Simple shoes make giving easy
Two athletes make all-star roster
TOMS donates shoes with every purchase
Seniors Love and St. Clair play in all-star game
FEATURES 5
SPORTS 16
December 09
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Bazaar benefits team in need
Photo by Katie Doherty
Photo by Conrad Sullivan
Vendor Joan Lauzau sells jewelry at the Bazaar. Profits from the fundraising event went towards the equestrian team.
Nicky Hatzidimitriou General Staff When assistant coach and coordinator of the equestrian team Louise Doherty realized that the average cost of supporting one rider for one season amounts to about $800, she decided to plan an event that would help raise money for the team, and at the same time, benefit the school community. “The idea for a Christmas bazaar came to me as an easy solution to our problem,” said Doherty. “It was an event that the school did not do, it was something that everyone at school, as well as the general public, would enjoy, and it’s fun to do something related to Christmas.” After Director of Development Laura Lang heard about Doherty’s proposal, she was eager to walk Doherty through the process of scheduling the fundraiser and even provide tips to help make the planning easier. “I loved the idea, but was initially concerned about the date, since it was the same day as the Bel Air Christmas Parade,” said Lang. “I was also a little concerned about planning time, but Louise Doherty did an unbelievable job and pulled it all together.” With 55 different vendors secured, not including the equestrian team themselves, JC opened its doors on December 6 to anxious Christmas shoppers. From candles to artwork, jewelry to perfume, and home decorations to Chinese dream catchers made by foreign language teacher Fen-Whey Koh’s Chinese class, the variety of products for sale at the bazaar was extensive. The cafeteria was even fashioned into a tea room where coffee, soda, and an assortment of teas were sold. Various door prizes were also made available for shoppers after
Junior Tiffany Clunie (24) takes one of her fifty free throws in the Shooting Santas charity event. Teammates Amanda Wolfe (30), Gina Maiorana (4), McKenzie Reese (23), and Assistant Coach Brent Nichols stand by to encourage Clunie and enjoy the event.
Team spreads Christmas cheer Allison Siegel Managing Editor Sleigh bells are ringing, and the women’s basketball team is listening. Clad in Santa hats and Nikes, the varsity and JV teams put their skills to the test, all for a good cause. The Shooting Santas Foundation has been around since 1998 for basketball teams to help raise money for needy families to provide their children with a Christmas they’ve never imagined. Each player
shoots fifty baskets and raises money from people sponsoring them for a flat donation or a percentage-based donation. After the money is raised, the team buys presents for a family’s children and delivers the presents, all without the children knowing. Anything the family needs for the holiday, the team will help provide—whether that be wrapping paper and tape or a turkey dinner. The event spreads itself over a large part of the season. The foul shots were taken at a special practice on December 8, 2009. The team went gift shopping on December
15 and then will deliver the presents to the parents on December 19. Coach Mike Blizzard, head varsity coach, told his girls during the beginning of the season that they needed to raise at least $416 a person to reach the program goal of $10,000. While Christmas is not all about the gifts one gets, or the money you have to spend, Blizzard thinks that for these young children, the most important part can be the “commercial” Christmas. See SPORTS 16
Amnesty club advocates change Erin Hanratty y Sports Editor It’s 11:00 am on a Friday, and while most of her friends are sitting in the cafeteria enjoying their lunch during their off mods, senior Hannah Close is sitting at an information table, helping to promote a new club, Amnesty International. The Amnesty International club is a branch of a world-wide organization which strives to advocate basic human rights. Founded in 1962, Amnesty International has grown to be the world’s leading human rights advocacy organization, consisting of nearly two million members from over 150 countries. English teacher Debbie Stathes moderates the Amnesty
International club. Stathes had been involved with Amnesty International at her former school, and upon joining the JC community, she thought it would be a beneficial organization to establish here. This school year, Stathes finally found students like Close who are willing to take initiative in jump-starting Amnesty. Along with Close, these students include seniors Sara Weskalnies, Morgan Seiler, Nicole Bowman, Inyang Oduok, and Alex Schimdt. Once student interest was apparent, Stathes began holding Amnesty International meetings every other Tuesday. These meetings remain open to all students interested in joining the club at any point
Photo by Conrad Sullivan
Amnesty International club moderator Debbie Stathes informs students about genocide before the club watches “Hotel Rwanda.” The club hopes to raise awareness of human rights issues.
during the year. Students have taken leadership roles in the meetings and in promoting the club to their fellow students. Close, Weskalines, Seiler, and Schimdt were elected officers of the club.
Close and other members of the club have set up a display table of information near the cafeteria, where they promote the club to other students every other Friday during lunch mods. See FEATURES 4
See NEWS 3
Index
News...2
Features...4
Entertainment....7
In-Depth...8
Editorials...11
Sports...14
The Patriot
Editor in Chief: Daniel Gallen Executive Board: Kate Froehlich Joey Hoff Jenny Hottle Allison Siegel Allison Walczyk
Entertainment: Nico Cvach Hilary Weidner Features: Katie Clarke Taylor Schafer
News: Alex Dunn Collin Hoofnagle
The number of students receving financial aid this year is
68%
Percentage of the student body on scholarships
‘
We look at all aspects of a family financially.” - Katherine Nichols
year, the school was put in a position where they felt they needed to award fewer families (percentage wise) because “the Committee felt that families started applying out of fear instead of because they actually needed it,” said Nichols. The school has previously set aside eight percent of their school budget for financial aid. Due to the economic times, the school has not cut money from financial aid. Financial aid has now been raised to 8.8% of JC’s budget. There are other ways JC helps families in financial need. “President Rick O’Hara and the Office of Institutional Advancement (OIA) have secured grants from outside foundations, and JC has partnered with Harford County Credit Union in order to provide tuition loans,” said Nichols. Other means of financial assistance exist for students and include
the Sisters of Saint Joseph Grants, the Archdiocesan Teacher Discount Plan, the Multi-Child Family Discount Plan, and the Rev. Charles K. Riepe Scholar Athlete Grant. For other individual issues, such as recent job loss, special payment agreements can be arranged. Another well-known option is school scholarships. Various academic scholarships, the Donald L. Sudbrink Scholarship, the Alumni Children’s Scholarship, and the Marion Burk Knott Scholarship can provide families money in order to aid in paying for a student’s tuition. The Donald L. Sudbrink Scholarship was created to honor John Carroll’s former principal in 1990. This scholarship offers $1,200 with the family receiving $300 per year. Every year it is given out to a student who has shown excellence in academics on the High School Placement Test. The Knott Scholarship gives students with a full four-year scholarship if they earn high scores on the Catholic High School Placement Test (HSPT). The Marion Burk Knott Scholarship is a four-year award that pays full tuition for any student that is going to attend a Catholic secondary school in select Maryland counties. In order to receive this scholarship, students must be Catholic, in eighth grade, and a member of one of the aforemention counties. This scholarship is awarded because of academic and personal achievements. Any eigth grade student who wishes to apply must take the HSPT Test and fill out the application form. Currently, seven JC students are on the Knott Scholarship. The school works to aid students struggling in the economy. “The school will do everything they can to help anyone who is in financial need,” said Nichols.
“I didn’t know what it even was until I got a letter in the mail saying I had received it. I was so surprised, I couldn’t believe it!”
“I didn’t sign up expecting to receive it. When I found out my three closest friends got it also, I was so excited for all of us.”
“I was very happy because the money helped my parents for tuition and made the high school transition more relaxing.”
Rebecca Driver 2013
Copy Editors: Alex Bahr Kirby Browning Charlotte Hagerman Gabbrielle Joseph
Since 2008, the country has been suffering a major economic crisis that has affected millions. Now that money is more of an issue than ever, JC strives to aid those who are in financial need, to help them pay their school tuition. Financial aid has become a vital aspect of the school community during the economic recession. According to Director of Finance Katherine Nichols, somewhere between 22% and 26% of families with students attending JC are on financial aid. “John Carroll does everything they can to help families that show need,” Director of Admissons Kim Brueggemann said. “We look at all aspects of a family’s financial situation,” said Nichols. All of the families wanting to apply for financial aid, fill out an application, which is then sent to the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). After the family’s budget is evaluated, the application is sent back to the Finance Administration. “The application provides an
scholarshipSTATS
Sports: Erin Hanratty Rachel Kokoska
Copy Editor
objective viewpoint of the family’s financial range. They are only hard numbers,” said Nichols. Many other factors are considered, such as the number of students a family has at JC, how many in the family are employed, and their occupations. “It’s a hard job and takes a lot of time – over 40 hours – to review all the applications and discuss each individual family’s circumstances,” said Nichols. Around 68% of applicants for the 2009-2010 were granted financial aid. Although there has been an eight percent increase in applicants this
Ryan Etkins 2011
In-Depth: Julia Earnshaw Elizabeth Tauber
Kirby Browning
Ellen Barker 2011
Editorials: Kaitlin Bobbin Katelynn Colgain
Aid adapts to changing economic times Sam English 2012
The John Carroll School 703 Churchville Road Bel Air, MD 21014 Volume 45, Issue 2, November 2009
the patriot
Volume 45 Issue 3 December 2009
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2 news
Design Editor: Ryan Selvy
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Photo Editors: Haley Lynch Kristin Marzullo
The percentage of the school budget that goes to financial aid
General Staff: Nicky Hatzidimitriou Ryan Lina Mollyann Pais Caitie Beth Shauck
New online churches bring worship to Internet
Contributers: Katie Doherty Alesia Etinoff Michael Goettner Meg Kirchner Conrad Sullivan Moderator: Mark Ionescu
The Patriot is a publication of The John Carroll School. The views and opinions expressed in The Patriot are not necessarily the views of the Board or Administration of The John Carroll School. The editorial staff invites and greatly appreciates comments from readers on any issue. Please email us at editor@jcpatriot.com
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Alex Bahr Copy Editor For centuries, Christians have woken up early Sunday morning to the sound of church bells, dragging themselves out of a warm bed and trekking to church in order to take an hour to reflect on the Lord. But in today’s world, a new trend known as “Online Church” has begun, through which church can be completed at the computer user’s leisure. On May 20, Pope Benedict XVI called young people to evangelize using the Internet: “I am inviting all those who make use of the new technologies of communication, especially the young, to utilize them in a positive way and to realize the great potential of these means to build up bonds of friendship and solidarity that can contribute to a better world.” The “Online Church” is trying to do just that. Designed to “bring the best of the digital Online Church to your home,” the Online Church offers streaming audio of
live Church services, and Christian and Bible Study chat rooms. Religion Department Chair Joseph Gallen explained that this isn’t the first time technology has been used to allow others to participate in Church services. “For years and years in most Dioceses, they have televised the mass for people unable to be physically present because of illness or a similar situation. That’s who I think those things are intended for.” While the website states that “Online Church is not to take the place of the local Church but to strengthen it,” they also said that their mission is “to provide an alternative for traditional ‘church’ for… people who have tired of the traditional church environment that dilutes the call to know Jesus personally.” On the idea of Online Church, religion teacher Father Steve Sutton said, “The reach into the digital for God does demonstrate the hunger in the hearts of all of us for God. My concern is maybe many are reaching in the wrong direc-
“I was in the middle of class, and I got called out. I thought I was in trouble, but then they said ‘congratulations.’”
Photo by Kristin Marzullo
Junior Logan Hayes logs on to Online Church’s website to learn about alternative churches. The Online Church allows access to God any-
tion. As a tool for making the Gospel of Jesus known, the Internet is a good tool. As a substitute for the ‘real Church of Jesus,’ it is a poor one.” In his address, Pope Benedict also appealed for cyberspace to promote a “culture of respect, dialogue and authentic friendship where the values of truth, harmony and understanding can flourish.” Sutton doesn’t feel that Online Church promotes these values, “[Online Church] has nothing
to do with the Church that Jesus founded, that continues in real history with real people in real community in real communion with the real leadership Jesus Himself established…Because a group of people call themselves a “church” does not make them ‘the Church,’” he said. “Only Jesus can do that and He has.” Gallen agreed. “It’s not the same thing. The human dimension, what happens when we’re together- that can’t be duplicated,” he said.
news
the patriot
Volume 45 Issue 3 December 2009
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Photo by Kristin Marzullo
Director of Admissions Kim Brueggemann and Guidance Counselor Larry Hensley demonstrate and teach a new dance routine to members of the fall play, Beauty and the Beast. For each play the Theater Department puts on, hours are spent choreographing and practicing so that the final performances will be perfect.
Theater Dept finds innovative ways to stretch budget Gabbrielle Joseph Copy Editor Every year, the Theater Department performs two large scale musicals for the enjoyment of viewers. But behind the scenes, the Theater Department is pinching every penny to get the shows paid for. The Theater Department budget, like other school budgets, is written up a year prior to when it is needed. Director of Development Laura Lang, the director of “Seussical,” the spring musical, has already begun to write up the budget for 2011. “I don’t know what I’m do-
ing for 2011, but I have to anticipate the budget,” said Lang. Lang and Director of Admissions Kimberly Brueggemann, who runs the fall musical, start the budget by writing out a list of the possible expenses. The lists are then sent to Fine Arts chair Michael Shupe, who then approves them before passing them on to the Board of Finance, which gives the final say on what the budget will be. “Mrs. Brueggemann’s budget is different than mine,” said Lang. “Each of us manages our budget.” Although the Theater Department keeps putting on shows, the budget hasn’t changed. “My theater
department budget hasn’t changed in five years,” said Lang. Some of the expenses that go into the budget include the set, costumes, lumber, paint, furniture, royalties, which are the rights to do the show, marketing, and printing. “The biggest chunk [of the budget] is to pay for royalties,” said Lang. “It’s half of the budget.” The upcoming musical has royalties of $3,000, based on the number of performances. According to Lang, the Disney royalties for “Beauty and the Beast” were the worst because certain requirements had to have been met. “You want the show so, you
pay. It’s more about the Disney logo than anything else,” said Lang. Disney musicals have standards for the show that must be met. According to Brueggemann, Disney is “very private” and when putting on a play, one needs “to be very careful” and “read the fine print.” To get more money from “Beauty and the Beast,” the cast added a show on Thursday night. The Theater Department receives money from the school, but it still depends on parent volunteers and ticket sales. “The parents [volunteers] are really helpful. They pay for everything,” said senior Emily Luft, a
member of the set crew. Shawn DeVoe, father of junior Conor DeVoe, and Stella DiPeso, mother of senior Kristin and freshman Alexa DiPeso, volunteer. DeVoe builds the sets, while DiPeso makes or reuses the costumes. The Theater Department tries to save money in any area they can by reusing materials. “We try to keep everything from productions, because you just never know what you are going to need,” said Lang. “We always find a way to get our performances perfect. We’re really fortunate and blessed and everyone helps out, one big theater family.”
Bazaar helps local vendors while aiding equestrian team from FRONT PAGE
an entrance fee of five dollars for guests and two dollars for students was paid. “Overall, for the first year, our event was a success,” said Doherty. “We had about 275 people come through the door. We would have liked to have had two or three times that many, but I think holding our event the same day as the Bel Air Parade hurt us.” Vendor Amy James also felt that the event had an impressive turn out. James travels to states such as Delaware, New Jersey, Virginia, and Florida for her business, Unique Pewter, based in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.
“For a first year show, I think it’s been very good,” said James. Mia Bella’s candle vendor, Virginia Thompson, felt similarly. “I think [the show] has been great, especially for a first time,” said Thompson. However, not everyone was pleased with the event. “They shouldn’t have charged five dollars per person, especially in this economic climate,” said vendor David Clough, father of senior Benny, junior Vinny, and freshman Sammy Clough. Even after having to pay for table space, Clough and the other vendors still had to pay an entrance fee. “On a positive note, they did a
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great job with the music and layout of the event, and there were a lot of nice tables,” said Clough. With the money raised, the equestrian team will be able to more easily afford membership costs to the IEA, entry fees for competitions, and site usage fees for practices without relying on supplemental funding from team parents or the school. “All of the vendors commented on how helpful, courteous, and pleasant the students were,” said Doherty. “I think that was the best thing about the entire event–the spirit of the John Carroll students shone through all day. Everyone walked away with a great feeling about the school.”
Photo by Conrad Sullivan
Two women at the JC Bazaar look at a vendor’s jewelry selection. The JC Bazaar hosted a wide variety of vendors selling anything from plates to clothes to candles.
HAVE YOU HEARD THE NEWS?
jcpatriot.com
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features
the patriot Volume 45 Issue 3 December 2009
Teens consider plastic surgery unacceptable Charlotte Hagerman Copy Editor Pressures from the media and from friends often result in teens having poor self-esteem. As teens trek through adolescence, they may choose to do more than just buy new clothes and makeup—they may resort to plastic surgery. According to RadiantYouth. com, in 2003, more than 74,000 people under the age of 18 took part in cosmetic surgery, a 14% increase in three years. Over 42,000 teens received nose jobs. Almost 4,000 teens had breast augmentation that year, a 24% increase in only one year. JC students tend to not engage in this rising trend. In a poll, only 7.89% of students admitted to considering plastic surgery for themselves. “It’s your own body, so if you feel that any surgery is necessary, no one should tell you otherwise,” said senior Jess Liberatore. “I don’t feel like plastic surgery helps, but it’s worth a shot!” Freshman Thomas Sullivan said, “It’s wrong because you’re chang-
ing how God made you.” There are two types of plastic surgery, and students vary on their opinions of both. The first, reconstructive surgery, focuses on repairing a deformity, usually for a medical purpose. Reconstructive surgery can be used to fix obvious birth defects, cleft palates, or other abnormal physical issues. Cosmetic surgery, on the other hand, is used to enhance or improve a person’s body for purely beautifying purposes. Examples of this would include breast augmentation, liposuction, and nose jobs. Fifty-four percent of the students polled agreed with the ethics of reconstructive surgery, while only 18% believed cosmetic surgery to be an acceptable way to improve one’s body image.
“Reconstructive surgery is definitely acceptable because it’s necessary for the person to live a relatively normal life,” said freshman Thomas Gardner. “But if you get cosmetic surgery, it means you have really low self-esteem. You should probably see a shrink instead of a doctor.” Plastic surgery is costly. According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of breast augmentation is around $4,000. A facelift’s average cost is almost $7,000. However, only 5.4% of students wouldn’t get plastic surgery because of the cost. “I think that cosmetic surgery is superficial, since you don’t absolutely need it,” said junior Emily Heller. “People get addicted to it. Also, you can tell that someone has implants or something done to
their face.” Teens are likely to resort to surgery in order to fit in with their peers. “If people are making fun of you for something, and you want to change it, then go ahead,” said a student who requested to remain anonymous. “I’ve personally always wanted to get my nose done.” Personal opinions aside, the fact is that plastic surgery, like any surgery, is risky. According to the FDA, 40% of women who receive breast augmentation have complications sometime in the next three years after their surgery. Sometimes they also cause infections that can lead to toxic shock syndrome. In addition, breast implants interfere with mammograms, which screen for breast cancer. Other forms of plastic surgery present the risk of scarring, nerve damage, and side effects of the amnesia required to perform surgery. “It’s not something I would do— surgery is dangerous. There’s always a risk that you’ll end up worse than when you came into it. And for something cosmetic, I wouldn’t risk it,” said senior Emily Luft.
from FRONT PAGE
Photo by Mollyann Pais
English teacher Eric Sutton works on one of the books he is currently reading. Sutton enjoys reading, film, running, yoga, and other outside activities.
Features Editor Eric Sutton has been teaching English to juniors and seniors for the past two years at JC. Aimed on starting a yoga club, Sutton hopes to make an impact here. Aside from his passion for yoga, this Michigan State grad describes his outside interests to “The Patriot.”
Q:
What did you do before working at JC?
A:
I taught in Detroit for my student teaching and then I taught in Baltimore County. I taught at a prep school in Detroit and I really enjoyed it. When I moved out here, I wanted to get back into that environment. I couldn’t find it right away, but then I was hired here. So yeah, I haven’t been teaching long, but I’ve worked in a few different schools.
Q:
Q:
What was your high school experience like?
How did you first become interested in yoga?
I would say I had an average high school experience. I went to a public school outside of Detroit. You know, surprisingly, I encourage students now to really get involved, but I wasn’t very involved. I played tennis, and that was about it. I did well in my studies, but I was never a student who hung around after school. Honestly that’s kind of something I’ve always regretted.
I asked for a class for Christmas when I was a senior in high school. I started going, and I didn’t really understand it. I didn’t have the patience for it.
A:
Q:
What are some of your other outside interests?
A:
I love to read, and I practice yoga. I don’t really cook that much, but I’m really into eating well and trends in food consumption. I just try to eat well and take care of myself. I really like to bicycle and run, and I do a lot of stuff outdoors. What else? I like films a lot.
92% have not considered getting plastic surgery
62.5% would not get plastic surgery because they feel it is superficial
New club promotes social justice themes
teacherSPOTLIGHT
Katie Clarke
JCthinks
A:
Q:
Would you be interested in starting a yoga club? Have you had any students who sounded like they were interested in it?
A:
Yeah, I would like to do that. And yeah [some are] and I hope they’re serious. I think a wide range of students would benefit, not only athletes trying to become more limber and focused and have better balance and build strength, but really anyone. The whole purpose of yoga is to have control of your mind and center it. It’s a very simple premise, but very difficult to do.
tors to help make capital punish“It’s a really great club to get in- ment illegal in Maryland. “The volved in,” Close said. “It’s a way issue is closer to home so people to act on my beliefs and make a dif- are more passionate about it,” said ference.” Weskalnies. The club aims to uphold the During the third quarter, Amvalues advocated by the world- nesty International hopes to inwide Amnesty International. The corporate what the seniors learn organization as a whole advocates about the Holocaust into the club’s “basic human message. They rights, defending also plan on political and civil sponsoring acrights pertaining tivities, such as The issue is to a wide range of fundraisers and issues, including T-shirt sales, in closer to home order to get a genocide, capital punishment, majority of the so people gay rights, and school involved environmental isin their cause. are more sues,” said Close. Members of “It tries to stop Amnesty Interpassionate the roots of opnational realize pression and free the importance about it.” political prisoners of teaching our around the world - Sara Weskalnies students’ genso everyone has eration about the right to speak their mind.” the horrible realities of problems, Amnesty International plans to like the Holocaust. “The more focus mainly on the issues of geno- people who know about genocide, cide and capital punishment in the the odds of it happening will diminstate of Maryland. ish,” said Weskalnies. In order to address the issue of Stathes said that she “hopes capital punishment in Maryland, Amnesty International will have an the club plans to work on signing impact on the student body and repetitions against the death penalty mind everyone that we are part of a and hopes to write letters to sena- global community.”
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features
the patriot Volume 45 Issue 3 December 2009
Major :
1.7
Decisions Haley Lynch Photo Editor
Laura Frank rushes out to the hospital parking lot to grab the patient who has lost consciousness in his car. She performs CPR, and when that fails, uses the defibrillator to coax another beat out of her patient’s heart. Frank has dealt with motorcycle accident victims, overdosing teens, and coma patients. “I like nursing. It’s been very rewarding, and I can say that I have saved lives,” said Frank. The U.S. Department of Labor has singled out registered nursing as the top job that will grow the most by 2014. “Baby Boomers are aging, so there is going to be a higher demand for nurses,” said guidance counselor Kathy Barnes, who explained that nursing was a popular
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major choice recently. Frank said, “Nurses are important because they carry out all the orders and take care of the sick people. There will always be sick people so nurses will always have jobs.” According to Become-A-Nurse. com, nursing is a job that is recommended for people who have empathy, patience, and good communication skills. Frank said, “I used to be shy and quiet, but in nursing you have to be able to speak with a lot of people from a lot of different backgrounds, so eventually you learn how to communicate well.” Senior Amber Cook decided she wanted to major in nursing last year. Cook said, “Nurses make the biggest difference at the best time, and I want to be a part of that difference. I would like to have someone look at me and say thanks for
giving them one more day of life.” Becoming a registered nurse requires a nursing diploma, an associate’s degree in nursing, or a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing. A diploma in nursing takes two to three years and prepares students for direct patient care in hospitals. After receiving the diploma, students must pass the NCLEXRN exam to get their registered nursing license. One option for becoming a nurse follows the associate’s degree track. Getting an associate’s degree in nursing requires two years. “The teachers are tough on you because you need to be able to think and perform with someone breathing down your neck,” said Frank. Aspiring nurses can also choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s degree in nursing takes
four years and provides students with a strong foundation in nursing. Registered nurses with a bachelor’s or associate’s degree can specialize in four areas. They can choose to work in a specific work setting or with a kind of treatment, individual health conditions, organs, or systems of the body. Another career option for nursing majors is becoming a physician’s assistant. They can diagnose and treat medical conditions under the supervision of a doctor. A bachelor’s degree in health science is required to become a physician’s assistant. Also, two years of hands-on patient care is required to apply for the program. A 2008 survey from the Bureau of Labor Statistics said that the average salary for physician’s assistants was $81,230 a year.
million registered nurses needed by 2020
$62,450 average salary of registered nurses in 2008
Local colleges to check out: St.
John’s University Towson University Coppin State University Mount Saint Mary’s University
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student artistSPOTLIGHT
Photo by Kristin Marzullo
TOMS shoes come in several different varieties. For every pair of shoes purchased, TOMS donates a pair to a child in need.
Shoe company changes lives of children worldwide Nicky Hatzidimitriou General Staff Typically, shoes do not serve as a solution to serious problems. But for American traveler Blake Mycoskie, they are the means by which he has helped to change the lives of over 150,000 children. During a trip to Argentina in 2006, Mycoskie discovered that many of the children there did not have shoes to protect their feet. Wanting to help, Mycoskie founded TOMS Shoes, a company that gives a pair of new shoes to a child in need with every pair of shoes purchased from their website. According to the TOMS Shoes website, walking is the primary mode of transportation in developing countries. Without shoes, children are more vulnerable to getting cuts and sores on their feet, which can easily become infected. Soiltransmitted parasites, which penetrate the skin through open sores, are a leading cause of disease. In Ethiopia, for example, approximately one million people suffer from podoconiosis, a debilitating disease caused by walking barefoot in silica-heavy volcanic soil. However, for such a dangerous problem, the solution is surprisingly simple: shoes. Although many students who were questioned about TOMS seemed to be unfamiliar with the company, word is slowly spreading.
Senior Alex Schmidt first heard about TOMS after seeing a TOMS sticker on sophomore Christie MacDonald’s bass. “I thought it was a really cool concept.” said Schmidt. “You get to help people while buying shoes, and I definitely wanted to help.” Schmidt believes that by wearing her TOMS, she is helping to spread awareness about the company and its cause. Mycoskie provides his customers with numerous ways to help his cause. These include participation in the Friends of TOMS Shoe Drop Volunteer Program to help deliver the shoes to children and a TOMS Shoes Campus Club on any campus to host TOMS events. On April 8, 2010, customers can go barefoot on One Day Without Shoes. Last year, on April 16, TOMS inspired thousands across the world to participate in the day. Perhaps the easiest way to help out is by merely purchasing a pair of TOMS on the TOMS Shoes website. Styles range from vegan friendly slip-ons to the new bootlike Botas, as well as the option to design the shoes yourself. Not only are TOMS comfortable and trendy footwear, each pair of TOMS shoes’ serves as a constant reminder of the child whose life was improved, or perhaps even saved, because of that purchase. It’s hard to imagine receiving a gift greater than that.
Photo by Katie Doherty
Senior Caroline Kilby sketches on a painting in the studio. Kilby’s favorite medium is oil painting.
Katie Clarke Features Editor As eager, sweaty freshman boys scored touchdowns during freshman gym class and small girls tried their best to continue their volleys on the court, Caroline Kilby made her strokes as an artist. Freshman Introduction to Drawing and Painting introduced Kilby, now a senior, into the depths of the art program and continued to inspire her to pursue her creativity in the following years. While exploring several diverse concentrations, Kilby has found her niche in oil painting. “Oil painting is my favorite because you mix the colors so easily,” she said. Over the past four years, Kilby has taken Studio I, Studio II, Graphic Design, and Honors Studio III. “Honors Studio III is the best because it’s more independent,” Kilby said. “You can do what you want.” Kilby’s interest in art began with her fifth grade art class.
After her first year of art, she felt that her art “kind of took off.” She started in high school with the option to take Introduction to Drawing and Painting freshman year and said that this is when she “really got into [her] art.” During her high school career, art teacher Michael Gaudreau influenced Kilby’s progress the most. “Mr. Gaudreau has helped me a lot. He’s really different. He’s helped me push through my weaknesses and figure myself out.” Fellow studio classmate, senior Kristen Little, works with Kilby in class daily. Of Kilby’s work she said, “I’m inspired by the realistic techniques and dedication that Kilby shows in her artwork.” Kilby strives not only to be proud of her own art, but also to bring happiness to friends and family through her work. “Last Christmas, I painted something for my aunt and she said it was her best gift she ever received,” said Kilby. The feeling Kilby gets from being an artist encourages her to find art in everyday life. “I like being creative and sharing my creativity with other people no matter what it is, a doodle in math class or a paint-
ing I worked on for a week,” said Kilby. Everything Kilby produces is a part of her. “I have to relate to the things I paint,” said Kilby. She sometimes varies her work by turning one of her own photographs into an oil painting instead of doing still life pieces. Aside from Kilby’s artistic talents, she plays for the tennis and lacrosse teams. Kilby said, “Art is another world for me because I’m on athletic teams, too, so being an artist equals out who I’m friends with and allows me to have different friends.” Gaudreau compares Kilby’s artistic tendencies to her athletic skills. “Kilby pursues art like she acts on the sports field. She’s fearless and funny. That comes through in all she tries to do. There are tie-ins between art and sports. You have to trust yourself, practice, and you have to be in the zone. She’s always coming up with surprises,” said Gaudreau. As for the future, Kilby aspires to study environmentally friendly materials and textiles next fall.
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features
the patriot Volume 45 Issue 3 December 2009
Christmas Cookie Recipe Meg Kirchner Contributing Writwer Ingredients: 1 and 1/4 cups butter, softened 1 cup of packed brown sugar 1/2 cups white sugar 2 eggs 1/4 tsp vanilla extract 4 cups of all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt 1/4 tsp baking soda red and green food coloring 1 ounce of unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
Batter Directions: 1. In a large mixing bowl, with an electric mixer, cream the butter with the brown and white sugar until both are fully incorporated. 2. Beat in the eggs one at a time with the vanilla. Mix until incorporated. 3. In a separate medium sized bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this mixture to the creamed mixture. 4. Divide the dough into fourths and place each in a separate bowl. 5. Tint one portion red and one green using the food coloring. Add the melted chocolate to one and leave the last portion plain. 6. Chill in the fridge for an hour.
NIcky Hatzidimitriou General Staff From “I handed the most important person in my life the drugs that killed him,” to “I leave encouraging notes in open lockers” and “Everyone thinks I drink coffee…It’s really Grape Kool-Aid,” and then “I never threw away the picture of us” and “I wish I could be someone’s hero,” everyone has a secret. Secrets like these are mailed in every day to Frank Warren, the founder of PostSecret, an ongoing community art project where people anonymously mail in their secrets on a postcard. As the owner of a medical information company in Germantown, Maryland, Warren had no idea that his experimental PostSecret project, which began in November 2004, would become the international phenomenon it is today. PostSecret brings together millions of faceless individuals from around the world. In four years, Warren has received nearly 500,000 postcards from all continents, collecting about 1,000 postcards from his mailbox every week. With Warren’s permission, a French version of PostSecret was launched in October 2007, and later, a German version was initiated
in February 2008. A Spanish version was also launched, as well as a Chinese version. Some of these secrets can be viewed on the PostSecret website, accompanied with their English translations. Because of its diversity, PostSecret.com has been viewed by over a quarter of a billion people worldwide. These facts, though impressive, give rise to one critical question: what is so appealing about mailing a secret to someone you’ve never met, and reading the secrets of strangers? Freshman Kayleigh Allender, who is unfamiliar with PostSecret, thinks that it has something to do with connecting. “People can get their secrets off their chests,” said Allender, “and maybe they find out that someone else has their same secret.” There’s something comforting in the knowledge that someone else is feeling exactly the same way. Senior Emily Luft, who claims to read the PostSecret website every Sunday when new secrets are posted, believes that the popularity of PostSecret stems from its ability to relieve people of the burden that comes with carrying a secret. She feels the website also gives hope to those who feel discouraged and
Pinwheels’ Directions: 1. Divide the red and green tinted dough in half. Rolll out each h half on waxed paper and chill for 30 minutes. 2. After chilling them, put a green square and a red square together. Roll these up tightly starting with the long side. Wrap in plastic and chill for 2 hours. 3. Unwrap and cut to the desired thickness. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and cook at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 9-11 minutes. Checkerboards’ Directions: 1. Divide plain and chocolate portions in half. Roll out each half on wax paper into a 6in x 4in rectangle approximately and cut each into 8 strips. 2. Stack the strips in groups of four, alternating plain and chocolate strips to get the checkerboard effect. There should be four alternating strips lengthwise and widthwise for each square. Wrap in plastic and chill for 2 hours. 3. Unwrap and cut to the desired thickness. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and cook at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 9-11 minutes.
acts as an outlet for creativity. “Everyone has secrets,” said Luft. “When I read the secrets, I feel better knowing that I’m not the only one who is dealing with these internal struggles.” Warren’s fifth PostSecret book, “Confessions on Life, Death, and God,” was released on October 6, 2009. The book contains a collection of over two years worth of never before seen secrets, including secrets about everyday life, death, fears, hopes, and relationships with God. “I hope when you finish this book, and when you’ve experienced these spiritual and intellectual and funny and hopeful and painful secrets, you care a little bit more about yourself and about your friends and about strangers, and feel more connected to all of them,” said Warren in an interview from Amazon.com. Warren is currently traveling to different colleges and museums to hold PostSecret events and bring entire communities together. “I feel as though I’ve stumbled upon something full of mystery and wonder, something I do not fully understand,” said Warren in an interview with “The New York Times.” Certainly, PostSecret is something Warren does not intend to give up.
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entertainment
the patriot Volume 45 Issue 3 December 2009
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Liberatore’s Ristorante and Catering exceeds expectations Nico Cvach Entertainment Editor
If you have been looking for the perfect restaurant to go out with your family, look no further. Though some may not consider Liberatore’s to be the perfect restaurant, I find it nearly impossible to give this restaurant a bad review. The perfect restaurant is one that has great food, exceptional service, and reasonable prices. Liberatore’s is one restaurant that comes very close. No restaurant could be successful if it didn’t have good parking and a decent location. Liberatore’s has both. Located in the middle of Bel Air, next to the Harford Mall, Liberatore’s has good food and great parking. One problem with the location, however, is that there is a lot of competition around it. Luckily for the owner of Liberatore’s, none of the
competition is an Italian restaurant. As soon as I walked in the door, the manager was waiting to greet me. The wait for a table wasn’t bad because I had a reservation, but even if I didn’t, there was a bar to sit in to wait for a table to become available. The wait staff was friendly. They were constantly around to see if anyone needed something and were always concerned with my comfort during my visit. The menu selection was decent although the prices were a bit high compared to other local restaurants. Portions of food were extremely generous. This actually made up for the high prices. Liberatore’s gave me enough food for dinner that night and lunch the next day. The weak point of this restaurant was their dessert. They neither had a great selection for dessert nor were their prices any better for it.
If you enjoy ordering desert, you should plan on going somewhere else after dinner. Another problem posed to Liberatore’s is advertising. There are no signs around Bel Air or commercials that mention Liberatore’s. But Liberatore’s lack of advertisement could even be a good thing. If it is advertised more, it may become crowded and customers who did not call for a reservation may be angry. Despite its lack of advertisement, Liberatore’s does well and is definitely worth a visit. If you don’t mind a slightly high cost and are a fan of Italian food, then Liberatore’s is a great restaurant for you. Although there is room for improvement, it is clear that Liberatore’s is a great Italian restaurant. This restaurant deserves an A for its fantastic service and exceptional food. Photo by Jenny Hottle and Taylor Schafer
‘Call of Duty: Modern Warfare’ returns with vengeance Mike Goettner Contributing Writer
Photo courtesy of Google Images
The front cover of Modern Warfare accurately describes the amount of action in the game. There is extreme violence in the game, so much to the point that you have the option to skip certain levels. If you are not a big fan of violence, think twice before you pay $60 for the game.
Infinity Ward’s “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare” was voted the best game of the year in 2007. Now that “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2” has been released, it looks like there will be a repeat performance. “Modern Warfare 2” has impressive graphics and story line for campaign, and it has a range of difficulties in it that you can change if it gets too hard. My favorite two missions are “Cliffhanger” and “Team Player.” I like “Cliffhanger” because you get a gadget that detects heartbeats, you get to ambush enemies, and you even get to drive a snowmobile to get to the end of the level. In “Team Player,” the first mission, you are on the back of an army truck using a torrent gun. As you ambush your enemies, you find out which countries you are going to war with. The action in “Modern Warfare 2” takes place in the U.S., Russia, Afghanistan, and Iraq, which adds much more of a variety than in the first “Modern Warfare.” The further you get into the game, the
Editor predicts 2009 Grammy winners Daniel Gallen Editor in Chief Record of the Year This award, given to the artist, producers, engineers, and mixers of tracks, looks like it will come down to Swift’s “You Belong With Me” and “Halo” by Beyonce. The Black Eyed Peas are lurking as usual with “I Gotta Feeling” while Lady Gaga is bursting onto the scene with “Poker Face.” But the star power of Swift and Beyonce dims the shine of Lady Gaga and the Black Eyed Peas, while Kings Of Leon’s “Use Somebody” is all but blotted out. Swift has had a late surge this year after the release of the platinum edition of 2008’s “Fearless,” giving her a slight edge.
Pick: “You Belong With Me” – Taylor Swift Song of the Year “You Belong With Me,” “Poker Face,” and “Use Somebody” all appear again, but this time are joined by “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” by Beyonce and “Pretty Wings” by Maxwell. “Single Ladies” and “You Belong With Me” are both logical choices for this Grammy, but this time, overall appeal comes ahead of fan base size and recent exposure. Pick: “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” – Beyonce Best New Artist Silversun Pickups released their debut full-length in 2006, while MGMT released an album in 2005 and EPs in 2005 and 2008. The Ting Tings, Keri Hilson,
and the Zac Brown Band all have cases, but Hilson has the strongest. The Ting Tings are known for only two songs, while the Zac Brown Band hasn’t had nearly the same exposure as Hilson. Pick: Keri Hilson Best Rap Solo Performance This field features rappers from both ends of the experience spectrum, with the seasoned Jay-Z, with “D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune),” Eminem, with “Beautiful,” Mos Def, with “Casa Bey,” and relative newcomers Kid Cudi and Drake, with “Day ‘N’ Nite” and “Best I Ever Had,” respectively. All of these tracks are strong, but the live instruments used on “D.O.A.” make it the most appealing track. Pick: “D.O.A. (Death of AutoTune)” – Jay-Z
more you see what happened to the soldiers in the first “Modern Warfare.” The game has new features and weapons, but has lost some of the good things from the last game. Some new features are the prone missile, the heart beat detector, and the ammunition pallets which you get only when you fight in the U.S. Old features that were lost include the options for calling air strike and having a team by your side. After Roach, the first character you play as, dies, you play as Soap, a character from the last game, and fight with Captain Price, another character from the last game, to find and kill General Shepherd for lying to you and betraying you. After you finish campaign mode, the fun is only one third of the way over. Multiplayer is great because there are a ton of different maps. The maps aren’t similar at all. Some differ in size and some differ in content. A new aspect in the game is the large maps. In the last game, the maps were too small and there were no good places to hide. This time, that problem was fixed. The best thing about multiplayer
is that you can create a “class” and choose which guns you want to use against your friends instead of just going with any class of weapons that the game gives you. Another feature is that you advance in rank. When you kill your opponent, you gain points. If you gain enough points, you get promoted. If you kill your enemies multiple times without dying, you will get rewards that give you an advantage over the other players. In “Modern Warfare 2” there is no arcade mode like there was in the last game, but there is a new feature called “special ops” in its place. This mode is composed of different tasks that will essentially make your overall skills better in the game. In special ops you do tasks from both “Modern Warfare” games. The bad part about special ops is that you need to unlock all of the tasks. Though this is fun, having a free pick on what task you want would be better. I predict that this game will be 2009’s game of the year for its graphics, game play, and story line. “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2” earns an A+.
p 8 in-depth
the patriot Volume 45 Issue 3 December 2009
How safe is J
safetyGRAPHS safety GRAPHS
Cameras add new d
These graphs represent the results of a poll distributed to 104 students to detemine reaction to the topic of “personal safety.”
Have you ever been stolen from at school?
Where are you most concerned about your safety?
Unlocked: theft affects students and faculty Julia Earnshaw In-Depth Editor Junior Sydney Comitz learned firsthand that stealing wasn’t unusual at school. Comitz was paged to the office after her bag was found at the top of the stairwell coming up from the chorus hallway. During the day, somebody had broken into her locker and left its contents spewed across the hallway. “I had left my bag halfway hanging out of my locker, so the person pulled on it and the door opened,” Comitz said. A friend of Comitz witnessed the break-in happen, but could not identify the person. Once the person had seen Comitz’s friend approaching in the hallway, the culprit ran with her bag and dropped it on the stairs and pocketed the money from inside it. “Students shouldn’t [have to] be worried about someone blatantly breaking into their lockers,” Comitz said. Comitz isn’t the only student to have such an experience. According to a poll given out to students, 23% of the school community has had something stolen from them. From the locker room to the classroom to the parking lots, students are faced with the dilemma of the safety of their possessions on campus, and it’s not just students that find themselves the victim of suspected theft. Spanish teacher Jennifer Medrano had her laptop
disappear out of her classroom. She left it at school on Monday, November 2, and came to school Tuesday morning to find it gone. “It was weird because my door was locked that night,” said Medrano. “The next morning, I came to school, and I noticed that the food drive boxes had been put into my room. Then, I noticed that my laptop was missing.” Medrano checked her bag multiple times and then asked maintenance if they knew of its whereabouts. Her laptop still hasn’t been found, and no clues have surfaced as to its whereabouts. “I want to bring to people’s attention that school is a public area and sometimes we see it as an extended home,” said Medrano. “We need to keep our valuables safe.” The night after Medrano’s laptop disppeared, two reporters from “The Patriot” went from classroomto-classroom in the academic wing, searching out situations similar to that of Medrano’s. The reporters found that every room in the academic wing was unlocked. Seven laptops were found unprotected, vulnerable to theft. In addition to the laptops present in the classrooms, thousands of dollars worth of other technology were present in the rooms, including projectors, interactive SMART Boards, and desktop computers. The administration worked on increasing security in December 2008, installing a door bell and security cameras. These measures
safetyTIPS safety TIPS •If you think someone is following you, switch directions or cross the street. If they are still there, move. Do not be afraid to yell for help •At night always park in well lit areas.
are being taken to ensure the safety of students and faculty, so that what happened to Comitz won’t happen to another student. Outside of internal occurrences, students’ safety is threatened by the influx of people who visit the school on a daily basis. The campus entrance is not under surveillance, and it makes it easy for anyone to come onto the school premises. However, all doors into the school have at least one security camera recording those entering. In 2006, a female student’s safety was threatened when a male in a car drove onto campus and inappropriately revealed himself to her. On the evening of Wednesday, November 3, a man who had just robbed Walgreen’s ran onto campus with several policemen chasing him, which also put students at risk. “Its creepy because people can just hang out, come into the school, and on the campus,” said junior Lindsay Powell. Sophomore Gabriel Montanary said, “I think we should have more secure school grounds so people can’t waltz on to the grounds and do whatever they want.” Other students, like sophomore Jackie Mooney, have a more positive outlook. “School is safer than my own home. If there are any problems, the police will be [to school] faster,” said Mooney. Since these events have happened Dean of Students Tom Vierheller said, “No similar events have been reported.”
Daniel Gallen Editor in Chief It seemed like the perfect plan: driving down the hill next to the Fine Arts Wing and onto Route 22 would save time as opposed to waiting in line to get out of the driveway. There was just one problem for the student. “The [security] camera was wellhidden and I did not see it until after I had driven down the hill,” said the student, who wished to remain anonymous. Principal Paul Barker said that this student is “now paying the price,” while Dean of Students Tom Vierheller estimates that 10-12 similar incidents involving personal safety and safety of belongings have been caught on tape and acted upon. The 16 security cameras throughout the school and the key card security system at the doors were installed over the Christmas break in December 2008 with money from a grant given to the school by the Maryland Branch of the Department of Home-
land Security. The main intent of the cameras remains the same as it was a year ago. Last year, former Vice Principal Gayle McAdams said the system would help with “checking up” on incidents. In the incident involving the aforementioned student, English teacher Susan Fisher observed the unsafe driving and reported it to the administration. After Fisher’s report, the tape was reviewed, the car was identified, and the culprit was confronted by Vierheller, resulting in a demerit for “unsafe driving on school property (between Fine Arts Wing and barricade to Rt. 22)” and “damage to grass.” “When I heard that they had me on camera, I thought, ‘There’s no way I can get out of this now,’” said the student. Vierheller prefers to wait for tips from members of the school community before reviewing tapes instead of examining footage from the previous day. “We review the video as needed,”
The night after Spanish teacher Jennifer from her classroom, “The Patriot” discov classrooms, including this one on the th Boards, and other expensive electronic d were left in unlocked classrooms throug
Check out these safety tips courtesy of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office to ensure you’re the safest you can be!
•Have a friend escort you to your car in the dark. •Always check the back seat and floor before entering.
•If you think someone is following you, don’t head home. Keep your hand near the horn and drive to the nearest police station, open gas station, or other business where you can safely get help.
•Don’t display your cash or any other inviting targets like pagers, cell phones, hand-held electronic games, or expensive jewelry and clothing.
•Do not keep large amounts of cash with you. • Have your key in hand when approaching your car. •Put your wallet inside your coat or front pants pocket.
in-depth p
the patriot Volume 45 Issue 3 December 2009
JC?
In light of recent happenings on and around campus, “The Patriot” takes an in-depth look at school security.
dimensions to security said Vierheller. “If there is a reported incident, we can review the video for a given area of the building.” Although the school has the cameras, they don’t feel the need to watch every second. “I don’t think we want to be ‘Big Brother,’” said Barker. Vierheller echoes this approach to the security cameras. “Keeping in mind that we are a school and not a prison or retail store, we don’t see any reason to monitor every move of every member of the community,” he said. “That is a very ‘Big Brother’ approach to operating our school. The purpose of the cameras is primarily safety.” Barker doesn’t want the students to feel like they are being watched continuously, but he feels that more internal cameras would be beneficial. He called the institution of the cameras “McAdams’ province” and said that the school has a little money left in their grant. The remaining money could be used to “follow up” and add the cameras. Barker “wouldn’t mind having one
in the cafeteria,” but he said, “At the same time, you ask yourself, ‘Is stuff happening that is so egregious that we need those cameras in there?’” The one area cameras could be placed that he said “would constitute overreaching” would be in the locker rooms. It is still unclear whether or not the cameras have specifically curbed crimes and insubordinate student behavior. “I don’t think there is any measurable decrease in crime or inappropriate behavior,” said Vierheller. “We have been able to review the video on several occasions after hearing about situations which have occurred and were able to determine who was involved.” Although the purpose of the cameras is now clearer, it’s too late for the aforementioned student. “They’re good precautionary measures,” said the student. Barker said the cameras work more as a “deterrent more than prevention,” but the administration is still “following up and catching the bad guys.”
studentANSWER student ANSWER What can the school do to improve your security?
“My iPod actually just got stolen out of my backpack. The school needs more surveillance.” -Sidney Griffin, 2013
“I have no idea. Maybe warning people about keeping their stuff safe.” -Tom Hancock, 2012
“Nothing of mine’s ever been stolen. I feel pretty safe. People need to be more careful and lock their stuff up in the locker room.” - Tony Orbino, 2011
“I think we’re pretty secure. We have the video cameras. But I don’t think we have a security problem” - Alex Van Dusen, 2010
Theft policies help ensure safety of goods Elizabeth Tauber In-Depth Editor
r Medrano’s laptop disappeared vered seven laptops in unlocked hird ird floor. Laptops, projecters, SMART devices totaling thousands of dollars ghout the academic wing.
The most common criminal act on campus is stealing which is a three demerit offense. “Stealing is a violation of our honor code and therefore it carries a firm punishment,” said Dean of Students Tom Vierheller. “[Someone caught stealing] could easily be up against the [Review] Board,” said Assistant Dean of Students Sean Ireton. “You could be suspended and even thrown out of school if you’re caught stealing.” The Student Handbook states that “a student who receives or accumulates three demerits will be suspended until the school can arrange for a disciplinary hearing to review the student’s situation which may result in dismissal from The John Carroll School. This may be
an in-school or out-of-school suspension at the discretion of the Dean of Students.” There are ways students can help prevent theft. Ireton believes that communication is the best way to avoid theft. “True friends take care of each other and keep each other out of trouble,” said Ireton. “Communication is key.” “The school can’t really do anything else because it’s people’s own choice if they leave their stuff somewhere to be taken,” said junior Danielle Ryan. The safest place to keep valuable items is to store them in a locker. “Always secure anything of value,” said Ireton. “Anything of value should always be kept underneath a lock and key.” To prevent criminal actions, the school has added more security cameras around the campus. “They’ve been very effective,” said
safetyQUIZ safety QUIZ
The door to Room 126 sits ajar after school on the night after Jennifer Medrano’s laptop was stolen. Two members of “The Patriot” staff surveyed the classroom doors in the academic wing and found all the doors were left unlocked.
9
Ireton. “They were worth the investment.” Students will be less likely to steal things if they see that there are cameras around that could catch them in the action. “They’re especially effective in the parking lots,” said Ireton. Freshman Meghan Thompson said, “I don’t think there’s anything more the school can do if they have cameras and all—they can’t just have security guards everywhere.” Even with such protections offered by the school, students must still be cautious. Students must always lock their lockers. Ireton cautions students not to leave possessions unguarded. “No matter where you go, there will be people who will do things that are not right,” Ireton said. “We are a trusting community and violation of that sense of honor and trust harms the community to its core,” said Vierheller.
Quiz yourself to see if you are making the best decisions in making sure you and your personal belongings are safe! If these apply to you,check inside the box.
When you leave your belongings in the locker room, you lock them up before you leave.
You always bring your cell phone with you in case of an emergency.
You’ve never given your locker combination to anyone.
You never show off expensive belongings or money.
After school, when you walk somewhere you always take a friend with you.
At night, you always walk in well-lit places.
When approaching your house or car, you have your key in your hand.
You don’t keep large amounts of cash with you.
If you’ve checked these boxes, you are taking the correct safety precautions. If you checked less than four. you need to rethink your habits to make sure you’re the safest you can be! Photos by Kristin Marzullo
10 entertainment
the patriot Volume 45 Issue 3 December 2009
Max Bemis and Say Anything welcome new era Kaitlin Bobbin Editorials Editor Max Bemis is growing up. Although his band’s new album has its distinct traces of bitterness, when Say Anything walked onto the stage of the Recher Theatre on November 6 in matching black pants and white button-downs, it was clear something had changed. Bemis is a married man. His wife, Sherri Dupree of Eisley, has had an incredible impact on Bemis that is clear to all Say Anything fans and anyone who gives the self-titled album a listen. Bemis even admitted on stage during his recent concert that his new in-laws were concerned about the language in his music. He shaped up for the new album. Honestly, the upbeat instrumen-
tals and positive takes on romance shouldn’t catch fans off guard. Although “Crush’d” and “Cemetery” may not sell to old fans thirsting for anger and irony, the band needed to grow. Bemis even admitted this and said, “I can’t write the same damn song over and over again.” Most importantly, the band holds tight to its promise of brilliance and as always, it is unpredictable. With elements of pop, punk, and fearless experimentation, it’s impossible to predict what the band will be up to next. For all the fans nervous about whether or not Bemis had gone soft, opening with “Wow, I Can Get Sexual Too” was a comforting welcome into Say Anything’s new era. The new Clash-inspired single “Hate Everyone” assures fans that Bemis hasn’t lost touch with what
inspired the album “…Is A Real Boy” to be recorded five years ago. And these old fans were not disappointed with the weaving of hits into the introduction of the daring new album. It seemed that no one at the Recher was disappointed. Most of the room knew all the lyrics to the album released only days prior to the show. It may have rendered mixed reviews, but a negative response was definately not deserved. The new album is real, it’s clever and daring; it’s everything we expect from Say Anything. Bemis may not be angry at the world anymore, but, as if it wasn’t obvious enough, his passion for music still pours from the stage. Live or recorded, Say Anything continues to impress each and every one of its fans. Photo courtesy of Google Images
Animal Collective gets iPhone apps gain popularity kind reviews for ‘Fall’ Joey Hoff
Managing Editor
Daniel Gallen Editor in Chief After releasing “Merriweather Post Pavilion” back in January, Animal Collective could have easily packed it in. The band was receiving acclaim for releasing what many in the indie world are calling “the album of the year,” touring extensively over the summer (including dates at Sasquatch, Bonnaroo, Glastonbury, Lollapalooza, and a two-night extravaganza at Prospect Park in Brooklyn in August), and becoming arguably the most talked about sensation of 2009. But these Baltimore natives aren’t done yet. On their latest release, “Fall Be Kind,” Noah Lennox (Panda Bear), David Portner (Avey Tare), and Brian Weitz (Geologist) put together a collection of five songs that rivals nearly everything they’ve put out before. While some critics might dismiss “Fall Be Kind” as glorified B-sides from “Merriweather,” the tracks are in fact their own separate entity, and should be treated as such. The first half of the album is the most interesting and the most entertaining. “Graze” retains the Animal Collective sound from “Merriweather,” but adds a little twist. The song opens slowly as if someone was waking up, a feeling reinforced by the lyrics “Let me begin / Feels good ‘cause it’s early / Ease open my eyes.” This lethargic, introspective pace continues for the first three minutes. Animal Collective throws the listener through a loop with a sample of a pan flute
solo from Zamfir, Master of the Pan Flute, totally changing the feel of the song to that of a jig. On the next track, “What Would I Want? Sky,” the first ever legal Grateful Dead sample is present on what is regarded as the best track of the album. The track starts hypnotically with a plethora of rhetorical questions before more introspective lyrics like “I should be floating / But I’m weighted by thinking.” When the midpoint of the song hits, much like on “Graze,” there is a distinct change in tone. This time, the tempo slows down before the repetitive phrase “What would I want? Sky” becomes an anthem for any Animal Collective fan. “Bleed” flows right out of “Sky,” offering a quick break before “On A Highway,” which has been referred to by some as a “tour song.” On it, Portner laments life on the road, starting every verse with “On A Highway.” “Highway” also has some of the most personal lyrics ever from Animal Collective, as Portner mentions Lennox by name, singing “On a highway / I’m sick from too much reading / Jealous of Noah’s dreaming / Can’t help my brain from thinking.” After multiple listens, this song just becomes haunting. Lennox takes the lead on “I Think I Can,” which hearkens back to the “Strawberry Jam” days of Animal Collective. When critics say “Fall Be Kind” isn’t “Merriweather Post Pavilion,” they’re right. It isn’t. It’s something totally different, totally new, and something that gets an A+.
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They know where you are. They have all of your information. These are today’s smartphones, jpacked with goodies such as global positioning systems, touch screens, high-resolution cameras, and most importantly, applications. Apple’s applications, have increased in popularity at an astounding rate since the launch of the iTunes App Store in July, 2008. According to CBS News, when the electronic store opened, there were only 500 available apps. Today, there are over 100,000 apps to choose from. I’ve shuffled through the selection of apps and downloaded nearly 100 of them, but there are a few apps that have made a lasting impression.
Shazam
Shazam is my name-that-tune cheat sheet. I simply point the iPhone towards the music, and Shazam is able to identify the song using the phone’s built-in microphone. Once the song is identified, the app displays information about the song and the artist. Within seconds of hearing a song, I can add the tune to my own music library. Associated Press App
The news is always within arm’s reach with the Associated Press (AP) app. With the AP app, I can customize my “Front Page” to include the news that matters most to me. The AP app also sends news updates, notifying iPhone users immediately when news breaks. With this app, I’m usually the first to know about a breaking news story. The AP app is nice because it is really easy to use.
Paper Toss
I’ve discovered the cure for boredom: Paper Toss. This game application simulates throwing a paper ball across a cubicle into a trash can. It sounds simple, but the game becomes tricky when the fan in the corner of the cubicle changes speed and direction after each flick. The app keeps track of the number of paper balls that make it into the trash can in a row It’s a mindless game that drowns out boredom and eats up free time for iPhone users everywhere. So far, over two billion applications have been downloaded from the App Store. While some reference applications cost as much as $180, these apps don’t come close to that price point because they are mostly for fun. My favorite apps aren’t just useful. They’re free.
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editorials
the patriot Volume 45 Issue 3 December 2009
STAFF
EDITORIAL
11
Students judge teachers
What does ‘The Patriot’ have to say? Students are overflowing sources of commentary. Be it criticism, praise, or a rant of rage, everyone has something to contribute. For the first time, an organized outlet was created for students to express their opinions: online teacher surveys. Not only was the administration finally considering the students response to teachers and classroom environments, but they were practically begging for feedback. Prior to this, it seemed like nobody really wanted to hear what 1318 year olds have to say. A majority of the time, student opinion is overlooked by the administration. By
nature, student criticism is flawed because it is difficult to establish credibility and distinguish reality from popular opinion. Most students don’t even feel that their opinions are welcome, and if they do, they don’t know who to voice them to so that they can get the proper recognition. Perhaps one daring student is willing to come forward and make a complaint. But for a minor disturbance, what is anyone supposed to do about it? Are members of the administration going to concern themselves with these minor problems? That’s an understandable re-
sponse from the people up top. But that doesn’t mean that the administration doesn’t need to or shouldn’t listen to student opinion. Listening to student opinion does not necessarily mean bending the system to fulfill our every whim or even letting students be the final decision makers. It just means hearing out. And considering that it is the students who are supposed to be gaining something from this school, it’s important that someone is listening to what they need. These teacher surveys are the first step towards allowing students to get involved in their own education. Students need to be able to
voice their opinions in a formal venue for all major issues. They should be able to get involved first hand with decisions the administration makes that directly affect them. A student government that works more with the administration would be a great way to get student opinions recognized. The possibilities are endless for ways to get students involved, and even if an organized survey doesn’t convey enough to render a dramatic response or change, it’s satisfying enough to know that the administration at least knows how students feel. And for major issues, it doesn’t hurt to be anonymous.
What do you think about teacher surveys?
“I thought that it was cool because teachers can know how the students feel.”
“I don’t know if teachers take them into consideration.”
“I think they’re good if you give feedback to help your teachers improve.”
“One of my teachers has already changed because of the survey- in a good way.”
-Briant Simms ‘13
-Amanda Hudak ‘11
-Chris Haviland ‘10
-Lydia Profili ‘12
Modern day music lacks originality Ryan Lina According to iTunes, the number one song is “Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga. Johnny Ramone is rolling in his grave. We have to face the facts: rock as we once knew it is dead and music itself is on life support. It’s sad, but the truth is that most musicians, instead of worshipping music, are worshipping the almighty dollar and are selling out faster than pizza at a Weight Watchers convention. Music seems to have lost the emotion that it used to have. Musicians used to write about things that were important to them, with lyrics and music that expressed how they felt. The emotion just isn’t there anymore and neither is the quality. It’s not just the rock genre though. Rap and other genres used to be the same way. Old-school rap
It goes to show that it’s not just the musicians being reserved; it’s also the big name labels and producers that don’t want to take risks, which only means bad news for the music world. Look at some of the most popular bands in the past. Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Ramones, Jimi Hendrix. All of these bands were unafraid of what people thought of their music. Each one of them also started a musical revolution, and each one is still popular today. This is what today’s music needs- a revolutionary, a person who is brave enough to bring a new fresh sound to this generation. We need a Kurt Cobain, a Jimi Hendrix, someone who can turn what looks like a dark time for music into a step forward. I for one will be waiting for this new “Rock Savior” and hope he comes soon, before it is too late.
Bad Romance - Lady Gaga
1 Tik Tok -Ke$ha
2
Fireflies -Owl City
3 Replay -Iyaz
4
iTunesCHARTS
General Staff
was good. Old-school rap was music. I’m sorry I just can’t defend, “To the windows, to the walls, to the sweat drip down my-” well, you know the rest. It seems like rappers would rather write a song that makes you want to wiggle your hips and dance than write about something important. The fact is that musicians just don’t feel like experimenting anymore. Few people are willing to think outside the box and try to make a new, fresh sound. Instead they decide to just throw the same old generic mainstream sound in our faces because they know it will sell. Sadly some bands are just forced into opposition. Some bands refuse to “sell out” and try to keep their music original. These bands are more commonly known as the indie genre. These indie bands, due to their originality, get very little mainstream recognition.
At Wit’s End By: Allison Siegel
Thanksgiving is not only a time to reflect on the past, but also a time to look forward to the one holiday that trumps them all: Christmas. For the past three years, I have not taken part in the first wave of Christmas excitement during Thanksgiving break because I have been focused on something else. Flying across the country without a parent to meet a group of 60 girls does not scream “holiday preparation” to most people. When I travel to Palm Springs, California to play in the National Field Hockey Festival, that’s what I face. Driving down Indian Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs, I noticed what didn’t feel quite right. There was no sign of the coming Christmas in between the desert sands and the barren mountains. No wreaths, no garland, no lights. Driving down Main Street in Bel Air, you can’t go a few feet without seeing a sign of Christmas. California is such a different world that even their traditions in publically celebrating holidays seem foreign. There is just something not right about Hotel Del Coronado hanging sand dollars from their Christmas tree and having an ice rink that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. It just doesn’t feel right to have Christmas without the traditional East Coast take on it. Sure, the people of the West Coast enjoy the Christmas season just the same as we in Maryland do. But in Palm Springs, Santa is in a bathing suit on a golf course in the shade of a palm tree. The West Coast was not designed to harbor the feeling of Christmas that we take for granted here. While it may seem silly to have Christmas take over in the beginning of November, I cannot imagine living in a place where the anticipation of Christmas is not so blatantly obvious. Maybe it was the fact that I didn’t eat a real Thanksgiving dinner. Maybe it was the fact that I was wearing shorts and a t-shirt for a majority of the break, but I did not come out of my Thanksgiving break ready to move towards the warm and fulfilling feeling of the Christmas holidays. So next time I go into the CVS down the street or to the Macy’s in the mall, maybe I won’t scoff at their sometimes overbearing Christmas decorations. Because when the closest thing you see to a string of Christmas lights to kick off your holiday season is the streetlights lined up below as you take off in a plane, you’ll take what you can get.
12editorials
the patriot Volume 45 Issue 3 December 2009
Resolutions meet realistic potential
Kaitlin Bobbin
Allison Siegel
Editorials Editor
Managing Editor It’s that dreaded feeling that comes right before the holidays: when you look back and see what you have accomplished, or have not accomplished. Each year, setting New Year’s resolutions brings the promise of a better life and more success, but for the most part these little goals are forgotten like the confetti under your couch. By the next New Year, you are left with the feeling of regret. New Year’s resolutions have been around in some form for hundreds of years, and humanity has yet to get a handle on how to successfully reach them. In studies in Great Britain, it has been shown that while 52% of people think that they will successfully achieve their goals, only 12% of them actually do. With the low success rate, many people aren’t even inclined to try to improve themselves because they don’t want to fail. New Year’s resolutions are often targeted towards becoming better in the eyes of oth-
▲ ▲▲
It seems that Christmas is getting less and less original with each year. Target grosses a disgusting amount of money every Black Friday, selling little pieces of cold hard plastic. Cold and hard, just like everyone’s hearts. Why do I want a little piece of plastic with a magic number on the back? That doesn’t mean you love me. It means you’re unoriginal. If you get a chance in this last minute rush, trade in all those gift cards for something meaningful. Even if it is a Snuggie, the one you didn’t know I already own.
National Public Radio recently released their listeners’ top songs of 2009 with Grizzly Bear’s “Two Weeks” in the number one spot. That isn’t even subtly pretentious. I love Grizzly Bear as much as the next person, but at what point do you start to feel a hint of shame?
What has Gold been up to lately? It just seems that for all of the effort behind the hype, the only thing we really got out of this was a few free pens. I don’t think that 32% of JC students that do drink alcohol are intimidated by a bunch of posters. And I don’t think the other 68% actually cares.
Lady Gaga literally wore a polar bear that dragged from the hem of her dress in the music video for “Bad Romance.” I cannot ignore that kind of demand for respect. It’s about time the music industry got such a fierce entertainer. I know Lady Gaga gets a lot of criticism, but it’s time for all the haters to back down. Repeat after me: Lady Gaga knows where it’s at.
▲ Since when did TMZ become the source of all of our news? As soon as Tiger Woods loses his reputation, credible news stations lose their standards. I certainly know the importance of a timely, hard-hitting story, but since when does a celebrity gossip forum reflect journalistic integrity?
ers, while really they are intended to make you feel better about yourself. Instead of choosing one of the broad and popular goals such as “make more money” or “lose weight,” one should choose to change his or her attitude. New Year’s resolutions are there to help each of us feel like we are a better person because we have made a change in ourselves. Instead of saying you want to “lose weight,” you could aim to lose 1 pound a week, or to change your attitude towards your body and become comfortable with who you are. If you want to make more money, maybe you could narrow your goal down to working harder in the office, or focusing in school so that you can get a higher-paying career. Resolutions aren’t here to scare anyone into doing something or make anyone resent their life choices. New Year’s resolutions are used as a motivation to become a better person, because with a clean slate and a whole 365 days to better yourself, success couldn’t be more welcoming.
Food falls short in 2009 drive to help Joey Hoff Managing Editor For the first week of the Thanksgiving Food Drive, I watched Spanish teacher Danica Zavodny’s canned goods collection box collect only dust. As a part of Zavodny’s homeroom, I was disappointed to see the lack of participation after we had collected over 500 cans last year. This year, we barely reached 100. There just wasn’t a spark, and our homeroom wasn’t alone. Students just weren’t interested in bringing in canned goods. The food drive is about more than the spirit of giving. It’s about
school unity and healthy competition. Last year, the school had a completely different atmosphere during the annual food drive. Classroom rivalries created excitement about participating and bringing in canned goods. In the spirit of competition, tension ran high between Zavodny’s homeroom and English teacher Christine Zurkowski’s homeroom last year. My homeroom came together, collected over 500 cans, and united to beat Zurkowski’s homeroom. During last year’s food drive, our homeroom even resorted to hid-
ing cans so that other homerooms would be unable to guess our can count. This year didn’t compare. The best part about last year’s food drive was simple: our homeroom came together. When the numbers came close, we sent out emails to our entire homeroom reminding students to bring in cans. With a last-minute can surge, we were able to win the title of top homeroom and the long-awaited breakfast. But the breakfast prize was a major disappointment. We had worked for nearly a month and collected enough food to feed hundreds of people, but all I got was
tater tots and a bottle of water. What we won wasn’t a breakfast. We really just won a coupon to spend a few dollars in the cafeteria. This year, the school tried to encourage students with a daily breakfast winner and a grand prize of a breakfast or pizza party. But our homeroom still felt the disappointment from last year’s prize. When junior Brian Hunt won the daily breakfast in our homeroom, I wasn’t surprised to find out that his free “breakfast,” was only a muffin. If we want more cans and school spirit, we need more hype. How about starting with a better prize?
Potential smoking ban sparks outrage Caitie Beth Shauck Promotions Manager Beginning August 1, 2010, according to the Baltimore Sun, Towson University will become one of about 365 colleges nationwide to enact a smoking ban. Currently, smoking is not allowed in any buildings, but is permitted as long as it occurs outside at least thirty feet away from any building. The penalty is a $250 fine. When I visited Towson, I was informed of the thirty foot policy as I was walking past a building that people were leaning against and smoking. Obviously, the policy was not strictly enforced. This thirty foot policy is incredibly unrealistic. Are people supposed to carry around tape measures in order to measure their distance from a building? Ironically, when they are thirty feet away from the original building, they are going to be close to
another building. Towson is the first four year college or university in Maryland to enact the smoking ban. However, Montgomery College and the community colleges in Harford, Frederick, and Carroll counties all have smoking bans in effect. The situation is different at these institutions because students do not live there. As someone who hates the smell of cigarette smoke, I originally thought this was a fantastic idea for colleges to enact a smoking ban. The smoking ban can help some students to quit smoking, and it will create a healthier atmosphere for non-smoking students who will no longer be subjected to second-hand smoke and its harmful side effects. The health benefits are Towson’s reasons for adopting the ban. However, enforcing this new rule will be difficult and there will be many ways to get around the rule like smoking in a dorm room by merely stuffing the crack of the door with a towel. Also, most col-
Photo by Kristin Marzullo
Smoking bans are already in effect on most community and other two year college campuses. Putting a smoking ban in effect on various four year college campuses in Maryland is currently under serious consideration.
lege students are of legal smoking age. Instead of completely banning smoking on campus, a more realistic approach would be to have designated smoking areas. Enforcing smoking in only certain designated areas would be much easier than trying to measure thirty feet.
These designated smoking areas could even be in gazebos, which would help campus beautification. As much as I would love to never smell a cigarette again, I know that’s an unrealistic dream. Forcing students to quit smoking is an impractical ideal that no college is ever going to be able to fully achieve.
editorials
the patriot Volume 45 Issue 3 December 2009
American culture loses dignity as morals decline Mollyann Pais Photo Editor In my history class’s discussion the other day, I argued that as Americans, we do in fact have culture. When teacher Anthony Del Puppo asked me how I would describe it and what part of our culture I was most proud of, however, I was at a loss. My first instinct was to say music. I love listening to good music and I can name American bands that make it. However, the majority of popular American music does not fall under the category I would consider “good.” It’s nearly impossible for me to listen to the radio in the car without having to change the station in a race to shelter my brother’s young ears. Just the other day, John Mayer came on with a new song, “Who Says” and I was excited – a new song from a good artist! It only took a mere ten seconds for me to know that I had to change the ra-
dio station. I was bombarded with “Who says I can’t get stoned?” in the first line. So, okay, maybe Lil’ Wayne, Britney, and even John Mayer don’t make music that Americans can be proud of, but turning on the TV doesn’t give much better results. Reality shows in particular showcase American pop-culture’s lack of morals. Take MTV’s “The Real World” for instance. A group of seven young adults are given jobs and sent to live in a house. MTV tries to recreate the “real world,” but in actuality the adults just party it up in a posh, carefree, and promiscuous way. This and other shows like “The Real World” fool impressionable teenagers into thinking that such promiscuous lifestyles are “normal” and expected. In my mind, I’ve crossed off “music” and “television” from the list of mediums in American culture that we can be proud of. Next, I think of fashion. America is home
Of missed facts and mis-quotes
letter to the
editor
DEAR EDITOR, Your call for more ‘responsibility’ in media would be well-served by a little fact-checking of your own copy. For example, the numbers on starting teacher salaries cited in your report on foreign language study bare little resemblance to the official numbers published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos069. htm Secondly, I dare say that your reporters would be well served by investing in hand-held audio recorders; this has been standard practice every time I have dealt with the press, yet the Patriot reporter who recently came to inter-
view me relied solely on her ability to shorthand everything I said. The result was a misquote in your paper that gives me pause as to whether I should ever grant your staff information in the future. You should realize that as an online publication, you are a public media outlet. And your misquotes are public. And they can have an effect on both the integrity of your sources as well as your readers’ trust in your news coverage. Fortunately, in my case, the paper didn’t even bother to spell my name correctly... so at least I will not be embarrassed by what I allegedly said come any random Google search.
From Richard Wojewodzki
DO YOU HAVE AN OPINION? write a letter to the editor editor@jcpatriot.com
13
to many classy designers, but the majority of Americans can’t afford a full designer wardrobe and have to get clothes from the mall. There are definitely cute, tasteful finds in the mall, but the advertisements for what “cool” teens and young adults should wear are vulgar more often than not. I mean, it seems that the models for Abercrombie are always at least half-naked. After crossing off “fashion” from my list, I wasn’t able to think of a good answer to give Mr. Del Puppo. What aspect of American culture am I most proud of? I don’t know. A classmate suggested, “American pride itself – we’re loyal to and proud of our country.” But what about our country makes us proud? “Our freedom of expression, even when it’s vulgar or tasteless,” she answered. Our freedom to express ourselves as Americans is absolutely something to be proud of, but I think that, as cheesy as it sounds, America needs to “get classy.”
Body ads diminish dating standards Alesia Etinoff Contributing Writer It’s bad enough when girls blatantly flaunt their barely developed, if not underdeveloped, assets a guy’s way. But “personal body ads”? Just as bad. “Body ads” are the paper form of sexting – only the guys don’t know who it’s coming from. One of the news updates at the Variety Show said, “Sorry sophomore guys that your girls don’t like you. You can have them back after we’re done with them.” Why do you think they said it? Mostly underclass girls, the ones who think that it’s okay to beck and
Alex Dunn News Editor American politics over the last few years, or more specifically the last nine, have become extremely polarized. The right and left wing extremists have taken over their respective parties and have successfully halted any and all chances for civil discourse. Just take a look at the fiasco that is the health care reform bill, with the Senate’s version coming in longer than Leo Tolstoy’s “War and Peace,” at about 2,074 pages. No one has taken the time to read it or to understand it. All the politicians know is whether their party leaders tell them to vote “yay” or “nay.” In lay man’s terms: it’s not about what you, as a politician, can do for your country. It’s about what you, as a politician, can do to further your own party’s agenda. Are the
call the upperclassmen guys by batting their eyelashes and letting their smile linger a little too long, are now starting the petty trend of sending an obviously suggestive message and slipping the note through the rusty slits in the locker. What are we in now, middle school? The worst part is, sometimes these girls don’t even get the right locker number. And the sad thing, ladies and gentleman, is that the guys are flattered. I mean, who wouldn’t be? Wake up ladies. If you send a note personally inviting guys to a free for all on your body, it doesn’t make you a better person. It gives
you a horrible reputation. And, if that somehow seems appealing to you, think about this editorial and how stupid it makes you sound. Did anyone ever think to walk up to the guy, outstretch their hand and introduce themselves? Is it too much to ask to start up a friendly conversation that actually leads to getting to know one another? Or have we simply fallen to personal ads? Is respect for yourself too much to expect? Will it offend someone to say, “Honey, advertising is for food, beer, and appliances, not your body”? Whoops, I think I just did.
Polarized left and right parties distort political process
talking heads who claim to represent their parties representing the people or their own agendas? The point of having parties is to allow for the complete voice of the American people to be heard and represented. Our country, The United States of America, not the Divided States of America, was and is built on compromise. Everyone knows what happened when our country scoffed at compromise and focused only on sectionalism: the Civil War. The cure for extreme polarization in our country is for the American people to speak up. More than half of Americans are in the middle when it comes to their political views, and one-third of Americans are registered Independents as of 2006 according to “Government by the People.” At the moment, the fanatics, the ones with no desire for com-
promise, are the ones pulling the strings. As a child, one is told that if one disagrees with someone, one needs to talk it out with that other person in a polite manner, not ostracize or condemn them for having a different opinion. Bills are being passed that in no way help the people they claim to. Choices are being made simply because of party lines because no one in Congress is willing to put aside their agendas for the well-being of the country they speak for. If there is to be any hope for our country, every single one of these politicians needs to be sent back to kindergarten so that they can relearn that “sharing is caring” and “to talk it out.” If not, we can start taking bets on which member of Congress is going to beat another member into unconsciousness with a cane, just like they did in 1856.
14 sports Wrestlers clip Cardinals’ wings
the patriot
Volume 45 Issue 3 December 2009
Kate Froehlich Executive Editor With Kanye West’s “Amazing” pulsing in his ears, freshman and four-time junior state wrestling champion Scott Strappelli stepped onto the mat for his first high school home match. Nervous, but excited, his muscles tensed as he faced his Calvert Hall Cardinals opponent, Ben Park. Strappelli quickly jumped into an early 2-0 lead after a takedown. Fifty seconds later, Park was on his back, and Strappelli looked up into a standing room only crowd of screaming spectators. “The atmosphere was awesome, and I had been waiting so long to wrestle in front of JC and to show what I’ve got to the students and teachers. All together, it was fantastic and an awesome experience,” said Strappelli. “I knew that God was with me and would give me the strength to do well, whether I won or lost.” Freshman George Weber, also wrestling in his first home match, said, “I was a little nervous,” but “I went out there and gave it my all. It’s not really that different, just interesting to see kids three or four years older and their differences in strength.” Varsity wrestling improved to 2-0 on December 9 after a home win over MIAA A conference rival Calvert Hall in Wrestlepalooza, with a final score of 60-21.
Photo by Katie Doherty
Junior Dan Froehlich stands in the referee’s position against Calvert Hall’s Max Jones. Froehlich went on to pin Jones with 55 seconds left in the first period.
Coach Keith Watson said, “We have a lot of young, talented guys with the ability to be very good, although there are things to work on. I really like our freshmen. We have so much talent down low with our young pups. We have the possibility of multiple state champions and All-Americans,” which is especially impressive because “we’ve only had two state champs and four All-Americans ever.” The team’s strengths at the meet included pins. “We were finishing people off when we put them in danger,” Watson said. “It was well done. I’m impressed. We did well controlling
from the top and bottom, as well as our stand ups,” said junior Joe Vitucci. “I think that our skills on the team are progressively getting better, and we’re all working hard in practice, which showed tonight,” said Strappelli. However, Watson still sees room for improvement, “We have to get tougher. Some guys don’t have confidence. We don’t have guys challenging that should be challenging.” The support of the crowd played a “pretty big part [in the win] because from the cheering and dedication of the students. I had a lot
more energy and excitement to help me perform my moves and bring home a win individually and a good win for the team. I’d like to thank them for supporting us because it helps our team build momentum. Come cheer us on at the Battle of Bel Air,” said Strappelli Weber added, “I think they [the crowd] helped motivate everybody with their enthusiasm, and they were fun to wrestle in front of.” The dual meet opened with Stephen St. Clair winning the 215 weight class in a forfeit. Later, in his anticipated 125-pound weight class home debut, freshman George Weber faced
off against Luke Koski. The Patriots’ five-time junior state champion Weber controlled the match, scoring a quick takedown and eventually pinning his opponent after coming out to an 11-0 lead on the force of nine back points. Soon after, junior Dan Froehlich of the 130-pound weight class scored the only points of the match with a takedown of Max Jones before pinning Jones with 55 seconds left in the first period to get the victory. Senior captain Sam Chell got a takedown early in the first period of the 140-pound weight class matchup against Ben Hankey. During the match, Chell took down Hankey three times, peppered with one Hankey escape. It brought the score to its final of 14-4, a major victory at the end of the third period. The Patriots’ momentum continued as junior captain Mat Miller faced off against Forrest Rutledge in an anticipated 160-pound weight class match. Miller got two takedowns and an escape in the third period, getting Rutledge into body scissors with 45 seconds left in the match and getting the pin 17 seconds later. With this victory over Calvert Hall and a December 8 victory versus Gillman, Weber said, “We got off to a good start [to the season]. We have a good work ethic, and will get better as the season goes on.”
Check out
jcpatriot.com for all your other favorite sports recaps Nicky Hatzidimitriou General Staff
Keith Watson Wrestling
Q:How did you first get involved with coaching at JC?
A:I was recruited from Bel Air.
I coached at Bel Air for 13 years. One of the football coaches and a parent whose kid was at the school at that time started talking to me about coming over here.
Q:Why did you start coaching? A:I’ve just always wanted to.
When I was in high school, I felt like I was only able to accomplish so much because I don’t feel like I had really good coaches. Now that I look back, I see that. At the time, I didn’t know, but now, when I look back, I see that if I had better instruction, I think I could have done a good job. And I’ve always liked working with kids. I felt like I had unfinished business, so to
Q: What do you like about coaching? What don’t you like?
A:I like working with athletes
that are motivated and that want to do a good job. I don’t like working with kids that are not motivated, and that really could care less whether or not they do a good job. There’s a pretty big gap between the two though.
ple, but if we can draw a connection between that tough guy thing and what we’re doing, it’ll hopefully draw some of the boys.
Q:What
do you love about wrestling?
A:You know, they
say that sports are life with the volume turned up. Wrestling in particular teaches you about Do you have a how to overcome adspecific coaching Keith Watson versity when the gotechnique that ing gets tough. Sometimes you has developed over time? really have to hunker down and I rely a lot on my assistant make things work, and with wrescoaches, and I think I’m very good tling you’re constantly adjusting to at delegating and allowing people what you’re being given, kind of to use what they’re best at or their like with life. You know, when you strong points. So my style is con- leave school and you get out in the stantly changing. It’s whatever’s work world, things do not lay out working, and I’m not afraid to try in a schedule that’s run by adults. something different. It’s easy to You have to constantly roll with the get stale; you get into a rut. Then punches, and that’s what wrestling the kids start to react and think it’s teaches you. It teaches you how to getting boring. We were out here overcome adversity and make adflipping tractor tires the other day justments. It basically toughens you —something different. We’re try- up. We’re giving these guys an oping to play off of Ultimate Fighting. portunity to find out what they’re Any boy who has any amount of capable of because things are too testosterone has some level of in- easy now. I’m not saying that everyterest in that sort of thing. So, we body needs to take the hard road, can draw a little bit of a connection. but sometimes, it’s good to know I mean, we’re not punching peo- what you’re made of.
Q: A:
sports
the patriot Volume 45 Issue 3 December 2009
Field events highlight lesser known abilities Junior Nick Rodriguez practices getting his legs up and over the high jump bar as juniors Austin Kozel and Andrew Brown, and sophomore Nandin Dave watch his technique. High jump is one of the six field events in the IAAM and MIAA conferences.
Rachel Kokoska Sports Editor The first word associated with track and field would be running. Attention and glory are thrust upon sprinters and distance runners, while field events are often considered a side show. But the field events are more than just non-running events. They have a strong impact on the team’s chances. In 2009, the men’s team lost to St. Mary’s 67-66 because St. Mary’s swept the discus and shot put events in an otherwise even meet.
Pole Vault Senior Jimmy Schultz runs with a pole parallel to the ground towards the vault. “I need to get faster to go higher in the air,” said Schultz. Momentum is essential, but the athlete also needs strength, coordination, and flexibility to get his body up and over the bar without touching it. The average height for women is 6 ft and for men, 10 ft.
High Jump The Fosbury Flop characterizes the event of high jump. Athletes used to go over the bar with their stomach facing the ground, but the Fosbury Flop took over after the 1968 Olympics, when Dick Fosbury went over with his stomach facing the sky. In high jump, senior Liz Loiodice tries to jump over a bar of increasing heights. “Getting
photo by Katie Doherty
over the next height once you hit your highest height is the hardest,” said Loiodice. The average height, according to Coach Robert Torres, a woman high jumper makes is 4’4,” while the average height a man makes is 5’6”.
Long Jump Sophomore T’Keyah Lisbon runs toward the sand pit. She steps on the line and launches her body forward until she reaches the sand. To ensure that almost all jumpers make the pit, two lines have been established – one farther back for varsity and one closer to the sand pit for JV. Long jumpers do not have to worry about their height affecting their performance. “I like that my shortness does not affect
my distance,” Lisbon said. The average distance is 13 ft for women and 17 ft for men.
Triple Jump “A hop, skip and a jump” sums up the triple jump, according to Torres. The jump is measured from the marker to the first place the athlete lands. “Triple jump incorporates concentration, focus, and skill,” said senior Alesia Etinoff, an experienced triple jumper. The average distance for women athletes is 26 ft and for men’s 35 ft.
Shot Put Sophomore Kim Fleury pushes a 4 kg ball into the air. Fleury throws neither an overhand nor underhand throw, instead she pushes
the ball up and out. Speed and strength aid an athlete, but a big, strong guy can succeed without much difficulty in this event. The average distance a shot put thrower can make is 24 ft for women and 36 ft for men.
Discus The way the discus flies through the air reveals the strength and mastery of the discus thrower. Discus penalizes the thrower for lack of technique more than shot put does. A discus thrower grips the top of the discus, which resembles the shape of a thick frisbee. He spins around before releasing the discus. The average distance a discus thrower can make is 60 ft for women and 90 ft for men.
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Overtime By: Daniel Gallen
Roger Goodell has done a fantastic job with off-the-field behavior in the NFL during his term as commissioner. His policies have done much to clean up the image of the game both on and off the field. However, some of his recent actions really make me wonder what is going on in his brain when it comes to disciplining players for on-the-field actions. In Week 8 of the season, Goodell handed out several significant fines: $2,500 to Altanta Falcons director of athletic performance Jeff Fish, $7,500 to Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris, and $20,000 each to Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco, among others. It looks like Goodell is cracking down on issues just based on the numbers, but when connected with the actions, the fines get a little fishy. Cutler was fined for a verbal argument with an official. Ochocinco was fined for pretending to bribe an official with a dollar bill. Fish was fined for a sideline altercation. Harris was fined for punching Cardinals lineman Deuce Lutui in the facemask. Why were Cutler and Ochocinco fined more than Harris? Their actions didn’t hurt anyone. Roger Goodell, what are you doing? In my opinion, the Harris incident is the most disturbing. Punching someone in the face is obviously never acceptable, much less on national television. Remember when Oregon Ducks running back LeGarrette Blount punched someone on national television? He was suspended for the entire season the day after he punched Boise State Broncos defensive end Byron Hout. Blount was clearly provoked by Hout. Harris’ actions were less warranted than Blount’s. A thought behind why Harris was not suspended is because he was thrown out just over a minute into the game, he basically served a one-game suspension. Therefore, he didn’t need to be suspended for another game. I just don’t get that reasoning. If I sucker punch someone, no matter the circumstances, I’m in trouble and most likely facing assault charges from the local authorities. Yet when Harris punches someone on television, where the clip can be played over and over, he skates by. What kind of message does this send? Goodell is making it look like playing a joke is more criminal than actually harming someone.
16 sports
the patriot Volume 45 Issue 3 December 2009
St. Clair, Love showcase skills for college coaches Daniel Gallen Editor in Chief
As seniors Stephen St. Clair and Jamal Love walked off the football field at Archbishop Curley following the Patriots’ 27-14 defeat of the Friars, a bittersweet ending to a season filled with championship aspirations, they knew that their Patriot careers were over. However, their football careers were not. Both players were selected to participate in the Baltimore Touchdown Club All-Star Game on December 12 at McDaniel College. The game is a college showcase run by the Baltimore Touchdown Club, a non-profit organization that promotes exposure for the area’s top senior football players. “It’s obviously a great honor to be selected for something like that for a chance to represent the school,” said St. Clair. The game features two teams, the Baltimore team and the Metro team. The Baltimore team, which St. Clair and Love are a part of, features players from the MIAA schools along with players from schools in and around Baltimore, while the Metro team features players from schools in the outlying areas of Maryland. Players were nominated by their respective coaches, and then the coaching staffs from each allstar team held selection meetings to pick the players that would fill out their rosters. The Baltimore coaching staff that picked St. Clair
photo by Daniel Gallen
Senior Stephen St. Clair calls the play during the game against St. Mary’s. St. Clair and senior Jamal Love were chosen to play in the Baltimore Touchdown Club All-Star Football Game.
and Love is headed by Cardinal Gibbons head coach Scott Ripley and assisted by numerous area coaches from both public and private schools, including Patriots head coach Keith Rawlings. Rawlings called the game “an extended time commitment” as the teams practiced nightly for two weeks in preparation for the game, which was originally scheduled for December 5, but was postponed due to inclement weather. “It makes it more meaningful to have Stephen and Jamal out there
to coach,” said Rawlings. Rawlings estimates that over 50 college coaches watch the game to try to fill out their recruiting classes, observing talent such as Calvert Hall quarterback Pat Fitzgerald, Curley running back Pat Diamond, and Boys’ Latin running back Patrick Steele. Rawlings feels that the game will help both St. Clair and Love’s exposure to college recruiters. Both play at safety, a position that many colleges have considered playing them as. Although schools that run
offenses similar to that of the Patriots’, such as Colgate University, are interested in having St. Clair play quarterback. Love, who is farther under the radar, could have his stock increase from the exposure to college scouts. “The whole idea of this game is to get a player like Jamal noticed on a field with other top players,” said Rawlings. “It’s good to see different skill types and their talents,” said Love. St. Clair and Love’s performances show that they both deserve the
Women’s bball shoots for children’s Christmas from FRONT PAGE
Patriot of the Month highlights student athletes who may or may not get due recognition for success in their chosen sport. They are selected by the Sports Editor.
photos by Katie Doherty
Sophomore Erica Bodt is the sweeper for both the women’s indoor and outdoor soccer teams. Bodt made the varsity soccer team her freshman year, and she’s discovered that she especially likes the “unity of a team sport and working together.” This year, Bodt led the soccer team as a captain alongside seniors Mel Lookingland and Colleen O’Connell. According to Bodt, her determination and desire for the position of team captain helped her to become captain. After two years of playing soccer at JC, Bodt’s favorite memory is when she scored the goal in the last 20 seconds in a game against Spalding last year. Bodt also plays varsity lacrosse. She hopes to play either lacrosse or soccer in college but hasn’t decided which sport at this point.
Junior Mat Miller began wrestling at age six with the Edgewood Rams. He wrestled for Middle River Rinos before joining JC’s team. He enjoys the individual nature of the sport. “It’s just you. You can’t blame anyone else,” said Miller. His favorite move is the cradle, which helps to pin down the opponent. The name comes from the position the attacker’s arms are in when he has the opponent pinned down, which is similar to the way one holds an infant. He finds the training to be his greatest challenge in the sport. His favorite memory is “when I found out I [am currently] ranked 11th in the nation.” Miller would like to wrestle in college, more specifically at the Naval Academy. In the spring, he plans to join the rugby team.
honor of participating in the game. According to MaxPreps, St. Clair ranked 18th in the state in passing, completing 43 of 77 passes for 800 yards and seven touchdowns, while only throwing four interceptions. St. Clair was also the third most efficient passer out of the quarterbacks with 40 or more completions. However, St. Clair did most of his damage on the ground in 2009. He ranked 14th in the state in rushing with 1,074 yards on 146 carries, good for an average of 7.36 yards per carry. St. Clair also scored 23 touchdowns, the second most of anyone in the state. All in all, St. Clair accounted for 1,874 yards of total offense, the fourth most in the state, while ranking third in points scored with 150 and tied for second in points per game with 15.0. Defensively, St. Clair was 20th in the state in tackles with 95. St. Clair also intercepted the fourth most passes in the state with five. Love was tied for third in the state in interceptions with six. Love returned one of his interceptions for a touchdown, a 60-yard run back in the season opener against Havre de Grace. He was also the second-leading receiver for the Patriots, recording 158 yards on ten catches. While neither St. Clair nor Love will be suiting up in Patriot black and gold for their final high school game, they know they will be sharing their final game experience with 98 other young men in the same situation.
pulls up in the parking lot of a Wal“We’re all in our own worlds, Mart while shopping cart sleighs of with coaches that want to win and toys and gifts are unloaded into players that are only into them- their trunks, Blizzard believes that selves,” said sophomore Maria the true spirit of Christmas will be Edwards. “When they tell you the shining through. stories, you see those people you’re “I want the kids to think, ‘How sheltered from and you see the did Mom and Dad do all this?’” families that are stressing over this Blizzard said. He looks to inspire holiday.” Edwards was so moved the team to reach out and touch the by the heartbreaking accounts of lives of someone that they generally families, that she raised over $800 wouldn’t interact with. Through herself. the Shooting Santas Blizzard Foundation, Blizzard has been inthinks that he is “creatWhen they tell ing people to help in volved in the foundation for the community.” “We you stories, ten years and could donate money, was especially you see those but I hope that this inexcited to spires them at thirty to people you’re help,” Blizzard said. have JC lead the foundaThe team can do sheltered tion and be nothing but agree. Edfrom.” its center this wards expressed how year. Blizeven though she and the - Maria Edwards team didn’t realized just zard worked with Aberdeen High School last how big this event was, it’s become year and helped them to raise over a driving force for their season. $5,000. At Aberdeen, Blizzard Coming together with their somesaid, “Some of the team’s fami- times opponents to aid people who lies could have been on the needy are struggling in a world that can be list.” The team is most excited to harsh to their circumstances, Edgo out shopping for the children’s wards thinks that it lifts the spirits presents. Blizzard says that this is of everyone. his favorite part of the process beWrapped together in the magic cause it truly brings out the spirit of of an impossible Christmas, the the holiday in the girls. As junior families can only hope to capture Tiffany Clunie said, “It’s a good their joy. Once again, the basketopportunity for team bonding, but ball team is there to bring Christalso, giving back to the community mas cheer to all, providing each is always a good feeling.” family with a camera, and then deWhen the caravan of vehicles veloping their pictures.
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