Category Archives: Community

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.

YouthWorks provides opportunities for students to earn money and gain work experience

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By Mirian Maurizaca

Youthworks is a program for teens that gives them a chance to work during summer and get paid. This program began in 1973. They provide a 5-week job opportunity, from July 8th to August 22nd. Young people between the ages of 16 and 21 are eligible for the program. The application opens every year in January and ends in March. 

“The purpose of YouthWorks is to provide students with hands-on experience in different careers.”, explained Mr. Córdoba, a Post-Secondary Advisor at Patterson.

“Students have the ability to fill out a survey in the registration form that allows them to express which pathways they are currently enrolled in and what careers they are interested in. The Mayor’s Office of Employment Development then uses the information from the registration form to match students with a job site that matches the student interest.”

“It is a way to earn money for fun, to help your household or start a savings account. Gain meaningful work experience to build your resume and learn your likes and dislikes for future employment,” added Ms. Reid, the Community School Coordinator at Patterson.

Students can apply by visiting this link: https://youthworks.oedworks.com/. Students can apply any time before March 22nd-the sooner, the better. 

There are many organizations and companies that hire through Youthworks.

“Students focusing on nursing can work at Johns Hopkins Bayview, while other students who may need to catch up on graduation requirements can attend summer school through YouthWorks.” said Mr. Córdoba.

“Other job sites include the City of Baltimore government and businesses in the private sector. Most of the time, students are required to help out in the daily needs of the business or entity. In every case, students are trained to perform any duty that is asked of them.”

Ms. Reid encourages all students to apply for YouthWorks. “Everyone should apply from age 14, because if you don’t, you won’t have the opportunity to try it out”.

However, Mr. Córdoba pointed out that students do need to have a Social Security number to apply. Seniors who are interested in YouthWorks and do not have a social security number should reach out to Mr. Córdoba to explore other opportunities.

Youthworks is helpful in many ways: it helps students get experience and find out what they like while also earning money. Don’t miss out on this opportunity–apply before the deadline!

Patterson provides services to meet student needs beyond education

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By Deontay Blackwell

Ms. Lia Reid, Community School Director
(Photo by Deontay Blackwell, Patterson Press)

Like most schools in Baltimore, Patterson High School offers services or help to students who may need it. For our school, we have a plethora of services that need to be better known by the general student population.

Ms. Reid, the community school director, runs the community center at Patterson, better known as the pantry. She helps to bring partnerships into the schools based on students’ needs. For example, she brought the B.A.T.S Automotive Club to our school last year and an interpreter program this year. 

“I have a lot of families come in just to get food to take home for the weekend or holiday break, we get frozen meats which is new this year, we also get a lot non perishable items all the time in the pantry.”, Ms. Reid said.

Ms. Reid also runs the Clipper Closet where people can find any clothes they need. Ms. Reid explained how the community center can provide clothes for people like button-downs, ties, and dresses for job interviews or any other reason. Even if there’s none on hand students can request a specific article of clothing that they might need if asked. They also have a lot of shoes and jackets not just for students but for anyone in their family who might need some clothes or request sizes for people who might have younger siblings by working with other schools that have clothes as well.  

Ms. Reid also has a comfort closet within the community center where she keeps toiletries and feminine hygiene items for students who might not have some, in addition to that she sometimes even has household items like laundry detergent, sheets, pots, and pans.  

While Ms. Reid operating the community center here at Patterson brings in much support for students, the nurse’s office/health suite next door also provides medical services for students here. Katie, the nurse practitioner here, helps provide medical care to students while other nurses are giving vaccines to students, doing physicals for upcoming student-athletes, helping kids with chronic illnesses like diabetes, and giving medication to those who are sick. They can even help with allergens and other minor chronic illnesses. The health suite is run by the Baltimore Medical System which also supplies them with the things they need on a day-to-day basis. Students can also receive STD testing, condoms, birth control, and sign themselves into a confidentiality consent law that doesn’t require their parents’ permission to receive these services. 

Although there are many services at our school that are unknown to most students, you can always ask the Main Office or a teacher for help and they will direct you to someone who can help with your needs. There are many more services besides the ones mentioned in this article. 

Remembering those we lost this holiday

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By Jennifer Iraheta-Delcid

On Thanksgiving in Baltimore, many have lost their loved ones and Thanksgiving doesn’t feel the same to them. Additionally, many Baltimore residents don’t have the resources to celebrate this holiday. Fortunately, there are many generous people who want to help out and give to those in the community.

Firstly, In West Baltimore there is an event called ‘The Giveback’ celebrated on Thanksgiving. The reason for this event is to help out the community and give back to them, especially to those who are not financially able to celebrate this day. Secondly, There is another group of people who provide meals to the families of homicide victims in order to share their kindness to someone who is grieving the loss of their loved ones. These simple but thoughtful events are able to unify everyone, provide for those in need, and bring joy, cheer, and reassurance to the community. 

Jade Harper started the Overcame Foundation and also teamed up with the City of God apparel shop where she provides hot meals, dancing and music, and even warm clothes. It has almost been a decade since this celebration first occurred. This event is able to bring joy and hope to many. Many children and adults benefit from this since they are able to walk away with free warm new clothes. There were 40 volunteers from the city ready to give back. Being able to give back and see the glow in people’s eyes is “monumental” to them. Jade’s main goal is to show people in the community that there are still people who care and are there to support them. 

Peggy and Kevin Callahan, organists of the Sacred Heart Glyndon Catholic Church teamed up with the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Grief Ministry Program to provide meals to 30 families who have lost family members to homicide. The Archdiocese was focused on bringing joy to the families on this holiday. Additionally, parishioners donated enough to be able to provide meals and gift cards to families on Thanksgiving. The grief ministry program has helped 365 families in the past two years who have gone through traumatic losses by providing many things such as groceries, care packages, relocation costs and funeral expenses. Peggy and Kevin, as well as the everyone else involved in the program, feel blessed to be able to help these families and bring some joy and hope to their homes.

Also, in Belair, the R.I.C.H. Foundation (Reaching Innocent Children’s Hearts) is having a holiday giveback for Christmas on December 22.

Many take for granted what they have and don’t cherish it, while some people suffer the loss of their loved ones during the holidays where most families are united. Then there are others who don’t have the resources to celebrate this holiday. Fortunately, there are many who care and have kindness in their hearts who are able to volunteer and help these families and the community and give back to them and also provide them with a joyful holiday.

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