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STEM Competition showcases student talent in engineering

Posted on November 25, 2011 by pattersonpress405 Leave a comment

By Tyler Lillard

Patterson High School held its 4^th annual Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) competition on November 17th, pitting teams of students against each other in a variety of challenges. There were approximately thirty teams of four students each, including one middle school team and two visiting high school teams. First, the students met in the auditorium with their teams for the orientation. Then the competition began in the breezeway and near the auditorium. The competition was fierce, and the students had a lot of fun competing. The judges had fun also.

During the competition, each of the six stations was an activity related to one of the four STEM areas (science, technology engineering and mathematics). While some activities were easy, others were very challenging. Stations included a zip line challenge, a double egg drop, a math page, a paper rocket, an aluminum foil boat to hold marbles, and a tower that is supposed to hold a tennis ball on top of it to withstand an earthquake.

Industry partners served as judges, including representatives from AT&T, the Baltimore City Fire Department, the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship, Whitman, Requardt, & Associates, the U.S. Department of Transportation, Morgan State University, and Booz Allen Hamilton. Many Patterson teachers and staff members also served as judges. Another industry partner, Northrop Grumman, sent their video crew and recorded our whole competition including the awards ceremony.

After the students went through the six different stations, they went to the media center for lunch while the judges tallied up all the teams’ scores. After lunch the winners were awarded trophies, and everyone received a certificate of participation. The winners are as follows:

1^st Place: Sarah McLaughlin, Sonia Mbock , Stephanie Megginson

2^nd Place: Indigo Newsome, Tori Jones, Parshu Nepal

3^rd Place: Salah al deen Al-Batayneh , Baha al deen Al-Batayneh ,and Hassan Al Defaaei

This year’s STEM competition brought attention to some of the incredible talents that Patterson’s students have to offer, while also allowing participants to have some fun. Many students are already looking forward to next year’s competition in the hopes that it will be even bigger and better.

Performers bring Chinese culture to Patterson

Posted on November 20, 2011 by pattersonpress405 Leave a comment

(Photo: Deyanna Bell, Patterson Press)

By Mengfei Chen, Patterson Press staff writer

A group of professional dancers and musicians from China celebrated China’s cultural and ethnic diversity with a dazzling performance entitled “Colorful China” at Patterson’s auditorium on November 15. The performance featured dozens of performers in richly decorated costumes representing China’s fifty-six ethnic groups. Historical and geographic themes like “the Fantastic Prairie” and “the Ancient Times” brought China’s diversity to the stage.

“We choose to have this show at Patterson High School is because we were told that this school has students from over 40 different countries” explained Mr. Wu, the Chinese government official in charge of the performance. “China is a diverse country [so this school is a good match for the theme of our performance]” Mr Wu added.

Before the performance, the Chinese performers worked with a number of Patterson students from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds and national origins so that they could be a part of the performance. During “Colorful China”, these students dressed in Chinese clothes, held Chinese traditional instruments and participated in the show.

As students poured into the auditorium, a slide show of photos flashed across a screen above the stage, showing views of China both traditional and modern. ” Colorful China” presented a gift for Patterson High School and after Mr Benton welcomed the crew, the perform began.

The first scene was based on a Chinese festival. It showed how various Chinese ethnic groups celebrate their new year. The Miao people, one of the many ethnic groups in China, celebrate their New Year in November. Performers used dance to show the how jubilant the celebration is. The dancers cheered and greeted the coming new year.

The second scene was a wedding ceremony. The enthusiastic groom danced and sang to express how happy he was. The bride danced with him and responded to his love. This strange wedding really let the audience experience Chinese culture and made them feel as though they had been transported to China. At the same time, dancers invited students to join them, giving students a chance to interact with them and gain a more personal connection to the dance.

The third scene was a performance of traditional Chinese musical instruments. Four musicians played four different instruments: the gu zheng, the pipa, the Chinese flute and the urheen. They played one at a time first and then together. Those instruments reappeared in a later scene about the history of classical music traditions in China.

The final scene was also the most intense and involved all of the dancers and musicians who had performed earlier. Patterson students wearing traditional Chinese costumes walked across the stage, as the Chinese performers joined them in one last dance. The man who played the groom in the wedding ceremony twirled with impressive speed, revealing a special cape that opened up into a huge spinning top. As the show came to an end, all the performers stood together on the stage and took a bow as the audience showered them a thunderous applause.

“Colorful China” built a bridge across international borders by allowing Patterson students to experience another country’s culture. Many students hope to see more performances of this kind from other countries in the future in order to build positive relationships with people from around the world.

(Photo: Deyanna Bell, Patterson Press)

(Photo: Patterson High School Yearbook staff)

Students create gifts for the Chinese performers (Photo: Patterson High School Yearbook staff)

Twilight: a hard lesson with even harder consequences

Posted on November 13, 2011 by pattersonpress405 Leave a comment

By Jakai Hunter, Patterson Press staff writer

In public high schools across the country there is a program called Twilight. It’s really like night school but on the internet. Now, normally if you’re doing Twilight, that means one of two things: Either you had a class and failed it or the class could not fit into your schedule and you are forced to take it in Twilight.

In a way, students are fortunate to have Twilight because otherwise some of them would not be graduating. The price of Twilight and the hours during which you are required to work on the program can prevent you from finishing or even starting it. Managing your time will be your number one priority when it comes to doing Twilight, but some students do not even bother to sign up for Twilight, not because they are in one of the situations I mentioned earlier but because they simply refuse to do it. Little do they know, it will soon become a decision they deeply regret.

As many students know, if seniors who fail to complete Twilight can not participate in any senior activities and cannot graduate from high school until the course or courses they are required to pass are completed. If you have been informed that you need to take Twilight, my advice is to take it seriously and get it done as soon as possible so you can move ahead with your life.

Bullying is a serious problem

Posted on November 13, 2011 by pattersonpress405 Leave a comment

By Deyanna Bell, Patterson Press staff writer

Bullying can affect anybody, whether it is in school or out in the neighborhood. School bullying is a big problem that still goes on. It is caused by spreading rumors or physically or emotionally hurting other people. Statistics published on the website bullyingstatistics.org show that 2 in every 3 bullied victims have been bullied more than once or twice during the school year and 10% are bullied on a regular basis. Some students do not realize what bullying means or what it can cause the victim to do. Victims of bullying often start to have poor grades, sucidical thoughts and/or low self esteem and help problems. In 2010 about 71% of students were reportedly being bullied in school.

There are a number of ways to help stop bullying in school. If you are being bullied, standing up for yourself is a great way to improve your self -esteem. It can also help to have a friend around that can support you in this difficult time. According to Olweus, a bullying prevention program, students who bully others should be held accountable for their actions. If you know someone who is being bullied tell them they should get some help from a teacher, counselor or the help hotline.

World population reaches seven billion

Posted on November 9, 2011 by pattersonpress405 Leave a comment

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visits the "seven billionth" baby and his mother in the hospital where the baby was born. (Photo: Alexey Nikolsky)

By Mengfei Chen, Patterson Press staff writer

On October 31, the world welcomed a newborn baby which brought the population of the world to seven billion. So, where was the lucky baby born? The answer is Russia.

According to reports, the seven billionth baby was born in a maternity hospital in the Russian town of Kaliningrad at 12:02 AM on October 31. The baby, a boy, weighed 6.7 lbs and measured 19 1/2 inches. He was given the name Pyotr Nikolayev. The president of the hospital said they gave the baby’s mother flowers and a secret gift, and even Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin came to congratulate them. A representative of the European Union also came. Although most reports confirm that Russia was indeed the birthplace of the seven billionth baby, other countries, including the Philippines, have also made the same claim.

According to European Union data, 250 babies are born every minute, but at the same time 120 people die. So they can only figure out the population of the world by the rate of growing people. In fact, whether the seven billionth baby was born in Russia, the Phillipines or another country, it does not make a lot of difference. It is more like a symbol, annoucing that the human race has already reached a population of seven billion people in this new century!

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Patterson teacher creates street art for the community

Posted on November 6, 2011 by pattersonpress405 Leave a comment

Ms. Broere creating her painted crosswalk (Photo: Ms. Monica Broere)

By Mengfei Chen, Patterson Press staff writer

Patterson art teacher Ms. Monica Broere recently created public art for the Highlandtown neighborhood, by painting a scene on the crosswalk of Eastern Ave and Conkling Steet. Ms. Broere was invited by a group of professional artists invited her to make this fresh and amazing work of art. That is the first time that she has painted a street. She was excited to do this because she saw it as an opportunity to bring people together in the community.

“The reason I chose that particular image is because painted window screens are a traditional art-form in Baltimore and it began right in East Baltimore”, Ms Broere told the Patterson Press. Even though it is no longer common to see this type of art in East Baltimore, it is even more rare outside of this area. Ms. Broere’s excitement about the project is evident when she speaks about it.

The picture she painted is of a home and trees. Those natural and warm images really bring viewers back to the period before air conditioning, when people had more connection with each other. With the rapid development of society today, it is easy for us to lose our most important relationships. We should work harder to build a stronger sense of community with our neighbors. Ms. Broere’s artwork helps to accomplish that, encouraging strangers to talk to each other about the new artwork as they pass each other on the street.

Ms. Broere said that she would like to do something like this again in the future, possibly around Patterson High School. She may ask students for their opinions and try to create the picture on the paper first. We hope this day is coming soon!

Before (Photo: Ms. Monica Broere)

After (Photo: Ms. Monica Broere)

Patterson goes Passionately Pink to fight breast cancer

Posted on November 6, 2011 by pattersonpress405 Leave a comment

Patterson students wore pink to raise awareness about breast cancer (Photo: Deyanna Bell, Patterson Press)

By Deyanna Bell, Patterson Press staff writer

Staff and students at Patterson High School showed their support and raised awareness about breast cancer on Thursday, October 27th by wearing pink shirts, ribbons or buttons. These actions were part of “Passionately Pink for the Cure Day”, which was organized by Ms. Brett, Ms. Hall-Butler and Coach Kelley Bagdasarian in recognition of breast cancer awareness month. “As a female, [breast cancer] is something to be aware of and help others to be aware”, Coach Kelley told the Patterson Press.

In addition to encouraging students, teachers and staff to wear pink, the organizers also planned a fun event called” Ladies Night Out”, featuring zumba and yoga lessons as well as performances by Patterson student dancers. Tickets were sold for five dollars per person and the event was held in the auditorium. All proceeds were donated to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation. Students also went from class to class collecting donations for the same charity.

Whether it is for someone in your family or someone you don’t know, please support the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation to find a cure for breast cancer. The Patterson Press would like to thank Coach Kelly and all the staff and student members of Patterson High School who participated in this wonderful event .

Coach Kelley Bagdasarian, co-organizer of Passionately Pink Day (Photo: Deyanna Bell, Patterson Press)

(Photo: Deyanna Bell, Patterson Press)

Meet Your New Principal!

Posted on October 27, 2011 by pattersonpress405 One comment

Mr. Vance Benton, Principal of Patterson High School (Photo: Patterson H.S.)

Interview by Mengfei Chen, Patterson Press staff writer

As most readers are aware, Patterson High School has a new principal this year, Mr. Vance Benton. Many Patterson students may not know a lot about him. For this reason, the Patterson Press had a conversation with Mr. Benton to learn more about him and his plans for our school.

Patterson Press: Why did you come to Patterson High School to become our principal?

Mr. Benton: I came to Patterson High School to become Principal because I wanted to relocate from Cleveland, Ohio. I was told about the long history here and the diverse student body. I felt that if I came here and helped this school turn around, I would help children from around the world to become successful.

Patterson Press: What changes have you been making to our school and why did you decide to make these changes?

Mr. Benton: There were already changes made before I arrived in terms of staffing and programs. Some minor changes that were made after my arrival dealt with the way the students entered the building each day, increased visibility in the hallways and administrative job assignments. We also implemented a visitor’s policy as well. These changes were made to provide the school with better and safer operating systems to improve the overall functioning of the school. Many more changes will occur as we move along in the school year.

Patterson Press: What challenges did you face while growing up that help you to relate to the students at Patterson and some of the problems that they are going through?

Mr. Benton: The challenges I faced growing up are consistent with the challenges that most inner-city youth face in communities all over the country. I was faced with violence, drugs, being raised by my grandparents, and seeing my community and the people destroyed by crack cocaine. I was also a teenage parent at the age of 17 when I became the father of twin daughters.

Patterson Press: As soon as you came here, you made it your goal (and the whole school’s goal) for Patterson to become one of the “Top 500” schools in America. Why did you chose that as your goal and how do you think we will achieve this goal?

Mr. Benton: I chose “Top 500” to be a goal of ours because its possible to achieve. I always want to be a part of something special. Being one the top schools in the country will make us all special! The only way we will achieve this is if the staff and students TRULY believe that it can be done, and do ALL that’s necessary to achieve it. It will have to be a collective shift in how we do things here and the actions/systems necessary to sustain growth.

Patterson Press: What other interests or hobbies do you have outside of school?

Mr. Benton: Unfortunately, my hobbies and interest outside of school in slim to none. All of my energy is being spent here at Patterson High School. Outside of work, the only interest I have is to travel to Cleveland, Ohio twice a month to see my wife and my son until they are able to move to Baltimore. I do, however, like to watch sports on the weekends.

Patterson Press: What do you think of Patterson and the students here so far?

Mr. Benton: I think Patterson High School could be one of the better high schools in the country. I believe that our unique student population allows us to have richer experiences as it relates to culture and acceptance of others. I like the students here. They are generally respectful to me and other staff members. The only thing that I’m waiting to see is students stand up for each other and not tolerate or encourages students who are working against anything good here. Unfortunately, many students (and some staff) don’t believe that they can be a part of something special. Therefore, their actions are common with those who don’t believe anything good will come into their lives. That’s the biggest hurdle we have to overcome- together!

The Patterson Press thanks Mr. Benton for taking the time to share his story and his goals for Patterson.

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Students Have a Ball at Homecoming Dance

Posted on October 24, 2011 by pattersonpress405 Leave a comment

(Photo: Patterson H.S. Yearbook staff)

By April Ludd

Patterson High School had its first homecoming dance in years on Saturday, October 15th. This event has been the talk of the school. Freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors were all in attendance. The dress code was formal and students showed off their best dresses and suits as they danced to the beats of songs like “Donk” (Soulja Boy) and “1 + 1” (Beyonce’). A wonderful DJ kept the music pumping late into the night. For those who worked up an appetite with their dance moves, chips and other refreshments were available. Students and chaperons struck their best poses as Ms. King took their pictures.

Overall, Mr. Benton is doing a wonderful job listening to students’ opinions and trying to make everything possible. The homecoming dance is something that a lot of students wanted. Those who were there will always remember it.

(Photo: Patterson H.S. Yearbook staff)

Principal Benton poses with two students (Photo: Patterson H.S. Yearbook staff)

(Photo: Patterson H.S. Yearbook staff)

Patterson defeats Mervo 6-0 in Homecoming showdown

Posted on October 24, 2011 by pattersonpress405 Leave a comment

Touchdown Patterson! (Photo: Patterson Press)

The Patterson Clippers varsity football team beat the Mergenthaler Vo-Tech Mustangs 6-0 at Patterson’s Homecoming game, on Friday, October 14th. After hours of bold drives and solid defense by both teams, the Clippers broke the deadlock with a 4th quarter touchdown by quarterback Craig Oliver (#1), who finished the day with 22 yards rushing and 61 yards passing.

A boisterous crowd of Clippers fans cheered the team on, led by the chants of the brand new Patterson cheerleading squad. A sea of blue occupied the stands as students, teachers, staff, alumni and community members packed the house, many sporting vintage Patterson sports jerseys on sale that week by the school’s athletic department. Some fans may have noticed former Ravens offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden standing on the sidelines. Ogden mentors Patterson Students through a nonprofit organization he runs.

The game was not without its tense moments. An interception by Mervo in the first half of the game threatened to put them in the lead, but the Clippers’ defense kept them from scoring. Again and again, a wall of blue uniforms put a halt to the Mustangs’ charges. Derwin Beasley (#2) led the defense with an impressive 12 tackles while also leading the team in rushing, carrying the ball 79 yards. Not to be overlooked, Pete Carter (#4) led in receptions, connecting with the ball 3 times for a gain of 24 yards.

With this victory over Mervo, the Clippers now own a 5-2 record. Next they face the Southwestern Sabers, who are trying to rebound from a 34-7 loss to Poly. Last year, Patterson devastated Southwestern with a 52-0 shutout. Time will tell if they can do it again.