Category Archives: Departments

Patterson defeats ACCE 75-30 in season opener

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Republished with permission from http://pattersonbasketball.com

Patterson kicked off its season on December 5th with a dominating victory over visiting ACCE, 75-30, behind 25 points from guard Rysheed Corbin.

Corbin opened the game with eight straight points as the Clippers raced out to an early lead and never looked back. Corbin finished the game 9 of 15 from the field and added nine steals.

He got help from the rest of Patterson’s backcourt, which contributed to force ACCE into 34 turnovers. Kwynten Brooks had a solid all-around game, scoring four points and adding five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Dereck Oliver had nine points, Tyquan Pointer had seven points and five rebounds and Daquan Jones had three points and four rebounds.

The Clippers controlled the paint as well, out-rebounding ACCE 37-18. Dawan Bass had 15 points, eight rebounds and three steals and Fortune Okigweh had five points and nine rebounds. Emerson Atkins chipped in with five points and four rebounds.

Students get hands-on at STEM competition

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Students Baha Albatainch, Abhishek Younghang, and Tresor Echa construct a car out of common household items (Photo: Tamika Addison, Patterson Press)

By Anthony Ward,

Patterson high school held its sixth annual STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) competition  outside the auditorium on Thursday, November 21.

The STEM competition this year featured nothing but the best of innovative inventions and critically thinking students. For me, it was my first time competing with my fellow students in this yearly event and at first I was unaware of what it would be like or what challenges I would have to face. I, along with two of my classmates, formed a team that we named “Third Degree” (because there were three of us and my partners thought it was better than calling it “Anthony’s Team”).

After waiting in the auditorium for all the competitors to come in, we were given the rules which we were to follow to complete the stations properly and as quickly as possible. My team first ran into a barrel roll type of challenge which required the teams to build something that was able to roll down a ramp as quickly as possible without crashing. At first we were overwhelmed with the idea that we really had to build something that worked, but after a few blank stares and shouts about our time limit we came up with an idea. We decided to create a car because we thought that it was just obvious that a car would be what they want from us. We had no problem with the frame but we only had two wheels the same size as the frame and the only other thing was four huge CDs that clearly did not fit the frame. As time was running out, we realized we might not even finish the very first project. In a rush, we found two paper clips that hooked two of the CDs tightly together to keep them from falling apart and with a glimmer of hope we put them on the frame and sent it off. It seemed to move okay down the ramp, but once it left the ramp, the wheels fell apart almost instantly. We were all disappointed but we did get the hang of the how things worked.

We struggled through the next few activities: an egg drop, a math test that was more math than test and a contest called King Pong, where we had to design & build a container to hold as many ping-pong balls as possible at least one inch above the table. By that point, our team was one loss away from giving up.

Finally, we got one right. The event that we succeeded at was a boat sail challenge in which you had to sand down a boat and let it sail down a current. Whoever gets their boat to sail down the water in the shortest amount of time gets the most points. The tools and almost all of the equipment we used were basic things you could buy at a dollar store, yet we created things that were worth much more than that materials used to make them. It’s like a blend of Bob the Builder and your math homework, but instead of it being boring and feeling like a lecture it becomes something fun like wood shop (without the creepy teacher) or robotics (without any actual robots).

After the competitions, we sat in the media center for the best part, which of course was the food.  We had pizza, cookies, and drinks deserving of hard workers or our caliber, until they announced the awards and trophies to the top three teams. The winners were:

  • 3rd Place: Team X (Gerald Bobo and Charles [CJ] Conley)
  • 2nd Place: Team Team (Alexis Roy and Raul Esparza)
  • 1st Place: The Senior BATS (Baha Albatainch, Abhishek Younghang, and Tresor Echa)

No, my group was not in the top three but we were close and I do think my participation award (what it said on the flimsy paper) made me feel slightly better about losing. All in all, STEM this year tested our skills and creativity. And although it was tough, grueling, and had my mind doing loops like algebra homework, I survived and I sort of want to do it again, without getting the “you tried” award.

 

(Photos by Tamika Addison, Patterson Press:)

Patterson launches anti-violence campaign

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Students model clothing in a peace-themed fashion show (Photo: Mr. Canty)

By TyShawn Key,

It started with a bang. Punches were thrown, mace was sprayed and cameras were rolling. Television sets everywhere all over the city were tuned in to see the set of malicious brawls going on at Patterson High School. A school once known for its success with career pathways and production of superb athletes is now being depicted by the mass media for its “jaw dropping” fights. What happened? Where did things go wrong? Did things go wrong? Does this article really represent Patterson?

The media has this picture of Patterson colored in with the dirt found around the outskirts of the boundaries of our school, only showing a certain aspect of it. They’ve taken one extreme incident, and exploited it to make it seem as if this type of thing is a norm for our school. The media has attacked us, but will anyone respond? Is there one who has the gall or can muster the courage to take a stand for our school–for our Patterson family?

Our response is a new campaign called Patterson for Peace. Designed by Mrs. Shanell England, Patterson’s Community Outreach Coordinator, Patterson for Peace was created to reduce the level of violence in our school. The campaign was created because of fights like the one mentioned above. Mrs. England wants to change the community’s perspective of Patterson High School. She wants to show them what Patterson is really about. Patterson for Peace is calling for a full month without any fights at the school. The ultimate goal of this thirty day period of peace is to completely change the vibe of Patterson.

No longer will Patterson be known for its fights. Soon it will hopefully be known for its unity, peace, sports career pathways and other positive accomplishments. Under Mrs. England’s leadership, Patterson for Peace has already partnered with several outside businesses and organizations that have agreed to aid its efforts. Mrs. England understands some of the problems being concealed in the children of today, and knows the struggles of not having enough resources to solve these problems. Her ultimate goal is to reduce this problem. No longer should there be a “I don’t have” response  if there is ever a need in the mouth of Patterson 500 Family member. Mrs. England ultimately wishes to evoke, or rather resurrect, the spirit of brotherhood at Patterson, making it an even better place.

Most recently the Patterson for Peace organization presented the school with a fashion show where gorgeous student models graced the student body with their best expressions of peace through fashion, strutting their stuff, and making swag the ultimate understatement. Also, students have been creating many beautiful works of art promoting the message of peace. Some of this artwork can already be seen decorating the hallways. According to Mrs. England, this is just the tip of the iceberg, meaning that the best has yet to come. Patterson for Peace has promised to provide even more exhilarating events and jaw dropping experiences, along with many other character and confidence building activities.

Mrs. England would like to make a shout out to all of the beautiful models and everyone else who has volunteered their time, and the Patterson 500 family for keeping up with her. She looks forward to further engagement with the students, faculty and staff and sends her best regards to the Patterson 500 family. Anyone who wishes to take the Pledge for Peace or get involved with the campaign should see Mrs. England for more information.

(Photo: Mr. Canty)

Homecoming Dance is Back in Black

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(Photo by Brandon Diaz and Olvin Garza, Patterson Press)

By Brandon Diaz,

Patterson High School hosted a homecoming dance in the cafeteria on Friday, October 25th. The theme of the dance was “all black”. Students were asked to wear black clothing. The dance was a fun event for all who attended. Students were free to do what they wanted and they had no rules to hold them back. Food and drinks were provided and there was a DJ. Altogether, the Homecoming Dance was a great success and a memorable night for everyone who participated in it.

 

Photos by Olvin Garza and Brandon Diaz, Patterson Press:

Cristata Cares helps students to achieve their potential

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Local sportscaster and writer Keith Mills with Jonathan Odgen and Cristata Cares board members, Mattthew Wyskiel and Jonathan Bradley (Photo: Cristatacares.org)

By TyShawn Key

Cristata Cares is a non-profit organization founded in early 2012 with the goal of helping others. Their mission is to help students in their schools and communities learn and practice the necessary lifetime skills to live and lead a productive and higher-quality life. Recently the Cristata Cares organization has been sponsoring various financial literacy and academic support programs at multiple schools in the community, including Patterson High School and Vivian T. Thomas Medical Arts Academy. They have also sponsored various sources of entertainment for their programs such as Dr.Q, a locally known lyricist and author here in Baltimore, as well as speakers from different health careers at Vivian T. and–here at Patterson–academic mentoring and counseling from Kelly Bagdasarian, who was a perfect scorer on the Math portion of the SAT.

Recently I had the pleasure of interviewing one of the organization’s founders, Mr. John Bradley. Mr. Bradley holds an Associates of the Arts, a Bachelors of Science, and an Accounting degree. He also received an MBA from Johns Hopkins School of Business. Through high school and some of college, however, Mr. Bradley was just as rough around the edges as some of the students at Patterson and Vivian T. In fact it was not until his father cut him off and he had to face his own financial burdens that he finally got his act together. He now is out to help others learn from his mistakes so they can get an easier start than he did.

On the afternoon of Tuesday, October 8, 2013, I had an opportunity to sit down with Mr. Bradley to learn about his background and about the Cristata Cares organization and its programs. I asked Mr. Bradley what sparked his initial flare for helping create the organization. He replied with a story of how one day he had read an article about the number of children in Baltimore City that go to school hungry every day. This struck Mr. Bradley really deep in his heart. So he said that more should be done to help the hungry children in the City and the communities in which they reside, and that it was now his duty as a citizen, and as a native of Baltimore to take on such a task. He later shared that same article with his wife and a friend. Together they went to their church, which gave them financial support. In late April, Cristata Cares got approved by the IRS as a 50C3 non-profit, and then finally in early 2012 the organization was officially formed and became active. Within its first year of working throughout the schools and community, Cristata Cares was recognized by Baltimore City as an Outstanding Partner (2013).

Later, I asked Mr. Bradley how they intended to help the children and community through financial literacy programs. What led him to believe that finances were a necessary skill-set to learn at such an age? His answer was simple. He plans to use the business rule of 72, which explains how long it takes to double the return on an investment. Cristata Cares is calculating how many lives they can touch by investing their time in the various students they encounter.

Lastly, to end our interview, I asked Mr. Bradley why people should care about the Cristata Cares organization. He replied that people should care about the organization because it is helping our children and it is helping our community. Members visit the schools about twice a week, sometimes more. They sacrifice countless hours figuring out the best way to help the children they encounter, and they do this work for free. People should care about the organization because it is helping them (the community) out. However, Mr. Bradley said that it really doesn’t matter to him what people think about his organization. He works for the children. He is doing it for the children. He and his colleagues do not care about any accolades or praise from the community. They are not in it for any fame or money. He said that their biggest payoff is seeing a child live their dream.

Mr. Bradley would like to thank Mr. Benton, Principal of Patterson, and all other partners that gave Cristata Cares a chance.

Moving Along (OPINION)

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By TyShawn Key

WORDS OF WISDOM
“Stay focused. Everything you do this year WILL affect you in the near future.”-Mia Bean (Senior)

 

 
“Keep up your grades. Aim for grades higher than 60.“ 

-Kiyoun Grisson

 
“Think ahead of time.” 

-Mia Bean (Senior)

 
“Enjoy your high school experience! Hopefully it will only come once!” 

-Kiyoun Grisson

 

The school year is finally on its way. The classes have started, schedules are comfortable, and the lunch is disgusting. It’s officially begun. Are you ready? Are you really ready? For most this is the year of regrets, the time someone does something to mess themselves up. Many have claimed this to be the product of innocent ignorance and pure misguidance. Every year there are some that struggle and some that excel; some that climb, and some that fall; some that rise to the occasion, and some that get lost on the way. You get my drift. Here is some advice from us here at the Patterson Press, and from various members of the Patterson “500” Family.

Freshmen:

Freshmen, this is your first year in high school; the year of GPAs, the year of HSAs,  the year of “if only I would have”, and the year of “damn, I should have”. This is a big step for you. It’s not the year of make or break, but it is most definitely the year of play or shape.

Now is your time to decide how you want the rest of your high school career to be. Many people use this time to capitalize on their academics. Some people use this time to play around and make new friends. Then there are few people who find the balance between the two and get the best of both worlds. Aim to be the elite of the three. Talk to your friends, test the waters, but get your work done. Get that GPA as high as you cans so it won’t be as much of a hassle in years to come. (If you’re shooting for a 60, then aim higher!) It’s easier to fall down a hill than it is to climb up one. Start off strong so you’ll have a little more leeway when you become upperclassmen.

Sophomores:

Sophomores, this is your time to kind of just swing in the wind, master the ropes, prep for next year. You guys are in what I like to call the neutral zone of high school: no obligations, no prom fees, no class dues. This is chill time. This is the year for you to try out the clubs, play different sports and connect with your counselors, while still getting your work done. This is your chill year–take advantage of it. Talk to your counselors to see if you qualify for any of the programs that are linked in with our school if they don’t get to you first, or haven’t gotten to you already. Also, don’t play games with your future. Patterson is a pathway school. That, means that if you know that you want to join the army you should schedule in ROTC. If you know that you want to be a teacher you should most definitely hit up Ms. Greene’s class. If you know you want to hoop, join the team. If you know you want to write, join the Press! It is never too late to start on your dreams. Use your school to help make it happen.

Juniors:

Juniors, you have one year left. Time to start thinking about colleges, looking for scholarships, perfecting your SAT scores and building your resumes. This is probably the most important year in high school. Colleges start mailing, your SAT scores starts to matter, GPA starts to take its toll (be it good or bad), scouts from all around start summoning your presence. Really quickly you’ll start to see how fond military recruiters are of you. Start enacting your plans now. If you want to go to college, start looking for scholarships. If you want to join the Army, start practicing for the ASVAP. If you are building your own business, start planning your budget and marketing. Start tying up the loose ends from last year. Start enacting your plans for the future.

Seniors:

Seniors, congratulations! We made it! No longer are we the first-time bus riders who had to follow our friend home the first week of school or ask directions to room number such and such. We are now the seniors of Patterson High. We now know all we need to know about our school, and exactly what to do to get what we need. Like the freshmen, this too is a big year for us. It’s time for college applications, job interviews for many, FAFSA, turning eighteen for some, and turning up for all. There’s not much time left for us; this is the last year. The only things we can do are finish strong and help those behind us. For those of us who have Twilight, it’s time to get it done. For those of us who owe dues, it’s time to get them paid. For those of us who play sports, it’s time to bring home those trophies. This is it. Time to go out with a bang. Make sure to take care of all your obligations so you can enjoy (hopefully) your last year in high school.

Gone With the Wind (OPINION)

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(Image: Seattle Public Schools)

By Anthony Ward

If you are a senior, you are one of two types of people right now. Either you are the one planning ahead for your next chapter once out of high school or you are the one gazing back on unfixable mistakes with blissful nostalgia trying to find some sort of closure with high school and being a child all over.

Why? Maybe because being entitled as a high school senior is like being an old woman or man being diagnosed with one week to live. Plus, with the constant reminders that the senior year will go “like that” (said by the Principal, Vance Benton) you’ll begin to cling to what is familiar, including teachers (the ones you have known for more than two years); friends (those who have actually been there till the end), and office staff who can tell you have come so far from being a rowdy ninth grader by the number of times in and out of their office.

But there are also perks as well (and no, not the senior discount at IHOP or Denny’s). Because everything is oozing finality it can push a student to open up and possibly participate in as many events as possible. These events include joining the band with Mr. Gagne in the singing club, throwing on some gloves with Ms. Diehl in the Cooking Club, or even getting political with Ms. Brett in the SGA. Like the end of 1999, it’s the end of an era. But whether you were the bad-turned-good-student or the perfect-at-being-bad student you can take this short school year in and embrace it as if it were your last, because we will all soon be gone with he wind.

Students elect Homecoming Queen and King

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The 2013 Homecoming Court (Photo: Patterson Press)

By Tamika Addison

Patterson High School held the elections for Homecoming King and Queen on Friday, October 25, 2013. Among the seniors, Sherrod Hawkes won  the title of Homecoming King and Gerleene Garcia won the title of Homecoming Queen. Hawkes believes that he won the election because he is very popular, he gets good grades, and he is good at football. He was interested in running for Homecoming King because he wants everyone to know about him.

Underclassmen also elected a Homecoming Queen and King for their graduating class. The winners were:

  • 9th Grade: Blanca Bellso (Queen) and Coine LaRose (King).
  • 10th Grade: Savannah Morales (Queen) and Marquise Chamberlain (King).
  • 11th Grade: Kensy Licona-Linares (Queen) and Victor Banks (King).

All of the winners were presented with sashes at the Homecoming rally on the football field. The senior King and Queen also received crowns.

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