The Patriot October 2009, Issue 1, Vol 45

Student experiences political protest

Sailing team gains ground Freshman works to round up a sailing team

One student marches on Washington FEATURES 4

thepatriot

SPORTS 16

October 09

The John Carroll School 703 E. Churchville Rd. Bel Air, MD 21014

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Briggs aims to administrate

Photo by Kristin Marzullo

Junior Tony Orbino dribbles the ball away from Curley defender Ricky Greensfelder at the September 30 night game. The Friars defeated the Patriots 3-0, paced by two goals from Aaron Beale.

Night games mark milestone Allison Siegel Managing Editor The field was lined with fresh white paint, the grass dewy from the evening chill. Her cleats damp from taking her position at forward, Colleen O’Connell looked around and saw her teammates under a spotlight.

Two years after the football team’s firstever night game, the portable lights were dragged across the parking lot to brighten up the soccer community. In her last high school soccer season, O’Connell was able to make a memory of the special event.

With only five home games this year, the football team had few opportunities to play in front of their friends and fans. Varsity women’s soccer coach Gary Lynch came to the athletic department with an idea to spread the spotlight onto another program.

“I may be biologically different from you girls, but I am 100 percent for girls’ sports,” said Lynch. When he came to Athletic Director Larry Dukes, Lynch wanted to showcase women’s sports and show off how hard his team had been working. The women’s and men’s soccer teams often practiced together, so it was natural for Lynch to include

the mens’ program in their special event.

Soccer Under the Stars took place on Tuesday September 29 and Wednesday September 30. On Tuesday both the varsity and JV women’s teams played Notre Dame Prep. The game was highly anticipated, and by the time the varsity team began playing, a large crowd had gathered around the fence at the soccer field.

“There were about 600 people there, with 100 of them being kids,” JV women’s coach and Assistant Women’s Athletic Director Stephanie Maychack said. Lynch See SPORTS 16

School spirit gets a fresh face lift Kirby Browning Copy Editor The “heart and soul” of John Carroll has been identified in three simple words: compelling, considerate, and uncompromising.

John Carroll continues to undergo many changes as the new year progresses. The change that has been the most publicized this year has been the new school tagline. The three words: “compelling,” “considerate,” and “uncompromising,” which have replaced, “tradition,” “pride,” and “excellence,” have redefined the school’s identity. These three words that described the Archbishop John Carroll in 1815 are now the words that describe our new and improved school

Index

community.

The original motto was created when the school first opened in 1964. Starting in early summer of 2008, the school decided to renovate the JC slogan. “There was a strong feeling throughout the John Carroll community that the identity of the school was varied and unclear,” said Rick O’Hara, President of John Carroll. Because of further renovations that have been planned for the next 10 years, the school felt that in order to proceed, they first needed to clearly answer the question, “What, really, is John Carroll all about?”

“I feel that the vibe in the school is very good, and the new slogan really made a great start,” said Principal Paul Barker, whose job was to promote

News...2

Photo by Allison Siegel

The new school banners are a sign of the school’s new motto: uncompromising, considerate, and compelling. The motto has also inspired a button campaign.

the new slogan and introduce it to the students and parents.

When Barker introduced the new tagline to the teachers and staff, almost all the faculty, according to O’Hara, was uneasy about the word uncompromising.

Features...4

“Most people who have been here for awhile love the old tagline and are skeptical about the new wording, including myself,” said Campus Minister Patti Murphy-Dohn. The Board of Trustees contacted

Entertainment....7

See NEWS 2

In-Depth...8

Photo by Kelly Vaughn

Dan Briggs directs his class of orchestra students. He is pursuing a Master of Education degree.

Charlotte Hagerman Copy Editor During his mods off from teaching, music director Dan Briggs struggles to study and complete assignments for his own classes. In addition to his workload at school, Briggs is facing the daunting task of earning his master’s degree.

Briggs is working on completing an internship in administration as part of his master’s program at Johns Hopkins University. This January, Briggs intends on taking his principal certification test.

Briggs hopes to graduate in May with his Master of Education degree with a specialty in administration and supervision before attending doctoral programs the following year. Principal Paul Barker is mentoring Briggs in his studies.

Briggs attends weekly meetings with the “core” team consisting of Barker, Vice Principal Gary Scholl, and the deans. He attended the pre-school retreat and has spoken to the Academic Council, all a part of “getting his feet wet in the job,” said Barker.

Briggs is also chairing the School Improvement Team, which will create a report of how the school meets its goals.

His job is to complete “a lot of leadership jobs,” said Barker. Briggs must complete 200 hours of administrative activity.

Barker said, “Briggs is a good candidate for an administrative position. Look at how he has handled the music department — with energy, burn, and good humor. He is in command of a very large program, with 120 kids in his homeroom.”

According to Barker, there is a lack of interest among the faculty in administrative positions because of the time commitment.

“If you ask most teachers in the school ‘Would you like to do what Mr. Barker or See FEATURES 5

Editorials...11

Sports...14

2 news

the patriot

Volume 45 Issue 1 October 2009

New school motto sparks school spirit

The Patriot

The John Carroll School 703 Churchville Road Bel Air, MD 21014 Volume 45, Issue 1, October 2009

From FRONT PAGE

Editor in Chief: Daniel Gallen Executive Board: Kate Froehlich Joey Hoff Jenny Hottle Allison Siegel Allison Walczyk Editorials: Kaitlin Bobbin Katelynn Colgain Entertainment: Nico Cvach Hilary Weidner Features: Katie Clarke Taylor Schafer In-Depth: Julia Earnshaw Elizabeth Tauber News: Alex Dunn Collin Hoofnagle Sports: Erin Hanratty Rachel Kokoska Copy Editors: Alex Bahr Kirby Browning Charlotte Hagerman Gabrielle Joseph Design Editor: Ryan Selvy Photo Editor: Kristin Marzullo General Staff: Nicky Hatzidimitriou Ryan Lina Haley Lynch Mollyann Pais Caitie Beth Shauck Contributers: Katie Doherty Morgan Seiler Kristi Snyder Conrad Sullivan Kelly Vaughn Moderator: Mark Ionescu The Patriot is a publication of The John Carroll School.

The views and opinions expressed in The Patriot are not necessarily the views of the Board or Administration of The John Carroll School.

The editorial staff invites and greatly appreciates comments from readers on any issue.

Please email us at editor@jcpatriot.com or visit our website: www.jcpatriot.com

Tony Martin Starts Reaching Out Photo by Conrad Sullivan

Outreach Director Tony Martin sits in his office as he looks over a student’s service form. Martin hopes to make outreach more accessible to the students.

Kaitlin Bobbin Editorials Editor The necessary job of accepting and rejecting service hours to decide whether or not each student graduates is now all in the hands of basketball coach Tony Martin.

For over 20 years, the position of Outreach Director has been filled by a Sister of St. Joseph, the most recent being Sister Maryanne Zakreski.

When this year called for her replacement, it also called for a deep look into the service aspect of student life.

While the requirements of sixty hours of service by graduation will remain the same, the new goal for this year is to have “more students doing direct service and being happy about it,” according to Principal Paul Barker.

“I needed someone interested

in dealing with students and service that could make students positive about the requirement and the solution seemed right there in front of me,” said Barker.

The result of this epiphany is basketball coach Tony Martin.

“I’m excited to get to know the entire student body and get them excited about the spirit of service” said Martin.

His goal as Outreach Director is to “encourage students to participate actively and not scrutinize them about every aspect of service hours.”

Barker realizes the challenge of getting students excited about service.

“It’s hard for teenagers to reach out and find these opportunities,” said Barker. As a result, Barker hopes that Martin can bridge the gap between students and venues. “[Martin’s] doing a terrific job al-

ready of contacting service providers in the area and developing a relationship with them,” said Barker.

Through this effort, Martin will be opening doors for students to do their service in places that were either discouraged or not considered in years past. Such places include Care Night Food Ministry and My Sister’s Place Women’s Center.

Barker hopes that once this contact is initiated and relationships are built, getting service hours will be less of a hassle and more of a natural habit.

He also hopes that it will be less of an individual task and more in the form of groups of students going to service venues every day after school.

“Once you get this rolling, it will continue to happen by itself… we can make this happen,” said Barker.

Coffee offers good morning to students Joey Hoff Managing Editor Students like Christine Neenan began this school year with a few grinds. No, it’s not a ridiculous dance. It’s gourmet Gevalia coffee, the newest addition to the cafeteria.

And the popularity of the new addition speaks for itself.

Just take a typical Monday morning. Sage Dining Service Manager Jerry Hammer scurries to refill the coffee dispenser at the new coffee station while senior Christine Neenan types away on her laptop and sips at her coffee.

“It’s so yummy. That’s the best way to describe the coffee,” said Neenan, sipping the vanilla nut blend. “It tastes like Wawa’s coffee, but it’s stronger.”

At the end of last year, the administration approached Sage Dining Services about adding coffee to the cafeteria menu. “Every day, you see students coming to school holding cups of coffee,” said Hammer. “Coffee just seemed like a great idea.”

When summer came, Gevalia soon followed. “I was flipping through a trade magazine when I saw a classy full page ad for gourmet Gevalia coffee,” said Hammer.

After seeing the advertisement,

Hammer organized a taste test. He included school faculty members to get a wide variety of opinions on the coffee. According to Hammer, the taste test was successful.

He’s even a coffee convert.

Hammer said “I’m not really a coffee drinker, but the Gevalia coffee smells so good. I even drink the vanilla nut coffee.”

Hammer is not the only one that has converted to the world of Gevalia. He says that faculty members are skipping the free, generic Citavo coffee in the teacher’s lounge and are willing to pay for the gourmet coffee in the cafeteria.

Although Neenan does not have the choice in the cafeteria between complementary Citavo and gourmet Gevalia, she’s not complaining. “ I actually love the price,” Neenan said. Cups of Gevalia coffee start at $1.00.

But for most Gevalia drinkers, it’s all about the flavors. While the cafeteria offers regular and flavored versions of the coffee, the flavored coffees are the most popular, especially the vanilla nut and hazelnut blends.

“Students should bring their recommendations,” said Hammer, referring to the wide variety of flavors that are available. From Dark

Board of Trustees contacted five marketing firm companies, whose job was to aid in promoting and, in technical terms, the “branding” of the school.

The school chose a high school centered constituency called The Peebles Creative Group, and initiated the process by sending all of the school’s information to Peebles, including surveys completed by parents, teachers, students, and alumni.

The next step was for Peebles to come to the school, hosting focus groups about the new tagline for students, alumni, parents, and teachers.

Working closely with Peebles for close to a year, the school created a single statement, summing up the school’s values: “The John Carroll School Provides a Catholic foundation of values, challenging academics, and real-life experiences so that our students embrace opportunities and excel as responsible participants in a global society.”

The school then discovered Archbishop John Carroll’s obituary, which described him as “compelling,” “considerate,” and “uncompromising.”

Thus, the new school tagline was born. “We wanted to make the link between the tagline and the Archbishop John Carroll very central,” said O’Hara.

Barker was anxious to introduce the new slogan to the student body, but “by slowly introducing it to the school, it can eventually integrate the motto into every day school life.”

HAVE YOU HEARD THE NEWS?

jcpatriot.com Photo by Kelly Vaughn

Senior Kristi Synder sips her Gevalia coffee while doing homework in the morning. The gourmet coffee debuted this year in the cafeteria.

Chocolate Truffle to Costa Rica Peaberry, Gevalia offers 31 types of coffee from around the world.

Amaretto and Irish cream are strong candidates for upcoming flavors according to Hammer.

So far, the Gevalia coffee has proven to be a well-received addition to the new school year. Hammer said, “People look forward to it.”

news

the patriot

Volume 45 Issue 1 October 2009

3

Bringing you your news on the go

Advisory program to replace homeroom Post offices close across country

Photo by Jenny Hottle

Post offices are closing all over the country due to the loss of revenue because of e-mail and the recession.

The United States Postal Service reported a loss of $7 billion dollars.

The USPS attempted to compensate for the loss by increasing stamp prices, cutting staff, and removing collection boxes.

Now, along with closings, post offices will be consolidating services and shortening their hours.

The number of post offices closing in the United States is around 700.

Closures in Maryland will include the Eastpoint Mall, Towson Towne Center, Friendship Heights, Silver Spring Center, and Landover Hills locations.

Starting next year, JC will no longer have homerooms.

Instead, there will be an advisory program in which the students will be split up into co-ed and mixed grade level groups of eight to ten students, plus one advisor who is either a teacher or an administrator.

The school day will begin with the first three mods, where attendance will be taken and the prayer and pledge said.

The advisory group would meet afterwards which is when the announcements will be made and other homeroom activities would take place.

The reason behind the change is to provide the students with an adult that they can talk to besides their guidance counselors.

Photo by Katie Doherty

Photo by Morgan Seiler

Class of 2009 graduate Rachel Weinberg’s Senior Project presentation was a reflected materials from the play that she directed, “Ghetto.” Other senior projects from 2009 included participation in the Maryland State Page Program and camping out in a tipi for a week.

Senior project starts round two Nicky Hatzidimitriou General Staff At the start of school last year, a pairing of two words had the capability of producing incessant groaning and cries of agony: senior project.

Despite the initial complaints, the seniors from last year can tell you that the end result was completely unexpected.

After renovating the Children’s Center at Anna’s House, Class of ’09 graduate Maura Donnelly became more independent and goaloriented.

“I learned how to communicate with others and how to take initiative to get a project done,” Donnelly said. “I learned that I can make my own decisions, and I do not always need an adult’s constant help to make a big difference.”

Though hesitant at first, Donnelly was able to change the lives of children and her own mindset.

Fellow ’09 graduate Brent Fox studied anthropology with Gary Scholl, Vice Principal of Academics and social studies teacher.

He attended pow-wows, studied the history, construction, and use of the Plain’s tipi.

The finished result: a 1/10 scale model of a traditional Cheyenne tipi and a week camping in an eighteen foot tipi with other classmates.

“I had never really talked to them outside of class much,” Fox said about his fellow campers, “but when we camped, we really got along well…we helped each other a lot. For me, I guess, I learned a greater appreciation for community.”

Rachel Weinberg of the class of ’09, who did a production of Joshua Sobol’s play “Ghetto,” admits she was hesitant about the concept, but grew to love the project.

“To this day, I cannot think of a better experience to round out my high school years,” said Weinberg.

Senior project was a bridge between high school and college for Weinberg, as well as for ’09 graduate Allison Gruel, who organized Fine Arts Awards Night for her senior project.

Both agree senior project was With round two of senior projable to prepare them for the pres- ect underway, Geczy is in the prosure of college. cess of making alterations to help [Senior Project] prepares you the program run more efficiently. for the immense amount of perShe is re-working the contract, sonal responsibility that you will prospectus, and résumé. encounter in college,” Weinberg In addition, she is revising the said. “The diligence and work ethic evaluation process to better acI discovered while completing se- count for the degree of difficulty of nior project gave me a renewed a project, and adjusting the requireconfidence as I tackled the stresses ments for mentors. of the first month of college.”

Having witnessed the possibili“It was never something that was ties from last year’s senior projects, simply supposed seniors this year to become a burare refusing to den for senior hold back. year,” said senior “I want to It was never project moderamake an imsomething that was tor Louise Gecpact,” said sesimply supposed to zy. “It was always, nior Jess Crawin my mind, supbecome a burden for ford, “whether posed to be an it’s going to a senior year.” opportunity to different counexplore yourself try or doing - Louise Geczy, and some aspect something on a Sr. Project Moderator smaller scale to of who you are or what you want to be.” help others.”

Geczy said, “If “That’s why you’ve been able to do this senior the June 4 night [Senior Showcase] project and come out of it success- is so exciting,” Geczy said. “To see fully on the other end, you have to what everybody else has done and know that there’s nothing you can’t to look around and go, ‘Oh my tackle. When can you ever say to gosh, would you look at this? This yourself again, ‘I can’t do it?’ Be- is amazing.’ Because it really is.” cause you know you can.”

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4 Editor rallies in DC with conservatives features

the patriot

Volume 45 Issue 1 October 2009

Katie Clarke Features Editor I’d never before seen a million people band together in opposition for one common cause. I’d never met a family who would travel over 600 miles on a dreary weekend in September to teach their kids the importance of being Americans. I hadn’t realized the importance of participating in American politics as a young adult.

On September 12, I participated in the March on Washington, rallying with men, women, and children from across the nation.

The 9/12 Project, or the March on Washington, is a part of the Tea Party Movement sponsored by the FreedomWorks Foundation.

While some protested against the proposed Heath Care Bill, the main purpose of the project was to oppose the expansion of government, over-taxation, and increased deficit spending.

The date is significant because the project supports nine key principles based upon the words of our founding fathers and twelve American values.

According to the912project. com, the project aims to bring Americans back to the state in which we found ourselves in on September 12, 2001 after the 9/11 attacks when we were united and felt the need to protect American values.

This year, I decided that it was time I began to take a more active role in government, even though I’m not yet eligible to vote.

Along with senior Kate Froehlich and my dad, I began the journey to the March on Washington

‘

Photo by Katie Clarke

Thousands of Americans gather around the reflecting pool outside the Capitol building carrying flags and signs. The March on Washington drew massive crowds from across the country on September 12, 2009.

via the Metro, where we witnessed throngs of people leaving the train stations carrying American flags.

We talked to a few of the protesters on the train about their experiences and one woman even gave us an American flag to take to the rally. Like the majority of people we encountered at the rally, this woman was a friendly, patriotic American, who wanted to stand up for her beliefs.

We arrived at the Capitol in the afternoon. The actual procession to the Capitol had already ended,

but the rally was still going strong.

Once Froehlich and I started our own “march” down the National Mall, people immediately began complimenting us on our homemade sign that said, “’YOU LIE!’ Someone’s finally telling the truth.”

Adults showered us with praise about how proud they were to see teens actively participating in politics.

Participants carried creative signs focusing on the potential tax hikes and expanding government: “My Congress spent $787,000,000,000 and all I got was this lousy T-shirt”

If 10% is good enough for Jesus, it ought to be good enough for Uncle Sam.”

Teen dances to opportunity Haley Lynch General Staff Like most 13 year-old girls, Miranda Wienecke likes to dance.

However, her opportunity to dance in Russia on a full scholarship and study with the famous Bolshoi ballet separates her from most teens.

Wienecke performed two solos and three group dances at the Grand Prix dance competition. She went to regionals, where there were dancers from all over the country, and then to nationals, where dancers around the world competed. Although she loved being surrounded by people of different cultures, Wienecke admitted that she was a nervous when she stepped onto the stage in front of a table of judges. However, Wienecke made a lasting impression on the judges.

“They offered me a spot in their ballet school, and I go there for a year and live there” said Wienecke. Because she attended

one of the Bolshoi’s camps, and was required to take an intensive Russian class, Wienecke already knows a little about the Bolshoi ballet. She considers her chance to go to Russia one of her biggest accomplishments, and plans to go when she is sixteen or seventeen.

Wienecke started dancing when she was two years old, a year after she was adopted from China. Her favorite type of dance is ballet and tap, but her experience doesn’t stop there. She also takes jazz, modern, ballroom, and even hip-hop. Wienecke said, “Ballroom is the hardest because I’ve never really done it before..”

“I want to be a dancer for as long as I can, or teach dance,” said Wienecke.

Her mom, Donna Wienecke, and her mom’s friend, Kristin Hernandez, have owned dance studios together for her dancing career.

Her current studio is The Photo courtesy of Kristin Hernandez

Mid-Atlantic Center for Performing Arts is the fifth highest- rated dance studio in North America.

Hernandez said, “Personally, Randi is very special to me. She is my god daughter, but might as well be my own. She has a passion for dance and a respect for her art that shines through in everything she does.”

Every year, their dance studio puts on a production of The Nutcracker, but did the Wizard of Oz this year. “I like to perform. I like the costumes, but some of them are uncomfortable,” said Wienecke.

When asked about her practices, Wienecke mentioned that she has practices every day, lasting between and four and a half hours.

She said, “On Saturdays, if there’s a show coming up, I might be there from 9 – 8:30.” When asked if it was difficult to balance with academics she replied, “It can be challenging, but I always find a way to handle it.”

Wienecke earned the attention of the Bolshoi ballet group because of her dedication. Hernandez said, “She was blessed with a gift, and is working hard to live up to her potential as an artist, and does not ever take that gift for granted.”

and “If 10% is good enough for Jesus, it ought to be good enough for Uncle Sam.” Others protested against the Health Care bill, with sayings such as, “If Obama screws up Health Care, where will the Canadians go?” and, my personal favorite, “There’s nothing un-patriotic about taking care of your grandmother.”

Pro-life members of the protest held signs saying, “Baby killing is not health care.”

The most important part of my experience in DC was learning that once I looked past the extremists, everyone who gathered for the march just wanted Congress and the President to hear their message and listen to their concerns. Seeing the true grassroots origins of the march, I could fully understand the citizens’ frustrations with politicians who ruthlessly bash those who op-

pose the Heath Care legislation and the government’s recent actions.

Several things about the March were questionable, such as the extremists and the actual crowd number, but the faith and power of those gathered cannot be ignored.

Although I will admit that the estimated crowd number is debatable, the event packed DC with hordes of people streaming from the White House to Capitol Hill for several hours. (Several news outlets said that the March included tens of thousands of protesters.

Other groups, such as the National Park Service and the Metro Police, estimated the crowd to be nearly 1.2 million people.)

But numbers were not as significant once I realized that I had experienced a DC protest and had felt the atmosphere full of passionate American citizens.

Though many protesters were adults, Froehlich and I were not the only teenagers or children at the rally. Every age and racial demographic was well represented: Proactive teens, frustrated senior citizens and middle-aged parents all decided to speak out against the government spending.

As for other young citizens, I have heard dozens of reasons as to why they are not interested in politics: Some think it’s too boring, while others don’t think it matters or can’t understand the issues. The truth is, in a few years we will all be eligible to vote and the decisions that politicians make today will still affect our lives in the future.

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features

the patriot

Volume 45 Issue 1 October 2009

Major :

Of the top ten most in-demand degrees:

Decisions

Katie Clarke Features Editor Junior year, everyone seems to be telling you that you need to focus on your long-term goals and start planning for the future. Senior year, everyone expects you to know exactly what you want to do in five years and knowing this is supposed to direct you to a specific school or program. Sounds easy, doesn’t it?

Well, for anyone who does not yet have an idea of what to study or where to go in life, you’ve come to the right place. Even if you think you know what you want to do, consider other options. This recurring feature will give you a closer look into some of the possibilities that await you at college and what you can do with different degrees.

At nearly 10 p.m. on a Monday night, Purdue University freshman Mark Apicella ‘09 stares at his dorm-room desk covered in calculus and chemistry homework. He wonders how he’ll ever finish his chemistry project for class tomorrow and still have time to study for calculus and sleep. Trying to relax, Apicella reminds himself of why he’s pushing himself so hard

to make it in the engineering pro- is not enough to convince you, congram: it’s his dream. sider life after college. According “Math is the reason I wanted to to a report by CNBC, three out of be an engineering major. I’ve al- the ten most in-demand college deways been good at math and I love grees are mechanical engineering, creating and constructing things,” electrical engineering, and comApicella said. He has one of the puter engineering. most important elements of sucSenior Wil Cranford’s interest cess in college: a passion for what in engineering began in his family. he’s studying.

“My oldest brother Studying went into engineerwhat you love ing and I started to You’re is possibly the see some of the projeasiest option. ects he was working always doing How do you on and it seemed know you’ll like something I something love engineerwould be good at ing?

Well, doing,” Cranford new.” if you enjoy said.

- Ryan Atwell math and sciIf engineering ence classes, has not always been Class of 2010 you should at your dream job, least consider don’t worry. Senior this major. The engineering ma- Ryan Atwell, who is planning to jor consists of over a dozen more major in mechanical engineering, specific concentrations. From civil said that he only decided on this engineering to nuclear engineer- major a few months ago. He said, ing, the possibilities for projects “I’m interested in it mostly because are endless. Fortunately, most col- math has always been my strong lege programs do not require you point, but also because you’re alto designate a specific engineering ways doing something new.” program as freshmen.

Guidance Director Carol HefIf your love of math and science lin-Shupe said, “Engineering is a

‘

huge umbrella and basically once you’re in there, you’re looking for what application of math and science most draws your attention.”

Before you check off engineering as your intended major on college applications, be sure to look around. “[Students] should look at different schools with different courses and see if engineering really sparks their interest.” HeflinShupe said.

Another possible outlet to test your interest would be exploring engineering in a senior project.

Cranford aims to build a go-kart from scratch this year. “I don’t really want to be a mechanic when I grow up, but this project will be a great start to learn the processes of mechanical engineering.”

Apicella suggests starting to explore your curiosity. “Engineering is a creative field as well as a math field. Find a creative outlet at JC,” he said.

Heflin-Shupe suggests looking any potential major for its benefits but also considering the less appealing aspects. She said, “Every job has boring parts and exciting parts but you have to live through the boring to get to the exciting.”

From FRONT PAGE

Photo by Elizabeth Tauber

Rebecca Siegel instructs one of her environmental science classes. Siegel sees a definite change in her life since graduating from Goucher College and teaching high school students.

Sports Editor Rebecca Siegel, the youngest addition to the JC teaching staff, graduated from Goucher College in Baltimore. In her first job, as she teaches sophomores, juniors, and seniors in biology and environmental classes, Ms. Siegel is beginning to see the vast differences between the academic and working worlds.

Q:

What sparked you to become a teacher?

A:

I’ve always been teaching. Friends and other students have constantly come to me for help. It was just natural. When I was at Goucher, I was paid to tutor people. I get students I used to know email me for help even now.

Q:

How did you become interested in yoga?

A:

I went on a 3-week intensive trip to Ghana in West Africa during one of my breaks for my dance major. The leader of the group taught a yoga session. I was originally not in the class, but I was free and interested, so I asked to join. I have been regularly going for the last three years.

Q:

How would you describe yourself as a person?

A:

I am a fun-loving, compassionate, and high-stress person.

I love to laugh and learn. I like to have a good time, but I have always been studious. Academics come first.

l

l l

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Mechanical Engineering Electical Engineering Computer Engineering

$50,000 - 60,000

average starting salary

$83,000

starting salary of highest paying field: Petroleum Engineering

Classes to take: l Calculus l Physics l Programming l Intro to Drawing and Painting l Chemistry

5

Briggs studies to join administrative team

teacherSPOTLIGHT

Rachel Kokoska

5

Q:

Do you have any activities you would like to join here?

A:

Mr. Sutton and I were thinking about starting a yoga club. Besides that, I would like to get involved in the plays. I danced in college and would love to be involved. Maybe once I’m more organized in second semester, I can get involved.

Q:

What is your favorite aspect of teaching?

A:

It’s stimulating to be up in front of the class. I’m always waiting for the curveball question — the one I didn’t think about when I considered teaching the topic. I like the challenge.

Mr. Scholl does?’ The answer is hell no. It’s a heck of a lot of hours,” said Barker.

Vice Principal of Academics Gary Scholl described his own job as “a huge undertaking.” “It’s a tough job; you’re under fire every day.” With the responsibility of “troubleshooting problems” that affect all aspects of the school, “It’s impossible to please everyone.”

Scholl also explained that being an administrator requires a balance and good perspective. But the most important quality of a leader is service. And with so many people affected by every decision, there are “lots of masters” to serve.

However, Briggs is not the only faculty member interested in a potential administrator position. Foreign Language department chair Danica Zavodny received her Master of Education Administration degree from the College of Notre Dame in December 2008.

Like Briggs, Zavodny had to intern at JC. “I had to observe teachers, attend meetings, work on curriculum, and accumulate 350 total hours of internship,” Zavodny said.

As part of her administrative preparation, Zavodny worked on researching for and implementing the new advisory program in lieu of homerooms that will be put into effect next year.

Zavodny, however, did not immediately search for a job to put this degree into use. “I would like to be an administrator at some point,” said Zavodny, “but the students are the most enjoyable part of my job.

It’s difficult to think about leaving

the classroom. However, if the opportunity arises here or at another school that interested me, I would pursue it.”

Briggs, on the other hand, fully intends on seeking out administrative jobs next year. However, he said, “If I get a job here, I’m staying here. I certainly love this school very much.” While he pushes to advance his career, Briggs admitted that he will miss being a full-time teacher. “There will certainly be a part of me that will not be replaced.

My time spent with students will be reduced,” he said.

Scholl confirmed this time commitment: “I go to a lot of meetings every week- more than I would like.” Still, Briggs said, “Although there is an intangible quality of being in the classroom that just isn’t the same in an office, I still hope to interact with students on an equally beneficial level.”

At twenty-five years old, if Briggs were to be hired for an administrative job at JC next year, he would be the youngest administrator ever at the school.

He admits that sometimes his youth is frustrating. Employers historically value experience which Briggs cannot necessarily provide.

“It’s a struggle, wishing you were older and trying not to wish your life away,” said Briggs.

Although the challenges of being a student and a teacher at the same time is an intimidating task, Briggs said, “I have a lot of energy and passion for the job [administrative work].” Scholl agreed, “Mr. Briggs definitely has a lot of energy, and seasoned by experience I think he will do a fine job.”

6

features

the patriot

Volume 45 Issue 1 October 2009

Losing green impedes school efforts to ‘go green’ Haley Lynch General Staff If any students plan on having grandkids that can enjoy trips to Ocean City, they can think again.

According to the Maryland Department of Natural Recourses, it is estimated that by 2100, global warming will cause the sea level to rise twenty inches. This could cost Maryland $35-200 million trying to save the beaches.

Global warming could potentially demolish everybody’s favorite vacation spots.

Individuals and schools are trying to be part of the “going green” movement to prevent global warming and be better to the environment, but are offered no reasonable incentives for making the costly change to their school. “We run our own budget, so if the state has a program it wants to offer to John Carroll, we would look at it, to see if cost-wise it was reliable,” Facilities Dave Moxey said. However, he has not heard of any programs that offer enough money for JC to completely change to a “green” lifestyle.

The JC Board of Trustees just received an energy audit which

recommends new design and construction plans for the school to consider. President Rick O’Hara agrees that a more “green” design should be integrated into any new plans for the school.

He stays optimistic and said, “Though our budget won’t allow us to spend beyond our means up front, the process of ‘going green’ will pay for itself overtime.”

However, the results show that “going green” actually loses “green.”

The school’s roof has 225’ x 75’ ft. that would be able to hold solar panels to create a less wasteful energy source. That means it could fit around 1,125 solar panels just on the roof. These panels would generate enough energy to save the school $40,762 in energy costs in one year. However, the solar panel system itself would cost $1,681,875, and would take an estimated 41 years to pay off, according to Christian May of Standard

Student describes ways to avoid procrastination Ryan Selvy Design Editor Day by day, hour by hour, your due date inches closer at an alarming rate. But honestly, by a show of hands, how many of you complete an assignment earlier than the day before its due? Anybody? Didn’t think so.

I’m no stranger to the process of procrastination. A paper due at 12 midnight is a paper uploaded at 12 midnight. This seems to be the lifestyle of a high school student.

Using your surroundings to conquer laziness by brute force is a excellent tacitc against porcrastination.

Take your computer for instance. A few clicks of the mouse and some taps on the keyboard gets you from your blank word document to planting crops on Farmville. To that, I say neigh! The times of getting distracted are over!

I introduce you to the latest Selvy discovery: Darkroom. It is an application that blacks everything out on your screen except for text.

Similar to the interface of an ancient computer, the program takes away all distractions. Now you can “do work son.”

You have now conquered the

distraction of your computer. But don’t trust yourself too much. Both you and I know that you’ll find another way to procrastinate.

To make things simple, isolate yourself into a state of misery. A state where the only thing you can do is think, breathe, and work.

Silence your phone. I understand this takes great effort because you just love hearing that ringtone, but put it on silent and tuck it away.

If you are paranoid your friend will call you because he cut his legs off, feel free to check your phone every 30 minutes or so. Nothing less than that half an hour. If you don’t trust yourself, swallow your pride and give your phone to your mom.

Be smart about choosing the adequate environment. Television: off. Music: air-guitar level. Your friends: politely told to leave you in peace. Clothes: not your pajamas. Falling asleep on your laptop is not acceptable!

Give yourself time limits. Don’t spend four hours on an opening sentence. Taking that much time is only a waste of effort.

So hold your head high, soldier. Now you can brave the front of procrastination and battle that paper with the full force of your brilliant mind.

Solar Inc. Financial director Katherine Nichols said JC spent $120,000 on natural gas last year. With geothermal heating we would save 25% - 50% on energy consumption. “I have heard at least one other person bring up the idea of having windmills on campus to generate power. That would be an interesting sight, in between the two ponds,” O’Hara said.

The school grounds receive an

average of 11.56 mph winds. With a 0.4 K windmill, whose average cost is $3,416, the yearly savings would be $10.

“We are doing what we can now, prior to the master plan design, to implement practices for energy efficiency,” O’Hara said.

So although JC isn’t ready for any new multi-million dollar “green” technology, the administration is taking tiny steps to reduce the school’s electricity use.

First, the cleaning department has switched to new “green rated” supplies that do not contain the harsh chemicals of other traditional supplies.

Second, a change has been made in the lighting system. The school is going to replace all of the normal light bulbs with new energy conserving ones. The Board of Trustees is looking into some new light technology from BGE to replace the lights in the gym, which now take a half an hour to completely turn on.

The school also replaced one of

three boilers last year. It went from a 45% efficiency rate to 85%. This prompted JC to look into new water heating technology. Moxey explained that the current heating system runs at full power all the time unless it is turned off. The new technology is able to slow down when it is not needed as much, and then picks back up when the demand is higher.

Finally, there are the most obvious and underestimated “green” actions of JC. Recycling in the cafeteria and classrooms and going paperless are all attempts at reducing our carbon footprint.

Recycling bottles and plastic products also reduces the amount of non-perishables that are dumped into landfills. However, according to Moxey, anytime something other than the approved recyclable materials are put into the recycling bins, the recyclables must be thrown away.

JC feels it is important to show their awareness of environmental concerns. “I think we have an obligation as individuals and as a school to be good stewards of the environment, and to set the right example in how we do things at school,” O’Hara said.

student artistSPOTLIGHT

Photo by Katie Clarke

Mike Greig sketches a self-portrait. Greig recently found his passion for drawing in his junior year.

Nicky Hatzidimitriou General Staff When Mike Greig first entered JC as a freshman, he had no idea that in the summer before his senior year he would already be going to college.

Mike attended the New Hampshire Institute College of Art for two weeks this past summer, taking courses in Portfolio Drawing, Graphic Literature, and Printmaking, while earning three college credits.

“I really just like experimenting and learning everything I can,” Greig said in reference to his seemingly erratic choice of courses. “I’m trying to figure out what I really like doing.”

Like many, Greig enjoyed drawing as a child. Even so, he never thought much of art as anything more than a childhood hobby. It wasn’t until the beginning of Greig’s junior year that he realized he had a talent and a passion for drawing. “I

really just took Studio 1 as a class, but Mr. Gaudreau pushed me in my last semester to take Studio 2.” Greig was hooked. And when art teacher Michael Gaudreau suggested to Greig that he look into the summer pre-college program in New Hampshire, he jumped at the opportunity. Greig wanted to continue pursuing his talent and figure out if it was truly something he could do for the rest of his life.

“I noticed something about him,” Mr. Gaudreau said about Greig. “He was a quiet observer of the world around him. I could tell he was always looking and thinking.

He had a good sense and a good handle of drawing.”

After the pre-college program, Greig found himself drawing on his own time more than before, even keeping a sketchbook over the summer. However, the beginning of the school year has brought more responsibilities and, subsequently, less time to draw. Greig works on balancing not only his artwork, but also his commitment

to running cross country and job working as a busboy at Looney’s.

Despite all the work Greig has on his plate at the moment, he has no intention of giving up his art. The fact of the matter is simple: Greig loves to draw. “[I like] solving problems…making decisions about how to interpret what I see onto the paper,” he explained. “[I like] seeing things all the time in a completely different way.”

So where will drawing take Greig? He’s not quite sure yet.

He plans to continue studying art in college, but whether this will result in making art, teaching it, or both, he has yet to decide. Right now, Greig is focused on the present, learning all he can about different types of art.

“I like the idea a lot,” Greig said, “that I just kind of stumbled into this. Two years ago, I had no idea what I wanted to do, but now I have an idea.”

entertainment

the patriot

Volume 45 Issue 1 October 2009

‘Rock Band’ review: Nico Cvach Entertainment Editor

The most prominent band from the sixties is back for an encore.

Harmonix has done it again by making another top selling game, “The Beatles: Rock Band.”

To be honest, I had my doubts about the game at first because I knew how long it takes to complete the regular “Rock Band” games, and didn’t know how Harmonix was going to make the game long enough.

I was right.

The game only has 45 songs.

Usually the “Rock Band” games have over 80 songs, but more of the Beatle’s songs will be available to download and play in the future.

The overall story of the game is not like the normal story of the “Rock Band” games. For “The Beatles Rock Band,” you can’t create your own player at all; you play as John, Paul, George, or Ringo.

Only hair styles change as the game progresses to match how the characters looked over time.

The goal of the game is to unlock various pictures and videos of The Beatles, as opposed to gaining fans or unlocking articles of clothing like you did in the other “Rock Band” games. You do not complete challenges comprised of different songs, but instead you replay an album for a better score. Also, instead of playing songs by difficul-

7

ty, you play songs by the time they were released.

There are many cool new features in “The Beatles Rock Band” that were not in the other Rock Bands. The game has a “realistic mode,” where the volume of the crowd in the background is turned up so that you can barely hear what you are playing, giving you an experience similar to that of The Beatle’s.

Another new feature is harmonizing. Now, in every song, you have the option to harmonize with the player who is singing. This feature takes a lot of getting used to because it is hard to look at the words and sing while you are playing the guitar or drums at the same time.

However, there were some aspects that were disappointing.

Harmonizing was a creative feature to add to the game, but it still needs some work to be made easier for the players with other instruments.

The main issue with the game is that there are only 45 songs, although The Beatles released over 200 songs.

Although the game has a decent selection of songs, it does not have some of the most famous songs such as “Strawberry Fields Forever” and “Let it Be.” This game earns is a nine out of ten. If you like The Beatles, consider checking this game out.

Season six rocks ‘Project Runway’ Summer reading choices Mollyann Pais General Staff It’s Season 6 and the show’s still got it.

Project Runway struts into the ranks of the top TV shows of the year, again.

Project Runway gives under-theradar designers a chance to make it big, but it’s not easy.

Each episode documents another challenge, another chance for the designers to either shine or show incompetence.

In episode five, newspaper and paste were the designers’ only materials. Some failed, as is to be expected, but others made it work.

Contestant Irina Shabayeva won the challenge, creating a newspaper trench coat wowing judge Heidi Klum.

Season 6 is definitely keeping up with the previous five stellar seasons. It’s only halfway through, and the contestants have already created avant-garde and red carpet looks.

Project Runway proves to be way better than other famous competition shows because it requires the contestants to emotionally connect to their assigned tasks.

MTV’s Road Rules Challenges, Survivor, and innumerable other shows are propelled by contestants’ greed, but unlike these shows, Proj-

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ect Runway is a showcase of skill.

Instead of acting on greed, the contestants of Project Runway are following their dreams, which often trace back to childhood.

Logan Neitzel, a current contestant on Project Runway, began his career in childhood when his grandmother taught him how to hand sew leather moccasins.

He’s not a typical male designer.

Neitzel calls himself a “guy’s guy” and when he isn’t designing, he enjoys working on his ’67 Mustang and being outdoors. In fact, Neitzel is a nationally ranked snow boarder.

Neitzel’s résumé is made up of a long list of exciting jobs. His résumé includes bartender, concrete foreman, retail sales associate/buyer, and construction worker – not the usual beginnings for a Project Runway contestant.

Street wear and “an edgy rocker look” are Neitzel’s strengths as a designer. But if he weren’t designing these looks, he’d be “a stunt man or race car driver,” he told Project Runway’s Q & A: Logan’s Take. Which is completely the opposite of his current passion, designing clothes.

After considering all that Logan Neitzel has done, it is obvious that he is one of the most unique contestants that Project Runway season has ever seen.

Neitzel and the other Project Runway’s Season 6 contestants are extremely original and talented, so tune in to Lifetime on Thursdays at 10 PM and watch their creations rock the runway!

made in near future

polis’ was more creative.”

However, Herlihy’s opinion was General Staff not shared by all students. “I didn’t For those of you, who think the like the graphic novel because of administration does not put any the comic book format. I like to thought into their summer reading actually read the books and not look at the pictures,” said freshman choices, think again.

“It’s a constant rotation.” Prin- Mike Welsh. cipal Paul Barker said,“It started Members of the faculty agree with English, then social studies, with Welsh’s opinion. “I’m just science, math, Fine Arts. The not a comic book guy,” said Gary only two departments that have Scholl. “With the comic book, there just seems to not picked a book be a lack of thought.” are the Guidance The theme we want Barker seemed open and Foreign Lanis tolerance and to letting groups guage.” such as the National Head of the acceptance.”

Guidance Depart- Carol Heflin- Honor Society or the Student Activiment Carol HefShupe ties Council pick the lin-Shupe said, “I summer reading book. haven’t picked a book yet, but the “I like that idea a lot. If they theme we want is tolerance and accame to me and said we want the ceptance.” This is similar to that of book, here is how we’re going to “Persepolis.”

“I liked ‘Persepolis’ better than pick it. I would certainly let them,” the other year’s books. I felt the Barker said.

So if you have a summer reading other year’s books were boring,” idea, the administration is listening. said senior Jesse Herlihy. “‘Perse-

Ryan Lina

‘‘

8 in-depth

the patriot

Volume 45 Issue 1 October 2009

Swine flu pandemic hits home CDC dispels swine flu rumors to calm population Julia Earnshaw In-Depth Editor Almost 4,000 deaths reported in the U.S since September 13, a wave of hysteria has swept the nation, caused by swine flu.

Last April, people across the country found themselves worrying about the severity of the swine flu. It hit Mexico with a vengeance, and now, this fall it’s apparently coming back bigger than before. It is a virus that has never circulated in humans before. It is suspected to have started its circulation from being passed from pigs to humans.

“It is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“It was originally called the swine flu because many of the genes in the H1N1 virus are very similar viruses that occur in pigs,” said Dr. P. Yim from Havre de Grace Pediatrics. But now it has been discovered that it contains similar genetics with avian and human influenzas.

‘

Like regular seasonal flus, the swine flu passes from person to person from sneezing, coughing, and touching people and infected surface areas.

And, although the illness is just like any other flu, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the worldwide pandemic report of the virus to a Phase 6, meaning it’s a serious widespread human pandemic.

Whether or not the flu lives up to it’s expectations or it’s a sham, people are showing their concern.

“People are not overreacting; this virus could cause a serious threat to communities, especially if the communities have no immunity to the virus,” says Yim. It’s serious because the H1N1

virus has never circulated before.

Humans have little to no immunity to it. A poll taken by USA Today shows that 61 percent of people are now concerned with the flu and are acknowledging the governments warnings, which was up 5 percent since May. Still, some people need more persuading that the flu is a serious issue.

Freshman Paul Dykstra isn’t too worried about it. “It doesn’t seem that bad,” said Dykstra.

Along with Dykstra, junior Chris Grimm said, “It’s not a big deal,” and senior Christine Neenan said, “I look forward to it, I embrace it.”

Even Yim agrees and said, “There have been sporadic outbreaks, but not so many to worry about yet.”

Humans catch the swine flu like

The virus travels at unbelievable, almost unheard of speed.”

- Margarret Chan, W.H.O.

other flus, and the symptoms are like other flues: tiredness, headache, runny nose, and sore throat.

Those who have contracted it can easily overcome it without any medical attention.

Although it shares a lot of characteristics in common with the regular seasonal influenza, the swine flu spreads more rapidly, and infections among young adults are most common.

WHO Director General Margaret Chan told Daily Finance News that the swine flu spreads four times faster than other viruses with 40 percent of fatalities in young adults.

“The virus travels at unbelievable, almost unheard of speed,” Chan said. If a person has contracted the virus they can take Relenza or Tamiflu which help regular H1N1 and seasonal flu patients.

In October, the United States will be releasing a swine flu vaccination.

With the 195 million vaccines ordered, it is expected that there will be a vaccine shortage.

“It may only be available to the young and chronically ill and old at first. If it becomes available to

everyone, everyone should get the shot,” says Yim. Even though the second wave of the swine flu is making some weary, the U.S. is at low risk for it becoming a serious issue.

According to WHO, “Regions have reported at least 318,925 laboratory-confirmed cases of 2009 H1N1 with more than 3,917 deaths, which is an increase of at least 22,454 cases and more than 431 deaths since September 13th.”

The U.S has only had 49 reported pediatric deaths, since April which is a fairly low number, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Yim offers some advice to staying healthy and swine flu free. “Instead of being fearful of the flu, people should use their energy to prevent themselves from getting it.”

People can stay swine-flu free by washing their hands regularly, using hand sanitizer, and covering their nose or mouth when they sneeze or cough.“If you think you may have symptoms of the virus you should stay home and get rest to let your body recuperate,” said Yim.

Swine flu not first pandemic to sweep country, world Julia Earnshaw In-Depth Editor Pandemics are not foreign to the course of history. But these diseases are not just a thing of the past—the swine flu is on the rise with the possibility of becoming a worldwide pandemic. Let’s look at the past to see what we could be facing in the near future.

The Bubonic Plague: Nickname: “The Black Death” Years: 14th to 17th century Originating in Asia, The Bubonic Plague quickly spread to Europe, killing about half of its population.

The disease was caught from infected fleas, lice, and rodents, most commonly believed to have originated in central Asia. Cases are still treated annually.

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory failure, headache and swollen lymph glands. Also, those infected developed red and black spots on their skin which would decay.

Death toll: An estimated 25 million people.

Russian Flu Pandemic: Years: 1889 - 1890 Believed to have started in China, it quickly spread worldwide.

stopping theSpread • Cough and sneeze directly onto your sleeve if no tissue is available.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Use sanitizing wipes to wipe down your desk and keyboard.

• Use hand sanitizer or soap and water after sneezing or coughing.

• Don’t share your food or drinks.

The influenza was started by a virus subtype, H2N2. It reached North America in December of 1889.

Symptoms: Fever, pneumonia, and traditional flu-like symptoms.

Death toll: Approximately 1 million people.

Spanish Flu Pandemic: Nickname: “The Great Pandemic” Years: 1918-1919 Spreading to nearly every part of the world, the “Great Pandemic” was caused by the virulent and deadly influenza H1N1. Since this virus, almost all types of influenza

have descended from this virus.

Symptoms: Caused the body to hemorrhage and the lungs to be filled with water, killing the person.

Less severe symptoms included high fevers, shivers, cough, muscular pain, and sore throat.

Who it infected: Most victims were healthy young adults.

Death toll: It is estimated that about 50 million people died from this flu and that 500 million were infected.

Asian Flu Pandemic: Nickname: “Bird Flu” Year: 1956-1958 Asian influenza was first identi-

fied in China, where it sprung from the mutation of ducks combined with pre-existing human strains.

The “Bird Flu” was a type A influenza, H2N2 subtype.

Who it infected: Many small, school- aged children were infected. At school, the flu spread quickly, infecting younger children with lower immunity levels.

Symptoms: Cough, difficulty breathing, sore throat, head ache, runny nose, and muscle pains.

Death toll: The Asian Flu Pandemic claimed the lives of 1 to 2 million people; in the U.S approximately 69, 800 people died.

in-depth

the patriot

Volume 45 Issue 1 October 2009

9

Swine flu frenzy increases awareness Julia Earnshaw

In-Depth Editor When the local neighborhood five-year-old turns on tomorrow morning’s episode of “Sesame Street” to learn his ABC’s and 1-23’s, a new message will hit him: hygiene. In combating the recent H1N1, or “swine flu,” epidemic, doctors have turned to Gordon and everyone’s favorite Elmo to get the message of swine flu prevention across to the most vulnerable segment of the population, the young people.

For the more technologically advanced crowed, there are multiple Twitter accounts such as @ SwineFluTicker and @swinefluexpert tweeting up to the minute

updates on new developments regarding H1N1. As the media is hyping up the importance of swine flu prevention, people are reacting.

Whether it’s rushing out to buy hand sanitizer by the dozen, or stocking up on tissues, everyone’s been doing it for one common thing: to prevent the swine flu.

The recent scare of the suspected upcoming outbreak of the H1N1 influenza is leaving people more precautious than they were before.

“I’m using a lot of hand sanitizer and washing my hands more often,” says junior Alassane Ouedraogo.

Freshman Morgan Hudak agrees. “I’m a little scared because

I don’t want to die,” Hudak said.

Swine flu health care workers are now using respirator masks. The masks fit tightly around the nose and mouth and they filter about 95% of the flu virus, according to MedLine Plus.

States have joined with schools across the country to take action to help combat the flu.

The state of New Jersey was recently given $16 million from the federal government to decimate the pandemic. They offered free swine-flu shots to the state’s uninsured.

New York City is offering the vaccinations to it’s school children.

As anxiety rises, sales increase, manufacturers are cashing in.

According to Bloomberg News, Steris Corp. sales for hand sanitizers has increased by 15%. Since April, when the flu had an outbreak, demands for sanitizers have gone up 60%.

Though there is some need for concern, some agencies are taking exaggerated steps to stop the H1N1 virus from spreading and thereofre affecting more people.

Students at a Chicago school were instructed not to shake hands with anyone to diminish any spread of the flu.

Taking exaggerated steps like refraining from shaking hands with people and wearing surgical masks isn’t going to stop the swine flu from happening.

Although it is good to exercise good health and safety precautions, the swine flu is like any other flu and if taken care of in the right manner it can be easily overcome.

The vaccination is the most efficient form of treatment existing at the moment. Until then, washing hands regularly, eating well, and, resting will help increase prevention.

Dr. P. Yim from Havre de Grace Pediatrics said, “Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue, throwing the tissue in the trash after use, and washing your hands often with soap and water, or alcoholbase rub will help you prevent the disease.”

studentANSWER Are you concerned about the swine flu?

“Yes I’m scared because I do not want to die.”

-Kristen Little, 2010

“I’m very concerned about it. I think it should be addressed immediately by the administration.”

-Jarred Jones, 2011

Students catch swine flu, school aims to stop spread with costly measures Elizabeth Tauber In-Depth Editor

Freshman Hannah Griffith spent five days with a fever of 102.7, chills, and coughing.

“Because of my symptoms and the fact it was so easily contagious, they thought it was more than likely the swine flu,” said Griffith.

“I was very tired, and the next morning I passed out.” Griffith is one of twelve of students at JC who have had swine.

Because of the contagiousness and potential severity of the flu, Principal Paul Barker and the administration have requested that students with such symptoms do not come to school.

At school, teachers began weekly meetings within their departments to decide who will cover classes if one gets sick.

However, the numbers on the absentee lists are rising.

“We’re doing what we can to prevent this,” said Barker.

Hand sanitizer stations and bottles of Purell were added to all of the classrooms and hallways to attempt to dispel a large scale outbreak. Wiping down desks with disinfecting wipes was added to the homeroom cleanup routine.

Even at homes, extra measures are being taken to prevent the spread of germs; Griffith was required to stay in her room until her symptoms passed.

“It was like I was quarantined,” she said. “My parents made me stay in my room away from the rest of the family. They sanitized everything!”

Students are doing what they can to keep themselves healthy. Junior Stephanie Laird said, “I wash my hands more often and I carry around hand sanitizer. I always have it with me.”

Sophomore Kayla Stoots is also doing all she can to prevent catching the flu. “In my car, we always have this hand sanitizer. If you wash your hands a lot, then you have a better chance of not getting the swine flu,” said Stoots. “I’m scared, but I’m not really going to do anything else about it.”

Other students, like junior Abby Andersen, are not as worried. Andersen said, “I think there’s a reason to be a little concerned, but not too concerned.”

Junior Alex Reddell said, “I don’t think it’s a big deal.”

However, health officials are becoming increasingly alarmed at the dangers of swine flu following the death of second Maryland youth to the virus.

Fourteen-year-old Destinee Parker from Baltimore was hospitalized last week with double pneumonia and the swine flu, but died Tuesday September 29, 2009.

That was the ninth reported death in Maryland linked to the virus. “Sadly, this is the profile that other states have reported,” Deputy

Secretary for Public Health Services Fran Phillips said. “A previously healthy child who becomes quite ill very quickly and requires intensive care treatment, and despite a high level of care, does not recover.”

The swine flu vaccination is available in Maryland, although officials will focus on vaccinating children, pregnant women, and health care workers first. Children and young adult are the most susceptible.

Maryland planned to order 31,600 vaccines, the maximum allowed for a day.

A vaccine a live modified version of a flu virus called FluMist.

It is a nasal spray that gives the user a mild infection of the virus to prevent them from getting a more severe infection. FluMist is for healthy individuals between the ages two and 49.

“People with chronic underlying health conditions can’t get this vaccine,” said Tom Skinner, spokesman for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It is already being administered in elementary schools, like St. Margaret’s, with parental consent.

Junior James Terzigni is taking an approach common among students. “I would not say that I am necessarily worried about the swine flu, but it is something that is in the back of my mind from time to time,” I feel that the school is taking the best precautionary measures towards trying to contain it,” said Terzigni.

“I dont think it is as bad as people are saying, but I do think more people are getting it.”

-Taylor Hooper, 2012

“I’m not really concerned, but I am washing my hands more.”

-Brendon CreveCoeur, 2013

sanitizingTIPS • The best hand sanitizer to use is one that is at least 60% alcohol based.

• Use a dime size to a quarter sized drop of the sanitizer.

• Make sure to get the bottoms of your hands, the tops of your hands, in between fingers, and the nail bed.

• Soak sanitizing liquid on hands for 15 to 30 seconds.

• Don’t use sanitizer too often, because your skin becomes immune to it.

• Soap and water are always more efective than sanitizer.

10 entertainment

the patriot

Volume 45 Issue 1 October 2009

Polar Bear Club pursues perfection in ‘Hamburg’ Daniel Gallen Editor in Chief Humans strive for perfection in everything they do. Be it in academics, athletics, or life in general, there is an underlying push to perfection that lies within a person, trying to push them to greatness.

After perfection is achieved, the race to get back to it begins.

With their sophomore release “Chasing Hamburg,” Polar Bear Club addresses the concept of returning to perfection.

And the band comes pretty close.

The album reads pretty similar to their outstanding 2008 fulllength debut “Sometimes Things Just Disappear” with an opening song hook to reel in the listener, solid middle songs, and an epic closer. Emotional lyrics address topics such as losing friends, home, and the state of today’s music scene and society.

The Rochester/Syracuse, NYbased band hits the ground running, chasing their dreams, with the opening track “See The Wind.”

Stadt’s hoarse cries open the song and album before the rhythm sec-

tion lays down a heavy headbanging riff. Stadt purveys a sense of desperation and longing present throughout the album with the lyrics “All we live for is now or never.”

“See The Wind” is followed by the best song on the album, “Living Saints.” The beginning of the song builds the anticipation before the song explodes. The band demonstrates their lyrical prowess with lines such as “It’s been killing me for weeks / A garden weed that cracks concrete” and “Growing up isn’t moving on.” This song captivates and will easily make year-end best lists.

Following “Living Saints” is arguably the second best song on the album, “Boxes,” which is a harangue against bands of today that try to make themselves seem to be above the current happenings in the world, above and beyond the current trends in the society.

The culmination of the song hits at the chorus of “We seek relation and you degrade.” Combined with “Living Saints,” the crux of the album is formed.

The momentum buildup from “Boxes” and “Living Saints” is only able to sustain “Chasing Hamburg”

for so long. The subsequent tracks “Take Me To The Town,” “Drifting Thing,” and “Light of Local Eyes” decrease in quality, although “Drifting Thing” switches up the pace as a love song. The low point of the album hits at track seven, with “Song to Persona.” At this point of the album, the sound becomes homogenized below thrashing guitars and screaming vocals.

The only thing that saves the album at this point is the final trio of songs. Starting with “The Old Fisher Burial Ground,” it seizes attention with an intro guitar riff and meshes into the verse and picks up the album’s pace.

The next track, “One Hit Back” paints a picture much like that of “Boxes,” but instead of elitists, it rails against Internet message boards. The most anticipated part of this album was the closer and title track, “Chasing Hamburg.” On the album “Sometimes Things Just Disappear,” the epic “Convinced I’m Wrong” closed out the album on one of the most moving emotional notes ever, leaving everyone wondering how “Chasing Hamburg” would live up to this.

While it does not quite live up to

“Convinced I’m Wrong,” “Chasing Hamburg” does provide the feel that the band embarks on the constant want of perfection every time out.

Polar Bear Club is an underground band that shouldn’t be underground for much longer.

Check this album out and support

this band, because they are one of the easiest bands to get into. And the “Chasing Hamburg” album is a great starting point.

Overall, “Chasing Hamburg” deserves four out of five stars for its great sounding tracks and moving lyrics that live way up to everyone’s already high expectations.

Detective reveals truth about CSI though numerous curveballs may When a scene first becomes a be thrown, they always seem to fig- crime scene, it must be secured Features Editor ure it out. In real life, the process is and documented. CSIs then gather It’s another Thursday night. much different, and we don’t really up the evidence, and send it in to It’s late. There’s a gunshot, a grow- see all that goes on to solve a case. the lab where scientists analyze it.

“The evidence may pass through ing pool of blood, screams, then Forensic analyst Gary many different people before they flashing lights. There’s a killer on Hauptmann ‘87 are fully finished the loose and there’s only one said, “It is different. with it. On the question: “who are you?” The They do things [on We go to a lot of show, many of the detectives on “CSI” never let us the show] so quickly burglaries because CSIs themselves down, but Hollywood doesn’t get it that they have results they can escalate into run different tests, right all the time. within a couple of interrogate the Since the show first aired in hours. Some of it something bigger like suspects, and pro2000, its tricky twists and shocking is very farfetched.” murder.” endings have been keeping its #1 Much of the technolcess evidence. It’s spot on CBS. But though we like to ogy is also not like not like that,” said - Gary Hauptmann Hauptmann. think it works just like the show in reality. “When they Even though the real life, it doesn’t always. On the run a person’s fingershow has some accurate aspects, show, when someone gets killed, prints in a database, their picture Hauptmann states that Hollywood the crime scene investigators (CSIs) will pop up in a matter of minutes,” gather evidence (because there is he said. “Some of the things we “definitely needs to brush up on its forensics.” always a boatload of it), and even can’t even do.”

Taylor Schafer

‘

Drama department begins new play Ryan Lina General Staff Swiftly moving across the stage, the Drama Department members dance in unison. This can mean only one thing: It’s play season.

That’s right, it’s that time of year again when parents, students, and siblings line up to buy tickets for the always entertaining play.

The first show will be on Thursday, November 12, and it is expected to be big. The last show will be on Sunday, November 15.

But with the loss of many talented seniors, can this show live up to the shows before it?

Kim Brueggemann, head of the drama department, is very optimistic about the play, even without the talented seniors from the class of 2009. But it is up to the students to judge it. “We are always very sad to see talent leave, but once it does the talent flows right back in,” says

Brueggemann.

The young actors and actresses this year have some very big shoes to fill after last year’s performance of “Bye Bye Birdie.” That play was really something to remember, so it wouldn’t be surprising if this year’s staff is very nervous.

This year, the drama department is doing the play “The Beauty and the Beast.” It is a classic that everyone knows, and anyone who wants to relive their childhood, even for just a short time, is going to be there. This made it a perfect candidate for the play this year.

“The show is geared to a younger audience; this means we are going to get a bigger audience of some younger children.” Said Brueggemann. “Most people enjoy the movie; it is really for everyone, not just little kids.”

The drama department has been working feverishly to get the set ready, and the actors and ac-

tresses are trying unbelievably hard to memorize their lines and exactly what they are supposed to do in their many scenes.

Disney movies are good choices for plays because they are entertaining and perfect for capturing an audience of all ages. The actors and actresses also love to get in costume for the eccentric characters.

One of the people who will try to fill the void left by last year’s seniors is junior Kelsey Lake, who will be in the lead role of Belle. It is not often a junior gets the lead role in the play, but Brueggemann felt that Lake would be perfect for the role, considering she has previously been a lead in three other plays.

Save the date for Thursday, November 12, and swing by to see the talented members of the drama department act out the beloved, original play, “The Beauty and the Beast.”

You won’t be disappointed.

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editorials

the patriot

Volume 45 Issue 1 October 2009

STAFF

EDITORIAL

What

Patriot

11

SPIRIT WEEK does

the

have

to

say?

A colorful past comes back to haunt this years juniors and seniors

Most of us can look back at Spirit Week last year and recall the heart-stopping incident that occurred during the junior vs. senior powder-puff game. Fists flew, jaws dropped, and teachers were shoved aside. This event made it clear to everyone in the community that the rivalry between the four classes on class color day had gone way too far.

The fight that broke out last year during the powder-puff game stemmed from the class rivalry.

The fact that paint was being thrown at people didn’t exactly help the situation either. When class rivalry got particularly heated,

one senior reacted by punching a junior. Not only did the students involved disrespect Dean of Students Thomas Vierheller in his attempt to break up the fight, but Principal Paul Barker was left with a present: a huge blotch of paint on his suit jacket.

This kind of behavior, to say the least, is unacceptable. It’s puzzling to reflect on the fact that one minute, everything was fine, and then the next, the rest of Spirit Week was ruined.

Our student body needs to deal with the fact that the powder-puff game is on Tuesday this year. We need to accept that fact that class

color day was a privilege violated and therefore changed.

Yes, Class Color Day always had the potential to be the best day during spirit week. We were united with our respective classes and got to express our pride. It was one of the most anticipated days. But ever since we’ve been here, the class rivalry has been taken too literally, resulting in the hatred of other classes.

Now that class color day is modified, we need to act maturely about it. Instead of dwelling on the changes, we need to get along with each other while having an amazing Spirit Week and Homecoming.

And for the most part, the Homecoming dances have always been fun and memorable.

Let’s face it: instead of taking our privileges away, the administration gave us an opportunity to prove that we can be positive in our class spirit. It seems irrational to be angry and upset with the spirit week changes when the SAC crew spends weeks trying to plan out the events. It is up to us to change the attitude of Spirit Week. We’re obligated to, since last year’s senior class left spirit week with an “unforgettable” mark.

So let’s make good memories of this.

Button fad compels students Kaitlin Bobbin Editorials Editor

s s s

It’s about time that our school has a Treasure Island Homecoming. I hope they cover the floors in seaweed and hide gold coins underneath the bleachers as we jam out to the “Pirates of the Caribbean” soundtrack. I’m also suggesting a dress code of salty ocean water covered fishnet dresses and eye patches. Well, I got carried away, but I’m excited nonetheless.

When it was announced that hand sanitizer was being placed in all of the classrooms, I was as excited as anyone else, and just as crushed to find out how foul it smells. Unless the hand sanitizer is a method in disguise to get kids to actually wash their hands (which they will once they realize what has just be released onto their skin), then this plan has to get a thumbs down. It was a good try though, and I applaud JC for taking this step and actually making hand sanitizer available to us. But maybe next year we can invest in Purell.

It’s those short killer phrases that slip into your daily narrative that make me want to cringe. “You know,” “whatever,” and “like” top this list of annoying, overused, stomach souring words. I have to ask, how hard is it to be conscious of how much you overuse these? It’s fouleries like these that pollute spoken language with a black smoke that makes your audience want to choke and die.

Jenny Hottle Managing Editor

‘

When Principal Paul Barker first announced the start of the button competition with such enthusiasm, I rolled my eyes and laughed.

A button competition? What, are we five years old?

As students walked out the gymnasium doors at the conclusion of the back to-school-assembly, teachers passed out the first of four buttons that would be handed out during the next four weeks. I absentmindedly picked up a JC logo button for myself and slipped it into my pocket, not realizing how popular this contest would become.

Over the next few days, students in my homeroom showed up wearing the first button released.

For some reason, I was jealous of their black “compelling” button. I found myself wondering: what did they do that was so compelling, and

how can I earn my first button?

I couldn’t believe how popular the competition I had once believed to be childish had become.

In the hallways, everyone from freshmen to seniors compared their buttons and chattered about how

What did they do that was so compelling, and how could I earn my first button?”

so-and-so stopped by the cafeteria and passed out candy to the button earners.

The button concept to promote school unity was a risky idea on the school’s part— kids could have seen it as a cheesy attempt at getting everyone to remember and support

the new school motto: compelling, considerate, uncompromising.

Instead, students are showing genuine excitement. In my Spanish class, students swapped buttons—which might have been beside the point of the competition—and begged for our teacher to hand out more. I originally hid my buttons in my pocket, but seeing the school’s reaction has me wearing the black, gold, and white buttons loudly and proudly.

This competition is based solely on a student’s character, and it rewards those who act as models of the motto. Being an honors student or a star athlete offers no advantages. For the first time, there is an equal opportunity for anyone to prove themselves worthy.

Some students probably still scoff at this contest. I don’t know about them, but the promise of candy and possibly a prize for earning buttons holds my attention.

Cause of teen mischief found Ryan Selvy Design Editor

Bel Air is dead…well, at least after 9 p.m.

My original intention of this article was to inform the public of activities to do after 9:00. As I interviewed peers around the school, it didn’t take long before I realized the article was nearly impossible.

Every person I confronted about the issue found the question awkwardly humorous and commented on how there was nothing to do.

I got generic answers such as movies and selected restaurants, but beyond these few clichés, I didn’t receive many answers at all.

Summer hours extended some popular locations until 10:00, but nothing more than that.

So what is there for a teen to do?

Nothing?

But “nothing” leads to trouble.

When teenagers are bored, they tend to delve into drinking, drugs, and vandalism in order to entertain themselves.

Many authorities and elders have become aware of the danger within the youth community, but it seems as if no attempt has been made to solve the issue. If places like mini-golf, the mall, playgrounds, arcades, laser tag, and other teenage attractions were opened later into the night, the amount of illegal activity would most likely decrease.

I’ve often heard friends say that all they do is drink on the weekends, but if there were better things to do, they wouldn’t be forced into those situations.

As it is, teenagers have the option of driving around aimlessly, hanging out in parking lots, or going over to a friend’s house – all likely ways to get into trouble. A

teenager isn’t meant to go to sleep early. And just because things close down at nine doesn’t mean that they will too.

Bel Air lacks a Sonic, Jack In The Box, Drive-In Theater, Checkers, local shows, or any other activities to keep kids out of trouble past nine.

But without having the ability or power to build these, all teens can do is complain until changes are made. They have to trust the older community to make changes that best represent their opinions. But adults aren’t making these changes, or even attempting!

It would make sense for adults to appreciate the idea that teens would stray from trouble if they had other options. There’s no reason why adults shouldn’t take a chance on our generation and make these places a local reality.

Best of luck, Bel Air.

At Wit’s End By: Allison Siegel

With the technological advances in today’s world, teenagers are equipped to have a constant connection with news. It’s called the World Wide Web for a reason.

Yet, every time I sign on to the internet, I either open up Facebook, Twitter, or an FML-type site.

As I pour my Frosted Flakes with the mental clarity of a zombie, I could flip on the television to the Channel 11 local news station. I could find out what is happening in the world. But most mornings I check what kind of ridiculous shirt Sandra Shaw is wearing and make my way over to Comedy Central looking for “Scrubs” reruns.

So do we, as a generation, honestly care about what is going on in the world? Asking an adult may get you the flat, definitive answer of “no.” But don’t answer that question too quickly for yourself.

The news represents one thing that every high school student, no matter how intelligent, athletic, or mature, cannot seem to wrap their over-indulged mind around: the real world. Every morning that I do choose to watch the news, I come to know that in another school, only forty minutes away, a student was shot walking home, that my parents won’t have enough money to send me to college, and that once again a soldier was sent home in a casket. Maybe it’s not so much that teenagers don’t care, but that we’re too afraid to.

Teenagers aren’t the only ones who are trying to avoid the terror that the news confronts. Since when has Ashton Kutcher’s latest Tweet become newsworthy for “The Today Show,” top magazines, and even the local news station? Trying to balance fun with reality, even the media community is using entertainment to cover up how harsh the world has become.

I’m not always willing to open myself to the kind of tragedy that happens outside of my own safetyzone, so why should I tell everyone else to? I’d like to stick to my status updates and news feed on Facebook (where the worst thing I find out is that Bobby and Kim broke up), but at some point I’m going to have to grow up.

Learning to deal with a world that isn’t always going to end well, like a predictable, happy-go-lucky sitcom, takes time. We teens will have to try the news before we rule it out. It won’t be easy, and we won’t like it, but at least we’ll know what kind of crazy world is out there for us to improve in time.

the patriot

Volume 45 Issue 1 October 2009

PROVCON

12editorials

Katelynn Colgain Editorials Editor

President Barack Obama’s new healthcare plan was presented as a “moral” need to insure 41 million uninsured Americans. He stated that it was the right thing for our nation to do. But of the 41 million uninsured, 11.6 million of those are here illegally as of January 2008, according to USA Today.

A large number of Americans can afford but choose not to purchase healthcare. This leaves 8 million people who are not poor enough to qualify for Medicaid but don’t make enough money to purchase healthcare. Eight million is a large number, but compared to the 300 million people living in America, we find that 97 percent of all Americans that want healthcare have it.

Do we actually need to dismantle and throw out a healthcare system that provides for 97 percent of Americans who want it? I don’t think so.

The healthcare proposal presented by the House of Representatives calls for a “public option,” which is supported by Obama. The public option is nothing more than a way to destroy the insurance industry. The liberals deny this, saying that the public option will create competition.

Competition?

Who can compete in the private sector against a company that does not even have to make a profit? For example, if you owned a business, you would have to pay rent, pay for

ThePoint 1. 97% that want health care already have it.

2. Government run option will push out the private sector.

3. Paying for the reform will land on the shoulders of the next generation of tax payers.

your employees, pay for supplies to create your product, and pay taxes to the government. Since the government does not have to earn a profit to cover these costs, how long can other businesses compete?

Not very long.

When the government runs things, they don’t have to show a profit when they can simply raise taxes or print more money. If Obama Care

passes, we will indeed have a socialized medical program.

According to the constant Obama message, you can keep your doctor and your insurance policy, and it will all be budgeted for. Unfortunately, you can’t keep your doctor when your company opts out of the system due to poor pay, and you surely can’t keep your insurance company policy when they are run out of business.

When have you ever known the government to run things on a budget? Can you think of one, just one, government run program that does not cost more and more each year? I can’t think of one either.

Young people, such as my fellow students and I, will be left paying for this $900 billion to $1.2 trillion healthcare disaster for the rest of our lives. So I guess we can kiss the dream of living the good life our parents had goodbye.

Isn’t it typical that our left-leaning Ivy League “friends” in government, who liken themselves to the intellectually elite, take on the role of leading the “unwashed masses” in a direction that they believe to be idealistically superior? After all, we “regular folks” aren’t capable of taking care of ourselves or making decisions for ourselves and our families concerning healthcare.

Where would we be without the government to run our lives for us?

OBAMa’s HEALTHCARE PLAN Health care reform is not strictly a liberal fantasy. Some conservatives favor universal health care because in countries with universal health

Morgan Seiler Contributor

Over the next few years, the system of health insurance is poised to change as we know it. According to healthreform.gov, nearly 46 million Americans have no insurance, and 25 million more are underinsured, members of Congress are preparing to reform the U.S. health care system.

Obama is currently working to create a government-sponsored health insurance program that would become an option for all Americans, similar to how Medicare is an option for all Americans that are over the age of 65.

This health care reform is merely ensuring the health of all citizens and will wind up benefiting the economy of the United States. About 59 percent of the U.S. health care system is already publicly financed through federal and state taxes, property taxes, and tax subsidies, according to National Public Radio, which means that a universal health care system would simply replace private spending with these taxes. The total spending would actually go down for individuals and employers.

ThePoint 1. 46 million people in the U.S. are uninsured.

2. Could save the government $286 billion in paperwork.

3. Will take time to allow for plan to develop.

care, governments are able to spend less tax money per person per year than in the U.S. For example, Germany balances universal and private health care, which is the goal of the current health care reform plan.

Germany’s government spends $571 less per person on health care than the United States does currently. This system would allow the

U.S. to adopt universal health care, while simultaneously cutting government spending and cutting taxes.

Saving money is one of the most important things in our current economy. In addition to saving on taxes, the health care reform could save the government $286 billion a year in paperwork, according to Physicians for a National Health Program. Administrative costs in the U.S. health care system are substantially higher than those in other countries and in the public sector in the U.S. In the end, by taking the time to look at all the options, we will find a pefect medium where the insurance companies will be able to work with the government. The two groups will then be able to offer Americans the best health care options.

This will take a significant amount of time and effort, and almost certainly will not happen quickly. Although some feel like they just cannot wait for health care reform, I think most of us can agree that this is not something that we want to rush, but rather, think through and explain critically to the American people to provide the best care for them.

License law angers new drivers Kristen Marzullo Photo Editor “BRAKE! BRAKE! TURN LEFT! NO, YOUR OTHER LEFT!” Normally, you would only have to listen to your mother scream those commands at you while you drive for six months.

Well, you might as well get used to it now, because you’ll be hearing her scream for an extra three months.

As of October 1, 2009, anyone who does not have their license must hold their permit for nine months instead of six. This means that instead of being out on the open road in November, those with later birthdays now have to wait until February.

The license law has changed drastically over the years, but driv-

ing laws have always been put in effect at the beginning, not middle of the year.

The law should state that after January 1, 2010, those who do not have their permits must hold them for nine months instead of six. It makes more sense because it would go into effect after the beginning of the New Year, and the government would still have its way.

Not only is the timing off, but the law itself doesn’t make much sense. Why would the government restrict those who are ready to get their license when they are really trying to restrict those who need more time to learn? What is an extra three months of the road?

What will we see in nine months that we wouldn’t have seen in six?

Wouldn’t it make more sense to restrict those who have yet to get

their permits?

Not only is this law affecting those of us who can’t drive yet, it’s also putting more stress on parents.

They now have to waste three more months riding in the car with their son or daughter just because the government thinks six months isn’t long enough.

It seems as if the government is just looking for another excuse to play Big Brother. They constantly change laws on us that have worked well in the past just so they can have more control over what goes on.

For now, we’ll return to our mothers slamming down on their invisible brakes, smacking the dashboard with their hand, and the constant criticism on how horrible we are at driving. But don’t worry, it’s only for three more months!

Great.

editorials

the patriot

Volume 45 Issue 1 October 2009

Restrictions ruin needed ability to learn lessons Kaitlin Bobbin Editorials Editor

As a freshman, my bright, shiny, fourteen-year-old eyes anticipated heading off to school for an incredible six hours of staring at my computer screen, following Harold the Homeboy as he leapt onto endlessly escalating bars.

Icy Tower is familiar to most members of the current senior class, and although the games and trends of how to waste time on the computer have evolved since the age of Harold the Homeboy, the concept is still the same. The introduction of laptops to high school students just brought a whole new meaning to not paying attention in class.

A few short months into my freshman year, nearly every nonacademic website was blocked, and detentions for those caught emailing during class or with a game downloaded on their laptops were being handed out at a rate that probably wiped a redwood forest out of existence. It felt like the administration didn’t trust us enough to give us any freedom on our personal computers.

Ever since then, I have resented my laptop with a passion that the entire Class of 2010 can understand.

The computer started to feel heavier on the walk to class, and it became something I identified with as making me a prisoner to this school. The technical issues with the laptops added to my contempt, but the trust issue was what really fueled my outrage.

Facebook is now unblocked at school, and I’m glad it is. The reason for it being unblocked is irrelevant. All other websites should be unblocked at school, with the

exception of filters for illegal sites.

Aside from that, teachers do not need to monitor what students do during class. The option to not pay attention has always been available, and students will always find ways to take advantage of it. The methods just change. Whether they are passing a note or shooting a tweet makes no difference.

Students grow from having the option to fail. Before laptops, students who didn’t want to take notes just didn’t take notes. Some kids need to fail a test or two, or even become ineligible, before they learn to take responsibility for their grades.

However, once taking notes and studying becomes a choice, the cycle of rebellion, failure, and reluctant note taking will end, and students will eventually make the decision to learn in a way that works for them.

As far as classes whose subjects didn’t hold my attention, I learned the most in the ones where my teachers let me get sucked into Icy Tower, or whatever the distraction happened to be, because I came to the conclusion myself that I needed to start paying attention.

I know that teachers and the administration don’t want to see students fail, but how far are they willing to go to prevent this? Besides, it’s possible to brutally force students to pay attention, but that won’t inspire them to learn or study the materials, and they especially won’t retain it.

In fact, it will be a year’s worth of classes wasted when they block the information from their memory completely on the first day of summer.

I offer this as a member of the guinea pig class, and I offer this because I was that lazy, unmotivated, computer game addict.

13

Prom dives under the sea Alex Bahr

Copy Editor Last spring, as I danced among the seniors of 2009 on a small square of dance floor facing the less-than-appealing view of the two exit doors of M&T Bank Stadium, I tried to picture how prom with my own Class of 2010 would play out next year.

I was already excited enough at the prospect of being with my class and enjoying a prom of my own.

But never would I have guessed that come spring 2010, I would be dancing next to a tank of dolphins and jellyfish.

For the first time in JC history, seniors will be able to experience being “under the sea,” and not just through a cheesy, paper-fish decorated theme. The Class of 2010’s prom will be held at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, and I could not be more excited.

Not only will the atmosphere of the Aquarium be amazing, but this year’s seniors will have more options. Compared to the two choices of last year’s prom: sitting (inside, or outside in the barren bleachers of the M&T Stadium) or dancing

(on a less-than-adequate dance floor), this year’s choices seem almost infinite.

The setting of the Aquarium’s two-story party area will allow seniors this year to relax either downstairs or upstairs, check out the dolphin and jellyfish tanks, stay seated at their tables to talk to friends, or dance next to the dolphins. It’s going to be a great night.

Another bonus is we have an hour to explore all the exhibits of the aquarium when we arrive. The only catch is that the aquarium will still be open to the general public at this time, so I guess we’ll just have to deal with getting double-takes for wearing an evening gown or tuxedo among groups of jean-clad marine animal-lovers.

The aquarium as a setting for prom this year obviously has its perks, but I had to wonder, why the change?

When senior class moderator Anne Baker informed me that the problem was location, I thought back to last year and quickly understood.

After the first part of prom last year was over, we were all ready to go to the ESPN Zone. Unfor-

tunately, the estimated two-minute bus ride proved way too much of a hassle.

Trying to get over one hundred students out of a crowded building with only two elevators was a lot more difficult than one would think.

And by the time we finally made it onto a bus, we ended up having to sit for twenty minutes waiting for the other buses to be filled just so we could leave.

The two-minute bus ride turned out to include over twenty minutes of waiting for every bus to get loaded and leave.

To avoid a repeat of this dilemma, the new location had to be within walking distance from the ESPN Zone. Out of all the choices around that area, the aquarium, as Baker explains, was the only one that had the “wow-factor.”

So, yes seniors, we might have to get our nice shoes a little dirty and our floor-length dresses might drag on the short walk over to the ESPN Zone, but it’s definitely a fair sacrifice for such a great prom location.

Plus, if everything goes well this year, prom at the Aquarium could likely become a new tradition.

What do you think about JC going paperless?

“It’s odd because I’m buying workbooks and we’re copying them onto the computer.”

-Liz Johnson ‘11

“I’d rather use paper.”

“I don’t like the fact that we don’t have planners.”

“I think it’s better. It helps the school go green.”

“It’s a good idea. It’ll help save the enviornment and saves money too.”

-Chris Wohlfort ‘12

-Caroline Spath ‘12

-Rusty English ‘10

-Bryan Pussler ‘13

14 sports

the patriot

Volume 45 Issue 1 October 2009

Sailing team gains ground Athletes face truths of college recruitment

Joey Hoff Managing Editor A new team sport is on the horizon — all freshman Bryan Doherty needs is three other students and a moderator. With a full line-up, the school’s first sailing team would then have the wind at its back.

Doherty discovered his passion for the sport after attending a sailing camp six years ago. Today, Doherty is still out on the water, taking part in local sailing competitions, called regattas. Now, he wants to share his passion with other students and form the school’s own sailing team.

JC is not the first local school to start a sailing team. An entire sailing league has been established in the area for over a decade. Since 1998, the Mid-Atlantic Scholastic Sailing Association (MASSA) has organized high school sailing leagues throughout Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Virginia.

Last year, the Central League, which includes teams from Maryland, Delaware, and Northern Virginia, was made up of 18 high schools. Teams from Calvert Hall, Loyola, Annapolis Area Christian School, and Archbishop Spalding have sailed in the Central League in the past.

For each school in the league, MASSA provides everything needed to sail for all practices and regattas. All that the school needs to provide is the students. “The boats,

Rachel Kokoska

Photo by Katie Doherty

Freshman Bryan Doherty sails competitively on the waters of the Chesapeake. Doherty is the driving force behind the school’s first sailing team.

location, and coach are all provided. We just need four people.

That’s it,” Doherty said.

Each team consists of four total sailors: two skippers and two crewmen, and each of these teams is given two sail boats, known as a JY15’s. Two team members sail each JY15 during the regattas, which take place at local state parks and yacht clubs.

Unlike other sports, the sailors wouldn’t have to worry about hauling their equipment to each competition. “You go to the yacht club, or wherever the regatta is, and you use the location’s boats,” Doherty said.

Wherever it is, every MASSA regatta follows a general format.

The regatta is made up of eight races on a set course. Each team

sends one sail boat out for the first four races and sends the other boat out for the last four.

“The program is a great way for the students and sailors to prepare for college sailing, and it gives high school students an interesting sport to add to their record,” assistant director of MASSA Geoff Schneider said.

To prepare the students, MASSA holds high school practices Monday through Thursday, but sailing teams only have to attend two practices each week. “We can schedule practice on the days that work best for the team. It’s flexible,” Doherty said.

Currently, Doherty is rounding up a team, searching for a faculty moderator, and planning for the future of the JC sailing team.

When bees swarm, runners run Erin Hanratty

guidance counselor Carrie Siemsen said.

The lights blind him as he runs “Most students do not underonto the field with the rest of the stand what it means, how slim 100 or so other players. The their chances are,” Siemsen said. crowd roars. He looks up into An indication of interest is exactly the stadium filled with hundreds that: interest, not a commitment. of thousands of football fans. The Following the indication of internight he has been waiting for his est, a letter of intent, even though whole life - his first home college it sounds more promising, is by no football game. Senior Stephen St. means a guarantee.

Clair has had this dream since he To keep it straight, a letter of inwas six years old, he hopes to live tent is signed before an athlete gets this dream next year. However, into the college. By signing the letthe opportunity for dreams like St. ter, students are telling the college Clair’s to become a reality is ex- they will play for them if they gets ceedingly rare. into the college. The key phrase is Of the JC students who desire “if the student gets in.” The admisto play Division I sports, only 10 sions counselors at the college still to 15 students out of the total 250 decide whether a student will get in. members of each class are recruitThe myth has always been that ed each year. Almost all of these sports can get anyone into any students are recruited for women’s school. Dukes rebuked this idea: soccer and lacrosse and men’s bas- “Athletic ability means nothing.” ketball and lacrosse.

Students still have to get into the Bucknell school academically University and before they can get Colgate Univeron the team. Dukes sity have both admitted, however, approached that if there are ten St. Clair about equally qualified stuplaying for dents for one spot, - Larry Dukes, the athlete will probtheir football teams.

“My Athletic Director ably get it. “Studream was to dents need to look at play for Notre Dame, but I wasn’t where they are and what the expecthat good,” St. Clair said. The col- tations are at the college they desire lege recruiting process leaves stu- to go to. They need to take a realdents with little control over what istic look at whether they truly fit,” will happen.

Dukes said.

As Athletic Director Larry Another myth floating around Dukes put it, “Students have the re- is that student athletes can get a sponsibility to present themselves.” full scholarship to college. In fact, The students can put themselves Dukes said, “It rarely happens, out there but cannot force a college very rarely.” Dukes compares the to consider them. number of scholarships awarded to For students interested in being the number of fingers of his hand. seen, club sports are the only op- “We’ve never gotten anymore than tion, with the exception of foot- that. No need to get out any toes.” ball. College coaches have games Once on the team, the road does of their own during the week. The not become any easier. “Many of time that they reserve for looking at our recruited students get there and high school athletes is on the week- realize they are on the field with ends. some truly amazing athletes. It’s a At most, a student can put them- hard wake up call,” Dukes said. selves out there. “My coach sent Siemsen concluded, “My advice out film highlights, which got them for freshmen seeking sports recruitinterested,” St. Clair said. ment would be to realize academAfter seeing a student play in ics are just as important as athletic a game, a college coach may ap- ability. Concentrate on both.” proach him or her about playing Besides athletic ability and acathe sport in college, but this is no demic record, sometimes fitting promise. into what a college needs is the The main confusion of col- most important aspect. “Steven is lege sports recruiting arises from a good prospect for colleges. He is the agreements between the col- not concentrated in one area. His lege coaches and the athletes. A well-roundedness is a great asset for verbal agreement is not the same him, because colleges can see a lot as signing a letter of intent. “Col- of potential in him,” Dukes said. lege coaches may tell a hundred St. Clair may get his dream, but students that they are interested in for other student athletes, somethem, but in reality they only have times a realistic look at themselves 10, maybe 20 spots on the team,” is required.

Sports Editor

A mile into his race, Thompson Sports Editor was stung by the swarm of bees As junior Dan Thompson again. Afraid of suffering from the sprinted along the cross country same symptoms as the last time, course, he thought his only oppo- Thompson immediately notified nents were the runners on the oth- his coach and trainer. er team. He was wrong. The real They called 911, and an ambuthreat he would face on the course lance arrived to transport Thompended up being a nest-full of angry, son to the hospital. Even though agitated, swarming bees.

Thompson showed no symptoms During time triafter the sting, he took als, early in the medication to prevent an season, Thompson allergic reaction and had to was stung by several stay in the hospital for sevbees on the cross eral hours. country course.

Although Thompson The incident has had the most traumatic occurred near the experience with the bees, small, wooden he was not the only cross bridge between the county member affected. soccer field and the members of the photo by Joey Hoff Other smaller pond on Dan Thompson cross country teams were campus. stung by the bees. Senior capThompson finished the time tain Ian Richardson was stung three trial, but soon after, began to get times during his race. hives, and it was clear that he had However, the threat of the bees an allergic reaction. did not stop the team from perseAfter informing athletic trainer, vering through their race.

Eric Fabriziani about the incident, “You just went through it hopThompson received an Epi-pen, ing not to get stung, but if you did, which appeared to successfully suppress his allergenic symptoms.

However around 11:00 that night, Thompson had a second allergic reaction.

His mom promptly called 911, and Thompson was taken to the hospital. Thompson stayed at the hospital until 3 A.M. A week later, the cross country team competed in a meet against Calvert Hall. But the bees were back for more.

you kept running anyway,” Richardson said.

Thompson did not blame the school for allowing the bee incident to occur. “It’s really not their fault.

The school did everything they could to prevent it,” he said.

Once the cross country bee incident occurred, the maintenance staff immediately made efforts to remove the bees.

The staff called an exterminator service, King Bee Apiary, and the company sprayed the area with pesticide.

David Moxey, Director of Facilities reported that bees have become an especially big problem this year. “This is their season to run rampant,” Moxey said.

Only so much can be done to prevent bees from nesting. “You can’t spray the entire grounds with pesticides – it would just kill everything.” Moxey said.

The bee problem seems to be under control for now. As for Thompson, he doesn’t seem fazed by his encounter with the bees. “It’s in the past,” he said.

‘

Athletic ability means nothing.”

sports

the patriot

Volume 45 Issue 1 October 2009

Football coach tackles character

15

Kaitlin Bobbin

Editorials Editor Eligibility is becoming weekly for football players this year. Presenting a classroom evaluation to each of their teachers on a weekly basis presents a whole new level of standards for these athletes.

On the evaluation, teachers indicate whether or not the players’ grades are passing and if they were a gentlemen in the classroom. If they are given bad marks in either of these areas, they are excluded from playing in that week’s game.

The process is a more in-depth evaluation of academic standing and character than athletes have been subject to. “Failure is not an option,” said head football coach Keith Rawlings.

“The purpose is to let [Coach Rawlings] know what’s going on in the classroom,” said senior Jimmy Schultz.

“I didn’t like the way the school put things to make a kid ineligible,” said Rawlings.

So to take matters into his own hands, he began these evaluations to make sure the players don’t become ineligible and practice “discipline in the classroom and on schoolwork.”

So far, these evaluations have served their purpose. Senior Will Puhl admits that although having to go to all of their teachers is a “hassle” because of the evaluations he thinks “we [the football team] try

Overtime

By: Daniel Gallen

Photo by Kristin Marzullo

Math teacher Al Ward signs off junior David Scharfe’s academic evaluation. Footballl players are now required to have a report of behavior and grades submitted to the football coaching staff.

harder.”

From the feedback Rawlings has received, most teachers like the evaluations, and he is surprised that some teachers don’t.

The evaluations serve as a proactive tool, and it lets the players “know that they are held accountable,” said Rawlings. “They [the team] know that we are committed to excellence.”

Social studies teacher, Jacob Hollin is one of the teachers with a complaint. “If every sport had evaluations, it would be unmanageable,” he said. When teachers have

several players in one class that all come to have the form filled out at the same time, it can be strenuous, especially when dealing with the task of creating an accurate report.

In order for the evaluations to serve their purpose, teachers must take the time to be honest and let Rawlings in on the truth as opposed to a simple sign off.

“I’m pretty honest, maybe painfully honest on some evaluations, and I try to throw in a personal comment like ‘Give Nick Martinez the ball more,’ just to make sure coach is actually reading all of

these,” said Hollin.

The evaluation is being refined. Principal Paul Barker said, “If the goal was to keep the football players off the ineligibility list, it wasn’t 100% successful.”

However, the players feel they are trying harder and these evaluations have served good purpose so far.

“Bottom line -- we’re about students being successful, and if this is a means to help students be successful, let’s do it,” said Barker.

Michael Vick.

Three years ago, the talent attached to the name sent chills of electricity down the spines of football fans everywhere.

Today, that name sends chills of revulsion down the spines of animal rights activists everywhere.

The horrors that made up Bad Newz Kennels will never be forgotten along with the stain it left on Vick’s legacy. But where’s “60 Minutes” for Donte’ Stallworth?

Stallworth was charged with DUI manslaughter in April after killing a pedestrian in an incident in Miami in March and was sentenced to 30 days in jail, 1,000 hours of community service, two years of house arrest, and eight years of probation. In addition, Stallworth was suspended by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell without pay for the entire 2009 season.

But still, Stallworth only spent 24 days in jail and is allowed to work out five days a week during his house arrest. Vick spent 23 months under arrest, including 21 months at the United States Penitentiary in Leavenworth, KS. Is this justice?

Vick has been hounded by PETA members since his return to the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles. Criticism of Vick will never cease, no matter how many times he speaks out against animal cruelty. Vick will never be able to satisfy the organization’s insatiable desire for retribution.

The most attention Stallworth has gotten is an appearance on ESPN’s “E:60.” Stallworth’s every move isn’t being monitored by ESPN. NFL Network reporters aren’t staking out his house. We don’t hear legends speaking out about Stallworth’s crime.

Vick has paid back enough. He lost two years of his life in prison.

He lost his contract, which was the priciest in NFL history when he signed it in 2005, at $130 million over 10 years. He lost his place in society as he became ostracized as the disgusting details surrounding the happenings at his Virginia home became public knowledge.

This is enough. Taking away a man’s livelihood is punishment enough in today’s society. Vick has indeed lost the respect of millions all over the world and kick-started animal cruelty awareness everywhere.

Yes, Stallworth will eventually pay his debt to society, but with significantly less media scrutiny. But when it comes down to it, aren’t the chances of a repeat of his incident much greater than that of Vick’s?

Taking the life of dogs sends a man to Leavenworth. Taking the life of a fellow man sends a man to his home.

16 sports

the patriot

Volume 45 Issue 1 October 2009

Night games spark school spirit despite defeats From FRONT PAGE

and Maychack had organized the event hoping that many of the youth club teams from around the area would be able to come out and see what the soccer program has to offer.

Both the women’s and men’s programs are affiliated with club teams through their players.

Maychack brought her U-12 Baltimore Bays premier club team to come see the school play with the intentions of having some of them express interest in the school.

“If there are 100 kids there, that’s 100 possible new students and players for the school,” said Lynch.

In preparation for the night, there were ideas that had to be hashed out and brought to life so that the soccer program would have enough organization to put on the event.

According to Lynch, parents Hope Lookingland, Tony Maiorana, and Beth Mullin played a major role in bringing his idea to life.

“They were great,” said Lynch. “I can’t thank them enough.”

The administration was also supportive in getting the word out. Soccer players hung posters around the school, and made multiple announcements.

Photo by Kristin Marzullo

Junior Nick Clark defends the ball from Archbishop Curley’s Oumar Ballo. Both the men’s and women’s soccer teams had the first non-football games to be held under the lights.

Dukes was excited for the games to happen because he hoped it would rally school spirit and create a new social gathering. “The concept of doing something unique and different is huge,” said Dukes.

Dukes also felt that it was long overdue to showcase women’s sports with one of the best soccer teams in “all the land.”

The money necessary for bringing in the two extra sets of lights was raised in part by the snack stand put together by the parents of the soccer program, and by the overwhelming support of the student body.

Although the teams lost all four games in highly competitive contests, the backing and excitement of

the audience of the athletes’ peers never wavered.

At the varsity women’s game, a group of players from the men’s team painted their chests and spelled out B-O-D-T in support of varsity captain, sophomore Erica Bodt.

The JV women went wild when they were able to put themselves

School slashes budget Kate Froehlich

Executive Editor

Patriot of the Month highlights student athletes who may or may not get due recognition for success in their chosen sport. They are selected by the Sports Editor.

photos by Katie Doherty

Senior Chris Haviland started playing volleyball during his freshman year. Starting off on the JV team, he has progressively moved up, and became the team captain for varsity this fall. As a setter, he sets the team up to be able to score. His leadership on and off the court has helped him to be chosen as captain this year. Haviland is particularly known by his teammates for his ability to dive to save the ball. “My favorite memory would have to be winning my first A conference game,” said Haviland. Besides JC volleyball, he has previously played the sport for the TimeOut Volleyball Team. Haviland is interested in playing Division III volleyball for Juniata College.

Senior Kristen Dukes has been around horses all her life after being introduced to them at age 2 by her mother. She currently rides her Irish sport horse Maestro, or “Billy,” as she calls him. Dukes has been on the equestrian team since her freshman year. Her favorite part of equestrian competitions is combined training, which involves cross country, ring jumping, and dressage. In dressage, Dukes guides the horse in patterns, switching between a walk, a trot, and a canter. She is currently the team’s co-captain, along with senior Katie Doherty. Dukes also swims for the Hurricanes and the JC team. She is considering riding on a club team when she gets to college.

on the scoreboard when sophomore Talya Kahoe was able to get a goal off of a cross from freshman Hannah Griffith. Kahoe wound up scoring the only goal for the Patriots, and the ending score was 2-1 in favor of NDP. The crowd was able to join in the varsity game when they shouted disapproval at the physicality of the NDP team and the yellow cards that resulted for one of their players and for junior Morgan Fraczkowski.

As each shot taken by JC went high over the goal, the crowd seemed to know that they were getting into trouble. With another ending score of 2-1, the team could not close the gap.

The mens’ games followed the same pattern. With a contentious defeat of 3-0 for varsity and another defeat for JV, the Curley Friars came out on top that night. The men weren’t too upset though, because the support seen at the women’s game was equally as overwhelming at theirs.

Student support can spread to more sporting events. “I’m willing to work with anyone who wants to put on a night game whether that be boys, girls, spring, or fall as long as I have some help like I did this time,” said Dukes.

When the football program wanted new uniforms, coach Keith Rawlings, unable to get the $20,000 from the school, organized a “schedule card” drive, selling cards of coupons from local businesses.

An outside company sold the advertising, and enough money was raised to buy the uniforms. Because of budget cuts for individual teams, fundraising as a steady stream of revenue has become a priority.

With the cost of transportation, hiring officials and league fees all up this year, the athletic department’s operating budget was raised 10% but still forced to cut water polo, men’s fresh/soph basketball and soccer, and lower spending for each team to meet the budget.

Teams were asked to fundraise to cover additional expenses.

Getting rid of the fresh/soph teams caused some “disappointment,” according to Dukes, but “we hope to replace them with intramural teams. We struggled to maintain them because there is not enough field and gym space. In the winter, with four basketball, two wrestling, and two cheer teams to fit in the gym, we’d be practicing until 8 or 8:30 at night.”

Dukes is “not looking to cut anymore sports.” To make up for the lack of money, Dukes is pushing fundraising.

“This is the way of the future, the cost of athletics at a school continues to explode,” Dukes said.

“Everyone wants to keep getting new uniforms and equipment, going out of state for competitions and training trips, but the only way this is going to happen is if teams are creative in fundraising. The

school budget isn’t a place to look for the money.”

Rawlings’s schedule cards cost $20 to buy, $15 of which the team got back. “If a team is willing to work and put effort in, they should reap the benefits of fundraising,” he said.

Baseball has fully embraced the new culture of fundraising. “We have to go out and try to raise money to offset the costs. A dozen baseballs cost you 50 or 60 dollars.

I don’t want to just put out garbage, these kids deserve the best,” head coach Joe Stetka said. Stetka hopes to take the team on a training trip to South Carolina, a desire which is fueling the fundraising drive.

The boy’s basketball team, under coach Tony Martin, is the only “self-funded athletic program.”

The program is in the second cycle of a three year contract with Nike, who pays for equipment, shoes, socks, sweat suits, etc. for the team.

Martin was able to get this deal thanks to previous contacts following his work at a Nike All-American camp. All travel fees, beyond local games, are paid for by specific tournaments.

If the budget was divided up equally, each sport would get approximately $2000. However, operational costs differ depending on the team.

Dukes tried to “position dollars so the sports can operate, and any extra money goes into a rotation for uniforms and equipment.” Although sports like track and field have minimum costs for uniforms, transportation for larger teams gets expensive.

Dukes added, “I don’t want to drop any more programs, and if we have to wear old uniforms to prevent that, then we will.”