The Patriot November 2005, Issue 2, Vol 41

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John Carroll School " Tradition " Pride

The

Patriot " Excellence

703 Churchville Road " Bel Air, MD 21014

Volume 41, Issue 2 " November 2005

Big Easy makes big bang

INDEX Students play the

page #2

Spirit Week incites schoolN wide enthusiasm.

E W S

page #6 F E A T U R E S

Student expresses the versatility of the common bowl cut.

page #10

E Entertainment N T editors share the E Patriot staff’s Top R Ten Halloween T A Activities.

I N M E page #13 N T Boys’ Volleyball S concludes 15-4 P season.

O R T S

page #18

Pajama Game Neha Prakash co Editor in Chief

“I’m not at all in love,” claims Babe Williams, the disgruntled grievance committee president of the Sleep Tite factory. Don’t worry though; the audience was deÞnitely in love with this year’s whimsical, fall school drama production “The Pajama Game.”

“The show wasn’t that popular or known so we weren’t sure how it was going to go, but in the end, it was amazing,” says junior Ryan DeVoe, who played Hines in the play.

The cast was concerned that the audience would not respond to the unfamiliar plot of this play as well as they had to previous shows.

However, the packed auditorium and numerous standing ovations on November 4, 5, and 6 were sure signs of the audience’s approval.

The biggest question though was why the directors, Mrs. Brueggemann and Mr. Hensley choose such an unfamiliar story as the school’s Þrst drama production of the year.

“It’s totally different than the other plays we have done. It’s such a big period piece. It provided a lot of lead roles, and the musical numbers were fun and gave an opportunity for lots of participation,” says Mrs. Brueggemann.

The story revolved around Babe Williams, played by junior Elizabeth Krempa, falling in love with Sid Sorokin, the factory supervisor, played by senior Chris Susio. However, their love was not so black and white. Babe was in charge of the committee to get a pay raise, and

Kim Hoopes Copy co Editor

photo by Alli Kartachak

Students should embrace opportunity of required computer class.

Brenda (Stephanie Ward) tries to convince Babe Williams (Elizabeth Krempa) that she knows of Babe’s love for the supervisor (Chris Susio). This love unfolds throughout the rest of the play.

Sid was the man who denied the raise. The money problems interfered with their blossoming love.

Senior Steve Douglas, who played “Prez,” added, “It had a lot to do with sexual harassment in the work ofÞce too.”

The plot of this year’s play was fairly racy. There were people running into the woods left and right, a whole lot of drinking, and plenty of kisses between Sid and Babe.

Senior Chris Susio summed up the play in one word: “inÞdelity.”

Before performing the play on stage there were endless hours of practice.

Mr. Hensley said, “There were so many aspects to the play. We start meetings in July. Everything has to be in place, and we have to have meetings with everyone in-

volved. It’s very difÞcult and everything has to be calculated.”

The production involved over sixty people counting actors alone.

Junior Stephanie Ward, who played Brenda, said the reason for the popularity of the productions is because “You make so many new friends and we all get united. It’s really great to see new freshman talent each year too.”

One of those new freshman faces in the play was Evan Connelly. He attributed the success of the show to “the versatility of the parts. You could do the show with up to 200 people or as few as 20 and it would still be great.”

However, the enormity of the cast posed a few problems during the preparation for the show.

See “Pajama Game,” page 15

photo by Neha Prakash

E D I T O R I A L S

Hines (Ryan DeVoe) reprimands the workers of the factory for wasting time. During their song “Racing With the Clock” the workers complain about working their hands to the bone.

Mardi Gras masks lined the walls. A giant, blow up joker stood in the entrance to the gym.

Balloons and colorful streamers were found all around the school.

As a result of the hard work of the SAC, the school dripped with the ambiance of the “Big Easy.”

SAC members spent 13 hours decorating for the dance. This does not include the hours spent planning the theme of Homecoming, selecting the DJ, and meeting with Mr. Piercy to decide on rules for the dance. The SAC was set on making Homecoming a memorable night in the minds of the students.

“My expectations are pretty low,” remarked freshmen Jessica Skopinski prior to Homecoming.

The cancellation of the Backto-School dance, along with the dancing restrictions and bright lighting at last year’s Homecoming worried many students.

“I’m really anxious about this year’s Homecoming because it’s our last Homecoming, but I’m kind of nervous because the Backto-School dance got cancelled,” said senior Eleni Van Roden.

Fellow classmate of Skopinski, Rebecca O’Brien, had a brighter outlook on the upcoming dance. “I think it will still be fun,” she said.

“I’m excited – it’s our Þrst formal dance.”

Others simply felt that the dance would be nothing out of the ordinary. Senior Neal Parekk said, “I think that this year’s Homecoming won’t be anything special – it’ll just be an average dance.”

The SAC, however, wanted to make sure that Homecoming 2005 would be better than “average.”

According to Senior Class Vice President Amanda Selvy, a team of SAC members led by Mr. Johnson worked to transform the school into a place suitable for a formal dance from 3:00 p.m.- 11:30 p.m. on the Friday before Homecoming, and from 9:30 a.m- 2:00 p.m. on Saturday. The team was mainly comprised of the SAC ofÞcers and a few homeroom representatives.

Before these dedicated students could get ready for the dance, they had to clean up everything from the previous activities. This

See “Homecoming,” page 7

Editorials

2

Computer class worthwhile From the Editor Mary Etting Editorials co Editor

Jeff Gunnarsson co Editor in Chief

While editorials can be the subject of controversy, and at times offend people, this is not why they are written. The writer is simply trying to present his or her opinion on a topic.

While reading an editorial please remember that editorials are meant to be biased. When controversial subjects are covered, The Patriot will do its best to give equal coverage to both sides of the topic.

I would like to personally apologize to all of those offended by the nun comic in last issue. I do understand how the comic could have been misunderstood and considered offensive.

The intent of the comic was not to mock nuns or sisters, it was meant to depict that even someone dressed modestly (although in a long skirt) would be expelled from the dance.

If you have an opinion on a topic presented in The Patriot, or an opinion on some topic that relates to JC, please feel free to write a letter to the editor. All letters must be signed. No unsigned letters will be printed. Letters must be appropriate for printing, no foul language or singling out students. All are welcome to write letters- parents, students, alumni, faculty, administration- and all letters are greatly appreciated. Please also inform us if any of our information is inaccurate.

Letters can be e-mailed to jcpatriot@gmail.com or dropped off to room 125. If you drop a letter off, please include an electronic copy. Please also note that all letters may not be printed. If letters are inappropriate or there is not enough space, than placement will be up to the editors.

We at The Patriot sincerely look forward to hearing from you! We want to hear from you, so if you have an opinion, please share it with us.

Students use computers every day: we download music at home, we talk to friends on instant messengers, and we go crazy on MySpace.

In school, we write papers, we check our grades on Powerschool, and we check homework assignments on class websites.

Needless to say, most of us are more than familiar with computers, the internet, keyboarding, and all that technical jazz.

Why then, many students have asked, does the school require us to take a semester of computer science as a requirement for graduation? We use computers on a daily basis; we know what we are doing.

Right?

Well, not quite.

You see, there is more to computers than Kazaa, AIM, and MySpace—much more—especially when it comes to using them for constructive purposes.

There are things such as spreadsheets, databases, and disk formatting with which students are usually unfamiliar and which require additional instruction in order to understand.

The computer science class is normally taken by sophomores

for one semester. If necessary, students may take the course during their junior or senior year. In previous years, students had the option of taking the course as an elective.

However, in 1996, a few members of the JC faculty, including Mr. Scholl and Mr. Iacchei, began to discuss the prospect of administering the class as a requirement for graduation.

“The class was always there in some form or another,” said Mr. Iacchei. “It wasn’t made mandatory until 1997.” The faculty took a vote, and the class was made a requirement for graduation.

The requirement for one semester of computer science, however, is not absolute. Students have the option of taking a summer course to avoid having to take the class in the fall or spring.

In the past, the summer class was only a group of 15 or 20 students. During the previous two years, however, Ms. Seufert, a former teacher here at JC, has made an effort to recruit students for the summer class.

As a result, the number of students taking the course during the summer has increased to more than 50.

In addition to the optional summer course, students may opt out of the computer class by taking an

elective that involves heavy use of computers.

Students who take yearbook as an elective during their sophomore year are not required to take the course. Additionally, students who take one year of journalism are allowed to bypass the class as well.

Some students choose to take a long list of challenging courses throughout their high school career.

Doing so may take up an excessive amount of space on a student’s schedule and make it virtually impossible for the student to take the computer science course. In this scenario, Mr. Scholl may grant permission to waive the course.

Students can avoid the class if they have no room on their schedule. They can take a summer course. They can opt out of the course with journalism or yearbook.

This course is not impractical.

Despite our constant use of computers, we can use this class to our advantage. It is even more relevant now that computers have become such a regular part of our daily lives.

The school’s mission is to educate us to the best of its ability.

Would that not include educating us in the basics of computer usage?

Let’s embrace our education.

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

Staff: Courtney Baltimore, Henry Basta, Elizabeth Ennis, James Hetzel, Jillian Hughes, Alli Kartachak, Lisa Krysiak, Kate Martin, Chris Wilson The Patriot is a publication of the students of John Carroll School. The views and opinions expressed in The Patriot are not necessarily the views and opinions of the Board or Administration of John Carroll School.

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

Volume 41, Number 2

photo by Jessica Decker

John Carroll School 703 Churchville Road, Bel Air, Maryland 21014 Volume 41, Issue 2, November 2005

Some classes, as well as students, use the computer labs to their advantages to work on projects or complete homework. The computer science classes help students to understand computer programs better.

Mods off could be put to better use Kim Hoopes Copy co Editor It is mod 4 on a Friday; my Þrst mod off of the day. The tone rings, and I watch as my fellow students who are not headed to class Þle like a herd of sheep into the library or cafeteria.

I sigh because I am free until mod 9, a period of two hours and

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thirty-two minutes.

Like everyone else, I am always busy and there are a million things I could be doing during this precious free time, but since my mods off are not at the end of the day I am stuck in school for the entire time.

JC is supposed to be a college preparatory school. This should not only be for the educational as-

pect of school, but also to get us ready for some of the freedoms we will have in college.

In several other area private schools, such as Archbishop Curley, seniors are allowed to leave school during free time as long as they return to their classes later on in the day.

JC students should have the same privilege.

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Etting actually supports HC! know; me, a pessimist? However, this year the SAC proved me wrong.

Signs could be seen everywhere The occasion most looked forannouncing information about ward to by the JC community, aside the Powderpuff football game on from the Back-to-School Dance, is Thursday, as well as signs showing class pride.

Hallways were completely taken over by the different grade levels— even the freshmen and sophomores took part in adorning the school in their class colors.

The Homecoming game was rough.

I was surprised that so few people showed up; normally Natalie Goodmuth and Julie Powers enjoy themselves while dancing there is a much bigthe night away. Some rap music was played which pleased students. ger crowd.

Homecoming. This year’s homecoming was one for the ages.

Many students who attended or even heard about the Homecoming Þasco last year had their doubts about this year’s. I freely admit that I was one of those students…I

photo by Amanda Adams

Mary Etting Editorials co-Editor

However, it was extremely cold outside, so I don’t really blame people for not wanting to come.

Nevertheless, next year bring a heavy jacket and show up to support your team.

After the game, it was just hours away from the decisive moment— would there be a homecoming Þasco like last year or not?

SAC ofÞcers and reps insisted that Homecoming would not be like last year, that they had worked very hard and that this year’s Homecoming would be a success.

Still, I had my doubts.

Members of the SAC worked hard to create an atmosphere that the student body would feel appealing and the administration would Þnd acceptable. Compromises were made, such as having Christmas lights lining the walls of the gym so that way fewer of the ßorescent lights were on. SAC members spent hours putting masks on the walls of the lobby and gym, as well as setting tables and other decorations.

This ended up working out very well. The gym was not lit up like a Christmas tree, but there was still light enough to see in there. The decorations were wonderful; everything just added to the festive air of the night.

While rap was not played, which I know is what the majority of high

school students want to dance to, the music played was actually not disappointing.

The DJ seemed to stay away from songs that the majority of students have never heard of and stuck to the classics like “Respect.”

When oldies songs came on, you could hear tons of people screaming out the lyrics; it was great.

There are a few minor adjustments that could have been made to make the week just a little more spectacular: people actually showing up for the Homecoming football game, people not writing on walls with permanent paint, and all those students who didn’t feel like being spirited actually participating in spirit week.

Overall, I think this year’s Homecoming and spirit week were probably the most successful and entertaining ones since I started school here. Students, even underclassmen, were enthusiastic and energetic.

SAC members worked hard and I think they deserve a lot of gratitute. They were able to compromise a great deal with the administration, and bring the students the Homecoming they both wanted and used to expect. Not only that, they also pulled off another amazing feat—they even impressed me.

HC dress expenses cause anguish Formal dress: $125; shoes and accessories: $60; hair appointment: $70; nails: $35; tanning: $30. A Homecoming night to remember: priceless? Most certainly not—the money girls spend on preparing for the Homecoming dance is ridiculous.

What is needed here is for the girls of JC to learn to be more frugal with their spending. Many times, if you get your dress early, like sometime around the end of summer, you will get good deals.

Bargain hunting is the name of the game.

The dance spans a total of three hours, yet girls spend a month’s worth of their parents’ salaries paying for dance attire.

All of that money goes towards a single night of short-lived fun.

The worst part is that once the dance is over, the majority of the girls will never wear their dresses again. Repeating the same dress for two dances in a row would be committing social suicide; few girls would dare trying to pull that off.

There are six formal dances throughout a girl’s high school career. Spending colossal amounts of money on each of these dances is unthinkable. When it is all added up, the dances can cost girls up

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have resulted in people leaving Homecomings early in the past.

This could be the worst scenario for the girls who went overboard on buying all new things for the dance.

They would have wasted hundreds of dollars to show up at a dance for an hour and then leave because they were not having fun.

Homecoming is a tradition. It is a formal dance that gives students an opportunity to do something different for once.

It will never be a cheap occasion, but maybe girls should start considering the fact that Homecoming is not their wedding.

Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on the perfect Homecoming dress, girls should learn to be rational with their spending.

Try going bargain hunting at C-Mart or Gabriel Brothers rather than buying an expensive dress.

C-Mart gets surplus dresses in that cost anywhere from $20 to $100.

Instead of getting you hair done at a salon, have a friend or a friend’s parent do it. Attempt to cut costs where you can.

There are six formal dances during your time at JC, save the expensive outÞts for Ring Dance and Prom.

Etting

Neha Prakash co-Editor in Chief

to over a thousand dollars.

The ironic part is that we all get so dressed up to stand in the dark and dance. Girls spend lots of money and time getting every piece of hair perfectly curled and hair sprayed, but the minute everyone starts to dance, the girl’s hair is completely ruined.

Guys spend much less money than girls on Homecoming; most of the time the guys already own what they wear to the dance.

It’s the basic shirt and tie that they are required to wear for school, so they do not need to spend hundreds of dollars on something new to wear.

Guys can also wear their Home-

coming shirt out to other events, but a Homecoming dress can’t exactly be worn out on a Friday night.

The only thing the guy ends up paying for are the tickets and dinner. Thus, girls who go to the dances without dates get the short end of the stick—those girls are forced to spend even more money to pay for their own ticket and dinner.

Everyone may claim that they have to get dressed up to take pictures before the dance. The before-party has become a custom.

A picture is worth a thousand words, but is the picture really worth the thousand dollars it took

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to get all dressed up?

Time is money. Girls begin their endless pursuit of the perfect outÞt months before Homecoming.

The hours spent trolling around the mall going in and out of Þtting rooms with handfuls of dresses is very time consuming.

On the other hand, if guys actually do go shopping for Homecoming they generally buy the Þrst thing that Þts. They will never understand the hunting process for the dress.

In addition, Mr. Piercy is not one to shy away from making new rules about the dance. His restrictions on dancing, lighting, and music angered many students and

November 2005

editorials

4

Health day speaker impresses School spirit booming Jared Drewen Editorials co Editor It is well-known that JC holds at least one assembly related to health every year.

Over the last two years the school has gone so far as to dedicate entire days to educating students about their wellness.

For seniors and juniors, the day began with an assembly in the auditorium. Everyone sat down thinking: What could they possible throw at us next?

In the past few years we have had grotesque and vivid assemblies on the evils of abortion and drunk driving, so no one was exactly looking forward to whatever this one might be.

However, this year was to be unique from the past.

This year was to begin with one of the most powerful assemblies I have ever sat through, and then go downhill from there.

As the guest speaker Katie Koestner began her story, few had any idea where it would lead.

She sounded as if she were simply telling about life in college.

She told jokes and anecdotes about other schools she had visited and got the entire auditorium laughing.

However, as her story began to develop and students began to understand where it was leading,

Volume 41, Number 2

no one laughed anymore. No one spoke or made comments to their neighbors as people usually do during an assembly.

In all my four years here, I have never heard the auditorium so quiet when there were so many people in it.

The story of her experience touched us all. For once, I left the auditorium and did not hear everyone immediately erupt into their own conversations.

The hallway was nearly as silent as the auditorium itself. The only discussion going on was in the form of silent whispering.

This Þrst part of the day was deÞnitely worthwhile and some people may have even learned something from it.

However, the day went downhill after this point.

The juniors and seniors Þled into the gym as the freshmen and sophomores scurried to the auditorium to switch assemblies.

Each of the sets of classes experienced the same assembly that the other set had just seen.

The juniors and seniors would now be educated on the dangers of methamphetamines and how to identify meth labs in 7-11 parking lots.

This assembly has become the butt of many jokes since health day. For instance, it has become a custom for some students to yell “Meth lab!” out their car windows

as they drive past any 7-11.

Obviously, few of the students took this assembly seriously, especially when in comparison to the gravity of Katie’s experience.

From here, all of the students dispersed to various parts of the school where they were to listen to other health and wellness speakers.

Again, not many students took any of these assemblies seriously.

The general sentiment that day seemed to have been: “Well, at least it gets us out of class.”

Spending entire days on any one topic is a poor idea. Most students would just as soon skip school, and some did, on these days because they feel that they get nothing out of them and, since there is no school work, students feel that they can get away with it.

This is especially saddening because of the fact that Katie’s powerful speech in the morning was overshadowed and largely forgotten by the end of the day due to the subsequent assemblies.

Following something so powerful with an entire day of wandering around the school listening to speeches about such things as possible careers in nursing, which not many students will relate to or care about, completely diminished any impact that Katie’s speech could have had on the students.

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Danny Morris Roving Editor There seems to be a general perception that the level of school spirit at JC has declined in recent years. However, the events of the last few weeks have proven that spirit is indeed thriving in our school community.

The success of several of our sports teams, especially Girls’ Varsity Soccer, has awakened great enthusiasm in the students.

A cluster of John Carroll students is nearly always present at Girls’ Varsity Soccer home games.

The Varsity Boy’s Soccer team consistently makes up the majority of the cheering section and attends both home and away games.

“It’s a lot of fun to watch the games, we get to support our school and our friends on the team,” said Soccer Captain Michael Whiteleather.

The Girls’ Varsity Soccer team has progressed to the championship round, and a swarm of patriotic students are already planning to attend this game as well.

Spirit Week was a refreshingly positive and exuberant experience, as all grade levels got involved in the festivities.

The excitement built up as the Powderpuff game and pep rally approached, with students adorning themselves and the hallways

of JC with increasing amounts of class colors.

At the Powderpuff game, the junior and senior classes tried to outdo each other, screaming encouragement to their players and exploding into frenzies when their team scored. At the end of the game the senior class stormed the Þeld, exulting in their victory.

This spirited high carried over to the next morning, as the seniors entered the school en masse, clad in green and waving ßags and banners.

The culmination of the week— the pep rally—was a huge success, putting the students in an exuberant mood for Homecoming.

The Homecoming Dance was a well organized event, overßowing with spirit and balloons.

The administration and students came to an agreement on the music and type of dancing that would be permitted, and the result was an experience that senior Amanda Selvy described as, “the best dance of the past two years.”

The general consensus of the school was that the event was a success, and there were few complaints from either party.

The overall result was the refreshingly positive attitude of students towards John Carroll, and the revival of long lost school spirit.

November 2005

News

5

Kate Martin Staff Writer

John Carroll’s Annual Open House was a three-hour event planned almost two months in advance.

An Open House committee composed of Mrs. Brueggemann (director of admissions), Mrs. Cathell (head of public and parent relations), Mrs. Mountain (secretary of admissions and facilities), and Mrs. Greig (alumni and public relations).

They undertook the incredible task of trying to put together a successful Open House.

The numbers, however, show that JC had a 20% increase of eighth graders over last year with a total of 385 prospective students.

Statistically, this was a successful Open House.

The Open House featured performances by the chorus, band, and orchestra, as well as a preview of the upcoming play.

A change from previous years, Mr. Barker personally gave three different welcoming talks to prospective students and their families in the auditorium.

Despite the amount of time and effort put into the preparation period, unfortunately some students and faculty did not believe it to be a beneÞcial event.

This negative reaction was due mainly to the new touring system.

In prior years, the guidance ofÞce took an unlimited amount of students to help run the operation.

Last year, 225 students volunteered to assist the faculty. These students lined up in the front hall and each family that came in was appointed a tour guide.

This year at Open House, which took place on October 23, the traditional system changed. There were no longer tour guides, but “Student Ambassadors.” These volunteers stood in the Academic wing and were accessible for guidance if families needed help. The Guidance Department opened only sixty “Ambassador Positions” to the student body.

Junior Kim Murray expressed some of her concerns when she Þrst learned of the new system: “Last year families asked me a lot of questions and this year they won’t get their questions answered.”

This was partly because prospective students had to seek out Student Ambassadors, instead having them constantly available to answer questions.

Freshman Amanda Nguyer compares her Open House visit last year to volunteering and working this year saying, “It would have been cool to be a tour guide.”

Numerous volunteers expressed negative and positive feedback on the tour guide issue, but as Mrs. Brueggemann explained, “It is impossible to please everyone.”

Sophomore Jamie Corun ex-

photo by Jennifer DiBiagio

Open house opens doors to prospective students

Junior Claire Sneddon teaches a prospective student how to make a clay pot in the Fine Arts wing. Many teachers such as Mr. Gaudreau chose to present their subjects in an interactive manner in order to capture the attention of potential John Carrollians. pressed her concern that prospective students did not get an equal opportunity to see the Fine Arts wing. She is on the Pinnacle staff and was stationed there during Open House. “Only twenty people were downstairs in the last forty minutes,” she said. “They don’t know what’s down here.”

Mr. Shupe of the Fine Arts department noticed this problem as well and remarked, “No one is directed towards the Þne arts wing; people are only directed towards the academic wing.”

However, he later remarked that

the Open House committee had addressed the problem and he received an increase in vistors.

It is not fair to say that all students disliked the new system.

Sophomore Chris Volker thinks the new system is practical, saying that “Students get to choose what parts of the school they would like to see.”

Mrs. Brueggemann stated that last year, “people used to feel pressured to keep pushing through [the school].” This was another aspect to consider when evaluating the new system.

The Guidance staff is always in need of comments and suggestions.

Next year Mrs. Brueggemann will consider any suggestions from the faculty or students.

She has the idea of an Open House committee comprised of student volunteers and faculty members.

Prior to the 2006 Open House, this committee could collectively brainstorm ideas about how to deal with general concerns as well as address speciÞc issues as the tour guide matter.

Students give from their heart

Junior Clint Noack orates a Latin poem to an intriguied visiting family. Live presentations and freshly cooked foods were commonly used to draw vistors into classrooms.

Correction In the last issue, we reported that the Herman family donated the sound system in the gym. Acctually, the sound system was bought using money from a school capital campaign. The Herman family donated the sound system for the auditorium.

Volume 41, Number 2

Groups of students form one line in the gym and unite under a single cause: giving their blood to save lives. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, more students donated this year than they did last year.

The responsibility of giving blood rests mainly on the shoulders of juniors and seniors due to the age limit. Students must be at least 16 years old and weigh 110 pounds to donate.

This year, out of the 45 people who volunteered to give blood, seven were turned away.

They could have been turned away if they had anemia, if they had been recently sick or were sick, if they had not eaten that day, or if they did not reach the weight limit.

Out of the people who actually gave blood, 80 percent of them were juniors or seniors.

Senior Mike Black, who gave blood for the Þrst time, had a positive experience. He said, “It makes you feel good inside.”

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Others who donated did not the lives of both blood donors and have the same reaction. Some recipients. The commercials atstudents have a weak stomach so tempted to entice students to dowhen they give blood they may nate blood by making them realize pass out or feel sick to their stom- that they too were capable of savach. The Red Cross explained that ing a life.

Many teachers joined in the this occasionally happens to blood cause as well. Some of the teachers donors due to the large amount of blood leaving their bodies in such a short period of time.

Mr. Johnson, who runs the blood drive at JC, says that when they put the needle into one of your arms, it “hurts for the Þrst second and then, nothing.”

He compared the sensation to that of being bitten by a mosquito.

Mr. Hollin looks as though he has fainted while Mr. Johnson a Red Cross nurse collects his blood. Although tried to make a big he is faking it, many people do pass out while push for the blood in the process of donating blood. drive this year by holding an assembly promot- who donated blood this year were ing the cause. He showed several Mr. Mullin, Sister MaryAnne, Mr. Red Cross commercials detailing Paaby, and Mr. Hollin. photo by Jessica O’Brien

photo by Jennifer DiBiagio

Joe Christensen News co editor

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news

6 New driving laws frustrate those now getting licenses Shannon Murphy Business Manager

The sirens screech and you glance to your rear view mirror. Just as you expected, a cop is pulling you over. Your heart sinks to your stomach as the thought of being caught with other teens in your car runs through your head.

It is bad enough that you were speeding, but now you get an additional couple points added to your license because your Þve month period has not passed yet.

The cop slowly walks up to your car and asks the ages of the many passengers that piled into your automobile as you pulled out of the school parking lot. Your friends say that they are 16 or 17, and you’re slapped with a hefty Þne.

The only thing you’re worried about now is how to tell your parents. Insurance will news briefs

sky rocket, and your parents will deÞnitely not be thrilled. This type of scenario has affected many students at JC. Current junior, Nicole Moriatis, has experienced this event Þrst hand. While driving with a friend on Vale Road, a police ofÞcer pulled her over for a speeding violation.

When he asked for Nicole’s license and registration, he soon noticed that she had her provisional license.

The ofÞcer asked Nicole’s friend her age, veriÞed that she was a minor, and began to write up a ticket for driving with a minor.

Nicole not only suffered two points placed on her license for speeding, but an additional point was added for having a minor in the car.

Nicole recollects, “Nothing really happened. He just wrote the tickets, I cried my eyes out, and then he yelled at me for crying.

He was like ‘It’s not the end of the world,’ blah, blah. Then he gave me the tickets and

by: caitlin keilty

Jc rocks out at the Showcase of Bands On Sunday October 16, 2005, JC hosted a “Showcase of the Bands” in which nine local schools took part. Bands from Joppatowne, C. Milton Wright, Aberdeen, Havre De Grace, North Harford, Fallston, Edgewood, and Bel Air played their Þeld music in an exhibition that began at 2pm. Mrs. Bair’s band of 47 played “Bohemian

Rhapsody,” “American Woman,” and “Back in Black.” The percussion section played a special piece written by junior Jon Fritz entitled “Trecho.” Some highlights from the other schools’ performances include beating on a kitchen sink, and twirling swords and ßaming batons.

I drove away scared.”

Students have more reasons to be afraid because the state has passed a new law stating that new drivers may not drive with other teens in their cars for the Þrst Þve months of having their provisional license; teens may only drive with siblings or persons over the age of 18. Although this law is a second offense, meaning that you have to get pulled over for a moving violation before you can receive a ticket, it seems to be a primary target for cops.

“I think the law people should trust us,” stated sophomore Elizabeth Scopelliti. “It doesn’t take that long to get comfortable with driving. I think two months would be sufÞcient. Let kids learn to drive, and then gradually bring people in the car.”

This law isn’t the only law that has been aimed at new drivers. The students getting their permits now have to wait an additional two months and meet a requirement of 60 driving hours before they can be eligible to get their license.

A cell phone law has been passed as well.

Drivers younger than 18 must use a handsfree head set when talking on the phone or not use their cell phones at all.

“If they are giving us the responsibility

Sophomores make sandwiches for the homeless Sophomores have changed their retreat plans for this year. Now, they will make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for Our Daily Bread down in Baltimore. This is an all day affair for about ten sophomores at a time. Last year’s retreat consisted of sophomores had a class assembly and mass as their retreat.

to take the keys and drive alone, then what is the difference with having friends in the car? It just doesn’t make sense,” said junior, Andrew Stetka.

Students also argue that these new laws interfere with carpooling. When planning a get together, every teen has to drive their car, rather than ride together. These conditions make things harder on the parents and are not convenient for neighboring friends.

“It doesn’t seem like it will help anything; kids aren’t gonna follow it anyway.

It’s a second offense so no one is going to listen,” stated junior TJ Lewis. He added, “My brothers are more annoying than my friends.”

“Now everyone has to drive. It’s easier to have one car than it is to have six,” said sophomore Jaime Vigilotti.

Gas consumption and environmental issues also interfere with these new laws. Environmentalists have stated that car exhaust hurts the environment and causes a lot of the pollution that we have today.

Sophomore Harley Vaughn pointed out, “And with the gas problem, they want us to reduce the use of gas. How does having more people drive help?”

Russian class takes a trip to the home of the Post heiress Mr. Miller took the junior Russian class to Hillwood in Washington, D.C on November 4.

Hill-

wood is the former house of the heiress to the Post fortune. Marjorie Maryweather Post acquired a large collection of Russian artifact after the fall of the Russian Romanov dynasty and at the rise of the Soviet Union. Mr. Miller has taken his Russian classes to Hillwood many times over the past Þve years. Maryweather enjoyed gardens, so Hillwood contains many extensive gardens that act like rooms extended from the house.

JC halls transformed during spirit week Upon walking into the second ßoor bathroom by the cafeteria on Monday, October 24th, I noticed “2006” written on the line of mirrors in green paint. This was evidence that the 2005 Spirit Week from October 24th-28th had kicked off and class and school spirit was deÞnitely not taken lightly by students.

Spirit week is always an exciting time for students because they get to be out of uniform for the entire week before Homecoming.

It’s “best thing ever!” exclaimed Junior Emily Earnshaw.

“The fact that we get to dress down for the whole week and students get to wear what they want for once makes it better because it’s a break from the uniform.

It’s not like public schools where they get to wear what they want.

They don’t really care about Spirit Week,” described Sophomore Jeff O’Loughlin.

“The days this year included couch potato day on Monday, clash/crazy hair day on Tuesday, decade day on Wednesday, the Hurricane Katrina relief button day on Thursday, and class color day on Friday.

“It was a lot of fun because you

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got to dress out of uniform,” said Freshmen Chandler Eldreth.

The decision for what each day’s theme would be was decided at a leadership conference beginning in September with the SAC headed by senior Scott Dunn. SAC reviewed a list of pre-approved days done in the past and discussed possible new ideas.

“People agree, people disagree, and we move on. It’s never personal,” described Mr. Johnson.

After SAC voted on a list of possible dress-down themes for each day, they submitted them to the Student Faculty Administration (SFA) made up of Mr. Piercy, Mr. McAdams, and other faculty.

One idea that was not approved by the SFA was allowing students to dress up in Halloween costumes. “I thought that would be fun,” remarked Mr. Johnson.

It was thought, however, that it might become too disruptive in the learning process.

Juniors Angie Soul and Sarah Hackford suggested it would be fun to have a twin day. “It would be fun to dress like my friends for a day,” said Soul.

Freshmen Ryan McGrath said he would like to have students dress up like their favorite superheroes. “That would be awesome,” remarked McGrath.

Junior Marisa Hatzidimitriou said she would not mind seeing a

day where students could support their favorite music artist or band, and Freshmen Nick Almony said he would like a sports day to support a certain team or athlete.

Decorations for Spirit Week and Homecoming began right after school on Friday. The focus in the last couple of years has been to make the lobby the “centerpiece of the decoration efforts” described Mr. Johnson where each class would get their own window to paint a class picture supporting this year’s Homecoming theme of “The Big Easy.”

Mr. Johnson described that there was not really any point to elaborate on the decorations in the gym because the lights would be out at Homecoming so no one could really see or appreciate them. The decorating in the academic wing has also been limited so that students would not get completely distracted from their school work.

Some students, juniors and seniors in particular, however, went extreme with window paint this year mostly as a result of pre and post Powder Puff rivalry.

Senior Kevin Turek said, “The rivalry between the juniors and the seniors was great.” The junior class also demonstrated class unity by all wearing the same blue shirts on class color day on Friday.

“Problems this year involved people writing on anything and

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everything with window paint,” described Mr. Johnson. He said that it’s great to have class spirit but writing on the trophy cases and entrance windows is extreme because the school needs to look its best when people enter it.

When it came time to clean up the “grafÞti,” the writers amazingly disappeared. Mr. Johnson said that the hours spent cleaning up the paint was time that could have been usefully spent on decorating.

After the seniors defeated the juniors 126 in Powder Puff, the Katie Costello sprints for the first down seniors’ class spirit in- as the senior class cheers her on. creased greatly.

The phrase, “Seniors, 12-6” was writ- line is these are kids and we need ten everywhere including on cars to let them have a little fun,” added and on posters.

Mr. Johnson.

Mr. Johnson said one of the bigAlso, contrary to the spreading gest challenges in making Spirit rumors, Mr. Johnson would like to week successful and keeping the set the record straight that Spirit classes and schools uniÞed in a Week for next year is not going to good nature is to keep it from go- be cancelled. ing to “a pace or a level where it “Spirit week gives the kids doesn’t need to be whether it’s a chance and even the faculty posters or chants” that might be to loosen up a little bit and have offensive. some fun and have class spirit,” “I think there’s a population who concluded Mr. Johnson. takes themselves and the school a “It was good stuff,” summed up little too seriously, but the bottom Freshmen Alex Hinder. photo by Jess O’Brien

Hillary Livingston Copy co Editor

November 2005

news

7

Homecoming exceeds expectations included the pep-rally, which involved picking up trash, scrubbing off window paint that remained from Spirit Week, sweeping, and covering the bleachers and putting them away.

“Cleaning off the windows from Spirit Week was probably the hardest part,” said Selvy.

Next, the group began to set up for the dance. They blew up balloons, put up Mardi Gras masks, put together murals, and strung streamers, along with other preparations. They hoped these decorations would create a different atmosphere, making everyone feel as if they were in New Orleans, not just at school.

Despite low expectations, over 800 students attended Homecoming, and it is safe to say that the dance exceeded most of the students’ expectations.

“It was Þve hundred times better than last year,” said senior Emily Depman. “I actually stayed for this one – longer than a half hour.”

Less dancing restrictions were what made the dance more enjoyable for many students.

Senior Richard Trujillo said, “It was good not having Mr. Piercy walking around with his spotlight, shining it on people so they wouldn’t dance inappropriately.”

Senior Kevin Turek voiced a similar opinion, saying, “I enjoyed the dancing, even though it was so crowded I kept bumping into people.”

The lights which were left on were covered to give the room a dim glow, and they were accentuated by the DJ’s moving lights and fog from a fog machine. In fact, many said that they did not even worry about the lighting at all.

Trujillo said, “The topic of lighting did not really register in my

mind, probably because all lighting was obscured by the incessant smoke billowing out of the smoke machine.”

The students also liked the music selection, which mainly consisted of rap and hip-hop, but also included rock and other various types of music. Having music that was easy to dance to allowed students to enjoy themselves, and the DJ occasionally mixed up the dancing styles with a change of music styles.

Freshman Katie Macdonald said, “The music was fun. I hear it was better than last year.”

The students also enjoyed the line dances, which gave everyone a chance to take a break from the normal dancing, and to get some air.

Another popular part

On Wednesday, October 5, 2005 sixteen girls anxiously awaited their verdict. Their crime: hide and seek.

It began as the simple childhood game where everyone hides, and one person has to Þnd them.

The modiÞed version that took place that day involved members of the varsity Þeld hockey team as the hiders, and their coaches, Mrs. Gauthier and Mr. Scholl, as the seekers.

This game became an automatic tradition for the team after last year’s hide and seek incident. At the conclusion of the 2004 Þeld hockey season, Chelsea Ford brought a blow up raft to school and the girls used it to carry ev-

Volume 41, Number 2

caused a lot of heat, and many people became dehydrated. They then had difÞculty Þnding something to drink.

“I think they should give out

rules, and festive atmosphere that came together to form a lasting memory at Homecoming this year.

Depman said, “Homecoming was well worth the money I paid.”

“It was five hundred time better than last year.”

- Emily Depman

drinks because it gets really hot,” remarked junior Colin Alban.

Students were pleasantly surprised by the colorful decorations, relaxed

From left, Michelle Cvach (Fr.), Emily Lubejko (So.), Serena Buontempo (Fr.), and Caitlyn Seufert (Fr.) let loose on the dance floor as they enjoy the JC Homecoming Dance 2005.

FOUND: Caitlin Keilty News co Editor

of the dance was the announcement of the Homecoming court, and the King and Queen. From the senior class, this year’s King and Queen were Dylan Baumgardner (a.k.a. “Slafro”) and Stephanie Novak.

Although Homecoming proved to be a fantastic time for the majority of the students, a few things could have been improved.

Some students believe that drinks should have been offered at the dance, as the vending machines were always crowded with people and thirsty students and the machines quickly emptied.

“There was nothing to drink!” said freshman Nick Almony.

A crowd of 800 people dancing and sweating

photo by Nick Johnson

“Homecoming,” from page 1

Field hockey team grounded for hiding on top of roof

ery member of their team across ly chosen spot, the roof. They the pond located behind the track. climbed the narrow staircase and They created a “wicked rope pul- found themselves on the very top ley system” according to Ford, of the JC gymnasium.

Peering down upon the tiny peoand eventually all of the girls were ple below them, the girls giggled safely on the island. as they watched After their enMr. Scholl and tertaining experiMrs. Gauthier ence last year, the search futilely for girls were anxious the remainder of to begin this year’s their team. game.

The team Junior Caroline left a note informing Volker rememtheir coaches that the bers her time on game had begun and the roof saying, took off. No one was frantically searching - Megan Young “The view was amazing!” The for a place to hide, girls decided to because the girls give their coachknew exactly where es a hint as they to go. The group of all began hollering and jumping 18 girls, two of which were not up and down. even members of the Þeld hockey Soon after they were discovered, team, veered towards a back passageway that led to their perfect- the girls descended safely from

“It was definitely worth the four detentions!”

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their perch on the roof and joined their coaches on the ground.

Laughing and high-Þving one another, they left school that night pleased with their creativity.

Their celebrating did not last long. A student had noticed the team on the roof, and shortly thereafter Mr. Piercy was informed.

He immediately recognized their harmless game for what it really was: illegal within the walls of JC. Or rather, on top of the walls of JC. The girls nervously discussed what their possible punishment could be. Their ponderings were soon ended when Mr. Piercy announced the consequences of their actions. Each girl was given four after school detentions. Normally, four detentions issued for the same incident would merit a demerit, but the girls were cut some slack.

However, if they receive one more detention for the rest of this year then they will be given a demerit.

This punishment was considered harsh by some and lenient by others.

Junior Megan Young shares her feelings regarding the experience, “It was deÞnitely worth the four detentions!”

These detentions were also considered “special” because of the manner in which the team had to serve them.

“We couldn’t serve our detentions in the regular way, because 18 girls showing up [for detention] would be too overwhelming for Sister Marge,” comments Volker.

Instead, the girls were sent to the Fine Arts wing to help Mr. Gaudrou for four days.

When all was said and done, Ford had only one thing left to say: “The juniors will never be able to

November 2005

news

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Koestner captivates audience Katie’s story of her rape and recovery evokes emotions uncommon to high school

“I thought she was a really good over 700 schools. She came out speaker and the most interesting with her story in 1990 and has person all day,” said junior David been an activist for the 15 years Dukes. since then.

Katie emphasized the point that “I don’t like my job,” said Kaalthough the boy who raped her tie, “I don’t want to be doing it was dating her at the time, he still Katie Johnson was the Þrst to forever.” Koestner hopes that her raped her.

In fact, most victims of stand up. She was followed by a Yes/No program and her other efrape are date-raped by an individfew more chorus members, then by forts to reach out to students will ual they know well. a handful of freshman, and Þnally raise awareness and activism.

Some boys in the audience said followed by the entire auditorium.

She is the author of two books they felt personally targeted by Speaker Katie Koestner received a and the subject of the HBO Film Koestner’s speech. standing ovation.

“No Visible Bruises: The Katie “Now I’m scared that any girl It was applause well deserved. Koestner Story.” In 2003, Katie I look at is going to think I will Katie’s speech had the audience also Þlmed “Please Write Back: rape her,” says one paranoid junior captivated. She was able to hold Sexual Assault among America’s boy. the undivided attention of hunStudents” Katie was aware dreds of high school teenagers. and “Helpthat her speech “When the students in the room ing a Sexual “There should never may have this afshift from ‘slouch’ to ‘sitting up Assault Surfect, and therefore straight,’ they are listening. When vivor.” be a reason to allow intentionally comthey lean forward and rest their elKatie has yourself to be with appeared mented against bows on their knees, they are comthis negative feelon multiple pletely engaged,” Katie has been someone who would ing.

She speciÞ television quoted as saying. cally mentioned programs Katie brought an “under-thedo that to you.” many times that including rug” topic out in the open. She she had no accusashed some light onto what was Oprah, CNN, - Katie Koestner tions or presumponce an unfamiliar subject for and MTV. tions of any boys many JC students, rape.

She was also in the audience, “It moved me. The way she de- on the covbut rather was scribed it made me feel like I was er of Time cautioning students against the living her experience,” said sopho- Magazine in 1993.

Although the subject matter dangers of date rape. more Ashley Bosley later that day.

Katie also made a point to say itself was upsetting, students reKatie has delivered her program, that the rapist was not the stereosponded positively. entitled the “Yes/No” speech, in typical creeping looking man in the back ally. Katie’s boyfriend seemed far from the type of guy who would date-rape his girlfriend.

In fact, Katie recalled that he was extremely handsome, rich (his father was a well known lawyer), popular, and he Self-awareness is the Þrst step towards preventing rape. even owned a summerhouse in Greece.

Maybe this is why 5,000 out of the 8,000 students at William and Mary signed a petition stating that Katie had lied and that her boyfriend really never raped her at all.

Katie was wronged and made fun of for speaking up and doing what was right.

Katie recalled some of the pranks her fellow pupils at William and Mary played on her in school during the time of the petitions: “They egged and keyed my car. One night I even came back to my dorm and everything had been messed up and rearranged,” says Koestner.

Katie, feeling acStatistics from U.S. Department of Justice cused and pinpointed at

Did you know?

Well you should.

A woman is raped every

2 minutes.

28% of victims are raped by their husbands or boyfriends.

1 in 2 rape victims are under the age of 18.

74% of all rapes go unreported.

Help stop rape:

Visit www.rapeis.org for more information.

Volume 41, Number 2

The

Patriot

photo from www.campusoutreachservices.com

Allison Kartachak and Jillian Hughes Staff Writers

Koestner cracks a joke to lighten the mood before launching into the terrible tale that she is about to tell. a place she wanted to call home at nant. Nevertheless, Katie was viothe time, decided she would pack lated and involuntarily forced into up and move to a college farther something that she knew she was away for a while to see how things not ready to do. went. But before long, she realized Katie still remembers the “pale that there was no reason to run yellow walls” of her dorm room away and have her life changed in and the black dress she wore to a non-positive way just because of dinner. She can recall the glow-insomeone else’s bad decision. the-dark stars on her ceiling, and Shortly after, Katie returned her dinner at a French restaurant. back to William and Mary, stronShe was not asking for pity for ger than ever. She decided she what happened to her at William wouldn’t let anyone get her down and Mary, but she got it anyway. and she wanted to bring the guy Sympathy was pouring from the who was responsible for all of this hearts of JC students. to court.

“I felt sorry for her and I couldn’t Although nothing ever happened imagine going through what she to the boy who raped Katie, except went through. It’s a shame that that he was not allowed on her side things like that happen,” said juof campus for two months, he has nior Kristen Lang. to live with the fact that he raped The personal and understandher for the rest of his life. Having able situations that Katie exbeen raped, Katie knows that the plained to JC students temporarily one dreadful night has deÞnitely put them in her place. changed her life forever.

Senior Richard Trujillo felt that Katie doesn’t understand how her speech was more powerful due some guys feel to the realistic manas if they can ner in which it was get away with relayed, “Most the raping girls, or time when you think that it’s not a big of a rape victim, you deal. She can’t of them as crying and begin to realize overly emotional, how some girls which for the most will date guys part makes the story who they know less relatable. Ka- Kristen Lang are forceful and tie told it as it was, abusive, just as if we were her because they friends.” are rich or good-looking.

Katie’s soft, poignant speech “There should never be a reason had a dramatic effect on the stuto allow yourself to be with some- dents in the school - it left them one who would do that to you,” either speechless or bursting with Koestner says. emotion.

Katie’s case may not be nearly as Trujillo responded strongly saybad as some others. Katie is lucky ing, “It made me want to pick up in that she wasn’t severely bruised an ax, and bash in the heads of all or abused and didn’t end up preg- the rapists in the world.”

“It’s a shame that things like that happen.”

November 2005

Features

9

Free mods foster frivolous fun for everyone Henry Basta Staff writer Junior John Miller is sitting in his religion class and the tone Þnally sounds. It signals the beginning of one of his many free mods during the week. Where does he go? What does he do? What does he wish he could do?

Every student thinks about this as they walk through the hustle and bustle of the hallway to their long awaited free mod. For many it depends on if they have homework or if they are hungry. When I asked students what they did during off mods, many said the same two things: go to the cafeteria or go to the library.

Miller puts it simply, “I just like to hobnob with different people on my free mods.” Many students, no matter their grade level, gave the same response.

Even new freshmen have Þgured out the ropes of the free mods. Freshman Nick Temple says, “I love free mods because it seems to help both the social and academic aspect at JC.” The mod system is also new to some students such as sophomore Mike Marll who just transferred from Harford Tech. He said, “First this system seemed overwhelming

because in public school there are only 7 periods instead of 15 mods.

There are no off mods, just a time to eat. Now it seems to break the week into easy and hard days so the week becomes less monotonous.”

From mods 6 to 11, some students Þnd themselves at the front of the school building, perhaps playing catch under the pavilion.

One freshman pointed out that he would like to be able to go out under the pavilion during other mods too.

Other students may head to the Patriot room, art room, or TV production room to work on some projects or just chill out. It is a given that at every off mod you can always Þnd at least one senior at the senior bench taking a nap, cracking jokes, or doing homework.

On some off mods its easy to Þnd students in the library cramming before a test, Þnishing neglected homework from the night before, or playing games on their calculators. Others, despite the constant shushing from the librarians, go to the library to socialize as they do in the cafeteria. Some check grades on Powerschool, type up essays, or just play solitaire on the computer.

Free mods allow for research and reading whether it would be a history book for a project or a random magazine. The strict rules of the library. Instead of being able to leave and go to the cafeteria after they have Þnished their homework, they have to stay there until the mod is Þnished.

Junior Madison Lundon says that she wishes the librarians were more lenient with this rule.

Others who Þnd this rule bothersome just do their homework in the Many students enjoy the air conditioning and quiet atmosphere of the cafeteria. library for studying, doing homework, or just relaxing for a little while.

Some people are not satisÞed with the choices given elementary schools and how they They don’t understand why they to students on what to do during have recess. are only allowed to use it on spemods off. Sophomore Emily JewA few students would enjoy pos- cial occasions. ett said that she thinks it would be sibly being able to go to RockÞeld On beautiful fall and spring days a good idea if the administration playground during off mods. They students have to sit and eat in the would let students listen to their also said that when it comes to go- often stuffy cafeteria rather than in iPods on mods off. ing to the cafeteria, they would the spacious courtyard.

Sophomore Kerry Biondo sug- like to see the food “improve” or Sophomore Nick Johnson congested that the dress code should at least for the “old” cookies to re- cludes, “All I ever wanted to do be more relaxed on off mods. turn. was commune with nature on my Buttons could be unbuttoned or The recurring feedback from a off mods.” sleeves slightly rolled without a small group of underclassmen was detention. Then there are some that they wanted to have more use students that are still envious of in the courtyard during off mods.

Having trouble keeping yourself entertained on your off mods? Try one of these games as an alternative to roaming the halls or snoozing in the library!

JC X-word

Color in my Mardi Gras costume!

Down: 1. annual event that didn’t happen this year 3. was surprisingly good this year 5. senior class icon 6. “One day!”

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Volume 41, Number 2

Across: 2. 2005’s teacher of the year 4. internet scandal 8. rooftop excursion 10. teacher with best goatee 11. guidance counselor/ choreographer 12. JC’s oldest teacher 13. JC’s longest serving teacher

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The

Patriot

November 2005

features Quirky spirit days don’t make the cut 10

Emily Lazor Features co editor Spirit Week is a unifying time for all. Girls deck out their class tshirts together. Boys dress up like members of Kiss together. Most importantly, everyone gets in trouble for spraying their hair different colors and wearing spandex, all while being together.

By your sophomore Spirit Week, you have basically learned all of your Spirit Week staple days: Couch Potato Day, Clash Day,

Class Color Day, Dress-as-yourfavorite-organ Day. Wait…what?

When you think “school spirit” you don’t usually think “thyroid gland.”

So the notion that I was living in a sheltered spirit day world didn’t occur to me until I was in a SAC meeting about two weeks before Homecoming. The Spirit Week agenda was due, but some of the proposed days needed some clearing up.

“What exactly does ‘Foreign

Country Day’ entail?” senior Scott Dunn, the Spirit Week committee chair, was asked. “Well, we kind of just wanted to wear berets,” he replied, “but there’s also ‘Dresslike-your-favorite-insect’ Day.” According to another member of the Spirit Week committee, junior Matt Mahaffey, many “new and improved” spirit days were also considered (see table this page). The committee passed off all of these ideas as simply good fun, but one that they actually pro-

posed was turned down.

“The idea of a Halloween Costume Day has been rejected due to the administration’s fear of it being too hard to impose guidelines,” says SAC Vice President Kyle Hanratty.

Maybe next Spirit Week, champs. Maybe next time they can get some input from other members of the student body for ideas on

these quirky spirit days. “Wearyour-Back-to- School-Dance-outÞt Day sounds pretty good,” says junior Brendan Gauthier.

“Or maybe Cross-dressing Day!” exclaims junior class VicePresident Tony Herman. For some reason, I have the feeling that most people would just rather wear a beret.

Bored with your JC Spirit Days?

The following new ideas were suggested...

• Papier Mache Clothing Day • Wear-any-three-pieces-of clothingyou-want Day • I-have-a-mole-in-a-weird-spot Day • Favorite Pokemon Day

photo by Angela DiBeneditto

• Siamese Twin Day • Vegetable Day • Dress-like-your-favorite-kitchenappliance Day • Dress-like-your-favorite-teacher Day

A group of freshman girls listlessly watch the pep rally on Class Color Day.

Ryan Leeb Entertainment co Editor Apparently, “just a little bit off the top” grants barbers permission to do as they please with your hair. And so it went one fateful day in the third grade when I went to my Þrst haircut at a new barbershop.

It started off just Þne—he got rid of the gnarly sideburns I had managed to grow despite my young age. The experience became alarming when the barber began trimming a distinct circle around my head without altering the latitude of the cuts.

And thus, the bowlcut was born. And ever after I have continued to keep it alive despite other fashionable fad-cuts that were introduced, like the “I had a surplus of beeswax in my cupboard, so I used it to immerse my head, resulting in my bangs becoming an umbrella to protect my forehead” ‘do (circa 1998).

While most consumers invest in other, more presentable styles, I have actually been quite pleased to realize that the bowlcut has adapted to and endured the test of time, while protecting me in unexpected situations. In many ways, the bowlcut is like most sport-utility vehicles.

Both cost a considerable amount to maintain—for the SUVs, you pay in cash for gas, and for the bowlcut you trade all positive reputation and sexual appeal whenever you appear in public. However, the positives greatly outweigh the negatives.

Choosing SUVs and bowlcuts actually heightens your survivability and makes you more resourceful with their versatility.

SUVs can climb over rocks and the occasional curb; impressive, no doubt.

But just imagine what you can do with a bowlcut! On countless occasions, I myself have used it to block my eyes from

Volume 41, Number 2

unappealing images, like scary movies or Homecoming make-out sessions. Also, it is prepared to serve as a headrest when times are rough and drowsiness abundant, especially when there is a lack of pillows.

It even deßects the occasional paper airplane or Koosh-ball from my head without damaging my cranium.

So before you “lay the smack down” on the bowlcut, ask yourself: what purpose does your shag serve? Does your side ponytail get you anything other than a mount for overpriced name-brand ribbons? I think not.

On my venture to uncover the mysteries of the bowlcut, I discovered that an unbelievable amount of people have donned the style at an earlier stage of their life. This stage usually spans from the time a mother realizes that her child’s hair is getting too long to comb over to the time in which kids make fun of their classmate who carries the multi-colored lunchbox with a special string cheese compartment. There comes a time, however, when humans reach a certain level of maturity and an item’s usefulness is downplayed to its appearance. It is because of this that people ditch the bowlcut, usually around their pre-teenage years. I don’t know what happened in my case; perhaps I was too busy trying to see how many Poly-

The

O string cheeses I could Þt into the string cheese compartment of my lunchbox.

It is clear that the people that get out of their frumpy bowlcut stage all Þnd their own paths in their destiny of haircut choice. I discovered quite a few forks in the road of life after the bowlcut.

“I had a bowlcut for four years,” recalled junior Kelly Lynch, who now displays a rather Þne and attractive popular ‘do equipped with side-swept bangs and medium-length straightened hair, usually worn up in the back in a pony tail or bun.

“All I remember about my childhood is bowlcut, big glasses, and Star Wars shirt. All the time,” boasts junior Mike Reft. He now sports a newer model of the ’98 style described above.

Surprisingly, the updated version has the ability to mold into its distinct shape without the use of gel.

It also became apparent that people that couldn’t pull off the bowlcut effectively were either insanely jealous or highly supportive. “I love them!” exclaimed junior Cate Dagilas. “I think you look so cute in it!”

I agree. I do look rather attractive in it.

Once in a blue moon, however, I have a “bad bowlcut day.” This is like a “bad hair day” cubed plus pi times “bad hair day” squared, quantity multiplied by negative four. If “bad hair day” is the variable in this equation and the y-axis is labeled as the photo by Emily Lazor

THE BOWL CUT:

SUV of hairstyles stands up to challenge of everyday situations

Patriot

level of sexiness of the hair, it is clear just how cumulative the outcome is (since it has a negative slope). In an extreme snowball effect, the bowlcut just gets worse and worse.

There are also good bowl cut days, which can be calculated using the same formula, just switching the signs to make a positive slope. On good bowl cut days, very good things happen. I got a 95 on a history test on a good bowl cut day. Hopefully, I’ll get married on a good bowlcut day.

The bowlcut has a promising future. This is contradictory to its dark past, since it was created in the Great Depression to save money (since all you need to make it is a bowl, scissors, and long hair). However, since so many good things have come from the bowlcut already, it is conceivable that even more amazing things can come from people inßuenced by its radiant energy. Scientists with bowlcuts from all around the world may one day come together and cure AIDS. How many famous hair cuts have actually made such an impact on so many people’s lives? Don’t even try to say that the mullet comes anywhere near touching the bowlcut’s utter perfection.

“The mullet wishes it was the bowlcut.

The bowlcut is coming back. The mullet tried, but you can only laugh when you see a person with a mullet,” defend juniors Katie Vosburg and Jane Chrismer. You simply can’t argue with that. Ask yourself who would win in a Þght between Lloyd from “Dumb and Dumber” and Joe Dirt from “Joe Dirt.”

The bowlcut just seems to be an image that makes people feel better in every situation. “Seeing a guy with a bowlcut actually makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside,” says junior Sarah Murray. Mullets can’t do that.

They just make you feel… dirty.

November 2005

Jeff Gunnarsson co Editor in Chief

“I came here to educate you about where I came from.”

- Vernon Sutkis

During the Þrst three mods of school on Friday, November 4, Mr. Sooktis and Mr. Scholl presented a video to students in the gymna-

sium; the bleachers on the entire side of the gym were packed. Mr. Sooktis served as the cultural consultant for the movie and recruited fellow Cheyenne Indians to play in the movie. His brother even played a part in the movie.

Mr. Sooktis also works for the Indian Health Service organization, which works against the unfortunate prevalence of diabetes on the Northern Cheyenne reservation by encouraging things like the consumption of foods that provide a low risk of the contraction of diabetes.

After the movie, Mr. Sooktis talked with the audience about life among the Cheyenne. He told them about the Sun Dance, a dance led by a female Cheyenne. Mr. Sooktis describes it as a “renewal of things we have.” He is also a Sun Dance Priest. Unfortunately, he declined

photo by Jessica O’Brien

Vernon Sooktis is a man of many words. Many, many words, in more than one language.

His bilingual capabilities are part of a wide array of talents and know-how that has resulted from his history with the Northern Cheyenne Indian tribe, which now resides on a 144-acre reservation in Montana.

Mr. Sooktis demonstrated the different customs of the Cheyenne tribe, including its language.

He showed how the Cheyenne use the animals that they kill. A single buffalo may be used for food, clothing, water containers, and shelter, among other things.

Mr. Sooktis is a descendant of Chief Morning Star and Chief

Dull Knife on his mother’s side, and Chief American Horse on his father’s side. He comes from a family of three brothers and three sisters.

Senior Steph Kreis passes the burning bundle of sage and sweet grass to Senior Courtney Carnaggio. The herbs are like a form of incense, filling an area with a pleasant and uplifting aroma.

photo by Jessica O’Brien

11 features Cheyenne tribe member shares his heritage

Vernon Sooktis proudly displays a Cheyenne moccasin that he made himself. Mr. Scholl bought the moccasin at an earlier time, unaware that Vernon was its maker. a request from one student to perform the dance for the audience.

After this morning presentation, Mr. Scholl, his 18 anthropology students, Mr. Hollin, and Mr. Sooktis all went to Mr. Scholl’s house for a Þeld trip to learn about the Cheyenne tribe.

For the Þrst hour, the students looked around Mr. Scholl’s house, which contains a wide assortment of various Cheyenne artifacts, jewelry, crafts, decorations, and ornaments.

Afterward, the troupe proceeded outside to Mr. Scholl’s very own tipi. There, the students learned how to play a game involving beads and hands, aptly named the “Hand Game.” A group of persons separates into two groups. One group, which we will refer to as “Team A,” sends two members to play. Each of them receives a bead.

The two then converse and decide which hand in which each of them will hold their bead. Once they are ready, the other group, which we will refer to as “the other team,” sends one person to play. This person receives a beaded stick, which that person uses to guess which beads are in which hands.

If the person holds the stick to the left, the players from Team A open their left hands. If both beads are not revealed, Team A receives one point. If both beads are indeed revealed, the other team receives a point. The same applies if the person from the other team holds the stick to the right. Holding it in the center indicates a guess of the beads being in the outside hands, and holding the stick horizontally indicates a guess of the beads being in the inside hands. The students played this entertaining game for a long time.

One of the most memorable events of the day was when Mr. Sooktis shared with the group an incense-like bundle of sage and sweet grass. After lighting one end, he passed it around the circle of students, allowing its sweet, uplifting aroma to Þll the tipi.

Tragically, Indian cultures across the continent are dying out as modern culture continues to grow. The Cheyenne tribe is one such culture. The only thing that can be done to honor the legacy of Native American culture is to try to learn about and appreciate the dying cultures.

A Recipe to Spice Up Your Thanksgiving!

Traditonal Pumpkin Pie

Ingredients: 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 2 large eggs 1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin 1 can (12 fl. oz.) evaporated milk 1 unbaked 9-inch (4-cup volume) deep-dish pie shell Whipped cream (optional)

Directions: Mix sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger and cloves in small bowl. Beat eggs in large bowl. Stir in pumpkin and sugar-spice mixture. Gradually stir in evaporated milk.Pour into pie shell. Bake in preheated 425 F. oven for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350 F.; bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack for 2 hours. Serve immediately or refrigerate. Top with whipped cream before serving.

Preparation : 15 min / Cooking : 55 min Cooling Time : 2 hrs / Makes : 8 slices

Volume 41, Number 2

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Patriot

November 2005

features Ultimate Frisbee thrills students, faculty alike 12

Students and teachers come together on the JC football field to enjoy an action-packed game of Ultimate Frisbee. The relatively new craze is gaining schoolwide popularity.

Volume 41, Number 2

photo by Allie Steibe

year Frisbee player, describes this ‘do as “a little metrosexual,” but he still respects the unparalleled skill of Tony D at ßinging the Frisbee.

Anthony’s warlike manner on the Þeld was experienced Þrsthand by one of our newest students, junior Yuki Dunn. Recently, in a stress-free, low-key game of Frisbee, Mr. Del Puppo and Yuki, “jumped up together and collided,” as Del Puppo said, knocking the wind out of the hapless student.

“He basically leveled Yuki,” said Frisbee aÞcionado senior Nick Miller. However, there is no malevolence intended by Mr. Del Puppo, and no serious injuries have occurred on the Þeld.

There are vague plans of a multi-team tournament to be held sometime in November, but nothing deÞnite has been scheduled yet.

The team had a friendly intercollegiate match against C. Milton Wright November 4, winning three games straight. Despite the blowout, a positive, laidback environment was maintained, and a huge informal game was played between all the players from both schools.

photo by Allie Steibe

Diving to the ground, Mr. Del Puppo snags a Frisbee in the endzone, as two opposing players hurtle into him from opposite sides, attempting to block the throw. The three players dust themselves off as Mr. Del Puppo is congratulated by his teammates for the catch.

However, this is about as intense as the sport gets, and the atmosphere is generally relaxed.

One of the prime after school activities that has sprung up at school is now in its second year of competition. The Ultimate Frisbee Club was established last fall by recent addition to our faculty, Anthony Enrique Del Puppo.

Mr. Del Puppo made the decision to start a club for Ultimate Frisbee after chatting with students and receiving positive feedback about it.

He describes Ultimate Frisbee as, “a fun sport to play…it’s competitive, but not a serious sport where winning or losing matters. There’s no coach, no pressure of being cut, and no stress.”

All manner of athletes are welcomed to play Ultimate Frisbee.

Spanish teacher Ms. Zavodny and English teacher Ms. Pyzik have participated at least once, and a wide variety of students, from all grade levels rave about the sport.

Senior Kevin Turek cites his, “sheer enjoyment of throwing the Frisbee” as his primary motivation for joining the club.

Standout players that consistently participate include seniors Chaz Linn and Nick Miller and juniors Rich English and Brady Collins. Junior John Kline was described as a “defensive specialist” by a player who begged to remain anonymous.

The team meets after school twice a week, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. A group of about 15 students usually shows up to participate, and Mr. Del Puppo takes part as well.

“D.P.” is well known as a Þerce competitor, and his intensity on the Þeld is a force to be reckoned with. His long ßowing locks must be pulled back into a ponytail so that his vision on the Þeld is unimpaired. “I can’t see otherwise; it’s functional, not for style,” he claims.

Senior Jeremy Finck, a second

photo by Allie Steibe

Danny Morris Roving Editor

Above: Senior Jeremy Fink catches a pass from one of his teammates.

Left: Junior John Kline tosses the frisbee to a teammate in an effort to advance down the field towards the end zone.

The

Patriot

November 2005

Entertainment 13 Scare World scares teens “They won’t touch you,” the employees reassured us. Even though the actors dressed as monsters did not touch us, we still screamed and ran. My friend pushed me into a wall and I collided with a prop. It was a painful experience, but fun anyway.

On Friday, October 21, Þve of my friends and I drove to ScareWorld. The one and a half hour ride took us into Delaware. We paid 11 dollars in tolls, used 20 dollars worth of gas, and spent 120 dollars on tickets. It was worth the expense for the amount of fun we had latching onto each other and screaming.

Thinking back, the sight of us must have been hilarious. We held onto each other, forming a big knot with our arms twisted together and hands grabbing hoods and other people’s arms. At one point, I did not even notice that I had grabbed someone.

The fear was just instinctual. The fact that it was completely fake did not faze any of us. If you are looking for a scare that will make you pee your pants, this is the place to go.

There are Þve different attractions: Insanity, Toxic Terror in 3-D, The Catacombs, Amityville Horror, and 13 Floors.

Insanity is insane. In the midst of a thick fog, you must make your way through a maze of chain linked fence. To make matters worse, creepy looking guys pop out from nowhere and follow you around. Because the maze is long and confusing, it seems like the end will never come.

When the exit comes into view, relief does too, but not for long. Toxic Terror in 3D outdoes Insanity. The cheap 3-D glasses turn Neon-colored paint and oil tanks into an amazing world. Clowns pop out from behind anything imaginable. If you are scared of clowns, be aware that there are many in this house. However, there is nothing really special about the attraction other than these circus freaks.

It is very similar to the 3-D house in Field of Screams which is located in Mountville, Pennsylvania. Field of Screams is mainly clown characters and they will touch you.

Creepy!

In addition to the 3-D house at Field of Screams there is a haunted hayride. As the tractor makes its way through the corn Þelds, monsters and bloody people attack, screaming and grabbing at you. All the while you hope that they are not old pedophiles. At the end riders get a taste of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

And if that is not scary enough, the Den of Darkness will surely make you scream.

In a completely pitchblack haunted house, dead ends and cramped spaces really freak out even those who aren’t claustrophobic.

The cramped spaces make it impossible to avoid snakes and bloody body parts hanging on the walls and ceiling.

In the Catacombs at ScareWorld, bloody body parts also hang from the ceiling.

Worst of all, mummies Þll the house. The ambiance screams “tomb.” Torches break the darkness, decaying bodies Þll holes in walls and attack as you make your way through the terror.

But perhaps the most terrifying of the attractions is Amityville Horror. I do not even remember much from Amityville because most of the time my eyes were shut and my face buried in the shoulder of whoever was in front of me. Just know this: being last in the group is the freakiest. The monsters follow you around and even when you think you have escaped through the exit, one of

the creatures chases you out of the house.

Last but not least is 13 Floors. It is actually just one ßoor with an elevator which really does not go anywhere. Once the doors of the elevator close, it starts to rock and the lights ßicker. When it seems like the thirteenth ßoor is within reach, an alien attacks through the ceiling sending the elevator back to the Þrst ßoor. Well that is what it seemed like anyway.

Later, the six of us came to a room with 5 doors. A man told us that he was a fortune teller.

He pointed to my friend, Kim Smith, and shoved her into one of the doors. Then he made the rest of us go through another of the doors. But we came back to the room only to Þnd Kim there again.

The fortune teller made us go through different doors.

Again he separated Kim and the rest of us. We screamed for Kim as we dodged the monsters in the second tunnel.

At one point we heard her scream and one of the others in the group asked, “What are they doing to her?”

However, we came back to the same room again. This time Kim was not there.

The fortune teller then opened a hidden door which had just looked like part of the wall, but apparently not. Finally, we made it to the end and met back up with Kim. She said that it was the scariest time in her life.

I think that can be said for the entire experience. And even though I was pushed into walls and completely covered in dirt and red stuff which I think was makeup from one of the actors, it was worth all the hassle.

by Savannah Scroggins

Sandy Wienholt Entertainment co Editor

Patriot Staff’s Top Ten Halloween Activities: 1. Go trick or treating. You’re never too old to indulge in the act of being something magic or a power ranger.

2. Go to a haunted house be cause three ulcers just aren’t enough.

3. Recover from Mischief Night or continue being grounded from such.

4. Go to a crazy party.

5. Call public school kids’ cell phones cuz they’re in school!!!

6. Sleep in. Maybe by having nightmares you won’t miss out on scary occurrences.

7. Decorate. Act like you are as spirited for holidays as you are for JC spirit week.

8. Hand out candy. Try to resist the temptation to eat all of the candy. That’s not cool.

9. Watch the Halloween movie marathon on the disney channel (Hocus Pocus specifically).

10. Start studying for those December SATs. Remember, having too much fun gets you into HCC. However, very skittish people and younger children would probably not enjoy the experience.

For information on next year’s schedule, visit the ScareWorld website at www.scareworld.com. Be prepared to go home with a sore throat and lots of bruises (mainly from your friends).

Burton makes macabre marriages merry Courtney Baltimore Staff Writer The new Þlm “Corpse Bride” is a bizarre Halloween movie likely to send shivers down the spine. The pale, mysterious characters and ghostly settings were creepy. But, the movie seemed to captivate younger movie-goers.

The “stop motion” movie takes place in a 19th century European village. It follows the life of a young lad by the name of Victor, voiced by Johnny Depp. In a ludicrous twist of events, Victor is snatched away to the underworld to wed a mystical corpse bride, voiced

by Helena Carter.

The gothic scheme that was weaved throughout the entire Þlm provided a taste of the crazy and perplexing mind of director, Tim Burton who is credited for the creation of such classic Þlms as “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Edward Scissorhands.”

Burton is known for his eccentric behavior

Volume 41, Number 2

The

and twisted yet brilliantly creative mind. His ideas often stem from personal, exaggerated accounts.

The same techniques are evident in “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Jack Skellington, the king of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town. He is enthralled by the holiday of Christmas and rounds up his community to celebrate Christmas rather than Halloween.

Burton’s unpredictable and uncanny plots provided an entertainment beyond anything that could be explained. It strayed far from the conventional animated story. Since I liked “The Nightmare Before Christmas” I had high expectations for “The Corpse Bride.” Unfortunately, they were not met.

I was not particularly fond of this Þlm because it seemed to drag on and on. It was more for little kids than teens. However, “Corpse Bride” resulted in positive feedback from the small audience that was thinly scattered around the theater.

The theater was mainly Þlled with kids around the age of 7. But they seemed to enjoy the Þlm.

They were completely silent throughout the Þlm, which I took as a sign of complete captivation.

Although it is not for teens, the movie is perfect for younger siblings and cousins.

Patriot

November 2005

entertainment

14

photo by Amanda Adams

photo by Jessuca O’Brien

Senior Katie Costello (above) sprints with the ball at this year’s Powderpuff Game. A sophomore (right) paints faces in red to support the sophomore class at the Pep Rally.

photo by Amanda Adams

photo by Jennifer DiBiagio

Super spirit seizes school scene

Junior Caitlin Averill jumps to show her school spirit. Students like Caitlin went all-out on Clash Day.

Volume 41, Number 2

Patriot Files

Junior Susie Horn (above) recovers from a full tackle by a senior. Even though the powderpuff game was flag football, the senior and junior girls got physical. SAC members stayed late after the dance to clean up the mess. Top row from left: Mr. Johnson, Danny Morris, Claire Bronis, Brandon Collins, Caitlin Keilty, Chris Susio, Jessica O’Brien, Meaghan Hinder, and Adam Devine. Bottom row from left: Amanda Selvy, Jessica Decker, and Loyola students Mike Nagle, Christian Toth, and Nick Andrews. Not pictured: Mr.

The

Patriot

November 2005

entertainment

15

King Lear leaves students wanting nothing more cally different in those times.

Needless to say, there are some hindrances to fully understanding the substance of Shakespeare’s manuscripts.

William Shakespeare may very well be The performance at Center Stage brought the most entertaining person in the history this 400-year-old work of genius to life in of mankind. its most vivacious form. The emotion that He is vulgar, vile, and violent when it felt so distant in the play’s written form comes to the content of his works. This bril- emerged with a heart-wrenching forcefulliant playwright gives directors the opportu- ness. The sequence of events that seemed nity to shock contemporary audiences with hazy in the text was sewn together ßawblatant breeches of social taboos. lessly on stage. William Shakespeare’s unSuch shock was evident in the expres- surpassed aptitude came to light. sion of one of our school’s head adminisThe audience’s interaction with the events trators while witnessing a scene portray- onstage was lively and responsive. No one ing digital fornication between two of the could refrain from laughing out loud at the characters in the Center Stage production of Fool, a comically-dressed old man who Shakespeare’s King Lear, directed by Irene made light of every situation, and who conLewis. tradicted his title by having more intellect On Wednesday, October 19, four senior than any other character in the play. Just as Honors and Advanced Placement English well, no one could resist marveling at the classes and Mr. Ionescu’s junior Advanced diabolical genius and illegitimate bastard, Placement English class went to Center Edmund. Some of the girls in the audience Stage in Baltimore City to view the live seemed to have an uncanny preference for performance of the play. Each class had his character, as one girl indicated by writhad varying levels of experience with King ing “Edmund is sexy” on a poster outside Lear. the theater where students were invited to Any student who has ever read one of write their thoughts on the play.

Shakespeare’s numerous plays has certainly I could not help but admire the director’s realized how difÞcult it can be to compre- decisions regarding how to portray the play. hend the style of language implemented, es- During the very Þrst scene, I immediately pecially when one is only reading, not hear- noticed the style of dress that each character ing the play aloud. The Folger Shakespeare boasted. The dark trench coats were slightly Library publications of Shakespeare’s plays reminiscent of “The Matrix” (the Þrst movprovide a page of interpretations and trans- ie, not the second or third one. You know, lations for every page of the play. After all, the good one).

Shakespeare lived more than four centuries During the Þnal scenes of the play, a ago, and the English language was drasti- French soldier carrying an M16 riße provided an interesting time/setting conßict.

Throughout the play, a peculiar symbol surfaced. At Þrst, I did not quite notice it, but as the play progressed, I could not help but take note of the large pile of shoes lying in the center of the stage.

In class the next few days, we discussed what they may have represented. Some of my classmates suggested social classes; others proposed that they were symbolic of the characters’ inner qualities. All of the ideas seemed perfectly valid. ReEdgar and King Lear take shelter in a refrigeragardless of the director’s intor box during a rainstorm. The play had modtended meaning, her motive of ern props and costumes which differed from the trying to give the play as much original script. meaning as possible is simply www.centerstage.org

www.centerstage.org

Jeff Gunnarsson co Editor in Chief

King Lear refuses to admit Cordelia, his daughter, has been hung to death. The tragedy of the play was portrayed very well at Center Stage. admirable.

Besides all this deep meaning, there was another, more entertaining aspect of the play: sheer, relentless violence. The use of fake blood that gushed from the hollow sockets in Gloucester’s head after his eyes were gouged out was glorious, and seeing Edmund slice a gash across the top of his head with a sword was gut-wrenching. The gunshots that rang out across the theater were deafening, and the blood that was shed from the bullets that bit into the characters’ ßesh was nauseat-

What a relief!

Students contribute to relief effort Elizabeth Ennis Staff Writer

On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf coast of the United States creating chaos and despair. Thousands of people lost loved ones, homes, and hope. They were left without basic needs such as food, clean water, and shelter.

To do its part in relief efforts, JC began fundraising efforts, including adopting two families. Parents were willing to give money and donate belongings to help those in dire need. However, the students were not greatly involved in the relief effort.

Students contributed through the Relief Concert which was completely student based from be-

Volume 41, Number 2

ginning to end. Senior Julian Maliszewski headed the event. He said “I wanted to be involved in music, so it was a great way for me to give it a try for a great cause.”

There were many things to be done for the concert, all of which had to take place in two weeks time. A proposal to the administration had to be written and passed; bands, chaperones, venue, and a P.A. system had to be found.

Needless to say the proposal was accepted. The bands that performed included Go Ask Alice (whom also supplied the P.A. system), The Maliszewski Orchestra, DoctoRx, and The Gaeng. The concert was held in the auditorium Friday, October 7th. Usually the Battle of the Bands and other functions are held in the cafeteria,

but the auditorium gave a more concert-like atmosphere.

Once everything was in place, there was still concern about how many students would attend with only eight tickets being sold on Thursday. But, worries were put to rest when one hundred and four tickets were sold by the end of the day on Friday, which raised about six hundred dollars.

All of the bands’ performances were top notch and well received by the audience. Throughout the night students were on their feet dancing in the isles.

The concert was a great way for students to unwind and talk with friends while listening to their peers play music. It also provided a means to get more students involved in the relief effort.

The

Patriot

ing. All in all, it was a thrilling sequence of events, even if you couldn’t quite comprehend any of the deeper meaning of the play.

After discussing the play for several days after in class, I only wish that I could go back and watch it a second time. The depth that is so ßawlessly woven into the events of the play is astoundingly insightful. Shakespeare’s ideas are just as applicable today as they were 400 years ago, if not more so.

Seeing his works brought to life on stage is an absolutely invaluable experience.

The Pajama Game Continued from page 1

“There are so many people in the cast that it was hard to get everyone here for rehearsals. There were always absences,” said Mr. Hensley.

The play would be nothing without the sets and props the actors used to enhance their performance.

Each part of the set from the supervisor’s ofÞce to the thirteen sewing machines on stage were handmade by the parents of the performers.

“We are truly blessed because we get so much support from the parents. They do a lot for the shows,” says Mr. Hensley.

The comedy factor of the play deÞnitely added to the quality of the production. There were many times when the audience was in hysterics. One of the funniest characters was when Hines, the manager of the factory. His

obsessive-compulsive time management annoyed the workers in the factory, but it created a great comic-relief for the audience. One of the most memorable scenes had to be the scene where Hines was forced to try on a pair of oversized pajamas. “I loved running around the stage without pants on,” said DeVoe jokingly.

Pajamas were crucial to the play’s plot, since it was “the game they were in and they were all proud to be in the pajama game,” as the Þnal song said. And by all accounts, the game was quite successful. Junior Elizabeth Krempa said, “All of our hard work paid off a lot. We came together at the end, and I’m proud of how the shows went.”

The drama club can never get enough of the plays. Susio was already asking, “Are we setting up for the ‘Music Man’ yet?”

November 2005

entertainment My Chemical Romance puts viewers in trance 16

When a chubby guy dressed up as Prince was the opening act for a concert, we were a little skeptical. Our opinion remained as he talked about how college students can only afford peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and how we should all be thankful for our dentists and toothbrushes. But then we realized that this guy was throwing double cheeseburgers out into the crowd. Who cares that he was wearing a purple velvet suit?

October 21’s My Chemical Romance and Alkaline Trio concert at UMBC was the last on the tour, and I would guess that it was one of their best. I attended with fellow JC senior Kim Hoopes, my boyfriend Daniel, and my friend Jenna. Many other JC students also attended, including seniors Jared Drewen, Jenn Sacks, Kat Manfuso, and Allie Tscheulin, and junior Sarah Stonesifer.

When we arrived at the campus Friday night, it was cold and misty. We drove in circles for a while until we Þgured out where to park. Then we wandered around aimlessly until we realized that everybody else was walking in the same direction and decided to follow.

The crowd led us to a line which was longer than the line for Splash Mountain in Disney World. We walked for what seemed like hours until we saw Jared, Jenn, and Kat and butted into line with them.

Standing in line, though it froze us stiff on account of the cold weather, was not too hard to endure. We entertained ourselves by making fun of the people in front of us. At one point, when the tour bus arrived, several people ran out of line to go catch a glimpse of the band. We pointed and laughed as a boy near us tried to hurdle a hedge. He failed.

Eventually we arrived at the gym where the concert was to be held. We found ourselves a place to stand on the ßoor and

www.rockonthenet.com

Anne Sedney Staff Writer

played games while we waited. The opening act in Prince regalia appeared, and, although it seemed like they were not going to be good, they were actually hilarious. The free McDonalds food helped too.

The next band was Alkaline Trio, which mostly played its own songs, but a few covers as well. They were good, but our anticipation to see My Chemical Romance overshadowed their performance. Their act was over quickly; then there was a long break.

By then, the ßoor was packed and we were becoming friendly with strangers. We danced around to kill time until My Chemical Romance appeared to wild screams and cheers. Their Þrst number was a slow song

that induced us all to hold up swaying lighters and cell phones. This was atypical for a beginning song; what kind of concert was this going to be? The stage lit up and the music became faster - we were about to Þnd out.

Lead singer Gerard Way, decked out in a leather jacket, encouraged us to chant, scream, jump, or pump our Þsts in the air while he belted out various songs from both of the band‘s albums. With the rising heat in the gym, we panted and sweated, but refused to stop dancing and singing along.

After a few songs, Gerard told the audience to open up a mosh pit in the center front of the gym. Unlike most artists, he took time

to lay a few safety ground rules before telling everyone to go crazy. My friends and I didn’t join in, but we enjoyed watching. Senior Allie Tscheulin, who attended with junior Sarah Stonesifer, went in the mosh pit.

Later, Tscheulin said, “I cried for my mom while I was in there!”

Gerard demonstrated concern for others throughout the concert, which caused fans to rave over him even more. He told us not to buy the merchandise that they sold at the concert; there was an online store that he recommended which gave all its proÞts to breast cancer. He also discussed how to help people with suicidal thoughts. MCR is known for its social consciousness; when Hurricane Katrina struck, they encouraged fans not to buy their CD, and donate the money to hurricane victims instead.

The audience did not consist only of the typical young adults and teenagers. Senior Jenn Sacks said, “There were a lot of prepubescent Scene kids there with their moms, which was good because they held my stuff while I was in the mosh pit.”

When the band announced that they were playing their last song, we couldn’t believe it. But sure enough, when the song ended, the stage was dark and empty. The entire audience began to chant, “MCR! MCR!” We were rewarded when the band members ran back onstage and played two more songs, one of which was entirely new. After the last song, when the concert really had ended, we were surprised by a huge downpour of red and silver glitter that came from the ceiling.

Getting out of the gym was tough, but we managed it, emerging soaked with the sweat from the bodies pressing around us.

Outside, it was pouring down rain and even colder than it had been before. We were lighthearted, though, as we trekked back to the car. The concert had been amazing.

I would even say that the kid who fell over the hedge had a great time.

Country concert captures and enthralls students Jillian Hughes Staff Writer

I woke up on Sunday morning with no voice and incredibly sore legs. It was a small price to pay for three awesome hours of singing at the top of my lungs, jumping up and down, and dancing around in my plaid shirt and cowboy hat.

On Saturday, October 15th, Rascal Flatts brought the country to Baltimore City—and yee-hawed the house down.

Rascal Flatts put on the best show I have ever seen, and when Sunday came, I was sad the anticipation was over. I still try to hang on to that night, but even the pictures do not offer much help.

The concert was so exciting in part because I am new to the country scene. I used to pick up a few songs I liked here and there, but this summer I really jumped on the bandwagon, and professed my love for all things down-home.

Listening to 93.1 at work every day helped the process along a bit.

When tickets went on sale, my friend, junior Alli Kartachak, and I decided to take our friend, junior Elizabeth Krempa, to the concert

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for her birthday. All that was left to do was wait for a month until the concert.

During that time, I worked on a project to show our Rascal Flatts pride. I sewed “FLATTS” into the back of all of our cowboy hats.

On the day of the concert, the four of us were ready in our seats.

Eighteen-year old country artist Blaine Larsen opened the show.

I recognized two of his songs, “The Best Man” and “How do You Get That Lonely.” His Þrst few songs were upbeat, but his last song was about suicide which brought down the morale a little.

After Blaine, Blake Shelton came out to perform, and even though I was excited to see him, I was getting a little antsy for my boys Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney.

Blake got me singing though; he sang all upbeat tunes, some of my favorites from the radio.

His hit on the radio now, “Some Beach,” deÞnitely got me pepped up for what was about to come.

Finally, after a lot of waiting, Gary, Jay, and Joe came out.

They started off with a bang and the tour‘s theme song, “Here’s To You.” It was the perfect beginning

Gary, Jay, and Joe managed to to an awesome concert.

The set was even better. A huge Þt all of their biggest hits into the moon rose up on the back of the concert. It seemed like they would stage and behind it was an array of have too many to cram in, but they sang, “These Days,” “Fast Cars and twinkling stars.

A Þlmstrip played above the Freedom,” “Mayberry,” “Skin,” stage, showing scenes from the and “Bless The Broken Road,” country. Above the stage hung all of their most recent hits. They “R” and “F” on a boot and a cloud, even sang a few from their Þrst album Þve years ago, and a huge cowincluding “Praying boy boot lit up for Daylight.” with “Dancing.”

“Skin,” a song We were in the about a senior in country. high school Þghting “The effects cancer, was a sentiwere so incredmental tribute. ible. I’ve never The three guys been to a concert and their backup all before where lined up across the the lights are all - Jillian Hughes stage and sang the different colors, song. Purple light confetti comes shined down on from the ceiling, them, and the entire and the stage is set up almost like outer space,” arena fell silent.

Giving their own material a said Krempa.

After a few more songs, a can- break, the boys began performon Þred, and this time, colored ing covers. Jay did a segment on streamers shot into the air, along the piano singing “Let It Be” and with six big red beach balls that “Great Balls of Fire.” Other wellwere tossed around the audience. known rock-and-roll cover songs It was the showiest performance were played.

I have ever been to; they went the “I like how they balanced it,” extra mile. said senior Anna Hagan, “The

“I sewed ‘FLATTS’ into the back of all of our cowboy hats.”

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covers were good and they picked good songs of their own.”

The Þnale, though it came too soon, was phenomenal. Continuing with their closet love for rock ‘n’ roll, the Flatts started the end with “Pour Some Sugar On Me.” The fans were into it big time, clapping louder than ever. Second in the Þnale series, they played “You Give Love A Bad Name.”

It’s hard to go wrong with Bon Jovi.

The special effects were at it once again, with green laser lights shooting all around the arena for the Þnale.

The movie screens played a waving American ßag for the last song, “Born in the USA,” by none other than Bruce Springstein.

A few marines came out on stage, joined by Blaine Larsen and Blake Shelton. They all jammed to the patriotic tune. And then it was over as quickly as it began.

I would have loved to see it again, maybe even three times. It was like one of those movies you love so much that you never get sick of. If all country music concerts are like this, then I say, giddy up.

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Volume 41, Number 2

photo by Jess O’Brien

Back in the day it never would have been this way. Back in the day this would have been absurd. Back in the day it would not have even been a blip on anyone’s radar. Back in the day everyone in the school knew who these people were. Back in the day, oh, back in the day.

Wait, I wasn’t actually there for “back in the day.” And, odds are, very few people reading this were either.

So what am I talking about anyway? Am I suffering from some sort of depression or ßashback in time or, well, something else?

Well, actually, I’m not. I’m talking about coaches. Go ahead; try to name all of the coaches for JC sports. Whatever you do, do NOT just look around the halls of the school. That was back in the day. This is now. Now is a time when a very small number of varsity sports coaches actually can be seen teaching in classrooms.

But why? Why spend money to pay coaches who don’t teach at the school to coach our teams? What do they know that members of the faculty don’t? Why bring in someone outside of the school who may not feel as much of a pride or loyalty toward the school?

Back in the beginning of JC athletics, the coaches were familiar faces that every student knew and, probably, had for class at some point. Who, assuming you were there, can forget the days when Mr. Miller coached lacrosse, Mr. Gray coached football, Mr. Mullin and Mr. Pons coached basketball, and Mr. Chrismer coached tennis?

Now, go ahead and try to name the coaches of all those sports.

If you can, then you’re probably amazing or something.

So, what sports at JC currently have faculty members as head varsity coach? Well, there is a trend. First, there is the trio of cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track. Then, there’s swimming and water polo, although they have outside presence as well.

Three prominent girls’ sports teams do have faculty coaching.

Field hockey actually has two, Mr. Scholl and Mrs. Gauthier.

Also, Mr. Hughes coaches lacrosse. And Þnally, there is women’s basketball, which isn’t coached by an ofÞcial member of the faculty, but rather by a member of the athletic ofÞce, Mrs. Shannon.

So, um, where are all the teachers coaching boys’ varsity sports? I give props to Mr. Maynard as varsity soccer assistant, but why not have him or Mr. Johnson as head coach?

Now I’m no genius or anything but wouldn’t the school possibly be more willing to follow teams coached by some of their favorite, or not-so-favorite, teachers? Maybe if each sport was coached by a familiar face, some students wouldn’t be scared away from trying out.

Also, wouldn’t a faculty member be able to connect better with the students? Wouldn’t they actually be around during the day and know a lot more about what’s going on at the school?

Don’t think I’m saying that having coaches from outside the school is bad. In many cases, these coaches have had some major success. Coach Simon of the boys’ volleyball program and Coach Lynch of the girls’ soccer program are two prime examples.

Now, could someone amongst the faculty have had the same amount of success? From a talent perspective theoretically they would have had the same level of talent. So clearly, it would come down to coaching ability. There are some incredibly bright and athletic members of the faculty. However, maybe they do not have the time to coach.

But in any case, I believe that there should be more teachers involved in coaching and less of an outside presence. Why? Because, like I said before, school spirit rises when people who actually work at the school are involved in the sports because they “get it” and have a better connection with the student population.

photo by Jessica Decker

Andy Wancowicz Sports co Editor

Mark Morrison Mark Morrison, one of the four senior captains that lead the Patriot Varsity Soccer team this season, is in his second year as the starting goalie.

Mark is the leader of a strong defense, which has held MIAA “A” conference powerhouses such as Mt. St. Joe and Loyola High School to two or less goals in three games this season. Mark was picked for Patriot of the Month for his hard work and because he never gave up no matter what the score. “There was no way we could have gotten through the games without the help I got from my defense, they made me look better than I really was,” said Mark, about the defense which held together this Patriot soccer team.

Brittany Furst Brittany Furst, a three year varsity runner, is the points leader for the undefeated Varsity Girls Cross-country team. She is the number one runner at JC and has helped the team climb to the top of the IAAM “B” conference.

The undefeated Patriots took the “B” conference championship along with placing 2nd in the Þeld of both IAAM “A” and “B” conference teams, proving that they are one of the top teams in the state. When asked for a thought on their season, Brittany answered, “I think our team proved that with hard work and dedication any thing is possible, even a strong Þnish in a conference where the other teams are supposed to be better than you.”

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2 Newport Drive Forest Hill, MD 21050 (410) 836-0200 (410) 836 0213 fax www.enotriaitalia.com

November 2005

sports

18 Andy Wancowicz Sports co Editor

The JC Boys’ Varsity Volleyball team got off to a sizzling start this year, winning their Þrst eight matches. At that point, all signs were pointing toward an undefeated season and yet another MIAA “A” Conference Championship.

For the most part, the team had not experienced many low points or times when things just wouldn’t go their way.

Going into their match at Loyola on October 6th, the Patriots were supremely conÞdent. Rightfully so, since they had pounded the Dons into the ground in a September 9th home match, a clean sweep winning the three games needed to take the match.

After getting all the breaks up to this point in the season, the Pats soon found out what it is like to have everything go against them.

They were swept by the Dons in this somewhat controversial match.

The Patriots followed this loss with a Þve match win streak, which included knocking of the “best team in Harford County Public Schools,” then undefeated Havre de Grace.

Due to some strange scheduling, the team faced the daunting task of playing Gilman, who entered this deciding stretch undefeated, twice in three days to end the season.

The Þrst match, at JC on October 26th, was a hard fought one.

In front of a large crowd, at what was ofÞcially declared by the team, much to the displeasure of the JC football team, as “The Real Homecoming Game,” the Patriots battled hard after falling down early to the Greyhounds. Junior

Sean Adams helped to motivate the team after a Þrst game loss; and, subsequently, senior Josh Becker led a rousing comeback. After losing the third game and trailing late in the fourth, the Patriots stormed back to win with the crowd becoming more and more of a factor. In the deciding Þfth game, the Patriots eventually succumbed to the Greyhounds, but not without a Þght and some tough breaks going against them.

Epitomizing how hard fought this match was, the Gilman coach complained to the refs, saying that he was scared because Adams had stared at him. This altercation showed the fear that the Patriots struck in the eyes of their opponents who knew just how lucky they were to escape with a victory.

Just two days later, the Patriots packed up and went down to battle Gilman one more time. After being promised a “Spirit Bus” to allow students to travel to the game, the administration decided to scratch that plan. Subsequently, the large, loud crowd that had gotten under the skin of the Greyhounds while at JC (one Greyhound appeared to be crying while several others looked ready to start a Þght), was not there for support.

Gilman took advantage of playing in their own building in front of their own fans to defeat the Patriots and set themselves up as the top seed in the play-offs. At the same time, JC was forced to go on the road for their Þrst play-off game at Loyola, where they had lost earlier in the year.

Despite things not going their way in the match, “they never quit,” according to junior John Kline, who made trip down to Loyola as “the only JC fan in attendance.”

Since they lost their last three

matches of the year, there are those that would jump to the conclusion that the team simply choked and couldn’t handle the pressure.

However that could not be farther from the truth.

“We had a rough end to the season- Loyola and Gilman played well; we didn’t choke,” commented Adams.

To say that this team did not perform up to expectations would also be a false statement. After losing All-MIAA performers Andrew Cranford and Larry Hetzel to graduation, the team had some retooling to do. Throw in the fact that Coach Herb Simon decided to implement a completely new system this year, and one begins to realize how impressive this run was in such a competitive conference.

“This team had its ups and downs but it was a great season nonetheless,” said junior Jon Beato.

“Everyone worked really hard and we’re really looking forward to next year,” said junior Rich Webb.

The team will lose four starters to graduation: Zach Hagerman, Josh Becker, Pat Gauthier, and Julian Maliszewski. These four came up with numerous big plays throughout the season and provided leadership, all of which cannot be measured. Even with the loss of these four, the team seems to have leaders already in place for next year, speciÞcally Adams, who seemed to always come through in the clutch, and Horka, who leads more by example than by words.

So, what to expect for next year?

“We are losing four senior starters, with me and Ryan Horka as the only returners. We’re going to need a few of our bench players from this year to step up and come up big for us. But don’t be

photo by Victor Beato

Boys’ Volleyball ends great season on sour note

Junior starter Ryan Horka denies the spike from a Don athlete.

Horka was one of the key factors in their win against Loyola. surprised to see JC back at the top of the MIAA next year,” said Adams.

The team, as well as Kline, points to bench players such as juniors Jon Beato, Joe Christesen, Rich Webb, and Clint Noack as possible key contributors in a potentially deep play-off run next year.

“Those guys combined with Horka and Adams should mean a return to the playoffs for one last dance,” Kline stated.

Having to replace four starters is no easy task, but with two returning starters that have an importantly large amount of game experience and several returning players who have had a season to learn the new system, the task of returning to the top of the MIAA “A” conference does not seem to hard to overcome. The team will look to continue its streak of playoff appearances and to avenge the losses they suffered at the end of the season.

Field Hockey wins share of IAAM B Conference At 7 o’clock, Sunday morning, the girl’s varsity Þeld hockey team set out to play their biggest game of the season, the championship game against undefeated Maryvale.

In the longest game of the season, JC and Maryvale battled to a scoreless tie through regulation and 4 additional overtimes. This game capped off a very successful season for JC as they Þnished as co-champions.

After losing twice to Maryvale in the regular season, senior captains, Cortney Carnaggio, Courtney Aburn, and Chelsea Ford, helped lead the team to the IAAM “B” Conference championship this year.

With the strong leadership of these girls on the Þeld, and Carnaggio’s excellent skill and leadership in goal, the girl’s knew that this season would be special.

Volume 41, Number 2

Aburn stated, “We are very prepared for this game, and very excited,” and it showed as the girls never gave up and proved themselves by battling for the entire game.

This was a nice way for the seniors to depart their high school career although winning the game would have been even more ideal.

Looking back on the season, the girl’s accomplished a great deal of

things. They Þnished 11-3 in the conference and received the 2nd seed in the playoffs. In the semiÞnals, JC defeated McDonogh 1-0 off an unassisted goal by Courtney Aburn.

JC only lost 3 games this season and they were to Maryvale twice in two close 1-0 games and to Park 2-0, while capping off a very successful season with a 0-0 tie in the championship.

photo by Jess O’ Brien

Chris Wilson Staff Writer

Senior starter Katelyn Strasdauskas passes the ball past a McDonogh defender to teamate Katie Garnet. The Patriot offense dominated their opponents throughout the season, which is a major factor in their play-off run and championship game.

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Lisa Krysiak Contributing Writer

best memory from the season, beating Harford County rival C. Milton Wright. “It’s always a big game for both teams and the games are always competitive,” says Whiteleather.

“And last year the referee pretty much robbed us of the game, so it felt pretty good to get them back,” he added.

As for next year, the guys hope for some real improvement. According to junior Eddie Maher, “more determination and more work in the off-season” will make next year’s season better.

The current juniors will certainly be under more pressure next year. A portion of the team, including all of the captains, are seniors, and the juniors will need to step it up in order to make up for their teams’ losses.

Junior mid-fielder Mike Gradishar runs by a Loyola defender. The patriot defense helped the team by quickly clearing the ball out of their end of the field.

photo by Jess Decker

It’s 4:00, and the Boys’ Varsity Soccer team is heading down to the Þeld between the tennis court and the baseball outÞeld for another two-hour practice. Led by captains Mike Whiteleather, Matt Rayburn, Mark Morrison, and George Giannakis, the team has pulled together a current record of 3-12-1.

Despite the soccer team’s hard work, some teams were just more difÞcult to beat. According to junior Kyle Hanratty, the games against McDonough and St. Paul’s highlighted the struggling season. “McDonough by far [was the hardest]. Their entire team was fast and skilled - they’re just

that good,” said Hanratty.

As for the easiest team, he said “St Paul’s, because that’s who we beat last year for the Þrst win in nearly 40 games.”

Simple mistakes seem to have caused much of the trouble for the team this year. In reference to this, senior Captain Mike Whiteleather said, “we just can’t seem to put together 80 minutes of soccer. We always make one or two mistakes that cost us the game.”

He also believes that one game could have made all the difference for the guys this season. “I think if we had won against Mt. St. Joe in the beginning of the season, it would have turned our whole season around.”

Not all of the season was discouraging and depressing, though. Whiteleather recalls his

photo by Jess Decker

Boys’ Varsity Soccer looks toward next season

Players taking a break from the game, look on as the Patriots lost in a tough battle against top 2 team Loyola Blakefield 5-0 on October 14 at John Carroll.

Girls’ Cross Country proves to be ready for step up to “A” Conference Brady Collins Sports co Editor

James Hetzel Contributing Writer Our Boys’ JV soccer team had a very successful 2005 season. Behind the supreme coaching of Mr. Johnson and Mr. Powell, with loads of leadership, and with 12 sophomores on the team, we made it to the playoffs. With a record of 9-8-2, the team increased its win total nine-fold from the previous season.

From day one, our team came together and meshed well. As stated earlier, the team, extremely sophomore heavy, with only six freshmen, was very experienced, which played a large part in the success of the team.

After seeing the team play, junior Sean Adams said, “This team plays at a high octane level and don’t be surprised to see these kids step on the Þeld next year and dominate on the varsity level.”

After a successful season, our team went into the playoffs against heavily favored Calvert Hall, who had already defeated us twice earlier in the season. Sophomore Zach Barker scored on a corner kick in the Þrst half giving us a 1-0 edge at the half, but it wasn’t enough as we went on to lose 3-1.

Over the course of the season, we were led by our defense. With the stellar play of sophomore stopper Graham Archer and I in goal, we were able to stay in games. I served as captain of the team along with fellow sophomores Jay Karolenko and Jacob Dacey.

We would like to thank our coaching staff for their guidance and our fans for their support. This is not the end, but rather just the beginning of JC competing in the MIAA “A” Conference for boys’ soccer.

Girls’ Varsity Soccer wins title Brady Collins Sports co Editor Though Spalding took the lead with a penalty kick early in the Þrst half of the IAAM “A” conference championship at Calvert Hall School, junior starter Melissa Gomes tied up the game with a late second-half penalty kick with 6 minutes left in regulation.

Volume 41, Number 2

The girl’s Varsity Soccer team went on to win yet another championship on Sunday, November 6th by way of a penalty kick shoot-out.

The girls scored 3 of the 4 they shot, while sophomore goalie Sarah Mosier stopped 2 of the 3 shots she faced, as well as scoring the Þrst penalty kick.

Some teams say they’re the best; others say that they want to move up to that next level. But few teams have done as much as the girl’s Patriot Varsity Cross-Country team to prove that they are ready for a new conference.

With consistently dominant performances throughout the season, the girl’s cross-country team capped off a perfect 13-0-0 season with a 2nd place Þnish in the double-conference state Þnals on Thursday, October 27.

Though they spent the season in the “B” conference, the girls competed against teams from both the “A” and “B” conference. They Þnished second out of all the teams that competed in the state Þnals, more than proving that they belong in the “A” conference. After a performance like this, the team that dominated the IAAM “B” conference should be looking to move up to the more competitive division, where they can perform against the best runners in the state.

The team was led by senior Captains Caitlin Keilty, Elizabeth Ennis, and Amanda Selvy, along with “B” conference champ, junior Brittany Furst.

“The two main contributing factors to the season were our talented young runners, combined with

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the amount of hard training we did over the off-season,” said senior Captain Amanda Selvy, when asked what made this season different from teams in the past.

The Patriots Þnished the season with their Þrst championship in 21 years, an accomplishment that is attributed to the hard work and dedication displayed throughout the team by all the runners.

“The team has really shown their dedication and unity throughout the season, and I couldn’t have planned a better season for my senior year,” said Selvy.

To Þnish second in a Þeld of 23, when 9 of those teams are “better” than you because they are in a higher conference is a great feat.

Even though they may have fallen a few seconds short of the double conference championship, the team proved that they are completely capable of competing in the “A” conference, and if they are wrongly kept in the “B” conference next season, they look to prove once more that they are the top of the conference, and even the state in the ‘06-’07 season.

photo by Jessica Decker

Boys’ JV Soccer makes playoff run

Senior captain Amanda Selvy finishes out a meet. Led by the upperclassmen, the JC girls cross-country team finished this year with a perfect season.

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Mr. Ed Miller has been coaching Powder puff football for many years here at JC. His dominance of the game in the past few years has made him a role model for many coaches.

Ask any successful coach what makes a winning team and the one dominant response is as simple as this: the athletes have to have a passion for the sport that they are playing. When it comes to JC Powder Puff football games, there has been one dominant Þgure over the years- Mr. Miller. His teams have emerged victorious from the past Þve games he has coached. In the following, he reßects on why he coaches, what makes it special, and on the game itself in general.

the game of football have to be taught the rules, offensive plays, passing and running, defensive alignments, special teams for kickoffs, etc. Of course, coaches must be sufÞciently knowledgeable to handle such questions as, “I want to be on offense, is that when we have the ball?” or “Explain the meaning of ‘snap the ball!’” or “How many points do we get when we score a touchdown?”

Not every girl at JC gets to play on an organized sports team for one reason or another. The Powder Puff game gives them the camaraderie that comes from being a part of a team, working and practicing together, and the thrill of representing their class in one of the oldest traditions at JC. Over the years I sense that in the opinion of some the game is more of a comic affair than a legitimate endeavor by two competitive groups of young ladies. That misconception could not be farther from the truth. The desire to compete and win is just as intense as any organized sport I have ever coached.

I have seen tears of joy and tears of disappointment at alumni reunions. The Powder Puff experience often highlights the good memories of those years gone by.

It is my opinion that every student at JC deserves the best we teachers and coaches can give them, whatever the endeavor. Consequently, I take my Powder Puff assignment seriously. I do my best to teach them commitment, sportsmanship, and the thrill of winning. And so, each October I can be found on the baseball outÞeld sounding off “quarterback keeper,” “run against the ßow,” “wrong pass pattern,” and “great throw.”

On October 27, Mr. Miller added one more victory to his winning streak, leading the Seniors to a 12-6 victory over the Juniors.

photo by Andy Wancowicz

photo by Andy Wancowicz

One man stands above the rest during Spirit Week

Why do I coach Powder Puff football year after year? Contrary to what some may think, coaching Powder Puff is a challenge and a half. Consider this: to prepare for the game, only six practices are allowed; twenty to thirty girls, sometimes more, who have never played

Mr. Miller strikes his “Notre Dame Quarterback” pose during Russian class.

Cheerleading takes on new dimension for 2005’06 seasons Chris Anderson Design Editor “Amazing,” freshman Chelsea side,” says Coach. This is the Þrst Sheckles remarks, “Being with time they have had days in the gym during the fall season. varsity is like, awesome.”

Both JV and Varsity will take She is not the only one, many echo her statement. The cheer- part in these competitions. JV has leading team is a close-knit group 16 cheerleaders while the Varsity ranging from squad has 18, Þve of whom are capseniors to tains. freshmen.

Senior Jenn The numerSacks says that ous young there are, “A lot cheerleaders of new girls. It’s are not the only a really young changes that team.” have swept The team has through the 13 freshmen on squad.

Perit. However, that haps the big- Chelsea Sheckles doesn’t keep all gest event is 34 cheerleaders the fact that JC from practicing will be a host together. to a regional Freshman Mitournament in chelle Cvach is very enthusiastic December.

Coach Sandy Seufert explained about practicing with Varsity. “We how she helped land the tourna- hope to be just like them somement at JC by saying, “They need- day,” she exclaims. The JV team ed a place to host regionals. And also has to learn their own routines for the competitions. our date was the better one.”

This year has a lot in store for Besides preparation for the regional tournament, the cheerlead- the Patriot cheerleaders. From ers also, for the Þrst time, have to cheering at football games to prepare for two competitions in striving to perfect their routines, the fall as well as another two in these girls will be working hard to spread school spirit and to win the winter.

“We have two days a week in- their competitions.

“Amazing... being with varsity is like, awesome.”

Patriots homecoming game a disappointment Chris Wilson Staff Writer

season next year, but will lose many key contributors. JC will need many young players to step up from the JV level

into prominent roles and will need to develop a consistant passing game to go along with the ground game.

photo by Ali Steibe

The varsity football team entered their homecoming game against St. Paul’s with a struggling 1-7 record, but they were ready to put that behind them as they prepared both physically and mentally for the tough game ahead.

Undefeated St. Paul’s came to JC on Saturday and saw all of the fans decked in black and gold, along with the homecoming banners and attractions and knew this would be a big game for JC. However, they got past all that, putting the Patriots out, and out early at that, by climbing to what would be an insurmountable lead of 23-0 at half time.

Although down, JC never let up. Senior Brian Wolfe scored the lone touchdown for JC late in the third quarter as junior Eric Roberts tacked on the extra point.

This would be all the points that were scored for the Homecoming game as St. Paul’s put an end to their hopes of victory with a 40-7 lead going into the fourth quarter.

After all that happened, when it would have been easy for them to give up, JC fought to the last play and walked away holding St. Paul’s scoreless for the last 12 minutes of play.

“We gave it our all, to the very last down of the game,” said junior Andrew Seufert, who helped the team with bonecrunching tackles en route to the 40-7 deÞcit.

For the Patriot football team, 1-8 is a disappointing way to end a new season in the tough MIAA “B” Conference.

But with all of the frustration that comes with losing, players can gain newfound experience for the conference that can be carried on into next season.

JC knows that they will be better off next season with a year’s experience. “We can only get better,” said junior Coach Ireton talks to his offense late in the game. The coaches kept their players spirited despite the tough Sean St. Clair.

The football team looks toward having a more successful St. Paul’s defense that they faced throughout the game.

Volume 41, Number 2

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