Category Archives: Academics

Spring Arts Show presents feast for eyes and ears

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Photo: Patterson Press

By Akira Sumpter

Patterson High School showcased art in all forms at its annual Spring concert and arts show on May 8, 2026.

When students, staff, and family members first entered the art show, the first thing they saw was an impressive gallery of visual art made by Patterson students. Works of art were displayed on easels and sprawled upright across the cafeteria floor. No two pieces were alike. The walls nearest to the auditorium doors were covered in flat two-dimensional art and every piece had a name assigned to it to credit the artist and their teacher.

Upon entering the auditorium where another type of art was showcased, the audience was treated to live vocals from our very own choir singing “Siyahamba” in perfect harmony with the African percussion coming from Ira Hinton and Jihaad Everett. Then the curtains closed and opened again to reveal our powerful dance team dancing in tradition and faith, introduced by the two hosts of the evening, Jeremy Jones and Romeo Merritt. After this, the choir performed again, but this time a cappella–no drums, no clapping, just pure voice led by their director, Mr. Fowler.

Next there was a quick live performance of guitar blues, a dance, drinks, and a good time, similar to a scene in the movie “Sinners”, where the main character sang and played his guitar at a juke joint for the first time. The main character had an eerily similar voice to the movie actor. The whole thing felt like you were up there, dancing and singing with the cast.

Later on in the party, musicians came on stage and started to play some jazzy blues. They were dressed spiffy from head to toe and definitely stole the show as they played old New Orleans style jazz, giving the audience a warm feel of nostalgia. The group of musicians on stage performing had a strong tuba player, a determined trumpeter, a smooth tenor sax, and a sophisticated alto and yet they each sounded like two players instead of one. Some members left the party that was on stage and walked into the auditorium aisles while the rest of the actors stayed put on stage.

Soon after intermission, our PHS marching band performed a few favorite songs from their set list, such as “Big Ballin’”, “Down for My Brothers”, “Tatted Up”, “Just Got Paid”, and many other bangers. Everyone on stage had pure energy. Every other song had cool dance moves, chants and amazing sound as senior band members performed their last band performance at the high school level, directed by the amazing Ms. Williams. Our band has rebuilt stronger yet again this year with mostly eager newcomers who only just  joined the band this year, but that obviously did not stop them from cranking out loud and clear tunes.

One of the last few performances was a tribute to Michael Jackson. There was a reenactment of his older music video when he was a part of the “Jackson Five”. There was also African dance and drums, which got the crown excited and moving. This was definitely a night to remember, and the event’s organizers are confident that next year’s show will be even better.

Patterson students ace band adjudications

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The Patterson Band performs for incoming City Schools CEO Dr. Dawson

By Akira Sumpter and Alexander Riddick 

The Patterson High School band participated in their yearly class adjudication on Tuesday, March 10th. Adjudications are like the AP exams for music students and their director.

There were many new students participating in band activities this year with about 70% just starting their musical journey. Even with most band members being new musicians, the band still got superior rankings from the four judges who adjudicated them. This is nothing new to the band director Ms. Williams. She has dedicated her time and energy into making sure her students get the best experience possible.

The students later went to Dave & Busters to celebrate, some for their first ever adjudication and some for their last. This was a well deserved reward for our beginning band students for their hard work and excellence in the practice room.

Here are a few reflections from some of our past and current 12th grade band members, as they get ready to say goodbye to Patterson and its music program:

“This is all thanks to our school’s very own Ms. Williams, one of the kindest, most honest people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and learning from since my sophomore year. Thank you for being more than a teacher.”

-Akira Sumpter

“Ms. Williams is a great teacher who really cares about her students. She keeps it real and is great at teaching music. I was very blessed to be in her class and I’m very grateful for everything she taught me with or without words.”

-Alexander Riddick 

“Even though we can be knuckleheads at times, Ms. Williams still pushes for us to be better and never once has put us down.” 

-Jared Portillo

Exploring identity, emotion, and imagination in AP Art sustained investigation

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Photo: Akira Sumpter

By Saniyah Courtney

At Patterson High School, AP Art students led by Ms. Holter developed sustained investigations that explore personal details, creative ideas, and emotional expression through a variety of media and techniques. Each artist builds a portfolio of work that fits their chosen theme of choice while experimenting with different materials such as clay, painting, markers, and many other mediums to communicate meaning.

Jacoiya Roscoe’s sustained investigation in AP Art centers around surrealism, which is her second portfolio. She explores distorted realities and gives them a deeper meaning. She works with paint, markers, charcoal, and even colored pencils. One of her key artworks focuses on paranoia, showing how fear can alter perception and create a sense of mental unease.

Emily Gasca-Palma’s sustained investigation focuses on femininity, examining how identity and womanhood can be represented through art. She uses painting and sketches to explore emotions that connect to her theme. One of her artworks is a painting of a uterus shaped with flowers. She creates a highlight of balance and strength, which shows femininity as layered, personal, and shaped by experience.

Kaiya Patterson’s sustained investigation explores surrealism, horror, and fear, creating bizarre, unsettling visual narratives inspired by psychological tension and imagination. Working mainly in clay, she builds realistic sculptural forms while adding unexpected details to her artwork. Her artwork focuses on the contrast between realism and distortion, using horror-inspired themes to evoke emotion and challenge perception. This is also Kaiya’s second year of doing AP art. Even after all the challenges, she has managed to have extra work for her portfolio and is ready to get her life back after she graduates.

Kevin Valencia-Arzola’s sustained investigation focuses on Asian culture, drawing inspiration from tradition, identity, and telling a story without words. He works with both painting and ceramics, exploring cultural themes through different materials. One of his artworks involved breaking a plate that he had made of clay and fixing it with gold. This artwork represents Japanese culture by showing how broken items are fixed with gold in their culture.

Students reveal mystery in performance of “Clue”

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Photo: Patterson Press

By Akira Sumpter

This year’s spring play was a murder mystery from 1985. Clipper Productions performed “Clue” on April 23rd and 24th.

The show was set in a mansion during the Reagan era, where a mysterious host has invited a group of adults who had never met each other and who were not to share personal information due to the risk of jail or isolation. 

These people were brought to the house for some unknown reason. It began at dinner when conversation began and certain data about their personal lives slipped out, making others suspicious. This, in turn, led to someone building evidence on all of the attending guests in order to blackmail them.

When they found out they were being blackmailed, the butler gave everyone a gift, inside which was a random object and potential weapon, leading them to again be suspicious. This led to a lot of murders and secrets.

The actors playing these characters truly were in character. Every emotion and movement was intentional and authentic.

“[This play] is definitely in my top 3, between Aladdin Jr. and Mean Girls. This play has definitely been my favorite because of the set design and doors as it was very immersive for me in that type of setting”, said senior actor Deontay Blackwell, who has been in theater since the second year of his high school career.

The play was also a hit with the audience.

“What a pleasure it was to witness our students’ talents in the production of Clue!”, declared Assistant Principal Ms. Berkeley. “Their murder-mystery performance was a testament to the collaboration of City Schools and the home. Our students do not come to us as empty slates. We take what they bring and polish it until it shines.”

Ms. Berkeley praised Ms. Ritter as a “visionary” and noted that the performance showcased a variety of skills that the cast and crew had developed during their time at Patterson, including memorizing, speaking, projecting, expressing, improvising, and more.

This dedicated group created a moment that will never be replaced or forgotten. It was a moment where time stopped and we all went into a different realm. This feeling is called the artist’s high. A special shout-out to all of the seniors who performed their last high school play: Amori Matthews, Akira Sumpter, Deontay Blackwell, Jamira Ellison, and Jeremy Jones.

The adult production team includes the amazingly well rounded director Ms. Ritter, the hardworking technical director Ms. Prince, the talented assistant director Mr. Jamel, and Michael Kerney for sound operation. The student production positions include Adrianne Battle for lighting, Sophie Cruz for sound operator, and Amori Matthews and Akira Sumpter for the set construction team. Ms. Holter, Adriel Osorio, Anthony Parra, Kaiya Patterson, Jecoria Roscoe, and Akira Sumpter made up the painting team, while Jordan Jefferson, Amori Matthews, and Akira Sumpter served as stage crew and handled foxie moxie productions for audio. Last but not least, the actors: Jeremy Jones, Romeo Merritt, Doryen Brockington, Lluvia De Los Santos, Alivia Wallace, Keyri Ramirez, Zenobia Owens, Deontay Blackwell, Jamira Ellison, Alvaro Ramirez-Badillo, Joy Jones, and Logan Lance.

Students create unique artwork in ceramics class

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By Saniyah Courtney

In Ms. Holter’s ceramics class at Patterson High School, students are creating unique works of art with clay while building technical skills and getting hands-on experience with clay. The class provides foundational techniques and explores individual creativity, making it very beginner-friendly.

At the start of the course, students focused on basic skills that every ceramic artist needs to know, such as different types of clay, how to wedge the clay (which is very important) and facts about the kiln. 

As the class moved forward, students began applying these skills through several projects. One of the projects was a kiln God, imaginative sculptures from a tradition to “watch over” clay pieces while they fire in the kiln. This project encouraged creativity and allowed students to experiment freely with design and symbolism. Another project that the students worked on was pinch pots, which helped them create new shapes to form an egg with designs.

Students used the egg project as an opportunity to express unique ideas. For example, student Aaliyah Ward created a mermaid egg decorated with stars and a tail.

Another project was a snowman. Students practiced how to roll the clay, slip and score, and avoid many risks of it bursting in the kiln. Student Myra Fortune created a snowman with a detachable head and an afro to represent her creativity.

The current projects that students are working on are coil vases, each attaching the coils on top of each other to make a One-foot-tall vase.

Some students in ceramics are prepping for AP Art, making artworks to connect to their sustained investigation out of clay. A sustained investigation is a key part of AP Art where students explore a central idea or theme through artworks over time. 

While some students are focused on creating sculptures for their AP, the class remains a fun and supportive environment for students who are not focused on going to AP art. Many of the students simply enjoy the process of creating sculptures for daily use and even decoration, making the ceramic class fun for everyone.

AP psychology disorder presentations 

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AP Psychology students show off their “ugly dolls”

By Saniyah Courtney

At Patterson High School, in our AP psychology class led by Mr. Baron, students researched, presented different mental health disorders, created ugly dolls with special powers, and guided notes to help the class better understand how the disorder could affect someone.

Taron Taylor presented on ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), explaining the common symptoms like difficulty focusing and hyperactivity, and how it is treated. He also discussed medication options and possible side effects, and even used his own life examples to help the class understand both the benefits and challenges of treatment.

Jae’lynn Newby-Goode presented on cluster disorders, which focused on groups of personality disorders that are often categorized together. She explained ten different types of personality disorders and how medication can help manage symptoms, and how common it is for each gender. Jaalyn’s presentation helped show how complex personality disorders can be and how treatment often depends on the individual.

Zoe Harris talked about somatic symptom disorder, explaining how it is caused by a strong focus on physical symptoms that may not have a clear medical explanation. She discussed how stress and mental health can affect the body and explained ways people live with the disorder, and also used a celebrity as an example.

Marshall Mallory presented on bipolar disorder, explaining how it causes extreme mood swings between manic episodes. He also talked about the different types of bipolar and how it can be passed down through genetics, while also discussing how people manage the disorder through medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes to keep their moods more stable.

Roman Clark talked about OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), explaining how people experience unwanted thoughts and feel the need to perform certain actions repeatedly. He also shared myths about OCD, explaining how therapy can reduce these behaviors and improve daily life. 

Genesis Lagombra presented on dissociative disorders, going into detail about how they affect memory, identity, and awareness. She described how people may feel disconnected from themselves or from reality. She also discussed treatment options like therapy to help individuals regain a sense of stability.

Cesia Lopez Velasquez talked about eating disorders, explaining how they affect both mental and physical health. She discussed different types, the pressure that can contribute to them, and how treatment often includes therapy, medical support, and building a healthier relationship with food.

Sierra Skaggs presented on social anxiety disorder, explaining how it causes intense fear in social situations. She also discussed how it can affect communication and daily life, and she explained how therapy and coping strategies can help people feel more comfortable in social settings.

Along with these presentations, AP psychology students have also worked on a creative project where they created “ugly dolls” with superpowers to help the person with the disorder, allowing them to express themselves artistically while connecting their understanding of psychology to art.

Culture Night showcases unity through diversity

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Photo: Patterson Press

By James Smith

Patterson High School held its annual Culture Night on April 29, and it really brought the whole community together. With people representing over 40 countries and more than 20 languages, it was a true reflection of how diverse the school is.

There was a lot going on throughout the night. Different cultures like Russia, Jamaica, China, and Syria were represented through food, music, and performances, giving everyone a chance to experience something new.

“I love attending Culture Night every year and think our staff and students do such a great job of showcasing our diversity!”, said Ms. Reid. “The food and performances do not disappoint. I was happy to see more countries represented this year and think it will continue to grow in the years to come. This makes me proud to work at Patterson!”

“Culture Night was an amazing experience as a first-year teacher at Patterson”, declared Ms. Dockery. “It was a great opportunity to fellowship with coworkers, students, and their families. I thoroughly enjoyed the event, and I look forward to the next Culture Night.”

Students really made the night special. They shared their cultures in different ways, and you could see how much pride they had. One of the best parts of the night was the in-house modeling performance, where students walked the stage in cultural outfits. It was fun, energetic, and the crowd loved it.

“I enjoyed the dancing; it was so inspiring. I learned they do many dances and different dances for each culture. I would go again because I would like to try different cultures’ food.”, reflected student Daniel Washington.

Ms. Harris, who helped plan the event, stressed that it was truly a team effort. “This event did not fall on one group or department to plan, nor was only one group represented. Cultural celebrations happened on many levels and incorporated many of our diverse groups from our international student body to our sports teams and Arts department.”

Ms. Harris continued, “Every continent was represented with support from US born and international student and staff alike with performances, displays, and food. Even parents spontaneously sang and danced. On the night of April 29th, I truly saw One Patterson!”

Ms. Salinas, who brought a home-cooked Puerto Rican dish to the event, echoed this sentiment. “What I really love is the UNION of all nationalities together, knowing that we’re all the same and all deserve the same treatment and respect as who we are and not where we come from.”

Some staff members who attended this year’s Culture Night are already thinking about the next one. “I already have ideas about what I want to do for next year!”, said Ms. Matthews, who was in charge of the programs and performances. 

Overall, it wasn’t just about entertainment—it was about people coming together, learning from each other, and celebrating what makes everyone unique. It was a great night and a reminder of how strong and connected the Patterson community is.

Photo: Patterson Press

Patterson SGA participates in Ocean City convention

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By Yeimi Banegas

Student Government Association (SGA) members Yeimi Banegas, Marshall Mallory, and Taron Taylor traveled to the Maryland Association of Student Councils (MASC) convention in Ocean City in March to represent Patterson High School. 

The convention took place from March 18-20 with a jam packed schedule that kept students busy from 7:00 in the morning until 10:30 in the evening. The Patterson SGA members learned new leadership skills by attending workshops and networking with many student leaders from across the state of Maryland. The mission for this year was “SGA Agents”: The goal was to investigate new ways to improve school spirit, address students’ concerns, and deploy new leadership strategies back home. 

Accompanied by their passionate Advisor, Ms. Tran, it was the first time the four of us attended the MASC Convention, but we all had a great time making connections with students and advisors from other schools. We definitely feel more encouraged to continue serving as excellent leaders in our school, and likewise, to try to encourage all our fellow leaders who have not yet taken the step of joining our SGA. We hope that more students will continue to join us, so that we may learn from them just as they learn from us, and also so that they have the opportunity to experience MASC and enjoy the wonderful time that we did. The convention left us with many great memories, such as watching beautiful sunrises and sunsets over the ocean, all while learning how to become better leaders.

Painting for a purpose: teachers and staff create moon-themed artwork

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Photo: Ms. Marchewka

By Saniyah Courtney

Patterson High School teachers and staff gathered together in a classroom on February 19th to enjoy an evening of painting under the guidance of experienced art teachers, Ms. Marchewka and Ms. Holter. The painting session, which cost $30 to attend, was organized as a fundraiser to support education at Patterson.

During the event, teachers and staff painted a moon-themed piece of artwork. Teachers showed their support by not only attending but also actively participating in the painting process. The event was filled with laughter, drinks, and different types of food.

Teachers and several staff members brought their children to join the event, making it a welcoming, family-friendly experience. While some children preferred to stay with their parents to paint, others joined Ms. Holter in another art room, drawing animals, painting, and creating ceramics, allowing them to be a part of the event in their own way.

Ms. Marchewka guided the session, helping attendees through the painting process and also sharing ideas. Even those with little to no painting experience were able to follow along and enjoy themselves, creating a piece of art they were proud of.

The event successfully combined art and community, allowing staff to express themselves creatively while also contributing to a good cause. The money raised will go towards supporting Patterson’s “Grant A Wish” committee in getting supplies for students and funding future activities.

ICE is out of control (OPINION)

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by Angel Maravilla Chavez

Immigration enforcement has become a global issue that often violates the rights of immigrants, especially Hispanics. Many are forcibly taken and sent back to their home countries. This has led to protests, as immigrants feel their rights are being stripped away, resulting in violence.

A tragic incident occurred on January 7, 2026, in Minneapolis, when a 37-year-old woman named Renee Good was fatally shot by an ICE enforcement officer. This incident quickly garnered widespread attention, revealing the harsh realities of immigration enforcement.

In my opinion, the enforcement actions by ICE are horrific. It’s distressing to witness Hispanic individuals live in fear as agents break down their doors, taking away their rights and essentially kidnapping them, which violates the 14th Amendment. The situation is even more alarming when ICE enforcers target schools, taking Hispanic children in the same way they do adults. The methods employed by these officers are truly frightening. They are typically armed and show no restraint in apprehending Hispanic individuals.

I believe that we need a different approach to immigration policy in this country, one that respects the human rights of immigrants and is guided by compassion and understanding, not fear and hate.

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