Category Archives: Community

Soccer Without Borders supports refugee students

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by Joseph Iradukunda

Have you ever seen someone walking around in a shirt that says SWB? If so, they are probably part of one of the Soccer Without Borders teams.

Patterson has more than 90 students playing on one of the three different SWB teams, including a girls team. Soccer Without Borders is an organization that supports newcomer refugee and immigrant youth in Baltimore and across the world — SWB operates in 122 different countries!

The organization uses soccer to help students find a community in a new country, get support with schoolwork, see new places through field trips and practice English.

The spring season will start soon. All teams practice two times each week and play games in different leagues on the weekend. If you are interested in joining one of the teams, or would like more information, please reach out to Ms. Moschelle in room 352.

Patterson High School celebra la herencia hispana (SPANISH)

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Click here to read this article in English.

por Diana Perez

El departamento de Arte de Patterson nos presentó una sólida presentación cultural en nuestro pequeño auditorio el martes 30 de septiembre para nuestros estudiantes. El evento celebró nuestro cuerpo estudiantil predominantemente hispano aquí en Patterson, para ayudar a los no hispanos y a los de origen hispano a comprender su identidad haciendo algo divertido. Esto también anima a los estudiantes a sentirse cómodos enorgulleciéndose de su cultura sin miedo ni juicio.

La comida fue servida en la cafetería a las 5:00 pm y terminó a las 6:00pm . Había un montón de pupusas que también incluía variedad de salsas , mientras música latino estaba en el fondo mientras esperamos para el show. A las 7:00 pm la audiencia entró en un auditorio oscuro para ver la muestra informativa.

La actuación de apertura fue un paso apasionado de unos 30 estudiantes que representaban a sus países, envueltos en banderas y atuendos culturales, marchando al ritmo de la introducción de una canción hispana por parte de nuestra banda de música. Cada estudiante sonreía de oreja a oreja, feliz de compartir la historia de su país con el mundo.

Un poco después de que las banderas subieran al escenario, una presentación de diapositivas compartió algunos de los valores apreciados en la cultura hispana. Estas diapositivas mostraron la importancia de las especias en las comidas hispanas, dieron una idea de las vidas de los latinos en Estados Unidos, los trabajos, los estereotipos raciales y la importancia del ritmo y el baile. Aprender sobre las dificultades tácitas de los hispanos, así como su potencial de éxito, ayuda a los estudiantes a ser más conscientes de las similitudes entre su propia cultura y otras culturas.

Muchos vecinos de estudiantes, primos, abuelas y más familia se unieron para apoyar y animar a su gente, sin importar su país.

“Con toda la agitación que está sucediendo en Estados Unidos, es importante celebrar siempre que podamos”, dijo el Sr. Richard, empleado de City School, compartió la importancia del orgullo y la felicidad en las vidas latinas.

Jeanileyshka Rodríguez, estudiante de interpretación, dijo que la mejor parte de su actuación fue “poder bailar junto con mis amigos y compañeros de clase”.

La actuación de los estudiantes fue bien recibida por la audiencia, incluidos los padres, muchos de los cuales expresaron esperanzas de más celebraciones de la herencia hispana en el futuro.

Patterson celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

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by Akira Sumpter

Patterson’s growing Arts department presented us with a strong cultural performance in our small auditorium on Tuesday, September 30th for our students. The event celebrated our predominantly Hispanic student body here at Patterson, to help non-Hispanics and those of Hispanic origin understand their identity by doing something fun. This also encourages students to be comfortable with taking pride in their culture without fear or judgment.

Food was served in the cafeteria from 5:00-6:00. There were plenty of pupusas packed with a variety of dips while Latin music played in the background as we waited for the show. At 7:00, the audience entered the darkened auditorium to watch the informative showcase.

The opening performance was a passionate stride of about 30 students representing their countries, draped in cultural flags and attire, marching to the beat of our marching band’s introduction of a Hispanic song. Each student was smiling ear to ear, just happy to be sharing their country’s story with the world.

Soon after the flags went on stage, a slide show presentation shared some of the values appreciated in Hispanic culture. These slides showed the importance of spice in Hispanic foods, gave insight into the lives of Latinos in America, jobs, racial stereotypes, and the importance of rhythm and dance. Learning about the unspoken hardships of Hispanics as well as their potential for success informs students to become more aware of similarities between their own culture and other cultures.

So many neighbors of students, primos, abuelas, and more familia came together to support and cheer on their people, no matter their country.

“With all the turmoil happening in America it’s important to celebrate whenever we can”, said City School employee Mr. Richard, sharing the importance of pride and happiness in Latino lives.

Jeanileyshka Rodriguez, a student performer, said the best part of her performance was “being able to dance together with my friends and classmates”.

The student performance was well received by the audience, including parents, many of whom expressed hopes for more Hispanic heritage celebrations in the future.

Jonathan Ogden Club makes positive impact

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by Coach Kelley Bagdasarian

As we wrap up the first half of the school year, we look back at what the Jonathan Ogden Club has accomplished so far. This year has been filled with community service, striving for excellence in the classroom, preparing for our futures, and becoming a close-knit club. 

Here are some of the highlights from first semester:

The club partnered with Graceland Park once again and were able to accomplish (2) readings, (1) mentoring, and (1) craft day. They also bought, wrapped, and distributed 150 gifts and stuffed animals to their PreK and kindergarten students, with some help from Santa! 

In an effort to support those in need, we prepared and donated 75 turkey sandwiches and 100+ hygiene bags for the homeless. While this may seem like a small act, it made a big impact on both the community and our club members.

In preparation for our futures we participated in five college visits, a Ravens Stadium Career Tour, and a virtual NFL Hall of Fame Tour. We also welcomed our community partners–Cristata Wealth and The Jaime Gervasi Team–to teach us how to become financially fit. 

One of the most memorable events this year was our annual holiday celebration at Dave & Buster’s. We spent the day playing games with Jonathan Ogden and were given a gift and an award based on our GPAs. 

Through all our projects and activities, the JO Club has consistently demonstrated the power of teamwork and service. We we are excited to continue making an impact in the second half of the school year. 

Patterson holds language learning dinner

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by Mirian Maurizaca

A language learning dinner took place at Patterson High School on November 14, 2024. There were two sessions for this event–the first one was for staff members at Patterson and the second session was for community members. This event was an opportunity for students in the Interpreting program to show off their language skills. 

There were three languages to learn: Spanish, Arabic, and Tigrinya. Students taught participants basic phrases in their language. Everyone had a chance to learn each language and many were enjoying it. There was also food which for many was the most exciting part of the event. The food reflected the diverse cultures of Patterson students, including pupusas from El Salvador, jollof rice and chicken from Nigeria, and falafel wraps from Syria.

Throughout the event, teachers, community members, and students were having conversations and learning each other’s languages. Everyone left with a packet with basic phrases so that they can keep practicing. 

School pantry helps in many ways

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by Ashley Sarmiento Rodriguez

The Patterson High School pantry is a place where students can donate canned goods, toothpaste, clothes, shoes, feminine products, and any other resources needed by other students, families, and the community. There are hundreds of families of Patterson students who may not be able to always afford certain necessities and the pantry is always there to help anyone who is in need. The school pantry also gives out the food they receive from donations to students to take home.

I think that having such amazing resources at our school is a great thing because it’s nice to have a comfortable spot to be and to be able to bring food home for your family. If one day you are cold or you don’t have a sweater, go to the pantry and they’ll solve your problem. If you know your family can’t get you some things that you need, then go to the pantry and ask about it and they will do everything they can to solve your issue.

Another thing the pantry ladies do is at the end of the school day every other day there are bags of food with many useful foods to take home and it’s open to all students to take home right before leaving the front doors. I think having that in schools is a great idea because it helps a lot of students who come to our schools and don’t have much and not be embarrassed or scared about it.

Ms. Reid and the other people who run the pantry are very nice and are always ready to help and solve people’s issues however they can. Another big way they help students is that students who don’t have enough service learning hours to graduate and need more can bring donate food and necessities to the pantry and get some hours for that. I’ve also known of people who go in there and help organize and clean up for some service learning hours. I was one of the students who needed hours and Ms. Reid had me help set up. It was a big help in lowering the number of hours i need. The pantry is a valuable resource to have in school and there should be one in all schools to help students or anyone who needs anything.

Patterson High School honors “Pioneers of Change” for Hispanic/ Latinx Heritage Month

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Photo: Patterson Press

by Kennet Garcia

Patterson High School celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15-October 15, highlighting this year’s theme, “Pioneers of Change.” The celebration ended with a special event on Wednesday, October 16th, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. The main purpose of the event was to bring students, teachers and families together in appreciation of Hispanic and Latinx cultures.

The support of the Art Department teachers and their students was evident even before the celebration, from a variety of decorations in the Cafeteria created by Mrs. Marchewka’s art students and the posters around the school by Ms. S. Jones, the Graphic Design teacher. During the event the Patterson band performed three amazing Latin American songs. Two other students, Maria Celeste Huertas and Jose Gonzalez, performed a Colombian folk dance called  “El Sanjuanero” under the direction of Ms. Hamm, our new dance teacher.  Other groups  also performed during the event.  

The group “Juventud Latina” presented several folk dances from Central America directed by their founder Mrs. Flores where they integrated the staff and the families that were there.

Bailes de Mi Tierra,  a Mexican folkloric ballet group directed by its founder Mr. Jose Reyes, closed the performances by thanking everyone for the opportunity to build a partnership with Patterson and inviting the students to join the dance group every Saturday at the dance studio in our school. The classes are completely free for Patterson High School students. Mr. Reyes and Bailes de Mi Tierra were recently recognized at the 2024 Hispanic Heritage Awards at Baltimore’s City Hall. 

Various organizations informed the students and their parents about the community services they offered completely free. This included the PHS community resources partnership and the Y of Central Maryland. Mrs. Reid provided information about the mentors program, careers and colleges, school community partners, the food bank and the school closet.

Community organizations like CASA de Maryland and local businesses like Oriented Healthcare and Jaskot Law were in at the event offering information about their services to Hispanic communities with academic tutoring, case management, college and financial aid support, guidance on immigration laws/policies and more. 

In the month leading up to the big event, the school celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month in a variety of other ways. In addition to highlighting Hispanics who made important contributions to history on the morning announcements and playing Latin songs during lunch, “various resources of educational and creative opportunities were shared with the school community, such as door decoration ideas and strategies to support the schoolwide writing initiative called “The Writing Revolution” through informational sources of important Hispanic pioneers of change,” said Mrs. Perez. “Patterson has more than 500 Hispanic students from 14 Spanish-speaking countries, plus our Hispanic Heritage students. We plan to continue holding this event in our school, to honor the legacy of our pioneers, to value and support our students and their families, and to recognize the contribution of many Hispanics/Latinx to this country.”

The Hispanic Heritage Month celebration was a great event. It helped people to know more about Hispanic/Latinx music, food and culture.

Program trains students to become interpreters

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Photo: Jamira Ellison

by Mirian Maurizaca

Next Generation Language Access (NGLA) is a training program for students at Patterson High School who want to become professional interpreters.

Since there are many people that have limited English proficiency in Baltimore, there is a shortage in access to interpretation services. Currently NGLA is partnering with 3 different high schools: Patterson High School, Benjamin Franklin High School, and Digital Harbor High School. The program started at Patterson in 2023. They did their pilot program last year and now there are five students who are certified to work as community interpreters.

NGLA’s mission is to train high school students to become professional interpreters to reduce language barriers in Baltimore City and also provide a career opportunity after graduation for first and second generation immigrant high school students.

“The reason we focus on high school students is…there is research showing that students that are first or second generation immigrants that are 18 and older are more likely to fall into poverty than students that are not first or second generation”, shared NGLA Founding Director Omari Jeremiah.

“We want to solve two problems by providing meaningful employment opportunities for high school graduates that are first or second generation immigrants in the United States.”

Aside from providing a career path for immigrant youths, Mr. Jeremiah’s other goal is “reducing language barriers so that everyone, regardless of their language that they speak, is able to receive the services they need to thrive in Baltimore City.” 

Students join the program for a variety of reasons.

“I want to learn how to interpret”, said Jesler Caledron. “I’ve never liked any class like this class because I participate a lot.”  Calderon hopes to find work as an interpreter after he earns his certification.

“I want to have better communication in Baltimore City”, explained Raymond Alabi. While he’s looking forward to earning his certificate and getting paid to interpret, he has also made some personal connections through the program. “I feel good to have new friends”, Alabi said.

Zeinab Al-Ali is hopeful that the program is going to help her when applying for college. She also believes that her interpreter training will help her family. “ I feel this class is going to help me in the future because I have to interpret for my parents so I can know what to say and how to do it.”

Although Next Generation Language Access is currently only operating in a few schools, the program has plans to expand.

“We are always growing and evolving. There is a huge need for interpreters throughout the country, not just Baltimore City”, said Mr. Jeremiah. “We are excited to see how things continue to evolve.”

Culture Night returns for second year

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by Mirian Maurizaca

Patterson High School hosted its second annual Culture Night on April 30th from 5:00-7:00 PM. The event was sponsored by the student organization, Catalyst for Change. People brought a variety of different foods from their cultures. There were several different types of presentations. There was music and dancing, and people wore traditional clothing styles from their cultures. 

At the event there was a lot of food from around the world, including African food, Filipino food, Jamaican food, Arabic food, Mexican food, and American food. One of the musical pieces presented reminded a teacher about where she was.

One of the reasons for organizing Culture Night was “to bring everyone together,” according to Ms. Olunuga. Another reason was to represent “the culture of every nationality that is in Patterson High School,” said Ms. Godinez. 

The event helped people start to understand and appreciate each other’s cultures more.

“I think everyone had the opportunity to connect more”, said a teacher whose name the Patterson Press did not catch. “It was a really rich experience.”

Patterson’s unsung heroes: Volunteer Brigade making difference

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by Frank Hill

In the heart of Patterson, a dedicated group of individuals quietly works behind the scenes, embodying the spirit of community service. While their efforts may go unnoticed by many, the impact they have on the local community is immeasurable.

Meet the Volunteer Brigade, a diverse team of residents committed to making Patterson a better place for everyone. From organizing neighborhood cleanups to supporting local charities, these unsung heroes embody the true essence of community engagement.

In an exclusive interview with Ms Edrolin, a longtime member of the Volunteer Brigade, she shared insights into the group’s history and their ongoing initiatives. “We believe in the power of collective action. Small acts, when multiplied by many, can transform a community,” Ms. Edrolin expressed passionately.

The Volunteer Brigade’s impact extends beyond traditional volunteer work. They have spearheaded initiatives to address social issues, partnering with local organizations to raise awareness about homelessness and advocate for meaningful change. Through a series of community forums, they aim to foster dialogue and encourage residents to actively participate in shaping the future of Patterson.

One of their notable projects involved collaborating with a local school to establish a tutoring program for underprivileged children. The success stories emerging from this initiative highlight the transformative effect of grassroots efforts on individual lives.

To delve deeper into the impact of the Volunteer Brigade, I had the opportunity to speak with Ms. Fleet, a mother of two whose family has directly benefited from their programs.

“Their dedication goes beyond the surface. They genuinely care about the well-being of our community, and it shows in the positive changes we’ve experienced,” Turner shared.

As Patterson continues to grow, the Volunteer Brigade remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving the neighborhood’s unique character. Their latest project involves creating a community garden that not only beautifies the area but also promotes sustainable living practices.

In an interview with Patterson’s Principal Myrick, she commended the Volunteer Brigade’s efforts, stating, “Their work aligns with our vision for a vibrant and caring community. Patterson is fortunate to have such dedicated individuals driving positive change.”

The Volunteer Brigade’s story serves as a testament to the transformative power of grassroots initiatives. By shedding light on their endeavors, we hope to inspire more residents to join the cause and contribute to the betterment of Patterson. In a world often filled with headlines dominated by challenges, the Volunteer Brigade stands as a beacon of hope, proving that positive change begins at the community level.

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