The Patriot April 2016, Issue 5, Vol 51

4.28.16

Issue 5

Volume 51

www.jcpatriot.com

Stripping away silence Community members share stories of discrimination they face in today’s society See News 2, Community 6, In-Focus 8-9, Perspectives 12-13, and Sports 15 for more

2 NEWS

April 2016

Schools discuss gender-neutral graduation gowns be in their school colors or another color. In addition to the neutral gowns, the county is requiring The Maryland State Depart- schools to line their students up ment of Education announced in in alphabetical order as opposed their October recommendations to calling male and students up in that public schools should, “con- separate lines. sider gender neutral dress codes “[The Maryland State Departfor class or yearbook photos, hon- ment of Education policy] did not or society ceremonies, graduation have an impact on the decision, ceremonies, or dances.” but I think it certainly aligns with There has yet to be a decision or [their recommendations],” White official discussion about this be- said. “So far, we’ve had very few coming a possible complaints.” change at JC, but “I truly believe In addition to the administration Howard County is open to the idea we should have Schools, Aberof gender-neutral gender-neutral deen High School gowns. “[The has recently made LGBT commu- gowns. I think they a change in their nity] has grounds should all be black. graduation robes for gender-neutral to have gendergowns,” Princi- They would align neutral gowns. pal Madelyn Ball with the school However, not said. “No one all schools in should be left to colors...” the county have feel uncomfortPrincipal Madelyn Ball made a clear deciable at graduasion. Bel Air High tion.”

School temporarIn Maryland, the Howard ily implemented a change simiCounty Public Schools System lar to Aberdeen’s but revoked it has already required all their pub- after parents expressed dislike lic schools to change to a gender- for the change. “[The adminisneutral gown. “[A] single-color tration] didn’t make the reason gown promotes class unity, but it for the change clear. It was rualso promotes a type of environ- mored to be because of organizament that welcomes all people,” tion, because if everyone is blue Director of Communications of then at graduation we don’t have Howard County Public Schools to be color-coordinated. Others John White said. said it was to help accommodate Howard County is requiring the transgender students at our the individual schools to wear a school,” Bel Air High School sesingle-colored gown, whether it nior and student council member

Kishan Patel Online Chief

Illustration by Joe Kyburz

The Maryland Department of Education has suggested that all schools implement gender-neutral, single color graduation gowns for both sexes in order to create a more accepting environment for transgender or non-gender conforming students. Howard County Public Schools and Aberdeen High School have implemented the change, and other schools have considered it.

Megan Thompson said.

The issue to change the color of the gowns to a single, genderneutral gown was not something JC administrators felt needed to be changed this year. If there is a decision to make a change it would have had to have been brought up earlier in the year. “We would have to start decision making early fall,” Ball said. “The graduation committee meets once or twice a month throughout the year and the gowns are ordered in the fall season.” She believes that it would be an added advantage to the girls because the current white gowns are see-through.

Students have a variety opinions about a possible course of

action.

Junior Allie Taylor sees no reason to change it unless a conflict arises. “Go gender-neutral [for a transgender student]. If there’s no reason to change it then there is also no reason to not change it,” Taylor said.

However, not all students agree that JC should implement a change. “I think part of the problem is that we focus so much on something as simple as a color representing a gender. We define everything as pertaining to a certain gender. I think that is today’s society’s issue, and JC is only adding to it,” senior Gabe Webster said. “A graduation gown is already pretty gender-neutral

because it is just a long flowing piece of cloth. I don’t understand how you can make it any more gender-neutral. I am not for the [gender-neutral] gowns.”

Ball believes it is important for the school to have genderneutral gowns and is in favor of the change.

“I truly believe we should have gender-neutral gowns. I think they should be all black,” Ball said. “They would align with the school colors, having a black robe and the gold tassel.”

The Patriot reached out to Bel Air High School and Aberdeen High School for comments but responses were not returned in time for publication.

Multiple states pass controversial LGBT legislation Grace Mottley News Editor

can also refuse to offer services to others who do not share their religious beliefs. They can also States across the country, in- change the terms and conditions cluding Mississippi, North Caro- of occupying the property if their lina, and others, have passed laws tenant does not share their relito “protect religious freedom” gious beliefs. that have been deemed discrimiAccording to the Washington natory by the LGBT community.

Post, Mississippi Representative On April 7, the state of Mis- Bennie Thompson said, “The act sissippi passed a law titled “Pro- gives employers, business owners tecting Freedom of Conscience and any other person or entity in from Government Discrimination Mississippi the explicit right to Act,” which has received back- discriminate against anyone with lash for encoura lifestyle they aging prejudice “I don’t think the disagree with in against LGBT name of relilaws that have been the people. gion.”

The act was passed protect North Carolina created to prealso passed “Pubreligious liberty serve the religious lic Facilities Prifreedom of Mis- because they have vacy and Security sissippi citizens.

Act,” another law such a narrow It protects the, deemed discrimi“sincerely held scope. ” natory. moral conviction The law, which Campus Minister Gary Meyerl that marriage is or is referred to as should be recogthe “Bathroom nized as the union of one man and Bill,” says North Carolina’s govone woman; sexual relations are ernment buildings and schools properly reserved to such a mar- “shall require every [bathroom] riage; and male or female refer to to be designated for and only used an individual’s immutable biolog- by persons based on their biologiical sex as objectively determined cal sex.” by anatomy and genetics at time The law affects the transgenof birth,” according to the official der community of North Carolina legislation passed. who want to use the restroom of The bill allows Mississippi em- their preferred gender in governployers to fire and refuse to hire ment buildings such as public individuals whose lifestyle or be- universities, schools, and courtliefs are not consistent with the houses. beliefs of their organization. IndiHowever, private businesses viduals who sell or rent housing can allow transgender individuals

Across the U.S., 13 states, indicated above by gray, have enacted laws similar to the ones in Mississippi and North Carolina. Nine states have passed “Bathroom Bills” that require individuals to use the bathroom of the sex they were born as, while seven states have “religious freedom protection acts” that allow individuals to refuse service and employment based on their belief or conduct. to use whichever bathroom they prefer. The bill allows businesses to enforce the same “biological sex” rule for their private bathrooms as well. “Private business can set their own rules for their own restroom free from government interference,” according to North Carolina Governor Pat McRory.

While these laws have been passed for the sake of protect-

ing religious liberty, some, like Campus Minister Gary Meyerl, don’t believe that these laws accomplish their purposes. “I don’t think the laws that have been passed protect religious liberty because they have such a narrow scope. The political landscape continues to change [...] it’s important to know how it impacts all members of our country. I think it’s important that all our laws

protect the human dignity of all people,” Meyerl said.

While other states have passed “discriminatory” LGBT laws, Maryland’s new legislation provides anti-discrimination protections for LGBT people. Maryland Senate Bill 743, allows transgender individuals who undergo sex change operations to change the official gender on their birth certificates.

NEWS 3

April 2016

Administration trims course offerings than 23 students that have been approved.

According to the Chief FinanWhen looking at their class cial Officer Kathy Cullen, these list for next year, some students classes that are not offered next noticed that their lists did not in- year are not gone for good. “It’s clude some classes they had en- a rotation philosophy. Just berolled in. cause one year a class won’t be Next year, several classes will held doesn’t mean it won’t come not be offered including Speech back,” Cullen said. and AP US Government, accordThe decision to re-evaluate ing to President Richard O’Hara. classes based on class sizes was According to O’Hara, these class- based on “the rule of two,” aces were not approved because cording to O’Hara. “Everybody they were not economically fea- wants three things: low tuition, sible. high salaries, and small class Other classes’ viability for next sizes, but you can only do two,” year are still in question. Junior he said.

Ianna Pirozzi signed up to take When compared to the other AP German, only to find out it similar, independent schools in had been cut. “I wasn’t that upset. Maryland (AIMS), JC’s tuition is I understand why since the school in the 10-20 percentile, meaning is based on tuition, and there just that at least 80 percent of other aren’t enough funds,” Pirozzi comparable independent schools said. in Maryland charge a higher tuAccording to Vice President ition. However, according to Culof Academics len, despite havGary Scholl, no ing one of the official list of “Everybody wants lowest tuitions, classes that are three things: low JC’s salaries are being cut will be in the 80 percenannounced until tuition, high salaries, tile. scheduling with and small class sizes, Next year, the counselors is school’s tuition but you can only do will be $16,500. complete.

The Board of two.”

However, acTrustees has iscording to both sued new guidePresident Richard O’Hara O’Hara and Cullines on classes, len, increasing supported by tuition greatly O’Hara. According to these new to bridge the gap is not an option. directives, every department has “We don’t want salaries to come to have an average class size of down and we can’t up tuition, 18 to 21 students. Any individual so we have to look at everything classes less than 15 or greater [we] offer and [realize that we] than 23 have to receive specific can’t spend resources unnecesapproval from O’Hara and the fi- sarily,” Cullen said. nance committee.

According to O’Hara, the So far, there have been 19 school is dedicated to giving peoclasses with fewer than 15 stu- ple raises, particularly the “best dents and 2 classes with greater teachers.” Teacher salaries rely

Claire Grunewald Print Chief

Photo by Elizabeth Harmison

Sophomore Evan Tridone gives a presentation on Buddy Holly in Allison Hall’s speech class. Speech is one of the classes that will be cut for the 2016-2017 academic year because it is not financially feasible according to President Richard O’Hara’s “rule of two.” on a performance-based model that takes into account student surveys, dedication to improvement, and classroom evaluations.

“We want to reward the best teacher and develop the others.

However, we are so reliant on tuition that this probably won’t happen,” O’Hara said.

Aside from not offering certain classes next year, the school is also not replacing a majority of teachers that are leaving. “If that teacher’s role can be absorbed by other members of the department without going outside the [class] guidelines [set by the board].

However, if all the classes would be large, you’d have to hire somebody,” O’Hara said.

For example, next year science teacher Timothy Perry is retiring, and according to O’Hara, a replacement will not be hired.

However, German teacher Richard Moller will be replaced because his position could not be absorbed within the current department.

While the annual budget is tied to many aspects of the school, one thing that remains separate is the Capital Campaign. According to O’Hara, the next phase will be centered around the renovation of the academic wing, which is estimated to cost about $7-8 million. This phase has not started yet but will “most likely” begin next year.

Classes come and go, so the classes that could be in these new classrooms of the academic wing in a few years could be completely different than now. However, according to O’Hara, the school is committed to offering a strong academic curriculum.

because the public school system education is impossible to compare to the private schools.

According to her, the test scores, college and universities students attend, and graduation rates can attest to the quality of the private school education.

Students believe that Cyber

Days are not as effective, but they are happy to not extend the school year. “The only thing they help is getting out of school earlier,” junior Taylor Crews said.

Another concern for students is when Cyber Days occur for consecutive days.

“What I feel doesn’t work for

of MD 80% independent schools have

higher

tuition than JC

Tuition will be

$16,500 in the 2016-2017 school year

AIMS questions Cyber Days’ legitimacy

Kishan Patel Online Chief

state] to have our online programs,” Principal Madelyn Ball said.

The legitimacy of Cyber Days JC has been using Cyber Days was recently a topic of discussion for the past three years. However, at the Association of Independent recent examination of state laws Maryland Schools (AIMS) meet- on education led to controversy ing on April 19. JC is a part of this on how to counteract if the state association. disputed the legitimacy. Two “We needed clarification, so schools associated with AIMS, we sent a request for informa- who remain anonymous, have altion from AIMS,” Vice Principal ready told the State Department of Academics Gary Scholl said. they won’t make up snow days, “AIMS is supportive [of Cyber according to Ball.

Days].”

The issue with The Maryland “[Cyber Days are] Cyber Days is State Department the effectiveness of Education re- not as effective of the educationquires special per- as classroom al material. The administration mission for disinstruction, tance learning, and recognizes they there was some but I believe are less effecconfusion about tive but believe whether or not Cy- it’s a suitable they are effecber Days were con- replacement.” tive nonetheless. sidered distance Days Vice Principal of Academics Gary Scholl “[Cyber learning. are] not as effecSince many pritive as classroom vate schools in AIMS use Cyber instruction, but I believe it’s a Days, Principal Madelyn Ball felt suitable replacement,” Scholl that the school’s program was said. justified. “We felt like we could Ball believes that the state not be justly advised by the state can’t tell private schools Cyber because it’s impossible [for the Days are illegitimate school days

Cyber Days is when they’re back to back,” sophomore Paul Diehl said. “Teachers can’t teach new material so they just give you the same thing from the previous day to practice. Or they give you new stuff you have to self-teach, which can be difficult in certain subjects.”

4 COMMUNITY

WAR of WORDS

“Sexual assualt and rape culture are

nonexistent”

“When someone is

OVERPOWERED

Sexual assault is a dire issue in our society, but students’ varied responses raise some concerns “Sexual assault is any kind of sexual activity committed against a woman’s will.

Whether it is physical or verbal, ASSAULT IS

ASSAULT” “Jeez, man I’m not really an expert on

“I ain’t no

“N

OT

HI

NG

”

and unwillingly FORCED to do something”

April 2016

snitch”

this ”

“Only if you make it an issue”

The responses above are from a survey conducted by The Patriot that 174 students responded to. Students were asked what exactly sexual assault is to them. These comments represent both supportive and perhaps shocking responses to questions about what sexual assault is, how they respond to it, and how big of an issue they feel it is in the local community.

Azanae Barrow Community Editor

to the experience and say, “I was drunk, I walked alone in the dark, I wore that miniskirt, I shouldn’t have let him come up“I was afraid to scream for help because stairs, and so on...”

I was hoping I could fix the situation myWhat makes it even harder for rape vicself without anyone knowing. A lot of peo- tims to come forward with their story and ple at the party knew I was in a relationship stop blaming themselves is the lack of inand knew my boyfriend personally. I didn’t terest and support from their community want them to tell him that someone had and peers. tried to rape me so I just kept trying to get The Patriot conducted a survey and rehim off of myself,” Vicky Tompkins said. cieved 174 responses. Students were asked Vicky Tompkins is a pseudonym to pro- what they consider to be sexual assault and tect the identity of a high school student if there were any experiences they were who was sexually assaulted. willing to share. The results “I still haven’t told my “The effect that were horrifying, degrading family because I don’t want and shameful: We found 33 them to be worried about rude or hurtful of the respondents didn’t me, but I did tell my friends comments have care about the subject or so that they wouldn’t invite brushed it off as if it never him anywhere anymore,” could make happens in our society.

Tompkins said.

It’s comments from stusomeone who has Tompkins isn’t the only dents saying “[sexual assexual assault survivor that experiences sexual sault] is not letting me lick has kept her story mostly to assault feel guilty.” jelly off of her breasts” or herself. rape is considered “penis Anonymous survey responder According to RAINN, poking,” that make victims the Rape, Abuse, and Incest never want to share what National Network, there are about 293,000 happened to them. According to the Rape sexual assault victims each year. However, Treatment Center at the University of Calithat’s just the number of rapes that are re- fornia, Los Angeles, comments like these ported. It’s estimated by the National Vic- are evidence that people don’t take rape tim Center that only 16 percent of rapes get victims seriously enough. reported.

A member of the community reached Sexual assault victims often feel blamed out to The Patriot via the survey and shared for their experiences. Pandora’s Project, a with us that she was a victim of sexual aswebsite on resources for sexual assault sur- sault. She shared her thoughts and comvivors, says that victims often think back ments on people who make jokes or treat

68%

of sexual assaults are not reported to the police Statistics are from RAINN.com

4/5

sexual assaults are committed by acquaintances

the subject less than seriously. “The effect that rude or hurtful comments have are that they could make someone who has experienced sexual assault feel guilty or like it’s their fault. Even if the person hasn’t experienced sexual assault, I think that the comments could still make them uncomfortable or even angry,” she said.

In addition to peers not taking the issue of sexual assault seriously, college campuses have struggled with the issue of having limited success in making a difference for the victims.

At Brigham Young University in Utah, students have been protesting the school’s decision to stop looking into a sexual assault case. The school eventually decided to penalize the victim because she was drinking on campus, a violation of the university’s school code.

On the positive end, sexual assault victims do receive help from people who sympathize with their traumatic experiences.

“People do recover. The time depends on the situation. Sometimes old wounds reopen, but they [victims] shouldn’t blame themselves,” Gayle Reed from TurnAround Inc said. TurnAround Inc, is a sexual assault center located in Baltimore, Md. There are hundreds of national organizations and sexual assault recovery hotlines that make themselves available to survivors of sexual assault. What matters is victims being able to come forward and feel safe in knowing they will get the help they need.

Every

107

seconds another American is sexually assaulted

The aftermath of sexual assault Investigating how sexual assault situations are handled was puzzling.

The Patriot tried to contact the National Sexual Assault Organization and was left with their voicemail but the Patriot was left with no response. We also spoke to the SARC in Bel Air, and found that they were tried to avoid the question and redirect us to another division of their company. However, after several unanswered phone calls or companys nervous to be quoted, we did talk to the Director of Advocacy at TurnAroud Inc, in Baltimore, MD. Gayle Reed at TurnAround Inc, deals with sexual assault victims and has advice to help them cope during their struggles. “I like to let them [victims] know I’m really sorry because it’s terrible but that person isn’t alone. Then I ask the person what do they need or what would they like to have happen,” Reed said.

Guidance counseler Carol Heflin said, “As a guidance counseler my first job is to report the situation either but my second job is to be there, emotionally.”

“The important thing to know is even though I’m obliged to report it. I would support these students. 99.9% of the time, it was not his or her fault. Support them through whatever the process,” Heflin said.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline:

1-800-656-4673

COMMUNITY 5

April 2016

grab

Keep it Real

and

GO From chicken to sushi, the cafeteria offers a wide variety of foods that appeal to a variety of cultures Kelly Foulk and Pia Scotto Community and News Editors At 3:20pm on April 22, a member of The Patriot staff went down to get one of the cafeteria’s newest items, Japanese soda, only to find them completely sold out.

These sodas are a part of the cafeteria’s latest decision to embrace the diverse cultures at JC and to make the international students feel more at home. Their quick sellout is indicative the eagerness to embrace new international food options.

The cafeteria has been making a renewed effort to appeal to all of the food cultures, including the international students. “I want to appeal to not only the American students, but also the Japanese and other international students,” Chef Manager Charlie Ware said.

Ware states that he goes out to the Asian market to get many of the ingredients for these foods to make their food as authentic as possible. According to senior Lily

Kelly Foulk

Photo by Katherine Grimm

Asian stir-fry is one of the various new dishes the cafeteria serves for lunch to cater to the various cultures of the student body. The cafeteria is finding new ways to incorporate the represented cultures into the menu.

Liu, “they are not as good as the authentic Chinese food, but they are getting close.”

Chinese teacher Jie Liang is excited about the international options as well. On April 19, she sent out a faculty-wide email that read, “the beef noodle soup made me feel I was back home in China! So delicious! If you haven’t had lunch, please go get the beef noodle soup.”

Despite the enthusiasm, some international students worry that American students won’t like or want to try the food. “I am kind of afraid that Americans don’t like authentic international foods,” senior Min Kim said.

However, Kim hopes the school continues to provide these diverse options. “Food is an easy and fun way to experience diversity and different cultures. I actually want to invite Americans to try Korean foods, which are unique and less familiar to them,” Kim said.

Cafeteria cashier Tammy Radke also says that she has seen students and faculty lean towards the international foods the cafeteria provides.

“A majority like the cultural meals - the Asian [international students] loved the sushi bar, and a lot of students thought it was awesome,” Radke said.

There are two distinct food cultures within the American culture as well: between healthy eaters and fast food lovers.

“I would say only about 30

percent of people [go the healthi- According to Amos, he would be er mile] while 70 percent lean to- more inclined to buy a salad if it wards the grab and gos, because was on the same side as the fries we like things fast so we can and other fast foods.

However, other students enquickly go spend time with our friends on a lunch break,” Ware joy these salads and healthier options. “I like how they started said of the food cultures.

Freshman Matthew Friar having the roasted vegetables. agrees with Ware’s observation of It’s a healthier option versus just the “grab and go” phenomenon. the fries and chicken,” junior Ju“Convenience is a big selling lianna Richard said.

According to Richard and point,” Friar said. Friar buys fries from the cafeteria at least three freshman Grace Hollin, athletics times a week, but he doesn’t buy are a major reason why they try the large lunches because they to eat healthier. “Because I’m an come “on a big plate that you athlete, I don’t want to eat all this junk food and then have a threecan’t take anywhere.” hour practice,” Richard said.

Radke is aware of this “Healthier foods make common feeling you feel not only betshared amongst ter about yourself, the students. but it also fills you “Some popubetter than the lar foods kids unhealthy food,” always get Hollin said. are chicken In the Patriot’s tenders, poll, 83 percent fries, and The Patriot conducted a survey of of students said tater tots. I 185 students via surveymoney. that the cafeteria has think it’s bequality food. Despite cause they’re althe numerous food culways in a hurry and tures, it appears that the cafeteria they can just grab and go - and also because they’re really is appealing to most of them.

With such diverse food prefergood,” Radke said.

In a poll conducted by The Pa- ences, cafeteria-student commutriot with 185 responses, 49 per- nication is critical.

“Next year we should start a cent of students said they never student committee with 10-15 buy salad.

“It’s too much work. You have students so we can hear your to go make it, and it’s on the other opinions and what you want. That side [of the cafeteria line]. No one way we could take your opinions ever goes over there. It’s all by it- and make them a reality,” Ware self,” freshman Kevin Amos said. said.

49% of students have

never bought a salad before

(Not) escaping the escape room To many, being locked in a small room with their family members for an hour may sound like H-E double hockey sticks (especially when they realize that no phones are allowed). To me, it was just a fun Sunday evening.

When I arrived at Escape this Live, an escape room company in Catonsville, Md, I didn’t know what to expect. I knew I was going to be locked in a room, but I didn’t know for how long or how hard the clues would be.

After arriving, the owner of the escape room, Doug, led us into a small 10x10 room. It was pirate themed, designed to look like Black Beard’s office. There was a desk with ancient books on top, a skull, some booty, a mini cannon, and a pirate flag, among other “piratey” things.

The timer started. Exactly one hour left. Could we do it?

Immediately we started looking for clues. We tried opening all of the drawers in the desk but most of them were locked. We tried opening the doors on the chests that sat on the floor. Locked as well. It seemed like everything was locked. How could we find a clue if everything was locked?

Eventually, I decided to open a random bottle that sat upon a shelf. There was a key inside.

This key opened one drawer, which held the key to another, and so on. Some parts were difficult.

There were puzzles and treasure maps and mini pirate statues with magnets on them. Everything was connected somehow, and time was running out.

15 minutes left and the clues came to a halt. We had a treasure map with a golden coin glued to it and a magnetic skull, but no idea how they were connected.

Then there were only two minutes left. Then 30 seconds. We were still stuck. Someone came and banged on the door from outside. It was Black Beard!

10 seconds. My brother hid himself in a trunk on the groundat least he would be safe from the wrath of Black Beard.

7 seconds. I grabbed a nearby ladder to defend myself.

5. 4. 3. 2. 1. The door burst open. My sister screamed, but it was only Doug.

And that’s how we failed to escape the Escape Room.

6 COMMUNITY

How we handle discrimination against

April 2016

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students face a wide range of reactions from the community. Alumni and students speak out about their experiences with prejudice and acceptance.

Erin McCloskey Copy Editor Scott Novak, hesitantly stands up in front of all of his classmates. The same classmates he passes every day in the hall, sits next to in class, and eats with at lunch. Teachers sit too, some who know him personally and others who don’t. Silence fills every corner of the room, but an initial wave of confidence surges over him as he begins to advocate for a belief others may not share.

Novak class of ‘12, gave a speech at his Senior Retreat to his fellow classmates calling for respect for the LGBT [Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender] community. Novak also shared his personal story about a friend who took his life due to bullying because of his sexuality.

“I was nervous. It was pretty emotional for me. I remember practicing it 20 times at home just so I could make it through without crying,” Novak said.

This fear of acceptance is common in many LGBT teens who think about sharing their true identity with others. “I actually came out at the end of my junior year through Instagram. It was very nerve-wracking because I didn’t know how people would react to it,” Brendon Huffman, class of ‘15 said.

According to Novak, although he did not directly come out through his speech, it was obvious to everyone in the room that he was gay. Novak’s close friends were extremely supportive of him and he did not face a lot of harassment from any of his other classmates.

Huffman shared a similar experience like Novak. “I didn’t encounter any negative interaction from anyone at JC. All of my classmates respected me for being who I am. I actually had a better junior and senior year because I could finally be myself,” Huffman said.

Oladokun Ekundayo, class of ‘15, was another student that

faced the challenge of coming out to her classmates. Although Ekundayo originally thought her sexual preference was obvious to others, she was placed in the same situation that many LGBT students find themselves in.

Like her classmate Huffman, feedback was supportive for Ekundayo. “I was encouraged to be true to myself,” Ekundayo said. Currently, Ekundayo attends school at Virginia Military Institute. At VMI, Ekundayo also feels lucky to be accepted by others.

cept of acceptance and equal treatment. “The LGBT people are people, I do think we have to learn how to disagree without being disagreeable. I would never want a student in my classroom to feel attacked no matter what their background is,” religion teacher David Huber said.

Novak continued speaking his voice and eventually started an Anti-Bullying Club in the spring of his senior year. The group held discussions on how LGBT students were being treated in school and raised money for The Trevor Project, a 24-hour toll free confi“I actually had a dential suicide hotline for gay and better junior and questioning youth. They also held a moment of silence in April for senior year because LGBT lives lost.

I could finally be The club, however, did not last long after Novak graduated. myself.”

Since then, efforts have been - Brendon Huffman ‘15 made to start a new LGBT club.

An anonymous student spoke with guidance counselor Carol Heflin-Shupe on starting the club According to Ekundayo, asso- last year. Unfortunately, the club ciations and rules are set in place failed to start due to the lack of to prevent students from being support. discriminated against and handle “None of the teachers wanted the cases where discrimination to start it because it partially has does occur. to do with the administration. BeHowever, Novak had “nega- cause no matter what a club does, tive encounters" with adults in the they have to be in line with Cathcommunity. While some of the olic teaching,” the student said. harsh ridicule was made indirectHowever, the student’s opinion ly, other comments about Novak on starting a LGBT club is not were straightforward. shared by school administrators.

Novak received long emails “Absolutely [I would be open to explaining why being gay was the school starting a LGBT club], wrong. According to Novak, one and I believe it’s needed. I don’t adult even recommended conver- think the teachers have an issue sion therapy. “Facing that [ridi- with that [starting a LGBT club] cule] at a time when I was very at all,” Principal Madelyn Ball unsure of myself was pretty dam- said. aging,” Novak said.

With support from the adminReflecting on these events, No- istration, there is a possibility a vak said, “I would just emphasize LGBT club could arise in the futo all teachers that you definitely ture. The push for acceptance of will teach LGBT students, they LGBT continues to grow in the will be in your classes, they’re community and world. all over the world, so you have to “You are going to find people keep that in mind and you have who aren’t going to like a guy to provide a welcoming environ- holding another guy’s hand. But, ment where all your students feel you have to just be who you are. safe.”

You need to brush off the negativTeachers are open to this con- ity,” Huffman said.

Is there LGBT discrimination in the community?

“No, I don’t know of any at JC.” - Stelianos Stakias ‘19

“No, everyone is welcomed in the JC communty despite their sexuality.”

- Luke Zagurski ‘18

“Yes, I think LGBTs are discrminated against by a lot of bullying and harsh judgments.”

- Jesseca Dunnett ‘17

“I think LGBT is discriminated. It’s really messed up how every time we try to progress in this country some group has to take backlash for it.”

- Eric Wright ‘16

ENTERTAINMENT 7

April 2016

speaking Claire Grunewald Print Chief If you bought tickets to your favorite artist and he canceled his performance in your state as a protest, would you be angry or supportive?

That is the question residents of North Carolina faced when both Bruce Springsteen and Pearl Jam cancelled their shows in the state after the passing of the controversial HB2 Bill that discriminates against members of the LGBT community.

While Springsteen has received criticism from his fans, he believes that using his position to take a stand is more important. “Some things are more important than a rock show and this fight against prejudice and bigotry — which is happening as I write — is one of them,” Springsteen said in a post on his website.

Springsteen’s message has reached students at JC. “I think it is a very effective way to show the government of their wrongdoings. Music is a very powerful weapon. It moves people. Music is the intangible thing that can change the outlook on people’s opinions,” senior musician Avery van der Steur said.

Other students feel that canceling the shows was unfair. “I feel it was unfair to those who had already had tickets. I don’t think that not agreeing with certain laws is a truly valid reason to cancel a show,” junior Sydney Shupe said.

However, other celebrities decided to use their fame in a different way.

The band Mumford and Sons decided to hold their concert in North Carolina as a symbol of support for the LGBT community, and instead of boycotting, donated proceeds to an LGBT charity, according to Rolling Stone.

Celebrities have a significant influence over the opinions of the general

Students respond to the way The Next celebrities use their positions to Bite make social and political statements

OU

public. Social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram make it possible for celebrities to share their opinions, and they also allow fans a space to react.

Sometimes, celebrities can take stands that are fairly controversial and influential. Award-winning artist Beyonce’s halftime show at Super Bowl 50, a show watched by almost 120 million people, created a lot of conversation about Black Power and police brutality and led to police refusing to work at some of her concerts. However, her opinions gained popularity.

“I feel like because I enjoy her music, I listen to her views more,” junior Emily Schiavone said. Some celebrities who choose to make political statements do not gain the support of all.

“I think celebrities often misuse their influence for their own political agenda,” senior Julia Dukes said.

Celebrities such as Leonardo Dicaprio have gone as far as to use their award-acceptance speeches to speak out about specific issues. This year at the Oscars, Dicaprio used the majority of his speech to talk about the severity of climate change. Neil Young also used his newest album “Storytone” to talk about pollution and saving the earth.

“I think [Neil Young] is really concerned and passionate about [the environment], which really brings his message across,” van der Stuer said.

“Throughout my whole life he has been my biggest influence, not just in music, but in the way one should live purely.”

“I think that it’s important for [celebrities] to use their positions to make statements if it can help make a positive difference. These statements reach a multitude of people and a positive statement could make a difference for the better,” Shupe said.

THE

T

The JC Patriot @JCPatriot Do celebrities speaking out in the media on certain topics affect your view on the celebrity?

In reply to The JC Patriot Wilfred Ikejifor @SeniorIkejifor

20m

17m

Yes definitely, if my favorite actor said he thinks something I disagree with, I won’t think they are the hero I thought they were.

In reply to The JC Patriot Anna Smith @JuniorSmith

13m

Everyone is entitled to their opinions, and I feel your views on something should not affect how you view celebrities professionally.

In reply to The JC Patriot

Connor Kiss @SophomoreKiss Yes, because celebrities taking a stance will let you see their character.

In reply to The JC Patriot Sarah Spaeth @FreshmanSpaeth Yes, their opinion factors in on how I view them and their work.

8m

2m

In reply to The JC Patriot Christine Zurkowski @CZurkowski 1m No, not really. As a matter of fact, it makes me look closer at the opposite view.

For the latest, follow The Patriot online at jcpatriot.com.

@JCPatriot

JCPatriot

The JC Patriot

Pia Scotto

Screaming Opa! for Ouzo When walking through Baltimore on a beautiful night, continue on Lancaster St. until you hit the corner where Ouzo Bay sits. You won’t be able to miss its nightlife and bright blue lights shining through the walls, pulling you in.

Ouzo Bay is not only beautiful on the outside but also has a comforting feeling inside with silver air vents and clear lights that hang from the blue ceiling. Its decor makes you feel as if you in the middle of the Greek Sea. If you’re looking for a unique appetizer, try the Saganaki Tiganito, a cheese and bread dip like no other. Pita bread sits to the side, while Kefalograviera Cheese lays inside of a pan which is set on fire by the server with a match. The cheese then melts giving you not only a great appetizer, but also dinner and a show.

As for dinner itself, Ouzo Bay offers a wide selection of seafood including lobster, langoustines, and more. When ordering the seafood, you can head to the back of the restaurant and choose your favorite from the clear display case.

My dinner choice was the Brizola steak which was very appetizing. The 16-oz ribeye steak was tender and grilled nicely with lemon potatoes. The potatoes weren’t sour, but instead gave an amazing contrast to the steak.

All in all, the real deal was in the desserts.

As a Greek restaurant, they offered authentic Greek desserts, which were all delicious.We ate dinner with a large group so we decided to get all four desserts offered.

The sorbets were pretty tasty, with flavors that vary daily. But it got even better from there. The baklava was a good size, delicious and sweet, with a cinnamon and nut flavor which I enjoyed.

The galaktoboureko was something I never heard of before, so I was intrigued and surprised by it.

It was a type of custard that when cut in half, looked like it was filled with wet, small noodles. I had no idea what it actually was or how to describe the taste, yet I felt the need to continue eating it because it was so good.

Finally, the sokolatopita was delicious as well.

I liked this dessert because it was a Greek version of chocolate cake and it tasted so much thicker and richer than the typical ‘chocolate cake.’

It was interesting to try the different Greek foods offered in what felt like a Greek environment.

Piece by piec

8 IN-FOCUS

April 2016

Beauty in the eye of the beholder

Junior Yena Kim looks in the mirror and is not satisfied. Unlike some girls that feel too pale or think they look young for their age, Yena compares herself to the standards set for girls in Korea having pale skin, a skinny body, and a baby face.

According to senior Taejoon Kim, Koreans, as well as other Asian races, tend to be insecure about the size of their eyes because of the comments that other people make.

Imagine how it feels to hear people say, “Where are my eyes? I look Asian in that picture” when you yourself are Asian.

“I don’t really care about it that much compared to other kids, but I think they feel offended when other people say like ‘oh my gosh my eyes look so small,’” Taejoon said. According to Taejoon, some girls even try to make their eyes look bigger using makeup.

However, Yena is confident in her features and is not offended when people make comments unless they are outright insulting. “Sometimes [people] say that [they] like ‘my small eyes,’ and I don’t get hurt or offended about it. Some people have small eyes and some have big eyes. The fact that I have small eyes doesn’t bother me,” Yena said.

Yena elaborates further on the standards that girls in Korea are held up to.

She says it’s different than in America, but the idea is the same because people try to meet a certain standard or achieve a certain look.

“I think it’s pretty much the same. In Korea, people are obsessed with pale skin, and here girls are ob-

Target of hate words

Freshman Sehrish Shauka stands in a Target as a male her age starts to approach her. As he gets closer to her, he asks, “Are your parents in ISIS?” Quickly, Shauka snaps a comment back to protect herself from harsher words.

Welcome to the life of a Pakistani girl.

According to Shauka, exchanges like this are common occurrences for members of her culture, especially women, and usually happen once every two months to her.

“Sometimes I’ll be at the grocery store just picking up some stuff and people will just walk up to me and say rude things to me,” Shauka said.

Shauka believes that the hijab, or headscarf, makes the women stand out and causes them to receive more backlash than Pakistani men do.

According to Arabs in America, the hijab, which means “cover” in Arabic, is worn because “they believe that God has instructed women to wear it as a means of fulfilling His commandment of modesty.”

Although it says in the Quran,

sessed with tan skin,” Yena said.

One thing that Taejoon loves about his culture is the style, in both clothing and hair. According to Taejoon, high school boys in Korea care much more about their style than the boys here in America, or at least at JC. Taejoon thinks that in Korea people care more about style in general, even their hairstyle. “When I would get my hair cut in Korea, I never got disappointed, but [barbers] never satisfy me in the U.S. In Korea [barbers] are better,” Taejoon said.

Something that Taejoon has realized is that oftentimes people assume that Chinese people and Korean people are the same, or assume that since Chinese people do something, Koreans do it too. “[Students] expect all Asian kids are rich and wear expensive stuff, but I don’t really wear that,” Taejoon said.

the Islam book of scripture, that women should wear the hijab, they do not wear it as often in order to avoid this backlash. According to Shauka, other people in her culture criticize her for wearing the hijab and assume that her mom forces her to wear it.

According to Shauka, the Muslim culture worries more about the career and background of the person they are marrying instead of their physical appearance.

“I feel like America is more ‘be thin, be pretty, be fit’ and that kind of stuff,” Shauka said. If anything, the idea of having a paler skin tone might be considered to be more appealing than darker skin.

Although she has never had a problem at school, she believes that people can embrace her culture by “not judging us before they look at us and think ‘oh they’re a part of this country.’”

“The scarf is kind of like an identity - it shows that you are different you are this person. It identifies you,” Shauka said.

ce

IN-FOCUS 9

April 2016

Racial stereotypes prevent us from putting together the perfect puzzle to a beautiful community. By hearing personal accounts, we can understand the different cultural beauty standards.

By In-Focus Editors Caroline Cooney, Lilly Stannard, Katie Sullivan

“Pretty for a black girl” Johnson said. Even something like finding a Then four-year-old Morgan Johnson was date to a dance can be difficult for Johnson playing a game of tag with her pre-school because when friends are trying to find her classmates like she did every day during re- a date to a dance they have to “check if he is cess. When a particular kid was picked to into black girls first.” be the tagger, he refused to chase Johnson One of the main reasons Johnson feels and said, to her face, “I don’t play with dark that black women are not always perceived meat.” Ever since that day, Johnson, now as desirable is because of stereotypes. Aca senior, has been aware of the discrimi- cording to Johnson, there is a stereotype nation she faced and will face every day that black women “have an attitude” or are because of the color of her skin. “ratchet.” Because of these stereotypes, Years later, Johnson now notices that white and black men alike can immediately typical attributes of black females are con- write off black women without getting to sidered desired qualities in present-day. know who they really are.

American society. Cultural appropriation Johnson even had a similar experience can be seen everywhere in popular cul- with a boy whose complexion was similar ture from social media to the red carpet. to hers. She was interested in going out with “Looking like a black girl is somewhat the boy, but he turned her down because he trendy now. Everyone wants the big lips, said Johnson was “too dark for [him] and the curvy figure, and all the features, but [he] wasn’t into dark girls.” having dark skin isn’t in style,” senior Johnson feels that men of her complexion Johnson said. are one of the main discriminators against If the features attributed to a certain eth- black women. She wonders how black men nicity are so desired, then why do people could discriminate against black women in today’s society find one of the when “their own mothers have dark skin.” more prominent features like a Johnson feels the reason for this popular darker complexion as undesir- opinion amongst darker-complexioned men able? may be caused by their own self-hatred.

Evidence of this was seen in “Because of some of the discrimination the JC community when Johnson black men have felt towards their race in the was told by another past, they want to dissocisenior that she was ate themselves from that as “Looking like a black girl much as possible,” John“pretty for a black is somewhat trendy now. son said. She believes that girl.” While this insult was somewhat this is why finding a white Everyone wants the big subtle, the meangirl or girl of a lighter comlips, the curvy figure, and plexion seems to be ideal ing behind it hurt all the features, but having in today’s culture.

Johnson and made her wonder if everyIn addition to the beauty dark skin isn’t in style.” one perceived her Senior Morgan Johnson standards placed on Johnlike this person did. son, she faces many presShe asks herself, why couldn’t she just be sures from “black culture” as well. Accord“pretty” not “pretty… but not completely ing to Johnson, there are many things that pretty because she was still black.” people expect her to do just because she’s Being a darker-complexioned female black. People assume that she can dance in American society leads Johnson to face well, that she’s heard the latest rap artist’s uncomfortable situations when it comes to album, or that she knows what the latest relationships, dating, and dances. slang means.

“I always feel like guys are looking for “I hate that when I tell people that I dance a girl who doesn’t look like me,” they’re shocked that I do ballet and not just hip- hop,” Johnson said. She explains that she is expected to conform to what society perceives as “black culture,” but she tries to be true to who she is and pursue the things she likes without pressures from stereotypes.

To solve the discrimination against darker-complexioned females Johnson feels that “we have to address an end in discrimination against black people as a whole.”

Johnson realizes that ending discrimination is easier said than done, and it may take generations to fix it.

For the time being, Johnson has found comfort in exploring black confidence blogs on websites like Twitter and Tumblr. She has now come to terms with her complexion and embrace her beauty by admiring girls that look similar to her, realizing how beautiful they are and, consequently, how beautiful she is.

10 ENTERTAINMENT

EXPLORE

As the weather gets warmer, here are two of the better parks to explore nearby

April 2016

k c e N Elk

Photo by Katie Sullivan

Elk Neck State Park in North East, Md., is the perfect day trip if you want to be outdoors. Elk Neck is unique and has different landscapes, such as the white-clay cliffs, marshlands, woods, and beaches.

Katie Sullivan In-Focus Editor If you’re looking to spend a day at the beach but don’t want to drive too far, pack a picnic lunch, jump in a car with some friends, and head to Elk Neck State Park.

This beautiful park is located in North East, Md., which is only about a 45 minute drive from JC. It’s the perfect destination for a quick day trip with friends.

If you enjoy the outdoors, there is always something exciting to do at Elk

Neck State Park when the weather is nice out. This is a unique park because it has several different landscapes, such as the whiteclay cliffs, marshlands, woods, and beaches.

Elk Neck offers a variety of things to do and sights to see. One of the greatest parts of this park is the beauty of nature that you’re surrounded by. It’s the perfect place to go for a fun and relaxing day. You can stand on the edge of a cliff and look out across the calm water of the Chesapeake Bay as you hike to the Turkey

Point Lighthouse.

After checking out the lighthouse, be sure to head to the beautiful beach just a couple miles down the road. You can soak up the sun, play in the bay, or even bring a boat to dock at one of the public boat launches.

If you’re looking for something more hands-on than just exploring, there are fishing piers available, as well as the opportunity to hunt, depending on the season and if you have a permit.

There are convenient picnic areas where you can sit down

and eat, or you could set up your own picnic along the cliffs, in the grass, on the beach, or on the pier.

While you can have a full day of hiking, swimming, exploring, and eating, if you are still looking for something, you can walk back towards Main Street in North East, just outside of the park.

North East is a quaint town with plenty of restaurants, boutiques, and antique stores to explore, or if you want the adventure to continue for another day, you can pitch a tent and utilize the campsites that Elk Neck has to offer.

33% of students’ favorite outdoor place to go is the King and Queen Seat in Rock State Park.

Susquehanna Kelly Foulk News Editor If you are looking to enjoy a day floating down a scenic little creek or taking a beautiful hike along a river, look no further than Susquehanna State Park.

From historic buildings to playgrounds, this park has it all. The best part is that it’s only a quick, 20-minute drive from JC. Located north of Havre de Grace, Md., it’s the perfect place for an afternoon of adventure.

Susquehanna State Park features over 15 miles of wellmarked and maintained trails.

These trails range in difficulty level, providing something for everyone.

For those who aren’t the biggest fan of putting one foot in front of the other down a dirt

Photo by Kelly Foulk

Katie Sullivan, In-Focus Editor, climbs a tree over a lake in Susquehanna State Park.

The park, located north of Havre de Grace, Md., is the perfect place for an afternoon of adventure. path that may or may not lead to nowhere, Susquehanna State Park offers numerous other experiences. The park features the Rock Run Historic Area, which includes several restored buildings such as the Rock Run Grist Mill and the Carter-Archer Mansion.

These buildings are now open to the public and occasionally a guide gives tours.

If historic sites are your thing, the park is also home to Steppingstone Museum. At this out-

door museum you’ll find people walking around in colonial outfits working on olden day crafts such as blacksmithing, sewing, and woodworking. If you’re looking for something different, the museum also hosts belly dancing classes at 6 p.m. on Thursdays for those colonial people who like to get down Arabian-style.

If history and hiking aren’t your thing, perhaps tubing down a river is. Deer Creek is the perfect location for kayaking, canoe-

The Patriot conducted a survey on students’ favorite outdoor place.

185 students answered the survey.

ing, tubing, and even just a casual swim. So that’s Susquehanna. It’s an amazing place with everything you could possibly want (excluding the wild bears I know you were hoping to discover). If an afternoon isn’t enough, the park also features a campground so you can spend a whole weekend at the park. According to a survey conducted by The Patriot, 20 percent of students already list it as a favorite hangout. Try it out for yourself and go explore.

PERSPECTIVES 11

April 2016

Start treating people with more respect

Political correctness needs to be reduced

Will Bolton Perspectives Editor

Azanae Barrow Community Editor

The great thing about emotions is that they are always rational and firmly based on facts and careful considerations. Everyone is in complete control of their own emotions and only weak people lose control of them.

So back to the real world, it’s understandable why homosexuals get angry when people call bad stuff “gay,” or how Native Americans don’t like the term “redskin,” or when decent people dislike Donald Trump calling opponents fat, ugly, disgusting, gross… Wait where was I? Oh yeah, I’ve never understood the weird entitlement that some people feel to knowingly say disrespectful or blatantly crude comments.

The hatred of political correctness is so entrenched that even comments which everyone agrees are insanely hateful or ignorant get applauded simply because “they aren’t politically correct.” Political correctness is not fascist control over free speech, and you are not brave or inspirational for knowingly disrespecting someone or a group of people.

Political correctness is just a term for the guidelines of acceptable public speech and actions. Everyone is well within their right to say hateful things, but getting angry at those who condemn such speech is laughable.

The perfect example is the insane ire that some Christians feel towards the saying Happy Holidays.

For some reason, people feel that saying Happy Holidays as opposed to Merry Christmas is a bizarre secular, Liberal plot to discredit Christmas and slowly destroy Christianity.

It’s just a more inclusive saying to use if you are not

sure whether the person you are speaking to is Christian or not. If they are, no one is restricting you from saying Merry Christmas. Imagine being a Jew and being told Merry Christmas. It’s not that it would be some horrible offense or even remotely hurtful, but there is no reason not to try and be inclusive.

That is the crux of every political correctness argument. If you know that what you are going to say is offensive and there is an obvious way to avoid offending someone, why would you intentionally be disrespectful? Political correctness opponents are fond of saying “I’m not politically correct so get over it.”

Guess what? You don’t get to be hateful without causing anger, so get over it.

The only true logic to being worried about the rise of political correctness is that it could make public figures squeamish about addressing real issues. When politicians are scared of speaking about hard topics, they may avoid them in favor of feel-good issues.

Although it could be a problem, the point of political correctness is that it creates an inclusive society.

Politicians who are genuinely trying to solve problems respectfully have little to fear from a movement which is in and of itself, dealing with problems.

Respect and inclusivity are the cornerstones of productive dialogue on which democratic societies are built. Without effective communication, gridlock and partisanship shut down any progress which can be made.

Emotions tangle dialogue and create divides, while political correctness allows logical solutions to be debated and agreed upon.

Patriot

Debate: Poltitical Correctness

If you look up the term political correctness on Google Images, there is a subcategory called “gone too far.” A hilarious but precise definition of the term political correctness says, “A term used for whiny, overly-sensitive sissies who need everything sugar-coated for them.”

As harsh as that definition is, I find it to be quite true. Our society is so fragile nowadays, whether it’s from drama on Twitter or someone who said your shoes looked ugly. Everything is taken way over the top.

According to Hub Pages, the politically correct term for people of the LGBT community is “alternative lifestyle,” the correct term for Christmas and New Years is “holidays,” poor people are “financially inept,” black people are “AfroAmericans.” I mean seriously, according to the Public Religion Research Institute, “Although a slim majority of those with a preference want retailers to say “happy holidays” or “season’s greetings,” we found that preference depends on your level of tension with the culture you live.” Just call it like you see it, no need to get so technical to the point where you can’t even say Christmas anymore just to please a few grinches during the winter.

By imposing these “politically correct” terms on people, you end up ostracizing them as well. You no longer recognize people by their personalities but instead, you associate them with the word. I have never heard a gay person refer to themselves as having an “alternative lifestyle.” Yes, their lifestyle is different, but it has noth-

ing to do with their overall personality.

A survey conducted by Debate.org, a website focused on opinions, politics and debates, found that 91% of people think that society has become too politically correct. People who took the survey were asked to leave a comment on why they feel society is either too politically correct or not politically correct. All of the responses were the same, that people are entitled to any opinion whether it’s wrong or not.

You’re always going to have a few people go completely nuts over what you say.

Stop going nuts. What you say, whether it’s correct or not, is going to offend someone regardless.

Just respond to questions or comments to the best of your ability, and the few people who get offended are going to have to deal with it.

Now without a doubt, I believe that all humans deserve respect. With that being said, the proper term for their nationality, sexual orientation, religious preferences etc. should be used. Don’t just say anything you want to people because then you come across as ignorant It only starts to become a problem when information can’t be translated to the general public because then our freedom of speech is revoked - the essential right of being a human in America.

Have a voice, speak out -but don’t be stupid about it. If something you say offends half the nation but still catches people’s attention and introduces them to severe problems, I think that is acceptable. Chances are you were thinking what half the world was thinking but only you had the guts to say anything. Everyone else was too worried about starting World War III.

Illustration by Yena Kim

Patriot Answers

Does political correctness hurt society or protect diversity?

Ben Blessing

Erin Disney

Mary Doud

Freshman

Sophomore

Junior

“It’s bad because it restricts people since they can’t say what they want to say because it may offend someone.”

“It’s good because it prevents people from using offensive terms.”

Daniel Bonsack

Senior

“I think people are too concerned “It’s good because people need to with being politically correct. realize if they are offending other There’s a time and a place for it, cultures with their words.” but not always [a need].”

Anthony Davidson

Faculty

“You can have an intelligent dialogue while being politically correct, but you have to strike a balance.”

12 PERSPECTIVES

April 2016

Bolton’s Bias Will Bolton

Religion curriculum needs prayers Senior year is winding down which means that requests for reflection and discussion are as inevitable as they are painful. Everyone wants to know “what it is like” to almost be done, and because I don’t yet have the answer, or particularly like the question, I am going to leave that for another time.

One thing which is abundantly clear is that when time starts running out, people start noticing it, and as a habitual procrastinator, wasted time is something I am all too familiar with. Despite what teachers, and for that matter grades might say, wasted time, wasted well, is in no way a waste.

The issue with wasted time is when it cannot be spent randomly enjoying life and is instead wasted on activities which do not offer a respite from the responsibilities which can seem to plague us. The perfect example is the monotonously repetitive Archdiocesan religion curriculum for which my class has been the guinea pig. In keeping with that metaphor, we did not make it through the maze.

It is not that the subject matter is boring, unimportant, or even fundamentally a waste of time.

In fact, I distinctly remember sincerely enjoying freshmen religion because it offered such a new take on the world.

Unfortunately, my curiosity about the way in which Catholics view God quickly evaporated upon realizing that my sophomore and junior year religion classes had almost exactly the same lessons, vocab words, and textbook.

In fact, I believe that given the abundance of the vocab words “trinity,” “mystery,” “transubstantiation,” and “Kingdom of God,” I may have been able to pass junior religion as a freshman.

I can only truly speak from my experience, but I think I am not alone in saying that I learned more from Mr. Huber’s and Mr. Vierheller’s tangents than I did from the textbook as a sophomore and junior. While the tests and quizzes rehashed the same ideas, the lessons went into the sometimes-gritty reality of applying Catholic morality to government, society, and ultimately life.

While some argue that four whole years of religion is a waste, I understand that it is important.

So as a partial answer to all those asking about senior reflections, I wish I could have wasted that time more productively.

Photo by Katherine Grimm

Seniors Faith Ensor, Nicolette Ficca, Hailey Schilling, and Lilly Stannard preform during the Peace and Justice Assembly on April 6. The Assembly featured singing and speeches from students and faculty about inclusivity, discrimination, and diversity.

Admin, students need to build inclusive community Awkwardly standing in the last few minutes of class, listening to classmates talk about an upcoming party, senior international student Stephania Ortega feels ashamed because she feels like she isn’t good enough to be invited.

This awkward isolation is not unusual for international students.

The administration has created a dynamic community featuring students from all over the world and has integrated those cultures in various ways. We applaud the administration for the Peace and Justice Assembly and their efforts to integrate diverse groups of the world into our school community.

However, the efforts of both administrators and students to integrate different communities are not comprehensive enough and never seem to fully accomplish their purposes.

The school has a limited focus on acceptance, and groups like the LGBT community are left out. Areas where the school focuses on diversifying, such as the international student program, often lack depth and only make superficial accomplishments.

The school even created a diversity statement, but in the same

The Patriot Volume 51, Issue 5, April 2016

Print Chief Claire Grunewald Online Chief Kishan Patel Social Media Manager Alex Rasmussen News Editors Kelly Foulk Grace Mottley

fashion as many of their endeav- brace opportunities and excel as ors, students are unaware of the responsible participants in the new code, and the community global society.” has yet to experience the fruits of The ability to hear global perthe administration’s labor on the spectives on issues in the classstatement. room creates a wealth of opporThe LGBT community needs tunity for students. However, a to receive more attention. A club lot of the global perspective we advocating for LGBT identi- experience through the internaties would not only strengthen tional program is simply observaour community, but will assist tional. Just because people from students in their all parts of the journey to accept world are in the themselves and “Our English same buildings come out, if they grammar mistakes and classrooms, have not done so. that doesn’t mean This club should make us feel like personal interacnot be limited to we are less than tion and bonding members of the always occurs.

LGBT commu- American students.”

Students are nity but should be Senior Stephania Ortega partly at fault, nd open to those who should take reaim to create an sponsibility for environment of acceptance and making international students feel understanding. welcome.

Although much more success“Our English grammar misful than LGBT acceptance, the takes make us feel like we are international student program is less than the American students,” lacking.

Ortega said. “[The] administraAccording to the JC website, tion doesn’t care, they expect “The John Carroll School has American students to take care of a well-established international making us feel welcome.” student program that furthers An effort was made two years the mission of the School in de- ago to help promote relationships veloping students who will em- between domestic and foreign

Community Editors Azanae Barrow Pia Scotto Entertainment Editors Adriana Guidi Nick Miller In-Focus Editors Caroline Cooney Lilly Stannard Katie Sullivan

Perspectives Editor Will Bolton

Artists Yena Kim Cara Wolfarth

Sports Editors Mike Moxley Grant Sharretts

Multimedia Editors Kevin Blandeburgo Katherine Grimm Elizabeth Harmison Mitch Hopkins

Copy Editors Joe Kyburz Erin McCloskey Daniel Robinson

Moderators Mark Ionescu Nick Attanasio

students through the international student mentoring program. Unfortunately, this program died once the program’s leaders graduated. The administration needs to permanently establish a similar program to promote international communication, but students must also go out of their way to encourage the development of an accepting community.

While the school needs to improve some of its efforts, it is the student body’s responsibility to make an accepting atmosphere a reality.

Student leaders must be proactive in embracing all their peers and encouraging their classmates to do so as well. Students did an excellent job contributing to the Peace and Justice Assembly, and they were able to use their voices to speak out against the discrimination experienced by their races and cultures. Creating a truly diverse community requires students to take ownership.

Diversity stretches beyond race, and with a few adjustments and by following the path JC has laid out for us, the students can create a community which will become a place where everyone will feel accepted.

The John Carroll School 703 Churchville Road Bel Air, MD 21014 The Patriot is a publication of The John Carroll School.

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

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

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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

April 2016

Bathroom Bill HB2 exemplifies stupidity ders but realized that it would be way too expensive to fund. Also, would all buildings have these HB2, also known as the Char- new bathrooms? Only governlotte Bathroom Bill or the Public ment buildings? Schools? Private Facilities Privacy and Security businesses? That idea was quickAct, is the newest issue causing ly discarded due to the expense. tons of unnecessary controversy.

If you think about what the bill I have tried to find a reasonable actually says, it almost seems reasolution for this issue, but I’ve sonable. Making people use the found holes in each plan. bathroom of their birth gender Essentially, HB2 states that a sounds fair, but it would make transgender person both transgenmust use the rest- It seems that the ders and the peoroom appropriate around them real solution to this ple to the gender that uncomfortable. is on their birth cer- problem would be It’d be weird tificate. According a transgento let transgenders for to The Charlotte der man to walk Observer, “trans- use the restrooms into a women’s gender people who They of the gender with restroom. have not taken the would feel very surgical and legal which they identify. out of place, steps to change the and I’m sure the gender noted on women would their birth certificates have no le- too. I mean, I’d feel pretty ungal right to use public restrooms comfortable if I walked into a of the gender with which they bathroom and Caitlyn Jenner was identify.” in there.

The problem with finding a soIt seems that the real solution lution is that there is a fundamen- to this problem would be to let tal misunderstanding between the transgenders use the restrooms two parties so they cannot com- of the gender with which they promise. I first thought of having identify. Picking a bathroom isn’t a separate bathroom for transgen- something we should force peo-

Daniel Robinson Copy Editor

Report Card:

Coup de Grace

BATHROOM

Grace Mottley

BIRTH CERTIFICATE

REQUIRED

US needs educated voters Illustration by Katie Sullivan

The North Carolina Bathroom Bill requires everyone to use the bathroom of their birth unless they have had surgery to change their gender. This puts transgenders and all patrons in uncomfortable situations and creates the bizzarre crime of being in the wrong bathroom. ple into, transgender or not.

Now, there are speculations that sexual predators may try to take advantage of this new Bathroom Bill for their own benefit.

Arizona, Florida, Kentucky, and Texas all had considered passing this law as an act of protection against predators. However, the numbers don’t lie, and according to the Transgender Law Center, the Human Rights Campaign, and the American Civil Liberties Union, there is no statistical evidence that supports this claim.

The reality of this situation is that no one will enforce this. People aren’t going to carry around birth certificates just in case they have to use a public bathroom.

There aren’t going to be officials at each bathroom door to check your parts to make sure you’re going into the correct bathroom.

HB2 is just a way for lawmakers to tell transgenders that they didn’t like them, and didn’t want them in their state.

This bill is nonsensical, ridiculous, and unnecessary.

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

By Entertainment Editor Nick Miller

Cake takes over from assemblies

Students dance the nights away

The best thing about this school year is that we don’t have to go through an entire assembly reading off all of the names of students who received honors for the quarter. But really? A piece of cake as a reward for a quarter of slaving for your grades? It’s also terrible that it takes place at the end of the lunch mod.

The honors banquet should take place during advisory. It seems like a more fitting reward for the students who put the work in. It’s also much more convenient than taking time out of the lunch mod. Students who take the time and put in effort to their education deserve better than a 10-minute period cut off of their lunch mod and a tiny slice of cake.

The Sadie Hawkins’ Dance, Ring Dance, and Prom were some of the most fun nights all year. Sadie’s was great because it was turned into a senior class fundraiser, so the whole class came together and advertised it.

The Ring Dance was super fun, too. It took a bit longer for people to break the ice and start dancing, but the food was great and it was easy to pass the time talking until everyone started dancing. Prom at the Aquarium, though, was by far the best. The food was phenomenal, the dancing and decorations were fantastic, and the after-party at Dave and Buster’s made the $110 tickets seem cheap.

Athletes don’t get a break Students work hard enough during the school year and deserve time off over spring break. A practice or two over break is reasonable, but this year, athletes were worked so hard that they couldn’t take a vacation over spring break. It’s just a week-and-a-half to go without practice. It’s unreasonable to ask people to devote all of their free time to a single activity. As long as there isn’t a game, athletes should be able to have spring break off. Let spring break be a break. Athletes deserve to unwind for a little bit so they can get in a good mindset and be excited to come back to practices and games. It will help them play better and enjoy themselves more.

Cara’s Cartoons: Productive senioritis I should put these books to some use.

Ahhhhh, this is perfect.

Cartoon by Cara Wolfarth

Political awareness seems to be very low on our society’s list of priorities. Condemning the government and those who lead it is a pastime enjoyed by many, but it seems that the majority of these complainers are unable to identify their district’s congressional representative.

It will be our generation’s duty to reform the society we live in. This sounds inspirational to some, but without a change in our behaviors, we will be no different than our predecessors.

Millennials are significantly less likely to be politically involved than their baby-boomer counterparts were, and only about 20 percent of millennials say they are politically engaged, according to a study of political engagement conducted by the Harvard Institute on Politics.

We have no political knowledge, and a country to fix.

Our age group is slowly gaining the ability to vote, but if our lack of political engagement continues, we will elect potentially disastrous legislators and contribute to the seemingly crumbling morals of our legislative system.

Voting without a basic understanding of candidates and issues can result in electing a candidate who doesn’t share your political views. Selecting a candidate indicates that their beliefs mirror your own and that they will represent your beliefs in the legislature, so if you randomly select a politician, you give a possibly untrustworthy person permission to represent you in the policymaking system, even if they will act against your beliefs.

Students who can vote are not the only ones who need to be politically involved. Everyone will eventually be able to vote, and those who already have a basic understanding of the workings of the political system when time comes will be significantly better off because of it.

An increase in our political involvement will not only enable us to elect leaders who are more likely to make our voices heard, but it will also allow us to become better leaders when the time comes.

For our age group to become effective leaders, we need to be learning from the events that are happening right now. We need to be able to identify what legislation works and what doesn’t. If our age group as a whole becomes more politically aware, we’ll be better equipped to handle the host of problems our country faces.

14 SPORTS Razz Reports

April 2016

Athlete Spotlight

Jack Plumer Sport: Fencing

Alex Rasmussen

Experience: 4 years Events competed in: Junior Olympics in Cleveland, Ohio Grade: Freshman

Orioles steal spotlight Although I understand most high school students aren’t in love with the game of baseball, the Baltimore Orioles have been fun to watch so far this season.

The Orioles, (11-6) are currently first in the American League East as of April 25. The O’s won their first seven games behind hot bats from Manny Machado, Mark Trumbo, and Joey Rickard.

Machado has been the most reliable reliable player for the O’s offensively and defensively.

He’s currently batting slightly over .400 with a 13 game hitting streak, and he has also made some great plays defensively. A two-time Gold Glove winner, he is currently leading the team in batting average, hits, and on-base percentage.

Trumbo has also proved to be another go-to player for the O’s offensively. Trumbo, who currently has the second highest batting average on the team, has provided a great offensive surge. He already has four multi-hit games and recorded four hits in five at bats on Opening Day. Rickard has been a great new addition for the O’s. The Orioles acquired Rickard in the Rule 5 draft this winter from the Tampa Bay Rays. Rickard has been a reliable bat and glove for the O’s this season batting right around .300 his first season in the big leagues and being a solid defensive outfielder.

A player that hasn’t impressed me is Matt Wieters. Coming up the Oriole program, Wieters looked like he would be one of the league’s top catchers, if not the best. However, Wieters hasn’t impressed me since coming off an injury and hasn’t provided much offensively. The biggest contribution Wieters brings to the table is his glove, which has earned him two Gold Gloves in 2011 and 2012.

The biggest area of concern I have with this year’s team is the pitching. With only one quality start, coming from Ubaldo Jimenez, the team has had to rely on their relief pitchers a lot so far.

They have used them the third most in the majors after mediocre play from their starting pitchers.

In the American League East division, this season looks to be interesting. The O’s have been fun and exciting to watch so far, and this year looks promising for a team that has turned it around since Buck Showalter took over as manager.

“College recruiters for NCAA teams tend to put a lot of weight behind a fencer’s ranking on the Cadet and Junior lists, so Jack could go quite far.”

Head coach Greg Paye

Photo by Mitchell Hopkins

Freshman fencer Jack Plumer lunges forward with his epee.

Plumer has been fencing competitively for four years.

“You kind of have to get a feel for your opponent and see what they’re thinking. Then do something to outthink them.”

Freshman fencer Jack Plummer

SPORTS 15

April 2016

Female athlete kicking down gender barriers Caroline Cooney In-Focus Editor

Badminton smashes through season Azanae Barrow Community Editor The women’s varsity badminton team currently holds a record of 4-4. The team, competing in the IAAM B conference, originally had 34 players. The team now has 11 varsity and 22 JV players.

“Our toughest schools to beat this year will be Oldfields and Maryvale,” varsity women’s badminton head coach Teresa Gauthier said. Oldfields is the only school to beat the varsity team, handing them both their losses this season.

“Sophomore Lily Chen and junior Erin McCaughey are both undefeated and are the number one and two varsity singles players. Juniors Giana Liberatore and Emily Schiavone are the number one varsity doubles players,” Gauthier said.

With seven varsity players graduating this year, the team will lose a large percentage of players.

“We have a lot of good people on the team so we will be better than we were this year even if the seniors leave,” Gauthier said.

Baseball swings for playoff spot Mike Moxley Sports Editor Through 17 games the men’s varsity baseball team is 8-9 overall and 4-8 in conference.

The team is fighting for a playoff spot. They recently had crucial games against St. Mary’s and Calvert Hall which are, according to head coach and Athletic Director Steve Teter, “important for their playoff hopes.”

On April 21, they beat St. Mary’s 8-2, but on April 22 they came up short against Calvert Hall 5-11.

“This is one of the most talented groups I’ve coached, but we just need to put all that talent together,” Teter said.

According to several players, two seniors who have stepped up this season are second baseman and pitcher Paul Wilson and first baseman Will Tokarski.

“Paul and Will have shown great leadership this season and have helped the younger guys as well,” senior designated hitter Matt Lozinak said.

The team will try and rely on them to make a late playoff push.

“We have experience, but the younger guys are really good as well which helps us,” Wilson said. “That should help the team for the next couple years.”

Junior Sarah Meyerl replays the steps to her formation as she stares at the yellow uprights towering over her. Step back, over two, and kick. She admires the ball as it crosses the plane and smiles. She finally did it.

Meyerl’s interest in playing football was sparked at the end of sophomore year but developed more at the beginning of junior year. “Recently, there was a female kicker who made her first field goal in college, and I think she was one of the first female kickers in that college’s history.

When I saw it, it made me want to do exactly this even more,” Meyerl said.

Once Meyerl became interested, she talked to varsity football head coach Keith Rawlings, and Athletic Director Steve Teter, and Photo by Caroline Cooney researched the MIAA rules. At Junior Sarah Meyerl kicks a field goal while wearing the JC football pads. Meyerl aspires to play football first she thought people would flat out tell her no and was surprised her senior year and inspire young girls to play the sports they want regardless of gender. when she found out her playing was allowed. “[Rawlings] surCurrent Earth Science teacher and linebacker Damon Lloyd is the tryouts at the beginning of the prisingly said that if I’m good and former assistant football also open to having a girl join the season and then go to every single enough, then I’ll make the team. coach Timothy Perry believes team. “I encourage it and support practice,” Meyerl said.

If not, maybe JV or maybe I’ll that females should not play male it, but just because she’s a girl She believes that having a festand on the sidelines and won’t sports due to the physical differ- doesn’t mean she can be taken male on the football team repreplay at all,” Meyerl said. ences that can lead to potential lightly.” Lloyd said. “She’s still a sents diversity in sports worldwide and would bring a bigger According to the MIAA rules, injuries. According to Perry, each player on the team.”

According to Meyerl, Perry crowd that would amp up the “female student athletes at co-ed gender is anatomically different member schools will be allowed in ways regarding our “muscles told her that if she decided to play spirit.

“I’ve always thought it would to participate on MIAA sanc- mass, physical size and strength, next year and needed help to get tioned interscholastic athletic and the capacity to endure the rig- ready for the season to come to be cool to play. A girl playing him for help. “I would have to football - that doesn’t really hapteams in any sport where a simi- ors of the sport.”

“That’s not to say girls aren’t do all the summer workouts with pen often,” Meyerl said. “I want lar team is not available to them in the same sport.” It continues tough enough [...] or can’t do it, the guys. I would have to do all to be known as that person.” to clarify that if the school offers but in the context of the sport and a compatible sport for females the context of how you play, I think that there is in any season a huge gap in the then they are “The one thing I average person, not allowed girl or boy,” Perry to play on the heard a lot was, ‘I However, men’s team. hate football, but if said.

Meyerl has heard In addition, positive feedback Title IX of you were playing, from students the education I would come and who have heard amendments about her interest was put into watch.’”

Junior Sarah Meyerl in playing for the effect in 1972. team. “The one This states that no student athlete shall be at a thing I heard a lot was, ‘I hate disadvantage at any time athleti- football, but if you were playing, cally or academically on the ba- I would come and watch,’” Meysis of their gender in a federally erl said.

Freshman Olivia Webster, funded institution. “[If a girl wanted to play] we who played on a baseball team would figure out why they feel with one other girl when she was it’s needed and why the gender younger, agrees with Meyerl and compatible sport is not satisfac- encourages equal opportunities.

“Everyone can play what they tory, then we would talk to the student’s parents, and for the stu- want to play. If they feel like they dent to play, they would need the can play football, then have at it,” Webster said. She also believes league’s approval,” Teter said.

Although Meyerl has not that it will positively impact the definitely decided to try out for school and give female students the football team next year, this confidence knowing they can raised the issue of whether girls play a predominantly male sport.

According to the U.S. Department of Education Senior varsity football captain should play or not.

Title IX and Sex Discrimination:

In 1972, the U.S. Department of Education enacted Ttitle IX, allowing equal rights and opportunities in sports regardless of their sex.

It states:

“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

16 SPORTS

April 2016

Getting to the next

LEVEL

The varsity women’s lacrosse team has 16 players committed to college lacrosse programs. The process that student athletes go through involves hours of work and dedication.

12 full scholarships each year in Division I programs. This leads to some students going on colSenior women’s varsity la- lege visits before they even know crosse defensive midfielder Sam what high school they would be Carey walks up the skywalk attending. “I made my first visit inside the Campbell University to the University of Denver back football stadium, about to have in eighth grade, and recruitment a meeting that could possibly started in seventh,” freshman define the next four years of her varsity women’s lacrosse goalie life. “We sat and talked about my Emily Sterling said. plans for my future. She was surSwift believes that athletes prised I didn’t turn and say that I should carefully choose their wanted to play lacrosse. Seconds college and make sure you visit, later, right there in that moment, focus on their academics, and she offered me [a spot at Camp- their coaching staff. “I believe bell]. It was nice to know that that athletes should take their all my hard word is really paying time when looking to play in off,” Carey said. college. You change a lot from The payoff is sweet, but freshman to senior year and anythe process of getting to that thing could happen,” Swift said. point can be hard. In this, nonColleges recruit girls for laathletes can feel pressure from crosse at an early age. They do other classmates about college this in order to plan to fill posichoices, but having your entire tions they will need on the team team decided in the coming on where they “Because of how years. With loopare going when intense the sport holes in the curyou still don’t rent NCAA rule know can be is, it brings our that you cannot excruciatingly whole team closer contact a player nerve-wrack- together. We are until their junior ing.

“When year, college they see their like a family both coaches now use friends are on and off the third-party comcommitting to field.” munication to go schools and around this rule.

Freshman goalie Emily Sterling they haven’t When a women’s figured out what they want to lacrosse player decides to wait to do yet, makes them ‘freak out,’” commit, they run the risk of loswomen’s varsity lacrosse head ing their spot. This is due to the coach Abbey Swift said. fact that colleges are continuSenior defenseman and Man- ing to search for players at your hattan College commit Hailey same position, and if someone Siemek felt the pressure setting else commits, you lose that spot. in during her recruitment. “I Sterling was an early freshgot frustrated at times, but then man commit to the University I knew the right college would of Maryland College Park durcome along and I found the per- ing October of this year. “It’s not fect one for me,” Siemek said. that I needed to, but there were a Many athletes can commit bunch of schools that were lookearly in high school, but no oth- ing at other people at my posier sport has seemed to ramp up tion and I knew I loved Maryrecruiting as much as women’s land so I decided this is where I lacrosse. Colleges can now offer want to go,” Sterling said.

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Grant Sharretts Sports Editor

Where are they committed?

Seniors: Mary Kate Gerety - Hofstra University Hailey Siemek - Manhattan College Sam Carey - Campbell University Alice Cumpston - University of Vermont Anya McSorley - Costal Carolina University Meghan Hoffman - Temple University Parker Day - Jacksonville University Kelley Rielley - George Mason University Grace Glinecki - Flordia Southern Ellie Marindin - Winthrop University Juniors: Abby Hormes (#2 pictured above) High Point University Jordan Butler - Mount St. Mary’s Charlotte Haggerty - James Madison University Caroline Barwick (#15 pictured above) - Virginia Tech Underclassmen: Molly Lynch (‘18) - Towson University Emily Sterling (‘19) - University of Maryland College Park

Photo by Elizabeth Harmison

Senior varsity women’s lacrosse defenseman Anya McSorley passes the ball down the field on a fast break. McSorley committed to play lacrosse at Coastal Carolina University on Oct. of 2014 in her junior year.

The current varsity team, holding a 6-6 record, has learned that through these recruitment periods, they all have something in common. “Because of how intense the sport is, it brings our whole team closer together,” Sterling said.

As a member of the varsity team junior and varsity women’s lacrosse midfielder Charlotte Haggerty committed during her sophomore year to James Madison University. Her mother, Kelly Haggerty, felt that this was a bit early for her. “She was get-

ting pressure from colleges to commit during freshman year.

The pressure on these young girls is too much. How do they know where they want to go at the age of 14?” Kelly Haggerty said.

While it’s a long and tedious process, many athletes believe it ends up to be worth finding the right school for you. “It is a lot and does get extremely overwhelming but it was definitely worth it when it all comes together and you find that perfect school for you,” Siemek said.