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
Seyun Park

Seyun Park, Print Editor-in-Chief

Junior Seyun Park is in his third year of the Pitch, happy to join this year as a Print Editor-in-Chief. Outside of Pitch, Seyun plays tennis and cello, and likes to follow hockey.

All content by Seyun Park
The Wildcats gather around in celebration as sophomore catcher Alina Bonior approaches home plate following her 2 RBI home run in the bottom of the third inning. Boniors home run was the first by a WJ player on the WJ field over the fence.

Home runs seal victory for softball over Vikings, Rockets

Seyun Park, Print Editor-in-Chief
April 15, 2024
LIVE: Baseball takes on Montgomery Blair HS

LIVE: Baseball takes on Montgomery Blair HS

Seyun Park and Joshua Singer
April 13, 2024
Sophomore Addie Strbak swings with her signature slap swing, taking a step forward while swinging. Strbak went 3 for 5 at the plate and hit the game-winning double in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Big-swinging Strbak powers softball to walk-off Clarksburg win

Seyun Park, Print Editor-in-Chief
April 7, 2024

A Gilmore Girls Parody with a WJ Twist

Seyun Park, Rachael Wolfson and Torben Mucchetti
April 1, 2024
Physics teacher John Roller side-eyes a delinquent student in his physics classroom, the same room where he invented a perpetual motion machine.

John Roller wins Nobel Physics Prize

Seyun Park, Head Honcho
April 1, 2024
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.

McKnight to receive $1.3 million, other MCPS news updates

Seyun Park, Print Editor-in-Chief
March 22, 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
Members of the House of Represenatives of the US Congress voted to approve H.R. 7251 Wednesday 352-65.

House passes bill to potentially ban TikTok

Seyun Park, Print Editor-in-Chief
March 15, 2024
The Washington Capitals celebrate a decisive win against the Chicago Blackhawks, their first game following the trade deadline. The Capitals are 7-2-1 in their last 10 games.

Future uncertain for Capitals following trade deadline

Seyun Park and Mia Halper
March 11, 2024
The Icecats start the game in an intense face off against the Howard County Wolves. The Icecats lost 3-2 bringing their title defense to a premature end.

Icecats fall to Wolves in first round of states

Seyun Park and Zoe Ottenritter
March 1, 2024
Juniors Sam Ross and Praneel Suvarna are the two finalists for Student Member of the Board. The winner of the April election will become a full voting member of the MCPS Board of Education.

SMOB finalists selected

Seyun Park, Print Editor-in-Chief
February 15, 2024
Dr. Monique Felder was appointed MCPS interim Superintendent of Schools Tuesday. Felder and MCPS face questions regarding her history and the hiring process.

Dr. Monique Felder appointed MCPS Interim Superintendent

Seyun Park, Print Editor-in-Chief
February 6, 2024
The seat for Dr. Monifa McKnight, Superintendent of MCPS, sits empty at the Board of Educations table at MCPS central offices. McKnight resigned Friday in the wake of numerous controversies and allegations of misconduct.

Superintendent Monifa McKnight resigns in ‘mutual separation’ with Board

Seyun Park, Print Editor-in-Chief
February 2, 2024
MCPS Superintendent Dr. Monifa McKnight listens to testimony during a Board of Education budget hearing on Jan. 25 as President of the Board Karla Silvestre presides. Officers of the Board, including Silvestre, allegedly asked McKnight to resign the week prior.

Superintendent under fire

Seyun Park, Print Editor-in-Chief
February 2, 2024
WJ hockey seniors line up on the ice in the pre-game ceremony. The teams eight seniors all played during the game, although they combined for only two points.

Icecats finish regular season on five-game win streak

Zoe Ottenritter and Seyun Park
February 2, 2024
The Icecats huddle around their net following their 6-3 win over the Whitman Vikings. The win was their fourth win in a row.

5-goal period leads Icecats to revenge win over Vikings

Seyun Park, Print Editor-in-Chief
January 9, 2024
Captain Brendan Klotz celebrates with linemates after a goal. Klotz scored four goals to lead the Icecats to victory over Churchill.

Klotz’s four-goal performance serves Bulldogs first taste of defeat

Seyun Park, Print Editor-in-Chief
December 21, 2023
The Icecats and Barons prepare to faceoff midway through the first period. The Icecats routed the Barons 6-2 on Friday night.

Icecats bash Barons in battle

Zoe Ottenritter and Seyun Park
December 19, 2023
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The Pitch’s guide to holiday activities

Seyun Park, Print Editor-in-Chief
December 15, 2023
The Board of Education released its calendar for the 2024-25 school year at its board meeting on Dec. 5.

Board approves calendar for 2024-25 school year, other MoCo news updates

Seyun Park, Print Editor-in-Chief
December 15, 2023
Icecats recover 3-game winless streak with win against DC Stars

Icecats recover 3-game winless streak with win against DC Stars

Zoe Ottenritter and Seyun Park
December 15, 2023
Members of the Hispanic/Latin Heritage Club, Pasion Latino, Fashion Club and Tech Crew joined to host the Hispanic/Latin Cultural Assembly on Friday, Nov. 17.

Photo Gallery: The Hispanic Assembly

Geetanjali Raju and Seyun Park
December 5, 2023
Icecats alternate captain senior Jon Corwin moves with the puck as Churchill senior forward Dalton Esko-Himmelfarb skates in pursuit. Corwin scored a crucial goal with less than two minutes left to bring the Icecats within one goal of the Bulldogs.

Late comeback levels Icecats with Bulldogs

Zoe Ottenritter and Seyun Park
November 16, 2023
Board members unanimously vote to approve a resolution strengthening security measures in MCPS. The resolution was introduced by Student Member of the Board Sami Saeed (far right).

Board approves security resolution, other actions from Nov. 9 meeting

Seyun Park, Print Editor-in-Chief
November 15, 2023
The Capitals take warmups ahead of their Nov. 4 game agains the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Capitals won the game 2-1, one of the five games they have won this season.

10 games in, Capitals experience mixed results

Seyun Park and Mia Halper
November 7, 2023
A Montgomery County Police Department police car stands stopped on Democracy Boulevard as WJ students cross. MCPD has dealt with a large spike in the number of school-related security incidents, including a student with a loaded gun at WJ on Oct. 23

Countywide school security incidents prompt concern

Seyun Park, Print Editor-in-Chief
October 27, 2023
Freshman forward Matthew Corwin skates with the puck as a Sherwood skater attempts a poke check. With their 11-1 win over Sherwood, the Icecats have started their season 2-0.

Icecats start state title defense with 2-0 record

Seyun Park, Print Editor-in-Chief
October 25, 2023
WJ senior striker Loic Nsoga-Mahob skillfully moves past Northwest junior defender Noah Henseler to score the game-winner in overtime. Nsoga-Mahob has scored the game-winner in three of the teams past four games.

Cat fight: Wildcats pounce undefeated Jaguars

Elizabeth Finn and Seyun Park
October 21, 2023
Former Farquhar Middle School principal Joel Beidleman was appointed to be Paint Branch High School principal this summer, but his nomination was pulled as a Washington Post investigation revealed allegations of abuse and misconduct.

Board releases Beidleman report, other MoCo news updates

Seyun Park, Print Editor-in-Chief
October 20, 2023
Principal Jennifer Baker poses for a photo with MCPS Superintendent Monifa McKnight during a January 2023 visit. Bakers 12-year tenure as principal saw four county superintendents, hundreds of staff and thousands of students.

Principal Baker announces intention to retire Dec. 1

Joshua Singer and Seyun Park
October 2, 2023
Sophomore Brady MacBride runs to high-five mixed doubles partner junior Sky Carter during the pairs regional final matchup against Wootton. The two won the state mixed doubles title on May 27.

Mixed doubles cap off Cinderella run with state championship

Seyun Park, Print News Editor
June 13, 2023
Alicia Barnett and Mia Milicevic practice together during regionals. Each won singles championships during the county tournament.

Milicevic, Barnett win at Counties

Seyun Park, Print News Editor
May 24, 2023
Georgetown Square sits mostly abandoned during the lunch hour on May 8. Since the implementation of Pay and Go, students have returned to campus afer purchasing lunch.

Students, community adjust to “Pay and Go” lunch policy

Seyun Park, Print News Editor
May 24, 2023

[Video] Q&A with SMOB elect Sami Saeed

Elizabeth Finn and Seyun Park
May 23, 2023
Freshman Elizabeth Borissow hugs senior Maya Rickles while others cry following the teams 18-0 loss to Urbana. Despite losing four seniors this year, talents like Borissow and other freshmen will return next year to compete again.

Softball falls to Urbana to end season

Seyun Park, Print News Editor
May 22, 2023
Freshman catcher Alina Bonior tags out a BCC runner at home. The team won the regional championship defeating BCC 13-10 on Wed, May 17.

Softball claims regional title in heavy-hitting contest

Seyun Park, Print News Editor
May 22, 2023
Starting pitcher junior Sami Rosenberg throws a pitch during the teams May 1 senior night game against Watkins Mill. Star pitching from four different pitchers led the team to a 17-0 no-hitter win.

Softball finishes first in region, looks to return to region championship

Seyun Park, Print News Editor
May 15, 2023
Montgomery County Police Department 2nd District Commander Amy Daum, Principal Jennifer Baker and Community Engagement Officer Shate Jackson address the school during the morning announcements informing them of the changes to the open lunch policy. The new policy will require students to return to campus after purchasing food and drink.

Open lunch reformed, “Pay and Go” to be implemented Monday

Sourish Dey and Seyun Park
April 26, 2023
Society president Alexander Lewton gives a presentation about the basics of Pig Latin. The presentation was a precursor to the societys first official meeting on Friday in the stadium.

New WJ Pig Latin Honors Society established

Seyun Park, Print News Editor
March 30, 2023
Model UN President senior Max Turnacioglu explains the various aspects of participating in a conference during a club meeting. The club is excited for a return to an in person conference format this year following a long period of virtual conferences.

Academic Clubs February Recap

Seyun Park and Alexander Lewton
February 28, 2023
Sami Saeed and Yoseph Zerihun are the two finalists for the 46th Student Member of the Board.

SMOB finalists selected

Seyun Park, Print News Editor
February 26, 2023
One of the bathrooms locked by security was the gender-neutral bathroom on the G-level by the child development room. Various bathrooms are and will continued to be locked as security works to prevent overdoses and improve student safety.

Security locks certain bathrooms during school day

Seyun Park, Print News Editor
February 6, 2023
Superintendent Monifa McKnight and Principal Jennifer Baker pose for a photo outside of the college and career center. McKnight visited WJ friday to talk about AP and IB classes. One of McKnights budget proposals is to eliminate all fees for taking AP and IB exams.

Superintendent McKnight visits WJ

Alexander Lewton and Seyun Park
January 9, 2023
Walt Whitman High Schools sign on Whittier Boulevard was found vandalized with an antisemitic message on Saturday, Dec. 16.

String of antisemitic vandalism continues at Whitman HS

Seyun Park, Print News Editor
December 22, 2022
WJ alum Tim Kurkjian was enshrined in the Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame in December.

WJ: A year in review

Joshua Singer, Liann Keren and Seyun Park
December 21, 2022
Board members raise their hands in support of the proposal for next years calendar. The calendar will have an Aug. 28 first day and June 13 last day.

Board decides on calendar for 23-24 school year

Seyun Park, Print News Editor
December 13, 2022
The WJ Pantry Club held a food drive for the Manna Food Center on Nov. 14-18. Many clubs and groups were holding drives to give back to the community.

Community gives back through holiday drives

Seyun Park, Print News Editor
December 11, 2022
A plane crashed into high-voltage power lines in Gaithersburg Sunday evening, causing widespread power outages, leading to MCPS closing schools Monday.

MCPS closes schools following widespread power outages

Seyun Park, Print News Editor
November 28, 2022
Senior captain Wendy Liu receives a ball during the teams Sept. 22 game at Northwood HS. The team won this game 3-0 and finished the season 10-5.

Girls’ volleyball falls to Churchill, ending season

Seyun Park, Print News Editor
November 18, 2022
The team and crowd celebrates their win. They will next face second-seed Churchill HS (13-1).

Girls’ volleyball blocks Viking attack

Seyun Park, Print News Editor
November 7, 2022
MCPS and community leaders address questions about the audit. Pictured (from left): Brenda Wolff (President of the Board of Education), Monifa McKnight, (Superintendent), Stephanie Sharon (Office of Strategic Initiatives), Anthony Alston (MAEC), John Landesman (Office of Strategic Initiatives) and Carla Morris (Montgomery County Council of PTAs)

MCPS announces results of antiracist system audit

Seyun Park, Print News Editor
October 21, 2022
The Wildcats huddle together prior to the start of the game against Quince Orchard. Wildcats won in straight sets, 3-0.

Girls’ volleyball beat Quince Orchard Cougars 3-0, look to finish season strong

Seyun Park, Print News Editor
October 13, 2022
The team celebrates its win against Richard Montgomery Tuesday night. Wildcats beat the Rockets 3-1 and will next face BCC Barons.

Girls’ volleyball upsets RM

Seyun Park, Print News Editor
September 28, 2022
Freshman Travis Schultz and Charlotte Austegard display their IDs during lunch. As an increased security measure, administration has asked students to wear IDs while they are at school.

New policies headline new school year

Alexander Lewton, Seyun Park and Sourish Dey
September 20, 2022
The team celebrates a point during last seasons win against Gaithersburg HS. With five new members on the team, the team is looking for more wins this season.

Girls’ volleyball sets up to hit it off in fall sports season

Seyun Park, Print News Editor
September 6, 2022
Incumbent Montgomery County executive Marc Elrich faces primary opposition from buisnessman David Blair, councilman Hans Reimer and tech worker Peter James. Elrich was first elected to the county executive seat in 2018.

State, local candidates prepare for July primaries

Seyun Park, Print News Editor
June 16, 2022
Citi Open 2021 finalist Mackenzie McDonald fields a lob from champion Jannik Sinner in the 2021 championship match. DC has held this ATP event every year since 1969, except in 2020.

Citi Open brings professional tennis to Washington, D.C.

Seyun Park, Print News Editor
June 9, 2022
The has Mormon Temple has reopened to the public for the first time in almost 50 years. It will remain open until June 11.

MoCo news updates

Seyun Park and Abby Kee
May 24, 2022

Q&A with student member of the board Arvin Kim

Zsuzsanna Juhasz, Seyun Park and Ely Snow
May 20, 2022
The stands at Magruder High School, where the game was played, were packed, leading to pressure for the team. “I dont think we played to our full potential and we were all nervous. If we really played well and kept our team energy together the score would’ve been reversed,” freshman Laurick Razafimandimby said.

Boys’ volleyball falls to Clarksburg in county final

Seyun Park, Staff Writer
May 13, 2022
President Joe Biden shows an example of a DIY ghost gun that can be easily assembled. Biden announced new rules on ghost guns at a White House press event on April 11.

State, federal government crack down on ghost guns

Seyun Park, Staff Writer
May 11, 2022
Whitman junior Arvin Kim won the April 20 SMOB election and will serve as the 45th MCPS SMOB.

Arvin Kim elected Student Member of the Board

Seyun Park and Ely Snow
May 10, 2022
The team celebrates a point during their April 4 game against Wootton HS. The team lost one set against Wootton, one of only four sets theyve lost all season.

Boys’ Volleyball clinch division, finish regular season undefeated

Seyun Park, Staff Writer
May 2, 2022
A student on a bike rides on the sidewalk, dangerously close to traffic on Rock Spring Drive. Dangerous unprotected sidewalks like this all across the county have led to numerous cyclist and pedestrian injuries and deaths.

Our roads are unsafe — and it’s costing us lives

Seyun Park, Staff Writer
April 20, 2022
Junior and team captain Sebastiano Sani spikes the ball during the teams home game against Wootton HS, April 4th. The team ended up beating Wootton 3-1 to continue its winning streak.

Boys’ volleyball remains undefeated more than halfway through season

Seyun Park, Staff Writer
April 6, 2022
Students from various WJ clubs pose for a photo during a bake sale to raise funds for Voices of Children. The bake sale raised over $1,000.

Students write letters, raise funds to support Ukraine

Seyun Park, Staff Writer
April 5, 2022
The WJ building has been temporarily closed for emergency bathroom repairs. Staff and admin who were still in the building when the announcement came were promptly evacuated.

WJ bathrooms fail health inspection, school temporarily closed for emergency repairs

Seyun Park, Staff Writer
April 1, 2022
Many colleges and universities that WJ students apply to and attend practice affirmative action in their admissions.

Affirmative action causes controversy

Seyun Park, Staff Writer
March 29, 2022
The Board of Education voted 8-0 to lift its mask mandate in MCPS buildings. Student board member Hana OLooney was absent from the meeting.

Board lifts mask mandate, schools mask optional effective immediately

Seyun Park, Staff Writer
March 9, 2022
Freshmen Jasper Goldstein and Dylan Oliver work closely together on classwork for Algebra 2. Since students have returned to classrooms, everyone in school has been required to wear masks; however, this mandate may soon be lifted.

Board of education likely to rescind school mask mandate

Seyun Park, Staff Writer
February 28, 2022
Nathan Diehl teaches his APEX Biology class. APEX Biology 9 is one of the few cohorted classes that is offered by APEX, along with APEX English 9 and 10.

APEX needs to reverse program changes

Seyun Park, Staff Writer
February 18, 2022
Ibrahima (Baba) Cisse and Arvin Kim are the two finalists for the 45th Student Member of the Board

Nominating convention selects SMOB finalists Cisse, Kim

Seyun Park, Staff Writer
February 17, 2022
Former WJ SRO Shate Jackson was temporarily placed back in school following the Magruder HS shooting. However, the move is not expected to be permanent.

Magruder shooting revives SRO debate

Seyun Park, Staff Writer
February 9, 2022
MCPS closed schools on Monday, January 3, due to snow. In the future, days like this might be mitigated with virtual learning.

MCPS changes snow day policy, will consider virtual learning on case-by-case basis

Seyun Park, Staff Writer
February 8, 2022
APEX freshman Hannah Spellman examines cells under a microscope in her APEX Biology class. Spellman is one of 225 freshmen in APEX Reach this year, and takes APEX Biology as one of the core courses required by the program. “I dont think that there should be limited slots; I think they should consider more than GPA but not a strict test or extensive requirements,” Spellman said on the admissions process for APEX.

APEX reach program adapts to program changes

Seyun Park, Special to the Pitch
December 17, 2021
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