The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
Social studies teacher Mitchell Joy lectures during his AP World History class last school year. While the school policy on students use of phones in class has not changed since last year, many teachers have increased their enforcement of the policy.
Teachers increase phone policy enforcement
Dr. Thomas Taylor, the Board of Education's pick for the next superintendent, stands with members of the Board at the announcement on Monday. Taylor is a graduate of MCPS but has never worked for the district. (Courtesy MCPS News)
Dr. Thomas Taylor to be appointed MCPS superintendent
Incoming SGA plans for successful school year
Incoming SGA plans for successful school year
From left: Junior Honorary officer Skylar Zheng, junior Secretary Alexis Batac, junior President Sareen Papangelou. The officers of the Southeast Asian Union pose in front of a mural in the school. The club will join the school roster for the 2024-2025 school year, and all are welcome.
Southeast Asian Union to bring region’s culture, food to WJ
Film Club members gather around a table at Cabin John Park before the Oscars begin. Months of meetings and film discussions culminate in this special occasion, where students can finally showcase their movie-making abilities. (Courtesy Delina Palma)
Making Scorsese proud: Film Club Oscars strike again
MCPS Board of Education members raise their hands in favor of delaying construction at Woodward and Crown High Schools. The plan specifically calls for delaying auditoriums at both schools until funds are appropriated for their construction.
Live updates: MCPS Board meeting 6/11
Columbia University is one of many schools across the United States where large groups of students have been protesting at.
Columbia protests escalate
Item bought online from "Demons Basement".
What’s wrong with these new online clothing brands?
The human mind is complex and may be a daunting concept for students. (Courtesy Rawpixel)
Why everyone should take AP Psychology
Travis Hunter is one of the most valuable college football players in the country. He moved from Jackson State University to the University of Colorado to join his former coach Dion Sanders. Hunter has an NIL evaluation of $2.7M according to On3.
College sports are ruined
ASL 2 students on the Gallaudet field trip watch their tour guide explain the life of the university’s founder, Laurent Clerc, pictured in the statue to the guide’s left. The tour guide signed in ASL throughout the tour and an interpreter translated his signs into English.
High school field trips benefit students and learning alike
Students sit in rows for very extensive hours as they take exams. This is a common scene all across the US, however in MCPS this sight cannot be found. (Courtesy Pexels)
Point counterpoint: Should there be final exams?
The new movie poster for the upcoming film "Inside Out 2." The poster features existing emotions from it's past film, as well as new emotions such as Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, Nostalgia and Ennui.
Inside Out 2: Preview into the realm of new emotions
Zendaya scowls into the lenses of paparazzi on the Met Gala carpet. 2024 was Zendaya’s first year co-chairing the Met as she hadn’t attended the red carpet spectacle in five years. (Courtesy Getty Images)
The Met Gala: rating 2024’s best and worst dressed
Twenty One Pilots "Clancy" review
Twenty One Pilots “Clancy” review
Billie Eilish released her third studio album "Hit Me Hard and Soft," on May 17. All 10 songs on her brand new album were able to make their way up into the Billboard Hot 100. (Courtesy Glenn Francis via Wikimedia Commons)
Billie Eilish: “Hit Me Hard and Soft” most viral tracks
Drake performs on his Summer Sixteen tour in 2016. Along with many other rappers, he was accused of being an industry plant at the beginning of his career. (Courtesy The Come Up Show)
Are industry plants real?
Coming soon: movies coming out in 2024
Coming soon: movies coming out in 2024
Students hard at work during class. Many students struggle with balancing work with play. Students share how they overcome distractions and prioritize their work.
Balance between school life and extracurriculars and athletics
The Oreos have been a classic cookie for generations but which one is the best one? Out of all the different fillings, is there one that stands alone? (Courtesy nicoleleec via Wikimedia Commons)
How much stuf is too much stuff?
Special clubs at WJ to check out
Special clubs at WJ to check out
Sophomore Ahrin Letourneau looks through the College Board website attempting to get information about the SAT and ACT. “I’m feeling scared, petrified to be honest, to be a junior. Summer’s gonna be stressful … and I need to be really thinking about colleges and programs,” Letourneau said.
Previewing the summer by grade
A student reviews the rejection wall. The rejection wall was created to encourage students to know that even if they're rejected, they're not alone. "I'm scared I'll be rejected from the schools I will apply to, so it's comforting to know I wouldn't be the only one," junior Cristina Simpson said.
What summer looks like for rising seniors
From left: Junior Honorary officer Skylar Zheng, junior Secretary Alexis Batac, junior President Sareen Papangelou. The officers of the Southeast Asian Union pose in front of a mural in the school. The club will join the school roster for the 2024-2025 school year, and all are welcome.
Southeast Asian Union to bring region’s culture, food to WJ
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
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
ALL IN THE FOOTWORK: Participants practice their blocking footwork and learn flag football blocking techniques. During the drill, a coach held and moved the ball to one side which participants would have to shuffle over to.
Girls’ flag clinic brings excitement to MCPS
Jonny Venters is one of the only pitchers to ever receive Tommy John's surgery three times. He had the operation performed in 2005, 2013 and lastly in 2014.
Pitchers look to surgery for success
After taking a hard foul, sophomore Norah Youssef takes her first free throw attempt. Youssef sank the shot and added a point to the scoreboard. Youssef had a stunning performance, helping the Wildcats secure the win against Sherwood.
Photo gallery: Summer league basketball
(Courtesy Seattle Parks and Recreation)
Pickleball volleys into WJ this fall
Public Transportation Safety Podcast
Public Transportation Safety Podcast
Up at bat: Duolingo streaks
Up at bat: Duolingo streaks
What is your special talent?
After taking a hard foul, sophomore Norah Youssef takes her first free throw attempt. Youssef sank the shot and added a point to the scoreboard. Youssef had a stunning performance, helping the Wildcats secure the win against Sherwood.
Photo gallery: Summer league basketball
Physics classes visit Six Flags
Siblings Podcast
Siblings Podcast
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
Lizzie Kotlove

Lizzie Kotlove, Print A&E Editor

Lizzie is a Print Arts and Entertainment editor for the Pitch this year. This is her second year on the Pitch and in her free time, she likes cheerleading and being with her friends.
All content by Lizzie Kotlove
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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
Lizzie Kotlove's senior reflection

Lizzie Kotlove’s senior reflection

Lizzie Kotlove, Print A&E editor
May 24, 2023
The promotional photo for "Outer Banks" season three. It features multiple scenes in the new season, including the whole "Pogue" friend group, John B and Sarah's romance and more.

Outer Banks season three: was it worth the hype?

Lizzie Kotlove, Print A&E editor
March 27, 2023
This is an example of a pass given out to students once sent to main office after being tardy to either 1st or 5th period. Students have to go to the office just to return to class to be marked Tardy Unexcused (TU) by teachers, raising lots of frustration on whether that is an effective use of time.

New Tardy Policies cause frustration among students

Lizzie Kotlove, Print A&E editor
March 3, 2023
Should grades be bumped?

Should grades be bumped?

Baxter Roberts and Lizzie Kotlove
February 24, 2023
Senior friends Aurelie Baroody and Chloe Fagan enjoy skiing on the slopes in Quebec, Canada. "I had so much fun skiing even though I'm not an advanced skier. I think this trip was good for all levels of skiers," Baroody said.

Canada Ski trip fun returns after Covid

Lizzie Kotlove and Alessandro Marra
February 8, 2023
Senior designated hitter Hadley Brown helps students in Mr. Lorenzi's astronomy class every day. "I really enjoy getting to make students and Mr. Lorenzi's life easier," Brown said.

Designated Hitters dedicate class periods to helping teachers, students

Lizzie Kotlove, Print A&E editor
November 9, 2022
A colored pencil still life drawing

Artist of the issue: Cooper O’Hair

Lizzie Kotlove, Print A&E editor
October 25, 2022
Freshman Evie Avillo takes on two Blair players as she moves down the field with the ball, showing off her great footwork. Avillo's love for the game started since she got to dress up as a soccer player in a spirit day at school at a very young age.

Freshmen take on varsity sports

Lizzie Kotlove, Print A&E editor
September 16, 2022
The Junior Classes' powderpuff team went against the senior girls in a flag football game. Junior Rita Bousadi enjoyed playing this year, but is excited to be able to be a senior during powderpuff next year. "Powderpuff was super fun, but I'm so excited for events next year when class of 2023 can shine," Bousadi said.

What juniors are looking forward to senior year?

Lizzie Kotlove, Print A&E editor
June 13, 2022
Junior Ava Franke is shown flying at her All-Star cheer practice. She is pulling a heel stretch at the extension level, which is a very difficult skill to conquer in the air. "Flying is super scary, but it is also the best feeling ever," Franke said.

All-Star Cheerleader Ava Franke flips into success

Lizzie Kotlove, Staff Writer
April 4, 2022
Health teacher Lorraine Goldstein attempts to get students involved with games like the 'hot seat,' in which every Friday, one person is asked questions by the rest of the class. "It's paramount with what we have going on in our world to focus on mental health, specifically since so many are trying to cope with a new normal since the pandemic," Goldstein said.

Health class struggles to sufficiently educate on mental health

Lizzie Kotlove, Staff Writer
April 3, 2022
This photo includes many AP study resources for upcoming AP exams. Both flashcards and AP course books help students prepare for their AP exams.

The truth about AP exam season and how to prepare

Lizzie Kotlove, Staff Writer
March 22, 2022
Junior Jackie Ragheb poses in her bedroom to showcase her newly founded Y2K style. “I love dressing in low rise and pink, and I think the Y2K comeback is a great thing for the fashion industry,” Ragheb said.

Y2K fashion makes a comeback at WJ

Lizzie Kotlove, Staff Writer
February 18, 2022
Walter Johnson HS cheer reacts to "Cheer" on Netflix

Walter Johnson HS cheer reacts to “Cheer” on Netflix

Lizzie Kotlove, Staff Writer
February 9, 2022
Fitness Club Strives to Get Female Membership

Fitness Club Strives to Get Female Membership

Lizzie Kotlove, Special to the Pitch
December 1, 2021
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