The Patriot April 2015, Issue 4, Vol 50

4.1.15

Issue 4

Volume 50

www.jcpatriot.com

@JCPatriot

@JCPatriot

Index

News 2

Lifestyles 4

A&E 7

The JC Patriot

The JC Patriot

Opinion 11

In-Depth 8

JCPatriot

JCPatriot

Sports 14

health at its

core

Fitness fads such as CrossFit, yoga, and boxing provide alternative routes to healthy bodies.

The history of video games has shaped modern culture, and their many formsattract diverse fan bases.

Mix up your diet with juicy smoothies. These sweet snacks are easy to make and packed with nutrients.

Lifestyles 4

In-Depth 8-9

A&E 10

CHE A TING 2

NEWS

April 2015

Cheating among high school students is prevalent across the country, and JC is no exception

Nicole Arrison Video Editor Thoughts circle through sophomore Jane Doe’s head, as she contemplates emailing her friend the answers to her homework.

She eventually decides to press send, resulting in more problems than she expected from pressing a little button.

“This person cheated off me by copying my whole English outline for a book because I sent it to him,” Doe said. “I didn’t know what to do but I thought, ‘hey, he’s a friend. I should help him.’”

Since the outlines were noticeably similar, Doe got called to Dean of Students Sean Ireton’s office and was given a detention for cheating.

Doe is an actual student who wishes to remain anonymous, but her situation is not uncommon.

Other students have witnessed, gotten in trouble for, or even participated in cheating themselves.

A senior, who wishes to remain anonymous, has cheated with different strategies. “I write equations on the inside of my calculator,” she said. “If we have a test with definitions, I write them on a piece of paper and put it on the floor or something.”

According to a survey of students conducted by The Patriot on March 12, 2013, 42 percent of students cheat at least once a school year.

“I think cheating is a problem everywhere, there’s no denial,” Vice Principal of Student Affairs Brian Powell said.

Throughout the years, many

teachers have caught students cheating, including Geometry teacher Jean Willan. “You know students are cheating when their answers are identical and nothing like what they should be,” Willan said. “You get a sense [when a student cheats] because they’ll, for example, hand in a perfect homework assignment but they can’t do the actual work in class, quizzes, or tests.”

According to previous Dean of Students and current Earth Science teacher Tim Perry, some students will ask other students who took the test before them what the questions are going to be on the test.

“I understand why

[people] cheat, but I still don’t think it is a good way to get through school.

Anonymous student

”

“It all depends on the integrity and character of students who had the test first, and if they’re willing to give up information to other students,” Perry said. “For reports, students might get one from the year before and change a few things, then turn it back in as their own.”

According to The Patriot survey, 85 percent of students cheat because they want a better grade.

With the implementation of Cyber Days, however, the administration has seen an increase in cheating. On March 2, Powell sent out an email to all students

and faculty, emphasizing the need to avoid cheating. According to Powell, this email was sent out because of cheating on previous Cyber Days.

“I was concerned because of dealing with plagiarism after Cyber Days,” Powell said. “I wanted the students to think, ‘Am I going to do my own work?’”

According to The Patriot survey conducted on March 23, 2015, 73 percent of students believe that cheating is more common on Cyber Days.

Powell emphasized a quote in his email, which he believes is important: “Students today should be empowered by the amount of information so readily available to them — we should not use it as an excuse to give the minimum effort possible.”

Powell’s goal with sending this email was to help students understand that doing their own work is the best moral solution. “Do your own work, it’s easier,” Powell said. “You can’t steal work ethic or character off of Wikipedia.”

Although cheating is a serious issue, some students look past it. “In Spanish class sometimes people look at my answers,” one freshman said. “But I just decide to let it go because they already took the class a previous year.”

Other students, however, tend to take matters into their own hands. A student who anonymously responded to The Patriot survey said, “someone cheated off my test when they were sitting next to me so I filled in the wrong answers because she cheats from me a lot and never gets caught.

After she turned in her test, I changed the answers to the ones I really thought were right. I got an A, and she failed the class.”

Willan focuses on the importance of the Honor Pledge with her students. “I make my students write the Honor Pledge because most of the time, they feel more obliged to follow it when writing it,” Willan said.

If Perry catches a student cheating, he follows the rules in the Student Handbook. “They get a zero [on the assignment], and I give a detention slip to the Dean. If they’re honest and tell me what they did, they’ll deserve consideration for honesty,” Perry said.

“But, they’ll lose my trust and I look at them with more of an ‘eagle eye’ in assignments.”

According to Powell, there are different lengths of punishments for the different cases of cheating. “Punishments can range from two detentions to demerits.

If it’s much more serious, it can lead to suspensions, which has happened multiple times,” Powell said. “We judge cheating on a scale, and it depends. We look at everything and try to be fair when dealing with it.”

Overall, teachers do believe that cheating does happen, but how students handle it and their lack of participation shows their integrity. “If they start [cheating] as a freshman, they keep going as long as they can [before getting caught],” Perry said. “For the most part, our students are good people, but young people don’t want to do the work to get the grade. We have really good people who should be commended for their character and integrity.”

42%

of students admit to having cheated in the 2013-2014 school year

91%

of students saw cheating at least once in the 2013-2014 school year

For more News , go to jcpatriot. com.

NEWS

April 2015

3

Master Plan changes look of JC

The changes being made under the Master Plan will alter aspects across the campus

Photo Couresy Richard O’Hara

The 2014 update to the Master Plan, shown above, proposes changes across the entire campus of JC. The proposed and implemented changes range from a promenade to and from the student parking lot to a revamped Academic Wing.

Mitch Hopkins News Editor A roundabout entrance with a statue of Archbishop John Carroll? An outdoor Athletic Hall of Fame and resurfaced tennis courts and track? These things aren’t parts of JC yet, but they are part of the plan.

The Master Plan was released in 2009 and would change numerous aspects of the school. The plan has been edited in the past five years, but everything from the parking lots and driveways to the interior of the classrooms still face changes in the coming years.

The Master Plan’s 2014 up-

date has cut out some expensive changes, according to President Richard O’Hara.

“In the original plan, we were going to tear down the old convent. That was going to cost $800,000 just to tear it down.

Instead, we saved it because we didn’t anticipate having international dorm students five years ago,” O’Hara said.

The Master Plan features updates on the bathrooms next to the convent, an expansion of the auditorium, and an expansion of the parking lots to accommodate 452 spaces, an increase of 52 cars.

For junior Faith Ensor, the changes come bittersweet. “The

school is kind of old but it has character, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But renovations would definitely help with prospective students. A prime example is the turf field. I’m sure that a ton of new students will be interested in JC,” Ensor said.

Steps of the plan have already been implemented throughout the school. The updated foyer and bathrooms, the installation of air conditioning in the auditorium, and the turf fields are all changes that are in the first phase.

According to O’Hara, there will be multiple phases in this plan. “Right now we are focused on Phase 1. We are looking at

another two to three years to finish it. After that we start Phase 2, which we don’t know what exactly will be included,” O’Hara said.

“Part of Phase 1 was to expand the entrance way and to include three lanes of traffic which would have been around $750,000.

That’s a lot for something that doesn’t have an impact on teaching or learning. It is a minor inconvenience, but we have to live with it for now,” O’Hara said.

One of the focuses of the Master Plan is to enhance the school and learning of students. A model classroom is currently being designed and discussed by faculty members and administration.

“We have architects who have met with faculty and other people who are interested and brainstormed on what needs to be in the classroom of the future,” O’Hara said. “Everything from lighting to desks to technology.

Right now we are trying to finish the designs.”

Spanish teacher Deirdre Magner’s room will be refurbished into the “model” classroom.

Phase 1 is estimated to cost $14 million. According to O’Hara, the school has raised $4 million and will borrow another $4 million once the rest has been raised. The remaining $6 million to be raised will go to the Academic Wing.

Fads I T N E S S 4

LIFESTYLES

April 2015

Exercising takes many forms, and students explore some of the alternative ways of staying in shape

CrossFit

Claire Grunewald Lifestyles Editor

Boxing Mike Moxley and Claire Grunewald Editors

Junior Faith Ensor bounces on the balls of her feet, preparing for her next punch. This “dance-like” movement is part her favorite “full body workout”: a one hour boxing/cardio routine she does at the Bel Air Athletic Club.

It starts off with a series of punching sequences, which is repeated twice for five minutes. After that, she gets a little cardio in, running on the treadmill and elliptical.

“The five-minute punching bag series is the worst because your arms get really tired,” Ensor said.

According to Livestrong.com, boxing is a great form of cardiovas-

Freshman Sammie Edwards completes a final “clean and jerk” before heading home for the night.

“Clean and jerk” is only one of the many types of weight lifting techniques Edwards has been exposed to at the the Gorillaz Grinders CrossFit gym in the Forest Hill Industrial Park.

CrossFit is a new fitness trend that is sweeping the nation. It offers a new type of physical exercise philosophy and a competitive fitness sport. According to Channel Signal, a consumer analysis website, there are currently 7,000 affiliate gyms, up from 13 in 2005.

CrossFit workouts incorporate

cular exercise. Boxers tend to fight for three-minute rounds interspersed with one-minute recoveries. Punching is often paired with sparring or bag work for similar durations. This start-stop form of exercise is an effective way to develop cardiovascular fitness.

Aside from a good form of physical fitness, boxing provides a mental stress-relief for some as well.

“Boxing is a huge stress reliever.

It allows me to punch things, which always helps, and also after a class I have a clear head and a stronger body,” Ensor said.

Boxing is a high-energy activity that is an alternative way for people to help manage weight. According to Livestrong.com, this activity in particular can help prevent a “caloric

Yoga

All results and responses presented are from a combination of interviews and 55 JC students who responded to a survey conducted by The Patriot via surveymonkey.com

Alex Rassmussen

News Editor Senior Samantha Wieczynski is sprawled out on her yoga mat as she listens to relaxing music and her instructor’s soothing voice. Wieczynski practices yoga about three times a week in order to relieve stress and increase her flexibility.

Yoga is a mental, spiritual, and physical practice that offers exercise for people of all physical ability. According to the Mayo Clinic, this exercise for the mind and body is a combination of stretches, controlled breathing, and relaxation, and can help ease stress, lower blood pressure, and improve heart function. Yoga takes many forms including Vinyasa, Hatha, Prenatal Yoga, Hot Yoga, among others, but all focus around the same type of connections.

elements of high-intensity interval training, Olympic weightlifting, plyometrics, powerlifting, gymnastics, calisthenics, and several other forms of exercise.

Members, once reaching a certain level of technique and experience, are able to enter the CrossFit games, which have been held every summer since 2007. Athletes compete in workouts they learn about only hours beforehand, sometimes surprising and new elements that competitors hadn’t experienced before at their CrossFit gym.

However, for people like Edwards, the gyms offer an alternative style of exercise. “I am doing CrossFit to train for field hockey, especially to help with my wrists,” Edwards said.

At Gorillaz Grinders CrossFit gym, you can attend however many times a week, with three classes offered by different coaches each night. You pick a time and attend whichever class interests you.

What makes this kind of gym so different? According to Edwards, it’s the atmosphere. “Everyone comes together as a family and cheers each other on,” Edwards said. “They all surround you and you’re with a big group, which is really fun.”

4% of students use CrossFit

surplus” and help maintain a healthy weight, combined with a caloriecontrolled diet.

“I really try to watch what I put into my body, and make sure I get protein and a good amount of fruits and vegetables into my diet as well,” Ensor said. “Hydration is key, and I try and drink water as much as I can throughout the day.”

Even just an hour of boxing a day could be a good way to stay in shape and mix up an exercise regiment.

“After these one-hour workouts, I honestly feel like I accomplished something, and having a refreshed state of mind helps a lot with my productivity and mood,” Ensor said.

12% of students try boxing to mix up their workouts

“Yoga connects your mind, body, and spirit,” certified yoga instructor at Razz Yoga Shannon Hall said. “It allows me to build strength, endurance, and helps reduce stress very well.”

The relaxing practice has been popular at JC recently with many students and teams, such as the women’s lacrosse team and the wrestling team, practicing yoga for stress relief or recovery purposes.

“For me personally, my biggest benefits are the release of stress and the opportunity to stretch. Yoga helps keep my strength and flexibility,” Wieczynski said.

Yoga can be useful for athletes who are trying to prevent or recover from injuries, according to another certified yoga instructor at Razz Yoga Daina Schnese. “Yoga is a practice that is unique because it is a workout, but at the same time it is a practice that can reduce injuries and can shorten recovery times,” Schnese said.

The varsity women’s lacrosse team practices yoga in order for the players to recover from previous workouts.

The team tries to incorporate yoga with their normal practice schedule.

Junior Hailey Siemek, a varsity lacrosse player enjoys practicing yoga.

“Yoga relaxes you spiritually and can help to relieve stress,” Siemek said.

According to Schnese, yoga is a great mental release. “When most people think of having a good overall health they don’t think about their minds or their spirits,” Schnese said. “Yoga is a practice that not only is good for you physically, it’s good for you mentally and spiritually. Yoga balances you.”

33% of students do yoga

LIFESTYLES

April 2015

5

by Billy Jump

healthy YOU Societal expectations fail to reflect reality

Senior Charlotte Molali speaks out about overcoming anorexia and her journey to recovery Kathy Deaver and Hanna LeBuhn Online and Print Chiefs Awakening suddenly, Charlotte Molali groggily sits up in bed when she realizes her parents were hovering over her. The packed bag in the corner and the mid-morning sun streaming through the window on what should have been a school day indicated that something was different that Tuesday morning.

“My room was empty [and they] told me they were taking me to the hospital,” Molali said. The next thing she knew, she was on the way to Sheppard Pratt.

Since her freshman year at Notre Dame Prep, current senior Molali had struggled with anorexia, but it was not until Dec. 11 of her sophomore year at JC that she and her family took steps.

“I didn’t really know I had a problem, but I lost a bunch of weight my freshman year and became very depressed. My parents said I could transfer schools, but we soon realized that transferring wasn’t going to solve the problem,” Molali said.

Upon her arrival at Sheppard Pratt, Molali was forced to eat a snack before dinner, since she hadn’t eaten anything that day.

Molali found it difficult to eat the pretzels, apple sauce, and juice she was given.

After that, Molali was admitted to the hospital as an inpatient at the highest level of care. Each morning, she had to have her vitals checked and be weighed, take a brief shower, and sit for an hour before breakfast. “[The program] is specifically made so you gain weight,” Molali said. According to her, this goal was met through large meals and strictly enforced periods of sitting.

Exercise was not an option, which was a major transition for Molali, who had been doing 2,000 jumping jacks daily, plus other cardio exercises.

Adjusting to the size of the meals — three per day plus a snack — was difficult for Molali who had to learn to finish everything on her plate, down to the last bit of mayonnaise in the packet.

While eating, showering, and using the bathroom, Molali was monitored by nurses who would also supervise all activities. According to her, the day was rigidly structured with group sessions and activities. “You feel like you’re five years old again,” Molali said.

Although the hospital restrict-

Artwork courtesy Charlotte Molali

Senior Charlotte Molali’s abstract self-portrait contains elements that reflect her experience with anorexia. After spending over a month at Sheppard Pratt during her sophomore year, Molali started her recovery. ed Molali in many capacities, she was able to meet people from all over the world. “I met people from Greece and England and even bonded with my five other roommates when we would gossip about the staff,” Molali said.

Molali remains in contact with some of the people she met while at the hospital, though she says that can be both a source of both negativity and positivity and that she has to be discerning.

“I tried really, really hard [to get better],” Molali said. “I wanted to get better, and I wanted to get out.”

After she was released from the hospital in January, Molali was restricted from exercise for six months and was forced to give up competitive Irish dancing. “[Dance] was my whole life,” Molali said.

However, she was determined to go back to high school. “I wanted it to be normal. I still wanted to go to school,” Molali said.

Despite her motivation, the transition back was still an adjustment. “I ended up failing geometry, but focused much of my time on my sophomore research paper,” she said.

Since her stay at Sheppard Pratt during her sophomore year, Molali has been vocal about her

experiences and spreading eating disorder awareness.

“Sharing your story can help others know they’re not alone,” Guidance Counselor Carol Heflin-Shupe said.

Molali shared some of her story with seniors during Senior Retreat on March 13.

“A lot of people ask why I’m so vocal about it,” Molali said. “I know that if I didn’t speak out, other people wouldn’t be getting help. It keeps me [focused].”

According to her, eating disorders are “secretive,” and the best ways to help are to put victims in contact with someone who can help and to just be there for them.

Also, she encourages people to talk to the person’s parents and let them know what is going on.

Heflin-Shupe adds that students should use the Yellow Ribbon cards they were given at an assembly on March 19. “[Give them] to any adult and say, ‘I’m asking for help.’ Those adults will get them to the nurse, the counselors, or whomever [can help],” Heflin-Shupe said.

Molali continues to attend support group meetings and plans to continue her treatment plan in college. “I know I wouldn’t be where I am today if I did not receive treatment.”

Men and women alike strive for the “ideal” body. Sometimes they do it for others, and sometimes they do it for themselves.

However, along the way, many people find themselves falling into a negative perception of their bodies and can adopt dangerous and destructive behaviors.

According to a study on obesity by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), obesity prevalence was not different between men and women. However, a study of 135 people by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) that studied the prevalence of eating disorders among Americans found that at least 85 percent of people who suffer from anorexia or bulimia are women.

If men and women are equally as likely to be obese, why are women so much more likely to develop an eating disorder?

The standards of beauty that society has demanded of women have rapidly changed. In just 60 years, women’s ideal body type has encompassed Marilyn Monroe’s hourglass figure, the athletic builds and towering heights of the ’80s supermodels, the “heroin chic” emaciation of the ’90s, and the Kim Kardashian bootyliciousness of today.

In addition, many of the body types of the women in media are physically unattainable, being digitally altered to fit society’s perception of beauty.

According to a study on the effects of eating disorders on women by the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), the body type of women portrayed in advertisements is only possessed naturally by five percent of American females.

Also, in a self-reported survey and clinical interview of elite athletes in the Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, 42 percent of female elite athletes in aesthetic sports (gymnastics, ballet, etc.) had eating disorders.

While only 5 to 15 percent of men reportedly have eating disorders, 4.2 percent of male teenagers have taken steroids to enhance their muscles.

The key to championing the influences of society and coming out a victor is remembering that the human body is varied and beautiful, and that, no matter what, there are people who understand and sympathize with what you’re going through.

6

LIFESTYLES

Students and teachers get the job done, no matter how filthy JC’s Dirty Disasters One of the dirtiest jobs religion teacher Thomas Vierheller has to do is clean the gym lockers. “There was a locker that was jammed and filled halfway up with old food,” Vierheller said. He has found everything imaginable. “Imagine finding sweaty stuff thats been there for six months.

Also, perfectly good school clothes left behind.”

The summer of 2003, Social studies and Science teacher John Hughes and fellow Social studies teacher Rodney Johnson were in a work crew planting 30 trees donated by the Klein Family.

These trees are the ones that are in the oval and around some of the fields. “It was easily 8 a.m. and 90 degrees. It was miserable,” Johnson said.

Long before the international students occupied St. Joseph’s Hall, it was a place for the sisters who worked at the school. One of the water pipes in the sink broke and water was going everywhere. Science teacher Tim Perry and President Richard O’Hara went over and had to fix the watery mess. “I felt very good that I could be there to help,” Perry said.

April 2015

Welding and construction How long has he been working?

Since he can remember His dirty job: “I was down in Virgina working with my dad on a 37-story high rise he was installing the pipes for. I was in a BACCO [construction vehicle] when the tire, which is as big as me, came off. It was pouring down rain and 40 degrees. It took two hours for us to take 2x4’s and put them in between the tire to fill it up with air.”

Junior Matt Stoots McDonald’s worker How long has she been working?

One year Her dirty job: “Every so often, I have to clean the bathrooms.

The men’s bathrooms are always the worst. I have found a pair of boxers on the floor, cleaned up poop on the floor and the sink, and cleaned pee from all over the stalls. I also had to clean up pee from the inside of the kids play area.”

Senior Camille Smith Harford Tree Experts How long has he been working?

Three summers His dangerous job: “There was a hanger branch that I didn’t see. It [swung] down about two inches away from my head and [almost went] into my skull.”

Why does he do it?

“It’s good money, but dangerous and keeps me in shape for wrestling.”

Senior Chris Almony

A&E

April 2015

Quick glances at school dances

Going face-to-face, school dances are compared to find the students’ favorite

Which dance is the most popular?

10%

Prom - 39% Ring Dance - 10%

Back to School Dance - 2%

Junior Casey Smial

“The Ring Dance is my favorite to chaperone because I teach a lot of juniors, and it’s just for them. One time it was Candy Land-themed, and by the end of the night no one could stand to have any more candy.”

Science teacher Julie Baker

on Prom

Which dance will be the most memorable?

Prom percentage

“The Back to School Dance is my favorite because I went with my girlfriends, and it was fun to not have to worry about having a date.”

or more

Responses were from an anonymous poll conducted via surveymonkey.com. 54 students responded to The Patriot survey on March 20.

Homecoming - 49%

Ring Dance Back to School Dance Sadie Homecoming Hawkins

93%

by Lauren Glase

iREVIEW of students Sow the seeds

would spend

$550

7

of students

have attended all of their

Homecomings

of good health with Plant Nanny If there’s one thing I know about myself, it’s that I never used to drink as much water as I should have. I would typically have about three cups of water per day. Now I’m consistently drinking 10. And none of this would’ve been possible without Dan. Dan is my virtual dandelion, the plant I am growing on the app Plant Nanny. For every cup of water I drink, I water Dan and watch him sprout and bloom.

Watching Dan grow has been the highlight of my week. He is now a level four dandelion and significantly larger than when I first planted him. Each cup of water brings him closer to leveling up to his next stage. The more I drink, the happier he becomes.

One day I opened a container of cranberry juice and drank that throughout the day instead of water. I ended up drinking less than half of the water I was supposed to and Dan became sad. Rather than his typical smiling face, he was frowning and drooping. Seeing my plant so upset was an awful feeling. I drank as much water as possible just to make him happy again.

The free app makes forgetting to drink water impossible. It sends push notifications after long periods without water. Additionally, when you look at the closed app on your home screen, you can see a red number in the upper righthand corner that tells you the number of cups of water that you have left to drink that day.

This motivation to drink water has made me healthier than I have ever been, and because of this I have a healthy plant. Eventually, Dan will finish leveling up and have no more growing to do. At this point, Dan will be added to my collection of plants and I can start growing a new one.

Once Dan is fully mature at level five, he will produce seeds.

These seeds can be used to get more advanced plants like a cactus or a rose, as opposed to the starter dandelion or devil’s ivy.

Of course, the app relies on honesty. You could easily say that you drank more water than you really did, but in doing that you would miss out on the health benefits that come with the downloading of the app.

Without Dan in my life, I would still be drinking under half of my daily dose of water. The free download of Plant Nanny has improved my health in the most adorable way possible.

8

IN-DEPTH

April 2015

1972

1989

1985

PONG, the first commercially successful video game, is realeased

Nintendo releases the Game Boy, selling 18 million copies worldwide

Super Mario Bros. is released and sells 10 million copies

How many gamers are...?

52%

AGE

48%

32%

18-35

Source: Entertainment Software Association

WHAT DOES JC PLAY ON? PHONE APP

PC HANDHELD

$21.53

CONSOLE OTHER

BILLION

Source: NPD Group/Games Market Dynamics

AVERAGE AMOUNT OF TIME AMERICANS PLAY VIDEO GAMES

13.2

0

5

10

15

20

67%

HOURS PER WEEK

OF US HOUSEHOLDS PLAY VIDEO GAMES

Source: American Psychological Association

Source: Entertainment Software Rating Board

JC’s Favorite Consoles:

55% XBOX

Sony releases the Playstation

UNDER 18

36+

THE TOTAL SPEND ON THE GAMING INDUSTRY IN 2013:

1994

29%

39% GENDER

1996

13%

PLAYSTATION

23% Wii

25

30

35

Nintendo releases N64, the last significant cartridgebased console

IN-DEPTH

April 2015

2000 1998

Nintendo releases the Game Boy color

Sony releases the PS3, selling 138 million units, the best selling console ever

2001

- Microsoft releases Xbox - Nintendo releases the Game Boy Advance

2004

Nintendo releases the Nintendo DS, sporting a touchscreen and stylus

2015

2006

Nintendo Wii and Sony PS3 are released only 8 days apart

Nextgeneration gaming hits the market with the Xbox One and PS4

By Billy Jump and Sydney Kirwan

From Atari to the PlayStation 4, video games have picked up a passionate and dedicated fan base.

How does JC and beyond get their game on?

VS1

JC’s Favorite Games:

The Patriot conducted a survey via Surveymonkey on Mar. 20, 2015.

64 students responded.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Mario Kart

Call of Duty Grand Theft Auto

Halo Just Dance

Best Sellings Games of All-Time:

.

2.

3.

4.

5.

TETRIS (1984)

Wii Sports Grand Theft Auto V

Super Mario Bros (1985)

Mario Kart Wii

9

10

A&E

April 2015

The best kinds of food are the kinds that are healthy but still taste like dessert. Smoothies are sweet, easy to make, full of nutrients, and perfect for warm spring days.

Blueberries Blueberries are rich in Vitamin C, making them a perfect smoothie ingredient. They also contain high quantities of manganese and fiber.

They even add a great color to your smoothie.

Bananas Bananas are full of potassium, which helps to control heart rate and blood pressure. They contain 28 percent of the daily reccommendation of Vitamin B. As a plus, bananas contain high levels of utopian which can help to overcome depression.

Strawberries Strawberries add sweet flavor and bright color to your smoothie. They are full of vitamins and minerals.

This vitamin and mineral combination has the potential health benefits of fighting against cancer and signs of aging.

Story by Media Chief Lauren Glase Photos by Editors Erica Kelble and Hanna LeBuhn

Greek Yogurt

Kale

Greek yogurt is packed with calcium, protein, and Vitamin B-12.

Greek yogurt has more calcium and less sodium than regular yogurt. Additionally, it is thicker and creamier.

Kale comes with the benefits of Vitamin C, helping to keep a healthy immune system. Kale also contains fiber which helps to make you feel more full and want to eat less unhealthy food.

Peanut Butter Banana Bliss

1. Fill 1/3 of your blender with ice 2. Add 1/2 cup of milk (use skim milk for the healthiest smoothie) 3. Add 1 banana, sliced 4. Add 1 tablespoon of peanut butter 5. Add chocolate syrup to your liking 6. Blend and enjoy

Nutrition facts: 239 calories, 8.5 g fat, 22.4 g sugar, 9.3 g protein, 35.4% Vitamin B-6, 17.4% Vitamin C, 16.3% Calcium, 20.9% Phosphorus

Peanut Butter Peanut butter adds a punch of protein to any smoothie. The fats in peanut butter are the necessary, healthy types of fat. Peanut butter also has magnesium to strengthen muscles and bones.

Quinoa Quinoa is a grain that is exceptionally high in magnesium, potassium, zinc, and iron. There minerals are all essential for a healthy diet. It is packed with protein as well. Additionally, quinoa is gluten free and organically grown.

Banana Berry Kale Smoothie

1. Put 12 ounces of plain (or flavored) Greek yogurt into the blender 2. Add one cup of raw kale and one banana, sliced 3. Add 1 1/2 cup of berries (any berry or combination, but blueberries and strawberries are recommended) 4. Add 1/2 cup of milk (use skim milk for the healthiest option) and 1 1/2 tablespoons of maple syrup for sweetness 5. Add 1 tablespoon of flaxseeds 6. Blend and enjoy Nutrition facts: 560.6 calories, 5.5 g fat, 67.5 g sugar, 41.5 g protein, 363.5% Vitamin A, 55.6% Vitamin B-6, 237.8% Vitamin C, 71.7% Calcium

OPINION

April 2015

11

Should the drinking age be lowered to 18 or remain at 21?

18

21

21

18

2

18

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Kathy Deaver Online Chief In America, 18-year-olds are considered responsible enough to be sent to war. They are able to drive, have children, get married, hold full-time employment, serve on juries, and even vote in elections.

Just remember, they are not responsible enough to know when they have drunk too much alcohol.

If 18-year-olds are considered old enough to perform all these adult functions, they also deserve the right to decide if they want to drink. Adulthood is about both assuming responsibilities and getting privileges. The two go handin-hand.

Giving 18-year-olds the responsibility of voting and fighting without the accompanying privilege of drinking if they wish merely confuses them about their standing in society. It sends the message that they are only pretending to be adults, so they shirk their responsibilities and continue acting like children.

In 1971, the voting age was lowered from 21 to 18, and many states followed up by lowering the legal drinking age. During the 1980s, however, an organization called MADD, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, began an initiative to have it raised again in an attempt to limit drinking-related deaths.

Although the goal of limiting drunk driving deaths has been

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“No, because there would be more driving accidents.”

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Sophomore Alyssa Whitehead

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“No, because we would be more immature and irresponsible.”

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Patriot Answers Freshman Sarah Decker

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The drinking age in the U.S. is 21, and this law has serious reasoning to back it up.

When a person heavily drinks during adolescence, it negatively affects the brain’s maturation process. According to an article, based on a study from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), large amounts of alcohol leads to a disruption in the development of new brain cells. During adulthood, the brain grows to keep itself healthy, but with a flawed maturation process in the teenage years, this won’t be as efficient or effective.

Studies show that underage drinking results in brain damage that is possibly permanent. It also impairs intellectual development, according to the NIAAA. The more consumed, the more the brain suffers later down the road.

Speaking of roads, driving is an issue. The ability to drive is new for teens, and the risk of drunk driving could increase.

“More than three people under the age of 21 die each day in alcohol-impaired driving crashes,” according to a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on responsibility.org.

It is also proven that the earlier you drink, the more likely you are to become dependent on alcohol, according to an article on choosresponsibilty.org. Delaying

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Copy Editor

drinking until 21 decreases alcohol problems by 70 percent, according to NIAAA. Alcoholics tend to have a higher chance of becoming addicted to other stimulating behaviors such as drugs or gambling.

The choices made while drunk at 18 are drastically different than choices made at 21. Those three more years of life experience change your decision skills. Remember yourself three years ago, and all of those Facebook posts, Instagram pictures, and social media in general? I know we all have regretted something in the past that we would never do now.

That same principle applies here.

On to the topic of culture: yes, Europe has a lower drinking age.

However, generally speaking, Europeans classically drink as an accompaniment to other activities. In America, those in high school throughout college seem, generally, to drink in order to get drunk. Drunken stupors are the activity in America, according to an article about a study with Penn State students from the website Alcohol Problems and Solutions.

The issue is starting at a young age. Lowering the drinking age will not solve the problem of underage drinking either: kids will start at an even younger age. If people want to solve underage drinking, enforce the law and inform the masses. Explain the adverse effects. Their brains can become deformed, and they will make bad decisions. Younger bodies and brains simply cannot handle this poison.

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Morgan Taylor

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“Yes, because you're an adult and you should be able to do what you want.”

Senior Brady Fritz

“I don't think so because it probably wouldn't solve anything and shouldn't be a risk we take.”

p

partially realized, the drop also took place during a period of increased alcohol education, car safety improvements, and widespread crackdowns with DUI checkpoints.

This makes it difficult to attribute all the saved lives to a higher drinking age. It is no secret that drinking at high school parties is widespread and much more dangerous due to its illegality and resulting secrecy.

The forbidden fruit attitude often held by American teenagers about drinking is a symptom of a society that does not teach its children how to drink socially while growing up. Instead we are sheltered from alcohol in all forms and quantities until age 21, when we are suddenly supposed to magically know how to drink responsibly.

By the age of 21, people are generally out of the house, off at college with a herd of equally impulsive 21-year-olds, and virtually no adult supervision. The news is full of stories of fights, rapes, and deaths resulting from alcohol-saturated parties. Such crazed drinking is at least partly derived from the fact that 21-year-olds have never been taught how to do it properly.

Lowering the drinking age which would keep people from abusing it. It would reduce alcohol’s allure by making it less forbidden. Teenagers are curious about things they don’t have. An earlier drinking age, accompanied by the pre-existing alcohol education, would normalize alcohol.

Should the drinking age be lowered to 18?

Junior Wilfred Ikejiofor

um

Faculty Sean Ireton

“No, because we need mature people to handle alcohol and 18 is too young.”

12

OPINION

April 2015

Graduation ceremony should reflect senior class wishes, uphold tradition

by Will Bolton

bolton’s BIASES Voting is all your country asks The United States of America asks for one voluntary effort in order to sustain the protection it affords to all of its citizens: the informed vote.

According to fairvote.org, a website that publishes research reports assessing American and international election systems, around 60 percent of eligible U.S. voters vote in presidential elections and about 40 percent do so in the mid-terms. These are startlingly low numbers compared to the average of 80 percent of total votership in countries with lessestablished democracies, such as Austria and Italy.

The fact of the matter is, voting takes little time and is a blessing that not many people in the world have, and it’s ridiculous for anyone to take it for granted.

In my judgement, there are three reasons eligible people do not vote.

First, some simply forget when the time comes.

Second, some are just too lazy and actively ignore their duty.

This is reprehensible, considering America arguably gives its citizens more freedom than any other country. Our country doesn’t force anyone to vote like Australia and Chile do, but instead allows its citizens the freedom not to participate in the governance of the country which provides them that very freedom.

It may seem ridiculous to berate high schoolers for being too lazy to care about politics, but around a quarter of us will be old enough to vote in the upcoming election and the rest will be eligible in the following one. It is certainly not too early to begin forming opinions on the issues which will shape our adult lives.

The third reason is that some have have chosen not to vote for no reason other than just not feeling like it.

The one reason I hear most for not voting is that there are no candidates the person likes and therefore he or she chooses to vote for no one. However, even if you cannot pick from the lesser of two evils because you see both as equally awful, you can always write in a candidate.

Another popular excuse is that the would-be voter is so disgusted with what is going on that they have simply given up.

Although frustration at the seemingly insignificant vote to change the infuriating problems is understandable, not voting does not help the issues while voting can and does.

The Patriot Staff If you can’t take the heat, don’t buy turf fields. Due to the increased ground temperatures caused by the turf fields, the graduation ceremony is in for serious changes. There is only one group of people opposed to the change: those who are actually graduating.

The administration polled the senior class, their parents, and the faculty, proposing graduation changes. They suggested that the Baccalaureate Mass and the graduation ceremony occur backto-back on the turf field. Until this year, the Mass was held in the gym and the graduation ceremony on the field, with a brunch in between.

In the survey, the majority of seniors voted against change.

The parents and faculty voted for change.

“We found the best way to [change it, and] that would be to combine the two events and keep it a little shorter. We had an expected pushback [from the students], but the parents, faculty, and staff have pushed for it,” Vice Principal of Student Affairs Brian Powell said.

Powell perfectly articulates the problem with these changes.

Parents, faculty, and staff have pushed for it, but graduation is not about them. It’s about the stu-

dents, who just so happen to be ing the ceremonies, they want to absent from Powell’s list of sup- keep students and other guests porters. on the turf in the morning, while Principal Madelyn Ball avoiding the hot afternoon sun. called the senior class together This means that in order to have after collecting the survey re- a cooler graduation, the adminissults and admitted that while tration plans on having the peothe administration understood the ple outside in the sun for longer. negative reaction of the seniors, While outside temperatures may it was going to proceed with the be lower, the overall length of the changes anyway. ceremony increases the sun expoIf the graduates-to-be had liked sure with no breaks. these changes, then they are abThese changes also decrease solutely the the sense of right thing to community. do, but the As such, it should not Having Mass general opinin the gym crebe about the comfort ion of the seates a strong niors is that of the spectators, but community they do not feel. Seniors about the experience want these sit surrounded of the graduates. changes. by their parThe adminents and teachistration has ers. With Mass lost sight of the importance of the on the turf, students will sit with graduation tradition. Graduation their backs to their families, who is the culminating event for a high will be sitting on the bleachers, school student and a bridge into detached from them. independence. As such, it should The brunch also provided a not be about the comfort of the sense of community. Having a spectators, but about the experi- brunch after the Mass gives the ence of the graduates. It is selfish seniors time to relax and enfor the administrators to substitute joy their special day. It allows comfort for tradition, as they’ve students to talk to their peers, done so many times in the past. teachers, and families. RemovWhen the graduation is no longer ing brunch will rush the graduaabout the seniors, the ceremony is tion ceremony and diminish what virtually meaningless. little sense of community is left.

The administration is only conThe necessity of the brunch cerned with the heat. By combin- does not stop at social time. It

“

”

also encompasses physical nourishment.

Graduation is a long event, taking up the morning and going into the afternoon. Students, parents, and faculty get hungry.

Having brunch allowed people to rejuvenate themselves. By cutting this brunch, everyone involved in the ceremony will be sitting in the hot sun for an extended period of time with no nourishment or time to refresh themselves.

According to Powell, there will be a “social time” after the ceremony instead of the brunch. Yet with the former graduation set up, there was nothing to prevent the graduates from having a social time after the ceremony. People could stay and socialize or leave school as soon as the ceremony was completed. The biggest difference between the previous set up and the upcoming graduation’s set up is that the cafeteria will be available for socializing.

Graduation ceremony is the pinnacle of every high school experience and the final event for seniors to remember. The event used to focus on community and cater to the wants and needs of the graduating seniors. The senior class’ opinion should be respected and held above all others when considering changes to graduation. This is the only high school graduation the seniors will have, and they deserve to enjoy it.

Rawli’s World: The Couch Potatoes Cartoon by Rawlison Zhang

I put my running gear on.

To get more chips.

Sigh...

Where are you going?

This exercise video sucks.

We were supposed to have lost 20 pounds by now.

OPINION

April 2015

13

Science skeptics risk more than just lost arguments Billy Jump In-Depth Editor There is no greater threat to human progress than blind conviction.

Humans are motivated to win arguments. Sometimes this comes at the expense of comprehension and accuracy.

This motivated skepticism is the foundation for many skeptics who are unwilling to give up their beliefs and convictions, even if they’re going against science.

Reasoning works more slowly than emotion, which, when trig gered, can set off a course of motivated skepticism, where rationalization takes the place of reason. According to a report by Charles S. Taber of Stony Brook University, in which the motivated reasoning behind political beliefs were evaluated, biases often lead to a premeditated end, even without understanding of information.

If I don’t want to believe that the world is getting hotter, I’d go to extremes to prove that the data arguing for global warming is wrong and foolish, even if my argument is inaccurate.

The scientific community has provided strong evidence that childhood vaccines are safe and that they are one of the most im-

portant and effective means of protecting children. However, many parents are joining the movement against vaccines.

According to research that linked trust of the government and willingness to vaccinate

by Ohio State University, those who do not trust the government are significantly less likely to be vaccinated. Nevertheless, many parents who are not willing to have their children vaccinated are blinded by their own misinformed convictions.

One of the biggest arguments against vaccines stems from a now-retracted article that found links between vaccines and autism in children. However, the physician-researcher who led it was stripped of his medical license after being found to have falsified the data.

Since then, the Academy of Pediatrics has released a list of over 40 studies that found no link between vaccines and autism.

Furthermore, getting vaccinated can benefit the “herd immunity,” in which, as more people are vaccinated, viruses are essentially blocked from the “herd,” thereby decreasing the likelihood of the virus infecting more people.

Using personal biases and fears against vaccines to rationalize putting both children’s health and the general public’s safety at risk

Report Card Patriots celebrate St. Patty’s Day

by Rachel Amrhein

Rachel’s RANTS Illustration by Billy Jump

is stupid and selfish.

Beyond risking personal and community health by denying advances in medical science, the denial of climate change risks the health of the planet and, of the human race.

The proof is indubitable: the Earth is rapidly warming. According to NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) direct surface temperature analysis, the Earth has been warming considerably since 1880.

In addition, according to the Climate Research Unit, warming of the climate is unequivocal and very likely due to anthropogenic greenhouse gas concentrations.

The scientific community is almost entirely in agreement that climate change is real and is man-made, and while it is no

longer reversible, it is stoppable, according to a report in Science Magazine analyzing the nature of climate change.

Just like a doctor choosing to ignore his patient’s vital signs, skeptics are leaving the Earth to die, but unlike the doctor neglecting his patient, the skeptics are going to die with it.

Putting aside personal biases is crucial in the fight against troubles facing humanity, such as viruses and climate change.

Many people try to perceive the world accurately and are open-minded in the face of scientific proof. However, the progression of humanity is impeded by those who foolishly and selfishly refuse to put aside their misled convictions – even when science says they should.

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

Stories by: Morgan Taylor, Copy Editor

Class breakfasts should come back for seconds

Increased efficiency benefits Tech Lab

The advisory contest for the most decorated door for Christmas was a huge hit. Students, teachers, and faculty alike had a blast designing, decorating, and displaying their doors.

For St. Patrick’s Day, advisories were asked to take a picture or make a short video clip with a cutout of a leprechaun. The day before St. Patrick’s Day there was little evidence of advisories participating in taking these pictures.

Therefore, the worry was there that because so few advisories chose to partake on the festivities, that there wouldn’t be enough footage to judge. After seeing the pictures, those who bothered to take one did a great job. The two videos were fabulous. Next year I can only hope that more partake in this fun activity. Use your imagination, friends.

All grades love their class breakfasts held in the cafeteria. Freshmen and sophomores seem to be getting a lot of these. Unfortunately, class breakfasts seem to steadily decline for the juniors this year and last, and they are virtually nonexistent this year for seniors. The senior class is missing their donuts, juices, and all the other unhealthy breakfast foods.

We want to gorge ourselves with the company of classmates too. It’s not just for freshman: you’re never too old for a big ol’ plate of dessert in the morning. I believe seniors had two breakfasts this whole year, and our classmates “forgot” to bring in enough food. My sweet tooth condemns you. Step it up, seniors. If you bother to bring in the treats, we might be able to have more opportunities for yumminess.

Students fear the moment their laptop screen shows signs of fuzziness and dread the moment their computer flies through the air.

Our laptops are our best friends , and not having one is an issue. Few teachers are considerate of laptop-less students. Fortunately, the Tech Lab has taken huge strides: Help Desk Coordinator Joe Vittuci and all other Tech Lab junkies always work to make the experience as easy and quick as possible. Delays normally derive from the company to which the laptops are sent out, DSR. Now, DSR comes twice a week. The Tech Lab is making even more advances, and now has logging software to track repair statuses. The Tech Lab has come into the advanced age, and it’s about time.

The Patriot

News Editors Mitch Hopkins Alex Rasmussen

Opinion Editors Will Bolton Justin Hawkins

Contributors Rachel Amrhein

The John Carroll School 703 Churchville Road Bel Air, MD 21014

Media Chief Lauren Glase

Lifestyles Editors Claire Grunewald Eleanor Werneke

Sports Editors Eric Johnson Kishan Patel

A&E Editors Kristen Isoldi Nick Miller

Copy Editors Elizabeth Driver Morgan Taylor

Multimedia Editors Nicole Arrison Erica Kelble Mike Moxley Tona Rimpel

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.

In-Depth Editors Billy Jump Sydney Kirwan

Artists Rawlison Zhang

Moderators Mark Ionescu Nick Attanasio

A copy of each print issue is distributed to each of the 688 students and 110 faculty and staff members. Some of the remainder are sent out to exchanging schools with a return address. The

Volume 50, Issue 4, April 2015

Print Chief Hanna LeBuhn Online Chief Kathy Deaver Stories Chief Angela DeCarlo

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. comor submit them through our website: www.jcpatriot. com.

Porn poses problems Porn. Such a taboo word. It is avoided in all polite conversations, so why is it such a norm?

According to an analysis of the most popular porn sites conducted

by InternetSafety101, nine out of 10 teenage boys (87 percent) and one out of three teenage girls (31 percent) report using porn. The mobile porn industry is expected to reach $2.8 billion by 2015.

A large part of the Internet is entirely devoted to porn. According to an analysis of the most popular porn sites conducted by InternetSafety101, 30 percent of the Internet is porn. That is disgusting, and porn is not okay.

There are a few problems with porn. Porn leads to the objectification of women and men. It makes people see the actors as objects and completely dehumanizes them. According to an analysis of the popular porn sites conducted by InternetSafety101, of the 304 porn scenes that were analyzed, 88.2 percent contained physical aggression and 47.8 percent contained verbal aggression, like name-calling. The vast majority of the aggressors were male and the victims were female. Porn portrays women as sex objects who need to be dominated.

Porn creates completely unrealistic expectations and standards for relationships. The thing that a lot of people do not understand is that porn does not reflect reality . It is a performance. Healthy relationships are not going to be like porn films. In order for a relationship to work, people cannot treat their lovers like porn stars.

It is disrespectful, and the vast majority of women do not like being disrespected in their relationships. This is common sense, folks.

One of the reasons that porn is so popular is that it is addictive.

According to research conducted by an organization against porn, FightTheNewDrug.org, when people look at porn, their brains release dopamine. The dopamine creates new pathways in the brain and causes pleasure. Over time, the overload of chemicals in the brain makes people need to watch more porn in order to get the same high. This is why it is so difficult to cut back on watching porn.

The good news is that there are movements against porn such as FightTheNewDrug.org and NoPlaceForSheep.com. Porn may be addictive, but like any addiction, it can be fought.

Don’t watch porn just to be like your peers. It has terrible effects and frankly is just disgusting.

Fight the norm. Fight the porn.

14

SPORTS

April 2015

Franklen Lockhart

Athlete Spotlight

Grade: Sophomore

by Eric Johnson

Sport: Golf

Position: #4 golfer

SPORTS reports

Other sports:

win a lot of matches, continue being a great team guy and get us a lot of points with a big improvement this year.

Junior Taylor Mezzatesta

”

Volleyball

Take me out to the ball game The snow is gone, the sun is shining, and the windows are down. Get ready, boys and girls, it’s time for Opening Day. For you uneducated swine who don’t know, Opening Day is an MLB tradition and has been for 146 years. It marks the first home game of each baseball team and is the best way to kick-off spring.

Spring is mainly exciting because of the ability to do outside activities, like cookouts, bonfires, and going to athletic events instead of having to watch sports on TV. I can’t disagree with the popular opinion that watching a baseball game on TV isn’t always the most exciting time, which is why you have to go to a baseball game.

It’s like trying to swim in the bathtub. Nothing compares to the atmosphere provided by physically being at a baseball game.

Going to see the Baltimore Ravens play is usually a fun time, but it pales in comparison to baseball. You can actually see the baseball game at the stadiums without struggling to see the action, unlike at football games.

Additionally, as Maryland citizens, we have the privilege of experiencing the marvelous, historically- enriched Camden Yards stadium.

Even though it’s no Fenway Park or Wrigley Field, some of the greatest baseball players of all time have played on the beautiful field that the current Baltimore Orioles play on. Camden Yards is one of the oldest but also one of the best maintained baseball parks in the world.

In addition to spending nights outside of your home, going to baseball games brings out your American pride by enjoying America’s pastime, along with providing a great date night for anybody.

Not to mention, they have the “Kiss Cam” at every game, so you shyer fellows have an excuse to man up and kiss that lucky girl you take to the game.

It’s also a great “Girls Night.”

Nothing beats going down to the Yard and having some overpiced food and enjoying great fun.

I’m already planning a BBQ tailgate before a game and then going to a baseball game at Camden Yards. Nothing beats a great day with great weather in the best country on the planet So find a pair of cargo/jean shorts, borrow your dad’s bucket hat, and get on out there, boys and girls.

“I expect [Lockhart] to

Years of Experience: 3 years

Accomplishments: Competes nationally and internationally, started on varsity golf freshman year

Photo courtesy Franklen Lockhart

“ On the course he

is nails. Nothing phases him. Off the course he is one of the happiest guys.

Head coach Anthony Del Puppo

”

For more on Lockhart’s accomplishments, go to jcpatriot.com.

Sophomore Franklen Lockhart tees off at a tournament in Florida on Mar. 19. Lockhart finished in the top 15 golfers on the first day.

Badminton booms, women’s lax lacks players Morgan Taylor Copy Editor Last year, sophomore Ava McDermott would grasp her lacrosse stick and pass the lacrosse ball to her partner. This year McDermott grasps a badminton racquet and volleys the shuttlecock over the net to her partner.

In 2014, 14 girls tried out for JV lacrosse, though only six made the team while the rest were cut.

This season, two of the six players moved up to varsity while the remaining four returned to play on JV. Madison Reeves was one of the eight girls that were cut last year, however she returned this year and is now part of the JV program.

“Honestly, I played because it’s something I love. Last year the numbers were just against me but I think it just pushed me to be better,” Reeves said.

The women’s lacrosse team is used to an excess number of players trying out.

Photo by Eric Johnson

The women’s varsity lacrosse team practices on Tucker Field in Hickory, MD. Women’s varsity lacrosse has only three substitute players, while JV has no substitutes.

“Usually there are lots and lots of people coming out,” head JV women’s lacrosse coach Gina Hormes said. “This year there just wasn’t,” Hormes said. McDermott tried out for lacrosse last year, as a freshman.

“The competition was tough and they only took a few freshman,” McDermott said. As a re-

sult of being cut, she decided to try badminton this year.

“I am used to aggressive contact sports and running everyday.

However, I do like playing badminton with my friends and trying something new,” McDermott said.

Unlike lacrosse, the number of badminton players have been in-

creasing. Badminton head coach Tess Gauthier has always had a steady flow of girls to try out for the sport. While badminton needs only 22 girls in order to have a complete JV and varsity team, this year there are 33 girls in total.

By contrast, this year’s JV lacrosse team started with 13 players, just enough to play without substitutes. After the season began, JV gained a few walk-on players, some of whom haven’t played before.

“It’s never a super great [thing to only have a few players], but it is what is,” Hormes said.

According to her, this can lead to their choosing club over their high school team, which leads to lower high school numbers. “[McDermott] is doing really well,” Gauthier said. “She partnered with [freshman] Hannah Frey and they’re our number four doubles team on varsity now.”

For more of the accomplishments of women’s lacrosse and badminton, go to jcpatriot.com.

SPORTS

February 2015

15

Women’s track stars’ injuries impede seasons Angela DeCarlo Stories Chief Junior Kristen Isoldi sprints down the soccer field, racing an opposing player for the ball. The ball connects with Isoldi’s foot at the same instant as the other player’s. Their feet collide and they fall onto the green turf.

With a thud, Isoldi lands on the ground and the other player lands on top of her. The weight of the player’s fall is concentrated on Isoldi’s right ankle. Immediately, there is a crack and it started to tingle. It continues to tingle for 15 minutes.

“It’s slightly cracked,” Isoldi said. “But [because of] where it is [located,] you treat it like a sprain.”

Isoldi received her injury during a game for the Pipeline Soccer Club team on March 15. Isoldi goes to the doctor on April 6 for a further analysis.

“ She is very tough

and an incredible athlete. She will put in the work to get back.

Head coach Robert Torres

”

“It’s awful. I haven’t run for three days, and I [usually] run every day,” Isoldi said.

Isoldi’s injury prevents her from playing soccer, ultimately causing to her miss important college-recruiting showcases.

Additionally, Isoldi cannot participate in varsity track. As a result, the track team loses one if its best players for the season.

Isoldi is the IAAM champion for the outdoor 300-meter hurdle, an event in which she finished second as a freshman. Additionally, she was one of the top hurdlers in the league for the indoor season.

“She’s one of the best and one of the fastest,” sophomore runner Stephanie Imbierowicz said. “No one is a fast as [she is.]”

“She is not only one of the best 300-meter [hurdlers] in the entire state, and she’s the fastest sprinter on the team,” Torres said.

Since the track championships are on May 9, Isoldi has to be ready to run before then. She has to compete in at least one more meet before the championships in order to qualify for them.

“Hopefully [the injury] doesn’t affect the whole season,” Isoldi said. “I won’t have my time from last year, but if I run normally, I might still qualify.”

Torres thinks Isoldi will make a

Turf field finally completed Kathy Deaver Online Chief

Photo by Kishan Patel

Juniors Kristen Isoldi (left) and Holly Driver (right) are two of the top sprinters in Maryland, with Isoldi winning the IAAM 300 meter hurdle championship and Driver placing second in the IAAM 100 meter hurdles. Isoldi’s season is potentially jeapordized by an ankle injury, while Driver is scheduled to have surgery immediately after the track and field season, potentially keeping her from running for eight months. quick recovery.

“I think she has a decent shot at defending her title because she is very tough and an incredible athlete. She will put in the work to get back,” Torres said.

According to him, if Isoldi is unable to compete this season, the team will struggle, but other girls will step up.

While Isoldi loves track, she’s even more passionate about soccer and wants to play it in college.

However, with her injury, she’s missing important college showcases with the Pipeline team.

“Obviously I’m worried that I won’t be able to play,” Isoldi said.

“I’m praying I’ll be back in three weeks.”

Unfortunately, Isoldi isn’t the only key runner who is missing out on a season.

On May 15, junior Holly Driver will undergo surgery to correct her bunions. While she will be able to finish the track and field season, Driver’s recovery will interfere with the 2015 fall cross country season.

A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe. This causes the joint to grow and stick out, ultimately causing pain while walking and running.

“May 15 [is] after the track championships, which is what I aimed for and what Torres asked me to do,” Driver said.

Driver is the IAAM champion in the high jump and the runnerup for the 55-meter hurdles in indoor track.

For last year’s outdoor season, she was the runner-up in the 100-meter hurdles and fifth in the 300-meter hurdles.

Following her surgery, Driver will spend one month in a wheel-

chair, two weeks in a boot, and six months where she can only wear tennis shoes.

“I’ll be back to run when school starts, but [I won’t be] on varsity,” Driver said. “The doctor said I can only run a couple times a week, depending on how I feel.”

Cross country senior Erin Cadden understands the deficit that the team will face.

“She’s definitely a valuable runner. I think our team will probably suffer a little,” Cadden said.

“I think the team will adapt, but

she will be missed.”

Driver’s main goal is to heal quickly so she can train for track.

“She is a major reason we won the 2014 championship, and she’s been one of our top girls the past three years,” Torres said. “We have a bunch of good girls, but Holly is a leader and a good runner, so it hurts to lose her.”

Although she may not run much, Driver still plans on attending the team’s meets. “I love watching them run, [but I’ll] hate it. I’ll want to run with them.”

EVALUATION COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL EVALUTAION REPORT Patient Name : Kristen Isoldi Sport : Track and Field

Position : 300 meter hurdler

Injury: Out with a slightly fractured and sprained ankle; No physical activity until April 6.

Accomplishments: 2014 IAAM 300 meter Triple Threat award winner IAAM soccer All-Conference

COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL EVALUTAION REPORT Patient Name : Holly Driver Sport : Track and Field

Position : high jumper; hurdler

Injury: Bunion correction surgery; Out for up to eight months.

Accomplishments: 2014 IAAM high jump champion Triple threat award winner IAAM runner-up 100 m hurdles

After the recent break in weather, the final installation of the turf field has moved forward. According to Director of Facilities Stewart Walker, all three fields will be completed by April 10.

“Over a month of below-freezing temperatures is what set back the actual installation of the surface because it required about a week of above-freezing temperatures,” President Richard O’Hara said.

As soon as Field 2 is finished, the Athletic Department will be able to schedule home games.

According to Walker, Field 2 will have permanent lines for women’s lacrosse, field hockey, and soccer, with tick marks that allow temporary lining for men’s lacrosse. Field 1 will have permanent lines for football, soccer, and men’s lacrosse, with tick marks for temporary lines for women’s lacrosse and field hockey.

“It’ll be nice to play in all weather conditions, and I think in the future it’ll give us a leg up as far as playing against teams with turf fields,” varsity lacrosse midfielder senior Cody Saunders said.

Athletes compete in new garb Eric Johnson Sports Editor Just in time for spring seasons, varsity baseball, track, and lacrosse teams will be receiving new uniforms as well.

The men’s varsity baseball team is adding new jerseys to replace the old ones.

“I love the new jerseys because they won’t slow me down when I run, like the old jerseys [did],” junior catcher Matt Lozinak said.

“The old jerseys felt like carrying around 20 pounds.”

Women’s and men’s track also received new uniforms in time for spring track and field to begin.

“Our uniforms were old, and we needed new ones,” track coach Robert Torres said.

The new uniforms provide a sleeker look and are more consistent with the JC black and vegas gold, according to Torres.

Men’s varsity lacrosse team received a package of new equipment including new helmets, equipment bags, uniforms, gloves, and a mandatory gray sweatsuit with each player’s number for all indoor practices. “[The sweatsuit] is better for conditioning, so you’re ready for lacrosse in warmer temperatures,” freshman varsity defender Jeremiah Rosser said. “After talking to the older guys, a lot of the stuff this year is way nicer than anything the team used to get.”

16

SPORTS

April 2015

Spring Sports

SMACKDOWN

Baseball and men’s lacrosse reign supreme in the spring season, but which one reigns supreme in the JC community?

Lacrosse

Three year record: 30-19 Roster total: 32 Alumni competitng in college: 6 Athletes committed: 3

47%

prefer high school lacrosse to high school baseball

Photos by Kishan Patel

65%

consider professional baseball “America’s pastime”

41%

have played organized lacrosse Freshman defender Ryan Griffin

25%

prefer high school baseball to high school lacrosse

33%

have played organized baseball

All results and responses presented are from a combination of interviews and 51 JC students who responded to a survey conducted by The Patriot via surveymonkey.com

Baseball

Three year record: 25-50 Roster total: 19 Alumni competitng in college: 3 Athletes committed: 2

Sophomore third baseman Argari Stakias