Category Archives: Departments

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.

Sign Language should be taught to everyone (OPINION)

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By Yastelin Sanchez Turcios

When will inclusion stop being a recommendation, and start being taken seriously?

All the time, deaf people have to get used to what’s considered “normal” in society to fit in. Research from EdSource shows that teaching sign language to students will create positive benefits, not only for the deaf community, but also to hearing students. American Sign Language (ASL) should be taught in school to promote inclusion, improve communication, and create equal opportunities for the deaf community.

In order to understand the importance of ASL being taught at school, it is necessary to understand the struggles that the deaf community has endured throughout the years, and how inclusion can help reverse that.

Research has shown a great amount of deaf children have had negative experiences in school environments, where being deaf is not common or “normal”. According to Brookings.Education, “a bilingual approach addresses the isolation and exclusion deaf children frequently experience in classrooms and school environments”. If sign language was taught in schools to everyone, deaf kids would be less likely to feel isolated and excluded, and it would help create a more inclusive environment where they can learn like everybody else instead of expecting them to do so on their own.

In addition to promoting inclusiveness, teaching ASL in schools would benefit all students. According to research by the National Institutes of Health, “learning sign language would benefit individual students, as it would improve each student’s overall communication skills and provide additional cognitive advantages that come from being bimodally bilingual”. This means that making ASL mandatory would not only support the deaf community but also help all students develop communication skills for better opportunities.

Some people believe ASL should not be taught in schools because most students will never interact with a deaf person. They believe that because the deaf community is a smaller portion of the population, learning ASL is not necessary. However, ASL benefits students beyond communication with the deaf community but also increases and develops more cognitive advantages. Therefore, the deaf community’s population should not be a reason for sign language not being in schools curriculums. 

In conclusion, American Sign Language should be taught in schools because it creates a more inclusive and supporting learning environment. This would make the deaf community feel more included and integrated with everybody else. Teaching ASL would not only support the deaf community, but also help all students improve their communication skills, and build empathy. Although some people think ASL is unnecessary because of the smaller size of deaf population, education should not focus only on the majority, but on inclusion and creating a more accepting and diverse world.

A Tribute to Officer Torbit

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School Resource Officer Chancellor Torbit (center) – Photo: Ms. Waker

By Akira Sumpter

There is a school police officer at Patterson High School who is held in very high regard by the Patterson community. The special officer in question is none other than Officer Torbit.

He has protected this school for years, and even when his duty called at another school, he still found his way back to family, protecting and supporting students at events. If you go to Patterson High School and you haven’t heard of Officer Torbit, that either means you only know him by his charisma and charming smile or you’ve been hiding under a rock.

Officer Torbit has established meaningful relationships as the school’s resource officer (RSO), in charge of protecting the nearly 1,300 students who attend school at Patterson. He’s put in countless hours and countless smiles, and even when he’s feeling down, he manages to uplift others. This amazing man has been a huge role model for these students.

Officer Torbit takes pride in law enforcement, mentoring, and keeping a safe environment for students and staff. 

“Officer Torbit has been holding the school down since I was a freshman”, remarked senior Alexander Riddick.

That’s four consistent years of dedication and encouragement! Many students and staff members love and appreciate Officer Torbit and we thank him for his service to our school community.

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.

Graduating senior reflects on his experience at Patterson

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Click here to read this article in Spanish.

By Jose Ismael Serpas Montoya

Hello everyone. My name is Jose Ismael Serpas Montoya. Many of you know me by my first name, Jose, and some by Ismael. I am a student at Patterson High School, and these are my final days at the school because I am a 12th-grade student, a senior.

I want to start by thanking David Montoya, my uncle, for all the support he has given me since I came to this country. From the very first moment I arrived, you were there supporting me, guiding me, and giving me strength to keep moving forward. Thank you for every piece of advice you gave me, because every word had value in my life. Many times I may not have said it, but I always listened to your teachings and kept them with me. Thank you for helping me when I needed it most, for caring about me, and for always checking on how I was doing in school and in life.

Thank you for teaching me to be strong, responsible, and to never give up. Thank you for showing me that nothing in life comes easy, and that everything is achieved with effort and discipline. Also, thank you for the scoldings, because today I understand that each one was a way of wanting to see me improve, to correct me, and to push me to be a better person. If I am where I am today, a big part of it is thanks to you. I will never forget everything you did for me. You will always have my respect, my love, and my eternal gratitude. I love you.

Patterson became my second home. It is a place full of endless opportunities, challenges, lessons, and also people with big hearts. During these four years, I met many people: good people, difficult people, people who came into my life to teach me something. I also met two very special people who will always live in my heart: Maria and Estenia. When they read this, they will know I am talking about them. Thank you, truly. I love you both with all my heart.

You came into my life and left memories that I will never erase. On days when I felt tired, sad, or unmotivated, you managed to make me smile. Sometimes with something small—a word, a look, a joke, or simply your presence—you made everything feel better. That means so much, and I will never forget it.

With you, I experienced very special moments—moments that may seem small to others, but which meant so much to me. Thank you for making my days more beautiful, for being with me through different stages, and for giving me memories that I will always carry with me.

Maybe some days I also made you upset–especially you, Estenia (hahahaha). Sometimes I was grumpy with you, and for that I apologize. But no matter how much time passes, I will always carry you in my heart.

Maria, thank you for your support, for being by my side through good and bad times, when I was sad and when I was okay. Thank you for listening to me, for advising me, and for being such a special person. You are one of those people who radiate beautiful energy and brighten the day of those around you. Your friendship meant so much to me, and I will always value it. You are in my heart.

Estenia, thank you for every smile, every shared moment, and every memory. Thank you for your personality, your kindness, and for all the times you made my days better without even realizing it. You will always have a special place in my heart. I love you both, Maria and Estenia, with all my heart, and I will always wish you the best.

In my final days at Patterson, I also met wonderful people who gave me many laughs with their jokes and funny moments: Noah, Cecia, and Britney. I met them in Ms. Holter’s ceramics class. Thank you guys for your kindness, your advice, your jokes, and the laughter.

I had many difficult moments at Patterson, but I took each one as a challenge, as an opportunity to grow and never give up. I also want to thank my parents for their support. Even though they are not with me in this country, they have always supported and believed in me. Also, thank you to my sister for her advice.

Ms. Sánchez—there is a teacher I will be grateful to for the rest of my life: Ms. Sánchez from the Teacher Academy of Maryland (TAM). There are not enough words to express everything she meant to me during these years. You were not just a teacher in a classroom—you were a guide, constant support, and someone who believed in me even in moments when I doubted myself.

Thank you, Ms. Sánchez, for helping me grow not only as a student, but also as a person. Thank you for teaching me discipline, responsibility, and the importance of working hard every day. Thank you for showing me that dreams can come true when you work with dedication and heart.

You didn’t just teach me how to manage a classroom, work with students, or understand what it means to be a teacher—you taught me life lessons that I will carry with me forever. You taught me to get back up in difficult moments, to not let problems defeat me, and to keep going even when the path seems hard.

Every piece of advice you gave me had value. Every word of encouragement helped me more than you can imagine. In moments when I felt tired, sad, or worried, you were always there to listen, guide me, and remind me that I could achieve more than I thought.

Thank you for the laughs, the good moments, the conversations, the details, the gifts, and for showing me genuine care. I always knew you did everything because you wanted to see me succeed and because you cared about me.

You became like a second mother to me at Patterson. Knowing I could count on you made a big difference in my school life. Sometimes a person just needs someone to believe in them, and you did that for me. Everything I learned from you, everything I experienced in TAM, and all those beautiful memories—I will never forget them.

No matter what happens in the future, I will always remember you with love, respect, and gratitude.

I also want to thank Ms. Pérez for allowing me to teach alongside her in AP Spanish class. Thank you for teaching me how to stand in front of a class, how to help students, and how to continue growing as a future educator. Thank you as well for the advice, the laughs, and the hugs.

During my internship as a teacher assistant with Ms. Pérez, I met many students who became my own students. Now when I see them in the hallways, they greet me and show me kindness. It’s something beautiful to leave a positive mark on others and be able to say: “Wow, I did well.”

Thank you also to Ms. Jaen. I still remember the day you told me to join the TAM class—you insisted and insisted. And look at me now–I made it. You never stopped believing in me. Thank you.

At Patterson, there were laughs, difficult moments, trips, and new experiences. I did things I had never done before in my life—visited new places, learned new things, and lived unforgettable experiences.

I am writing this with tears in my eyes because I don’t want to leave Patterson. But even though I have to go, I leave with a smile because I know I have left a mark on this school and in the hearts of many people, just as they left a mark on me.

I remember my first day at Patterson. It was very difficult because I didn’t know much English and didn’t understand how the school worked. But little by little, I learned more English and improved every day. Now I look back at that boy who started from zero, and I tell myself: “Wow, you did it. You never gave up, and look where you are now.”

All the effort, the challenges, and the hard moments were worth it. Patterson taught me that you don’t have to climb a mountain to feel on top of the world.

I also want to thank all the teachers who were kind to me and impacted my life in one way or another: Ms. Sánchez, Ms. Pérez, Ms. Jaen, Mr. Pernia, Ms. Torregoza, Mr. Callahan, Mr. Galdamez, Mr. Ski, Mr. Frederick, Mr. Cortez, Ms. Harris, Ms. Waker, Ms. Holter, Ms. Redington, Ms. Edwards, Ms. Ramos, Ms. Wallace, Ms. Monica, Ms. Mayra, Ms. Morgan, Ms. April, Ms. Blum (Coach), Ms. B., Ms. P., Mr. Z., Mr. O’Neal (both brothers), Ms. Hade (both mother and daughter), Mr. Tyras, Ms. John, Mr. Pesa, Ms. Hux, Ms. Tyra, Ms. Foster, Mr. Maguirre, Ms. Dockery, Mr. Baron, and Mr. Lopez.

Also, thank you to the Patterson staff: Mr. Rivas, Ms. Karina, Ms. Salinas, and all the coaches and school workers.

Thank you all for every word, every piece of advice, every smile, and every lesson.

This is not a goodbye; it’s a see you soon.

I leave a little sad because I don’t want to leave my Patterson family, but I also leave happy because I know all this effort and all these years were worth it.

I leave smiling.

See you soon. I love you all.

The Swim Team Swimming To Their Legacy 

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by Araya Brinkley 

This season, the Patterson Clippers swim team has shown that success isn’t just about speed–it’s about trust. From the first practice to the latest meet, the team has grown stronger by believing in one another and moving as one unit. 

Every race, every workout, and every moment of doubt was met with encouragement and teamwork, proving that when we trust each other, we run harder and stronger. The coaches constantly remind players to stay locked in, even under pressure. 

One of the most repeated reminders we hear is “Turn to the side. Breathe out of your mouth.” This more than just advice. It’s a symbol of staying calm, focused, and in control when it matters most. That mindset has helped us push through tough races and finish strong, no matter the challenge.

What truly sets the Clippers apart is our bond. We don’t just swim together; we support each other like family. Before every race, our team chant fills the air: “Family on 3, family on me… 1, 2, 3 FAMILY!” Those words remind us that no one competes alone. Every stride is backed by the trust and love of the entire team.

So far this season, the Patterson Clippers have proven that unity is our greatest strength. By trusting each other, listening to our coaches, and standing together as a family, we’ve built something bigger than wins; we’ve built a legacy.

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.

Chess champion visits Patterson

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by Jose I. Serpas

Patterson High School had the honor of welcoming a very special guest on January 9 when Rochelle Ballantyne, a nationally recognized chess player, lawyer, speaker, and advocate for inclusion, paid the school a visit. The event was hosted by the Patterson Chess Team and co-sponsored by the Baltimore Kids Chess League, and it became an unforgettable experience for students from Patterson and across the city.

Rochelle Ballantyne is known not only for her success in chess, but also for her powerful story. She won a high school chess championship while still in middle school, later becoming one of the stars of the award-winning documentary Brooklyn Castle (2012). The film followed five students from a junior high school chess team in Brooklyn and showed how, despite coming from low-income communities, they won more national championships than any other school in the country. Through chess, Rochelle showed how education, discipline, and opportunity can change lives.

During her visit, Ballantyne gave an inspiring TED-style talk where she shared her personal journey. She spoke honestly about her wins and losses, and how chess helped her grow–not just as a player, but as a person. She explained that Brooklyn Castle was about more than personal success—it highlighted bigger issues in the education system and the importance of investing in young people. Ballantyne emphasized that chess gave her a voice, one she does not take for granted, and allowed her to inspire students in communities like ours.

One of the most powerful messages from her speech was about leadership and perspective. Ballantyne explained that chess teaches you to see the world through someone else’s eyes. Every piece has value, just like every person has a story worth hearing. She shared how this mindset shaped her into a better lawyer, listener, and advocate. According to Ballantyne, real leadership is not just about making the right move, but about listening, adapting, and understanding the whole board—both in chess and in life.

After her talk, Ballantyne played against 45 students, taking on 20 opponents at a time, which amazed everyone watching. She did not lose a single match. However, due to her tight schedule and the need to catch her train, she offered draws to Nathan Hernandez, Dominic Robinson, and Brandon Lopez. Special recognition was also given to Kaniya Gardner and Josseling Cadena for their outstanding performance. Many students said they felt inspired and motivated by the experience.

I had the opportunity to interview Rochelle Ballantyne during her visit. When I asked her about her time in college, she shared that it was difficult at first because it was her first time away from home and the academic work was much harder. However, she said college opened her eyes to a new world and helped her discover who she wanted to be and what she wanted to do in the future.

When asked about the biggest challenges she faced, Ballantyne spoke about growing up in a low-income household and helping support her family. She emphasized the importance of community, family, and having people who believe in you. She shared that her mother and grandmother were the first people to truly believe in her and push her to achieve her goals, something she said she will always be grateful for.

Reflecting on Brooklyn Castle, Ballantyne explained that she did not feel pressure during filming because she was very young at the time, but she is proud of the impact the movie had. She believes it helped show how important education is and why it deserves more support. When asked what she would tell her younger self, Ballantyne answered simply but powerfully: “Keep going.” She reminded students that even when things are uncomfortable or painful, there is something brighter on the other side.

The event was truly a team effort, and special thanks go to the Patterson Chess Team members, including Nelson, Amori, Donavan, Devin, Steven, Jaisdel, Jordon, Libny, Rubi, and Roman, who helped make this event possible. Ballantyne herself praised our school, saying, “I was really impressed with Patterson. They are really building something special here.”

Rochelle Ballantyne’s visit was more than a chess event—it was a lesson about perseverance, leadership, and believing in yourself. For many students, including myself, her story was a reminder that no matter where you come from, with determination, support, and vision, you can change your future.

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