The Patriot June 2004, Issue 6, Vol 39

Pat riot

John Carroll School " Tradition " Pride " Excellence

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Sports

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Boys JV and Varsity lacrosse plow through Park’s players to win championship.

Entertainment Get set for summer with a sneak peek at the season’s most sizzling spectacles of the silver screen.

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June 2004

Editorials Nothing can be as exciting and controversial as mulch piles.

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Volume 39, Issue 6

News Crooked calamities at the Country Fair cause com! motion.

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Features Writer reveals the shady setbacks of synthetic sunbathing.

Just as people feared the end of the world was coming with the Y2K virus, cicadas have petrified the population.

Delia Pais Managing Editor

It may seem that the apocalypse is coming in the summer of 2004 with the arrival of the 17-year cicadas to the MidAtlantic. After the drought in summer 2002, the huge snowstorm in February 2003, and the monsoon-type rains we experienced in summer 2003, some Marylanders have asked, “What’s next? Locusts?”

Well, not quite. Cicadas are not related to locusts, but we will get a swarm of them. Enough of them to make their chorus of mating calls reach higher decibel levels than a motorcycle and just a little less than a rock concert. The life cycle of these creatures and the strange nuances of their lives are captivating to many across the country.

These cicadas, deemed Brood X, laid their eggs on tree branches, they hatched soon after, and burrowed underground, back in 1987. The nymphs from the eggs have lived off the sap in tree roots for 17 years.

They have recently begun crawling to the surface and when soil temperatures are warm enough, the nymphs will surface by the millions. They climb to nearby trees and shed their skin, or molt.

After shedding their 17-year old encasements, the cicadas mate. The males climb into the tree branches and emit a loud buzzing, hissing sound to attract the females.

After mating, the females are ready to deposit their eggs, as they creep onto tree branches and scratch slits into the bark. The females deposit 400-600 eggs that hatch in the trees, and crawl underground to grow and emerge 17 years later.

Scientists speculate that the

To take advantage of this natural phenomenon, here is a delicious recipe, courtesy of npr.org, for you to enjoy: El Chirper Tacos Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter or peanut oil 1/2 pound newly emerged cicadas 1 tomato, Þnely chopped 1 onion, Þnely chopped 1/2 tsp cumin 3 tsp taco seasoning mix 1 handful cilantro, chopped Taco shells, to serve Sour cream Shredded cheddar cheese Shredded lettuce Directions: 1. Heat the butter or oil in a frying pan and fry the cicadas for 10 minutes, or until cooked through.

2. Remove from pan and roughly chop into 1/4-inch cubes/ Place back in pan.

3. Add the chopped onions, chilies and tomato, season with salt, and fry for another 5 minutes on medium-low heat.

4. Sprinkle with ground pepper, cumin and oregano to taste.

cicadas started their 17-year cycle to escape predators or climate changes such as the Ice Age. Cicadas, along with only emerging every 17 years, have other strange nuances, including their ability to be eaten and the sound level their mating calls reach.

Sophomore Sarah Snyder is taking advantage of their edibility: “Of course I plan to eat one. Just add a little Old Bay and they’ll taste great.”

According to cicada enthusiasts, the cicadas can be fried, boiled, baked, roasted, made into fondue, or dipped in chocolate and they’ll taste just Þne.

Females are better tasting because they are Þlled with eggs, while the males have a hollow abdomen that is crunchier.

Cicadas provide a perfectly safe and viable option for protein in the diet, although some may think it’s a bit “Fear Factor” to chow down on large bugs.

As Mr. Barker said, “There are plenty of good things to eat, I’m not sure if cicadas are one of them.”

Mr. Kachur’s biology classes sautéed and feasted on the insects on Friday, May 21. The students enjoyed these invertebrate treats, and persuaded several teachers to try a cicada.

Mr. Paaby, one of the brave teachers who ate a cicada, says, “I made a big mistake. I should have eaten the Old Bay cicada, but I was only offered the chocolate one. The chocolate tasted really barfy before lunch.”

The noise level of these insects reaches incredible levels. The chorus of mating calls streaming from the millions of males in the trees reaches about 104106 decibels. Comparatively a jackhammer operates at 90 decibels, a motorcycle is 100 decibels, and a rock concert climbs to 120 decibels.

The males make their mating calls by swiftly vibrating a drum-like membrane on their abdomen. Though one cicada’s mating call is quiet, the sound of millions of cicadas chirping together is amazing.

The extreme sound levels released by the cicadas have caused the administration at JC and many other schools in the area to move graduations indoors.

Mr. Barker is not disappointed with this decision and he is happy that graduation can go on undisturbed. He, along with other school administrators, “made the decision early to plan accordingly.”

Besides graduation, students have other concerns with the invasion of the cicadas. The many students with Jeeps,

convertibles, or sunroofs need to be wary of the millions of clumsily ßying cicadas.

Sophomore Ashley Shelsby, who owns a convertible, comments, “For the next six weeks, I may not be able to drive anywhere with the top down because gross cicadas will fall in my car.”

Another potential problem with the plague of cicadas is that the sound level may force teachers to close the windows. The decibel level of the mating calls may overpower the teachers’ voices, and windows will need to be shut for hearing, but will also cut off any ventilation that may have made the room cooler.

Nicole Deutsh, a sophomore, says, “If we shut the windows, it will become too hot to focus and concentrate on our schoolwork. But, it’s not like JC closes for heat anyway.”

As annoying as they may be, the cicadas are harmless. Unlike locusts and mosquitoes, cicadas do not bite or sting.

Cicadas will not damage trees, shrubs, or ßowers, even in their abundance.

There is a rumor circulating that if a cicada with blue eyes is found, there will be a monetary reward. Blue-eyed cicadas are intriguing and rare, but no bounty has been placed on their small heads.

The strange life cycle and nuances of the creatures are intellectually enticing, and the cicadas’ ability to be eaten is an attraction to some. The sound levels are annoying, and Þnding molted skins of cicadas may be gross, but we know that these insects will only be here for six weeks.

The cicadas will lay their eggs this year and the eggs will hatch in 2021. So we should enjoy this natural phenomenon while we can because next time the cicadas are here, we will be in our mid-thirties… strange.

Editorials

2

Students sweat out lack of AC

can do to make things cooler for its students.

It’s rather unbalanced that the ofÞce is air conditioned while the cafeteria is not, so the On Tuesday, May 11th, temperatures busiest room is also the hottest. Students climbed into the high 80s, reaching 89°F by with off mods can go to the library, but the 1 p.m. In Baltimore City, school ofÞcials hungry are trapped. closed all public schools due to the heat, When temperatures rise at JC, and seven did not reopen the following the Þrst ßoor is comfortable, the second day. Meanwhile, bearable, and where were JC the third students? Well, downright our students were intolerable. sitting in school Providing attempting to built-in fans deal with the slightly overwhelming improved heat. third-floor Without conditions, air conditioning, but the JC students humidity is remained in palpable as their stuffy you walk up classrooms, the steps. It’s f i g h t i n g like walking dehydration, into a sauna, trying to dutifully especially in take notes and Mr. Hollin’s Sara Becker and Julia Apicella enjoy themselves ignore the sweat room, which despite the intense heat. The cafeteria proves to running down be extremely hot during the warmer school days. lacks ceiling their foreheads. fans.

The lucky ones that take Computer “When they put the fans in, I think Programming or similar classes in the their logic was, ‘well, he’s so close to the computer labs received temporary relief; computer room, and that’s air conditioned… though once the mod changed, it was off to .’ So the cool air is supposed to come through another muggy classroom. the cement wall,” explained Mr. Hollin, on “John Carroll should have gotten that same hot Tuesday that Baltimore City out,” said junior Peter Ireton. “The heat kids were home relaxing. “I’m thinking of really bothers my ability to think correctly. knocking out a few bricks, for ventilation,” It also puts me in an irritable mood.” added Hollin.

It’s not logical to stay, although The Maryland rule that helps to no one (myself included) wants to make up protect non-air-conditioned schools states “heat days” at the end of the year. Still, there that they must be closed if the temperature must be something the JC administration rises to or above 90°F by 11 AM. It makes photo by Lauren Schnupp

Liz Hersey Features co Editor

Patriot he

John Carroll School 703 Churchville Road, Bel Air, Maryland 21014 Volume 39, Number 6, June 2004

Editor in Chief........................................................................Rachael Kessler Managing Editor .............................................................................Delia Pais Editorials co Editor..................................................................Laura Kirchner Editorials co Editor.......................................................................Mary Etting News co Editor.......................................................................Courtney Kurtz News co Editor...........................................................................Aisha Turner Features co Editor.................................................................Elizabeth Hersey Features co Editor...............................................................Lindsay Nicolucci Entertainment co Editor.........................................................Sandy Wienholt Entertainment co Editor................................................................Sarah Jones Sports co Editor.........................................................................Rose DiPaula Sports co Editor.....................................................................Dave Lomonico Photography co Editor...........................................................Lauren Schnupp Photography co Editor...................................................................Jess Rießer Business Manager..................................................................Patricia Kingery Cartoonist......................................................................................Rich Fleury Moderator.....................................................................................Mr. Ionescu

Staff: Shril Amin, Trista Sturdivant, Rachel Dawson, Leah McGann, Kathleen Franetovich, Courtney Baltimore, Kathryn Martin 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 The John Carroll School.

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

Volume 39, Number 6

The

sense—but isn’t 87° hot enough for the morning? However, the three-degree discrepancy doesn’t change much, it’s still horrible.

Yet it is not to say that JC is alone in its suffering. Baltimore County (which did not get out of school for heat on May 11th) has air conditioning in only 100 of its 163 schools. In Anne Arundel County, the numbers are better—113 out of 120—and Carroll County has a similar ratio. However, Harford County has the worst record for Maryland schools: just 2 out of 50 have air conditioning. The Maryland school board has plans to add air-conditioning units over the next three or four years, until all public schools can stay cool and in business.

(Oddly, the one district that is cut out of this arrangement is Baltimore City, which will have to fend for itself.) However, the money for this is for public schools only.

That means that in Þve years, when Bel Air High is relaxing in air-conditioned comfort, JC will still be sweating it out—unless something is done.

Truthfully, how possible is school-

wide air conditioning? The new gym and conference room cost a lot. Can JC come up with another major fund right on the heels of the athletic complex? In the meantime, I’ve heard of no discussion regarding improvements.

No one can focus when they’re miserable. Being allowed to carry water bottles to class would help immensely.

Dehydration is a major problem, and water fountains aren’t enough (and what teacher wants to excuse students throughout class for water breaks? Plus, only few of the fountains actually work, and those that do spew out a light brown liquid…). Some teachers are kind enough to turn off their lights; if more were willing to teach in the dark, it would help a bit.

Since we cannot leave our academic steam baths, it would be helpful to know that the JC administration is sympathetic enough to allow us these minor considerations. As it stands, this problem essentially stops learning, which is the reason we’re all here.

Mary Etting Editorials co Editor

held responsible for the entire solar system being sucked into nothingness…or is it.

Honestly I would rather go Saturday; well no, I would rather not attend this one mandatory make up day at all. But if you went on Saturday it would get all the exams over in three consecutive days as opposed to drawing it out over an extended period of time.

I guess there is no changing this extended school year business, no matter how ridiculous and bothersome it might be.

Also the fact that the one day we are making up, we are probably not going to really be learning anything sort of makes me feel better because if I’m not doing anything I don’t think I’ll really mind being in school.

So I suppose I shouldn’t complain as much.

It just seems to be a drag to trick yourself into thinking it’s Þnally over; only for the reality to set in that we will be in school until Monday June 7th. As for me, I suppose I will have to suffer through one more day of school. I am now realizing that, although I enjoy the snow days while we have them, towards the end of the school year I start regretting that such a thing exists.

Extended school year needlessly postpones summer plans The end of the school year looms on the horizon. Exams approach quickly and then pounce on you like a rabid dog on a three year old child - needless to say I hate exams. Thursday drags on and on; you go home study you butt off for an exam you don’t feel like taking and then head off to bed. Before you know it you have to get up again and take two more pointless hour and a half tests. At least it’s Friday, the last day of the week and the last day of school…oh wait a minute, no it’s not. You have to go back to school yet again on Monday.

There is this foolish little thing called making up snow days. Okay, I understand making up the days and everything, but honestly is moving all the exams back one day really going to make a huge change in what we learn in the next two weeks?

We lost some holidays we were supposed to have, such as the Country Fair holiday. Haven’t we suffered enough?

We must continue suffering, although to some it may just be “one day,” to others it is their Þrst day of summer vacation.

Yet the school is needlessly these priceless summer vacation days away from us!

All right, I’ll admit it; I am being a little over dramatic. Nonetheless, what is that one Wednesday going to do for us?

There is only about a week of school left and we are already watching Finding Nemo in multiple classes, having pizza parties, and cooking cicadas - oh yes we are working so diligently. Teachers are starting to focus on what will be covered on the exam or teaching new things hastily that will be covered on the exams while also stressing key items.

There are also other classes that are watching movies and letting students have off during class time. So it’s not like we will be doing anything valuable during this one day that we “must make up.” During class even some of my teachers have said how stupid it is to go on Friday, have off for the weekend, and then come back on Monday. But no, we have to go to school that Monday for that one day that we will be missing. What’s the big deal about not making up one day?

Its not like the center of the universe is going to turn into a black hole and JC will be

Patriot

Several calendar changes are being made to help resolve the issue of snow days.

2003- 2004 School Year: - 174 schedualed school days - 4 built in snow days 2004- 2005 School Year: - 176 scheduled snow days - 6 built in snow days, consideration will be given to end the school year earlier if we do not use all the scheduled snow days.

June 2004

Editorials

3

Annual mulching irritates, annoys Each year right around this time, I am once again reminded of how much I despise mulch. The mere thought of mulch brings back memories of endless springtime afternoons spent tediously toiling with countless wheelbarrow trips, back and forth from the driveway to the lawn.

Those of you who have ever been recruited by family or friends to help in this yearly mulch spreading will be able to relate.

One of my biggest complaints is that, when the spring season Þnally begins, there seem to be mulch advertisements everywhere you look. One after another, helpless onlookers Þnally succumb to the whole idea that mulch is essential in attaining a well-maintained yard. When homeowners Þnally do order mulch, not only are they bombarded with silly options (would you like brown, black, or red mulch?), but also no matter how big or small your yard is, mulch companies always seem to overestimate the amount of mulch that you need. And when I say

overestimate, I mean over OVER-estimate. determination that you may have harThe real fun can begin when the bored slowly slips away when you realmulch company delivers the mulch to your ize that, with each wheelbarrow trip, the home and dumps in on your driveway. The mulch pile never seems to get any smaller.

It’s bad enough to be stuck with task that I not-so-fondly refer to as “mulch a stinking, day” looms rotting, bugon the hoinfested pile of rizon. This mulch in your is the day driveway for a when you couple of days are abruptly before you get awakened around to the from your job of spreadprecious ing it throughweekend out the yard. sleep by It’s even worse the reeking when, after stench of the mulch has decomposbeen spread, ing mulch Mulch piles like the one pictured overtake parks, you come to that foretells yards, and lots all over Harford County. Þnd that half a long day of of the pile yard work.

To get the inescapable task remains ominously on your driveover with, you put on your oldest, ugliest way for weeks or months to come.

Mulch victims then feebly look clothes, pull on some work gloves, and embark upon your mission. Any initial around to the driveways of neighbors in the photo by Kristin Pytko

Laura Kirchner Editorials co Editor

vain hope that someone else may be in need of their excess mulch. Inevitably, every other home in the neighborhood has a strikingly similar mulch pile in their own driveway.

The ensuing options are limited. If you are fortunate enough to have a wooded area in your backyard, perhaps the leftover mulch can be somewhat easily disposed of.

Otherwise, many resort to putting up even more mulch ßiers, in hopes that someone else may be in need of some free mulch.

And the iniquitous cycle perpetuates.

If no one else claims your rotten mass of mulch, your only option may be to over distribute it throughout your own yard. Now instead of 2 or 3 inches of mulch under each tree, there seems to be 7 or 8 inches. And let me just say, this is not a very attractive sight.

With all of the headache that seems to accompany the process of mulch, I think that the whole concept is overrated. Next time you are tempted to give into the attraction, stand strong. Don’t be part of the sick cult. Doing without mulch for a couple of years never killed anyone.

Country Fair overcomes all obstacles

photo courtesy of Yearbook

The JC Country Fair has always been a successful fundraiser for the school, and this year was no exception. It ran from Friday, April 30 to Sunday, May 2nd and was Þlled with games, rides, and plenty of sugar.

The fair is open to the public with no fee required, except for an optional Þfteen-dollar wristband that allowed for unlimited rides.

Some would agree that a Þfteen-dollar wristband is highly overpriced considering the limited amount of rides that were offered at the fair.

Albeit the prices for food were outrageous, the larger success of the fair and the fact that the proceeds went to a beneÞcial association allowed people to overlook any negatives.

In addition to rides and games, the fair provided a great opportunity to meet up with old friends, as well as to socialize with fellow peers.

On Friday, April 30th, opening night, there was a large turnout that was present well into the evening hours. Despite the rough behavior that several unwelcome people exhibited, it did not ruin the overall spirit Sophomore Alex Nevel enjoys herself as she works of the night.

The distractions of at the country fair. Working at the fair allowed students to complete some of the service hours they the ßashy lights on the rides are required to complete. made them look extremely appealing to the eye, which helped to draw in crowds.

May, which helped to attract many families The food was great, although pricy, and the who were riding past JC and who happened live music was extremely entertaining and to glance over at the alluring sign describing compelling. The rides, however, left much all of the amusing activities that it had to to be desired. They were more focused on offer. younger children while the games were The fair should be commended mainly for the older fair-goers. for overcoming the obstacles that were in The rides had some of the longest store due to the weekend’s ensuing ominous lines I have ever seen and standing in one of weather. The weather was unfortunately them could have been considered actually not as pleasant on Sunday, May 2nd, but with dangerous; there was a lot of pushing the help of many volunteers, it was swiftly and shoving.

Only the strong-willed moved inside to the school hallway and

June 2004

The

under the canopy. As the day progressed perfect way to obtain service hours because, the weather became considerably pleasing. not only was it fulÞlling to give back to The volunteers the school, but it was consisted of JC enjoyable to interact students, parents, with other people and faculty, alumni, a great way to meet and friends. new people from the All volunteers school. contributed to the It was my Þrst smooth ßow of year attending the fair, the fair. as well as working, The fair and I believe that it was praiseworthy was an overall good in that it was a experience. I enjoyed great opportunity working during the for students to day when the sun receive service was out and while the hours and many crowd was relatively people took subdued. advantage of that Sophomores Carolyn Kyle and Most of prospect.

The Katie Garnet enjoy their snowballs. those who attended work shifts lasted Many treats were sold at the fair includthat fair had a great for about three ing snowballs and funnel cakes. experience.

The to four hours students were able to with regimented breaks. It was convenient receive a 2-hour late day on the Monday because the students were given the choice after the fair. Originally, school was cancelled for that day but due to snow a while back the students and faculty were forced to sacriÞce their holiday. Students may have begun to regret the presence of that fully, white stuff during the winter.

I am deÞnitely looking forward to working at the fair again next year.

Hopefully, we will be blessed with clear weather and a great crowd, once again.

Many suggestions have been raised concerning ways to improve the fair to make it more safe and family-oriented, but just as much fun. Ideas include the enhancement of security around the outskirts of the fair, surrounding the area with more lights to illuminate the vicinity at night, and charging admission to the public. Suggestions and comments are always welcomed by the students, teachers, and friends to help better the fair for the years to come.

Putting these suggestions into place will further instill the aspects of safety, enjoyment, and success into the John Juniors Jennifer Russo and Anne Carroll Country Fair. With any luck, next Hinder anxiously stand in line for a chance to ride the Zipper. year’s fair will prove to be as exciting and entertaining as it was this year. to pick which time slot they would prefer to work at. The John Carroll Fair was the photo courtesy of Yearbook

were able to withstand the never-ending lines that seemed to stand stationary for inÞnite periods of time. However, once the daring ones were able to ride the thrilling “monsters,” all of the waiting seemed worthwhile.

The weekend was as much of a success as the opening night. The weather was beautiful on Saturday, the Þrst day of

photo courtesy of Yearbook

Courtney Baltimore Staff Writer

Patriot

Volume 39, Number 6

Editorials

4

Service hour requirements raise for underclassmen

photo by Lauren Schnupp

Free speech taken past limit Delia Pias Managing Editor “Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances,” states the Þrst amendment to the Constitution. No boundaries on expressing our opinions are given to us by the government, but are boundaries set by an understood moral code?

When pro-linebacker turned Army Ranger, Pat Tillman, was killed in Iraq, most thoughts on the tragedy were of sympathy and remembrance. But Rene Gonzalez, a college writer, broke that understood moral code that says we should respect the dead with her editorial saying that Tillman “was not a hero; he got what was coming to him.”

This, my friends, is taking the right of free speech too far. Gonzalez’s disrespectful statement does not call for government reform, but for a revision of the morals of Gonzalez and of her publisher, the UMass Daily Collegian.

When a person dies, it is understood that that person deserves respect for the preservation of their memory and consoling of his or her family. Gonzales did not give Pat Tillman or his family respect in her editorial denouncing his hero status.

Gonzales wrote “[Tillman] did not join the military out of Þnancial necessity, or to have a chance at education. This was a ‘G.I. Joe’ guy who got what was coming to him. That was not heroism, it was prophetic idiocy.” That’s just too much. Gonzales can’t even show respect for a man who was killed Þghting for the country in Iraq.

Have the moral standards of society sunk so

Volume 39, Number 6

low that we cannot even honor those who Þght for the U.S.A. anymore? Yes, Pat Tillman was a pro-football player, which is a little more than the average man, but he humbled himself out of patriotism and joined the army. Gonzales doesn’t even appreciate Tillman’s service and protection of the country. She degrades Tillman’s and others’ services to the country by saying that Tillman, “was acting out his macho, patriot crap and I guess someone with a bigger gun did him in.” Gonzales’ disrespect for the army, Tillman, and Tillman’s family is disgusting, and the only thing that is more disgusting is that a paper would print her outrageous article.

I know the law says that the press is free to print anything they choose, but an article that is so derogatory to the country and to a dead man is something that should not be published, or even considered for publication. If the conscience of Gonzales did not tell her that this was wrong, the conscience of the publisher should have. The publisher needed to exclude this article from the paper and save the public from such political blasphemy. It is common courtesy to respect the dead, especially a dead soldier.

But I guess the morality of the Daily Collegian and Rene Gonzales is not too stable.

Free speech is a right that we should hold precious in America, but one we should not abuse. Rene Gonzales’ editorial disrespects the country, a dead soldier, and his family abuses the Þrst amendment to the Constitution, and challenges the moral code of society. Society is beginning to accept looser and looser values of sex and money, but human dignity is a moral that should not be negotiable with society. Rene Gonzales and the UMass Daily Collegian, you pushed the envelope of free speech too far.

The

void. In addition, complaining about it makes no difference, and the students will still have to do sixty hours of service, no matter how much they may condemn the idea.

The class of 2007 seems to be doing a better job of controlling their anger, and overall seems to have a more optimistic outlook than the class of 2006. When asked if he was bothered by the increase in service hours, Ryan Devoe of the class of 2007 said, “In a way, yes, because it seems unfair that we have to do more, but in a way no, because it means more help for the community.”

In spite of this optimism, the class of 2007 does have a complaint, which is vehemently shared by the class of 2006. Both classes protest the new and very restrictive options for service. They believe that the work they are allowed to do is boring and limited. Also, they complain that hardly any new ideas are ever approved, and they are

stuck doing the same type of service again and again. This is a valid point. I Þnd that even for the upperclassmen, the types of service are limited and are often difÞcult to complete. Although the argument can be made that service is not to be done for fun, it would still be nice to do something enjoyable, and that beneÞts those in our immediate vicinity, not a distant, unfamiliar community.

Overall however, I think that the underclassmen just need a more optimistic point of view. True, the service has become restrictive, but the service requirements cannot be changed by arguing about it, so it would be better to have fun (or at least try to have fun) while doing it. Hopefully, this will become one less issue to debate, and the students can return to the familiar routine of complaining about the tone system, or the new chicken tenders.

Fine Arts Awards merit more publicity particular publicity from the school. The students and parents that attend are usually involved in one of these programs. If they were not taking the class, it would be unThere are many special events likely that they would know much about it. that take place at JC; athletic banquets, The fact that a large amount of senior awards, Pow Wows, and battles people attended proves that it is obviof bands just to name a few. All of these ous that people want to come, but how are well attended, and well publicized will they Þnd out about it? Sure, it is throughout the school. But there is one mentioned in the announcements, but not night that does not get the recognition with much enthusiasm. How are students it deserves: the Fine Arts Award night. supposed to know exactly when and what At one point in every JC student’s time it takes place, or even what it is? life, they take some sort of Þne arts class, There should be more information whether it is visual, performing, or literary available for interested students. Flyers art. The entire school is involved in Þne arts could be given out, or posted around the activities. Some students take these courses school. Also, as with other JC events, postfor granted, think of them as requirements ers could be made. They are an artistic way and canfor catchnot wait to ing drop that students’ seventh attention class. But and into othforming ers, these them. courses Also, the mean more Spirit and they Club spend the should better part get inof three volved. years honThey ing their work skills in a hard on particular drumdiscipline. ming up supThis single Stephanie Rew accepts an award from Principal Barker at port for the Fine Arts Awards Night. Students were rewarded for evening athletic devoted to their achievements during their yearlong devotion to fine events, arts. awarding so why Fine Arts not help takes virtually a year to prepare. Creative out with the art awards as well? writing takes a semester. Two semesters of The new Fine Arts Wing was crenearly every drawing, painting, studio, pho- ated so that students would have a better tography, and ceramic classes are taught. artistic opportunity and experience at JC. The Pinnacle, PaciÞcus, and Patriot staffs Our facility has proven to do just that, espeare writing year round. The jazz band and cially when compared to area high schools. music ministry practice outside of school Obviously the art students take all year, and chorus starts off every morn- advantage of it, and one night per year the ing with practice. The band begins their entire school should come to support, and preparation before school even starts in Au- appreciate, the work created there. It is gust. You should not forget the dance class, also an opportunity to support classmates, acting class, actors, set, and lighting crew and even learn something new about them. members in the fall play and spring musiThere is just as much work put into cal, and video production. Everybody is the Fine Arts Awards as any other school busy throughout the year creating, learning, event. There is plenty of interest in it, and and perfecting their skills for the awards it could be made into an even better experinight, the culmination of all that hard work. ence if more people came. The only way for Unfortunately for these dedicated that is to be possibly is to advertise the ocstudents, not everyone knows about this casion more, and let the entire school know exciting night. Every year there are plenty about it. Support JC by supporting their arts. of art show patrons, but this is not due to any

Patriot

Lindsay Nicolucci Features co Editor

photo by Jess Riefler

demanding much more of their students, and the administration of our school decided that we needed to at least equal the others Since the switch two years ago in the Þeld of service. In addition, Sister in the number of Marie says required service that in order hours to graduate, to “broaden many of the underour vision classmen have been of service” complaining about and make JC the increase in the students into amount of work “responsible they must do. They contributors” also complain about to society, the what kind of service quality of serthey are expected vice handed to do. While the in is now beincrease of hours is ing examined rather unfair to those more closely. in the lower classes, Now it is not that big of this does not a deal, and a new seem to be outlook on the whole too much to process is required. ask, but the Although reaction from it seems somewhat the underunwarranted to ask classmen, the class of 2006 and especially subsequent classes to the class of complete sixty hours 2006, is comof service, rather than plete outrage. the forty hours forThey refer merly required, there to the upperare justiÞcations for classmen as the increase. Sister “lucky” and Marie Gregory, who are very upset Junior Anthony Tapp ventures to the Outis in charge of the that they are reach office in order to turn in his service Outreach program, hour cards. required to says that after exdo more work amining the service than their fellow students. However, in just requirements at other private high schools one more year, all the students attending JC in the area, JC’s own program seemed insuf- will have to complete the same number of Þcient. Many of the nearby schools were service hours, and this argument will be Leah McGann Staff Writer

June 2004

Editorials

5

School dances need shaping up A dance is a party or get together to which people can go to just dance and have a good time. Right? If you plan on having a good time then the JC dances probably wouldn’t be the place to go; and personally I go to the dances to have fun.

However, the JC dances fall short of many students’ expectations, including my own.

The JC dances need major improvements in order to satisfy the expectations of students, and maybe with these improvements students will actually start attending more.

Administrators restrict some types of dancing, including a kind of dancing referred to as “simulated sex.” This so-called provocative dancing is forbidden because it appears that the dancers are engaging in inappropriate sexual behavior. Yet the fact is students are not having sex. While the administration said that what students are doing is not considered dancing, yet neither is standing three feet away from the person your with and swaying back and forth.

“Why do [administrators] say you can’t freak dance when the DJ plays Sean Paul?” asked sophomore Anna Hagan.

Dance is a form of art that everyone should be allowed to show, even if it happens to consist of getting very close to your dance partner.

Although dance is a form of art the money in order to better the dances. In same cannot be said for the dance decora- turn, more people would attend the bettions. Cutouts of cartoon Þsh and the Little ter quality dances, thus making more Mermaid hardly make decent decorations. money to further better the quality.

Also, penalizing people for arrivAlthough the cotton on the ßoor, meant to simulate clouds for the 2002 ing late is a turn-off for many students. If Homecoming dance was very creative, the a couple arrives ten minutes after a certain Under the Sea time, they must theme was not as sit in the “penspectacular as it alty box” for ten could have been. minutes. HowMerely hanging ever late people blue streamers and arrive, they must pictures of Disney wait for that same amount of time in characters all over the penalty box. the place is not my Then, idea of decorating. there is a cutoff The party favors time after which were almost no one is allowed as lousy as the to enter the dance. decorations at this If there year’s Homecomwere just the ing Dance. Who cutoff time, inwants a cheap stead of both the plastic coffee mug Freshman Andrew Kessler escorts his date to commemorate into the sparcely-decorated Homecoming cutoff time and their night? Sure- dance. the penalty box, ly better favors people would can be purchased, even on a tight budget. make more of an effort to arrive to the If a tight budget is what keeps dance on time. This way, there would the dances at minimal quality, then maybe not be a penalty box rule that keeps more money needs to be raised. Selling couples from enjoying the dance. And tickets at the door could help raise more if people come late, that’s their fault. photo courtesy of Yearbook

Sandy Wienholt Entertainment co Editor

The Back-to-School dance is held in the cafeteria, where heat becomes an issue. There is a considerable turnout for the Back-to-School dance, and cramming hundreds of people in a tiny room is ludicrous.

The gym should be used for these more-popular dances because it is air-conditioned.

Even installing air-conditioning in the cafeteria would help the problem and also help with the heat issue during regular school hours.

During the three hours students are at the dance, they are constantly moving and burning off their energy. Therefore, food and refreshments should be sold in order to energize hungry dancers.

The money raised from selling food can go toward making other dances better.

Setting up games in the new practice gym during Homecoming would help keep boredom to a minimum for most people, especially those without dates.

Games are set up during the Back-to-School dance and other small dances. Why not set up games during Homecoming? Formal wear is not enough to stop people from getting down a dirty in the practice gym.

The dances deÞnitely have room for improvement.

With new improvements come higher attendance and more cash ßow. Even if just a few of these issues were resolved, the dances would be much more enjoyable than they are now.

Comics by Rich

The everyday adventures of Billy the Wolfman

June 2004

The

Patriot

Volume 39, Number 6

News

6

Skewed voting causes re-election of senior class president as the winner of the senior class election. there was no way of knowing if that acHowever, according to Mrs. cusation was valid because students were Zurkowski, “The winner wasn’t Þnalized told to leave their ballots anonymous. because Laura “Basically, ruAs the tone sounded on the morn- came to me around mors were ßying,” LAURA KUTNEY ing of Thursday, May 13, all the juniors were mod 12 and said said Mrs. Zurkowski. herded into the cafeteria for the Re-Election that she had heard “At that point we of the Senior Class President. Candidates that certain homewere still missing t was almost as if running for the position of Senior Class rooms did not vote forty votes approxisomebody baked a President were Eamonn Gordon, Laura because there was mately so I was still Kutney, and Andrew O’Hara. a sub in the room.” concerned that there cake and said, ‘ I made “The original plan was that the vot- Mr. Heubeck were people out this for you but it’s not ing [for Junior Class President] would take was absent on th definitly yours yet.’ “ place on Friday, May 7, in junior home- Friday, and it has v rooms and the ballots were brought down been conÞrmed w to me to be counted and based on those that his homeq votes we had a winner that day,” said Mrs. room did in fact not vote. people double-voting, Zurkowski, Junior Class Moderator. Friday Mrs. Zurkowski said, “At that voting, and people fo afternoon Laura Kutney was announced point, because Laura raised that concern to Then, on Tuesd me, I spoke to Mr. Johnson and he Mrs. Zurkowski receiv said to make an announcement to from the leadership h junior homerooms that as of Mon- that had been sent on day, May 10, anyone who did not The e-mail stated th vote should vote and send the ballot person had not voted an to Mrs. Zurkowski.” All late votes chose to vote for Eam had to be given to Mrs. Zurkowski Gordon. Although M by 2:35 Monday afternoon. Zurkowski had no “I probably got a handful been aware of the vo of votes Þrst thing in the morn- until Tuesday, techn ing,” said Mrs. Zurkowski, “and cally, it came in bea few people trickled in with their fore the deadline. votes because they had been at the According SAC meeting that Friday.” The to Laura Kutney, AP US History exam was also that between herself and morning, so several juniors were Gordon were 61unable to participate in the voting. Kutney, so the late vote received Since the junior class is so small, most students Later that day, Kut- by Mrs. Zurkowski via email tied know each other fairly well, making it difficult for ney approached Mrs. Zurkowski the score. “The fact that it was a onethem to chose whom to vote for as Senior Class again and said that she had heard vote lead and then a tie really caused a President. of people voting twice; however, concern for me,” said Mrs. Zurkowski.

Courtney Kurtz News co Editor

photo by Kristin Pytko

I

To put an end to all discrepancies, it was decided to start with a clean slate and have a re-election for the Senior Class President. “It was upsetting to be announced President and then have it taken away. It was almost as if somebody baked a cake and said, ‘I made this for you but it’s not deÞnitely yours yet,’ ” said Laura Kutney.

All the juniors voted gathered in the cafeteria and placed their Þnal votes.

SAC representatives collected the ballots and Sr. Jeanne

ney said, “I feel that our junior class will pick whoever they feel is best for the job.” After all the election chaos, Kutney will Þnally be able to spend her last year at JC as Senior Class President.

Country Fair mischief arouses many concerns amongst community The routine Friday night mischief later got a little more interesting when Mr. Barker had to ask a registered The annual Country Fair was held this year pedophile to leave after sevduring the weekend of April 30th through May 2nd. As eral parents recognized him usual, the fair drew massive amounts of people to the from a picture printed in The campus and the Parent Association was once again able Aegis. The administration to raise a huge amount of money for the after prom party. was able to intervene before Also in line with past fairs, numerous accounts of disorderly any illegal activity occurred. activity were quickly spread throughout the school in the “He did nothing, he weeks following the fair. There were anecdotes involving was just sitting by himself on pedophiles, concealed weapons, illegal drugs, and gang a bench. The decision was Þghts. It seemed made to ask him to that this year’s fair leave for the safety harbored more misof our community,” chief than past years. said Mrs. Gauthier.

The drama Then, began on Friday around 11 p.m., night when a Þght the Bel Air police Freshmen Maria Ruiz and Allison Humphries work at the face painting booth. broke out near one ofÞcers working Many students volunteered their time to make the fair a success. of the children’s at the fair were rides. A loud noise radioed news constantly patrolling the entire campus in the faciliwas heard and police of a car chase in Baltimore County that was ties van and the golf cart as well as on foot and bikes. quickly intervened. quickly moving up Route 1 toward the HarThese measures do increase the sense of se“The kids were ford County border.

Fortunately, however, curity among students. “The police there deÞnitely taken to RockÞeld that chase did not come near the JC campus. helped me to feel safe,” said freshman Anna Gallen. where they were im“It had nothing to do with the fair nor However, despite all these precautions, Mr. Barker mediately arrested,” did it affect the fair at all,” said Mrs. Gauthier. still sees room for improvement: “I have great concerns said Assistant Dean Saturday night was decidedly less event- about the Country Fair in the nighttime hours. It’s the most of Students Mrs. ful, which Mr. Perry says is usually the case: “Sat- edgy of any John Carroll event. I think the administration Gauthier. The three urday night is the most boring night. The most ex- will get together with local police and the parent association perpetrators were citing thing is helping someone who left their lights to talk about problems that only arise after it gets dark.” not JC students. on jumpstart their car in the back parking lot.”

Mrs. Gauthier said, “I think we need more people Friday However, despite the calmness of Satur- from the school visible. And we should take a look at night Þghts are Sophomores Caroline Kyle and Katie day night, Friday’s events have brought the issue of lighting, maybe we need to start earlier and end earlier.” certainly not unique Garnet admire the rides while eating fair safety to the forefront of the school’s agenda.

By the time next year’s fair rolls around, the adto this year’s fair. snoballs.

“Safety certainly is a huge issue especial- ministration hopes to tighten security and hopefully misAccording to scily when you have a whole lot of people. We have chief will not continue to be a problem. Mr. Perry hopes ence teacher Mr. Perry, who has worked security at the to take a look at the issues involved,” said Mrs. Gauthier. security problems will not bring an end to the fair. He fair for nine years, at least one Þght breaks out every Currently the school employs auxiliary po- said, “It’s a historic event for the school and we need to Friday night of the fair. “I’ve seen some pretty amaz- lice, a parking monitor, and radios to enhance secu- keep it around because I’d hate to see those younger kids ing [things], especially on Friday nights,” he said. rity at the fair. Teachers and other faculty are also who come during the day and have a great time lose it.” photo courtesy of Yearbook Staff

photo courtesy of Yearbook Staff

Rachael Kessler Editor in Chief

Volume 39, Number 6

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Patriot

June 2004

News

7

Students venture to Costa Rica during spring break Lauren Schnupp Photography Editor

photo courtesy of Ms. Dombrock

After another eventful day, you want nothing more than to jump into bed and fall asleep. So you run to your room, unlock the door, and jump into bed. As your eyes are slowly closing, you are suddenly woken by a deafening scream. You try to ignore it and fall back asleep but it persists. You look beside you to see if your roommate has started to snore…no, that’s not it. You check to see if you have inadvertently turned on your CD player…no, that’s not it either. Finally you get out of bed and look outside and discover the culprits…howler monkeys.

This is one of the many exotic scenarios students faced on the recent trip to Costa Rica.

The trip, which lasted from April 8th to April 18th, was the eighth annual JC trip.

Ten students, Mr. and Mrs. Hughes, Mr. Maynard, and Junior Lauren Schnupp sips Ms. Dombrock all coconut juice directly from the coconut itself. participated in this unique experience.

Costa Rica provided students of all interests an opportunity to explore a diverse ecosystem while still having fun. A typical day consisted of a large breakfast, an environmental activity, lunch, another activity, dinner, and free time.

Environmental activities allowed students to view unique wildlife Þrst-hand. Students participated in several bird watching expeditions, boat rides, and hikes through the rainforest. Students were able to see caimans, a plethora of birds, a variety of snakes, frogs, and lizards, among other things.

For Mr. Hughes, viewing the wildlife was one of the highlights of the trip. “Seeing the Great Black and White Owl and two sloths just sitting in a tree in the middle of the day [was one of my favorite memories],” said Hughes.

For those not so enthusiastic about nature, the Costa Rica trip supplied many additional activities.

The zip line through the canopy combined speed, heights, and beautiful scenery into one three-hour activity.

photos courtesy of Ms. Dombrock

Students traversed a series of zip lines that traveled within or above the rainforest canopy of Monte Verdi. “The zip line was my favorite experience,” said senior Matt Scanlon, “It was fun.”

Several students also participated in horseback riding. The ride spanned several hours and provided hilltop views of the beach as well as a close up look at a pack of Howler monkeys. And, due to Costa Rica’s lack of liability laws, all of the riders were able to gallop on their horses.

Senior Katie Taibi said, “Horseback riding was my favorite experience because the horses were really nice and [the scenery] was beautiful.”

She added, “I’ve never ridden that fast on a horse Top: The resounding scream of howler monkeys awoke many students early in the morning. before, so it was really cool.”

Bottom: The group poses for a picture after another long day.

For the athletic types, students also participated in several international soccer games.

Towards the end of the trip, students were also Costa Rica has a wealth of soccer Þelds and JC students put offered the chance to go surÞng on the black-sand beach them to good use. Oftentimes, locals would watch the game of Hermosa, on the PaciÞc side of Costa Rica. Only a few and join in, providing an opportunity to interact with the members of the group attempted surÞng; however, everyone Costa Rican culture. was able to enjoy the beach. High waves and strong currents Other opportunities to interact with locals surfaced impeded initial success but a couple JC surfers were able to on the several stops in small towns. Students were given the stand up on their boards. opportunity to shop and explore communities. Senior Eric Whatever their motivation for going on the trip, Aycock said, “My favorite part of the trip was going into the all of the participants agreed that they had an enjoyable towns because you get to talk with the people and it gave me experience.

For many, the trip changed previous a chance to use my Spanish.” expectations. Katie Taibi commented, “You think of Costa Students were able to buy many souvenirs for Rica and you expect the people to be really poor, but the family and friends on these trips into small towns. Popular people were really happy. I had a really good time.” gifts included shirts, post cards, hammocks, and jewelry.

Matt Scanlon agreed, “The trip was deÞnitely better than I expected.”

“It’s nice to travel to places you like,” said Mr. Hughes. “Students need to see a place like Costa Rica.

It reinforces what they learn in class and [they] have fun. Costa Rica is such a diverse country. Where else in the world can you travel from a lowland jungle on the Caribbean, to an area like the Swiss Alps, to a volcano, and back to the PaciÞc Coast in six hours?”

photo by Kristin Pytko

Teacher of the Year

Journalism and English teacher Mark Ionescu won JC’s Teacher of the Year for 2004. Mr. I, as he is affectionately called by his students, is a graduate of JC and ironically won while working part-time.

June 2004

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Volume 39, Number 6

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College on horizon for class of 2004

into and choosing to go to some of the schools. Twelve students even went from with satisfaction. Mullin noted that many nation’s most competitive schools. Duke, being waitlisted to being accepted as a JC students have a lot of opportunities.

Villanova, Carnegie Mellon, Vassar, Boston result of the effective way they commu- This is represented by the large number of On Saturday, May 22, four years College, Wake Forest, Georgetown, and nicated with their prospective colleges. scholarships students have been receiving. of impatient waiting Þnally came to an Merchant Marine Academy are only some of Competitiveness, athletic and One hundred and ten out of 172 graduating end for JC’s Class of 2004. All of the the more prestigious colleges that members academic opportunities, cost, and distance seniors reported receiving scholarships, hard work put forth in high school paid of the Class of 2004 have chosen to attend. seemed to be the main factors in selecting with the cumulative amount of scholarship off when the seniors marched across “I worked really hard a school to attend. money reaching $5.6 million and still rising. the stage to receive their diplomas. in high school, so it Mullin said, “A fair While many students enter college Unfortunately, the stress has not deÞnitely paid off to number of students unsure of what to expect, Mullin comments MIKE MARINO come to an end; according to guidance coun- get into the school I only want to be 3-4 that the “one thing you can guarantee is selor Mr. Mullin, 100% of this year’s gradu- really wanted to go hours away by car.” that there’s a lot of surprises out there ating class will attend college. “We have to,” said Valedicto’m nervous about However, a handful on the campuses. . . . The biggest hazard some ‘undecideds’ but they’re choosing rian Britt Cramer, of students are still waiting for them [students] out there is not having anyone between two schools,” commented Mullin. who will be attending choosing to go far roommates” because they are the one of In congruence with previous Georgetown in the fall. to do my laundry.” away to schools such the few things students cannot control. classes, approximately 90% of this year’s as Texas A&M, UniAlthough Along with the enthusiasm asseniors will attend four-year schools, with many JC students versity of Illinois, and sociated with attending college in the fall, the other 10% choosing two-year col- will be attending University of Oregon. students are also Þlled with apprehension. leges such as Harford Community College. top tier colleges and Kayani Turner, “I’m nervous about not having anyone Fifty-three people out of this class of 172 universities, it is certainly not the goal of who received a full athletic scholarship to to do my laundry,” joked Mike Marino. students were accepted at Towson Uni- the guidance department to get all of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Mullin characterizes this exciting versity, with 25 choosing to go. Other seniors into big-name schools. “We try commented, “The people at the school plus time as an “adventure for every student,” popular choices include James Madison, to get [the students] a good combination the volleyball made my choice very easy.” and seemed most proud when he said, University of Delaware, Villa Julie, and of comfort and challenge,” said Mullin.

A surprising number of stu- “Our kids always come back and tell us University of Maryland- College Park.

Mullin credits the realism of dents also chose schools based on the they were prepared academically which This year, JC students once again the senior class with the acceptance of climate of the region surrounding the lets us know we’re doing our job well.” demonstrated their intelligence by getting 84% of students into their Þrst-choice college. “A lot of people like weath- This shows in the fact that 126 seniors er,” observed Mullin lightheartedly. graduated with a Diploma with Distinction.

“They [the Class of 2004] had Senior Kayani Turner summed control of the [college] process. . . . In up the excitement and anxiety of the “I have to pay to Þll my tank general, they planned well and carried out senior class when she said, “Life has Rachael Kessler and I make about $85 a week, so that’s their plans with good timing,” Mullin said just begun and it only gets harder.”

Editor in Chief more than half my paycheck,” Allen said.

Sophomore Emily Depman If you’ve been to a gas station in doesn’t even have her license yet, but is the past month, you’ve probably noticed that already feeling the burn of rising gas prices.

Show” for his sculpture “The Fall of Troy.”

Aisha Turner the price of a gallon of regular unleaded gas Emily’s parents sold her sister’s 4RunCeramics awards went to Rachel News co Editor has crept up dangerously close to $2.00 and ner, which was soon to be Emily’s, and Goetzinger, who won Þrst place for her “Japis continuing to rise. For high school stu- bought a smaller and more gas-efÞcient car. anese Teapot,” and Kristina Zerhusen, who dents, working part-time and making mini“I’m not complaining, but SUVs On Wednesday, May 19, the won second place for her “Purse Teapot.” mum wage, these price increases have made are a lot nicer than smaller cars,” she said.

JC community gathered to honor those Jen Smith topped off her sedriving problematic.

Other students students that have excelled in the arts. nior year by receiving Þrst place for her Such is the have tried to Þnd Drawings, paintings, photographs, and self-portrait. This year was the fourth situation for junior ways around high sculptures created by JC stuAshley Livingston, gas prices. “I have dents were displayed in the art who drives 50 miles an Exxon gas card wing and at the entrance of the roundtrip every day and that’s the most school. to school from her expensive gas.

The artwork was judged house in Rising Sun. Go to Safeway, on May 17, with the winners Ashley makes miniyou’ll save three being recognized at a formal mum wage working cents,” said junior ceremony Wednesday evening. at Buck’s Restaurant Ashley Kline.

To ensure fairness, the winners and struggles to Þnd Many Americans were decided by impartial judges the money to Þll have attempted to not associated with the school. her tank, especially organize boycotts “The awards are unpredictable,” since the cost to Þll of the leading oil said art teacher Mr. Gaudreau, her tank has risen companies, includ“The best art is a surprise.” from $18 to $25 ing Exxon and It is difÞcult to predict Lindsay Parsons admires the artwork of her peers. in recent weeks.

Mobile, through At a local Shell station, gas prices are which pieces will win because “Gas prices rapidly rising. Diesel fuel, which used message boards by its nature, art is interpretive. year in a row that Jen won Þrst place. “I are ridiculously high to cost more than premium, is now less on the Internet.

Gaudreau speculates that it might be skill, was thrilled. It’s her life’s ambition to and seeing as how expensive than regular unleaded.

But despite their more emotion, a high level of commit- do art so it’s nice for her to be recogI make minimum best efforts, the ment, or expertise that sets the good art nized,” said Smith’s mom enthusiastically. wage and a couple dollars in tips every nuisance of high gas prices doesn’t apart from the great art. “We’re rewardSmith’s father added, “That [the art night, I have to borrow money from my par- seem to be ending anytime soon. ing excellence,” commented Gaudreau. program] was one of the deciding facents just to Þll up my tank,” Livingston said. Dallas oil tycoon Boone Pickens predicts that Winners included Lucas Dumm tors in her entering John Carroll.”

Junior Megan Allen is in a simi- the price for a gallon of gas will soon skyfor his “Yellow Ribbon” drawing, which “I’m amazed at how many talented lar position. After wrecking her Honda rocket to over $3.00. As the demand for gaswon third place, and senior Emily Lyles, pieces there are out here,” said Linda Accord, which cost $20 to Þll, Megan oline continues to increase and unrest in the whose self-portrait earned her second place. Fleury, mother of junior and winner Rich was forced to drive her mom’s Chev- Middle East continues to worsen, gas prices Senior Brad Blair was awarded “Best in Fleury. Overall, the night was a success. rolet Suburban, which costs $60 to Þll. are certainly not going down anytime soon.

Aisha Turner News co Editor

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Gas prices burden bank accounts

Volume 39, Number 6

photo by Jess Riefler

photo by Lauren Schnupp

Students awarded for their talents

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June 2004

Features

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photo by Mr. Ionescu

Senior editors prepare for next step Liz Hersey and Lindsay Nicolucci Features co Editors

Dan Tims Cartoon Editor

Erin O’Brien News co Editor

Katie was Editor-in-Chief for the Patriot 0304. Somehow, with her busy schedule, she managed to balance the school paper with countless other responsibilities, including president of the NHS and president of the Respect Life Club. Katie was also captain of varsity lacrosse and played Þeld hockey. Her peers voted her Most Likely to Succeed, with fellow Patriot editor Billy Hughes. At the end-of-the-year awards ceremony, she was awarded the Patriot Award and the John Carroll Faculty Award. She will be attending Vassar College in the fall.

Dan Tims found fame at JC, thanks in part to his hilarious comics and the Patriot newspaper. He served as the Comics Editor 03-04. His artistic inclinations reached many areas, including the Film Club, of which he was co President.

He and Erin O’Brien received the title of Best Storyteller. Dan won a school wide essay contest sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. He also won a Brady White Cap Award.

Erin O’Brien was the News co Editor. Her abilities were not limited to academics and the written word, as was shown by her performance on the JC Þeld hockey team. Her class voted her and Dan Tims “Best Storytellers,” in recognition of their narrative skills. This fall Erin will begin the next phase of her life at Washington College.

.

Billy Hughes Editorials co Editor

Laurie Krysiak Features co Editor

Cati Horn Archives Manager

Billy was co Editor of Editorials 03-04, as well as being the NHS’ Senior Member-at-Large. He was also a member of the JC Academic Team. He also was captain of the men’s tennis team. Billy’s combination of intelligence and initiative earned him the senior superlative “Most Likely to Succeed,” along with Katie Chlada. He won the JC English award and the John Carroll Faculty Award. All his successes at JC have not gone unnoticed, as he was accepted to Duke Univerity’s class of 2008

Laurie Krysiak was the Features co Editor for both her junior and senior years. “Laurie was a very hard worker,” says Laura Kirchner, who worked with Laurie on The Patriot’s 03-04 year. Sam Marll, staff writer and fellow senior, agreed, saying, “She was a diligent, conscien tious worker, and she made The Patriot better than it was before.” Laurie will be attending Randolph Macon College.

Cati Horn was the business manager for the ’03-’04 school year. She played volleyball, and also served on the Captain’s Committee. Cati kept busy senior year with Advanced Film Production, and put together senior memory videos. Next year she will be attending the Merchant Marine Academy.

Katie Burton Entertainment co Editor

Marybeth Derbyshire Photography Editor

Pat Harrington Business Manager

Katie served as Entertainment co Editor for the ’03-’04 year. Very involved at JC, Katie was a member of the SAC, Spanish Honors Society, Drama Club, Quill and Scroll, and previously managed the football team. She was always willing to help, and very upbeat.

Next year the students and faculty of Delaware University will undoubtedly beneÞt from her cheery disposition.

Marybeth Derbyshire was the Photography Editor for the ’03-’04 school year. As the only editor this year, she took on a great responsibility with photo assignments. She was very enthusiastic about the position. She was a member of the NHS, Spanish Honors Society, and also band. This year, she was also a drum major in marching band. Next year she will be attending the University of Maryland College Park.

Pat Harrington’s Þrst year on the Patriot was very productive. He joined in 2003 as the Business Manager.

He was diligent in his work and was always on top of his responsibilites. Next year he will be attending NYU.

Britt Cramer Features .co Editor

John Vigliotti Sports co Editor

Britt Cramer worked on the Features section for her year on The Patriot. She was also a member of the NHS. Despite these noteworthy academic achievements, she clearly had a humorous side, as her peers voted her “Most Likely to Marry for Money.” Truly a well-rounded person, Britt proved her athletic abilities as captain of the tennis team. She was awarded the JC Booster Club’s Blue Ribbon Scholarship at the end of her senior year. Her hard work has warranted her place at Georgetown University.

John Vigliotti served as News co Editor for the ’02-’03 school year, and as Sports co Editor for the ’03-’04 year. John was a member of the Envirothon team and Water Polo. John was a strong creative force for the staff, and was a pleasure to work with. For all his support of the school, he won the SAC Leadership award. John served as his senior class president as well.

In the fall he will be going to Richmond University.

Katie Chlada Editor in Chief

June 2004

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The

Patriot

Good luck, Seniors!

We’ll miss you!

Above Photo (L-R) Cati Horn, Katie Chlada, Laurie Krysiak, Adam Bell, Sam Marrl, John Vigliotti, Britt Cramer, Katie Burton, Erin O’Brien, Billy Hughes, Dan Tims.

Volume 39, Number 6

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Shedding light on tanning’s darker side People think I look good with my tan, so I most everyone knows the risks of tanning, but few know the science of what happens keep with it.”

Although girls may be the ones to tan, or worse, burn the skin.

The color change takes place who tan, the perception of beauty is hardly lost on the guys.

Senior Chris Inmon acwithin the skin cells. The sun, as well as We all do things we know are bad knowledges that he Þ nds tanned girls atsun lamps and tanning beds, produces two for us, for one reason or another. For extractive, and says they should go to tanning types of damaging rays: UVA and UVB. Of ample, I know I should get salad for lunch salons, if that is what they have to do. today; it’s far healthier than cookies. But Still, opposing views exist. which will you see me eating in the cafeteSome feel that the most attractive apria? pearance is the most natural one, and They are good cookies. that an un-tanned, or even pale comThe logic of tanning is similar: plexion is far more preferable to an choosing to tan is a conscious decision to abnormally darkened one. harm your body. Tanning is dangerous; it is medically proven. Everyone is aware of the There’s nothing wrong with being tan in negative side effects, skin cancer being the the summer, but at other times, it’s just main focus of anti-tanning supporters. Still, odd.

“It’s normal to be un-tanned, people frequent tanning salons and/or sunso it looks weird in the bathe.

JENN SACKS winter if you just come By “people,” in one day all OompaI mean women (almost Loompa like,” says exclusively) between the sophomore Jennifer ages of 16 and 19, a group Sacks.

“Plus,” she adds, that claims a large staple “I’m afraid of skin canof the JC population.

Oozing and raw, melanoma spots are comcer.”

Given the danmon types of skin cancer.

Ah yes, the dreaded ger, why do we tan? At skin cancer: a problem one point, the tanning the tanning industry can’t these, UVB rays are more superÞcial and industry tried to market talk its way around. All cause initial burning and redness. As suntheir services based on the cancers are important and widely publicized burn fades, the deeply affecting UVA rays healthful beneÞts of sunlight. But clearly, in our society, but skin cancer is different. cause that desired, darker color. Skin cells we don’t have our body’s best interests at It’s sort of like AIDS meets Botox: while release a brown, protective pigment called heart when we seek that golden glow. We preventable and often the direct result of melanin to help stave off further harm. UVA seem to do it for appearance’s sake: we chosen behaviors, it’s also solely for the rays induce wrinkles, other sorts of premathink it’s beautiful. ture aging, and a leathery look in skin, as sake of appearance.

Sophomore Amber Lassen is a well as immune-system damage. The rays Thanks to persistent ozone deplemoderate tanner, who goes tanning less than mutate the very genetic programming of tion, skin cancer incidence is increasing twice a week. She explains that she tans, skin cells, causing them to reproduce inÞevery year and numbers are highest in equa“so I’m not as pale as a ghost. I love getting nitely into a lump of skin cancer or even torial areas, where the sun is strongest.

Altan.

photo by American Cancer Society

Liz Hersey Features co Editor

I

t looks weird in the winter if you just come in one day all OompaLoompa like.”

melanoma.

At least 40% of Americans who live to be 65 will develop skin cancer at some point.

However, not just sunlight causes this DNA damage.

Case in point: although I grew up on the beach, I never got seriously burned as a child (one sunburn increases one’s chance of developing melanoma by 50%) and never intentionally tanned; so I shouldn’t worry, right?

Not quite. When I was 12, a visit to the dermatologist ended up in a plan for surgery: a little (1-cm) black mark on my back warranted further inspection, and, ultimately, 14 stitches. Five years later, I still have the 3-inch scar, which is, fortunately my only legacy of the experience.

There is nothing good about skin cancer.

This is not to say sunlight has no redeeming qualities for our bodies.

We need sun exposure for our bodies to create vitamin D, and some forms of depression can be cured with exposure to sunlight, or sunlight-type rays. Still, it takes far less light to obtain these positive effects than it does to form any sort of tan.

Tanning itself is a time bomb: what seems minor today can be a major crisis after 10 or 15 years. Eventually we have to pay.

My lunchtime cookies taste good now, but in a few weeks, their effects will show on my body, if I don’t exercise, that is. Today a tan is pretty, but eventually we’ll pay with wrinkles and other signs of premature aging.

Botox, anyone?

Embarking on the summer job search

Patriot file photo

and horrible hours.

“I worked 30 hours a week! I would work from like 3: 00-11:30 on weekdays and from like 11am to 11pm on weekends As we get older and enter our it was crazy,” said Kearney. high school years, we get to experience “Honestly, I just think wonderful and exciting new things: driving, it’s tough for a while so that you high school formals, and other newfound get used to it to see if you’re cut freedoms. There is one other thing that out for the job. Probably after we get to experience: the joy of our Þrst like 3 or 4 months you get used to summer jobs. As summer approaches, it and it’s not so hard anymore.” students Þnd themselves immersed in Fellow junior Greg the endless search for the perfect sumHatem was a member of the mer job, if there even is such a thing.

Greenbrier Subway staff for JC students have tried experinearly a year, but recently left menting with all sorts of jobs. It seems as due to conßicts with manthough JC students have found what makes agement and schoolwork. a “good” summer job, and what does not.

“I quit because of Many students have found themnew corporate policy and selves working in the food business; an new styles of management, area of with endless possibilities, rangincluding new hours and staff ing from carry-out to restaurants, to fast replacements,” said Hatem. food to casual dining. When you go to a He said he wants to work this local restaurant, you are likely to Þnd at summer but is unsure of where least one JC student working. Restaurant exactly he wants to work. work has proven to be the moneymaking Some JC students have business, but hard hours and schedul- The Greenbrier Smoothie King managed to hold on to jobs, such ing can lead to little or no social life. is not only a popular after school as junior Chris Stevenson. He Junior Kelsey Kearney worked at hangout, but an employer for many has worked at Klein’s Grocery the Havre de Grace Pizza Hut for almost a JC students.

Store in Bel Air for a little over month and a half. When asked what attracted a year now. Stevenson seems to her to the food industry, she replied, “I needed the money and I thought I would be good with people.” have found one of the few food service jobs that is ßexible Kelsey soon found out what it was re- on hours - he chooses his. Chris admits to enjoying his job.

Fellow junior Betsy Collins enjoys her curally like. “It turns out that people are really mean and sometimes you just can’t take it,” said Kearney. rent job at the Greenbrier Smoothie King in Bel As many members of the restaurant commu- Air. Collins said that she enjoys her job because “the nity do, Kelsey found herself working extremely long owners are really sweet and it’s really energetic.”

Volume 39, Number 6

The

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One good thing about the food business is “getting to talk to new people all the time,” according to Collins. When asked about the tough hours in food work, she said, “They’re

www.kleinsonline.com

Rose DiPauia Sports co Editor

understanding and people are willing to switch a lot.”

Some JC students have found jobs outside of the enormous food industry, including junior Matt Maskell, an employee at the American Eagle OutÞtters, located in White Marsh Mall.

When asked about his job, at Þrst Matt simply said, “I love it!” Maskell said he wanted to work there because, “it seemed like a fun and interesting job, and I shop there a lot.”

Unlike most restaurant work, Maskell said his job is ßexible with his hours. “It’s easy to get days off – you request off or switch with someone,” said Maskell.

He said his jobs include straightening clothes and working registers. He also gets to enjoy a 60% discount.

Maskell described his managers as “awesome.”

He also seems to have learned a valuable lesson in the working world. He said, “As long as you work hard for them, they’ll help you out.”

So as the dream of summer becomes more of a reality, we keep on that quest for the perfect job.

June 2004

Features

11

Students participate in Baltimore City tradition Delia Pais Managing Editor

Baltimore’s annual Flower Mart attracted the bees and residents alike on May 12, 2004. The Flower Mart served as a meeting place for residents of the Baltimore-Washington area, an advertising market for Catholic schools and artisans, and decorated Mt. Vernon with a beautiful array of ßowers for a day.

The Flower Mart is a tradition in the city of Baltimore. The Baltimore Flower Mart was the Þrst ßower mart in America, beginning in 1911 as a collaborative effort between the Baltimore Municipal Art Society, Home and Garden Committee, and Women’s Civic League.

The Flower Mart is a day in May when the Washington Monument in Mt. Vernon is encircled by booths selling colorful ßowers, and the streets stretching from the monument in all four directions are dotted with booths of artisans and non-proÞt organizations.

Flower Mart is most known for the stunning hats worn and entered into the Grand Hat Contest.

The women, children, and some men of Baltimore design and wear ßowerthemed sun hats throughout the day. Flower Mart-goers decorate straw hats, baseball caps, and large sun hats with anything colorful, usually silk ßowers, fake fruit, and ribbons, but anything goes.

The hats are entered into the Grand Hat Contest, where judges choose the best hat in many categories like Best of Baltimore,

Most Creative, and Most Monumental.

Another contest held at the Flower Mart is the booth decorating competition.

The eighteen schools surrounding the Washington Monument decorated their booths with everything from tissue paper to fake ßowers and fruit.

The Flower Mart is a collage of colors, smells, and sounds. It entices all the senses, and in more recent years has enticed Catholic Schools to sponsor the booths hugging the Washington Monument.

Eighteen Catholic schools were represented at this year’s ßower mart, including John Carroll. John Carroll made its second appearance at the Flower Mart in 2004, using the event photo by Mara Pais as an advertisement for the school.

John Carroll’s presence at Sophomores Chelsea Ford, Delia Pais, Allie Greig, and Audrey McGuirk show off their the Flower Mart captured the attention festive hats. Baltimore’s Flower Mart is quickly becoming a JC tradition as well. of many in attendance at the Flower Mart with the students’ eye-catching hats and creative booth decorations. with the booth designed and deco- around Baltimore by attracting attenChelsea Ford, Allie Greig, Meaghan rated by the students. The booth was tion with colorful hats, an interesting Hinder, Audrey McGuirk, Delia Pais, Anna themed around the Great Baltimore Fire booth, and free pencils and magnets.

Flower Mart is a great Scholl, and McKenzie Walsh represented JC of 1904, and was decorated with a silbring and attracted attention throughout the day houette of the Baltimore skyline ablaze event that is working to the pride of Baltimore. with their gorgeous and imaginative hats. with orange, yellow, and red blooms. back Flower Mart’s array of colors, Meaghan Hinder and Anna Scholl Pat Gauthier, Brendan Gauthwon awards in the Children’s Grand Hat ier, and Keegan Gaeng built replicas of sounds, and smells decorate the Mt. Contest. Meaghan won Þrst prize for the two Baltimore skyscrapers that were Vernon streets for only one day, but are Grooviest Hat with her large sun hat deco- displayed in the front of the booth. well remembered by all in attendance.

The ten JC students that atrated with a boa, fake ßowers, and tinsel.

The booth attracted the attenAnna’s creation, a straw hat tion of Baltimoreans, and more impor- tended the Flower Mart represented with the center designed to look like tantly the judges, who gave JC the third the school well throughout the day. JC a tree, decorated with birds and ßow- prize in the booth-decorating contest. enjoyed the Baltimore Flower Mart ers, won the Most Imaginative category.

The Flower Mart proved to be a and can’t wait to go back next year.

JC was also well represented great way to advertise the school’s name

End of year workload overwhelms students Though the school year is winding down, for some students the work is piling up. The end of the school year is probably the hardest time for students. Juggling the end of the school workload, sports, exam preparation, and sometimes going to work, can prove to be a difÞcult task. With all of that on their plate, plus a social and family life, it is easy to get overwhelmed and stressed out. However, most teachers do not seem to be letting up.

Many students feel that teachers are creating additional work instead of lightening the load. They Þnd there are more homework assignments, quizzes and tests, and even more busywork during class time.

It is understandable why teachers give homework (to review work done in class and help you to remember it), but there seems to be a recent trend of giving abundant amounts of homework. Junior Danny Condon stated that, “The amount of homework each night seems to have doubled.”

June 2004

While homework is helpful it can also be hurtful. If a student has trouble in a certain subject and is given an overpowering amount of work. It maybe hard for them to complete that assignment, let alone others. It’s like there is no happy medium anymore. You either do the work or you don’t.

“It’s almost the end of the year so all of this stuff is basically pointless,” sophomore Nicole Dutche explains. While there seems to be no more happy medium and it maybe considered pointless to take in this informationyou must. Why must you? The answer to that is simple: because it will be on your exam.

Going deep into detail seems to also be something that teachers are doing more and more.

This is not necessarily a bad thing; however, for some students it causes difÞculty.

“We recently started taking quizzes weekly, which is a royal pain. It is difÞcult to get all your homework and studying for all your classes done. In English everyone is basically failing every quiz because they are impossible. There is to much detail that you need to remember,” says sophomore Nicole Skopinski. Although it is respectable to know details there is the point that some details are not that important. In Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye is it really that important to know that the main character, almost slipped on peanut shells?

Sophomore Alex Edgerton agreed that the classes seemed to be getting

The

more and more difÞcult instead of simply winding down with the rest of the year.

photo by Lauren Schnupp

Mary Etting Editorials co Editor

Weighed down by his books, freshman Stanley Budzynski tries to balance himself. Carrying extra books was just another sign of an increasing amount of work this year.

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“It is getting harder.” he said, “We had, like, a ten page term paper due recently. It has been a lot of work.”

Teachers are also becoming less lenient on deadlines. While before they may have seemed more understanding to special circumstances, teachers seem to need it in their hands the moment it is due- no earlier, no later. While it is understandable why change it at the end of the year? Teachers should make deadlines just what they are- deadlines. If they do decided to take papers in late, even when they know they probably shouldn’t, they should not change that more than three-fourths of the way through the year.

Instead of reviewing past information that could be used as a small refresher, teachers seem to try and jam all the information they see needed into overworked brains.

This is not to say they aren’t trying to help, but why try to cram it all in at the last minute?

There are only so many seconds, minutes, and hours in the day. Teachers need to let up on the work. Chances are students aren’t going to remember half the stuff taught in the next week. Reviewing for exams is one of the most important things to do before exams. Class time maybe better used to prepare students. Being overworked is something that teens should be very careful of, however school seems to be making it tougher than it could be.

The end of the year is quickly approaching, and soon the horrible torment of staying up into the wee hours of the night will be over; and summer will be at our doorstep.

Volume 39, Number 6

Features

12

Future predicted by impartial orb Dan Tims Contributing Writer Paranormal phenomenon.

This phrase has haunted mankind through the ages, ever since the Þrst primitive human looked up into the primitive night sky and saw the Þrst ever ßash of light circling out over the primitive crops. Yes, the paranormal has long been a fascinating topic, the study of those things that we cannot reasonably explain. There are your UFOs, there are your Big Feet, and there is your Justin-Timberlake-getting-numberone-on-the-pop-charts. Of course, all these have been researched to death, but there is one fascinating phenomena which seems to have slipped under the grease-drenched radar screens of science’s nerdiest investigators.

“What is it?” You ask. “TELL ME!” Whoa, relax. I’m about to tell you.

It’s a seemingly everyday object, a devilishly simplistic little thing. At Þrst glance, you’d swear it was just an ordinary little eight ball.

Of course, it also has the power to tell your future Now, if you’re feeling a little skeptical about something as wondrous as this, know that I was too, at least at Þrst. “A ball that holds the secret of divination?” I thought to myself. “I feel a little skeptical.”

Well, paranormal investigator I am not, but I am a teenager and very susceptible to the power of suggestion, so I decided to rush out and purchase this “Magic Eight-Ball.”

After removing it from its protective packaging obviously meant to deter the unworthy from seeking its incredible wisdom, I read the instructions very carefully.

I elected that for this experiment, I would put the Eight-Ball to the test and live out the entire day completely through its advice.

Putting the eight-ball to its Þrst test, I asked what I felt to be a fairly clichéd, though nonetheless crucial, question.

“Magic Eight-Ball,” I said, shaking it, “What numbers should I pick in the big lottery tomorrow?” I looked anxiously into the magic viewing-port, the answer bubbling up

at me from the depths.

SIGNS POINT TO YES. Okay, this got me thinking. The eight-ball obviously meant that the numbers were indeed certain to it, but it was refusing to divulge them. Clever, very clever of its otherworldly creators: obviously the device had some mechanism to keep its wielder from gaining vast amounts of wealth. I decided to keep to simpler questions.

“Magic Eight-Ball, what should I have for breakfast?”

UNLIKELY. This response distressed me, as I hadn’t eaten all morning and the hunger pains were becoming unbearable, but the eight-ball knows all. Therefore I skipped breakfast and headed to the mall. During the drive I wanted to see if the eight-ball perhaps knew some secret short cut, so I asked it for various directions.

“Do I turn right here?”

MY REPLY IS NO. Nodding, I veered left.

Later, after climbing out of the roadside ditch, which in my opinion was unnecessarily deep, I walked to the mall.

Inside, I met a lady friend of mine who had just bought a new dress.

“Does it make me look fat?” She asked.

I looked at the eight-ball, then back at her, grinning knowingly. “It is certain!”

As she ran off crying, a strange, tallish man in a cloak approached me, face tinged with apprehension.

“Do you know what that is?” The man said. “What you now hold is one of the last objects of pure evil still existing in this world! It is the container of a spirit of absolute malice and horror, keeping it much longer will surely taint your soul as well.

Join my fellowship and we shall embark on a holy quest to destroy these things in the very ßames from whence it emerged!”

I nodded thoughtfully, and then looked at the eight-ball. “Should I go with him?”

UH. . .NO. NO! HE IS A. . .UM, A WITCH! YEAH, A WITCH! STONE HIM THUSLY. Quickly thanking whatever fortu-

itous deity blessed mankind with Magic Eight-Balls, I made the universal “there’s a witch!” signal to the other mall goers, who quickly pulled out their stonin’ rocks and let the wicked one have it.

With that, I headed outside to see where else my eight-ball adventures would take me. I got on the bus and started heading southeast, toward home. Unfortunately, the eight-ball wouldn’t let me off the bus until we had reached Washington D.C. After being dropped off in front of the White House, I walked inside and traveled around aimlessly for a while, until I found a press conference already in progress. I knew I should certainly go in, so I sat back and watched the President answer some questions.

“Mister President, what is the current plan for removal of U.S. troops from middle east action?”

The President’s arms seemed to shake as he looked down at his podium, thinking long and hard. Finally, he looked up again and said “Future hazy. Ask again later.”

“Mister President, could you clarify the proposals on your latest environmental reform?”

The President paused a moment, then looked up and nodded conÞdently.

“Future hazy. Ask again later.” “…Mister President, that’s not an answer. In fact, that’s the only thing you’ve said all night.”

Looking down confusedly, the President shook his arms violently and said, “Is this stupid thing stuck again?”

It was then that the President’s gaze fell on me. I looked back at him, nodded brießy, and held my eight-ball up over my head. The leader of the Free World returned my nod, closed with another “Future hazy,” and ended the conference.

It was then that I realized we’re not in the hands of the random, unbiased thoughts of some brainless power! It was then that I realized, whatever people may say about the leadership in this country, they can be sure of this: it is something more than just a bunch of rich people in suits, it is a bunch of rich people in suits who have been given a divine power.

The power of the future.

It was then that I realized: I think everything’s going to be all right.

Still a “DEFINITELY NOT” on getting home, though.

Teacher looks back on “freshman” year Every year JC gets an inßux of freshmen, but not all of these freshmen are students. Some are teachers.

This year the school gained new faculty and staff members, some of whom are Þrst time teachers themselves.

Mr. Macri is one of these “freshmen.” This time last year, he was receiving his master’s degree in Contemporary Systematics (a.k.a current theology and philosophy) from Fordham. He was working as a youth minister at St. John’s in his native New Jersey when he Þrst interviewed at JC. Back then, Mr. Macri didn’t know too much about the school; he liked the campus and the few faculty members he met in the interview process. He met Mr. Barker and interviewed with Mr. Gallen, and enjoyed meeting them both. He liked the campus and location of the school as well. He was also very excited about the opportunity to coach boy’s basketball.

Once he got the job, Mr. Macri’s summer got very busy. He had just recently gotten engaged to his girlfriend, and there

Volume 39, Number 6

were wedding ideas to plan. Then he had to move from New Jersey to Maryland to take the job. As fall rolled around, Mr. Mac, as his students and players call him, was preparing for his Þrst year of teaching at JC. Since this would be his Þrst year of teaching at all, there were even more reasons to be apprehensive, but Mr. Macri came into the situation with an open mind. He entered the classroom with aspirations for the year.

“I was hoping to give students a chance to learn on their own, and to develop critical During Medical Ethics, Mr. Mac thinking skills,” Macri writes on the board. His classes says. He hoped that his were often discussion based. graduate school classes would help him to achieve such goals. As the year went on, his classes turned into lecture and discussion based courses.

photo by Liz Hersey

Lindsay Nicolucci Features co Editor

The

Patriot

Overall, his year went as expected. “The transition was difÞcult,” he says, but the good outweighed the bad. The whole atmosphere of JC helped make things easier. He was surprised how many faculty members he befriended.

The best part of his experience, though, was the satisfaction of knowing he had done his job well.

Along with experience comes growth, and with growth a new perspective.

Next year, Mr. Mac plans on doing some things differently. He will be teaching Church History and Medical Ethics again, but hopes to take a different approach to church history.

Next year it will be less chronological and more focused on certain topics. He is also teaching sophomore Sacraments and Morality, and Social Justice for seniors. He looks forward to teaching the new courses, and getting to work with even more teachers.

Looking towards his “sophomore” year, Mr. Macri has one major objective. “They say the Þrst year is the hardest, and always makes or breaks you. I wanna see if they’re right.”

June 2004

Entertainment

13

Student bands rock at most recent battle Lindsay Nicolucci Features co Editor Over the past three years, the John Carroll SAC has put on Þve Battles of the Bands. It all started in the spring of 2003, when the Þrst ever battle was held. As SAC moderator, Mr. Johnson has run all Þve. His dedication to the event has made it sail smoothly for three years. He was busy organizing numerous band meetings, taking care of food, tickets, and the gym, and getting a PA system and soundboard controller.

Tickets to the battle were open to all John Carroll students for Þve dollars, and guests outside of the school had to be signed up in order to attend. Over one hundred and Þfty tickets were sold, with money going to the SAC. Many teachers were on hand to chaperone the three and a half-hour long event, including Mr. Piercy, Mrs. Gradishar, Mr. Wojewodzki, and Mrs. Zurkowski.

Eight bands performed at the May 14th battle, with members in grades 8-12. The majority attend JC, but others included students from Calvert Hall, Bel Air Middle, and Bel Air High School. The bands involved were Kill Pill, P Lamb and the Pips, Angry Goth Kids, Tickle Me Emo, Bleeding October, One Finger Up, Passiou, and Andie Kapps and the Hot Fries.

The night was to be the JC debut for some bands including Passiou and P Lamb, but there were also many veterans.

Angry Goth Kids, formerly known as C-4 and The Urchins, have performed at every battle to date. They have played each show with a different set, and a different name.

As Þrst time participants in the battle and also headliners, Andie Kapps and the Hot Fries had more responsibility than

they had expected.

They found out they were the Þnal act mere days before the show.

Luckily, they had been practicing for over two months before hand for the JC fair. This extra practice helped their performance for the battle.

Sophomore Steve Douglas, guitarist and front man, was excited about the whole experience, he said, “it was pretty fun headlining. It was good seeing that a lot of people stayed just to watch us.

That was a really good feeling.”

Steve felt that their work paid off due to how well they performed.

Many of the bands played cover songs, photo by Lindsay Nicolucci from a variety Sophomore Colin Clayton, a member of Angry Goth Kids, of genres. Songs plays his guitar skillfully. The Angry Goth Kids were formerly included were known as C-4 and The Urchins.

Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watch Tower,” “Wendy Clear,” originals. The crowd seemed to enjoy the

by Blink182, and “I Wanna Be Your Dog,” music, whether it was original or not. The

by The Stooges.

Pips and Kill Pill seemed to attract the Other bands, including Passiou largest crowds, while the Angry Goth Kids and headliners Andie Kapps, played mostly managed to get a small group of moshers

photo by Lindsay Nicolucci

Lindsay Parsons pauses from singing one of Passiou’s songs. Passiou played several songs at the Battle.

going. Passiou was the only band with merchandise, and they sold out of CD’s within minutes of closing their set.

So did this battle live up to its predecessors? Angry Goth Kids’ bassist, sophomore Colin Clayton, thinks so. “There was a much smaller crowd this time around but the bands were a lot better.” Colin’s main problem was the size of the crowd.

“I hope that more people come next time so that the talent isn’t wasted. It’s a shame no one came to see the best one so far.”

Freshman Caitlin Toner agrees.

This edition being her second battle, she feels that it was “a lot more energetic,” and “had better bands.” Her favorites were Kill Pill and Passiou. Along with Colin, she believes there should have been more people in attendance.

After months of preparation, practice, and organizing, this year’s spring battle succeeded in entertaining its crowd.

Mary-Kate, Ashley grow up to even more fame Kate and Ashley also attempted two unsuccessful television series, Two of a Kind and So Little Time, which were both cancelled after one season.

Having sustained two ßopped The most important day of the year is right around the corner, the series, the twins still didn’t give up. They day that we’ve all been looking forward to. moved on to star in several of their own Yes, that’s right, on June 13th, Mary-Kate movies, which is targeted towards “tweens,” those viewers that are between the ages of and Ashley Olsen will be turning eighteen.

It seems only yesterday that the eight and thirteen.

All of these movies have the same twins debuted on the hit ABC television show, Full House. Since then, it seems basic plots, Mary-Kate and Ashley play twin sisters who travel that an empire to different parts has been built of the world, for upon the Olsen various reasons, talent. And when and ultimately I say talent, I use meet two teenage that word loosely. boys in whom Very loosely. they take interest.

After the A f t e r commencement of having seen one their Full House movie, you have series, the Olsen more or less seen twins struggled to them all. regain that fame I n that they had once addition to several experienced. television series T h e y and straight-tobegan to produce video movies, the a straight-totwins embarked video detective on yet another series in which mission—their the girls traveled www.mary-kateandashley.com own fashion line. the world solving Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen model their The fashion line mysteries. new line of clothing. The twins created their is geared towards M a r y - fashion line to appeal to young girls.

Laura Kirchner Editorials co Editor

June 2004

The

young girls and is available at Wal Mart stores.

Having decided that the millions of dollars that they rake in annually due to all of these endeavors are not enough, the twins decided that it is now time for the world to be graced with their presence on the silver screen.

Yes, that’s right, we will now all have the privilege of going to the movies and forking up nine of our hard-earned dollars just to see another cliché movie straight from the minds of the Olsen twins.

Count me in.

I can’t think of anything I’d rather do than put my money straight into the pockets of the world-renowned Mary-Kate and Ashley. As if catching up on the reruns of Two of a Kind and marking my calendar for the premier of New York Minute weren’t enough to Þll up my time, I am constantly bombarded with more images of the Olsen twins.

When I turn on the TV, all I see are exclusive interviews with the Olsen Twins, and if I turn the channel it is only to see Mary-Kate and Ashley hosting Saturday Night Live or TRL. If the twins actually had something interesting to talk about, I wouldn’t be quite so irked by their presence everywhere in the media. But that’s not the case. Every interview we see or article we read has the same information repeated over and over again.

I can’t count the number of times

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that I’ve heard that the twins are soon-tobe eighteen-year-olds, with full rights to their company, Dualstar. Or the number of times that Ashley has explained that she has blonde hair and is the sensitive one.

Mary-Kate Þnds the need to repeatedly explain that she’s the one with red hair and is the “rebel” of the family. Yes, Mary-Kate Olsen, you are deÞnitely rebellious.

If rebellious meant living in a mansion, driving around in brand-new Range Rovers, buying an apartment to live in while attending NYU next year and basically living the life of a spoiled child actress, then yes, rebellious is the word I would use to coin the Olsen twins.

As they are currently making the transition from child stars to adult actresses, the adult world of acting has not proved to be their strong suit. However, they are still worshipped by ungodly amounts of young girls all over the world, who feed the monster that is the Olsen Empire.

It remains to be seen how long their popularity will last, seeing as the twins have almost reached the ripe old age of eighteen.

Will they continue to star in joint movies with uncannily similar plots, will they embark on separate projects, or will they, gasp; give up on the whole acting career all together? Because tell me, how many people will be interested in seeing a movie staring twin thirty-year-olds in the year 2016?

That’s what I thought.

Volume 39, Number 6

Entertainment Summer reading books assigned to students

Honors English 10: The Grapes of Wrath

The Grapes of Wrath was written

by John Steinbeck and tells of a family’s migration from the Oklahoma Dust Bowl to the Promised Land of California. In this epic story Steinbeck tells the story of ordinary people who are trying to make the best in a difÞcult situation. The Joads family loses their tenant farm in Oklahoma

My Antonia was written by Willa Cather and tells the story of two good friends living two very different lives and lifestyles. Jim Burden, the narrator moves to Nebraska to live with his grandparents. While there he meets Antonia Shimerda, who also happens to be his neighbor. Unlike Jim, Antonia does not live a life of wealth. Mr. Shimerda asks Jim to teach Antonia English. Over time Antonia and Jim form a strong friendship.

Later in life a married Jim is very bored and unhappy with his marriage. He writes My Antonia to reßect on the life that he had with Antonia and the life that Antonia had for herself.

Honors English 11: The Song of Solomon

Toni Morrison wrote Song of Solomon. The story starts off with the birth of Macon Dead, Jr. Macon was born to the richest black man in a midwestern town.

The readers follows Macon through his life, from the time that he was born till the time that he leaves his home to become his own person. Over time a mystery will unfold, and the truth behind his family will be told.

Ayn Rand wrote The Fountainhead. The book features Howard Roark, an architect whom no one thinks will ever Þnd success in the big city. However, everyone loves Peter Keating. Both men went to school together and Peter does everything possible to get the best job and is very successful for a few years. He falls in love with Dominique Francon, his boss’s daughter, who is aloof and untouchable—except to Roark. In order to keep herself from Roark, she marries Gail Wynand, a thriving businessman. Through his editorials Ellsworth Toohey attempts to control everyone, and does with his exception of Roark. Rand wrote this novel to promote her philosophy of objectivism as exempliÞed by Roark.

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English 11: My Antonia

AP English 11: The Fountainhead

English 12: Cry the Beloved Country

Alan Paton wrote Cry, the Beloved Country. The story is takes place in South Africa during the 1940’s during troubled and shifting times.

The book tells the tale of two families struggling to overcome their obstacles.

“Cry, the Beloved Country is set in this tense and fragile society, where the breathtaking beauty of the nation’s natural landscape is tainted by the fears of its people. And yet, the message of the novel is one of hope,” said sparknotes.com.

Honors English 12: Things Fall Apart and Necter in the Sieve www.yahoo.com

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The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was written by Mark Twain and is often considered a masterpiece. This story takes place in Mississippi and it starts with Huckleberry Finn describing what has happened to him since The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Huck and Tom found twelve thousand dollars, which was invested for them by Judge Thatcher. Widow Douglas and Miss Watson adopted Huck. While he lived with them, Huck was unhappy so he ran away, but Tom convinced him to come back so they could form a band of robbers.

Huck returned to town only to be kidnapped by his father from Widow Douglas and Miss Watson. Huck’s father took him to a cabin, and one day when Huck was alone he faked his own death and escaped. Huck found Jim, Miss Watson’s slave on Jackson Island and soon a friendship was born. Huck and Jim continue to have many adventures and over time form a strong friendship.

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English 10: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

and must start over. Traveling with many others in the same situation they head off to California. Many believe that there is a piece of land in California waiting for them to start a new life on. While on their way to California, they and other migrants begin to create their own society. This novel tells the story of The Great Depression and the real terror of it.

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Sarah Jones Entertainment co Editor

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Chinua Achebe wrote Things Fall Apart. This novel tells of Nigerian tribal life before and after the development of colonies. Okonkwo, a man in the Nigerian tribe, struggles to understand what it means to be a man in his Ibo village, unable to adjust to the new customs of the white men who have invaded his village.

Nectar in the Sieve was written by Kamaka Markandaya and tells the story of a peasant woman in a village in India, whose entire life is centered on helping those that she cared about.

AP English 12: A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man

James Joyce wrote A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, an autobiographical novel telling a story of the author’s life from his birth to his leaving Ireland, his homeland.

Throughout the novel, he struggles to Þnd his true self as an artist and experiences numerous childhood tribulations: bullying and both sexual and emotional development.

Volume 39, Number 6

The

Patriot

Academic 9 and Honors 9 The freshman summer reading assignment requires incoming students to choose a book from a given list. Each of these books contains a social issue such as drunk driving, teen pregnancy, teen violence, eating disorders, depression, pollution, and road rage. Freshman will be doing a project on their book and the social issue described throughtout its pages when school begins in August. This project has been ongoing for several years.

Freshman are instructed to keep a reading log answering a list of questions, which can be found on the JC website. There are no other books assigned for either Academic or Honors 9.

Bat 6

by Virginia E. Wolff Breaking Rank

by Kristen D. Randle Breathing Under Water

by Alex Flinn Cheating Lessons

by Nan Willard Cappo Chinese Handcuffs

by Chris Crutcher Handbook for Boys

by Walter Dean Myers Heros

by Robert Cormier Hoot

by Carl Hiaasen Izzy, Willy-Nilly

by Cynthia Voight Leaving Fishers

by Margaret Peterson Haddix Mind’s Eye

by Paul Fleischman Monster

by Walter Dean Myers Of Sound Mind

by Jean Ferris Ruby Holler

by Sharon Creech Stetson

by S. L. Rottman Swallowing Stones

by Joyce McDonald The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time: A Novel

by Mark Haddon The Girls

by Amy Koss The Gospel According to Larry

by Jane Tashjian The Maze

by Will Hobbs The Rag and Bone Shop

by Robert Cormier The Skin I’m In

by Sharon G. Flake Touching Bear Spirit

by Ben Mikaelsen Whale Talk

by Chris Crutcher Whirligig

by Paul Fleischman You Don’t Know Me

by David Klass Zach’s Lie

by Roland Smith

June 2004

Entertainment

15

One dimensional actors play same characters Carrey tried to get serious, but the movie did not gross an exceptional amount of money or praise.

CNN said, “this movie is so sappy, every maple tree in the country will be Have you ever noticed how green with envy.”

Jim Carrey and Adam Sandler, two of Other difÞculties actors face Hollywood’s highest paid actors, star as the are audiences always seeing him or her same character in every movie that they star as a comedian and do not take him or in? Over the past few years, moviegoers her seriously when he or she is cast in a have seen the downfall of actors and how dramatic role. they are not truly as dynamic as they may Ashton Kutcher is a good example seem. Actors continue to play the same type of a non-serious movie star trying to play of character in similar plots in many of the a serious character. Kutcher usually plays movies that they star in. guys that are goofy and dumb. In Dude, Actors that continuously fall into Where’s My Car, Just Married, and My this category of repeat roles also include: Boss’ Daughter Ashton shows his nonAshton Kutcher, Mary Kate and Ashley serious side.

Olsen, Reese Witherspoon, Jackie Chan, Recently, he starred in the 2004 and Kate Hudson. Playing the same role Science Fiction thriller The Butter y Effect over and over again can be a good and a co-starring with Amy Smart. This was one bad thing. time when even Ashton’s good looks could Some of the movies that these not help him. actors star in are excellent movies, except Many people seem to agree that for the fact that the movie has basically been The Butter y Effect was the worst movie done before. that they had ever seen. They also seem to For instance, Adam Sandler be in agreement that Ashton should stick to starred in Mr. Deeds comedies for now on and Happy Gilmore. In and stay away from both movies he plays a those serious roles. man with a big heart A n o t h e r and small brain. example is Mary-Kate It seems as and Ashley Olsen. if some actors realize For years they have this and rarely do you made straight to video see them star in similar movies that appeal to roles in similar plots. young girls.

Instead, these actors try All of the to branch out and try movies have the same www.yahoo.com new genres of movies plot where the twins Ashton Kutcher in My Boss’ and new kinds of go to some exotic Daughter. Ashton tried to get characters and plots. location, get involved serious in his movie The Butterfly H o w e v e r , Effect , but apparently it did not in some kind of trouble, some actors are not work out. and each end up with a successful when they good looking guy. do try to branch out and star in new types of Now that they are older they are movies. When actors are able to do different trying to appeal to an older audience with types of movies they have the capability to their most recent feature Þlm New York attract a much larger audience.

Minute.

A prime example of this scenario So far it seems as if the critics have is Jim Carrey’s role in The Majestic. Jim not been impressed with New York Minute Kathleen Franetovich Contributing Writer

since reviews for it have not been good.

For now it is unsure whether or not they will be able to make a successful transition from child actor to an adult actor with their new movie and looks.

Also, if they do continue to star in more feature Þlms, time will tell if they continue to play the same character.

According to Roger Ebert in a review he wrote for the Chicago Sun-Times, “New York Minute is a textbook example of a Þlm created as a “vehicle” but without any ideas about where the vehicle should go.

The Olsen twins are not children any longer, www.yahoo.com yet not quite poised Jim Carrey and Jennifer Aniston stare at the big moon in Bruce to become adults, Almighty. Jim Carrey returned to comedy after his unsucand so they’re cessful movie, The Majestic. given the props She has successfully branched out and costumes of 17-year-olds but carefully to other types of movies such as Charlie’s shielded from the reality.”

Many of Hollywood’s very talented Angels, Riding in Cars with Boys, Scream, actors are capable of playing multiple and Titan A.E..

Being known as a certain type of types of roles. Drew Barrymore is a good example of an actress who successfully actor is not necessarily a bad thing. Some made the transition from child actor to adult of the most famous actors of all time have actor, and is able to star in a variety of roles been known for a particular type of movie.

A prime example of this is John Wayne. now that she has grown up.

Although many of Drew’s movies Wayne was one of the most famous and are very similar, such as The Wedding successful actors of all time, and he primary Singer and Never Been Kissed, which are starred in all western and war movies. both romantic comedies where you know Perhaps one of today’s actors could be the next John Wayne. she will end up with the right guy.

Summer concerts Þll students’ lonely summer days Rachel Dawson Staff Writer

Summer advances with the prospect of increased freedom, and this surplus time intends to be spent.

In between summer jobs and household chores, there can be a great deal of boredom, and it remains the responsibility of the unbound student to use his time wisely.

Responding to an audience of teenagers that seems eager to squander its summer, and not necessarily its money, the music industry annually arranges for various talents to be displayed across the globe.

The summer of ’04 is no exception to the movement of summer tours: both impatience and expectations are high.

Those who prefer more bands for the buck should either head down to Washington D.C. on August 4th, or up to Philadelphia on August 6th to see the Vans sponsored Warped Tour.

This year’s lineup includes Warped regulars Bad Religion, From Autumn to Ashes, Coheed and Cambria, Alkaline Trio and Yellowcard.

Warped Tour is renowned for

June 2004

featuring hundreds of bands, drawing an intensely eclectic crowd, and giving concertgoers their money’s worth.

Any fan attending this tour can expect high quality mosh pits, booths featuring anything from merchandise to music magazine representatives, and the trademark half-pipe, open to all skaters and bikers. The average Warped Tour ticket price is $15, delivering fans a show not likely to dissatisfy.

Concerning the more elite alternative aÞcionado, August 12th and 13th brings Lollapalooza to Columbia, MD for a 48-hour indie-fest. Featuring artists such as Morrissey, Sonic Youth, the Pixies, Modest Mouse and the Fire Theft, 2004’s lineup stimulates a great deal of excitement.

Tickets for either day can be bought separately, yet there will undoubtedly be those avid fans that purchase the 2-day pass and camp out nearby to experience the entire 48-hour stretch.

If the bands signed to play are among your favorites, Lollapalooza guarantees a fulÞlling show. If not, the costs may outweigh the experience. One ticket for Lollapalooza costs you $46.50.

Fortunately, for many individuals, the bands are worth the expenses.

For those students who take a liking

The

to more mainstream artists, the summer has the epitome of pop checking into Hershey Park Stadium on July 4th. Britney Spears’ Onyx Hotel tour costs anywhere from $37$148.00 per ticket, and still the fans scrape together the money to see the princess perform.

Expectations are soaring, and the tour has freshman Ryan DeVoe anticipating “the deÞnition of eye candy.” Visitors to the Onyx Hotel hope to be bedazzled by the glow of an American shining star. If both your wallet and your preference allow, Ms. Spears’ show seems a possibility.

A more casual night calls for a simpler show, a lesser venue and a smaller crowd. With a show nearly every day, places such as the Ottobar in Baltimore, the Recher in Towson, and the 9:30 Club in Washington D.C. draw a more exclusive and regular crowd generally seeking the usual entertainment from a wider variety of bands and artists.

This summer is no exception, still bringing considerable musicians to more relaxed, personal settings.

SpeciÞcally, the 9:

Patriot

30 Club will feature Rooney, Straylight Run and Ozma on the night of June 11th, and the Decemberists for June 14th. The Recher expects Reel Big Fish and the Rx Bandits to perform on June 22nd. Finally, the Ottobar will deliver a show by the Blood Brothers on July 12th.

Prices are excitably low, averaging $10 a ticket. Fans and the bored alike may suitably attend any show at any of these venues.

Instead of responding to common summer boredom with complaints, or wasting empty time at home, seize the presented opportunities and make memories out of your vacation. The choices are countless, and it’s your summer. Make the most of your dwindling time and check out a summer concert.

Volume 39, Number 6

Entertainment

16

Summer movies light up big screen Sandy Wienholt Entertainment co Editor

With Spiderman 2, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and The Bourne Supremacy arriving in theaters this summer, it is clear that this summer is for sequels.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (PG) It is Harry Potter’s third year at Hogwarts when he is bombarded by Dementors. Dementors are the guards of Azkaban, a wizard prison, that suck the unhappiness out of anyone near. They have come to Þnd Sirius Black (Gary Oldman), an escaped prisoner said to be looking for Harry (Daniel Radcliff). As expected, Harry, along with his friends Hermione (Emma Watson) and Ron (Rupert Grint), Þnds out unexpected things about Sirius Black when they cross each other’s paths. Dumbledore is now played by Michael Gambon after the death of the previous Dumbledore, Richard Harris. Alfonso Cuaron directs Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, whereas the former movies were directed

by Christopher Columbus. Moviegoers can expect a change in the style of the movie.

Harry Potter meets Sirius Black on June 4th.

Editor’s Choice: Spiderman 2

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Kirsten Dunst plays Mary Jane, Peter’s girlfriend, in Spiderman 2.

In Spiderman 2, Tobey McGuire returns to his role as Peter Parker, whose secret identity is Spiderman. While Peter Parker tries to deal with going to college and battling crime all in the same day, his teachers confront him about his grades. Because of his nights out in the city solving all of its issues, not only are Peter’s grades are slipping, but the girl he loves (Kirsten Dunst) slips out of his reach. He decides that he can no longer be both Spiderman and Peter Parker and chooses to leave Spiderman out of his life.

When a mad scientist, Otto Octavius (Alfred Molina), creates some weird invention and makes himself into a multi-tentacle monster, Peter is forced to put on his super hero costume once again. Spiderman returns June 30th.

GarÞeld

The Bourne Supremacy

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Jennifer Love Hewitt and GarÞeld in the new movie GarÞeld.

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Hermione points her wand to cast a spell.

Emma Watson played Hermione in all three movies so far.

Volume 39, Number 6

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Spiderman struggles to free himself from a multi-tentacled monster. Peter Parker decided to go back to his double life in order to save Mary Jane from an evil scientist.

GarÞeld (Bill Murray) is just a fat and lazy cat who is on a mission to save his doggy friend, Odie. When John Arbuckle, GarÞeld’s owner, Þrst brings home Odie, GarÞeld is not pleased. He must compete with Odie for his owner’s affection. But, when Odie is kidnapped, GarÞeld feels responsible and comes to the rescue of his fellow pet. Although GarÞeld is animated, the movie is not. Gar eld is a remake of the comic strips many people have grown up reading. Jennifer Love Hewitt plays the role of John Arbuckle’s girlfriend. GarÞeld becomes a superhero on June 11th.

The

This sequel to The Bourne Identity continues the story of Jason Bourne (Matt Damon), a United States assassin. At the end of the Þrst movie, Jason Bourne fakes his own death and returns to the woman he loves (Franka Potente). Now the new movie begins with an assassination completed by a man using the name Jason Bourne.

Therefore, Jason Bourne is suspected to still be alive. Webb, the true name of Matt Damon’s character, must go back out into the game of spy versus spy when the love of his life is taken away from him. Julia Stiles is also in the sequel along with Joan Allen and Brian Cox. Jason Bourne’s identity is revealed July 23rd.

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Matt Damon and Julia Stiles in The Bourne Supremacy.

Patriot

King Arthur

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Guinevere prepares for battle. Keira Knightly plays an independent princess.

King Arthur is a movie telling the great “fairy tale” of one king who unites his army. The Roman Empire is crumbling thus forcing armies to battle against each other in order to maintain their territory.

The British Isles is kept together by a very fragile anarchy, which has the potential to crack and break at any moment. In order to save Britain, King Arthur unites an army of knights, forming the Round Table. In the process, King Arthur meets Guinevere (Keira Knightly), a British princess with a steady hand for archery. She joins the battle to save her country. Britain’s fate will be decided July 7th.

June 2004

Sports

17

Boys lacrosse dominates both conferences

To win their way to the championship game last Friday May 20, the Patriots Þrst had to face AnDomination means to prevail napolis Area Christian or to have complete control; otherwise School on May 18. known as the JC boys’ lacrosse teams.

The Varsity Both of the boys’ lacrosse teams went Patriots found themundefeated in their conferences and selves following the won their division championships. exact same route to Both teams were extreme dominant perfection as the JV forces in their season and seemed to team: playing, and have complete control the entire season. defeating AnnapoThe JV team went undefeated lis Area Christian the whole season, an awesome feat, topSchool in the playoffs ping last year’s incredible performance and then eventually as division champs. They were even the Park Bruins for more perfect than previously thought. the championship.

The JV team played AnnapoBoth JC teams earned lis Area Christian School’s JV team homeÞeld advanon Tuesday May 18. The Patriots tage against AACS. completely crushed AACS, winning AACS hung 14-2. Two days later, on May 20, the tough with the Patriboys faced off against Park. They ots, as it did earlier in killed the Bruins, taking the champithe season before losonship title in a decisive 14-6 victory. ing 8-7, and was down The Varsity boys lacrosse team meets together before their championship match against Park at The team was extremely conMinnegan Fiield at Johnny Unitas Stadium at Towson University on Friday May 21. The Patriots cap6-4 at the half. The tured their second consecutive title and fourth overall. Þdent the entire season, possibly even Patriots decisively cocky, but that’s what makes a great team score was 6-1, Patriots. After the Þrst half asked about their “rebuilding year,” as won that game, 11-4. great, as both teams obviously proved.

Senior Ryan Sargianis contrib- of the quarter, the Patriots scored Þrst on some liked to call it, Sargianis said, “It JV sophomore Dave Schmidt uted with 3 goals and senior Ryan Hamill a goal by Hamill, making the score 7-1. never crossed our minds that we were said, “We pretty much knew we were goJunior Bret Leppert followed with rebuilding. We knew from the beginning Þnished with 2. Single goals were scored ing to win from our very Þrst practice.” by senior Nick Johnson, juniors Bret Lep- a goal less than a minute later. Park Þnally that we had a chance to win this, and Coming into this season, pert, Dane Frank, and sophomores Bill scored in the last three minutes of the quar- that was our mentality the whole way.” the Varsity boys’ lacrosse team lost Both teams look forward to Boniface, Phil Pons, and Marc Scanlon. ter. The score was 8-2 at the half. all but one of its starters from last The Patriots showed no sign of next year, and are optimistic about their Juniors Leppert and Mike year’s championship team.

Many Nawrocki and sophomore Matt Ray- letting up as the second half got underway. future. After two championships back wondered if the boys could repeat and burn each had an assist. Junior goalie The team held the Bruins the entire quarter, to back, the teams anticipate a threebounce back from a loss that great.

Greg Boyle Þnished with 13 saves. thanks to outstanding defense from senior peat.JC has proven itself as a lacrosse Completely resisting those Joining the Patriots in the Þnals Matt Scanlon and Jeff Pilarski and junior powerhouse and one that is still growing doubts, this year’s team proved to be was Park (13-4), the second seed in the Dan Hinder, along with Boyle in the goal. and improving, with fans never knowmore successful and even more prevailBoyle Þnished with 12 saves and ing what is to come the following year. tournament. Park had previously lost to ing than last year’s, going undefeated Both teams proved that good, even the Patriots twice this year. To go to Þ- junior goalie Dustin Lynch Þnished with 1. in the ‘B’ conference, along with winAt the beginning of the fourth great, can be better and can improve. The nals, Park beat the Pallotti Panthers 13-4. ning the conference championship.

The Pa- quarter, the score was 9-2 and the Patriots JV team annihilated all competition, and triots were scored less than thirty seconds into the proved the strength of the JC lacrosse future.

Last year’s Varsity team was realistic with quarter with a goal from senior Liam Gettheir predic- tier, who Þnished with three total scores. considered to be “perfect” and someThe team went onto score twice thing amazing, despite one loss to rival tions going into Friday’s more, with another goal from Gettier and Spalding, this year’s “rebuilt” team game, with the Þnal goal from junior Mike Nawrocki. seems to have been even more perfect; Park scored twice more, but in fact, it was complete domination. many of them ex- again fell short to The pressing that the Patriots. they knew Þnal score was 12they would 4. The Patriots had win, but repeated and topped that it would last year’s champibe hard. onship performance, A Park attack man challenges the JC defense.. The defense was a Goalie Greg and stopped any huge asset to the team the entire season.

Boyle said, speculations about “It’s hard to difÞculty to repeat.

This year’s team went 14-0 in When beat a team three times, so it’ll be tough.” the conference and ended up 16-1, with The Patriots clearly showed their lone loss to the ‘A’ conference’s why and how they beat the Park Bruins Friends Quakers. The team completely three times this year; it was evident even rolled over any competition and also in the Þrst few minutes of play. They ended up ranked # 11 in all Baltimore dominated and showed complete conarea schools. The team won its games trol the entire 48 minutes of the game, with an average margin of more than never letting their tireless defense ease up.

10 goals per game, an amazing stat.

JC was the Þrst to score with Head coach was Mr. Keith 2 quick goals in the Þrst Þve minutes of Hinder, who was assisted by JC the game. This set the tone for the rest teachers Mr. Spencer and Mr. Blair. of the game. Park answered with its The Patriots found strong Þrst and only goal of the Þrst quarter a leadership in its 9 returning seniors little over Þve minutes left in the quarter. and 4 returning juniors. Players that The Patriots answered back less than moved up from last year’s JV team three minutes later with a goal by senior Ryan were also seasoned championship playSargianis, assisted by senior Ryan Hamill. ers after having won last year’s MIAA JC went onto score three more ‘B’ conference JV championship. times before the end of the quarter with The team was conÞdent going goals from junior Dane Frank and sophointo the playoffs, knowing that it already more Bill Boniface and another by Sarhad control of the league and the number gianis.

The Patriots never looked back.

1 seed. The team even got to enjoy a Going into the second quarter, the day off before heading back to work. photo by Rose DiPaula

photo by Rose DiPaula

Rose DiPaula Sports co Editor

June 2004

The

Patriot

Volume 39, Number 6

Sports

18

Spring sports sum it up; end successful seasons Shril Amin Staff Writer

Varsity Girls’ Softball With a strong pitching staff, quality leadership, and experience, the varsity softball team turned in a solid season. The team, which went 7-8 this year, did considerably better than last years 6-11 Þnish.

With the coaching of Mrs. Shannon Hudson and Ms. Pyzik, the team showed steady improvement.

Ms. Pyzik remarked, “The positive attitudes as well as the players’ hitting and Þelding skills led to many of the wins.

The key was quality role players, and stepping up when it really counted.”

Team captains senior Courtney Scott, and juniors Sarah Keller and Ashley Keys, helped provide the charisma to keep all the players conÞdent.

Ashley Keys said, “The season was a lot of fun. We had a good bunch of girls with a lot of enthusiasm and in the end proved to be a help in our season’s success.”

Along with the senior and junior leader-

Varsity Boys’ Baseball

ship, freshman-pitching sensation Angela DiBeneditto did a fantastic job this year.

Her awesome arm will surely help provide wins for future.

Mrs. Pyzik also explained that along with making up for the loss of Þve seniors, a good pitching staff is what will be the focus of the team next year.

Junior Becky Reed commented on the situation saying, “Having a young team will beneÞt us next year but the seniors will be missed.”

The season’s highlight came in the Þrst game against Mount De Sales in which the Lady Patriots demolished the competition 11-1.

The team oddly ended the game in the 5th inning due to slaughterhouse rules; because of this overpowering performance, the game got the team motivated for the rest of the season.

The softball team “stepped it up” this year and proved that even without seniors next year, the team can still have hope in its young ones.

The boy’s varsity baseball team Þnally has something to brag about this year. After falling to a dismal 3-15 record at the beginning of the season, the Patriots rebounded and broke even with a 10-10 record to Þnish.

The team put the icing on the cake on a successful season two games before the end of the season when they defeated Loyola 6-5 and guaranteed themselves a spot in the MIAA ‘A’ conference playoffs.

However, they ended the season with 2 losses, which landed them in sixth place.

The team chemistry was the most important key to the success of the year’s team. During many of the games, dugouts were usually Þlled with enthusiastic players who were not only focused on the game, but added a swagger to their game.

One player said, “The key to our winning has been the fact that we go out there and play ball. We aren’t as over focused as we were last year.

When we play the game the way we know how, winning comes easy.”

The fact that 11 underclassmen were retuning to the team meant veteran

Varsity Girls’ Lacrosse Last year’s varsity women’s lacrosse team didn’t seem to have a bright future. Winning only one game in 13 chances wasn’t something to

be proud of. That all changed however with the arrival of Coach Hughes.

Mr. Hughes of the science department coached the team to a 3-6-3

Varsity Track Dave Lomonico Sports co Editor The JC Varsity Track Team, which struggled to compete for victories in previous years, turned in productive seasons this year. The 2004 season proved to be a year of huge improvement for both the Girls’ squads and the Boys’ squad.

The Boys’ Team, which moved down to the ‘B’ Conference this year, was able to pull out a few victories over schools such as Severn and Glenelg Country School.

They Þnished second in the conference.

Said coach Mr. Torres, “I was a little worried because we lost some seniors, but we gained quality freshmen and sophomores.”

Volume 39, Number 6

record this season. Although it doesn’t seem like much, many of the ties could easily have been wins and many of the losses came down to the wire.

Mr. Hughes acknowledged that the best parts of the season were the key wins over archrivals Bryn Mawr and St. Mary’s. Not only that, Mr. Hughes was very impressed with the senior play of team MVP, senior Lauren Bradley, and All Conference player, senior Emily Haller. Other honorable mentions were seniors Allie Levendusky, Katie Chlada, Morgan Sergi, and junior Andrea Gaeta.

Mr. Hughes, who had previously coached women’s’ lacrosse for 16 years, had coached the boy’s lacrosse team for the past three years. The help and success he had

brought to the boys’ team was something the women’s team was in dire need of.

When Coach Hughes was asked to take the reigns of the women’s team again, he naturally obliged knowing that he had taught his boy’s coaching staff and players all they needed to be successful.

However, Coach Hughes warned that he wasn’t going to tone down his intense practices and enthusiasm either just because he was coaching girls.

Mr. Hughes said, “Even though girls are more sensitive, I think that they are much easier to coach than boys.”

It seems as if Coach Hughes has sparked the intensity and reserved potential in many players this year.

Junior Michelle Boniface said, “Our team was very focused throughout the season; we now know we can be highly competitive in the A conference.” He has somehow pushed his players to overracheive.

Mr. Hughes’s passion for winning and his strive for excellence has somehow rubbed off on the players. Expect to see the same positive outlook in next year’s season,

The leaders of the team were seniors Blake Hoedebecke and Mike Monoghan. Key contributors on the squad were sophomores Mike Steka and Jonathan Clunie and the leading scorer was sophomore Kevin Turek.

“The team is better now than it was last year,” said Mr. Torres.

The Girls’ Team fared well last year and showed even more improvement this year. The inexperienced squad was led by juniors Rachel Layer and Shannon Lhotsky as well as freshmen Jess Hnatiack who was the top scorer on the team. The team gained many freshmen distance runners, a promising showing.

Both Lhotsky and Layer were MIAA Þnalists.

Lhotsky Þnished third in the hurdles.

Hnatiack won an award at the Girls’ Athletic Banquet for her astound-

ing performance in track this year. Overall, the girls got contributions from the entire team en route to a good season.

“We lost a little quality, but it was a strong squad... it was one of the better teams in the A confrence,” said Mr. Torres.

The coaches, Mr. Kachur and Mr. Torres, both stressed hard work and perseverance and it paid off for both teams, as they experience major improvments. The Indoor track program has shown that it has been beneÞcial to all of track. As the track teams look to future years, the team will progress and grow.

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leadership for the talented, but inexperienced underclassmen. Next year’s team will have varsity experience on a “young team.”

Not only that, tireless practices after school, batting practice, Þelding, or full scrimmages helped Þne tune the team’s mechanics. The team endured many tireless practices and skill-tuning drills.

According to the players, a lot of credit should go to coaches Cooper and Wienholt for their tireless work ethic to bring the players to maximum potential.

Junior Mike Brown, after stating how well the team did this year, jokingly referred to Coach Cooper by saying, “It’s not clean unless it’s Cooper clean,” referring to Coach Cooper’s cleaning service. These small quirks brought good times and cheer throughout the season.

As the Patriots get there cleats laced up and wear in their gloves for the A Conference tournament, many of the players don’t have the fact that they have to win the tournament in the back of their mind. Most of the players are going to treat the games like any ordinary backyard baseball game, and have just fun.

June 2004

Sports

19

Summer camps take over campus

The newest addition to athletics at JC this summer has been summer camps. These camps are designed to help athletes improve in all aspects of their game. JC coaches and athletes will help teach fundamentals and will help improve players’ games at their hosted camps.

The camps range in price from $90-$185. While each camp is different the overall goal is the same: to improve each player. JC head coaches, assistant coaches, current players, college coaches and alumni will coach the camps.

Each camp’s age bracket is a little different; some camps focus more on younger, hopefully prospective players, while others focus on older players, preparing to play at a higher level, whether it is varsity or college.

Each coach decides the price, and decides how the money will be spent. The trainer will be on site for all of these camps.

The camps available are boys’ basketball, girls’ basketball, girls’ lacrosse, boys’ soccer, girls’ soccer, co-ed volleyball, girls’ volleyball, strength and conditioning, girls’ Þeld hockey, boys’ basketball and wrestling, each varying in price and time.

For the basketball camp it ranges in ages 10-14 and is coached by Mr. Anthony Macri and Tom Vierheller.

Some advantages to having these camps are that it will give players from the community a chance to develop their skills. It gives prospective players a chance to experience the competitive play, the coaches, and the facilities.

Attending a JC camp does not guarantee a player a spot on the team, but not attending does not eliminate a player from making a team. The camps are not exclusively set up for JC and prospective JC athletes, but are for any serious athlete looking to get better.

This new addition could help the athletic teams at JC. They might provide more exposure to the community, and a serious, fun, learning environment for our teams.

Each coach will use their different techniques and different methods to help athletes excel in their particular sport.

Many JC sports will begin practice this summer. Some of these include soccer, football, Þeld hockey, and cheerleading.

Two of these have already begun to prepare. Both footbal and cheerleading have both had their Þrst practices and cuts.

The cheerleading began its tryouts the Þrst week in May, as it had meetings for parents and prospective girls, “newbie” clinics, and practices to teach their girls new dances and material to tryout with.

Their tryouts lasted two weeks.

On the Þnal night, girls tried out in groups in front of a panel of judges. The teams were announced later that night.

The team will hold several carwashes and fundraisers this summer, inbcluding their annual Crab Rafße.

In August, the team will begin practice and will then travel to Ocean City for a four day camp that will include nonstop cheerleading.

Football has started with equipment handouts and early spring practices. The teams will be prepared and ready to go come football season,.

photo by MaryBeth Derbyshire

Trita Sturdivant Staff Writer

A Varsity girls lacrosse player runs through some drills in practice. The team endured long practice and had a great, and fun, season.

Shril Amin Staff Writer

This year when Mr. Jerry O’Brien steps down as director of Athletics at JC, many people will Þnd it hard to see such a familiar face leave the JC family. Despite this loss, someone has to take over and maintain the efÞcient success of the athletic department.

That person will be Mr. Larry Dukes.

Mr. Dukes, who is in his Þrst year as a faculty member has always had a passion for athletics and technology. He says the job opportunity came at the right time because it would not interfere with his family life or his additional job in the school’s technology department.

When asked what he thought when he Þrst got the job, Mr. Dukes replied that he was very excited about the offer. Yet as of now, Mr. Dukes, who is still overwhelmed by the fact that he has been handed such a great responsibility, has not pondered what major changes he will be making during the next year.

Although he has had lots of experience in athletics as a competitive wrestler and football player in his early years, Mr. Dukes is still learning the tricks of the trade, and who better to learn from than Athletic department roomies Mr. Perry and Mrs. Shannon.

Mrs. Shannon commented on the situation: “Mr. Dukes is a modest guy.

He has done an awesome job in terms of responsibility. Plus, the twenty years of experience in the business world will

June 2004

also be beneÞcial.” Adding to his quality of modesty, Mr. Dukes said that they are just great people who have helped him feel more welcomed into the JC community.

Even though Mr. Dukes has been in the business world for quite a while, he still holds athletics to be his number one priority. However, he would like to bring technology to the Athletic Department, which would help make things such as keeping track of student athletics or e-mailing colleges about the performance of the athletes a lot more convenient as well as efÞcient.

Along with the technology, Mr. Dukes feels that if we build on what we already have, we can do many great things. Mr. Dukes further stated that he wants all sports teams to compete in the best conference and wants to help build even more sports clubs.

However, Mr. Dukes has acknowledged that everything isn’t guaranteed. For example, Mr. Dukes, who coached the swim team believes that JC should compete in the Harford County conference rather than the A conference.

Although it seems like a good idea, Mr. Dukes said, “It’s always very tough to do what people want you to do and what you believe is the right thing to do.”

Yet Mr. Dukes hopes that he can please everyone when next year rolls around.

Although it is very early, Mr. Dukes wants his legacy to be described as someone who listened, affected change in someway on JC, and was an honest person. He also feels that if he does his job to the best of his ability each and everyday, that is an accomplishment all in its own.

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photo by MaryBeth Derbyshire

New AD makes plans, changes

Sophomore Delia Pais practices her passing early in the season.

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Volume 39, Number 6

20 Sports Rugby earns Potomac Division championship title The success continues for the JC rugby program. On a squad that thrived on teamwork, superior coaching, and mastering the fundamentals, the JC rugby team completed their best season yet this year, Þnishing at 9 - 2. In just the program’s third year, they were crowned Potomac Rugby Union North Division Champions.

Coming off a successful season last year, the goals for this season were clear. “We wanted to make the Division I playoffs, and we wanted to win the North Division,” said Mr. Heubeck, one of the three coaches on the team. “And in the end, we accomplished both of those goals.”

Going into the season with the mindset that they wanted to win the division, the team started practice in January.

“They practiced in the snow and ice… they spent lots of time together as a team and they were well prepared,” said Mr. Heubeck.

The team spent time mastering the fundamentals of the game as well as building the stamina and strength that it would take to compete in a tough division. “I looked at the schedule, and if we weren’t ready physically and mentally, then we could be 0 – 5,” said fellow coach Mr. Barker.

The team returned most of its starters from last year’s squad and the experience on the team may have been one of its greatest strengths. “The dedication, the experience, and the fact that we have guys that have played three years now is a big reason for our success,” said Mr. Heubeck.

Danny Condon who plays ßanker added, “We had some great seniors who really added to the dominance of the team overall.”

However, according to both Mr. Heubeck and Mr. Barker, it was the team

chemistry that made this particular squad so successful. There was not one dominant individual that absolutely took over a particular game and carried the team. Rather, it was a combination of the individual skills and roles that each player contributed to the team as a whole. “Our biggest strength was our teamwork,” said outside center Paul Muhlenkamp. “Our backs and forwards really came together as one solid unit.”

Mr. Barker agreed with this comment. He added, “This team has

inside center Kyle Divine, and outside center Paul Muhlenkamp as having, “real tough tackling… they are electric players who made great things happen.”

Not to be forgotten are scrum – half Adam Divine, hooker Eammon Gordon, 2nd row Grant Dirks, ßanker Danny Condon, ßanker Matt Kent, wing Mark Rothe, wing Jason Devoy, and fullback Bryan Meehan who round out the starting Þfteen players.

These Þfteen along with a deep bench contributed to the team’s 8 – 0 regular season record.

When asked about the key games of the season, both Mr. Heubeck and Mr. Barker pointed the The championship rugby team huddles together to talk strategy and to to game get motivated for their next move. against no star players on it. It has lots of West Carroll. “We understood how good we good players that play well together.” were and could be after West Carroll. They Though both Mr. Barker and Mr. had beaten us before, but this time we really Heubeck stressed that it was the team as put a spanking on them,” said Mr. Barker. a whole that contributed to the success, The opening week victory over they did point out a few key individuals Loyola was also seen as a key game that exempliÞed their own skills. Captain because it gave the team conÞdence for Trevor McEvoy who played ßy – half was the rest of the season. Said Grant Dircks, dubbed by Mr. Barker as being, “brave “One of the goals was to beat Loyola and elusive… he has the tactical head for who ‘killed’ us in the past. After we the game.” Brendan Watts (No. 8), Pat trashed them in the opening game, the nd Casey (prop), Pat McGrath (2 Row), team realized it had something good.” and Steve Van Shura (prop) were herWhat was seen as maybe the alded for their combination of strength most pivotal moment of the season was and skill. Also, Mr. Barker pointed to

against St. Edwards from Cleveland, Ohio. In this game, JC was leading by a small margin after three successful kicks.

At the end of the game, they had a chance to kick again for another three points.

However, even with three more points, St. Edwards would still have an opportunity to win the game on their ensuing possession. So instead of taking the kick, the team elected to run the ball for a try.

“We were going for the win…

We were going to win this game the manly way,” said Mr. Barker. Finally, the Patriots did score a try and ended up defeating St. Edwards. After the try was scored, the team felt that if they worked hard enough they could not be stopped.

Even though they have improved tremendously Mr. Barker said, “We are not even close to being the best team in the league… Gonzaga is the best team.” Of course, after the 8 – 0 regular season, the team made the playoffs and accomplished their goal they set at the beginning of the season.

After defeating Severn River in the Þrst round, they lost in the second round of the playoffs to Gonzaga. Mr. Heubeck called the loss, “disappointing” but said it was, “a great learning experience for the team.” Mr. Barker said, “Our skill sets were equal to theirs, but they had so many ways to beat you. We were big, but they were bigger.” Mr. Barker added that though JC might not have the best team, it could happen very soon as the program continues to grow in popularity around the school.

Overall, the season was seen as a great success, but the program will look to build an even better team in coming years.

“I’d love to repeat this season. Next year’s goal is to qualify for the National Tournament. Based on the players we have returning, it’s closer and more possible than we might have thought,” said Mr. Barker.

Orioles franchise has several students from gardless of how good or bad they are.”

Fortunately for Orioles fans, the JC heading to games this summer with greater optimism that they will see good team started off strong with a winning baseball. Said Senior Ryan Heller, “The record in April. Though their weak pitchsignings of Tejada, Lopez, and Palmeiro are ing staff has struggled all season, the three enough to go back to games this summer.” big signings of Tejada, Lopez, and PalJunior Tom Mattern said that he meiro have not disappointed. Tejada has provided the energy also has a reto spark a team that newed interest has known nothing but in the Orioles losing for six straight and may be seasons. His deadly bat heading to in the 3rd spot as well a few more as his ßashy glovegames this work at shortstop have summer. He revitalized a stagnant said, “I think offense and a defense this renewed that lacked range. interest in the Lopez has team comes shown that he can be from the fact a steady hitter while that they providing good offenaren’t already sive numbers from the 10 games 5th spot in the order. under .500 Finally, the 39-yearand losing to old Palmeiro is the Tampa Bay.” veteran presence on the Othteam who has led with er fans such his easy swing at the as seniors plate and solid glove Adam Bell work at Þrst base. and Brendan The new faces Watts stated on the O’s this year how they have Pitcher Eric DuBose in his windup. may have brought been die- DuBose has had a few good starts this some fans back to the hard fans all season, but remains inconsistent. along, win or lose. “I’m no bandwagon Yard, but others remain unconvinced. fan,” said Bell. “I’ve been watching the Winning is what matters most to a lot O’s all my life, and I’ll go to games re- of fans. And regardless of whom they

sign or trade for, if they don’t win, the fans aren’t going to show up. Said senior Steve Van Shura, “Once they start winning for real, I’ll go back. Until then, I have no real interest in the O’s.”

Following up Van Shura’s comment, junior Rob Fox stated that he had more important things to do then attend baseball games of a team that has not won in six years. “I’m too dedicated to ‘Cooper Cleaning’ JC baseball to attend an O’s game right now,” said Fox. Much to the dismay of the fans, the offensive numbers that the team has put up has not always led to wins. The weak pitching staff, which consists of four inexperienced starters and an inconsistent Sidney Ponson, has resulted in a few shaky games that have resulted in dissapointing losses.

Though the team may be more exciting, if they do not Þgure out how to pitch, they will lose a lot of games this year. And once again, the fans will have to sit through another lackluster season.

Said senior Eric Dezell, “Right now, [the Orioles] look like pretenders in the AL East.” He continued by saying, “Even with the new signings, they won’t really do anything this year.”

Even though several students have taken different views on the O’s this year, the fact of the matter is that tickets are selling and more people are coming to games than in years past. If the team proves that it can win consistently, maybe this summer even more people will start to come out to the Yard, and will possibly begin to renew their faith in the Birds.

photo by Mr. Barker

Dave Lomonico Sports co Editor

Dave Lomonico Sports co Editor It used to be a magical place, Oriole Park at Camden Yards. It was home to delighted fans who would come out to games to watch Cal Ripken play short stop, Mike Mussina pitch, or Rafael Palmeiro hit homeruns. Sellout after sellout, Oriole Park at Camden Yards was the envy of the league.

And then the “great depression” of the Orioles hit… six straight losing seasons. Ripken was gone, the team lacked talent, and suddenly the Yard didn’t have that same appeal. However, after suffering through six teams that weren’t worth the money to go see, the new look O’s Þnally seem to be putting talented players on the Þeld. But will this new talent be enough to put bodies back in the seats?

Orioles owner Peter Angelos knew that in order to get people in the seats he would have to put a winning product on the Þeld. So, he opened up his checkbook, and the Orioles general managers, Jim Beattie and Mike Flanagan, signed MVP shortstop Miguel Tejada to a six year, $72 million dollar deal (the richest in Orioles history) and brought in power hitting catcher Javy Lopez (three years, $22.5 million). Beattie and Flanagan also brought back Rafael Palmeiro to play Þrst base and Sidney Ponson to lead the pitching staff. Excitement was building in Baltimore once again, and as Angelos had hoped, ticket sales skyrocketed.

The renewed enthusiasm in the

Volume 39, Number 6

Baltimore Sun/ KRT

O’s start off season swinging; fans fall into fantastic frenzy

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June 2004