Category Archives: Departments

Homecoming pep rally inspires Patterson Pride

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by Saniyah Courtney

The Patterson High School football field was full of joy and excitement as the students entered the field on October 10. Every class cohort came to support their teams and get hyped up for the Homecoming game.

The event began with a powerful Color Guard performance by JROTC, setting the tone for the Pep Rally while presenting during the playing of the National Anthem. Next up was the cross country team running down the track, followed by the girls football team, the JV football team, the varsity football team, and finally, the cheerleaders. The cheerleaders brought the crowd to life with their chants, dances, and cheers, showing off their hard work and spirit.

Students filled the bleachers and field, sitting with their cohorts and waving their cohort banners, posing for pictures and shouting for their class cohort while being asked what they like about their cohort, and which class cohort is the best. Lena Brown shared, “I like that my cohort gets along and they are laid-back. The best cohort is the Class of 2026 and Class of 2027.” Roman Clark proudly declared, “2027 is the best cohort because I like the colors and we are very confident.”

The day was packed with activities, including tug-of-war, rapping performances, cup challenges. dances, and even moments when ice buckets were thrown, making the crowd laugh and cheer.

Around the entrance of the field, students enjoyed sweet treats from the Kona Ice truck and other fundraiser snack tables. The Marines were also there with their pull-up bar, joining in the fun and supporting the students.

One of the biggest highlights of the pep rally was the announcement of the Homecoming King and Queen for the seniors, and Prince and Princess for the juniors, which were both celebrated with loud cheers and applause from their fellow students.

Students shared their thoughts about what they enjoyed from the event and what can be improved for next year’s pep rally.

Larry Escobar said, “I think today’s pep rally was fine, but it should have more activities so everyone could be a part of it.”

Myra Fortune added, “They did a really good job, but I feel like it could have been in the gym and we could have our phones.”

Ms. Masati, a teacher at Patterson, said, “My favorite sports team that came out was all of them because I love all my students.”

Zoe Harris also said, “I liked the cheerleaders because they did it the best and they showed off.”

The pep rally was more than just a school event. It was a day filled with laughter, teamwork, and pride. Each class showed their spirit, teachers and students came together, and everyone left smiling. It was a perfect way to celebrate Patterson pride and get ready for Homecoming, reminding everyone what it means to be a true Clipper.

Patterson High School celebra la herencia hispana (SPANISH)

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Click here to read this article in English.

por Diana Perez

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Patterson celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

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by Akira Sumpter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cell phone ban is unfair (OPINION)

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by Zander Hatzigeorgalis

Baltimore City Public Schools began enforcing a new policy this school year where mobile phones are banned from being used in schools from bell to bell during the school day. The ban is being enforced in every public school in Baltimore City and is part of a growing trend that is spreading to many school districts across the United States.

Many teachers are against this policy and a lot of students are as well. Many students will get sneakier with using their phones, but their phones will be taken away if they are caught using them.

This phone policy has gotten out of hand. Let’s say if I had an accident in my pants and needed to text my father to tell ask him to bring me a new pair. An administrator would take my phone away from me. No matter how many times I tell them why I need to use it, they do NOT care.

Phones are not even allowed during lunch. As someone who cannot handle loud noises, I need headphones to help me in noisy environments like the cafeteria. Sometimes I feel too mentally drained to even communicate with other students. If I were to text my father about something, I would need to go into the bathroom stall, which I hate, since bathrooms aren’t always the cleanest.

I am a student who struggles with school, not because of my phone or headphones, but because it’s hard to focus in some classes due to how poorly the teachers teach me and how boring the classes are. I personally think that the students who struggle like I do should have music playing in their headphones during individual work time or should be allowed to just glance at their phone to look at the time without their phones being taken by the administrators.

I feel like people focus on the wrong thing rather than the actual bad stuff out in the world like students taking their own lives, school shootings, our rights being stripped away, and so much more, and yet they’re worried about phones being a “distraction”? I really think this is so damn unfair. I abhor everything about the phone policy and I abhor how people focus on phones rather than on traumatizing things that cause Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). There are other distracting things out there–for example, there is this one student in my class who can never shut up.

Phones aren’t the problem. The School Board should end the ban on cell phones and start focusing on the issues that really matter.

School district implements new cell phone policy

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by Genesis S. Machuca, Tiffany A. Martinez, & Jamaal McFadden

Baltimore City Public Schools will require students to keep their cell phones and other personal electronic devices powered off, put away, and secured throughout the school day beginning with the 2025–2026 school year. The policy applies to all students in the district and was approved by the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners

Under the new rules, students may still bring phones to school, but they cannot use them from the time they arrive until dismissal unless permitted for specific educational or emergency reasons. City Schools officials say the policy is intended to reduce distractions, improve student focus, and support academic performance.

“This policy is designed to create a better learning environment by limiting disruptions and helping students stay engaged in class,” said a representative for Baltimore City Schools.

The policy not only covers cell phones but also tablets, smart watches, and wireless headphones. Devices must remain powered off and out of sight during instructional time, lunch, passing periods, and recess. Exceptions will be made for approved classroom activities, emergency communication, and circumstances approved by school administrators.

School district leaders encouraged families to prepare for the new rules and to communicate with their child’s school if necessary. While many parents and educators support the policy as a way to improve classroom engagement, some have raised questions about communication and access during non-instructional times.

The new policy reflects growing nationwide efforts by school systems to balance technology use with academic priorities.

Wellness Friday revitalizes students

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by Akira Sumpter 

The staff of Patterson High School planned a special Wellness Friday, October 3, where students and staff could play stress-relieving games. On this shortened school day. students had the chance to sit in quiet rooms, do arts and crafts, or enjoy the airy outdoors.

The majority of students were outside near our baseball field basking in the sun or playing kickball, enjoying the fresh air and freedom. This day was like a middle school recess, only in high school–a time where everyone could get out of stuffy classrooms, artificial lighting, and uncomfortable chairs.

During these few hours of fun, teachers volunteered to be referees and supervise all the physical activities like soccer, basketball, and kickball. The others watched and smiled as kids had fun, which is something they don’t see often in a school setting.

Students were free of worry, pressure and finally able to interact with our peers without an authority figure demanding us to be robotic. “I wish we could do something like this every month”, said student Saniya Courtney. 

Mental health is very important in order to function throughout life effectively, so taking needed breaks should always be a top priority. Knowing when you need a positive outlet to release negative emotions helps you grow as a person and it strengthens your cognitive skills.

Since this event allowed all students to participate in fulfilling activities, the student enjoyment rate was at its most high for an activity. The days following this event were some of the calmest for teachers in this building, with few if any problems from students.

In the near future, there will be more school-wide activities like this to increase literacy rates, attendance, grades, and other things that this world needs. With this and many other successful events this school year, it is clear that the Clipper ship is sailing into a positive future.

Football team finishes memorable season

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by Dereon Taylor

The Patterson High School Varsity Football team has shown heart, hustle and hometown pride this season. Even with the doubts of others they kept pushing to be greater. Under the leadership of former coach Shauq, Coach Black and Coach Shonny, the team battled challenges and even won their first game against RFL. they kept the fans cheering from the first kickoff to the final whistle.

This year, the Clippers showcased grit both on offense and defense with standout performances from players like Devon Brown, an 11th grader who scored the first touchdown of the season for 33 yards. He played two positions–wide receiver and safety. Alongside Brown was Christian Jackson, an outstanding Quarterback who threw some amazing touchdowns. The Clippers football team has a lot to be proud of this school year and the coaches and players have aspirations for even greater things next Fall.

(Photos by Dennys Portillo)

Boys basketball team remains hopeful after rocky start

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by Quaron Walker-Bey and Breon Thacker

JV standout Sophomore Antonio Jones (Photo: Quaron Walker-Bey)

The Clipper basketball program looked to kick the season off in Patterson’s boys’ basketball home opener against Baltimore Polytechnic Institute (Poly) on December 10, 2024. The team was coming off of a great season last year when a very talented point guard, Sincere Barfield, led the team to win the regional title.

The JV game started off quickly with the help of sophomore guard Antonio Jones pushing the tempo of the game, pushing the ball on fast breaks, running through sets. Zarion Steppe played a big role down bottom for the JV clippers. The JV game came down to the wire but in the end the JV offense couldn’t hit shots and they lost 44-48.

The varsity Clippers were there to set the tone for the school despite having a whole new roster and being without a 4 year returning senior Quaron Walker-Bey, but they looked to win the season opener. The game started off hot with threes from both teams, from the jump we all knew it was gonna be a good game. Going into halftime, our Clippers had the lead. It was back and forth all through the second half. Late in the fourth quarter, the Clippers had a 7 point lead but later blew it with a good late Poly run forcing overtime. Unfortunately, in overtime the Clippers couldn’t pull out the close win making them 0-1 to start the year.

After this upsetting loss to Poly, the Clippers bounced back and grabbed two wins against Friends and Carver before suffering a string of losses in early January. On January 16, Patterson pulled off another win, defeating Lake Clifton 63-51. However, the Clippers suffered another loss the next day when they fell to City College by a score of 71-40.

Despite these setbacks, Coach Baseline has very high hopes for this team. “We might have a rocky start due to us having a lot of new players and them not being used to our system but I’m looking forward to it”, he said. The coach is hopeful that the team can overcome the loss of many veteran players because he believes the group that he has now is very athletic and talented.

Indoor Track team sets new records

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by Coach Smith

This year’s Patterson Indoor Track and Field team has been marked by records and milestones.

The boys’ team has set several school records. The 4 x 800 relay team of Joel Lukoo, Zawadi Dungi, Rancel Corporan Lagombra, and Vema Maneno set a school record. The 4 x 400 relay team of Zawadi Dungi, Joel Lukoo, Rancel Corporan Lagombra, and Marshall Mallory also set a school record and are 5 seconds away from making it to the high school indoor track national championships. Joel Lukoo set a school record in the 500 meters. Vema Maneno set a school record in the mile and a half mile and is 5 seconds away from making it to the high school indoor track national championships.

The girls’ team is very close to its first ever trophy for being in the top 3 teams in Baltimore City. They have the best distance runners in the city. Najah White AKA “Little Nae” and Nathalia Espino are the best 2 milers and milers in Baltimore City. Nyagarare Kuiy, Libni Colocho, and Annaelle Letono round out a very strong distance contingent. The relays are very strong. The 4 x 200 relay team of Dereon Taylor, Dayvia Weaver, Kamayah Daniels, and Indira Solomon is rapidly improving. The 4 x 800 relay team of Najah White, Nyagarare Kuiy, Dayvia Weaver, and Nathalia Espino are on the cusp of winning a medal in Baltimore City Championships. Mark January 22nd on your calendar for Baltimore City Indoor Track and Field Championships at the 5th Regiment Armory. It will be a historic occasion.

(Photos: Coach Smith)

Patterson auditorium transforms into Winter Wonderland for holiday concert

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Photo: Jacelyn Stith

by Kylayah Davis

Patterson High School’s winter concert was held on Wednesday, December 11 at 6 PM, and this year we decked the halls and the stage to take the audience to our Winter Wonderland. With performances from our band, choir and the newly formed dance team, we put on the first full performing arts program since COVID. With family, friends and staff all in attendance, the support we received was so great that the show ran out of programs!

We started the program with a performance of “Let it Snow/ Winter Wonderland” by our intermediate band and “A Christmas Fanfare” by our beginning band students. Then “Al Shlosha D’varim” was sung by the choir, followed by “Carol of the Bells” (choir), “3 Minute Nutcracker” (band), “Feliz Navidad” and “Emmanuel” (choir) to end the first half of the show.

After a short 10 min intermission the second half of the show started with the dance portion. The dance team performed to the songs “Sleigh Ride” and “Jingle Bell Rock’”, directed by Ms. Hamm. Guest singer Gabby Samone performed “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”. The show continued with the selections “Last Christmas’” (band) , “Temptations Medley’” (choir) and “Sleigh Ride” (band). The concert concluded with “Oh Holy Night’” sang by both choir and band with teacher and staff participation. You can view the full performance on the Patterson High YouTube page.

The Patterson Performing Arts department would like to say thank you to everyone who came and supported our program especially in the inclement weather that night. Many thanks also go out to the crew–those who pulled the curtains, controlled the lights, set the stage, ran concessions, mic check and audio, took our photos and ushered in our guest. We also want to extend our gratitude to our custodial and administrative staff, as well as parents who contributed to our program. Lastly, but certainly not least, we thank the directors, Ms. Williams, Mr. Fowler, Ms. Hamm, Mr. Whitaker, and Mr. Woods.

Please continue supporting our performing arts department in the Spring for our production of Mean Girls–the musical and the Spring Concert.

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