The Patriot November 2009, Issue 2, Vol 45

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The cars that don’t dent the wallet ENTERTAINMENT 8

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SPORTS 16

November 09

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

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Alum makes US lacrosse team Drew Westervelt Class of ‘03 beat out 84 other players for his spot on the US Lacrosse Team

Photo by Katie Doherty

Junior Trent Shaw hangs up a poster for the Gold program in the courtyard hallway. The Gold program is a peer-driven initiative to change the perception that most students drink alcohol.

Gold program confuses students Kate Froehlich Executive Editor Three weeks after “Gold” signs first graced the hallways, puzzling students and faculty members alike, the initiative has been revealed.

The “Gold” program is part of a “national, federally funded social norms” campaign, according to member of the Drug Control Policy Office Joe Ryan, class of ’73, who heads the program.

At JC, the focus is on underage drinking.

Current sophomores, juniors, and seniors

took a survey last spring which revealed that 68 percent of the school has not had an alcoholic beverage in thirty days.

Ryan and Siemsen are not concerned with inaccuracies in the results. “The surveys are sent to professionals with PhDs, they know how to clean them up. It’s called ‘scrubbing’ the information to make it an accurate survey,” said Ryan.

“If you’re not drinking, you’re in the majority of kids at John Carroll. We want to shrink that 32 percent to make them feel like the outsiders,” said guidance counselor Carrie Siemsen who, along with English

teacher Eric Sutton, leads the program on campus.

The campaign is peer–driven by a group of students known as the Street Team.

“Positive peer pressure will make things change. That’s how to effect change, through an internal change of a small group of student leaders,” said Ryan.

A major obstacle that the program faces is in the mindset of the population, “Our mindset is that ‘It’s just alcohol,’ but when you’re dead, you’re dead. In the first five years of the Iraq war, 4,000 soldiers were See NEWS 2

Women’s teams capture IAAM titles Nicky Hatzidimitriou General Staff

Girls rule. Both the women’s cross country and volleyball teams have claimed championship titles after competing in nail-biting finals.

On October 28, the cross country team won the IAAM “A” Conference Championship for the first time in three years, with a 33-36 victory over heavily favored McDonogh.

Junior Elizabeth Tauber ran across the finish line of the three mile race with a firstplace time of 19:26, 19 seconds ahead of McDonogh junior Jo Baird.

Tauber wasn’t the only Patriot runner to step up her game.

Senior Katelynn Colgain finished in fifth place with a time

Index

of 20:11, while sophomore Taylor Battaglia salvaged sixth by holding off Bryn Mawr’s Olivia Uddin.

Three days later, the women’s volleyball team won their first “B” conference IAAM championship in five years.

The Patriots battled the Mercy Magic, winning three out of four games.

Although Mercy took an early lead in the first game, the Patriots quickly regained control and secured a 25-18 win.

JC took charge of the second game, ending with another Patriot win, 25-15.

Mercy reclaimed victory in game three with the score 2417 after JC senior Alex Jeddry hit the net with her serve, but the Patriots were far from surrendering.

News...2

Photo by Stephen Tauber

Junior Amanda Hudak races ahead of rival runners at the IAAM Cross Country Championships. The women’s cross country team won the “A” Conference title for the first time in three years.

JC made a strong recovery in the fourth game, with a first score by Schafer. Despite a hotly contested call, the Patriots were able to pull through the fourth game with the final score 25-17, earning themselves the championship title.

Features...4

Undeterred by past losses, the women’s cross country and volleyball teams have made exciting comebacks, leaving their mark on the school’s history.

MORE AT jcpatriot.com V READ

Entertainment....7

In-Depth...8

Photo by Denver OutlawsLacrosse/Peter Uklund

Drew Westervelt cradles the ball down the field at a Denver Outlaws game. He will soon sport a Team USA jersey.

Allison Siegel Managing Editor An attackman from the Class of 2003, Drew Westervelt hardly thought that he would be slipping on a Team USA jersey and stepping out onto the lacrosse field at the Naval Academy.

Westervelt graduated to go on and play college lacrosse at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).

Westervelt was a standout player and received honors like Second Team All-America East Attackman, Second Team AllAmerica East Performer, and All-America East Conference Rookie Team. Westervelt was recruited to play for the professional men’s lacrosse team the Denver Outlaws after he graduated college in 2007.

This year, Westervelt, among 83 other lacrosse players, was selected out of the 200 applicants to come to the open tryouts for the 2010 U.S. Men’s team that will compete in the Federal International Lacrosse World Championships in Manchester England in July, 2010.

After the June tryouts at Bryant University, Westervelt waited to hear from the committee of U.S. Men’s Team alums and the current coach, Mike Pressler. The committee decided that it wasn’t quite time for Westervelt to unlace his cleats. He had made it through the first set of cuts and onto the 40 man training roster for the U.S. See SPORTS 14

Editorials...11

Sports...14

2

news The Patriot

The John Carroll School 703 Churchville Road Bel Air, MD 21014 Volume 45, Issue 2, November 2009

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 Editors: Haley Lynch Kristin Marzullo General Staff: Nicky Hatzidimitriou Ryan Lina Mollyann Pais Caitie Beth Shauck Contributers: Megan Battaglia Katie Doherty Moderator: Mark Ionescu

the patriot

Volume 45 Issue 2 November 2009

Upper Chesapeake merges with UMMS Alex Dunn News Editor The Upper Chesapeake Health System (UCH) which includes the Upper Chesapeake Medical Center (UCMC) in Bel Air and Harford Memorial Hospital (HMH) in Havre de Grace, is planning to merge with the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS).

The merger was prompted by five factors. The first was that the population in UCH’s area of service is growing. This population increase is expected because of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC), which will transfer thousands of jobs to Harford County.

Other factors include the need to expand medical services to meet growing patient demands, the need for more local physicians, capital to finance the expansion and growth of the hospitals, and a way to promote the corporate services that are difficult for UCH to sustain.

The Board of UCH analyzed potential partnerships and concluded that UMMS was the ideal partner. UMMS can provide funds to allow for hospital renovations.

UMMS agreed to the partnership in order to help “further its goal of creating a statewide continuum of care that encompasses community-based health providers such as UCH, tertiary health providers such as UMMS, and cutting edge medical research performed by the UMMS faculty,” said Presi-

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

months, and began on June 30, 2009, with the replacement of SJMC’s investments, which included replacing board members and a change in the source of funds.

Phase two began on October 1st, and will last four years. This phase includes the planning of the clinical services, clarification of the business plan, and an infusion of funds to UCH. “The ability to borrow money is very important. By joining our system, they get access to the capital and we get at a low interest rate,” said Wollman.

The third phase will end in

die instantly,” said Sutton.

In the coming months, studentdriven events will take the place of giveaways, with a current plan of one activity a month in order to “keep the momentum up.” However, no activities have been planned as of yet.

“My goal is to put some substance behind this, something that can back up the message. We’re not a self help group. We want to provide opportunities other than partying,” said Sutton.

Now that phase three is over, the program is looking for more students to join the initiative. “Kids that are appropriate for this, bring yourself and your ideas,” said Siemsen.

Added junior and member of the Street Team Kelsey Lake, “The people involved in it now are from all different types of student demographics.”

Teachers were asked to select students that were “good role models, leaders, and well respected among peers,” said Siemsen.

Each nominated student was interviewed, and around ten kids were accepted. They were trained in early September by consultants from Colorado on the goals of the program.

Thanks to a Drug Free Communities grant, Ryan has $100,000 to use between Edgewood and JC “This is costing John Carroll zero dollars. Tuition has nothing to do

with it,” said Siemsen.

The campaign has been done in “at least 40 schools around the country. It’s nationally accredited.

The students recieve the same training, the same campaign, but with a different message,” said Siemsen.

The program will be evaluated over the next three years. Ryan said, “If we can show [the federal government] that it’s succeeding, we’re more likely to get money from them.”

“Alcohol is the biggest thing that is going to affect the future of the John Carroll student. We want to solve that problem and make the John Carroll community stronger,” said Ryan.

Photo by Katie Doherty

Upper Chesapeake Medical Center has been part of Harford County since 2000. Its merger with UMMS will bring better medical care to the County’s residents.

Mystery behind “Gold” signs finally solved from FRONT PAGE

killed. 30,000 people have died during the same time because of underage drinking. I ask the simple question - Where is the outrage?” said Ryan.

The plan was separated into three distinct phases. Phase one included posters, the second included banners and shirts, and the third, which introduced the concept that the majority of the school is not drinking regularly, included pens, socks, and iTunes cards.

The goal of keeping the signs a mystery was the hope that “by unveiling everything in one fell swoop, it might have only been effective for a day or maybe a week. People are still talking about this; it didn’t just THE

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.

dent and CEO of UCH Lyle E. Sheldon.

“UMMS, if you include UCH’s two hospitals, is now an eleven hospital system,” said Senior Vice President for Corporate Operations at UMMS Jerry Wollman.

Because of the merger, UCH will sever its financial pact with St. Joseph Medical Center (SJMC). In addition, UMMS will send its interns to UCHS’s hospitals.

The merger between UCHS and UMMS will occur in three distinct phases.

Phase one lasted for three

2013, when ownership is changed, and UCH is financed for renovations and expansions.

These renovations and expansions will include an increase in the number of patient beds at UCMC and HMH and a growth in the number of ambulances available.

“As the population we serve grows and ages, the demand for specialty medical services will also grow,” said Sheldon. “Our goal with this agreement is to offer as many specialized services locally as possible.”

Despite hard economic times, UMMS decided to go through with the merger to show its commitment to a continuation of care statewide.

“We have a relationship with most hospitals in the region,” said Wollman.

UCH hopes that the expansion will help “infuse millions of dollars in the Harford County economy through expanded medical services, increased employment, and new construction,” said Sheldon.

UMMS is similarly optimistic about the merger, “We’re thrilled.

They have great management and a great board,” said Wollman.

For UMMS, this “collaborative relationship” is “mutually beneficial” for both sides. UCH gains “access to top notch medical programs and care” while UMMS will “drive business they can’t take care of to the downtown business center,” according to Wollman. UMMS will receive UCH’s excess business.

JOHN CARROLL SCHOOL

to benefit the

JOHN CARROLL EQUESTRIAN TEAM

Sunday, December 6, 2009 11 AM - 5 PM in the Gym Crafts � Artists � Retail Vendors Tea Room � Holiday Greens Door Prizes � And More Admission: $5 (under 12 Free) 703 E. Churchville Road Bel Air, MD 21014

NVS

Salon & Spa

312 N. Main Street Bel Air, MD 21014 (410) 803- 0005

Stop in for all of your www.NVSsalon.com holiday needs.

Receive a free brow wax When you bring in an unwrapped toy for the Empty Stocking fund.

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the patriot

Volume 45 Issue 2 November 2009

3

Your news on the go

Photo by Katie Doherty

This Army National Guard recruitment sign is outside of the Harford County Armory. Aberdeen Proving Ground houses units for the National Guard and trains U.S. Army reserves.

BRAC brings change to APG Charlotte Hagerman Copy Editor The Aberdeen Proving Ground is receiving new personnel through the Base Realignment and Closure program (BRAC).

The purpose of this program is for the Department of Defense to reorganize its systems for a more effective and cost-efficient approach.

BRAC 2005, which is still in progress, affects 13 installations across the country. These installations are in the process of being closed down while their projects and workforces are moved to new bases such as Aberdeen Proving Ground. By consolidating bases, the government will save billions.

The main source of new workers in Aberdeen will come from the port in Fort Monmouth, New Jersey.

At first mention of the news of BRAC, JC decided to prepare for the possibility of an increase in students whose parents will be moving to work in Aberdeen.

This possible increase has been welcomed by the administration.

“We have advertised and reached

up into the New Jersey area,” said Principal Paul Barker.

“We’ve been pretty tapped into BRAC by going to meetings in the county. We’ve also gone to numerous events in the Fort Monmouth area and forged relationships with the Catholic schools up there,” Barker added.

As of right now, Barker “can’t be sure” if any new students are a result of BRAC. “It’s not happening at the levels we were told to anticipate,” said history teacher Brian Powell, who, as an AP American Government and Politics teacher, has been doing research on the BRAC and its effect on Maryland.

Powell speculates that this is because people living in Monmouth, New Jersey, an upscale area, are hesitant to come to Aberdeen.

“For a year or two, we were going to put in new science labs to compete with the Aberdeen Science and Math Academy,” said Powell.

However, now that the situation is not as urgent as expected, the plans have been put off.

“I’m not expecting an impact, but I wish it would impact us. We’d welcome every single one of them,”

said Powell. The current estimate for future students is about eight more students per year.

While students resulting from BRAC have not made an impact, a teacher has been brought here indirectly through the program.

Biology teacher Megan Deroba came to JC because of her husband, who worked for Fort Monmouth as an electrical engineer and moved to Aberdeen.

In fact, Deroba’s father-in-law is the president of a Catholic school in the area. “He was generous in distributing information about our school up there,” Barker said.

According to Deroba, the challenge that the Department of Defense faces is to “gradually move people down [to Aberdeen] while continuing to move forward on projects.” Some of the projects moving from Monmouth require certain facilities which need to be built in Aberdeen.

By September 15, 2011, all BRAC missions must be completed. Although currently BRAC has not made a large impact on JC, 2010 is supposed to be the big year for change. “We’ll see,” said Barker. “We are prepared.”

French Exchange canceled this year Joey Hoff

France hoping to participate, the numbers just didn’t add up.

Since the early 1990’s when the French exchange program beThe French exchange students gan, there have been six trips to are stuck in France. Despite what France, but this is the first time that the calendar says, the 2009 French a French exchange has been canexchange has been cancelled. celled due to lack of interest.

Every two years, French exFerry says that it’s more than just change students are able to expea lack of interest in rience American the trip. It’s the lack culture with a of students enrolled little help from JC students.

We’re going to in the language.

“I wish we had But this year, more students in instead of weltry again for French,” Ferry said. coming a bus full next year.”

The French stuof French high dents agree. school students - Regina Ferry Junior French on Thursday, student Elaina Kohles said, “More October 22, as planned, Spanish people should take French beand French teacher Regina Ferry cause it’s a useful language.

Also, spent the day teaching and grading it’s different from what everyone papers like any other Thursday.

“We only had six takers,” Ferry else takes. I feel like pretty much said. “That’s not really enough to the whole school takes Spanish.”

With nearly 70 percent of new run an exchange.” students enrolling in Spanish, there With only six JC students inare fewer students to draw from for terested in participating in the exthe French exchange in comparichange, and 20 to 25 students from Managing Editor

‘

son to the yearly Spanish exchange.

Ferry said, “We have a huge number of Spanish 1 classes starting every year, where we generally only have one French 1 class.”

In past years, French exchanges have been held with as few as 13 students, but with the language’s low enrollment and the economic times, it didn’t make sense to hold the trip this year, according to Ferry.

“It isn’t worth it for a teacher to leave for three weeks with only six kids,” Ferry said.

The French exchange was never removed from the online calendar, causing confusion among many French students. Kohles first discovered that the trip had been cancelled after being approached by the Patriot for an interview.

“Now, I’m just disappointed.

I was really excited to meet the French students and use the language,” said Kohles.

But the program isn’t giving up.

“We’re going to try again for next year,” said Ferry.

Photo by sxc.hu

Photo by Allison Siegel

Polar Bear habitat set aside in AK

Xbox 360 to begin streaming HD

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to set aside 200,000 sq. miles of polar bear habitat in Alaska’s Northern Slope. The plan’s organizers hope to see it in effect in a few months. However, the miles of critical habitat that the land partially lies in is an area that is currently being drilled for oil and natural gases.

Alaskan Governor Sean Parnell will not let this proposal interfere with the drillings, a view which his predecessor, Sarah Palin, agrees with. The Alaskan government has a strong relationship with oil companies such as Exxon-Mobil and ConocoPhillips due to their importance in the Alaskan economy.

Parnell hopes to revoke the polar bear’s endangered status under the Endangered Species Act with his claims that the population is, in fact, increasing. However, these claims have yet to be proven.

He feels that because the animals are not endangered, he does not need to be concerned about their welfare when using Alaska’s natural resources as stated under Alaska’s Statewide Wildlife Policy, which focuses more on the people than the animals.

Microsoft has recently announced that there are no plans to give Xbox a Blu-Ray add on.

Due to a confusing quote, it was believed that Microsoft was planning on giving the Blu-Ray DVD capability to the Xbox 360, but in all actuality Microsoft was referring to the accessories for PCs. Microsoft spokesman Major Nelson said, “During an interview yesterday, [CEO] Steve Ballmer was asked about Blu-Ray and the Xbox 360. Steve was referring to Blu-Ray accessories for the PC. We have no plans to introduce a Blu-Ray drive for the Xbox. The future of home entertainment starts very soon when Xbox 360 becomes the first and only console to offer instant-on 1080p streaming HD movies. With a library of thousands of TV shows and movies to choose from, Xbox 360 owners can instantly watch the movies they want, when they want, in the highest form of high definition.”

Gamers have expressed doubts on the quality of the streaming due to the fact that even the best broadband connections are unable to handle it and the streaming will not be on par with the actual Blu-Ray.

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features

the patriot

Volume 45 Issue 2 November 2009

Alum promoted to rank of Major General Katie Clarke Features Editor In the history of the Air Force, about 180 men have been appointed to the rank of general.

Fewer than .5 percent of commissioned officers ever reach that title. Major General Mark Ramsay, class of ’77, now sits as the highestranking US Air Force official at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE).

The Air Force recently directed JC alum Ramsay to this position in Casteau, Belgium. Before moving to Belgium, the general held several positions within the Air Force.

Ramsay knew from the day he graduated high school that he wanted to become a pilot. He attended Embry-Riddle in Daytona Beach, Florida, where he trained to become an airline pilot. For a few years, Ramsay flew commercially until he found his true calling.

“Reagan had been in office for about one year and was rapidly expanding the military to counter the

in imporgrowing threat tant parts of posed by the SoEurope, Afviet Union. I was rica and Asia intrigued by the shows the thought of flying relevance and in the Air Force importance of during a time of the Alliance in national need, the 21st Cenand I contacted tury.” a local recruiter,” Also imsaid Ramsay. portant to Since startRamsay is ing training in his connec1982, Ramsay tion with the has flown more JC commuthan 4,700 hours nity, which in ten different he keeps types of aircraft. close to his The natures Photo courtesy of Ed Miller of Ramsay’s as- Major General Mark Ramsay poses with his daughers (Jennifer, Melissa, heart. “Facsignments prove and Marianne) at his promotion ceremony. Ramsay is now the highestulty members such as [Rusto be even more ranking US Air Force official at NATO at SHAPE. sian teacher] impressive than his flight statistics. During one of North Africa. He credits NATO’s Ed Miller and others taught me his previous NATO alliance mis- success to the process by which to look at the world through many sions, he helped to end genocide in they make key decisions. He said, diverse lenses and to think critithe Balkan Peninsula.

“The fact that all 28 member na- cally about the world around us, Ramsay continues his humanitar- tions must agree on all major pol- today and into the future,” said ian efforts with his new assignment icy matters makes for a challenging Ramsay. Miller praises Ramsay’s in Belgium where NATO provides and lengthy staffing processes, but work. “Every step of the way, he security in places like Kosovo and the fact that NATO is so involved has performed with excellence,”

teacherSPOTLIGHT

Photo courtesy of Claudia Reyerson

Math teacher Claudia Reyerson scuba dives with a sting ray. Reyerson learned to dive with her husband in 1992 and has enjoyed diving for over 15 years.

Katie Clarke Features Editor Algebra and geometry teacher Claudia Reyerson has been teaching for 37 years and scuba diving for over 15. While Reyerson has swum in seas of tests, equations, proofs, and fish, she still waits to swim with a sea turtle.

Q:

What hobbies are you interested in outside of school?

A:

I’ve been on a few scuba diving trips. Day to day, I like to garden, to make things look better. I also collect old bottles. I collect Maryland milk bottles and Bel Air medicine bottles. I feel like I’m preserving history when I have some with addresses that don’t exist anymore.

Q:

Q:

Could you describe some of your scuba diving trips?

When did you know you wanted to be a teacher?

On one trip, we were underwater about 40 feet and saw, just out of the blue, a gray mass. It was three dolphins! That was the coolest thing ever. They got close enough that we could see their eyes. On another dive, we saw this huge wall of fish, and to have those gazillion fish swimming around with us, it’s spiritual.

I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. I used to play school at home with old reading books and workbooks.

It wasn’t until high school that I decided to become a math teacher. My sophomore geometry teacher inspired me to be a math teacher.

A:

Q:What

is something else about yourself that you’d like the students to know?

A:

My first car that I bought with my own money was a 1971 blue Gremlin with a white stripe. I loved it. I kept it for so long, and I ended up having to drive it to the junkyard after all those years. I really loved that car.

A:

Q:

When did you begin teaching?

A:

I started teaching right after college. My first job was at St. Michael’s in Overlea where I taught for six years.We moved to Bel Air, and I applied for the job at JC and have been here since August of 1980. I just started my 30th year here. I feel like I’m a fixture in the school, like a doorknob, still here.

said Miller.

At no surprise to Miller, Ramsay recently received a promotion to major general. Principal Paul Barker attended the ceremony with Miller and Ramsay’s family. “[Ramsay] acknowledged the special place that JC has in his heart.

He didn’t have to recognize us at all,” said Barker.

Barker confirms Ramsay’s dedication to the JC community in saying how often Ramsay returns and takes students to the Pentagon. “[He] is just a humble guy,” said Barker.

Ramsay attributes much of his success to his modest roots at JC. Ramsay said, “[JC] provided a great foundation.”

The community recognized Ramsay in June 2007 when he received the Charles K. Riepe Alumni Award. Despite his numerous awards, Ramsay said, “none are more special than the Riepe Award.”

Barker said, “The success of alumni, whatever their field, make students pay attention and see what you can be.”

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Volume 45 Issue 2 November 2009

5

‘Weird Maryland’ uncovers Maryland’s quirky rumors Allison Walczyk Managing Editor We can all agree that there are some quirks to our home state, but did you know that we have our own sea monster? There are countless legends that circle Maryland’s history, many of which are just slightly weird. In “Weird Maryland,” author Matt Lake explores some of the weirdest legends in Maryland.

Here are some of the most notable: Jericho Bridge One of the weirdest places in Harford County is known as Jericho Bridge. Near Jerusalem Mill in Kingsville, the bridge is said to be haunted by a variety of spirits.

One of the stories surrounding the bridge is that a young girl was killed driving through the bridge with her father when the car caught fire.

According to “Weird Maryland,” another story says that there were several hangings of slaves at the bridge and that these slaves still haunt the bridge. It is believed that you can see the slaves hanging from the ceiling of the covered bridge.

To see them, go on the bridge late at night and turn off your car.

When you look in your rearview

mirror you should see the bodies hanging from the ceiling. But it’s just a story, right?

Enchanted Forest Nothing is sadder than seeing something that you grew to love in your childhood disappear. The popular children’s attraction in the sixties and seventies, Enchanted Forest, has been left to die, in a sense. The theme park was first opened in 1955 and the basis of the park was to be a children’s theme park with a nursery theme. Originally, the park was comprised of several figurines depicting scenes from a variety of nursery rhymes. The park was closed in 1989 and the land was turned into a strip mall, known as the Enchanted Forest Shopping Center.

Remnants of the park can be seen behind the huge shopping center. The remaining pieces of the

Random scholarships provide opportunities Nicky Hatzidimitriou General Staff Santa Claus does not exist. This is the phrase that has for centuries caused unsuspecting children to drop to their knees and cry out in anguish. It’s the phrase that leads to the downfall of all other childhood beliefs.

Fortunately, for all heartbroken teens who still believe in Claus, the National Christmas Tree Association does exist. And by joining with the NCTA to “help Santa find the perfect real Christmas tree,” one teen could save a few thousand dollars when paying for college. That’s one way to renew the Christmas spirit.

The NCTA asks students to submit an essay on why their real Christmas tree is perfect, along with a photograph of the said tree.

Applicants under the age of sixteen are then eligible to receive up tp $10,000 in scholarship money.

And the NCTA isn’t the only organization promoting odd scholarship opportunities.

Tall Clubs International offers $1,000 in scholarship money to female students who are 5’10’’ or taller, and male students who are 6’2’’ or taller. Applicants only need to submit an essay entitled “What Being Tall Means to Me.” Already at 6’6’’, junior D.J. Owens thinks this bizarre scholarship is a great opportunity. Said Owens, “It could give those people who don’t have much something to look forward to because they have something special about them.”

On the other hand, junior Alex Reddell, who meets the female height requirement, thinks the whole concept is “kind of stupid.”

Reddell emphasized the fact that

she didn’t do anything to become tall, unlike kids who practice hard to receive sports scholarships or spend extra time studying.

“Shouldn’t you have to earn it?”

Reddell asked.

“Everyone is unique in some way,” said guidance counselor Carrie Siemsen. “So you can find scholarships out there that are geared towards you, and I don’t think there’s any harm in that. If somebody’s willing to give you money to help further your education, take that opportunity.”

The guidance office does what it can to promote odd scholarships.

If you could earn money for college by simply showing off your favorite hobby, why wouldn’t you?

For junior Meg Kirchner, the answer is clear: “Why shouldn’t you get money for being something that you already are?” she asks. Kirchner is eligible for the Culinary Institute of America’s All-American Apple Pie Recipe Contest, a scholarship opportunity that awards $25,000 for college.

Having been baking since the age of three, Kirchner finds the idea “pretty cool,” that her hobby could pay for college. “I think if there’s something you really like doing, and you can get scholarship money for it, people should support that,” said Kirchner.

Want a little help getting started? Here’s one anyone can benefit from: The Duck Tape Brand Duct Tape “Stuck at Prom” Contest challenges prom dates to create and wear formal garmentsmade from Duct Tape to their senior proms. The two applicants with the winning look both receive $3,000 for college. Why, then, would anyone buy that overpriced dress from Macy’s?

park are surrounded by a chainlink fence. There have been many efforts to restore the park, most of which have failed. However, the Howard County Preservation Fund is doing their best to relocate and re-

to Champ of Lake Champlain in Vermont, but very few have heard the story of our own loveable sea creature, Chessie. The first reports of Chessie were in 1845, according to “Weird Maryland,” by a Captain Lawson,

store many of the pieces.

Chessie Everyone has heard the story of some kind of sea monster, from the Loch Ness Monster in Scotland

who originally saw the serpent between Cape Charles and Cape Henry in the southern Chesapeake Bay. In 1982, a Kent Island resident filmed

it as it swam through the water.

Chessie is believed to be over 30 ft long and one foot in diameter.

Bunnyman Of all of the urban legends that sweep our home state, possibly the most frightening is that of the Bunnyman. Nothing is scarier than, according to “Weird Maryland,” “a full-grown man dressed up in a white, furry costume with floppy ears.” He has been known to hack private property with his axe. In October 1970 there was a police report filed in the Washington Post, which stated that a man was in a car with his fiancée and they were attacked by a man in a white bunny costume who put a hatchet through their car window. Since then, there have not been any reports of this “Bunnyman” In a state that seems about as normal as possible, it is surprising to find that we have our own oddities.

For more oddities about our home state, you can find the book, “Weird Maryland” by Matt Lake in most book stores today.

student artistSPOTLIGHT

Photo by Katie Doherty

Andrew Russell demonstrates his skill playing the bassoon. Russell found his desire to play different instruments at the young age of nine and now enjoys writing his own compositions.

Joey Hoff Managing Editor When most other sophomore students brought pencils, textbooks, and calculators to the last day of Mrs. Reyerson’s geometry class, Andrew Russell carried only his ukulele.

Within minutes of his arrival, Mrs. Reyerson and her students clapped along as Andrew sang and strummed his own ukulele rendition of “Ob-La-Di, ObLa-Da” by the Beatles.

As a junior, Russell still shares his love and knack for music with his peers. Throughout the day, his music fills the chorus hallway.

Russell participates in the music program as a member of the band and an AP Music Theory student, but according to Russell, music is more than a class or a hobby. He sees it as a form of expression. Although Russell is not looking to pursue music as his major in college, his talent has already attracted a

large following in the program.

“He’s definitely the best musician in the program. He can basically play any instrument that he picks up,” said junior and fellow musician Jess Perry.

So far, Russell has picked up the saxophone, ukulele, clarinet, bassoon, oboe, xylophone, horn, and piano. “The bassoon is the best,” said Russell, “because most people don’t even know what it is.” Russell, realizing the truth behind his own words, continued to explain that a bassoon is “a tall, skinny, lowpitched woodwind instrument.”

Russell found his passion for music at the age of nine. “I really wanted to play something. My elementary school music teacher just said, ‘Here you go!’ and gave me a clarinet,” said Russell.

Russell continued pursuing music beyond elementary school because he realized that it was something that he was proud of doing.

“It’s always fun to be good at something,” Russell said, smiling.

In his free time, Russell works

to develop his skills, practicing his collection of instruments and writing compositions. He especially enjoys writing classical music in the baroque style.

“My pieces are similar to Bach’s style,” Russell said.

When he’s not performing during half-time at football games or on free mods in the chorus hallway, Andrew works to perfect the art of comedy.

When band director and music teacher Daniel Briggs was asked about Andrew, he laughed and said, “I could say so many things about Andrew. Let’s just say he makes rehearsals fun.”

Even with a strong sense of humor, Russell still remains focused on developing his musical talents. Whether he’s playing the ukulele or writing a composition, Russell is constantly working on his musical precision, a quality that Briggs appreciates. “His drive and dedication towards his perfection of the art is unmatched,” said Briggs.

6 Major : features

the patriot

Volume 45 Issue 2 November 2009

Most in-demand languages:

Decisions

l l l

Allison Walczyk Managing Editor Choosing a major can be the hardest decision of a high school student’s life. However, for some students like Andrea Plumer, class of ’09, a French major at Susquehanna University, making the decision couldn’t have been any easier, “I’ve known since I was really young that I wanted to learn French, I loved it and excelled at it, and no other majors really occurred to me.”

Students looking to major in a language see it as a stable option will be beneficial in the changing world, “I want to major in something that will be around by the time I graduate. I have a feeling Chinese will still be around,” said junior Audrey Schiminger about her prospective major.

Language majors are best suited for those who are ready to immerse themselves into a new language.

They have to be willing to be open up to new parts of any culture and be enthusiastic about spending a semester or more in another country.

Professors engross their students in their chosen language during class. Classes usually meet early in the morning five days a week.

The purpose of the early morning classes, according to CollegeTool-

kit.com, is to prevent students from majors include interpreters, news thinking in their native language. analysts, reporters and corresponStudents are also often required dents, secondary school teachers, to take literature courses to better post secondary teachers, and Forunderstand the history of their lan- eign Service officers, according to guage.

College Board.

According to Schiminger, her Interpreters belong to one of chosen major is greatly affecting the fastest growing career fields, her college search. “I am looking according to College Board. An for schools with good Chinese pro- interpreter helps people commugrams where you can study abroad.” nicate by translating one language Local schools that to the other. offer Chinese as a They can major include the work for the University of Marygovernment Most schools land in College or private Park, University of businesses recommend Pittsburgh, GeorgeRecent town University in government adding a Washington D.C., mandates call second major George Washingfor hospitals ton University in and those in or minor to a Washington D.C., the medical and Carnegie Melfield to prolanguage.” lon University in vide services Pittsburgh, PA. to all people -Andrea Plumer, However, “most despite a posschools recomsible language Class of ‘09 mend adding a barrier. For second major or a this reason, minor to a language to increase the job opportunities in the interpretprobability of getting an early start ing field are projected to increase in a career,” said Plumer. Plumer tremendously. The average startdecided to double major in psy- ing salary is $43,000. chology and French, and hopes to Other possible careers include be a scientist or a linguist. news analysts, reporters, and correPotential careers for language spondents. News analysts interpret

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and broadcast news from outside sources. Reporters obtain facts and write stories, while correspondents do the same thing for specific cities.

Economists expect the employment opportunities for news analyst to stay the same thought 2016, according to the College Board.

However, knowing a foreign language will be beneficial to people interested in this field, especially correspondents. The average base salary is $50,000.

Economists believe that the availability of jobs in both middle and secondary education should grow slowly from now until 2016.

The average starting salary for secondary educators is $54,000.

The Foreign Service field allows workers to promote American interests, both political and business related. They also provide American lawmakers with information and advice about current foreign relations. The average salary varies based on experience, location, and education, but the base salary is about $42,000.

With all of the possibilities for students majoring in languages, the choice can be difficult. “My first choice is to be a translator, but I’ll have to see where my life takes me,” said Schiminger. “I really hope that Chinese will take me to international levels in the future.”

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Chinese Arabic Russian Spanish

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$ 43,000

average yearly salary of Interpreters

$50,000

average yearly salary of bilingual News Analysts

$42,000

average base salary of Diplomats Local colleges to check out:

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University of Maryland, College Park George Washington University Georgetown University

3

Fast food ingredients found in fungicides, paint Collin Hoofnagle News Editor Everyone enjoys scarfing down hamburgers and chicken nuggets from their favorite fast food chain, but have you ever stopped to think about what really goes into those items?

Major national chains’ fast food contains myriads of chemically based ingredients. McDonald’s, for example, can take a simple ingredient like a fish fillet and turn it into a chemically altered sandwich patty containing 26 ingredients.

Hundreds of fast food chain offerings have been shown to have adverse effects on a person’s weight and heart. But more surprisingly, fast food can affect a person’s mentality.

In 2004, an independent filmaker named Morgan Spurlock directed and starred in a documentary called “Super Size Me” that involved Spurlock eating nothing but McDonald’s food for an entire month. During the course of the month, Spurlock experienced depression, lethargy, frequent headaches, loss of energy, and even the loss of his sex-drive.

Therefore,with your health in mind, “The Patriot” has done some digging to see what chemicals go into the food items from fast food from chains that so many of you love. All ingredient information was obtained from websites of the chain carrying the product.

McDonald's Chicken Selects The chicken used in these “premium breast strips” contains dimethylpolysiloxane, a silicone oil, commonly used in contact lenses and shampoo because the oil makes hair shiny.

McDonald's Honey Mustard Snack Wrap The “tangy honey mustard sauce” used in the wrap contains titanium dioxide. This ingredient is common among other fast food items, but is more importantly used in items like paint and sunscreen.

KFC's Spicy Mayo Sauce Another shameful find in the Colonel's kitchen: calcium disodium, also known as EDTA. The compund, potentially to be used in cosmetics, was tested on animals. It was shown to produce detrimental reproductive and developmental effects on the tested animals.

McDonald's Sesame Seed Bun The bun McDonald's uses on all of their hamburgers contains amonium sulfate, a compound mainly used in agricultural sprays, specifically insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides.

Burger King's Tendercrisp Chicken Sandwhich Burger King sneaks monosodium glutamate, commonly known as MSG, into their fire-grilled chicken patty. MSG is an ingredient, known for years by many, to casue headaches after eating foods that contain it.

Some chefs, especially Asian chefs, favor the ingredient, but Asian restaurants know many of their customers don’t becasue of its side effects.

Because of this, many Asian restaurants today proudly display “No MSG” signs. Burger King, however, is still hiding this harmful ingredient in its food.

KFC's Cornbread Muffin The Colonel would not approve of this: KFC's cornbread muffin contains carboxymethylcellulose.

This ingredient can be found in many items like lubricant, toothpaste, detergents, and even laxatives.

Unfortunately, fast food chains don’t offer many alternatives to their chemically-rich meal items.

They are trying, however. Taco Bell has begun marketing its “Fresco” menu, which focuses on lighter, healthier food. Even though all they did was replace cheese with

McDonald's Chicken McNuggets The “all white meat chicken” nuggets are breaded in a mixture that contains monocalcium phosphate. This compound is a main ingredient in fertilizer.

pico de gallo, it’s a step.

So, next time you’re grazing over your favorite fast food, keep in mind you may be consuming headache-inflicting chemical compounds, or even cancercausing carcinogens. Enjoy!

entertainment

the patriot

Volume 45 Issue 2 November 2009

Where The Wild

7

Things Are

Photo courtesy of Google Images

Kaitlin Bobbin Editorials Editor Young boys were made to be kings of monsters and terrible beasts. They were made for greatness and cannot be bothered to sit still at dinner. “Where the Wild Things Are” brings the true turmoil of growing up suggested in Maurice Sendak’s masterpiece to light on the silver screen. In other words, this isn’t a kid’s comic about monsters.

Spike Jonze took on a project worthy of years filled with curious doubts, speculation, and antsy critics. Creating a 101 minute film from, although wonderfully craft-

ed, a mere nine lines of text and throwing newcomer Max Records as the lead was a leap for the industry. Even so, Jonze was impressed by the feature that charms and tickles the imagination.

This hauntingly original film plunges into the harsh reality of childhood. Jonze subtly expands on the concept of a mischievous boy being sent to bed without his dinner. He sets a dreary tone of loneliness and introduces Max’s feelings of utter rejection in the first few scenes.

Max’s mom has a new boyfriend to impress, and his gloomy indifferent teenage sister and her friends cave in the igloo that Max spent all day building without bothering

to look back. School isn’t much better because his science teacher seems completely unconcerned that the sun is going to die, and that only complicates things. No one has time to play with Max or empathize with his concerns about his igloo or the sun, and he starts carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.

Hiding in his monster costume, Max stomps and growls at his mother. This lands him in bed without dinner, forced to retreat into the world of his imagination, feeling unloved and alone.

He sets sail for the magical forest inhabited by ferocious beasts. Even in his world of imagination, he cannot seem to defeat the looming

feeling of sorrow. His monstrous friends continuously sulk, argue, and appear hopelessly in need of change.

Max’s closest friend, Carol, introduces him to the world he created “where only the things you want to happen, happen.” But even as king, Max can’t make this a reality.

As he fails to uphold his promise to defeat their sadness, it becomes unclear who is the real monster in this world.

In a typical children’s story fashion, the film manages to keep the attention of the audience with constant twists and monster profiles while managing to explore the realms of loneliness, life, death, and sorrow.

Spike Jonze’s creation was brilliantly crafted.

He was careful to remain playful while fearlessly venturing into the rarely traveled territory of childhood disturbances.

He created a world that competes with the source in terms of art and imagination.

“Where the Wild Things Are” made top sales in the box office during its opening weekend and remained on the top ten list for weeks following its premiere.

The heart aching realism that Spike Jonze added into his film leaves the audience with a daunting and touching perception that is rarely ever captured by a children’s movie.

Karen O and the Kids create wild soundtrack Local restaurants compete for Daniel Gallen is all fun and games, some darker dominance in Harford mall movie “I’m Not There.” and more serious themes emerge “Igloo,” the opener, has the Editor in Chief Karen O is just a big kid. It’s obvious as one watches the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ frontwoman run around stage like an eight-year-old at recess.

It also makes perfect sense that one of the most polarizing female figures in indie rock leads a band called the Kids in making the soundtrack for one of the most beloved children’s books of all time, “Where the Wild Things Are.” The Kids, featuring members of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Deerhunter, Services, The Dead Weather, The Raconteurs, and Liar, form one of the most enigmatic supergroups since members of Sonic Youth, Wilco, Television, Pavement, and Medeski, Martin, and Wood made up the Million Dollar Bashers for the 2007 Bob Dylan biographical

peacefulness of waking up in the morning. Karen O’s humming over acoustic guitar strains with tambourine in the background creates a light mood comparative to waking up on a winter morning.

The song transitions into one of the hits from the soundtrack, “All Is Love.” This track speaks to the child-like ability to find love in nearly everything in the world, which “all” really is love. Fitting in with childish energy and craziness is “Rumpus” which highlights the untrained children’s choir that worked on the album with Karen O and the Kids.

Featuring a sound-bite from the movie, the vocals of the song are chanting children, sounds that conjure up a vision of children dancing around in a circle.

While it seems like the album

through Daniel Johnstone’s “Worried Shoes” and “Hideaway.”

“Worried Shoes” laments regret, missed opportunity, and destroyed possibility, which is apparent from the opening line of “I took my lucky break and broke it in two.”

“Hideaway” seems to continue the themes put forth in “Worried Shoes” with lines like “By the way / Know you’ve always been the one” and “My baby’s gone.”

While the rest of the album puts forth the child-like themes, other parts of the album put forth these themes of a lost childhood.

The album still keeps its momentum through the second half.

“Cliffs” and “Animal” display the musical prowess of The Kids, while “Heads Up” and “Building All Is Love” both bring back the hand clapping and kid-friendly vibe from earlier in the album.

The final two tracks, “Food Is Still Hot” and “Sailing Home,” feel like lullabies.

Overall, the album is extremely solid. Karen O and the Kids do an amazing job with arranging the album to fit the needs of the listener.

While it won’t have universal appeal because of its indie-centric focus, the album is still liable to turn many of its listeners into indie fans, earning it four out of five stars.

Ryan Lina

Red Robin seem more appealing.

Atmosphere is an important thing to consider when you are deIf you are jonesing for a burger, ciding where to eat. but you don’t want to burn a hole There is a big difference bein your pocket to great choices to tween the two restaurants when it consider are Five Guys and Red comes to atmosphere.

Robin.

Red Robin has the best atmoFive Guys’ fries give them a slight sphere with booths and more comedge over Red Robin. fortable seating.

While Red Five Guys, on Robin’s burgers the other hand, has come with fries, fairly uncomfortable the amount you seating with tables get at Five Guys is These places are so small that if you awesome. have more than four for burger-lovers people with you, you At Five Guys, with every order could be eating your only. of fries, they will neighbor’s elbow not only fill your with your burger. order, but they will also fill your enThese places are for burger-lovtire bag with fries. ers only because both restaurants This means you are geting a lack diversity in their menus. great value for your burger and getFive Guys has hot dogs, but othing double the amount of fries that er than that, they don’t offer anyyou would get at Red Robin. The thing besides burgers. fries at Red Robin are still good, Red Robin offers more than just but at Five Guys you get a lot more burgers, but most of what they offer fries for a lot less cash. isn’t very good.

Red Robin and Five Guys are When it comes to taste, Red both known for their burgers.

Robin is the favorite. If you are When it comes to the size of looking for something nearly as their burgers, Red Robin has Five good with a smaller price range, but Guys Beat. Although the size dif- less fancy, Five Guys is definately ference is minimal, it still makes the way to go.

General Staff

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8 in-depth

the patriot

Volume 45 Issue 2 November 2009

Dr. Cohen-Sandler stresses the facts Elizabeth Tauber In-Depth Editor Junior Sarah Driver is one of many high school students who wake up and wonder what challenges they will face that day. Students in high school have a lot to juggle with academics, sports and clubs, social activities with friends, and college right around the corner.

On the night before the IAAM Cross Country Championships, Driver felt this stress at a whole new level. “I stress a lot about races, especially big ones like championships,” she said. “When I’m really stressed, I get really hyper and my hands shake. I actually cried once.”

School is hard to handle, with keeping track of homework, tests and quizzes, major projects, and relationships with friends. At times, it can seem like way too much.

Stress not only comes just from school, but also pressure from trying to fit in with groups, pressure to try drugs and alcohol, peer and family conflicts, and becoming involved in too many extracurricular activities such as clubs, groups, and sports.

“I don’t feel stressed on a dayto-day basis, but some weeks aren’t fun. A whole week could be miserable, but then the next is fine,” said Driver.

Driver mostly stresses out about school. “Sometimes I get stressed because of a test coming up, sometimes it’s about friends, sometimes it’s because of a bad mood in general. A lot of the time I just don’t want to wake up early and that stresses me out so much,” said Driver. Tests especially present a challenge for her. “Stressing out about a test can actually be good sometimes because your brain is more alert and you can do a better

job,” she said.

In addition to helping her focus on her tests, Driver’s stress adds to her performance in races. “Being stressed helps me because it gets my adrenaline going and ready to run,” she said.

According to The Health Center’s website, people typically feel four types of stress: eustress, distress, hyperstress, and hypostress.

Eustress is the type of stress felt

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I like to let all of my stress out and that basically means talking to family. It also helps to run.”

- Sarah Driver

before a game or competition. It’s a positive stress that arises at points of increased physical activity, enthusiasm, and creativity. This stress provides immediate strength.

Distress is negative stress that is caused by a constant disruption of a routine. Distress causes discomfort and feelings of unfamiliarity. There are two types of distress: acute and chronic. Acute distress is an intense distress that comes and goes quickly. Chronic distress is stress that lasts for weeks, months, and sometimes years.

Hyperstress happens when a person is pushed beyond what they can handle. They may be overworked or overloaded. When a person is hyperstressed, the smallest problems can trigger a strong emotional response.

The final type of stress, hypostress, is caused by boredom.

Opposite of hyperstress, hypostress occurs when a person is unchallenged, typically by performing the same task day after day.

stressGRAPHS

What’s the biggest cause of stress?

There is a difference in the stress that guys feel and the stress that girls feel.

Dr. Roni Cohen-Sandler, a clinical psychologist, interviewed over 100 teen girls for a study on teen stress. According to CohenSandler, “Girls are 55 percent more likely than boys to say they pressure themselves to get good grades and do well in school.”

Girls experience more stress from school than boys do. Boys also express their stress more directly while girls have a tendency to keep their stress hidden.

Perfection in every area of a girl’s life adds to the stress in school. Her academic ventures, extracirricular activities, social life, and everyday appearance wear her down in the pursuit of perfection.

Seventy-five percent of girls in high school believe the amount of free time they have is “too little” or “not nearly enough.”

According to MayoClinic.com, there are several ways to detect if someone is stressed out. The most common signs include an increase in physical illnesses, withdrawing from family and friends, lashing out at others, chronic feelings of worry or nervousness, having a sense of hopelessness, and a difficulty with sleeping, eating, or concentrating.

If these symptoms of stress continue, they can lead to physical problems with the circulatory system and mental problems such as addictions and depression.

Driver tries to relieve this stress whenever she can. “I like to let all of my stress out and that basically means talking to family,” she said.

“It also helps to run.”

Driver feels she handles her stress well although it feels overwhelming at times. She said, “I don’t try to hide my stress at all. I express it and talk to other people about it.”

Teenagers like junior Sarah Driver face stress about school, friends, and family.

How stressed are students on a daily basis?

What do students do to relieve stress?

in-depth

the patriot

Volume 45 Issue 2 November 2009

studentANSWER

What do you do to relieve your stress?

“To relieve my stress I usually do sports, especially basketball.”

- Avery Ranney, 2013

“I do jumping jacks.”

-Sheena Patel, 2011

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“I listen to music, work out, and talk to Mat Miller.”

-Nandin Dave, 2012

“To relieve my stress, I count to ten or swim.”

-Emily Raymonda, 2010

Schoolwork stresses students Julia Earnshaw In-Depth Editor

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Photo by: Haley Lynch

stressQUIZ This quiz is an evaluation of how stressed you are. Answer the questions 1-5, 1 being the least stressed and 5 being the most.

Are you overly critical of the way others do their work?

Do you constantly strive to better your positions or achievements?

Do you constantly get angry or irritable?

Do you take on too many responsibilities?

Do you have a tendency to get involved in multiple projects?

Are you unlikely to ask for or indicate you need help with a problem?

Do you become impatient with delays or interruptions?

Do you have time for hobbies or time by yourself?

Do you constantly seek the respect and admiration of others?

Do you feel guilty if you relax or take leisure time?

If you answered between 10 and 20, chances are your life is pretty nonproductive. Try joining a club or trying a new sport to add some stimulation and activity.

If your score was between 21 and 40 you have a good balance and can control your stress.

If you scored between above 40 you’re too stressed. Take some time to relax and read a book or hang out with your friends.

For average high school students, each day of the week is monotonous, tiring, and stressful.

Junior Audrey Schiminger wakes up each day at six o’clock, gets ready for school, drops off her siblings at school, goes to school, goes to practice, goes home, does her homework, studies, and then the next day she just repeats it all over again. “It’s just frustrating managing time between sports, friends, school, and work; it all just adds up and gets old,” said Schiminger.

Who can blame students for being stressed?

With heavy academic pressure, competition in sports and in the classroom, conflicts with parents, balancing a social life, mood changes, peer pressure, and just fitting in, it’s no wonder teens feel stressed out.

No matter how old someone is, they’re going to go through things that will make them feel stressful and anxiety ridden. Stress is a way the body rises up to a challenge and prepares to defeat it.

The main source of stress comes from stressors (anything that causes stress). Especially in high school, teens find themselves extremely stressed out because they’re going through three major changes in their lives: puberty, beginning high school, and going off to college.

It begins freshman year. Freshmen begin the school year with mixed feelings of worry, anxiety, anxiousness, and a desire to fit in.

It’s their first year in high school, in a new building and with new people. With high school being such a large jump from junior

high, it’s normal for students to feel overwhelmed- especially with the change in the atmosphere.

“It was overwhelming coming from such a small school and meeting so many new people,” said freshman Julie Kraus. “It was a lot more work and it was more of a challenge for me. It was also stressful with tests and quizzes because

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It’s just frustrating managing time between sports, friends, school, and work; it all just adds up and gets old.”

- Audrey Schiminger

they were harder.” Transitioning from a small work load to a larger work load can also add stress that wasn’t there before.

Sophomores find themselves in a gray area of mild stress. They’re in an in-between area of just getting over the rough adaptation of their freshman year and preparing for their junior year.

“It’s kind of hard because everyone tells you that your sophomore year is easy but it’s not, it’s really hard,” said sophomore T’Keyah Lisbon.

With the relief of passing the nerve-racking beginning years of high school, juniors have to actually make school really count. This is the year that colleges begin looking at them, and the pressure is on.

Students begin looking at colleges they are interested in, which adds constant worry to whether or not they’ve done enough academics

and extracurricular activities thus far.

“I often get stressed out by my parents who push me to get good grades so that I can get into the college of my choice. I get especially stressed when I think about how colleges are looking at my grades this year,” said junior Sam Owens.

Schiminger agreed saying, “I’m trying to do tons of extracurricular activities because this is the year it counts.”

Seniors have a disadvantage to the other students, with the pressure of college applications breathing down their necks. That’s not the only thing either. They have to deal with their usual homework and extracurricular activities.

“College applications, and an immense homework load, added to the fact that my teachers don’t understand that I have to do both, makes me stressed out,” said senior Vince Gruse.

With all this stress, teenagers need a way to relieve it.

Dependent on the person and their stress level, they relieve their stress in different ways. According to the National Center of Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA), high stress teens are twice as likely as low stress teens to smoke, drink, and use illegal drugs.

There are different, appropriate, and healthy ways for teens to relieve stress without alcohol and drugs.

Junior Lance Waters deals with his stress using “all kinds of methods” such as wrestling, listening to music and talking it out.

Lisbon said, “I hang out and close my books and listen to music, just relax.”

10 entertainment

the patriot

Volume 45 Issue 2 November 2009

Dependable cars at a price students can afford Caitie Beth Shauck General Staff Senior Ana Donovan is always running late. She relies on her friends to give her rides to where she needs to go.

It was not a surprise to Donovan that she did not receive a car when she got her license. “I have an older brother, and he got my mom’s car when she got a new car,” said Donovan. On the weekends, Don-

ovan can sometimes borrow her mom’s car, but her mom normally needs it. Donovan said, “I can never take myself anywhere.”

While Donovan knows that she cannot afford her dream car, a red Ford Mustang GT, she was surprised to learn that there are other reliable cars that can be purchased relatively cheap these days.

About.com ranked the cheapest cars of 2009.

The Nissan Versa received a

good review. A stripped down version is available for a little over $10,000.

Another good choice to consider is the Smart Fortwo Pure.

Although it has few luxuries in its base model, it has a large amount of safety features for less than $13,000.

The Toyota Yaris is one of the best deals on the road. While this car may not come with luxuries, such as power windows or radio, it

does have air conditioning, power steering, six airbags, and antilock brakes. The Yaris is small in size, gets great gas mileage, and costs under $13,000.

Another great option is the Suzuki SX4 Sedan. Although it is only available in a few colors, it does come with basic luxuries.

However, there is no stereo or air conditioning. This car costs under $14,000.

The Hyundai Elantra GLS is

pricier but worth it. For a little less than $17,000, you can get a car that is comparable to the Honda Civic, but costs significantly less.

A cheaper version of the Elantra is available at under $15,000, but it does not include some luxuries.

When shopping for a car, it is sometimes necessary to forgo the luxuries in order to be able to afford the vehicle. With these options, cars are made much more affordable.

Apple’s iPod and iPhone go app to app Elizibeth Tauber In-Depth Editor After going through countless advancements and being sold to over 30 million people per year, it appears that the iPod is a necessity for anyone today.

There have been countless versions of the iPod made, but the two that stand out from the rest because of their style and convenience: the iPhone and the iPod Touch.

The iPhone is bigger and heavier than the iPod Touch, but only by 0.2 inches in height and 0.75 ounces in weight.

The iPod Touch only receives the internet when the user is in a Wi-Fi area. The iPhone can get internet anywhere a 3G network

is available. This is a big advantage for when you are using an app that requires internet.

There are thousands of iPhone and iPod apps. While most apps are available for both the iPhone and the iPod Touch, some are not very useful for the iPod Touch.

One of the iPod’s most helpful apps is called AroundMe. This app allows you to find restaurants, gas stations, hotels, hospitals, banks, and anything else you may need.

AroundMe tells you how many miles away your destination is and gives you directions. Apps requiring the use of internet and/or GPS are only useful on the iPhone unless Wi-Fi is available.

Having an iPhone is definitely an advantage over having a regu-

lar phone because the iPhone has a full web browser at your fingertips. Whenever you need to look something up, it’s simple and easy to use.

The iPod Touch is less expensive than the iPhone in the long run.

While the 8GB iPod Touch is only a onetime fee of $199, the 8GB iPhone can be purchased for $99. With the ongoing service plan for talk minutes, text messaging, and network fees, the cost of the iPhone eventually adds up to be more than the cost of the iPod Touch.

It is preferred to have the iPod Touch for the apps and music, and a regular cell phone for talk and text, but some like to have it all in

one: those are the iPhone people.

Texting on the iPhone is different than a normal cell phone. The iPhone may be harder because it is a touch screen and has no actual buttons. However, when turned sideways, the iPhone keyboard flips to landscape mode, making it easier to type.

The texting takes time getting used to, but the iPhone adapts to the way you text, so after about two days, texting becomes much easier.

It is definitely a tough decision when it comes to choosing between an iPhone and an iPod Touch.

If texting is a frequent habit, the iPhone may not be the best choice, but if used mostly for the internet, the iPhone would certainly be the way to go.

The revolutionary iPhone has the ability to hold thousands of songs and applications. This is one of the most sought after phones among the student body because of its Internet capabilites.

Ellen DeGeneres makes her debut on American Idol the major flaw in Ellen coming to the show: there are now going to be Entertainment Editor only two real judges on American What is a famous comedian do- Idol because Ellen is only there for ing on American Idol? This is the comedy. question being asked every AmeriEllen DeGeneres has her own can Idol fan. comedy show, so she probably will Paula Abdul have people has quit being an who are watchAmerican Idol ing American judge and Ellen idol laughing What does Ellen uncontrollably DeGeneres is going to take her during the audiknow about place, but how do tions with what the students feel she has to say music? about that? “I am to the bad singexcited that Paula ers, but it is imis leaving.” said junior Leah Pola- portant not to undermine the fact koff. “I think Ellen is way funnier.” that she is most likely only there because she is funny.

Polakoff later said.

“I don’t think that many people There are mixed emotions liked Paula, so I think that the ratthat have to do with Paula leaving ings are going to go up.” said junior American idol, some feel that ElJohn Borkoski.

Knowing that the len should not have the Job, while some feel that she would be a great student body is probably going to contribution to the show. watch American Idol more, it is Even though people may be safe to assume that the show’s rathappy that Ellen is going to be on ings are going to go way up. the show, there is still one very big American Idol is the biggest question being asked, “What does singing competition in America.

Ellen DeGeneres know about sing- Chances are, millions of people are not going to stop watching their faing?”

This single question expresses vorite show just because of a judge

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that doesn’t know too much about music is on it.

“At least last year they had a guest judge who knew something about music” said Junior Mike Reininger. “This year, the only people who know anything about music are Randy and Simon” Being on American Idol is risky

for Ellen. What would happen if she does a bad job judging? She might end up losing fans. What if Ellen does a great job judging?

Then she might double her fans.

These are some of the important things that Ellen needs to consider about being on the show.

Ellen should be given a chance

to show what kind of judge she will be. Until the end of auditions, no one knows whether she is going to be a good judge or not. By that time, she may have gotten the hang of judging, and hopefully does a better job than Paula did.

Tune in to FOX on January 13 to see Ellen on American Idol.

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11 Hand sanitizer represents face of fear editorials

the patriot

Volume 45 Issue 2 November 2009

Joey Hoff The shiny new hand sanitizer pumps found throughout classrooms and hallways present students and faculty with misconceptions about swine flu and the prevention of the virus.

While it is nice to see the school support the use of hand sanitizer as protection against germs, it is important to note an overlooked detail in the school’s defense against the swine flu.

According to epidemiologist Peter Palese in his recent interview with CBS News, the swine flu is transmitted mostly through the air, not by hands. This is a shocking revelation to many students who see the sanitizing foam as the best defense against swine flu.

With JC’s media attention from the local FOX station WBFF and the number of H1N1 cases rising each week, it’s clear that something more needs to be done. Swine flu education and school sanitization need to be increased.

H1N1 education is one of the easiest and most inexpensive steps that need to be taken. Although posters are found throughout the

In the past 6 months, hand sanitizer sales are up

41%

Students with recorded flu like symptoms since Sept. 15

150

Number of days schools with poor sanitation lose students

3

SanitationSTATS

Managing Editor

hall, students don’t spend time reading them during the four minutes between classes.

One day of homeroom would provide the perfect time to educate students about the transmission of the virus and the symptoms. Students should be aware that coughing, sneezing, and even vapor from breathing can spread the virus.

Misconceptions need to be cleared immediately, and parents should be alerted through weekly updates on the virus’s spread throughout the school and the amount of absent students.

CBS News reported that schools practicing poor sanitation lose students for three days each year on average. Schools with efficient sanitation lose students for 2.4 days. Although the difference is small, it’s extremely noticeable in a school with over 800 students.

A cleaner school means a healthier school, and school-wide sanitation is needed. Although swine flu is spread mostly through the air, it is important to keep in mind that underlying sicknesses can make the flu even worse.

Sanitation and education would lead to healthier students and more students in the classroom.

Number of days schools with efficient sanitation lose students

2.4

Maximum number of students absent in one day this year

83

Statistics are approximations reported by CBS News, School Nurse Laura Frank, and Molly Tebin in Attendance.

PRO V CON Race blind policy favors equality Race blind policy closes doors Katie Clarke Features Editor Dozens of times, I’ve read the phrase, “Please select the option that you most identify with,” followed by an array of minority ethnicity options. College applications ask this question for “statistical purposes only,” but why is it that students of color have special opportunities for scholarships or college assistance that whites do not?

Seniors have to come to terms with the fact that a good college education is expensive. Really expensive. With the current state of the economy, scholarships and financial aid will be even harder to come by this year. Success drives students to achieve and make college as affordable as possible, so competition is intense.

When student athletes find out that their competitors scored extra advantages in training or were allowed to watch game videos of their plays, they are anything but understanding. The same idea holds true in the world of college finances and admissions.

Some colleges, such as Loyola University of Maryland, offer scholarship opportunities for students of Asian, African American, Hispanic, and Native American descent.

While universities still provide opportunities for white students, more exist for stu-

dents of color.

At Loyola, the Claver scholarship program is not open to white students, but the comparable Presidential Scholarships are.

I completely understand that scholarship donors can allocate the funds to whoever they desire, but where are all of the “Whites Only” college scholarships? If Asian or Hispanic students are able to receive special benefits and opportunities for scholarships that are restricted from whites, students of western European descent should have specific scholarships as well.

While I know that African Americans, Asians, Native Americans, and Hispanics have all been discriminated against in the American culture, the same was done to people of other cultures who tried to assimilate during the late 19th and 20th centuries.

Italians, Irishmen, and Germans all faced rejection in the workplace and could not afford education as recent immigrants. Discriminating against one group now does not make up for the past.

If institutions truly wanted to end discrimination and set everyone on racially equal levels, the admissions committees would not ask for ethnicity on applications or offer special programs for students of color. Students should have advantages based on academic success, not skin color.

Daniel Gallen Editor in Chief The proposal of going “race blind” in regard to minority college scholarships is absolutely preposterous, as it would deprive students of one of the key aspects of American society: diversity.

Almost everyone has grandparents and great-grandparents that were, at one point, minorities. Irish, Italian, or German, it doesn’t matter. Public schools and other social services were instituted to help these groups of people and give them opportunities which they took and used to their advantage.

The American Civil Rights Movement occurred only 40 years ago, and due to resistance in certain areas has not reached its full potential. If minority scholarships were pulled now, it would be a disservice as it would cut off the civil rights movement before its full potential is met.

College is one of the best times to experience diversity. If the ethnicity option was no longer on college applications, a prospective student would be liable to end up at a school of all one ethnicity, which would hamper him or her greatly upon entering the working world. College provides a transition period for students to interact with students of

unfamiliar background and allows them to be more experienced for the working world.

Pulling minority scholarships away would add unnecessary penalties. A person has no control over their ethnicity. Should he or she be penalized for this? If minority scholarships are unfair, is in-state tuition unfair? After all, it provides an advantage to a person based on where he or she was born, something one has no control over.

In addition, there are scholarships available for people that are of the “majority.”

Descendents of nearly any race have access to scholarships. The difference is that they are not as publicized as ones for minorities. In fact, The Multicultural Advantage, a website that “provides resources designed to help professionals from diverse backgrounds succeed in the workplace,” estimates that there just as many scholarships available to the “majority” and supplies a list of scholarships for Polish-Americans, IrishAmericans, German-Americans, ItalianAmericans, and Jewish-Americans. They are just a Google search away. Going “race blind” would just as much deprive the “majority” as it does the minority.

While it may seem like a good idea now, going “race blind” would deprive people of many opportunities to experience the diversity that is America.

12editorials

the patriot

Students want sick sent home

Volume 45 Issue 2 November 2009

Kirby Browning Copy Editor

Kaitlin Bobbin Editorials Editor

s s sss

It seems ridiculous to me that the play is doing four performances this year and still charging $12 a ticket. I’ve always thought $12 was a ridiculous price for a school play. I understand that it’s a big money maker for the school, but it’s absurd that the amount of performances can be doubled and price still can’t be brought down a few dollars. If my family of six were to go together, it would cost $72. That’s just unnecessary.

It makes life easier to know that I can turn either way when coming out of JC and eventually come across the wonder that is Wawa. My preference is the Wawa by Looney’s because I don’t almost cause a ten car pileup while exiting, but sometimes I like to be a little risky and travel to the equally satisfying Wawa near Burger King.

Even though it’s a hassle to exit, this Wawa does provide the convenience of gas in addition to the plethora of snacks and refreshing beverages. Decisions, decisions….

As of November 16, guidance is taking a hiatus from accepting college applications for two weeks. Admittedly, the senior class is unusually large, but college applications are a priority. There should at least be a system set up that allows seniors to drop off their forms so that we can have that weight taken off of our shoulders, even if the guidance department is going to need a few extra weeks to get to them done.

While I have yet to see “Saw VI,” I still can’t believe that it is a good movie. I mean seriously, six of these? It gets old after a while. Blood and guts can sell for a while, but these movies are losing the quality they were intended to have. It’s just another lame gory movie that leaves me wondering if the film industry has lost all hope of being creative and original.

As many of you may have noticed, winter’s threshold is upon us. For those of you who have not noticed, you may want to step out of your shell of indifference to Mother Nature and smell the crisp air. It is a time to rejoice at the idea that the incessant rain storms will now turn into snow storms. This means one very important thing: no school. That is, if we’re lucky.

At some point in your high school career, you will visit the nurse’s office, if you haven’t already. Whether it’s because you feel terrible in class and need somewhere to lie and rest, or if it is as simple as a need for a cough drop or a Band-Aid, anytime you have a health issue, the nurse is always there to help.

But let’s go back to the first issue I brought up, which was legitimately feeling sick during school hours. According to school nurse Laura Frank, unless you have a fever or feel like you “just can’t make it through the day,” you are asked to stay at school.

While there are those students who tend to “feel sick” a little more often than others, students who are truly sick out-weigh them a great deal. Especially during these times of high absentee rates and increasing number of students sick at school, going home when you don’t feel well could easily eliminate this problem.

When students come into the nurse’s office saying they are not feeling well, Frank will usually check the student’s temperature, vital signs, coloring, how they are talking, and a student’s medical

Photo by Ryan Selvy

An anonymous student lies sick in the health suite. Students wonder what sicknesses constitute the need to be sent home.

history. The nurse makes every effort to keep the child in school, but while they may not have any symptoms of an illness except feeling bad, they are still contagious and are spreading their germs to everyone else in the school.

Therefore, the school is at risk of exposure to germs by coming in contact with sick students. There are various forms of colds, all of which may or may not cause a fever. Because of the rising number of H1N1 influenza cases in our school, the Frank had to change her tactics in treating kids that walk into her office. Speaking from personal experience, I can honestly say that

this policy has caused me many inconveniences. It just doesn’t seem fair to make students who are actually feeling bad go back to class and try to concentrate on work that they can’t even begin to think about over their splitting headache or upset stomach.

Parents can be to blame for this as well. If they force their child to come into school, they are not only putting their child at risk of them becoming sicker, but are also forcing other kids to be exposed to their child’s germs. Bottom line, if a child doesn’t feel good, let them stay home that day. If a parent doesn’t want them to miss a whole

Families exploit minutes

15

of

FAME Jenny Hottle Managing Editor I thought the Gosselin family was finally done with being on the cover of People magazine. Then I opened up the November 2 issue and found parents Jon and Kate staring back at me in the celebrity news section. The parents are still arguing with each other, which has me wondering: what’s going to happen to their poor eight kids when they grow up?

The Gosselin children may be the most prominent young stars on TV these days, but they are definitely not the only ones out there.

When Falcon “Balloon Boy” Heene safely returned to Earth from his fake journey, he was the center of the media spotlight. At only six years old, his fifteen minutes of fame are already up.

The eight Gosselins and Balloon Boy are the victims of their attention-grabbing parents. Both the Gosselin parents and Falcon’s father Richard Heene exploited their children for their own personal gain. Newspapers scream headlines about Heene’s hoax, and tabloids announce the latest details

about the Jon and Kate feud.

But what about the children?

How will they fare in life as a result of their parents’ selfish decisions?

Parenting issues aside, the odds are against the children for ever living a normal life. Recall almost any former child star and look at what happened to him or her.

Former Mickey Mouse Club star Britney Spears released her first hit single, “(Hit Me) Baby One More Time,” at age 16. Although she’s still a famous pop star, Spears has been to rehab for drinking, had a mental breakdown, and been through two failed marriages.

Other young starlets have suffered under the pressure of fame.

Mary Kate Olsen—who made her acting debut on “Full House” at nine months old—developed anorexia and ended up in rehab. The star of both “The Parent Trap” and “Mean Girls,” Lindsay Lohan’s career was put on hold multiple times after the actress was arrested for driving under the influence and possession of drugs, and later when she went to rehab.

There seems to be a connection between shows about families and

the child actors who star in them.

In her memoir, Olsen’s “Full House” co-star, Jodie Sweetin, revealed her addiction to meth and cocaine began when she was only 13. Maureen McCormick, better known as Marcia from “The Brady Bunch,” also wrote a memoir that described a battle with cocaine.

Not every child star ends up as a complete failure. In fact, most of the celebrities mentioned are successful by Hollywood’s standards.

Spears recently released a new single, “3,” and Forbes magazine estimated her to be worth over $100 million. Olsen and her twin sister Ashley entered the fashion world by designing multiple clothing and accessory lines, and together have created a multi-million dollar empire.

Still, chances are that child TV stars like the Gosselins or Balloon Boy aren’t going to grow up without first making it past some preteen suicidal stage or battle with some kind of issue. So we must ask their parents: is a drug addiction or a struggle with body image worth the slight possibility of financial security in the future?

day of school, let them come in late.

At the end of the day, there will always be germs and there will always be sick students at school. In order to make sure that we keep our school as clean and germ-free as possible, separating sick and well kids can only help. Students may miss some class, but if they weren’t feeling well during the classes they attended, chances are they weren’t paying too much attention anyway. They can make up their work when they are feeling well enough to concentrate on their academics and not just worry about spreading germs.

DO YOU HAVE AN OPINION? write a letter to the editor voice your opinion EMAIL: editor@jcpatriot.com

all letters must be signed

editorials

the patriot

Volume 45 Issue 2 November 2009

STAFF

EDITORIAL

JC goes into the new, leaving its classic traditions in the dust What does ‘The Patriot’ have to say?

Before this year, students would never refer to themselves as compelling, considerate, or uncompromising.

This is not to say we aren’t any of these things, but this new motto seems to outshine everything we were before it swept the school.

Lately it seems as if the administration is geared towards marketing our school based on a new motto and a master plan – as if they’re forgetting what the school is now.

Current students don’t love coming every day because there’s a master plan on the internet.

They love it because JC is more than that.

Our school is the definition of a 21st century institution. We have laptops, smart boards, and

even an online newspaper. We are anything but old fashioned, yet the first thing people notice when they walk through the doors is our 1960s building. While it’s unfortunate that the first thing people notice isn’t how advanced we are, we don’t necessarily need a master plan to sell our school.

Last year, when the lights in the academic wing hallways were replaced, it felt like a new building.

Changing light bulbs is a relatively inexpensive renovation compared to a master rebuild, and it is something everyone notices.

People notice small things. If there were small restorations like this done all over the school, it wouldn’t look like a 1960s building. New railings on the stairwells

and a color scheme that isn’t brown and burnt mustard would liven up the entire building.

These changes are fairly simple and could be done over the summer or as someone’s senior project. Michael Parker, Class of ’09, renewed the courtyard for his senior project last year and it looks fantastic.

Giving the appearance of an upper-class school doesn’t require unheard of amounts of money and alumni support. We need to learn to work with what we have and take advantage of the subliminal effects these small elements of environment have.

A master plan is good in theory, but it seems that “go into the new” has completely replaced JC’s cher-

Propoganda takes toll on media quality Daniel Gallen

strongly as Fox. What’s wrong with reporting the Bill O’Reilly. Sean Hannity. news? Why must there be an angle Ann Coulter. to everything? Facts are facts, and Michael Moore. Keith Olber- that should be that. Commentary mann. Chris Matthews. needs to be given through the peoYou know them. You love them. ple interviewed in the story, not by You hate them. the people reporting the story.

On the news today, you can’t Too many times news anchors find a straight shooter. You’ve got twist the stories based on their netright wingers like O’Reilly, Han- work’s affiliation. It’s a shame that nity, and Coulter and left wingers one story can come across differlike Moore, Olbermann, and Mat- ently based on the network that is thews. reporting it.

And it’s a crying shame.

Then whom should I look to There is no such thing as “the when going into journalism? At a media” in today’s society. Instead, college interview, I was asked who we have propaganda machines spit- my most significant journalistic ting support for influence was. I their hate and tearstumbled over the ing down the opquestion.

Sure, The media posing candidates. style-wise, Rick It’s not just Reilly, the longtoday needs to time Sports Illuslimited to television. Newspapers and current take a look in trated endorse certain ESPN columnist, candidates and has had the most the mirror.” political parties, significant influand that little invention known as ence, so he was my answer. But this the Internet has created a forum really got me thinking. Where are where any person, whether they are the great journalists of today? Who Democrat, Republican, Indepen- is there to look up to? There is no dent, Libertarian, Constitutionalist, Walter Cronkite today. There is Green, or Whig, can give readers no one that we can go to just to get their thoughts without anyone to the news. refute them.

Strings are attached to every Information is pouring from so piece of information we hear. many different sources in so many Cronkite was a man who actually different forms. And none of it is cared about how the news affected coming without an angle. the world as a whole. His emotion The media today needs to take a while reporting the assassination of look in the mirror. As an aspiring John F. Kennedy made for one of journalist and someone who tries the most remarkable moments in to hold himself to a high standard television history. I don’t think that of journalistic integrity, it is dis- we would see the same response heartening to look out at the land- today from the plethora of news scape and see a minefield awaiting anchors out there, attached to their me. Yes, I have my own political networks and their policies. views and working for Fox News The media is in a crisis. If more does not rank highly on my list of people were exposed to straight career goals. But at the same time, facts instead of twisted words, the working for MSNBC or CNN elic- general public would be the wiser. its similar feelings, albeit not as Fact is fact, and that is that.

Editor in Chief

Taylor Schafer Features Editor Suggestions: sometimes we might ask for them, sometimes we might be given them regardless, and sometimes we might acknowledge them even when we didn’t think they were necessary.

Though I’m not here to ask for or receive any suggestions, maybe I can offer a few.

I understand that we have SAC officers to present new ideas and address each class’s issues at meetings, but how many people with ideas they would like to share really go to their class officers to present them?

Not many, if any at all, I suspect. So for those people who feel they have good ideas, may I offer a suggestion? JC’s very own student-generated suggestion box!

This box could help out students of every class on many different levels. First, it could help each student who uses it by allowing them to have their opinions heard and their ideas open for consideration. Next, it would provide SAC officers with helpful tips and ideas on how to more effectively plan student events, or whatever the suggestion is applied to. Finally, it could help the overall school

population: by having a studentbased suggestion box, we could all feel a little more involved by simply voicing our own opinions.

In the past, I myself have had ideas that I would have loved to voice, but I didn’t know the right time or place to do so. I bet other students have felt the same way. With a suggestion box, any time is right to just jot down an idea and put it in the box to be read by the SAC. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard in the halls, “We should be able to ….,” or “Don’t you think we should …,” and, “I wish we could change ….” Now could be your chance to voice your opinion on doing something new or to make a change, all because you wrote it down and submitted it.

In agreement with junior class president Leah Polakoff, a list of standards could be made to police abuse of the box. A few that came to mind are that the submitter should have to put their name on their suggestion, or the box should be specifically set for a topic, depending on upcoming events that need planning and issues that need addressing.

Several boxes may even be appropriate for both general and specific topics. Just a suggestion!

SUGGESTIONS

ished concept of tradition. There is a plan to build a new chapel which is exciting and fun and new, but what’s going to happen to the class rings, which depict the chapel in their center? The chapel represents JC in one solid image, and replacing it would be taking away JC’s one tangible bit of evidence that it is a school of tradition.

Students here right now love JC. They aren’t going to miss it when they graduate because of the motto or the plan, they’re going to miss it because of the people, the teachers, and the quality of education it offered. That is the tradition that has sold the school to prospective students since it opened. While all these new things are nice, it’s not always the best to forget the old.

‘

13

At Wit’s End By: Allison Siegel Launched on August 1, 1981, MTV set out to transform the music industry. It’s a shame that this tradition didn’t continue.

MTV was an instant hit on cable television, proving to be the most revolutionary form of musical promotion in the ’80s. MTV held every band’s fate in their hands.

MTV still bears the title “Music Television,” but revolutionizing the public’s idea of music and art seems to have gone by the wayside. Today, out of the 28 shows on MTV and MTV2, only one is a musically-driven show. The rest are reality shows. AMTV, usually shown between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m., is the only music-video-inspired show left standing.

When the station first aired, there was a constant flow of music videos. We’re now lucky enough to maybe catch a twenty second clip of a low quality performance during commercial breaks between “I Love Money” and “The Hills” reruns.

TRL, possibly the most recognizable video-jockey show, was cancelled after eleven years of airing. With similar ideas at the hit countdown, the considerably less recognizable program Friday Night Music Television (FNMTV) aired for the summer of 2008. Within a few months, it was cancelled due to its lack of popularity. In September 2008, MTV was officially without a video-jockeyed program for the first time in its history.

It’s hard to think that a station could call itself “Music Television” when there is not a single show dedicated to the thing it is named for. MTV is now catering to the projected audience between twelve to thirty five year olds looking to melt their brains. Reality shows like “Paris Hilton’s: My New BFF” and “My Super Sweet 16” hog the air so that all of the normal people of society can stop and watch what spoiled unintelligent teenagers do in their free time.

With an average of three hours of music videos a day, and more than half being Top 40 pop videos, it’s hard to call MTV a musical pioneer anymore. Teens can hardly hope for another monumental moment such as John Lack’s “Ladies and gentlemen, rock and roll” introduction. The Buggles may have been on to something when they aired the first music video on MTV “Video Killed the Radio Star.” Music has been caught in a downward spiral ever since.

If MTV brought back their innovation from the ’80s, actually played some music, and tried to connect back to their original motive, teens would have somewhere to see the music world evolving.

14 sports

the patriot

Volume 45 Issue 2 November 2009

Westervelt represents nation, JC Youth, injuries set stage from FRONT PAGE

Men’s team.

The training team met and practiced at a variety of locations.

Tournaments were held and scrimmages were played to show the true talents of every man on the field.

The team traveled to the United States Military Academy at West Point to break into two teams and scrimmage.

“There was a high level of play going on there, which made it a lot of fun. You know you’re playing with the best,” Westervelt said about the Army scrimmage.

The training team practiced together a few more times before coming back to Baltimore. The team went to the Naval Academy to test themselves against the young kids of the college lacrosse world.

“It was neat being on the other side of the coin, being that I have already been there in those kids’ shoes at college, and seeing their game in a different perspective,” said Westervelt.

Westervelt felt that playing against the college teams was a true test for the U.S. prospects because they were going up against teams that had played and trained every day together for years, while these men were just coming together in the last few months. Team USA

photo by Denver Outlaws Lacrosse/ Peter Eklund

Attackman Drew Westervelt from the Denver Outlaws charges down the field. On Nov. 1, he became a player for the National Men’s team.

took on the challenge and went up hard against their young competitors.

Westervelt is not new to international play. While at UMBC, he had the opportunity to travel with his team to a tournament in Japan.

The travel and life experience that lacrosse has brought him is one of the most valuable things that Westervelt finds in the game.

“My favorite part of making this training roster is that it just gives me another opportunity to play the game I love,” said Westervelt. “I

know that playing lacrosse at this level and at this point in my life is a privilege, not a right, and I love being able to put on the U.S. colors to represent my country.”Westervelt made the final 23-man U.S. Men’s Lacrosse Team on November 1, and he will be representing the U.S. among 30 other countries including: Australia, Japan, and New Zealand. According to Westervelt, the attendance in Manchester will not be the same as the “Super Bowl” type of lacrosse games in the U.S. with 60,000 people, but there should be a strong 10,000.

“Playing internationally is about teaching the game in a different way and in different parts of the world where it may not be as popular as it is in the United States,” Westervelt said.

Westervelt may be jetting around the East Coast, staying in different hotels, and eating out a lot, but he doesn’t mind having U.S. Lacrosse Association picking up the tab on all of his funds while on lacrosse related trips so that he can have a great life experience and do what he loves most.

“I feel like I will be a great asset to the team and I feel like I’m doing well. There’s nothing better than being in that U.S. jersey,” said Westervelt.

Kate Froehlich Executive Editor

Mr. Torres

Q:What

do you love about running?

A:For some people, running

comes easily— just getting out there and being with the team and doing well is what makes the sport great.

For other people, it’s a struggle, the accomplishment of getting better and better, you against the clock.

It generates a goal for you to shoot for, and when you accomplish it, it feels good.

Photo by Megan Battaglia

Junior Jessi Barley shaved Torres’ head. Torres made a beat with the women’s cross country team that he would shave his head if they won the IAAM championship.

Q:Why did you start running? A:I try to learn what works best for each individual. This isn’t A: I wanted to be on a team. I always accomplished, but I make wasn’t big enough to play football or good enough to play soccer.

I just joined a team to see what would happen, and it turns out I was pretty good at running, so I just kept going. Once you are in, it’s something enjoyable to do.

Q:Why

did coaching?

you

get

into

A: I love the sport and wanted

to stay with it. Basically, I wanted to do what my high school coach did for me and basically teach the sport to show others what a great sport it can be.

Q:How

would you describe your coaching style?

every effort to show them the right way to do things. I try to guide them in the direction they need to be successful. I’m not going to be the one screaming at kids. If they’re not doing something right, I’ll talk to them and try to guide them the right way.

Q:What

do you like about coaching?

A:I like when the team does well, when they achieve individual accomplishments. Obviously, winning is better than losing, but in a sport like ours, you don’t have to win to be successful. A great example of this is Colleen Vaughan, who ran 40 minutes in a cross country

race as a freshman, but as a senior, ran 21 minutes and made the varsity seven. We have Elizabeth Tauber, who’s winning all these races, and other girls that are never going to win a race, but are getting better and better.

Q:Which do you prefer—cross country or track and field?

A: As an athlete, I liked cross

country more, but I was better at track. As a coach, it’s hard to say.

They’re different. Cross country is fun because everybody experiences the same thing. Track is exciting because there are 18 different events in outdoor. Cross country’s easier because everyone is doing same thing; track you have to worry about all kinds of things going on at once.

for men’s basketball Daniel Gallen

However, the immediate impact McMillan and Jones will have on the team is unclear, as both are This November the winds of nursing injuries and are expected change are sweeping over the bas- to miss time. McMillan suffered a ketball program. The familiar fac- high ankle sprain while playing in es of members of the Class of ’09, the Homecoming football game which were staples of the program against Severn and is expected to over the past four years, are gone. miss about one week of the season, Instead, head coach Tony Martin while Jones is coming off of knee finds himself in a situation similar surgery for a torn ACL suffered to that of 2005-2006, when he had from playing basketball this sumno seniors on the roster in his first mer. Martin said he is out until the year of coaching. middle of the season, but expects “Our program will have a signifi- both to be at full strength by Janucantly different look,” Martin said. ary 1.

“The torch is being passed to a new One of the storylines that will generation of student athletes.” play out in the ‘A’ Conference in The Patriots head into their the 2009-2010 season is the effect schedule with what Martin esti- the closing of Towson Catholic will mates is the younghave on the play in est roster in the the conference. The entire conference.

Owls were ‘A’ ConEvery game ference champions in Not only will the Patriots be the 2006-2007 and is an absolute both youngest team in 2007-2008 and their battle.” the conference, absence will take two the Patriots will be tough games off of - Tony Martin, the schedule. Sophone of the smaller teams in their Basketball Coach omore Ronald Scott number of players. “We might not from Towson Catholic will join the even have 12 players on the varsity Patriots this year, and Martin feels roster,” Martin said. In the past, he has potential to make an impact the team has carried up to 15 play- on the team. ers.

Also freeing up space on the Martin is looking to juniors Mal- schedule this year is St. John’s colm McMillan and Jarred Jones, Catholic Prep’s team, dropping both of whom have played on var- down to the ‘B’ Conference. Alsity since their freshman years, to though there are four fewer games step up and be leaders. “We are on the schedule, the MIAA schedexpecting great things from Mal- ule becomes no less daunting. colm and Jarred,” Martin said.

Martin talked about how many “We had a lot more depth last college scouts refer to the MIAA year and we’re a smaller team ‘A’ Conference as the “ACC of without Isaiah [Philmore] and Wy high school basketball,” due to [Smith],” McMillan said. McMil- the fact that every night any team, lan feels self-assured with taking a from top of the conference to the leadership role. “I feel a lot more bottom, has the potential to win. confident,” he said. “I want to “There are no easy wins,” said keep a winning record and make it Martin. “Every game is an absolute to the playoffs.” battle.”

Editor in Chief

‘

sports

the patriot

Volume 45 Issue 2 November 2009

Blizzard challenges team to change “losing culture” Rachel Kokoska

Coach Mike Blizzard watches over prospective women’s varsity basketball players as they sprint the length of the gym.

He is using his extensive experience in rebuilding basketball programs to produce a winning team, but he also plans to make the program a part of the JC community.

Sports Editor

Women’s varsity basketball Coach Mike Blizzard offered to jump in the lake in the middle of January if his team won the IAAM championship. Needless to say, the new coach gathered a crowd.

Blizzard quickly raised his offer of a cold-weather plunge to benefit a charity event in which the amount of money raised corresponded to how long he was in the water. “I want to get involved in this community. Not just be the basketball coach,” Blizzard told the girls.

After the first meeting of prospective players, students could not get enough of their new coach. Carroll program has had some The girls stayed behind to talk hard times,” Blizzard said. about their excitement for the comCurrently working at Harford ing season.

Community College, Bliz“I already have more zard has previously coached confidence in you than for many local high schools in our old coach,” juand HCC. nior Amanda Wolfe In all his previous told Blizzard. schools, he has had great Blizzard would not success in turning their seacontend with the past. sons around. During his He told the girls, “We three years at Aberdeen don’t look back.”

High School, his record Mike Blizzard Last year’s coach, was 44-23.

John Cooney, did not return when After coaching men’s basketball the Athletic Director Larry Dukes one summer, Blizzard became a decided “to accomplish different women’s basketball coach in 1997. things in the program” and began He described the men’s basketball searching for a new coach. After game as “passing him by” because analyzing all the possible candi- the game moved “above the rim,” dates, the Athletic Department de- something he could not adapt cided on Blizzard. His specialty is to. Women’s has progressed too, rebuilding programs that have fall- but it has become more like “old en on hard times. “And the John school” men’s basketball, which

15

Photos by Katie Doherty

Blizzard played in high school.

Boys’ irresponsibility and attitude also drew Blizzard to the women’s game. “Boys know everything,” said Blizzard. He feels he has more to contribute to the women’s team.

Accountability and execution will be ingrained into every player’s mind by the end of the season.

Blizzard believes there are “no magic plays. Basketball has been around for a long time. Everything has been done before,” Blizzard said.

Dukes is hopeful and looks forward to Blizzard’s new coaching aspects being implemented. “I have high hopes for the team,” Dukes said.

The emphasis is also on the future. Dukes is interested in attracting players for future years. Blizzard also looks forward to having

more control over who his players are. Due to his late start, no recruiting will be taking place outside of JC this year. “We want to build on [to the program] for the future,” Dukes said.

The biggest challenge is changing the losing culture. Students and players have not had a successful women’s basketball team in years.

The perception of the team needs to change within the school and the community.

Blizzard has big goals for this year, and the IAAM championship is just the start. “I want the program to be all encompassing,” said Blizzard. He is already planning to have a huge charity event, Shooting Santas, in December.

The women’s basketball program has been ready for a change.

Blizzard is ready and excited to make it happen.

Overtime

By: Daniel Gallen Hey, Bruce Gradkowski, cool your jets, bro. Sure, that was a 15yard run you had right there, but there are two things you need to realize: first of all, you play for the Oakland Raiders, and second of all, your team is down 24-0 to the faltering New York Jets.

Now is not the time for that sweeping hand motion to signal the first down. I think the referees can handle that for themselves.

This is not just Gradkowski’s problem. Excessive celebrating in the NFL has worsened every year, and I have had enough.

I appreciate Roger Goodell’s efforts to curve excessive celebrating in his crackdown on endzone celebrations, but it really hasn’t done enough.

In fact, the only time I do not have a problem with “excessive” celebrations is when they are actually in the endzone, which coincidentally is the main time they are cracked down upon.

It’s tiring to see defensive players pile on a player who is already down. The players get up and celebrate a one-yard gain like it was a quarterback sack. Anytime a defensive player makes some sort of run of the mill play, it seems to be an occasion worth celebrating for 30 seconds.

Offensive players aren’t immune to this either. Alright, Clinton Portis, you just gained five yards on an average run. An elaborate handshake with the wide receiver? With the way celebrations have been progressing, a first down is what the touchdown used to be.

Touchdown celebrations are still an interesting case. Handing the ball to the ref, any derivative of the Lambeau Leap, and dunking the ball over the crossbar are acceptable, but players do not need to hide Sharpies in their socks, cell phones under pads, or pay off fans to give the player a comfortable landing zone in the stands. It’s just too much.

I want to be entertained when I watch football, but by what’s happening on the field. I want to be entertained by what’s happening during game action, not by corny celebrations. Save the celebrating for the locker room.

And Bruce Gradkowski, next time you get a first down, remember: you’re currently quarterbacking the Raiders. You really have nothing to celebrate.

16 sports

the patriot

Volume 45 Issue 2 November 2009

National incident alerts sports community of danger Rachel Kokoska Sports Editor

photos by Colin Hoofnagle

Junior Zac Wagner weightlifts as junior Ryan Kirby spots him. Spotters are the best safety measure a lifter can take.

throat. Johnson was rushed to the hospital where he underwent seven hours of reconstructive surgery.

The only reason he was able to survive was, ironically, because he was in great physical condition. Because his right vocal cord was damaged and his larynx was separated, Johnson is unable to speak, and doctors are unsure if he will ever regain that ability.

Injuries are not uncommon in weightlifting. Personal Strength Assistant T.D. Callahan, Class of ’02, has witnessed a finger cut off from a weight, along with seeing legs,

wrists, and arms break.

“We hired a professional [Callahan] four days a week, because there are risks,” said Athletic Director Larry Dukes.

The risk of weightlifting is known to serious lifters. Johnson’s weight fell on his throat, but it is more typical for the weight to fall on the lifter’s chest. “There is only two ways it can go once it’s there: your neck or your ribs,” said Dukes.

At JC, thus far, there have been no serious incidents, but athletic trainer Eric Fabriziani often sees chronic injuries due to incorrect

Copy Editor

photos by Dan Gallen and Katie Doherty

Junior Zack Frink’s position as defensive end can make a crucial impact on the score of the game. His goal: to sack the quarterback. For the past six years, Frink has played football. “I like the team unity and how close all of us get,” said Frink regarding the football program. Frink started playing JC football as a freshman and moved to the varsity team in 2009 as a junior. His greatest moment this season was when he recovered a fumble and ran it to the one yard line in the Homecoming game against Severn. This year, the team had a strong prospect at winning the championship. “We have a legit chance. It’s a strong motivator for me to play at my best,” Frink said before the team was eliminated from contention by Archbishop Spalding. Frink is even considering playing football in college if the opportunity arises.

Senior Michelle Murphy started playing tennis her freshman year at John Carroll. After one year, she made the varsity team. Murphy plays doubles with her partner, junior Haley Lynch. “I like tennis because it is a fun, relaxed sport. Everyone is close and the coach is a lot of fun,” said Murphy. Along with junior Mollyann Pais, Murphy is captain this year.

According to Murphy, her three years on varsity and her friendships with all the girls on the team has helped her become captain. “My favorite memory is senior fun day because we had a scavenger hunt,” Murphy said. Murphy also played JV lacrosse and basketball as an underclassman. More recently, she has run for the indoor track team. Murphy is not interested in playing competitive tennis in college, but plans to continue playing “for fun” in the future.

yourself. Those are the people who can tell me more,” Ireton said.

Fabriziani sees the more typical attitude towards weights in his classes. “In my classes, the students screw around in the weight room,” Fabriziani said.

The attitudes change as students become more familiar and respectful of the weights. It does become a significant part of their lives. “I miss having someone to work out with. It wasn’t for the strength, but the companionship with your workout partner,” Ireton said.

Bad economy sinks swim team’s efforts Charlotte Hagerman

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.

1. Learn the proper technique.

2. Start out with a low weight and build up.

3. Have a dependable workout partner who can be your spotter.

4. Do not work out alone.

5. Remember, according to Ireton, “It’s not how much you lift, but how well you lift it.”

liftingTIPS

For Assistant Dean of Students Sean Ireton, the power of the dumbell in his hand is a “blood pressure pill.” He considers this feeling the same as what any athletes feel before a game, match, or meet.

Weightlifting is popular among athletes because it improves strength and ability. Ireton referred to lifting weights as an “athlete’s edge.” It doesn’t make an athlete, but it can enhance present ability.

He has spent the last few years training student athletes such as Mary Kate Smith, Class of ’09, and Erika Stasakova, Class of ’08. Even now, these girls still email Ireton from college about their current workouts. “This can become an important part of their lives,” said Ireton.

Weightlifting may become a part of a student’s routine, but the dangers can become particularly real.

University of Southern California tailback Stafon Johnson almost lost his life because of a weightlifting accident.

CBS Sports reports that while lifting at school on September 28, 2009, Johnson lost his grip on the weight, and the bar crushed his

lifting technique.

Dukes considers the low amount of injuries due to the lack of student use. The likelihood of a serious injury would increase if more students used the weight room daily.

Help Desk Coordinator Joe Vitucci, a regular user of the weight room, doesn’t worry about the danger for himself or his son, another regular lifter, junior Joey Vitucci.

He considers “common sense” to be the best precaution.

However, confidence and experience do not always ensure safety for the lifter. Johnson had spotters present during the accident, and they were still unable to prevent the weight from coming down on Johnson’s throat. “It can happen anywhere,” said Dukes.

“There is only so much he [the spotter] can do,” said Callahan.

Good technique can help a spotter catch the weight. Sharp reflexes and diligence on the spotter’s part are absolutely necessary for him or her to make a save, but it could still be out of the spotter’s reach.

Ireton, Callahan, Fabriziani, and Dukes constantly stress the importance of teaching safety precautions, along with proper technique.

Ireton specifically seeks out weight trainers at colleges rather than coaches. “You have to educate

The team was ready for a week full of Sea World, a University of Central Florida basketball game, and swimming with dolphins – in addition to swimming, of course.

The men’s and women’s varsity swim teams planned to go to Florida over Thanksgiving break. But the economy strikes again.

In 2008, the men’s and women’s swim teams flew to Florida over Thanksgiving break for both intensive training and team-bonding fun.

Much to the disappointment of students who went on the trip last year, it has been cancelled this year due to too few sign-ups.

Only nine athletes out of the necessary sixteen committed to going on the trip. “You have to have a certain number of swimmers sign up to go or the cost gets really high for the ones who signed up,” Athletic Director and swim coach Larry Dukes said.

Dukes blames the lack of interest on the poor economy and the high cost of the trip—around $1,000 per person, a high price for only five days.

However, students who went last year raved about the time they had.

“I was so excited to go to Florida.

It was the highlight of my year last year,” said senior Emily Raymonda.

On the trip last year, the team practiced two times a day in Trinity High School’s pool. Because the dean of Trinity is “huge on swimming,” the pool is “Olympic sized and has a scoreboard,” said Raymonda.

Why Florida? According to Dukes, “in Florida, swimming is

the equivalent to lacrosse here. It is one of their major sports.” In addition, the team could take advantage of swimming in the warm weather.

In Florida, swimming is a fall sport. Because of this, the pool was free for JC to practice in.

The swimmers on the trip also benefitted from the personal attention of the practices. With fewer students, they had the opportunity “to work on individual mechanical issues,” said Dukes. Swimmers also seized the opportunity to “get in shape.”

In addition to training, “We had fun too,” said Raymonda. In between practices, the team went on outings to places such as Sea World and the beach.

“In the beginning, I didn’t know a lot of people on my team,” said senior Kristen Dukes. “But by the end of the trip, we had become like a little family.”

Parents of swimmers proposed that, because of the cost, the trip only be taken every other year.

However, last year was the first time the trip was taken. This means that seniors like Dukes and Raymonda will only get the opportunity to go once in their high school experience.

It appears that the nine students who signed up for the trip this year will have to figure out something else to do for the holidays. “My whole family thought I was going to Florida, so they made other plans for Thanksgiving,” said Raymonda.

Larry Dukes has promised that the team would “try again next year.”

After all, “it’s not as if people didn’t want to go on the trip, it’s just the issue of money,” said Kristen Dukes.