The Patriot May 2006, Issue 6, Vol 41

John Carroll School " Tradition " Pride

The

Patriot " Excellence

703 Churchville Road " Bel Air, MD 21014

Volume 41, Issue 6 " May 2006

INDEX Student addresses necessity of cleaning up trash piles around school.

W S

page 8

E N T E R T A I N M E N T

Current Patriot staff bids farewell to departing seniors.

page 10 “Ice Age 2” spurs a closer look at successes of computeranimated films.

page 16

Seniors share S their college P sports teams O commitments.

R T S

page 19

photo from Patriot File

page 5

Honor council to be implemented N next year causes E controversy.

F E A T U R E S

Courtney Baltimore Staff Writer

A group of senior girls dances to “Cha Cha Slide,” played at their senior prom.

Most of the senior class felt a marked approval of all the festivities of prom night.

Prom PLEASES Alli Kartachak Staff Writer

A local bus drops off a middleaged man from work. A school bus deposits kids to and from their schools each day. A white bus transports hollering high-schoolers to their away games across the state. A city bus wheels across the rough pavement of the dirty city streets, dropping lonesome travelers off at random destinations.

On Saturday, April 29, while the world was spinning hastily and all buses were in service, JC seniors

were riding fast,anxiously waiting in the seats of their coach buses as they departed from JC around 7:30 p.m. But these buses weren’t wheeling to some random destination; they were going to Prom.

Though some may call it cliché, Prom, according to many, is a magical night: a night full of bonding, glamour, friendship and fun. Prom is a carefully planned event, and while some are in far off places dreaming about it, others are making it happen.

“We begin planning the next year’s Prom as soon as the last one ends,” says Mrs. Russell, four-year

INTERNET DANGER:

Prom moderator.

The hard work was evident this year when 287 tickets, almost the number of the entire senior class together, were sold. Early bird tickets sold for $60 and regular tickets sold for $75 per person.

However, Prom isn’t about the money, but rather about the entire experience.

“I’d have to say I spent about $320 on Prom this year,” says senior Michelle Scharfe. “But it was worth every penny of it.”

While 75% of the seniors rode on the buses to the M&T Bank Continued on page 9

Internet provides world wide gateway for online predators

Mary Etting, Kim Hoopes, Anne article is not about MySpace in particular; rather, it is about the Sedney Editorials co Editor, Copy co Editor, wonderful World Wide Web. Because of the popularity and Assistant Copy Editor accessibility of the Internet, people feel safe publicizing information about themselves, Extremely common activity for and are often ignoteens: playing on the computer. rant of the fact Most popular website among teens: that the InterMyspace.com. Intended purpose net can present of Myspace.com: to keep in touch real dangers. with and make friends. PossibilNot so long ity that a rapist or pedophile now ago, many looks at your picture every night people were in before he or she goes to bed: more an uproar about likely than we like to think.

MySpace. ParAfter reading the Þrst para- ents worried for graph I’m sure every reader is now their children’s safety thinking to him or herself, “Oh (and, in some cases, repugreat, another person complaining tations, due to many photos conabout MySpace,” or, “The whole taining skimpy clothing and drug ‘MySpace is dangerous’ lectures paraphernalia).

Students calm are so over-used!” However, this their parents’ fears by saying that n narsso ff Gun e J y b photo

E D I T O R I A L S

Country Fair phenomenal

they only have MySpaces in order to keep in touch with friends.

The problem, however, with MySpace is that it is all too easy Continued on page 12

The joyous month of May always marks the beginning of blooming daffodils, radiant weather, uncontrolled excitement as the end of the year rapidly approaches, and of course, the infamous JC Country Fair.

This fair is recognized as a social hot-spot that attracts a diverse and extravagant crowd within the Bel Air community. For this reason, the administration beckons the help of the student body to volunteer at various booths in exchange for service hours.

Junior Matt Ebner worked at the lemonade stand on Saturday afternoon and described his experience as “a rewarding one, because it was an easy way to get my hours and it was fun to work with my friends.”

The sweet, greasy smell of funnel cake and the pungent aroma of pit beef were once again a crowd favorite.

“My favorite part of the fair is always the food! The Þrst thing I run for is the stand with funnel cakes!” confessed junior Kristen Lang.

“I personally prefer the candy apples; they make my taste buds happy,” junior Kate Dagilas said.

Other students jump at the Þrst colorfully-wrapped chocolate candy bar.

Freshman Tommy Murphy casually admitted, “I just eat whatever looks good.” All of the delicacies ranging from the freshly-squeezed lemonade to the homemade baked goods added to the overall exciting atmosphere.

Although it has been argued that $1.25 for one ride ticket is highway robbery, many students would also agree that the rush of having your body ßung upside down numerous times at a rapid pace makes the expenses well worth it.

Freshman Chelsea Baumgardner recalled her Þrst experience at the JC fair when she said, “I loved riding the zipper. The long lines were deÞnitely worth the wait.”

With the addition of the giant slide ride, many students jumped at the opportunity to hurl their body weight down a steep, slippery slope into a pit at the bottom.

This attraction was different from previous years and junior Regina DiPaula, who confessed that she went down it eight separate times, expressed the experience as “thrilling.”

Continued on page 7

Editorials

2

Speakers bore Prom bus appreciated Mary Etting Editorials co Editor

Very few people believe that voting is an unimportant matter, but many people believe the assembly held on May 11, 2006 concerning political parties was one that was extremely dull.

We are the next generation and the people who are going to get through to us the most are those who are around our age, simply because they know how our minds

work and what matters the most to us.

The speakers that come should be interesting as well as informative. Well rehearsed is great, because the speaker than knows exactly what they want to say and aren’t stumbling over words.

However, reading out of a binder in a monotone voice causes listeners to zone out.

Hopefully next year the administration will be able to secure speakers who are more interesting and more apt at keeping the attention of students.

Water color unacceptable Jeff Gunnarsson co Editor in Chief

Have you ever seen those ancient-looking yellow water fountains that seem to be arbitrarily dispersed throughout the school’s halls? Most students have. Have you ever tried to drink from one of those fountains? Hopefully not.

Several days ago, I took an empty water bottle to one of the aforementioned fountains, hoping to Þll said bottle and hydrate my parched mouth and body.

The water had one thing in common with the fountains. It was yellow. If you do not believe me, go and Þll up a clear water bottle with it, then hold the bottle up to the

light.

Water is essential to life, and although no student is likely to die from being deprived of clean water for the duration of one school day, it is an indubitable truth that consistent water consumption is vital to good health.

While I personally try to bring a water bottle or two to school everyday to keep my ßuids up, I sometimes become forgetful; unfortunately, I do not feel that I can rely on the school to provide acceptably clean water to drink.

Coming from a public school, I can attest to the quality of the water there. At JC, for almost ten thousand dollars per year, ought we not to expect clean (or at least clear) water?

THE

PATRIOT John Carroll School 703 Churchville Road, Bel Air, Maryland 21014 Volume 41, Issue 6, May 2006

co Editor in Chief....................................................Jeff Gunnarsson co Editor in Chief........................................................Neha Prakash Editorials co Editor........................................................Mary Etting Editorials co Editor......................................................Jared Drewen News co Editor............................................................Caitlin Keilty News co Editor...........................................................Joe Christesen Features co Editor..........................................................Emily Lazor Features co Editor........................................................Claire Bronis Entertainment co Editor...................................................Ryan Leeb Entertainment co Editor...........................................Sandy Wienholt Sports co Editor.....................................................Andy Wancowicz Sports co Editor...........................................................Brady Collins Photography co Editor..............................................Jessica O’Brien Photography co Editor...........................................Jennifer DiBiagio Business Manager..................................................Shannon Murphy Copy co Editor...............................................................Kim Hoopes Copy co Editor.....................................................Hillary Livingston Assistant Copy Editor .................................................Anne Sedney Design Editor............................................................Chris Anderson Roving Editor...............................................................Danny Morris Cartoonist.................................................................Jeff Gunnarsson Moderator........................................................................Mr. Ionescu

Staff: Courtney Baltimore, Caroline Clark, Caitlin Grotke, Jillian Hughes, Alli Kartachak, Lisa Krysiak, Leslie Fox, Chris Wilson The Patriot is a publication of the students of John Carroll School. The views and opinions expressed in The Patriot are not necessarily the views and opinions of the Board or Administration of John Carroll School.

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

Volume 41, Number 6

Jared Drewen Editorials co Editor

High school Prom is generally talked up as one of the greatest moments of one’s early life and is a symbol of the end of grade school and childhood. Thus, when I heard that the school’s proffered transportation to M&T Bank Stadium would be buses, I decided that it would be worthwhile to spend some extra money and take a limo instead.

The buses were to be coach buses, free of charge except for a deposit of $10 that would be returned upon boarding. The limo I got was $120 for a couple, with about four couples on it and we had two limos rented so that about 18 people could stuff themselves in.

Come Prom night, with limo, tux, and tickets all paid for, I and 18 or so of my friends piled into two limos and started off toward Baltimore. Everything was great; there is no better feeling than be-

ing crammed into a small space with nine close friends.

However, upon arrival in Baltimore, the limo driver missed an exit and became slightly lost, causing us to show up at around 8:30 rather than 8:00.

As it happened, the buses also arrived late at JC to take the excited seniors to Prom, so few people actually arrived on time.

One deÞnite advantage of taking a limo was that I was with many of my closest friends. I did not have to rush onto a bus in order to get a good seat next to my friends, as will invariantly happen on any bus with a large group of people.

Something that no one gave any thought to during planning was having enough room on the way home from ESPN Zone.

Some of the prizes people won took up quite a bit of space; the two separate grand prizes that included a mini-fridge, a TV, and storage containers, for example, were huge.

Most people also changed out of

their tuxedoes and dresses and had to store them somewhere on the way home as well.

Getting all of that stuff home in a tiny, already cramped limo would have been nearly impossible.

The buses had storage undercarriages where people could transport the larger items. Smaller things could be carried on the lap in the bus.

In retrospect, I am satisÞed with my decision to take a limo. Though it was rather expensive, my friends and I had a great time together and the problems with it just made the night all the more interesting.

I appreciate how much hard work went into arranging those buses, and would like to congratulate and thank everyone involved for a job well done.

I would have had just as much of a good time if I had taken the bus instead. After all, it is the actual Prom we go for, not the ride to and from it.

at virtual attackers to their heart’s content.

There was also a variety of sports-related games, such as hockey and basketball. The virtual roller coaster and racehorse games were also extremely popular.

For those less subject to the beckons of virtual reality, there was the opportunity to have caricatures drawn, and movies to watch (such as “Anchorman”). The planning committee made sure that there was so much to do that no one would be bored.

In addition to these activities, there was a scrumptious array of food available in one section of the building. Filling foods such as pizza, sandwiches, and burgers were provided, as well as lighter choices like strawberries, cantaloupe, and grapes.

And for those with a sweet tooth there was an amazing selection of delectable desserts, including brownies, caramel-covered Rice Krispies treats, cake, cookies, and lemon squares.

Even though students were wellfed at prom, all the dancing and game-playing had caused many to become famished, and numerous attendees were lured to the restaurant section of the building by the tempting smells of the food.

And I can’t leave out the fact that just like everything else at the ESPN Zone, this food was provided completely free of charge for the students.

This greatly increased the appeal of the food; students were glad that the After-Prom committee took into consideration the amounts of money they had spent in prepara-

tion for Prom, and treated students for the rest of the night.

Then, of course, there was the best part: free prizes! We had the opportunity to win several prizes, such as an iHome, dream dorm rooms, and more.

Also, every senior was given a number that corresponded with one of the gifts donated by junior and senior parents. These prizes were diverse, ranging from stereos to designer purses to TV/DVD player combinations. There were also practical gifts, such as ironing sets, lamps and trash cans, and car organizers.

Every senior was given six slips of paper with their name on it. These slips were to be placed in whichever jar that corresponded with the grand prize they wished to win.

There were six grand prizes to choose from: an ultimate girls dorm room, ultimate boys dorm room, iPod gift pack, Xbox, day at the beach gift package, and a day at the spa gift package.

Since we are teenagers who have a reputation for taking things for granted, I would like to make sure that everyone who contributed to the after-prom party is specially acknowledged and thanked on behalf of the entire senior class.

I am sure that we cannot even fathom the amount of planning and hard work that took place over the past year for this party, but we can thank everyone for a fabulous end to one of the most tiring but also one of the most memorable and enjoyable nights of our lives.

Prom organizers thanked Kim Hoopes Copy co Editor

There is no denying it; everyone likes getting things for free.

So what better way could there have been to top off an awesome prom night of dancing, eating, and socializing than with free arcade games, caricatures, and best of all, gifts? That’s right; there couldn’t have been a better way.

And for those three hours of fun at the after-party, we have many people to thank, especially the after-prom committee, the members of which took it upon themselves to organize and set up everything; the junior class, which donated money and gifts; and our parents, who contributed enough gifts so that no member of the senior class went home empty-handed.

As we piled out of buses and limousines and Þled into the ESPN Zone on prom night, we could instantly see that massive amounts of planning, donations of time, and money had been given so that even after the dance had ended, our prom night would be a fantastic memory.

Hopefully, no one took for granted the pre-paid ESPN cards handed to them as they walked up to the game ßoor of ESPN. Seniors and their dates were able to play any games their hearts desired.

Those who attended the after party were given the once-in-alifetime opportunity to walk up to any given game machine, swipe the handy-dandy ESPN card that had been given to them as they walked in the door, and shoot away

The

Patriot

May 2006

editorials

Fear of draft unfounded Caitlin Grotke Contributing Writer

There is no draft. There is not going to be a draft. The Bush administration has repeatedly reiterated this statement since the commencement of the war in Iraq.

True, the Universal National Service Act of 2003 (a.k.a. HR 163) proposed that a draft could be implemented in the minute chance the military recruitment minimum could not be met.

However, when the House of Representatives realized that the public was concerned about a possible draft, the proposed bill HR 163 was thoroughly defeated with 402 votes to 2.

The military is not in dire need of soldiers. True, the Army and the Marines have not reached their recruitment goals for this year, but that is not because of the lack of voluntarily enlisted people.

The congress has approved a 30,000 increase in the number of soldiers in the Army, and the failure to meet the recruitment goals is primarily because the Army is trying to increase by 30,000 in one year.

Notwithstanding, in previous years when the Army did not meet recruitment goals, no draft was initiated. No draft.

The high enlistment rates nullify the need for a draft. A career in the military is not as dark as it is normally depicted. Enlistment bonuses are at an all time high and there are college funding programs that allow recruited soldiers to go to almost any university for free.

There is no shortage of uneducated soldiers in the army. In fact, the military has become more selective over the years, turning away more and more people with only a high school education. The Military can be selective because so many people want to enlist, not because there is a shortage.

In any case, a draft is not a desirable option; rather it is the last resort. It is ridiculous to expect any person forced to choose between mandatory military service and prison to be energetic about serving in the Army or Navy.

Why would anyone wish to place national security in the hands of a bunch of disillusioned 22-year-olds who preferred boot camp to prison? In this era a draft is not even a practical option.

The rapidly increasing dependence on technology within the military now requires the standard soldier to train anywhere from 18 months to 2 years, which is the standard term of a draft.

At best the drafted soldiers could be used for grunt work; none of them would be trained in time for the military to use them.

Yes, draft bills have been proposed in both the House of Representatives and in the Senate, but so have bills about leashing cats and stipulations on what can and cannot be thrown out of second story windows.

The point is that just because something is proposed it does not mean it was accepted or even a good idea. It is up to us, the American public, to realize what is going on in our world, and to sift through all the rumors and the opinions of various commentators and realize the facts.

The facts in this case are that the draft has been vehemently denied by all authority Þgures at all times, and those who persist in dredging up the possibility of a draft are clinging to any available excuse, no matter how ßimsy, to create discord within our society.

Danger of draft possible Danny Morris Roving Editor

One of the most notorious eras of U.S. history was the Vietnam War, when thousands of Americans of all ages united to put an end to the practice of conscription that sent thousands of promising young men to die in a far-off jungle for a conßict of questionable morality.

The progress made by these brave patriots is in danger of being destroyed, however, by bills such as the Universal National Service Act of 2003, a bill that would reinstate the system of drafting eligible young men in to the armed forces.

Senior boys applying for federal Þnancial aid must also register for selective service. In layman’s terms, that means that you must throw your name into the hat, making you eligible to be drafted in the event that conscription is instituted.

All male, 18 year old U.S. citizens without any extenuating conditions are required to register with the selective service system, or they face a prison sentence.

The draft that began in the World War Two era ended in 1973 with the termination of U.S. actions in Vietnam. Select service registration was instituted in 1980 with the threat of Soviet operations in Afghanistan.

This system is in place in case of a national emergency, so that there will be a ready pool of potential soldiers.

May 2006 MAy

Consider our present situation now. The war in Iraq began on March 19, 2003, and now, more than three years later, violence and guerilla warfare are still a part of the daily routine in Baghdad and other hotbeds of resistance.

Over 2,300 U.S. troops have died in this war, and over 9,300 have been wounded. U.S. forces are spread around the globe in dozens of countries at any given time, and there is no sign of this foreign involvement abating.

With the ever-increasing strain on the U.S. armed forces, the reinstitution of a draft is an all-too-real possibility.

The Þnite manpower of the military will become even more of an issue in the future, as new conßicts will likely arise in countries such as Iran and North Korea.

Furthermore, staying to help rebuild the governments and stability of devastated countries will simply become an impossibility, as long term involvement with signiÞcant numbers of troops is necessary for such endeavors.

Besides direct military actions, U.S. soldiers are also employed around the world in more humanitarian efforts, such as assisting in the recovery from the tsunami and the hurricanes in the U.S. If the U.S. is perceived as becoming weaker, or incapable of protecting its foreign interests, a massive upswing in terrorism and a fantastic drop in America’s international standing will inevitably occur.

Obviously, the present administration would rather swallow a pineapple than allow this to hap-

pen. The only solution to this problem then is to take extreme measures to provide enough soldiers to compensate for our diverse involvement in foreign affairs.

The American public is generally uninformed, however, and the majority of U.S. citizens are either unaware of America’s vast foreign involvement, or incredulous that a draft will ever become necessary.

Our duty as responsible Americans is to inform ourselves about our country’s actions, both domestic and international.

Informing oneself does not mean sitting down and watching CNN for ten minutes before dinner, or skimming the headlines of foxnews.com.

To truly get the whole story in an unbiased perspective, one must take news from multiple sources and then evaluate the information they are provided.

Once you are equipped with the necessary knowledge, you will be better able to make an intelligent decision at election time, and even take action to make your voice heard when you disagree with current government policies or actions.

America is about choice. The power to choose a leader we have faith in, the power to express your opinions, and the power to publicly and privately disagree with the actions or opinions of others.

One must recognize their rights and responsibilities as citizens to keep our government and country accountable, so that events such as a renewed conscription will be prevented.

The

Patriot

3

United 93 unites Jeff Gunnarsson co Editor in Chief

The baby-boomers remember where they were when John F. Kennedy was shot. Your grandfather can recall where he was when Pearl Harbor was bombed. Your parents can recollect the passing moments when they learned that the Challenger spacecraft blew up.

You remember the exact the place you were on September 11, 2001.

But to some, 9/11 was more than just a vague memory; it was and still is a living nightmare.

Considering that the majority of Americans have stored September 11 as another date in a history book, they have failed to recognize that other Americans are still suffering through the events that took place that day.

The movie “United 93” serves as a reminder to all those who have set aside the events. Mainly, the movie is a thank you to those heroes who died and an apology to the families of the victims for gradually forgetting their terror.

“United 93” is a realistic portrayal of what may have happened to the individuals on the ßight that was hijacked and set on a collision course for the White House, but that crashed in a Þeld in Pennsylvania as a direct result of the heroic acts of the passengers.

The director of the movie, Paul Greengrass, helped bring about an intensely emotional story of fear, anxiety, and helplessness.

He did not market his movie as a big-screen blockbuster. Instead of dramatizing the Þlm with endless special effects and gore, he opted to show the real and raw emotion that emanated from the passengers of United Airlines Flight 93.

Greengrass also took into consideration the many others affected in the horrors of that day. The movie was taken from the perspective of three central ßight stations: the military, the New York airspace control, and on the ßight itself. He exposed the untold story of the innumerable amounts of people working behind the scenes trying to protect the innocent passengers. Greengrass delineated the airspace controllers as heroes themselves because of the dedication that they put forth to stop the terrorist attacks.

“United 93” captured an unadulterated view of what those

who were on the ßight were experiencing. Greengrass did not sensationalize the movie by adding unwonted symbolism. There were no scenes in which the “Star Spangled Banner” echoed amongst the cries of the victims, nor were there endless images of people marching with American ßags while Þghting the hijackers. Instead, there were images of people reciting the “Our Father” and calling their families to tell them “I love you.”

There was some controversy over the fact that the movie may portray the victims in a bad light.

Uproar was created in which many felt that the timing of the movie was too soon, bringing back pain and issues which had not yet healed. Also, critics felt that the families would feel as if their tragedies were being capitalized upon.

However, Greengrass made sure to be completely respectful of each of the families in the making of the movie. He asked for permission from the family of each victim that was portrayed in the movie. Also, Greengrass refused to use wellknown actors or a perfected script in an effort to make the Þlm less “Hollywood” and more genuine.

The most poignant example of the lifelike efforts of the movie was the surprised looks on everyone’s faces as United Airlines Flight 175 hit the second World Trade Tower.

One of the girls working at the command center started to tear up and panic. It was easy to see that, although she was a commander, she felt authentically and utterly helpless.

The animosity between the terrorists and the passengers on the plane was also accurately portrayed. Greengrass would not let the actors playing the separate parts meet until they all arrived on the set of the airplane, just as they met on that fateful day.

The most dominant impression that “United 93” has is that it makes the people who died into bona Þde heroes. But they are not portrayed as heroes in a situation where it was easy to be brave.

Instead, the victims were made to seem as if they were heroes when it was almost impossible to be valiant. The movie shows the utter fright in their eyes but then depicts the passion that overcomes them to save their country. The movie deserved to be made to give closure to America and show that the passengers of United Airlines Flight 93 were united.

THANK YOU COACHES!!!

Thank you Mrs. Sergi, Mrs. Cathy Seufert, and Ms. Sandy Seufert for everything that you’e done this year and years past. We love you!

Love, The Cheerleaders

Volume 41, Number 6

editorials

4

Students debate honor council

Honor council will work Council divisive, impractical with proper implementation Emily Lazor Features co Editor

Caroline Clark Contributing Writer

There have been three meetings about it.

Students have been seen gossiping about it. No, it is not the music and dancing that takes place at the JC dances, it is the honors council that is to be implemented next year.

Students have been discussing the brand new honors council lately, and frankly, I am disturbed by what I have heard. Many of JC’s students are opposed to the idea of an honors council. When I asked them their reasons for the disdain they show for this new program, I got a variety of answers.

Some say that it will pit student against student. Others feel that a position on the honors council will give those students too much authority and power over the rest of the student body. Still others feel that this new program will be ineffective and will not really change the problems of cheating, plagiarism, and the other problems associated with academic integrity. When I heard these responses, I realized that I needed to explain my feelings on this subject and why I am all for the honors council.

There are many reasons why the honors council will be beneÞcial for JC. Not only does a position on this council look amazing on a college application, it also shows you as a person of integrity and respect, someone in whom others can conÞde. This council will not pit student against student, because the council will also contain teachers that make the Þnal decisions.

If everyone knows who is on the council, then no one can blame them for doing the difÞcult thing and trying to help the school community become a better place. Also, I

PROS

think that having other students in the room when you plead your case before the teachers and administrators can only help, as the students will be more able to understand your point of view.

This council will not give the students that serve any sort of special power, as the students will not make the Þnal decisions on punishment. Finally, I feel that an honors council would be extremely effective in increasing academic integrity. The knowledge of having to face one’s peers, teachers, and administrators at one time should deter students from deviant behavior. After this council has been properly initiated, it will be effective in promoting integrity and respect among the student body. I am all for an honors council next year, and you can be sure that if I were not a senior, I would want to be on that council.

I do, however, think that a few adjustments need to be made to the present plan for the council. I think that anyone should be allowed to apply for the honors council.

There should be some sort of application process and then a school wide election for the people who will be on the council.

This way, the students can choose who will best represent them. I think that should a council member’s friend come before the council, that member should opt out of that hearing. I think that the honors council should be run like a club, with ofÞcers and regular meetings. I also think that students coming before the council should be allowed some sort of advocate.

Coming from a school with an honor council, I know how successful it can and will be. I think that the biggest fear of the student body is the lack of knowledge they presently have. Hopefully, this article helped to clear a few things up.

HONOR COUNCIL

> Students will take academic integrity more seriously > Improve overall atmosphere of school > Students might work together to maintain their honesty > Students take a stand against cheating > Students are more involved and can share their opinions with the administration on the disciplining process > Students body might take more responsibility for its own actions > Students may mature academically and begin to prepare themselves for college academics Volume 41, Number 6

In no way should plagiarism or cheating be acceptable in any learning environment or institution, and eliminating dishonorable practices in academic environments is easier said than done. Although the introduction of an Honor Council at JC is not a horrible idea by any means, it is not necessarily a good idea, either.

While major and especially prestigious colleges around the country are instituting these honor councils and are also having positive effects, one can only wonder how it would work in the JC community.

With the start of this year came the mission to instill academic integrity in every student. Thus, the honor pledge, which is almost identical to University of Maryland’s honor pledge (“I pledge on my honor that I have not given or received any unauthorized assistance on this assignment/examination.”), was born.

University of Maryland is one of the many colleges that, along with an honor pledge, have created an honor council, where the students on the council are appointed by the various student and faculty leaders of the school.

While the council may be successful at UM, the environment is completely different than that of JC. The university has an enrollment of roughly 25,000 students. If a member of the council feels the need to openly express disapproval of a student who has cheated, they would feel free to, as the student is of a more mature age (how you act when you are fourteen years old is much different than how you act when you are twenty-two years old) and most likely will not set any of their friends to key the council member’s car in the parking lot during the last two mods they have off.

Well, Þrst, because they obviously don’t have a mod system, and, second, because it would probably be hard to Þnd their car if the school you are attending has a population that is equal to that of two and a half Bel Airs.

To develop a school of academic integrity, there must Þrst be students who wish to live honestly and with integrity, an issue whose roots stem much deeper than just the classroom. Students who are honest and respectful to themselves, their peers, and their education do not become this way because they were simply taught that cheating isn’t the right thing to do.

Not only is it not logical or possible, but it wouldn’t be achieving academic integrity, or integrity at all to its truest deÞnition if students were honest on their school work, but then decided to smoke marijuana at a location only feet away from the JC campus, or if they signed the honor pledge in all truthfulness but then went to their off mod following the test and made a racist or prejudiced remark toward someone in the cafeteria.

The key word in the phrase “academic integrity” is integrity. Cheating will never go away completely, no matter what the punishment. How can we as students be expected to put a higher value on honesty, when our teachers’ punishments for cheating casual, lenient or constantly ßuctuating.

But what is amazing is how much integrity almost everyone could see in the student body after two events that have occurred so far this year: the assemblies featuring guest speakers Katie Koestner and Jason Evert.

So instead of instituting an honor council to improve academic integrity, why can’t we work from the ground up and have open discussions on issues of honesty in academics and lifestyle, and even more invaluable, guest speakers who can tell their personal accounts Þrsthand and life outlooks of the topic of dishonesty?

CONS

> Students on the Honor Council might receive hostility or might be retaliated against > Honor council might be too drastic since students are so used to cheating and getting away with it, or continuing to cheat with little punishment > Students might retailiate against the administration > Students will continue to make the decision either to cheat or not anyway > Peers become uncomfortable with those on the honor council if they feel they don’t have a place in discussing other students’ faults > Might be seen as turning students against students > Might become an outlet for personal grievances

The

Patriot

May 2006

editorials

5

School grounds

photo by Jess O’Brien

in need of cleaning up

One of the unsightly piles of garbage found behind the softball field on the far side of the campus. These metal poles will not decompose over time, but corrode and become more of an eyesore over the years, as well as damage the environment.

After being assigned “The Lord God Bird” for summer reading, having a school-wide assembly talking about the book, and then splitting into small groups to listen to people lecture about the environment, one would think that JC has pretty Þrm values, values which have the environment ranking high on the list. After all, everyone was required to write a letter to someone in public ofÞce addressing an environmental issue—that pretty much screams “We love the en-

By Jeff Gunnarsson MAy 2006

vironment!” doesn’t it?

While the JC community seemed to adore the environment at the outset of the year, we have done little to actually help it. Yes, we wrote letters to our congressmen and governor (or whomever you wrote yours to), but what about the JC campus? Why not start our environmental campaign here, on our own grounds?

I’m sure many people are confused as to why I am writing now about some book we read in the summer. Here is my reasoning: recently my environmental class

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took a walk outside to see the grounds of JC. We went looking for animals, animal pellets, all the sorts of fun stuff you look for when you are learning about the environment. What we saw on our walk was actually disturbing.

If you walk past the softball Þelds down to where all the trees are, do you have any idea what you will Þnd?

You will Þnd a giant heap of trash partially covered in old

According to Mr. Moxey, the trash piles have been here longer than he has, which is three years.

He also stated that nothing is currently being added to the trash piles unless it is biodegradable, like tree branches. While no one seems to know exactly how far the trash piles date back, we can say they were here when Mr. Ionescu was a student (and he did graduate about 10 years ago).

I am rather surprised that (apparently) no one has ever brought forth the idea of cleaning up the trash piles. The piles are Þlled with metal that will corrode over the years, not break down.

While the clean up process may be costly, it is well worth it. Perhaps the SAC could organize out of uniform days to help beneÞt the cause. Or even better, the school could offer service hours to students who volunteer to help in the cleanup process.

There are always plenty of seniors desperate for service hours to graduate, and a few even have pickup trucks that could be used to transport the garbage to a landÞll somewhere. Let’s not focus so much on cleaning the rest of the world before we even clean the school grounds Þrst. photo by Jess O’Brien

Mary Etting Editorials co Editor

fallen tree branches.

What’s worse is that most of this trash is not biodegradable. The trash pile is Þlled with an assortment of things ranging from old desks, to old lockers, to old benches.

John Carroll does not simply have one trash pile, it has two.

Behind the track and tennis courts there is another trash pile, this one containing old athletic equipment.

In the last issue of The Patriot, there were pictures of these two piles of garbage. There is no denying their existence.

Volume 41, Number 6

News

6 “I’ve got good news and bad news. Which do you want Þrst?” said Mr. Wojo to the 22 JC students lounging around the Dulles airport. They were waiting anxiously to board their ßight to Athens on the Italy and Greece Spring break trip, and this was the last thing they wanted to hear. They let out a collective groan and muttered that they would rather face the bad news Þrst, and thus be relieved by the good.

“Well,” Mr. Wojo began, “our ßight has been cancelled. But it’s been rescheduled.” He then continued to explain that the three chaperones, Mr. Shupe and Mr. and Mrs. Wojo, would be traveling to France on three separate ßights, splitting the students up based on their last names.

The students had mixed reactions to the news. The twelve who were fortunate enough to make it on to the Þrst ßight only had to wait in the airport for two hours until boarding their ßight. The second ßight left shortly after the Þrst.

However, the Þve students on the Þnal ßight had to hang around Dulles with Mrs. Wojo until their ßight departed seven hours later, at 10:00 p.m. These resourceful students devised a game that they dubbed “Guess the Jelly Bean” using the ßavored Jelly Bellies that senior Allie Tschuelin’s mother gave her before leaving the mainland.

They simply sat outside the walls of the main security check area until they were allowed to cross over to the next room. There was no where to sit besides on the ßoor against the wall and only a few newsstands selling light snacks. The Þve unlucky students were not pleased with their misfortune.

“We had to sit on the cold ground like homeless kids only hoping to get past that stupid wall,” says an annoyed Allie.

When the students boarded their respective planes, only a few were lucky enough to sit with their fellow travelers. Most students were crammed between two strangers for the eight-hour ßight to France.

They were served dinner on the ßight, as well as breakfast a few hours later. When the Þrst ßight arrived in France, the 12 students had to sprint behind Mr. Wojo to make their connecting ßight to Athens.

Upon arriving in Athens, the Þrst group met with James Ferguson, the English tour guide for the duration of the trip, and he took them to their Þrst hotel, The DaVinci Palace.

The remaining 20 students, along with Mr. Shupe and Mrs. Wojo, were still ßying across the Atlantic Ocean. The kids who had already arrived settled in to their hotel, and the rest of group arrived just in time for dinner.

Despite the chaotic and somewhat unpleasant beginning to the trip, the Þrst 24 hours were certainly an experience to remember.

The following 264 hours proved to be just as unforgettable as the Þrst.

The group of 25 students and chaperones spent their Þrst morning in Athens visiting perhaps the most well-known site in Greece, the Acropolis, home of the Parthenon and other ancient structures.

They went to the National Archaeological Museum, where remnants from the destruction of the Parthenon are housed.

The next day they traveled to see what would be the Þrst of several ancient theaters, the Theater of Dionysus as well as the Agora, the marketplace of ancient times. They were also given free time in the main square, or the Plaka, to shop and enjoy a typical Greek meal.

The second destination was across the mountains of the Peloponesse to ancient sites such as the Theater of Epidaurus, Mycenae (home of Agamemnon who was king of the Greeks in The Iliad), and Delphi, where the oracle once offered advice to the ancient kings.

After Þve days in Greece, the 25 travelers hopped on the bus headed towards the port in Patras. They enjoyed a short stop at a Greek pottery store where the students watched a pot-making

Senior Allie Tscheulin sits and smiles on top of Lykavittos Hill in Athens, Greece. Tourists often travel to this spot to see the amazing view of the entire city from the top of the rock. demonstration and were given the opportunity to purchase handmade crafts at a special discounted price.

The owner of the shop was quite complimentary of all the girls, and they took notice. Nearly everyone left with a souvenir from the store, or at least with the memory of the charming Greek men.

Juniors Michaella Tassinari, Caitlin Toner, Caroline Volker, Aurora Szoka, and Allison Grimmel pose inside of the Colosseum.

Junior Aurora Szoka says, “All the men in Greece were interesting, but the pottery man was deÞnitely my favorite.”

They continued on their trek to Patras and after a lengthy bus ride arrived at their hotel, Porto Rion.

This hotel is located on the coast of Patras, and the students spent their night on the beach. A few brave souls even jumped into the Corinthean Gulf, only to swim to shore as quickly as possible due to the chilling temperature of the icy waters.

The next day they boarded an overnight ferry to Sorrento, Italy.

The accommodations on the boat were equivalent to the size of a small dorm room, and included four twin beds, a desk, and a bathroom about the size of those on the airplanes. The boat also featured a disco, which was attended by seven JC juniors and a few unwanted strangers.

In Sorrento, the group traveled to the island of Capri. This island is a common tourist attrac-

Volume 41, Number 6

The

photo by Claire Bronis

tion because of its overabundance of designer shops and expensive, unique stores.

They also had a birthday extravaganza for one of their travelers, Allie Tscheulin, who celebrated her 18th birthday in a Sorrento Discoteca. American techno music combined with a mix of approximately 40 tourists and locals busting out their dance moves proved to be an entertaining and exciting night.

On the way out of Sorrento, the group visited the ancient city of Pompeii.

This city was completely engulfed in ashes after the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. and is therefore better preserved than any other ancient city.

The travelers continued on their journey through Europe with a four-hour bus ride to Rome, the Christian capital of the world. As they drove through the city, the students caught glimpses of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.

The Vatican was the next stop on the tour. After standing in a 45-minute line to enter the Vatican, the students were admitted and given a tour of the magniÞcent St. Peter’s Basilica. They also went through the Vatican museum, which houses the School of Athens and the famous Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo.

They spent the following day visiting these ancient sites in person, enabling them to walk across the very same ground that Romans crossed thousands of years ago to witness the gladiators Þghting or other games being played. Their tour guide, James, also showed them the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish steps, and the Pantheon. James was a delightful, intelligent, and informative guide, who helped to make the trip enjoyable. photo by Jared Drewen

Caitlin Keilty News co Editor

photo by Jared Drewen

Greece, Italy: an adventure to remember

Patriot

Junior Caitlin Toner says, “James was possibly the best thing about Italy and Greece.”

On their Þnal day in Europe, the group had free time to shop for souvenirs and last minute gifts.

The students enjoyed authentic Italian pizza, although the serving size was shocking to some. Instead of paying 6 euros for a single slice, each person was served an entire 12 inch pizza.

They typically concluded their meal with a gelato, the Italian version of ice cream, which comes in an assortment of ßavors.

“I don’t know how all the Italians stay so skinny, with a whole pizza as their meal and all this gelati for dessert,” says senior Maude Shepard.

After lunch and shopping, the students went to a classic Italian opera. This performance was a combination of extremely highpitched noises screeching cacophonously in a foreign language and a blurred line of sight due to 45 rows of elderly women in fur jackets. As a result, most students chose to take this time to catch up on the numerous hours of sleep they had missed out on over the past 12 days.

Junior Caroline Volker comments that she “especially liked waking up to a woman singing the highest note a person could possible sing and then having my ears ring for hours.”

The students woke at 5:30 AM the following morning and headed to the Leonardo da Vinci airport where they said farewell to their tour guide, James. They ßew to Germany for their connecting ßight, which they nearly missed, and then continued on the last leg back to America.

When the travelers arrived back at JC, their parents and friends were waiting to welcome them home. Everyone nodded in agreement with Caroline when she exclaimed to her inquisitive friends, “It was the trip of a lifetime.”

May 2006

news

7

Fair festivities filled with fun The so-called thrilling spectacles that occurred during the country fair deÞnitely gave the students something to talk about Tuesday morning. There is no denying the fact that this occasion often rakes in a rough and often boisterous crowd. The heightened security was stationed around the premise to prevent disorderly conduct.

“When I was leaving on Friday night, every police car in Bel Air was turning into John Carroll,” said JC Spanish teacher, Mrs. Medrano. Friday night seemed to display the height of action during a power outage while the rides were in progress. The fair is often an unpredictable chain of events.

As a main fund raiser of the school, the JC Country Fair will continue to remain a considerable source of income into the school’s budget. However, there is always

room for improvement.

“I would just suggest that cheaper prices may bring in a larger crowd,” suggested junior Allison Humphries. High prices have always caused controversy in the past. Many would agree that $1.25 per ride ticket is ridiculous, considering it costs an average of four tickets per ride.

There are a variety of ways that the fair could attract a larger student body population.

“I think that JC students should have some sort of discount before the tickets go on sale,” suggested junior Amanda Adams. The student identiÞcation cards could be used as a form of veriÞcation that the student actually goes to JC. Amanda provided a further suggestion that “some sort of bracelet should be sold that people are able to use every night, and not just once.” This way, people would be getting more bang for their buck.

photo by Caitlin Keilty

“Country Fair,” from page 1

Mr. Shupe taunts the throwers as he sits atop the dunking tank. The dunking tank was one of several games that students and fair go-ers could occupy themselves with at the Country Fair.

Student leaders skip school to hone their leadership skills at HCRASC

photo by Jenn Sacks

Joe Christesen co News Editor

Mr. Wojo shakes the cold water off as a skilled thrower knocked him off his perch at the dunking tank by hitting the target.

... your child’s medical home Generosa C. Lazor, MD, FAAP Board CertiÞed in Pediatrics 2103 Laurel Bush Road, Suite A Bel Air, MD 21015 410-569-9533

May 2006

For one Wednesday out of the year, JC is home to a meeting of some of the most talented and promising student leaders in Harford County.

This meeting, Harford County Regional Association of Student Councils (HCRASC), takes on the difÞcult topics of the day and gives students a voice in Harford County school policies.

“It’s an important job,” says HCRASC President Kyle Hanratty, “and it would be a mistake not to be there.”

As President of HCRASC, Kyle Hanratty is in charge of running the meetings. The day consists of breakfast in the morning followed by roll call and the reports from the other ofÞcers in HCRASC. The real portion of the meeting starts when the student leaders begin to address some of the problems concerning Harford County.

Last year, HCRASC dealt with the problem of the Patterson Mill School opening. The Board of Education in Harford County wanted to hear what some of the students had to say about the redistricting.

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After some heated debate, the Board of Education and HCRASC decided to allow juniors and seniors to remain at their current high schools and slowly integrate the students in Patterson Mill’s district into the

school.

Some persons, however, have criticized JC’s involvement in the public school-oriented HCRASC, saying that they get out of school to do nothing for our school. It is true that all of the legislation and ideas passed in HCRASC are for public schools, but there is another side to HCRASC. “The point [of HCRASC] is two fold. It is to represent the students and it also promotes leadership among those at the meetings,” said Hanratty. He sees HCRASC as a place where Student Advisory Council (SAC) members at JC can

hone their leadership skills, so that when they come back they can help improve our student activities here at JC. Hanratty points to the measures taken by the administration last year when they came down hard on the dancing at the school dances. “It was our communication with the administration that helped us [the SAC] to overcome the student backlash against the administration,” said Hanratty.

He Þrmly believes that those communication skills came from the time spent working with the Harford County Public Schools in HCRASC. With some encouraging words, Hanratty said as the SAC president, “There will be a back to school dance next year; I guarantee it.”

Along with Kyle, Mr. Johnson, the SAC moderator, feels that the school leaders have much to gain from these meetings.

“Anytime you have a free and open exchange in ideas, you get better,” said Mr. Johnson.

Mr. Johnson also feels that having the meetings during school is a good thing. He does not see any other times that the student leaders could meet other than during school. “I don’t know when else they could meet with all of their extra activities like sports, jobs, and school work,” said Mr. Johnson. He also mentioned that the students who are missing are some of the most responsible students in the school and can be counted on to make up their work.

Though JC is not a public school and the legislation produced from HCRASC does not affect the school, Mr. Johnson sees another important reason for students to go: “If nothing else, they are goodwill ambassadors.”

Volume41, Number 6

news

8

Administration uses a three-pronged attack to stop cheating in the classrooms Jillian Hughes Staff Writer

It used to be about the Native Americans. Now, it is all about integrity. The running Mr. Scholl joke has completely changed its tune. It has been parodied in the variety show, and felt in the preemptive sigh every time he reaches for the microphone.

For the last three years, lectures about honor and morality have been preached to the student body in each and every assembly and gathering. Teachings about plagiarism, cheating, and the all-important “survey results” have been ingrained in the minds of every student.

Despite the repition of the topic, the administration truly thinks that it is worth the effort. They feel that thoughts of integrity need to be at the forefront of life at JC. The issue is one that needs to be constantly addressed to make a change; in the words of Mr. Barker, “it’s not like [Mr. Scholl] throws out pixie dust and everything takes hold.”

The focus on academic integrity started with the survey. JC students took an in-class survey two years ago that corresponded with a national study.

The study came from research that Dr. McCabe at Rutgers University was conducting.

JC students did not meet the standards of integrity expected of a private institution. At this realization, JC knew that something had to change.

“When we looked at JC versus the national norms, there were signiÞcant problems,” said Mr. Scholl.

The issue has become more and more prevalent in years past; the honor system that was once only crafted at the college level began to expand to some high schools.

Time, Newsweek, and the evening news were all picking up on the integrity issue in schools.

The administration then decided to educate them on what to do to address the problem. They visited an Association of Independent Maryland Schools (AIMS) conference at the University of Maryland to talk to students there about how the college honor system worked and to discuss the honor systems in place at other private high schools in Baltimore.

A three-step system was then put into place. The Þrst step was “the language,” as Mr. Scholl calls

it. The JC handbook sported a few new pages in 2004, thanks to a committee of faculty members.

The additional pages dealt with plagiarism, cheating, and honor, and made every issue of integrity a disciplinary offense.

The second step in the Þght for integrity was implemented this year; it is the Honor Pledge. This includes the oath that students signed in homeroom along with the poster that teachers are required to have in their classrooms so that students can write the pledge on every test.

The third step is yet to come.

The Honor Council will be the last installment in the series of cheating barriers. The “nuts and bolts” of it have not yet been worked out, but it is expected to contain six members: two students, two faculty members, and two administrators.

The council is not planning to adopt a completely college-type perspective, because in college it is more of a court situation with defense “lawyers” and a person prosecuting the charged. At JC, the council would simply convene to hear the details of a “signiÞcant issue” in which a student violated the laws of academic integrity.

SigniÞcant issues would include offenses such as plagiarism on a term paper or stealing an exam.

Misdemeanors like copying homework would not land on the council’s agenda.

The council is not expected to be called every week. It is just a precaution to be used for major transgressions.

“It’s just one more way to make this issue part of the culture of the school,” said Mr. Scholl.

It seems like a basic disciplinary system for cheating, but there is more to it than that. The two student representatives on the council will be Student Advisory Council (SAC) and National Honor Society (NHS) ofÞcers.

“It might temper some decisions a little,” said Mr. Barker of the students’ advice.

The administration is concerned with making the new council more connected with the students.

They want students to think of action coming more from “us,” the students, and not as much from “them,” the administration.

“We want it so the broader part of the community is adjudicating,” said Mr. Scholl.

Some students are concerned with potential repercussions. They fear that one student accusing an-

Honor Council Poll JC students ranked whether they agreed or disagreed with the statements below based on a scale of 1 to 5 where 1 is strongly agree and 5 is strongly disagree.

The numbers below are averages of student responses.*

The Honor Council will reduce cheating

3.52

The Honor Council will deter you personally

3.09

Volume 41, Number 6

Strongly disagree

Strongly agree

All students should have the right to serve on the Honor Council

2.91 Strongly disagree

Strongly agree

“When we looked at JC versus the national norms, there were significant problems.”

Mr. Scholl

Strongly disagree

Strongly agree

The students who serve on the honor council will be ridiculed for their decisions while on the honor council

2.91 Strongly disagree

Strongly agree

* The survey is based off of a poll of 105 JC students

other student could lead to consequences that target the student representative on the council. While parents and students have raised the issue of potential unjust ramiÞcations for defending integrity, some student representatives feel that the worthy cause outweighs the risks.

“I’m willing to step up,” said junior class vice president Tony Herman.

Optimists have faith that the JC student body will react positively and not target the representatives.

“I don’t think this would start an all-out school war,” said junior Katie Johnson.

Overall, the administration is looking forward to the installment of the Honor Council as a positive step. It increases awareness of issues of integrity within the student body and provides a communication link between the students and administration.

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The council is not expected to be used excessively, but it allows issues of academic integrity to be addressed more proactively.

“We’re not a hotbed of cheating and abuse,” said Mr. Scholl. He also said the council is only there when it is needed.

The council will not make the Þnal decision on any integrity violations, but will merely offer a suggestion to the administration after hearing the situation.

As far as the endless discussion and lectures about the topic go, Mr. Scholl still thinks that continually

raising the issue is necessary.

“We’re talking about a cultural shift here,” he said. “It takes years.”

Ultimately, the administration is attempting to make integrity an automatic part of JC culture. They realize that it is a challenge with each new class, but feel that it is a challenge well worth their while.

Mr. Scholl said, “Our hope is that eventually the mentality will reach the point where it is internalized.”

Until then, JC is going to keep hearing about it.

AVON Debbie Brunson Independant Sales Rep Call to Buy or Sell: 410-803-2299 debbiebrunson@comcast.net www.youravon.com/dbrunson

May 2006

news

9 News Briefs World briefs Local briefs

photo from Patriot archives

Japanese farmers find a way to grow cubic watermelons

Senior Dave Adams (left) and senior Aaron Litz (right) watch the lacrosse game while at prom.

Students at prom were allowed to watch the game in a special section of M&T Bank Stadium.

Seniors make lasting memories “Prom,” from page 1

right before I got my food,” says a tunity to play games, hang out slightly disappointed Anna Hagan. with their friends, further satisfy Stadium on Prom night, others Other foods such as mashed pota- their appetites, and watch movies arrived more luxuriously in stretch toes, meats, and vegetables were such as “Dodgeball” and “AnEscalades, convertibles and the set out for the seniors to munch on chorman”. As favors to rememoccasional classic limousine. Most as they pleased. ber Prom night, every JC senior arrived at the stadium around 8:20 If a room full of glamorous at- was awarded a prize, from small p.m., stoked and ready to dance. tractive people dancing and sing- to large, put together by the Prom When asked how the music was, ing wasn’t entertaining enough planning committee. many seniors reacted positively to- for some, seniors were offered “Mostly the junior parents and wards the night’s selections. a section of seats at M&T Bank some of the senior parents sup“The music was pretty good and Stadium to sit down and watch plied the prizes for the seniors that everyone danced,” says an enthu- an intense lacrosse game between we handed out at the after-party,” siastic Dave Schmidt.

Salisbury University and Wash- says Mrs. Russell.

The positive feedback regarding ington College.

“I won bed sheets,” says the music and dancing rules pre“It was cool because you could Mary Zulty of the senior class, sented a dramatic shift from usual look out and watch the game while “but there were other prizes given JC dances. you were hanging out and dancing out like DVD players, mugs with “Prom was different than regu- with your friends,” gift certiÞcates lar JC dances because the teachers says Dave Schmidt. inside, iPods, ignored how we were dancing and As the dance and CDs.” there was much better dance mu- neared the end Altogether, sic,” says senior Mary Zulty. around 12:00 a.m., the fun and crazy Many teachers attended the seniors once again atmosphere of dance to chaperone as well as just hopped onto the the ESPN Zone to be a part of one of the last senior coach buses to their topped off the class events. next destination: wonderful and “There were a lot of teachers The ESPN Zone thrilling prom at prom,” says Jen Brown. “But after-party. Though night.

- Dave Schmidt some of the ones I saw were Mr. some were tired “I enjoyed I., Mr. Torres, Mrs. B-B, Mrs. from all the dancevery minute of Moeser, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Akers, ing, many believed Prom, but the Mr. Barker, Mrs. Russell, and Mr. that the party had ESPN Zone was Wojo. They all seemed to be hav- just begun. deÞnitely the best part!” says Anna ing a good time too.”

“The ESPN Zone after-party Hagan.

Around 9:00 p.m., a buffet was was amazing. I was excited beAs the after-party began to wind presented. cause they had awesome games down around 3:30 a.m., the coach “I enjoyed the food, but they and food,” says Nico Crispino. buses picked up the seniors for a ran out of gravy for the turkey Seniors were given the oppor- Þnal time, taking them back to JC. Most were tired from the dance, their Þnal senior victory celebration. To most, Prom was a night never to be forgotten. “Prom was AWESOME!” shouts an enthusiastic Dave Schmidt in front of his entire senior Spanish class as they all nod in agreement.

So, despite the typical high cost, the immense amount of work, the time-consuming planning, and the nights spent in anticipation, it seems that Prom is anything but cliché. It is something that cannot fully be understood until one experiences it. Of the words that can be Senior Bri McNamara (right) and Mike Loiacono dance to Cotton used to describe Prom night, Michelle Scharfe smiles as she puts it Eye Joe. Seniors felt the music at prom exceeded expectations. very simply: “It was perfect.” photo from Patriot archives

“The music was pretty good and everyone danced.”

May 2006

The

Patriot

Japanese farmers have found a way to make cubic watermelons.

The technique that originated in Zentsuji, a town in southern Japan, has practical applications for the average family in Japan.

The farmers grow the watermelons in cubic shapes by placing them in a cubic case while they are still on vines. This enables them to be able to make the watermelon the exact size of Japanese refrigerators so that the watermelons can easily Þt in refrigerators.

The new exotic fruits are on sale for $85 in Japan where the average watermelon sells for between $15 and $25. Though this new technique has practical applications, it will be a while before the average family will be munching on watermelon triangles in the warm Japanese summers.

12-year undergrad puts off graduation for another year to study abroad This spring Johnny Lechner will start his thirteenth year at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater studying abroad. He withdrew his application for graduation Þve days before the commencement ceremony, when he realized that in his 12 years as an undergrad he had never studied abroad. He already has 234 credit hours and has qualiÞed for a “slacker tax” imposed by the state of Wisconsin.

This tax requires anyone who has exceeded 165 credit hours to pay double tuition. Lechner did not realize when he started college that he would be attending until he was 29 years old.

Students make Mother’s Day brighter for moms at Anna’s House On Friday, May 12 donations were collected from students, parents, and faculty in the cafeteria and classrooms. The funds raised were used to buy gift cards and ßowers for mothers at Anna’s House.

This home serves as temporary housing for women and their children who have been displaced from their homes for a variety of reasons. There are currently eight residents staying at Anna’s House.

An overwhelming $500 was raised for the effort in just two days. This money was used to purchase 21 gift cards to Target and Superfresh in the amount of $20 each. These were arranged in baskets Þlled with candy and inspirational books for the women. Five carnation ßower bouquets were bought and given to the women in appreciation for all they do as mothers.

SAC holds general elections for 2006-2007 school year On April 25, the SAC vice president and president were elected after Emily Lazor and Kyle Hanratty ran unopposed for the positions.

Both Emily and Kyle have a lot of experience as class ofÞcers and SAC ofÞcers. Emily Lazor has been sophomore and junior class president and organized a successful Ring Dance for the class of 2007. Kyle Hanratty has been freshman class president, SAC vice president, and has been an ofÞcer in Harford County’s student leadership program, HCRASC. This is the second year that both SAC president and vice president ran unopposed; Adam Devine ran for president and Kyle Hanratty ran for vice president.

For the last two years the position of Secretary/ Treasurer has been vacant, allowing the SAC president to appoint the position.

Last year, Adam Devine appointed Caitlin Keilty to Secretary/ Treasurer; Kyle Hanratty has still yet to appoint someone to the position. The selection will come sometime after Adam Devine steps down as SAC president for this year.

Volume41, Number 6

Features

photo by Jeff Gunnarsson

10

Top row (left to right): Jared Drewen, Danny Morris. Middle row: Claire Bronis, Caitlin Keilty, Jen DiBiagio, Jess O’Brien, Sandy Weinholt.

Front row: Chris Anderson, Kim Hoopes, Mary Etting, Anne Sedney.

Claire Bronis Danny Morris

Caitlin Keilty

Mary Etting

Jess O’Brien

News co Editor

Editorials co Editor

Photo co Editor

Features co Editor

Caitlin Keilty spent the last year on the newspaper as one of the News co Editors. She was a true leader throughout her JC career as the junior class president and as the SAC secretary and treasurer. Caitlin used her leadership skills and unique sense of humor to bring a remarkable energy to the paper. Her most valued trait on the paper was her amazing ability to draw clip art and drink ice cream out of the carton. Caitlin is going to perfect these skills, along with a few others at the University of Notre Dame.

Mary’s Þery red hair complements her Þery personality. As Editorials co Editor for the past two years, her editorials are passionate and zealous. She made a few enemies, especially with the people who set up dances, but overall, the school and the paper appreciated her criticisms. Her avid interest in cheerleading and her commitment as Captain of the varsity team led her to receive the “Outstanding Cheerleading Award.” She is pursuing her cheerleading and is perfecting her amazing skill of debate at George Mason University.

Photo co editor Jess O’Brien did an outstanding job coordinating photographs for the paper. Her ambitious goals led her to achieve the state record in the high jump in track. Jess also brought her super-friendly personality to the paper every day. She loved to talk to anyone about anything, but she loved Jennifer Aniston, Snapplefacts, and Harry Potter most of all.

We wish Jess the best of luck in pursuing her interests of track, Jennifer Aniston, and taking pictures at James Madison University.

Claire Bronis has served as Features co Editor for the past school year. Her vibrant creativity and unique personality have helped her section to develop its very own personality that sets it apart from the rest of the paper. Despite her consistent modesty, Claire has demonstrated a brilliant combination of intelligence, skill, and creativity in all of her work since joining The Patriot. Claire will be attending Bucknell University in Pennsylvania, where she plans on studying the Russian language so that she may dedicate herself to helping disadvantaged Russian orphans.

Kim Hoopes

Roving Editor Danny Morris was appointed to his position as roving editor at the beginning of this school year as a direct result of his commitment to the paper and honest desire to help in its production. His hard work and initiative have truly set him apart as an outstanding member of the newspaper staff. Danny’s remarkable intellect and insight have been an inspiration to all of us working on The Patriot, and he will be greatly missed. He will be attending St. Mary’s College Of Maryland in southern Maryland come fall, where he plans to study English and History in aspiration to be a teacher.

Jared Drewen Jen DiBiagio Chris Anderson Sandy Weinholt

Copy co Editor

Editorials co Editor

Photo co Editor

Kim Hoopes has been on the newspaper for one year, editing and writing as the Copy co Editor. Her black belt in karate and her passion for dancing has made her one of the most diversely talented members of the Patriot. We hope Virginia Tech admires Kim’s individuality as much as the paper did.

Jared Drewen has been a co editor for the Editorials section with Mary Etting for the past school year. During his time working on The Patriot, Jared, or “Jarhead” as his co editor Mary has dubbed him, has exhibited his ability to produce quality editorials while maintaining good standing with the JC community. Jared plans on attending the University of Deleware, where he will study computer engineering.

Jen DiBagio has been one of two photography editors for The Patriot during the past school year. Her expertise in photography has been an invaluable contribution to the quality of the newspaper. Besides being an excellent photographer, Jen is an outstanding athlete. She has excelled at both Þeld hockey and softball. She plans to attennd Dickinson College in Pennsylvania, where she wants to study sports orthopedics to earn her premed degree.

Design Editor

His interest in planetary advancements and obsession with Final Fantasy made Chris Anderson one of the most random, talented, and entertaining individuals on the Patriot Staff. Chris perfected the use of Photoshop by being the Design Editor this year. Chris is also very excited to study abroad in England while attending Arcadia University.

Entertainment co Editor

Sandy’s two years as an Entertainment co Editor has made her a true veteran of the Patriot. Entertainment is in her blood. Her dad’s ownership of a chain of movie theatres makes her a big fan of anything related to the cinema and television. Her outside of the box humor and obsession with “Project Runway” made her a diversely interesting person. She will be attending Bridgewater College in Virginia in the fall.

The juniors and Mr. I are so grateful for the energy, enthusiam, humor, and creativity each of these seniors contributed to the newspaper. Each of them were so unique and enertaining that they made the long hours spent working on the newspaper into some of the most enjoyable experiences in our high school careers. Thank you all for being on the staff, working extremely hard, and adding your special touch to The Patriot. We will miss you guys and you are all irreplacable! Good luck in college!

Volume 41, Number 6

The

Patriot

May 2006

features

11

JC teacher wrestles with wildlife advice that Del Puppo could have used before his encounter: “Don’t hit them and aggravate them further,” as this only makes them angrier; beavers are very defensive animals.

Students who go down to Okefenokee Swamp are told not to hit gators with their paddles. The gators will ignore them unless they feel threatened. But if the gator is provoked, then the situation could become disastrous. In spite of this, Del Puppo still has no idea what

recalled. Eventually they were free of the beaver, but unfortunately they had yet to completely escape While many students and teachfrom trouble. ers were enjoying foreign counThe victorious Del Puppo came tries, lounging on the beach, or out with one small battle scar. The sleeping in until noon, two JC faccut on his right arm was undoubtulty members became engaged in edly a worry to him. After all, an epic battle. This battle, which rabies is a dangerous and deadly could have easily been the main disease. “Once you know you event of WWE’s Wrestlemania have rabies, you’re pretty much XXII, has quickly become a part dead,” noted Del Puppo. So, on of Patriot Lore.

Easter Sunday, the day following The story of Mr. Del Puppo and his fateful encounter, he went and the infamous beaver got a shot. He has been given a has already been series of shots since then to astold countless times sure that JC’s popular history straight from DP’s teacher can continue to educate mouth as well as youngsters without the morbid throughout the halls possibility of a slow and painful of the school. But as death looming over his head. with any story, it beRabies is a disease which tarcomes warped and gets the brain. Once it takes full twisted, like when effect, it results in death. Stereostudents in elementypically the image people have tary school start the of rabies is a dog foaming at the game Telephone mouth, but many animals – typiwith “Elephants cally carnivores – can contract are yellow under the disease and then spread it to their skin” and end others. up with “Your parBites from rabid animals can ents live in a smelly spread the disease to another antrash bin.” imal, or in this case, to a human.

So, what really It was of critical importance for occurred on that Del Puppo to get vaccinated befateful kayaking cause of the fatal nature of the expedition that left disease.

DP needing rabies The vaccine was Þrst introshots? What horrors duced by the French microbidid Mr. Eddie Mayologist and chemist Louis Pasnard and Mr. Tony teur, who, to fans of milk and Del Puppo witness cheese, is known for developing on that day? the process of pasteurization “Oh my God, A crazed beaver seeks revenge on Del Puppo in 1886. Since then, countries that beaver’s com- during an ultimate frisbee practice. Since the such as Australia and Norway ing at me!” is how April 15 attack, he has become widely known have been able to fully eradicate Mr. Del Puppo adversay of the beaver world. rabies in both humans and anisummed up his inimals. Many other countries are tial reaction to the encounter. The Þrst caused the beaver to come to- making progress towards doing planned three-and-a-half-hour trip wards him. the same to this deadly disease. was interrupted by the rancorous According to DP, the furious Nobody knows for sure whether rodent after just 45 minutes. furry Þend reared up and charged at this beaver was actually rabid, but Del Puppo claims that the bea- him and his kayak. “Beavers have with the knowledge that Del Puppo ver was “huge.” He also recalls long claws; it’s hard for them to was safe, many people were quick that there was no sign of a beaver’s get a grip on anything,” Del Puppo to pounce on this excellent oppordam, which raised the question as stated. This is why the beaver had tunity for gossip and humor. In the to exactly why and from where it difÞculties getting onto the kayak. JC hallways rumors were swirling attacked.

However, whitewater kayaks sit about the episode.

Science teacher Ms. Dombrock low and close to the water, so Del The tale was altered inadverstates that a beaver will attack “if Puppo was still in danger. As the tently by many students who had something disturbs its habitat.” beaver got a grip on the kayak, the not heard the full story or had misSince there was no dam visible, situation heard certain parts of it it is unclear exactly what the bea- became from friends and teachver’s motive was. dramaters.

“This is breeding season,” Ms. ic.

And then came the “I was jealous of Dombrock added. Beavers, like It was jokes. Mr. Johnson, his hair. Mine is so many other animals and especially hard to who is a fellow memwater-logged and mammals, will take drastic mea- get it off ber of the Social Studsures to protect their young. Howwhen ies department with matted, but his is ever, there is one other explanation the beaDel Puppo, showed his for this strange and confusing be- ver was students a picture he absolutely luscious.” havior: rabies. behind made of a giant, Þerce Del Puppo felt strongly that the him. As beaver next to a small beaver was the one to instigate the beaphotograph of the calm, - The Beaver the attack. To retaliate, DP said, ver went humble Del Puppo.

“I swatted him across the head,” in to bite “It didn’t ruin the claiming that he made “solid con- Del Puptrip,” Del Puppo aftact.” The beaver went scurrying po in the Þrmed. They were able away and the history teacher made back, he hit him hard enough with to Þnish their trek down Deer a frantic effort to paddle his white- the paddle to end the Þght. Into the Creek from Route One to Susquewater kayak away from the area as water the crazed Castor Canaden- hanna State Park. However, cerquickly as he could. sis plunged as Del Puppo began to tainly everyone, not just Mr. Del But the beaver was not going paddle away as fast as he could.

Puppo and Mr. Maynard, will reto give up. After Del Puppo hit Maynard cheered Del Puppo on member the trip for the frightful the creature and angered it even as he paddled away at a pace that encounter that the two of them had further, the bucktooth beast came could have rivaled an Olympic with the beaver of doom. charging back at the kayak. rowing team. “The beaver chased Dombrock offered some us for about 100 yards,” Del Puppo photo by Ali Steibe

Chris Anderson Design Editor

May 2006

The

Patriot

C H E E R L E A D E R F O R A D A Y

On the evening of May 11, junior Emily Lazor attended the JC Cheerleading tryouts for the freshmen squad. This is her story...

Emily Lazor Features co Editor Many sports enthusiasts and spectators alike claim that cheerleading is in fact not a sport at all, but instead a completely non-physical, simple, and mindless activity that unathletic and ditzy girls do to keep themselves entertained.

Well, I agree whole heartedly.

Well, with one part at least.

Cheerleading is not a sport in any sense of the word; it’s more than a sport.

How did I Þnd this out you ask? In the only legit way possible. Complete with my lack of any gymnastic training whatsoever (In second grade I fell off the balance beam more times than I stayed on) and informal musical theatre style dancing education, I tried out for the JC cheerleading team.

This may sound like an easy feat to take on, but two days later I have never been more sore in my entire life.

Sorer than the time I got my front tooth knocked out when a girl hit me in the face with a lacrosse stick, sorer than the time I got my arm stuck in a ßower vase, and even sorer than the time I got backed into with a Jeep Cherokee.

Though cheerleading looks easy, it’s a sport that heavily relies on coordination, ßexibility, accuracy, and concentration.

Unfortunately I could not pull any of these characteristics out of my magical “I think I could do cheerleading if I tried hard enough” hat. It turns out that the only thing I had in said hat were the awesome dance faces that I learned from my friends that are on the Viper All-Stars cheer and dance teams.

The practice started out with the distribution of name-tags and warm up stretching. The name part was easy, but the stretching not so much.

While most sports teams stretch to avoid pulling muscles while running, cheerleaders stretch, generally by doing a complete split mind you, to have more effective pikes, in which the cheerleader jumps and extends both of her legs ßat in front of her and leans forward towards her toes as if she’s stretching her hamstrings…in the air. Sadly for me, I can’t do this whole “pike” deal, especially the touching my toes portion of it, even on the ground.

Next came the bridges, which have caused me to feel like I’m being stabbed in the thighs for the past two days as I walk up the stairs to my next class. For those of you not in the gymnastics know,

a bridge is where you literally make a bridge with your body, except you’re facing upwards.

The spine is not meant to be shaped this way naturally, but somehow cheerleaders are able to bend in this formation not once, not twice, but multiple times and can simultaneously lift up either leg and hold it vertically for any period of time. I can also write about how they can jump in place in a bridge position, but thinking about it causes me to remember how my vertebral column cracked like it was the fourth of July.

After receiving countless sympathetic yet self-assured looks from incoming freshman trying out for the squad who had mistaken me as a fellow incoming freshmen only rivaled by amused looks from the upper classmen cheerleaders who think me almost crying is funny, it was time to be put into groups which would hit each station, the stations being dance, cheer, and tumbling.

The dance portion was a happy ending to the body contortions, but only because I absolutely love dancing. This happy ten minute period was ended abruptly when I was whisked away to the cheer station.

While the cheers done on the sidelines of sports events look easy enough, I couldn’t even catch onto them after being taught them multiple times in a row. The “hands up in the air” movement looks thoughtless, but every detail counts, including the position of your thumbs and the alignment of your biceps in relation to your pupils.

After this frustration, I basically decided to opt out of the tumbling station. Tumbling pretty much involves doing a combination of acrobatic moves while touching the ground only to prep yourself to do a full twist in mid air. I can do this very well. Just kidding, I can’t at all. Actually I can’t even do a cartwheel without falling on my face.

All in all, I am very glad I worked up enough courage to complete this cheerleading experiment of sorts. Although it was all in all an upsetting and nerve racking experience that eventually turned into a joke because I was so bad at it, unusually I just wanted more.

Cheerleading is downright difÞcult for a dilettante, but in spite of the pain, it was actually fun. Which, upon second consideration, sounds exactly the way any athlete describes their sport.

Volume 41, Number 6

features

12 “Internet...” from page 1

Students discuss perils of web

!

R E !

G R E N G A D DA N

for someone to get hold of personal information. Even if they do not include the name of their school or even their town or state in their proÞles, without realizing it, people make themselves easy to locate by doing things such as posting pictures of themselves in their school uniforms or sports jackets, talking about school spirit, or mentioning their teams and other activities.

An even more dangerous Internet phenomenon is actually conversing with and worse, planning to meet up with people only known online. This often takes place through random IMs, chat rooms, or personal web sites. Just because you talk to a person online does not mean that you know how or who they are in real life. One of the main dangers of the Internet is that essentially anyone can get on and lie about his identity.

This was a topic covered in a recent issue of Seventeen magazine. In the story, a 16-year-old female decided to enter a romance chat room since she was becoming depressed and lonely after a breakup. In the chat room she began talking to a man who was seven years older than she. He seemed nice enough so she decided to have him over—when only her she and her younger sister (who was than 10) were home. He soon arrived, and the two went downstairs and began to watch TV. The man told her how pretty she was, and then proceeded to take off her pants, have sex with her, and leave. The girl, who was, needless to say, naive, thought to herself that they were just building a relationship.

The two continued to chat on the Internet. The next time the man

Volume 41, Number 6

came over, the same thing happened; they again had sex. What happened next, however, made the 16-year-old fear for her little sister. Her new “boyfriend” asked her how old her sister was, than asked if she was tight, and if he could Þnd out how tight she is.

Right after he asked the question, the girl asked him to leave. The girl found out a few weeks later that she was pregnant. Did the girl make some wrong decisions? Yes. Did she deserve to have her life wrecked by an Internet predator?

Absolutely not.

Many predators lie about their ages and locations so that their victims feel safe about letting them know more information about themselves. In 2004, a 14-year-old girl from Fox Valley started “chatting” with a boy she thought was her same age. The next day, the “boy” had found out where she lived, and came to her house, but instead of being a young boy, he was a 28-year-old man.

Aside from being unaware of the person’s true age, you may also be misled to believe the person is warm and caring; however you can never tell how a person acts unless you see him in social situations, when he must actually interact with other people. For all you know, simply speaking in the wrong tone to whoever your newfound “friend” is could send him into a Þt of rage. Yes, I know, it sounds far-fetched, but it does happen. For this reason, it’s important to follow some safety guidelines if you do decide to meet with someone you’ve only spoken to online.

Meet in a public place, and bring a

called ‘To Catch a Predator.’ This show allows parents to see just how easy it is for their children, their babies, their own ßesh and blood, to put themselves into harmful situations. Dateline is also doing the nation a favor by ridding communities of sexual predators.

Aside from the “you-could-getraped” scenario, you can also get into serious trouble- and by serious trouble I mean arrested- for things that you say on the Internet.

Here is a hypothetical situation: Your boyfriend cheats on you with this girl at school. You are heartbroken because you two were most deÞnitely in love and were going to be together forever. This girl is rubbing salt in your wounds by telling any and everyone about her escapade with your boyfriend.

You are mad and want to shut her up. So here is your brilliant plan, you are going to IM her and tell her off. You tell her, “Girl, you better watch out! I’m coming after you!

I’m gonna beat you so bad you’re going to be black and blue and your children’s children will be black and blue!”

Sounds like a great idea right? You get to vent, and no one gets physically injured (unless of course you and your friends decide a rumble and blood shed is necessary). But your brilliant plan is not so brilliant. Here’s why: all the other person has to do is save the AIM conversation, print a copy out, and make a trip to the local police station. Yes, the police station.

You threatened another person - and you, of course, were smart enough to do it in writing so that she has a hard copy of the threats.

What does that mean for you?

Possibly some time in the juvenile detention center, or jail, depending on how old you are, and I’m going to make an educated guess a great deal of community service, not to mention a blemish on your arrest record. If you planned on getting a job in criminal justice after that you may just want to think again, seeing as how jobs in the Þeld of law –as well as many other job Þelds- check your arrest record and character references. I don’t think your parole ofÞcer would be that great of a character reference.

Besides getting in serious trouble with the law, you could also ruin your reputation. Thinking

of the Internet ruining my reputation always makes me think of that commercial for DSL where the guy is singing and playing the air drums and the voice on the commercial says something like ruin your reputation 5 times faster.

Yeah, it’s funny…unless it actually happens to you.

Posting pictures on the internet or on rating sites is great when you’re in need of a self-esteem boost. I mean, who doesn’t like hearing “OoOoo gurl you soooo pretty! Look at those eyes! Mmm mmm mmmmm!” However, aside from you having to wonder who is printing out your picture and hanging it on their wall next to their bed and kissing it every night before they go to sleep, you also need to think if the pictures are appropriate. Think, “Would my grandparents like a copy of this picture?” If not, then don’t post it.

Inappropriate pictures can seriously affect your life because people may recognize you and than think “hey that girl who has halfnaked pictures of herself on the internet works at (insert place and location here);” and if your boss Þnds out that everyone thinks there is a correlation with their business and sexually explicit photos, I’m going to guess they are not going to be very happy. I’m sure your parents wouldn’t be either.

The pictures of alcohol and drugs that are posted on the internet - that’s simply us teens proving to older generations that we are idiots as well as criminals. If you are underage and posting pictures of you drinking or doing drugs, that’s just plain stupid. Contrary to what everyone seems to believe, people do look at online pictures. We all know that members of the administration have the power to look at peoples’ MySpaces, so why post them when the risk of getting in trouble is relatively high? Showing off your “hot bod” to everyone is not worth getting kicked out of school, losing your job, or being grounded at home.

I suppose this is my long, roundabout way of encouraging caution when using the Internet. You don’t know who is watching/looking, or who is pretending to be whom. Be careful. Don’t ruin your reputation. Don’t get hurt. Play Web Boggle instead…it’s more fun anyway.

friend the Þrst couple of times. Have a prearranged signal if you need to get out of a dangerous (or maybe just a dangerously boring) situation. Keep your guard up. It is the mentality that “nothing bad can happen to me” that allows a person to put herself into a dangerous situation, with no second thoughts.

More and more people seem to be putting themselves into these situations, according to statistics found on micropersuasion. com. Although MySpace has only recently become popular, it is already the “largest online social networking portal on the web.” There are over 61 million MySpace accounts, and more than 21 million people who do not have their own accounts visit the sites. It is the second most popular destination How unsafe are teens on the net? on the Internet, reaching more men than ESPN.com Don’t take chances online; learn and luring in more women from other teens’ mistakes instead! than iVillage. Every day, 220,000 new users register • 54% were unsure or believed it was safe to with MySpace; there are meet someone in person after they had been 50,000 MySpace groups, chatting with them for a long time and 1.4 million MySpace accounts just for bands.

• 25% were unsure or believed it was safe to MySpace and other simpost their picture on the Internet ilar internet sites are not bad in themselves, but we all know that many of the • 20% have told people their real name on the Internet millions of people who use them, including our close friends, do not hesitate to • 25% were unsure or believed it was safe to publicize personal inforput their address on the Internet mation, thus endangering themselves.

Dateline recently began statistics from netsmartz.org a new portion of its show

The

Patriot

May 2006

features

13

Snowballs serve as sweet summer treat

photo by Claire Bronis

Top Ten Snowball Flavors strawberry bubblegum peach

hawaiian cotton candy

cherry grape

ice cream green apple tutti frutti *according to Ralph’s Snowballs and Snowcone Supply Company

JENNIFER N. CANATELLA Math Teacher and Tutor MD CertiÞed SAT Prep Grade 4 - Adults

Home: (410) 638-6966 Cell: (410) 952-8041 jcanatella@hotmail.com

Traditional Oriental Martial Arts Tae-Kwon Do Breathing Exercise Hap-Ki Do Qi-Gong Weapons Tai-Chi

ELITE MASTER CHOI, YOON HO 1321 Riverside Parkway, E-3 Belcamp, MD 21017 May 2006

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TOMA Phone: 410-272-6336 Fax: 410-272-2720 www.elitetoma.com

o by phot

Being a purebred Bel Airian, born and raised, the JC Country Fair has always signaled the beginning of summer for me. So the Monday after Country Fair weekend, I started my yearly preparations for my annual three months free from school. These preparations obviously include maintenance on my pool, shopping for shorts and bathing suits (plus the rigorous I-really-don’twant-to-look-huge-in-a-swimsuit diet), stocking up on sunblock, making plans for beach trips, and, my personal favorite, searching for the best snowball.

Snowballs are an integral part of summer life for Marylanders.

It’s difÞcult to believe, but if you drive more than a few hours north or south, you’ll be hard pressed to Þnd a snowball stand.

How could anyone possibly live through an afternoon at a playground, a morning running errands, or a late evening dinner without a snowball? Well, ladies and gents, there are people all over the country who trudge through life in such a pathetic state.

I once tried to explain a snowball to my friend Lucy from New York…”Well they make them in a little white shack and it’s crushed ice with syrup on it and they have the deliciousest ßavors and the best part is when it melts but not completely and you can kinda slurp it and we get them almost every day and…”

“Oh, so it’s like a sno-cone?”

You can imagine my horror when she compared the state delicacy to the sickly ßavored chunks of ice packed into a cardboard cone. Saying a snowball and a sno-cone are the same thing is like comparing Johann Sebastian Bach to Hitler—sure, they’re both German, but there aren’t too many other similarities.

So with my quest for the perfect snowball and my anti-cellulite-get-ready-for-the-summer plan coinciding, I pondered how

Clair e Br onis

Claire Bronis Features co Editor

I could satisfy both my hankering for that icy treat and my deep emotional need to not be ridiculed at the beach.

Finally, it came to me, I could start getting sugar-free snowballs instead of the normal saccharinladen version. And so I started my journey.

On the list were Waldo’s Snowballs in the Harford Mall Parking lot, Sharon’s Shaved Ice which is sandwiched between the Bel Air McDonald’s and SuperFresh, another branch of Sharon’s next to the BP station in Forest Hill, a nameless place in the parking lot of Ronnie’s Beverage Warehouse also in Forest Hill, and Wheel Road Snowballs located directly off of Wheel Road. Starting out, I was sure that I could Þnd at least one place with a decent diet snowball.

This proved to be a ridiculous assumption on my part.

Let me tell you about this phenomenon called “diet, or sugarfree, snowballs.” They come in two varieties: with artiÞcial sweetener or with Splenda. Splenda, which claims to be a natural derivative of sugar, is slightly more tolerable than the artiÞcial sweetener, which boasts ingredients like aspartame that are proven to cause cancer in lab rats.

Splenda ßavors are only available at the two Sharon’s Shaved Ice locations, and if you’re really that calorie-conscious, they’re worth the trip. I tried mango and cotton candy on the Splenda ßavors and they were both a fake kind of sweet with a faint chemical aftertaste.

But even if it didn’t nearly guarantee me a tumor by my fortieth birthday, I wouldn’t eat the artiÞcially-sweetened snowballs anyway because they essentially taste like Windex. Don’t ask me why I know how Windex tastes, let’s just say I’ve cleaned a few too many windows in my day. Of the skylite, cherry, and bubble gum artiÞcially-sweetened snowballs that I sampled, they all tasted like a chemical-laden mess.

So my conclusion? Don’t mess with a classic. A “diet” snowball is no snowball at all, like a middle aged woman who attempts to dress up as Britney Spears for Halloween and is entirely convinced that she’s fantastically close to the real thing. I’d rather stuff my face and sacriÞce my beach-acceptable Þgure than participate in the rape of my beloved snowball.

Volume 41, Number 6

Entertainment

14

Silent Hill: rated R and gore.

“Silent Hill” is tame in that department, which is disappointing since it is being marketed to the horror audience. It has the prerequisite poor acting, another frustrating part of “Silent Hill” since the script for this Þlm was great. Its best acting performance, no surprise, comes from Sean Bean who to Lord of the Rings fans will forever be known as Boromir.

There are suspenseful and thrilling scenes, supplied in large part by the movie’s best character, Pyramid Head. They are then followed by a long, drawn-out scene of dialogue. In many movies the inclusion of dialogue is a good thing, but in a movie like “Silent Hill” it absolutely destroys the mood established by the previous scene.

Besides the town of “Silent Hill” and the names of characters, the movie has very little to do with the game. This doesn’t really affect the overall quality of the Þlm at all, but to those who were expecting to see their favorite game made into a movie will certainly be let down.

At its heart it is meant to make the viewer leave the theater thinking. The movie tries to be symbolic, and at times it succeeds in this. It does not try to be shock and horror however and this deÞnitely can confuse viewers misled by the fact that it was a “horror” Þlm. And, yes, this is a problem since “Silent Hill” failed in the same place where many other movies of its type have tried and failed. It cannot meld together intensity and action with a symbolic and psychological plot.

It tries, and it comes close until Þnally the secrets of the town of Silent Hill are revealed to the heroine Rose Da Silva. After that, the movie attempts to wind down, but instead of resolving the main conßict – Rose Da Silva being lost in the horror town of Silent Hill trying to Þnd her daughter Sharon – it tries to explain its rather concrete, thanks to the scene where everything was revealed, plot while also holding witch burnings.

That said, the viewer can walk away with

something other than “that scene where the woman got burned was sweet.” The viewer could think as to the situation Rose and her daughter Sharon are in. Are they in the same Silent Hill as the rest of the world, or a sort of alternate universe Silent Hill? They could contemplate the exact meaning of certain symbols and motifs.

Unfortunately, the average viewer going to “Silent Hill” will not be in the mood to contemplate such meanings. They would rather go there, be scared, and leave to tell people about certain frightening scenes.

There is none of that in “Silent Hill”. There is thought, and there is a great premise. Unfortunately it gets clouded behind what the movie has to do, be a horror Þlm. It is not a horror Þlm at any time. It is a thriller at best, but its main goal is deÞnitely to provoke thought.

If one goes into “Silent Hill” wanting blood and guts, they will leave disappointed. If one wants to see the video game on the big screen, they will be even more disappointed. If one goes in expecting nothing, they could leave with something.

www.horrorchannel.com

“Silent Hill” is a horror movie based on the popular Playstation video game series. Except, wait a minute, it is neither horrifying nor based on the game. So then what exactly is “Silent Hill”?

It can be summed up in one word for anyone expecting a horror movie or a movie based off of the video game – disappointing. However, if someone goes into the theater expecting neither, they could leave surprised.

“Silent Hill” begins with a scene depicting a young girl wandering about her hometown at night while her worried parents frantically searched for her. Once they Þnally found her, she threw a Þt, sporadically screaming “Silent Hill!” In a desperate effort to discover the secret behind her daughter’s inexplicable Þts, the girl’s mother takes her to the town of Silent Hill, West Virginia, against the wishes of her husband and the residents outside the mysterious ghost town.

Once there, she loses her daughter and is compelled to pursue a mysterious Þgure that bears a striking resemblance to her daughter. As she delves deeper into the dark, desolate town, she begins to discover the unspeakably evil truth about its past residents.

The movie has its numerous ßaws. For instance, it could’ve used a better editing job. This Þlm clocks in at over two hours, which in most cases is just Þne for a movie. Unfortunately, the idea of “Silent Hill” could really only support at most 100 minutes.

There are scenes which sit there only to confuse the audience, though likely the directors and writers intended for them to help explain what was going on in the plot. This movie attempts to make the viewer think; it is much more abstract than one would think a movie of its genre would be.

Truly, the entire Þlm could have been described in Þve minutes. And this happens in one pivotal scene. This makes about 20 minutes of the movie pointless dialogue that only repeats what has been said before. Plus, there is – at the cost of sounding macabre – not enough blood

by Chris Anderson r e l i a Tr s w e i v Pre

Da Vinci Code

Over the Hedge

See No Evil

Rated: PG-13

Rated: PG

Rated: R

Based on the best-selling novel by Dan Brown, this Þlm tells the story of Robert Langdon, a symbologist. Langdon tries to solve the mystery of a murder with the help of the victim’s granddaughter. Starring Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou this movie is sure to be a blockbuster hit.

This animated Þlm is about a group of suburban animal Þnding food for survival.

The Þlm’s cast includes Bruce Willis, William Shatner, and Avril Lavigne. With the amazing picture quality and realistic nature of the animation in this Þlm, it will satisfy both adults viewers and children.

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Volume 41, Number 6

Jens Lekman

The

Patriot

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entertainment Anne Sedney Assistant Copy Editor A book about the health revolution in the early 1900’s might seem to be reading for a history class, not for your valuable free time. However, T.C. Boyle’s The Road to Wellville is anything but dull. It’s the story of John Harvey Kellogg (yes, the guy who made the corn ßakes) and his famous Sanitarium in Battle Creek, Michigan. It’s the place where the rich and famous would retreat to receive Þve enemas a day, a bland diet, and a wide variety of health treatments.

The story revolves around Mr. and Mrs. Lightbody, a wealthy couple who go to the Sanitarium because of Will Lightbody’s weak stomach and Eleanor Lightbody’s nerves. Will, who had been an alcoholic and then an opium addict before coming to the Sanitarium, is promptly put on a diet that allows him to consume nothing but milk, which, of course, does not make him happy. To increase his distress, he discovers that couples are not allowed to room together for health reasons. His dietary and sexual frustrations lead him in an entertaining crusade against Kellogg.

Eleanor, meanwhile, takes up with some friends who advocate going nude outside to increase the sun’s beneÞts.

When the sun alone does not improve her health, she seeks out another doctor whose treatments consist of “manipulations of the womb,” treatments which she begins to enjoy a little too much.

The book’s other main character is Charlie Ossining, a man who comes to Battle Creek seeking to capitalize on the new health food and medicine craze.

He and his partner attempt to produce a new kind of celery-enriched cereal (which ends up tasting just as disgusting as it sounds).

His sections are not quite as interesting as those concerning the Lightbodys—the Sanitorium’s eccentric characters and strange treatments make those parts ßy by, while Ossinig’s sections, tend to slow down the pace of the story.

I found this book fascinating. It’s hard to believe that just one hundred years ago, people believed that breathing radium was beneÞcial, and that eating a diet of only grapes would help you to be healthier. Yet, these are both regimens prescribed in this historically accurate novel.

Perhaps T.C. Boyle was attempting to present a cautionary tale; yes, we might laugh at such treatments, but are they all that different from some of the outlandish diets recommended today? (A certain one that I will not name, but which rhymes with “fatkins,” comes to mind.)

At any rate, this book is both a hilarious satire of a health movement and a poignant narrative about the struggles of a couple. It’s a fairly quick read, and one that is sure to edify and entertain any reader.

May 2006 may

TOYS:

Today’s toys limit mobility, creativity, cause obesity

Hillary Livingston Copy co Editor

Does anyone remember the amazing “squand” (rhymes with ‘hand’) that would allow you to build castles in a tank of water, but when you pulled it out, it was dry? Or the rock tumbler, where you would put in a dull-colored stone and shake it in a plastic cup and it would turn into a beautiful jewel?

Or playing Candy Land for hours (I remember rearranging the cards so that I would receive the one with the snowßake picture that would lead me to Queen Frostine’s castle)?

Or trying to beat your friend’s number of jumps on the Skip It counter? Or wanting to throw up from too many rides on the Sit-nSpin that belonged to your little brother, but of which you took full advantage anyway?

Does anyone else miss being eight years old?

I know many of us can make a list of all of our favorite toys that ranged from Pound Puppies to magic 8 balls to Easy-Bake Ovens to Power Wheels to Þlling out pages and pages of mad libs.

Unfortunately, many eight-year-olds are being robbed of these fun and creative childhood toys and crafts. Instead, electronics and video games have overtaken the toy market.

Now, when a kid wants to play Candy Land, he can just play it on a computer. And when a girl wants to play with Barbie, she can just pop a CD-ROM into her computer and dress her up, Þx her hair, and put her in a computer-animated fashion show.

Electronics make everything so easy for

children. They do not even have to think of what game to play with their Barbie anymore because it is set within the game.

“I think that kids always playing video and computer games cause them to lose their imagination. The youth is losing creativity and they don’t know how to use their imaginations anymore,” remarked senior Elizabeth Ennis.

Many may argue that it is the same thing that kids are doing on the computer that they are doing when playing with tangible toys. But with the computer, there is a limit to what they can do and imagine. Computer games are programmed and kids do not have the freedom of creating their own games.

Childhood obesity has also increased in the past several years because children are not as active as they used to be and are more prone to idle activities like playing video games. “I think it’s disgusting,” remarked junior Ryan Jones. “It is the parents’ fault a lot of times, too.”

This is not to say that this applies to everyone and that the generation now is completely overtaken by video and computer games, or that every child is destined to become obese because the toy market is plagued with electronics. A lot of it depends on the parents. If parents do not encourage their children to be active or to eat healthy foods, then of course the child is going to suffer physically.

I’m not writing this to bash all electronics, because they are not all bad. What is really bad is when kids, and even worse, parents let them overtake their lives and hinder them from leading a healthy, imaginative, and active life.

5

Really cool summer jobs

1. Snowball Stand. You’ll see a ton of people you know; and when the summer heat gets tough, eat some shaved ice.

2. Life guard. You can get tan and pick up totally Þne babes, all while twirling a whistle around your thumb and watching plump kids try to jump off a diving board successfully.

3. Secret Shopper. Getting paid to eat and shop is, like, so totally the American Dream.

4. Ocean City Scope Photographer.

You can watch beached whales pose, or, on the rare occassion, a baywatch honey. In that case, ditch the low-paying job, sell all your assets, and buy a ßipping engagement ring.

5. Looking to lose some weight while avoiding showing some ßabby skin? Be a dressup Walt Disney character at Disney World!

You sweat all day, don’t have to speak, and ride for free. If you’re short enough, you can even be Mickey!

New ABC hit show desensitizes viewers Sandy Wienholt Entertainment co Editor

The new ABC hit television show “What About Brian?” would make certain religion teachers cringe. The show is Þlled with casual sex, unhealthy relationships, and even an open marriage takes shelter in the story. Seniors have been taking Christian Life Choices this semester, and what they have been taught is challenged by the show.

The show follows a group of seven friends in their early thirties: Brian, Nicole, Marjorie, Adam, Dave, Deena, and Angelo.

Nicole and Angelo are married and trying to have kids, but after Nicole’s Þrst miscarriage, Angelo does not want to have a child if it is not completely natural. So Nicole goes behind her husband’s back to obtain the fertility drugs anyway.

The lack of communication in this marriage is ridiculous. However, viewers do observe the destructiveness of Nicole’s dishonesty and, therefore, learn that they would not want to put themselves into a similar situation.

Dave and Deena are the married couple admired by the other Þve characters, who hope their marriages turn out the same. But even they have trouble. Deena’s frustration with the lack of sex in their marriage leads her to declare that she wants an open marriage, which allows both partners the freedom of having sexual relations with other people. Despite his reservations, Dave agrees. And although this seems to promote inÞdelity, it does show how Deena and

The

ing for Brian. And every time he comes close to getting Majorie, the chance is quickly taken away. This is extremely frustrating. However, I am still hopeful that they will end up together.

While his relationship with Marjorie seems to be less and less likely to become more intimate, Brian decides to try to move on. His many relationships with other girls always end on a bad note.

The season Þnale, aired on Monday, May 8, concluded with Marjorie and Brian Þghting after Brian accused her of ruining all of his relationships.

This was not as random as it seems, since she had gone over to Brian’s house and spoken to his girlfriend. No sooner than a few hours later the girlfriend left the house fuming.

Despite the desensitizing of sexual relations before marriage and open marriages, the show does hold some value in teaching viewers about relationships. The open marriage tainted a great relationship between Deena and Dave. All of Brian’s relationships, which include casual sex, never last.

However, his true love for Marjorie never goes away. He always cares about her.

The show is extremely entertaining. In the midst of the serious life lessons, there is some humor. I would suggest this show for older teens and adults.

This season of “What About Brian?” ended after four shows because of its late start. I look forward to season two. Watch for advertisements to Þnd out when season two begins. www.mundoplus.com

BOOK REVIEW: The Road to Wellville

15

Dave’s respected marriage is destroyed by their choice to have an open marriage.

The Þnal couple consists of Marjorie and Adam. Although they are not yet married, their relationship is becoming as complicated as those of the married couple. Adam had made a deal with Brian that he would break up with Marjorie if Brian would break up with his psycho girlfriend. Brian held up his part of the deal, but Adam ended up proposing.

What about Brian? He’s all that’s left and he has no one - but he does have a thing for Marjorie. Thus, when Adam did not hold up his end of the bargain, Brian was upset because his chance to have Marjorie was again taken away.

To make matters worse, they kissed each other soon after this, making their relationship awkward. Since Brian is portrayed as a loving guy whose friends can always count on him, and Adam is characterized as a typical jerk, viewers are convinced that Brian and Marjorie are meant for each other.

As I watch the show, I am secretly root-

Patriot

Volume 41, Number 6

entertainment

16

Animation revolution renews film industry Ryan Leeb Entertainment co Editor

Revolutions always begin slowly, but move at exponential rates. The Boston Tea Party acted immediately against unjust tariffs, while it ultimately helped culminate into the Revolutionary War. Bill Gates’ introduction of the Windows application Þrst organized personal computers, but his ideas have now innovated various aspects of the technology world, including everything from Xboxes to iPods.

I regret to inform you that as you sit reading this, one of the most inßuential revolutions throughout all human history is occurring. And worse, it is a silent killer: it comes in waves as a heavily addictive obsession, then takes full control of the hosts’ emotions. Scientists are unsure of what lies in the future, but some speculate that this new revolution could possibly abduct the world as a whole.

So what is this movement? Irresponsible Roaring-20s-like partying? Illicit drug usage? Emo music and style?

Nope. Not at all actually; this is John Carroll we’re talking about, folks! This is probably one of the most misleading assassins you could ever imagine. It’s like the Teletubbies sporadically jumping out of televisions and hijacking their adolescent viewers. Or like Willy Wonka deciding to insert glass shards in Everlasting Gobstoppers. Or like Michael Jackson throwing children off of balconies. Whoops.

The problem actually hits a considerable bit closer to home. I can guarantee that you, yes you, have personally invested in this growing terror of society. Mostly because

it’s so cute, heart-warming, and childish. It might make you feel good, but its intentions are unclear. That is, of course, because this mutant, this irreversible change in the way humanity works, is the growing popularity of something we all know and love dearly: Animated and Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) Þlms.

How many times have you walked down the halls and heard someone quoting Finding Nemo? And you must remember being forced to view Madagascar and The Incredibles via Senora Medrano. And when you get back home, we all know and accept the fact that you watch your daily intake of Jimmy Neutron. It’s okay, though; all the cool kids are doing it. “[Those] movies aren’t childish at all!” said junior Elizabeth Krempa. “There’s a lot of adult humor in a lot of them that I doubt any eight-year-old could understand.”

That’s fortunate. Now I can resist the urge to seek psychiatric attention for my Ice Ageobsessed father, who went to the extent of naming my dog after Sid the sloth.

See? These movies really are taking over every aspect of life!

But the popularity of animation has never reached this widespread of an addiction. Not even with Pokemon.

“I think the success lies in Disney and Pixar’s marriage and involvement early on,” said junior Regina DiPaula. Remembering way back to my wee little years of playgrounds and cotton candy, I recall Toy Story and A Bug’s Life. Those kids in the theatres were completely blissful, and the parents actually left smiling, unlike their exit after “mature” and “adult” movies like Resident Evil and Dark Water.

Is it the advanced technology that attracts

MI3 makes noise at box office

chooses to accept it, is to rescue the agent and have her brief him on any information she has found.

I had serious doubts After his mission, Hunt about Mission Impossible soon Þnds himself in a III for two main reasons: desperate search to Þnd it’s a Tom Cruise movie, the rabbit’s foot (although and it is the third install- he himself is not quite sure ment (no one wants an- what it is) and hand it over other Free Willy Þasco). to Owen Davian (Philip However, ten minutes into Seymour Hoffman), a calthe two-hour-and-six-min- lous arms dealer.

Mission Impossible III ute Þlm, I was enthralled. has Ethan Hunt facing the Mission Impossible III mission of his life. He not tells the story of Ethan only has to save himself, Hunt, who works for the the world, and the agency IMF (Impossible Missions (IMF seems to have a mole Force). Hunt, who is curproblem), but also the love rently training agents, is of his life, Julia. recalled during his engageParts of the movie are ment party and is informed far-fetched, but it is an exthat one of his former stuciting and action-packed dents has been taken hosmovie.

The stunts are extage. His mission, if he tremely impressive: from scaling walls to parachuting out of buildings to swinging onto roofs, there is nothing Cruise does not do in this movie.

Mission Impossible III is more than worth giving up two hours of your time www.missionimpossible.com and $8.50.

Mary Etting Editorials co Editor

Volume 41, Number 6

us so? I’d argue not. IMaxes are technically amazing, but they don’t exactly rack in the box ofÞce hits. But numbers don’t lie: computer-generated Þlms have ranked as 13 of the top 120 earners in Þlm history, grossing a total of over $3,054,000,000.

The third-highest grossing movie of all time is Shrek 2, beating out such powerhouses as E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Spider-Man, and every Harry Potter installment.

That’s not to say that the newborn genre doesn’t have its misses amongst its hits. There seems to be some freakish trend which results in two CGI Þlms being released within two months of each other and have far too many similarities to dismiss as mere coincidence. A Bug’s Life and Antz were released the same year, and both movies told the story of an ant colony.

The Wild is having an identity crisis due to its indecision as to whether it copies Madagascar or Finding Nemo more.

This is probably due to the dueling between the various leading producers of the genre (Dreamworks and Buena Vista Pictures Distribution at the head of the pack). If one company gets a tip that the other has an innovative new idea regarding,

say, an underwater tale like Finding Nemo, another might Þddle with the idea until there are only loose relations, like in Shark Tale.

Ehh, what can ya do?

“Who cares?” says sophomore Tori Pyzik. “I’d pay to see the same story twice if it rocks even half as much as The Incredibles did.”

With consumers raving this much, it seems that even the genre’s downfalls become more reason to invest in it. True love is Þnding perfection in ßaws, right?

And on the horizon, a whole new wave of CGI Þlms are charging into theatres already.

Over the Hedge (May 19) and Cars (June 9) are well on their way already, and, luckily, they both promise new plots and ideas.

In all honesty, I’m going to take the American approach and assume that if it feels good, it must be good. And if they make everyone feel so happy, they can’t be too bad.

Of course, that’s what everyone assumed about Furbies until a mom reported that one she gave as a gift to her daughter was spouting out demonic phrases that were deÞnitely not in Furby’s native tongue. I guess only time will tell whether or not these animated delicacies are scheming for an ultimate takeover. But my vote is that it’s going to keep producing genius creations with wide-ranging appeal until a newer form of technology develops. Like interactive movies or something.

R The Patriot Album Coverage the question of whether the Peppers faster-paced style to contrast smartly Jeff Gunnarsson E with its predecessor. have sacriÞced quality for quantity. co Editor in Chief like the mellowed “StaDuring my Þrst listen-through, I D After three years and ten months felt that this may have indeed been diumSongs Arcadium” (the album’s nameH O T C H I L I P E P P E R S

since the debut of “By The Way,” the longest gap between album releases since that between “Blood Sugar Sex Magik” and “One Hot Minute,” the legendary funk-rock quartet Red Hot Chili Peppers released its latest album, “Stadium Arcadium.”

The two-disc album pack contains 28 rhythm-driven tracks, spanning a broader and more marvelouslyhoned spectrum of subgenres than ever before.

The expansive collection of tracks is split into two halves; the Þrst 14 tracks compose the “Jupiter” disc, the next 14 tracks make up the “Mars” disc.

Truth be told, the band could have easily gotten away with releasing each of the two parts of “Stadium Arcadium” as a separate album; not only would they cut the gap between album releases in half, they could most certainly capitalize on such a strategy.

However, the band obviously chose to maximize their output by putting as much raw talent into their latest album as their veteran musicianship would allow.

The seeming overabundance of songs (each of which is about an average of Þve minutes long) calls to mind

The

Patriot

the case. The songs seemed to blend together like a pallet of tantalizingly vibrant colors that, by the eye of the unobservant spectator, coalesce into a muddy smear of lost vivacity. During my second, third, and subsequent listens, each pulsating, effervescent color in the pallet of musical genius began to become distinct.

Now, “Stadium Arcadium” has incarnated itself in my ears and mind as a red-hot Þrestorm of musical idiosyncrasy, a carefully- but vivaciously-painted masterpiece.

The “Jupiter” disc begins with one of the band’s singles, “Dani California,” a drivingly rhythmic jam-rock song that draws its listener in with a bass-lead verse and vintage-style pick-up chorus, building up to a fat, ßuid guitar solo toward the end. The album follows this up with “Snow ((Hey Oh)),” a song that implements a softer but

www.redhotchilipeppers.com

sake song), the Þerce, funk-driven “Hump De Bump,” and the smoothgroove “C’mon Girl” all contribute to the notably quick progression of the album, which is only interrupted by the gap between “Jupiter” and “Mars” (watch out for asteroids!). If you have an iPod, however, then the ßow between planets could be seamless.

While the album is indeed an indubitable masterpiece, it is not without its deÞciencies; the band has not demonstrated considerable growth in their music (although this is not to undermine their already mind-blowing skill): songs often lack a dynamic nature, some seem to drag on without apparent direction or development, and the entire album itself is a complete stranger to a three-four time signature.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers have released their ninth album as what seems to be not a climax to their musical legacy, but rather as a continuation of their ongoing musical mastery. The album is well worth the listen, and for a Best Buy sale of $11.99 (roughly 43 cents per track), you would probably be putting yourself through less trouble by purchasing the album from a commercial retailer rather than trying to download it off the internet.

May 2006

Sports

photo by Jess O’Brien

Andy Wancowicz Sports co Editor

Father and son take a seat at Buontempo’s Restaurant after the game on April 16.

May 2006

Bryan Wolfe was chosen for the Patriot of the month for his last season as a Patriot for the leadership he showed on the baseball diamond. He led the boy’s varsity baseball team in doubles, homeruns, runs batted in (RBI’s) and in batting average.

He was a consistant defensive threat on the mound, along with playing 3rd base. Bryan will be spending his college experience at Marietta College playing for the baseball team. And to cap off a successful senior season, Bryan was the Þrst person to hit a homerun on the newly installed fence for the baseball diamond.

Jess O’Brien was chosen for the Patriot of the month because of her dominance in the IAAM “B” Conference as a high jumper and hurdler. She holds the state record for women’s track in the high jump with a height of 5 feet 6 inches. Jess has committed to James Madison University to compete with their Division I team and will be attending JMU in the fall on a half scholarship. Jess has been a constant asset to the Patriot track program and was asked to jump for the University of Maryland team but opted to spend her next four years in Harrisonburg, Virginia as a Duke.

Girls lacrosse falls in first round of IAAM “A” Conference playoffs Chris Wilson Staff Writer

Although the girls lacrosse team ended their season, with a 10-6 record, losing in the quarterÞnals of the IAAM “A” Conference, they feel that there season could have been so much more.

Through their canoe trips and pasta parties, the team bonded as a group and took away many things that just playing lacrosse games cannot teach, but this was not enough for these girls who felt like they should have gotten much better results.

The loss to St. Mary’s in the championship was such a devastation to the girls, and according to junior Maggie McEvoy they deserved so much better.

“We worked hard this year and everyone showed a lot of dedication and heart,” said McEvoy.

She along with the rest of the team feel that they should have done a little better than they already did in their winning season. The team’s goal was to make the championship, which they fell short of by two games.

The

JC is hoping to pull off an incredible “Even though we did not reach our goal, I still think we played really well,” year next year and win out in the IAAM “A” Conference for lacrosse. said McEvoy.

The team was led in goals by sophomore Ally Carey and along with a strong defensive unit, the team secured a winning record and a spot in the playoffs. The high point for the team this year, was their overtime victory over St. Paul’s.

“It always feels good to beat St. Paul’s,” said McEvoy, ecstatic about the chance they had and the excitement after the game.

Next year will have to be the year where the team sets out to achieve what they could not this year, reach the championship.

It is a prestigious feat if it can be completed, for the JC’s Casey Ancarrow looks for an open teambest teams around need to mate during an away game against Severn be beaten for this to hap- School on May 2. The Patriots lost the game by a narrow margin, 9-8. pen.

Patriot

photo by Lou Vigliotti

photo by Liz Pennington

Fifteen years. That’s longer than some JC freshmen have even been on the planet. And in some cases, about twice as long as it looks like they’ve been around.

Many things change over Þfteen years. That’s 1825 sunrises. Fifteen years ago, teachers such as Mr. Ionescu and Miss Pyzik wouldn’t have ever thought that at this current time they’d be teaching at JC. Fifteen years ago the Soviets stormed Vilnius to stop the Lithuanian independence movement. Fifteen years ago Congress approved the use of force to liberate Kuwait, starting the Gulf War. In that year the New York Giants defeated the Buffalo Bills 20-19 in Super Bowl XXV. Back in 1991, the World Wide Web in its most primitive version went “online.” Fifteen years ago, Nirvana introduced the world to grunge music. Also, Super Nintendo was released. It was the centennial anniversary of basketball. The Minnesota Twins won the World Series. The Soviet Union collapsed. Magic Johnson announced that he was infected with the HIV virus.

And Coach Pennington came to JC as a volunteer assistant baseball coach at the JV level.

Much has changed in the past Þfteen years, both worldwide and at JC, yet Coach Pennington still remains.

At one point in that time period, he had a rare opportunity- a chance to coach his son, Mike. That in and off itself is noteworthy and truly a special opportunity that many fathers would dream of getting.

Now what does that have to with this season, 2006?

Well, on April 10, 2006 one of the rarest of all rare coaching moments occurred when the Patriots took the Þeld against McDonogh. On one side of the Þeld sat Coach Pennington and somehow on the other side there was also a Coach Pennington.

See the connection? If not, I’ll clear it up. This marked the Þrst time that father and son were taking the Þeld as coaches of the opposing teams.

Fittingly, seeing as this was a day where everyone won, truly one of those special days in a father’s life, the game ended in an 8-8 tie after 11 innings. The two will face off again, this time at McDonogh, on May 9.

For a man who has been at this school for so long and worked so hard, this was a reward rightly justiÞed. And as for his son, Mike, this clearly had to be a special day, getting to pit his baseball wit against the man he learned it all from back in the day.

photo by Chris Anderson

photo by Chris Anderson

17

Volume 41, Number 6

sports

18 Boys lacrosse builds momentum toward end of “rebuilding” year

photo from www.rmc.edu

Some believe dominance and teamwork are keys to a championship season and, lucky for them, this year’s JC boys varsity lacrosse team has both.

According to Coach Keith Hinder, it has been “one of those years where we have a lot of good players” and the boys “play well together as a team.” Communication and cooperation are huge factors for success, and clearly this team possesses both.

Junior Pat Little shares his coach’s opinion saying, “We’ve learned how to communicate better on the Þeld as the season has progressed, especially defensively. UnselÞshness on the offensive end not only led to victories but no true conßict within the team to speak of.”

Fellow junior Adam Krolewski also agrees. When asked how he believes the team is doing, he summed it up by saying “we’re playing strong.”

However, the whole season has not been a perfect one.

The team has had some difÞculties, particularly against MIAA “B” Conference opponent Palotti. Krolewski says that they’re “a very strong team that we’re going to see in the playoffs.”

“We’re recovering from some away game defeats,” Krolewski continues. He believes that the team has recovered well from a slow start. He says, “We’ve had a good year with a little inconsistency in the beginning, but we’ve played strong.”

Little agrees, “Over the course of the season, we’ve become more and more like a team. We had a shaky start,

been crucial, and without their clutch play, we would not have been successful as we were able to be.”

Overall cooperation and teamwork has been a performance booster for the team itself. “Everybody contributes, everybody has a role to play,” reßects Coach Hinder enthusiastically about the guys.

His conÞdence in and admiration of the boys is clearly shown Senior Billy Boniface charges up field as he Þnishes in the first half against Annapolis Area with “Everybody Christian on May 12. does their job.” going without a single road This team support and colwin until Glenelg. Despite laboration was shown in the this struggle, we hung in to- game on May 4. JC scored gether and were able to earn a total of thirteen goals, all a playoff berth.” between nine goal scorers.

Continuing, he says, “Our Coach Hinder also says that increased cohesiveness as a that is “pretty much how it’s team led to a strong winning been all year.” streak at the end of the seaThe team’s chemistry on son.” the Þeld was the perfect basis Krolewski and Little speak for a winning regular season, for their entire team, because Þnishing 8-4 in the conferno speciÞc players have driv- ence, and even a top post seaen the entire team itself; there son spot. At the conclusion is not one speciÞc player for of the conference schedule, opponents to focus on stop- the Patriots stood tied with ping. Although the four senior the Archbishop Curley Friars captains, Phil Pons, Julian atop the conference, awaiting Maliszewski, Billy Boniface, a coin ßip to decide which and Matt Rayburn, are deÞ- team receives the top seed. nitely dominant players, their After a bit of a beginning fellow teammates are in no struggle, the guys pulled toway overlooked in the team’s gether consistently winning overall performance. record for the majority of the Little reßects on this, say- season. Coach Hinder and ing, “Even though there is no his players are hopeful of a true ‘superstar’ on the team championship in the team’s as John Carroll lacrosse has future. “It’s always our goal been accustomed to in years to win the championship,” past, senior leadership has Coach Hinder says. photo by Jen DiBiagio

Lisa Krysiak Staff Writer

Where are they now?

Randolph Macon goalie and former JC star Brian Vierheller starts the break for the Yellow Jackets. Brian has been the starter in net since he stepped on campus.

Andy Wancowicz Sports co Editor

photo by Jen DiBiagio

photo from www.rmc.edu

In 2003, as a senior, goalie Brian Vier- Yellow Jackets. As a freshman, he was heller anchored a stellar JC varsity boys named Conference Rookie of the Year and lacrosse team in route to earning All-Harf- Second Team All-Conference after postord County First Team and All-MIAA “B” ing a .621 save percentage, stopping 236 Conference honors. In the biggest game shots on the year. Despite his efforts, Maof his high school career, which also hap- con posted a mediocre 6-9 record, which pened to be his Þnal high school contest, included a 1-5 showing in the ODAC. In his sophomore year, the Yellow Jackhe came up with one of the most clutch ets added a win to their record both overperformances of his career.

It was the MIAA “B” Conference all and in conference, posting a 7-9 (2-4) Championship Game, being held that year mark. Vierheller was named Second Team at Johnny Unitas Field on the campus of All-Conference again after leading the Towson University. Despite a strong ef- ODAC and ranking Þfteenth nationally with a .637 save percentage. fort by the Patriot defenIn addition, he scooped up sive unit, the Archbishop 63 ground balls, in compariSpaulding attack was still son to 36 during his freshman able to Þnd a way to pepcampaign. per the net with shots.

This year, as a junior, the But it did not matter on Randolph Macon goalie was that day. Vierheller seemed consistently peppered with to know exactly where evshots as, for the third year in ery shot was headed even a row, opponents out-shot the before the Spaulding playYellow Jackets. However, ers Þred away. Dominant this season’s 537-348 mark goalkeeping wins chamwas far more dramatic of a pionships and this was a separation than the two preperfect example of that vious years. hypothesis being portrayed Nevertheless, Brian ranked on the Þeld.

Brian Vierheller fourth nationally at the DiviAllowing only three goals and recording twenty four saves, sion III level, and Þrst in the ODAC with a he took the pressure off of the loaded Pa- .661 save percentage, stopping 234 shots, triot offensive attack, which featured stars including thirty in a loss to Virginia WesDrew Westervelt and Owen Jordan, and leyan College and twenty-four the followwas a huge factor in the Patriots 11-3 vic- ing game in a loss against Hampden-Sydtory. The Patriots were up 7-0 at the half ney College. Due in part to the vast shot and never looked back, winning their Þrst differential, Randolph Macon slipped to a of two consecutive MIAA “B” Conference 5-9 record this season, which included a winless season (0-6) in the ODAC. titles.

As of May 12, the Old Dominion AthAfter graduating from JC, Brian moved on to Randolph Macon College, a Division letic Conference had not yet released its III school in Ashland, Virginia. Macon All-Conference teams or award winners. competes in what is viewed as one of the However, on March 13, Brian was named most competitive conferences in Division ODAC Player of the week after recording III Men’s Lacrosse, the Old Dominion 36 saves and posting a .766 save percentAthletic Conference, which, despite the age the previous week in back to back name, does not feature Old Dominion Uni- wins against St. John Fisher College and Goucher College. versity.

In the classroom, Brian is a dual major Despite competition from other goalJC’s Keegan Gaeng, a senior, fights for the faceoff to start the opening round playoff in psychology and political science. keepers already on the team, Brian immecontest against Annapolis Area Christian School. The Patriots won 9-6 to move on. diately became the starter in goal for the

Volume 41, Number 6

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May 2006

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photo by Brady Collins

Senior College Athletic Commitments

Pictured from left to right: Adam Devine, Matt Rayburn, Andrew Kriss, Billy Boniface, Alex Nevel, Katelyn Strasdauskas Amanda Sergi, Delia Pais, Chelsea Ford, Mary Zulty, Jess O’Brien, Stephanie Kreis, Jen DiBiagio, Katie Garnet, Mary Etting, and Jenn Brown. Not Pictured: Courtney Aburn, J.T. Levendusky, Bryan Wolfe, Elizabeth Ennis, and Chrissy Sergi.

Athletic Commitments

By Sport:

Girls Lacrosse:

Courtney Aburn Chelsea Ford Delia Pais Katelyn Strasdauskas Mary Zulty Stephanie Kreis

Delaware William & Mary Harvard Virginia William & Mary Elizabethtown

Boys Lacrosse: Billy Boniface Matt Rayburn

Elizabethtown Lynchburg

Football: J.T. Levendusky

King’s College

Baseball: Bryan Wolfe Andrew Kriss

Marietta Juniata College

Softball: Elizabeth Ennis

McDaniel

Track and Field: Jess O’Brien

James Madison

Cheerleading: Mary Etting Alex Nevel Chrissy Sergi

George Mason Maryland Bridgewater

Soccer: Amanda Sergi

Bridgewater

Field Hockey: Jen DiBiagio Katie Garnet

Dickinson UMBC

Rugby: Jenn Brown Adam Devine May 2006

Maryland Ohio State

Brady Collins Sports co Editor Almost all high school athletes dream of it; they sacriÞce most, if not all of their social lives for it; many student athletes have parents who push them and put thousands of dollars on the line for it; but few can actually make it as a college athlete.

As hard as it is to take that next step to becoming a college athlete, twenty-one JC seniors are planning on representing their respective colleges in the upcoming school year.

As it is such an extraordinary accomplishment to reach the college level in athletics, the editors of the sports section felt that it was necessary to recognize the students who will be playing a college sport.

Starting off at the Division III level, sisters Amanda and Chrissy Sergi will be attending Bridgewater University; Amanda will play on their soccer team, while her sister Chrissy will cheer her on as a varsity cheerleader. Pitcher Elizabeth Ennis will be playing on the softball team at McDaniel’s College in Westminster, Maryland. Also, Jen DiBiagio will be attending Dickinson College and will be competing on their Þeld hockey team.

As for men’s sports, Matt Rayburn will be representing JC on the lacrosse Þeld at Lynchburg College, Brian Wolfe will be playing baseball at Marietta College while Andrew Kriss will play at Juniata College in Pennsylvania. JT Levendusky will be playing football for King’s College in WilkesBarre, Pennsylvania. Also, Billy Boniface will be playing lacrosse at Elizabethtown College.

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Competing at the Division I level (the best of the best), ten seniors will be representing JC throughout the country. The JC women’s lacrosse team turned out six Division I athletes; they are Delia Pais, who will be playing at the prestigious Harvard University, and Courtney Aburn, who will be attending the University of Delaware. Also representing the girl’s lacrosse program are Katelyn Strasdauskas, who will be attending the University of Virginia, Stephanie Kreis at Elizabethtown. Mary Zulty and Chelsea Ford, who will be playing for The College of William and Mary.

Other Division I athletes are cheerleaders Mary Etting and Alex Nevel. Etting will be cheering for Men’s Basketball Final Four representative George Mason, while Nevel will represent the JC cheer

program at the University of Maryland. Jen Brown will be going to the University of Maryland at College Park to play for their women’s rugby team. Katie Garnet will be attending the University of Maryland Baltimore College (UMBC) and will be competing on their Þeld hockey team, and lastly, staterecord-holder in the high jump, Jess O’Brien will be on the track and Þeld team at James Madison University. Rugby captain Adam Devine will continue his career at Ohio State.

The sports co-editors, as well as the JC community, would like to offer our congratulations to all senior athletes; who showed the dedication and drive make it to the level of college athletics, which is an amazing accomplishment, no matter at what level of athletics in which they will be competing.

DIANE V. DEI, MBA Financial Consultant Accredited Asset Management Specialist A.G. EDWARDS & SONS, INC. 2 South Main Street Bel Air, MD 21014 Phone: 410-638-9333 Toll-free: 800-688-9334

Beltway Movies 6 7660 Bel Air Road Fullerton Beltway Exit 32 South 410-882-5911 Volume 41, Number 6

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Sports Briefs

sports JC hoops spice up “off”season

By: Andy Wancowicz Sports co-Editor

Andy Wancowicz Sports co Editor

Baseball

In all aspects, basketball is no longer conÞned to one particular season at JC. After a season that saw the Patriots boost their win total by 15, albeit with far more games than the previous year’s team played, to a 15-22 record, the program continues to be built both on and off the court.

Last season, a tradition of traveling to tournaments throughout the country was established as the team traveled to, amongst others both in and out of season, the Bay Ball Classic in Delaware. Next year, the Patriots will be headed for the Chick-Fil-A Classic in Columbia, South Carolina from December 19 to 23 and to the Benedictine Capital City Classic in Richmond, Virginia just days later from December 27 to 30.

Also, the JC boys’ basketball program will introduce the Intensity Basketball Classic, which will be held at JC during the weekend of December 1 and 2. This tournament will feature local teams in its inaugural year, but hopes are high that many highly touted regional

Boys Track

In the unofÞcial MIAA “B” Conference Championships, better known as The Patriot Invitational, held at JC, the boys’ track team came up just an inch short of a conference title. Standing out above the rest of the Patriots and, at least on an individual note, making up for the team’s one point loss to Cardinal Gibbons 157-156, senior Kevin Turek won four individual events. His victories came in the 100 meter dash, with a time of 11.4 seconds, the 110 meter hurdles, Þnishing in 16 seconds, the 300 meter hurdles, which he completed in 42.3 seconds, and in the high jump with a best jump of 6 feet. Also, in the pole vault, junior Chris Litz cleared 10 feet to take the title. In the Þnal event, the 4x400 relay, which determined the outcome of the meet, JC lost by a margin of .1 seconds.

Golf Breaking a long dry spell, the JC varsity golf team won its Þrst match in two years against Archbishop Curley on April 26 by a score of 147 and followed that up by defeating Boys Latin the following day by a count of 11.5-9.5. During this stretch, sophomores Brad Jacobsen, at the number three spot, and Matt Ross, at number six, won both of their matches. At the number one spot, junior Brady Collins won his match against Curley’s Evan Kilchenstein, who has beaten some of the top players in the state including Loyola’s Brett Keller and Gilman’s Chris Rockwell, and, against Boys’ Latin, tied. Juniors Nick Borowy, at number two, and Pete Grau, at number four, both won their matches against Curley but lost against Boys Latin. Also, senior Brett Heller, at the number Þve spot, won against Curley and tied against Boys Latin.

In the MIAA Individual tournament, Heller was the lone JC golf team member to move on to the second round.

Softball The JC softball team wrapped up their regular season on May 2-3, 2006 with back-to-back home losses against the Institute of Notre Dame and Archbishop Spalding to cap off a respectable 7-7 season. The Patriots were ranked as highly as #9 in the Baltimore Metro Area by the Baltimore Sun until a last inning loss at Mount de Sales on April 27. The Patriots earned a Þrst round playoff birth against St. Vincent Pallotti, the fourth place Þnisher in the IAAM “A” Conference. Key performers for the Patriots this season included junior pitcher Angela DiBeneditto and sophomore catcher Nicole Lowenstein.

Girls Track The JC girls’ track and Þeld team Þnished their regular season strong by defeating Archbishop Spalding 112-25 and Catholic High 112-35 at Archbishop Curley on May 3. Senior Jess O’Brien set a new personal record by clearing Þve-feet seven-inches in the high jump. With this jump, she moved up to number one in the state at the event. Other strong performers for the Patriots included junior Brittany Furst and sophomore Erika Stasakova.

R. Jordan

W. Smith

Photos are from the John Carroll School Website: www.johncarroll.org

Rugby treks to Argentina Hoofnagle, while laughing. “It was funny how they treated us because of our hair.”

In addition, the Argentineans Very few teenagers have the were fascinated with Barry opportunity to leave the country, Tapp’s rapping abilities. and go visit places that they have The second school the Patriots never seen before. The JC Rugby faced was St. Brendan’s College, players not only had that oppora K-12 catholic school in Buenos tunity, but they got to have that Aires, where the Patriots lost 34experience with their teammates, 22. The third and Þnal stop was their peers, and more importantly Holy Trinity, where the Patriots their friends. lost against the Þerce and ag“We have bonded a lot as a gressive style of the rugby team team through this experience and there. as a whole it has made us a stronIn-between games the players ger team,” said Brenden Hoofvisited sights such as the Mar del Plata, the largest beach resort in nagle.

The guys spent ten days in Argentina, and Sta. Catalina de Argentina, the largest country Siena Church, the oldest church in Buenos Aires. in South America. Throughout “We could not have come as those ten days they played three Senior Matt Kent gets ready to be far as we have without the amazgames against three different thwrown in the air by Senior Ben ing coaching that we have had,” schools. The Patriots lost all the Capacio and Junior Zach Fleury said Capacio. “It really is amazgames, but feel that given their competition they made a large step half. The boys from Centro Naval ing how much Mr. Barker and Mr. as a team to becoming that much were outgoing, and very energetic. Powell and Mr. Devoy have done better.

They were also fascinated by the for this rugby program, because of “It was an amazing experience,” red hair of Danny Faby and Bren- them we are able to showcase the said Ben Capacio. “I’m lucky that den Hoofnagle, requesting pictures talent that we have learned across the world.”

I could take part in this trip, and with both players.

The school plans on going on a have the opportunity to represent “I guess red-heads are not a similar trip in about two years.

John Carroll across the world.” common thing down there,” said Brady Collins Sports co Editor

The Þrst school the Patriots faced was Centro Naval, who’s quick play gave them a 39-19 edge over the Patriots after being tied at

photo from www.johncarroll.org

For each sport, each year, there is a deÞning moment of the season. The baseball team may have experienced this phenomenon on May 3 against Loyola. Down two runs, with two men on and two outs, and with senior Bryan Wolfe, whom many consider one of the best players to put on a JC uniform in years, at the dish, junior Mike Grady made one of those mistakes that can haunt a person for years and, in this case, may have cost the team a chance at a playoff birth. With one false step, Grady, who had driven in three runs earlier in the game, found himself the victim of a quick pickoff move to second, which ended the game. Now, with a 6-9 record, the team is on the outside of the playoff picture looking in, with three games remaining. For the season, Wolfe ranks among the Baltimore Metro leaders with a .500 batting average. Also, Wolfe and junior Kyle Van Beek are among Metro leaders with 6 doubles.

In addition to Kusmieruk, freshman Raphael Jordan, a six foot guard, received an invite to the adidas Phenom 150 Camp, held June 23 to 25 in San Diego, California. Jordan averaged 8.2 points per game, good for second on the team, and a team-leading 3.0 assists per game.

Joining him at the camp will be fellow freshman Wyatt Smith, a six-foot Þve-inch “swing forward.” Smith averaged 4.8 points per game, 3.0 rebounds per game, and also added over one block per game.

As a whole, things around the JC boys’ basketball program are much different than in previous years. The team will look to use these experiences, along with the experience of returning entirely intact, to improve upon last year’s Þnish and reach the playoffs, which they just narrowly missed this previous season.

and even national high school teams could Þnd their way to the JC campus in future seasons.

In a similar way, to boost the Patriots prestige on a national level, the Þrst “collegiate showcase” was held on Monday, April 24. Three schools attended the inaugural event, including two Division-I basketball programs, St. Joseph’s and Navy, and Division-III McDaniel College. In the future, the hope is that numerous colleges from all around the country will attend these events, which feature a short team work-out and an intra-squad scrimmage.

On an individual level, sevenfoot three-inch sophomore center and possible Division-I prospect Jakub Kusmieruk, an exchange student from Poland, will be attending the prestigious Five Star Pro Training Center in Clearwater, Florida for a week during the summer. This academy, run by David Thorpe, has helped develop talented big men including Udonis Haslem of the Miami J. Kusmieruk Heat.

Volume 41, Number 6

Junior Andrew Seufert charges head on towards a defender from St. Brenden’s school

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photo from www.johncarroll.org

To cap off the 2006 season, the Spring Athletic Banquet will be held on Thursday May 5 at 6:00 pm. As has become a tradition this year, the banquet will be held in the Upper Gym with a meal of spaghetti and meatballs, served at 6:30 pm, provided for each guest. Besides the handing out of awards for every single JC athletic team at every level of competition and success, the banquet will feature a slide show, compiled by the Spring Athletic Banquet Committee, of various photos of every team both on and off the Þeld. After some complications in regards to lines at the Fall Athletic Banquet, most of the kinks were worked out by the Winter Banquet and all involved feel that this Spring Banquet will go smoothly and put a Þtting cap onto the 2005-2006 athletic year.

photo from www.johncarroll.org

Spring Athletic Banquet

The Patriot Rugby team poses on the pitch just before the game against Holy Trinity College.

May 2006