The Patriot May 2012, Issue 6, Vol 47

Dance Academy rehearses The Patriot investigates for final performance student spending The Academy of Performing Arts and Dance prepares for its end of year performances.

A&E 7

The Patriot breaks down students’ expenditures in relation to class year.

In-Depth 8-9

The John Carroll School 703 E Churchville Rd Bel Air, MD 21014 Volume 47, Issue 6 May 2012

Photo courtesy of Mark Ionescu

Photo courtesy Mark Ionescu

Prom-goers take a break from dancing and relax in the dolphin room. Having Prom at the National Aquarium allowed attendees to explore aquarium exhibits.

Precautionary Prom measures pay off Maggie Cassidy Print Chief

For her first Prom as principal, Principal Madelyn Ball had one key task: keeping drugs and alcohol out of the class of 2012’s Prom.

To accomplish this task, the administration decided to take new precautions for the class of 2012. According for Ball, seniors who wanted to attend Prom were required to complete the second portion of AlcoholEdu and sign a Prom contract, agreeing to not bring or partake in drugs or alcohol. Without doing so, students could not purchase Prom tickets.

At Prom, each attendee was required to have his or her bags searched, and two teacher chaperones supervised each bus that took the students to the National

Aquarium in Baltimore.

“That’s kind of a typical thing to do. We just want to check the bags to make sure that we don’t start the evening with drugs or alcohol. That way it makes it safe for everybody, everybody can have a good time,” Ball said in an interview before Prom.

In an interview the Monday after Prom, Ball said that the class of 2012’s behavior was “phenomenal. I have been doing Proms for twenty-some years and it was without a doubt the smoothest running, no hitches event. I’ll have to say this, this is the first Prom I’ve been to where there hasn’t been an issue of some sort.”

Social studies teacher and Prom chaperone Tony Del Puppo agreed with Ball’s assessment of the class of 2012’s actions.

“They were very well behaved, though their dancing techniques left something to

be desired,” Del Puppo said.

According to Ball, the wait staff at the National Aquarium also appreciated the class of 2012’s behavior.

“They were very complimentary. They had never seen a group that well behaved.

They were just so impressed,” Ball said.

After Prom occurred, Ball believed that the new changes and protocol encouraged good behavior. “Our expectations were absolutely no drugs no alcohol. It was our responsibility to make sure those expectations were met. For the little bit of inconvenience in the beginning, I think it paid off just fine,” Ball said.

The process of checking bags did not bother seniors Colin Brooks and Elaine Jansing-Kaestner.

“To me, it really didn’t matter. They checked our pants and stuff but that was

it,” Brooks said.

“The security slowed everything up, but it allowed everyone to be able to catch their buses,” Jansing-Kaestner said.

However, the heightened security bothered senior Becca Falter. “They put my bra on the table [when searching my bag], that was really inappropriate,” Falter said.

Despite the increased security and precautions, Ball said that the administration will continue with this same format for the class of 2013’s Prom.

“It worked beautifully. So we’ll just continue like this. I think it was a good year to make a change with a new, grouchy, old principal. In fact, when I speak to classes next year, I’m going to tell them that we have pretty high expectations, because not one problem occurred at Prom. Not one,” Ball said.

Ball, Seiler expand International Students Program Grace Kim

Online Chief The International Students Program is evolving. Beginning with baby steps in Korea, then China, it is now opening up to the rest of the world.

Ball has yet to solidify the mission statement with President Richard O’Hara, but there are a few general ideas that the administration is aiming for.

“Definitely to branch out...[it’s] critically important for us as a school with a global perspective,” Ball said. According to Ball, there is no set goal for a desired amount of international students. Right now, the program is just focusing on how many host families are available to be matched up with as many international students as possible.

According to Coordinator of International Students Program Sandi Seiler, the International Students Program replaces foreign language classes with English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, which is a part of the program.

“Beginning [this] fall, [ESL] will be a one credit foreign language course for students that have not achieved an 80 on the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Lan-

Photo by Grace Kim

Current Chinese exchange students Jinyu “Maggie” Hunag, Yi Yang, and Xiaozhou “William” Du talk with Chinese teacher Lei Wei and Coordinator of International Student Program Sandi Seiler about their opportunities at JC. Next year, more international stuguage) exam. Our hope is that by the end of their sophomore year, they will test out of my class by getting an 80,” Seiler said.

According to Seiler, a score of 80 is the “exit score” because it is the minimum that most colleges and universities require for entrance. Another aspect of the program is the availability and participation of host families. “[Seiler] has done a wonderful job working with host families. We had our first host family get together a couple weeks ago so everyone could get together

and talk and see if anyone was having any problems. The new host families are coming here on May 14. [We will have] host family orientation here. On that night, we tell the host families what to expect, and we then Skype the students in China and their families so everyone can meet face to face,” Ball said.

“A lot of host families are incoming families. . .We have quite a few freshman international students coming in, so parents think that it's best to have an exchange student at the same grade level as their stu-

dent,” Seiler said.

“At this point, what really controls the numbers [of international students] is housing. We only have so many host families and so many spaces in the dorms,” Ball said.

According to Ball, people involved with the program are “putting together a packet of things that will explain what life will be like in the dorm in terms of outings, going places, doing community service...and the responsibility of the dorm parents.”

“There's just an awful lot to go into this, rules as to how to sign in and out, and if you're going somewhere...The Archdiocese must see [the information packet], so within a month it will be sent to them,” Ball said.

In regards to the current status of the program, according to Ball and Seiler, they are still in the process of waiting to hear back from students regarding their acceptances.

INDEX NEWS..........2 LIFESTYLE.....4 A&E............7

IN-DEPTH...... 8 OPINION.......11 SPORTS........14

2

NEWS

Volume 47 Issue 6 May 2012

JC community commemorates Xavia Pirozzi

JC

INSIDER

Brianna Glase

Managing Editor Coping with the loss of sophomore Xavia Pirozzi, the Pirozzi family and the JC community are coming up with many ways to honor her memory.

After Pirozzi’s passing, members of the National Art Honors Society (NAHS) came up with a way to commemorate her. They wanted to find some tangible way to keep her present around the school. They have decided to plant a cherry tree on campus in her memory.

They chose a cherry tree for Pirozzi because of its symbolism in artistic works. “A cherry tree is a symbol of sweetness of character,” NAHS moderator Bruno Baran said. According to Baran, they are not sure when the tree will be planted, but they “were thinking the end of June, possibly next September.”

Sophomore Kayla Bynion is a member of NAHS and was a friend of Pirozzi’s. “I think the whole idea about planting a tree for her is great, especially because it has a lot of symbolism.

Xavia was really sweet and kind and I think it’s perfect for her,” Bynion said.

Members of the Pirozzi family are also trying to keep their daughter’s memory alive at JC and around the community. According to Campus Minister Patti

Midterms moved to December

Photo by Megan Battaglia

Father Steve Sutton leads students and faculty in prayer for sophomore Xavia Pirozzi on March 20 in the chapel. The cranes around the alter were made by students and faculty, and the banner on the alter was made by sophomore Abby Catterton and covered with prayers from the JC community.

Murphy Dohn, they hope to start early summer to make plans for Murphy Dohn said. The book a scholarship in her name for both the use of the funds,” she said. was dropped off at the Pirozzi’s JC and Pirozzi’s middle school, Before Easter break, Murphy house the following Friday.

St. Joseph’s of Fullerton, where Dohn helped coordinate a gift for As another physical reminder, her four younger siblings cur- the Pirozzis from the JC commu- instead of asking for flowers for rently attend. nity: a scrapbook with “hundreds Pirozzi’s viewing and funeral, her According to Director of An- and hundreds and hundreds” of parents requested that people einual Giving and Constituent Re- prayer notes from students and ther donate money to the school lations Laura Lang, the plans for faculty. in her name or purchase tulips the scholarship at JC are still in In addition to contributing for the memorial garden that they the works. “We have been receiv- physically to the scrapbook by plan to create outside of their ing gifts in Xavia’s memory, but writing notes, students and fac- home. the family has not decided yet on ulty also blessed the book for the “Now people are really putting any guidelines [for the scholar- Pirozzis. “We all extended our together creative ways to meship]. We still get new gifts every hands and blessed the scrapbook morialize loved ones,” Murphy day, so we’ll probably sit down in during that Holy Week Mass,” Dohn said.

This year, exams were shortened to an hour and a half, and an even bigger change will begin next year when midterms will be held before Christmas break.

Ball was motivated to move exams with the hope that it would produce better results. “Student achievement goes up with exams before Christmas... I haven’t found any students who study immensely over the Christmas holiday,” Ball said.

According to Ball, the idea initially encountered resistance among faculty. However, the majority were in favor of the change.

“Some 60 percent of faculty supported the change,” she said.

According to Ball, when it came to surveying students, however, it was shown that they “overwhelmingly want [exams] before Christmas.”

The plan is to monitor how test scores change and respond accordingly. “We’ll measure this over a couple of years. We’ll see whether student achievement improves,” Ball said.

Although exams will be held before Christmas, quarter two will not end until January.

Ball explains that she doesn’t want students to worry about exams during break.

“When everybody goes home before Christmas, they’ll have a big chunk of work behind them,” Ball said.

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The recipient of the 2012 Reverend Charles K. Riepe Alumni Award is David Sedney of the class of 1969, according to Campus Minister Patti Murphy Dohn.

As the recipient of the award, Sedney will also be the keynote speaker for the Class of 2012’s graduation commencement.

According to the U.S. Department of Defense’s website, Sedney is currently the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Central Asia. Sedney’s involvement with governmental and global affairs dates back to 1987, when he started as a Watch Officer at the State Department’s Operations Center.

After graduating from JC, Sedney went on to Princeton University and Suffolk University School of Law. According to Murphy Dohn, winning the Reverend Charles K. Riepe Alumni Award is a “great honor and a major privilege.”

By Maggie Cassidy

NEWS

Volume 47 Issue 6 May 2012

3

Phonathon contributes to annual budget Brianna Glase

Managing Editor Junior Sidney Griffin hesitantly walked into the spring Phonathon, nervous about asking strangers for money and worried that they would reject her attempts to ask for donations to the school. She soon found that she was the only student volunteer there, and would be the only student volunteer to help with any of the three days of the April Phonathon.

“I was super nervous at first because I didn’t know what to say to these people, and I felt like a telemarketer, but after a while I started to actually feel comfortable,” Griffin said.

This year’s spring Phonathon took place during the evenings of April 17 to April 19. After three nights of contacting alum after alum, parent after parent, the Office of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations and the parent and alumni volunteer callers raised a total of $8,095.

“I was nervous at first to call the JC alumni because I was afraid they would be rude to me.

I felt like it was easier to talk to the people who have given a lot in the previous years because they’d understand that I’m not calling just to annoy them,” Griffin said.

The Phonathon is a fundraiser organized by the Office of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations that usually happens once or twice a year. During this school year, there was a Phonathon in November and another in February in addition to the one this past April. They are planning another one for June.

According to Advancement

Photo by Brianna Glase

During the spring Phonation, Advancement Assistant Meridith Fell calls alumni and parents of current students to raise money for the annual budget, as well as to update alumni records and increase alumni participation. This was the third Phonathon this year, and another is planned for June.

Associate Lauren Milan, the priAccording to Milan, this year asking people they do not know mary goal of the Phonathon is the Office of Institutional Ad- for money,” senior and SAC Presto raise money for JC’s annual vancement and Alumni Relations ident Callie Hentz said. budget, but “we didn’t really set “made a pitch to SAC and asked Advancement Assistant Mea dollar amount this year,” Milan [Outreach Director] Tony Martin ridith Fell wishes that students said. to send it out,” but there wasn’t would see the benefits that come The callers who contacted the much interest in volunteering. along with participating in the various alumni, alumni parents, “It was different being the Phonathon. “We offered this as and current parents targeted in the only student doing it, but at the a service opportunity for current Phonathon are all volunteers, but same time, I liked it better. So students. In addition to that, you “we’ve been having trouble re- many kids in school judge you build such an insight for customer cruiting volunteers,” Milan said. for everything you do, and being service and how to present your“When I first started here, [the around adults wasn’t bad because self over the phone,” Fell said.

Phonathon] consisted of all stu- I knew they weren’t judging me In an attempt to gain interest, dent callers. There would be 10 because the job had to get done,” the Office of Institutional Adto 15 students all in the library Griffin said. vancement and Alumni Relations making calls. I think that was “I think that the reason there has tried to make the Phonathon about three years ago. This year, was not a big response was be- more appealing to students and it was hard recruiting student cause they have never really other potential volunteers. “We volunteers. You have to have asked us to do something like make it a lot of fun. We give the students with that professional this before. Also because I don’t callers dinner. Sometimes we didrive,” Milan said. think people feel comfortable vide them into teams and they

compete to see who can get the most pledges. It’s really casual, laid back. We want our volunteers to be happy,” Fell said.

Griffin thoroughly enjoyed her experience with the Phonathon.

“It was such a great experience.

The people were so friendly and nice about it. They also gave me snacks while I was doing it...I feel like other students would like it.

The time flies and you get service hours while eating and talking on the phone,” Griffin said.

Besides raising money for the annual budget, another goal of the Phonathon is to update alumni records and inform members of the JC community about upcoming events. “We would like to both maintain participation and increase participation [of our alumni],” Milan said.

Milan was pleased with the results of this past Phonathon.

“We have donors who have both maintained their level of giving or increased their level of giving.

We were very successful with the individuals we have made contact with. There was a very small stack of refusals,” Milan said.

Fell recognizes the factors that go into whether the potential donors give to the budget. “The economic climate has really shaped donors’ pockets,” Fell said.

Even though this Phonathon is over, the work does not stop there.

The Office of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations needs to update their reports, keep track of the pledges, and start planning for the next Phonathon.

“When you put that much effort into it, you want to see money coming into the school, and you want to see results,” Milan said.

Seniors hasten to meet service requirements A&E Editor In the school mission statement, it is promised that “sensitivity to others” will be “cultivated” in each student. Part of this cultivation is the requirement of 60 service hours in order to graduate.

JC leads Archdiocesan high schools in service requirements, but it seems like every year seniors are caught scrambling for service hours right before graduation. Outreach Director Tony Martin says otherwise. “Students do meet their service requirements. Some go above and beyond,” Martin said.

“The seniors are on pace with prior classes in recent years,” Martin said. This pace, according to Martin, results in “about 10-15 percent of the graduating class that procrastinates, requiring them to finish up service hours in the fourth quarter.”

To prevent the last minute rush for service hours, the Outreach Department sends out service opportunities to students and parents. “All those communications have been helpful in alerting our students about upcoming service,” Martin said.

Martin explains how to avoid last minute scrambling for hours.

“Underclassmen should get involved in service early in order to receive the many benefits gained by serving others. Often direct service opportunities help students experience relationships

“

The ways to serve are limitless, and we want our students to have a spirit of wanting to do service rather than feeling they have to do service.

“

Chioma Iheoma

- Tony Martin

learned about the shelter from his brother, who served there as well.

Reedy’s advice to underclassmen on service hours is to “make sure you have fun with it.”

It is a common misconception that it is mandatory to have 20 hours by the end of sophomore year. However, no one gets in trouble until the end of his or her junior year. “Juniors must complete 40 service hours in order to

receive their senior schedules,” Martin said.

The myth originated by a recommendation that sophomores have 20 service hours. “Sophomores are encouraged to reach 20 service hours by the beginning of junior year to keep them engaged and on pace,” Martin said.

According to Martin, the most common problems that occur are missing signatures and late forms.

“Currently, service hours are due within 30 days of completing the service if done during the school year. When service is done over the summer, those hours are due by the end of September,” Martin said.

“The ways to serve are limitless, and we want our students to have a spirit of wanting to do service rather than feeling they have to do service,” Martin said.

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Senior Alex Reedy took Martin’s advice to heart. “I’ve been done since last year,” Reedy said.

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LIFESTYLES 4 Senior travels to Costa Rica to assist school

Volume 47 Issue 6 April 2012

Stephanie Meadowcroft Lifestyles Editor Every time senior Katie Sebour visited her house in Costa Rica, she saw the poverty and struggles that the people living there faced.

With the help of a family friend, Sebour found what she called “the perfect idea” for her Senior Project.

Sebour’s Senior Project was traveling to Costa Rica and donating her time, some toys, and $5,000. The donations she received went to a nutrition center named Cen Cartagena Santa Cruz that burned down in 2009. “[The nutrition center] contains 47 kids and they barely have tables to eat on. My $5,000 goes towards the rebuilding of their eating area,” Sebour said.

Because the nutrition center was damaged, the eating area of the center is open to all kinds of bad weather, and the wooden tables for the kids to eat on are worn.

According to Sebour, her money will go towards replacing the tables, plus “building a roof over

their head,” Sebour said.

Sebour’s family friend, Dervin Suarez, introduced her to a priest in Costa Rica named Father Ricardo.

“He picked the perfect project for me. If it weren’t for my connections, I probably wouldn’t have made it this far. Everyone’s been a huge help,” Sebour said.

Sebour says that she has completed most of her project. During JC’s spring break, Sebour traveled to Costa Rica.

“I did my entire project [during spring break]. I went to the nutrition center and donated the $5,000. I also gave the kids things like coloring books, puzzles, crayons, and a CD player that they desperately wanted. I’ve never seen so many thankful kids, honestly,” Sebour said.

Sebour said she learned life lessons through her Senior Project that most other high school students would never learn firsthand.

“It’s hard to understand and be thankful for what we have here in the U.S. when we may not know any different. It was awesome to

Photo Courtesty of Katie Sebour

Senior Katie Sebour visits the nutrition center Cen Cartagena Santa Cruz in Costa Rica during Easter Break. For Sebour’s Senior Project, she donated her time, numerous toys, and $5,000 to help the center. know that I’m providing a roof over their heads. That’s what the kids needed most. We have a roof over our heads every day and we take that for granted,” Sebour said.

According to Sebour, she got the chance to give of her resources and receive something in re-

turn for her efforts through Senior Project.

“I was hoping to accomplish a sense of understanding and consideration towards these children.

I also, within myself, wanted to use my talents and my gifts towards someone else, or in this case many others, that needed

help,” Sebour said.

Sebour focused on her personality traits “like being considerate” for completing her Senior Project.

In return for her service, she received the gifts of “being blessed and having the opportunity to do a project like this,” Sebour said.

Food Fast educates students about worldwide hunger Ashley Beyer Lifestyles Editor Convincing students to take a Saturday to come to school and not eat anything for a full twenty-four hours may seem impossible, but senior Talia Kahoe was up for the daunting task.

Kahoe spent April 21 with 18 other JC students discovering how hard it really is for people who struggle with hunger every day. “It’s a 12-hour fasting retreat for the purpose of becoming more educated on world hunger and global poverty,” Kahoe said.

Kahoe’s project idea was inspired during one of her religion classes. “Dr. Yeung taught about this specific event in my social justice class in the fall, and I thought it would be a perfect Senior Project,” Kahoe said.

She was also interested in the issue herself. “The topic and the cause were both very interesting as well, which made it enjoyable to plan and take part in,” Kahoe said.

Photo courtesy of Talia Kahoe

After not eating all day, students wait to determine whether or not they will eat during the food distribution activity. Kahoe hosted the Fast to educate students on world hunger.

Many teachers at JC and other volunteers helped Kahoe with her project. “Dr. Yeung was my main mentor in the planning, as well as Ms. Harkins, Mrs. Murphy Dohn, and Mrs. Kellie Reynolds from St. Stephen Parish. I would not have had the success I achieved without their time and

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dedication to my cause and I could not be more thankful,” Kahoe said.

Kahoe also sought help from many different people to get participants for her project. “I met with the religion department and explained my project to them, asking for their help in spreading the news

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to their religion classes. I also extended the invitation to St. Stephen’s youth groups,” Kahoe said.

Senior Christian O’Neill was one of the students who participated in the fast. “I did it because I needed service hours for the National Honor Society and I thought it was a great cause, so it was a good way to get hours and show support,” O’Neill said.

Although there were a few bumps in the road, Kahoe did not let anything discourage her. “Student participation was not at the level I was hoping, but I could not be more grateful for the 20 or so participants who showed interest and helped me with my project,” Kahoe said.

“I thought it was a lot better than what I was expecting it to be, so it was a pretty good experience,” O’Neill said.

Even with less student participation than she had hoped, Kahoe was pleased with how her Senior Project turned out. “I am very pleased with the outcome of my project. I believe the point of the fast was conveyed, and the participants benefitted greatly,” Kahoe said.

What is Senior Project?

According to Senior Project Coordinator Louise Geczy, Senior Project is an opportunity for students to complete their high school education outside of the classroom. It is a chance for students to make the transition from strict high school assignments to less defined college courses.

Important Dates for May Monday, May 15 through Friday May, 25

Time allotted for field work Tuesday, May 23

Start date of project evaluations Wednesday, May 31

Last day to be evaluated

Senior Project Showcase

England 2012

Photo courtesy of John Hughes

Above: Students pose in front of exotic plants in Costa Rica.

Left: Students learned about Costa Rican nature and got to see one of the rarest birds in the country.

“[These trips are] both educational and recreational. It’s looking at the environment of a different area, and behind the nature is the whole idea of having fun. From a teacher’s viewpoint, it’s fun on the trips watching people get involved in a different culture, challenge what they’re comfortable with, mature through time, and become more self-reliant.”

Science teacher John Hughes

Trip Leader: John Hughes

JC has offered students adventures around the world for years. From Costa Rica to China and everywhere in between, students have gone abroad to learn outside of the classroom.

Research by Cara Reilly and Kailey Tracy

Photo courtesy of John Hughes

Photo courtesy of Martha Schick

Italy 2012

i d w e d l r o W travel

Costa Rica 2010

“Everywhere I went it felt like there was some landmark to see or a significant place. My favorite part of the culture was the food. Their portion sizes were smaller than the ones here, but it was really nice because they were big enough to make you full, but small enough so you didn’t feel like you were going to explode.” senior Caroline Catterton Photo courtesy of Caroline Catterton

Photo courtesy of Christine Zurkowski

Photo courtesy of Danica Attanasio

Above: Students enjoy a day of sightseeing in Rome, Italy.

Left: Students also got to visit Santa Croce Church in Florence, Italy.

“One of the fun parts for the whole group was when we were in Sorrento and we were all walking around at night and found a teen club to hang out in. It was funny, they played mostly mainstream American music over there. One night we went out to eat at a restaurant, and the only music they played was by Rihanna.” sophomore Sarah Ford

Trip Leader: Danica Attanasio

Above: Students pose in front of a statue of Adam Smith while sightseeing in Edinburgh, England.

Left: Students visited Warwick Castle among other sights when they traveled to England over spring break.

Russia 2008 Photo courtesy of Tom Vierheller

Photo courtesy of Tom Vierheller

Photo courtesy of Kimberly Fleury

“The history [of China] is amazing.

America doesn’t hold the same ancient history as a lot of countries, but China’s pretty old so a lot of the tourist stops were restored temples from centuries ago. It’s crazy to think about.” senior Kimberly Fleury

Photo courtesy of Kimberly Fleury

Left: Students visited The Forbidden City in China.

Below: Students were able to see the Great Wall of China when visiting in 2011.

Above left: Students pose in front of The Church of the Resurrection in Russia.

Left: Students visited The Imperial Palace when they traveled to Russia.

“[The trip] was a dream come true, [but] it was very nerve-racking. I don’t speak Russian at all [so] I had to be very dependent on the students that were with me. It put the responsibility back on the students, who were very well-behaved.”

Dean of Students Tom Vierheller

Trip Leader: Tom Vierheller

Trip Leader: Fen Whey Koh

China 2011

Trip Leaders: Christine Zurkowski

& Larry Hensley

Volume 47 Issue 6 April 2012

LIFESTYLES

5

6

LIFESTYLES

Volume 47 Issue 6 April 2012

Fun in the sun I’m planning a trip to Mount Shasta in California. I will hike up the dormant volcano on June 25.

Science teacher Susan Kraft

I will be doing house projects, walking Sizzle [Blair’s dog], and reading books.

English teacher Matthew Blair

I am planning to go back and volunteer at the Baltimore Aquarium again. I will be playing field hockey and just relaxing in general.

Sophomore Lindsay Kraus

JC daydreams about summertime as the school year comes to an end

I love summer because it literally is the only time of the year that things can just be sporadic without crazy planning and scheduling. You can just have spur of the moment plans.

Healthy You!

BY STEPHANIE MEADOWCROFT

Shape up before summer starts

Junior Kyleigh Daiker

My favorite part about summer is [that] I’m not on a time limit. I can do what I want whenever.

Freshman Steven Jernigan

Cartoon by Lauren Friedly

As the days get longer, summer is right around the corner. After the wintertime lull, getting back into shape seems like a big undertaking, but there are tons of ways to tone up your body for summer.

Not every diet and exercise plan works for everyone, so there are many options that can be mixed and matched. Knowing what foods will help keep the body energized and healthy will allow extra pounds to burn off and lean muscle to build.

According to Self Magazine, there are superfoods that help maintain a healthy body weight, like salmon, apples, steak, eggs, olive oil, yogurt, kiwis, sweet potatoes, avocados, oats, and blueberries. These foods help build lean muscle and curb cravings.

Besides eating superfoods, you should count calories. In order to lose one pound, a person must burn 3,500 calories. Your daily caloric intake depends on body weight, age, and activity level.

To calculate your daily recommended caloric intake, there are metabolism calculators online at reliable websites like WebMD. According to WebMD, however, calorie counting shouldn’t just be about the quantity of the calories, but the quality. While a calorie from a fruit is the same as a calorie from a potato chip, not eating the right types of food is not beneficial to being healthy.

There are multitudes of methods to burn calories and tone muscles by working out. Sports are a great way to exercise without really noticing because the object of the game distracts you from burning calories and building muscle.

Without sports, it’s possible to enjoy working out. Joining a gym offers many types of exercise equipment. Planet Fitness, The Y, The Arena Club, and The Bel Air Athletic Club are all places that offer memberships.

Fitness Magazine lists some of the best workout videos if you would prefer exercising at home.

My personal favorite is “The 30 Day Shred” by Jillian Michaels, which is a 20-minute total-body workout with interval training.

Last but not least, an easy way to exercise is walking your dog or running around the neighborhood. It’s right outside the front door, it’s free, and over time it will become something you look forward to. The best way to build an exercise routine is to make it a habit. The same holds true for eating well. Eventually you will get used to the foods your body really needs.

Trying to be healthy and in shape all year round is difficult, and usually motivation to do so comes from the days filled with poolside lounging. However, making healthy dieting and exercising a part of your daily routine can help extend this lifestyle through summer and beyond.

A&E NAHS explores Philadelphia’s art scene Volume 47 Issue 6 May 2012

Imani Love

Sports Editor Philadelphia is the home of the Philly cheesesteak, the place where quarterback Michael Vick spreads his wings on the football field, and also where the National Art Honors Society (NAHS) took their last field trip.

Venturing to the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 22, NAHS had the chance to visit the art exhibit of the famous Dutch painter, Vincent van Gogh.

The society also visited Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Photo by Bruno Baran Pennsylvania, to see the scenery Sophomore Catey Minnis, junior Claire Zurkowski, and English teachwhich served as an inspiration for er Christine Zurkowski relax in Longwood Gardens. Here members them to create their own draw- were inspired to create artwork in the same style as van Gogh. a Field.’ My favorite part of the Picking a place to take a group ings.

NAHS member sophomore whole trip was Longwood Gar- of students that will hold their Kate Rizzieri enjoyed her first dens and seeing the conservatory attention is hard to do, but not time in the city of brotherly love. because there were so many flow- impossible for NAHS moderator “My favorite two paintings ers and trees. We almost got lost Bruno Baran. of van Gogh’s were ‘Pair of in it because it was so big,” Rizz“We did it because it was Boots’ and ‘Sheaves of Wheat in ieri said. called the ‘Up Close’ visit of

[van Gogh’s] close-ups of flowers and plants. We then traveled to Longwood Gardens to do our own. Some of the students did drawings. Some did photographs to be later used in paintings. We also took a close look at his brush stroke, use of color, and dynamic texture in the use of his paintings,” Baran said. The date was important as the exhibit was going to be closed days later.

NAHS president junior Claire Zurkowski also appreciated this exposure to art and culture.

“I loved seeing work that I had not seen before. It was especially interesting seeing the way he used colors,” Zurkowski said.

“I finished a new painting this week and I was inspired by van Gogh's mark making from the field trip, so I put some marks of contrasting color into my painting. It is my best painting yet,” Zurkowski said.

Tumblr features JC alum in best blogs Taylor Hooper Multimedia Editor Alumnus Ryan Selvy has reached Tumblr fame. Selvy was featured by the Tumblr staff’s blogs as one of the top blogs to follow on Tumblr. In case you haven’t heard of it, Tumblr is a website where you can post pictures, videos, inspirational quotes, and other things of interest on your own personal blog.

Instead of using other Tumblr members’ material, Selvy decided to make his a strictly humor based blog. Selvy creates comics based on his opinions of certain situations or subjects.

“I haven't always just strictly stuck to comics. In fact, I didn't draw anything even close to comics until February 2010 when I made a little strip about my opinions on the days of the week.

When I saw a lot of people liked it, [I] just started posting more things I made,” Selvy said.

After running this success-

ful site for four years, Selvy has gained a large amount of fans.

Some of these fans happened to be the creators of Tumblr.

“They posted my site on an update they do every week on their staff blog of cool Tumblrs to follow. I don't check the staff blog too often so I originally didn't know what was going on. I was on spring break sitting at the table with my mom and I pulled up Tumblr and it was just overflowing notifications of new followers. I was so confused, so I finally connected the dots and it was awesome,” Selvy said.

Being a modest blogger, Selvy admits that he does not focus too much on the amount of followers he gains. “The last thing I want is it to go to my head and lose the genuine enjoyment of doing what I love, which is making comics for fun. Regardless, I would be lying if I told you I didn't pay some sort of attention to it. As of the time I'm writing this I have

Illustration by Ryan Selvy

Above is a cartoon drawn by alumunus Ryan Selvy, class of ‘11. The blogging site Tumblr featured his blog, increasing its viewership.

26,301 followers. I appreciate each one and couldn't be more thankful for all the fans I've managed to attract,” Selvy said.

"I probably couldn't have gotten into as much without working for The Patriot. A lot of the early comics came between creating graphics for the newspaper, so in a way, I owe it to having that job as a help to my start," Selvy said.

Selvy is currently attending the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). He plans to continue updating his blog but also has other ideas to promote his site as well.

“Right now I'm working on creating an online store to sell shirts and other merchandise relating to my work, so that's my next big step. And yes, there will be stickers.”

Academy showcases New York in upcoming recital Brianna Glase Managing Editor Students can experience New York City without even leaving Bel Air this weekend.

On May 5, at 7:00 p.m., students can catch a cab to “A Tribute to New York,” the first annual Academy of Performing Arts and Dance performance right at JC. The performance will follow the plot of a school teacher taking students to see the sights and sounds of New York City.

Sophomore Madison Meyer is enrolled in the academy.

“To move the story along, [the musical theater class] has short scenes and narrations along with duets and smaller songs, which are. . . totally different from the big, chorus numbers,” she said.

To help accommodate all of the numbers, there will be a performance of just that class on May

Photo by Brianna Glase

Academy members attend dance practice for their first recital. The recital was New York themed and incorporated short scenes with songs.

3, at 7:30 p.m.

According to musical theater class teacher Julie Parrish, “we started some of the numbers as early as when we first started [last

fall]. We’ve been adding on since then.”

“I’m really excited to perform my tap and jazz numbers along with the musical theaters in the

big show, but the musical theater showcase will be great because there will also be acting,” Meyer said. “[The first annual Academy performance] is going to be great. . . I hope the parents of the nearly 70 students enrolled will be pleased with their children’s progress and re-enroll for next year,” Brueggemann said.

Changes are already in the works for next year. 35 students from ages six to 16 will be enrolling for the next year, so considerations for splitting into two classes are being taken.

Additionally, “we are contemplating adding lyrical dance,” Brueggemann said.

“My hope is that the numbers will grow and the Academy will become the first place people come for dance and performing arts in Harford Country,” Brueggemann said.

7 Novel Ideas

BY CARA REILLY

‘Object of Beauty’ lives up to its name Celebrity Steve Martin is a man of many talents, including being an actor, comedian, producer, and the author of several books such as the New York Times bestseller “An Object of Beauty.”

This unique book exhibits Martin’s extensive knowledge of the complex art world, but the explicitly detailed writing combined with the slow plot can become dull.

“An Object of Beauty” is narrated by Daniel Frank about his former friend and lover Lacey Yeager, but Daniel’s voice is lost for chapters at a time and lapses into an omniscient third-person voice.

Lacey is the kind of character readers will love to hate due to her lack of any semblance of a moral compass and her tendency to act solely out of selfish motivation.

Daniel is removed from the story for the majority of the novel, as the book describes Lacey’s journey through Manhattan’s art world. She breaks into New York City’s art scene through her job at the gallery Soetheby’s, at which her mindset changes to focus on a painting’s monetary worth rather than its artistic value.

As the title of the book alludes, Lacey stops seeing things as objects of beauty and only sees them as objects to be exploited for her own personal gain.

The lack of a singular art movement after the seventies has led to more artistic diversity and confusion than ever before. Through one of his minor characters, Martin describe the last 20 years as “the most desperate search for artistic identity in the history of the arts.”

Martin keeps his balance between giving too much background information on every artist mentioned and not describing them at all, making the novel more accessible. Martin’s writing shines when describing art, but becomes dry when giving readers an unnecessary play-by-play of insignificant events in Lacey’s life.

The friendship between Daniel and Lacey unravels when she gets him dumped for participating in fraud at an auction. Without an explanation behind her motivations, readers are alienated by her dishonesty and immorality.

“An Object of Beauty” could have been improved by providing greater insight into Lacey’s complicated personality. Although somewhat selfish and manipulative, she is a captivating character with an indescribable charm.

Daniel describes the magnetism and allure that Lacey possesses, but does not explain the motivations behind her behavior.

Overall, Martin’s novel is like a striking work of art. Despite its flaws, it can still be admired for its captivating beauty.

IN-DEPTH

Volume 47 Issue 6 April 2012

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IN-DEPTH

Volume 47 Issue 6 April 2012

A&E

Bites:

quick

10

Volume 47 Issue 6 May 2012

The Patriot staff scopes out the best frozen dessert places in Harford County

Sharon’s Shaved Ice Chioma Iheoma A&E Editor The weather has quickly gone from consistently chilly days to surprisingly hot ones. In order to cool off, head on over to Sharon’s Shaved Ice. When picking the best stand for snowcones, there are a few things to keep in mind including seating, location, and of course flavor, all of which Sharon’s Shaved Ice has.

Sharon’s Shaved Ice is one of the most convenient stands in Harford County. It is strategically placed in the center of a circle whose perimeter includes Harford Mall, Red Lobster, and Bed Bath & Beyond. With all of the activities to do around Sharon’s, there’s no excuse to not stop by

the shaved ice stand after a long day.

The menu is long and packed with options for every palate. The long list of flavors includes classics such as cherry and grape, and also more interesting flavors such as Mountain Dew. The menu also features sugar free options as well as low carb options for those who have diabetes, or are watching their diets.

On a hot day, Sharon’s Shaved Ice is the perfect place to cool off. The tables on the grass behind the stand provide a place to enjoy a snow cone and chill out. The cups range from small to extra-large, but no matter the size, you get what you pay for at $2.00 and up. The great range in

sizes makes it easy to satisfy any appetite. It might even be a challenge to finish a medium alone so it’s great to take home and stick in the freezer. With each order, customers can add a topping of whipped or marshmallow cream for just $.75. The marshmallow cream is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth.

While many shaved ice stands have the problem of shaved ice that is too sweet due to saturation of the flavoring, Sharon’s Shaved Ice has a perfect balance of sweetness. The servings are not drowned in flavor either so they’re great.

Sharon’s Shaved Ice’s central location can be found off the side of Veterans’ Memorial Highway.

Yoga Fresh Yogurt Shop Grace Kim Online Chief At first, my mom drove my siblings and I to Peace Yoga instead of Yoga Fresh, the yogurt shop we were anxious to try out. Yoga Fresh is a frozen yogurt shop exclusively open in the summer.

During the winter, you’ll see this place transform to Soup Fresh.

Yoga Fresh is located on Main Street at 308 N. Main Street Bel Air. This locally owned and operated store is simply adorable. It’s painted a cheery bright blue and has multiple Easter-colored chairs outside with umbrellas for you to sit under on a nice day. The interior is tiny with little to no décor and a few tables if you prefer eat-

ing inside.

The flavors of yogurt are vanilla, chocolate, cookies and cream, twist, and “European.” The latter two flavors, are just variations of the vanilla flavor. Twist has a tiny bit of that slightly sour vanilla yogurt taste, and European has a prominent vanilla yogurt taste, similar to the taste of Greek yogurt.The vanilla yogurt tastes just like vanilla soft serve. This was all explained to me by the polite and helpful worker behind the counter.

There’s a good variety of toppings, from fresh fruit to candies to nuts. I ordered cookies and cream topped with yogurt covered raisins, my sister and mom ordered vanilla with strawberries, and my brother ordered chocolate

with chocolate chips.

Of course, I had a taste of everyone else’s frozen yogurt, and the verdict was that I really only liked the vanilla flavor. Cookies and cream wasn’t what I expected, which was, well, cookies and cream. It tasted like milk chocolate, while the chocolate flavor tasted like dark chocolate.

I like my frozen yogurt to be creamy and thick, almost like custard but not quite there.

This frozen yogurt is slightly icy, and resembles soft serve more than anything else. I think that this frozen yogurt is best if you choose vanilla with a fresh fruit topping.

I did enjoy the fact that the yogurt is fat free and only

about 100 calories.

The prices were reasonable, with each yogurt being priced at $3.29 and toppings at $.89. However, another complaint to add is that there are only two size options: “thin” (small) and “tall” (super massive black hole of yogurt).

The end verdict was that my brother and I weren’t fans, and my mom and sister were. Needless to say, they both got vanilla with fresh fruit toppings.

As for whether I’d recommend this place or not, it really just depends on what you’re looking for in frozen yogurt: soft serve versus thick, custard-like yogurt. If it’s the former, hit up Yoga Fresh. If it’s the latter, I’ll see you at TCBY.

Broom’s Bloom Dairy Maggie Cassidy Print Chief With the summer months coming near, what better way to celebrate the first days of freedom than by enjoying a good, oldfashioned ice cream cone?

Broom’s Bloom Dairy seeks to provide frozen and creamy treats with their homemade and handdipped ice cream.

Located on a dairy farm at 1700 South Fountain Green Road, Broom’s Bloom resembles an old farm store and has plenty of seating. Large freezers are filled with prepackaged ice cream, artisanal cheeses, and various meats.

The outside offers seating, a scenic landscape, and possible trips to the farm itself.

Despite the various products Broom’s Bloom has to offer, the real crowd-pleaser is the home-

made, hand-dipped ice cream. All of the ice cream is made on location and is incredibly fresh.

With flavors that range from the standard vanilla and chocolate to coconut almond and wild berry, it’s hard not to find a suitable choice for any ice cream lover’s palate. Broom’s Bloom is also known to get creative with their flavors too, as they have had flavors like “Purple Cow” (a richer vanilla flavor with purple dye) in the past.

Despite the rotating flavors, the flavor Dirt is one of the most popular. Comprised of chocolate ice cream, chocolate chips, and Oreo cookies, Dirt resembles but doesn’t taste like its namesake.

The rich and smooth chocolate ice cream offsets the crunchy bite from the Oreo cookies and the chocolate chips add another facet

of chocolate in this indulgent dessert.

Along with the delicious treat came an incredibly reasonable price.

Broom’s Bloom lists sizes of a serving along with the number of scoops that accompany the size, starting with Very Small making its way up to Large.

The Very Small size of the Dirt ice cream served on a sugar cone totaled $2.50, a much better price compared to other ice cream competitors in the area like Cold Stone Creamery or Friendly’s, and certainly more generous of a portion.

With summer around the corner and frozen treats replacing typical snacks, be sure to stop in Broom’s Bloom Dairy to sample some of the finest ice cream in Bel Air and all of Harford County.

Emily Clarke Managing Editor Going skydiving. YOLO. Playing hide and seek with Helen Keller. YOLO. Using the term YOLO. YOLO. In case you live under a rock and haven’t noticed, the term YOLO, an acronym for “you only live once,” has popped up everywhere. While the saying has been used for decades, it recently became popular after rapper Drake released a song, “The Motto,” that used the term.

It has become a phenomenon on social network sites like Facebook and Twitter for teenagers to use YOLO as reasoning for their actions. I’m all for it.

The term YOLO can be used in all sorts of contexts. Most uses of YOLO start out like “not doing my homework, YOLO.” Shirking your responsibilities every once and awhile to do something you love should not be frowned upon. All work and no play is not good for anyone. People have gotten more creative with it as well. Now you mostly see Twitter spammed with things like “riding

my dinosaur to school, YOLO.” YOLO has become a source of hilarious jokes. There is a Twitter account called YOLO jokes.

People know they only live once, but these accounts remind people to do fun things and live it up.

While some people may say that YOLO is an excuse for people to do stupid things, the term is just great encouragement for people to face their fears and try things they may have otherwise not tried. If a girl is scared of rollercoasters, her friends might convince her to go on one because of YOLO, and she might end up loving it. Helping a girl conquer her fear is not going to hurt anyone.

It’s actually going to help someone. That’s not peer pressure, that’s friendly encouragement.

People may joke about doing stupid, illegal things because they only live once, but most of the time they are not serious. It would be ridiculous to believe that half of what people say they are going to do because of YOLO is true.

YOLO is a good reminder that people shouldn’t waste their time doing things that they don’t like.

You only live once, so you might

ProV.Con

Brianna Glase Failed my test today, YOLO. Didn’t do my homework, YOLO. Ruining the only life I’m going to get, YOLO. The popular phrase “you only

live once” has turned into an excuse for making bad decisions and a way to egg others into making those decisions with you.

Actually, it has been an excuse for bad decisions since it was recently popularized by the song

Student Answer Sophomore

The Patriot

The John Carroll School 703 Churchville Road Bel Air, MD 21014 Volume 47, Issue 6, May 2012

Print Chief: Maggie Cassidy Online Chief: Grace Kim Copy Chief: Cara Reilly Managing Editors: Emily Clarke Brianna Glase Martha Schick

Artwork by Lauren Friedly

as well enjoy what you do.

As long as people don’t blow YOLO completely out of proportion, it’s a good motto. The saying was created long before Drake to

tell young people to live their life to the fullest. To all the people who are against YOLO, why waste your time hating on a saying? YOLO.

What’s with all the YOLO?

Artwork by Lauren Friedly

Managing Editor

Freshman

11 1

OPINION

Volume 47 Issue 6 May 2012

“The Motto,” by Drake. This unsavory song condones wasting life away with illegal activities. The saying has been around for longer than Drake’s song, but because it’s presented in such a negative context, it has gained a negative connotation.

Somehow, the thought of only living once has translated into not caring what happens with that life. If the people who partake in this school of thought are familiar with the German phrase “einmel ist keinmel,” which means that what happens once might as well have never happened at all, then maybe it would make sense to throw away a single life that apparently doesn’t matter.

The use of the phrase YOLO has turned into the complete antithesis of what it is supposed to represent. It’s supposed to stand for making your life the best it can be since you only get one shot, not wasting moments, and ruining the future for yourself.

Students just use YOLO as a euphemism for “screw this,” and completely disregard responsibilities and tasks that would only benefit their one life in the end.

In the grand scheme of things,

Junior

the things students ignore by playing the YOLO card are going to hurt them in the future. Even if certain assignments or tests don’t seem immediately important, they shouldn’t be brushed off because of a silly phrase and an inclination to shirk responsibilities. Students should use YOLO as an initiative to do things that they may not want to do because it will help them in the end.

Even worse, people have begun to use YOLO as a form of peer pressure. When someone is unsure of whether or not to join his or her friends in the squandering of their lives, the word YOLO is thrown in like a challenge. The YOLO mentality is producing a whole cult of slackers who try to justify their negligence with a phrase that means the complete opposite of their intentions.

The meaning of the phrase YOLO needs to have a complete turnaround. It needs to translate into making the most out of life, helping yourself to have the best future that you can.

You really do only live once, and that should be enough to convince you to live your only life to the fullest.

Senior

Section Editors: Ashley Beyer Eva Bialobrzeski Amanda Graziano Chioma Iheoma Sarah Kearby Adam Kuester Imani Love Stephanie Meadowcroft Scott Novak Miranda Ripken Copy Editors: Kailey Tracy Multimedia Editors: Megan Battaglia Megan Foard Taylor Hooper Ashley Moxley Cartoonist: Lauren Friedly Jenny Yang Moderators: Mark Ionescu Nick Attanasio

The Patriot is a publication of The John Carroll School.

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

For information regarding our mission statement, editorial policy, number of copies distributed, advertising policy, and corrections, please visit jcpatriot.com/about The editorial staff invites and greatly appreciates comments from readers on any issue.

Sean Nastalski “I think it’s annoying.”

Fiona van der Steur “I think it’s funny, but it’s annoying when people say it too much.”

Jay Etkins “It changed my views on the world and made me feel fortunate. It’s probably legit.”

Heather Kirwan “It doesn’t annoy me, but it’s definitely overused.”

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

12 12

Brain Droppings

BY SCOTT NOVAK

My last brain dropping So here it is. My last brain dropping. Rather than taking the pointedly critical approach that I usually take in my columns, I’m going to try something new.

E.B. White once said, “I am often mad, but I would hate to be nothing but mad, and I think I would lose what little value I may have as a writer if I were to refuse, as a matter of principle, to accept the warming rays of the sun, and to report them, whenever, and if ever, they happen to strike me.”

I, too, am often angry, and I think that this anger is justified, but I am certainly not angry all the time. I will use my last words to report on what rays of sunlight have struck me in this past year.

I love this paper. Joining it was the best decision I’ve made in my four years here. I’ve worked with some brilliant students, and moderators Nicholas Attanasio and Mark Ionescu are two of the most fantastic teachers at this school.

Thank you for allowing me the freedom to think, one of the most integral parts of any education.

Also, thanks for the pizzas at layout. That was integral as well.

One of my favorite parts of this year has been the interaction with readers. I love the discussions that my columns have provoked, and I am honored by the seriousness of your questions and criticisms, which were often explosive. That’s okay, though, as the issues I write about are issues on which a number of intelligent people hold conflicting views.

What I was less than sanguine about was those who deprecated my character instead of my argument. At worst, I’ve won the titles of Hypocrite, Narcissist, and Illness That Plagues America, a title which I hope to earn again sometime in my life. But at best, I’ve won a few national awards, so I can’t complain.

Finally, thank you to my family for supporting my passion to write and helping me laugh when the controversy got heated.

I will stop the praise now and end with this thought. Many of my critics have attributed my general contrariness to my age, telling me that I will grow out of it. But, while some of my views may change in the future, I am determined to make sure my questioning nature does not.

To me, the offer of certainty, the offer of complete security, is something that is not worth having. I want to live my life in a constant state of exploration, reminding myself that I can’t ever know enough, that I can’t ever understand enough. If I have learned one thing this year, it’s to take the risk of thinking for yourself.

Thank you all, and may the stench of my brain droppings ever linger in your nostrils.

STAFF

OPINION

Volume 47 Issue 6 May 2012

: ED

Watch out, parents. There’s a new form of gambling that your teenager is highly likely to partake in during his or her senior year in high school. No, this isn’t some card game. It’s college admissions.

What is it exactly about applying to colleges that makes it akin to gambling? For starters, when it comes to colleges, nothing is certain. Colleges receive a record-breaking number of applications every year for the same number of spaces.

Cornell University, for example, only admitted 6,123 students out of the 37,812 whom applied, giving the college a 16.2 percent admission rate for this year. Compare this number to the Cornell’s admission rate in 2003, which was 31 percent. This steady decline in percentages shows no hopes of letting up.

But it’s not enough to just get in. That’s the easy part, compared to the step that comes next: student loans. This is where the financial aspect of gambling comes

When it comes to college apps, the odds are not in your favor

into play. While the benefits of going to a prestigious college are obvious, are they worth the risk in comparison to being in debt for the rest of your life?

The idea of a life-long student loan is no exaggeration. According to data from Equifax credit report, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York found that people 50 and older currently carry a grand total of nearly $135 million in student-loan debt. The studentloan debt of those 60 and older amounts to more than $36 million.

To make matters even more horrifying, the total studentloan balance in America stands at about $870 billion, which is more than the total balances due on credit cards, $693 billion, and auto loans, $730 billion.

According to the New York Federal report, “with college enrollments increasing and the costs of attendance rising, this balance is expected to continue its upward trend.”

Perhaps the most terrible part

of the college gamble is that many students don’t even know the rules of the game. A student loan of $20,000 can easily turn into a $60,000 if you fall behind on the payments. Interest rates are typically high, and student loans don’t disappear when you file for bankruptcy. They stay with you for the rest of your life.

How is a poor underclassman to have a chance of success in these college games? Basically, the more cards you have in your hand, the better. In other words, apply to lots of colleges you like.

While having a long list of colleges is not a guarantee of a debt-free future, it will definitely increase your chances of obtaining this ideal situation.

Don’t just apply to colleges, though. Scholarships are available to students in every grade level. Although receiving scholarships is not guaranteed either, at least they don’t carry the financial risks that college acceptance letters come with.

This should go without saying,

but also make sure you stay focused on your academics. There exists no substitute for hard work in the college admissions process.

Unless, of course, you’re a legacy – that is, one or both of your parents graduated from a college you are applying to. This is an extremely good substitute for academic dedication.

According to The Chronicle of Higher Education, a researcher at Harvard University found if one of the applicant’s parents attended a college as an undergraduate, the applicant was 45.1 percent more likely to be accepted to that particular college.

Finally, look up facts about how student-loans work, and decide how much of a risk you’re willing to take. Remember, college applicants and tuitions increase every year, but the number of available spaces and minimum wage don’t. Develop a personal plan for how you want to play your cards.

Good luck, because the odds are certainly not in your favor.

Do you care about the

?

presidential election I haven’t really been paying attention, so I don’t care.

Senior Colleen Zulty

I care because it’s good to know who’s going to be running the country.

Junior Pat Fogarty

I don’t have any interest in it, personally.

Sophomore Taylor O’Brien

I’m not really that interested in politics.

Freshman Brad Wescott

Only ‘idiots’ neglect civil responsibility Scott Novak Opinion Editor

Martha’s Musings

BY MARTHA SCHICK

Europe trip provides fullfilling experience

Cartoon by Jenny Yang

changing the world always comes with a certain level of struggle so we better get used to it.

While the excuse of politics being too frustrating appears pacifistic on the surface, it’s really a cover-up for intellectual laziness, a failure to stand for something outside of oneself. Indeed, in ancient Athens, the term “idiotes” was synonymous with self-centeredness.

Again, this self-centered apathy can be seen in the voting records. One of the biggest reasons

“

people don’t vote, according to the 2008 Census Bureau voting survey, is that they’re too busy. Note that being too busy to do something can be synonymous with not caring enough to make the effort to do it.

The fact that Americans consider going to the voting booth to be just another thing to do is disturbing. .

People should think of all the places in the world where others cannot vote, or could be killed for their vote, and feel an overwhelming gratitude that they, as Americans, do not have to endure such oppression.

Most students in the class of 2012 will have the right to vote

The fact that Americans consider going to the voting booth to be just another thing to do is disturbing

“

What do you call one who doesn’t care about politics? An idiot, that’s what.

Although calling this group of people idiots is a bit harsh, the origin of the word confirms this definition. “Idiot” comes from “idiotes,” a term that the ancient Athenians used to denote a person who was indifferent to public affairs.

Apathy towards politics must have existed then for such a word to have existed, and it is certainly still a problem among teens and adults of the present day.

The voter turnout for the past few years reflects this disinterest.

According to the United States Elections Project, 56.8 percent of eligible Americans voted in the last presidential election in 2008.

In years when there isn’t a presidential election, the voter turnout is even lower. In 2010, only 37.8 percent of eligible Americans voted.

Considering that people have died in the name of freedom to protect their rights, including the right to vote, these statistics are sad. Compare America’s voter turnout in 2010 with Iraq’s, where 62 percent of Iraqi citizens voted in the general election. Unlike in America, these people risked their lives to vote. Multiple attacks on voters in Iraq killed a total of 38 people.

To the people who act as if they’re superior to political debates: do you care about anything larger than yourself? All worldwide issues are political issues, from human rights to poverty to research funding. It would be nice if it was possible to make an impact without any conflict, but

13

OPINION

Volume 47 Issue 6 May 2012

in this upcoming presidential election. For those who need a more selfish reason to care about politics, student loans have been a topic of much discussion in recent politics.

Bills like the Student Loan Forgiveness Act of 2012, which would forgive outstanding student loans for all Americans who have made payments equal to 10 percent of their discretionary income for 10 years, could greatly impact your financial future. It is your responsibility to be informed about them.

Finally, while it’s nice to vote, that vote means little if it is not an informed vote. Give thanks for your freedom by doing a little bit of research on each candidate so that you can pick the one you think is best suited to become president. And please, don’t be an idiot.

Students display exemplary behavior despite challenges Maggie Cassidy Print Chief As the school year draws to a close with the days getting longer and our attention spans growing shorter, I want to compliment and commend the student body in my final days at JC. As Patriots, you were literally able to weather the storm when good old Hurricane Irene left JC in her wake and a new principal came in to clean up the pieces.

When the abortion protestors stood on the corner, all of you were able to discuss and react like Archbishop John Carroll would have wanted you to.

When Principal Madelyn Ball made her first big change in the library, you spoke out exercising your thoughts and beliefs, even though they were shot down.

You all, well, most of you, completed AlcoholEdu and expanded your knowledge on drugs and alcohol, something that plagues every high school.

As a school, you were all able to indirectly unite by formally representing your class on Class Color Day. But with our high points came our low points, specifically when Twitter was blocked at school due to cyber bullying, an issue that resurfaced before Easter Break with HS Memes.

Cartoon by Jenny Yang

One of the biggest struggles you endured was the passing of our dear Xavia Pirozzi back in March. After her tragic passing, the entire JC community came together to honor the life of a loved one by coming to her funeral to support her family, remember the life of Xavia, and to share your love with the community.

However, with all the success of the general student population, I sincerely want to compliment the class of 2012.

Starting the year under a harsh stigma attached to us from previous graduating classes, the class of 2012 managed to overcome a great deal of that criticism and become one of the most notable, revered classes since the school opened.

This statement is not said out of partiality to my own class. It’s been proven time and time again from the class’s behavior at the annual Holocaust Museum field trip, the level of maturity at Senior Retreat, and most recently, the amazing behavior at Prom.

At each one of these events, the conduct and character of the class of 2012 shone through the dense film that was attached to us as we exceeded the high expectations of the administration.

Most importantly, the teachers, faculty, and administration noticed our shining moments as well.

As we count down our final days as Patriots, I hope that we can finish out the year in a proud and respectful manner.

Over spring break, I went on a trip with American Council for International Studies (ACIS) to Scotland and England, which turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had at JC. This experience also gave me the opportunity to give advice to anybody looking for a perfect international trip.

The trip was led by Guidance Counselor Larry Hensley and English teacher Christine Zurkowski. The focus was on history, theater, and English, so as someone who loves these, this trip was perfect. If you take an international trip, picking one based on your interests is something that will make your experience more enjoyable.

The easiest way to find a trip based on your interests is by talking to the coordinators of the trip about what the focus will be. If you hate the ancient Greeks, a trip to Greece wouldn’t be a good idea.

We learned about Shakespeare and the Romans in Scotland and England, and for someone who doesn’t like learning about those, it could have been boring.

While preparing for the trip, here’s a tip: be prepared for all activities and weather, even if you think it won’t be fashionable. Any trip will be miserable if you let comfort take a backseat by filling your bags with the latest clothes.

If you look at the itinerary and every day involves walking, don’t only pack heels that you haven’t worn before. The same goes for jackets and coats. When you’re warm and dry, it’ll be worth having layers.

The most important piece of advice is to enjoy yourself and live in the moment. It’s easy to get caught up in different cultures, but use these differences to experience the country. Even if you’re a picky eater, step outside of your comfort zone and try something new.

This trip opened me up to new cultures and experiences. Visiting the places where Shakespeare and his wife lived was incredible and I will never forget it. I got to see the Roman Baths, parts of Hadrian’s Wall all over the country, and Stonehenge, which you can’t even imagine until you see it in person. I’ve always loved England, so being able to experience it was fantastic.

These trips are what you make them, and if you go in with an open mind and a hunger for adventure, it could be one of your best high school experiences.

14 14

SPORTS

Men’s track tramples MIAA competition

Volume 47 Issue 6 May 2012

Alumni dominate collegiate lacrosse, wrestling

Megan Battaglia

Multimedia Editor

While walking down to the track on April 25, junior Derek Alban had one thing on his mind: to win.

Because he forgot his track spikes, Alban was forced to run in sneakers, giving him a disadvantage in the upcoming races.

Despite this, Alban ended up winning two individual events, helping the men’s outdoor track team outshine St. Mary’s and Spalding and win the MIAA ‘B’ Conference championship for the second consecutive season.

The men’s team went into the season as the underdogs. “At the beginning of the season, based off of numbers, I didn’t think we had that great of a shot,” head coach Rob Torres said.

The men’s team had lost numerous seniors from last year, which resulted in a shortage in sprinters. This didn’t stop the team from winning this year’s championship.

The meet started off roughly for JC, who lost the 4-by-800 meter sprint.

“I felt kind of bad because I forgot my spikes, so we lost because I didn’t have them,” Alban said. Alban made up for the loss, however, by coming back and winning the 1600 meter race and 800 meter open.

With just the right amount of men, Torres was able to fill every event, which helped place JC ahead of the other two teams.

“We won a lot easier than I thought we would. We won by at least 40 points ahead of each team,” Torres said.

Junior Austin Markley helped keep JC ahead with four individual wins. “I came into the meet hoping I could get as many points as possible. I got first in all of my events,” Markley said.

Markley ran a time of 11.2 in the 100 meter open and 22.5 in the 200 meter open. In long jump he jumped 19 feet and 2 inches, while in the triple jump he jumped 40 feet and 7 inches.

The team wasn’t just dominating on the track.

In the field events, senior Denzel Varner helped stack the team’s points in the shot put and discus throw. This is Varner’s third consecutive individual championship.

JC beat St. Mary’s 94-50 and Spalding 97-49.

Despite these impressive wins, some of the track runners were disappointed by the lack of recognition they received.

“I was shocked and discouraged that they didn’t announce our championship win at the honors assembly on Thursday,” Alban said. However, the school announced the men’s success at the end of the school day Friday, April 27 on the announcements.

“Next year it would be great to go undefeated again and to win championships for three years in a row,” Markley said.

Photo courtesy of Brittany Dashiell

Brittany Dashiell, class of ‘09, protects the ball from the opposing team. Dashiell plays as a midfielder for the University of Florida.

Grace Kim

Online Chief

Fame has struck the JC community, and this time it is alumni that have been awarded recognition in the world of sports. Brittany Dashiell, class of ‘09, Casey Ancarrow, class of ‘08, and Allyson Carey, class of ’08, have been placed on the Tewaaraton watch list, and Mathew Miller, class of ’11, has won the National Collegiate Wrestling Association

Championship that took place in Daytona Beach, Florida, on the weekend of March 10-11.

The Tewaaraton Award is annually presented to the NCAA men’s and women’s lacrosse player of the year. The award honors the nation’s top male and female lacrosse players.

“At JC, I played midfield for Coaches Hughes and Porch. We won the IAAM ‘A’ Conference championship my sophomore and junior year. I had so much

fun playing while I was there,” Dashiell said.

“Division I lacrosse is a lot different compared to high school.

All the players on D1 teams are the best players on their high school teams, so it’s a whole new level of lacrosse in college. It’s faster, more aggressive, and a lot of work,” Dashiell said.

Ancarrow played midfield for all four years of her high school career.

“I currently play attack for James Madison. Playing at JC prepared me extremely well to play in college. The transition from high school to college went smoothly for me because the level of competition had been so high,” Ancarrow said.

Ancarrow recognizes that even being placed on the Tewaarton watch list is a team effort involving coaching too.

“I play midfield for Vanderbilt and take the draw for them as well. College lax is extremely competitive and fast compared to high school lax, so my position is definitely more difficult now than it was in high school I would say,” Carey said.

“It is an honor to be on the list with so many amazing lacrosse players. It’s very exciting to be chosen,” Carey said.

On the wrestling side, Miller won Outstanding Wrestler at the

Championship. “[I] wasn’t too great at wrestling during junior league, the only two teams that [showed interest in me were] JC and Loyola.

My career while attending JC was decent. . . two times state champ, two times MIAA’s champ, national prep champ. [I had a] record 205-30, ranked ninth in the nation at 171. I have some regrets, [I] wish I could have done better,” Miller said.

Unlike the Tewaaraton nominees, Miller came into his match confident of his victory.

“I expected to win. You can’t go in thinking you are going to lose. The only thing that limits you is your own mind. What I wasn’t expecting was to win OW [Outstanding Wrestler] out of the whole tournament. I’m just thankful to God, my mom and dad for always being there, and my awesome coach, Lieutenant Grimes,” Miller said.

Miller plans to surpass his past win and go on to achieve his ultimate goal of winning a NCAA D1 Championship. “I’m more focused since I left JC. I have great group wrestling practice partners who always challenge me, and I’m hoping when I set foot into the naval academy, I start making noise unlike high school where it took me two years to get the ball moving,” Miller said.

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15 15

SPORTS

Volume 47 Issue 6 May 2012

Easter break negatively affects spring sports Junior Rebecca Driver hurdles at the North Harford Invitational over Easter Break.

She was one of the few varsity runners who attended both meets over break.

Photo courtesy of Michael Monaghan

Chioma Iheoma

said.

The women’s track team was one of the teams that was hit hard by spring break. “We, for the girls’ side, lost half of a team to vacation,” track and field coach Rob Torres said.

A&E Editor While most students were tanning on vacations or relaxing at home, JV softball captain junior Jada Williams was on the softball diamond, helping her team win despite the shortage of players.

During break, she was moved up to play in the varsity games.

Students sign up for sports for a variety of reasons, and the most popular of them is to improve their college resume and to have fun. When Easter break comes around, it becomes apparent that participating in sports is not just a one way deal. There are seven spring sports teams, and five of them had games over break.

“Schools go on breaks at different times,” Dukes said. “We’re committed to playing games during break.”

Though inconvenient, it is not unusual to lose players during spring break. “As a coach, I have a handful of students that go on exchanges every year,” Dukes

“

We prepare everyone in the same way, no matter what their ability.

- Rob Torres

“

Despite the immensity of the loss, Torres saw the positive in so many missing members. “[Losing so many runners] gave others a chance to step up,” Torres said.

Those who could attend the track meets were ready. “We prepare everyone the same way, no matter what their ability,” Torres said.

The team, like others, was affected by the loss of people. “At an invitational we weren’t represented as well as we could have

Patriots Month of the

Caleb Anderson Hoping to keep in shape all year long, junior Caleb Anderson stays busy by playing a varsity sport every season: soccer, swimming, and currently track and field.

As a key sprinter for the team, Anderson participates in two sprint events, a hurdle event, and two relays.

While Anderson enjoys running track, he says “the worst thing about doing track is doing

a . . . ladder in hot weather,” he said. A ladder is running a series of increasing distances (100 meter, 200 meter, 300 meter, etc), hitting a peak in the distances, and then proceeding to run decreasing distances.

Although half of Anderson’s events are individual races, he believes track is truly a team sport.

“Everyone contributes to the overall score, and the relays bring more than one person into an event,” Anderson said.

The men’s varsity track team had a successful season last year, coming in first for the MIAA. Anderson believes the team can be just as successful this year.

“We have a competitive team and if we just go out and just do our best, we should do very well,” he said.

players,” Harkins said. Out of the four games that JV was to play, they forfeited one and won one.

The others were losses. Varsity ended up forfeiting two games.

Due to a lack of players, a JV player had to move up to varsity.

As Harkins was away for some of Easter break, the team really came together to do well.

“I needed a lot of help from my assistants and parents,” Harkins said.

The players also worked together in order to succeed. “It was a little stressful,” Williams said. As a captain, Williams looked for ways to keep her fellow teammates up to par and ready for the games.

“We mostly just kept our spirits [up],” Williams said. Williams and the team had to become creative to make up for their loss of players.

“We found [our players’] strongest points or weakest points so we could play a good game,” Williams said.

Patriots of the Month highlight athletes who deserve recognition for contributions in their chosen sports.

They are selected by the Sports Editors.

Colleen Zulty As a lacrosse player from Severn School sprinted down the field towards JC’s goal, senior defender Colleen Zulty followed close behind. Suddenly, Zulty checked the stick belonging to the Severn player, stole the ball, and passed it up the field to a midfielder.

“I love causing turnovers. It is a great feeling when I can check the ball out of an opponent’s stick or knock down a pass,” Zulty said.

Zulty has played lacrosse every year since she was seven. At JC, she’s played varsity for three years. Zulty also plays for the Greene Turtle Lacrosse Club.

“My sister played lacrosse, and [I] decided to follow in her footsteps,” Zulty said.

Zulty’s favorite part of lacrosse is the intensity of the game and how quickly the ball can change possession.

“I love the fast-paced nature of the game and how you are able to go from playing defense to scoring a goal in a matter of seconds.

At JC, our team is so close and we are able to maintain a fun yet competitive atmosphere,” Zulty said.

Zulty plans to continue her lacrosse career at the Division III level at Dickinson College.

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been,” Torres said. “We knew we had enough to fill events, but we couldn’t fill it with our best people.”

While Torres knew the amount of runners that would be missing during spring break track meets, he admits “it’s frustrating when people commit . . . and aren’t there for the whole season.”

“Every spring break we have one team that thinks they have enough players until last minute,” Dukes said. With all of the obstacles that softball has faced this year it is no surprise that “softball this year suffered” over spring break, according to Dukes.

“If I coach again I wouldn’t be able to go out of town,” JV softball coach Rachel Harkins said.

Harkins had booked her Easter break trip before she received the position as softball coach, but admits that the loss of players “wasn’t a big surprise.” Despite some obstacles, the softball team was able to plan ahead of time.

“We suffered from a loss of

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BY MIRANDA RIPKEN

Patriots struggle to win during break Over Easter break, students had the opportunity to take time off of school by travelling overseas, sleeping in, and hanging out with friends. For most student athletes, however, work didn’t stop over Easter break.

During break, women’s badminton, golf, and tennis didn’t have scheduled games. Before break, however, the men’s tennis team managed a close 3-2 win against Archbishop Curley. This is the team’s first conference win after dropping to the ‘B’ Conference. Badminton was also successful, beating Bryn Mawr 4-3.

Golf made a bit of progress this season by taking a 1.5-19.5 loss against Loyola. This is a small, but perhaps encouraging, improvement from the 0-21 loss against Gilman in the beginning of the season.

The men’s lacrosse team had a game towards the end of Easter break against Saint Peter and Saint Paul School. The team lost 11-13, but they still have a current winning record of 7-2.

The women’s lacrosse team had a bittersweet break. They lost one game against Spalding, 1011, but won one against Garrison Forest, 14-10. During the latter, junior Mackenzie Reese scored over a third of the team’s goals, five out of the 14 total. Senior Erica Bodt added her own hat trick of three goals, in addition to four assists.

Both the men’s and women’s track teams had a meet at North Harford and placed first in three varsity events. Junior Rebecca Driver won the 300-meter hurdles, junior Derek Alban won the 800-meter sprint, and the team of Alban, senior Andrew Ellis, junior David Knaide, and freshman Mark Pickett won the 4-by-800 meter relay.

Also in this meet, junior Austin Markley set a new school record for the 200-meter sprint. The women set a new record as well.

In the 100-100-200-400 meter sprint, the team of seniors Heather Kirwan, Elisa Rehak, Taylor Hooper, and Megan Battaglia landed a time of 2:12.6.

Having three games over Easter Break, the men’s baseball team’s record suffered when they won their first of these games and lost the next two. The first win was by a single point against C. Milton Wright in a morning game. The private schools proved to be more of a challenge, however, as JC lost to Calvert Hall by 10 and Loyola, 4-5.

Softball suffered a 10-point loss against Rising Sun. Their record dropped to 2-2 after a promising 2-0 start to their season.

Now that only a few weeks of the spring athletic season is left, the athletes will have to step up the intensity in order to progress into the playoffs and hopefully take a shot at the conference title.

16 16

SPORTS

Volume 47 Issue 6 May 2012

UNDERWraps Articles by Sarah Kearby and Grace Kim Photos by Megan Battaglia

Larry Dukes Athletic Director With a job that combines the duties of a guidance counselor, advisor, and decision-maker, Athletic Director Larry Dukes is kept busy.

“It’s never the same, there is no real typical day,” Dukes said. Currently, he is working on the schedule for the upcoming winter season, but “day-to-day the battle is the weather,” Dukes said.

Dukes also deals with “crisis management” daily with minor problems that occur as he tries to “meet the needs of different teams at different times.”

He is “never bored,” as there is “always something to get ready for,” Dukes said. There are numerous

activities that relate to the athletic department such as tournaments, banquets, and other events for athletes that Dukes must either attend or plan.

Dukes also interacts with students on a daily basis. “My interaction [with students] is really whatever they want it to be. The door’s always open,” Dukes said.

Even though Dukes doesn’t have a typical day, he is always “attempting to create a better environment” for student athletes.

Timothy Perry Asst. Athletic Director Before the sun even rises, assistant Athletic Director Tim Perry arrives at school to a vacant parking lot to start lining the fields for the day’s games. Perry first checks the schedule as to what games are planned for the afternoon and then goes to find the Silver Bullet, his golf cart, to get the fields done in time.

“The Silver Bullet and I go way back to the early 90’s,” Perry said. Originally, he

Top: Athletic trainer Karen Eder tapes an athlete to get her ready for practice. Taping ankles is a typical duty of a trainer.

Left: Athletic trainer Erik Fabriziani shears the tape using a “shark.”

Fabriziani is currently working his eleventh year at JC.

shared the cart with a trainer who allowed him to borrow it in order to get all fields lined in a timely manner.

“It was a trade-off.

[The trainer] would let me take it, and I kept it clean and gassed up for her,” Perry said.

At around 7:30 a.m.

Perry puts the Silver Bullet away and returns to his office.

The phone begins to ring and Perry has to double check the trans-

portation necessary for the sports teams, communicate with all the officials scheduled to referee on a particular day, and deal with minor problems that may occur.

After teaching three earth science classes throughout the day, when the afternoon rolls around, Perry finishes anything that did not get done in the morning and delivers officials’ vouchers to the coaches.

Assistant Athletic Director Tim Perry rides around on his golf cart, the Silver Bullet. The golf cart allows Perry to easily access all of the fields so he can line them.

The Patriot uncovers the behind-the-scenes actions of the athletic d e p a r t m e n t ’s M V P s .

Eric Fabriziani & Karen Eder Athletic Trainers Behind every athlete is a trainer, ready to rush to his or her aid.

Certified athletic trainer Karen Eder and head athletic trainer Erik Fabriziani are the people behind the athletes. Eder became certified in 2006, and this is her fourth year at JC. Fabriziani was certified in 1999, and is currently in his eleventh year at JC. “I got into sports medicine because I played sports all growing up . . . I broke my leg in softball and my foot in basketball, so it was something for me personally that I liked to do. I always liked sports and I wanted to have a career in sports,” Eder said.

According to Fabriziani, his reasons for becoming a trainer are similar to Eder’s. “I pretty much eat, sleep, [and] breathe sports.

I’m an athlete and I like medicine, so it was a way to get involved in sports and medicine at the same time.”

Both the trainers feel that the job has its ups and downs.

“The main thing I like about my job is helping people. I like to be around people and this gives me an opportunity [to do that]. The downside is the hours. You have to be flexible with nights, weekends, holidays, [and] time away from your family,” Fabriziani said.

For Eder, a multitude of sports to work with keeps the job interesting.

“One of the things I like about the high school setting the most is that there are so

many different sports and it’s not the same sport like in the college setting,” Eder said.

A con for her would be the sometimes fickle weather, though Eder admits that sometimes on a nice day, it can be a pro for the job too. During the daytime, Fabriziani can be seen teaching gym while Eder is in a clinic helping physical therapists with patients, but after school is when their schedules overlap.

“Normally right after school is the busiest . . . we’re getting people ready for practices and games. We’re taping people to go out, evaluating new injuries, we are checking in and doing rehab with existing injuries and then we’re going out to practices and games and covering them until pretty much everything’s done,” Eder said.

According to Fabriziani, there are also “administrative things,” including paper work, calling athletes’ parents with information, and keeping tabs on athletes’ injuries.

As for advice for future trainer wannabes?

“I would say feel free to come talk to us about it,” Eder said. She also warns that a student will have to really enjoy science, because their field requires extensive study in it.

“The best advice I can give is. . . just knowing the hours and the commitment there is, it’s something important to know,” Fabriziani said.