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
Shae McCloskey

Shae McCloskey, Print Feature Editor

Shae McCloskey is a senior and is so excited for her third year on The Pitch as a Print Feature Editor. Outside of The Pitch, Shae enjoys playing field hockey and lacrosse.

All content by Shae McCloskey
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?

Shae McCloskey, Print Feature Editor
September 23, 2024
Taking a leap in a new direction, Beyonce released her first country album 'Cowboy Carter' on March 29. The album has triggered a lot of conversation about whether or not the piece was a step in the right direction or an ultimate fail.

Beyonce giddies up into country music: Cowboy Carter Review

Shae McCloskey, Online Opinion Editor
May 9, 2024
The College Fair needs changes

The College Fair needs changes

Shae McCloskey, Online Opinion Editor
April 8, 2024
WJ alumni and current teacher, Laura Brager, poses with friends who she went to school with. Brager graduated in 2009 and returned to teach at WJ years later. (Courtesy Laura Brager)

Student to teacher

Shae McCloskey, Online Opinion Editor
March 21, 2024
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Laura Brager – Class of 2009

March 9, 2024
The last Powderpuff to occur was two years ago, in the spring of 2022. Since the game didn't occur last year, players on both the senior and junior teams will be participating in the tradition for the very first time.

Powderpuff: The tradition where anyone can dominate the football field

Shae McCloskey, Online Opinion Editor
February 2, 2024
"I like chocolate, cookies, and all the sweet treats that come with the holiday. I finally got a boyfriend so I'm excited to celebrate it with him." - Ginger Fishberg, 11

Up at bat: Valentine’s day plans

Shae McCloskey, Online Opinion Editor
February 2, 2024
Many have a tradition of making a wish list to send to their family and friends.

The Pitch’s 2023 Gift Guide

Shae McCloskey, Online Opinion Editor
December 15, 2023
Last Friday, Nicki Minaj dropped a stunning sequel to her 2010 hit album "Pink Friday." It's the first album Minaj has dropped in five years since the release of "Queen" in 2018.

Welcome to Gag City: Pink Friday 2 Review

Shae McCloskey, Online Opinion Editor
December 15, 2023
Alexia Phares (left) poses with her high school track teammates at a meet. While on the high school track team, she competed in various sprints and jumps events.

Alexis Phares takes over as jumps coach

Shae McCloskey, Online Opinion Editor
December 15, 2023
“I really like pink out because it’s pretty easy and I really like the color. My least favorite is definitely tropical or beach because everyone dresses in the same ugly printed shirts and it’s boring.” - Hildi Altman, 11

Up-at-Bat: What are the best and worst football game themes?

Shae McCloskey, Online Opinion Editor
November 2, 2023
Class of 2023 student Bardia Hormozi participates in a signing day celebration amongst other committed athletes.

College applications: Regular students vs. athletic commits

Shae McCloskey, Online Opinion Editor
September 27, 2023
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