The Patriot March 2017, Issue 4 Volume 52

3.16.17

Issue 4

Volume 52

www.jcpatriot.com

Josh Hamer 2001-2017

2 NEWS

March 2017

APand IB

? p u k c a t s y e h t o d How With International Baccalaureate programs gaining prominence, how do they compare to the Advanced Placement program?

Lauren Becker and Christina Giovanazi News Editor and Sports Editor Junior Gabriella Cirincione blankly stares at her AP practice test. When the time is up and the teacher reads the answers, she is disappointed with her score.

Cirincione knows that with this score, she will not receive college credit from any school. She wonders if she will do better on the exam in May and if there are any other options.

An alternative to the Advanced Placement (AP) program, International Baccalaureate (IB), has become prominent over the past few years. Between 2011 and 2017, the number of IB programs offered worldwide has increased by 46 percent, according to International Baccalaureate’s website.

The first IB school in the United States was established in 1977, and since then, 1,777 schools have developed at least one of the four IB programs offered.

The four IB programs are the Primary Years Program, the Middle Years Program, the Diploma Program (DP), and the CareerRelated Program. However, only two of the four programs, the Diploma Program and the Careerrelated Program, are offered for high schoolers.

JC currently does not offer an IB program, however, according to Vice Principal of Academics Gary Scholl, adding an IB pro-

gram was considered between five and 10 years ago when Paul Barker was principal.

“We looked at other schools and how an IB program would compete with our AP program here. We looked at all the requirements [and] costs, and during his tenure, it was decided that we would not move forward with an IB program and would continue to focus on an AP program,” Scholl said.

“We looked at the requirements and costs ... and decided that we would not move forward with an IB program.”

Vice Principal of Academics Gary Scholl

Cirincione finds the concept of an alternate program interesting. “I think it would be cool to find out more about IB and how it would work at JC,” she said.

While the AP program differs from IB programs, according to college counselor Carrie Siemsen, whether you take AP or IB courses does not affect college admissions. “If a school does not offer an IB program, then a college can’t hold it against them,” she said.

Senior Jordyn Carll, who participates in the IB program at Edgewood High School, believes

the program has prepared her for college.

“I’m probably going to start in the fall of 2017 as a sophomore, completely skipping my first year.

IB is awful in the moment, but gets you credit and just helps with college level learning in general,” she said.

Though Carll attributes an extreme loss of sleep due to IB schoolwork, sports, and work, she feels that IB has made her a better student.

“IB kids are super well-rounded. We are constantly busy and fill our schedules with sports, jobs, and clubs. We don’t sleep, but time management is definitely learned after two years,” Carll said.

Like IB programs, colleges offer credits for scores achieved on AP exams. The number of credits received for a score depends on the college.

There are 38 AP courses that can be offered at a high school, and JC offers 17. Unlike the AP program, the IB Diploma Program is structured differently and is broken into subject groups.

According to International Baccalaureate’s website, “The DP curriculum is made up of six subject groups and the DP core, comprising theory of knowledge (TOK), creativity, activity, service (CAS) and the extended essay.

Through the DP core, students reflect on the nature of knowledge, complete independent research and undertake a project that often involves community service.”

Exam differences

IB

In order to take the IB exam, students must take the IB class.

Students do not have to take the AP class in order to take the AP exam. Instead, those students can self-study.

AP

Within the six subject groups, there are different courses that a student can take, and schools must be authorized and trained to teach each program.

The closest school to JC that is authorized to teach IB is Edgewood High School.

“IB is very different from AP because you do not take IB courses, you are in IB. You have to be in the IB program where all of your core classes are International Baccalaureate. Therefore, all the courses are very similar in structure and grading and all the topics are intertwined,” Carll said.

In order to implement an IB program, schools must meet certain requirements, be evaluated, and pay a fee.

“If a school does not offer an IB program, then a college cannot hold it against them.”

College counselor Carrie Siemsen

There are three stages when becoming an IB school: the application, the candidacy, and finally, the authorization.

Depending on what IB program a school decides to implement, it can take between two to three years to be authorized. The application fee for schools in the

U.S. to become a candidate is $4,000.

Once schools become a candidate, the process of becoming an authorized IB school can take up to three additional years. There are two visits to the school by an IB official, and there is an annual candidate fee for each year the school is a candidate.

It costs the school $9,500 for each year they are a candidate, and the fee includes outside consultancy on meeting teacher requirements, two-day consultation visits and verification visits on the school’s campus, and access to the IB curriculum. Once a school is approved to be an IB school, they must pay an annual fee of $11,500.

Although an IB program will not be implemented, Scholl believes that “we have a pretty robust AP program that offers plenty of challenges for our students.”

He believes that although the IB Diploma Program holds value since it offers a distinct diploma, the AP program is competitive with the “rigorous course and very strict regimen of testing” that goes along with the IB Diploma Program.

Cirincione believes that implementing an IB program could improve JC and draw prospective students.

“Even though AP classes here are challenging, I think it would give students another option to challenge themselves and make JC stand out among other private schools,” she said.

NEWS 3

March 2017

Kiosks introduced to expedite sign-in process Grace Mottley Assignment Chief Junior Jayla Ferguson runs down the hallway at 8:15 a.m. and skids to a halt at the end of the line spilling outside Dean of Freshmen and Sophomores Sean Ireton’s office. She waits along with almost a dozen other students to get their late passes to go to their mod one class.

Instead of visiting Ireton for a late pass, students will now interact with a machine. Some time in March, students will begin to use a computer kiosk system to sign in when they arrive to school late in the morning and when they leave school early in the afternoon, according to Vice Principal of Student Affairs Brian Powell.

Three kiosks will be placed throughout the school: one in the Main Office, one near Ireton’s office, and one at the end of the second floor hallway by room 210, science teacher Anglea Ward’s classroom.

Powell worked with Director of Technology Greg Russell to find the best system for JC. “We demoed several different programs, but chose [this system] because of a combination of features and cost,” Russell said.

The system was introduced as a way to make the attendance system more efficient and accurate, as well as to discourage the number of late arrivals. According to Powell, the current attendance rule, which allows students to

enter their mod one class up until 8:10 a.m. without a late pass from the attendance office, resulted in confusion throughout the system.

“Teachers would allow students to come in late, and they’d be marked as absent, and the teacher would forget to change it, and it would cause confusion down the

“Signing in will go faster now. Right now, checking in at the office slows me down. I just want to go to class.”

Senior Jesseca Dunnett

line,” Powell said.

Administrators also believe the rule currently in effect encourages students to be late to school. Powell thinks that these students believed that they would be marked as “on-time” if they arrived to class by 8:10 a.m., when in reality, they would still be marked late and just didn’t need a pass.

However, this rule will be changed when the new kiosk systems go into effect. “We’re hoping that teachers won’t let students in without a late pass from the machine after 8 a.m. We hope that [the number of] late arrivals will go down,” Powell said.

While it is still undecided how

to implement the early dismissal process with the kiosks, Powell says that this system will be finalized by the time the kiosks are put into official use.

Many students support this new system as they believe it will make the attendance process easier. “I feel like [the kiosks] will be better because you won’t get any grief from the faculty anymore if you’re late,” Ferguson said.

Senior Jesseca Dunnett agrees with Ferguson and believes that streamlining attendance will make the process faster. “Signing in will go faster now. Right now, checking in at the office slows me down. I just want to go to class,” Dunnett said.

In addition to this late system, the kiosk in the Main Office will also be used to screen school visitors. This kiosk will scan visitors’ licenses and then check for the visitor’s name on a list of sexual offenders maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a means of security.

If the visitor’s name does not appear on that list, then they will be issued a visitor’s pass. If they are on the list, the person on duty at the front desk will be alerted and will ask the person to leave the building.

According to Powell, this new system is not in response to any specific event at JC but is an attempt to “make sure that no one is coming in that’s not supposed to be.”

Russell is pleased with this as-

Tuition price freezes

Paige Alban and Ianna Pirozzi In-Focus Editors The administration and the Board of Trustees recently announced in letters to families of current students that tuition will not increase for the 201718 school year. Instead, the tuition will remain “frozen” at $16,500.

According to President and Interim Principal Richard O’Hara, the Board of Trustees and the administration spent “a number of months” looking at school wide trends in terms of areas such as enrollment and marketing. Ultimately, they decided not to increase the tuition in order to appeal to a larger number of prospective students and their families.

The stable price is part of an effort to fulfill the school’s mission to be welcoming towards all students. “The heart of the decision is the historic mission of Catholic schools is to be accessible and affordable,” O’Hara said.

In the past, tuition prices have consistently increased from year to year and have changed more rapidly in recent years. Since 2007, for example, tuition has increased from $10,650 to $16,500.

While O’Hara only possesses tuition information

ts only!

dating back to 1983, this marks the first time in at least 34 years that the price has remained stagnant. In addition to appealing to incoming students, the decision was also made in part to keep tuition relatively similar to other nearby private schools.

“It allows us to be more aligned with out biggest competitors like IND, Mercy, and Calvert Hall.”

students. “It will allow more people to come here, and we can be more selective because we might have a bigger pool of applicants,” she said.

While O’Hara does not know if the tuition will remain frozen for years to come, he admits that the rate at which tuition increases will slow down. However, he stipulates that the needs of students and expenses of the school will still have to be met first. “We would not sacrifice any program for this [tuition freeze],” O’Hara said.

Photo by Elizabeth Harmison

Three new security and attendance kiosks will be placed throughout the school. Visitors will insert their license into the security kiosk slot and will be signed into the school electronically. Students will sign in to computer stations placed around the school. pect of the kiosk system. “Hopefully we will never need to use this feature, but it will be a nice check to use as a backup,” he said.

JC is not the only school in the area with a visitor’s security system. Schools like Calvert Hall College and Catholic High have

also implemented similar systems.

Although the system is still being tested, Powell is very pleased by what he has seen from the kiosks so far. Once the system for early dismissal is finalized, the kiosk system will be implemented.

$16,500

For the past 34 years, tuition has been climbing, but it will stay the same for the 2017-18 school year

$15,880 $15,305 $14,750

2013-14

2014-15

2015-16

2016-17

2017-18

Director of Enrollment Edward Maynard

“There are indications that the economy is still sluggish, and families still hop around for [the] best deal for [an] independent school,” O’Hara said.

Director of Enrollment Edward Maynard believes that the tuition freeze will positively impact enrollment. “It allows us to be more aligned with our biggest competitors like IND, Mercy, and Calvert Hall. It provides a level of relief to families,” Maynard said. Likewise, junior Rosemary Gillam thinks that the decision will benefit the school in terms of the quality and quantity of prospective

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Perry Hall (410) 256-4061

4 COMMUNITY

March 2017

Josh Hamer

The community has united in search of the best ways to honor the memory of a kind-hearted Patriot who was gone too soon Caroline Cooney and Grace Mottley Editor in Chief and Assignment Chief As sophomore Ryan Poholsky walks into school, he notices a crowd of students staring at the large image of sophomore Josh Hamer on the wall. Several students stop and embrace each other with tears in their eyes while others kneel on the ground writing letters dedicated to Josh. Despite his grief, Poholsky can’t help but feel proud of the memorial he and his friends had created to honor their best friend.

“We get to see that smile every day. It kind of makes you happy instead of sad,” Poholsky said. “Seeing all of the crosses, his smile, and his artwork that he did in Mr. Gaudreau’s class just brought happiness [to everyone],” Poholsky said.

On Thursday, March 2, Josh unexpectedly passed away in a car accident on his way to school. His uncle, who suffered serious injuries from the crash, attempted to turn into a Royal Farms on the corner of Route 22 and Route 155, but the car was hit by oncoming traffic.

In reaction to Josh’s death, the community has come together in their time of grief. Within hours of hearing the news, the baseball team organized a candlelight vigil to remember Josh. Hundreds gathered at 6:30 p.m. on the baseball field to pray for the Hamer family.

The following day, Poholsky, in addition to sophomore Ayo Bodison and sophomore Christian Smith, came into school and set up a locker memorial with the help of some community and faculty members.

“A bunch of girls came over to help us out. [Senior] Arri [Stakias] really took a leadership role, Mr. Meyerl helped us get all of the stuff, [and] Mrs. Welsh printed out the big picture [of Josh], so we had a lot of help from the staff,” Poholsky said.

According to Campus Minister Gary

Meyerl, Josh’s locker will also be retired.

A medallion bearing his name, the years he lived, and his baseball number will be placed on the door as a memory of Josh’s time at JC. In addition, the Campus Ministry Office organized a memorial service on March 6 for the community to gather and pray for the Hamer family. Baseball head coach Darrion Siler as well as junior baseball player Ryan Archibald shared stories about Josh.

According to Archibald, this was a reality check and made him realize Josh was actually gone. “Going into it, I was thinking about what I would say, and then just ended up speaking from the heart about our memories and good times together,” he said.

“We have to remember what we can do to honor Josh.”

German teacher Mark Canter

Police Sergeant Robert Pffar attended the prayer service and led the procession of members of the baseball team and Josh’s advisory. Pffar lost his son Isaac, who was a junior at Patterson Mill High School, to a seizure in October 2016 and came to JC the day Josh passed away to offer his support.

“My heart broke when I heard. I came originally as a member of law enforcement to see if you needed help directing traffic or anything, but it went from that to someone looking to help your community,” Pfarr said.

Pfarr is not the only member from Patterson Mill who offered their support. After hearing of Josh’s passing, Patterson Mill junior Megan Hall wanted to find a way to show Patterson Mill’s support.

“We wanted to do more than send flowers because we know how you feel,” Hall said. Hall, along with senior Julianne Gabor and juniors Eric Mangrum, Eryn Lloyd, Dani Appel, Jamie Erkaboni, and Lillian Barnes, created a poster with #88 on it, the number of Josh’s football uniform, and had hundreds of members of the Patterson Mill community sign it.

They came to JC on March 6 to deliver the poster along with a card and flowers.

They somberly visited the memorial, read the notes adorning the locker, and visited the chapel, where they each wrote their own notes to Josh.

Beyond emotional support to the students and faculty members, the JC community has also tried to help support the Hamer family.

The Athletic Department and the Campus Ministry Office set up a site where people could donate to help offset the cost of Josh’s funeral, which was held on March 7. “I never knew how much it would cost to bury a child. We hope that this will help offset the cost, but a group of Trappist monks actually donated the casket that he was buried in as well,” Meyerl said.

The additional proceeds from the site will be used to set up a scholarship in Josh’s honor. “People’s generosity completely exceeded our expectations,” Meyerl said.

According to Meyerl, details of the scholarship have yet to be finalized. “We plan to give the family some more time to process the situation and grieve before we figure out the details of what kind of student will receive [the scholarship], what it will be earmarked for, that sort of thing,” Meyerl said.

The memorial and scholarship are not the only things being done to honor Josh’s legacy. German teacher Mark Canter, who taught Josh, has established a memorial of his own inside his classroom.

On Josh’s seat, Canter

Photo Courtesy Kim Muhlenfeld

Josh Hamer, class of 2019, 2001-2017 tied a black “Patriots Do” flag as a symbol of reverence and remembrance for the student who will no longer sit there.

“I think we forget things quickly, and some things and some people shouldn’t be forgotten. We have to remember what we can do to honor Josh - to appreciate our family and friends and support each other in this time,” Canter said.

The Athletic Department is also searching for the best way to preserve Josh’s legacy on the field that he loved to play on as #25. “We are currently looking for different things to do in memorial out by the baseball field. There will definitely be something,” Athletic Director Steve Teter said.

According to Archibald, the team will continue to honor Josh all season long in several ways. “We are getting a patch on the uniform, a banner on the fence, as well as some other things such as [saying] ‘1,2,3, Hamer’ before we run out on the field,” Archibald said. The team also held a moment of silence for Josh at their first home game.

Josh’s advisory is also looking for the best way to honor their classmate. “My advisory wants to do all sorts of things: plant trees, raise money, they have all sorts of ideas. It’s been kind of rough right now to plan. Our memorial for Josh is still in the planning stages, but it will definitely happen,” Josh’s advisor Larry Hensley said.

Although we have lost one of our own, we will never forget #25: the kind-hearted Patriot who was gone too soon.

COMMUNITY 5

March 2017

MASTERS

Healthy Crusade Christina Giovanazi

OF

DISGUISE

Students are often tricked into thinking that certain fast food choices are healthier than others, when in fact they can be just as harmful to your body Pia Scotto Community Editor Sophomore Tucker Ray sits in his car, starving, waiting for his dinner to be made. Lucky for him, only two minutes pass and ding, order up!

At times, some students find themselves eating fast food because of inexpensive costs. According to Angela Romano, a personal trainer and nutritionist at Spartan Sports and Wellness in Bel Air, “Fast food is a relatively good deal for the money you pay and draws more and more people in each day.”

According to Romano, there are side effects from eating fast food, such as sluggishness, fatigue, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, a higher risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver, and even a risk for obesity and cancer.

Fast food restaurant’s ability to portray themselves as healthy, while in reality being poor to health, makes them masters of disguise.

Romano classifies a fast food restaurant as any place that has a drive-thru or gets you your food in five minutes or less. In a survey conducted by The Patriot, 54 percent of students say that they eat at fast food restaurants for their convenience.

Twice per month, Ray finds himself eating at Burger King.

“I like it [because] it’s faster and more convenient,” Ray said.

While multiple students eat at Burger King, more students can be found at fast food restaurants such as Panera Bread and Chickfil-A, which were the most popular choices through the survey.

This shift in fast food trends

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isn’t a surprise, as most students believe Panera Bread and Chickfil-A to be safer and healthier than McDonald’s or Burger King. Se-

“If I was to throw a fast food meal and healthy food in a bonfire, it would all burn the same. But in our body, it does not burn the same.”

Personal trainer and nutritionist Angela Romano

nior Maddie Reeves often eats out at Panera Bread and Chickfil-A. Although she still considers them to be fast food, 91 percent of students do not.

“I definitely feel like Panera and Chick-fil-A are less processed food and somewhat better for you. I’ll usually get the chicken caesar salad or mac n’ cheese from Panera, and chicken strips from Chick-fil-A,” Reeves said.

Romano refers to “healthier”

Illustration by Beth Sapitowicz

restaurants, such as Subway, as “build your own” restaurants, where you can pick what you prefer. She says healthier options such as the salad or panini choices are much more beneficial and can actually be equal to something you made for lunch at home. It’s the bigger portions and “[the] quarter hunk of bread that comes added to the side that is the problem,” Romano said.

Romano adds that while students perceive Subway, QDOBA, Chipotle, or Panera as healthier choices, “It’s still eating out, and nine times out of 10, we don’t know where our food is coming from and how they preserved it.

Yes, the salad option is healthier, but where did the chicken on top come from?”

As a whole, it’s all about making the choice of healthier options whether you have to go out, or make the effort to pack lunches more often, “When you’re talking about calories and about food, if I was to throw a fast food meal and healthy food in a bonfire, it

Order up!

would all burn the same. But in our body, it does not burn the same,” Romano said.

According to Romano, there are many things you can do to help your body, even if you have to go to fast food restaurants.

One of which is the “slight edge approach.” This explains how simple things you do every day to your body can make a difference over a long period of time, like cutting soda or going to fast food restaurants less each week.

Reeves agrees, going through a personal experience of her own.

“Last year, I gave up Chick-filA for Lent - hardest decision of my life. But I definitely had more energy and felt better just not eating all the junk,” Reeves said. “I don’t eat there very much on the weekends, but probably only a couple times a month.”

With practice, Romano believes we can all “train ourselves to learn the limits and have a healthier lifestyle.” We can stay away from harmful platters and avoid the masters of disguise.

Of the popular fast food restaurants in the area, the three healthiest according to Health.com are...

1 2

3

I really knead some gluten Just like one of my favorite talk show hosts, Oprah Winfrey, I love bread! I love bread, pasta, and cookies, but all of these foods have one ingredient in common: gluten.

According to Celiac Disease Foundation, gluten is “a general name for the proteins found in wheat... Gluten helps foods maintain their shape, acting as a glue that holds food together.” The majority of people who follow gluten-free diets are those with celiac disease, which causes severe gluten intolerance.

However, going gluten-free without any medical reason has become a popular diet trend in the country. Grocery stores and restaurants nationwide have increased the number of gluten-free foods they offer to meet the demand. Because of this, I decided to investigate what the hype is about and jump on the gluten-free train for a few days.

One of the greatest challenges of eating gluten-free was figuring out what I could and couldn’t eat. While it’s safe to say that all wheat products aren’t safe, there are other food products to be watchful of such as seasonings, ice cream, and processed deli meats. Thankfully, since I don’t actually have any medical issues with gluten, I didn’t have to look too carefully at non-wheat products for gluten. However people with celiac disease must pay attention to everything they eat.

The simplest way to stay gluten-free is to completely cut out anything with wheat from your diet. I often opted for salads and meats for lunches to steer clear of any gluten. Although I didn’t notice a difference in the amount of energy I had, I missed being able to just eat a sandwich.

At least there are a lot of options available at local grocery stores that are gluten-free versions of foods that usually contain wheat.

For instance, one night I replaced my regular spaghetti with pasta made from chickpeas. Unfortunately, the texture and taste of the fake pasta was unusual and gross. The next night, I had better luck with a burrito I made from a gluten-free tortilla, and I honestly couldn’t taste the difference from a normal one.

Going gluten-free for a short amount of time wasn’t too bad, but I can’t imagine how people follow this diet, especially without any medical reason. Although following this diet may become easier over time, without much proof of health benefits, and without any gluten-related medical reasons, following this trend doesn’t make much sense to me.

6 COMMUNITY

March 2017

Illustration by Alyssa Kraus

For each musical production, several students work backstage to make the performance come to life. The Patriot turns the spotlight on members of stage crew and takes a closer look at “Shrek The Musical.”

Alyssa Kraus Copy Editor The lights dim, and the hum of chatter from the audience ceases. A loud voice echoes throughout the auditorium requesting that all phones be silenced or turned off. Then, the music swells and the nerves set in as senior stage manager Erica Deyesu listens intently to her headset and communicates with the students in the tech booth. Every set change and cue is under her command. There is no room for error.

The upcoming production of “Shrek The Musical” will hit the stage on March 17 under the leadership of Director Larry Hensley and Assistant Director and Chroreographer Kimberly Bruggemann. In order to be ready for the performance in front of hundreds of people, hectic rehearsals full of complicated set designs and precise planning have taken place for months, according to Deyesu. The actors have been working hard each and every day, and although they are the ones credited with bringing the show to life, there are many underappreciated and unrecognized students behind the scenes.

From behind the curtain, Deyesu balances several tasks while making sure the whole show runs smoothly. Deyesu is in charge of many aspects including attendance, reading lines which haven’t been memorized, and, most importantly, calling cues from backstage during the actual per-

formance.

Keeping everything on track with such a large show is by no means easy. “I get a lot of emails between all the cast, crew, Mr. Hensley, and Mrs. [Brueggeman] asking questions. Sometimes it is hard to

“It is extremely satisfying knowing how great the performance was and the fact that you were a part of it.”

Senior stage manager Erica Deyesu

stay organized,” Deyesu said. And while the time, dedication, and commitment are a huge deal, Deyesu claims it is all worth it, and she even manages to have a lot of fun.

“I love singing and dancing along backstage,” she said.

However, Deyesu is not alone behind the curtain. Sophomore Emma Olsen is another member of stage crew, and she helps paint the sets, move them for each scene during the production, and transition between scenes as smoothly as possible.

Olsen agrees with Deyesu that the dedication can be tough. “The thing that can be particularly hard is some of the long commitment hours, but they are pretty much

the same as the theater performers. It can also be hard when there are not a lot of people on crew and managing everything with only a few people,” Olsen said.

According to Olsen, her job can be especially fun due to moving and designing large sets like the castles and Shrek’s hut, which are painted with great detail. “Most people do not know that with this play, the sets are pretty big, and it is going to be hard moving a bunch of huge sets, but it will definitely turn out great in the end. The challenge is the best part,” she said.

Another member behind the production is senior sound designer Dickson Teel. Teel works in the tech booth to set up and take down sound equipment, as well as to maintain and run it.

Teel’s part in the production differs from those backstage because he manages what the audience actually hears, including microphones and sound effects.

According to Teel, keeping up with the different parts of his responsibility can be challenging. “The most difficult part of my job comes from the live aspect involved.

There are a number of variables that can be thrown into play involving sound design from a myriad of sources, from interference from radio, TV, or cell phone signals [to] missed cues, incomplete costume changes, faulty cables, and even dead batteries,” Teel said.

However, despite the challenges, Teel finds his role to be rewarding. “What I love about being a sound designer the most is making the actors sound as best I can and making the production as audibly pleasing as I can,” he said.

Helping to pull together a complicated production with a large cast and complex set is something that not many students have the ability to say they’ve done. The overall sense of accomplishment is what drives students like Deyesu. “At the end

of a show, it is extremely satisfying knowing how great the performance was and the fact that you were a part of it,” she said.

Brueggemann is especially thankful for stage crew. “The show could not run properly without them. They’re always cooperative, polite, diligent...They are so devoted and we make them aware of their value.

They are so fast, it is amazing,” Brueggemann said.

Hensley also recognized the importance of the work done by each member of stage crew. “The show will not move without them. You can’t have just actors,” he said.

Photo by Zachary Miller

Senior stage manager senior Erica Deyesu smiles before pulling the main curtain for the upcoming production, “Shrek The Musical.” In order to make the performance run smoothly, Deyesu uses a headset to call stage cues.

March 2017

P

eeling back the layers

ENTERTAINMENT 7

As “Shrek The Musical” comes to life, the cast members must branch out and transform into their characters through the use of makeup

Illus tr at

By Media Editor Zachary Miller

Sh re k - Jo sh Ro bin so n

With my hood and hooves strapped on, I am only halfway done my Donkey makeover. To give the audience a better visual of Shrek’s furry friend, my face is made to resemble that of a donkey’s snout.

Sophomore Ava Barnd, who wants to pursue a career in makeup, has helped immensely in this process by doing my makeup every rehersal. “I think being able to transform a face into something artistic and different is the coolest thing ever,” Barnd said.

First, a white pencil outlines the overall shape of a snout and is colored

in heavily.

Then, black pencil outlines some of the edges and details of my face to make the snout pop out from the audience’s perspective. The pencil is also used to accentuate my eyebrows, making my facial expressions seem even bigger from onstage.

Next, a bronzer palette is used to darken my face, creating the look of an animal who has been traveling. After that, a sponge is used to blend the makeup together. Finally, a special setting spray is used to keep the makeup from being rubbed or sweat off easily.

Farquaad - Mikey Shock

Once the fat suit and ogre attire has been put on, sophomore Josh Robinson begins his tedious transformation from man to monster.

After being taught how to do it, Robinson now applies his own makeup for the show. “It’s frustrating. It’s not the makeup that’s frustrating, but more the prosthetics. It takes a lot of time,” Robinson said.

First, a prosthetic adhesive is applied around Robinson’s face and on his nose.

This keeps the ogre head and nose mold secure to his face.

Next, the first layer of green makeup is brushed onto Robinson’s face. This lighter layer of makeup covers all of Robinson’s face that is not covered by the ogre head mold, and it can maneuver its way into the crevices of his facial features better than the thicker layer of green

ion by Ed

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ner

makeup.

Then, a thick, pasty layer of green makeup is painted onto his face. To ensure that this layer does not dry in clumps, a sponge is gently taken to Robinson’s face, evening out the paste. The layers of green makeup must now dry before details are added to bring back the features of Robinson’s face that have been lost to the layers of green.

Finally, once two to three minutes have passed, a black pencil is used on Robinson’s eyebrows, making them appear bigger. A rustic brown lipstick is applied to his lips. Both will help make Robinson’s facial expression perceivable to the audience from the stage as the monstrous character of Shrek.

The entire process varies from night to night, but usually takes about an hour and a half.

Donkey - Zach Miller

The short and sassy Dictator of Duloc would not be complete without his fabulous makeover. While less complex than most of the cast’s makeup, freshman Mikey Shock’s features are defined before he makes his grand entrance.

First, a base of powder, appropriate to Shock’s skin tone, is applied to his face.

This is always an important step for performers of any production to ensure that their faces are not washed out by the harsh lighting of the stage.

Next, a rosy blush is brushed onto Shock’s cheeks, and a light pink lip-

stick is glossed over his lips. These two details help to replicate the original Broadway portrayal of Farquaad as an extremely feminine man.

After that, a prosthetic paste covers Shock’s real eyebrows, providing space to draw on long, curling, mischievous eyebrows.

Finally, after securing his wig cap to his head, Shock puts on his wig of black hair.

“After everything is dry it isn’t bad because it feels like regular stage makeup, which I’m used to,” Shock said.

8 IN-FOCUS

March 2017

Tans fade but their impact stays With skin tingling from the warm air that recently enveloped her skin, senior Logan Moore steps out of a tanning bed.

Although she does not use tanning beds often, each time she spends a session under the lamp, she exposes herself to UV radiation. However, she sometimes turns to this method of artificial tanning when she wants results that will last for a longer amount of time than her typical spray tan.

“I will use both methods for special occasions. I will use the tanning bed if I have a longer time until the occasion, and if I don’t, I will get a spray tan,” Moore said. “Tanning you have to do for a week or more to see results. Spray tans you will see results right away.”

Moore first started tanning when she was 15 or 16 because she had easy access to artificial tanning methods. “My mom owns a hair salon and had spray tanning [there],” she said.

According to dermatology physician assistant Katie Hodges of Bernstein and Robinson Dermatology, creating an artificial tan by means of using a tanning bed is dangerous because it increases the chances of growing an atypical mole, which can cause cancer. “Generally [the moles] are benign, but when coupled with tanning beds, [they] increase risk. Family history [also] increases risks,” Hodges said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists premature aging through wrinkles and age spots, change in skin texture, an increase in risk for potentially blinding eye diseases, and even sunburn as risks to indoor tanning. They define indoor tanning as “using a tanning bed, booth, or sunlamp to get tan.”

Some members of the JC community have been personally affected by tanningrelated problems. For example, senior Olivia Barnhart’s mom, Deborah Barnhart, developed skin cancer in 2001. She had it for over a year, as her doctors did not originally believe it was cancer because the spot was so small.

According to Barnhart, her mom’s cancer was caused by “the small amount of sun exposure she did have,” rather than due to tanning habits. Now, Barnhart takes extensive precaution to try to avoid skin cancer.

“When we go in the sun, [my mom] re-

ally gets on me and my sister about sitting the other methods that are in the shade, wearing hats, and anything used to create the appearthat really limits the sun getting to our ance of tan skin are not skin,” Barnhart said. harmful. “Spray tans are English teacher Hayley Howe person- fine, but every time you step ally experienced melanoma in 2014. Ac- in a tanning bed, chances of cording to Howe, as a child she was out getting cancer increases,” in the sun often because she lived near she said. She does suggest Ocean City, Md., and was active in sports. that before you get a spray “It was just an outdoor childhood because tan, you apply sunscreen to I was near the beach and the bay. Even protect your skin. though I was outside, I always used sunFor her part, Moore is not worried screen,” Howe said. As a teen, she got a about the risks of using a tanning bed job as a lifeguard, but she continued her because she uses them infrequently. She skincare routine of applying and reapply- typically turns to spray tans because she ing sunscreen. considers them to be cheaper and more In college, Howe did use tanning beds, efficient. “Spray tans are more financially but she did so infrequently. “I did do some doable because you pay around $30, and tanning in college, but it was maybe 10 for a tanning bed, you have to get a memtimes. I could count the number of times bership, usually with the shortest time beon two hands,” she said. Howe received a ing for a month, and the price depends on wake-up call when several close friends where you go,” Moore said. who were otherwise healthy died from While Moore is able to turn to out-ofmelanoma, which the American Cancer home methods to create the look that she Society describes as a rare desires, junior Alayna disease that is responsible Meekins uses lotions, for a majority of deaths re- “It was like the such as Banana Boat Tanlated to skin cancer. “It was ning Lotion or L’Oreal like the universe was tellSublime Bronze, that she universe was can apply herself. ing me to see a dermatologist,” Howe said. telling me to see a Altogether, though she wants a darker skin tone When she visited the during winter months, dermatologist, there were dermatologist.”

Meekins is aware of the two moles that caused conEnglish teacher Hayley Howe risks that other forms cern, and further testing on of tanning can cause. “I the spot on her ankle came back malignant. “It was small enough that would do a spray tan, but I wouldn’t go in surgery was enough, but because it wasn’t a [tanning] bed because of cancer. I don’t in a fatty area, the scar is long,” Howe use spray tans because [using lotions] is said. “It’s like poking a hole through pa- quicker and $50 less expensive,” Meekins per. You have to fold it in weird ways to said. get it back together again.”

Junior Gabriella Spilker has used every Although Howe has since made a full method of tanning to try and prepare for recovery, the process took longer than her competitive cheerleading competishe expected. “I was on crutches for two tions. She has been using artificial tanweeks because every time I put weight on ning methods year round since eighth it, the stitches fell out,” she said. grade and gets a spray tan almost every Now that she is more susceptible to two weeks during competition season for melanoma, Howe takes extra precautions. cheerleading.

She continues to have routine check-ups “I think [spray tans] are better than lowith her dermatologist and surgeon, ap- tion because with lotion, you sometimes plies sunscreen, and wears long sleeves miss spots. The bed is nice, so you can while she is outdoors for an extended pe- get a natural tan, but also can cause skin riod of time, even during the summer. cancer, so I think a good compromise is a However, Hodges notes that many of spray tan,” Spilker said.

Illustration by Ashlee Kothenbeutel

IN-FOCUS 9

March 2017

As spring dances approach, many students turn to artificial tanning methods in order to replicate the summer glow that they desire

By In-Focus Editors Paige Alban and Ianna Pirozzi

53%

of students know at least one person with cancer or health problems related to tanning

The Patriot conducted a survey on March 9. 211 students responded.

Students accept culture of tanning Walking into school one day in early of melanoma, warns girls, especially those March, flashes of bright orange catch junior on her soccer team, about the dangers of James Gillam’s eyes. He soon notices that tanning. “I take extra care while playing many of the female students have begun soccer and remind all of the girls on the to use artificial methods of tanning. Dance team to apply sunscreen when we are playseason has started. ing in tournaments all weekend,” Howe “During dance season, girls definitely said. “I’m really on top of it during prom tan more. Sometimes it looks ridiculous, and dance season. I tell the girls how they and I’ll joke about it to my friends, but I are beautiful in their own skin, and I even don’t really care what they choose to do,” bring out the history lesson about how paleGillam said. ness used to be a sign of status because you Senior Mary Doud is one didn’t have to work.” of those students who only While students turn to uses artificial tanning methartificial tanning meth“Back home, ods to prepare for dances or ods before dances, many special occasions. “It would also avoid using these people don’t start to become expensive products. Some students if I [tanned] regularly, like junior Veronica Ewreally tan. It’s and most of the time in the ing refrain from using winter, I don’t have legs and fake tanning methods just part of the arms out,” Doud said. because of previous bad A few teachers have no- culture.” experiences. “I don’t tan ticed these fake tans that spobecause one time I used Junior Hy Gia Vo lotion, and it was so bad radically pop up. Math teacher Robert Torres notices their anand so streaky,” Ewing nual spike in popularity most clearly when said. dance season approaches. “When it gets to Ewing believes that girls feel the need to this time of year, a lot of students do [use acquire a tan before dances because “they fake tanning methods]. It’s always this time want to look better and think tanner is betof year,” Torres said. ter.”

However, Torres believes that the probLikewise, in an survey conducted by The lem of poorly done fake tans has improved Patriot, students echoed Ewing’s reasoning since he was in school. “Back in the day, when asked why people feel the need to people used to turn orange, but it’s not as tan, saying, among other similar responses, bad anymore. They’ve developed better “They are too self-conscious of what their formulas for the products,” he said. skin color might be, and they are thinking According to junior Hy Gia Vo, artificial more about how people view them.” Othtanning is a cultural phenomenon that dis- ers answered, “[They tan] to impress other tinguishes America from her home country, people because they care when they think Vietnam. “Back home, people don’t really about being too ‘pale,’” and “Paleness has tan. It’s just not part of the culture,” Vo become less and less attractive over the said. While she notices that more students years, and not being tan somehow means seem to tan around school dances, she does you’re less beautiful.” not think that she will turn to fake tanning Ultimately, though, Gillam believes that methods in the future because it is “not artificial tans have little effect on how he worth it.” views his peers. “I wouldn’t personally do English teacher Hayley Howe, a survivor it, but it’s their choice,” he said.

10 ENTERTAINMENT

March 2017

Students plug into video games to relieve stress, have fun with friends, and immerse themselves in another world Taylor Bynion and Anna Sullivan Copy Editor and Entertainment Editor With tension rising and adrenaline pumping, junior Robbie Baranoski stays focused and determined as he strives to keep his team in the game for another round while playing his favorite first-person shooter game, Rainbow Six Siege. As the last member left on his team, Baranoski refuses to give up and attempts to play out a strategy hopefully leading him to victory.

Baranoski comes home each day from track practice, finishes homework, and relieves his stress from the day by connecting with friends on his Xbox One and playing first-person shooter games.

While Baranoski enjoys playing games by himself, he finds connecting with friends gives him more of a challenge. “I want to get better, so just competing with friends to see who is the best [is fun],” he said.

Baranoski favors first-person

shooter games, similar to many students. According to results from a survey sent out by The Patriot, 66 percent of students play shooting games in addition to several other genres.

Baranoski not only plays video games after school at home, but he also plays nearly every day after track practice as a member of the Games Club. He finds this to be an enjoyable after school activity where he can share his hobby with fellow students.

“I showed up at the beginning of indoor track season,” he said.

“I just saw what they were doing, and they invited me to come play.”

The Games Club meets most days after school and is a place where students can come together and share the common interest of gaming, according to moderator Shane Lawler.

The club plays a variety of games from video and computer generated games to card and board games.

“I just kind of let the kids come in [and] have fun. They use the projector and play video games if

they want to,” Lawler said.

Lawler believes that playing games provides “camaraderie as well as certain competition to be the best.”

“Playing video games can provide camaraderie as well as certain competition to be the best.”

Games Club moderator Shane Lawler

He also believes that coming together to play games is relaxing.

“I think even sometimes with me, I’m looking forward to the kids having a lot of fun,” he said.

The Games Club uses different consoles including a Wii and a Wii U. Similarly, the student body uses different devices.

According to the survey, a majority of students play video games on their cell phones. However, some students like freshman

Madison Kozera prefers to play on a console such as an Xbox or Playstation.

Students use different consoles and games for numerous reasons.

According to Kozera, she plays video games because she enjoys becoming part of a story.

“I like to see the different ways the characters connect and how that all plays out especially in Kingdom Hearts,” she said.

Freshman Brian Thompson agrees that part of the fun of playing video games comes from feeling as though you are a part of its world.

“I like to build up to know where you are in the game,” he said. “I prefer getting a little more in-depth and kind of learning everything behind all the characters.”

In addition to players feeling as though they get to be part of the story, Kozara believes, “[Video games] are kind of a stress reliever because kind of like books and movies, they take you into a whole new world that you can kind of just forget about your problems for a while.”

Illu str ation

by Nicole Ka

na ras

GAME ON!

32% play video games every day

65% play video games on computers

66%

play shooter style games

The Patriot conducted a survey via Survey Monkey on March 8. 180 students responded.

PERSPECTIVES 11

March 2017

Patriot Debate: School uniforms Uniforms restrict students’ chances for self-expression

Paige Alban In-Focus Editor Walking down the halls on a typical dress down day, I observe the bright colors and laughter emanating from my fellow classmates. The halls swirl through my head with a vibrancy in stark contrast to the usual gloomy grey and black uniforms. As I glance around, I smile and take in this joyous environment.

These smiles may be because the students are comfortable in their own clothing for once, the opposite of their usual polos and uniform bottoms. More importantly, it may be because they are allowed to express themselves for a change, even through something as simple as clothing.

This lack of comfort associated with uniforms is nowhere more apparent than when a school has gendered uniforms (females wearing skirts and males wearing pants), since any students who do not conform to these genders, such as LGBTQ students, may feel uncomfortable in the place where they are supposedly allowed to be safe and grow.

In a letter written to the president of the United States, male transgender student ‘Seamus’ notes that he is forced to wear a skirt and blouse all day, which makes him highly uncomfortable. Furthermore, he says that wearing this uniform, “nearly destroyed me.”

In addition to making some students unnecessarily uncomfortable, uniforms can present complications for teachers. Skirt length policies put teachers in difficult positions when they have to address female students on the length of their skirt.

While students must be judged on arbitrary glances by teachers, they are also measured against their peers. Child and Teen Development Specialist Robyn Silverman said in an interview with the Today Show that female students compare their body types to fellow students wearing the same

Dress codes create Do uniforms allow positive environment students to better for students

uniform.

“As a body image expert, I hear from students all the time that they feel it allows for a lot of comparison,” she said.

According to Silverman, this comparison creates a hostile environment for all students as they wind up distracted from the learning experience. Students want some way to express themselves, despite a strict dress code which implements some restrictions.

According to National Association of Elementary School Principals, approximately 90 percent of school leaders prefer to keep the dress code simple by requiring students to wear polos and chinos in place of dress shirts and ties.

This simplicity and uniformity hinders students’ ability to grow as independent decision makers.

By requiring students to wear a uniform every day, we strip them of having the freedom of deciding something as simple as clothing, which is a crucial component of self-expression.

While schools may aim to develop students as holistic individuals, their uniform policies contradict this message. Instead, they tell students to blend into a crowd, and to submit to authority unquestionably.

Overall, being able to pick your own clothing benefits the students and the community.

Allowing students to choose their clothing lets students express themselves and takes the stress of uncomfortable confrontation off of teachers, creating a more peaceful environment.

explore their individuality?

Photo by Allie Taylor

Patriot Answers

Caroline Cooney Editor in Chief As I stand staring into my closet, all I can see are tangible fragments of my stress. An hour has already passed and several combinations of different clothing options are well exhausted in my search for a socially acceptable outfit. The longer I stare, the higher my anxiety level increases.

These high levels of anxiety and stress are inevitable when dress down days take place.

Imagine attending a school where every night you experience these emotions while you pick out the outfit for the following day - it’s not one I would like to attend.

Although I realize that I am stressed more than the average person, it is common for people to worry about dress down days and whether they will be overdressed or underdressed when compared to their friends.

Fortunately, JC’s uniform policy eliminates these stressors and creates a positive atmosphere that allows us to not only explore our creative mindset by encouraging us to express ourselves in more creative ways, but also to be able to unite as a community.

According to a survey conducted in 2013 by the National Association of Elementary School Principals, school leaders who have a school uniform policy in place believe that it has made a “positive impact on peer pressure and bullying.”

A mandatory school uniform eliminates pressure to have the “trendiest”

styles and to dress the same way as everyone else.

As a result, students are able to focus more on their academics instead of having to worry about choosing an outfit each night.

This helps create a positive atmosphere that encourages achievement rather than one that focuses on who’s wearing the most expensive brand.

Uniforms do not limit one’s ability to express themselves and their beliefs. Rather they encourage others to find a creative way to do so.

In the Supreme Court Case Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District, students were suspended after wearing black armbands to show their opposition to the Vietnam War. The Supreme Court declared that students’ constitutional right to free speech “does not relate to regulation of the length of skirts or type of clothing.”

This means that students still have the opportunity to express their own individuality while still in uniform.

Having uniforms encourages students to explore other ways to express themselves rather than relying on their clothes to do it for them. Oftentimes, students do this by wearing pins on their jackets or skirts as well as putting stickers on their laptops.

By wearing a school uniform every day, we present ourselves as a large community and are able to connect through the one thing we all have in common: we are JC students who strive for excellence.

Wearing a uniform each day helps us be easily identifiable and can provide a professional look to outsiders.

Overall, uniforms relieve students from the stress of choosing an outfit each night.

The positive atmosphere that is established allows us to explore our own individuality by finding creative ways to express ourselves and to identify as an entire community together.

What is your opinion on having a school uniform?

Jacob Barrett

Adam Spaeth

Caitlyn Trent

Emma Gromacki

Susan Kraft

Freshman

Sophomore

Junior

Senior

Faculty

“We need to have one because kids can’t just be walking around wearing whatever they want.”

“I think that they show a type of professionalism.”

“I think they’re good because I feel like they help make sure no one’s dressed inappropriately.”

“I like them because I don’t have to spend time in the morning searching for an outfit.”

“I think it just helps to support a positive atmosphere in the school.”

12 PERSPECTIVES

March 2017

Coup de Grace Grace Mottley

Move forward, but look back

History repeats itself. This concept is not foreign to us. It’s understandable, as human nature never really changes but merely finds new ways to express itself.

While the same events may not repeat themselves perfectly, similar events will occur that parallel those of the past.

As a result, an understanding, appreciation, and respect for history is not only appropriate but also necessary. As philosopher George Santayana once said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

We need to appreciate our past if we want to successfully and effectively approach our future.

When properly appreciated, we can apply a new lens to our own situation. For example, when Sergeant Baxter came and talked to the school about segregation in Harford County, I was struck by how accepting our community was of racial discrimination during his youth.

When given an opportunity to learn from the past and from our mistakes, like the examples of segregation provided by the assembly with Sergeant Baxter, we are given the opportunity to prevent those mistakes from happening again.

When the seniors visited the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C., we were given one such opportunity, and the experience helped refocus my thoughts towards current issues.

I learned of the story of the MS St. Louis, a ship carrying over 900 Jewish refugees who were attempting to escape Nazi persecution. They were continually denied refuge by other countries, and when the ship was forced to return to Germany, almost half of its inhabitants died in the Holocaust.

Acknowledging this horrific part of our past made me reconsider our current refugee situation. And even if applying this knowledge of the past doesn’t change your opinion, it allows you to form a more informed opinion.

JC provides students with ample opportunities to appreciate history, and we can take advantage of them. We must try and apply the events we learn about in our social studies classes to our lives, but we must also appreciate the events JC provides for us, including assemblies and the trip to the Holocaust Memorial Museum.

If we focus on the work our predecessors have done in the past, it serves as a humbling reminder that we need to work to continue the fight to protect freedom that our forefathers started.

Photo by Caroline Cooney

Sophomore Emma Balint holds a candle in memory of sophomore Josh Hamer at the candlight vigil on Thusday, March 2. In addition to the vigil, students united together on Monday March 6, the community held a prayer service to honor and celebrate Josh’s life.

Community unites after unexpected loss of student Hundreds of candles glowed on the baseball field, shining light in the midst of darkness. As more tears were shed and more candles were lit, students, faculty, parents, and friends alike wished this was all a horrifying nightmare.

As members of the community sobbed in each other’s arms and his mother cried out, “He was my world,” the community knew there was no waking up.

On Thursday, March 2, sophomore Josh Hamer passed away unexpectedly after a tragic car accident on his way to school.

While the community has struggled to understand why this has happened, we have come together and handled the death of one of our own in a beautiful way. With the support and guidance of faculty, staff, and administration, we have been able to unify as a community and begin a long healing process.

As the events unfolded, the administration delivered the news of the accident to the community in an appropriate manner by dividing the student body into their respective grade levels. The baseball team and Josh’s advisory were separated into smaller groups for a more intimate discussion. This proved to be an efficient way to allow everyone to process the

information, rather than to cause further havoc by gathering the entire community in one place.

As the day progressed and the school received more information on Josh’s condition, faculty and staff kept the students updated.

Vice Principal of Academics Gary Scholl graciously delivered all information possible and made the announcement of Josh’s death around 12:30 p.m. Through this time of grieving, guidance counselors generously opened their doors and students were more than grateful for their constant support.

In separate classrooms, students were given time to process the news. This situation proved very stressful and consisted of sitting with advisories in hopes of further instructions or news.

However, not long after, the administration made a wise decision for the good of the community and canceled classes, along with those the following day.

This decision allowed students to grieve in peace, especially those who required time alone to cope. Saving the student body the pain of struggling through the week’s remaining classes was the best decision the school could make at this time.

As a community, we contin-

The Patriot

News Lauren Becker Elizabeth Harmison

Perspectives Adriana Guidi Allie Taylor

Editor in Chief Caroline Cooney

Community Pia Scotto Erin McCloskey

Sports Christina Giovanazi Emily Stancliff

Entertainment Edward Benner Anna Sullivan

Copy Taylor Bynion Alyssa Kraus James Keller

Volume 52, Issue 4, March 2017

Online Chief Grant Sharretts Assignment Chief Grace Mottley Media Chief Katherine Grimm

In-Focus Paige Alban Ianna Pirozzi

General Staff Daniel Robinson

ued to honor Josh and to respect his family by organizing a vigil Thursday evening on the baseball field, a place where Josh developed close relationships with his teammates.

The vigil featured moving speeches from baseball coach Darrion Siler and junior baseball players Ryan Archibald and Luke Zagurski. Their speeches held such a high level of admiration for their beloved friend and teammate and brought a flicker of hope to those mourning. The approach to the vigil was heart-warming and felt intimate, despite the large crowd.

This vigil gave members of the community the opportunity to unite and to share stories commemorating Josh’s memory. Not only was it truly astonishing to see the amount of people who came to show their respect, but it also demonstrated the power behind coming together for an important reason.

While the community is still struggling with the loss of Josh, events including the vigil and the prayer service helped many cope and come to terms with his death.

Each event provided an opportunity for everyone to support each other, rather than dealing with the grief alone.

In addition to the vigil, the school remained open on Friday and supplied several outlets for students to utilize in this time of grieving. Guidance counselors were available at the school to talk to anyone who needed it.

Knowing that this service was available to our community comforted students and reassured us that we must rely on each other to get through this difficult time and not to attempt to handle it on our own. It demonstrated how the members of the JC community truly care for one another and will support each other in the most difficult times.

Although this tragic loss has impacted our entire community, it has helped us mend the pain that we have struggled with and has helped us refocus on what it means to be a part of the Patriot family. Considering the circumstances, JC handled the loss of Josh with grace and has honored his life in a dignified way.

As we move forward, it is imperative that we continue to stay united as a community and cherish the compassion and support demonstrated during this tragic time. We must always remember Josh and the sense of community and work towards carrying it with us in everything that we do.

Artists Stephanie Imbierowicz Nicole Kanaras Ashlee Kothenbeutel Beth Sapitowicz Adria Pirozzi

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.

Multimedia Zachary Miller Druw Van der Werff

A copy of each print issue is distributed to each of the 700 students and 110 faculty and staff members. Some of the remainder are sent out to exchanging schools with a return address. The remaining copies are shared in the Main Office, Library, Admissions Office, Office of Institutional Advancement, given out when needed,

Moderators Mark Ionescu Nick Attanasio The John Carroll School 703 Churchville Road Bel Air, MD 21014

or archived. For more information, please visit jcpatriot.com/about.

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

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

PERSPECTIVES 13

March 2017

Career preparation courses allow students to prepare and explore possible fields

Bynion’s Opinion Taylor Bynion

Edward Benner Entertainment Editor On Feb. 12, 2013, President Barack Obama announced in his State of the Union Address his vision for the future of American high schools. He said, “I’m announcing a new challenge to redesign America’s high schools so they better equip graduates for the demands of a high-tech economy... We’ll reward schools that develop new partnerships with colleges and employers and create classes that focus on science, technology, engineering, and math.”

Since this address, schools across the nation have focused more on career-readiness and preparing students for the workforce after college.

The realization was made that students could further excel if they were given more opportunities to bridge the classroom to the workplace. By expanding course offerings and opportunities for job shadowing and research, students can better gauge what they want to pursue in the future and how to hone their specific talents.

JC is among those schools who have made this shift. New programs have been introduced to the curriculum that prepare students for life beyond college.

The STEM Academy combines science, technology, engineering, and mathematics into a comprehensive exploration of all of the aforementioned fields.

According to the JC website, the STEM Academy is an “innovative program that provides JC students with the skills that will enable them to pursue STEMrelated majors and programs of study at competitive colleges and universities...students will learn a variety of ‘real world’ applications that will prepare them for college, as well as expose them to STEM careers.”

Students who participate in the program meet frequently and take part in group activities like

Cut the act at awards shows

Illustration by Stephanie Imberiowicz

In recent years, high schools across the nation have offered more career-oriented courses. It is beneficial for students to take these courses in order to help them prepare for and explore possible careers. launching model rockets. They also work on independent research for their senior projects and perform field related service to become more involved in the community, as well as their studies.

The courses serve the dual purpose of giving students the ability to hone their skills as well as explore their passions.

In addition to the STEM Academy, JC now offers the Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurial Exploration (“FLEX”) program for those students who plan on pursuing business after high school.

This program enables students to gain business skills and knowledge while still in high school.

They are given resources to

Report Card: Remberance Day inspires community One of the biggest violations of human rights in the history of mankind was the Holocaust, and the fact that we have the chance to meet with survivors of this terrible time in history and hear their stories is a once in a lifetime opportunity. It is beneficial for students to hear these stories and also gives our respect to people who suffered unimaginably when they were our age or even younger. By listening to the stories of hardships and having conversations with these survivors, we can work to become more tolerant and also do our part in making sure that nothing this horrible happens ever again. These amazing stories of bravery and perseverance just go to show how lucky we all are.

work on business models and pursue potential business prospects.

This past year, students were sent to a conference to learn networking and how to present their business models.

The program is partnered with Harford Community College and University of Delaware so that students can participate in dual enrollment to take more advanced level business courses before starting college. This program is unique to JC and is an incredible opportunity for students in the area who are not able to pursue such a program elsewhere.

The STEM Academy and FLEX program serve the dual purpose of giving students the ability to hone their skills as well as explore their passions.

By participating in such programs in high school, students can discover if they are truly enthusiastic about the subject matter earlier in life. This can save students money and aggravation

once they go to college if they decide not to pursue it.

Some are making the argument that students should not be pushed to take part in these programs as there is a greater need for traditional jobs, such as manufacturing. Opponents worry that emphasizing only professional careers will leave society with a deficit of skilled workers that are essential to the country.

While this is a valid argument, there needs to be a fine line between stressing higher education and appreciating other jobs without diminishing their importance.

There is nothing wrong with encouraging students to chase their dreams and pursue careers that require more education.

The shift in educational thinking to more job preparation is one that will benefit students. Now students can get a head start on their careers and become knowledgeable and enthusiastic members of the workforce with ease.

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

Dysfuctional clocks tick off students Nothing is worse than when I look up at the clock during class and realize that it’s either showing a completely inaccurate time or the hands are moving entirely too fast.

Not only are the clocks in the classrooms broken, but the clocks in the hallway each have a different time displayed on them as well. Not to mention if a student so much as slips their phone out of their pocket to check the time they get scolded by their teacher.

How are students expected to get to class on time when they can’t even see the time? In general, this is an easy problem to fix and would make life so much more convenient for students and teachers alike if the clocks would actually work.

By News Editor Elizabeth Harmison and Perspectives Editor Adriana Guidi

Cafeteria food provides variety Everyone likes to have variety in their food and having options when choosing food in the cafeteria. Lately, the cafeteria has been making a great effort to provide different food options. New choices include special pizza options, seafood, sandwiches, and the salad bar. Now that it is the season of Lent, the cafeteria has also been making sure that there are a lot of non-meat options for students who are partaking in the Lenten practice of abstaining from meat on Fridays.

Students are also being emailed the upcoming food schedule for the week, which is beneficial for students to plan out meals, or just be able to look at the different options that will be available for the following week.

Having the wrong winner announced at the Oscars this year was not the only disappointing event that took place at the awards show.

During the Oscars, politically based comments, such as, “I am against any form of wall that wants to separate us,” and “All you people out there who feel like there’s no mirror for you...

The Academy has your back, the ACLU has your back, we have your back, and for the next four years...we will not forget you.”

These comments were completely unnecessary for the environment of an awards show. Similar comments were also made at the Golden Globes, SAG Awards, Grammys, People’s Choice Awards, and the American Music Awards.

Such comments take away from the intent of an awards show. The purpose of awards is to recognize the accomplishments and talents of men and women in the entertainment industry, not to provide a platform for them to express their political views.

Many viewers tune into such programs, hoping to see their favorite entertainers win awards based upon their success and popularity. This year, viewers instead found bold political commentary and divisive comments that many people, including me, found offensive.

With so many political programs already on television, it is unnecessary to bring political comments into awards shows.

According to the New York Times this year’s Oscars held “the second-lowest total since Nielsen started tracking viewership in 1974,” with one of the reasons for the low viewership being, “the prospect of political speeches aimed at the Trump administration.”

Entertainers should consider the ramifications of their actions.

Simply because someone appreciates their talent as performers does not mean he or she shares the same political views. According to the Hollywood Reporter National Research Group, “66 percent of Trump supporters said they have stopped watching an awards show because a winner discussed political views during his or her speech.”

Celebrities sharing their political views is not wrong, but they need to consider the forum on which they choose to do so. Making political statements at awards shows is inappropriate due to the venue and overall environment.

The speeches and comments made at award shows need to focus on more positive topics and avoid controversial issues.

14 SPORTS Here’s the Game Plan Emily Stancliff

Faster on empty?

During the Lenten season, we are all encouraged to fast to bring ourselves closer to God, but there are several key issues with fasting for athletes.

While some may feel that they have a heightened sense of energy or feel they can burn calories more easily, fasting is a dangerous mix with intense workouts.

If you feel an obligation to fast, however, there are some ways to make fasting safer.

There are two common ways that one can go about fasting.

There are full day fasts and daily fasts, which are differentiated by their length of time and allowed snacking periods.

Full day fasts are self-explanatory, taking place over 24 hours, while daily fasts are most commonly 16 hour fasts with eighthour eating windows.

While there is some evidence to support the benefits of both kinds of fasting, neither are recommended for athletes, which is why several rules must be followed. Rule number one is to prepare ahead of time. As every athlete knows, “carbing up” the night before a big game is beneficial, but with longer forms of fasting, you need to build up to the fast.

To ensure a safe transition, you should start by limiting your meal content. By focusing on eating small meals, working your way down from proteins to carbs to fruit, you can make an easier transition into your fasting stage.

Rule number two is to keep your exercise light, but stay occupied. You will find that your attention will be hyper-focused, but your job throughout the day is to keep your mind busy. If in school, it might be of some interest to pay attention in class, keep your hands moving, or do something productive. If you are at home, then taking your dog for a walk, taking a nap, or watching a movie or TV show could be of some help.

Rule number three is to always be aware of what you are doing on your day of fasting. If you have a game, you are going to need some kind of calorie intake since the nature of the activity is more intense. Eating small snacks with high sugar content will be essential before, during, and after your game.

Lastly, you should always remember that coming out of your fast should be similar to a cool down lap at the end of practice.

You are trying to ease your way back into your normal eating patterns. Something light, like a salad or crackers, cheese, and fruit are great options.

March 2017

Lacrosse team trains for three-peat Daniel Robinson General Staff Member Shutting off his alarm, senior attackman Joe Rayman gets out of bed and checks the time: 4:45 a.m. As badly as he wants to go back to sleep, he knows he has to get up because it is the start of “Patriot Week,” the title given to the week of 6 a.m. lacrosse practices.

While some people think these practices are over-the-top, to the men’s varsity lacrosse team, they’re just part of the process.

According to Rayman, the team engaged in strenuous workouts each morning during the week of Feb. 13 to 17 in order to get faster, stronger, and closer as a team.

“Patriot Week” was an attempt to get better and build more confidence, according to head coach Brian King. “I think, in an odd way, the kids liked it,” King said.

Part of the team bonding included activities that were not lacrosse-related. On Wednesday, February 15, the team went to IHOP for a team breakfast. “We worked hard all morning, so we earned that breakfast,” Rayman said.

In addition to “Patriot Week,” the team also worked out during the fall and winter seasons on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in the school weight room.

“We had a different schedule every day with a different lift each day, too,” Rayman said.

These off-season workouts have been a new change under King, a new addition to the program never seen before by the

Photo by Elizabeth Harmison

Sophomore defenseman Henri Marindin meets senior attackman Chris Tassanari at the goal line during drills in practice. The varsity lacrosse team is striving for a championship season to achieve the three-peat in the MIAA. lacrosse program. According to senior attackman Nick Rosaschi, the lacrosse team was more lenient and less intense before King was hired. “With Coach King, there are high expectations to be great, and we are trying to sustain this success,” Rosaschi said.

King wants both his team and his players to be great. “We provide opportunities for our guys to get better, and we encourage them to play multiple sports, too,” King said.

Athlete Spotlight:

King has also seen players appreciate aspects of discipline and structure. The players have also had the benefit of the physical workouts and getting into better shape as a result.

The team is coming off backto-back MIAA B Conference championships and is looking to complete a three-peat. While they have lost four seniors from last year’s team, they are still confident that they will get the job done this year.

“We are a different team this year,” Rayman said. “We have a different group of kids and a different team dynamic, but we have the same goal: winning.”

Although the numerous offseason workouts may seem intense, in the end, it all pays off for the players. “In the moment, it sucks and you ask yourself why you’re doing it, but after you’re done, you feel accomplished,” Rayman said.

“Conditions change, but standards don’t.”

Abby Hormes Sports: • Lacrosse • Soccer • Indoor Soccer • Indoor Track

Achievements: • •

White Blazer recipient All-IAAM Indoor Soccer First Team

•

All-County Soccer

“Abby never has to be told to do anything, and she always works hard.

She always pushes you and makes you better.”

Sophomore varsity lacrosse defender Georgia Ceanfaglione

Photo by Grant Sharretts

Senior midfielder Abby Hormes advances up the field on attack. Hormes also competes on the soccer, indoor soccer, and indoor track teams.

“She is one of the best athletes allaround. She is also one of the most competitive players I’ve ever met, but that’s what makes her who she is.”

Women’s varsity lacrosse coach Abbey Swift

SPORTS 15

March 2017

Uncommon sports

shatter expectations

By Sports Editor Christina Giovanazi and In-Focus Editor Ianna Pirozzi

Kicking down big competition

Photo courtesy Andrew Moss

Senior Andrew Moss practices Taekwondo in his backyard. Moss began participating in Taekwondo in December 2015 and competes every other month. He has won multiple first place awards and even a state title.

Eager but calm, senior Andrew Moss walks onto the mat to face his opponent. They begin sparring, and limbs strike rapidly as the pair try to land hits on each other. Though he takes several hits, Moss grits his teeth and perseveres enough to claim the win.

Moss started Taekwondo two years ago, but he has already become successful in competitions. He competes every other month throughout the mid-Atlantic region and has won several first place awards, including a state title.

In order to perfect his technique for competitions, Moss practices Taekwondo six days a week. “It’s a lot of work, but it is so worth it,” he said. One of the predominant factors that keeps Moss motivated to continue Taekwondo is the family that his martial-arts-based friendships have morphed into. “I’ve

Speeding toward victory The smell of burning rubber engulfs junior Rory Van der Steur as he starts his engine and begins to drive around the track. The drone of running motors buzzes constantly in his ears.

Within two seconds, he feels the thrill of accelerating from zero to 60 miles per hour.

Van der Steur started racing shifter karts when he was just seven years old. He initially got behind the wheel to follow in the footsteps of his father, who raced cars professionally for six years from 2003 to 2009. Shifter karts are go-karts that are raced on closed circuits at speeds around 100 miles per hour. “Like in any sport, we race against kids in our age group with the addition of engine size. My age group is 15-18, and the engine size is 125cc,” Van der Steur said.

Van der Steur views shifter kart races as a stepping stone to more professional racing.

“Every professional F1, IndyCar, and any sports car driver stems from karting,” Van der Steur said. “I still do it because I hope one day

I can become a professional race car driver for some factory team.”

Although Van der Steur loves the track, shifter kart racing consumes a significant amount of time. “Just like in any other sport, practice makes perfect, so to prepare for races, I go to our local track in Millville, N.J., to practice for any upcoming races,” he said.

In the past month and a half, Van der Steur has missed 15 days of school due to racing. “I think the problem is people think I go to the beach when I say I’m missing school, but it’s way more than that,” he said. “I literally woke up this morning at 3:30 to get a flight back here and fly by myself.”

Van der Steur races with a team based in Florida called Musgrave Racing Company. He travels across the country with his team for races. “My favorite memory is probably racing in the streets of Las Vegas this past year,” he said.

“I have won a handful of money over the years and a couple test days in a racecar.”

traveled through the states to go and fight, and I have met so many friends and made family through this,” he said. “Some I even call my brothers and sisters.”

Moss works as a Taekwondo instructor as well.

While he has worked with many kids, working with a certain special needs child has been “the real thing that keeps me practicing.” Moss sees this boy almost every day at the Taekwondo studio. “[He’s] one of the sweetest boys I have ever met. It’s ‘Hello, Mr. Moss!’ every day I come in, and it keeps me going,” he said.

Moss has come close to earning his black belt, but he has struggled with a recurring hip injury. “I never achieved my black belt, both times I re-injured myself and had to have surgery,” Moss said. He hopes to earn his black belt in the near future.

Photo courtesy Rory Van der Steur

Junior Rory Van der Steur drives in a shifter kart race on the streets of Las Vegas. A shifter kart is a type of go-kart raced on closed circuits at up to 100 miles per hour.

Diving in deep blue sea Adjusting his goggles one final time, alumni Eric Amrhein, class of ’16, stands on the end of a platform before stepping off the edge. As he sinks into the water, his vision is immediately filled with bright turquoise and aquamarine, and, defying the laws of nature, he is able to breathe underwater.

Amrhein first started scuba diving last year as part of his Senior Project. “I just did all the training required to get certified as a PADI scuba diver, which is basically the biggest worldwide diving association.

I had to do a bunch of work in a classroom setting and take a bunch of tests as well as training in a pool and eventually doing dives in a quarry to complete it,” Amrhein said.

Photo courtesy Eric Amrhein According to Amrhein, scuba diving is much more than a prolonged swim. “It’s Eric Amrhein, class of ‘16, takes a selfie while scuba diving. Amrhein became certified as a PADI a super dangerous sport in that you can’t scuba diver for his Senior Project and says he has tried to dive as often as possible since. really have a bad day, or there can be seri-

ous consequences,” he said. “[You have to calculate] how much air you will use and how fast, so you can make sure you won’t run out.” For example, he notes, hand signals must be used to coordinate with other group members underwater.

Amrhein has not dived much since completing his Senior Project due to the high expenses involved, but he would like to start increasing the quantity of his trips.

“It’s super expensive, and although you can dive places like Ocean City, Md., the conditions are not the best there, so it kind of is a big ordeal to go,” he said.

Amrhein hopes to continue scuba diving in the future in order to explore the ocean and feed his interest in sharks. “I’m super into the ocean, so I love being able to explore deeper water than you can get to snorkeling and actually stay down there for a while and see the life living there,” he said.

16 SPORTS

March 2017

BRIMMING with talent

With multiple critical injuries throughout the season, players were forced to step up their game to reach new heights.

Four starters distinguished themselves among the rest, leading to a collection of impressive stats.

#21

Cameron Byers Freshman - Forward

“At the beginning of the season, I didn’t think I was ready for varsity, but at the end of the year, I think I proved myself as a varsity player.”

Illustration by Adria Pirozzi

Points per game: PPG Rebounds per game: RPG Assists per game: APG

#3

Immanuel Quickley Junior - Point guard

“I’ve come a long way. I proved my leadership, clutch factor, my attitude in practice and in games, and being a role model on and off the floor.”

PPG: 23.5 RPG: 5.4 APG: 7.2

PPG: 9.2 RPG: 5.8

#23

Montez Mathis Junior - Forward

“I’ve matured as a player, started encouraging my teammates more, and wasn’t getting upset when things weren’t going my way.”

PPG: 21.3 RPG: 8.7 APG: 2.4

#5

Nigel Haughton Junior - Guard

“I think I made a huge impact on the team. I filled a role that I wasn’t prepared for when Immanuel was out early in the season.”

PPG: 11.6 RPG: 4.2 APG: 3.9 Photos by Caroline Cooney and Grace Mottley