Patriot Issue 4 2024-2025

Sophomore pinning Tradition continues with the Class of 2027

by Maggie Wells Patriot Underclass Editor

The third annual Sophomore Pinning Ceremony was held in the Upper Gym, on the evening of Thursday, January 30.

This event has become a John Carroll tradition. As the students walked across the stage to get their pins, the parents and guests were able to watch proudly.

Sophomore Class Moderators

Lindsey Galicki and Kristen Kirkpatrick helped to organize a special night in the Class of 2027’s high school career.

A blessing was offered by Deacon Ken Goedeke, and the students listened to a keynote speech given by Class of 2010 JC alum, Brandi Burns.

A few class officers and delegates

said a few words to share some Bible passages and their meanings regarding personal journeys.

Receiving a pin has become important in the identity of JC students. It symbolizes spiritual, academic, and social accomplishments.

Mrs. Galicki said, “The pin symbolizes the sophomore’s achievement in completing their first half of high school at John Carroll, and, therefore, it is an acknowledgment of how far they have come since joining the Patriot community.”

Mrs. Galicki said, “The ceremony went very well. This year was the first year where everything happened exactly as it should have logistically, so now we can begin adding and embellishing any details we want in the future as we continue to personalize it to the sophomores.”

Sophomore Pinning has also become very important as a true milestone in a John Carroll student’s high school

career. Freshmen have their orientation to welcome them to the school. Juniors look forward to the Ring Ceremony and Dance, and seniors have prom and graduation. Sophomore Pinning is a new way to recognize the importance of the halfway checkpoint.

Sophomore Emmie Vaughn explained, “I really enjoyed getting my pin. I loved being with my friends, and I like that there was an event just for sophomores.”

Mrs. Galicki added, “To have played even a small role in crafting the school’s legacy for the next generation of Patriots is an honor I hold dear to my heart and which I take very seriously.”

Overall, getting a pin is a great way to recognize the love and support in the academic community, and it’s amazing to be a part of it.

A dessert reception in the cafeteria followed the ceremony.

What is one word that describes the Sophomore Pinning?

“Fun” - Jocelyn Seufert, ‘27

“Eventful” - Leo LaCotti, ‘27

“Memorable” - Molly Biscoe, ‘27

“Patriotic” - Luke Boyle, ‘27

compiled by Daisy Everett

4 COVER

SOPHOMORE PINNING:

After the ceremony itself, students joined together for a class photo (see cover) and then moved into the cafeteria in order to join their friends and family for a dessert reception. There were also some areas for sophomores to take some photos to remember the evening.

SOPHOMORE CLASS SHIRTS: Sophomore Pinning is a new tradition in the JC community where students are recognized for their hard work as they prepare to being the second half of their high school careers. In preparation for this year’s Sophomore Pinning on Thursday, January 30, tenth graders wore their class t-shirts. Students were very excited for the event. That evening, students dressed up for the official pinning.

compiled by Maddie Kimmel

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK MASS: On the last day of Catholic Schools Week, the JC community gathered for the annual Catholic Schools Week Mass. This year’s officiant, Father Zach Watson, delivered a homily highlighting God’s divine teachings of mercy, especially within schools. The message of this Mass was to show gratitude to the entire school community under the Archdiocese of Baltimore including all students, faculty, and staff of John Carroll. Mathematics Teacher Courtney Von Lange provided a personal insight on her experiences growing up in Catholic schools and how it has shaped her into the person she is today. Teaching her graciousness, forgiveness, and most importantly kindness, Mrs. Von Lange said, “My most memorable teacher was Mother Rosemary… she expected the best out of us but was also very forgiving. She treated each day like a new beginning.”

compiled by Olivia Guenther

JC community celebrates Catholic Schools Week

by Daisy Everett Patriot Assistant Entertainment Editor

Catholic Schools Week, a time celebrated around the United States, took place on January 26-31.

The John Carroll School’s Mission Statement is grounded in the focus and practice of Catholic beliefs.

Religion Teacher Rhys Gadbois said, “Catholic Schools Week is a once a year reminder of what type of school we are.”

To begin the week, Youth Ministers and Directors of Religious Education were welcomed into the school for a tour of the building. The school encouraged faculty, staff, and students to reflect on Monday’s message of “Celebrating Our Community.”

The following day was one grounded in reflection, based solely on “Celebrating Our Students.” The students enjoyed a 20-minute block party during Advisory filled with conversation and treats.

On Wednesday, the school was closed due to professional development, but it was still encouraged for students and staff to participate in the reflection and activity of the day. This day’s message was “Celebrating the Nation,” and to show support, JC encouraged its students to make a gift for a current or former faculty or staff member.

The next day reflected on the message of “Celebrating Vocations” and the Class of 2027 received their class pins. On the last day, students were asked to reflect on “Celebrating Faculty, Staff and Volunteers.”

The week concluded with Mass, and Mr. Gadbois added, “The most important thing we can do to celebrate Catholic Schools Week is to celebrate Mass.”

Mathematics Teacher Courtney Von Lange spoke after Mass regarding her position as a Catholic School teacher and former student. Mrs. Von Lange said, “There are so many big and small ways that a person can make the world a better place, whether it’s through what they accomplish in their job, in their daily encounters with all types of people, or how they take care of their family. Catholic schools try to get students involved in a lot of different activities, so they can learn what they’re interested in and what their strengths are.”

GCC Drive: Seniors Nikko Sohn, Ellie Hughes, and Nick Urzynicok created the poster for the GCC drive. The Global Culture Club Drive collected items that Beza and Bethel Wondimu’s father took back to Ethiopia and gave to underdeveloped schools. They made fliers and posters and gave people backpacks for all their donations. This drive was also held outside the chapel until January 28.

compiled by Grace Marchetti

Students travel for vocational awareness trip

by Addie Biscoe

Patriot Entertainment Editor

The sophomore class visited the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen and St. Mary’s Seminary on, Tuesday, February 4.

During this trip, students learned about the life of an ordained member of the Catholic faith. The sophomore girls spent the day at the Cathedral and heard from sisters while the sophomore boys spent the day at the seminary talking with the seminarians.

At the cathedral, students also visited the crypt which holds the bodies of several archbishops and bishops of Baltimore.

This trip was different from the past because students did not stay together for a full class celebration of Mass. This change was made because the Campus Ministry office wanted students to have more time to listen and talk to the sisters or seminarians.

The sophomore class takes this trip every year, so they can learn more about this vocation and because it directly relates to what they will be learning in their second semester religion class.

Director of Mission and Ministry Deacon Ken Goedeke hopes that the students had a good time on the trip and were

able to take a lot of new information out of it.

Deacon Goedeke hopes that the trip will allow students to understand that “no matter what vocation someone is called to, they will become in communion with God and one another.” He added that without God in our lives, we will not live a life of fulfillment.

Students had a fun time learning about their vocations and talking to members of the church.

Alayna Casey said her favorite part of the trip was looking at all the stained glass windows in the Cathedral.

Devin Jablon said, “I enjoyed listening to the nuns talk about their lives.”

Quinn Haisfield commemted, “This one guy was cool to talk to; he was very insightful and had a very cool accent.”

Sophomore John Abromaitis commented his favorite part was touring the building and seeing all it had to offer. Sophomores returned as a group to JC at the conclusion of the trip.

Seniors plan to continue Holocaust education on DC trip

by Gabby Reed Patriot Staff Writer

The senior class is going to have the opportunity to take a trip to the National Holocaust Museum and Arlington National Cemetery on February 25. They will also take part in Holocaust Remembrance Day on March 4.

Academics Project Manager Louise Geczy said, “The goal and hope for both events is to provide seniors with an opportunity to experience the consequences and rewards of human rights atrocities and the fight to preserve those human rights.”

Mrs. Geczy added, “The life lessons to be found in exploring the Holocaust provide an opportunity for seniors to expand both their knowledge and understanding of the consequences of hatred and courage.”

On the trip, the seniors will go together to D.C. and go to the Holocaust Museum for self-guided tours. The museum contains several floors which detail the horrors of the time period through artifacts, photos, and video.

They will then take a short break for lunch. At the end of the day, they will visit Arlington National Cemetery where JC has been granted permission to lay a wreath during a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a sacred place that holds the graves of the unknown American service members. The tomb is a final resting place for those who were unidentified and who had

died in wars beginning in World War I. Seniors will each be provided with detailed information regarding what they could see and what is recommended to see at both sites.

The trip also has a connection to Holocaust Remembrance Day, a full day of activities for seniors on the JC campus.

Mrs. Geczy said, “Our visit to the USHMM provides a broad overview of the genocide that was the Holocaust. Seniors get to explore what occurred from a variety of perspectives. Holocaust Remembrance Day provides seniors with an opportunity to hear firsthand testimonies from Holocaust survivors or survivors’ children and grandchildren who share their families’ Holocaust stories.”

Holocaust Remembrance Day is an annual event for the senior class.

Mrs. Geczy said, “The senior class trip to D.C. provides each graduating class with a broad overview of the Holocaust and the cost of conflict, and Holocaust Remembrance Day gives

seniors an opportunity to hear testimony from Holocaust survivors or the children or grandchildren of survivors that puts individual faces to the mass numbers of people murdered by the Nazi regime during the genocide that was the Holocaust.”

On Holocaust Remembrance Day multiple guests are invited to the school so that they can share their stories in large and small groups to the seniors.

The seniors are then given the opportunity to have one-on-one conversations either during lunch or throughout the day.

JC is the only high school is in the greater Baltimore area that offers a substantial and diverse look at the human rights monstrosity that was the Holocaust.

The seniors are excited to be able to take their turn on the senior trip, a graduation requirement at JC.

Senior Carter Eberle said, “I am most excited to learn more about the Holocaust, as it is a very important event that happened in history.”

Left: Rows of graves at Arlington National Cemetery; Above: Soldiers at the Changing of the Guard

8 NEWS

President Jimmy Carter passes away at 100-years-old

Former President served from January 20, 1977 to January 20, 1981

by Olivia Guenther Patriot Staff Writer

The national leader with one of the most successful post-presidential careers in United States history, President Jimmy Carter, passed away on December 29, 2024.

Having been in hospice care for nearly a year, President Carter leaves behind an incredibly influential legacy.

In his early years, President Carter preached Christianity through every word and action. He centered his life around the principles of the Bible and was a leader in his church, teaching Sunday school -- even throughout his presidency.

Growing up in poverty on a peanut farm in Georgia, he was a hard-working student and was accepted into the US Naval Academy. After graduation in the late 1940s, he began his substantial Naval career.

President Carter was a very skilled military man with substantial engineering knowledge. He served on

the United States submarines which were being converted into nuclear submarines. Just as his Naval career was taking off, he received word that his dad had passed away. As a result, he resigned from the Navy and returned to Georgia to help the family on the farm.

When the United States government was in a period of racial unrest, President Carter was heavily pressured by fellow Georgian farmers to join the White Citizens Council.

AP United States History teacher Gretta DeMenatto said, “To my knowledge he was the only white man in his town to refuse to join. He suffered financially as his neighbors punished him for not becoming a member of the group.”

Eventually, he became a leader in the Georgia Democratic party, serving in the Georgia Senate and later becoming governor of Georgia until 1975. He then ran as the Democratic candidate, securing his position as the 39th president of the United States in 1977.

“Carter was elected because, in part, he was seen as a Washington outsider. This was desperately wanted after the Watergate Scandal under President Nixon

SCIENCE OLYMPIAD: The John Carroll Science Olympiad team recently competed in two competitions. On January 18, they competed at University of Maryland Baltimore County, and on February 1, they competed at University of Maryland College Park. In the Science Olympiad, teams compete in up to 23 main events in one day with teams of up to 15 members. Events include Life, Earth and Space Science, Physical Science and Chemistry, Technology and Engineering, and Inquiry and Nature of Science. Some events are knowledge-based with written tests, including ecology, fossils, and anatomy. Some events have lab portions such as chemistry and forensic science. Other events are engineering-based where participants construct a device before the competition to do specified tasks. At UMBC JC came in first place for Air Trajectory, Fossils, Entomology, and Anatomy and Physiology. They came in second place for Geo Mapping and Material Science. They earned third place for Dynamic Planet and Ecology. The UMD results are still pending. On March 1, the team will be going to the Eastern Maryland Regional tournament, and the top teams will advance to state then to national levels.

when American distrust of government was at an all-time high, especially after finding out government lies about the Vietnam War,” said Mrs. DeMenatto.

During the Presidency, he used his strong faith to negotiate the first peace treaty between an Arab state and Israel, earning him the Nobel Peace Prize.

After his four years as president, he lost the bid for re-election against Ronald Reagan. However, his legacy can be recognized by his post-presidential efforts.

He and his wife created the Carter Center for Peace and Social Justice and Habitat for Humanity. He also engaged in conversation and diplomatic meetings with many foreign nations regarding peace on behalf of some of the preceding presidents in office.

After years of service, former president James Earl Carter, Jr. passed away at 100 years of age.

According to CBS News, President Carter’s state funeral was held at the National Cathedral before burial back in Georgia. President Joe Biden gave a eulogy at the service. The day of his funeral, Thursday, January 9, 2025, was declared a National Day of Mourning for him.

compiled by Ava Rogers; photos courtesy of Dr. Ketchum

Mount 2000 trip brings students closer to each other & God

by Caroline Bomboy Patriot Editor-in-Chief

During the first weekend in February, 18 students and three teachers traveled to Mount St Mary’s University to attend the Mount 2000 retreat. Religion Teacher Katie Smith led the retreat with teacher chaperones Mr. Rhys Gadbois and Mrs. Courtney Von Lange. School Chaplin Father Zach Watson also attended .

This year marks the first that Campus Ministry is taking students to Mount 2000; however, John Carroll has sent a group to one of their past retreats.

On the three-day retreat, students attended daily Mass and had the option to participate in the Sacrament of Confession. The students heard encounters from Catholic speakers and participated in group activities led by seminarians.

The JC group was assigned their

own seminarian who led their activities for the weekend.

Ms. Smith hoped that this retreat would help students foster a place of encounter. “I encourage students to approach these experiences with an open mind and heart and to try and eliminate any expectations for the opportunity they are participating in.”

Ms. Smith recognized that everyone sees God in a different way, but she hoped that this experience brought the students closer to him.

She said, “Although I cannot predict how the Lord will work through each person attending, I look forward to seeing the fruits of the Spirit in each of them and how they continue to be a witness to Christ within the John Carroll community.”

Ms. Smith is a graduate of Mount St. Mary’s and was excited to take students there to show them what makes the school so special.

Before the retreat, she said, “I’m really looking forward to seeing our students get to know the seminarians and learn more about this vocation, but

above all I’m really excited about seeing how the Lord will use this retreat to work through each student and be able to accompany them beyond this weekend.”

Sophomore Kaitlin Hudson attended the Steubenville retreat last summer and had such a good experience that she chose to attend the Mount 2000 trip as well.

Kaitlin said, “By going on the Mount 2000 trip, I am hoping to grow deeper in my faith and gain deeper connection with others who share my beliefs while continuing my prayer life throughout the year.”

“I am most excited to experience God in an intense and true way. Religious retreats offer a way to grow a deeper connection with God and through this I am excited to learn and better myself in his light,” Kaitlin added.

Sophomore Mara Avampato also attended the Mount 2000 trip with a hope of taking away a closer relationship with God. Prior to the trip, Mara said, “I’m most looking forward to coming together with hundreds of other Catholic youths for the weekend.”

Class of 2026 prepares to receive their John Carroll class rings

by Autumn Gray Patriot Photography Editor

As March quickly approaches, the juniors have begun to prepare for the excitement of Ring Week. The juniors will receive their rings during their ceremony on March 13, and the Ring Dance will be held on Saturday, March 15.

The Ring Mass and Ceremony will be celebrated in the Upper Gym as in previous years, but the Ring Dance and dinner location will be changing.

This year the Ring Dance and dinner will be held at Jarrettsville Gardens which is located inside the Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire House.

Final collections of ring payments have been taken to prepare for the ceremony.

The junior SGA class council has also been meeting and making plans to make this year’s Ring Week more memorable than ever.

The juniors also met last week in advisory with Class Moderators Nathan Nocket and Shannon Olsen to discuss the overall plans for Ring Week.

Topics of discussion included the dress code and procedures for the Mass and dance, when tickets will be sold, and, plans for the day of the Ring Ceremony and Mass.

Junior Maddie Hall said, “I am excited to participate in the John Carroll tradition of getting our rings.”

The look of the ring has been a

John Carroll staple since it was designed by a former art teacher in the late 1960s. The unique design of the John Carroll ring is noticed by alumni from all around the world and is a connection between current students and alumni. Often Patriots wear their class ring well into adulthood.

For the past two years, Assistant Principal Jake Hollin has shared the Story of the Ring at the Ring Ceremony. All of the students will also participate in the tradition of turning their rings.

Many junior students are beginning to get very excited about the Ring Dance as well as the ceremony itself.

Junior Eleni Kaliakodus said, “I am excited to get all boujee and glamorous for Ring.”

Sophomores attend service retreat in Camden, New Jersey

by Kira Jenkins Assistant Media & Online Editor

The Camden, New Jersey retreat for sophomores took place last week from February 6-9.

This retreat is an optional for sophomores at John Carroll. The service opportunity had been a recurring event each year but paused a few years ago. Director of Mission and Ministry Ken Goedeke, reinstated the retreat last year and plans to continue the annual retreat for future sophomores.

The Urban Challenge is “where students embrace the principle of solidarity and go out into the community to meet Christ in the faces of the poor,” Deacon Goedeke commented.

At John Carroll, the Mission Statement “calls us to discover, develop, and share their God-given talents for the greater good,” said Deacon Goedeke. The Romero Center in Camden has led thousands of high schools and college groups through an Urban Challenge.

The service opportunity consisted of two days of direct community service. Deacon Goedeke said, “These service sites could include soup kitchens, nursing homes, childcare facilities, food banks, and other emergency aid centers.”

In the evenings, students partici-

pated in activities where they were able to learn about poverty and the various systems and structures within society that put those who are poor and vulnerable at a disadvantage.

At the Romero Center, where the students stayed while in Camden, there is a quote on the wall that says, “You say you love the poor… name them.”

Sophomore Corrine Vatenos said, “My favorite part of the trip was meeting people from all over Maryland and New York to come together every day and reflect on the importance of service in impoverished urban communities.”

JC works with the Romero Service Center as well with another school while at Camden.

“This service opportunity impacted me by informing me on the three most fundamental things: faith, service, and community through helping those in need while reinforcing Christian values,” said Corrine. “The end result of the experience is often that students walk away from the weekend knowing the names of people they encountered, and those leave a lasting impact on our students,” commented Deacon Goedeke.

Sophomore Devin Jablon said, “This service retreat helped open my eyes to the horrors of poverty within our society. Now home from the retreat, I feel moved to do more and more in my community.”

SENIOR 100 DAYS LUNCHEON: The class of 2025 celebrated their 100 days lunch on Friday, February 14. The Alumni Association provided lunch from Pat’s Pizza, along with some other treats. Students also received tumblers and candies while they enjoyed their lunch in the Upper Gym. Students sat at tables with their friends and had fun talking and socializing as a group. This lunch begins the countdown to the seniors graduation on May 24.

complied by Addie Biscoe

QUARTER 2 HONORS: Students who received First Honors or Second Honors for the second quarter were each given a certificate and a Hershey candy bar. In past years, students received their awards during their lunch mods, but this time, it was decided to have the certificates formally awarded in Advisory. Assistant Principal Jake Hollin made an announcement at the beginning of Advisory to congratulate all of those who made Honors.

Winter season keeps students at home for snow

by Faith Menefee Patriot Ministry & Service Editor

At the beginning of this school year, John Carroll started with three days dedicated to inclement weather or other circumstances.

For the first three days that were used, there were no classes; after those three days, the schedule switcheed to virtual learning.

In January, it was snowing on the day students and teachers were supposed to be returning from Christmas Break. Patriots found themselves with two extra days attached to break without classes.

While some Patriots were stuck at home, they found things to do, and those in the Patriot community spent their snow day differently.

Senior Taylor Pate said, “On my snow day I met up with friends, and we all went sledding and snowboarding down a big hill in her backyard; then around dark, we went in and made hot chocolate with marshmallows.”

College Counselor Courtney Bradley said, “On one of my snow days I spent it finishing painting my basement so it was nice to complete a project I had to finish.”

Business Teacher Christopher Scannell said, “On my snow day it was a good opportunity to have some family time, catch up on work, and watch Netflix.”

With winter continuing for at least another month, the possibility of snow will be around for a while.

Virtual learning brings the classroom into Patriot homes

by Kira Jenkins

Assistant Media & On-line Editor

Including the number of inclement weather days Harford County has had, John Carroll has used all three of their days and is now continuing school with virtual days.

The first virtual day of the school year was on February 24 due to a water main break, and the second was held on February 6 due to weather. Additionally, a third virtual day was this past Wednesday.

Students had an asynchronous day on January 21 on the first day of second semester as no Semester 2 classes had the chance to meet yet. Harford County Public Schools had made the decision to close schools that day as a result of weather conditions.

Assistant Principal Danica Attanasio said, “It is always preferred to have

in-person learning, but virtual days provide an opportunity for learning to continue on inclement weather days.”

Assistant Principal Jake Hollin commented, “We have gotten a lot of positive feedback about starting at 10 am as well as the overall class structure. Our faculty continues to be professional and flexible, so we are really grateful.”

The virtual schedule entails a twohour late bell with Advisory beginning the day at 10:00 am. This is followed by mod 1. Classes each meet for 35-minute mods, and the schedule follows the normal letter day.

Sophomore Jackson Lambie said, “I like that we start at 10:00 am because it allows for me to get a little more rest than usual and be more prepared for the school day.”

Jackson added that he does not enjoy having to wear his school uniform at home.

Students are required to have their cameras on with their faces in the frame

while in the meeting. They also must have a John Carroll uniform top on.

“The virtual days allow for us to not to add multiple make up days towards the end of the school calendar,” said Mrs. Attanasio.

Junior Mia Anderson really enjoys that she is able to do her work at her house and to have shorter classes on virtual days.

“Our students have done a great job adjusting to on-line learning when it’s necessary. The reality is most students will have at least one or more online classes in college, and it is becoming more and more commonplace to have on-line interviews or meeting with teams or speak to someone regarding a scholarship on-line,” said Mr. Hollin.

Meeting virtually allows classes to stay on pace and not require days to be added onto the scheduled last day of school on the calendar.

“We will continue with virtual days and make changes if necessary, in the future,” said Mrs. Attanasio.

compiled by Faith Meneff

14 FEATURES

‘Sister Act’ closes curtain on seniors’ JC stage experience

by Mara Avampato Patriot Staff Writer

As the spring season approaches, rehearsals for the spring play have begun. The 2025 spring play is ‘Sister Act,’ a classic play about a woman named Deloris Van Cartier who is placed in a convent as a part of a Witness Protection Program after witnessing a murder.

For the actors who are members of the Class of ‘25, this will be their last stage show with the JC Theatre department. This can be an emotional goodbye as most of these passionate actors have been on the JC stage since their freshman year.

Seniors Amelia Watts, Dominic Barbato, Lexi Theodoropoulos, Camille Surgeon, Manuel Ugarte, and Kate McKracken are the seniors participating in their last musical next month.

In Sister Act, Amelia will be playing Mother Superior; Dominic will be Monsignor O’Hara; Camille will be Deloris Van Cartier; Manuel will be portraying Pablo, and Lexi will be a criminal, a homeless person, and fantasy dancer. Kate will be serving as a stage manager, Amelia has been in nine productions at John Carroll throughout the years. “My freshman year I started with All Together Now, The Great Gatsby, and Legally Blonde. Then sophomore year I served as Assistant Stage Manager for Elf, The Musical due to surgery and was back on stage for Footloose and Cinderella. My junior year I was in Guys & Dolls, and this year I was in Catch Me If You Can and now Sister Act.”

Senior Dom Barbato has been in seven shows since his freshman year, his favorites being Harry the Horse in Guys and Dolls and a featured dancer in Footloose.

With the end of their high school theatre careers in sight, college and the future of life on the stage comes into focus.

Camille Sergeon said, “I might be continuing theater in college, but we’ll see

where I go.”

Dom doesn’t plan to continue acting in college, but he said it will always have a soft spot in his heart.

Amelia is sure of her plans for her career and is planning to major in Musical Theatre in college.

“My goal is to go into the performance industry, whether that be Broadway or Film & Television,” she said.

No matter what the future holds for these talented Patriots, they all hold one thing in common. Saying goodbye to the teachers, peers, and people who

have made their journey so special will be extremely difficult.

Dom agreed that “the hardest thing will be to say goodbye to all of the people and memories I’ve made over the years.”

Amelia highlighted the warm atmosphere and tightly-knit community surrounding the JC musicals.

“The thing that will be hardest to say goodbye to is definitely some of the amazing people I’ve grown close to and the family I’ve become a part of by being in this department.”

Celebrating Black History Month February is a time for reflection and celebration

by Katie Kruk Patriot Staff Writer

At The John Carroll School, the Black Student Union (BSU) celebrates Black History Month in special ways.

Black History Month is a time to think about the hard times African Americans faced and celebrate their successes, and it also is a time to celebrate African American culture in the present time. The BSU has planned several ways to honor the month and to engage the JC community.

In February, the BSU organizes several events. One major event is an assembly that will showcase important African Americans from the past and present, motivating future generations.

BSU Vice President Logan Wilkins said that he is “excited to lead an assembly to help John Carroll acknowledge black culture.”

This assembly is designed to be both educational and inspirational. It will provide a place for students to learn about the contributions of African Americans who have shaped history and who continue to influence society today. By presenting these stories, the BSU hopes to give students a sense of pride and motivation.

Additionally, during the morning announcements on each Thursday in February, a BSU member is highlighting an African American who shows courage, bravery, or noble qualities.

These announcements are a way to keep the spirit of Black History Month alive throughout the month. This allows students to learn about the individuals before the school day begins.

Around the United States, communities, organizations, and schools celebrate Black History Month in February. Black History Month has been celebrated during February since 1976 when President Gerald Ford wanted to acknowledge “the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

February is a time to reflect and better understand the history of African Americans.

BSU moderator Tenecia Crawford said, “While Black History Month is certainly a commemoration of the history of black people, including the struggles and victories, it is also a celebration of black culture and excellence in the present day. It’s a great time for sharing current information and success stories that may be underrepresented in traditional media while paying homage to those who paved the way.”

The BSU’s efforts during Black History Month demonstrate their commitment to education, celebration, and empowerment. Celebrating this month is more than just reflecting on history. It’s also about recognizing accomplishments and highlighting achievements that may be overlooked. BSU’s wide approach in February makes Black History Month meaningful and impactful. By encouraging a deeper awareness and appreciation for African American history and culture, the BSU helps build a more inclusive school community.

A

display for Black History Month was set up in the main school hallway.

TikTok Ban takes effect for less than 12 hours

by Elizabeth Balint Patriot Features Editor

After months of rumors, TikTok was officially banned on January 19 although the ban lasted less than 12 hours.

For months the app was filled with videos of creators talking about the potential ban of TikTok. Last year the same rumor was spread although it never took effect.

Some believed that the app would actually get banned this time while others believed it would not fully happen.

Junior Arabella Holmes did not expect the app to come back so fast. “When I got the notification that the app was trying to be brought back, I thought that would mean a few weeks.”

The motive behind the banning of the app was concerns over potential user data collections and influence operations of the Chinese government as well as content agnostic, meaning that the US has no control over the speech said in the app.

Ultimately the Supreme Court made the decision on whether or not the app should

be banned, and they decided to go through with the decision to ban it.

TikTok posted a pop-up notification when users opened the app around late Saturday evening.

The notification stated, “We regret that a U.S. law banning TikTok will take effect on January 19 and force us to make our services temporarily unavailable. We are working to restore our service in the U.S. as soon as possible.”

A few hours later the app provided another notification informing users that the app was officially banned and that they were working with President Elect Donald Trump to restore it.

The notification gave the option to either learn more or close out of the app.

Some people were thrilled with the decision of TikTok being unbanned while others wanted it to get banned.

Senior Elizabeth Hughes said, “It is very time-consuming and easy to get sucked into for hours. I felt if it got banned, it would help me be more productive.”

As of now, the app is available in the app store, however, it was unavailable for 25 days. Those who deleted it are now able to redownload TikTok

16 FEATURES

Students have opportunity to grow in their faith

by Madelyn Aiosa Patriot Club Manager

There is no better time or place to begin or strengthen a relationship with God.

As students in a Catholic institution, we have abundant opportunities to grow in our faith. It doesn’t take up a lot of time or take over a day; it simply takes small acts of faith to boost a person’s journey.

One overlooked way to grow in faith is simple prayer. Deacon Ken Goedeke said, “One of the biggest things is carving out time in your daily schedule for prayer. Just like anything you want to get better at, you need to give yourself time to work on it.”

Prayer is convenient since our school has the perfect place to do it. The chapel is always open and available to access from the start of the day until the end. A prayer before the bell always begins the day off right and allows a stressed-out student to enter a positive head space before the chaos of the day.

Even if a student doesn’t know how to pray or just could use some guidance, there are prayer pamphlets all around the chapel, including the Rosary and the Litany of Trust.

There are also group ministry opportunities. The Rosary is prayed every Monday at 3:00 pm after school; on Tuesdays, Mass is held during mod 4 with Adoration during both lunch mods. On Wednesdays, the Divine Mercy Chaplet is prayed at 3:00 pm after school, and on Fridays, Mass and Adoration are once again held like on Tuesday. These are all free opportunities available for students to take advantage of.

During her time at JC, junior Olivia Straub became a Peer Minister. “The best way to grow in your faith at JC is to go on retreats. I have participated in retreats through John Carroll, and I’m a better person in general from growing in my faith through them.”

Another opportunity is stopping by the Campus Ministry Office. “The Campus Ministry Office is for students and faculty to come and talk with like-minded people. Also, I, Fr. Zach, and our campus ministers offer one-on-one spiritual accompaniment. Just like a counselor with emotional prob-

Ms. Katie Smith and Mr. Rhys Gadbois are members of the Ministry & Service staff.

lems, you can come to us and talk about spiritual problems,” said Deacon Goedeke.

Sophomore Claire Woods spends a lot of time in the Campus Ministry Office talking to peers or staff. “This has brought me closer to God and closer to people who have similar beliefs as me. It gives me people I can talk with about my faith.”

While religion classes may be seen as a credit to most, they are another great opportunity to learn about God and grow close to him. Take notes and absorb the information.

This is a benefit of a private school; students always have the chance to learn about God and the Bible. So, instead of sitting in Religion dosing off, try to take in what the teacher is saying and reflect upon it.

Senior Sydney Fields also believes in furthering spiritual journeys while in school, so she started the Seeking Christ Club. The club meets every Thursday and is a Bible study opportunity for students. It gives people the opportunity to meditate on Bible verses and discuss questions they may have.

Pursuing and growing in faith has so many benefits. “Spirituality is just as important as our intellectuality. Being a well-rounded person means growing spiritually,” said Deacon Goedeke.

Take the leap and join a religious club, come to a prayer service, pray at Adoration, or just stop in the Chapel for a minute. A person is never too old or young for God.

ADVISORY BLOCK PARTY:

During Catholic Schools week, JC held an extended advisory to have a block party on Tuesday, January 28. For the twenty minutes, students could move about the building on all three floors in order to socialize and to enjoy some treats from various advisories. Kids enjoyed this event for a variety of reasons. Emmie King said, “I like it because everyone contributes to my advisory, leaving a very good spread,” Brooke Carroll said, “I liked it when we had the block party because we got to hang out with our friends for an extended time, but I didn’t like how all the good food was taken so fast.” Block parties are also held during Homecoming Week. complied by Grace Marchetti

Scholl makes impact in JC community

by Kendall Gallup Patriot Staff Writer

Anthropology Teacher Gary Scholl has made a positive impact in the John Carroll community for the past 51 years

JC aims to have a high level of academics and excellence, and Mr. Scholl has been a crucial part of making that happen through his years and many roles.

Reflecting on his career, Mr. Scholl has served in the roles of teacher, coach, Dean of Students, Academic Vice Principal, and principal.

Having teachers who are passionate about what they do is valuable, and Mr. Scholl has embodied that.

Mr. Scholl’s three daughters are all John Carroll graduates. JC gave him an opportunity to continue some of his hobbies like coaching and service. These give Mr. Scholl the passion and drive to be a great teacher because of how much JC means to him.

“The faculty has inspired me, and they have been my friends -- many for a lifetime. This community is a blessing, and I am grateful to be a part of it,” he

commented.

This reflects Mr. Scholl’s compassion and kindness to his peers and community.

What sets Mr. Scholl apart from others is the type of person he is.

He explained, “Your job as a teacher is to create in all ways better human beings. Not just better-informed people, but individuals with wisdom, compassion, creativity, strength, determination and faith. Teaching is not for the faint of heart. It requires sacrifice, but the intangible rewards are great.”

Mr. Scholl has done even more for the school in his relationship with the Cheyenne community. He began taking students on Cheyenne service trips and started the Morning Star Pow Wow, a popular event the school has hosted each year in January.

Assistant Athletic Director Erik Fabriziani said, “For most of my time at John Carroll, Mr. Scholl was Assistant Principal and is the most caring and compassionate administrator I have had in my time here.”

Looking back on his impact on John Carroll, it is clear no one has achieved such a greatness and selflessness as Mr. Scholl.

JUNIOR SPONSORED DRESS DOWN DAY: There was a Dress Down Day sponsored by the junior class on January 14 and as students walked into the building, they were able to buy wristbands for $3. Many students participated in the day and opted to wear sweatpants and sweatshirts to combat the cold weather.

by Ella Dodds

Juniors select dresses for the Ring Dance

by Ava Rogers Patriot Photography Editor

The Ring Dance is by far one of the the highlights of junior year.

Over the years, many different dress trends have come and gone. For the longest time, prom dresses were colorful and fluffy; then it was sparkly. Last year it was “brunch dresses,” and now there are bright colors but with simple designs.

The junior girls often take it upon themselves to create an Instagram account so that everyone can share dresses prior to the dance. The account is also used to avoid having two people with the same dress. Having the same dress as someone else at a dance is always something girls try to avoid. At a larger dance like Homecoming, it is less of an issue because there are so many people, but at a smaller event like Ring Dance, it may be more noticeable.

Shopping for the perfect dress can be such a fun experience, but it can also be so stressful. Some prefer going out and hand-picking the perfect dress while others prefer shopping on-line. Common places to shop are Windsor, Revolve, Lucy in the Sky, and Hello Molly.

Junior Jade Thames said, “It was stressful looking for a dress, but I am very happy with the dress I picked. I love seeing everyone’s different styles.”

This year, there is a mix of dresses that have been submitted. All are long, but there are sparkly, simple, satin, strapless, off-the-shoulder, halter top, slits, open backs, and more.

Junior Kacey Schafer commented, “I am very excited for ring. I haven’t found a dress yet, but am not too worried about it.”

18 FEATURES

JC faculty celebrates Valentine’s Day with their families

by Madelyn Aiosa Patriot Club Manager

As the season of love is upon here, and everyone is celebrating Valentine’s Day, students may never consider that they are not the only ones celebrating this holiday.

Teachers also have families and relationships outside of school and find different ways to approach this romantic holiday.

On Valentine’s Day, Religion Teacher Rhys Gadbois has his own way to celebrate. He has two sons and a daughter, so Valentine’s is different than before.

“Whenever we want to go out on a date night or see a movie, it has become more difficult,” Mr. Gadbois commented. However, he does not mind this change as he said, “I cannot remember a time when being more intentional with your spouse and our time had a negative impact on a relationship.”

Mr. Gadbois’s ideal Valentine’s Day consists of prayer, going on a hike with his wife, going to a Mexican restaurant while his parents watch the kids, and ending the day spending time with his sons and daughter.

Associate Director of Admissions Caroline Adolph said that her ideal Valentine’s is “making a meal together as a family, enjoying a good conversation, playing a board game, and then watching a movie with ice cream sundaes while we all put our phones in another room and enjoy the people around us.”

This is a special Valentine’s Day for newlywed German Teacher Mark Canter. He and his wife were together for 15 years before their recent marriage.

While he does not particularly have plans for Valentine’s Day, he said, “I love to cook, so unless we decide to go somewhere nice for dinner, I’m more than happy to cook something special.”

He has no Valentine’s Day traditions, but he is positive he will come up with one soon. “That’s the thing I like most about being married -- making up life as we go along.”

Social Studies Teacher Megan Piercy is also a newlywed and takes on a slow-paced Valentine’s as well. “My husband and I have never really celebrated Valentine’s Day on the exact day. Mostly because our dating anniversary is a few days later, we’ve always just combined the two and gone out to celebrate them together.”

A notable Valentine’s Day for Ms. Piercy was this past year when she and her husband attended a pasta-making class.

“We have been really into making homemade pasta. We love cooking together, and I would love to incorporate that into our future Valentine’s Days,” she commented.

It’s easy to get swept up in the love on Valentine’s Day, so it is important to make sure the the holiday is recognized for what it actually is.

Mrs. Adolph explained, “At the root of Valentine’s Day is love, which is the most beautiful and powerful emotion we experience as humans. Valentine’s Day can become a time to remember that love and express it to those around us.”

At such a young age, love can consume students as people and make them and their relationships, toxic.

“When a girl’s worth is based upon who she is with or what gifts her partner showers her with on a certain day, that becomes toxic. The strongest relationships don’t have to constantly post how great they are. They show each other and the world their strength together and love for one another just by their existence,” added Mrs. Adolph.

At the true root of Valentine’s, though, is St. Valentine. It is important to not lose sight of this and to honor him on this day. St. Valentine was a martyr and was persecuted for his faith. “Dying for faith, now that is what I call love,” Mr. Gadbois added.

Community celebrate Valentine’s Day both in and outside of school

by Faith Menefee Patriot Ministry & Service Editor

One of the things that February is known for is Valentine’s Day and the love and joy surrounding it. Even though Valentine’s is only one day out of the month there have been lots of different activities for it.

In local communities in Harford County, there are various places that hold different events.

On Fallston Barrel House’s website, one can find their different activities during the month.

In Bel Air, there was a slime work-

shop last weekend on February 8 at Bel Air Sports Cards for everyone to come and make slime.

On Sunday, February 9, there was a Valentine’s Day cookie class for kids in the afternoon. That event was put on by a local baker in Harford County and gave kids the chance to celebrate this holiday, too.

Another family cookie decorating event was held last weekend on Main Street.

The Coffee Bar in Bel Air will be hosting a Galentine’s party tomorrow on February 15 for people to stop in with a group of friends and treat themselves to coffee and pastries from the café.

More on Galentine’s is that a lot of girlfriend groups around John Carroll who love to have these hangouts will celebrate

with their friends. While some will go out, others will stay in and celebrate the day at home.

A “Galentine” is a close friend or close friend group one may have. “Galentine’s Day” is a celebration between those friends.

Senior Hailey Lowe said, “For the past couple of years my friend group and I have had a Galentine’s Day party at one of our houses, and it’s always a lot of fun. We split up on what everyone should bring, and we decorate the area with fun stuff that we all found in stores.”

Around JC there were candy grams sold the week of February 3 to 7 for students to buy and give to someone. They were also available online to be purchased.

Editorial

The grievances that come with young adulthood

For many of us in high school, the journey into adulthood is something I know brings many grievances, and, in all honesty, it is terrifying. However, it is important to acknowledge that our childhoods have shaped us into who we are today.

No one seems to like to talk about the grieving stage: the tossing of your first stuffed animal, the selling of your childhood clothes, or the passing down of beloved toys.

Don’t get me wrong: I’m still grieving my childhood blanket, “Sniffy.” However, nothing can compare to the milestones I know I have ahead of me.

Writing this, I may have some comfort, but knowing that adulthood is approaching is intimidating, and that is the thing about growing up—no one prepares you for the bittersweet feeling of having to say goodbye to pieces of yourself.

The act of letting go of our childhood can feel like so much, but it is just a part of life that is inevitable, and we all experience this in different ways, and some may process gradually while others are confronted with this all at once.

For me, the grief hit when I realized how many things I had outgrown without even noticing. It was not just the toys or the clothes.

It was the comfort of living in a time where everything felt less complicated, where being a young girl meant running around with messy hair and not caring about appearances. It meant playing with Barbies for hours or watching the Disney Channel in my childhood living room without worrying about deadlines.

Somewhere along the way, those carefree moments shifted. I traded my hours of coloring for a

laptop and my carefree afternoons for studying. Sure there are beautiful things ahead, like the independence that comes with figuring out who you really are or facing those milestones.

As much as we like to romanticize the future, it does not erase the fact that the present can feel lonely, but I guess that’s adulthood.

We don’t talk about this -- how it feels like grief -- even if we do not have the right words for it. It is the sadness we feel when we try on our old clothes, and they no longer fit, not just physically, but emotionally, too. It’s how a simple object can hold so much meaning, but it can also feel like something we will never get back.

However, here we are growing into new versions of ourselves because of that grief. Each time we let go, we make room for the next version of who we will become, and for me that is college.

College is something I have no doubt will change me, but the feeling of not knowing what tomorrow will -- or even what the next five months will bring -- is the beauty of maturing.

Anticipating my next journey, taking into account what has made me into who I am, is worth remembering, and as we reflect and tell those childhood stories, it is not always pretty. Sometimes it hurts more than we want to admit. Still, eventually, we see it for what it really is: growth.

And Sniffy, that childhood blanket I still miss? It will always hold a place in my heart, but I know that what lies ahead will make those years feel like the beginning of something much bigger.

Maybe that is the real milestone is finding peace in our grievances while also celebrating the kids we once were, and the adults we’re becoming.

- Peyton Donaldson, Media & Online Chief

Selecting Items of Interest for the Patriot Staff

What We Like NoW

WE LIKE HOW the Friday before the Ravens playoff game, the John Carroll hallways were filled with purple outfits. Students were allowed to participate in a partial dress down day for Purple Friday Students wore Ravens jerseys, sweatshirts and t-shirts to show support for the team in their playoff game. It’s nice to be able to show some support for local teams such as the Ravens and the Orioles. While we were disappointed not to have our Ravens in this year’s Superbowl, we are hoping the Orioles make it to the World Series and that we can wear the orange and black.

WE LIKE THAT the Class of 2027 is carrying on a newer school tradition. The current senior class started the pinning three years ago as a milestone celebration for the sophomore class. We appreciate that this ceremony has become a tradition and was celebrated once more this year on January 30. Pinning marks almost the halfway point of the class’ high school experience, and it is nice to be able to celebrate this milestone. We also like that the sophomore class has the opportunity to share this ceremony with their parents and friends.

WE LIKE THAT John Carroll has held the annual Morning Star Pow Wow. With numerous tables that fill the halls full of jewelry, blankets, trinkets, and more, everyone enjoys it. The Morning Star Pow Wow has invited Native American communities to celebrate and welcome Patriots with flute performances, traditional drumming, singing, and dancing, which introduces traditional and contemporary customs of the Native American community.

SCHOOLS WEEK

THE PATRIOT

Volume 60, Issue 4

February 2025

The John Carroll School

703 E. Churchville Road

Bel Air, Maryland 21014

Editor-in-Chief

Caroline Bomboy

Media & On-line Chief

Peyton Donaldson

WE LIKE THAT Catholic Schools Week is incorporated at John Carroll to celebrate the Catholic faith and become closer to God. For Catholic Schools Week, JC hosts activities and holds a Mass to close out the week. Students have the opportunity to further their relationship with God and become closer with their peers during a widely-celebrated week. We also like how each day had a special theme for recognition of groups of people.

Managing Editor

Olivia Guenther

Assistant Media Chief

Kira Jenkins

News Editor

Ella Campbell

Features Editor

Elizabeth Balint

Perspectives Editor

Emily Kerr

Entertainment Editor

Addie Biscoe

Asst. Entertainment Editor

Daisy Everett

On-Campus Sports Editor

Grace Marchetti

Off-Campus Sports Editor

Kallissa Coats

Assistant Sports Editor

Cali Friedel

Photography & Art

Autumn Gray & Ava Rogers

Staff Photographer

Ella Dodds

Senior Coverage Editor

Juli Aragon

Underclass Editor

Maggie Wells

Ministry & Service Editor

Faith Menefee

Organizations Editor

Maddie Kimmel

Club Director

Madelyn Aiosa

Junior Reporter

Addison Weaver

Staff Writers & Contributors

Khali Addair, Mara Avampato, Hailey Chalmers, Bella Cocks, Eliza Edwards, Siena Frisone, Kendall Gallup, Billi Heinz, Michaela Hipley, Katie Kruk, Andrew Hall, Gianna Lazzaro, Brooke Maley, Maureen McMennamin, Alison Montemurro, Gabby Reed, Sophia Townsley

Moderator

Mrs. Allison M. Hall, ‘89

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

The Ella Effect

ThoughTs from Ella CampbEll, ‘25

PaTrioT News ediTor

AS A STUDENT ATHLETE

with a demanding schedule, finding time for myself is often a hard task. Recently, I have taken on yoga as a way to restore my physical and mental body.

At first, I was very skeptical, but after around a month of practicing, I have started to feel and see results. I have noticed that my anxiety has lessened and my ability to ground myself and restore my breath has gotten easier. I have also noticed my nightly tossing and turning has started to slowly diminish, and falling asleep has gotten easier.

One of my favorite

parts of starting yoga was experiencing all the different types that the studio has to offer.

Over my month of practice, I have participated in hot, yin, strength, and restorative yoga. Each practice has its own benefits, and each one I love for a different reason.

Restorative yoga was my favorite out of the four. The class was held in a dark studio and required the use of a blanket, two blocks, a small boulder, a large boulder, and a weighted eye mask.

Restorative yoga is designed to restore the body’s nervous system and to help with relaxation. This class was

Yoga can be a first step to peace

far different than the typical class, focusing on breath-work.

The first time I practiced restorative, I fell asleep and I left feeling so light and relaxed. That experience showed me how important it is to rest and heal the body. Before starting my yoga practice, I rarely allowed myself time to unwind, and after that experience, I realized how much my body needed it.

Beyond relaxation, yoga has helped me become more in tune with my body. I have learned to recognize when I am holding tension or letting my brain wander. I also noticed an improvement in how I handle my stress and

anxiety levels in sports or at school, and it has given me another outlet outside of those two areas.

Moving forward in my journey with yoga, I am excited to branch out and try different forms, possibly even aerial. I want to get more comfortable being uncomfortable. I look forward to seeing where my yoga practice will continue to take me.

For those who struggle with the demands of school, sports, or everyday stress, I highly recommend giving yoga a try. You can join a nearby studio or follow an at-home tutorial.

Commentary: Lives, homes, and treasures lost to LA wildfires

by Kallissa Coats Patriot Off-Campus Sports Editor

On January 7, fires ignited in California in areas that included the Palisades, Eaton, and Hughes. The fires expanded since the start due and lasted for a long period of time due to the wind and dryness.

As January came to a close, the Eaton fire had a containment level of 99% and had burned more than 14,000 acres. The Hughes fire was 98% contained and burned 10,400 acres. The Palisades fire had been 96% contained and had burned 23,400 acres.

The most recent fire was the Rosa fire, and it was contained quicker than most with a containment level of 75%. It had burned 105 acres. There were other little fires that were almost contained right away.

Why should we care?

Although these fires occurred on the other side of the

country, we as citizens need to have sympathy and provide any kind of support that we can.

Almost 19,000 structures had been destroyed and damaged. It will cost around 280 billion dollars to repair the damage that was done.

However, one cannot repair or replace the personal things people have kept and received during their lifetime.

People around the country are labeling those who lost their homes or businesses as “rich celebrities” and saying that when these celebrities’ homes are burning down, that it’s okay because they can just “build new ones.”

Not all of these people are celebrities or rich. All of these people -- no matter how much money they have -- have lost so much. It’s extremely devastating to see all these people losing their lives as well as their houses, photos, belongings, and treasured personal possessions. Those things can never be replaced.

Groups such as Red Cross, LA Fire Department Foundation, California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund and Salvation Army are all taking money and resources to help those affected by the wildfires.

Should the cell phone policy PRO

Cell phones should be used in the academic wing

by Juli Aragon Patriot Senior Coverage Editor

At John Carroll, a policy has been enforced more this year where students need to keep phones away while in the academic wing. Students were encouraged to keep their phones in their backpacks or in their lockers during the school day.

The deans have enforced this policy this year, and many of the students were a bit surprised because they viewed it as a big change. This has presented problems for many of the students. In the past, they would use their phones if they forgot their laptops at their house or if their laptops did not have a charge. However, now, if students are caught with their phones, they will be issued a detention for having their phones in the academic wing.

The recent semester has presented some problems with this idea as students they would do if something happens during school. Students are worried about how

.

Question:

How would you describe the parking on the JC campus?

they would contact their parents in case of an emergency.

Many students use their phones to look at their schedules or to see if their parents are trying to get hold of them during the school day. At JC there are A-H days which makes it hard for students to remember what classes they have next. Some who try to remember their schedule occasionally go to the wrong class, leading them to be late for their actual class.

Being able to have a phone that is easily accessable can help students not have to wonder if the phone is still in their locker or if it had been taken, providing an unwanted distraction in class for the student as a student would be thinking about that instead of the class.

Some students use music as a way to help them study and focus on class, and being able to quietly listen to a song while learning helps retain information. For some, students can listen to the music that they listened to during the lesson or while studying to help them remember the information they need for tests.

Teachers should be able to set boundaries for the students in their individual classrooms about having their phones

“It

is very hectic.”

out during class and having students put them away when the phones are not needed in the room.

In the past years, students were able to have their phones with them, and some teachers would require students to put their phones into a phone tree during class, and some would let the students have them on their desks.

However, students would get written up if they went on their phone during class for a non-academic reason. In these past years, there have been no real problem with students having their phones in class.

Recently, some students have been seen leaving class for long periods of time to go to the bathroom or out of the academic wing just to go on their phones. This could lead to more write-ups. In addition, the students are missing all of the material covered in class, resulting in their grades dropping dramatically.

Overall, this rule has led to more write-ups and students leaving class for long periods of time. If teachers set boundaries with the students and their phones, then we could see an increase in grades and a decrease in write-ups.

“It’s

a nightmare. People drive without parking passes.”

Cell phones in the room are a barrier to an education policy change at John Carroll?

by Cali Friedel

Patriot Assistant Sports Editor

Hallways and classrooms are a place to grow in knowledge and friendships, not for distractions.

At the start of the school year, a rule was enforced that phones must always stay in lockers or out of the way except in lunch and off mods. Cell phone usage was no longer permitted in the academic wing.

Although this rule was not completely new, students looked at this as a major change, and some were very unhappy.

Phones take away from students’ abilities to be present and in the moment, and they serve as a distraction.

It is so easy nowadays to use your phone to escape boredom or awkwardness instead of stepping out of your comfort zone to make friends.

Especially when teachers give time in class to get work done, students are more likely to go on their phones instead of doing their work.

This can also encourage academic dishonesty. Having phones out in the

“There are not enough parking spaces for everyone.”

academic wing makes it easier for students to cheat. Even if students “keep them in their pockets,” it is not always reliable that students will not be tempted to use them.

This also creates an unfair learning environment.

Cell phones serve as a big distraction whether students want to check social media, text friends, or play games.

A big worry that most students expressed is that they will not have the ability to contact their family if they need to. The faculty has reassured students many times that if our parents needed to contact us in case of an emergency, they could do it through the school.

Allowing students to use their phones in the hallways encourages students to be unsocial and not be aware of their surroundings.

When students are walking through the hallways and staring at their phones, they are not aware of those around them. It takes away from their ability to be social and have face-to-face conversations. When students walk around hallways with their heads up and are aware, they can see and talk to friends as well as teachers.

Having phones can also lead to an increase in cyberbullying. With easy access

“Very crowded”

Con

to the internet, it can tempt students to hide behind their phones and bully fellow classmates, especially through photos.

Even students who do not mean to do it on purpose can accidentally catch other classmates in the back of photos, videos, or TikToks.

Situations like these can cause many problems.

Some might argue that students should be able to have their phones on them but away in their pockets. This can still cause a distraction through the ringing and buzzing of phones.

This disturbs students, and teachers, and will only tempt students even more to check their phones.

Another big impact of phones is their use in the bathrooms. Students leave class and go on their phones for long periods of time if they have their phones on them. If a student leaves their phone in their locker, they are less likely to go and get them to use during a bathroom break.

The school provides students with fifty-five minute off mods; some students even have two off mods and thirty-minute lunches. This gives students plenty of time to go on their phones where they will not be causing distractions and conflict.

“It’s

a literal mess.”

Jack Grabowski, ‘26

Eva Vatenos, ‘25

Jade Thames, ‘26

Jumping with Juli

As the spring approaches, and as seniors move through the new semester of the final year, it starts to feel too real.

Knowing this will be the last couple of months that we get to spend in high school is a bittersweet reality. We are in the last couple of months that we get to spend with our friends, enjoying the last memories we will make in high school.

The time has come when we more through our last semester of everything. This will be the last time we start any new classes and meet teachers for the first time. Coming into senior year, we began our first last times doing everything.

This can be a scary time for a lot of people because it starts to feel like we are growing up too fast, and for some, it starts to feel exciting as we look forward to graduation. However, these are the moments that we need to sit and cherish.

This will be the last time we will start new classes, and these will be the teachers who will take us to the end of the year Going forward with this school year, it is important to not take any second for granted. College is a big change from what we know: the work, the classes, the campus, and the teachers.

Juli Aragon, ‘25 Senior Coverage Editor

Today’s Topic: The Final Months

Soon we all will be starting our new lives in college. Some people will go far, and some people will stay close to home. No matter where we end up, we all will begin new chapters of our lives, and we will all at some point wish that we could

relive our time when we were still young living with our parents and hanging out with our friends. This will be the last couple of months that we get to make and share memories with each other. College can be scary for some people -- not knowing how the change is going to be and not knowing anyone going to the same college.

Our last times in high school are memories that we can relive when we wish that we could just go back to the times when we still lived with our parents and when the little things were our worries. As the time comes, we have to take every second to just live in the moment and not worry about the future and what is to come.

Commentary: Valentine’s Day is an overrated holiday

by Caroline Bomboy Patriot Editor-in-Chief

The fourteenth of February is a very special day for me; it’s my half-birthday.

While I am over here celebrating with my half of a cake and half of a present, many other people throughout the world are busy celebrating their significant others. Just kidding. Just as I do not celebrate my half birthday, people should not be celebrating Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day is an overrated holiday.

Growing up in a candy store, I associate Valentine’s Day with chocolate-covered strawberries and heart-shaped boxes of chocolate. Others may associate it with flowers or jewelry. These gifts are the roots of why the holiday has become

so popular and commercialized.

I recognize that these stereotypical Valentine’s gifts are supporting small businesses like my family’s, but we should not need an excuse to go shopping for our loved ones.

The heart-shaped gifts that people have come to expect are getting more and more expensive each year. It is all a money grab.

What makes Valentine’s Day any more special than any other day of the year? Why do we need a special day to celebrate the people we love, when we should be celebrating these people every day? February 14 is not any more special than an anniversary or a normal date night. In fact, it might benefit couples to celebrate Valentine’s Day on another night that week because reservations at a nice restaurant are almost impossible to come by.

Many people find it hard to be alone on Valentine’s Day. This is a direct result of social media. People all over the internet are posting photos with their significant others.

Expectations for the holiday have grown greatly due to social media. People expect grand romantic gestures, and the planning of these events can become very stressful.

Valentine’s Day decorations are typically pink and red hearts. However, Valentine’s Day is not really a season; it is more of just a single day, so decorations seem unnecessary. Valentine’s Day is unlike Christmas or Easter when we celebrate and decorate for a whole season. Valentine’s Day is an overrated holiday because it is full of overpriced commercialized gifts and doesn’t bear the same seasonal magic as other larger holidays.

Cream of Crab Soup

The Battle of the Soups

Barrett’s on the Pike vs Broom’s Bloom

Cream of Crab is the perfect soup for the winter and is very underrated. This can be a meal or a snack, and the savory taste is so good, especially on a long, cold day.

Taste

Barrett’s

This had a very creamy texture, and they added corn into their soup, adding that extra burst of flavor and leaving you just simply wanting more. All of the different ingredients in this one went together very well with a little bit of tang at the end, and there was a delicious aftertaste.

Broom’s Bloom

Broom’s Bloom tasted very watery with the chunks of seafood being very strong with little-to-no seasoning. It left me not wanting more, even while being paired with the oyster crackers that came along with it.

Look

Barrett’s

Barrett’s soup looked very appetizing and creamy with a perfect orange color and topped off with Old Bay. It also smells very good.

Broom’s Bloom

Broom’s Bloom’s cream of crab did not look very appetizing with a very bland and off-white color that looked very milky. It had a strong smell of seafood.

Our Winner Is:

Barrett’s

Barrett’s on the Pike’s cream of crab was $9.54 for a regular cup.

Broom’s Bloom

For a small cup of cream of crab at Broom’s Bloom, the total cost was $7.00 plus tax; my total came to $7.42, which was the cheaper option for the Battle.

Accessibility

Barrett’s

Barrett’s on the Pike is the closer of the two options, right around the corner from school in the heart of Bel Air. This is six minutes away from school with lots of parking places around.

Broom’s Bloom

Broom’s Bloom is only a tad bit farther, being a three-minute difference. It is nine minutes away. To get there from school, you must take a back road, and it is not around anything.

The winner of this battle is Barrett’s on the Pike. Although it is a bit more expensive, the overall taste and satisfaction the customer is left with is truly found at Barrett’s on the Pike compared to Broom’s Bloom. Everything is better, ranging from the location to the look and taste. Those extra $2 are worth it for something that is so savory. It leaves the customer simply wanting more. This, for me, is better than any cream of crab soup I have ever had, and I would recommend it to anyone looking to try a new soup or place.

Battle by Grace Marchetti, Patriot On-Campus Sports Editor

Cast and crew prepare for performances of ‘Sister Act’

by Maddie Kimmel Patriot Organizations Editor

The John Carroll Theatre program is gearing up for the exciting spring production of ‘Sister Act,’ a musical known for its energy and heartwarming message. The production will be performed from March 21-23.

The department selected Sister Act because of its fun nature and its underlying themes of love and unity. This production promises to bring joy and excitement to both cast members and audiences alike.

Sister Act follows the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a lively nightclub singer who witnesses a crime and is placed in protective custody at a convent.

While struggling to adapt to her

new life, Deloris brings her musical talents to the convent’s old choir, transforming it into a popular sensation.

Along her journey, she forms unexpected friendships and helps the nuns discover their own voices, all while facing challenges from those who wish to silence them.

Unlike the original 1992 movie, JC’s adaptation of Sister Act adds more humor, music, and choreography to the story. Fans of the film will still recognize the classic plot but can also look forward to fresh elements from the talented group of students.

Junior Evan Christy said, “Auditions went very well for everybody. We were all able to support each other and cheer each other on as well.”

As the cast and crew dove into rehearsals and practices, excitement is building for what promises to be an unforgettable show.

Audiences should be most look-

ing forward to the new performance aspects. JC is home to many gifted students ready to showcase their skills in acting, singing, and dancing.

“With our dedicated group this year, I don’t think anyone will be disappointed,” Evan added.

For the senior cast members, Sister Act will be far more than just another production, but it will be their final performance on the JC stage.

Emotions are high as these seniors prepare to take the stage one last time, reflecting on their high school theatre career and experiences. This show marks the end of an era, and people can expect heartfelt moments both on and off the stage.

Although it will be a bittersweet closing show, the musical will be sure to deliver laughter and heart to the stage. Come support the hard-working acting students as they actors bring Sister Act to life this spring.

ACTING CLASS PERFORMANCES: On Wednesday, January 15, the Acting I class performed scenes during mod five. The performance was open for anyone, and classes were invited to go to the auditorium to watch the performances. Sstudents who participated in these scenes included Amelia Watts, Bella Lombardo, Kate McCracken, Syd Lewis, Claire Woods, Sarah Fabriziani, and Izzie Parrish.

Director of Performing Arts Julie Parrish said, “I feel that they went as well as could be expected – we had a last-minute fill-in due to a student being out due to illness, but the ‘show must go on’ as they say, and the students did well with that.”

The purpose of the scenes was to give the students in Acting I an opportunity to put their acting skills into action that they were able to learn from their class. This gave the students an opportunity to perform in front of an audience outside of the familiar faces in a classroom.

Mrs. Parrish said, “It’s good to see how they shift to a higher level of performance once there is an audience in the room.”

These scenes were a perfect opportunity for everyone to enjoy the acting and take a break from class. Overall, many students along with teachers enjoyed being able to watch their peers bringing scenes to life.

compiled by Juli Aragon

Girls enjoy celebrating Galentine’s Day with friends

by Ella Dodds Patriot Staff Photographer

Galentine’s Day is a version of Valentine’s Day but for female friendships. It usually takes place on February 13, but it can really be celebrated any day of the year. This holiday was coined on the sitcom ‘Parks and Rec’ in 2010 when the show debuted a Galentine’s Day episode. Since its founding, this holiday has only grown in popularity, especially in recent years, as many women celebrate Galentine’s Day with their friends.

Galentine celebrations follow the traditional color palette and themes of Valentine’s Day with various shades of red and pink and familiar heart-shaped and

Gifts can take on a

Cupid decor. However, instead of celebrating romantic relationships, Galentine’s Day shows the importance of valuing female friendships.

Junior Savannah Claycomb said, “I like to celebrate Galentine’s because you are showing the people who you care about that you love them and care for them. I guess you can tell your friends that any time, but gathering together and celebrating it makes it more special.”

Many women celebrate Galentine’s Day by hosting a brunch or dinner with their closest female friends, and everyone brings special dishes that are often pink, red, and heart-shaped. Of course, a fan favorite is chocolate strawberries as they are almost on every Galentine’s Day table.

In recent years, a new food trend for Galentine’s Day has with many guests bringing specialty charcuterie-style boards of their choice to add a fun and creative element to this celebration.

more

Freshman Elli Keane said, “I like to spend time with my friends and wear something nice in case we go out to eat, and, hopefully, we would visit Texas Roadhouse together. Last year, I bought all of my friends gifts to celebrate Galentine’s Day together.”

Dressing for Galentine’s Day can be tricky because the girls could opt to dress in fancy clothes with mini dresses and skirts, or they could choose to wear matching PJ sets or other comfortable clothing. However, it is essential that guests dress in a Galentine’s Day color palette to keep the aesthetic of Galentine’s Day.

Senior Madison Yaich said, “I like to wear comfortable clothing that is pink and red with ribbons and other girly things for Galentine’s Day. I really appreciate being in a comfortable environment with my girl best friends instead of the pressure of being with a guy on Valentine’s Day.”

aesthetic look this Valentine’s Day

Baskets are a great option for holiday treats and surprises today

by Olivia Guenther Patriot Managing Editor

With all the time and money spent getting a well-thought out gift for a significant other, it would not be beneficial to just throw it in a festive bag. This year, take the extra step and assemble a cute basket filled with Valentine’s Day décor to spice up a gift.

While a bag will get the necessary job done, a basket with all the Valentine’s Day gifts and candies on display will make the gift so much more meaningful.

Seasonal aspects can be easily added for an aesthetic appearance. Red, pink, and white accents will change a gift basket from dull to dazzling. From tissue paper to tinsel, little heart accents will add the perfect touch to a gift basket for great visual appeal.

Placing items in a basket is just as simple as a gift bag. Take a few extra moments to arrange and wrap a ribbon around the handles to make a world of difference.

Baskets are also great for displaying any “filler items.”

Place candies, cards, and lovable little stuffed animals on display. If these items were simply placed in a gift bag, they could not be seen or arranged properly, losing the effect of a gift put together with love.

Senior Olivia Ayd said, “I would choose to give a basket rather than a bag because it looks so much more put together and cute.”

Often, gift bags are simply thrown away or rarely kept for reuse in following years; however, a basket doubles as a practical gift as well. The basket can be used in so many ways for storage in the future, especially if it is stylish.

Junior Reagan Kolego said, “I would give my gift in a basket because I think it holds stronger sentimental weight rather than just putting a gift in a bag. You think of a bag as something to just throw together while a basket is much more personal.”

Affordable and adorable, baskets can be purchased nearly anywhere locally at a great price. Try the Target Dollar Spot, Walmart’s seasonal section, or even Five Below for the cutest themed baskets and any accessories a gift may need.

A bag to a basket is such a small change to a gift, but it makes such a big difference. Switching from a standard gift bag to a beautiful basket arrangement can transform the Valentine’s Day experience.

SOPHOMORE-SPONSORED DRESS DOWN DAY: Members of the sophomore class council met students as they entered the building on Tuesday, February 10 and collected $3 from each student who wished to dress down. School was later dismissed three hours early for weather.

New ‘Lion King’ succeeds at box office

by Kira Jenkins Assistant Media & On-line Editor

Beloved ‘Lion King’ character Mufasa is the focus of Disney’s new animated feature film. The film takes place in the African Savanna in the Pride Lands of Tanzania. Mufasa’is introduced as a young cub with his mother and father looking out into the horizon.

Mufasa’s mother, Afia, opens the film when she sings “Milele’ with Mufasa’s father Masego. This song describes the promised land where nothing goes wrong.

Mufasa’s mother is voiced by Anika Noni Rose and Mufasa’s father is voiced by Keith David.

The animations within Mufasa are very realistic and detailed, bringing the viewer in emotionally.

Throughout the film, there are a total of seven songs. The voices of the actors are very powerful with an emotional draw to them. Beyonce portrays the role of Nala throughout the film and her daughter Blue portrays Kiara, Nala’s daughter.

entertainment Commentary: TikTok

by Maggie Wells Patriot Underclass Editor

As heard in the media, on January 19, 2025, TikTok temporarily shut down, causing panic from current users. TikTok is a platform used to make short skits and videos; these videos can be funny, educational, persuasive, or creative. The app has been around since 2016, so it has had quite some time to build a community of its own.

Many people had lots of different opinions about the ban. It was questioned whether this would be a good or a bad thing. Overall, a majority of people were very saddened to see it go.

One thing that TikTok has offered is a career. Several influencers have worked to build a platform on this app. For

Film director Barry Jenkins has won several awards including an Academy Award for Best Picture for his drama, Moonlight. He was also nominated for an Oscar for Best Director. Jenkins also became the fourth African American person to be nominated for Best Director and the second African American person to direct a Best Picture winner.

Another feature added to the film were the accents of characters. Taka, Mufasa’s non-blood-related brother, has a British accent throughout the film. Kelvin Harrison Jr, the voice actor of Taka, is an American actor who adapted a British accent to reflect the nationality of the character.

Compared to the live-action Lion King, Mufasa adds a new set of characters while keeping some of the familiar ones. Rafiki, Simba’s baboon companion who helps guide him home in the Lion King, is the storyteller of the film providing detailed flashbacks about Mufasa’s life and how he becomes the lion he is.

Mufasa can be seen in theaters and is available on HBO Max. This movie is available for rent at around $20.

ban upsets community

it to be removed would be such a struggle for them as starting over fresh on a completely new form of media is not simple.

Another downside is that a total of around nine years of media has been stored on the app. The app serves as a digital timeline of entertainment, as well as music, a main aspect to the platform.

TikTok’s leaving would also leave a lot of viewers in the dark without their favorite beauty gurus, live streamers, study guides, and cooking channels.

TikTok is actually an app that, when used in moderation, is very helpful and educational.

However, the ban did not last for long. Viewers were super relieved when they were greeted with an announcement that granted them access to the app again.

There is things to enjoy for people of all ages on TikTok, and since the app is still around, now is the best time to explore. Be sure to check it out just in case this issue comes up in the future.

compiled by Maggie Wells

This or ThaT

ValenTine’s Day

information complied

by

Emily Kerr

Winter weather encourages fun ideas for snow days this season

by Ella Campbell Patriot News Editor

With winter weather here, Bel Air has already been hit with numerous snowstorms. Now that we have used all our built-in snow days, we have switched to virtual classes. Despite still having to attend school and keep up-to-date with work, snow days are still a good way to awaken your inner child, to be active, and to enjoy the weather we so rarely get.

SNOW ICE CREAM: Everyone loves a good sweat treat and with just a few

simple ingredients, it is possible to make one at home using the snow. The ingredients can mostly be found in the comfort of a household, making snow ice cream very convenient. Most recipes only call for cream, sugar, and vanilla extract.

SLEDDING: A classic activity that everyone knows, and loves is sledding. If getting fresh air is a priority, than sledding is the best bet. Find a hill either in the neighborhood or nearby, grab a few friends, and take turns sliding down the hill in innertubes or regular sleds. Sledding never gets old and is always a reliable activity to fall back on.

SKIING/SNOWBOARDING: If looking for a high-paced, all-day activity, a snow sport like skiing or snowboard-

ing may be for you. A few resort options include Liberty, Wisp, and Roundtop. Each does include a drive so plan to leave early for a good all-day experience. Lift tickets, lessons, and rentals can be bought/scheduled in advance on the website of the mountain/resort. Roundtop is the closest resort to us, being around an hour and a half drive.

BOARD GAMES: As technology has become a larger part of our lives throughout the years, board games have become forgotten. These easy-to-play games are a great way to connect with family and friends and fuel the competitive spirit. Most people already have a good variety of games in their homes, and they are a good option to stay in the comfort of your own home.

30 ENTERTAINMENT

New restaurant offers fresh breakfast and lunch

by Alison Montemurro Patriot Staff Writer

Less than two miles from John Carroll is the new location of the award-winning restaurant, First Watch. First Watch is an American restaurant chain that was originally opened in Florida.

The chain has grown to have about 535 other locations, just recently opening in Bel Air. This new location is also the largest current location.

Located at 605 Bel Air Road, near the Harford Mall, First Watch is open daily. This location is open to customers from 7:00 am through 2:30 pm.

First Watch is perfect for all year round, with indoor and outdoor seating. The restaurant offers breakfast and lunch, with pick-up and dine-in options.

The menu is very diverse and inclusive, with organic, vegan, vegetarian, and

gluten-free options, as well as a kid’s menu.

While the classics such as avocado toast stay year-round, most of the dishes rotate seasonally. A large array to choose from makes the choices from the menu very difficult.

From eggs and pancakes for breakfast to power bowls, sandwiches, and salads for lunch, options for everyone are unlimited.

The current drink menu includes a selection of fresh juices, tea, and coffees. The juices are freshly-squeezed and coffee from Project Sunrise. Project Sunrise at First Watch partners with Mujeres en Café (Women in Coffee) of Huila, Colombia to import coffee.

The service at First Watch is very quick. While the restaurant is moderately busy, only expect about a five to 10 minute wait to get seated. If in a rush, there is an online wait list to use ahead of time.

The interior is very inviting; it includes ambient lighting, with a variety of light fixtures. The restaurant is mostly a modern neutral tone,

with many pops of color. An assortment of decor such as wooden pallets, metal accents, and other wooden pieces are used to add to the overall farmhouse theme. The rustic vibe allows for an enjoyable dining experience. There is also an open concept that allows for a view

straight back into the kitchen to view while dining. When finished the meal, the options to pay are by QR code, on a phone, or at the register by cash or card. Using high-quality ingredients and fresh flavors, First Watch is a great new brunch choice in town.

RogeRs RePoRTs

Commentary by Ava Rogers, Photography Editor

Brunch Places in Bel air

In Bel Air, there are many popular breakfast and brunch restaurants that people love to go to, and I’d like to share a few of my favorites

My absolute favorite brunch place is Sunny Day Cafe. Located on Main Street in Bel Air, it is a locally, Greek-owned restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch.

I love that they are very reasonably-priced and have a wide variety of menu items. My favorite thing to get is an iced coffee and a Nutella crepe with fruit.

Grabbing brunch on a day off school with my grandmother or my friends or after church is when I tend to go.

Secondly, I love Bagel Works. Bagel Works has extremely cheap pricing; they work quickly, and people can dine in or grab something easy to go. They are located on Churchville Road.

The only problem is that Bagel Works can get very cramped by the counter when they’re busy. I usually stop in after church or while I’m running errands.

Thirdly, I like First Watch. They have a pretty good menu. I really like their French toast and blueberry pancakes. First Watch is located on Bel Air Road by the mall.

I love the fact that they have large booths for seating, so I can go with my family or friends with no problem.

Fourth on my list is Newberry Cafe, a small cafe on Bond Street. They are very reasonably priced and have lots of pastries at the counter like muffins and donuts, but they also can make sandwiches. They also have a nice variety of coffees, lattes, and teas.

I love that all these restaurants are on the smaller side. I would recommend any of these to anyone. I have never been dissatisfied with anything I’ve gotten at any of these places.

‘Beast Games’ contestants fight for five million dollars

by Addie Biscoe Patriot Entertainment Editor

The ‘Beast Games’ is a new reality competition show. This show can be streamed on Prime Video and Freevee.

The show was created by Jimmy Donaldson, otherwise known as “Mr. Beast.” Mr. Beast is a famous YouTuber with over 340 million subscribers. He is known for his elaborate challenge videos and large donations.

Mr. Beast’s show is inspired by the popular Netflix show Squid Game, and Mr. Beast’s most viral YouTube video where he recreated Squid Game in real life.

The show is hosted by Mr. Beast and his five friends, Karl Jacobs, Chandler

Hallow, Nolan Hansen, Tareq Salameh, and Mack Hopkins.

The show follows 1,000 contestants as they compete for a $5,000,000 prize. The show first aired on December 19, 2024, and has had a new episode released every week. There are a total of 10 episodes in the series.

The show is a great watch for people of all ages since it is rated TV-PG. The show was mostly filmed on a set in Canada.

The show is extremely action-packed with a mixture of challenges and prizes. Throughout the show, each time people get eliminated, more cash prizes become available, and the closer it gets to the final one.

The first episode featured bribes, and team-based sacrifices, and several teams continue onto the second episode

Simple gifts make meaningful impressions

by Autumn Gray Patriot Photography Editor

On Valentine’s Day, millions of people around the world will exchange a variety of gifts to show their love for each other.

When people think of Valentine’s Day gifts, they often think of chocolates, flowers, or a cute stuffed animal. All of these are traditional staples of Valentine’s Day.

In many stores, people will find traditional heart-shaped objects and red and pink Valentine’s gifts. Though all these gifts are very cute and traditional, they are not always truly meaningful.

A simple way to make a Valentine’s Day gift more meaningful is by picking something more personalized.

Service Learning Coordinator Kristen Brown said Valentine’s gifts should be “something thoughtful; it doesn’t have to be bought in a store but just something that shows that the person knows you and was thinking about you and truly appreciates you.”

Customized items can show a

significant other that you pay attention to small details and truly know the way to their heart.

This could be as simple as a personalized note or handmade card or for something more extravagant. Scrapbooks and picture frames can show that someone cares by helping to capture and preserve memories together.

Scrapbooks can hold many memories from the previous year leading up to Valentine’s Day. This could hold significance to someone for years to come.

A simple picture in a cute frame is a timeless gift as well.

Junior Bennett McAdarra said, “Handmade gifts are meaningful because the person thought about you and made the gift specifically with you in mind.”

Handmade gifts are also budget friendly; people could use supplies that may be in their homes or buy a few small craft supplies from a store for a low cost.

Science Teacher Shane Lawler said, “For me, a Valentine’s Day gift is something homemade like a card or nice note instead of something from like a store or so traditional. I also enjoy the Valentine’s Day cards from my kids.”

where the people are split into two towers, and people are eliminated that way.

The show provides the viewer with a mixture of emotions. Trust is a big factor in this show, and that is why it causes so much tension and makes the viewers keep on watching.

The first episode started with 1,000 people and ended with less than 500. Not only do viewers get to watch the challenges, but they also get to watch raw reactions and opinions from the contestants.

The show offered viewers the opportunity to scan a QR code for a chance to win a prize.

The final episode of the series was released on February 13. The Beast Games has been renewed for a second season, but filming for the second season has not yet started.

VALENTINE’S MORNING GREETING: Students and faculty were welcomed to school this morning by members of the Student Government Association and by the Patriot. SGA members handed out candy and wished everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day.

32 ENTERTAINMENT

VALENTINE GRAMS: For this Valentine’s season, the sophomore SGA created Valentine candy grams to raise money for their class. Each candy gram was $3, and people were able to be purchased online and during various lunch mods. Sophomore Class Moderator Lindsey Galicki said, “The sophomore class takes pride in having started the trend for holiday-themed grams that help raise funds for all classes now. It is also a huge time investment for the delegates, and it is rewarding to see all the students come together to make them after school.” The candy grams are a great way to help raise funds for the sophomore class while also getting a gift for a loved one. They were passed out this morning in Advisory.

compiled by Emily Kerr

Valentine’s Day offers lots of opportunities for couples

by Gianna Lazzaro Patriot Staff Writer

The best Valentine’s Day activities are those that bring couples closer together and create lasting memories. Try out these fun activities in order to celebrate love.

The outdoor ice skating rink at the Avenue in White Marsh is a great winter activity to enjoy with someone, especially on Valentine’s Day. It combines fun and romance. This activity gives partners a chance to be active together while creating laughable memories. It is a unique way to spend time together and adds the perfect winter touch to the experience.

Painting or creating art with a significant other can be a unique way to spend time together. It is a relaxing and fun experience but also can spark interesting conversations and gives insights into each other’s thoughts and creativity. Whether it’s taking a class or setting up a DIY art session at home, it is a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend time with a partner during this time of year.

Taking a cooking class is an excellent idea for Valentine’s Day because it combines learning and teamwork. Trying new recipes and cooking techniques with a partner will turn this into a fun and interactive experience. This is an opportunity to enjoy the process of creating a meal and enjoying the delicious results. The skills picked up in the class can be used for future date nights, making it a gift that keeps on giving.

A spa day is a calming experience that allows both people to unwind and enjoy some quality time together. Spending a day indulging in pampering treatments allows couples to de-stress, creating a calming environment. It is a thoughtful way to show care and appreciation by treating each other to a relaxing experience. Additionally, many spas offer special Valentine’s Day packages that enhance the overall experience and make it a memorable celebration of love.

Having dinner is a classic and wonderful way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. It offers a chance to enjoy a delicious meal while also spending quality time together in a quiet setting. Whether it’s a fancy restaurant or a home-cooked meal, dinner allows for meaningful conversation and connection. It’s an opportunity to strengthen the relationship and a way of showing appreciation. A special dinner can create lasting memories and make the evening truly memorable.

Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate love and create memories. There are countless activities to suit any preference, whether it’s romantic, adventurous, or relaxing.

Romantic movies popular for a Valentine’s Day evening

mamma mia

by Eliza Edwards Patriot Staff Writer

‘Mamma Mia’ came out in 2008 and is about a girl named Sophie who is getting married in Greece at her mother’s hotel. The only problem with Sophie’s wedding is she wants her father to walk her down the aisle, but she does not know who her dad is.

Mamma Mia is more than just love, it has confusion and mystery. It is also not only love between her soon-tobe husband, but it also includes her love between her mother and father/fathers.

The film is the perfect movie to see with a significant other this Valentine’s Day. It is upbeat, exciting, and full of music, and color.

Mamma Mia uses many different scenes to keep the audience interested including: dancing on a dock and on a sail boat, attending her bachelorette party, and getting ready for her wedding.

The film highlights many of ABBA’s top hits such as “Mamma Mia,” “Dancing Queen,” “Super Trouper, “Honey, Honey,” “Money, Money, Money.”

It will leave the audience singing “Mamma Mia, here I go again. My, my, how can I resist you?” and many of ABBA’s other popular songs.

The movie was filmed in Greece, making it the perfect setting for love and romance -- even though the movie revolves around a big love triangle.

The movie goes through many different scenes, songs, costumes, and people. It’s very exciting with all the outfits between the Super Trouper Jumpsuits, Flippers, and scuba gear, and, of course, the great white wedding gown.

Valentine’s Day is typically perceived as a holiday spent with a significant other, but it is not. Valentine’s Day can celebrate your love for anyone and everyone. The movie can also be enjoyed with a parent, a sibling, or a best friend.

There are many streaming services that provide opportunities to watch Mamma Mia, such as HBO Max, Prime Video, Apple TV, and YouTube TV.

The best way to experience that movie is to go see it live at the Mamma Mia on Broadway.

Mamma Mia can be seen in Norfolk Virginia from March 4-9 at Chrysler Hall, or be seen in West Windsor Township, New Jersey on April 5 at the Kelsey Theater.

The movie is an unforgettable trip down the aisle.

your PlaCe or mine

by Maddie Kimmel Patriot Organizations Editor

‘Your Place or Mine’ is a 2023 romantic comedy directed by Aline Brosh McKenna in her directorial debut. It was released on February 10, 2023, and is available to watch exclusively on Netflix. Between this release and June 2023 alone, the film totaled 88.1 million views.

The film stars Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher in the leading roles, adding their signature charm to a modern setting on the classic rom-com formula. Witherspoon plays Debbie, a meticulous single mother living in Los Angeles while Kutcher portrays Peter, a laid-back bachelor in New York. Despite their opposite personalities and living situations, the two have been friends for over two decades. However, the plot takes an interesting turn when Debbie needs to travel to New York for career advancement, prompting Peter to offer to swap

see VALENTINE’S MOVIES page 34

PUBLISHED ART: Art Teacher Bart O’Reilly recently had his work published at the Tappan Collective in Los Angeles. There were nine pieces published, each a newer painting that was made within the past year.

Mr. O’Reilly said, “My favorite painting is A Balanced Light Suspending. I like it because it’s the first time I’ve put a figure in a landscape in a long time, so it was exciting.” While the figure is abstract, it is still beautiful and makes the piece special.

Mr. O’Reilly has a way of describing each painting. Each painting has its own poem, which is also where he gets the titles for the paintings from. He is especially excited about this show because a piece originally made in 2016.

His message to any uneasy artists is “wait until it feels right. Give yourself time to practice.”

compiled by Madelyn Aiosa

Valentine’s Day Movie Picks

from VALENTINE’S MOVIES page 33

homes and take care of her teenage son.

As they step back into each other’s lives, they discover hidden truths and reconsider their long-held ideas about love and priorities.

The film production design effectively highlights the stark differences between Debbie’s cozy LA home and Peter’s sleek NYC apartment, emphasizing the contrast between their lifestyles.

The cinematography also captures the warmth of Los Angeles and the fastpaced, cool atmosphere of New York, enhancing the story’s emotional depth.

While the visual effects are minimal, the film relies on authentic settings and relatable moments to create an engaging experience.

Critically, Your Place or Mine received mixed reviews with praise for Witherspoon and Kutcher’s chemistry but criticism aimed at the predictable plot and lack of fresh narrative elements.

Despite this, the film found popularity among romcom fans and other viewers thanks to its lighthearted tone and likable cast.

Overall, Witherspoon’s portrayal of a devoted mother and Kutcher’s effortless charm provide the movie with a comforting quality that appeals to any audience- especially this Valentine’s season.

The movie is definitely worth the time to check out with a friend or a significant other.

10 things i hate about you

by Ella Dodds Patriot Staff Photographer

When Valentine’s Day comes around each year, romantic comedies, also known as rom-coms, skyrocket in popularity. Watching rom-coms can elicit a feeling of love and nostalgia, and there is no better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than to enjoy tales of love and human connection with a humorous element.

One popular and nostalgic rom-com is 10 Things I Hate About You. This movie was released in March of 1999 and stars actress Julia Stiles as the main character, Kat, a headstrong and feminist teen girl.

She meets Patrick, played by Heath Ledger, a mysterious and somewhat scary new boy.

Another love story that takes place in the film is between Kat’s younger sister Bianca, a bubbly and popular girl played by Larisa Oleynik and Cameron, an awkward and lovesick boy played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

Although the movie was released in 1999, the story is loosely based on The Taming of the Shrew written by Shakespeare in the 1590s. Many of the characters and storylines

are similar but with a more modern and relatable setting.

This series quickly became a cult classic with its strong female leads and universal truths. It is still well-known by audiences almost 26 years later. Many lines, scenes, songs, and even outfits are still recognized in pop culture today, showing the lasting impact of this movie.

The series was even so popular that a TV show based on 10 Things I Hate About You was released in 2009 with the characters por-

trayed by different actors.

The show was canceled after only one season due to low ratings.

Overall, the plot of the movie is very charming and a bit cliché, but the performance from the actors gives the characters more depth than other rom-com characters. This movie is now associated with iconic scenes and heartfelt romances between the characters who have set an ideal of love.

This movie, despite its age, is available on several streaming platforms, includ-

Have you been able to keep your New Year’s Resolution?

by Autumn Gray

“Yes. I workout on my own outside of sports once a week” - Julia Dominick, ‘26

“Yes. Going to the gym.” - Ryleigh Brown, ‘28

“Yes. Training for lacrosse three to four times a week.” - Lucas Lindquist, ‘28

“No. I haven’t been nice to my sister.”

- Cade Salvatore, ‘28

compiled

Valentine’s Day Movie Picks

ing Hulu, Peacock, Disney+, and Prime Video. To celebrate Valentine’s Day right this year, make sure to add 10 Things I Hate About You along with other classic rom-coms to a must-watch list.

the notebook

by Billi Heinz Patriot Staff Writer

‘The Notebook’ is a romantic movie that tells the story of a young couple, Noah and Allie. The film was directed by Nick Cassavetes, and produced by Lynn Harris and Mark Johnson and was based on the novel of the same name by Nicholas Spark.

The story focuses on a couple who fall deeply in love. Finding their way around their different social backgrounds, they share a passionate romance with each other for a few months. Allie’s parents’ disapproval of her relationship with Noah causes them to separate because of their differences in social classes.

Years later, they find each other again, but their lives are much different. The movie alternates between the past and the present, where an older version of Noah reads his and Allie’s love story to a woman in a nursing home.

The Notebook was released on June 25, 2004; the structure alternates between the past and the present, showing viewers how the characters’ love evolves.

It is a very sentimental movie that many viewers can connect with, and it can be very emotional. The Notebook is rated PG-13 with a run time of about 124 minutes.

Viewers can now watch The Notebook on Disney+. Other platforms include Apple TV, Amazon Video, Microsoft Store, Fandango, and At Home.

The actors Ryan Gosling (Noah) and Rachel McAdams (Allie) are very good in The Notebook, and they play the parts perfectly, showing how their characters are very much in love with each other.

The Notebook is so romantic because it embodies true love, a central theme of the Valentine’s Day holiday. This kind of passionate love is what many people celebrate on Valentine’s Day. Watching the movie can remind people of the importance of cherishing their relationships, making it a perfect romantic film for the holiday.

to all the boys i’ve loved before

by Bella Cocks Patriot Staff Writer

‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’ is a romantic comedy based on the book written by Jenny Han.

It is a perfect movie to watch during the Valentine’s Day season. It’s a feel-good film with a sweet storyline

about love and personal growth.

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before follows the life of 16-year-old girl Lara Jean Covey. Lara Jean writes letters to all of her past crushes, but these letters are meant for her eyes only until one day, the letters accidentally get sent out to her past crushes.

Her life spirals as each of these ex-lovers confronts her. Lara Jean finds herself in a fake relationship with one of the recipients, leaving viewers questioning where this “fake relationship” will lead.

Lana Condor, who plays Lara Jean, brings her character to life with her bright personality. She perfectly captures the awkwardness and sweetness of a teenage girl figuring out her feelings.

The actor playing Peter Kavinsky, Noah Centineo, has great chemistry with Lana, making their fake relationship feel realistic and entertaining.

The music in the film is another highlight with catchy songs like “Lovers” by Anna of the North, and “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears For Fears. These songs really bring life into the movie and draw attention to key scenes.

The scenes are filled with funny, heartfelt moments that will make all viewers laugh and maybe even cry.

One of the most romantic scenes in the film is when Lara Jean and Peter agree to pretend to be in a relationship to avoid the awkwardness of the love letters being sent out. Their chemistry is undeniable, and as they spend more time together, their

“fake” love becomes more genuine, and they slowly begin to fall for each other.

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before can be streamed on Netflix.

This movie has everything needed for a cozy and enjoyable Valentine’s Day whether viewers are in a relationship or not.

how to lose a guy in 10 days

by Daisy Everett

Assistant Entertainment Ed.

There was a new excitement in theaters when ‘How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days’ was released into theaters on February 7, 2003.

The movie takes place in modern day New York City following a magazine company called Composure. This is where the main character, Andie Anderson played by Kate Hudson, is introduced. Andie is a hardworking and driven women’s magazine columnist mainly in charge of writing Composure’s “How To” articles. When she is assigned her next article “How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days,” her self-made confidence leads her to take on this role without any hesitation.

Alongside Andie, there is Benjamin Barry played by Matthew McConaughey who is an ad executive at an advertis-

see VALENTINE’S MOVIES page 36

Happy Valentine’s Day

In honor of Valentine’s Day, students were allowed to wear red and pink to celebrate the holiday. Several Patriots enjoyed the time to wear something a little bit different.

from VALENTINE’S MOVIES page 35

ing agency, and he also takes on a deal of his own. The two protagonists, Andie and Ben, meet at a dinner party and slowly start to unravel a love for one another as they get to know each other better.

Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey, portraying the lead characters, are sure to bring in an audience, but the rest of the cast is also filled with brilliant and talented actors. The amazing cast includes Adam Goldberg, Kathryn Hahn, and Thomas Lennon.

How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days is about two hours long and is filled with excitement, twists, humor, and

most importantly love. This movie remains one of the top films to watch for Valentine’s Day because of the lively setting, interesting plot, and overarching theme of romance.

The movie was directed by Donald Petrie, who is the same director from Miss Congeniality starring Sandra Bullock and Mystic Pizza starring Julia Roberts. How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days can be seen on YouTube, Amazon Prime, and Paramount Plus. It used to be on Netflix as of the end of 2022 but was then removed. However, the film can still be seen on a variety of platforms including Peacock.

What is your comfort food on a cold winter day?

compiled by Elizabeth Balint

“Fried Pickles” - Owen Chesla, ‘25

“Soup” - Presleigh Seims, ‘28

“Pie” - Arabella Holmes, ‘26

“Spaghetti” - Aedan Gilbert, ‘25

Girls indoor track & field brings home championship Victory marks

their fourth track championship for John Carroll

by Cali Friedel Patriot Assistant Sports Editor

The girls and boys track and field team competed in the 2025 IAAM and MIAA indoor rack championships, on January 24.

The championship meet, along with all the other meets, took place at the PG County Sports Complex. This year the competition was super challenging for all the teams on the boys’ side while the girls’ side had only a slight competition between Garrison Forest and John Carroll.

The girls finished the meet with over a 30-point lead, allowing the Patriots to have a comfortable win over runners-up Garrison Forest with 102 points. The boys finished the meet with a lot of amazing races and season bests but, unfortunately, couldn’t triumph over the Calvert Hall Cardinals, who defended their indoor track champion title once again.

Junior Lily Holcomb was excited about all the new possibilities and opportunities from earning this championship title. “It felt good knowing we won again, but I also felt excited at the hope of moving up to A conference as we would still be a competitive team, and, hopefully, with that competition, we’d keep pushing our PRs.”

Lily also had many highlights from championships and things that she had done differently from past seasons. “The best part of champs was noticing my own improvements, by seeing how

I approached my races more confidently and strategized better to place higher,” she said.

The Indoor Track and Field Championship was filled with a high-level of energy within every race and people who were ecstatic and cheering for their friends from the bleachers.

Every race included runners who got personal records, season bests, or first places, which secured a spot in receiving All-Conference.

Coach Torres shared some of his favorite moments from the championships as well. “It’s always fun to see the team do well and have PRs and overall be successful, whether we win or not. Winning was just the icing on the cake,” Mr. Torres said.

Coach Monaghan also explained things that they might have done differently from last season.

“I think what was different was the mindset of the team. They saw that they could run as well or better than anyone in the B Conference and for the most part as well as anyone in the A Conference. We were more aggressive, had more heart, and were more willing to do whatever was needed to stay on top,” Mr. Monaghan said.

Both the girls and boys indoor track teams worked super hard over the winter season, allowing them to be strong competitors for their opponents, and, hopefully, this is an amazing start to having a successful spring season as well.

photos by Portia Palitti, ‘25

38 SPORTS

Philadelphia Eagles beat Kansas City Chiefs in 2025 Superbowl

Kansas City fails to win the big game and does not win a third consecutive Superbowl trophy

by Brooke Maley Patriot Staff Writer

Football is a game we all love to watch. We all support our hometown team and root for them to win and go all the way to the Superbowl. On February 8, most of the country gathered with friends and family to watch the Eagles take on the Chiefs in the 59th Superbowl.

The Superbowl took place in New Orleans where the Eagles defeated Kansas City 40-22.

The competition was a rematch of the 2023 Superbowl when the two teams faced each other. In that event, the Kansas City Chiefs came out on top.

“The Eagles defense was on lockdown, only holding the Chiefs to scoring 22 points,” said sophomore Kendall Gallup.

The Eagles came out flying in the first quarter putting 14 points on the board very quickly.

This left the Chiefs with no points early on, and that seemed to be super intimidating. The Eagle defense made a huge impact and forced a turnover from the Chiefs. This set the stage for the rest of the game.

“What a crazy game. I’ve never seen a Superbowl like this before,” said sophomore Billi Heinz.

In the second quarter the Eagles continued their strong defense.

Jalen Hurts continued to make magic happen on the offense and added 10 points to their total, continuing their lead while the Chiefs got on the board with only a field goal.

The halftime performance came out with a lot of energy. Audiences saw Kendrick Lamar and SZA sing some of their best songs together.

These two are going on tour together, so it was like a sneak peak of what we will see from them later on.

At halftime, Chiefs fans were

hoping for them to come out with more energy and to get some points on the board.

The Eagles beat them to it, continuing the third quarter with another touchdown, and the defense kept the Chiefs from doing anything on their offense.

In the fourth quarter the Eagles scored their final touchdown, sealing the lead. The Chiefs came back with a touchdown and some field goals, but it wasn’t

enough to match the Eagles. The Eagles’ defense held strong, and that played a huge part of what led them to their victory.

The Eagles shutdown the Chiefs after the Chiefs had been on a Superbowl win streak. The Chiefs were hoping to take home the three-peat. This took a ton of hard work from the Eagles.

It’s no doubt the Eagles’ defense is what carried them to their victory. At the conclusion of the game, Jalen Hurts was named the Superbowl MVP.

Kendrick Lamar gives an amazing halftime performance at this year’s Superbowl

by Emily Kerr Patriot Perspectives Editor

This year’s Superbowl took place in New Orleans, Louisiana at Caesars Superdome. The two teams in the game were the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. The game ended with the Eagles ahead with a score of 40-22.

Every year, the Superbowl features a famous artist to perform some of their hit songs. This year, the artist was Kendrick Lamar. Lamar had already performed once at Superbowl 56 with many other artists.

In this Superbowl, fans anticipated Lamar to play more hits and new songs. He delivered just this, and fans were ecstatic when he brought out SZA, another popular singer. SZA and Lamar have made many popular songs together, and they performed some of these at the Superbowl.

Lamar began his set with the song “Squabble Up,” and then followed with “Humble” and “Loyalty.” His set featured Samuel L. Jackson as Uncle Sam, with his reciting lines about the set and introducing Lamar.

Lamar followed these songs with “Peekaboo” and “Luther.” During “Luther,” he brought out SZA and the crowd erupted in excitement. The two sang “Luther” and “All the Stars” together, making fans extremely happy. Lamar also brought out DJ Mustard and tennis star Serena Williams during the last few songs. Fans believe he brought out Serena Williams as a dig to Drake because Serena is Drake’s ex girlfriend.

The final two songs that Lamar sang were “Not Like Us” and “TV Off.” These songs had the crowd roaring in enthusiasm.

A lot of fans believe that there was a deeper meaning to Lamar’s performance. When Samuel L. Jackson came out as Uncle Sam, he urged Lamar not to be “too loud” or “too ghetto” and to play his most famous songs.

Instead, Lamar went against this idea and performed other unreleased songs.

Lamar’s performance was great and exciting, keeping viewers hooked the whole way through. He brought out many exciting guests and performed many great songs. It is getting great press, with many fans still talking about it in the following days after the game.

In order to show support before the Ravens’ playoff game, JC hosted a Purple Friday where Patriots could wear their Ravens shirts and jerseys. Unfortunately, the Ravens lost to the Buffalo Bills on the following Sunday.

Ravens’ season comes to an end in the playoffs; close with a 12-5 record

by Khali Addair Patriot Staff Writer

The Baltimore Ravens had an intense season, finishing with a record of 12-5.

The Ravens had a difficult start to the season, going 0-2 for the first time since 2015 with losses against the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders.

After beginning their season slowly, the Ravens had a major comeback, winning games from week three all the way to week seven.

Quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrik Henry were key players in those games, leading the players to win Player of the Week for their performances on the field.

The Ravens became the first team in NFL history to have players win the Offensive Players of the Week for four consecutive weeks.

Throughout the 2024 season, the team made multiple other records throughout the National Football League

Another record they hit this season was finishing with 7,224 total offensive yards, the most in franchise history. Soon after, they became the first team in the NFL to have 4,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards in the same season.

Sophomore Addison Sirbaugh commented, “This season was shocking to watch, considering everything the Ravens have achieved for themselves and the NFL.”

The Ravens also had many players get nominated for the NFL Pro Bowl including quarterback Lamar Jackson, kicker Justin Tucker, linebackers Patrick Queen and Roquan Smith, and defensive tackle Justin Madubuike.

During week 11, the Ravens lost 18-16 to the Pittsburgh Steelers but made a comeback against them during the first

round of playoffs, winning 28-14. This win set them up for the divisional playoff game against the Buffalo Bills.

The Ravens 2024 season came to a close when they lost the AFC Divisional to the Buffalo Bills with a close score of 27-25. The Kansas City Chiefs went on to represent the AFC in the Superbowl.

40 SPORTS

2025 MLB season promises to be eventful for teams Baltimore Orioles look to upcoming season, make changes to roster

by Siena Frisone Patriot Staff Writer

The Orioles have some major changes as the upcoming season approaches.

The Orioles recently lost Anthony Santander to the Blue Jays. Santander, a right fielder who played with the Orioles for eight consecutive seasons, was signed to the Blue Jays for a five-year, 92.5-million-dollar contract.

English Department Chairman Matthew Blair said, “Santander was too much money, but it’s not good that they traded him.”

Some players were added to the Orioles roster for the 2025 season.

On January 3 this year, the Orioles agreed to terms with Charlie Morton, a right-handed pitcher on a one-year Major League contract.

The Orioles claimed right-handed pitcher Roansy Contreras off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds on January 10, 2025.

Infielder Jacob Amaya was claimed off waivers from the Chicago White Sox for the Baltimore Orioles on January 16.

Many star players will be returning for the Orioles. This includes catcher Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson at shortstop, as well as Cedric Mullins in the outfield.

With their new additions, the Orioles are shaping up for a better season than the previous two years.

Last year, the Orioles lost in the AL Wild Card Series to the Kansas City Royals by a score of 2-0.

In 2023, Baltimore was knocked out of the AL Division Series by the Texas Rangers, losing 3-0.

This year hopes are high for how far the Orioles will go.

JC Head Baseball

Coach Darrion Siler said, “The Baltimore Orioles will finally complete their Cinderella story, capturing their first World Series title since 1983.”

Mr. Siler added that this is the Orioles’ year to win because of the team they have for the upcoming season.

“They’ve got the perfect combination of youthful energy, a deep enough pitching staff, and a relentless lineup that will outlast the Atlanta Braves in an epic, drama filled, thrilling seven-game World Series,” said Mr. Siler.

Regarding the 2025 season Mr. Blair has predicted the Orioles will finish second in the American League East and will qualify as a Wildcard Team.

Sophomore Jackson Lambie said, “I think the Orioles will do well but not as well as two years ago because they lost key players and haven’t signed any good ones.”

As excitement for Major League baseball grows, it’s important to know the changes that are coming with the 2025 season.

Opening Day for the MLB is on March 27, the first game being the Colorado Rockies versus the Tampa Bay Rays.

The 2025 schedule came out on July 18, 2024, and the number of games this year for prime inter-league rivals has increased.

The schedule was modified this season in order to increase the rivalry games from

four to six, playing two three game series instead of two twogame series.

Following changes to the game series, spring training for the MLB will begin Thursday, February 20 at Camelback Ranch in Glendale Arizona. The Los Angeles Dodgers will take on the Chicago Cubs.

Shortly after spring training ends on March 25, the MLB draft will take place on July 23 in Atlanta, Georgia.

There are three top three prospects for this year’s

draft. The first is Ethan Holliday, a shortstop and third baseman from Stillwater, Oklahoma. Second of the prospect rankings is Jace LaViolette from Texas A&M, a potential outfielder for the MLB.

20-year-old Jamie Arnold from Florida State, a left-hand pitcher, is the third prospect ranking for 2025.

The changes in the MLB season are major, including differences in game schedules, additions to teams as well as losses.

What is your prediction for the Baltimore Orioles’ record this year?

“Win 101 out of 162” - Mr. Siler, Faculty

“Win 75 out of 182” - Nate Novak, ‘25

“Win 101 out of 162” - Mrs. Giuffrida, Faculty

“Win 83 of 162” - Mylana Stevens, ‘25

compiled by Kallissa Coats

Students take their annual ski trip to Seven Springs

by Addison Weaver Patriot Junior Reporter

John Carroll provides many opportunities for students to pursue their interests within the school community. One of these opportunities includes the Ski Club run by Director of Admissions Edward Maynard.

These trips have taken place every year for the past 13 years, except when they were put on hold for two years due to COVID. Previously, the trip used to take place at Camelback Resort in Pennsylvania.

This year they traveled to Seven Springs Ski Resort in Pennsylvania. Students left campus at 1:00 pm on Friday, January 31 and rode for four hours on a

Marching with Grace

coach bus to the resort.

There were around 45 students on the trip this year, accompanied by three adult chaperones, including Mr. Maynard, Dean of Student Services Larry Hensley, and former faculty member Tess Gauthier.

On the trip, students shared a room with two or three other students of the same gender. There were room checks every night at 11 pm.

Over the weekend, besides the rain on Friday night, the weather had prime ski conditions. The weather ranged from 14 to 28 degrees, allowing them to make artificial snow on top of the natural snow already there.

Seven Springs offers 33 slopes and 10 ski lifts. For different levels of skiers, the slopes range from green squares to double black diamonds.

Junior Alex Chevron said, “My favorite thing about Seven Springs is how many terrain parks they have. I always

by Grace Marchetti, On-caMpus spOrts editOr

With the winter season coming to an end, spring sports are right around the corner.

I am nearing the end of my basketball season and am excited for the playoffs and what the rest of our season holds for us, especially because we have an excellent and experienced team this year.

The John Carroll girls varsity basketball team has been to the championship two times in the past three years, and we hope the third time is the charm.

Basketball is a sport I have loved ever since I was little, and it’s finally hitting me that in less than a month, I will never step foot on a basketball court again and play the sport I love with the people I love. This is your sign: to make the most of every opportunity you get because it truly does fly by, and you will regret the time you let slip away.

I am so grateful for everything basketball has taught me throughout life, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. It brought

spend most of my time snowboarding in the park.”

Students returned to campus a little after 6:00 pm on Sunday, February 2. Freshman Blake Street commented, “I had the time of my life on the trip. I can’t wait to go again next year.”

The Most

Bittersweet Time

of the School Year for a Senior

me forever friends and unforgettable moments. Although I am sad to see this come to an end, I will get one more spring season of lacrosse.

I am going to make the most out of the spring season and have nothing but high hopes for the John Carroll girls varsity lacrosse team. Although we graduated 16 seniors, we still have so much talent returning and coming in that I am so excited for what’s ahead.

So yes, while one very important chapter in my life is closing, another final chapter starts, and I know it’s going to be a good one.

I am so grateful to even have this opportunity because I know not everyone gets it. It feels surreal that I have been playing three sports at this school since I was a freshman, and I am now saying goodbye as these seasons come to an end to my new journey playing college lacrosse.

Everyone deserves to have an experience with this no matter the sport or club you participate in. Put yourself out there; try new things, and meet new people because you never know how that experience could change you or the people you could meet during it.

42 SPORTS

Athlete Profiles * Athlete Profiles * Athlete Profiles * Athlete Profiles

Alyssa Hughes aims for excellence in senior year

by Hailey Chalmers Patriot Staff Writer

Alyssa Hughes has been playing basketball for six years and has played small forward and power forward since she started.

Throughout her time on the team, her favorite memory playing at John Carroll was the Mt. De Sales game during her junior year. It was the semifinals; although it was a close game, JC came on top for the victory and advanced to the championship for the second year.

With that being said, Alyssa also plays AAU basketball in the summer for Team Thrill.

She said, “The experience there had a lot of ups and downs, but it helped shape me as a player because through adversity I kept pushing through to achieve my goals.”

“I think playing for a club team gave me more opportunities, and it has helped me have a more diverse game with different people and different playing styles.”

Next year, Alyssa is starting her college basketball Journey at Randolph-Macon College.

“It has always been a goal of mine to play in college and without the obstacles I’ve faced, I wouldn’t be here,” Alyssa added.

Right now, she has been going to the gym and lifting to get stronger to prepare for the new challenges she will face, whether that’s older, bigger, stronger, or faster girls. She is also consistently working on her shot, making sure that it’s consistent.

“I wouldn’t say I’m going to be 100 percent ready, but through the coaching and the support of my teammates and future coaches, I think I have a good start.”

Her long-term goal overall as an athlete is to be successful in college and

continue to grow in the sport. Her coaches’ and teammates’ corrections have pushed her to be her best.

“If I were to give some words of advice to a freshman playing basketball here at John Carroll, I would tell them to keep working hard and to keep their head up. Keep pushing through, and make sure you are coachable. Listen to what your teammates and coaches have to say because eventually you will be getting that playing time.”

Corey Anderson plays as tri-season athlete

by Alison Montemurro Patriot Staff Writer

Sophomore Corey Anderson began playing football at five-yearsold. His dad had encouraged him to start the sport. He first played for the North Harford Hawks football team, leading him to continue ever since.

While being led by JV football head coach Tyrell Demby and varsity head football Coach Mark Modeste, Corey played his first two high school seasons as a running back.

Throughout his past 10 years of football, Corey said his experience as a football player has taught him “how to persevere in and out of football.”

Corey has played for the school’s JV football team for the past two years. He was a swing player for varsity football this season. His addition has helped lead the team to victory.

Much of his motivation comes from “trying to prove doubts wrong.” His teammate, sophomore Andrew Frank, said that Corey “brings support. He also adds a religious aspect to the game by leading our prayers.”

Junior Cameron Durbin, another one of Corey’s varsity teammates, said “Corey brings a lot of energy to the team; he motivates us to keep going.”

Not only does he play football, but

he plays baseball for JC as well. He has also been playing baseball since he was fiveyears-old.

The past season, Corey was coached by Alex Peters. He has expanded his ability to work hard to improve himself.

After his first year playing for the JV baseball team, he felt it had provided him with a “positive experience that made me and my teammates better players.”

Much of Corey’s success comes from wrestling. Corey has been on the varsity wrestling program at JC since he was a freshman. He has earned plenty of awards such as his varsity letter after completing his first school season.

Playing a different sport each season has helped to shape Corey into a well-rounded athlete and person. Corey said that his main goal throughout high school is to “improve myself as a person and player by working harder.”

While his three sports take up a lot of time, he enjoys spending free time with his family and friends.

Bomboy participates in various sports & activities

by Siena Frisone

Patriot Staff Writer

Between playing field hockey, competing in Speech and Debate, being the secretary of the Architecture Club, and helping the student government as a delegate, sophomore Emma Bomboy is actively involved in the John Carroll community.

After coming from South Hampton Middle School, Emma immediately began diving into all JC has to offer, starting with field hockey.

Emma has been playing field hockey for eight years. During her freshman year, she made JV and became a swing for varsity. Continuing into sophomore year she still wears number 35 on the field.

When it comes to field hockey, Emma said it has shaped her JC experience. “I’ve become friends with older kids and

Athlete Profiles * Athlete Profiles *

Athlete Profiles * Athlete Profiles

especially last year coming into the school and knowing an entire team of 20 to 40 girls, varsity and JV. Walking around the halls we always say hi to each other and pump each other up,” said Emma.

Emma added, “Having those resources from older kids in the school, and their being kind people and wanting to help you and show you what John Carroll is about is really awesome.”

She had a lot of memorable moments on the team but her favorite was the championship game. “This year we made it to the championship game at Stevenson University, and the team atmosphere was so electrifying, and I could see all of the progress our team made throughout the season.”

Whether it’s a game or practice, Emma makes sure to bring a positive attitude to her team.

Emma’s teammate, Cate Bianco said, “She is very encouraging and she always lifts up the team with positive comments about their performance. She also brings lots of encouragement for everyone.”

When she’s not playing field hockey, Emma is also a member of the Speech and Debate club. This year Emma is ranked first in the county for her oral interpretation of prose.

Emma said the process of becoming first included competing against other high schools and going to the weekly meetings.

“I compete against other high school members in monthly competitions across the county. I perform my rendition of a book excerpt and compete to win certificates. I also practice weekly during speech and debate.”

That is not all she’s involved in; Emma is also the secretary of the JC Architecture Club. She has an important role in her club community and knows how to be a leader.

“Being the secretary of the Architecture Engineering Design Club means I get to help lead people with similar interests and values as me. We worked on our Festival of Lights buildings, which was an eight-foot-long version of Santa’s home. It’s really cool to see designs begin to form

on such a large scale,” Emma said.

Even though she loves everything she’s involved in, her favorite activity to participate in is student government as a delegate.

“It’s the club I feel I can make the greatest amount of change in my community and affect the student body. It is my opportunity to create bonds with many students and help to effectively improve our school.”

JC gives students many opportunities to explore their interests, and Emma believes this is one of the things that separates the community from other high schools.

“John Carroll gives students the

opportunities to improve ourselves mentally, physically, and spiritually. There are so many programs and different electives that you can take to personalize your John Carroll experience to you,” said Emma. Whether she’s on the field, using her voice to compete, leading others in structural designs, or helping out the student government, Emma Bomboy is actively making a difference in the John Carroll family, as well as growing individually as a person.

“I have developed so much as a person in my short time at John Carroll. The education and staff have helped me grow into the person I am today and I will never forget that.”

Coach Goldberg receives special recognitions

by Cali Friedel Patriot Assistant Sports Editor

Recently, Coach Seth Goldberg was recognized for earning his 100th win as the Boys Basketball Team Head Coach. He was also named District 11 Athletic Director of the Year in the MIAA.

Coach Goldberg was able to earn his 100th win over the Calvert Hall Cardinals, with a score of 59-46. This milestone was able achieved in seven seasons, showing the hard work and successful team culture that Coach Goldberg has been working on with his team.

“My favorite part is my current and former players who have reached out. I have been lucky to coach many guys, along with Coach Mel who has been with me for all 100 of these wins, so that’s not something I have done by myself,” said Coach Goldberg. Many coaches forget to focus on the importance of team culture and building team chemistry even off the field or court. Team culture is something that can make or break a team. Having a team culture that is positive and

hardworking can allow a team’s success to portray more than a team that has a negative team culture.

Coach Goldberg explained that he focuses on his team culture, rather than just the sport itself. “I’ve always really tried to figure out what my players need for me. A lot of people always see me smiling when I am coaching, which doesn’t mean I am always happy, but it allows me to stay centered and try to figure out what they need for me, versus how I am feeling.”

Earning Athletic Director of the Year in District 11 for the MIAA is also an amazing milestone. “I think that it’s great recognition for our school. You get recognized for this, not because of me, but because of all the people and coaches that allow us to look good with how they carry themselves,” said Coach Goldberg.

The focus of team culture, hard work, and growth are things that go unrecognizable when you are the coach of a team or director of a program. All these things are ways that Coach Goldberg was able to achieve these two major accomplishments, allowing John Carroll athletically and as a school to grow and teach kids how to be a leaders more and more every day.

Pow Wow returns for one final year

by Peyton Donaldson Patriot Media & Online Editor

For its twenty-third year, The John Carroll School hosted the Morning Star Pow Wow for its last celebration on campus.

Beginning in 2001, Social Studies Teacher Gary Scholl introduced the idea of hosting a Pow Wow since he himself has visited many local ones in the past and out West.

The Pow Wow was celebrated at JC to help raise funds for the St. Labre Indian School, located in Ashland, Montana where Crow and Northern Cheyenne tribes can receive a better academic program.

The event was first pitched as a part of the Anthropology class and eventually became a part of the curriculum, providing students the opportunity to help run the event and host it.

Anthropology students set up chairs, tables, and mats the night before,

and the day of, they helped with donations at the school entrance, maintained the raffle table, and participated in Pow Wow activities.

Senior Sammie Bender said, “The Pow Wow was really cool and something I have never seen or experienced before. We got a lot of donations that are going to St. Labre School, and the turnout of people was amazing. I enjoyed the Pow Wow more than I thought I would.”

The Pow Wow included numerous singers and dancers who represented native tribes and welcomed guests with Native American flute performances, traditional drumming, and other Native American customs.

Mr. Scholl explained, “The Pow Wow involves traditional indigenous drum groups, dancers in tribal regalia, and vendors offering traditional crafts and art. The tribes represented at the Pow Wow include Cheyenne, Lakota, Kiowa, Nanticoke, Lenni Lenape, Navajo, and Iroquois.”

“It is an opportunity for Native

Americans in the Mid-Atlantic region to come together to celebrate their culture and be with family and friends. It is an opportunity for Native Americans to share their rich culture and tribal traditions,” Mr. Scholl added.

For Mr. Scholl, personally, “it is an opportunity to renew a quarter century of friendships and celebrate with my extended family.”

With Mr. Scholl contributing to the Cheyenne community for more than 50 years, this year’s event will be the final Pow Wow hosted at JC.

Due to limited space for dancers, vendors, and spectators, future Pow Wows will be held at Harford Community College as a cultural event.

This year’s Native tradition raised around $4000 for the St. Labre Indian School and will continuously support children’s academic careers in the future.

Everyone can support too by donating on their website at give.stlabre. org.