The Patriot September 2008, Issue 1, Vol 44

The John Carroll School 703 E. Churchville Rd. Bel Air, MD 21014

Volume 44. Issue 1. October 2008

INSIDE

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Nick Temple

Rule change affects students, creates dissent

Staff Writer

D

irect service.

The words that strike fear into the hearts of students.

But with the start of the ’08-’09 school year and the latest revision of the Student Handbook, direct service hours are no longer a necessity. According to the most recent list of graduation requirement, “each John Carroll student is required to give sixty hours of service before he/she graduates,” notably omitting the previously required 10 hours of direct service.

In fact, the requirement was eliminated by the administration in their annual update of the student handbook this summer.

“Our intent was to try and simplify the policy a little bit and, in that way, in simplifying, taking away some of the guidelines that may

have had the effect on some students of detracting from the spirit of the service requirement,” said Academic Vice Principal Gary Scholl.

In disposing of the direct service requirement, the administrators also “incentivized” direct service, according to Principal Paul Barker, by adding the “2-for-1” direct service program. The “2-for-1” programs allows students giving direct, relational service to “the poor, oppressed and marginalized in our society” to receive two hours towards their required sixty hours for every one hour actually served. Effectively, says Vice Principal of Student Affairs Gayle McAdams, “you could do 30 hours, total, and satisfy your 60 hour requirement.”

15

Potter power fades in ‘Twilight’

17

The Patriot observes revamped football program in action

Editorials 2i to The Patriot

The John Carroll School 703 Churchville Road Bel Air, MD 21014 Volume 44, Issue 1, October 2008 Editor in Chief: Natalie Shaw Managing Editors: Daniel Gallen Melissa Vinton Editorials Editors: Kaitlin Bobbin Ashley Powers News Editor: Niki Muse Features Editors: Katie Clarke Faith Reilly

Volume 44 . Number 1 . October 2008

The Patriot

Senior project provokes resentment

Ashley Powers

Editorials Editor

I

’m in class, as usual. It’s a Wednesday, mid-afternoon. I should have free mods, but instead I’m in the Admissions Conference room. Mrs. Geczy tries in vain to get us interested in the subject matter. My classmates and I are contemplating suicide. The point of that pencil suddenly looks very inviting. The tone sounds.

It’s only been one mod?

Seriously?!

Such is the unfortunate case every Wednesday, mods seven and eight, when I, along with roughly

10-15 other seniors are stuck in a little slice of high school hell our schedule lists as “Senior Project.”

Two of my hard-earned free mods are viciously ripped away from me each week and I am forced to sit in yet another class I did not sign up for, similar to the infamous ‘Info Skills’ course my class suffered through freshman year and last year’s ‘Junior Guidance.’

And it doesn’t stop there. These classes are for the purpose of learning about this massive project that I have to come up with, get approved, and then somehow complete satisfactorily to graduate.

Yeah, Okay.

First of all, I have work to do for all of my real classes, which include the already legendary killer AP Music Theory and its 64 measure composition, and journalism, complete with crazy deadlines and a layout week that would try Jesus’ patience. Oh, and I have a job, college essays to write and applications to fill out, not to mention auditions (as I plan to major in music) and voice lessons so I can do well in said auditions, those elusive final service hours to do, AP tests to take, and a dog to feed.

As if I didn’t already have enough work to do this year.

It’s only the second month of school, and my brain is already threatening to spontaneously combust. Don’t get me wrong, I think that senior project could be a good idea… at any other time. Perhaps sophomore year, which is pretty much worthless? Or better yet, should it be optional?

On the first day of school, I, along with all of my fellow seniors received letters about senior project. One of those letters referred to the ‘excitement’ that comes with the launch of this program.

Oh boy. Excited doesn’t even begin to cover it.

What do you think about senior project?

In-Depth Editors: Evan Conley William Schultz Entertainment Editors: Michelle Cvach Dave Hatem Sports Editors: Katelynn Colgain Elly Dannenfelser Copy Editors: Kate Froehlich Leah Goss Photo - Design Editors: Emily Burdeshaw Megan Chlada Kristen Novak Katie O’Hara Cartoonist: Brooke Basta Staff: Amanda Nguyen Morgan Seiler Nick Temple Business Manager: Rebecca O’Brien Moderator: Mr. Ionescu

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 or Administration of The John Carroll School.

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

Please email us at jcpatriot@gmail.com or visit our website: www.johncarroll.org

“It’s not organized very well.”

-Grace Marconi

“Although we have a class, I still feel like nobody knows what they’re doing.”

-Brad Viers

“It should be a junior project because it’s too late to get us into college.”

-Candace Freeman

“It’s a lot of pressure on you.”

-Shannon Young

Saddle shoes spark uniform controversy Ashley Powers

Editorials Editor

O

n one of the last nights of summer, after some midnight-ordering-of-pizza with my cousins, Melaine and Morgan, we had the bright idea to try on Mel’s school uniforms.

And these were not just your standard run-of-the-mill uniforms.

Melanie, you see, is a member of the cult of Notre Dame Prep.

Soon after, Morgan and I slipped the blue uniforms over our heads and quickly decided that the look is just not complete without all the bells and whistles.

Within 10 minutes we both had side ponytails, complete with large

polka dot bows, oversized pearl bracelets and necklaces, and those dreaded saddle shoes.

Yes, that’s right, JC freshmen, you are not the only unfortunate souls that have to sport that fabulous footwear.

And not only are these shoes quite repellent in the looks department, but even after being well worn-in they are still ridiculously uncomfortable.

So why are these poor freshmen wearing saddle shoes? Uniformity and practicality? I don’t know about you, but I, for one, don’t think walking around all day in uncomfortable shoes is too practical.

I will admit though that it is fully within the rights of the JC

administration to make changes to the uniform as they see fit.

However, the most intriguing part of this tale is that the majority of the JC administration is male.

That’s right.

The ones making the decisions regarding the uniforms (or lack thereof, in the male case) are mostly male.

Think about it.

Don’t get me wrong. I don’t mind my JC skirt. It’s not visually offensive or anything. In fact, I once went to the mall, right after school, in my uniform…and got complimented on my skirt.

But I digress. The fact of the matter is that the male population merely has a dress code while the female population’s uniform gets

more restrictive each year. And it’s not like it’s a hard thing to come up with a male uniform.

I’m pretty sure that the same place where I got my skirt also sells boy’s tan dress pants.

The male administration has never worn a skirt (I hope), nor saddle shoes (again, I hope) so cut us girls a little slack when coming up with these rules and think from our perspective.

If you have difficulty seeing the uniform from our eyes, then I suggest you hop in your car, drive over to the nearest Flynn and O’Hara, and try on that skirt and saddle shoes for yourself.

Just don’t wear it out in public.

3 Editorials

Volume 44 . Number 1 . October 2008

The Patriot

Palin ignites passionate political debate She’s for reform, honesty, against corruption

Palin supported bridge to nowhere, govt waste

Emily Burdeshaw

Nick Temple

paint is not pretty. In fact, die-hard conservatives and small children may wish to look away. he worked her way up from hirty-seven million people Beyond Palin’s questionable city councilwoman to the watched Sarah Palin’s ac- actions in the now-infamous mayor of Wasilla, then onto the ceptance speech at the Republi- Troopergate – the current investiGovernor’s Mansion, and is now can National Convention, just shy gation about her potential abuse of the Republican Party’s Vice Presiof the 38 million who tuned in to power – and her unmarried, minor dential nominee for the November see Obama the previous week. daughter’s pregnancy – which, election. Palin’s shaking up the Americans from all walks of life other than reopening the debate political world, pushing for reform turned on their televisions that on abstinence-only sex educaand change.

Wednesday evening to get their tion, means absolutely nothing – And yet much of the media her track record is spotty, and tries to highlight her flaws and shows that she really loves make dire predictions. They pork. focus on every skeleton in her Although she claims opcloset and every inference they position to the “Bridge to Nocan make. where,” Palin was one of the They really make one wonder: most vocal supporters of the are we doomed as Americans if nearly $400 million bridge to she and McCain are elected? an island with 50 residents.

I think not.

“I would like to see Alaska’s Yes, her daughter is preginfrastructure projects built nant, and yes, she supports sooner rather than later,” said abstinence-only education, but Palin during the gubernatodoes that automatically mean rial campaign, “The window is that abstinence-only education now - while our congressional doesn’t work? delegation is in a strong posiUm, no. Quite the opposite, in tion to assist.” fact. We should consider where Miraculously, by the time of her stance on sex-ed comes her speech at the Republican from: maybe the suspicion that National Convention, Palin had her teenage daughter is havdecided that she had opposed ing sex without her being fully the bridge from the start, and privy to it? Hmmm. failed to mention that she had And honestly, how many of taken that $223 million dollar us actually listen to our parents earmark anyway. when it comes to subjects ilke As Wasilla mayor, Palin had sex, drugs and alcohol? Palin’s hired a lobbyist who secured daughter is no reflection of the $23 million for her town of effectiveness of Palin’s policies, 7,000. despite what her critics may Under Palin, Alaska has say. dropped to 18th in taxes paid per resident, but federal spendEnvironmentally, Palin has ing per resident has jumped to put programs in place as Alaskan the head of the class. governor; including Alaska’s More tellingly, Palin was inPetroleum Systems Integrity Gov. Sarah Palin speaks passionately during a campaign Office, to ensure that equipment rally with Sen. John McCain in Media, Pennsylvania. (photo strumental in creating a windfall oil profits tax (something in use is working properly in orby Jessica Griffin/Philadelphia Daily News/MCT) her running mate opposes veder to prevent accidents. hemently), a measure which She also created a Climate sends a $3,200 kickback to Change subcabinet so that Alaska could begin preparing for the ficial’s ethically questionable acts. first glimpse at the “Maverick’s” every Alaskan citizen.

If such a measure is bad for the environmental changes that are, at Not many would dare to contradict pick for running mate.

What they saw was a down-to- rest of the nation, why is it good this point, completely inevitable. their party in any situation.

Those who oppose Palin cite her What I’m saying is simple: out earth woman from an average fam- for Alaska?

Apparently, Palin believes that support drilling in Alaska’s North of all the corruption that comes ily who is more in touch with the the citizens of Alaska are better Slope. But how many people men- with politics, Palin seems like a American people than McCain.

She came across as someone we than those of us in the lower 48. tion that the drilling only affects breath of fresh air. She is trying 2000 square miles of the nine mil- to cleanse the festering wound of could all support, a candidate who Maybe that’s because Alaskans would clean up the government, a have more hockey moms, and lion in the Alaskan National Wild- American politics. life Refuge?

Finally, we have someone who self-described “pit-bull with lip- fewer Washington insiders than Not too many. is willing to cut straight to the heart stick” who would put an end to the rest of us do.

Or maybe Palin thinks she’s But the most compelling part of things in order to help shape a federal earmarks (a practice critbetter than the rest of us because of Palin’s candidacy? She’s shak- more efficient political system – ics refer to as pork barrel spendshe believes in small-town valing things up. She’s for reform. one that tells the truth and is not ing, which allows congressmen ues, government reform and bud“earmark” funds for a specific pet From the time she was a mayor up riddled with dishonesty. get cuts.

But in reality, to say she to today, Palin has been trying to When it comes right down to project), and crusade for family stands for these things is simply rid politics of corruption and those it, her experience and stance on the values. delusional.

I don’t buy it. who would take advantage of the issues – what she thinks and how And I, for one, don’t want a Palin’s track record as Wasilla system and those of us that live she’s acted in the past – says volbeneath it. umes about her future and should mayor and Alaskan Governor says delusional pit-bull in the White I’m not saying she’s perfect indicate at least something about more about her than any speech House. she will ever give. The picture they – but at least she’s trying, which her potentiality as vice president.

Photo Design Editor

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is more then we can say for other plans. When she was a newly elected mayor, she came into office expecting to clean house.

And she did just that. As soon as she was in office, Palin forced every departmental head put in place by her predecessor to resign.

She does not fear straying from the party and, in fact, did anger the Republican Party of Alaska when she drew attention to another of-

Staff Writer

T

The Chief Speaks

T

urning into the school parking lot in early August, I was shocked by the marquee.

It read “Go into the new.” I first thought that they hadn’t changed the sign from the end of the year, so I laughed thinking that going into the new was old news.

Apparently, I was wrong. For yet another year, we are going into the new. We are reminded of this on a daily basis by our planner covers, the school calendar, and any assembly we attend.

Even more so, there are major changes that show that we are leaving the past behind: the presence of saddle shoes, Mr. Barker’s blogs and senior projects, the absence of backpacks (and planners for two weeks) that left upperclassmen lost in confusion.

As a member of the SAC, I was amazed at how much had happened over the summer that I knew nothing about.

Having shared my thoughts about countless issues in an endless deluge of meetings over the past three years, I am left wondering why no student seemed to know of any of the changes we faced when we first walked through the doors last month.

What makes JC unique is the number of alumni, staff members, parents and current students that support various fundraisers and functions. People make sacrifices to come here. Former students send their own children here years later.

I have no doubts that we must change our school to fit the times.

Change is a vital part of life. So is tradition.

When the traditional input of students, parents and alumni combines with new technology, communication could not be easier.

Parents get E-updates frequently, but parents and high school students do not always converse as frequently as we would like.

Since every student will soon have a laptop, E-updates or daily bulletins specifically designed for students could be emailed to those students’ accounts.

In today’s fast-paced world, technology enables us to communicate more effectively. We have technology. Where’s the communication?

Editorials 4i to

Volume 44 . Number 1 . October 2008

The Patriot

Extreme makeover: performing arts edition Music Dept. hits higher notes Ashley Powers

Editorials Editor

A

t precisely 5:30 every Thursday morning, I drag myself out of bed, trudge down the steps, plunk down in my chair at the kitchen table and somehow eat a bowl of Lucky Charms while still half asleep.

By far, the most insane part of this schedule is that I do it all willingly, because at 7 a.m. there is a meeting of the Music Advisory Council in the band room. The Music Advisory Council, or the MAC, is a group of dedicated students that meet each Thursday to talk about happenings in the music department.

Just kidding.

In reality, the MAC is a bunch of music kids that drink lots of orange juice and put up neon colored signs that warn students to clear their books out of the hallway before we burn them.

But the MAC, along with other new groups and changes in the music department, are part of the music department’s move “into the new.”

So what if our way includes cramming 120 students into the chorus room every morning to sing in Swahili and have dance parties?

We’re REDEFINING new. These days you can see the new a cappella group, Bella Voce, on their “world tour” of Harford County, and soon you’ll be able to see the marching band venturing into the world of competition band for the first time since who-knows-when.

All three of the major ensembles in the music department – the band, chorus, and orchestra – have

Jeremy Griffith, Connor DeVoe, and Dylan Meyer (left to right) begin practicing for ‘Hello Dolly. (above) Junior Joe Plumer plays the tuba at a Friday night football game. (left) (photos by Kristen Novak)

grown into small armies. The newly created John Carroll Symphony Orchestra is going to take on Mahler’s Second Symphony this year, which most high schools don’t even dare to dream about.

And we’re not just dreaming about it. We’re making it a reality.

Having already taken over YouTube with the now famous ‘Hail Holy Queen’ video, which has over 23,000 views, the music department is tackling even bigger arenas.

Watch out world. Here we come.

t’s no longer enough just to show up. Now you have to shine.

“We came to a point where our production needed to rise to another level,” said Fall Musical Director Kim Brueggemann, who, for the first time, made cuts to the fall cast list.

“This was an extremely difficult thing to do because I love everybody and want students to

participate in activities, but we are creating a team of people to create a final product just like athletic coaches form a team to play the games,” said Brueggemann. “‘Hello Dolly’ is a stylized visual picture that I really wanted to see happen, which meant keeping a cast of more than about 45 would have disrupted the look of the show,” said Bruggemann, necessitating cuts.

However, the cuts may not be permanent: “[Director of Development] Laura Lang directs the traditional spring production, so this doesn’t necessarily mean cuts will be made in the spring. This is not a definite, hard-fast change,” Brueggemann said.

Now, I’m not an actress, but if cuts become a JC tradition, I’m sure auditions will never be quite the same. If they’re anything like

sports try-outs, it will be a new heartbreak hotspot.

I’m all for a clean production, even if that means making cuts.

The drama department is definitely going “into the new” and it’s preparing actors for the real world and putting on a better show in the process. I just worry for those who wear their hearts on their sleeve.

The truth about the theatre industry is that “for everyone that looks, sings, dances, and acts, there are a hundred people just like you.” Brueggemann added, “You can be a good actress, but you still need to persevere and take rejections. It’s not easy.”

It’s not an easy decision to make, but “the cuts have led to more efficient rehearsals,” said senior Katie MacDonald, and they should make for a better production come November.

ing of sore arms.

I also don’t buy into the whole “trip hazard” line. Tell me which is easier to trip over: a zipped-up backpack sitting beside your chair or a pile of random books, folders, papers, pens, pencils, and Godknows-what-else scattered all over the floor?

Backpacks are big enough to be seen, so it’s easy enough to avoid them, but random junk is much more difficult to spot? Even stacked in a nice, neat pile, it’s pretty easy to overlook, step on, slip on, and crack your head open on.

Also, is forcing us to leave our backpacks in our lockers really going to be any safer than letting us take them to class? I would think that if someone wants to massacre the student body of John Carroll, it’d be easier to grab a gun out of a

locker during an off mod than in a classroom with twenty other people nearby. (Wait! Nobody move!

I need to get something out of my backpack! It’s not suspicious at all, really!)

The same goes for substance abuse. If you’re bringing it to school, are you really going to try shooting up or getting high in the middle of class?

And even if this is perceived as a threat, we can’t ban everything that poses a problem. I could keep a gun in my suit coat, but I’ll still have to wear it this winter and I could keep heroin in my pants pocket, but I’ve got a feeling I’ll still have to wear them tomorrow.

But there is one thing we students can find solace in. All other schools in the county have already banned backpacks! And really, that’s what our parents are paying

thousands of dollars a year to do: send their kids to a school that’s just like everyone else, right?

Also, in a world full of illegal drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, and sexual promiscuity the philosophy of ‘everyone else is doing it is particularly wise for a Catholic school to adopt, isn’t it?

While I will concede that the administration banned backpacks out of legitimate concern for our health and safety (and not just to see us squirm), it’s clear that the current situation doesn’t fix the problem, but creates new problems or contradicts our school’s philosophy.

And what we do with our health is our business really. Bring back our backpacks!

Otherwise, I’ll be constantly plagued by the feeling that I’m forgetting something.

Drama Dept. finally takes out the trash Kaitlin Bobbin

Editorials Editor

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Backpack ban baffles students Evan Conley

In-Depth Editor

I

like backpacks.”

Ironically, this was the first thing out of Dean of Students Thomas Vierheller’s mouth when approached about the latest wonder from the administration: the backpack ban.

When asked about the reasons behind the ban, Vierheller laid out several motivating factors. He stated that backpacks were a “trip hazard” and could get in the way during emergencies.

He also said that “backpacks double your size” and that without them it should be “easier to get to classes,” and that “by taking the backpacks away, we have reduced possible threats.” He also stressed that no other school in Harford County allowed backpacks.

Sounds like good reasoning, right? Well yes, at first. But when you think about it, some things just don’t add up.

While I’ll admit that backpacks double your size, it hardly seems that banning them will make it easier to get to class.

A prime example is my freshman year schedule. I would have to scramble from Mrs. Zurkowski’s class on the first floor to Sr. Marge’s on the third, than back down to Mr. Ward’s on the first and back up to Mr. Miller’s on the third again. No free mods in between and nothing but the “more than enough” four minutes to do it.

I know that a lot of freshman (and some sophomores) have schedules similar to this, with only one difference: a laptop. I’m not psychic, but don’t be surprised if our younger schoolmates start ail-

5i News

Volume 44 . Number 1 . October 2008

Freshm e n st e

Katie O’Hara

Photo-Design Editor

F

reshmen. All you have to do is look at their feet, and you know who they are. “It’s not fair,” says freshman Taylor Battaglia. This is an understandable cry. It doesn’t seem fair to throw them into an unfamiliar environment and make them stick out like a sore thumb.

Sure, tradition has it that every freshman has to pay his or her due, but the class of 2012 thinks this new rule is a little harsh. “We’re being punished for everyone else’s detentions. The rules that the upper classmen broke, we have to

follow,” said freshman Cara Reilly. The main question on every freshman’s mind, including Reilly’s and Battaglia’s is, “Why us?”

What is the rest of JC’s student body thinking? Senior Mary-Kate Smith said simply, “Well, I think they’re ugly. I’m glad our class didn’t have to wear them.”

Sophomore Andrew Brown said, “I don’t understand why the administration is making the girls wear them. They just look bad.”

The idea for saddle shoes to become a requirement for girls was not a sudden decision. The thought

p

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The Patriot

i nt o sad d

first came up during the initial uniform change when girls were required to switch to grey skirts four years ago. “Years ago, shoe style was not an issue,” said Thomas Vierheller, Dean of Students. “Open back shoes weren’t popular. Safety wasn’t an issue.”

The backless shoes presented an issue for potential tripping and falling. Girls’ taking their shoes off during class was, and still is, a common picture, but it is not a picture that JC wants to paint. The saddle shoes present a more dig-

s ho e s

nified “decorum” and a more proper appearance according to Vierheller.

Still the freshmen may be asking, why saddle shoes? The choice of saddle shoes, “is not a fashion statement. They look good and consistent. They look more professional,” Vierheller said.

“I like them because you can’t tell rich from poor, and, eventually, one year from the other. They’re practical. I think the students look better this year than in a long time, especially in the three years since I’ve been dean.”

While the rest of the administration supports this decision, there is still the question of this decision being sexist. Males in the class of 2012 seem to have been overlooked.

“Well that’s the issue we’re facing right now: the girls have a uniform while the boys have a dress code,” said Vierheller, “We’re looking at changes, but it’s more difficult with boys. You have to be practical.” There is not a standard male shoe that is as consistent as the girls’ saddle shoe.

“I get that the administration wanted a way to make things more unified, but I wish that they had found a better way to do it. Or at least not used our class as the first ones to initiate it,” said Battaglia.

Service fee concerns school store, tickets Niki Muse

News Editor

M

r. Johnson is dumbfounded. He’s angry, and sees no reason for the change. “I felt it was unfair and unjust, and I wanted to have a discussion with the administration regarding the change in policy,” said Rodney Johnson, SAC moderator and history teacher.

What Johnson feels so strongly about is the possible service fee that could be applied by Kay Nichols, Financial Director, to ticket sales in the school store. This fee would extract one dollar from tickets for homecoming, prom, or drama productions, and 25 cents for tickets for the back to school dance or button dress-down days, according to Johnson.

“

Initially, I was dumbfounded, and then I was angry. I felt it was unfair and unjust.

,,

- Rodney Johnson

Although the service fee affected many student clubs and activities, President Rick O’Hara claims that the price change “wouldn’t necessarily be seen reflected in

increased ticket prices. It is more of an accounting factor,” said O’Hara.

For the three week duration of the proposal, Johnson resigned as SAC moderator because he felt it would be unfair to the students and previously planned activities, like the back to school dance.

In relation to his responsibilities: “Nothing [changed].

I conducted myself so that I didn’t completely abandon my responsibilities because I know what hardships come with it. I did the back to school dance although I was technically resigned because I didn’t want to leave the students,” said Johnson.

Johnson rescinded his earlier resignation as SAC moderator as soon as “the service fee [proposal] was off the table.”

Class moderators including junior moderators Gregory Kachur and Frances Houston voiced their

opinion regarding the service fee policy with administration. “They [the administration]

handled it well. There were several meetings held with Mr. O’Hara and Mr. Barker so moderators could expresses their feelings,” said Johnson. “Several moderators and individuals who would have been affected by the changed policy approached the administration, and they listened

to us,” he adds.

Nichols planned the initial proposal for a service fee in the school’s mini-business. “I think the school store does a good job handling various

activities, ticket selling, and it is done in a professional manner…in the same way that there is a cost with printing the tickets, there is a cost for selling them.”

This reasoning behind the proposal sets a basis for selling tickets

in the school store.

Firstly, it is a “great convenience to the students” so that they can easily have access to the ticket sale business. Secondly, running the sales through the school store rather than through individual sellers is “appropriate for internal control,” O’Hara said.

“Financial centers in the school should be successful, but not at the price of convenience, discord or open rebellion,” said O’Hara.

“We have to be responsible.”

A final decision on the service fee proposal is now pending for future years.

For the present year, the service fee proposal is out of consideration, but O’Hara and Johnson implied the possibility of returning to the idea.

Volume 44 . Number 1 . October 2008

News 6i to

The Patriot

ed u n i t con front from age p Earlier in the year, Sister Maryanne Zakreski, Service Coordinator, visited every religion class to discuss the “2-for-1” program and explain to students that 2-for-1 service was different than regular direct service, in that it requires a regular, ongoing relationship with the individual receiving service.

This information, however, was inaccurate.

Under the new policy, the direct service requirement was totally removed and the administration now considers all direct service to be part of the “2-for-1” program. Zakreski was not aware of the removal of direct service from the graduation requirement until a recent interview request. Zakreski, who denied comment on the topic, noted her intentions to discuss the changes with the administration before making any public statement.

McAdams noted that the decision was made amongst “four or five” administrators, stating that Barker, Vierheller, Scholl and himself were all part of the decision process.

“It was an administrative decision,” said Scholl, agreeing that the previously mentioned group was involved in the policy change, but made no mention of Zakreski. When pressed on the issue of Zakereski’s involvement, Scholl declined further comment and directed inquires to Barker.

Barker concurred with both Scholl and McAdams, stating that “the administrative logistics proved to be difficult,” and that direct service “was proving to be difficult to administer.”

The students, as well, have been kept in the dark about this drastic turn-about in policy. Thus far, no announcement has been made stating that the direct service requirement has been removed. “That’s Sr. Maryanne’s bailiwick as coordinator for service, so… no, I do not plan to make an announcement,” said McAdams. As a result, much of the student body remains unaware of this major decision.

“Technically,” said senior Jenn Eikenberg, “if there are service requirements, it defeats the purpose of doing it out of their own hearts.” Eikenberg did not know about the change in graduation requirements until interviewed, but “agree[s] 100%.” It is unlikely that policy will revert to its previous state, said Scholl, and that this year’s seniors, at least, have very little reason to worry about such an action.

“Could it be changed?” asked Scholl, “Sure, anything’s possible.

Will it be changed? I don’t think so. I think we’ll try this approach for a year, see how it works out.

Iif it needs to be changed, we’ll do that at the end of the year, the way we normally do.”

- Additional Reporting by Morgan Seiler

Joe Ehrmann speaks excitedly to the school, spreading his message of ‘Building Men for Others.’ He preached on the importance of placing relationships above material things. (photo by Dave Hatem.)

Ehrmann inspires men Niki Muse

News Editor

S

enior Andrea Boyer sits humbly next to the podium as she waits to introduce the guest speaker. Nervous, Boyer rehearses the speech that she will be reciting in front of the entire school.

As soon as she sees the intimidating football player turned minister, she tenses. Joe Ehrmann’s 6’4” imposing figure approaches her with a “gentle and calm demeanor,” Boyer said.

Former Baltimore Colt Joe Ehrmann was introduced in the opening assembly as the guest speaker and main focus of the JC summer reading book, Season of Life.

He spoke words of motivational wisdom to the entire JC community. “I really liked [Ehrmann’s] speech. He kept me captivated and I really understood what he was

saying. He made me appreciate my family more,” said senior Lia McGuirk.

Season of Life quotes Ehrmann, “If you look over your life at the end of it, life wouldn’t be measured in terms of success based on what you’ve acquired, or achieved, or what you own. The only thing that is really gonna matter are the relationships you’ve had.”

“That’s my favorite quote from the book. I really like how he encourages people to look for the good and not focus on the materialistic aspect,” said Boyer.

Ehrmann doesn’t just preach his words, he lives them. Throughout JC’s summer reading book Season of Life, Ehrmann sets high expectations for his Gilman football team and directs them towards manhood.

Ehrmann’s main message of “Building men for others” has

spread throughout the JC community through the students.

“It is a really powerful message that just reinforces what it means to be a man,” said Religion teacher Josh Laws. “I think the lessons that young men learn from people today are generally bad.”

“Life shouldn’t be measured in terms of financial richness, but measured by the relationships we have. That’s what I learned from the summer reading book,” said Boyer.

Laws coaches the Loyola rugby team, as well as the JC team in the spring. He incorporates Ehrmann’s lessons and messages into practices and games.

“We have a lot of freshmen on the team this year, so I try to enforce the idea that upperclassmen should take care of them and support them, on and off the field,” said Laws.

Bush administration receives poor marks Nick Temple

Staff Writer

H

e’s been vilified. He’s been lauded. For the past eight years, he’s been the most polarizing figure in American politics.

And on January 20, 2009, he’ll be history.

George Walker Bush, the 43rd President of the United States of America, has been both the most popular and most disliked president our nation has ever seen.

Bush has become the laughingstock of the mainstream media and the subject of regular ridicule.

Overall, the JC population considers Bush to be an unsuccessful president, with a net disapproval rating of 11%, according to a September poll of the student body.

In fact, only 4% of students

strongly agreed with the statement “George Bush has been a successful president.”

Junior Jeremy Griffith, an Obama supporter, believes that “ever since he got in office, everything’s gone downhill.” Griffith also believes that Bush’s legacy will be “the Endless War” in Iraq, and gave him an overall grade of a D-. However, Griffith does concede that he is only somewhat knowledgeable about politics.

Senior Jack van Roden, who also

admits he isn’t especially knowledgeable claimed, “most of the time, I have no idea what they’re talking about.”

Van Roden was not as harsh in his assessment of Bush: “I don’t think he’s the smartest man alive, Robert Shick [but] it was a difficult time with the 9/11 attacks… I don’t think he’ll be remembered very well. It’s a shame because I don’t think he did

“I think he took ad-

vantage of America at a very vulnerable time and did things that weren’t in our best interest.

,,

anything really wrong.”

Among students, this lack of political understanding is not uncommon, as only 10% of the student body identified themselves as “very knowledgeable” in political matters, and 16% identified themselves as either “unknowledgeable” or “indifferent.”

One anonymous sophomore went so far as to say “Politics are retarded. I am not affected in any way by a 50-year-old’s moral and ethical views.”

History teacher Brian Powell, a two-time Bush voter and self-described “moderate conservative,” is no less damning in his assessment of the Bush administration.

“I just believe he has completely failed,” said Powell, “especially the conservatives who voted for him in droves.”

Powell’s criticism of Bush is based on the president’s “runaway spending” and “intrusive military action,” along with the fact that he failed to “hold the conservative line he pledged to uphold.”

TV Production and History teacher Robert Shick, who is “proud to be an American liberal,” concurs. “I think he took advantage of America at a very vulnerable time and did things that weren’t in our best interest,” Shick said.

The legacy of George Bush and his place in history are yet to be determined. One teacher, speaking anonymously, said it is simply “too early to tell.”

The country can only wait and see how future generations will remember the man who has led our country for the past eight years.

7i News

The Patriot

Entertainment Editor

E

sther lies waiting in her nursing home bed, engulfed in silence and boredom. It is hard for her to walk, so she often ends up spending her days in her room, staring out the single, small window, watching cars pass by.

One bland day, the door opens and the room brightens. A young volunteer enters Esther’s room with an infectious smile on her face. What Esther doesn’t know is that this young girl will change her life in the Riverside Nursing Home.

Although Esther is not a real person, her life is no different from the lives of many elderly people nowadays. With the newly implemented service hour program, twofor-one service hours at JC many people like Esther will be touched by student volunteers.

When the direct service requirement was originally announced in 2006, students started developing negative feelings toward all of the criteria which separated direct and community service. “Our society is so ‘me’ oriented and competitive,” said Vice Principal Gary Scholl. “We are building students for others, and we are trying to open their eyes to care about the matter of service.”

This year, the administration decided to give ‘two-for-one’ credit to those devoted students who develop a personal relationship with the person they are working with.

“We were finding that the details of the service requirements

were at times interfering with the spirit of service,” said Scholl. “So many things could trip up a student and therefore their attitude toward service wasn’t in the spirit that we wanted.”

“Direct service is the most meaningful kind of service because the student develops a relationship with the person they are working with. The whole purpose of this is to try to get peoples’ hearts right,” said Scholl.

“This [two-for-one service] was an attempt to simplify the system rather than creating a distinction that was codified and legalized.

We wanted to make an incentive to develop a relationship because that is the most meaningful kind of service,” said Scholl.

In order for students to receive two-for-one direct service hours, they are required to get approval prior to performing the activity.

As Scholl said, “It is an incentive without being denied credit.”

Sister Maryanne Zakreski, Outreach and service moderator said, “It is hard to go in and talk to someone new and to make a new friend, that’s why I am giving you credit. If your intention is to go and develop a friendship, you are working hard.”

Zakreski’s main goal is to have students perform acts of service to go out of their way to help others.

“We want you to be happy, be honorable; we are here to help you get through. You will be happy after doing this,” said Zakreski, “The good that is being done is just wonderful; God is very pleased with that.”

Sunspots disappear, hint at global warming

Photo by sxc.hu

Michelle Cvach

Sunspots are another clue to the threat of global warming. According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the monthly average of visible sunspots has slowly been diminishing since the beginning of 2008, and has been drastically dropping since March of 2006.

August of 2008 is the first month since June 1913 without solar scientists’ sighting of sunspots. Scientists think this connection with global warming has to do with solar magnetic activity, which has a direct effect on the sun’s spots and on earth’s climate change.

Photo by sxc.hu

New service plan offers two for one

Ice shelf continues to melt, harms ecosystem The arctic ice melt is at its second highest melting rate in 30 years. According to the National Snow and Ice Data Center, ice in the arctic regions expands over two million square miles of ocean.

Scientists expect a three-foot sea level rise by the year 2100.

Areas like the Ward Hunt Ice Shelf have already experienced extreme changes, leading to severe damage to the shelf’s ecosystem.

The freshwater in the Ward Hunt shelf has melted and merged into the arctic waters, depleting native animals’ habitats.

Wisdom teeth serve in stem cell research

Photo by Jason Rogers

Volume 44 . Number 1 . October 2008

Wisdom teeth have been proven to serve another purpose other than crushing food, according to National Geographic. Adult wisdom teeth can be used to yield embryonic stem cells. The fact that new cells can be created from human teeth benefits stem cell research without harming embryos.

These stem cells can be developed into bone, cartilage and even fats. New research on stem cells could potentially lead to breakthroughs in regenerative medicines which could heal diseased organs or tissues.

Inhaler update causes controversy Kate Froehlich

Copy Editor

S

ophomore Logan Hayes felt the familiar tightening of her chest.

Her breath came in short and painful gasps. The air could not quite reach her lungs. She felt like she was slowly suffocating. The only thing that could save her was the life-giving medication in the tiny plastic inhaler.

This frightening scenario is a reality for nearly 40 million Americans.

However, the saving grace of the inhalers may be out of reach for those struggling financially as in-

halers are set to cost nearly three times as much as the previous ones did.

In an effort to comply with the Montreal Protocol, a treaty of 185 countries promising to withdrawal all products that contain chlorofluorocarbon (or CFC), the Food and Drug Administration is forcing a change to more environmentally friendly inhalers.

These new inhalers will have hydrofluoroalkane (or HFA) in them as opposed to CFC. The CFC in the old inhalers was proven to be detrimental to the ozone layer.

Because of the environmental implications, all CFC inhalers will be officially taken of the market after Dec. 31, 2008.

The major concern with the switch is the substantial price jump. The CFC inhalers cost 14 to 15 dollars each. This price will nearly triple to an estimated 36 to

45 dollars.

An inhaler is a necessity for those who suffer from asthma.

However, the much higher cost could force those who cannot afford to spend the money to try to get along without it.

This could increase the scary scenarios, potentially with a more fatal result.

Even though the price cost could be a concern for some, sophomore Maggie Kinser says, “I think people will buy it no matter how expensive it gets because it is something you need.”

Laura Frank, school nurse, has foreseen a few drawbacks about the price jump: “Obviously, the environment is important, but if the price is going to affect a child getting his medication, they should be able to get the old ones or insurance companies should pay for it.”

In addition to the increased cost, the HFA inhalers have other reported drawbacks. They are more easily clogged then the CFC inhalers and require basic cleaning and drying to prevent this from happening.

They also dispense the medication more slowly and with less power, causing those who are using it to not feel the effects as quickly.

Senior Meghan McAdorey said, “The new inhalers are really difficult to take because it doesn’t seem like anything is coming out of them.”

Despite the negative issues with the new medications, Hayes, who uses the HFA inhalers, said, “I am very pleased with the new inhalers because I no longer have to take Ventolin after my inhaler. The new ones help me so much and clear up my bronchial tubes.”

Features 8i to

Volume 44 . Number 1 . October 2008

The Patriot

Local hero quietly inspires commmunity

Mrs. Gauthier sets an example of strength for JC students as she continues teaching and coaching despite undergoing radiation treatments. Gauthier finds immense comfort in the JC community of fellow teachers and students. (photo by Megan Chlada) Natalie Shaw

Editor In Chief

I

t is 6:45 a.m. Most JC students are either just waking up or are still enjoying the peace-

ful atmosphere of dreamland.

Meanwhile, health teacher and coach Mrs. Tess Gauthier has been up for over an hour. She is already on her way to GBMC for radiation therapy that is crucial in her fight

against cancer.

“In my mind, as soon as I enter the door, I’m behind,” she said.

“I’ve already been up since 5:30, I leave at 6:30, and I get to school at 8:50.” Even so, “it’s not that bad; it’s manageable.”

Gauthier has had contact with the same people at radiation each morning since she started the first of her 33 therapy sessions before Labor Day. After meeting a man in his late seventies who is undergoing 40 treatments, she said, “I’d rather it be me than my parents or my children.”

Her family is a major source of support for Gauthier, but her family is more widespread than the people who live in her home. “Being around the people I work with, my supportive friends at JC, is fun.

As always, with the way people respond around here, it’s easier,” she said.

Dean of Students Sean Ireton is one of those “supportive friends.”

He covers her health classes on those four mornings a week when radiation overlaps with teaching.

Gauthier tries to teach students to live healthy lives, doing so by example.

She aims to “live a life that’s

good for them to model. If this helps them see that [this disease] is manageable, it takes away the fear.” Gauthier has even taken off her wig in class to show students that it is not something she is “afraid to confront.”

Gauthier is using her disease to show students the importance of action, saying, “Don’t ever be afraid to get medical help; you shouldn’t neglect getting treatment for fear.” She teaches the concept of the health triangle where “the physical, social, and mental [aspects of life] are intertwined.”

Not only is she teaching through her cancer, but she is learning from it. The cards that she received from the JC community have “sustained” her through tougher days while showing her the power of a simple gesture. “I’ve learned to send a card for times other than birthdays or holidays,” Gauthier said.

Even in her time of illness, Gauthier is thinking of others.

“I’ve never looked at it as a ‘Why me?’-kind of deal,” she said. She also said that she feels “fortunate to have medical insurance.”

Describing radiation therapy as a “cumulative fatigue issue”

in contrast to chemotherapy that “makes you sick,” Gauthier revealed that there are women in the United States suffering from the same illness who cannot cover the cost of the pills that can ease some of the painful symptoms of treatment.

The Hope Foundation, started

by NFL quarterback Brett Favre’s wife, Deanna, is designed to help these women with little to no medical insurance receive the funds they need for these pills. According to Gauthier, these pills can cost up to $800.

As a 19-year veteran coach of field hockey and a three-year badminton coach, she wants to get JC involved in helping this cause, specifically through the girls’ sports teams, because her own background in athletics has been a key element in her fight.

“Just being involved with athletics helps. [Cancer] is competitive on a different level. [Involvement] in sports gives you an edge.”

While additionally stressing her work ethic and involvement as inner motivation to keep going on a daily basis, she said that “it’s really wonderful when kids ask how I’m doing. It doesn’t go unnoticed.”

Students cross Harford County lines for service

Dr. Yeung rattles religion dept

Leah Goss

Amanda Nguyen

Copy Editor

Staff Writer

S

ixty service hours. For most of us, that’s 3,600 long, painful, pointless minutes spent grumbling in the lobbies of local nursing homes. But, like it or not, it’s a requirement, and without it, you won’t graduate.

So, this summer, on a personal mission to accumulate a quick 30 hours, I signed up for a mission trip to the Dominican Republic. I figured that if I need to get these hours, I might as well go to an amazing place and have an incredible experience.

This goal in mind, I woke up at 4:30 to catch an 8:20 flight. Hours later, our group of 15 Americans stepped into the Santo Domingo airport.

The florescent lights cast a gloomy shadow over my first impression of the country. The air was musty, the bathrooms dirty, and the food was obviously guaranteed to give us all some awful disease. Nevertheless, armed with Wet Ones and Purell, each of us put one foot in front of the other and began the journey.

Though already missing the comforts of home, I was filled with anticipation and awe for the sights and sounds of the foreign country.

The crashing waves against the rocky shore, the palm trees cutting designs in the sky, and local music filling the air all captured my at-

T

Alum Erika Stasakova (‘08) and her friend Hannah Dempsey pave the way to build houses in the Dominican Republic. (photo courtesy of Erika Stasakova) tention and filled my senses.

Three hours later, that classic tropical scene would transform into a very different one. Sure, it was the same sky, the same colors, and the same sounds. The lives of the locals, however, created a fierce juxtaposition against the town life in Santo Domingo.

In the mountains of the Dominican, women knelt beside the river, filling buckets of water to carry atop their heads back to their families and single room homes. Children’s faces lit when they saw us coming and thrived off of our hugs and smiles, reveling in the attention and affection.

Our service trip combined days of manual labor with more direct, relational service experiences.

We spent an afternoon walking

through a village of shacks, welcoming kids and their families to a Vacation Bible School. The news of this simple event drew a crowd of 200, all of whom crammed into the narrow quarters of a church building and clamored toward the door in an effort to receive a single piece of candy.

There was one child who faced the possibility of death because of a disfigurement that caused his ribcage to protrude and the shoulder to bend inward. Still, these people managed to maintain a spirit rarely displayed in the lives of Americans. These children and their stories are what transform service opportunities into incredible experiences sure to create lifelong memories.

his is going to sound kind of odd, but I loved watching autopsies as a med student,” says JC’s new religion teacher, Dr. Christopher Yeung, “It was just so interesting and exciting, because the cadavers were fresh, and sometimes even still warm.

We had to use old cadavers in formaldehyde in our labs, so being able to watch autopsies was one of my favorite parts of medical school.”

JC’s latest addition to the religion department is in no way just a religion teacher. He has earned a doctorate in Biomedical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University. So, how does a man go from science to God? He firmly believes that “God has called him to the religious. At the end of the day, helping to improve somebody’s health won’t keep the end from coming. So instead of being a doctor of bodies, I want to be a doctor of souls.”

During the time when Yeung was a seminarian, he moved at least three to four times a year and traveled to many places, including many parts of the US, Italy, and China.

During his missionary work, Yeung served a leprosy village near the location of the SARS and avian flu epidemic break out. “It’s funny,” Dr. Yeung says, “You go

Dr. Yeung, known for challenging his students, leads a senior class discussion. (photo by Katie O’Hara) over with the expectation of teaching them about the Gospel, but in the end, they are the ones who share the Gospel with you.”

Yeung and his wife just had their baby girl, Angela. Beyond that, Yeung also expressed a love for flat water canoeing, “I love just rowing around in a lake; it’s my favorite thing in the whole world.”

“I’m just struggling to follow God and what he’s telling me to do,” Yeung says, “I feel like Abraham because I just pick up and move whenever I feel that God is telling me to do so, but I do hope that Bel Air will be more permanent.”

9 Features

Volume 44 . Number 1 . October 2008

The Patriot

College Confidential:

Application Checklist:

Faith Reilly

Features Editor

F

inding out what she wanted to do for the rest of her life started in a pretty inconspicuous way for Andrea Monaghan. Her mom always gave her the job of baking desserts for family functions. Now Monaghan wants to study baking and pastry arts and will get to study how to make ornate wedding cakes, pastries, breads, and chocolate for the next four years.

Monaghan said,” I first started making cakes just out of the boxes when I was really little. Now I make all my cakes from scratch, like German chocolate and I even made a truck birthday cake for my brother.” When asked how she got interested in this rare major she said, “People always tell me what I make is really good and I really like doing it…I think it will be fulfilling for me and others will enjoy it as well.”

It’s time for the class of 2009 to apply to colleges across the country and finally seniors have an idea of things in mind for majors and careers. This class has varied interests in different fields and promises to be one of the most diverse classes as of recent years. Others do not have as clear-cut paths as Monaghan, but most have settled on an idea of a career.

Morgan Buchanan represents those lucky few that have had a dream of what they have wanted to do since they were little. Buchanan has wanted to study veterinary

medicine ever since she was a little girl. She said, “I had a lot of pets as a kid. I had a dog, bird, guinea pigs, and fish and I’ve been fascinated by animals ever since I was two, especially horses.” To accomplish her goal Buchanan must undergo six to eight years of schooling. She said, ‘Vet school is a lot

“

I think my career will be rewarding and so much fun because I’ll get the opportunity to do what I love.

,,

-Morgan Buchanan

more competitive than most people think. It’s pretty common for most people to not get into vet school the first time and it’s supposed to be harder than med school. Actually, I’ve heard that people who don’t get into vet schools decide to go to med school.”

Several in the top twenty-five percent of the class of 2009 are applying to some of the most

competitive schools in the country, including UVA, Princeton, Georgetown, Hamilton, Colgate, Swarthmore, Cornell, UPenn, and NYU. This year, according to the Guidance Department, John Carroll students are most interested in schools such as Salisbury, James Madison, Elon, and Towson.

Guidance Counselor Ms. Carrie Siemsen said, “Surprisingly there’s not a lot of interest in Virginia Tech this year, which was a very popular school for students last year.” She also said that many are considering Towson a safety school.

In response to this trend, Siemsen said,” I think that other safeties should be McDaniel, Villa Julie, and Mt. St Mary’s instead of Towson if they are not truly interested in it. They are of the same caliber and some are even easier to get into. Many students are afraid to branch out and look at some of the many schools in Pennsylvania and Virginia. I feel like they are in this bubble so many kids don’t even consider them.”

A select few seniors this year will bypass the stressful application process as they have been recruited to play sports in college. For example, Jen Zoltoski has committed to the University of Richmond to

play lacrosse next year. She said, “It was a hard choice but I knew I wanted a top academic school with a good lacrosse program. After I visited junior year, I decided that I would be happiest at Richmond; that was really my deciding factor. I was really looking for a balance between academics, athletics, and social things.” Other students that have signed to play collegiate sports include Katie Kiriazaglou, who committed to play lacrosse at the University of Cincinnati. Also, Sammy von Paris is interested in playing football at Johns Hopkins or Navy.

For those that haven’t committed, now is the time for applications. Siemsen said, “The key is simple. Make sure they are perfect.

Hasty, stupid mistakes can make the difference in acceptance or not. Also, such things as spelling and getting the forms in on time are crucial.” She also said that the Guidance Department has been pushing Early Action while discouraging Early Decision because “Early Action gives our students a bit of an edge over Regular Decision applicants.”

Buchanan spoke for many regarding their dreams for the future when she said, “I think my career will be rewarding and so much fun because I’ll get the opportunity to do what I love.”

including doing your work. “Have fun but don’t slack off. Your GPA really does count and grades do matter to colleges,” said Virginia Tech freshman Hannah Hallgarth’s roommate, Morgan Zavertnik from Akron, Ohio.

No matter where you decide to attend, the workload is always more than in high school. “I think John Carroll prepared me for the amount of work because it is not as a surprising amount to me like it is to my classmates around me,” said Erika Profili of the class of ’08.

The most evident change that JC students notice is the difference in individual attention from teacherses from high school to college professors. “Teachers don’t care in college like they do in high school; it’s all up to you. Everything is up to you and it’s really easy to slip up,” said Hopkins.

The other challenges arise socially with having to deal with different types of people, making new friends, different foods, navigating around campus, roommates, and

dealing with distance from home and family.

Some seniors will head out to colleges that are three, four, even five hours away. “I am very homesick, which I didn’t expect in college and I haven’t really adapted to college yet because life is so different here,” said Profili, a freshman at Salisbury University.

“I thought I would feel intimidated by the upperclassmen, but we all mesh together and it’s actually hard to tell the difference between the people,” said former senior Laura Vinton’s roommate, Duquesne University freshman, Jordyn Jersey No matter what your expectations are for college, get involved and try new things. “I never expected to join the sailing club and now I get to go around to other colleges to meet new people,” said Hopkins. You don’t have to join the sailing club, but choose clubs that meet your interests and be open to new possibilities and exxperiences. After all, that’s what college is all about.”

Regular or early action? No early decision!

Get teacher recommendations and write thankyou notes.

Have at least two people read your essay.

Set up an interview on campus.

Most Popular Schools: • Salisbury • James Madison • Towson • Maryland • Elon

Recent alumni reveal insider’s college guide

Myths: Jus t ha v e f u n s e nior yea r. Ta k e eas y class es an d com pla i n ho w yo u wan t to get ou t of JC. Col leges on l y look a t Ju nior yea r gra des.

Al l yo u do i n c ol lege is han g ou t wi t h f ri ends an d part y a l l t h e t i m e.

Melissa Vinton

Managing Editor

A

s the car rolled to a stop in front of the University of Delaware, Aaron Hopkins of the class of ’08 felt his stomach drop. This was the moment he was dreading and looking forward to all summer long. He thought of the next four years and the freedom he would soon have – how he would meet his roommate and how he wouldn’t be able to go home every weekend. As he carried his bags from his parents’ car to the top of the freshman dorm, Dickinson Hall, he felt his nerves grow with every step.

“I really didn’t have too many expectations because I really had no idea what to expect,” said Hopkins.

“My advice for seniors would be to live it up and really cherish the people you’re with because things will change next year,” he said.

While having fun is the main goal of most seniors, certain aspects still apply during the year,

Truths: Col lege class es WILL b e hard e r tha n high school class es.

Teac h ers wo n’t h old yo u r han d if yo u ha v e prob l ems wi t h con c epts.

Get i nv o l ved- it ’s a grea t wa y to m eet n e w peo p l e !

In-Depth 10i to

Volume 44 . Number 1 . October 2008

The Patriot

Ethnic tension runs rampant Evan Conley

In-Depth Editor

N

o one in Shenandoah, PA saw it coming.

Colin J. Walsh was, by most people’s definition, a good kid. He was a dedicated athlete and a straight-A student. His friend, Brandon J. Piekarsky, also fit the bill. Piekarsky was a varsity athlete and a member of the National Honors Society.

On July 12th, 2008, the two of them, along with four other “good kids” bludgeoned Luis Ramirez, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico. Walsh and Piekarsky now face charges of homicide and ethnic intimidation.

An isolated incident? Perhaps.

But the entire thing is troubling, but for more reasons than a man lying on the groun convulsing and foaming at the mouth.

This particular incident occurred in Shenandoah, PA, a town noted for being among the most ethnically diverse in the Schuylkill area, and proud of it. Besides that, the state of Pennsylvania itself was founded by William Penn on the principle of tolerance. Furthermore, these were good

kids, coming from families not known to anonymous, commented that “nothing like have racial prejudices. that happens here.”

Yet one fateful July day, an illegal immiAnother student, while agreeing that there grant was beaten to death. is some tension, waved it It leads one to wonder: is off as minor, commenting America, the land of opportuthat “People aren’t going to nity, still safe for immigrants? take a bat to someone just There is no doubt we are a dibecause they’re an immiverse nation, the countries of grant.”

Mexico, China, and India alone Of course, such was the account for eighteen percent of case in Shenandoah too. our country, but can everyone With a record of tolerance adapt to this? Do Americans, - Anonymous Junior and a nonexistent hate in Shenandoah, PA, Bel Air, crime occurrence rate, for MD or anywhere else in this young teenage men to be country harbor ill will towards convicted of treating anforeigners? other human being cruelly “As far as Aberdeen is concerned,” said based solely on ethnicity was unthinkable.

Sgt. Budnick of the Aberdeen Police DeWhile Harford County is, up to this point, partment, “there has been no influx of hate happily free of hate crimes, one cannot deny crimes.” Budnick, who works in public the tensions that are felt on a day-to-day barelations at the department, stated that the sis.

Aberdeen police “have not dealt with hate Students notices these tensions frequentcrimes in…the past year,” and would “guess ly, even on a daily basis. One sophomore that’s true for the majority of the county.” remarked how his friend tells racist jokes So, at least on the surface, it would seem without a second thought. One junior, that Harford County is an accepting, tolerant who prefers to remain anonymous, recalls place. One senior, who preferred to remain a time when “an old white man was sitting

“

There will always exist tension until everyone else dies off.

,,

on a public bus in Aberdeen, and the African Americans would avoid sitting next to him.”

One sophomore states that “in Edgewood, the people committing crimes are all of the same ethnicity.”

The fact that no student agreed to let their name be published is also a telltale sign. In the words of the same junior: “There will always exist tension until everybody else dies off.”

The number of immigrants, particularly from Mexico and Latin America, has increased substantially over the years; it’s even been estimated that nine percent of those born in Mexico now live in the United States. History tells us that whenever a major demographic change occurs (i.e Japanese and Eastern European Immigration in the 20’s), there is public outcry and movement towards exclusion.

In fact, according to a recent Gallup poll, nearly one in four Americans agree that all illegal immigrants should be deported back to their home countries. Will history repeat itself? Only time will tell.

Immigrant argues for amnesty movement Nick Temple

Staff Writer

Photo by: Tomas Lara http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1004456

F

The statue of liberty; an immigrant’s symbol of freedom for years.

or generations of immigrants, America has been the fabled “land of opportunity.”

Ana Zuniga knows this better than most.

“This country has always been based on opportunity, since the beginning. We’ve had the Polish people, the Greeks, the Italians, they have all had these opportunities,” says Zuniga, “We should allow everyone these opportunities.”

As the daughter of two Nicaraguan students studying in New York, Zuniga was born in the mid-60s and spent the first nine months of her life in New York City. Zuniga spent the next eleven years living in Nicaragua, until 1979, when her family immigrated to Miami as the Nicaraguan Revolution began.

“They would’ve stayed there,” Zuniga admits, “if the war hadn’t come.” But she also emphasizes that the opportunities in America are far removed from those present in Nicaragua, not only in the way of jobs but also in “fairness.” “In [Latin America] if you are born on the poor side, you can’t get out of that… [in America], the kids of immigrants can become doctors or lawyers.”

Today, that legacy of opportunity may be disappearing. The specter of “illegal immigration” is continually dangled before the American public, and, according to a July Gallup poll, nearly 40% of Americans support stronger restrictions on immigration.

As these views become increasingly evident, many potential immigrants, spe-

cifically those from Mexico and other Latin American countries, are facing increasingly difficult times.

After a nearly 70% increase in the cost of citizenship applications, applications have dropped by 59%, according to TIME Magazine; a disturbing statistic that reflects the financial hardships many illegal and legal immigrants face, as they work long hours for less than minimum wage.

Many supporters of immigration reform and increased restrictions argue that those who enter illegally had the opportunity to immigrate through legal means.

Zuniga responds to this by emphasizing that only those who cannot afford to leave work long enough to travel to the embassy or cannot pay the required fees are those who cross the border illegally.

It is these people who will be punished the most if current trends continue, Zuniga believes, insisting that “these are hardworking people who just want a better chance in life than they had in their country.”

Critics of current immigration policies claim that newcomers are taking American jobs away from native-born citizens, even going as far as to say that rampant immigration has contributed to the recent economic crunch felt by many Americans.

But immigrants, Zuniga said, only work the jobs no one else will take: manual labor on construction sites, picking fruit in fields, housekeeping in hotels and other unskilled jobs.

As a result, many pro-immigration groups argue that amnesty for illegal immigrants is

1 in 8 Americans is an immigrant, the highest level in 80 years

essential to maintaining America as we have come to know it. “I think they should be offered amnesty,” Zuniga said. “They have lived here long enough; they have worked here long enough.”

The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), however, estimates that an amnesty program would cost Maryland citizens $331 million dollars annually. According to FAIR, Maryland’s foreign-born population ballooned to 625,000 during the 90s; a 65% increase, which FAIR claims has strained the state’s infrastructure to its breaking point.

The number of illegal immigrants in Maryland is contested, but estimates range from 90,000 (according to FAIR) to as many as 275,000 (according to the Pew Hispanic Institute). FAIR estimates that illegal aliens cost Maryland taxpayers some $280 million in 2004. FAIR uses statistics such as this to support stronger restrictions on immigration and the deportation of all illegal immigrants, hoping that these measures will provide the country with a more secure future.

Zuniga admits that the future is uncertain for everyone. “I think everyone has a dimming future right now… It’s definitely a lot harder [to get by],” she said, “But those people crossing the border into this country, they have nothing in their countr[ies]. And they will work 15 hours a day, seven days a week just to put food on their tables… and I know these people personally. My parents didn’t have to cross the border; they came here on an airplane. I didn’t have to go through that.”

Nearly one in three Immigrants is an Illegal ali

ien

11 In-Depth

Volume 44 . Number 1 . October 2008

The Patriot

Job market wanes; immigrants blamed William Schultz

Labor industries hire the largest numbers of immigrant workers, including a local landscaping company called Earthworks eople need jobs. Teenagers want to owned by Frank Lina. Lina, who declined improve their wardrobe, college stu- to be quoted, mostly employs men in their dents need to pay for tuition, and adults twenties and thirties for his landscaping need to support their families. They all need company. money and, logically, want jobs. But who In the past, Lina has hired three Hispanic gets them? Qualified immigrants have as immigrants, whom he says are capable emmuch right as anyone else does, and immi- ployees who work hard and are less likely gration numbers are around 1,000,000 each to complain than American workers. Even year, adding to a population of 38 million though there are a few language difficulties, according to Homeland Security. The job they are reliable. market won’t go unaffected.

Immigrant workers are often hired as they To start, many immigrant workers do not will do jobs for lower wages than Americome to America permanently. They choose can workers. The pay is still better than to stay in the states for six months to a year back home, and around 70% of immigrant in order to raise money for workers lack formal their families. The ten doltraining, according lars an hour they make here is to the USCIS (United better than the two dollars an States Citizenship hour they receive for the same and Immigration Serwork back home. They are vices). in America to earn a living.

For businesses that There shouldn’t be a problem. hire mostly native Unfortunately, it isn’t that born workers this simple. According to a study poses a huge probdone by Northwestern Unilem. After all, why versity, during the 1990s the - Mary-Kate Smith would people pay job market grew as immigramore for the same tion rates stayed the same. In results? the year 2001, as job numbers Lina also comdropped and unemployment rose, immigra- mented that in his experience half of all tion rates remained unchanged. workers at major construction zones are forIn the new millennium, the average num- eign-born and that most immigrant workers ber of legal immigrants per year rose from on site are employed in labor jobs like con17,000 to 22,000. From 2001 to 2004, the struction, landscaping, painting, concrete number of new immigrant workers rose to work and aluminum siding. They are usu2.3 million and the number of employed na- ally involved in lower level, manual labor tive workers dropped by the same percent- type jobs as opposed to technical jobs like age. wiring or plumbing.

In-Depth Editor

P

“My friend applied

for 16 different jobs over the summer, but none got back to her.

,,

Immigrant Population (2007): 37.9 Million

Cheaper labor and nonpermanent immigrants who aren’t interested in becoming unionized are breaking down labor unions fighting for a solid work force. Immigrants that hail from Eastern European nations are even more reluctant, since they came to America to escape from trade union corruption’s lowering wages. With natural ethnic divisions as well, this gives unions a harder time keeping a workplace together.

When the unions crumble, so do the workers. Native born American laborers who work in farming, carpentry and janitorial services are displaced from jobs they may have held for many years. According to a study at Rice University, there are 1,880,000 workers a year left unemployed and fifteen million dollars a year that are going towards welfare to support them. That money comes from our taxes.

So how does any of this affect John Carroll students? Construction and landscaping companies don’t normally hire teenagers, so why should we care?

Well, the native born workers who are forced out of previous jobs because of wage competition have to work somewhere. They start moving from labor to jobs in food service, movie theaters, stores and stockrooms.

These are positions that, until the past few years, were dominated by teenagers and college kids, who are now getting pushed out.

If anyone has tried getting a job recently, this isn’t news. This past summer was one

of the worst to get hired in years.

Senior Tyler Sibol said, “I applied to four or five places, but only Zumiez would give me an interview. None ever got back to me.”

Even worse, senior Mary-Kate Smith said, “My friend applied for 16 different jobs over the summer but none got back to her. It was just places in the mall, stores like circuit city, and even fast food.”

It isn’t just locally either. Before the influx of immigration, about 36% of teenagers in New York City had jobs. Nowadays, the number is down to 22%. Most immigrants on the East Coast come through the city and immigrants currently make up 40% of the city according to the US census bureau.

Of course, this can’t all be due to immigration. With the worsening economy and layoffs rampant due to stocks reaching record lows, there are plenty of problems with the job market. Due to recent crackdowns on illegal immigration, statistics are actually down this year.

Besides, senior Tyler Wiegand says, “I worked at [the construction company] Brauner, and I never really saw a whole lot of immigrant workers or heard about them.” But the fact remains that there was an increase in immigration this decade, and there are now higher numbers of reliable older workers competing for the jobs with younger kids.

24,255 immigrants registered in Maryland last year.

Features 12i to

Volume 44 . Number 1 . October 2008

The Patriot

Russian plans to stay another year Katie Clarke

Features Editor

T

here are dead languages, such as Latin, and then there is Russian, a language that may soon be dead at John Carroll.

Could this JC tradition of over 35 years shortly reach its end?

The administration decided last year that John Carroll could not support six foreign languages.

Something had to be cut in order for the Chinese language program to begin. That something turned out to be Russian.

The projected end of the Russian program was not simply because of the introduction of Chinese. The numbers of last year’s freshmen that chose Russian as their first choice language proved too small to even have a class.

Consequently, the administration decided to fade out Russian.

Why did students choose to take Russian in years past? Some dare to be different while others have a more academic base for their choice. “All the other languages are derived from a Latin base or Chinese base whereas Russian is from a Greek base. Russian helps us to understand more roots of words than kids who take the other languages,” said junior Joe Plumer.

While the small number of Russian students currently poses a threat to the program, it is also one of the program’s strongest attributes. “I like that the class is so small. There are only five people and it’s fun. Even though the class is tough, I decided to take it for a fourth year because I wanted colleges to see that dedication,” said senior Blaine Greig.

Current Russian students generally felt that the program should not end in the near future. “I’m glad they have a freshman class

Nick Temple

Staff Writer

T

Mr. Miller instructs his senior Russian 4 class. The Russian program did not include a Russian 1 class last year but this year, there is a class of five freshman taking Russian 1. (photo by Melissa Vinton) because I was pretty upset when I heard they weren’t going to teach Russian anymore,” said Greig.

“After taking it for two years, we fell in love with Russian. We all had such a good experience with the language and Mr. Miller that we didn’t want others to miss this great opportunity,” said junior Jackie Truitt.

The decision brought about mixed feelings in the JC community. Throughout the year, word reached some alumni and parents who expressed concern over the termination of the Russian program. “They showed their disfavor of not continuing such a successful program that began back in 1970. Over the years, the program has graduated many students who continued their Russian studies on the college level and beyond. Several have chosen careers that are related to the Russian language,” said Mr. Miller, Russian teacher.

At the open house for potential freshman last year, however, the

students were told that the Russian program was being phased out. About five students showed a strong desire to take Russian this year, and so the program was reinstated. This interest shown by the Class of 2012 and the expressed desire from the former Russian students caused the administration to make the decision to keep the program going.

The Russian program is still relevant in the world of current events. With the Russo-Georgian conflict slowly being resolved, knowledge of Russian is a skill constantly in demand. The honors classes offered at JC provide a strong base for the language and the continuing study of Russian in college and later years.

Nothing is definite in the future of the Russian program, but there is still some potential for its continuation. “As to the future, we will just have to wait and see what the numbers look like for next year,” said Mr. Miller.

Where Russian Can Take You As Amanda Selvy, class of 2006 said, “It’s definitely hard because of the structure, but once you understand the pattern, it’s easier to pick up. It’s better than taking French or Spanish because Russian is useful [in today’s world].

Russian’s on the list of top 10 languages needed by the government [in agencies like the CIA and FBI].”

Increasing costs swamp seniors Faith Reilly

Features Editor

T

he senior year traditions ave long been an integral part of every student’s experience, but since when do they need to cost so much?

First they get you with senior pictures. Each senior had a specific date and time set up with the Prestige Company and expected it to be a somewhat pleasant experience from the shiny literature sent home.

Over 100 seniors showed up at school during the summer only to discover that the photographers were two hours behind. Several had to leave for work. Plus, they had to pay the $25 sitting fee to be

Temple of Knowledge

inconvenienced.

For a couple of extra poses, there is a $50 sitting fee. Then, after the gorgeous, glossy proofs come (which is the fun part), seniors and their families must choose from packages that range from $150 for one pose and a few different sizes, to $575 for a large combo package.

Then seniors are almost obligated to purchase senior sponsorship pages in the yearbook. This year, a quarter page is $95, a half page is $175, and a full page is $295.

This year, the yearbook staff has decided that all pages will be in color, which is great idea in theory, until students realize the costs. Shannon Young agrees, saying, “It’s ridiculous. It’s not fair

that they raise the prices to such an extreme level.”

On top of this, will JC continue the new idea of asking for money from new alumni like last year?

“It’s crap. They nickel-and-dime us to death,” said Danielle Valdivia.

Many have expressed their gratitude to the school through becoming involved and leading school actitivies. Why does JC seem to think that our appreciation should be shown through our wallets? Katie Macdonald said “Do they think we’re made of money?”

The main issue seniors have is the crazy prices are being forced upon them along with college price tags looming that range from $10,000 - $30,000. Seniors should

be looking ahead and planning for the future. Senior Felipe Creighton agrees by saying,”I think that it shouldn’t be extra. We’re about to graduate and pay for college.

We shouldn’t have all these extra costs.”

The solutions are simple: Hire less expensive photographers for senior portraits or more options in packages. JC should think about bringing back the option of black and white senior pages. These ideas will give all JC seniors’ families the opportunity to participate to the extent they desire and can afford without breaking the bank. Rachel Lyon sums it all up by saying, “We already pay around $11,000 to go here, they should help us out with some things.”

here are two types of knowledge: 1) regularly, readily useful knowledge, which comprises about 98% of the average person’s brain and 2) the obscure, random, potentially useful at some future-time-to-bedetermined knowledge, which makes up another one percent (the remaining one percent is considered in poor taste to mention publically) of what most people know.

This knowledge, however, is not useless.

For instance, you have no idea when someone will need to know the origins of the word “strawberry” (which is a corruption of word “strewberry,” which referred to the fact that the fruit’s surface was ‘strewn’ with seeds; and, technically speaking, a strawberry is a epigynous berry, not a fruit) or the exact number of slaves freed by Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation (a whopping zero, actually, as the document applied only to the areas that were a part of the rebellion, and they really didn’t care what he had to say).

And at some point in your life, you will absolutely need to know what St. Catherine of Siena and Franz Kafka had in common (both were anorexic) and the ratio of rat hair to peanut butter allowed by the FDA (1 hair for every one hundred grams of peanut butter).

These are the things I know, and soon they will be the things you know. So welcome to Temple’s Sideshow of the Surreal; where all the facts are true, bizarre, and, more often than not, disturbing. As a new recurring feature brought to you by the John Carroll Patriot, where you’ll be informed of all the things you never knew you never knew.

So the next time someone tells you about visiting the Statue of Liberty in NYC, remind them that Liberty Island is firmly in New Jersey; and never forget that Thomas Crapper did not invent the flush toilet. And, most importantly, don’t ever forget that you heard it here first.

13 Features

Volume 44 . Number 1 . October 2008

The Patriot

Freshman explores south Pacific islands Katie Clarke

Features Editor

A

s he rounded the corner of the coral bed, swimming through clouds of vibrant fish, he worried about what could be hiding just a few feet away. “The group leader saw the killer jellyfish, but decided not to tell us because he thought it’d scare us too much,” said freshman Kyle Winterling.

This how a normal 13-year-old boy spent his summer, snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.

Hundreds of teens like Kyle Winterling take these once in a lifetime opportunities to visit foreign places with the People to People Student Ambassador Programs. From Britain to Japan and Australia, thousands of Americans have traveled with this group over the past 50 years. President Eisenhower created this program in 1956 with the gosl being to promote world peace and to produce a more understanding global society. Students can attend information meeting to apply and submit teacher recommendations during the application process.

Winterling and a group of about 40 students embarked on a 19 day journey to Australia and New Zealand earlier this summer. Spending most of their time in hotels

and shopping areas, the junior high students enjoyed a sense of freedom and independence. Winterling said, “We were a bunch of 13 year olds running around in a foreign country, that’s exciting.” About half of the students in his group were from the New York area and oth-

ers were from around DC. Before taking the 15 hour flight to Australia, they first had to meet in Los Angeles, which was where their adventure would begin. I didn’t know anyone when I left the US, but by the time the trip was over, “I’d made some new friends,” said Winterling.

Of the numerous experiences Winterling recalls, his trip to the Great Barrier Reef stands out in his mind. On this day trip, the students

first took a boat out to the snorkeling area. “It’s kind of like a Disneyland boat with about 200 people on board from

our group and other Australians,” said Winterling. The students were soon within reach of hundreds of colorful tropical fish and surrounded by snorkeling paradise for about three or four hours. The students were required to wear stinger suits to protect themselves from poisonous jellyfish and other harmful aquatic animals.

“One of my favorite places we went was called the Rainforest

Petting Zoo,” said Winterling. “We were allowed to pet the kangaroos and feed them.” Others were able to hold the koalas and play with them. “The animals were pretty friendly. The kangaroos didn’t bite, they were just very skittish,” said Winterling.

The food down under was almost as exciting as the trips. According to Winterling, most of the food was pretty similar to common foods in the U.S. but different in how it was prepared. The scrambled eggs were crispy and dry. “The eggs had the texture of the top of a piece of broccoli,” said Winterling. He didn’t eat any of the infamous Vegemite, but all the restaurants kept it in little packets where we would find jelly and

butter in America. “I really wanted a Kangaroo burger but nobody had one!” saidWinterling.

When the students traveled there this summer, it was winter for the natives, however, the weather stayed in the 60s and 70s.

This was among one of the peculiar things Winterling experienced while in Australia. They also drive on the left side of the road, similar to what is done in Britain.

The student ambassadors did more than just tourist activities; they interacted with the people living there. While the students were in Australia, they visited a private school and played cricket with the other kids their age. “Rugby is huge over there. The states and territories in Australia play against each other sort of like the NFL. The big rivalry was between Queensland and New South Wales and we got to watch that game,” said Winterling. The students also lived in a New Zealand home with a family for two nights during their trip.

When asked if he would recommend the program to others or would like to return again in the future, Winterling seemed eager to travel with People to People another time. He said, “Definitely.

It was a once in a lifetime experience, but the next time would be exciting, too. I’d like to try a different combination next time, possibly Europe.”

New faculty contribute to diversity in JC community Kristen Novak

as Random House and Harper Collins,” she said.

Her book reviewing has landed book reviewer, a yoga fan, her the chance to work with cea third generation teacher, lebrities including Kelly Ripa, and a sports enthusiast. These Andy Richter and Meg Cabot. aren’t just random people. They Vido is also on the Board of Trustare the new teachers at JC: Jen- ees for the Harford County Public nifer Vido, Eric Sutton, and Bill Library.

Forster.

Even with all these varied acAlthough Vido complishments, only has one HonFrench has reors French 4 class, mained her pasJC fosters what she technically sion from girlis not new to the hood. “In seventh we as teachers school. Vido has grade, I had the strive to achieve. been substitutamazing opportuing at JC for four nity to be selected - Mrs. Vido years. This year, to participate in a she finally has a foreign language class of her own. pilot class. Back She always knew then, learning a that she wanted to be a teacher, foreign language in a public school so she got a degree in both French at that early of an age was unheard and Secondary Education from of! From day one, I was hooked,” Vanderbilt University. said Vido.

However, teaching is not Vido’s She loves JC just as much as only trade. Besides taking care of the language she teaches. She said, two young boys at home, Vido is “[Substituting in the Foregin Lanan accomplished businesswoman. guage Department] has enabled She is pursuing a career in publish- me to experience the school’s deding. “Currently, I review books for ication for academic excellence the major publishing houses such for all students. JC fosters what

Photo-Design Editor t

A

“

,,

r

Mr Forste

ido

Madame V

g Dr. Yeun Mr. Sutto

Mrs. May

chack

n

we as teachers strive to achieve... a positive learning environment that educates the whole child, academically as well as spiritually.”

Another new teacher looking to educate the whole student is Eric Sutton. A graduate of Michigan State, Sutton majored in English.

While pursuing his studies there, he got into an education program.

Going into college, Sutton was undecided on his major but had an interest in history and English.

When asked why he wanted to become a teacher, Sutton said that it wasn’t always what he thought he was going to do. He worked a few

retail jobs and quickly realized how much he was looking at his watch all day.

While working at a day camp for a few summers during college, he found that the days flew by, and he enjoyed himself. He also said it helped him find “peace with chaos.” He now teaches four junior classes and one senior class at JC. The newest edition to the JC science department, Bill Forster, teaches three Biology and two Environmental classes. He came to JC mid-year last year to fill in for Mrs. Weaver during her maternity leave. He may be new at JC

but he is certainly not new to teaching. Forster taught an array of science courses at Fallston High for 30 years.

He said that transitioning to JC was “difficult because I had just retired, but the students were very cooperative.”

Forster always wanted to become a teacher and studied Biology and Secondary Education at Towson University. Both his sister and mother are teachers, too.

For information on Dr. Yeung and Mrs. Maychack see pages 8 and 17.

Entertainment 14i to

Volume 44 . Number 1 . October 2008

The Patriot

Editor reveals his top ‘Under the Radar’ movies Dave Hatem

3. “The Seventh Seal”: Entertainment Editor Those not able to see this movie in Mr. Johnson’s AP Top 10 movies you may European History class have not seen before: should definitely take a look.

At first, I was uninterested, 1. “John Water’s Cecil B. but after seeing it again over Demented”: Water’s 2000 the summer, I realized the release is his most accessible depth contained in the film’s film after Hairspray and cinematography, imagery Crybaby. Unlike those and metaphors. “Seal” is a films, however, “Cecil B. great introduction into the Demented” retains Water’s thinking man’s cinema. satirical edge and ludicrous characters. It’s a refreshing 4. “Haxan: Witchcraft change of pace from other Through the Ages”: done by the numbers ten This 1923 Dutch faux comedies. documentary uses what was then ungodly dialogue 2. “28 Days Later”: Danny and beyond blasphemous Boyle’s horror/suspense/ imagery to create a mood drama has proven to be of pure evil. Although one of the most interesting laughable by today’s horror movies I have ever standards, this movie’s seen. In this film, actions significance lies in how speak louder than words as it has influenced modern the characters try to remain horror movies. civilized in a world gone mad.

5. “The Motel”: This indie coming of age movie can strike a chord with most teenagers. The protagonist struggles with issues such as lovesickness in a manner so blunt and genuine that it is a refreshing change from films that try and glamorize the American teenage experience.

6. “Jacob’s Ladder”: This surreal horror movie keeps you in suspense through minimalist cinematography so you can’t tell what is real and what is not. The descent into hell scene easily ranks as one of the most uncomfortable movie moments that I can

remember.

7. “A Tale of Two Sisters”: This Korean horror movie works on so many levels.

As soon as the opening shot is over, the film creates a feeling of genuine discomfort and coldness.

The movie’s pacing will keep you guessing what is coming next without being sporadic.

8. “Kung Pow: Enter the Fist”: This action comedy reminds the viewer of how good it feels to watch a man fight an evil cow. The sheer wackiness and stupidity of this movie, combined with

inventive editing techniques, make this goofy movie worth checking out.

9. “Leon the Professional”: What makes this movie shine is the dynamic relationship between the two main characters, making this more of a drama than an action movie. This movie strives to be more than your typical action movie and succeeds.

10. “Reservoir Dogs”: A movie created slightly before our time, “Reservoir Dogs” tells the story of a bank robbery gone horribly wrong. The characters make one question right and wrong and the timeline of the film is used to perfectly show the personalities of the characters.

Internet leak threatens future of popular series

by Brooke Basta Kaitlin Bobbin

Editorial Editor

Q

uirky girl meets bloodthirsting vampire; it’s a fatal attraction and a captivating romance. He is hauntingly drawn to her blood, but he knows that if it spills, he will be overridden with the impulse to attack. He doesn’t

want to hurt her, so she is left in the dark as the mysterious gallant comes abidingly to her aid and remains devotedly by her side.

So this occurs in the “Twilight” series by Stephenie Meyer. The fan’s zeal for the next book has caused the greater portion of the installment, “Midnight Sun,” to be leaked onto the Internet, potentially killing the series.

“Twilight” is the bestselling tale of Bella’s fall for the infamous vampire, Edward Cullen. The series of four books was to be followed up with “Midnight Sun,” which retells the story from Edward’s perspective. However, the first 264 pages of the rough draft have been illegally leaked on the Internet. Meyer wrote on her blog that this was a huge violation of her

rights, not to mention a weighty disappointment.

She details in her blog, “So where does this leave ‘Midnight Sun?’ My first feeling was that there was no way to continue.

Writing isn’t like math; in math, two plus two always equals four no matter what your mood is like.

“With writing, the way you feel changes everything. If I tried to write ‘Midnight Sun’ now, in my current frame of mind, James would probably win and all the Cullens would die, which wouldn’t dovetail too well with the original story. In any case, I feel too sad about what has happened to continue working on ‘Midnight Sun,’ and so it is on hold indefinitely.”

Junior Carlee Loeser admits, “The series is more geared towards girls,” and girls across JC read with restless curiosity to find out “what is Edward thinking,” but ironically it is possible that the most eager fans have utterly dispirited the writing.

Kara Jester, junior, sympathizes, “These stories are her life and her love. I can definitely understand where she is coming from in her decision to indefinitely put the project on hold.

“She works very hard to write these stories to make us happy and the fact that some would willingly spread it and so many would read

it must be heartbreaking to her.”

However, Twilight is a cultural phenomenon and devoted fans are expecting the author to release it.

“I think she should still write ‘Midnight Sun,’ because there are a lot of fans who are not reading it on the Internet just out of principle,” says junior Caitie Beth Shauck.

stories are her “These life and her love...

She works very hard to write these stories to make us happy.

- Kara Jester

,,

Jester relates that, “The number of people who have read the leaked copy compared to the number of people who will read it when it is published is very different. Even the people who have read the leaked copy haven’t gotten the full story yet.”

Somewhere in Stephenie Meyer, there is another bestseller to be published, and Shauck adds, “If anything, the constant coverage makes me want to read the book more.”

15 Entertainment

Volume 44 . Number 1 . October 2008

The Patriot

WWJCD On Halloween

1. Wear the tightest and most revealing

children’s costume you can find.

2. Get sick eating those radical Jell-O jiggler pumpkins.

3. Show your sweet old grandma the goriest horror movie you can find.

4. Call the police complaining about a bunch of stupid kids ringing your doorbell for free handouts.

5. Skip the JC Home Homecoming football footba game.

6. Tw 6.

Two words: mischief night. those “take one” 7. Raid R candy bowls.

8. Scare the crap out of your little siblings with some creepy stories.

9. Make the trip up to Jason’s Woods in Pennsylvania.

10.Laugh at your parents, who are stuck at home handing out candy.

Potter fears coming of Twilight Melissa Vinton

Managing Editor

E

very two years, the front of Regal Cinemas in Abingdon is packed with people of all ages, some dressed as wizards, some as muggles, (non-magical people). The anticipation leading up to this movie grows every day as it approaches. Tickets are sold out two hours before the 7:30 showing in November, but this year there will be no movie.

Warner Brothers recently announced that the release date of “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” which was originally scheduled for November, has been pushed back to July 17, 2009. Although a trailer for this movie was released in July, and the movie’s release date had already been set, the timing of the release changed, again.

So now it’s official. The movie will release in July of 2009 despite the protests of Harry Potter fans around the country and world for that matter. There has been skepticism as to what Warner Brothers claimed to be the reason for this delay.

The excuses have been every-

thing from the Hollywood writers’ ers’ strike (which, ended last December) to Daniel Radcliffe’s appearance in the play “Equus” last year.

The best of all the excuses came from the Chief Operating Officer.

“We know the summer season is an ideal window for a family tent-pole release, as proven by the success of our last Harry Potter film [re-

mantic novel about utt a vvampire amp and human falling in love iiss ccoincideno tally due to release iits ts first movie ts he Ha ten days after the Harry Potter movie was supposed to come out.

If that doesn’t convince you enough, what about the fact that the main actor of Twilight is being played by Edward Cullen, Harry Potter’s very own Cedric Diggory.

It seems like they moved the date of the movie because they didn’t want a conflict.

I believe that the reason the last Harry Potter film was the second-highest-grossing film was because people wanted to see it, not because it was released in July.

Could the date change also be a result of how successful the most recent Batman movie was?

And anyway, if this were the case, why would Warner Brothers announce the release date and then change it, so that people are waiting for almost a whole year after the trailer is released. Do the people even have any say in this?

I guess Warner Brothers just didn’t want Twilight’s success to take a bite of their profit. No pun intended.

leased July 11, 2007], which is the second-highest-grossing film in the franchise, behind only the first installment,” said Chief Operating Officer Alan Horn in a statement.

Horn is saying that the summer season attracts more viewers than the fall season would.

There is a new series that has captured the hearts of Harry Potter fans everywhere. It’s called Twilight, and it is the hottest selling book since Harry Potter. This ro-

October Dave Hatem

Entertainment Editor

A

nyone who has ever had the pleasure of seeing MTV’s show, ‘Jackass,’ knows the unadulterated joy of seeing someone eat something disgusting.

Here at the Patriot, we would like to give you, the reader, an opportunity to bask in the glory of watching someone make a com-

plete idiot out of themself. Each month, we will give the reader a chance to vote for something ridiculous for me, David Hatem, to eat.

A video of the ensuing meal will be posted up on youtube.com. All votes must be turned into Mr. Attanasio’s room (room 125). Don’t waste this opportunity to become part of this year’s Patriot student newspaper! Please check either hot sauce or fish food.

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Ravens 26 vs.

Raiders Check here for Fish Food

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Blood Drive

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FCA meeting

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23 V foot- 24 Haunted 25 Happenings at the maritime musem

ball vs.

Boys Latin

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SPIRIT WEEK

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Homecoming football game

Entertainment 16i to

Volume 44 . Number 1 . October 2008

The Patriot

‘Mercs’ only in it for the money Nick Temple

Staff Writer

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or all of us who have ever played a video game, it is common knowledge that the brilliant plotline of “Bioshock” or the gorgeous graphics of “Gears of War” are not what attract us to the glorious green glow of the Xbox 360 or the sleek black curves of the Playstation 3. No, we the video gamers dish out the cash and keep

coming back to blow stuff up.

There is not a video gamer in the world who doesn’t love the sight of a comically large fireball billowing up into the sky. “Mercenaries 2: World in Flames” delivers in the form of bunker busters, carpet bombings, and what is possibly the biggest user-created explosion ever: the tactical nuke.

As the sequel to 2005’s

popular “Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction,” “Mercs 2” brings some serious firepower to the playing field with the addition of even more airstrikes, vehicles, weapons, and missions.

The player (who can choose from one of three characters, all returning from the previous title) finds himself thrown into an international conflict in Venezuela after a contract with the country’s richest man ends poorly.

Facing ruthless oil companies, a political coup d’état and a leftist guerilla faction, your merc does what any soldier-for-hire would do: tries to get even and make a few bucks in the process.

Start with a one-man war with the Venezuelan army under the control of Ramon Solano (the aforementioned richest man in Venezuela).

Throw in the Allied Nations (led by an oilhungry U.S.), the Chinese army (also seeking oil), and a few Rastafarian pirates out for cold, hard cash, and you’ve got quite an international conflict on your hands.

Graphically, this game is fairly strong, and the lighting effects, which change depending upon the part of the map (a full

Beck explores new limits in ‘Modern Guilt’ Daniel Gallen

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eck is nothing short of a visionary vanguard, blazing trails with his guitar and vocals, and covering mostly every genre of music. Rap to rock, blues to hip-hop, even country, you name it, Beck’s most likely done it.

Beck changed up his style yet again, with unique percussion and rhythm section of the songs, where he adds surf-rock rhythms and a piano backdrop.

This is largely the contribution of producer Danger Mouse, who has contributed to several bands such as Gorillaz.

The album allows the listener to keep focus as the ten songs fly through the mind, offering a different perspective each time.

“Modern Guilt” has two distinct, crowning achievements. The first is the second track of the album, “Gamma Ray.” The drum beat, rich with surf influence, suggests a California beach party, but a closer lyrical analysis reveals deeper meaning.

In the first line of the song, Beck sings, “If I could hold, hold out for now/With these icecaps melting down,” alluding to the global climate crisis.

Throughout the album, there is an evident contrast between the personal lyrics and the music’s ambience. Later in “Gamma

Ray,” the line, “I want to know what I’ve lost today” adds a rather macabre ending onto what are upbeat beats.

Following “Gamma Ray” on the album is THE song of the album: “Chemtrails.” Beck’s eerie falsetto singing sets an unusual mood with a jumpy baseline and spastic high piano notes at the beginning of the song. It’s the drums, however, that make this song.

The blasting fill thirty seconds into the song signifies the start of over four minutes of pounding drums from Joey Waronker.

“Chemtrails” is unique, as it is the only song on “Modern Guilt” where the drums do not come from Danger Mouse’s, the producer, a collection of different beats and loops that are incorporated into the other Beck songs.

Having already covered the environment, Beck moves into politics with the sixth track, “Walls.”

The song, featuring Cat Power,

in all of these vehicles and all missions can be played in an online co-op mode.

Regrettably, however, the strategy for about 95% of the game remains constant: shoot the guy with the gun, blow up the tank, and call in an airstrike on that building. Furthermore, the AI tends to be stupid beyond belief and glitches and bugs are rampant (my Xbox was recently repaired for Red Ring of Death issues and it still isn’t quite right, so some of the problems may be mine, not the game’s).

On the whole, “Mercenaries 2: World in Flames” is an explosively good time full of bombs, guns and, of course, cold hard cash. The game is currently available at all major retailers for Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, Playstation 2 and Playstation 3 consoles.

‘Family’ remains bland, repetitive Dave Hatem

Beck’s eleventh album continues the streak of innovation and inventiveness seen is his previous ten albums. His sound remains fresh by not resting on its laurels.

Managing Editor

64 sq. km.) the player currently occupies, truly shine (pun intended). Even more exciting are the fully destructible environment and flammable scenery, which can lead to the leveling of entire cities. Regrettably, full day-night cycles and weather patterns don’t exist in this imagining of Venezuela, and 60 frames per second is only a pipe dream.

While some of the graphical failing have followed the series from North Korea to South America, the bounty system has been completely overhauled and there are now bounties available for certain buildings. To up the ante, most of those buildings belong to other factions that you work with, so one must learn to balance their dubious deeds between nations.

To help the player in their mission to kill people and blow stuff up, the developers have put nearly 170 different vehicles in the game; ranging from helicopters to tanks, all with different capabilities on the battlefield. As an added bonus, a second player can ride shotgun

challenges authority with a chorus of “Hey what are you gonna do/When those walls are falling down/Falling down on you.” In the second verse, Beck recites, “You’ve got warheads stacked in the kitchen/You treat distraction like it’s a religion,” a jab at the current state of world affairs and the uncertainty of governments.

This album is very solid, packing punches at the right time.

However, if the listener is distracted while listening to the album, the middle few tracks, such as “Modern Guilt” and “Youthless,” and then later, “Replica” and “Soul of a Man,” can mash together in the mind. Before the listener realizes it, the final track, “Youthless,” has arrived.

Besides this one flaw, “Modern Guilt” is a must have for any Beck fan. From “Orphans” to “Profanity Prayers,” the album shows another side of the multifaceted Beck.

Entertainment Editor

T

here is NO way I’m getting a stiff neck sitting up front!” exclaimed a young woman to her boyfriend as they walked in the theater, causing eruptions of laughter from the other moviegoers. Although the atmosphere was lighthearted, halfway into Tyler Perry’s The Family that Preys, gasps of surprise from that same couple replaced any sort of friendly nagging.

In Perry’s 11th film, the extramarital affair of Andrea Pratt (Sanaa Lathan), a financial advisor to a construction company, and William Cartwright (Cole Hauser), the company’s vice president, threatens to warp all of what their families stand for as well as destroy their personal lives.

Without ruining the plot, I can say that Family is a tale of convoluted motives, class conflict, and the meaning of true happiness.

To demonstrate these themes, Perry makes extensive use of rhetorical dialogue and one on one conflict in mostly every scene.

Perry also makes minimal use of any interesting cinematography or metaphor, instead relying solely on dialogue and plot twists to drive the film. The result is a film whose conflicts are easy to follow, but seem bland and repetitive about 30 minutes into the film.

Perry doesn’t let viewers observe

the character’s private thoughts, ultimately leading to unrelatable and (with a few exceptions) two -dimensional characters.

Actresses Kathy Bates and Alfre Woodard are complex and emotive, but not so emotive as to completely reveil their characters.

It was genuinely entertaining to discover their characters’ nuances shown through their mannerisms instead of through bland dialogue.

The most touching moments of the film were between these two actresses who play close friends in the film.

Because of the sort of monotonous one-on-one conflicts, the plot twists at the end hit especially hard and managed to catch me off guard. Towards the end, the films themes all came together in a satisfying, yet overwhelming conclusion. The climax of this film holds too much gravity in comparison to the rest of the movie.

Perry should have let the viewer reflect and discover his or her own conclusion. The Family That Preys definitely does not require the viewer to think very often, simply because everything is laid out in front of them.

Family provides a few surprise plot twists, but falls flat due to dull dialogue and lackluster cinematography. 2.5/5

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Volume 44 . Number 1 . October 2008

The Patriot

Fourth & Inches

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s Bernard Pollard lined up across from the offense, his one objective was clear: pressure the quarterback in an attempt to create a play for the defense. At the snap, the quarterback dropped back to pass, with plenty of time, while Pollard fought through the offensive line.

When the quarterback stepped up in the pocket, the Kansas City Chiefs’ safety made one last desperate lunge at the quarterback.

The quarterback’s left knee buckled at impact, sending him to the turf, rolling in agony. His left ACL and MCL were both torn. That quarterback was Tom Brady.

Besides questioning the fanhood of the people jumping off the New England Patriots bandwagon as if they are fleeing a burning building, and the fact that others have left the Patriots for dead this season, NFL fans should be excited to see how this turns out.

Can Matt Cassel replace Brady and lead the Patriots on a Super Bowl run similar to what Brady did when replacing Drew Bledsoe in 2001? Or will the Patriots flop like the 1999 New York Jets, a team on the rise derailed on opening day when their quarterback, Vinny Testaverde, tore his Achilles’ tendon and missed the whole season. Only time can answer this question, but rest assured, millions of us will be watching with open eyes and ears to see how this turns out.

Injuries happen to football teams all the time. Most of the time, fans view them as devastating and as a negative for the team. However, in order for teams and fans to move on from them, the fans need to look at them as opportunities. Take last year’s JC football team for example. If it weren’t for a rash of injuries on the team, current senior quarterback Sammy von Paris might not have been the starting quarterback late last season and into this season.

The emergence of a distinct face of the team in von Paris and a new head coach in Keith Rawlings has drastically changed the atmosphere and landscape of JC football. The rash of injuries last season did not destroy the football program.

They created opportunities.

Pollard did not end New England’s season. He just gave Matt Cassel an opportunity.

Football team sports new coach Katelynn Colgain

Sports Editor

I

n recent years, the football team has suffered numerous setbacks. However, the athletic department has finally decided to make a drastic change in this repetitive pattern with new head coach Keith Rawlings.

Coach Rawlings was hired in January to turn the tide for the Patriots. “New helmets, new game pants for both JV and varsity, new coaching film room, improved weight room, and a great off season speed and conditioning program” have been brought to the table, according to Rawlings. Along with these new additions, Rawlings took the varsity team on a six day overnight camp, called Tall Timbers, in West Virginia, where they developed their football skills and kicked off the season.

“The biggest change is believing,” said Rawlings. His team

goals this year are to win every game and for his player to play to the best of their abilities.

“We feel we are teaching them about trust, discipline, dedication, destiny, and desire. We feel God is at work making a great change in the foo tball program and our wish is that the entire school will see that,” Rawlings added.

In a recent practice, Rawlings was seen practicing what he preached. The team conducts most business behind closed doors, but Rawlings’ words were seen in action. Tim Perry, science teacher and coach, worked with the defense by encouraging the players to push harder. Along with Perry, there are ten position coaches on the football team, and each of them teaching different facets of the game such as defensive line, offensive line, and secondary.

At JC, recruiting is strictly prohibited and is also not to be discussed outside of the coaches.

Quarterback Sammy von Paris takes the snap against Severn (top). Coach Rawlings speaks with his players at halftime (bottom). The Patriots won 13-10 in overtime over the Admirals. (photos by Elly Dannenfelser) Rawlings specifically chose not to answer any questions about recruiting. However, the team does have “great players from sophomores, to juniors and seniors,” said Rawlings.

His words would sound vaguely familiar to any student who read the school-wide summer reading book “Season of Life.” Rawlings echoed nearly all of Joe Erhmann’s sentiments in his words

and actions. Rawlings agrees with Erhmann’s view that the players whose minds he is molding need to be men for others, instead of just for themselves.

Reactions of the players, including junior Jamal Love sound very similar to those of the Gilman players who interacted with Erhmann.“He really does teach us what a true team is and to love one another,” summarized Love.

Maychack supports united program Kate Froehlich

Copy Editor

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“JC sees the value of athletics beyond just winning, losing and getting the school recognition.”

-Stephanie Maychack New girls’ JV soccer coach and assistant athletic director (photo by Megan Chlada)

ith the majority of JC being female, the school has addressed the need for a strong figure to lead the women’s athletic program forward. They found this in assistant athletic director and JV soccer coach Stephanie Maychack.

An avid athlete in high school and college, Maychack has fond memories of her college lacrosse and soccer teams making the NCAA regionals. Her love of sports led her to a coaching, then teaching career. “I’ve never not been in a school environment,” said Maychack.

As the girls’ JV soccer coach, Maychack wants to develop her in-

dividual players while maintaining a strong team and winning games.

She also wants to adequately prepare them for varsity. As for her responsibility as coach, Maychack hopes to get her players to believe in the team. She has high hopes for her current team of freshmen and sophomores. “I hope to not lose, and I think we can do it,” said Maychack.

Her coaching is fueled by a strong competitive desire which causes her to turn everything into a contest. She loves the team aspect, especially when players work well together and make progress.

As the school’s first assistant athletic director to focus mainly on women’s athletics, Maychack is learning as she goes. She has ambitious goals to reform the pro-

gram and is pleased with the effort the school is ready to put forth to make this happen.

“I’m really excited to be here.

Everybody is super supportive and ready to put emphasis on the girl’s programs,” said Maychack.

She hopes to unite the program and build it as a whole. The first step towards this is joining together the various sports teams through fundraisers, such as team dodgeball games.

Her enthusiasm for the task at hand is evident. “JC sees the value of athletics beyond just winning, losing, and getting the school recognition. It involves learning lessons outside of the classroom, character development, and being a part of something,” said Maychack.

Sports 18i to

Volume 44 . Number 1 . October 2008

The Patriot

Former JC sports stars: where are they now?

Katelynn Colgain

Sports Editor

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unning against the heat, people racing past, the clicking of timers, coaches and parents screaming, the final lap.

These are the sights and sounds of cross country and track. Danny Morris and Kevin Turek, both the class of 2006, know this event all too well. They ran track together and helped the team almost reach a championship in both of their senior years. Morris and Turek started the team in freshman year, going from pitiful, to second place champs.

Although neither of them received athletic scholarships, they both received academic scholarship to St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Unfortunately for the two track runners, St. Mary’s has neither a cross country or track team.

Morris was both a cross country and track runner, but better in track then cross country. “I wasn’t ranked as a runner, and to this day, I have never finished first in a 5k. I won a few races in track, but nothing really significant,” said Morris.

His best time in cross country was 19:00. His main track events were the 500 and the 4x400.

Turek was also a track runner.

His main event was the high jump in which he was ranked number one in the state his senior year. His personal best was 6 feet 9 inches.

“I never set a [specific]goal for high jump. My goal was to do better,” said Turek, “I remember idolizing kids who were jumping 6 feet. I never thought I would be as good as them, but with practice

I just got better.”

Both Morris and Turek said that when they were in high school, the teams were “lazy and miniscule, but lovable.”

Morris said that the cross country “team was a nice group and we made the best of our four straight seasons without a single win.

That’s right, during my time on the team, we never won a single meet.” Although they never actually won a cross country meet, they came in second in the MIAA Championships in track during Morris’s senior year.

By his senior year, the tables turn and the team started doing better, although championships evaded them. “We came excruciatingly close to winning the ‘B’ Conference championship in outdoor. We lost to Cardinal Gibbons by a matter of inches,” said Morris.

Turek and Morris speak highly of coach Rob Torres. “If it wasn’t for Mr. Torres I don’t think we’d have ever gone to practice,” said Turek, “He was a great coach and he really motivated me to try harder without even having to yell.”

Morris has continued running, even though his school lacks an official team. He stays in shape by running with an on-campus club team.

Admitting that he has fallen out of shape for track, Turek said he still runs on occasion, but is often too busy with schoolwork.

However, he does play Ultimate Frisbee and said his “competitive nature flares up during an intense game…I have been known to deck other players mid-air to score a point.”

(Clockwise from top) Kevin Turek was a high jumper as a senior in high school and also a hurdler.

Danny Morris was a sprinter and held the 4x400 record. (photos courtesy of Mike Monaghan)

of the Month Senior Cori Gray of the girl’s varsity soccer team has been playing soccer since she was six years old and has played in leagues outside of school. She was an active child and her parents got her into the sport. She has played on the varsity team since her freshman year as a midfielder. “Her versaitlity, hard play and leadership make her one of the most valued players that we have,” said head coach Gary Lynch. She looks to play college lacrosse at the University of Florida.

Senior Sammy Von Paris started playing football five years ago. “My brother played for Perry Hall, and watching his team made me want to play,” said Von Paris. He used to play for Perry Hall, but stopped once he started at JC. He is now the starting quarterback and also plays as linebacker. Von Paris stepped into the quarterback role mid-way through the season last year, and he has led the team since. Through his efforts on the field, he won the Outstanding Achievement Award presented by the coaches at the fall athletic banquet. He is also strong in school, consistently in the top half of his class, and is a leader off the field as Senior Class President.

19 Sports

Volume 44 . Number 1 . October 2008

The Patriot

2008 Fall Mid- Season Sport Update Men’s Volleyball Women’s Soccer Coach: Jim Keirn Captains: Trevor Reddell, Jeff Graham Record: 4-4

Women’s Tennis Coach: George Panian Captains: Peyton Kirkendall, Michelle Murphy Record: 1-2

Water Polo

Coach: Gary Lynch Captains: Cori Gray, Brittany Dashiell Record: 4-1

Coach: Keith Hinder Captain: Jack vanRoden Record: 0-4

Women’s Volleyball

Men’s Soccer

Coach: Greg Cullison Captains: Danielle Valdivia, Samantha Stewart Record: 4-3

Coach: Simon Cotton Captains: Pat Maher, Dale Beach, Gabe Kuhn Record: 5-3

Senior Mary-Kate Smith dribbles the ball up the field past her defenders. The team has great success transitioning the ball down the field. (photo by Katie O’Hara)

Field Hockey Coach: Tess Gauthier and Gary Scholl Captains: Mary Kate Smith, Mia Puopolo, Katie Kiriazoglou, Mairead McGuirk Record: 6-2

Women’s Cross Country Coach: Rob Torres Captains: Meghan McAdorey, Melissa Vinton, Morgan Buchanan Record: 2-1

Men’s Cross Country Coach: Mike Monaghan Captain: Ian Richardson Record: 0-4

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Volume 44 . Number 1 . October 2008

The Patriot

Water polo treads toward success Elly Dannenfelser

Sports Editor

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laying in a league where the only other co-ed team is McDonough, the JC water polo team is unique not only in the MIAA, but also in the JC community. It is the only co-ed sport offered in the fall sports season for JC. This does not change the fact that this sport is one of the most complex sports at JC. Water polo incorporates football skills, swimming, and teamwork while having six players swimming around in a pool.

The water polo team is relatively new, having only been in existence for the past nine years.

It was started by Athletic Director Larry Dukes. They have increased in both size and in skill from the first years of the team. Last year, they were 4-6 in the regular season and were defeated by Calvert Hall in the annual tournament.

The sport of water polo incorporates swimming, passing the ball to teammates, dribbling the ball up the pool and then trying to score into a net defended by a goalie.

There are six field players and one goalie. Due to the small size of the JC team, players are expected to be in optimum condition because of a lack of rest oppurtunities during the games.

The team is coached by Keith Hinder, also the head men’s lacrosse coach, and Dukes. The team is in the MIAA ‘A’ Conference and is one of two schools who have girls on the team. Junior

Molly McComiskey is one of the girls on the varsity team. “I started playing my freshman year because a lot of my friends were playing.

I also think it’s pretty good cross traing for swimming,” said McComiskey. While Hinder doesn’t feel that having girls on the varsity team makes much of a difference, McComiskey feels differently.

“Girls are more vicious in the pool and guys don’t really expect it,” said McComiskey.

The water polo team has three athletes besides McComiskey who use water polo as cross-training for swimming. Senior team captain Jack vanRoden, junior Seth Hinder, and sophomore Jeff Hoch also cross-train for swimming with water polo.

The swimming skills that vanRoden posseses help to lead the team through a tough schedule.

The ‘A’ Conference has some of the top competition in the area, but Hinder singles out Calvert Hall and Loyola as the toughest teams in the conference.

So far this year, the team is 0-3.

“One of the reasons for this is two of our starters have been out all season. When you are only playing six in the water and one in goal, it is difficult,” said Hinder.

In some games, JC has only had one substitution due to injuries while facing opponents who have a full roster of 18 or more players.

JC’s first three games were close, considering that they were at a disadvantage with a severe lack of team members. JC’s first matchup of the season was at Gilman, where

Top: Mike Reil fights with his Loyola opponents for a loose ball. Bottom: After making a save, Joe Henninger dribbles the ball down the pool. (photos by Katie O’Hara) the Patriots were defeated 20-19 in a closely contested battle, before losing to Calvert Hall, 15-7 in the ensuing game. JC also lost the battle of co-ed teams 10-7 to McDonogh on September 16, which dropped them to their current 0-3 record. Despite the very difficult beginning to the season, Hinder stays optimistic about the team. “It has been a pleasure to coach these young men and women under very tough circumstances. We will keep playing as hard as we can, hoping that our injured players get healthy soon,” said Hinder.

Girls’ cross country team dashes to finals Elly Dannenfelser

Sports Editor

H

urting her shins at the beginning of August, senior Kayla Lina found out that she would be hurt for most of the 2008 cross country season. It then got worse when she found out how long she would actually be out for.

“Five to six weeks at best. I hate it so much,” said Lina.

Returning for the 2008 season, the women’s cross country team knew that they were in for a rough start. They lost two of the best runners in the area and also have some key runners slowed down by nagging injuries. The team had to rely on the rest of the athletes to propel them to another successful season.

The team has suffered from the loss of last year’s teammates Erika Stasakova, who is running at Lafayette College, and Nicole Clarke, who is running at the Florida Institute of Technology. These

From left to right: Meghan McAdorey, Morgan Buchanan, Jess Monaghan and Maddie Schiminger lead the underclassmen on the team in warm up. The team does a mile long warm up before each workout. (photo by Morgan Seiler) two runners ended in a one-two finish for a majority of their high school races.

Coach Rob Torres feels that the team will be able to bounce back this season. “We have a solid group

of athletes. I feel that we will be in the mix for another championship,” said Torres.

The team has been bothered by injuries, but Torres feels that they will be fine as the season progresses. There are two runners who are out for the rest of their senior year season. The atheletes are Faith Reilly, who suffered from a severe ankle sprain, and Lina, who is out with a stress fracture.

Lina continues to be a part of the team by going to every practice and meet to support the team.

She cheers on the girls when they are running. She also helps the coaches take the runners’ times and gives water out to those who need it.

The team is lead by a group of seniors that include Meghan McAdorey, Melissa Vinton, Morgan Buchanan, and Natalie Shaw.

Also, sophomore Elizabeth Tauber will be stepping up and has assumed the role of number one runner. Torres feels that she is one of

the best in the IAAM. “Our seniors have stepped up to lead the team in all other areas. One of the best things is that Meghan McAdorey is back running well after missing over a year with health issues,” said Torres.

The team will be competing in the IAAM Championships again this year, which Torres thinks will be the toughest race of the season.

“I think there are six teams capable of winning this meet if they all improve throughout the season and stay healthy,” said Torres.

The meet should be close for every team competing, with schools such as McDonogh and Archbishop Spalding running, but now, Torres feels that Notre Dame Prep is the early favorite to the win. He also thinks that Tauber has a good shot at being the individual champion this year.

The main goals of the year for the team are to continue and stay healthy and work towards improving as a team.