The Patriot December 2016, Issue 2 Volume 52

12.12.16

Issue 2

Volume 52

www.jcpatriot.com

H S A R C C O U RSE According to a survey, one in four students are so sleep-deprived that they fall asleep in class at least once a week.

Why are students getting so little sleep, and what can be done to prevent them and their grades from crashing?

Community 5 In-Focus 8-9

2 NEWS

December 2016

How President-elect Donald Trump plans to

‘Make America great again’

With his recent election, students should understand the impact his policies will have on their everyday lives

Immigration

Health Care

Trump’s policy

Trump’s policy

Trump is looking to repeal and replace Obamacare, work with Congress to develop a better health care system, and maximize flexibility for states. He will do this by allowing people to use health savings accounts, which are tax-free, in order to accumulate savings. In addition, he will work with Congress to create a patient-centered health care system.

Trump intends to make immigration more selective in order to prioritize the jobs, wages, and security of the American people. To make this happen, he plans on enforcing immigration laws, blocking funding for sanctuary cities, temporarily suspending immigration from regions that transmit terrorism, and building a wall on the Mexican and U.S. border that will be financed by Mexico.

Why you should care

Why you should care

If you or a family member has prescription medications, then you’ve probably noticed the rise in prices in the past few years. The costs of medicine and insurance have skyrocketed over the past decade and are expected to continue rising in 2017. Trump’s proposed changes to healthcare could affect how much you or your family members pay for medicine and coverage.

Securing the borders affects the economy. Changes to immigration rules and enforcement may make it more difficult for Mexicans and other immigrants to enter the United States and obtain jobs. This could cause changes to the prices of everyday items and their availability.

Photo courtesy of Sipa USA/TNS

All policy information sourced from Donald Trump’s website, www.donaldjtrump.com.

Trade

Tax Plan Trump’s policy

Trump plans to reduce taxes, especially for working and middle-income Americans, as well as to update both corporate and individual taxes. In order to put this plan into motion, he will reduce the number of tax brackets, which are the divisions where tax rates change, from seven brackets to three. He will also lower the business tax from 35 percent to 15 percent.

Why you should care

Check your paycheck because every payday, you’re paying the government. How much of your hard-earned money goes to the government should matter.

Trump Trivia 1. His parents sent him away to New York Military School at 13 years old. They thought he needed more discipline.

2. Trump doesn’t drink alcohol. His brother was an alcoholic and died because of his addiction in 1982.

3. He passed up the chance to buy the New England Patriots in the 80s because he thought they were a bad investment.

Facts from aol.com.

Trump’s policy

Trump aims to negotiate fair trade deals to create jobs, increase wages, and reduce America’s trade deficit.

He plans to accomplish this by renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in order to get a better deal for America. He also plans to appoint tough and intelligent negotiators to make fair trade deals.

Why you should care

Trade deals will impact your future job, how much you make, and what jobs are available. Trade can affect the prices of everyday items and the country’s relationships with foreign countries.

Beyond the White House Having a Republican majority in the House and the Senate will make it easier for Trump to pass policies. It can end gridlock, which would prevent him from getting anything done in office.

Republicans will control the Senate with 52 representatives while Democrats will have 48.

Senate

Republicans will control the House of Representatives with 239 members while Democrats will have 194.

House

December 2016

Satellite school changes location

NEWS 3

Caroline Cooney Editor in Chief

JC’s partnership school, the John Carroll School of Chongqing, officially opened its doors in September. The satellite school is a part of the Chongqing Bashu Ivy School and is the home of 40 Chinese tenth graders, three American teachers, and 16 Chinese teachers.

With the help of a program called Knowledge Link, the satellite school integrates American and international education, which ultimately allows the students to obtain a JC diploma while living in China. According to the official school website, this will give students a stronger academic background that will allow them to compete professionally and academically on a more global scale.

Originally, the partnership school was established in Shenzhen, China, the home of several International students currently enrolled at JC, but due to a lack of enrollment, JC switched the school’s location. “We had pictures of John Carroll stuff in the halls, but they didn’t recruit enough students to begin. We tried it for two years and it didn’t catch,” President and Interim Principal Richard O’Hara said.

“We wanted academically strong students who were willing to put themselves out there.”

Academic Dean of JC Chongqing David Langenmayr

During this time, JC was simultaneously developing a relationship with the Chongqing Bashu Ivy School through the Knowledge Link program and had a backup plan for the satellite school.

Academic Dean of the John Carroll School of Chongqing David Langenmayr likes the idea of blending two cultures together, especially expanding on an old, traditional setting like Bashu and incorporating materials from a

Seniors excel at moot court Caroline Cooney Editor in Chief

Photo courtesy David Langenmayr

Students at the John Carroll School of Chongqing practice writing in Chinese during class. The school was established earlier this year and offers Chinese students a dual-program that combines American and traditional Chinese curricula. traditional prep school like JC. There were 100 students who applied to start in the fall. In order to be considered, applicants had to meet English, math, and physics requirements. “We wanted academically strong students who were willing to put themselves out there in an all English environment,” Langenmayr said.

O’Hara said he wanted the school to resemble JC as much as possible. The satellite school is working toward aligning the curriculum and grading system with JC’s. As of now, students attending the school are offered 10 academic courses, four of which are American courses: Physics, Reading for Writing, World Cultures and Geography, and PreCalculus.

Depending on how much time is spent in class, students can receive 0.2, 0.5, or 1.0 credit for the class. For example, if a course is worth 1.0 credit, students will have that class five times a week, whereas if a class is 0.5 credit, then they will be in class two or three times a week.

Students are required to take all of the offered courses, but they will have a wider selection next semester with the implementation of more challenging courses. “We haven’t quite brought up the AP and Honors yet, but we’re moving into that,” Langenmayr said.

Langenmayr believes that

these academic opportunities provide benefits for Chinese students because the American teaching style follows a more student-centric approach. “American teaching tends to be more about creating an environment where the learners acquire the needed knowledge through their own lenses. Asian teaching is more about the ‘same for all’ approach,” Langenmayr said.

Sophomore Chinese International JC student Nancy Wang agrees that this program will benefit its students. “Many Chinese students can’t come to America because of money. If they go to the international school, it’s eas-

“I would love to get a Skype going between [students here] and students there.”

President and Interim Principal Richard O’Hara

ier for them to get the English education. It’s kind of a similar way to experience the American education, Wang said.

The additional diploma from the school will also help the Chinese students enroll at American universities. “[The students’] goal is to get into an American

university. [There is] a very big push here to get into an American school,” Langenmayr said.

Wang believes there are benefits for the students who are able to attend school in America.

“Going abroad to study is a good experience for me and for my future. Even when I go back to China after college, I can still get a better job than the students who study in China,” Wang said.

While the school is new this year, future developments are already in the works. According to Langenmayr, they are in the process of building a new campus which should be open next year.

“We’ll have tenth, eleventh, and twelfth [next year]. It will initially go at a rate of classes [of] about 50 [students]. Then after year three, we’ll probably expand that number,” Langenmayr said.

Langenmayr is trying to plan summer programs for the students to come to JC to do some activities on campus. Although the details haven’t been worked out yet, he hopes to have some of his students communicate with American students to strengthen the relationship between the two schools.

O’Hara agrees that student interaction is something that appeals to him. “I would love to get a Skype going between [students here] and students there,” O’Hara said.

New college prep dance program announced Zachary Miller Media Editor The Performing Arts Department will be establishing its first ever college preparatory dance program. The program will be led by dance instructor Laura WardMoran, former owner of the Maryland School of Ballet and Modern Dance located in Bel Air. The program will offer two courses to JC’s aspiring professional dancers: Ballet/Pointe and Modern/Contemporary Composition.

Both classes will meet after school from 3-4 p.m. Ballet/ Pointe will be offered Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and Modern/Contemporary Composi-

tion will be offered Tuesday and Thursday. Components of pilates, dance science, and dance history will be incorporated into the courses.

The program will accept a maximum of 25 students on audition-based admission. Auditions will be held on Jan. 7.

The Performing Arts Department expects this program to offer a unique experience to all current and future dancers who make their way into the halls of JC. “It will prepare you for the next level, and you will thrive as an artist, performer, and student as you embark on this dance education journey at the John Carroll School,” Ward-Moran said.

Photo by Zachary Miller

The Performing Arts Department will be introducing a new dance program at the beginning of the 2017-18 school year. Classes will be taught by dance instructor Laura Ward-Moran.

Seniors Grace Mottley and Caleb Olsen placed first in the Moot Court competition hosted at the University of Baltimore School of Law on Dec. 3. The team beat Franklin High School in the final round winning the state title by one point.

“I was impressed with the performance of the team. It was a nail biter during the semifinals, but they showed what they’re made of during the finals,” assistant coach Robert Dannenfelser said.

Moot Court is an annual competition hosted by the Citizenship Law Related Education Program, also known as CLREP. According to the competition’s website, students are given the opportunity to argue whether or not an issue is constitutional in a simulated appellate-level hearing.

This year, 11 teams, including Notre Dame Prep and the reigning champions Franklin High, competed in the competition on Dec. 3.

All teams are given the opportunity to argue as the petitioner and the respondent before the elimination rounds begin.

The eight top-scoring teams move onto the quarterfinals. Four teams then move into the semifinals where they compete in another competition to decide who will go to the championship.

“I was not expecting to get past the third round. Because it was our first time, I thought we weren’t as experienced as our other competitors,” Olsen said.

Over the course of the last month, Mottley and Olsen worked hard to prepare for the competition and had double the amount of practices the week before.

“We prepared by diligently studying previous Supreme Court decisions and by practicing our speeches and working with our amazing coach Mr. Connolly to practice answering the judges’ questions,” Mottley said.

The team practiced and prepared, but they weren’t expecting to win the entire competition.

When it got down to the final round, the team was confident in their performance, but was nervous about the final outcome.

“In the final round, the judges sent us out of the courtroom to deliberate on the score and the final decision. I was shaking the whole time while we waited. They gave us a lot of comments and pointers before telling us who won,” Mottley said. “I was so nervous, but we eventually won, and it was such a great feeling.”

4 COMMUNITY

December 2016

Tis’ the season to give

Patriots adopt families in need Pia Scotto Community Editor “We always bring stuff in, and I always try to make stuff homemade. This year we have a little girl in the family who likes ‘Frozen,’ so I’m going to try to make her a ‘Frozen’ blanket,” senior Olivia Barnhart said about the “little tradition” her advisory has this time each year of adopting a family.

Barnhart “really gets into it” and sees it as a great way to inspire and give back to those in the community who aren’t as fortunate as we are.

Rather than viewing this time of year for shopping, decorating, and tree-chopping, science teacher, Julie Baker’s advisory utilizes it as a way to make someone else’s holiday special.

This year, the Spanish Club will also be adopting a family. Both families come from the Mason-Dixon Community, Inc, a nonprofit organization that provides emergency food and assistance to low-income residents of Harford and York counties.

Instead of creating a wishlist of things students personally want, they will be collecting various things these families need, but are too out of reach for them to

get.

Spanish Club moderator Susan Garcia is extremely excited to help and get involved, as it is her first time participating in the adoption.

She wanted to encourage students in Spanish Club to help in a life-changing opportunity.

“When we give back to people who are less fortu-

it will make their Christmas that much better,” she said.

Baker’s advisory is adopting a family that consists of a mother, father, a 6-year-old girl, and an 8-year-old boy, but this isn’t her first time. According to Baker, she has adopted a family every single year she’s had an advisory.

Baker strongly encourages others to adopt a family because it not only a difference, but “When I first started makes also unites others and working here, all the gives hope.

Barnhart couldn’t advisories adopted a agree more, “It’s really nice because we’re family and now not bringing the family closmany do it at all.” er together. Meanwhile, our advisory is coming President Richard O’Hara closer together as we help.” nate, we’re helping someBaker emphasizes not one else and blessing some- only how excited her adone else’s Christmas. It goes visory is to contribute, but so far,” Garcia said. also how more advisories The family they are should be. adopting consists of a hus“When I first started band, wife, and a 7-year- working here, all the adviold-boy. Garcia and her son sories adopted a family and plan on delivering the items now not many do it at all,” to the family on Dec. 17. Baker said. Because of this, They are aiming to donate Baker opened up the adopheavier clothing, food, and tion and donations with her toys for the boy. neighboring advisory, in Spanish Club President hopes of reviving the tradisenior Giana Liberatore is tion. excited for the incredible Junior Caitlyn Trent, experience. from the neighboring ad“We’re really trying to get visory, and her mom pureverybody to bring stuff in chased a $40 Shoprite gift because the more we give, card to donate to the family.

“When Dr. Baker opened it up to us, I wanted to help.

Service is so important to me. I also try to remember: this could be you,” Trent said.

Trent also spreads this idea through other service opportunities like Merry Ministries, which is another program JC offers to students to help the less fortunate by collecting necessities.

“I always try to encourage people to donate, especially since we go to school here. We should be able to try and put together some donations or at least a bottle of shampoo,” Trent said.

According to Baker, they have already collected some clothes, LEGOs for the boy, and crafty items for the girl.

“On Monday, we’re having a wrapping party where we wrap all the toys [we] got for the kids, and we write ‘To’ and their name and ‘From Santa,’ because they don’t know it’s us, and they really enjoy it,” Baker said.

Overall, these service projects helped those involved get into the spirit of Christmas.

“I really hope everyone takes away the strong value of helping others. It really is what getting into the Christmas spirit is all about,” Garcia said.

Patriots Wish List

82%

of students want clothing

39%

of students want electronics

26%

of students want jewelry and watches The Patriot conducted a survey via Surveymonkey on what students wanted for Christmas.

COMMUNITY 5

December 2016

Healthy Crusade

Students rely on coffee to get through the day, but what are the consequences?

drinking coffee at a younger age than most people. “In Pre-K, I would finish the rest of Erin McCloskey my mom’s coffee when she got up almost every day because I loved the taste. When she Community Editor got back, we would laugh about it, and then Senior Carly Schofield grabs her backpack she would make more,” Cumpston said. and rushes to her car. The clock is ticking, According to Cumpston, she began reguand there are only 15 minutes before school larly drinking coffee for the taste in sixth and begins. Schofield is stuck at a crossroads: seventh grade. When freshman year came Wawa is in one direction, while school is in along, however, her love for coffee was not the other. She knows what she needs to do her only purpose to drink it. “Freshman year and quickly turns towards Wawa. She may be is when I started drinking it every day, not late to school, but at least she will have her just because I liked it, but because I needed coffee. it, too,” Cumpston said.

Coffee is a source of energy for people Responses to a Patriot survey revealed that who cannot cope with early mornings. How- many avid coffee-lovers reach an agreement ever, many individuals drink coffee during that without coffee they would experience all hours of the day to help them get through lower performance rates, headaches, sleepitheir daily activities. “I absolutely rely on ness, or even anger. According to Schofield, coffee. If I didn’t have it, I would have hor- if she does not have coffee on a school day, rible migraines and probably punch someone she struggles to stay awake in classes and has in the face,” Schofield said. trouble focusing.

Schofield began drinking coffee freshman Other students utilize coffee to help them year to help energize herself and to become improve their performance at work. Junior more productive. She drinks two cups of cof- John Kyburz drinks a cup of coffee before fee at 8 a.m. and one at 8 p.m. According to work three times a week. “I work at Toys R Schofield, she drinks coffee at night to help Us, and there is a lot of social interaction to her stay awake to work on homework. be had. Trying to talk to people on a six-hour Other students have found coffee helpful shift is tough with or without coffee. Coffee for improving their athletic performance. Se- just makes it easier,” Kyburz said. nior Emma Gromacki regularly drinks a cup U.S. History teacher Darrion Siler can of coffee before her field hockey practices. commonly be spotted with his trademark “[Coffee] helps with my performance. Being thermos. Siler drinks up to 12 cups of black a goalie, it makes my reaction time quicker,” coffee per day. “I like the taste. I started Gromacki said. drinking coffee in late high school and early Diana Sugiuchi, a Registered Dietician college. I also drank it because I needed to -Nutritionist at Nourstudy and not be asleep all day,” ish Family NutriSiler said.

“If I didn’t have tion, which is a health The reliance and consumption it, I would counseling service, of a caffeinated beverage like cofconfirms that, in modfee is prevalent among many indihave horrible eration, coffee could viduals. Although it helps people migraines and potentially benefit athfeel ready to tackle their daily acletic activities. “A cup tivities, health concerns arise from probably punch of coffee before going the potential caffeine addiction someone in the for a run or something these people face. “We definitely can help your perforsee more people who are trying to face.” mance, but what hapwithdraw from the sugar, not only Senior Carly Schofield the caffeine, so that’s an issue. pens is, if you do it constantly, then your It definitely is an addictive subtolerance builds up over time and you need stance,” Sugiuchi said. more and more,” Sugiuchi said.

As with everything, moderation is key In a manner similar to Schofield, Gromacki when it comes to drinking coffee. According began drinking coffee freshman year. Gro- to Sugiuchi, an occasional cup of coffee can macki wakes up at 5:30 a.m. to her first cup help you feel more attentive while not harmof coffee, and then at 6:30 a.m., she has her ing your health. second. After school she has her third, and However, if you’re looking to kick your she finally has her fourth cup before practice. coffee addiction, there are ways to obtain Gromacki prefers getting her daily caf- energy that are healthier options. “Have a feine from coffee, rather than energy drinks snack. One of the reasons that people drink or sodas. “I drink black coffee, and it’s pretty coffee is to get energy, and if you are eating healthy for you. There’s no extra fat or sugar. regular food throughout the day, you are goWith other caffeinated drinks like Mountain ing to get your energy through foods. Don’t Dew and Red Bull, there’s a lot of artificial have a lot of sugary food. Instead have a stuff and sugar,” Gromacki said. piece of fruit and get your energy from food Sophomore Madelyn Cumpston began rather than coffee,” Sugiuchi said.

Christina Giovanazi

Coffee detox proves almost disastrous

How would you feel if you didn’t drink coffee for a day?

“That has happened to me and I do not feel the same.

I have headaches, and I am not energized and ready for school.”

“I would feel fine because I only drink it when I’m really busy and need a little kick.”

“Very, very sad. A day without coffee is a day without sunshine ... and a very unhappy, grumpy person.”

48% of students never drink coffee

35% of students drink coffee before school 1-2 times a week

33% of students drink coffee in the evening 1-2 times a week

52% of students get their coffee from Starbucks Quotes and data came from a survey conducted by The Patriot. 198 students responded.

It’s mod four and I’m still halfasleep. My brain feels like it has a pulse, preventing me from focusing on my Physics classwork. I’m slightly in a daze, unable to concentrate on anything. I muster up enough concentration to go to the nurse’s office. At the minimum, I need Advil.

Actually, what I really need is coffee. That’s right, I found myself in this miserable state because that morning, my family ran out of coffee beans, and I didn’t have time to stop at Wawa on my way to school.

On a typical day, I drink a cup of coffee when I wake up and take another cup with me to school.

Depending on how much schoolwork I have to get done, I drink another cup in the afternoon or evening.

The National Coffee Association’s (NCA) Annual National Drinking Trends Study in 2015 showed 59 percent of Americans drink at least one cup of coffee per day. The NCA cites coffee as containing nutrients that will reap benefits for regular coffee drinkers such as sharper memory and increased athletic endurance.

Although these benefits are awesome, along with increased energy, coffee can sometimes do more harm than good, causing anxiety, jitteriness, and insomnia for some.

When I didn’t drink coffee that one day before school, it made me realize how reliant I’ve become on coffee. I decided that for a full week, I would embark on a coffee detox.

The first few days resembled that hazy morning without coffee beans. The side effects of the detox rendered me exhausted and occasionally unable to focus.

Quitting coffee is supposed to help you sleep better. However, without the caffeine from my afternoon coffee, it took me significantly longer to do homework, and I actually ended up getting less sleep than I did before.

I inconveniently chose to challenge myself to the coffee detox the same week I had to miss part of school on Tuesday, all day Wednesday, and Thursday morning. After that, I had a few long nights of make-up assignments without a single ounce of caffeine.

By the end of the week, I somewhat adjusted, but I definitely missed coffee. Despite its health benefits, coffee can be a pain in the neck to be reliant on. Putting your coffee mugs away for a week may be a fun way to challenge yourself, but prepare yourself for some extreme grogginess.

6 ENTERTAINMENT

December 2016

Making a list and checking the price The Patriot finds you the best deals and steals for everyone on your holiday list

By Anna Sullivan

FOR :

Secret Sant

By Anna Sullivan

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Holiday treat jar

This tasty gift is a perfect stocking-stuffer for any event where you need to hand out several gifts. Fill the jar up with candies and other holiday treats. To top it off, wrap up a pair of fuzzy holiday socks and stick them on top of the jar. This is not only a delicious treat, but it is also extremely useful. The seasonal socks will be sure to add a hint of holiday cheer to any wardrobe.

FOR :

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This Lush soap bar is the perfect holiday gift for anyone looking for some “me-time” during the craziness of the holiday season. The silver reindeer and sparkles are a great way to spunk up your usual routine. With a strong chocolate smell and a hint of berry, the soap is a great stocking stuffer that will add some creativity and uniqueness to your usual gift giving for a low price.

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Evergreen scented candle This holiday scented candle is a perfect gift for anyone, whether it be a family member, a friend, or a Secret Santa recipient. Light this candle and the room will quickly be filled with the soothing scent of evergreen trees. Overall, a seasonal candle is a practical and cheap gift that anybody would love to receive.

Penguin Mug This season, give this adorable penguin -shaped mug to any of your coffee-loving friends. It is a uniquely beautiful, yet highly useful, gift to give this year while not being too expensive. The fun shape and look of the mug will be sure to put a smile on anyone’s face this gift-giving season. Coffee mugs are a perfect gift for anyone who is hard to shop for and when you’re in a time crunch for gift ideas.

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The JC Patriot

December 2016

Long story short

COMMUNITY 7

Students cut corners to avoid reading their books for English class by finding replacements online Photo by Caroline Cooney

rest,” English Department Chair Christine Zurkowski said.

Some students cite a lack of Megan sits at her desk, scroll- interest as their cause for not ing through her Instagram feed as reading. “I don’t like the books her copy of “The Story of Edgar assigned, so online summaries Sawtelle” sits open on her desk, are a way of doing the work for untouched. the class but She has a test getting out on the book of reading,” “Students don’t read the next day, sophomore but she knows their assigned books Kevin Amos that she can because people get said. sparknote it bored with them.”

“Students and still pass, read Senior Caroline Barwick don’t so she ignores their asher book. Mesigned books gan is not her real name, but she because people get bored with is a real JC student who uses on- them. School books aren’t usuline summaries as a replacement ally interesting,” senior Caroline for reading her assigned English Barwick said. books.

However, teachers try to find Many students share Megan’s books that will interest their stumindset and read online summa- dents, according to Attanasio. ries of books as a replacement for “I’m not choosing books I think reading the assigned books them- people will hate. English teachselves. “I feel like half of my stu- ers discuss ‘will students like this dents use summaries instead of book?’ and ‘does it have literary reading, if not more,” English merit?’” he said. teacher Nick Attanasio said.

Other students find that readTeachers are aware that stu- ing the whole book requires time dents use online summaries in- that they don’t have. “I’ll use stead of reading the whole book. summaries because I don’t have “I overhear students talking dur- enough time to read the book,” ing advisory and during Year- senior Lauren Christensen said. book, and a lot of them say they “I have a lot of other schoolwork, read the first part of the book and so I don’t have a lot of time.” look for summaries online for the Teachers understand that stu-

Grace Mottley Assignment Chief

dents have time commitments, Attanasio believes that readbut attribute their lack of time to ing the whole text of the assigned procrastination. “They don’t read books has multiple benefits in because they don’t have time, and outside of college. “I think which usually means they’ve put looking at summaries can help it off until the last minute,” Atta- them in college, but students that nasio said. have disciplined themselves to Overall, students find the ease read in high school will be betof online summaries more attrac- ter at getting reading done in coltive than reading the book. “It’s lege,” he said. “It improves your easier to just look at a summary vocabulary [and] your grammar. than read a book,” freshman Vin- Reading is the way you absorb cent Giviletti said. language. The more things you While students gave varied read, the greater your facility reasons as to why they use sum- with language.” maries over books, some stuStudents like Barwick also dents, like Christensen, believe agree that reading now can help that reading is the best option. prepare you for college. “If you “Reading is definitely better than don’t read now, you’ll never do it using summaries because you can in college,” Barwick said. include more Attanasio info, write betargues that ter essays, and “I think there’s value that reading have a better to reading and even can help stuopinion,” she dents even struggling with said. beyond the literature.”

While onclassroom. “I line summaEnglish teacher Nick Attanasio think there’s ries may make value to readyou successful ing and even in the short term, they can nega- struggling with literature. You get tively impact you in the long run, something from that. A person according to Zurkowski. “If [stu- who reads a summary versus a dents in college] need to have a person who reads every word in thorough and deep discussion the book may come away with [having only read summaries], identical grades, but the person that might be hard for them,” she who reads the book will know said. it in a different way, in a deeper way. If we think that literature has something to say about human nature or life or history, then they’ll have something better to say,” Attanasio said.

Summary Showdown: “I prefer Sparknotes because it’s more reliable and straightforward.”

Senior Nick Rosachi

“I think Sparknotes is better because it gives you more detail and it’s easier to read.”

Freshman Madison Evering

vs.

“I use Shmoop because it has quotes which are nice if you didn’t read the book.”

Sophomore Michaela Forchion

“I use Shmoop because it’s more detailed and makes books more understandable.”

Junior Emma Potthast

8 IN-FOCUS

December 2016

Days blur into nights as have trouble sleeping d habits or the insomnia with sleep aids

By In-Focus Editors Paige Alban and Ianna Pirozzi

Students break internal clocks A pounding headache throbs painfully as fresh- homework sometimes affects the amount of sleep I man Alexis Loder tries to concentrate on her school get a lot, but if I stay on top of it, it’s not too bad,” work. It’s toward the end of the day, and her biol- Vogel said. ogy teacher’s lecture buzzes in the background as Other students, like senior Erica Deyesu, stay up her concentration falters. The headache, she says, is late because they are distracted by technology. “I a normal consequence of sleep deprivation. Many watch Netflix late at night because I am a season students, like Loder, find themselves tired or de- or two behind and trying to catch up,” Deyesu said. bilitated throughout the day because they lose sleep “I know other people stay up because they are disdue to a combination of technologitracted by Twitter or Instagram.” cal distractions, homework, As this cycle continues throughout the week, and extracurricular activisome students become more “In that three or four hours ties. tired and then proceed to sleep Social studies teacher much later on days when they time span [for homework,] and clinical psychologist do not have school. they spent two hours Dr. Paul Lazor believes Junior Matthew Runyeon, that most students do not for example, makes up for checking Snapchat get enough sleep and that lost sleep during the week by technology could play a large part or Skyping with “binge sleeping” on weekends in this deficiency. and during breaks. He admits somebody or using According to Lazor, the brain that the different amounts goes through distinct cycles of FaceTime with somebody.” of sleep he gets can impact sleep and wakefulness, producing his disposition and conduct.

Guidance counselor adrenaline and other hormones in “Sometimes, when I don’t Carol Heflin-Shupe the morning to provide energy and sleep as much, I can get a little then producing melatonin at night to induce sleep. grouchy, and sometimes when I sleep a little more, I However, the rapidly expanding availability of do a little better, and I’m more attentive in school,” mobile devices has also increased the amount of Runyeon said. blue light that students are exposed to from their Although students like Runyeon use the weekphones, televisions, laptops, and other devices. “If ends to catch up on sleep, binge sleeping negatively you spend a lot of time looking at a screen before affects the body. According to Charles Czeisler, a you go to sleep, it actually interferes with your Harvard Medical School Senior Physician, in an insleep,” Lazor said. “The blue light activates your terview with CNN, this can lead to confusion and suprachiasmatic nuclei, which is what gets you into displacement in the body when the person returns to your circadian rhythms. In other words, it gets you their normal sleep patterns. He goes so far as to call awake, so I think technology has to do with sleep- it a form of “chronic bingeing” and notes that it can ing less.” evolve into a very inconsistent sleep schedule.

In order to combat this growing problem, techThis crash-and-burn cycle makes students prone nology companies like Apple have developed fea- to falling asleep during school. Freshman and Sophtures for their phones that reduce the blue light by omore Dean of Students Sean Ireton notes that it changing the colors on the phone to warmer hues in is rare for him to be sent a student who has fallen a mode called Night Shift. However, there is con- asleep in class. When it does happen, though, he flicting data about the effectiveness of Night Shift talks to them about their sleep habits. “When you and other similar applications. have a lot of stuff going on, lots of pressure can In addition to negatively impacting biological make sleeping tougher,” Ireton said. health cycles, technology often provides a distracAccording to Senior Project Coordinator Louise tion for students, prompting them to stay up later Géczy, students sleeping during school hours beto finish homework. In a survey conducted by The came a big enough problem that administration had Patriot, 78 percent of students who answered say the couches in the Senior Classroom removed for that homework delays their sleep. this year.

According to guidance counselor Carol Heflin“I took naps because I never got enough sleep seShupe, homework takes longer than it should be- nior year,” Holly Driver, class of ’16, said. Now cause students are not actively working the whole that she is in college, she sleeps more often but at time. Instead, they become distracted by spending less consistent times of the day. “I take naps like my time online or on social media. “In that three or four life depends on it,” Driver said. hours time span [for homework,] they spent two While students lose sleep for a variety of reahours checking Snapchat or Skyping with some- sons, they realize its importance in helping them to body or using FaceTime with somebody,” Heflin- succeed throughout the day. Loder believes that a Shupe said. little extra sleep would help them to face challenges Junior Jared Vogel agrees with Heflin-Shupe that during school. “When I’m well rested, I can focus homework does not provide too much of a time more, I pay more attention, and I’m wide awake. I impediment if he manages his time well. “I think try to be more interested in my classes,” Loder said.

IN-FOCUS 9

December 2016

s distracted students due to their poor that they combat

Slippery slope of sleep aids Still wide-awake as the night creeps closer and closer to morning, junior Abigail Stepanian reaches for melatonin supplements in a desperate attempt to fall asleep. Stepanian’s insomnia has made falling asleep a struggle since she was young, but the stress of high school has only exacerbated the problem. Students like Stepanian who have trouble sleeping have been turning to sleep aids in the hopes of finally getting rest.

“Sleep aid” is a generic term which refers to anything that helps a person combat insomnia. According to Mayo Clinic, a medical research group, common sleep aids are over-the-counter medications like melatonin supplements, Unisom

SleepTabs, Benadryl, Unisom SleepGels, and Valerian supplements.

These supplements have been notorious for affecting the body in negative ways. According to Psychology Today, side effects of sleep aids include headaches, nausea, next-day grogginess, and vivid dreams.

According to Psychology Today, while sleep aids like melatonin are considered natural, the supplements often take about three months of everyday use to show signs of effectiveness. However, Stepanian was not bothered by the amount of time it took for her body to adjust because she felt it would be the healthiest option.

“It’s a natural way of sleep aid. Melatonin is a chemical that already occurs in our bodies, and it makes me feel better that I’m not putting strange chemicals in my body,” Stepanian said.

While social studies teacher and psychologist Dr. Paul Lazor agrees that sleep aids can be effective for some people, he notes that even “natural” supplements are not the same as the chemicals produced in the body. The supplements, such as melatonin sleep aids, are synthetically derived.

He cautions against using these supplements regularly. “A lot of sleep aids are actually mild tranquilizers, which are sort of habit-forming,” Lazor said.

72% of students snooze with the help of a sleep aid

Illustrations by Stephanie Imbierowicz

67% of students use

electronics every night within an hour of going to sleep

The Patriot conducted a survey via Surveymonkey on Dec. 1 receiving 216 students responses.

10 ENTERTAINMENT

December 2016

THE WORLD WILL KNOW

PEACE Since the 1960s, musicians like Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix have used inspirational tunes to spread the message of peace, love, and equality Edward Benner News Editor Junior Evan Tridone sits back, turns his music up, and opens his mind. Currently playing is the YG album “Still Brazy,” which was released in 2016. Tridone enjoys a variety of rap music, especially those songs and albums with a political edge.

“The advantage of music is you’re getting information straight from someone, not some random journalist. Music can have a big impact on the public opinion of things,” Tridone said. “‘Still Brazy’ was put out in June, and it heavily addressed political issues. It protested strongly against Donald Trump specifically and gave me insight into why people feel the way they do.”

Music like this, which makes a political statement, can be defined as protest music.

Since its origin, music has served to connect people emotionally and to express creativity and artistic vision. Music has the unique ability to unite and showcase commonality between seemingly differing groups of people.

This immense power is found especially in protest music like “Still Brazy.”

This music movement became popular during the 1960s in the form of folk music. Artists such

as Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and the American folk group called Peter, Paul and Mary spoke out against American involvement in the Vietnam War as well as civil rights concerns.

The songs of the era included “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “The Times They are a Changin’,” both written by Bob Dylan. These are still heard in the cries of the oppressed 50 years later. “‘Blowin in the Wind’ is such an anthem. Bob Dylan generally was extremely powerful,” Religion Department Chair Dr. Joseph Gallen said.

In the 1970s, protest music moved from acoustic stylings toward other genres including reggae, R&B, and punk.

The 1980s saw a massive increase in protest music due to disapproval of the Reagan administration, police brutality, and American poverty.

Punk and hip-hop dominated the era with artists such as Dead Kennedys, Public Enemy, and N.W.A., who all addressed the faults of their time.

Protest music of the 1990s was lead by the rap-metal band Rage Against the Machine that brought a new level of anger and intensity to the scene. The rest of that decade into the 2000s was dominated by pop-punk band Green Day as well as rappers Eminem,

Mos Def, and Lupe Fiasco.

The 2010s have seen a major revival of protest music, especially in the hiphop community. Major racial tensions and political failings have given artists ample opportunities to spread a message of change.

Protest music is a way for artists to shed light on issues they deem important and give their listeners a voice. Often, protest music is used as a tool for social change and covers a variety of topics ranging from environmental degradation to political strifes.

According to social studies teacher Rodney Johnson, “Protest music reflects the injustices that the artists want to raise awareness to … For it to be effective, it helps if someone big puts themselves out there for what they are protesting against.”

Junior Scott Gray shares a similar definition of what protest music truly means. “[Protest] music showcases artists using their platform as a way to express their political views,” he said.

According to Tridone, protest music gives him a new perspective on social issues. “I might have a preconceived notion about something, and I’ll hear a song

Illustration by Nicole Kanaras

by Kendrick Lamar, Run the Jewels, or YG that discusses the topic, and I’ll be opened to a whole new viewpoint.

These people have really gone through tough times and can speak authentically about issues through protest music,” Tridone said.

According to Gallen, protest music has a distinct ability to capture the feelings and thoughts of various time periods.

It can be used as a reference point to understand feelings of unrest and motivations for change.

Protest music, while having undergone drastic sonic changes, still serves the same purpose: to challenge conventions of society, bring about change, and shed light on major issues. Most of all, it unites and entertains the listeners who need a voice.

“Protest music forced me to not be complacent. It’s important to be aware of what’s going on and to think about human rights and race relations,” Johnson said.

POPULAR PROTEST SONGS “The Blacker the Berry” Kendrick Lamar

“What’s Going On?”

Marvin Gaye

“We the People” A Tribe Called Quest

“Fight the Power” Public Enemy

“We Shall Overcome” Pete Seeger

PERSPECTIVES 11

December 2016

Captivity sacrifices animal rights

Zoos provide protective environments Druw Van Der Werff Media Editor According to Merriam Webster, a zoo is defined as “an establishment that maintains a collection of wild animals, typically in a park or garden, for study, conservation, or display to the public.” Would you strip away an animal’s protection and sanctuary in a zoo because of a simple stigma on zoos?

By their nature, zoos are locations where animals are taken to be saved and protected.

Why then are they portrayed as establishments designed to humiliate and degrade animals, when they are made to protect and preserve species? To say that their sole purpose is to contain animals for entertainment and our leisure is simply incorrect.

It’s evident that zoos serve a larger purpose than simple entertainment, and they often facilitate animal rehabilitation.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is a conservationist group dedicated to the protection of endangered species.

According to AZA, they annually spend $160 million on conservation of endangered species. They ensure that zoos under their umbrella are committed to the rehabilitation of animals so they can be released at a later date.

In addition, the AZA has a government affairs team to present issues to Congress and get more animal rights laws passed to foster better relationships with federal and non-federal agencies alike. This helps protect and get better care for the animals in their establishments.

Every year, organizations including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), demonize zoos for their cruel treatment of animals when many of these claims are inaccurate, if not completely false.

Zoos have a bad reputation for treating animals inhumanely, and while this used to be true in

Edward Benner News Editor a few establishments, this has been remedied in every regard.

Zoos protect animals from the detrimental effects that humans and other factors have on their populations and habitats.

Lack of nutrition and habitat are a major threat to the populations of endangered animals everywhere, and zoos assist with this by providing nutrition they wouldn’t have access to elsewhere. As a result, they give endangered species the opportunity to continue to survive.

They assist in the reestablishment of many critically endangered species, as well as in the community through educating children and adults on how they can preserve species and the environments they reside in. When people learn about these animals and the issues they face in the wild, they will call for their protection and human intervention to protect and save them.

Zoos not only help preserve animals, but they also give our species an opportunity to mingle and cooperate with other species, thus fostering a positive environment and a much more unified ecosystem. People believe animals lose their rights in zoos, but they have even less rights when they are over-hunted and experience the destruction of their natural habitats.

Zoos act as a safe haven for these animals who would be driven extinct otherwise by poaching, deforestation, or other loss of habitable ground, and environmental destruction caused by pollution. In zoos they are safe from all of these factors, and their rights are preserved and protected.

Zoos are important to protect and save endangered species. So before you demonize your local zoo, please consider what they do to help to protect species that would go extinct otherwise.

Illustration by Nicole Kanaras and Diane McComas

Patriot Debate:

Are zoos moral?

Patriot Answers

Walking through the Baltimore Zoo on a blistering July day, I can’t help but notice the grim looks on the faces of the animals. The polar bears sit in open sunlight in pens with fences separating them. The chimpanzees are piled into a glass enclosure and bang against the glass as they are bombarded with camera flashes and loud noises. The scene sickens me, and I wonder, “What they did to deserve this?”

Each year, nearly half of the American population visits zoos and aquariums, according to Statistic Brain, a research institute dedicated to tabulating numbers and determining statistics.

With modern technology and advances in photo and video capturing, the debate over whether the existence of these establishments is necessary or ethical has become more prevalent. Even in 2016, there is little legislation protecting the rights of the animals in captivity.

The only major law enacted in the United States is the Animal Welfare Act, which only protects warm-blooded mammals like elephants, tigers, and lions from unfair treatment.

All other animals are excluded from this act, and there are only minimal standards for the conditions the animals are subjected to in captivity.

The bottom line is that zoos and aquariums violate an animal’s right to life. They are taken from their natural habitat and placed in conditions where they are bored, restricted in movement, and subjected to stressful and unnatural situations on a daily basis.

These conditions alter the behavior and genetic makeup of the animals over time. The animals adapt to these unnatural situations and pass these traits onto their offspring.

Animals that are eventually released have problems

readapting to their natural environment as they often lose necessary instincts regarding survival and interaction.

While many argue that zoos and aquariums are beneficial for the preservation of endangered species and the ability to conduct scientific research, they overstep the boundaries of human influence. Humans are merely part of the natural order and have no right or authority to alter its other members.

Zoos and aquariums can foster positive relationships between humans and animals and inspire concern for preservation, but ultimately their existence causes more harm than good. Animals have a right to exist in the wild, in the habitats they are naturally adapted to, and to be subjected to natural selection.

For those who want the opportunity to learn more about animals, visiting their actual habitats or sanctuaries where they dwell is a far more acceptable option.

In these areas, the animals survive in the proper conditions with the freedoms granted to them by their existence in the natural world. The utilization of technology to learn about animals is another alternative to visiting aquariums and zoos. High definition images and videos captured in the most remote areas provide the same insights and eliminate the cruelty.

It is undeniable that zoos and aquariums are large sources of revenue and are enjoyed by millions each year, but they cannot continue in their current state. Stricter legislation needs to be passed to protect all animals, not just the large, warmblooded animals that garner compassion. Humanity needs to finally open its collective eyes and realize that zoos and aquariums are violating and harming their natural brothers and sisters.

Do you feel as if animal confinement, such as zoos, is a positive option for the protection of animals in the long run?

Colby Fergurson

Caroline Smith

James Gillam

Daphne Karas

Kathy Welsh

Freshman

Sophomore

Junior

Senior

Faculty

“If they are injured and need care, then yes.”

“Yes, for animals that need rehabilitation.”

“Yes, because sometimes it is necessary to save the species from extinction.”

“No, it’s bad because it’s not respecting the lives of the animals.”

“Yes, if they are becoming extinct because some things are out of their control, like poachers.”

12 PERSPECTIVES

December 2016

Bynion’s Opinion Taylor Bynion

Think twice before joining College. That word makes many high school students cringe.

We often find ourselves so focused on what makes us the best applicant that we lose sight of what is truly important - making decisions that make us happy.

When walking down the hallway, I often hear other students talking about the dreaded subject matter. I have heard things like, “I have to join that club to be wellrounded for college,” or “I don’t really want to be a member of that club, but my parents say it will look good on my college application.”

Students should not feel compelled to join clubs or participate in certain activities that they have no interest in. They should not force themselves to spend their time focusing on what they believe will make them a better applicant for college.

The aforementioned mindset can lead students to partake in activities that have no appeal to them. When many students already have little free time, they should not spend the leisure time they do have taking part in activities that they do not enjoy.

The main concern leading to this is the idea that colleges want a “well-rounded student.” While colleges do want to see students take advantage of extra-curriculars, they are more impressed if a student is wholeheartedly dedicated to a few activities that they hold a passion for, rather than the student spending short amounts of time in many different areas.

For example, according to a recent report published by Harvard Graduate School of Education, “Applications should state plainly that students should feel no pressure to report more than two or three substantive extra-curricular activities and should discourage students from reporting activities that have not been meaningful to them.”

With this message being given to students from colleges, students are being encouraged to solely spend their time on the activities they enjoy. The pressure to overload one’s schedule with an extensive amount of “filler” clubs is no longer coming from schools.The solution to this issue is simple. Students should pick clubs and activities that they are interested in. They should focus on what they want and what they can get out of the experiences.

This will not only allow them to enjoy the activities they partake in, but colleges will be impressed with the level of dedication given.

Students, pick a few clubs and activities that interest you, and dedicate yourself to making them something you enjoy.

Illustration by Stephanie Imberowicz

The Republican and Democratic parties need to have political tolerance of each other in order to create an open political dialogue where individuals can respect one another, but also learn from each other’s political opinions. Political tolerance is a fundamental component in a democracy.

Political tolerance promotes respect within the community Members of The Patriot staff sat rapt in attention as we watched our peers and the panelists from “Lessons of the Shoah,” an assembly about the Holocaust and immigration, angrily debate about the 2016 presidential candidates, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. With red faces and angry words, a discussion of political ideologies quickly went south, and the talk transformed from one of an informational nature to one of disrespect.

On Nov. 11, JC hosted “Lessons of the Shoah,” which began as an informative session, but it soon created controversy after a panelist discussion. One speaker mentioned Donald Trump in a negative light, and this led to an intense debate between students and panelists which got slightly out of hand. At the core of this incident was political intolerance.

Every political discussion and debate is the product of multiple parties involved, and it can be easy to get lost within the emotion and passion of your beliefs.

Passionate debates occur throughout classrooms and hallways, and they have created a political atmosphere where intolerance and blatant disrespect for those who have differing political opinions are allowed to run rampant and unchecked.

In an increasingly polarized Their voices are silenced by hapolitical system where the politi- tred and disagreement. Therefore, cal agenda and policies are creat- respecting the views of others ed not by the moderate majority, engages the speakers in a deeper but by far-left and far-right poli- conversation. This allows for true ticians, it’s easy to get caught up discussion about politics instead in the tide of political intolerance. of a heated, close-minded arguHowever, being tolerant is far ment. more beneficial for several reaPolitical tolerance also helps us sons. Tolerance encourages open gain a better perspective because dialogue and conversation in a it pushes us to learn from others. respectful manBy understanding ner, as well as alwhat people have lowing us to gain “Political tolerance to say and what greater perspec- is a way to support they feel strongly tive and insight. about, the world By gaining this your own ideas is better underperspective, we while not attacking stood. Reasoning are also able to for others’ beliefs strengthen our those with becomes clear, as own beliefs. does the mutual oposing views.”

Political tolerrespect and apance can be difpreciation for the ficult to incorconversation. porate into our debates, but it is By comprehending and recrucial. It is necessary to create specting the other person’s opinan open political dialogue where ions, you can also strengthen your individuals can respect one an- own. It is a beneficial situation to other, but also learn from each respect the person being spoken other’s political opinions. to, while also using their points to Tolerating the views of others make yours concrete. allows us to offer them a level of By incorporating facts and starespect for expressing what they tistics, and eliminating bias and believe in. In daily conversa- emotion, your views become far tions, especially those relating to more convincing. Suddenly inpolitics, people often feel judged tense arguments become solid, or disregarded for their opinions factual debates, which allow for when they attempt to share them. knowledge to be passed to each

The Patriot

Community Pia Scotto Erin McCloskey

Sports Christina Giovanazi Emily Stancliff

Editor in Chief Caroline Cooney

Entertainment Azanae Barrow Anna Sullivan

Copy Taylor Bynion Alyssa Kraus James Keller Drew Forthman

Volume 52, Issue 2, December 2016

Online Chief Grant Sharretts Assignment Chief Grace Mottley News Lauren Becker Edward Benner

In-Focus Elizabeth Harmison Paige Alban Ianna Pirozzi Perspectives Adriana Guidi Allie Taylor

Artists Stephanie Imbierowicz Nicole Kanaras Diane McComas Sydney Shupe

General Staff Daniel Robinson Contributors Anna Kotula Kayla Kozak Multimedia Katherine Grimm Zachary Miller Druw Van der Werff Moderators Mark Ionescu Nick Attanasio

individual. For example, “The Lessons of the Shoah” assembly could have been far more influential if the speakers and students remained tolerant.

By respecting each other in order to create a healthy environment and gaining perspective from the words spoken, the JC community would have responded in a far better manner, and the true meaning behind the assembly would have been understood.

Asking for political tolerance does not mean we want you to abandon the views you have or back down to a weaker stance.

It means that we want communal respect and understanding for strong beliefs and those they belong to. Words should be received with an open mind, no matter which political party they are spoken from or to.

It can be difficult to respect an idea or belief you vehemently disagree with, but respect is necessary. It requires you to enter a conversation with an open mind and to actually listen to what the other person has to say.

Political tolerance is an easy way to support your own ideas, while not attacking those who do not share the same opinions. It’s pertinent to the development of open communication that makes our community stronger.

The John Carroll School 703 Churchville Road Bel Air, MD 21014 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 of Trustees or the Administration of The John Carroll School.

A copy of each print issue is distributed to each of the 700 students and 110 faculty and staff members. Some of the remainder are sent out to exchanging schools with a return address. The remaining copies are shared

in the Main Office, Library, Admissions Office, Office of Institutional Advancement, given out when needed, or archived. For more information, please visit jcpatriot.com/about.

The Patriot’s byline policy is available at jcpatriot.com.

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

Please email comments or letters to editor@jcpatriot. com or submit them through our website: www.jcpatriot. com.

PERSPECTIVES 13

December 2016

Standing Rock takes a stand

Coup de Grace Grace Mottley

Anti-pipeline demonstrators prove that peaceful protests are still effective Elizabeth Harmison In-Focus Editor As corporate interests attempt to disrupt an Indian reservation and the environment around it, the name “Standing Rock” takes on a new meaning. The construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline not only endangers the environment, but also negatively affects the community. As a result the pipeline should be eradicated, or at least rerouted.

The Dakota Access Pipeline is an oil pipeline that is projected to stretch from North Dakota to Illinois. The construction of this pipeline is controversial due to the effect it may have on the environment and the people surrounding it.

Because of these concerns, there have been protests by groups including environmentalists, Native American tribes, and landowners. Pipelines similar to the Dakota Access Pipeline can

(William Yardley/Los Angeles Times/TNS)

Nantinki Young, known as Tink, stirs large pot of soup for protesters gathered along the banks of the Cannonball River in North Dakota.

burst or leak, which can wreak havoc on the surrounding ecosystems. The pipe is underground, which means that if oil escapes into the soil, it will become difficult to clean up.

Also, because the pipeline is underneath the Missouri River, if there was a spill, the oil could seep into the river’s water, contaminating it immeditately. The bursting of the pipe would be harmful to the surrounding natural resources such as crops and wildlife. The depletion of these natural resources due to oil spills could be detrimental to local economies.

The pipeline will also negatively affect the community surrounding it. Originally, the pipeline was routed underneath the Missouri River, a historically sacred area for the Standing Rock Sioux Indian reservation.

The pipeline would endanger the well-being of the river, which is important to the history and heri-

Report Card: Advisory door decorating Nothing helps students get into the Christmas spirit more than coming together as an advisory and hanging up strings of lights, or putting up a tree and decorating it with multicolored baubles. The one problem with this tradition can be that some advisors are so gung-ho with the decorating that they forget that some students are not as eager to participate. For those students who want to use valuable advisory time to study or to do homework, door decorating can be one of the more irritating times of the year. However, for the students who are all about the holidays, this can be one of the most festive and fun traditions.

The good, The bad, and The ugly: Christmas

By Copy Editor James Keller

tage of these people.

Other landowners are also affected by this pipeline, because if the oil escapes into the environment, it can be harmful to their health and also to their communities.

The pipe is proposed to be a safer alternative to the current way that oil is transported, which is by railroad. Instead of using a pipeline which upsets large groups of people, it would be better to just improve on the current system.

On Dec. 4, the Sioux had a major win when the Army Corps of Engineers went back on its decision to let the pipeline run under the Missouri River, after veterans showed up to aid in the protests.

While this decision is not definite and could be rescinded, it is still a victory for the protesters.

Even when police authorities took violent action against the protesters by using K-9 forces, pepper spray, and even proposing

The Patriot turns the tables by grading the school on today’s issues

By News Editor Edward Benner and In-Focus Editor Elizabeth Harmison

New Vending Machines When the old vending machines carrying snack foods were taken from the cafeteria and replaced with new machines, students’ wallets were compromised without any input. Students can no longer afford to frequently purchase things from the machines, due to the expensive items within. Even if they have enough money, there’s no option to just get some junk food after a long day. It is ridiculous that students have to pay extra money for cookies just because they are organic, and there are no other options for nonorganic cookies. Also what even is a non-organic cookie? Above all, the machines are rarely fully stocked, rendering them useless.

After finishing exams, students spend 17 days relaxing and spending time with their families and friends. This leaves almost three weeks for stressed students to recuperate from school.

cutting off food and other supplies to the protesters, the protesters remained peaceful and showed strength and perseverance.

This just goes to show that when protesters remain peaceful, they can still have positive results.

It also shows that in a society that advocates for violence, there can still be peaceful resolutions.

For example, the April 2015 Baltimore protests that quickly turned into riots would have been more effective if they would have remained peaceful. Turning a protest into a riot undermines any good intentions and results in failure.

Overall, if the Dakota Access Company just altered the existing route to one that was more beneficial to the environment and the people around the pipe, then it would be a plan that is easier to support. In addition, the Sioux Native Americans showed that a peaceful protest is more effective than one with violence.

Cafeteria food service Throughout the past few years, the catering company in charge of feeding students in the cafeteria has been hit or miss. Since 2014, there have been three different companies that have provided food for the cafeteria. For each of the companies, not only is the food inconsistent, but so are the prices. Each year, even though the quality of the food has decreased, the prices have been steadily rising. Overall, it feels as though student opinions are not being heard, and improvements like bringing back the salad bar or having some consistency with the food quality and prices could improve the students’ cafeteria experience.

Although three weeks off sounds nice, students go stircrazy. By the second week off, all video games have been played and Netflix is a list of bingewatched series. Boredom sets in.

Does anyone really enjoy spending Christmas Eve with their families just to go visit them again the next day? Weird foods combined with mildly inebriated relatives gets old quite quickly.

Be a role model, not a runway model Every year, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show finds its way to our TVs, and millions of people watch without a second thought about the unrealistic body image standards that these models set.

Ratings for the event have slowly declined year after year, which may indicate that the public is slowly losing its support for the company’s unrealistic body image. Victoria’s Secret, along with the rest of the fashion industry and the media, should respond to the public’s acknowledgement that the women they see on their screens are not realistic examples of an average woman’s body type.

The models we see at events like this and others are presented as the ideal body type. However, only about five percent of the population has the same body type as these women, according to the Park Nicollet Melrose Center for Eating Disorders.

While it’s obvious these models aren’t realistic, the fashion industry puts pressure on women in other ways. Plus size clothing starts at an eight, a “normal” women’s clothing size, while the average American woman is a size 16, according to USA Today.

It’s clear that the average woman’s body isn’t represented by the media or the fashion industry.

These media representations take a toll on women. Sixty-ninepercent of girls who read magazines said that the pictures they saw made them want to change their bodies.

It’s important that women see a variety of body types in the media. The fashion and entertainment industry should work to incorporate all healthy body types into their presentations.

While these industries need to make changes, it’s also our job to be role models for other men and women. We can attribute women’s negative body image on the media, but it also stems from ourselves.

According to a study done by the Dove Self-Esteem Project, the discussion of body dissatisfaction can reinforce that dissatisfaction in yourself and in others.

It’s by no means an easy feat, but we need to love our healthy body types for what they are and show our self-love to others, instead of sharing our dissatisfactions with our bodies. We need to be role models and show other women that, while we may not have the ideal body type presented to us by the media, we are still beautiful and can still love ourselves. Lead by example, and others will follow.

14 SPORTS Here’s the Game Plan Emily Stancliff

Athletes, beware of holiday break Winter. Cookies. Relaxation.

Tsk. Tsk. All false hopes for athletes. While the holidays sweep everyone else into a frenzy of excitement, the holidays present a challenge for all people that play a sport.

As you probably know, these next two weeks of downtime will be seriously detrimental to your built-up cardio and strength conditioning.

Therefore, we must be wary of these holidays that threaten to disrupt our daily schedules. We must combat them with the simpler, but more powerful, device of … a schedule (oh my!).

I know, you’re just getting out of school and you’re looking forward to some unstructured relaxation time, but if you are seriously dedicated to your sport, then you must make some sacrifices. There is nothing worse than feeling out of shape when you come back from break, but this can easily be avoided with a little structure and planning.

The first step to staying on top of your game is to wake up at a reasonable time to fit in your workout. Sorry, but sleeping in until 11 in the morning will not cut it. In my experience, early mornings are the best workout times simply because afterwards you are no longer dreading having to work out, and you have practically the rest of the day to yourself.

Secondly, make sure that you are physically active throughout the day. Keep yourself busy with simple projects like cleaning your room, which will help you feel that you have accomplished something worthwhile.

The idea is to keep yourself preoccupied with meaningful tasks and keep your mind content rather than restless.

Probably the best advice of all time, although hardly ever listened to, is to limit the time you spend on the computer or phone.

It is alright every once in a while to take a break and relax, but long hours spent binge-watching Netflix shows are not conducive to healthy habits. It will only make you more susceptible to abandoning your schedule.

And finally, I come to the last piece of advice: make sure you stay hydrated throughout the day and eat a consistent, healthy diet.

I have found that multiple small meals a day along with regular water intake helps to improve your metabolism and leaves you feeling more full than three large meals a day. And yes, those cookies are definitely off limits.

December 2016

For high school athletes,

THERE IS NO off-season As more athletes must practice year-round to keep up with the competition, the JC athletic program has implemented free off-season training programs Grant Sharretts Online Chief Running up and down the court and shooting baskets in preparation for a season that won’t commence for months, junior and varsity basketball forward Nate Roberts knows that he has to work hard now. He knows the only way to prepare for the season is to work towards what will inevitably be coming next year.

“There is no off-season.” This phrase is heard widely throughout athletics today. In the past, this was used in a joking manner, but it has now become a requirement for any successful athletic team. Whether it be on your own or with your team, practicing during the offseason is now critical.

“It’s what people [and colleges] are kind of expecting now, keeping up with off-season training,” Athletic Director Steve Teter said.

The expectations among athletic programs have become “way more serious,” according to Teter. He believes that “from the time kids are seven years old, they are specializing in sports and

going to trainers and doing all these things. It’s the way things are moving. If you don’t do it, you miss out.”

Roberts agrees that off-season training is an important tool for high school athletes and it gives him an extra leg up on his competitors. “Most athletes, after a while, die down, but me, I just

“[Off-season training] gives me an extra step the average athletes don’t have.”

Junior Nate Roberts

keep going and it really is a difference maker. [It] gives me an extra step the average athletes don’t have,” Roberts said.

With the increased standards among high school athletes, JC has expanded their training programs to help students live up to expectations set by college athletics. For example, Assistant Athletic Director and men’s varsity lacrosse coach Brian King imple-

Athlete Spotlight:

mented an off-season program for lacrosse players to get better and be more prepared for the season.

“A lot of kids, I realized, were spending $200 a month on training [outside of school] that we are doing here for free,” King said.

After King was hired by JC in 2014, he implemented a ninemonth program open to both varsity and JV players. King’s off-season program is designed to help give high schoolers the skills that they may need for the future.

As a freshman, current senior lacrosse defenseman and Virginia Tech commit Caroline Barwick didn’t have the opportunities at JC that she now has today during the off-season. “[During] my freshman year, I wasn’t offered as many trainings for soccer, [and] I also didn’t have as many lacrosse trainings as I do now,” Barwick said.

While it sometimes appears that the stress of being a student athlete is too much to take on, some athletes feel that sports actually help them get through the stress. “There are many times when I have so much work to do, and it gets very stressful and

$ 200 is the amount that each athlete saves per month by training at JC during the off-season

overwhelming, but what keeps me going is the passion I have for sports. When I’m out on the field playing lacrosse or soccer, I forget about everything else and just have fun,” senior lacrosse midfielder and High Point commit Abby Hormes said.

All in all, many student athletes are committed to improving themselves every day and won’t quit until they reach their full potential. “Although it pays a toll on the mind and body, the constant reminder [is] that all this labor and hard work has to pay off someday. So the grind is real,” Roberts said.

Amelia Wickham Sport: Swimming

Events:

-200m IM -100m breaststroke Grade: Junior -200m medley relay Experience: 3 years -200m freestyle relay “Amelia is a versatile and hardworking swimmer. She immediately helped us in the breaststroke and is very versatile and willing to swim other strokes.”

Swimming head coach Larry Dukes

Photo by Elizabeth Harmison

Junior Amelia Wickham leads the women’s 200m IM as she approaches the wall during the breaststroke leg of the race. Wickham finished in first place in the 200m IM and second place in the 100m breaststroke.

“I’ve been swimming with her for a couple years. She’s talented, very talented. Swimming comes naturally to her, you can tell that as soon as she gets into the water.”

Junior and varsity swimmer Mallory Smith

SPORTS 15

December 2016

UNDING

REB

without seniors

The varsity women’s basketball team shoots for a championship year led by junior captains

Christina Giovanazi Sports Editor At the last home game of the season there will be no posters, no streamers, no balloons. There will be no sad team dinner to commemorate those graduating seniors that have helped to shape the program. There is reason to celebrate, but without a single senior on the women’s basketball team this year, there will be no senior game.

Even though the team lacks senior leadership, this does not mean that the team is short on drive. With seven experienced juniors stepping up, women’s varsity basketball coach Craig Simmons is confident about his team’s chance to succeed this season.

“Not having any seniors really doesn’t impact you as long as you have some upperclassmen who can show the young players how to get acclimated to our conference, as well as how to lead for the next wave of players to come through the program,” he said.

According to Craig Simmons, past teams have consisted of more underclassmen than upperclassmen, but with seven juniors on the roster, the team will benefit from having more experience. “With having seven juniors, the one thing we have a luxury with this year is leadership and experience.”

Junior shooting guard Cas-

sidy Kupchinskas agrees that having more upperclassmen gives the team an edge. “I think this is an advantage because four of our [returning] upperclassmen have [over two] years [of experience] playing in the A Conference,” she said.

“We are all so close, and I know I have ten other sisters that I can go to about anything.”

Point-forward Nikki Hunter

Junior point forward Nikki Hunter agrees that the team doesn’t need seniors to be successful. “We have very good captains and a lot of leaders on the team. Our coach always tells us that we are the seniors of the team, even though we are juniors,” she said. “If one girl doesn’t know the answer to a question, there are still a lot of other girls who are very experienced.”

According to Craig Simmons, Hunter has stepped up this season to compensate for the lack of senior leadership.

“Nikki has come back this year with a laser focus on her game. She has been a great presence for us on the interior,” he said.

Hunter said that being an upperclassman has really encouraged her to be the best

possible player for her team.

“I know my team needs me, so I have tried to be the biggest force in the game that I possibly can,” Hunter said.

Craig Simmons also cited junior point guard and second-year captain Savannah Simmons as a key leader for the team. “Our returning captain, Savannah Simmons, has done a great job of leading this team to the point where we are currently. Her off-season work with her teammates and incoming freshmen has really made a difference in their preparation for the upcoming season,” Craig Simmons said.

As an upperclassman, Savannah Simmons feels that without any seniors, her leadership is more vital than in past years. “It is crucial that I display even more leadership than I have before,” she said.

“Being six feet, I have tried to focus on grabbing more rebounds so that I can help out the rest of my team and push the ball.”

Supplementing the junior veterans are an influx of new players on the team. “We have a couple key transfers and freshmen that came in this year and are projected to help us out big time,” Savannah Simmons said. According to Craig Simmons, this group includes four transfers who have experience playing basketball at an elite level.

Savannah Simmons is hopeful that this new group of strong players can help

bring the team its first championship since 2012.

“Our team has not had a very good name and record over the years, but we’re hoping this is our turn-around year and to win a championship soon,” she said. “We were recently just ranked no.

13 [by the Baltimore Sun], so we are super excited about that.”

So far, the new players are meshing well with the team.

“We have been all practicing and playing together since our summer league, which was in July, and since then, we have really grown together on and off the basketball court,” Kupchinskas said.

“Everyone is so funny, and when we are all together, we seriously have the best time.”

Savannah Simmons believes the team’s chemistry will help them find success this season. “It’s never any fun when you’re on a team where there is drama or cliques. Our team has none of that, which is why I think we play so well together on the court. We all have great friendships with each other, which is why I think of these girls truly as my second family,” she said.

Hunter considers the family aspect one of her favorite parts of being on the basketball team. “We are all so close, and I know I have ten other sisters that I can go to about anything. We all have each other’s back and are one little family,” she said.

Shooting guard Cassidy Kupchinskas Photo by Caroline Cooney

Team gives back during holiday season Anna Kotula and Kayla Kozak Contributors

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Bel Air (410) 420-0600

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Fallston (410) 877-8377

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Perry Hall (410) 256-4061

With the holidays quickly approaching, it is good to refocus our thoughts on the important things in life. The women’s varsity basketball team kicked off their season by extending a helping hand to those in need. On Monday, Nov. 21, the team volunteered at the Perry Point VA Medical Hospital, serving veterans.

The team spent the evening helping out the staff and patients in various activities, but the highlight, according to junior Savannah Simmons, was being able to

share gifts with them.

Simmons described the experience as emotional and heartwarming. “There was one guy that was so happy we had brought him gifts,” she said. “He started crying as soon as we walked in.

He wanted to express how grateful he was that we were all there.”

Simmons expressed not only how grateful the patients were for their help, but also noted how much it impacted her teammates.

“We liked [helping the patients] a lot. It brought us together, and made us more thankful,” she said.

Even though the weather is getting colder, JC athletes know that nothing warms the heart more than the gift of giving.

16 SPORTS

December 2016

The rough and tough indoor track and field team practices through rain, snow, and mud to prepare for their meets Emily Stancliff and Taylor Bynion Sports Editor and Copy Editor Illustration by Sydney Shupe

Huddled in a thin sweatshirt, senior Iain Olsen trudges out to the cold track. Bracing himself against the wind, he tries to warm up his frozen muscles with a lap around the track, but he finds no relief. He runs two, three, four more laps just to warm himself up to start practice.

Olsen is a member of the relatively small indoor track and field team. With little resources and critically, no indoor track, the team finds themselves in the painful position of practicing outdoors in the middle of the winter, regardless of weather conditions.

Distance runners are mostly affected by these conditions, whereas some sprint workouts are conducted inside if there is inclement weather. “We run in the snow,

pouring rain, sleet, hail, and even when the track is covered in a foot of snow. It makes running really challenging, especially on speed days,” senior distance runner Adria Pirozzi said.

Despite these challenges, there is anticipation for the women’s team to do well this season. Sprint and field events coach Robert Torres noted his team’s talent and passion, despite its size.

“The girls will be a quality team. We don’t have enough to win the conference, but we have enough talent to score in a lot of events,” he said.

Pirozzi agreed with Torres that while the team is small, individual athletes will do well in the championships this year. “We lost a lot of our super sprinters last year so

it will be difficult to place this year, [but] Chika Chuku will definitely be a stand-out this season. She was new last year and is already a top scorer,” she said.

With the additional help of senior sprinters Abby Hormes and Charlotte Haggerty and junior sprinter Ashlee Kothenbeutel filling in some holes, junior distance runner Laura Amrhein believes that the team should perform well. “The team should do pretty decent. Our sprinters look very good from what I have seen, and so do our polevaulters and high jumpers,” she said.

Amrhein also acknowledged her fellow distance runner, Pirozzi, “who will hopefully lead the team to victory.” Pirozzi has been putting in extra hours running every day, even on weekends and holidays, to prepare for her upcoming running seasons.

“We run in the snow, pouring rain, sleet, hail, and even when the track is covered in a foot of snow.”

Senior distance runner Adria Pirozzi

Photo by Emily Stancliff

After days of training through mud and slush, junior Evan Tridone eases his way around the bend in his 800 m relay in the MIAA Meet at Loyola Blakefield on Nov. 8. Even though the team finished 10th out of 12 teams, many of them placed individually in their events.

“My dad always told me that there’s always somebody out there who’s pushing themselves harder. If you want to perform well, you have to make sure that you’re giving it your best effort, no matter the circumstance,” Pirozzi said.

On the men’s side, distance coach Michael Monaghan believes the main goal for this season is to improve. “If we have halfway decent weather and [our] athletes put forth a concerted effort, improvement is almost guaranteed,” he said.

While the team practices hard every day, the men’s team is only able to field two varsity athletes, as varsity is determined based on time. “We haven’t been this light at the varsity level since we started indoor track back in 2002,” Monaghan said.

The two men’s varsity athletes are junior David Pajerowski and senior Steven Kutcher, both of whom pole-vault. Paje-

rowski also participates in the 55m hurdles, the 55m, and the 300m. “I train by practicing every day and pushing myself to the limit,” Pajerowski said.

Olsen believes the team has the potential to perform well individually, but he also believes it is going to be hard as a team. “I think we will do alright. I don’t think we have that stellar of a team. We are really focused on just trying to place,” he said.

Junior distance runner Connor Kiss also believes that the team has potential, but with the team’s small size, it is going to be hard to compete.

Kiss noted that competing against other big teams can be discouraging, “you realize that you are [just as] good and that you are able to compete and keep up with them.

I think we can accomplish just as much as they can.”

In hopes of improving the team’s chances, the athletic department, facilities, and administration are currently talking about improving the outdoor track.

Monaghan believes that the track “at the very least needs to be resurfaced as many of the inner lanes are degrading to the point of being tripping hazards, especially in the sprint events. The long jump runway is probably worse than the track.”

The main obstacle to refurbishing the track is the cost of the project. “The fix is expensive,” Monaghan said. “The facilities department has received a few bids to resurface or replace the track, [but] I believe the cost is more than we can afford.”

With the upcoming outdoor track and field season approaching, and looking to future seasons, Monaghan hopes to still be able to hold competitions at JC. “We host many meets for the MIAA and the IAAM, including the outdoor B conference championship. It would be a shame if for safety reasons, we stopped hosting these events,” he said.

Despite the team’s size, this does not mean that they lack the heart or the drive to win. The team looks forward to an exciting season with many new players.

“Indoor is a quirky beast, we never seem to be able to cover all the events in depth ... [but] we always try to progress a bit each week,” Monaghan said.