Author Archives: pattersonpressonline

Patterson celebrates Culture Day

by Thayer Oosterman

Patterson High School celebrated Culture Day on On Thursday, April 27, from 4:00 to 6:30 PM. There were many cultural expressions, with food and music from many cultures around the world. They had Latin American, African, Caribbean, and Middle Eastern food. Musicians were playing Latin and West African music. During the playing of the West African music, there was dancing, where people would be in a circle and would go and dance in the circle.

After the music, they gave out food with a lot of delicious food items, like Jamaican rice and beans, Syrian shawarmas and Tandoori food, Libyan kebabs, and many other tasty foods from a variety of cultures. They also had a thick, sweet drink and lemon tea. 

Near the end of the culture event they had a Kahoot game about the flags of the world, with many students and teachers and Principal Myrick playing. The Kahoot game went from 6:15 until around 6:30. After the Kahoot game and the end of the event, many students helped with the clean up or went to wait for the start of the play that was also taking place that night.

Culture Day was organized by a new student organization called Catalyst for Change. This was the group’s first big event and it was a huge success.

Track season recap

By Coach Smith

Patterson’s 2023 Outdoor Track & Field season was marked by outstanding relays, a superstar sophomore, and the hardest working distance runner in the city of Baltimore.

Patterson’s 4 x 100 meter relay team of Joel Jackson, Romero Ison, Nicholas Carter, and Mekhi Dukes won 2nd place in their heat at Penn Relays and qualified for nationals. The same quartet ran the 4 x 200 meter relay team and earned 2nd place in regionals (and qualified for states and nationals with their time).  Superstar sophomore sprinter Romero Ison won the 100 and 200 meters at regionals (breaking the school record in the 200 meters and qualifying to run both in nationals). Our distance contingent was led by 3200 meter silver medalist Humed Nura, who also set school records in the 1600 and 800 meters. Jauan Bennett won the regionals in the shot put and broke a school record in the process.  The future looks bright with outstanding freshmen sprinters Marquise Brown, Aaden Hopkins, Jamie Rucker, and Rancel Corporan Lagombra.

The girls team was marked by outstanding relays as well.  The girls 4 x 800 relay team of Janae Mack, Najah White, Quintine Nterere, and Ahmawanyah Lewis earned 2nd place in regionals (breaking the school record in the process).  Additionally, many girls’ track & field records were broken this season. Najah White broke the school record in both the mile and the 2 mile.  Nyijae Tibbs broke the school  record in the discus throw.

Patterson’s 2023 Indoor Track & Field Season was also marked by an outstanding relay and record breaking distance runners.  The girls 4 x 800 meter relay team of Janae Mack, Danait Gebru, Najah White, and Ahmawanyah Lewis came in 2nd  in regionals and qualified for the state championships.  Humed Nura broke school records in the mile and 2 mile, while earning silver medals in both at Baltimore City Championships and also qualifying for state championships.  Najah White broke school record in both the mile and 2 mile and is only a freshman.

Varsity Boy’s Basketball team narrowly loses to Woodlawn

By Deshown Streater

On January 24th, the boys basketball team won a game and it happened to be their coach’s birthday. Happy belated Coach. Our boys’ basketball team, led by senior guard Dawon Williams led our Clippers to a crazy game against number 2 ranked Edmondson High School.

Our Clippers did not disappoint, beating the Red Storm and officially knocking out any doubt of Patterson’s skill. Heading into the playoffs, Patterson faced off against Woodlawn High in an action-packed game with a Clippers packed house. The pressure was on.

The game was an even game all the way down to the final seconds with a nearly tied score of 49-51. Coach Baseline chose glory, and backed by the entire Clippers gym, chose to go for 3 to win it all, a final shot that would decide who would go home and who would advance to the next round. Junior Delvis Nunez took the heavily contested 3-point shot but sadly could not hit it, ending the Clippers’ season but with promises from Coach Baseline that next season will be different. I have no doubt our Clippers will have an undefeated season next year.

(Photos are of Varsity and JV teams from several different games)

Clippers fall to Hereford in football showdown

By DeShown Streater

Our Patterson Clippers football team, led by Quarterback Nickolas Carter, finished its season with a heartbreaking defeat at the hand of Hereford High School. Despite the end score, the game was a showcase of all Patterson’s skilled superstars, with senior Deshown Streater putting Patterson on the board first, quickly followed by Senior Mehkhi Dukes who also rushed for over 200 yards in that single playoff game. However, our Clippers were defeated 33-52 to end yet another action-packed football season. 

Patterson teachers sacrifice their personal time to support students

By Ekei Obu, Editor-in-chief

Patterson High School is known to be one of the most diverse schools in Baltimore City. The school also offers a lot of after-school activities and different interests in extracurricular activities during and after school hours as well. 

I interviewed a couple of teachers to hear about their sacrifice for the school and why they are so dedicated to the school. All the teachers had one thing in common: they all sacrificed their time for the school and the students. 

Mrs. Torregoza believes that students and young people deserve a bright future. She said, “Students here can decide what they want to be and I believe that there should be people to guide them, and I want to be one of those people.” 

Mrs. T said, “I have faith in the students,” and that’s why she gives up her time after school regardless of not getting paid for the time. Mrs. T expressed her sadness about the students not taking advantage of the resources the school provides because she understands that in other places students don’t have the opportunity and resources for education.

Most teachers go as far as decorating their classrooms to provide a serene environment for their students. Some teachers even provide different options for snacks in their classes. Most teachers I’ve interviewed give up personal time to attend games, musical performances, and other activities because they want to show their support to their students.

Mr. Michael McCormick, better known to his students as “Mr. Mike”, explained that “people don’t become teachers for the salary; it’s a calling,”

Mr. Mike is one of the many teachers that provide not only a safe space for students but also emotional support and snacks. “I believe my unidentified role in Patterson is to provide a safe space. A space where students feel welcomed, safe, and empowered to be their authentic selves. I believe that when students are in a safe environment it allows them to be their greater self,” Mr. Mike said.

Teachers and school staff sometimes stay at school late into the evening, planning and preparing, and in many cases they’re not paid for it. 

Biology teacher, Mr. Antoine, believes that it is his job to build a bridge for students so they don’t have to start from scratch to achieve their goals in life. To prepare for last year’s winter holiday show, teachers spent several days planning and setting up. 

Teachers at Patterson are so passionate about their jobs despite some students’ negative attitudes toward them because they simply want the best for the students. 

Patterson raises money for hurricane victims

By Sierra Skaggs

Patterson High School held a water drive to raise money to buy water for hurricane victims in Jackson, Mississippi. The water drive started in late September/beginning of October and was originally supposed to end on the 28th of October, but it was later extended into November. In the end, the school raised $1,000.00.

Assistant Principal Ms. Berkeley was in charge of the water drive. 

“I wish that we could help everybody. But we chose Jackson because they were hit first.”, explained Ms. Berkeley.

“We had as a group decided on Jackson. And I felt like we needed to keep our word when we said we were going to support Jackson because the other areas were impacted but it did not take away Jackson’s need. Jackson still needed help and I wish we had money to do Florida and all of the islands that were also affected. But we wanted to keep our word since we said we were going to support Jackson.”

Ms. Berkeley explained that the money was going to a business that will deliver the water for them. She continued to explain that the water was expensive to deliver because of how heavy it is, and so instead of shipping the water from Baltimore, we are sending the money to a business in Jackson, Mississippi, that will deliver the water locally to people in need.

Students who helped raise money for the water drive could also earn service learning hours.

“There was no a maximum number [of service learning hours]. We wanted students to reach out to their families, reach out to the community, to their churches, to their neighbors, anyone that they would make aware of this situation, and donate to the cause. So if students were diligent enough to the outreach, we certainty want to reward them for being diligent and committing to the cause.” 

Since students were engaged in this outreach, the rewards that they got were 5 service hours for each 5 dollar case that they donated. For example, if a student donated 5 cases of water, they would receive 25 service hours.

“We were trying to do enough pallets of water that would fill a tractor trailer truck because we recognized that the need is great. If you think about all the needs for water, trying to do dishes, or trying to take a bath, or wash yourself, or your pet… There are so many needs for water. For cooking, washing your hair, and you can’t use the water there, so we wanted to make a great impact, so we wanted to do a tractor trailer load of water.”

Ms. Berkeley explained how much water they wanted to donate and why. She also explained the needs of water and how important water is.

Patterson High School hosted a cohort meeting on October 27th to decide if they wanted to continue the water drive. The students agreed to continue the water drive to help raise more money, so they extended the water drive for 2 more weeks.

“The fundraiser was supposed to end on the 28th of October, but yesterday during the cohort meeting, we asked students that have not had a chance to contribute to the cause, if they wanted to continue, and a lot of students said yes. So we are extending for another 2 weeks.” 

The water drive was an amazing way for students to show that they care about the needs of other people. It was also an amazing way for students to show their Patterson Pride. GO CLIPPERS! 

Back to School Night brings families together 

(Photo: Patterson Press)

By Nateshia Anderson

Patterson High School held its annual Back to School Night on September 22 from 5:00-7:00 PM. The purpose of this event was for the parents and families of students to meet the teachers and the community and learn about opportunities that were offered to their children.

The school provided free snowballs for everybody. A lot of people had fun. We talked to teachers at the event to find out how they help the students learn.

Ms. Jones said, “Give them extra attention, adjust my lessons so that each child is able to reach them and able to understand the material, make sure that I also pair them up with a buddy in the classroom… When they need some additional help, I can give them additional resources like…Khan Academy…”

Patterson High School is a place where students can come and talk to teachers and find out who they truly are.

“I can create an environment that feels safe and nurturing”, said Mr. Mike.

Administrators were also there, like Ms. Edler, who explained, “The first thing is I believe in holding students accountable and also supporting them in that accountability. Also, we present opportunities like college visits. However, students must be in full uniforms and they must be in school on time and be able to attend those visits.”

All in all, Back To School Night was a successful event where everybody came out and helped their children’s futures. 

(Photos: Patterson Press)

Senior awards – CLASS OF 2021

Congratulations to the following graduating seniors who have received awards for their outstanding achievements!

  • Inspiring Student Leader Award: Awarded to the student who has kept a low profile and has toiled behind the scenes to make certain that student programs and organizations are successful. This student has taken the initiative, accepted and carried out responsibility, and completed a task without recognition. 

Winner: Mohamad Al Raghed & Meylin Diaz Hernandez 

  • Student Leadership Award: Awarded to the student who has provided outstanding leadership in activities (such as student government, social services, cultural development, etc.) This person has also been a spokesperson and role model for multicultural students. 

Winner: Meylin Diaz Hernandez 

  • Resilient Student Award: Awarded to the student who has demonstrated initiative, perseverance, and the ability to overcome significant obstacles in attaining his/her degree. This student has improved his/her grade-point average as he/she progresses toward graduation.  

Winner: Mohamad Al Raghed 

  • Artfully Creative Award: Awarded to the students who have displayed imagination and creativity especially in Art, Graphic design, or technological inventions. 

Winner: Khalil Green- Bey & Mnbongya Wilondia 

  • Citizenship Award: Awarded to the students who exemplify superior honor and discipline within the classroom environment. Who has significantly contributed to campus climate and culture! 

Winner: Jernard Roberts; Lucy Hernandez Paz 

  • Excellent Effort Award: Awarded to the students who continue to give extraordinary effort, despite difficulties. The focus of the award is to recognize those students that keep trying their best, no matter what. 

Winner: De’Asia Eberhart 

  • Outstanding Improvement Award: Awarded to the students who have made the most improvement during their high school career and have gone the extra mile to continuously improve all aspects of personal development while encouraging their peers to do the same. 

Winner: De’Asia Eberhart & Edilberto Melara-Erazo 

  • Student of the Year: Awarded to the students who have demonstrated excellence in all of the following areas: leadership, citizenship, academic and/or career, and technical achievement.  This student exemplifies the best of the Class of 2021 and our school community.   

Winners: Meylin Diaz Hernandez & Makhi Jordan 

  • Student of Integrity Award: Awarded to the students with strong ethical and moral principles who take responsibility for their actions and exhibit a fearless commitment to the fundamental values of academic integrity. (Responsibility. Respect.  Fairness. Trustworthiness and Honesty). 

Winner: Solina Abrham 

Top CTE Pathway Awards:  Awarded to the top-performing seniors in each CTE pathway.  These students exhibit a commitment to the fundamental values of Career and Technical Education that prepare them for high-skill, high-demand careers with a depth of learning that builds real-world skills.   (Note: This question is for CTE teachers only!  Please select your top-performing senior for your pathway). 

Winners: 

Graphic communications:       

Mnbongya Xavier Wilondja 

Cosmetic Services:       

Ariell Hayes &   

Meylin Diaz Hernandez 

Pharmacy Tech:       

Dalaa Obaid 

Emergency Medical Technician:       

Jazz Beach 

Accounting & Finance:  

David Pugh &  

Yesli Guerra Valle 

Administrative Services:        

Bosco Bembereza 

Nursing Assistant:       

Eleftheria Kountouratzoglou 

Early Childhood Education/Childcare:        

Azyrria Thompson 

Computer Science:        

Joana Niombo 

Engineering:  

Mahki Jordan 

Homeland Security& Emergency Prep/Criminal Justice:   

Jakelin Duran 

JROTC:  

Lucy D. Hernandez PAZ 

Band:   

Demetrius Stokes 

Construction & Development:   

Rodriguez Izaguirre, Jeysel A+ Work Always*************/& 

De’Asia Eberhart – Most Improved 

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