The Patriot October 2017, Issue 1 Volume 53

the

PATRIOT

10.30.17 issue 1 volume 53 jcpatriot.com

FEEDING YOUR

FEARS The Patriot shines a light on sources of student anxiety. Are they real or are people jumping at shadows?

Haunted houses 4 College decisions 6

Psychology of fear 8-9 Sports anxiety 15

2 NEWS

October 2017

Calif. fires ravage lives, land, wildlife Lauren Becker and Hayes Stancliff Media Chief and News Editor Dr. Kevin Miller anxiously gazes out the window of Northbay Medical Center in Fairfield, Calif. The skies are dark with smoke and ash, as just five miles away the earth is enveloped in an inferno. Patients and doctors worry if they will need to evacuate as the flames inch closer.

For other residents in California, those flames did inch close enough, displacing around 100,000 residents. According to CNN, there are about 16 large wildfires that have burned through 217,000 acres of land and destroyed around 5,700 structures.

Although the fires span across all of California, they have burned the most acreage near Santa Rosa in Sonoma County. This inferno has claimed an estimated 42 lives and has forced thousands to be admitted to nearby hospitals, where doctors such as Miller work endlessly to preserve the lives of those affected.

These fires make up some of the deadliest natural disasters in Californian history and are expected to top $3 billion in damages.

On the other side of the country, senior Isabella Brooke expresses her concern for Miller, her uncle. “He is a surgeon there and I’m worried for him because he is very headstrong sometimes. He probably wouldn’t leave until the very last patient has left the hospital, even if the situation got deadly,” she said. People like Miller are helping to mitigate the pain and anguish caused by the fire and are assisting those in dire need.

As casualties flood the hospitals, firefighters combat the inferno, despite the difficulties. Patrick Luft, class of ‘16, is studying to receive a fire science and technology degree.

“Wildland fires are some of the hardest to fight … It is very hard to control once the fire has covered a large area. The resources needed to fight these fires are also hard to get, and you don’t want to take too many resources away from other areas,” Luft said.

These fires, however, necessitate the extra resources. Amanda Ellis, a freshman at Chapman University

and a Baltimore County resident, discovered this after she evacuated from her college’s campus in Orange, Calif. to Malibu because of the smoke from the Anaheim Fire.

“They sent out an evacuation notice for all of the homes and schools surrounding Chapman, but not our school. Most people evacuated because of the smoke, despite no official evacuation notice for our school … The school sent out emails with contact information for health issues, as well as cancelling classes,” Ellis said.

The smell of smoke has also infiltrated the dormitories through the central air conditioning system. “The common areas like the hallways and lounges were worse than my room because my dorm building has individual AC units in each room. Some people have central AC in all parts of their dorm building though, so it smelled really strongly,” Ellis said.

When Ellis evacuated, the fire was five miles away and zero percent contained. Further north, the Atlas Peak Fire has threatened the hospital where Miller works, as well as the lives of the people in it.

“The fire was close to five miles away from the hospital where I work,” Miller said. Many of the burn victims, however, do not go through this hospital. They are usually transferred to the St. Francis Hospital Burn Unit in San Francisco, where they can be treated more effectively.

Personally, Miller was concerned for the safety of his house and for his family. “My family had a contingency plan to evacuate if we needed to, but we were lucky,” Miller said. The area where Miller lives is 18 miles south of where the Atlas Peak Fire was burning, and because of this, he and his family had to take precautions. “[There was] lots of smoke, and we kept the windows and doors shut for the whole week,” he said.

Like Miller, Ellis has also experienced the effects of the smoke and ash. “The smoke was really bad. It burned your eyes and throat when you went outside and most people were covering their faces with something. I know a lot of people who had to take out their contacts and stuff because of all of the ash falling in their eyes,” she said.

The scale of these fires can be caused by many factors, as AP En-

Photo courtesy Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times/TNS

A U.S. flag hangs from the remnants of a fire-ravaged home on Willowview Court in the Coffee Park neighborhood of Santa Rosa, Calif. on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017. vironmental Science teacher Angela Ward explains. “A wildfire is usually fueled by weather, wind, and dry conditions. Obviously when it starts, it takes off and spreads. Since the fire grows larger and larger, it becomes particularly difficult to contain,” Ward said.

According to Ward, the resulting fire and smoke can have detrimental effects on the ecosystem. “It depends on which areas. If it totally wipes out the animal’s habitat, the animal could die. Plus, the fire itself will kill many animals who are caught up in it. The conditions we saw from the recent hurricanes are similar, so there is no way for the animal to survive. Once it’s over, it will be all charred and burnt. Many animals will migrate and move away from the fire,” she said.

Although the fires have devastated people and animals across California, they have also inspired people, such as Luft, to pursue careers in the field to learn how to effectively contain wildfires before they start. “They have helped me want to learn more about wildland firefighting. Since firefighting is so different across the country, it’s interesting to learn how the West Coast does it compared to how it is done on the East Coast,” Luft said.

The fire seems to be calming down, as the weather has finally taken a turn for the better. Rain began falling the morning of Friday, Oct. 20, assisting the firefighters in combating the flames.

the burning If you had two minutes to evacuate from a fire, what non-living thing would you grab?

“I would grab my car keys.”

Religion Department Chair Joseph Gallen

“I would grab my great-grandmother’s wedding ring because it is the only thing I have left of her.”

Senior Chesca Basilio

“I’d save my old dog’s favorite chew toy because she died a few months ago.”

Junior Holly Dixon

“I guess my coin collection. It was my grandfather’s who gave it to my grandmother who passed it down to me.”

Sophomore Cole Jones

“I wouldn’t really be concerned about anything besides my life, but if there was money nearby I would grab it and go.”

Freshman Holly Saccenti

NEWS 3

October 2017

STEM meetings switch to lunch mod Lauren Becker Media Chief Beginning this year, STEM students no longer lose an off mod by taking STEM class, but instead attend the class during a lunch mod once per eight day cycle. As a result of this switch, the meeting’s time has been reduced by 25 minutes.

According to STEM Coordinator Michael Monaghan, this change occurred due to scheduling issues. “There was not room in the schedule for me or for [the students]. Last year, I had 12 or 14 STEM sections on top of the other classes I teach,” Monaghan said.

This year, Monaghan has two STEM classes a day, one during freshman/sophomore lunch, and the other during junior/senior lunch.

According to Monaghan, only having 30 minutes to meet has already proven to be a problem.

“We can do hardly anything. We have students going to get lunch.

30 [minutes] instead of 50 makes

any kind of building or modeling out of the question,” he said.

Senior Jacob Haney affirms that 30 minutes is not enough time. “The meetings aren’t productive at all. There’s a lack of time and focus,” Haney said.

Junior Meredith Brosh agrees with both Haney and Monaghan, wishing that last year’s arrangement continued into this year.

“I prefer it during a normal mod [rather than lunch] even though it takes up one of my off mods.

During lunch, we only eat, and it’s hard to focus,” Brosh said.

With the time allotted, instead of building models and doing experiments, Monaghan introduces a topic at the start of the cycle and holds discussions about it for each section. So far, topics have included 3D photos and virtual reality.

“The topics like [Virtual Reality] are cool, but I wish we had more time to do experiments.

Having more time would allow us to go more in-depth to cool topics and experience what we talk about,” Haney said.

Photo by Hayes Stancliff

STEM Coordinator Michael Monaghan addresses his class while senior Sahil Menon eats his lunch. This year, STEM meetings were moved to lunch rather than being held during students’ off mods.

Despite the shorter meeting time this year, Monaghan is excited for next school year, as STEM meetings will become more prominent in a student’s schedule.

STEM meetings will become an official class and will meet six out of eight days in the cycle.

The new classes will be 55 minutes long like a regular class,

but will take the place of a student’s elective. “Next year should be better, and we will be able to get more done,” Monaghan said.

Despite Monaghan’s optimism about next year, some current STEM students dislike the idea of STEM taking up an elective.

Both Brosh and Haney agree that the STEM meetings should return

to a similar arrangement.

Brosh thinks next year’s new meeting possibility will be putting students at a disadvantage.

“Having STEM six out of eight days is unnecessary. It takes out other classes and could be taking another AP math or science. Instead, you’re being forced to take an elective,” Brosh said.

Students react to new quiet Media Center policy some homework done,” Durkin said.

Students’ reactions to the policy change have been mixed. Some Begining this school year, the students enjoy the quiet Media administration elected to change Center while others dislike it. the Media Center from a soSophomore Angela Kahoe cial spot to a quiet workspace.

Although students previously enjoys the change. “I think that treated the library as a space to having the [Media Center] as ofsocialize, talking loudly amongst ficially quiet will help maintain friends, the new policy details that order because before it was very students must be quiet and keep hectic. Sometimes people would conversations even get kicked out to a minimum “My goal would be for being so loud,” to allow othsaid. that it would have Kahoe ers to focus on However, sework. nior Jayla Ferguson a positive impact According does not like the on the students’ to Dean of new policy because Students and grades.” of the effects on Technology other rooms near Brian PowPrincipal Tom Durkin the Media Center. ell, JC desAlthough the Colperately needed an area where lege Center does not have a quiet students could study. “Students policy, students are sometimes would go into offices in order to kicked out because the sounds have a place to study. A few years can be heard in the Media Cenago, there was a valedictorian ter. “Sometimes my friends have that spent the majority of her time been kicked out of the College studying in Mr. Scholl’s office,” Center for talking during an off Powell said. mod or at lunch,” Ferguson said.

According to Principal Tom Durkin hopes that students Durkin, the policy change was a may be able to eliminate stress request from students. Although and have less work to do at home, there are many places for students especially if they participate in to socialize, there wasn’t a place after-school activities. for students to concentrate.

“My goal would be that it “[Students] said, ‘Is it possible would have a positive impact on for us to have the [Media Center] the students’ grades and academic as a quiet place?’ They were look- performance. That’s a tough thing ing for a place to be able to get to measure though,” Durkin said.

Madison Dailey Community Editor

Photo by Hayes Stancliff

Sophomores Mackenzie Walton (left) and Ryleigh Casserly (right) finish school work in the new quiet Media Center. The silent policy was enacted this year by Principal Tom Durkin and has received mixed reviews from students.

In the future, the administration hopes to redesign the Media Center, making it more suitable for learning. “We’re looking at possibly redesigning it ... to make it more like a digital learning center where students can do research

and have databases connecting to the Harford Community College Library and Harford County Public Library,” Durkin said.

Although no tangible plans have been made yet, the administration is hopeful for the new, re-

designed Media Center. “In time, I think it could become a really nice space for students,” Powell said.

Director of the Media Center Kathy Welsh declined to comment on the new policy.

4 COMMUNITY

October 2017

Students have

H WLING good times at haunted attractions

Illustration by Kayla Kozak

Anna Sullivan Entertainment Editor As his fist collides with a stranger’s face, sophomore Mikey Shock feels his body fill with terror and adrenaline while he runs away from the darkly dressed figure. Two years ago, Shock went to Six Flags for their Fright Fest.

Little did he know that his night would entail navigating both haunted houses and self-defense.

While walking through the haunted house with one of his close friends, Shock thought nothing could scare him and that he was ready for anything. Unfortunately, he was in for an unpleasant surprise. “We were coming around the corner, and this lady popped out from behind a barrel, and it scared me so badly that my reflex was to defend myself, so I punched her right across the face, and then she went down. I felt so

bad,” Shock said.

Shock couldn’t believe that he had just punched a stranger in the face. Although the character was not scary herself, the element of surprise is what caused Shock to respond this way. “I think I scared her more than she scared me,” he said.

During the fall, many students enjoy getting into the holiday spirit by attending several different haunted attractions. 123 students responded to a survey conducted by The Patriot, showing that 31 percent of students visit various haunted attractions once a year.

Shock isn’t the only student who has had a memorable experience at a haunted attraction. Two years ago, senior Carly Cobo traveled to Pennhurst Asylum in Spring City, Pa. with friends.

Early into their trip, everyone was being pushed and pulled as they all fought to get in the center of the group. In the midst of the arguing and shoving, a dark figure jumped out of the corner, scaring the whole group and causing them to quickly sprint ahead.

“Then, the floor changed to a bouncy house floor. It was like a

blow-up floor, so everyone fell to the ground, and it was so funny definitely one of my more memorable experiences,” Cobo said.

It was hilarious for Cobo to be able to look back and remember all of her friends flopping on the floor as they struggled to get back up to escape the terrifying situation. Although frequenting haunted attractions may be an expensive hobby, Cobo tries her best to attend many during October. “I enjoy getting scared. I think it’s fun. I like seeing the reactions of other people,” Cobo said. Having such a fond memory changed her views on haunted attractions. “It definitely made me enjoy [haunted attractions] a lot more,” Cobo said.

Senior Anna Kotula also had a unique story from a local haunted attraction that still has an impact on her life today. Last Nov., Kotula went to Legends of the Fog in Harford County with one of her close friends to visit her new boyfriend, senior Reece Falter, who was working there.

“As we were walking through the first haunted attraction, Reece had scared us and done what he was supposed to do. We kept

walking, and then he came up behind and me and very creepily whispered ‘I love you,’ ” Kotula said. She was in shock becuase this was the first time he had ever said it to her. It took her a minute to process what had just happened to her, and when she turned around to respond, he was gone.

Shock, Cobo, and Kotula aren’t the only students who enjoy going to haunted atractions.

According to the survey, 62 percent of students enjoy participat-

ing in fall festivities and going to different haunted attractions in the weeks leading to Halloween.

People may have different experiences at haunted attractions, but they are still a popular activity during the fall season. Despite Shock’s experience, Halloween is still one of his favorite times of the year.

“I just love Halloween, because it is a time of year when you can really express yourself and not be judged,” Shock said.

Photo courtesy Reece Falter

A Legends of the Fog actor prepares for the night after getting in costume.

Thirty-one percent of students attend haunted attractions each year.

Patriots shed light on haunted attractions students who like haunted attractions

13%

students who do not like haunted attractions

students who describe them as fun

19% Ghimire Homes. For all your real estate needs.

Office Address: 8030 Bel Air Rd, Suite 100 Baltimore, MD 21236 Office Number: 410-497-5238 Email: kris@ghimirehomes.com Website: www.ghimirehomes.com

62%

46%

students who describe them as terrifying

students who describe them as unamusing

13% The Patriot conducted a survey on Oct. 16. 123 people responded.

COMMUNITY 5

October 2017

ng i k s a s m Un JC’

After arriving at school, Larry Signorelli sits down at his desk and opens his laptop. He begins to review the school’s finances.

Looking over past and present sources of income, he works to predict where future sources of revenue lie and how to provide the resources needed to give students the best education possible.

Signorelli, the Director of Finance, is among the group of individuals who keep the school running behind the scenes. While he is new to staff, Signorelli is already familiar with the Patriot family, as he is an alum of the class of ‘76.

Signorelli’s time spent at JC as a student led him to his current position. When

ese h t w o h l a r ve h e ro s m It’s a unsung super e JC k a m While working hard to keep track of the school’s finances and project what we will be doing years down the road, Signorelli strives to make JC more efficient. “My customers are the teachers and administrators,” Signorelli continued, “I make sure they can serve their customers, [the students].”

Signorelli’s goals for the school lie far beyond just this school year. His main focus is to make sure that JC has the funding to provide students with the best possible education. He hopes to accomplish this, in part, through the right investments and returns. So far, Signorelli has enjoyed his time at JC. “Everyone works hard here,” he said.

he received the call regarding the position, he did not hesitate to accept. “This is a great school. I credit all of my success to JC,” Signorelli said. His positive experience as a student is what drives him to make the school the best it can be.

Signorelli’s job is centered around the management of the school’s finances. “I look forward to figure out where we will be,” he said. He is most interested in bringing in revenue so that the school has a positive future.

In addition, Signorelli is focused on how many prospective students the school is bringing in.

“My job is to make peoples’ jobs easier,” Signorelli said.

er l g g u j Job ty: i t n e d I Super nt to sista E xecutive As the Principal

: r e w o p r Supe Multitasking Master of

ty: i t n e d I Secret Dawn Teel

ty card i t n e d i ero Super h

Scott Porter begins his morning by making sure that the production lines are set and that the Patriot Café opens on time. In order to do so, many important tasks must be completed. The correct amount of food must be on hand and the right amount of food products must be made. He ensures the availability, variety, quality, and quantity of the food served.

As Food Services Manager, Porter makes sure students receive a wide selection of food for meals.

This has been his mission for the past year and a half that he has been a part of the Patriot family. “I make sure that quality is there with the food,” Porter said.

To Porter, the standard

of food is just as important as the quantity because the better the food is, the more inclined people are to return. “If the meal is good and the meal looks good, it’s fulfilling, so then the customer always comes back,” Porter said. He enjoys making people happy, and he is enthusiastic about both the food industry and customer service. “I enjoy the food industry, and I enjoy serving people,” Porter said.

Porter strives to be both flexible and accommodating in such a way that his customers’ needs are met.

“I’m a hands-on guy. I love talking to people, making sure that we are meeting all the demands or needs of the customer, and here, it’s the

students,” Porter said.

With a high demand for food, Porter works diligently to ensure that his customers are indulging in the best meal that he can provide. “[My job is] rewarding. It goes back to the beginning.

It’s all customer service, the food industry, [and] making sure people are happy,” Porter said.

As a result of Porter’s efforts, students are able to enjoy a variety of delicious meals that are different from the ones they might have at home. In addition to making sure that good food is on the plate, Porter also works hard to make sure that each student’s needs are met.

“My favorite part of my job is that I love working with people,” he said.

By Taylor Bynion and Amelia Bothwell

Money M an Super Id e Director of Financntity: es Superpowe r:

Ever ything he touches turns to gold Secret Id Larr y Signorell entity: i

Super he ro ident ity card

Dawn Teel walks into her office and sits down at her desk. Immediately, she opens her laptop to check her email and make a plan for her day. She coordinates meetings and begins working on her daily projects. As if this isn’t enough to keep her busy, Teel also handles incoming phone calls, inquiries from parents, students, employees, and outside groups for the principal, helps organize graduation, and works as the Shield the Vulnerable Screening Coordinator for the Archdiocese.

Teel, the Executive Assistant to the Principal, rarely has a dull moment.

After working for the school for over 15 years, Teel has worked closely with many different peo-

ple to help the school run smoothly. “I need to, as part of my job, and to help the school run the best that it can, do everything I can to move forward and be positive and to just grease the wheels and make everything run,” Teel said.

Because of her position, Teel works closely with Principal Tom Durkin.

“He’s got a huge workload because he’s got his class, being out with students … his administrative meetings and responsibilities, so I basically am trying to move along all the things that need to occur so that he can sign off on them and focus on the things that are most important to him,” she said.

Additionally, working as the Shield the Vulnerable

Screening Coordinator, Teel sends out information about how to volunteer for the school.

She checks that volunteers have completed the training and screening required and checks their driving record with the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Teel also works on the calendar and graduation committees. “I’m responsible for the medals and the awards [at graduation],” Teel said.

Additionally, Teel helps the community frequently.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s not my department or it’s not my job. If someone needs help or something needs to get done, then we figure it out, and we get it done,” she said.

Food fig hter Super I dentity F ood : Ser vices Man ager

Superpo wer:

Endless sup

ply of food

Secret Identit Scott y: Por ter

Super h ero ide ntity c ar d

6 COMMUNITY

October 2017

Taking the road more traveled As students begin to fear college decisions, some find comfort in familiar faces Olivia Collins, Madison Dailey, and Amelia Bothwell Community Editors As Pia Scotto, class of ‘17, walks into her first day at the University of Delaware, she is comforted knowing that four other alumni are attending school there, too. Scotto’s sister, Tasha Scotto, class of ‘14, also has friends that attend Delaware. Pia often asks them questions about the campus.

She says that the ability to talk to other JC alumni, rather than “random people that [she] passes on [her] way to class,” is comforting.

Seniors are beginning to realize they will soon be in situations similar to Pia’s, as they flock in and out of their college counselors’ offices, stressing over upcoming deadlines and applications. Noting their anxiety, onlooking underclassmen begin to fear the college process quickly.

“I hear my older friends talking [about college], and it makes me nervous,” junior Alex Leppert said.

Even though some underclassmen begin to fear college early, they might find comfort in knowing that many seniors attend the same colleges each year, the most popular being the University of South Carolina, the University of Maryland College Park, and the University of Delaware.

“I feel like it takes away some stress knowing people often go to the same college as other people, especially if you are in the same classes as them, but it is still a great opportunity to meet new people,” said junior Isabelle Schucker. Why do some seniors gravitate towards certain schools, and why might that relieve some stress about the college process from the underclassmen?

According to College Counselor Kelly Smith, she starts seeing many unnecessary fears arise in

seniors during the fall of their senior year. “I think their biggest fear is actually submitting the application and then worrying about things they can’t control. They have to realize that they can’t go back to freshman and sophomore year and raise their GPA. It’s out of their hands,” Smith said.

Shelby John, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Bel Air, also interacts with many high school seniors who are experiencing the accumulating stress of the college application and decision process.

“I think that the most common fears they have are being on their own for the first time and being in a new town or city away from family or friends. I also think a big part of it is having to do things on their own,” John said.

For some, college is the first time they are living independently from their parents. As a result, most college students have to acclimate to a variety of new tasks, such as buying groceries and doing laundry. While learning how to live on their own, students must also adapt to their college classes. “I am scared for the workload, but also to live in a dorm away from home. It is going to be stressful because I will be on my own,” senior Sophia Hashim said.

College Counselor Carrie Siemsen says that “our school is really good at nurturing students, so I think that nurturing can turn into enabling. We don’t always help them grow up and become independent.” Siemsen feels that overly guiding students negatively affects the students when the time comes to choose the right college.

“They end up applying to

schools that they are more comfortable with,” Siemsen said.

According to John, familarity certainly plays a role in the crucial decision of choosing a college. “I think that familiarity and having certain ties to the school definitely affects how people choose a school,” John said.

When seniors finally begin to receive acceptance letters and make college choices, many students choose to stay local rather than traveling. According to statistics from college counselors, 42 percent of the class of 2017 stayed in-state for college. While students choose these schools for an array of different reasons, John says that some of this can be attributed to “the surroundings or [knowing] someone who has had a good experience who can talk with you about the classes and teachers there.”

For some individuals, colleges with which they share ties with may be a good option. These schools can ease the stress of being in a new place. While familiar schools are not perfect for everyone, individuals such as Pia are comforted by the knowledge that familiar faces are on campus and there is always someone who can relate to their experiences.

42% of 2017 alums stayed in-state for college

Top colleges attended by 2017 alumni

USC 11 UMD 10 Towson 8 Penn State 7 UD 5

22 seniors from the class of 2017 attended Harford Community College

ENTERTAINMENT 7

October 2017

Does pumpkin spice taste...

a ? n i y s or ce t n

Taking a look behind the pumpkin spice obsession and examining the community’s opinions on the flavor

“I don’t get them a lot, I only tried them because of everyone’s obsession with them. Everyone was like ‘Oh my gosh!’ so I said I would try it, and it actually wasn’t that bad. However, I don’t think Sophomore Nikolas Mucha it lives up to the expectation that scrolls through his Instagram. everyone has created,” Trent said.

Looking down at his phone, While Trent believes that the he sees picture after picture of drink’s social media presence has Starbucks cups. He realizes that more to do with its popularity the Pumpkin Spice Latte has re- than the actual pumpkin flavor, turned, signaling CNN claims the the start of the scent of pump“I only tried fall season, and kin spice trig[pumpkin spice he is immediately gers a nostalgic overcome with reaction, which lattes] because joy. He rushes to makes it appealof everyone’s his feet and huing. obsession with ries to the nearest CNN also coffee shop to get them ... It actually stated that homehis taste of the pumpkin wasn’t that bad.” made pumpkin spice spice products latte. are usually craftSenior Caitlyn Trent ed with natural In recent years, the pumpkin spices, like cinspice mania has grown. Though namon and nutmeg. it started as a trend in coffee, as Many artificial pumpkin spice popularized by Starbucks, it has products seen at the grocery store branched out into an obsession. are made using synthetic ingrediWalking through the grocery ents, but have the same smells in store, it is impossible not to come order to trick your brain into sensacross a plethora of pumpkin ing that same nostalgic feeling. spice products in every aisle.

According to Casey Cortz, a Although the overabundance barista at Coffee Coffee in Bel of pumpkin spice products com- Air, the employees use pumpkin municates that everyone loves it, spice syrup in their products, inthis trend isn’t necessarily as pop- stead of actual pumpkin. Though ular as it is made out to be. they sometimes make this syrup While social media is filled themselves, they mostly use a with coffee cups celebrating the product from the brand Monin. “pumpkin spice season” and Cortz agrees with the informastores are filled with pumpkin tion given by CNN and thinks that spice merchandise, many people people are obsessed with pumpdon’t enjoy the flavor. “I hate kin spice products because of the pumpkin spice everything. I sentimental feeling that comes only eat a slice of pumpkin pie with them. “People love the idea at Thanksgiving, and even that’s of pumpkins and how they make just to be polite,” Spanish teacher you feel. I feel like they remind Jane Michael said. everyone of fall and give you a According to the Nielson Com- nostalgic feeling,” she said. pany, a company that measures A big factor working against followings of trends, pumpkin the pumpkin spice craze is what’s products made a total of $1.14 become known as the “pumpkin billion last year alone. So what’s the obsession with pumpkin spice? Is it truly the pumpkin in the products, or is it some other ingredient?

Senior Caitlyn Trent drinks pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks, but she only started drinking them because of their influential social media presence and their popularity at Starbucks.

?

Olivia Collins and Caitlin Kennedy Community and Entertainment Editors

Photo by Caitlin Kennedy

A short walk down the road at Safeway, The Patriot was able to collect a multitude of pumpkin spice products in a matter of minutes. They ranged from ordinary, like pumpkin spice cookie mix, to bizzare products such as pumpkin spice almonds and whipped cream. spice tax.” According to a finance news source called MagnifyMoney, pumpkin spice products cost 8 percent more than the same products with different flavoring.

However, Coffee Coffee does not follow this trend. According to Cortz, their pumpkin spice costs the same as their normally flavored products. When the Patriot visited the local Safeway, this was found to be largely true, as the pumpkin spice whipped cream and coffee were priced higher than their unflavored counterparts.

With the pumpkin’s strong presence on every social media platform, along with its ability to trick the body into a nostalgic state, it is hard to determine whether or not the obsession comes from the media or from the pumpkin spice itself.

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

Peace Yoga offers 33+ classes each week- Beginner (Before Basics), intermediate (Yoga Basics), and advanced (Vinyasa) classes, plus Prenatal and Restora�on Yoga classes.

30 days/$49

(offer available one �me per client)

@JCPatriot

@TheJCPatriot

@JCPatriot

The JC Patriot

Peace Yoga 122 S. Main St. Bel Air, MD 21014 410-937-5026 | www.peaceyogabelair.com

8 IN-FOCUS

October 2017

Caught in the web of Students share their experiences with fear and how they react in sticky situations

By In-Focus Editors Karson Langrehr, Lauren Piercy, and Caroline Smith

F

FIGHT or

Flight Chika Chuku finishes drying her hands and throws the paper towel into the trash can, quickly pushing open the swinging door of her middle school’s bathroom. Prepared to rush to her first class, Chuku is instead met by a wall of thick black smoke. Her heart jumps as the muggy, dark cloud begins to engulf her and her surroundings. Chuku’s chest tightens as she frantically bats her hands, trying to understand what is happening.

Before she can begin to comprehend the situation, her shaking legs carry her to the classrooms on the other side of the school. All teachers are in a morning meeting, leaving Chuku as the only one to warn her classmates. She swings open the door and instructs her class to get out of the school as quickly and safely as possible.

Why did Chuku, now a senior, react the way she did? According to neurology physician assistant at the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center Charles Benner, the answer is simple - the fight or flight response.

“It is the body’s natural response to a situation that can cause trauma or some type of problem with the body or injury. It’s your body’s way of getting out of there. That’s the flight portion of it, whereas the fight portion of it is when you have to defend yourself,” Benner said.

As stated in an article by The Huffington Post, while this response is a primitive one, dating

back to the time of the saber tooth tiger, it still applies to modern life.

Although issues that commonly induce stress are things such as work, school, finances, and family life, the human body has not yet evolved to produce any response but one of a physical nature.

Chuku’s body reacted to her intense surroundings without a single thought. While she responded almost instantly, other students weren’t sure what to do, which led to a chaotic escape. As Chuku ran out with her class, she stopped to help some kids up that had stumbled in the crowd fleeing from the building.

According to Harvard Health Publishing, Chuku’s quick movements can be largely attributed to her brain, where the response is first activated. When someone is in a dangerous position, his or her eyes and ears send a signal to the amygdala, a region of the brain that processes emotions like fear. This signal determines whether or not the threat is viable.

From there, a distress signal is sent to the hypothalamus, which communicates with the rest of the body through the nervous system.

This gives people the energy and motivation to either fight or flee.

Benner presents a similar explanation. “Your senses have to determine the problem first, either vision, like you see something happening, or you smell fire or smoke,” Benner said. “Once your brain determines

that there is a problem, you have to figure out how you’re going to deal with that problem, and that’s where your nervous system either decides whether you run away or whether you stay and fight.”

Chuku developed serious fears about her siblings and other students possibly still being inside.

Her mind wandered to possible scenarios. “I was 13, and I was afraid of the worst thing that could happen,” she said.

“I would never want to see myself as a coward or someone who backs down.”

Senior Chika Chuku

While everyone else exited the building safely and waited until the fire department arrived, she stayed back in the school until she saw her younger brother and sister running toward her.

Eventually, it was revealed that a student had started the fire in the boys’ bathroom, which was adjacent to the girls’ bathroom where Chuku was getting ready that morning. This left her to be the first person to discover the fire.

Chuku’s reaction helped her classmates escape unharmed. It

was an adrenaline rush that put her survival skills into overdrive. “It pushed me to run and tell everyone, not just run out the door like ‘Oh my gosh, let me just save myself,’ ” Chuku said.

While Chuku only reported a rapid heartbeat and more energy, many symptoms can occur during a stress-inducing situation, each for a specific psychological reason.

For example, Chuku’s fast heartbeat took place in order for blood to travel to parts of the body that need it most, while her increase in energy is attributed to adrenaline being released. Other common symptoms include hyperventilation, tingling or cold limbs, difficulty thinking, and sweating.

Chuku attributes her quick response to simply the type of person she is. According to Benner, the way in which humans decide to deal with intense situations is based on “your conditioning and your training, and the way you’re brought up and your surroundings,” as well as “the way you’re raised and the way you perceive things.”

No matter how terrified she was, Chuku wanted to do whatever she could to help the other students and not just save herself. This came as a natural instinct to her, because it did not seem right for her to flee if she could do something to assist the wellbeing of others. “I would never want to see myself as a coward or someone that backs down,” Chuku said.

30 % of stude

come fro trauma

of studen a he

IN-FOCUS 9

October 2017

E F A R

%

ents’ fears om a past

61 % nts experience

an accelerated eart rate when facing fears

What are you AFRAID of?

“Bugs,” junior Cat Valentine said.

“I hate bugs. They’re just gross.”

She shudders at the mere thought of seeing bugs clinging to the wall or scurrying across the floor. Valentine is among the many people who cite a phobia they possess as the thing they are most afraid of, rather than a rational fear.

In general, spiders and insects pose little danger to people in Bel Air. Still, many people fear them irrationally.

To understand why this is the case, some psychologists turn to evolution.

Psychology teacher Dr. Paul Lazor refers to a concept known as “preparedness” to explain the possible root of some phobias. Preparedness is a natural inclination to behave or feel a certain way, like how some people are naturally born fearing heights or snakes.

In the past, our ancestors faced different dangers than we do today.

“Snakes, spiders, and heights are the three most common fears,” Lazor said. This makes sense because poisonous snakes or spiders may have been the biggest threats in the past.

Therefore, people who feared them were more likely to survive in order to pass on their genes.

Many psychologists believe that

40 % of students have

a fear of rejection

today’s humans have the fears their ancestors had imprinted in their DNA. Cars or guns may pose more of a danger to society, but they have not been around long enough to be woven into our genes.

“Snakes, spiders, and heights are the three most common fears.”

Psychology teacher Dr. Paul Lazor

Because of this, people are not always able to explain why they fear something irrational like clowns instead of something rational like a fatal car accident.

When questioned, Valentine stumbled to explain why she is more scared of bugs than of car accidents.

“I feel like [a car accident] wouldn’t happen. I feel like bugs are more common,” she said.

According to data from the Washington Post and the Association for Safe International Road Travel, a

non-profit organization that improves the personal safety of travelers on the roads, there are about 186,000 times as many car accident deaths per year in the U.S. than there are deaths by spider bites. Evidently, a fear of spiders is drastically less rational.

Senior Ben Florio names sharks as his biggest fear, and his explanation brings up another possible contributor to the prominence of irrational fears. “They’re scary. They’re big.

They eat people,” Florio said. Most people do not have frequent contact with sharks. However, it is not unusual for a person to have multiple benign car trips in just one day.

Valentine and Florio are less fearful of familiar things, like cars, because of their frequent exposure to them.

Being unfamiliar with something can heighten the fear surrounding it. “[With] sharks, you don’t know what is going to happen,” Florio said, explaining why he finds sharks so scary.

Lazor stresses that there is no definitive answer as to why irrational fears are more common than fears of more imminent threats.

Evolutionary psychology can give us insight, but it is unlikely that one single cause will ever be proven responsible.

16 % of students have

seen a therapist to deal with fear The Patriot conducted a survey via Surveymonkey on Oct. 15. 160 students replied.

10 ENTERTAINMENT

October 2017

Actors ‘Hopelessly Devoted’ to making ‘Grease: School Version’ a slick show The cast and production crew of ‘Grease: School Version’ face challenges and changes to revamp the classic musical

Alyssa Kraus Co-Editor in Chief Under the heat of the bright spotlights, senior Joey Ishak, dressed in a vintage leather jacket, moves across the stage toward junior Francesca Capizzi, who is sporting a classic 50s-style dress. Dozens of classmates watch in anticipation as the famous music swells. Ishak tries to calm his nerves before he sings his solo, while Capizzi runs through dance steps in her head. For both of the students, this is their first time as leads in a JC production, and they do not want to disappoint.

This year, Director and Choreographer Kim Brueggemann and Assistant Director Larry Hensley chose Ishak and Capizzi to play the respective roles of Danny Zuko and Sandy Dumbrowski, despite the fact that neither of them has ever been cast as a ma-

jor lead in a JC production.

“When we conduct auditions, we keep an open mind and an open slate … because you never know which students are going to give an example on the stage of the best fit for the puzzle we have to put together. It truly isn’t a matter of knowing someone did a really great job in a role last year or the year before.

It really truly comes down to the audition day and the callback,” Brueggemann said.

Capizzi, a transfer student from Notre Dame Preparatory school, had no idea she would get the part, considering she had never participated in past performances like other cast members.

“It was pretty surprising because I know a lot of the time theaters already have an idea of who they want, so it was a very pleasant surprise. I wasn’t expecting much. I was just expect-

Photo by Nicole Hunter

Senior Joey Ishak rehearses with junior Josh Robinson after school. Ishak portrays Danny Zuko alongside Robinson’s character, Kenickie.

ing to meet a new group of people and get my foot in the door, I guess, and it ended up working out for the best,” she said.

Similarly, Ishak understood her feeling of shock, but was grateful that he could finish off his last year of high school in a lead role.

“It is my senior year, and it is really exciting to be the lead because it is like being the quarterback of the football team. You’re the star. It is kind of a big deal, and I had no idea I was going to get the role,” he said.

According to Brueggemann, “Grease: School Version” was chosen as the fall musical because of its familiarity. “Everyone knows the show. It is a crowd pleaser … so that is one reason why we selected it this time - to get the school energized and get the students fired up about a show that has to do with their genre,” she said.

Brueggemann says the musical, which will be performed on Nov. 3, 4, and 5, will be something students can relate to because the cast shares similar experiences with their characters.

“It is high school portraying high school in the 50s,” she said.

However, she does acknowledge that there are some challenges that come along with the classic. Due to the play being a censored version, many aspects have been replaced or cut out altogether. In the original, Betty Rizzo has a pregnancy scare that progresses throughout the plot, but this has been removed from the show completely.

Also, any references to cigarettes or drinking are not a part of the student version.

“The production company rewrote the script so it is appropriate for all ages,” Brueggemann said.

Along with the changes to the plot, both Capizzi and Ishak agree that they have had to overcome personal challenges as well.

Being first-time leads can be intimidating, and they are required to face obstacles they are not accustomed to.

Capizzi says her biggest challenge with the show is the choreography. “I’m not a strong dancer, I’ve never had dance lessons or anything, so that is really difficult. The choreography, here, it’s not super advanced and I can still do it, but it takes longer for me to pick it up than other people, but everyone is really helpful,” she said.

On the other hand, Ishak is comfortable with his dancing skills. Instead, he struggles with the vocals.

“For me, it is [challenging] when I’m singing and all eyes are on me because I’m not that great

“It is a crowd pleaser ... so that is one reason why we selected it this time.”

Director Kim Brueggemann

of a singer, but when I’m by myself [on stage] it is a lot more pressure, so I’m afraid it will take over, but hopefully I’ll do okay.

Dancing, I’m not as worried about because it is in a group. Singing, it is just you,” he said.

In addition to an altered script, new cast members,

Photos by Nicole Hunter

Top: (From left to right) Senior Zach Vest, junior Rachel Miller, senior Joey Ishak, senior Ella Wilson, junior Josh Robinson, and freshman Ryan Vest practice choreography during rehearsal. Bottom: Junior Francesca Capizzi dances on the table on Thursday, Oct. 19. Capizzi plays the lead role of Sandy Dumbrowski. “Grease: School Version” will be performed Nov. 3, 4, and 5. and the difficulties that come with these adjustments, the musical differs from other previous shows with the importance of minor characters. According to Ishak, there are several more roles for non-leads to fill, and those characters have more dialogue than usual. The scenes come to life with the presence of a large cast, compared to past performances which focused on a smaller number of leads.

Another major change is that the orchestra will not reside in the pit at the front of the stage. Instead, there will be a band performing on stage, which will simultaneously play the part of the live band during the famous school-dance scene.

All of these alterations to the show could cause some complications if not han-

dled properly, so the production staff plans to use the last two weeks of rehearsals to pull everything together. “The vocals have to be powerful and on their game without the assistance of a CD. We drill the choreography. Mr. Hensley and I just run things into the ground to make sure they’re polished. Then, we incorporate set changes, light and sound cues, and orchestration,” Brueggemann said.

However, Ishak has complete faith that the show will run smoothly and be nothing short of spectacular.

“I think [the show will be successful] because everyone has good chemistry, the dance numbers are Broadway quality, and the set pieces are visually stunning,” Ishak said.

PERSPECTIVES 11

October 2017

Bynion’s Opinion Taylor Bynion

Students feel pressure of senior year

My desk is scattered with books, folders, and papers, but not all of them are for high school classes. With college brochures peeking through the clutter, I realize just how overwhelmed I am. Not only do I have to write an essay for my English class, but I have to write two more for my college applications. I also have to finish my statistics homework, read an article for psychology, and put together a pitch for Entrepreneurial Studies while simultaneously completing my FAFSA. Help!

The fall semester of senior year in high school is beyond stressful. Not only are many students worried about doing well in their classes, but they are looking to the future by trying to choose a college. With applications due at various different dates and an abundance of school work, it can be easy to become overwhelmed.

Procrastinating is not an option, but it still seems like there are not enough hours in the day to get everything done. Even my weekends are consumed with work, and I can’t seem to find time to take a step back and breathe.

I also know that I am not the only student feeling overextended. I often hear other seniors complaining to one another about all of the things they have to get done and all of the rapidly approaching deadlines. Throw in extra-curricular activities such as playing sports, participating in the play, or holding a job, and you can almost see students’ heads spinning.

Because of this, seniors should get a week in the fall semester where teachers are not allowed to assign homework. By providing a short period of time where students don’t have to worry about homework on top of applications, students would be able to get ahead in the college process.

Students could utilize this time to work on college essays, scholarship applications, and other timesensitive college necessities that need to get done.

According to The New York Times, the college admission process can cause significant struggles for students including “lack of sleep, stomach pain and headaches, but doctors and educators also worry that stress tied to academic achievement can lead to depression, eating disorders and other mental health problems.”

Because of this, “some high schools are trying to improve the process by easing up on the workload of seniors who are filling out college applications.”

If JC followed suit, students may find themselves less stressed and better able to complete everything required on time.

Photo by Annemarie Bonner

Photo courtesy Sarah Meyerl

Senior Meghan Sheehan gears up to swing at a pitch in a varsity softball game against Bel Air High School on April 20. A spring Commissioner’s Cup would give spring sports, such as softball, a chance to take part in the “Battle of Bel Air.”

Two-season Commissioner’s Cup will enable broader competition A great rivalry was reignited this year when the “Battle of Bel Air” took place this September between JC and Bel Air High School, and it should happen again this year.

One weekend with a few scheduled games was transformed into a fierce competition. This competition, formally named the Commissioner’s Cup, united both school communities to take part in an unprecedented event.

The Commissioner’s Cup is a unique event as it is, so why just end the battle after the fall competition? The cup has the potential to develop into a two-season event.

A winter or spring cup would give different sports teams a chance to take part in a one-ofa-kind rivalry, and it would make for great competition. However, a spring cup would be more competitive as opposed to a winter competition.

Furthermore, the town of Bel Air would get a chance to see a showdown between many cham-

The Patriot Volume 53, Issue 1 October 2017

Editors in Chief Paige Alban Alyssa Kraus Copy Chief Taylor Bynion Media Chief Lauren Becker News Editor Hayes Stancliff

pionship winning teams. For should be crowned the victor example, the Bel Air women’s school at the conclusion of the lacrosse team is the 2017 3A/4A last game in the spring cup. state champions, and the JC men’s The victor school should also lacrosse team is the 2017 IAAM be presented with the trophy and “B” Conference champions. awarded home field advantage for A spring cup would give teams next year’s competition. a chance to create a relationship A continuation of the cup is and experience top level competi- only logical. Events like the tion, regardless if they win cham- Commissioner’s Cup earn revpionships or not. enue, draw large During past crowds, garner spring seasons, A winter or spring local support, enJC has often cup would give able school spirit, scheduled games and unify school against Bel Air different sports communities. in baseball, wom- teams a chance to Signature en’s lacrosse, and events, like the take part in a one- Turkey Bowl, softball.

Men’s lacrosse of-a-kind rivalry. which is an anand track and nual Thanksgivfield, normally do ing football game not schedule to between Calvert play each other.

Hall and Loyola Blakefield, and Should a spring cup be intro- the Commissioner’s Cup, draw duced, in addition to the fall cup, fans from a number of school the scores from each competition communities to take part in a trashould be combined. dition.

The school with the most varIn comparison to other events sity wins from both competitions like the Turkey Bowl, the Com-

Sports Editors Matt Foulk James Ghimire Chris Roberts

Perspectives Editors Annemarie Bonner Ryan Griffin

Entertainment Editors Caitlin Kennedy Anna Sullivan

Community Editors Amelia Bothwell Olivia Collins Madison Dailey

In-Focus Editors Karson Langrehr Lauren Piercy Caroline Smith

Copy Editors Kayla Kozak Emily McLauchlin Sarah Spaeth

Multimedia Editors Nicole Hunter James Keller Caitlin Kerrigan Druw Van Der Werff Moderators Mark Ionescu Nick Attanasio

missioner’s Cup is unique as it is the only public versus private school signature event in the area, and it includes multiple sports.

JC and Bel Air High School have always been competitive as they are the only two high schools within the official Bel Air town limits, so it is only natural to continue this competition.

A signature event like the Commissioner’s Cup is something that produces significant benefits, as it continues to cultivate a strong bond between both schools.

The fall Commissioner’s Cup united both the JC and Bel Air school communities in support of high-level local competition, and it has the potential to do so again in a spring cup.

While the fall cup only began the “Battle of Bel Air,” a continuation of the Commissioner’s Cup in the spring season would maintain the competitiveness throughout the year. As a result, both schools will be able to continue their rivalry and battle for ownership of Bel Air.

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

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

A copy of each print issue is distributed to each of the 681 students and 110 faculty and staff members. Some of the remainder are sent out to exchanging schools with a return address. The remaining copies are shared in the Main Office, Library, Admissions Office, Office of Institutional Advancement,

given out when needed, or archived. For more information, please visit jcpatriot.com/about.

The Patriot’s byline policy is available at jcpatriot.com.

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

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

12 PERSPECTIVES

October 2017

Patriot Firearms protect our Debate: safety, liberty

Patriot Answers: Should people be allowed to buy semi-automatic rifles?

“Yes, if they receive the right qualifications and training.”

Junior Myles Janson

ed ?

Gun Control

nn

Imagine being home alone with nobody near you. You hear a banging on the door, but you aren’t expecting anyone. The pounding gets louder, and there’s a crash as the door breaks.You whip out your phone and dial 911. They say they’ll be there in ten minutes, but you need them now. You hear pounding footsteps getting closer. You grab your gun and wait in a room alone, finding a little comfort in the fact that you can protect yourself from the intruder.

One of the main reasons for owning a firearm is for selfdefense. When there is a crime, preventing law-abiding citizens from owning guns only limits their ability to protect themselves against aggressors.

According to a study by The Economist, the fastest police response time in the country is nine minutes in New York City. When going into more suburban and rural areas, the time it takes increases, as there are fewer police officers and a larger radius to cover.

When it comes to having seconds between being dead or being alive, protection is key. While only about one fifth of all criminals carry guns when committing a crime, the victims do not know if the criminal is armed and they need a way to make sure they can defend themself.

The right to own guns to protect ourselves is guaranteed by the Second Amendment. This amendment also protects and ensures that our other rights are guaranteed. The Second Amendment was made for the purpose of protecting our freedom and liberty that the other amendments grant us. This includes our freedom of speech and religion and our freedom to own property.

It also protects liberties such as the liberty to vote. The Second Amendment describes firearms as “being necessary to the security of a free state.”

While it is true that the Second Amendment was ratified and put into action in 1791, that doesn’t

make it any less significant in modern times. This has led to a claim that because the Second Amendment originally applied to muskets, it does not apply to modern firearms. This is not the case, as our understanding of all the amendments has changed, but there should be clear definitions of what is a firearm and what should be purchasable.

Other amendments have been interpreted to consider the current time and technology, with one example being that the Freedom of Speech, granted by the First Amendment, has come to protect people’s speech on the internet.

The Founding Fathers could not predict the future and all the different technologies there would be, yet all the other amendments interpreted for modern times, so why hasn’t the Second Amendment been interpreted as well?

The Supreme Court has also agreed through cases such as District of Columbia v. Heller and McDonald v. City of Chicago.

These cases are clear examples that the Second Amendment is there to allow private citizens to own guns.

As Benjamin Franklin said, “Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.” He captures the situation perfectly. If people chose to give up the liberty to own guns. Then they would lose other liberties as well.

While gaining some extra safety may sound nice, sacrifing principles and liberty are harmful mistakes that only cause trouble later on. One example of this happening is through the PATRIOT Act. This act was intended to capture more information about terrorists, but instead it allows the NSA and the government to spy on your e-mails and violate your privacy.

People carrying firearms helps to protect the people. If a criminal thinks that someone they might harm has a gun, then they will more likely think about not committing the crime for fear of being shot. Gun control will take away everybody’s inalienable right.

Ba

Ryan Griffin Perspectives Editor

Illustration by Kayla Kozak

Higher levels of gun control protect lives Caitlin Kennedy Entertainment Editor I turn on the TV and hear the not-so-shocking news that another shooting has occurred in a school, at a concert, etc. Yes, I’m devastated whenever there is news of a shooting, but what is sad is that I’m not surprised anymore. In today’s world, the reality I have come to realize is that I could go to the mall, a restaurant, or even school, and there’s a possibility that I could become a victim of a mass shooting.

We hear about mass shootings in America all the time, but why is there barely any news of other countries being affected by one? It is possible that the American laws regarding gun ownership contribute to the number of shootings that occur. According to a survey by Vox, “America has 4.4 percent of the world’s population, but almost half of the civilian-owned guns in the world.”

There is no way the U.S. would suffer more severely from gun violence if we allowed fewer civilians to own firearms. With better gun control, tragedies like the Las Vegas Shooting on Oct. 1 may not have happened in the first place.

Most of the shooters causing these mass shootings use assault rifles, but this is not the case in which these lethal weapons cause harm. According to a study published by George Mason University, automatic weapons are also used alarmingly often in “ordinary crimes of violence and attacks on police officers.” Between 1994 and 2004, “the federal government banned military-style semiautomatic assault weapons for ten years, and deaths from mass shootings fell,” according to CNN. If the U.S. banned these weapons again, it is more than likely that the amount of mass shootings would drop once again.

Many conservatives argue that Americans are allowed to have guns because of the Second Amendment of the Constitution.

This amendment states, “a well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and

bear arms, shall not be infringed.”

This amendment does not translate to modern day Americans.

It was ratified in 1791, when the “arms” being referred to were muskets, and people needed guns to hunt and protect themselves from the wilderness.

However, we now live in a much different time. A time in which parents have to worry about sending their child to school because school shootings are so common.

It is vital that gun laws have stricter requirements for owning a weapon. Politifact.com notes that “federally licensed gun sellers are required to run background checks, but not all sellers are required to be licensed, and some of those unlicensed sellers sell at gun shows.” This is incredibly dangerous. As long as you are buying from an unlicensed seller, you can buy any gun you want with no background check. This enables dangerous people to buy guns and get away with it, allowing them to kill innocent people.

Background checks should be required for any person to buy a gun. Assault weapons should also be banned altogether. While this will not completely stop mass shootings from happening, the number of innocent victims that would be killed would be less because the shooters would have to rely on weapons with a slower rate of fire, namely bolt-action rifles and handguns. Those weapons also carry less bullets in their magazines, reducing the number of victims.

In Canada, prospective gun purchasers must participate in a background check and take a public safety course. Implementing a federal law like this would be beneficial to the American people. People with a history of violence would be stopped from purchasing a gun by the background check, and all purchasers would be educated with the safety class. We need to be proactive in making gun laws and stop waiting for the next tragedy to erupt and cause us to ask ourselves, “What could we have done to prevent this?”

“Yes, but only under certain conditions and circumstances.”

“No, because those rifles have a high killing and injury potential.”

Freshman Reilly Moore

Sophomore Alexis Loder

“Yes, because we as a society need a way to protect ourselves.”

Senior Dylan Karr

“Yes, people should be able to buy the rifle, but there should not be high-capacity clips.”

Biology teacher Andrew Ketchum

PERSPECTIVES 13

October 2017

Jobs bring new perspective to high school

Hayes Stancliff

Paige Alban Co-Editor in Chief I​ ​spoke​ ​to​ ​a​ ​fellow​ ​classmate​ ​ who​ ​told​ ​me​ ​he​ ​had​ ​recently​ ​quit​ ​ his​ ​job.​ ​He​ ​started​ ​working​ ​to have​ ​a​ ​steady​ ​income​ for ​supporting​ ​his​ ​weekend​ ​activities.

When​ ​I​ ​questioned​ ​him​ ​as​ ​to​ ​why he quit,​ ​his answer​ ​was​ ​simply,​ ​“I​ ​ want​ ​to​ ​have​ ​time​ ​to​ ​enjoy​ ​my​ ​senior​ ​year.”

This​ ​response​ ​again​ ​led​ ​me​ ​to​ ​ question​ ​the​ ​value​ ​of​ ​maintaining​ ​ a​ ​job​ ​in​ ​high​ ​school.​ Throughout​ ​ my​ ​high​ ​school​ ​career,​ ​I​ ​have​ ​always​ ​loaded​ ​my​ ​schedule​ ​with​ ​ extracurricular activities.​ ​I​ ​was​ ​ a​ ​member​ ​of​ ​multiple​ ​clubs,​ ​ran​ ​ cross​ ​country​ ​and​ ​track,​ ​and​ ​practiced​ ​ballet.

Junior​ ​year,​ ​I​ ​got​ ​a​ ​job​ ​at​ ​a​ ​local​ ​coffee​ ​shop​ ​as well,​ ​and​ ​suddenly​ ​many​ ​of​ ​my​ ​other​ ​activities​ ​ had to​ ​be​ ​cut,​ ​leaving​ ​me​ ​to​ ​wonder​​if​​the​​benefits​​of​​the​​job​​were​​ worth​ ​the​ ​time​ ​commitment.​ ​More than​ ​a​ ​year​ ​later,​ ​I​ ​can​ ​ affirm​ ​that​ ​having​ ​a​ ​job​ ​has​ ​truly​​ enhanced​ ​my​ ​high​ ​school​ ​experience​ ​in ways​ ​that​ ​clubs​ ​and​ ​sports​ ​ could​ ​not.

I​ ​first​ ​applied​ ​for​ ​my​ ​job​ ​because​ ​my​ ​mom​ ​loved​ ​the​ ​idea​ ​of​ ​ me​​working​​in​​a​​coffee​​shop.​​She believed​ ​the​ ​atmosphere​ ​would​ ​ suit​ ​my​ ​talkative​ ​personality,​ ​and​ ​ after​ ​working​ ​there​ ​for​ ​more than​ ​ a​ ​year,​ ​I​ ​know​ ​that​ ​I​ ​fit​ ​in​ ​well.​​ Though​ ​it took​ ​some​ ​time​ ​to​ ​adjust​ ​to​ ​a​ ​workplace​ ​environment​ ​ and​ ​the​ ​demands​ ​that​ ​come​ ​along​ ​ with​​it, I have come to love my job.

During​ ​my​ ​first​ ​few​ ​months​​ working,​ ​I​ ​still​ ​participated​ ​in​ ​all​ ​ all of my​ ​extracurriculars.​ ​However, over​ ​time,​ ​I​ ​needed​ ​to​ ​cut​ ​a​ ​ few​ ​out​ ​of​ ​my​ ​schedule​ ​because​ ​ I​ ​did​ ​not​ ​have​ ​time​ ​to​ ​dedicate myself​ ​to​ ​both​ ​of​ ​them​ ​and​ ​my​ ​ job​ ​anymore.​ ​At​ ​that​ ​point,​ ​I​ ​was​ ​ working five​ ​days​ ​a week,​ ​and​ ​I​​ was​ ​being​ ​trained​ ​at​ ​a​ ​rapid​ ​speed.

Working​ ​at​ ​a​ ​coffee​ ​shop,​ ​or​​ any​ ​other​ ​job,​ ​demands​ ​a​ ​lot​ ​from​ ​ you.​ ​The​ ​multiple​ ​challenges​ ​you have​ ​to​ ​face​ ​working​ ​in​ ​a​ ​coffee​​ shop​ ​range​ ​from​ ​waking​ ​up​ ​at​ ​ 5:30​ ​a.m.​ ​on​ ​the​ ​weekends​ ​to​ ​go

Stancliff’s Spiel

Public discourse promotes progress

Illustration by Kayla Kozak

Students may find themselves struggling to balance their jobs, social lives, and academics. However, the stressful situations that come along with having a job in high school are outweighed by the benefits. to​ ​work​ ​to​ ​learning​ ​all​ ​the​ ​recipes​ ​ I​ ​have​ ​created​ ​strong​ ​friendships​ ​ for​ ​the​ ​drinks​ ​and​ ​food.​ ​Custom- with​ ​my​ ​coworkers who​ ​are​ ​older​ ​ ers​​don’t​​always​​realize​​the effort​​ than​ ​I​ ​am,​ ​and​ ​they​ ​often​ ​give​ ​me​ ​ that​ ​goes​ ​into​ ​preparing​ ​a​ ​simple​ ​ adtvice​ ​on​ ​any​ ​hard​ ​situations​ ​in​ ​ cup​​of​​coffee. my​ ​daily​ ​life.

Not​ ​only​ ​is​ ​a​ ​job​ ​time-consumOver​ ​the​ ​span​ ​of​ ​a​ ​year,​ ​I​ ​have​ ​ ing,​ ​but​ ​it​ ​is​ ​also​ ​mind-consum- created​ ​strong​ ​relationships​ ​with​ ​ ing,​ ​no​ ​doubt.​ ​ not​ ​only​ ​my​ ​coWhen​ ​I​ ​am​ ​workworkers​ ​but​ ​my The customers​​ ing, I​ ​have​ ​to​ ​be​ ​ bosses.​ ​​ ​My​ ​recareful​ ​and​ ​pay​ ​ I​ ​have​ ​met​ ​and​ ​ lationship​ ​with​ ​ close​ ​attention​ ​ has​ ​blosthe​ ​stories​ ​I​ ​have​ ​ them to​ ​what​ ​I​ ​am​ ​dosomed​ ​into​ ​a​ ​ ing.​ ​Even​ ​simple​ ​ heard​ ​outweigh​ ​ mentorship​ ​of​ ​ things​ ​like​ ​poursorts.​ ​ the​ ​stress​ ​and​ ​loss​ ​ The​ ​amount ing a​ ​boiling​ ​cup​ ​ of​ ​tea​ ​or​ ​counting​ ​ of​ ​sleep. of​ ​time​ ​I​ ​spent​ ​ the​ ​money relearning​ ​how​ ​to​ ​ quire caution and run​ ​a​ ​business​ ​ attention to detail.​​ has​ ​helped​ ​me​ ​to​ ​understand​ ​how​ ​ All​ ​these​ ​demands,​ ​however,​ ​ hard​ ​business management​ ​can​ ​ create​ ​a​ ​great​ ​sense​ ​of discipline​ ​ be.​ ​The​ ​endless​ ​hours​ ​I​ spend​ in​ ​my​ ​life.​ ​I’ve​ ​learned​ ​firsthand​​ cleaning​ ​the​ ​coffee​ ​pots​ ​or ​hanthat​ ​waking​ ​up​ ​at​ ​five​ ​on​ ​a​ ​Sat- dling​ ​the money​ ​-​ ​all​ ​monotourday​ ​morning,​ ​even the​ ​morning​ ​ nous,​ ​but​ ​necessary​ ​tasks​ ​-​ ​taught​ ​ after​ ​a​ ​school​ ​dance,​ ​takes​ ​a​ ​lot​ ​of​ ​ me​ ​the​ ​importance​ ​of​ ​dedication​ ​ willpower.​ in​ ​order for​ ​a​ ​business​ ​to​ ​run​ ​sucDespite​ ​the​ ​challenges​ ​that​ ​ cessfully. balancing​ ​a​ ​part-time​ ​job​ ​with​ ​ I​ ​just recently​ ​started​ ​to​ ​work​ ​ schoolwork​ ​presents, the​ ​benefits​​ on​ ​weekends,​ ​only​ ​so​ ​that​ ​I​ ​have​ ​ from​ ​it​ ​outweigh​ ​any​ ​negatives.​ ​ time​ ​during​ ​the​ ​week​ ​to​ ​complete​ ​

Report Card: Seniors promptly granted early dismissal One of the unique components of a senior’s school experience are the slew of senior privileges they experience. From use of the senior classroom during lunch mods and off mods to better parking spots, luxuries for upperclassmen are abundant. After only two weeks of school, seniors were able to take advantage of one of the main senior privileges: early dismissal during off mods. With nothing more than a parent’s signature and a one-day waiting period for the information to be entered into the LobbyGuard system, seniors can leave school as early as 12:45 p.m. if they have two off mods at the end of the day.

my school​ ​work​ ​and​ ​catch​ ​up​ ​on​ ​ lost​ ​sleep. While​ ​many​ ​people,​ ​ like​ ​my​ ​classmate,​ ​believe​ ​that​ ​ having​ ​a​ ​job​ ​would​ ​keep​ ​me​ ​from​ ​ enjoying high​ ​school,​ ​I​ ​believe​ ​ that​ ​it​ ​instead​ ​has​ ​made​ ​my​ ​experience​ ​a​ ​whirlwind​ ​of​ ​excitement and possibility.​ ​The customers​ ​I​ ​have​ ​met​ ​and​ ​ the​ ​stories​ ​I​ ​have​ ​heard​ ​outweigh​ ​ the​ ​stress​ ​and​ ​loss​ ​of​ ​sleep​ ​that​ ​ come with​ ​the​ ​busy​ ​schedule. The real-world, human experience I gain from interacting with people of all ages is priceless.​​Nowhere​​ else​ ​could​ ​I​ ​learn​ ​about​ ​a​ ​woman’s​ ​weight​ ​loss​ ​journey​ ​from eating​ ​only​ ​cookies​ ​or​ ​the​ ​crazy​ ​ stories​ ​from​ ​the​ ​man​ ​who​ ​gets​ ​a​ ​ large​​iced​​coffee​​and​​works​​in the​​ emergency​ ​room.

In​ ​conclusion,​ ​I​ ​believe​ ​having​ ​ a​ ​job​ ​in​ ​high​ ​school,​ ​while​ ​a​ ​significant​ ​part​ ​of​ ​a​ ​student’s schedule,​ ​is​ ​a formative experiance​ and​​ builds a useful foundation of knowledge.​ ​With​ ​the​ ​proper​ ​ mindset,​ ​it​ ​not​ ​only​ ​provides​ ​a​ ​ paycheck, but​ ​also​ ​a​ ​unique​ ​way​ ​ to​ ​enjoy​ ​high​ ​school​ ​and​ ​a​ ​taste​ ​of​ ​ the​ ​larger​ ​world​ ​all​ ​at​ ​once.

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

LobbyGuard reduces lines with new student IDs This year, card scanners were implemented for LobbyGuard in order to make signing into school quicker. While students must still wait for their “ticket” to be printed, having a registered card drastically cuts down on the time needed to log in. During the first day of school, students recieved photo IDs with a unique number and barcode. After scanning the barcode and entering their name into one of the two kiosks, late arrivals and early dismissals become a matter of seconds. When tardy students are trying to get to class, every second counts. The LobbyGuard upgrades have decreased the time required to sign in and have cut down on lines.

By Media Editor James Keller and Perspectives Editor Annemarie Bonner

Clocks need to work consistently, accurately Clocks are meant to be useful and helpful, not to confuse students. Hardly any clocks display the right time in the school, and sometimes they don’t match. A visitor to the school could be easily bamboozled by the wide array of times displayed on the dozens of clocks around the school. Some are in military time, while others are missing complete numbers. These discrepancies make it difficult to know the time when walking through the halls. Students need to know the right time so they can judge how much time they have until class begins. Almost every student knows the clocks cannot be relied on, and that is a major problem.

Democracies have long debated which limits, if any, should be imposed upon the concept of “free speech.” Maintaining a balance between freedom of speech and public order is a task all democratic institutions face.

This has been brought to the forefront of American culture.

Ben Shapiro, a conservative speaker, was invited by students to lecture at California State University, a public institution.

When he arrived, he was stopped by protesters who would not allow him to speak and were threatening Shapiro and his audience. The university refused to break up the unruly mob, and allowed them to disrupt his talk, effectively suppressing Shapiro’s right to free speech in a public setting.

This situation is one of many in which public institutions have neglected their duty as Americans to uphold and maintain the democratic ideal of free speech. I believe that public rhetoric is the foundation of a democratic society and that, without disagreement, it is impossible to refine ideas and determine the truth.

The regulation of free speech is something that has historically proven to yield poor results. According to Fordham University, in 1557 “The Index of Forbidden Books,” was created by Pope Paul IV to suppress works of literature which the Roman Catholic Church opposed.

Future additions to “The Index of Forbidden Books” banned the works of notable scientists and philosophers such as Nicolaus Copernicus, Galileo Galilee, and Immanuel Kant, among others.

The notable aspect of “The Index of Forbidden Books,” is that it banned books which have been proven to be scientifically accurate and mark turning points in science, literature, and philosophy.

This censorship of progressive texts cannot be afforded, as the refinement of ideas benefits society as a whole.

Even though these events transpired centuries ago, if we do not learn from the past we are doomed to repeat it.

If members of society cannot accept ideas they do not agree with and engage in a normal conversation with the opposing side, then we have lost hope for the refinement of society. As Margaret Heffernan once said, “for good ideas and innovation, you need human interaction, conflict, argument, debate.” Without public discourse, we lose ourselves, our country, and our ideals, all of which are vital to the progress of the modern era.

14 SPORTS

October 2017

Senior fundraises to resurface track Paige Alban Co-Editor in Chief Bending into her starting position, senior Ashlee Kothenbeutel feels her feet start to slip. Everything begins to move in slowmotion as her body falls towards the rough track. The feeling of the rubber burns her knees as she frantically tries to stand up in front of the crowd. Her cheeks burn with embarrassment as she calls senior Chika Chuku to help her balance herself to start the race a second time.

Kothenbeutel is one of many track and field runners who have experienced an injury as a result of the poor condition of the track.

“There are spots on the track where the rubber is completely missing, and that means when we run sprints, our spikes are running on concrete. It provides no cushion whatsoever,” junior Holly Dixon said.

For her Senior Project, Kothenbeutel plans to raise money to refurbish the track, fix the shed next to the track, and build a snack bar nearby. “I want to build a snack bar because teams like football raise revenue from it,” Kothenbeutel said.

On Oct. 21 at 8 a.m., Kothenbeutel hosted a 5k and 1 mile walk at JC to help fundraise money to refurbish acomplish these goals. Registration was free, but donations were greatly encouraged. “We [sold] shirts and [had] free food and water,” Kothenbeutel said. The race was Halloween themed, and particpants were encouraged to compete for the titles of scariest, most creative, and best group costumes.

Kothenbeutel chose the difficult task of rebuilding the track because of her experience in the running community. “I’ve been running since I was a fetus. My mom was a hurdler in college, and I always participated in Harford County track as a kid,” Kothenbeutel said.

Originally, she did not plan on rebuilding the track or doing anything sports-related for her Senior Project. “I wanted to do something art-related, but I am really close with the track community and there was a lot of talk about resurfacing the track,” Kothenbeutel said.

Running has played such a major role in her life that if she does not commit to a Division I field hockey program, then she plans

Photo by Kayla Kozak

Senior Ashlee Kothenbeutel holds homemade medals awarded to top finishers in the 5k. The race was held on Oct. 21 and raised almost $800 to help refurbish the track. on running in college as well.

“Division I coaches don’t typically allow the players to run track and play their sport,” Kothenbeutel said.

Runners are overjoyed to have someone who is willing to put in the effort to build the track up from what it is now. “I think it’s absolutely awesome to finally have a student that is interested in a sport that most of the school ignores. Running sports are always placed secondary,” Dixon said.

Cross country and track coach Robert Torres agrees that the resurfacing of the track will benefit the team.“I am very glad she is

doing this, the track is in horrible condition and anything she can do is great,” Torres said.

The actual rebuilding of the track does not yet have an official time frame. “It could potentially be built in a year or a couple of years,” Kothenbeutel said. A group of people have formed a committee named the Race Ready Revolution that meets every other week to discuss the progress of the campaign.

Now that the race is completed, Kothenbeutel plans on interviewing people about what fixing the track means to them and why they feel it is needed. Along with inter-

views, she will be taking pictures of the track before and after it is refurbished.

Kothenbeutel also plans on comparing the JC track to Maryvale Preparatory School’s track. “The Maryvale track is awesome and super nice to run on,” Kothenbeutel said.

Kothenbeutel is grateful that her Senior Project has given her a chance to fix something that plays such a major role in her life.

“Track has always been an integral part of my life, and I feel like having a better track [at JC] will encourage [students] to compete on it,” she said.

Athlete Spotlight: Cody Copinger Sport: Football Grade: Senior Years: 11

Achievements:

- First team All-County - First team All-MIAA - BTC Super 22 Nominee

“Cody is passionate and always gives everything he has. He’s having a great year so far and has a bright future ahead of him.”

Varsity football head coach Keith Rawlings

Photo by Kayla Kozak

Senior center Cody Copinger prepares to snap the football against Loyola Blakefield on Sept. 8. Copinger has been a three-year starter on the varsity football team.

“He never takes any plays off. The minute someone lines up against Cody he will do everything in his power to win the battle.”

Senior left guard Mike Gerace

For online updates on JC sports scores and schedules, visit jcpatriot.com/sportscenter

SPORTS 15

October 2017

Playing

U

N D E R

Athletes find unique methods for dealing with stress on and off the field Facing the fans Matt Foulk Sports Editor The clock ticks down. Time is running out. You can barely hear your coach screaming in your ear over the deafening roars of the crowd. Your heart is beating out of your chest, and your body is exhausted, but everyone is depending on you. You better not mess up.

High school athletes are put under enormous pressure to perform well. Their coaches, parents, teammates, and the swarm of fans are counting on athletes to perform their best.

According to junior football player Ayo Bodison, games with large attendance put the most pressure on athletes. “The most nervous I have ever been was probably [against] Bel Air because I was playing in front of all my friends and family. I felt like

Coach teaches meditation Chris Roberts Sports Editor Varsity baseball coach Darrion Siler and 30 players sit together.

They close their eyes and inhale a breath of fresh air and hold it.

Their mind focuses on the air flowing into their lungs, and their muscles relax as stress leaves their body. Eight seconds pass, and they exhale.

Siler introduced techniques that are often used in meditation to the baseball team this fall.

“One of the things we talk about is mindfulness. Being present in the moment is an important part

I had to prove myself,” he said.

Although crowds can be distracting, players tend to enjoy the heightened atmosphere. “In some ways, large crowds make things chaotic, and [in] some ways it makes me more excited,” Bodison said.

Unlike Bodison, sophomore field hockey player Mackenzie Hopkins feels no pressure from her family, and the crowds

of sports performance,” Siler said.

According to Siler, being “present in the moment” means to focus on the task at hand and forget about what has happened in the past.

Siler preaches the importance of letting things go and moving on to the present moment to his players.

Siler believes athletes should concentrate on the sport they’re playing, instead of worring about the past, “Meditation practices can help you stay focused on what [the task] is and what you are truly trying to do, as opposed to worrying about external forces

do not affect her. “I’m used to playing in front of my parents, and the crowds never bother me,” she said.

Nerves, however, are not reserved for exterior influences.

Oftentimes, athletes stress themselves out by set-

ting demanding goals es. “I always want to do my best, and if I make a mistake it will bother me until the next week,” senior cross country runner Rosemary Gillam said.

Many athletes have developed a routine to help calm their nerves prior to games, such as a repeated warm up, listening to music, or pregame speeches.

Hopkins believes that her team’s

exercise. They focus on their breathing and move their attention to different parts of the

and letting things you can’t control [bother] you,” Siler said.

Siler teaches the baseball team some of the same techniques that sports psychologist Dr. Ken Ravizza uses with his athletes.

Ravizza works with several professional sports teams, including the 2016 World Series champions, the Chicago Cubs.

According to the Chicago Tribune, before every practice or workout, Ravizza’s athletes partake in a five-minute meditation

body.

Similarly, the baseball team begins fall practice by gathering in a tight circle and taking five minutes to do breathing exercises. They begin by feeling their feet in their cleats, recognizing they’re in the present moment.

Siler began teaching junior pitcher and outfielder Ryan Ishak meditation techniques this fall.

Ishak has already begun to see results, “It has helped me stay focused on the tasks that I am doing,” he said.

routine helps to calm nerves before games. “We run through warmups before games. We always stretch and sometimes work on passing. Doing this before all my games helps calm me down,” she said.

Gillam agreed that having a warmup to begin with before any match helps calm her nerves.“I always do a half-mile warmup and do a thorough stretch starting with my hip flexors and ending with my calves and ankles,” she said.

For many players, once the game begins, the nerves quickly disappear. Their minds tune out all the distractions and they focus on the game at hand. “I just get excited and focused, really focused,” Bodison said.

In the end, nerves are something every player has to deal with differently. No matter the ritual, every athlete who wants to be successful has some ways of handling it, whether that way is distracting themselves or tackling the pronlem head on.

While Siler is teaching meditation practices for baseball, they’ll also reap the rewards off the field.

“Meditation can help you with tests, relationships, and life in general,” Siler said. He believes meditation helps people become more self-aware.

While Siler knows the benefits from the breathing exercises he’s teaching his players, he understands that meditation does not dispel all nerves. “[The breathing exercises] are not a magic pill.

It’s not all of a sudden now that you have a mental practice that you’re always in a mellow, relaxed state,” he said.

Yogi Berra, an 18-time MLB All-star, understood the importance of the psychological aspect of the game.“Baseball is ninety percent mental. The other half is physical,” he said. Siler wants his players to practice the mental game just like they practice the physical part of the game.

16 SPORTS

, d o o Bl

October 2017

d n a , t s w ea

S R E E CH

somebody’s life in your hands, literally, so that is the biggest challenge. When you put somebody in the air … Anything could go wrong,” she said.

Junior Claudia Bruce’s legs are about to give For example, two years ago, five members of the out, her thighs ache, and her calf muscles scream, team suffered concussions from stunting alone. but she pushes through the routine. Bruce lifts Bruce says the hardest aspect of cheerleading is her teammate into the air, supporting the flier keeping a stable team. at her feet, and manages a smile for the crowd.

“A lot of people can’t seem to commit their While one cheerleader completes a tumbling pass, time, and then they just drop, and it is difficult Bruce forces her legs to remain steady as she lifts because then we just have to move everything yet another girl into the air. She is only half-way around. For the Pep Rally, we had someone who through the routine and already breaking a sweat, left right before, and it wasn’t a big deal bebut Bruce and her teammates know their countless cause we hadn’t gotten that far in our routine, hours of practice will carry them through. but it was still an obstacle,” Bruce said. Last When you think of athletic intensity, cheerlead- year, there were 18 girls on the team, but curing may not be the first thing that comes to mind, rently, they are down to 11. but the team puts in effort each week by following This drop from 18 girls to 11 is part of a a demanding practice schedule consisting of con- larger decline in numbers. Three years ago, ditioning and drills. They do this to keep up with the team was split between JV and varsity, but their skills and make sure each move is done as for the last two, they’ve been combined into cleanly as possible. one. In addtion, 10 years ago, the 2007 fall According to senior Jayla Ferguson, a four-year cheerleading team had 37 girls across JV and member of the squad, these practices are packed varsity, according to the Pacificus. full of different activities. “BeAccording to Fitzpatrick, fore practice we run, and then we “You have the smaller team does not stretch. Stretching consists of lung- somebody’s make a difference this season. ing, splits, arms, wrists, and then we “As far as the team size these get into the basics of practicing for life in your year, it is more of a growing sidelines, and that’s just cheer after hands, literally, so season. I know a lot of girls cheer after cheer,” she said. decided not to come back who that is the biggest Despite the hard work, many girls cheered last season. I’m taksay they enjoy cheerleading because challenge.” ing this season as a growing of the school spirit that comes with Senior Jayla Ferguson season, kind of going back to it. “I like cheering for the games, esfundamentals and teaching pecially when the student section is and building,” she said. really big, and when we win. It is fun to be there Bruce believes another reason that they to support the team and represent JC,” Bruce said. have lost teammates is the popularity factor.

The team cheers at each home football game.

Instead of being proud of participating in Cheerleading coach Lauren Fitzpatrick recog- cheerleading, some think it is something to nizes the sport comes with many physical chal- be embarrassed about. lenges, but believes the main difficulty lies within “They think that they’ll get looked down each member of the squad. “The most challenging upon for being a cheerleader - maybe not part is probably being able to just be comfortable looked down upon, but made fun of or with themselves, whether they’re messing up or embarrassed to be out on the field and falling or whether they’re falling in stunts, just to not in the bleachers with their friends at be able to recover and move on from it,” Fitzpat- games,” Bruce said. rick said.

She hopes that after their Pep Rally Both Bruce and Ferguson agree the sport can be routine on Oct. 6, the image of cheerquite strenuous and often results in physical pain. leading will change. “I think we Cheerleaders not only leave practice with aching definitely pulled [the Pep Rally] off muscles, but also sore throats because of the con- well. We had a three hour practice stant cheering. Cheerleaders are required to yell to to prepare for it on a Friday night. the best of their ability at every practice.

Everyone came, and we put in our “I cheered my Homecoming [game] last year hardest effort, and it all came towithout a voice and went to the dance without a gether well,” Bruce said. voice,” Ferguson said.

In the end, both Ferguson and Bruce wishes that people could see how hard Bruce agree that they love what the team works and recognize their effort. “Here, they do. Although they say it can be cheer isn’t as popular or people don’t pay much grueling, Ferguson believes cheerattention to it, because they’re there to watch the leading is worth the challenges, football game, not to be there for the cheerlead- especially when there is a positive ers,” she said. team dynamic. Cheerleading is all Although the lack of recognition can be frustrat- about “knowing your girls, knowing ing, Ferguson claims that the most difficult aspect their strengths and weaknesses,” Ferof cheerleading is the potential dangers. “You have guson said.

Alyssa Kraus Co-Editor in Chief

Cheerleaders work to overcome obstacles and challenges, while keeping their spirits high

(Top to bottom) Freshman Kei Kei Baugh, senior Jayla Ferguson, senior Madison Dailey, and freshman Holly Saccenti cheer as members of the cheerleading squad.

Photos by Nicole Hunter