The Patriot February 2014, Issue 3, Vol. 49

Find out where Maryland legislation stands in the process of legalizing marijuana for recreational use

Looking for a great date night?

The Patriot reviewed three local attractions, picking out the best for a fun night out

​ he Patriot debates the T effectiveness of using class rank to determine the academic merit of high school students

News 2

A&E 8

Opinion 11

the

Patriot

2.24.14 Issue 3, Volume 49 www.jcpatriot.com

Maryland declared a State of Emergency due to significant amounts of snow closing school for two days, Feb 13 and 14. Snowfall at JC measured about 15 and a half inches.

Winter weather freezes students’ class time Angela DeCarlo Copy Editor JC has been closed for 10 snow days, in accordance with Harford County Public Schools.

“We built four snow days into the calendar [this year],” Principal Madelyn Ball said.

However, according to Ball, when Bishop Madden granted us a day off school at the Grandparents Day Mass on Jan. 27, he exempted us from having to make up a day.

Thus, only three days need to be made up.

On Feb. 7, Ball made a morning announcement, stating that Feb. 17 and March 17 would be schooldays, not days off. This leaves one day left to make up.

The 10 a.m. school closure on Feb. 2 did count as a full day.

The rumors of three-minute mod changes and the extension of the school day have been circulating, but they are just ideas. There has not been a decision as to how the third day will be made up.

“I am never in favor of adding days onto the end of the year because it does not help the seniors and the kids in AP classes,” Ball said.

According to Ball, one idea is to add a mod to the end of the day for the course of a week.

For example, if school was closed on Monday due to snow, the rest of the week would be spent making up lost mods in the new 2:45-3:30 section. Again, this is just an idea and has yet to be set

Index

in stone.

In an effort to combat the lost class time, Ball said in her Feb. 7 morning announcement that JC will no longer have snow days, but Cyber Days where teachers will post work online and students are to turn in their homework via email.

According to Ball, if there is a snow storm forecast, students should bring home their books.

“I do not like it one bit,” sophomore Sean Campbell said. “I don’t think we should do work on things we haven’t learned.”

“I won’t even do it. It’s busy work and a waste of time. I have better things to do with my time,” senior Jordan Flagler said.

Impact on Classes With 10 days off school, teachers and students have missed two weeks of class time. Additionally, AP classes struggle to make up the debt in time for the AP tests in May. “We’re a week and a half behind [schedule]. I’m trying to catch up, but it is difficult,” AP United States History teacher Anthony Del Puppo said. “I’m going to have to double the pace.”

Math teacher Courtney Von Lange doesn’t like how the snow affects her classes’ routines. “I would much prefer just having a delay for safety reasons and being here and getting work done,” Von Lange said.

According to junior Lien Baranoski, “[The snow days] are very enjoyable. I’ve been able to catch

News 2

Lifestyles 4

up on my sleep. The only downside is falling behind in work.”

Impact on Facilities But how does the snow affect the Facilities Department?

“We try to stay ahead of the weather,” Building Engineer Justin VanBuskirk said. The Head Groundskeeper Tom Blevins is the first one who plows and salts.

According to VanBuskirk, Blevins handles the driveway and parking lot, and the rest of the staff shovels the sidewalk.

“When the forecast comes in, we shift times with our workers,” Director of Facilities Stewart Walker said. “When storms start, they come in before it starts and prepare for it. We’re fortunate to have a great team to work together when it snows.”

According to Walker, the more snow storms we have, the bigger the impact on facilities’ budget.

They spend $200 in 20 bags of salt for each snow day. An additional $150 is spent in fuel for the plows and other equipment.

Despite the lack of class time and the snow days’ impact on the year’s schedule, students and faculty appreciate the day off.

“I love snow days. Even though I normally work anyhow on those days, it is just such a gift to wake up and get the call that school is closed for the day,” Ball said.

“The bottom line is, I lost some time and that’s not good,” math teacher George Appleby said, “but it’s nice to have a snow day.”

A&E 7

Photo by Emily Cassidy

Cold

Hard Truth

built four snow days into the

10 days of school have

Administration

schedule

$150

is spent for fueling plowing equipment for each snow day

been missed so far

For each snow day,

$200 is spent for 20 bags of salt

Days Off

10

Delays

7

Full Days

In-Depth 8

29 *Between Dec 1 and Feb 19

Opinion 11

Sports 14

2 news

Illu str ation by

Bry nly Wilson

r a M Billy Jump Copy Editor Maryland could soon see the legalization of recreational marijuana. Lawmakers have submitted a bill that could make it legal to use, grow, and sell marijuana in the state.

Bills aimed at the legalization of marijuana in the state have shown generally favorable support, with 53 percent of Maryland voters supporting the taxation and regulation of recreational marijuana and 38 percent opposing it, according to the American Civil Liberties Union.

The Marijuana Control Act of 2014 would allow adults over the age of 21 to possess up to one ounce of marijuana. It would also allow for the growth, cultivation, and selling of marijuana. Smoking the drug in public would still be illegal.

The bill proposes marijuana purchases to be taxed like alcohol, with an excise tax of $50 per ounce, which could generate over $90 million annually.

Junior Jen Linsenmeyer acknowledges the advantages of legalization, however disagrees

a n uij a

with the recreational use of it. “It can help manage cancer pain, it’s a medical thing, but it is still a bad thing to do, in my opinion,” Linsenmeyer said.

Not everyone in Annapolis agrees with the bill. Governor Martin O’Malley expressed opposition to the bill in an interview on The Marc Steiner Radio Show calling it a “gateway to more harmful activity.”

The ACLU reported Maryland as having the fourth greatest amount of arrests for marijuana possession. Adversaries of marijuana legalization say that the effects of marijuana have proven to be only negative and police need to crack down on marijuana possession.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, marijuana is the most abused illegal drug in the United States, and it is second only to alcohol as a cause of substance dependence. Those who disagree with the legalization of marijuana argue that legalizing marijuana would only increase the number of people dependent on marijuana.

Senior Lindsay Kraus believes marijuana should be legalized.

z i l a g le

thepatriot February 2014

iat on

NEWS updates Culture Shock club finds new starting point Kathy Deaver

proposed in Maryland

“[Legalizing] it will take the stigma out of the mystery behind smoking marijuana. Those who smoke will seem like less of a rebel,” Kraus said.

Freshman Phil Prevosto thinks it should be legalized as well.

“It’s not that bad. It helps people suffering from illness and close to dying cope with their pain,” Prevosto said.

“Legalizing marijuana will lead to more hardcore drugs, which have negative effects.

Senior Haley Kyger

”

Advocates for marijuana legalization cite that the “war on drugs” has proven to be, for the most part, unsuccessful, and it has even produced higher revenues for drug gangs in the state.

However, those in favor of cracking down harder on the “war on drugs,” like O’Malley, believe that marijuana has no positive effects. “We’ve seen what drug addiction has done to the people

Sports Editor

of our state,” O’Malley said on The Marc Steiner Radio Show.

Senior Haley Kyger disagrees with the legislation to legalize marijuana. “Legalizing marijuana will lead to more hardcore drugs, which have negative effects, to be tolerated by society, which it shouldn’t,” Kyger said.

Marijuana supporters in Maryland have used Colorado’s success as a major rallying point against opponents of recreational marijuana use. Recreational marijuana use in Colorado has produced more than $5 million in taxed and regulated sales in only seven days, according to the Huffington Post.

“If it’s illegal or not, people who wouldn’t do it still aren’t going to do it because they know it’s bad” Linsenmeyer said.

Advocates for marijuana legalization in Maryland hope that legalization and the Marijuana Control Act of 2014 will finally deal with the negative effects of marijuana in the state. If Democrats in the state get their way, Maryland will stand beside Washington state and Colorado as one of the few states with legalized recreational marijuana use.

Seniors learn life lessons from Holocaust program Lauren Glase News Editor For the first time, JC hosted the Lessons of the Holocaust Program. The event took place on Wednesday, Feb. 5. The program’s purpose is “to make [high school students] aware of the lessons from the Holocaust and modern-day genocide,” Senior Project Coordinator Louise Geczy said.

The program, sponsored by the Jewish Museum of Baltimore, the Baltimore Jewish Council, and An Agency of the Associated, was held at JC in order for the program to gain new interest and to prevent it from dying out, according to Geczy. For years, it was previously held in communities with a Jewish influence.

Having this event at JC “broaden[s] the perspective so that you’re not focusing on just Jewish-Catholic schools,” Geczy said. “[Those in charge of the Lessons of the Holocaust Program] know that we have a very strong Holocaust education here.”

Senior Honors English teacher

Deborah Stathes’ 39 students were required to attend the event.

However, due to the snow day, around 20 JC students were present, according to Geczy. Students and faculty from 15 other high schools also attended. In total, there were 75 students and 25 teachers.

Guest speakers at the Lessons of the Holocaust Program included a rabbi and a priest to talk about Jewish-Catholic doctrine, an assistant professor from the University of Baltimore to speak about modern-day genocide, and a speaker from the Jewish Foundation of the Righteous to discuss the rescue of Jews during the Holocaust. Additionally, Holocaust survivor Rubin Sztajer spoke.

“I think the more we share ideas together, the greater our level of understanding rises,” Geczy said.

Senior Carley Bynion was able to talk with Sztajer one-on-one after the program. “He was able to go more in-depth with me,” Bynion said. “I’ll never forget the things he said.”

Senior Taylor Gerber’s fa-

Photo courtesy William Du

Assisted by Senior Project Coordinator Louise Geczy, Holocaust survivor Rubin Sztajer speaks to seniors from various high schools in Maryland about his experience during the genocide. JC hosted the Lessons of the Holocaust Program for the first time on Wednesday, Feb. 5. vorite part of the event was the lunch when the JC seniors had the chance to interact with students from different high schools.

“I wish there were more people there,” Gerber said.

The student groups were given the activity to create online word art using programs such as WordCloud and Wordle. The words that students chose to use in this digital word art were associated

with the Holocaust and genocide.

This program was an additional event to the senior class’s study of the Holocaust. According to Geczy “another component” of the class learning of the Holocaust.

“It was a success,” Gerber said.

The leaders of the program agreed with Gerber. According to Geczy, “they’ve already asked if we would want to [host] again next year.”

Culture Shock held its annual fair on Jan. 31 showcasing over eight countries.

“This is my first year as president so it was very nerve-racking,” senior Lindsey McCumber said. “Everyone in the club surprised me with their dedication and effort, and I thought the new location in the library increased turn-out.”

The event was held in the library instead of the Brown Room, where it has been held in years past.

According to McCumber, the purpose of the group is to educate the community and spread culture within JC. Different tables made up stations to educate visitors about some countries, including Chad, North Korea, and the Dominican Republic, and their cultures.

“I thought that a lot of students came and listened to the presentations and got food,” club moderator Tara Snook said.

McCumber called the fair a “new starting point.”

According to Snook “I’m looking forward to doing more activities in the future to bring diversity and discussions of diversity to JC.”

Admissions office remains hopeful for class of 2018 Emily Cassidy News Editor 200 students for 2018 was the goal the admission office hoped for all year.

According to Director of Enrollment Ed Maynard, there is a slim chance.

“I would love to say yes [that enrollement will be up], but it would take a near perfect rate of acceptance,” Maynard said.

Typically, about 58 percent of admitted students end up attending JC. In order to meet the goal of 200 for the class of 2018, the percent of admitted students that attend JC needs to between 67-68 percent.

Maynard is still hopeful that they will reach their goal. The number of shadows this year went up in comparison to years past, as were number of applicants and the number of students who took the entrance test.

The number of students who applied was about 275 and the number of students who were accepted is about 255, as of Feb 18.

Maynard said “I feel good [about the numbers], but its too early to tell [how many will actually attend] simply because of the weather. We’ll hope to have a better idea around Feb 20.”

news 3

thepatriot February 2014

Pageantry struts its way into JC

Photo courtesy Brianna George

Senior Brianna George welcomes home soldiers at BWI as part of Operation Welcome Home. George handed out bags with snacks and welcome home cards to dozens of soldiers.

Caitlin Wolfarth Lifestyles Editor JC will hold the first ever Miss Patriot pageant competition on March 29 in the auditorium.

Senior Brianna George wanted to bring something she was passionate about to JC for her senior

project: pageants.

“Pageantry has bridged my life from my teen years into my young adulthood and my public speaking abilities and confidence have been greatly enhanced,” George said.

“I’ve been in pageantry since 2009. I’ve been to states, nation-

als, and won a local title, Miss Anne Arundel County’s Outstanding Teen 2013,” George said.

Each contestant must attend JC and may be in any grade level. On the night of the pageant, around 20 girls will take the stage to be judged by five “surprise judges.”

“I know the judges but I want it to be a surprise until the night of the pageant,” George said.

The pageant will be divided into four parts. First, each girl will have a one-on-one interview with the judges, starting a 6 p.m.

The pageant will then start at 7 p.m. with the opening number.

The opening number consists of a dance performed by all the contestants in the pagent and includes introductions to each contestant. In addition, each girl will be asked a random question by the judges while on stage.

This segment is then followed by “Patriot Pride.” During this segment, the contestants will dress in black and gold to show their school pride. This also consists of a dance number followed by a modeling routine.

After that comes formal wear.

Each girl will wear a formal gown of their choosing. This too will consist of a dance number and modeling routine.

Various talent acts, such as singing and dancing, will be performed by members of the Miss Maryland Organization in between acts.

After all the segments have been completed, the awards and

crowning ceremony will take place. According to George, there will be a winner from each grade, so four total.

“After crowning, title holders will complete different volunteer work which will count towards the required service hours [for graduation],” George said. Con-

“

I want to give girls in my community the same opportunity I had in finding myself.

Senior and Pagent Cordinator Brianna George

”

testants must also maintain a 3.0 GPA to keep their title.

“I think the pageant will be a great success and a lot of fun,” sophomore participant Lauktona Rimpel said. “I think that a lot of people are going to come a support the girls in participating and they are really going to enjoy the show.”

Yeung hears new vocational calling

Madison Meyer In-Depth Editor After five and a half years of teaching at JC, AP Physics and religion teacher Dr. Christopher Yeung had his last full day of teaching on Tuesday, Jan. 28.

Yeung is taking the position of Pastoral Associate to the Seton Vicar Bishop Mitch Rozanski, who is one of two auxiliary bishops of Baltimore who assists Archbishop William Lori.

“I will be assisting, advising, and sometimes representing Bishop Rozanski in supporting the ministry of the parishes and Catholic institutions in seven Maryland counties from Annapolis to Garrett County,” Yeung said.

Yeung will no longer teach Church History and Medical Ethics for juniors or Honors Philosophy for seniors.

This was a dissapointment for some. Senior Catey Minnis heard about Yeung’s teaching from her sister Emma Minnis, class of ’13, who took Yeung’s classes. Catey Minnis would have had Yeung for Honors Philosophy and took the class based solely on her sister’s suggestion.

“I’m upset because I heard so many good things about him, but

I’m happy for his new opportunity,” said Catey Minnis.

The JC administration found a replacement religion teacher Jonathan Gibbons. Gibbons started teaching Tuesday, Jan. 28. He went to undergraduate school at Mount St. Mary’s College in Annapolis, graduating with a B.A. in International Studies. Then, he attended the Catholic University of America, becoming a seminarian and receiving his Master’s degree in Systematic Theology.

However, Yeung will return to JC every Monday and Friday to teach his AP Physics class.

When he is in the classroom, he will conduct labs and teach new material.

During the middle of the week, Jessica Limmer, physics teacher, will help the AP class with the work Yeung gives them.

“I think it’s going to make things harder, but we’ll still be prepared for the AP test,” senior Brian Matejevich, one of Yeung’s AP Physics students, said.

In Yeung’s advisory, students “had fun because [they] played Cornhole and Jenga, watched inspirational videos, and had interesting conversations,” junior Selena Ranney said.

“I’m going to miss Dr. Yeung,

Photo by Madison Meyer

Juniors Nick Lewis and Henry Zhang, AP Physics and religion teacher, Dr. Christopher Yeung, and senior Nina Profili (left to right) celebrate Yeung’s new job as Assistant for Seton Vicar. Yeung’s advisory threw a goodbye party on Tuesday, Jan. 28, his last full day of teaching at JC. because he brings joy to our advisory,” senior Nina Profili, another of Yeung’s advisees said. Jonathan Gibbons also became the advisor for Dr. Yeung’s former advisees.

When asked why he was leav-

ing his teaching career at JC, Yeung responded, “I wasn’t looking for a job change, as I have been quite happy teaching at JC and have grown to love the JC community.”

However, according to Yeung,

“when I was asked to apply for the job, then offered the job, and discovered that my talents and experience were particularly suited to the ministry, I truly felt like I was called by God for this ministry.”

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4 lifestyles Healthy You

By Caitlin Wolfarth

Self-confidence aids in leading healthy lifestyle Often times, when people think of being healthy, they think only of the physical aspects. However, being healthy is more than just eating right and staying active. It also involves a person’s state of mind, which contributes greatly to one’s well-being.

A happy you is a healthy you.

This is why it is super important that everyone is comfortable and happy with their appearances before taking any drastic steps in an attempt to make themselves more attractive.

All too often I read or hear stories about girls and women everywhere who become dangerously thin because they think they’re too “fat.” I’ve seen girls turn crispy after hours spent in a tanning bed because they think they are too “pale.”

In reality, these girls are perfectly normal and shouldn’t feel compelled to change anything.

Unfortunately, our world’s perception of beauty has become a little catawampus.

So, in an attempt to correct this issue, I have devised some tips that are sure to boost some serious self-esteem.

1. If you’re having a particularly bad day, or just need a confidence boost, make a list of all of your amazing qualities. Now, I realize this can sometimes be difficult, but just try anyway. They can be silly and strange like “I’m an expert tree climber,” or “I’m really good at making macramé bracelets.” Whatever makes you happy.

2. Leave yourself inspirational sticky notes. Put them on your mirror so you can see them as you get ready in the morning, on your car windshield, in your locker, anywhere you’ll be sure to see them throughout the day. Write things like “have a fantabulous day” or “you look really nice today.” It may sound lame, but I bet it will make you smile.

3. Practice smiling in a mirror.

I leaned in Psychology from Dr. Paul Lazor that smiling releases endorphins in the brain which acutally makes you feel happier.

A simple smile is a way to trivk yourself into being happy.

4. Spend time with your pets.

Animals love their humans, flaws and all. It is amazing what a little love and affection from your favorite ball of fur can do.

5. Last but not least, the most important rule of all is to learn to accept yourself for who you are.

Everyone was created with their own uniqueness and talents. So embrace yourself. Being happy with who you are is the first step to a healthy life.

thepatriot February 2014

Making Relationships

WORK

How do students balance their love lives? The Patriot explores the ins and outs of what goes into high school relationships.

Hanna LeBuhn and Angela DeCarlo Lifestyles Editor and Copy Editor it?

Love. Such a crazy thing, isn’t

While a relationship may seem like an easy thing to maintain, many factors play a significant part including grades, parents, siblings, sports, extra-curricular activities, and sleep. How does anyone have time for a romantic relationship with another person?

What may seem near impossible is something guys and girls seem to make work all the time. But what’s the key to a strong, healthy, sane relationship? It seems like it takes a few ideas to really make this thing called love work.

Time commitment High school is a whirlwind of activities, which can make it hard to keep a relationship.

“I think time affects a relationship a lot,” sophomore Sam Carey said. “If you don’t have a lot of time for a relationship, it makes the other person think you don’t need them.” Finding time for each other is pivotal for any relationship, but particularly a high school one.

Whether it’s a 10 minute FaceTime date between activities or just ice cream during an off mod, finding time is key to making it work. “Spending time with your significant other shows that you care about the person and that they are important,” senior Taylor Gerber said.

Keeping the spark alive

Illustration by: Billy Jump

Fun dates are a great way to keep the spark alive. Doing different things, like bowling or hiking, is a perfect way to learn more about the person you’re with.

“We are constantly finding new things to do including common interests and ways to make those things fun,” junior Emma Kleinberg said.

Boys, surprise her and make sure you let her know she’s on your mind. “I surprise her with flowers every once in a while and take her to fun places like Rock State Park,” junior Drew Cook said. Also, don’t always plan things out. “Go to new places... spontaneously,” junior Rawlison Zhang said.

Trust Trust is one of the most important parts of a relationship. Trusting your partner allows you to be yourself, which makes the relationship much more enjoyable.

“With trust, communication is easier and relationships are real,” sophomore Faith Ensor said.

Additionally, it’s easy to feel jealous in a relationship. By developing a strong foundation early on, your relationship will have a much better chance of surviving through high school. “Trust in a relationship allows for less worrying about the other person and an overall happier relationship,” junior Cody Saunders said.

Communicate with each other and trust that you will make it through together. Holding in your emotions until the last minute, when you explode and start bringing up things that upset you three weeks ago, is asking for trouble.

If you speak up when you feel hurt or ignored, you will work out your issues as they come, which will not only bring the two of you together, but also help develop your trust levels.

Taking all these aspects into account, relationships can be fun, spontaneous, and exciting. The whole idea of love has a different meaning for everyone. High school relationships will always be complicated, but with the right person and a little effort a highschool fling can go a long way.

lifestyles 5

thepatriot February 2014

C J ples u o C Some of JC’s most well-known couples reveal what keeps them together and their keys to sucessful relationships

n a g e M d n a Da n

What is the best/most memorable date you’ve ever been on?

Dan: One time, we went to Staples and put googly eyes on everything.

Megan: He was planning on taking me to the King and Queen Seat. We forgot money so we had to go back, then we got lost, and then when we got there I realized I was afraid of heights and had to leave.

What is your favorite thing about your significant other and why?

Dan: I like that Megan is very ambitious and has a lot of drive. Whether it’s big or small, she’s very passionate about things. She’s pretty.

Megan: He makes me laugh, and he says a lot of things that could only come from his head. He uses metaphors a lot that are either strange or endearing, but always accurate.

G ianna and Brian What’s your favorite thing about you significant other?

Brian: Her eyes.

Gianna: No matter what kind of mood I’m in, he makes me laugh.

If you could go one place in the world together, where would you go?

Brian: I’d love to go to Italy.

Gianna: I want us to go to Bora Bora.

Meredith and Michael What is the best/most memorable date you’ve been on?

Michael: When she took me to New York.

Meredith: He always pays for dinner, and he took me to a Zac Brown Band concert for my birthday.

If you could go one place in the world together, where would you go? And why?

Michael: Australia, to have shrimp on the barbie.

Meredith: Australia, because Michael wants to see the kangaroos.

S a m a nd J

a ke

What is the best/most memorable date you’ve been on?

Jake and Sam: I would say our most memorable date would be when Jake surprised me for my birthday this past year. He bought concert tickets for my favorite band, Maroon 5, which we saw in New Jersey.

What’s your favorite thing about your significant other?

Jake: I love how Sam is totally comfortable around me. She can act really weird but at the same time know that I will never think of her less.

Sam: My favorite thing about Jake is that he is so willing to try new things with me, such as auditioning for the play. We have fun together and he never has trouble putting a smile on my face.

6 lifestyles

thepatriot February 2014

Bucket List

Have you ever wanted to…ride your bike to school?

I’ve heard over and over again what it was like “back in the day.”

After hearing my grandparents complain about having to walk 10 miles in the freezing cold to get to school or my parents ranting about riding their bikes everywhere, I decided to take on the challenge.

One morning, I was feeling daring and I set my alarm just a little bit earlier. By 6:45 a.m., I had layered up with warm clothes, grabbed a banana, threw on my super hip helmet, and set off in the dark. Fortunately, my mom agreed to lessen my load by taking my backpack to school for me, as she had to drive my brother to school.

Luckily for me, my house is strategically placed at the bottom of a very large hill. After I struggled to the top, I was out of breath. Once I had climbed the mountain I call my road, I began to realize how relaxing and peaceful it actually was outside. I was the only one on the road as far as I could see, and the sound of my tires spinning was all I could hear.

Half-way through the ride, I was getting a little bit tired. Cars whizzed passed me, and I so desperately wanted to be driving instead. I was definitely not the only person on the road at this point. To my surprise, most drivers were considerate of me and happily shared the road. As I kept pedaling, I reminded myself what a great start to the day this would be.

As the sun came up and my teeth stopped chattering, I really began to enjoy the weather, although the wind didn’t exactly do wonders for my hair. I got to school around 7:20 a.m., which was much earlier than I had expected.

I hopped off my bike and felt more refreshed than ever. The six-mile bike ride was a success.

Instead of spending my car ride to school stressing about the work ahead of me, I was forced to focus on the road and thoroughly enjoy the fresh air. The early morning excericse cleared my head and gave me time to breathe before a long day of school.

Despite my helmet hair, it was truly an invigorating experience that left me with a sense of accomplishment. I’m not saying I’m planning on riding every day because I cannot wait to sleep in and drive tomorrow, but I might just try it more often.

The Patriot gazes into the mirrors of JC girls and discovers how makeup affects the way they view themselves

Kaley Martin Opinion Ediitor Senior Lindsey McCumber drags herself out of bed at 5:30 a.m. to begin her morning ritual of getting ready for school in time to leave at 7:00 a.m. She takes a shower, puts on her uniform, and gets herself ready for the day. Why does this process take so long? She has to put on makeup.

McCumber's normal makeup routine averages around 30 minutes. "I wear makeup every day. If I'm going to school or out [of the house], I'll wear a full face," McCumber said.

The majority of girls wear makeup every day, if not almost every day. In fact, 56.3 percent of JC females wear makeup every day or almost every day, according to a February survey by The Patriot. However the main question to ask girls about wearing makeup isn't how much, it's why?

According to the survey, a range of factors can play in to a girl's decision to wear makeup. One of the main reasons girls wear makeup is to improve their appearances.

"Once you start wearing [makeup], you don't feel pretty without it. It makes you feel ugly, [without it]," sophomore Nicolette Ficca said.

Skin imperfections and insecurities, such as acne or skin discoloration, can drive girls to wear makeup when they otherwise would not.

McCumber believes that skin imperfections cause girls to wear makeup. "I used to suffer from acne, and that's when I started wearing makeup. It's one of the worst aesthetic problems you can suffer from, regardless of gender."

The pressure to wear makeup is felt by many girls in and out of the JC community.

Pressures from peers, society, and the girl herself plays a huge role in a girl's decision to wear makeup, according to survey.

How often do JC females wear makeup?

"Because everyone wears it, society tells people that if they don't wear makeup, they're ugly," sophomore Doori Kane said.

However, insecurities and the pressure from society are not sole reasons as to why girls wear makeup. Makeup can be viewed as a resource used to heighten your natural beauty.

According to Kraus, she thinks girls wear makeup "because they think makeup makes them look their best."

"It just adds to your appearance," Ficca said.

With all the pressure there is around girls to look "perfect" these days, they often go a little too far in trying to cover up all their "imperfections." This does not go Say they never unnoticed by the male populawear makeup tion of JC. to school "I don't think [makeup] of JC females say is really needed. Too much they wear makeup is bad," senior Alex Brewer to school everyday said. eek w a % "[Makeup] isn't that impor6.3 -2 times tant," junior Austin Kiss said. y1 "Whether or not girls wear Sa makeup should be up to them, not society." say almost According to senior Maha Khan, every day because most girls wear makeup "as part of their daily routine," it is easy to get carried away with the amounts of makeup they apply.

The best way to keep makeup looking natural is to apply makeup in natural light, and keep the amounts of makeup you apply moderate. While makeup is useful to improve your appearance, too much can have the opposite effect.

The important thing a girl needs to remember is that makeup is a tool to enhance her natural beauty, not to mask it.

26.6%

42.2%

da ys

Biking to school changes up normal cycle

Foundation of self-esteem?

%

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S a ay w a ee fe k w

By Hanna LeBuhn

14.1%

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thepatriot February 2014

Picks:

The Patriot staff picks the perfect places for you and your date to enjoy an unforgettable night out

Climb to new fun at Earth Treks Earth Treks Climbing Centers Earth Treks rock climbing proves rewarding and challenging, but not as a one-time outing.

1930 Greenspring Drive Timonium, MD (410) 560-5665 earthtreksclimbing.com

Rating

Reviewed by: Karly Horn

Ready for a day of fun, adventure, and physical activity, I entered the Earth Treks climbing center in Timonium, one of three centers in Maryland. Though expensive, I did come out of the experience with some seriously sore forearms, but felt very accomplished.

After registering at the front desk, we had a significant wait, about 30 minutes, before an employee was available to belay us.

Belaying is the rope system used to keep the climber from falling.

Though we were warned there would be a wait because of heavy traffic on Saturdays, this could be detrimental to your experience if you don’t have the time to spare.

The employee belaying us was an experienced rock-climber, friendly, helpful, and relaxed.

Overall, customer service at the center was above par. For $25 each you have free range of the lower level of the center, which contains a continuous wall spanning parts of all four sides of the center, some parts of which are up

Photo by Karly Horn

to 50 feet high.

You can climb three times with an employee belaying you from the center. By the end of my three turns, which can take as short or as long of a time as you want, I was somewhat physically drained, even though I definitely could have climbed for longer.

Each wall can be as challenging as you make it. Each hand

hold has a piece of colored tape attached to it, so you can follow a colored course, with each course ranging in difficulty. I stuck with the easier courses and even those were a challenge for me.

In terms of a fun activity to do with a group of friends or on a date, rock climbing might not be the best idea, as I spent more time talking to the girl belaying

us while I wasn’t climbing. However, if you were to learn how to belay, which is offered in a class at the center, you could belay a partner and purchase a pass for the month.

This could make the activity a more effective form of physical activity, more fun with a group of friends or as a couple activity, and more affordable.

Photo by Erica Keble

Ice World offers hot date in cool surroundings Ice World 1300 Governor Court Abingdon, MD (410) 612-1000 iceworld.com

Rating Ice World’s relaxing environment serves as a cool and inexpensive way to spend the night out.

Reviewed by: Erica Kelble

It’s Friday night. The lights go dim and colorful spotlights light up the rink.

The music is playing, and

my date and I are ready to have a fun night out.

The Ice World in Abingdon is not the most romantic setting, but it is a bright and playful place to go on a date.

When looking to go out individually with your date or with friends, ice skating can definitely provide a fun day or night out.

It was a great activity and helped me get to know my date a little bit more by giving us the chance to spend time together and talk.

It might have been a little cold, but that made the perfect climate for holding hands as we skated around the rink. When it got too cold, we went out of the rink to their concession stand and bought some of

their hot chocolate.

When we went, the admission price for public skating was $8.50 per person and $3 for skate rentals.

It might be a little bit more expensive than other date activities, but the experience of being able to go out on a lively and active date is worth the expense.

I have always found Ice World a great place to go to for ice skating. I used to take figure skating lessons there, and the employees are always kind and wanting to help.

Overall, going to Ice World for date night was wonderful and I would love to do it again. One of the only problems is whether or not you’ll be able to stand up on your skates.

Photo by Kaley Martin

Fun strikes at Forest Hill Lanes Forest Hill Lanes 1 Maurice Drive Forest Hill, MD (410) 838-4477 foresthillbowl.com

Rating Forest Hill Lanes provides friendly service and long sessions for a fun group activity.

Reviewed by: Kaley Martin

As I walked out of the crowded parking lot and into the building of Forest

Hill Lanes, I anxiously hoped that a lane would be open for me and my date.

I walked up to the front counter and was greeted by the friendly cashier, who told me that they did, in fact, have one lane open.

My date and I rented our shoes, which totaled out to be only $3.80 for both pairs. One round of bowling was $9.50 which, luckily, I had coupons for, so the game was free for both of us.

There were no problems during our game, no stuck balls, no slips on the lane, no need for bumpers.

However, if there were, the attentive staff would have been right there to help us.

The only downside to bowling is that it goes fast, especially if you only play one round. The bowling itself only lasted about 25 minutes.

If you're looking for a quick, fun, and inexpensive date, Forest Hill Lanes would definitely be a place to consider going.

Adding more friends would definitely make the game longer, and would hopefully make it even more fun too.

Overall, I definitely recommend Forest Hill Lanes as a place to take a date or a group of friends.

Bowling is affordable and enjoyable, making it a great (and local - it's only about 15 minutes away from JC) place to go and have some weekend fun.

8 in-depth

thepatriot February 2014

When is lying acceptable?

Freshman Mary Dowd stands face to face with her parents, wondering if she should lie about who she’s hanging out with that night. She knows that if she tells the truth, her parents might not let her go, but lying may cause even more trouble.

“Lying to your parents isn’t good because they always find out about it,” Dowd said. “I also never lie to my teachers because they find out, too.

They have eyes everywhere.”

Although Dowd avoids lying to her parents and teachers, there are other students who lie to people they know. Who do students lie to?

When is lying acceptable? Why do students lie?

To discover how students feel about lying, The Patriot conducted a survey on Feb 7. According to the survey, 60.9 percent of stu-

dents lie to their teachers once a month or more often, and 82.6 percent of students lie to their parents once a month or more often. 38.3 percent of students lie once a day or more often.

Junior Austin Kiss believes that it is never acceptable to lie to anyone. “Lying is intentionally avoiding the truth, and I don’t think it’s ever acceptable to tell a major lie,” Kiss said.

One student that responded anonymously to The Patriot survey said, “If you’re lying only to benefit yourself or get out of trouble, then it’s not acceptable.”

Dowd believes that lying is only acceptable when the truth will hurt someone’s feelings. “I think lying is okay when you need to spare someone’s feelings. Also, small white lies are okay every now and then,” Dowd said. “I tell white lies all the time.”

“White lies aren’t as extreme,” senior Paige Tyler said. “They’re used to protect people so they don’t get hurt.”

According to the article “The Truth about Lying,” by Allison Kornet, found on psychologytoday.com, lies in which people pretend to like something more than they actually do are 10-20 times more common than other kinds of lies.

One student that responded to The Patriot survey described a white lie as,

66.7%

“a lie that doesn’t hurt anyone or anything in the long term. Basically, a white lie is a lie that is beneficial to the situation.”

Another student from the survey believes that “there is no such thing as a white lie. A lie is a lie, no matter how small or how big.”

Kiss believes lying is acceptable only when necessary. “It’s okay to tell a small lie about something not important. It’s not okay to tell a lie that could have major consequences and really hurt someone,” Kiss said. “I tell small lies only when I have to.”

According to Kornet, people lie at least once or twice a day. Over the course of a week, they lie to about 30 percent of the people they interact with one-on-one. Both men and women lie in approximately a fifth of their social exchanges that last at least ten minutes.

Students lie for different reasons, and Kiss believes that most people lie so they don’t get in trouble. “People lie to protect themselves,” Kiss said Freshman Caleb Olsen has lied about his grades to avoid getting in trouble by his parents. “I told my dad that I didn’t fail biology, but I actually did. He eventually found out and he was upset with me for lying,” Olsen said.

Tyler agrees with Kiss.

“Lying pre-

vents people from getting in trouble,” Tyler said.

Dowd believes that people exaggerate the truth to get things they want.

“Sometimes people alter their stories to seem worse than they actually are so they’ll get a pity party,” Dowd said.

According to Kornet, women mainly lie to protect someone’s feelings. Men, however, mainly lie about themselves.

According to the survey, 27.5 percent of students lie at least once a week about not completing their homework. 33.3 percent of students lie at least once a week because they broke their parents’ rules. 27.5 percent of students lie at least once a week to impress someone.

“Overall, it’s just better to tell the truth,” Dowd said.

In a survey on Feb. 7, 2014, 79 responses were recorded with a +/- 4% margin

of students feel guilty after lying

16.0%

of students feel better about themselves after lying

54.4%

of students lie to their parents at least once a week

in-depth 9

thepatriot February 2014

The Patriot looks into the reasons why students lie, who they lie to, and if they find lying immoral

When have you lied?

“One time I lied about accidentally running over a duck,” freshman Grace Mottley said. “I was driving my family around in a golf cart and there was a duck in front of us. I kept driving, because I thought it was going to move and I ended up running over it. When my mom asked what we hit I told her it was a rock.”

Mottley isn’t the only student who has said something other than the truth. “When I was twelve, I got my boating license online and said I was thirteen. Now, my boating license says I’m sixteen instead of fifteen,” freshman Leah Monaghan said.

Many students, along with senior Paige Tyler, have told their parents something that isn’t true. “I mainly lie about who I’m with. Once I slept over my friend’s house and didn’t tell my parents about it,” she said.

One student who replied to the Patriot survey described a time when he or she lied to their parents and said that “I once lied about going to see a movie that was rated R, and I pretended that I didn’t know ahead of time.

That was a bad decision.”

Sophomore Madison Hooper has lied to her sister before, but she did not expect her to believe it. “Last year my sister was complaining, and I convinced her that she was adopted from Alaska. She believed me for about three months until my parents showed her birth certificate to

her. She was so mad at me that she didn’t talk to me for two months,” Hooper said.

Like Hooper, Dowd has lied to her siblings.

“I don’t lie often, but when I do it’s something small. If my siblings ‘call shotgun,’ I’ll lie and tell them I already called it first. Sometimes if I’m leaving to go somewhere, I’ll tell them we’re leaving at a different time than when we’re actually leaving so they won’t come with me,” Dowd said.

“Lying isn’t good because it can eventually lead to bigger and bad consequences,” Mottley said.

According to the survey of JC students conducted by The Patriot on Feb. 7, 55.2 percent of students think that lying creates bigger problems. Additionally, 67.2 percent of students feel guilty after lying.

One student who responded to The Patriot survey said, “I pretty much always tell people when I lie because I am terrible at keeping secrets. That doesn’t mean that I don’t lie often, I pull lies all the time. The difference is that I always come clean within a few minutes and the lies are never serious, though. I would never be able to live if I told a major, serious lie.”

“Sometimes I’ll tell a small fib to my parents if they ask me if I completed all of my homework,” a student who responded to the survey said. “But, if you lie, someone will always find out eventually. It’s just better to tell the truth.”

39.9%

of students lie once a day or more

10 A&E

thepatriot February 2014

Movie of the

Month

By Karly Horn

‘That Awkward Moment’ fails to impress

Photo courtesy Jonathan Gibbons

Religion teacher Jonathan Gibbons (second from left) performs with his a capella group “Sixtus” at a benefit for St. Joseph’s House this past January. St. Joseph’s House is a daycare for disabled children.

Jonathan Gibbons achieves harmony by balancing teaching and music with ‘Sixtus’ Lauren Fabiszak A&E Editor While most teachers spend the weekend grading papers and planning assignments, new religion teacher Jonathan Gibbons spends his free time belting out classy tunes with his a cappella group Sixtus.

“I first began really singing in high school,” Gibbons said. “The music teacher found out I was doing Frank Sinatra impressions and asked me to join this magical singing group.

That was my first experience on stage. Then I went on to do musical theater, and my favorite role was Jean Valjean [in ‘Les Misérables’].”

After that, he went to Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland and received his Bachelors of Arts and International Studies.

After two failed attempts to start an a cappella group, Gibbons didn’t think it would be a possibility. It wasn’t until he went to seminary school that he met Levi Hartle, David Gaines, and Joe Goldsmith. Together, the four men formed Sixtus, after Pope Sixtus IV. The group originally started out as a fun side project, but they soon gained the attention of a wider audience.

When playing open mic at a coffee house, “people started to ask us if we had CD’s,”

Gibbons said.

From there, they decided to go on tour during their spring break. They went to different parishes and schools, talking about vocation.

For their most recent performance, they went to St. Joesph’s House for Disabled Children in January.

Gibbons describes the music stylings of Sixtus as “mixed. We sing rap, country, jazz, sacred, and gospel music,” Gibbons said.

However, Gibbons realized that seminary wasn’t for him and decided to leave in 2013.

“We have continued to perform since we left seminary,” Gibbons said. “One of our guys was ordained a priest, one a deacon, and the other is still in seminary.”

The philosophy teaching position at JC is the first teaching job Gibbons has ever had, and being in seminary made him want to pursue teaching as a profession.

“I’ve had an interest in teaching, I’ve realized now, all my life, especially philosophy.

I’ve always had a deep interest in deep questions,” Gibbons said.

In fact, when he was eight years old, according to Gibbons, he began questioning dreams versus reality, one of the major questions in the study of philosophy.

Gibbons is very optimistic about his new position.“I enjoy students getting excited

Photo courtesy Jonathan Gibbons

Gibbons and “Sixtus” released their first album, “In Living Collar,“ in 2012. about pursuing the truth and wisdom. I hope to get to know the community. It all seems very welcoming and generous to not feel so overwhelmed,” Gibbons said. “I’m hoping to discover who I am as a teacher and be the best I can be. I think my students will be teaching me as much as I’m teaching them.”

Despite the new demands placed on him as a first-year teacher, Gibbons continues to participate in his a cappella group.

Sixtus will be participating at an a cappella competition in March, and their music, including their album “In Living Collar,” can be purchased on iTunes.

Confections with Cassidy When growing up, I was always told “you can’t eat raw cookie dough, it’ll make you sick.” But now, these truffles taste just like the real deal, without any of the worrying that comes from eating raw cookie dough.

In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

By Emily Cassidy

Beat in vanilla and gradually add flour, alternately with milk, beating well after each addition.

Stir in chocolate chips and shape into 1 inch balls, place on waxed paper lined baking sheets.

Loosely cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or until firm.

In a microwave, melt candy coating, stir until smooth.

Dip balls in coating, allowing excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Refrigerate until firm, about 15 minutes.

If desired, re-melt remaining candy coating and drizzle over candies.

Store in the refrigerator.

Cookie Dough Truffles 1/2 cup butter, softened 3/4 cup packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk 1/2 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips·

1-1/2 pounds dark chocolate candy coating, coarsely chopped (for coating the truffles)

"That Awkward Moment," starring Zac Efron, Miles Teller, and Michael B. Jordan, chronicles the promise three young guys make to stay single as an act of solidarity. Inevitably breaking the pact and lying to each other (not helping to bond their friendship), the characters proved to me something I already knew: boys can be really stupid.

While the premise of the movie is smart, putting a spin on the rom-com chick flick by giving it the point of view of a guy, "That Awkward Moment" is as predictable as most of its rom-com predecessors.

The main character, Jason (Efron), is the stereotypical hipster/player who avoids commitment for no other reason than because he can. Efron is as pretty as ever and can handle his brief, somewhat awkward comedic bits, but struggles with relaying deep human emotion - that is unless the camera gets so close to his eyes you may believe he is tearing up.

When Jason struggles to keep the pact himself after meeting the quirky Ellie (Imogen Poots), he chooses to ignore her when she faces tragedy because he doesn't want to seem committed to her in any way. Poots is charming and fresh, but chemistry between her and Efron seems forced.

Jason's sidekick best friend Daniel (Teller) was a huge help in the comedic department of the movie, bringing some of the "awkward" that the film might have otherwise lacked. Reminding me of a cute and lovable, but naive, puppy, Daniel’s relationship with sultry and unique Chelsea (Mackenzie Davis) also seems hard to believe.

The title of the film seems illfitting, considering that after the movie ended I had a hard time remembering what the "awkward moments" actually were.

For a relatively low-budget film, there were some highlights, including the location and music.

As the characters stroll through New York City streets, fake coffees in hand, they seem the most down-to-earth.

If you are a fan of rom-coms, a genre known for its predictability, you will enjoy the film.

Most of the funniest bits were given away in the movie trailer, but the banter between characters, though more inappropriate than witty, was enjoyable and the situations the characters found themselves in were amusing, though avoidable.

It was easy to watch, but if you think about the plot too hard you will just end up confused because the plot is as superficial as it appears.

opinion 11

thepatriot February 2014

Class rank system improves students

Class Rank Is class rank an accurate device to judge a high school student’s academic abilities?

For the past three and a half years, you have tirelessly worked your hardest every day to obtain the best grades. You have pushed yourself by participating in countless extracurricular activities and have led your sports team to many victories, bringing glory to the school. This should be more than enough to get you into the college you want. Right?

However, your class rank at your school of 100 students is 51. The school of your dreams will only accept students in the top half of their class. What now?

Class rank is an old, useless, and dying tradition. Your rank among your peers only reflects the grades you receive compared to others in your class. It doesn’t show the hours of work you put in, the level of classes you took, or the other activities that make you up as a person.

While it is valuable for determining the valedictorian, class rank only pits students against each other. For example, to obtain a higher rank, a student must wish lower grades on another student.

The entire college application process is frustrating, but nothing is more frustrating than

someone trying to tell you your worth based on your grades compared to your classmates’ grades. What is worse is that this number is not even accurate.

First of all, class rank does not take into account motivation, determination, and the hours students put into their work. I cannot be the only one who sees some students never paying attention in class, never studying, and still acing tests. Class rank does not measure the work you put in, only the final grade. Class rank is no better at determining a student’s ability than the SAT, which only predicts how well students will do during their first year of college.

Secondly, while JC does have a weighted class rank, it does not fully account for how hard the student worked. It is unfair that some students can get a higher class rank by taking easier classes, and then, consequently, receiving higher grades.

That is not to say weighted class rank is a bad thing. A person could be doing poorly in a challenging AP or honors class, but have a higher rank than a person working hard in regular or honors classes, because of the weighted points.

Finally, class rank, in no way, accounts for desire to learn, extracurricular activities, sports, leadership, or passion.

Sarah Ford “No, because your GPA only reflects your academic intelligence, not your overall intelligence.”

“No, I don’t think so. I don’t think it’s fair to compare people like that, because people have different abilities.”

Social StudiesTeacher

“Yes, because they are rewarded for taking higher level classes.”

Robert Schick

Does class rank reflect a student’s academic abilities?

Kishan Patel “No, because a person could be educated and skilled in areas that are not covered in their academic classes.”

Sophomore

Freshman

Kathleen Pelosi

Patriot Answer

PATRIOT DEBATE:

Editor in Chief

Senior

I recently visited Stanford University, and while on my tour, my tour guide said something that really stuck with me: “You should not be competing with other people in your class, but rather with yourself.”

Class rank, undoubtedly, creates a competitive environment.

How many times has someone asked you what you got on a test, only because he wanted to rub it in your face that he got a better grade than you did? This is not what class rank is for.

It was established in order to make you more aware of your academic standing.

Competition is healthy. For a lot of students, it’s necessary as it gives them that “push” they may need in order to try harder in class. Class rank motivates students to take more challenging classes, especially at JC, which weights honors and AP classes greater than regular classes.

Weighted class ranks are fair and defendable. The workload of someone taking four AP classes is significantly more stressful than someone taking all regular courses. Weighted class ranks motivate students to take more challenging classes and it shows colleges that you

Hope Kelly

Brendon Huffman

Copy Editor

are willing to work hard.

Ranking is not unique to academics. Almost every single sports team is ranked in its division, depending on how hard it has worked that season. If your team is ranked low in its division, then you’ll probably be motivated to work harder.

Class rank does the same thing.

It takes how hard a student has worked in their high school career and turns it into a quantitative comparison to the rest of the grade.

In the real world, employers will be pitting you against other possible candidates and ranking you as the best or worst contender, or somewhere inbetween. As scary as it may be, and as cliché as it may sound, we live in a dog-eat-dog world, and being the best candidate is the only way to succeed, whether it be getting into Harvard or getting chosen as the next manager at your local Wal-Mart.

When it comes down to it, the person ranked three places ahead of you is not going to be the reason Columbia rejected you, it was you. So instead of blaming class rank as the source of all your stress, use it as a way to academically improve yourself and understand what it will take to make yourself the most attractive candidate for any job or college.

Junior

Billy Jump

Class rank system gives unfair advantage

Illustration by Madison Meyer

“I will say yes, but it’s possible to have a high class rating without taking all the highest level classes.”

12 opinion

thepatriot February 2014

Society squashes sense of beauty

Rachel’s Rants

Emily Cassidy

News Editor Pluck. OUCH! Pluck. OUCH! One more.

Pluck. OUCH! Perfect.

Girls shave, pluck, and wax every last strand of body hair. They spend hours caking their faces with foundation to cover up even the slightest imperfections. They meticulously attempt to apply eyeliner in a perfectly straight line. They count calories from every morsel of food they eat, workout at unhealthy levels, or even skip meals just to have that perfect “VS Angel” body.

Some may ask why do all of these frivolous and often painful tasks? To answer the complicated question in a simple way: because society tells girls they need to.

In a recent survey of third to fith graders conducted by the Girl Scout Research Institute, 90 percent of girls say the fashion industry places pressure on them to be thin.

90 percent is an alarmingly high number for any statistic, but for the statistic to come from little girls between the ages of eight and 11 is completely unacceptable.

Having feelings like that at such a young and tender age could really affect a girl’s mindset for the rest of her life. I do not accuse the half-naked models strutting their stuff down the runway, I blame society. They teach girls that looking like that is desired and looking like anything besides the flawless models labels them as failures.

On Dec. 11, 2013, the Victoria’s Secret fashion show aired, and my newsfeed on Twitter was flooded with tweets from both teen girls and teen boys discussing the “perfection” that walked down the runway.

The girls were complaining about how they will never look like the beautiful, might I add deathly thin-looking, models. Boys were tweeting how they wished the girls in our

By Rachel Amhrein

Mental illnesses terrorize teenagers’ lives

Illustration by Brynly Wilson

school looked more like the Angels.

There is absolutely no way that any girl could realistically look like that. Those models do not even look like that. Most fashion advertisements are heavily edited, making the models almost unrecognizable.

Even Disney channel has even helped to lower girls’ self-esteem. If anyone remembers the show “That’s So Raven,” it was about a girl that was not as thin as everyone else, but still pursued her dream of becoming a fashion designer. The show had a few episodes in which Raven was discriminated against due to her size, but she fought back saying that everyone comes in different shapes and sizes and that all girls deserve to be beautiful.

“That’s So Raven” came to an end in 2007.

A few years later, the show “Shake it Up,” began to air, and in one episode, poked fun at eating disorders. Disney Channel should be enforcing the mindset that girls come in all

Report Card

C

Cafeteria serves disappointment

Madison Meyer

In-Depth Editor This year’s catering service, FAME, has switched up lunches. Some positive changes were made: the after-school hours, a salad bar, and a frozen yogurt machine.

However, the lack of an online menu is upsetting, as many students want to know their lunch options before they decide to ‘buy or bring.’ For students with allergies or for those who are picky eaters, the absence of an online menu leaves them guessing if they will be able to eat anything from the cafeteria.

There has been no free food or samples this year, unlike the cultural food and holiday treats seen in years past. These changes left a bad taste in the mouths of students.

The Patriot

The John Carroll School 703 Churchville Road Bel Air, MD 21014 Volume 49,Issue3, February 2014

Editor in Chief: Hope Kelly Print Chief: Sydney Setree Online Chief: Cole Alban

D

The Patriot turns the tables by grading the school on the important facets of JC

Student lot slips toward disaster

Emily Cassidy

News Editor The JC parking lot has reinvented the Slip and Slide: Ice Edition. The student parking lot is rarely cleared of snow and ice, while the faculty lot is dry as a bone.

Also, the walkway to school is treacherous.

Clearing and the student lot should be the foremost priority for the facilities staff, after clearing the oval for buses and students that are driven to school.

The students are newer to driving than the teachers are, and they therefore need the safety of an ice-free parking lot.

Not to mention that the students pay $50 each for the maintenance and upkeep of their parking spots, which means the school is not upholding their part of the deal.

News Editors: Emily Cassidy Lauren Glase

Opinion Editors: Justin Hawkins Kaley Martin

Contributors: Rachel Amrhein Eric Johnson Amanda Spaeth

Lifestyles Editors: Hanna LeBuhn Caitlin Wolfarth

Sports Editors: Kathy Deaver Elizabeth Driver

Artists: Brynly Wilson

A&E Editors: Lauren Fabiszak Karly Horn

Copy Editors: Angela DeCarlo Billy Jump

In-Depth Editors: Nicole Arrison Madison Meyer

Multimedia Editor: Erica Kelble

different shapes and sizes, and that there is not only one form of beauty.

Society plays a significant role in the way women perceive themselves. Advertisements should have more realistic looking models.

There is never a picture of an ordinary girl.

The only image that the fashion industry wants is the perfect twig models with the 28inch waist and the DD breasts.

Do not think that you can’t do anything to change this. You can. Together we can advocate for a change. I have stopped shopping at Victoria’s Secret, and started shopping at Aerie, American Eagle’s sister store. Aerie has stopped editing their models and has started a campaign enforcing natural beauty.

By joining me in the boycott of Victoria’s Secret, and supporting companies that respect women of all sizes and encourage natural beauty, we can become a more supportive and accepting society.

Moderators: Mark Ionescu Nick Attanasio

A

Kathy Deaver

Culture Shock electrifies JC

Sports Editor This year’s Culture Shock Fair educated students about different cultures in the friendly, busy setting of the library instead of the Brown Room. Stations had information on countries including Chad, North Korea, and the Dominican Republic.

The food, props such as junior Grace Lee’s traditional North Korean costume, and club members eager to share their knowledge gave the fair a personal, welcoming atmosphere not always found in student-run events.

Culture Shock’s big event for the year would be enhanced by having more of a presence throughout the school year, but the fair itself was definitely a success.

The Patriot is a publication of The John Carroll School.

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

A copy of each print issue is distributed to each of the 668 students and 110 faculty and staff members. Some of the remainder are sent out to exchanging schools with a return address. The remaining copies are shared in the Main Office, Library,

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

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

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

Everyone knows that teenagers do not tell their parents and friends everything, but sometimes, they succeed in hiding serious problems. These problems can include depression, eating disorders, and self-injury, which they can all lead to death.

According to twloha.com, the third leading cause of death nationwide among teenagers is suicide. Problems like these are real issues in high schools across the country.

Teenagers need to pay attention to their friends to see if they are struggling with any of these problems. They can be hidden well, but there are always warning signs.

Some warning signs are surprisingly obvious. If you have a friend that consistenly never eats anything at lunch, talk to someone about it because they could have an eating disorder.

If you see someone with scars or cuts on his/her arms, then it is likely that they have self-injured.

Another sign is when someone wears long sleeves all the time, even in the summer.

If anyone you know starts talking or writing about death or suicide often, withdrawing from their family or friends, has a sudden change in personality, loses interest in their activites, and gives away their prized possessions, then they are most likely suicidal.

Anyone exhibiting any of these signs needs help, which can come from a parent, teacher, or guidance counselor, among others.

TWLOHA stands for To Write Love On Her Arms. It is a nonprofit organization created to inform people about mental illnesses and work to fight against them.

Part of their mission is to connect people to treatment. To find help from them go to their website, twloha.com.

Counseling services can also help. They can easily be found through the American Psychological Association, Befrienders Worldwide, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration, or the American Association of Christian Counselors.

Calling a hotline is an immediate way to get help. The National Hopeline Hotline is 1.800.SUICIDE (784-2433). The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1.800.273.TALK (273-8255).

If you are ever feeling suicidal, get help. Suicide is a permanent solution to temporary problems.

Problems that seem like they will last forever will not.

Suicide does not take away the pain. It passes it on to friends and family.

opinion 13

thepatriot February 2014

‘World’s Ugliest Woman’ says beautiful things Kaley Martin Opinion Editor “How do you define yourself?” asks Lizzie Velasquez, a woman who is afflicted with a rare, unnamed disease that prevents her from gaining weight.

Velasquez gave an inspiring TED Talk in late December 2013, talking about her life, her struggles, and how she has dealt with adversity.

Throughout her life, she has never weighed more than 64 pounds. Additionally, because of her syndrome, she is blind in her right eye, and her skin appears to be aging rapidly, even though she is only 25 years old.

During her TED Talk, Velasquez discussed something that really made me think. She talked about how people reacted to her physical appearance and how that affected her.

Just the other week I saw an example of how reactions affect others first hand. My little brother was made fun of for wearing glasses. The kids in his fifth grade class decided that glasses aren’t “normal” or “cool,” so they called him names and excluded him from playing tag at recess.

When he came home from school and told my family about what had happened, I was appalled.

Why would anyone make fun of someone for something they have no control over? And in any case, why are glasses so offensive? Seriously. Sorry that the fact that my brother’s vision isn’t 20/20 offends you.

People hold other people to ridiculously high standards, which, often times, they can’t even meet themselves. I hear the same girls who judge people by the way their hair looks complain about being judged for not having enough clothing from Urban Outfitters. It all boils down to the same issue, why do we care more about what people look like than what their personalities are like?

I think Velasquez would agree, what’s on the inside of a person is much more important than what you see on the outside.

People are just people. They’re not always going to look perfect.

Do you have time every day to put on your makeup, or shave your facial hair, or iron your clothes?

Probably not. The same goes for people with physical deformities or mental disabilities: they’re just people. They can’t do anything

By Kaley Martin

Taking the dying out of studying

Lizzie Velasquez is a 25-year-old American who gives motivational speeches about how her body image affects her life, some of which are posted on her YouTube channel, above. She sufferes from a rare condition that prevents her from gaining weight. about the things they were born with. If you overlook people’s physical appearances, you never know what kind of wonderful people you might meet.

We’ve all heard the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cov-

er.” Although this is especially relevant in Velasquez’s case, it applies to everyone. You never know what kind of wonderful people you could meet if you get over things like how their hair looks or what they are wearing.

THE

PATRIOT

PERSPECTIVE

Building people up instead of tearing “ people down...that’s what it

The staff of The Patriot wants John Carroll’s campus facilities to get a facelift, and fast Bland, blander, and blandest.

Those are the common feelings experienced by students when walking through the hallways of our school.

There are some areas in the school that can brighten up the day, like the cheerfully decorated library, or the comfy couches in the senior classroom. However, the overall lack of renovations is rather disappointing.

Although JC has begun to update the school with a fresh coat of paint in the guidance hallway and one remodeled bathroom, the rest of the school ranks below par in aesthetic appeal.

The dull gray cinder block walls that line every hallway offer no excitement.

After walking through the hallways, and upon entering the bathroom, students are once again let down. In the female bathrooms on the second floor, two of the doors do not have locks, and one row of sinks do not work. The ones that do are filled with soap scum.

However, despite the cinder block walls and the out-of-order bathroom sinks, not all of JC needs remodeling.

For example, JC’s landscapes and gardening always looks fresh and well kept. Walking into school in the spring is a breath of fresh air compared to the rest of year.

While it’s understandable that in the winter time, the outside does not look as great as it does during the warmer months, there are still opportunities to make the school look a bit better. For one,

try powerwashing the wall by the Fine Arts Wing that faces Route 22. The lettering of “The John Carroll School” looks official and nice, but would look more welcoming if there were not black spots all around it.

Additionally, the courtyard is another commendable aspect of the school. It would be better if the doors were unlocked all the time so students were able to go outside whenever they wished.

The easiest way JC could brighten up the school and the students’ lives is to redo the locker rooms. The locker rooms would be really cool if there were bright colors, or the school colors, painted on the walls. The team locker rooms have been updated more recently, but having speakers installed that can be used by students to play music would provide a great place to “pump up” before a big game.

But instead of making the locker room an awesome space, it has turned into a place of musty mold. The showers have a coating of mold and other unidentifiable scum caked on them. If the showers actually had curtains on them, and did not look like a fifth grade science fair project, students would be more inclined to take advantage of the amenities.

If JC got a face lift, the school as a whole would look more appealing and welcoming. It would be a source of pride for all Patriots to be able to show off the whole of our school, instead of having to overlook some parts or keep them hidden.

Advice you didn’t know you wanted

means to be a patriot.”

-Anonymous JC Compliment

JC Compliments sets good example for students Angela DeCarlo Copy Editor "I really wanted to make people happy. A simple compliment can totally change someone's day around," the creator of the JC Compliments Twitter page said.

The junior girl, who wished to remain anonymous, created a Twitter account on Jan. 21 that would post anonymous compliments about JC students that other students would send to her via an ask.fm page.

"I thought creating a page like this would bring students together," she said.

On the launch day of the JC Compliments page, my Twitter timeline was flooded with happiness and numerous people praising the person who created it.

Seeing how happy people were proved to me that kindness among students needs to be a constant thing, not just the act of a single person and a Twitter page.

I think JC Compliments was a special account because it was entirely anonymous. Although there was a chance that a compliment was from a friend, not knowing who thought nice things about you made it seem that much sweeter and made the gesture that much more appreciated.

Although student participation

on the page has decreased, JC Compliments sets an example we should all follow: being kind.

"I think people should not only rely on an anonymous Twitter account to compliment people. A compliment can brighten someone's day," JC Compliments creator said.

And she has a point. Why do students feel the need to compliment someone behind the safety of a computer?

Just because JC Compliments succeeded anonymously, doesn't mean that we have to hold ourselves back from spreading happiness and smiles around the student body. I guarantee you that whatever you say, you will not be made fun of or embarrassed, but rather, the compliment will be appreciated.

If you're not comfortable with face-to-face compliments about someone's artwork or a girl's hair, that's okay. You can leave a postit note with a cute, inspirational message in the bathroom, or find other ways to anonymously cheer someone up.

Complimenting each other isn't the only way to spread happiness throughout the school. By performing a random act of kindness towards one person, that person will be motivated to do the same for someone else.

Attention passengers: we have entered the third quarter.

Red alert! Red alert! Motivation down! This is not a drill! Fasten your seat belts ladies and gentlemen, your GPAs are going down.

The third quarter is always the worst for me. Gone are the days of academic motivation, the nights of getting enough sleep.

With all the work piling up from the second winter break we had (I mean—the snow days), it’s hard to effectively study for the tests and quizzes that make grades appealing to colleges, and overbearing parents. To hopefully reverse this lack of motivation in myself as well as all of you who sympathize with me, I’ve come up with some tips on how to study that hopefully will motivate all of us to hit the books.

1. Whatever you do, make sure your notes are neat. If your handwriting isn’t the best, type out your notes. JC requires students to have laptops for a reason, you know. Notes are important to reference when studying for tests, midterms, and finals, and if they’re not legible, they’ll be useless as a reference tool when studying.

2. I, personally, love to color code things. Although some people say it isn’t helpful, I love to highlight, underline, and categorize things that I read and take notes on. Color coding important terms, examples, and topics helps me remember and reference things better than I would be able to if my notes were just black and white. If nothing else, your notes will look so beautiful that you won’t be able to keep yourself from looking at them. Hopefully you won’t be able to keep yourself from reviewing them either.

3. Flashcards are a perfect way to review terms and small concepts quickly, especially for people who learn best by reading and repetition. Writing down the terms on the cards will get them into your head, and repeatedly quizzing yourself will make them stay there.

4. Overall, paying attention is one of the biggest keys to effective learning. You’d be surprised how much easier you’ll recall things while studying if you get off of Pinterest and listen to what your teacher has to say, even if it’s not as exciting as those super cute flip flops from Anthropologie.

I don’t know about you, but I feel very accomplished when I know I’ve studied my hardest, and what makes it even better is having neat notes and flashcards to show for it. Hopefully these tips got you as nerdishly excited as I get to study for your upcoming tests and quizzes.

14 sports Time Out

By Amanda Spaeth

Understanding how your body impacts your performance There is a standard for a certain body type in our society. For athletes, they must rise above the stereotype and sustain themselves to perform well. Every athlete in every sport has a different body type.

The belief that some athletes are more physically fit based on their body type than other athletes irks me. Some need more muscle weight than others, and that is something that cannot be compared. I know that I can’t compare my routine to that of other athletes, because I need to be in tune to my body and its needs.

The most important thing to do is to listen to your body in order to perform to the best of your abilities.

Some athletes have a stronger upper body, while others have a stronger lower body. As a runner, my lower half is much stronger than my upper half. Long distance runners have the stereotype of an awkward or lanky body.

I’ll be the first to confirm that this stereotype is true in many cases. In order to be a top finisher, you have to be fast with nothing to slow you down. It’s simple: everything we eat we just run off.

Our shot putters have a lot of strength, but it’s not in their legs.

The power lies in their strong, toned arms. To get the shot put ball to the qualifying mark takes all of the athlete’s power. I admire all of my track and field teammates because they are so fit and strong in their own unique ways.

Being successful takes not only practice but also confidence in your body as a representation of you as an athlete.

Some athletes are on diets, and as long as they are done safely and healthily, they will positively affect performance. Taking diets to an extreme level can be harmful for anyone, but it is especially so for athletes.

Overworking and under-eating are two things all athletes need to keep in mind. Pay attention to any warning signs your body is shouting at you, no matter how big or small.

Never hold yourself to having a certain body type. Athletes train, eat, and rest in different amounts, depending on what their body needs. Taking the occasional day off can actually boost performance on subsequent days.

School, homework, and clubs are a lot to balance with athletics, especially when jobs are added to the mix. Sustaining our bodies so that we remain in a physically fit zone is key. It makes our bodies stronger so that when game time comes, we can go longer, better, and faster.

thepatriot February 2014

Does PERFORMANCE Depend on DIET?

18%

How do athletes change their diets to prepare for game days?

Other, including fruit, salad, and sunflower seeds

57%

Carbohydrates such as rice and pasta

24%

In a JC Patriot survey sent out on Feb. 4, students reported which foods they ate to prepare for games or events.

No change of diet Photo by Kathy Deaver

Elizabeth Driver Sports Editor Sophomore Rob Flynn fills up his plate with loads of spaghetti and pours water into his cup. As a runner and swimmer, Flynn has his diet all planned out. “[I eat] loads of pasta with cheese and meat sauce before and after swim practice. I drink a liter of water the morning before every [running] meet. I stay away from candy, [and] I don’t eat any greasy things because that gives me cramps,” Flynn said.

According to biology teacher and lacrosse coach Kyle Leppert, athletes’ stomachs may cramp up “when athletes eat too heavily too close to game time because [the food] hasn’t completely digested, [and] the body’s trying to prepare for exercise.”

Instead, Leppert recommends having “a good meal about three hours beforehand,” with “little snacks after that.”

Sophomore soccer player Daniel Bonsack agrees, and he has “a Cliff Bar before every soccer game, [which] helps.”

Many athletes also eat healthy drated before or during a game or the day before a game. Junior competition because at that point Drew Nori eats pasta or chicken it’s usually too late to get it where before his soccer games, and you need it. [This is] another junior softball player Amanda thing that can slow people down Brannan eats pasta or steak and and lead to cramps.”

Many athletes vegetables. recognize the imTrack and portance of staycross country coach Rob Tor- Game performance is ing hydrated. important res believes that all mental and should to “It’s stay hydrated athletes “should not be based on the by drinking wabe eating as healthy as posfoods you eat or the ter, especially [when it’s warm sible and avoidrituals you perform. outside], because ing junk food in Junior Ashley Hunter it affects how excess.” well I feel and According to run,” junior cross Torres, “as long country and track as you are exercising on a regular basis, you can runner Erin Cadden said.

Water is not the only beverage afford to eat a lot of carbs. When you get older and stop exercis- consumed, however. Sophomore ing regularly is [when] eating too Cara Wolfarth drinks “a lot of many carbs causes too much fat.”

Dehydration can also be an issue for performance.

“The hope is [that] you’re drinking water throughout the day and staying hydrated,” Leppert said. “What you don’t want to do is make up for being dehy-

“

”

For more sports stories, go to jcpatriot.com.

water and Gatorade.”

According to Leppert, Gatorade is good as long as it is not used “for the bulk of our energy.”

He does not recommendenergy drinks, however, as “they take the place of good nutrition that gives proper fuel or tend to agitate a person’s system.”

Additionally, Torres says that he has not “heard any good things about these drinks when it comes to athletes.”

However, not all athletes follow these guidelines. Sophomore and lacrosse player Anya McSorley believes that her energy is not affected by food and “it doesn’t matter what I eat before a game.”

Junior Ashley Hunter agrees.

“Game performance is all mental and should not be based on the foods you eat or the rituals that you perform.”

sports 15

thepatriot February 2014

SPORTS updates

Wrestling team places third, prepares for States and Nationals Erica Kelble Multimedia Editor Photo by Hope Kelly

Sports push athletes to breaking point Kaley Martin Opinion Editor Senior Lindsay Kraus collapses on her couch on Sunday nights after playing five or more hours of field hockey each day of the weekend. When she comes into school on Monday, her entire body aches with muscle pain.

But does she complain? No. She’s proud of her pain because it means she played hard over the weekend.

Many students at JC and in high schools nationwide push themselves hard in order to succeed in their sports. They spend hours every day training, practicing, and conditioning to improve their performance.

According to Head Athletic Trainer Erik Fabriziani, “[Athletes] push themselves way too hard, especially on a high school level [when] they’re pushing themselves for college scholarships.”

JC athletes “spend 2-3 hours training depending on which sport they play and where they train,” said Fabriziani. The physical effects of this strenuous activity can be more harmful to athletes than helpful.

“In high school now, athletes

on competitive sports teams seem to sometimes push themselves to a breaking point. They are trying to be the best they can. Athletes do not want to show any signs of weakness,” Kraus said. “When they start feeling pain, there is this instinct that they should hide it to prove they are strong enough. When you really enjoy your sport, you don’t want to be sitting on the sidelines.”

Most high school athletes started playing sports at a young age.

According to education.com, “20 million American children ages 6 through 16 play organized outof-school sports, and about 25 million youth play competitive school sports.”

Senior Sophie Centi, for example, started playing soccer at the age of five and plays varsity today. Because many athletes start playing sports this early, they are conditioned to “shake off” injuries that could be harmful to not only their sport careers but also to their bodies in the long run. Many athletes exercise frequently because they like to “feel the burn.”

“It just feels good to be in shape. Really going hard in the gym and feeling the burn may be tiring and difficult, but it’s worth feeling energetic and great about

yourself afterward,” junior Jake Kahoe said.

This burn, however, could be causing “chronic conditions like tendinitis and muscle strains,” according to Fabriziani.

“I feel like athletes subconsciously think there is a ‘good’ and ‘bad’ pain,” Kraus said.

“When athletes are working their hardest, pain is bound to come eventually. Some athletes see this a ‘good’ pain because it is proves they are improving or making a difference. I think a lot of injuries come from the inability to differentiate between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ pain. Athletes think they should just blow off the fact that something hurts so they can keeping going and keep improving. In reality, they could be ruining their future sport seasons.”

The pressure many athletes are under to play their hardest can cause them to ignore or downplay injuries that should receive medical treatment. Why take 4-6 weeks to recover from an injury that you could tough your way through, especially if that means retaining playing time? Most athletes do not recognize that untreated injuries can have devastating effects in the long run.

A Cincinnatti Children’s Hos-

pital Medical Center study of high school athletes said that “over 90 percent of these athletes are educated and know the consequences of continuing to play through a concussion, but...over 50 percent responded that they continue to play with a headache sustained from an injury.”

“If you’re not well-rested and at your peak of [athletic performance], you’re open to any type of injury,” Fabriziani said. “[However,] I think it’s a lot better now because we have more coaches who are aware of the importance of injury treatment, so they know the benefits and will send their athletes to athletic trainers for treatment.”

“I got stress fractures in my shins and feet junior year. I was trying to run everyday to be wellconditioned for my outdoor and club season. I reached a point where I thought the pain in my legs was good. In reality, I was not training correctly. I ruined my junior year season because I wasn’t training correctly,” Kraus said. “I just couldn’t wrap my mind around it. I have since learned how to train correctly. I now know how to recognize the signs of potential injury, which helps me manage it better.”

Athlete Spotlight:

Lucie Passwater Stats Grade: Freshman

Featured Sport: Women’s basketball

Position: Varsity forward/center

Accomplishments: Made varsity as a freshman, averaging eight points and eight rebounds per game from Jan. 26 to Feb. 10

Years played: Six To read more athlete spotlights, go to jcpatriot.com.

Sports Writer

It is tough for a freshman to make an impact on the floor in the A Conference, but she has fought hard.

Coach Mike Blizzard

”

“ I couldn’t play this

year because I tore my ACL, and she stepped up and played hard. She’s a freshman on varsity, and she’s handled it.

”

Varsity women’s lacrosse gains new head coach Eric Johnson

“

Junior Ashley Hunter

Working together as a team, the JC wrestlers earned fourth place at the MD Independent School State Tournament on Feb. 15 and 16 at McDonogh School in Owings Mills. They finished behind McDonogh, Good Counsel, and Mount Saint Joseph high schools.

In the tournament finals, junior Hunter Ritter beat Good Counsel’s Nick Miller by 14-2 and won first place for his weight class for the second time. Junior Chris Almony won the Most Falls in Least Time award.

Since the wrestling season started in November, the team has practiced and worked out several days a week, accumulating a winning record of 15-5. JC wrestlers got third place at the MIAA championship tournament on Feb. 7 and 8. Varsity wrestlers are now preparing to compete in the National Prep School Championships on Feb. 21 and 22.

Last year, the team won third place out of 38 teams at States.

The wrestlers went on to win sixth place at Nationals out of 151 teams.

Wrestling coach Keith Watson plans on the team going to Nationals better and stronger than last year.

According to Watson, “We always want to be moving forward and improving.”

Photo by Erica Kelble

Freshman Lucie Passwater waits for the ball during the last women’s varsity home game on Feb. 7. Passwater is the only freshman on varsity.

Former JC teacher and assistant lacrosse coach Stephanie Maychack will coach women’s varsity lacrosse this year.

Last year’s coach Krystin Porcella chose not to renew her one-year contract because family matters would conflict with the growing lacrosse coach responsibilities.

“I love [Maychack]. I had her freshman year for JV. We are going to be in such great shape and really organized,” senior Alex Gromacki said.

In Gromacki’s freshman year, the JV team finished with a 10-1 record, losing only to McDonogh.

This year’s varsity team has high levels of talent to take onto the field. Already, 15 varsity team members have committed to playing college lacrosse after graduation. “[Maychack] is coming to a familiar place. Many of the upperclassmen are familiar with her,” Athletic Director Larry Dukes said. “I’m really happy we’re able to make this transition.”

16 sports

thepatriot February 2014

Has snow gotten the best of JC athletes?

Due to cancellations and delays, student athletes adjust their practice time and coaches reschedule games.

Billy Jump

practice.”

Junior and varsity basketball shooting guard Kimbal Mackenzie believes that the snow days have “negatively affected us, but every team has to go through it, so it’s neither an advantage nor a disadvantage.”

According to Dukes, individual sports are allowed to request practices to be held when Harford Country Public School system (HCPS)announces a school closure, “but we try to be consistent for all sports unless later times give conditions more time to improve or vice versa.”

“

The season is not long, and we need the practice so we can execute and perform better in games.

Senior Marta Moix

”

On Tuesday, Feb. 3, JC, which ordinarily follows HCPS, announced that after school activities would not be cancelled, even though HCPS announced that it would cancel after school activities. Events, team practices, and the men’s basketball game against Calvert Hall were all held.

“I asked Mrs. Ball to make a second decision on afternoon activities when I knew conditions

were going to improve,” Dukes said.

The indoor track team has not been handling the cold weather in an ordinary way. Instead of staying indoors and running laps inside the school, the distance runners on the team have been practicing outside. Sprinters and others on the team who participate in events such as pole vault, hurdles, or high jump still practice indoors.

According to junior indoor track runner Mark Bauer, “When we have a lot of days off, our team is negatively affected, but it has had a minimal effect on me as a runner, individually.”

Mrowiec, who cross trains between swimming and indoor track doesn’t mind practicing in the snow, “but some days it’s just too cold.”

Many teams are in the homestretch of their season and would ordinarily be putting in their greatest effort this time of the year for championships. Adjusting to the weather can be a frustrating task, however, and teams have little room for error when it comes to fitting in the last crucial practices and games necessary for a successful season.

Alumni and faculty relive the days of ice hockey Hope Kelly Editor in Chief

For over 36 years, Vice Principal of Academics Gary Scholl (left) has laced up his skates and taken to the ice of the JC ponds to play ice hockey with alumni and students.

Scholl would round up some students after school and take them out to play ice hockey on the frozen pond.

According to Scholl, the “heyday” of JC pond hockey was back in the ’90s. During this time, Scholl would even hold banquets for the kids who played field hockey, complete with a trophy, Soviet Union hockey jerseys, and pucks provided by Russian teacher Ed Miller.

Today, the tradition of pond hockey continues, just with slightly less intensity: “The guys that come back now are mostly alumni from the ’70s and ’80s,” Scholl said.

“It would be the school’s fault if athletes crashed on the way to pratice if school was cancelled.”

Senior

“If the roads [are] not too icy, I think so.”

William Du

Nick Lewis

Lily Liu “No, it puts all the athletes at risk.”

Photo by Hope Kelly

Should practice continue when school is cancelled?

Sophomore

Freshman

Adria Pirozzi

Patriot Answer

Illustration by Billy Jump

Junior

Copy Editor Snow days aren’t all fun and games for JC’s winter sports players. For some of the coaches and teams, they can be a real headache. Many of the winter sports cannot afford to miss practices and games this close to the end of the season, and coaches are scrambling to make up lost time.

According to Athletic Director Larry Dukes, “Things get extremely complex as each team wants to reschedule when it is to their advantage.”

The Athletic Office is responsible for “[scheduling] the teams, officials, and transportation. We talk to [other] schools and negotiate make-up dates for our teams,” Dukes said.

The men’s swimming’s championship was canceled due to inclement weather on Wednesday, Feb. 5. Dukes, who is also the swim coach, realizes the effects of school cancellations on the team. “Whether it is the swimmer missing [practice] or the facilities being closed, it all affects the training in a negative way,” Dukes said.

When big games, like a championship meet, are canceled, a lot of planning and negotiating has to go on between schools in order to reschedule it.

However, coaches aren’t the only ones annoyed by the recent school closing.

According to sophomore swimmer Adam Mrowiec, the snow days have “affected our ability as a team, especially for championships.”

“Honestly, I’d rather have practices to get better,” senior and varsity basketball player Marta Moix said. “The season is not long and we need practice so we can execute and perform better in games, so I prefer having

“I think we should because it’s very important for athletes to perform their best at meets.”