The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
Seniors Michelle Lett and Bella Relacion lead the MSP and BSU-led demonstrators in chants, calling out MCPS for a lack of response to recent racism incidents. Other BSUs and MSPs around the county led similar rallies.
MSP, BSU rally, raise awareness of racism in MCPS
Students attend AP African American History during fourth period. WJ has implemented programs to provide support for first-time AP test takers.
Equal Opportunity Schools, Study Circles programs improve learning landscape
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
A ballot box sits just outside of the WJ school building in May, right before the 2024 primary election. Ballot boxes like this will be used by many WJ seniors this November to cast their votes for the first time.
WJ students share opinions, take action before 2024 election
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
Seniors Michelle Lett and Bella Relacion lead the MSP and BSU-led demonstrators in chants, calling out MCPS for a lack of response to recent racism incidents. Other BSUs and MSPs around the county led similar rallies.
MSP, BSU rally, raise awareness of racism in MCPS
Samantha Arenberg works at a site inspection of a historic barn. They used drones to create an accurate 3D imaging of the barn to help identify areas of structural concern. “I miss certain aspects of my job. I miss being able to eat when I want, and go to the bathroom when I want, and the time flexibility. But I don’t miss being in a cubicle for nine hours a day, and feeling like I wasn’t helping people,” Arenberg siaid.
Prior jobs lead teachers to WJ
From the left: Ellie Macfarlan, Charlotte Kuperstein, Alice Frank, Olivia Crawford, Lucia Kanazir, and Daniele Perez. They all intend to attend Homecoming again this year and have fun
Students plan for Homecoming
Karen Generose reviews practice sentences with her Latin Two students. Each day Generose teaches five different levels of Latin.
Language teachers cope with packed classes
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
(Courtesy Hildi Altman)
Homecoming: Is it best to go with a date or friends?
The VMA's is an annual Video Music Award ceremony hosted in the month of September. The award show was available for fans around the world to tune in and watch their favorite artists get the chance to receive many outstanding awards. (Wikimedia Commons)
Performance ranking of the VMA’s
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
A student's collection of college pamphlets and magazines from universities across the country. Every year, students receive pamphlets from universities that are recruiting them.
The downsides of looking at colleges too early
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
Wide receiver Devin Markert catches a pass deep into Whitman's 20'. WJ dominated Whitman 41-0 on a Thursday night home game. The student section watched as the play unfolded.
County-wide initiative sacks season-long Friday night football.
Snapshot of FedEx Field pregame before the Commanders' matchup versus the Chicago Bears last year on Monday night football. The stadium name is now Northwest Stadium for the 2024-2025 season and the foreseeable future.
Washington Commanders: Is there hope in D.C.?
The team poses for a photo before beginning their tour with Johnson. The Cats were given a full tour of the University of Maryland football facilities. "My favorite part of the tour was getting to meet players from the actual team. They were all so nice and we got to take pictures with them," senior Mimi Dietrich said.
Photo Gallery: Girls’ flag football visits UMD
The Change-Up: Capitals Edition
The Change-Up: Capitals Edition
The team completes a breathtaking stunt in a pyramid. The high-risk nature of Cheer is always something for the athletes to keep in mind. "Cheerleading is very, very, hard," head coach Vanessa Barnes said. It's one of the most dangerous sports. A lot of people don't know that because it's overlooked, but it is very difficult. Any minute, someone can be dropped from all the way up in the air. That's probably one of the things I would think people need to know about cheerleading."
Photo Gallery: Cheers first competetion
Cats bounce back, beat undefeated school rival
Cats bounce back, beat undefeated school rival
Students react to the upcoming presidential election
Students react to the upcoming presidential election
Seniors Michelle Lett and Bella Relacion lead the MSP and BSU-led demonstrators in chants, calling out MCPS for a lack of response to recent racism incidents. Other BSUs and MSPs around the county led similar rallies.
MSP, BSU rally, raise awareness of racism in MCPS
The team poses for a photo before beginning their tour with Johnson. The Cats were given a full tour of the University of Maryland football facilities. "My favorite part of the tour was getting to meet players from the actual team. They were all so nice and we got to take pictures with them," senior Mimi Dietrich said.
Photo Gallery: Girls’ flag football visits UMD
Healthy relationships 101
Healthy relationships 101
The Change-Up: Capitals Edition
The Change-Up: Capitals Edition
The team completes a breathtaking stunt in a pyramid. The high-risk nature of Cheer is always something for the athletes to keep in mind. "Cheerleading is very, very, hard," head coach Vanessa Barnes said. It's one of the most dangerous sports. A lot of people don't know that because it's overlooked, but it is very difficult. Any minute, someone can be dropped from all the way up in the air. That's probably one of the things I would think people need to know about cheerleading."
Photo Gallery: Cheers first competetion
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
School + Extracurriculars + Job = Burnout

School + Extracurriculars + Job = Burnout

Rhea Noumair, Online Editor-in-Chief
September 17, 2024
The College Board offers 39 distinct Advanced Placement courses for students to take. Scores in the final exam of each class, taken in May, can be potentially transferred as college credit depending on the score and the policy of the receiving university. (Courtesy The Echo)

How to celebrate finishing AP exams

Mia Magone, Business Manager
June 4, 2024
Conquering confrontation: its difficulties, purpose, tips

Conquering confrontation: its difficulties, purpose, tips

Elli Karistinou, Print Feature Editor
April 26, 2024
Where did Wildcat wellness go?

Where did Wildcat wellness go?

Lily Tapparo, Senior Sports Editor
February 12, 2024
Following the pandemic, schools across the county have been making efforts at providing the necessary resources for their students to cope with mental health issues. However, the shift in focus towards mental health prioritization comes along with neglect regarding physical health.

A holistic approach at enhancing mental and physical health

Ben Kim, Senior Opinion Editor
December 15, 2023
Administration and staff pose with handmade wellness signs. "We're so excited about everyone who participated or stopped by. We hope these activities brought a little bit of positivity to your day," Youth Development Specialist Payton Belisle said.

Mind over matter: WJ celebrates mental health

Geetanjali Raju, Online News Editor
November 6, 2023
Point/Counterpoint: Should WJ adopt more open note quizzes?

Point/Counterpoint: Should WJ adopt more open note quizzes?

Geetanjali Raju and Guilherme Bonzi
February 26, 2023
Constant Chromebook use: the disadvantages far outweigh the benefits

Constant Chromebook use: the disadvantages far outweigh the benefits

Katherine Alshab, Special to the Pitch
February 10, 2023
Striving for academic excellence affects student health

Striving for academic excellence affects student health

Kalana Amarasekara, Special to The Pitch
February 2, 2023
Load More Stories
Donate to The Pitch
$356
$1000
Contributed
Our Goal