata, Layout and Design Editor
December 13, 2021
Thanksgiving is a deeply held tradition for many Americans. Foods such as turkey, ham, cranberry sauce, stuffing and gravy are the pillars of a Thanksgiving meal.

Students’ Thanksgiving plans

Laura Mata, Layout and Design Editor
November 17, 2021
Every year WJ students dive deep into the Halloween craze. Some like to dress up to watch their favorite Halloween movies together.

What WJ students watch for Halloween

Laura Mata, Layout and Design Editor
November 16, 2021
Junior Ava Franke pumps up the crowd during our homecoming game. Franke is a flyer for the team, striking a posed lib with one leg in the air.

How comfortable are students with their return to school?

Laura Mata, Layout and Design Editor
October 19, 2021
The spotlight shines on Harry as he takes the stage.The fans in the arena roared through their masks.

The Harry Styles Experience

Laura Mata, Layout and Design Editor
October 18, 2021
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