Category Archives: Good Works

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. 

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.

Assistant principal runs to raise money for senior activities

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Photo: Mr. Sankofa

by Ashley Sarmiento Rodriguez

Patterson High School Assistant Principal Mr. Sankofa has been running to raise money for Cohort 2025 senior activities.

Mr. Sankofa traveled to Richmond, Virginia and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to participate in running events. At “Run Richmond”, he ran 16.19K, clocking in at 1 hour and 39 seconds with a pace of 9.53 per mile. In “The Great Race” in Pittsburgh, Mr. Sankofa ran 10K, clocking in at 52 minutes with a pace of 8.25 per mile. So far, he has
raised approximately $400.00 from families, Patterson colleagues, and friends who pledged to donate if he ran.

Mr. Sankofa began running in middle school and has been an avid runner ever since. He enjoys running for our school because he gets to work on his fitness and raise money for our school at the same time. His main supporters are his brothers because they also enjoy running together.

In my opinion, everything Mr. Sankofa is doing for us seniors is amazing. He’s doing something he enjoys and also rising money. It takes a lot to decide to take on a big role like that but he did it and he is definitely succeeding. This will help pay for senior events, prom, dances, etc.–anything we need money for.

“Running for Patterson was a great way for me to reach my fitness goals and also raise money for Patterson”, said Mr. Sankofa.

I appreciate it and I know many other seniors and teachers in our school appreciate and are very thankful for what Mr. Sankofa is doing for Patterson High School.

New art club to raise money for charity

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Photo: Ms. Marchewka

by Zander Hatziegorgalis 

A new art club at Patterson is making art for charity.

“There are a lot of students who like art”, said Ms. Marchewka, one of the art teachers at the school.

She would like to use that interest in art to do something positive for the community. She decided to start a new club this new school year for students to create their own individual art and to sell it to raise money for charitable organizations.

Ms. Marchewka has participated in art for charity projects outside of Patterson, so she wanted to bring her experiences to our school this year. Ms. Marchewka loved leading these clubs, so she brought the concept to Patterson so other students can experience it as well.

“I thought it would be a great opportunity to bring that experience to Patterson.”, said Ms. Marchewka.

Ms. Marchewka sent out a Google Form to staff members so they can order commissions of custom artwork. Students will receive service learning hours for their work.

“Currently we are working on a variety of posters and signs for folks.”

Any students who are not working on a commission are making paintings to sell at the Winter Concert and the Spring Arts festival. These paintings will be available for anyone to purchase.

Ms. Marchewka will let the students decide what they want to do with the money and which charities they want it to go to.

“The students will actually decide that,” she explained. 

Ms. Marchewka doesn’t know what the charities will spend the money on, because it’s their choice.

“It depends on the charity itself.”, she stated.

After students create original works of art, they will sell their artwork and Ms. Marchewka will be donating that money to any charity that the students in the club choose.

The Art for Charity club meets during Advisory. Currently Ms. Marchewka does not plan to add more students to the club.

“However, if I hear student interest in that, I would consider it for sure.”

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.

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.

New Student Group Working Towards Positive Change

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By Sierra Skaggs

As many readers may know, in the beginning of March we lost a fellow student due to gun violence. As a response to that tragedy, a group of students here at Patterson decided to form a group called Catalyst for Change.

The Patterson Press interviewed Christina Johnson, a senior who is a member of Catalyst for Change. At the time that we interviewed Johnson, there were 6 members in the group, but that number may have increased since then.

The students had a specific goal that they wanted to achieve when they created Catalyst for Change. 

“We created the group so students can have a voice, they can voice their problems, opinions, and be heard, and to show the cultural diversity of Patterson, and make a difference.”, explains Johnson.

According to Johnson, the group has consensus-based process for making decisions.

“We voice our concerns about the school and we come up with different ideas, brainstorming, and we each come up with a mutual agreement.” 

Catalyst for Change held a Culture Day event on April 27 to celebrate the cultural diversity of Patterson High School, which is the most diverse high school in Baltimore City. Principal Myrick called the event “phenomenal” and expressed her appreciation for the student organizers who “have been working consistently for six weeks to put their vision into reality”.

Many students and staff members are hopeful that Catalyst for Change will continue to be a force for positive transformation at Patterson next school year.

Patterson teachers sacrifice their personal time to support students

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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

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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! 

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