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
All content by Photo courtesy of Flickr
Sports betting is the newest and most popular way of gambling in America with states such as Maryland legalizing it.

[Photo] Sports betting legalized in Maryland

January 27, 2023
Winter brings snowfall, cheer and, of course, winter break. The potential extension of winter break was a big topic among administrators this past year.

[Photo] Point/Counterpoint: Should MCPS extend Winter break?

December 14, 2022
The plane hangs carefully within the power lines. Thousands of locals experienced outages.

[Photo] Students react to closures, outages across the county after plane crash

December 7, 2022
A Buzz Lightyear inflatable floats above a crowd of spectators in Macys annual Thanksgiving Parade. Hundreds of thousands of people watch the parade each year, which is composed of a multitude of balloons from many different companies.

[Photo] Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade yet another pillar of tradition this holiday season

December 2, 2022
Transitioning to a new school can take months. In my experience, I found several methods to make the transition smoother.

[Photo] What I wish I knew before I came to Walter Johnson

November 30, 2022
With the Michael Myers series being loved by many, fans were anticipating its final movie. The film previewed on Oct. 14.

[Photo] “Halloween Ends”– weakest way to end the Michael Myers saga

November 23, 2022
Students often fail to carry cash even with cards being so prevalent in the 21st century. An ATM would solve this issue and many more.

[Photo] School ATM would benefit students

November 17, 2022
Actor Bill Skarsgård, best known for his role as Pennywise in the supernatural horror film series IT, stars in the horror/thriller Barbarian. Skarsgard performed alongside actors Georgina Campbell and Justin Long.

[Photo] “Barbarian,” a terrifying but entertaining haunted house horror film

November 11, 2022
Movies and biopics have always been sources for the public to learn about important issues or people. “Watchmen”, for example, brought the horrific Tulsa Race Massace into the public consciousness for the first time since the 1920’s.

[Photo] Are movies and shows reliable sources for historical accuracy?

October 24, 2022
High schoolers attend a field trip as an extension of what theyre learning in class. Not enough students have gotten the opportunity to participate in field trips, forcing them to miss out on important real-world experiences.

[Photo] Teachers experience difficulties planning field trips

October 20, 2022
Smile leaves audiences in sheer horror in Parker Finns feature debut. The film opened on Sept. 30.

[Photo] “Smile” is a Halloween must-watch

October 17, 2022
Students will now take SATs in a digital format. This has raised questions about how students will prepare in the future.

[Photo] SAT takes a turn for the worse

September 28, 2022
High school seniors face immense levels of stress during application season, especially with the task of the college essay. For the past six years, the English department has neglected to pursue an organized strategy to help all seniors with this difficult task. Its time to make a change.

[Photo] Teachers helping with college essays: inequitable or unorganized?

September 23, 2022
Thomas Edison High School offers many unique courses. Students who complete their courses are rewarded certifications.

[Photo] Students explore career pathways at Thomas Edison

September 19, 2022
Fans and Players alike prepare for a patriotic celebration before the 2018 Pro Bowl game. The NFL is reportedly considering canceling the Pro Bowl game due to a myriad of issues that have plagued the annual event for years.

[Photo] It’s time for the NFL to eliminate the Pro Bowl game

June 14, 2022
Johnny Depp meets fans at the premiere of Pirates of the Caribbean

[Photo] Should we praise Johnny Depp in the end?

June 13, 2022
The classic 1980s aviation film, Top Gun, now has become a sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, which follows Maverick (Tom Cruise) in the Navy 30 years later.

[Photo] “Top Gun: Maverick” accomplishes sequels in a new way

June 13, 2022
The Washington Monument sticks out from the sea of pink, across the tidal basin. This 2022 Cherry Festival marked 110 years since the original blossoms were gifted from Japan.

[Photo] Local teams celebrate DC’s blossoming culture with the unveiling of new jerseys

May 11, 2022
Actors Bob Odenkirk and Rhea Seehorn discuss the final season of the hit show Better Call Saul at San Diegos comic-con.

[Photo] Better Call Saul breaks into new territory in extraordinary final season

May 6, 2022
Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder has been the owner of the team since 1999. Snyder has faced lots of criticism for his poor leadership and pure greed.

[Photo] Dan Snyder should be forced to sell the Washington Commanders

April 4, 2022
Kanye West and Kim Kardashain on their wedding day

[Photo] Redemption for Kanye?

April 1, 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.

[Photo] Fight hate with hate?

March 30, 2022
As mental health awareness month begins, students recount the struggle of admitting they have a mental health problem.

[Photo] The struggles of admitting a mental health problem

April 3, 2022
Russian citizens are protesting against the actions of the government but are silenced by being arrested. Russian President Vladimir Putin is quickly taking control of the area.

[Photo] Global tensions rise as Russia invades Ukraine

February 25, 2022
Actors Lili Reinhart, Camila Mendes and KJ Apa at the 2017 SDCC. Their hit show Riverdale was one of the first to start controversies within the audience about the age of their cast members.

[Photo] Point/Counterpoint: Should adults portray teens in media

February 24, 2022
Kobe Bryant shoots over the outstretched arm of Washington Wizards defender Marcin Gortat. He went on to score 29 points as the Lakers lost 111-95 to the Wizards on December 3, 2014.

[Photo] Kobe Bryant inspired new generation of NBA athletes

February 18, 2022
Mass protest broke out in Ukraines capital Kiev in 2014. The Ukrainian people believed former President Viktor Yanukovych was siding with Russia over the E.U.

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

February 17, 2022
Justice Stephen Breyer discusses his then recently released book on modern American law at the Brookings Institute on Jan 21, 2016. While many are sad to see the unique voice he has had on the bench disappear, students are excited about the opportunity for the court’s demographics to become more akin to that of the US as a whole.

[Photo] Students See Opportunity for Equity in Justice Breyer’s Retirement

February 15, 2022
This girl carries her sled up a hill. It is likely a snow day, but if MCPS takes them away, we wont be able to go sledding.

[Photo] Pitch opinion: Hands off our snow days

February 15, 2022
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.

[Photo] Students’ Thanksgiving plans

November 17, 2021
After the leak of the Pandora Papers, lawmakers on Capitol Hill introduced a bill that would require trust companies and banks to investigate foreign clients.

[Photo] WJ students react to the Pandora Papers scandal

October 24, 2021
Some members of the San Francisco 49ers kneel during the National Anthem before a game against the Washington Football Team in 2017 in Landover, Maryland.

[Photo] Point/Counterpoint: Should politics and sports mix?

June 15, 2021
Netflixs fantasy series Shadow and Bone, based off of Leigh Bardugos book series of the same name released in April. The series was a massive hit and garnered over a billion streaming minutes in the first week it was released.

[Photo] Netflix’s Shadow and Bone immerses viewers into the Grishaverse

June 8, 2021
Pishevar is now a successful entrepeneur who has started multiple companies and invests in even more.

[Photo] MCPS SMOBs where are they now?

May 5, 2021
The Six Flags mass vaccination site was one of the first to open in Maryland. Many other mass vaccination sites will open up soon throughout the state.

[Photo] Maryland expands vaccine eligibility to all adults

April 26, 2021
The classic 1994 film The Shawshank Redemption stars Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. The film follows two imprisoned men over their sentences.

[Photo] Are your parent’s movie suggestions worth your time?

April 14, 2021
The WJ roof collapsed Thursday. Questions have been raised about the safety and structural integrity of rooftop pools.

[Photo]

Dr. Seuss, author of children books, has written great stories with powerful themes, such as equality and tolerance. However, recently a few of his books have been canceled for having politically incorrect illustrations and phrases.

[Photo] Dr. Seuss book burning is wrong and illiberal

March 24, 2021
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan visits the mass COVID-19 vaccination site at Six Flags America, in Bowie on Feb. 5. Some WJ teachers have been able to get the vaccine at the site.

[Photo] Delays in vaccinations – why is it taking so long?

March 9, 2021
As we are now reaching the All Star break, many general managers of contending teams will look to make moves and bring in players before the trade deadline to help bring home a championship.

[Photo] What the NBA looks like at the All Star Break edit

March 10, 2021
During these times, it is not only important that the food we choose to purchase taste good, but also that there are covid-safe pickup options. These three restaurants are examples of great restaurants with sanitary take out practices.

[Photo] Best restaurants in the area that offer covid-safe takeout

November 15, 2020
Soon after Judge Amy Coney Barrett was nominated to the Supreme Court by President Trump, outrage sparked from the opposing party.

[Photo] Students react to Supreme Court nomination of Amy Coney Barrett

October 25, 2020
Ruth Bader Ginsburg discussing her career at the Library of Congress in January, 2020. Ginsburg was a trailblazer who paved the way for women all over the country.

[Photo] Why RBG is more than a Supreme Court Justice

October 3, 2020
In a gender reveal in California that went disastrously wrong, a pyrotechnic device malfunctioned, which led to wildfires that have dislocated thousands of people.

[Photo] What’s Going on in the World (Besides COVID-19) VI

September 30, 2020
Michael Jordan drives to the basket in another pivotal game in his remarkable career. “The Last Dance” gave fans an inside look at the legendary Bulls dynasty.

[Photo] Top moments and biggest takeaways from “The Last Dance”

June 1, 2020
The Cubs celebrate after overcoming a 3-1 series deficit to win their first World Series in over 100 years. This classic game seven in Cleveland is among some of the top sports games that fans should watch again while stuck at home.

[Photo] Sports games to re-watch during quarantine

April 26, 2020
JUULs came in all sorts of flavors until the company stopped agreeing to sell fruit and dessert flavored JUUL pods to stop appealing to the youth. One of the recent efforts that Maryland has taken has been raising the tobacco purchase law from 18 to 21.

[Photo] Montgomery County sues largest e-cigarette company, JUUL

January 18, 2020
Greta Thunberg, the Swedish 17 year-old who took the world by storm in 2019 with her empowering climate change activism, has won the TIME Person of the Year Award. She is the youngest ever recipient.

[Photo] Greta Thunberg: TIME Person of the Year

January 15, 2020
Ariana Grande sings in a concert. Grande was not afraid to use profanity in her hit single last year thank u, next.

[Photo] Limit the inclusion of profanity in music

November 1, 2019
Joaquin Phoenix in his split personalities as the Joker and Arthur Fleck - A misunderstood man and a crazed maniac.

[Photo] Movie review: A new look for the Joker

November 1, 2019
In response to an increase of violent outbursts, politicians returned to scapegoating video games and entertainment. Extensive research has shown claims about the correlation between violence and video games to be flimsy and unsubstantiated.

[Photo] The crusade against our entertainment

November 3, 2019
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan passed a bunch of new laws in October. These laws cover vaping, cyberbulling and other topics.

[Photo] Maryland passes new laws

November 1, 2019
Vaping has gained popularity over recent years, especially with teenagers.

[Photo] Vaping-related disease concerns WJ community

October 1, 2019
Vaping has gained popularity over recent years, especially with teenagers.

[Photo] Vaping-related disease concerns WJ community

September 27, 2019
Godzilla emerging from the waves and breathing his iconic atomic breath. Godzilla: King of the Monsters features not only the titular kaiju, but three other famous ones, Mothra, Ghidorah, and Rodan.

[Photo] Godzilla makes a triumphant return to theaters despite critics

June 13, 2019
Beauty and the Beast was released in March 2017 and grossed $1.263 billion worldwide. The movie received nominations for Best Production and Costume design at the Academy awards.

[Photo] Bringing the magic of Disney’s animated classics to life

June 11, 2019
Rep. Ilhan Omar speaks at a protest in Minnesota. Omars comments about 9/11 at CAIRs annual event in California have sparked a widespread controversy.

[Photo] Ilhan Omar’s 9/11 comments spark controversy

May 29, 2019
Actresses Patricia Arquette (left) and Joey King (right) completely transform their appearance for their roles of Dee Dee and Gypsy Rose Blanchard on The Act.

[Photo] Hulu debuts new series “The Act”

May 10, 2019
The Capitals celebrate a home goal. After winning the Stanley Cup last year, the remaining teams will try achieve what Ovechkin and the Caps could not repeat.

[Photo] Stanley Cup Playoffs round 1: what we learned

May 7, 2019
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[Photo] What is your favorite MCU Movie?

April 8, 2019
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan talks to citizens about the school start time change. The decision to start school after labor day sparked a lot of controversy within the public.

[Photo] MD Government overturns Hogan executive order

March 15, 2019
The film Mean Girls perfectly encapsulates what it means to be in toxic friendship.

[Photo] Do you have a toxic friend?

March 7, 2019
Students use apps such as Google Classroom and Quizlet to help with assignments. The use of cell phones for these kinds of purposes.

[Photo] The effects of social media

March 12, 2019
Wizards guard John Wall pulls up for a jump shot against the New York Knicks. After it was announced that Wall would miss the remainder of the season with bone spurs in his heel, Washington has won just seven of 18 games.

[Photo] Conspiracy clouds over John Wall’s Achilles injury

February 27, 2019
Shows such as Pokémon have been known for using anime as the primary art style. As its popularity has risen, art teachers have become more skeptical of the style.

[Photo] The ultimate battle: anime vs. art teachers

February 12, 2019
Gillette’s iconic razor sits on a bathroom counter waiting to be used. Gillette was founded in 1901 and it’s controversial commercial has stirred up controversy.

[Photo] Point/Counterpoint: Gillette ad

February 7, 2019
Mary Poppins Returns continues the story of the Banks family, which was first presented to us in 1964 in the original film. The movie has made over 200 million dollars in the box office since its premiere.

[Photo] Mary Poppins Returns revives the magic of a Disney classic

February 4, 2019
Clemson fans gather for a home game in Memorial Stadium. With another championship under their belt, Tigers fans hope next season will produce similar results.

[Photo] New Year’s Six recap: what we learned

February 4, 2019
Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren officially announced she was running for president.

[Photo] Elizabeth Warren announces 2020 Presidential Bid

January 25, 2019
There has been a lot of controversy recently over immigration in the United States.

[Photo] Should we allow the migrant caravan entry into the United States?

January 24, 2019
Ariana Grande was voted “Top Pop Artist of 2018” on the YouTube’s annual Top 50 Music Artist chart.

[Photo] “thank u, next” breaks the internet

December 19, 2018
Many students prefer the live action film of this movie over the cartoon. This was also one of the most popular holiday movies to students at WJ.

[Photo] Bundle up for holiday movies by Netflix

December 20, 2018
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid skies in for a rebound against the Washington Wizards. Embiid is a key player on what many expect to be a championship contending team this season.

[Photo] The 2018-19 NBA season tips off

October 31, 2018
Three of the finalist locations for Amazon’s HQ2 are from the DC area, giving the area a seemingly high chance of receiving the headquarters. Amazons search to find a headquarters has garnered a lot of attention.

[Photo] Amazon considers headquarters in DC area

October 3, 2018
Mystics forward Elena Delle Donne skies in for a layup in a regular season game against the Indiana Fever.

[Photo] Mystics reach first WNBA Finals

September 30, 2018
Former Arizona Senator John McCain worked in government for 35 years and was a POW in Vietnam for over five years. McCain passed away on August 25 after a long battle with brain cancer.

[Photo] John McCain: one of America’s greatest public servants

September 18, 2018
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