Patterson goalie Umutesi Belise blocks Poly from scoring another goal (Photo: Snit Kahsay)
by Snit Kahsay
The Patterson girls soccer team lost 8-0 in their game against Poly on September 12, but according to their coach, soccer is about much more than winning or losing.
“Working with kids and seeing the joy that they get for being in a team and practicing and getting to learn new things” is what inspired Coach Blum to become a coach.
In Coach Blum’s opinion, the most difficult position to play on a soccer team is goalie.
“When a goalie gets scored on they feel like they let the whole team down, so the pressure is on them”, she said.
The Patterson girls soccer team works hard by practicing every day after school for about two hours. Something they hope to achieve by the end of the season is for the girls to get together because they lost a lot of players last year.
One of the challenges the team captain, Alison Licona, faces as the leader of the team is being positive the whole time. This is a very difficult thing to do because just like everyone else she gets frustrated mid-game when something bad happens so she has to try hard to stay positive because she is the role model for the rest of the team. Although they lost 8-0 they kept a positive attitude during the whole game. According to her, it was a great game and they had fun.
“Even though we lost really bad, we did better than the last game, and that’s what matters– we’re getting better” , said Nyagagare Kuiy, one of the players.
The Patterson Clippers girls soccer team had another game before this one and they lost 8-0 in that one too. In their game against Poly they didn’t look disappointed. In fact they looked happy because they played better than in the previous game. The team didn’t let the final score ruin their moods and they enjoyed the game.
Editor’s note: This article was written before the most recent games. The game against City mentioned in the last paragraph has already taken place. We will have an update on the latest football games soon.
The Clippers Varsity Football team has been off to a slow start with a 0-2 record in two very close games.
In the first game of the year, the very young Clippers looked to kick off the season with a good start against Lake Clifton. The Clippers had a hard time stopping runs throughout the game, yet towards the end of the game the Clippers defense was clicking on all cylinders and stopping the Lake Clifton offense. On the last drive, Clippers quarterback Telin Cabean fumbled, which was the last play of regulation. The final score was 8-6 with Lake Clifton taking the win over our Clippers.
The Clippers looked to make a comeback win against Guilford Park High School. The game got off to a slow start for both teams with a 0-0 game going into halftime. Throughout the 2nd half, both teams made plays. The Clippers struggled a bit, but on their last hope, Cabean delivered a 40 yard touchdown to Tyshawn Sneed to tie the game 14-14. Unfortunately, with 45 seconds left, Guilford Park found a way to score with a Hail Mary pass to the back of the endzone for the win.
This week, the Clippers look to get their first win of the season against the City Knights on Thursday evening at 3:45 p.m. at Patterson. The Clippers will be playing without DE/OT Machi Thompson, RB/LB Aaron Washington, and RB/LB Marquise Brown. WR/CB Matt is also out with a ankle injury.
Transphobia is a huge problem here at Patterson and in the world. Transphobia means that a person is prejudiced against transgender people. One example of a transphobic act is purposely calling a transgender person by a name or pronoun that they do not identify with. Instead of respecting someone’s gender identity, transphobes insist that a person is the gender that matches the biological sex of the body they were born into.
I say this transphobic behavior has to stop! In my experience, I’ve been harassed about being FTM (female to male). The people who always said I was not a boy kept saying I was a girl no matter how many times I corrected them that I am not a girl. Transgender people have feelings too. They are valid as who they are.
I always give respect to others but in return most people do not respect me at all. Transgender people take a while to process their transitions (especially as teenagers) and it takes a few years to fully change the testosterone and estrogen hormones. For me, it took forever just to convince my dad to cut my hair shorter than it used to be. When transphobia happens, the transgender people feel very uncomfortable and unsafe.
Transgender people have gender dysphoria every day and it does not feel very good. Gender dysphoria refers to psychological distress that results from an incongruence between one’s sex assigned at birth and one’s gender identity. I have the biggest gender dysphoria ever. It ain’t even funny. I experience this feeling every day, all day. There is no reason to add to the stress that transgender people already experience by being disrespectful to them.
Making fun of transgender people is not cool at all. It causes a lot of emotional damage to FTMs (female to males) and MTFs (male to females). I have been called offensive slurs before. Listen to the transgender people who say a word is offensive to them, like the “T” slur. When transgender people say it, it’s fine for them, but when others say it without knowing the realmeaning of it, it is offensive.
Everyone wants to be respected for who they are. Gender identity is a very complex and personal thing, but if we just listen to what people tell us about themselves and treat everyone the way that we would want to be treated, the world will be a better place.
Patterson High School has had a school uniform policy for years and many students, including myself, don’t agree with it.
One reason why Patterson High School made students start wearing uniforms is because there used to be a lot of students who would go into neighborhoods and mess around and do disturbing things and with the uniform you’d be able to identify where they are coming from. Another reason they added the uniforms is because there were some students wearing inappropriate clothes. The main reason why they made uniforms is to stop outsiders who don’t belong here from coming in.
However, I think that’s dumb because the school used to make us scan ID cards before coming in and if you don’t scan, you can’t come in–so why stop now? It’s so much more reasonable to do that than to require students to wear uniforms, because anybody can wear a Patterson shirt and khaki pants and pass as a student. That could be even more dangerous because as long as you are wearing anything from Patterson, teachers think you’re from here. Besides, there are many people still in the school not wearing uniforms despite the uniform policy existing, so if they really wanted to see if anybody was coming in who shouldn’t, they still can’t tell.
I disagree with the uniform policy. I think that’s not fair that because of certain students wearing things they shouldn’t, the whole school needs to basically get punished for the actions of a few. Yes, they can say it’s for identification, but there are IDs that can hang around our neck and many other ways to identify Patterson students beside uniforms.
I think they should take uniforms away or make it optional because not everyone wants to wear the same pants every day or the same two shirts all week and many students can’t afford to buy additional uniforms. If someone decides to wear something inappropriate, then let them get punished on their own because what a handful of students do should not result in the whole school is getting punished.
Another reason why I don’t agree with the uniforms is because they’re just short sleeve shirts. The building is cold and even when people are wearing hoodies under the uniform shirt, school staff members ask you to take it off. For now, they’ve run out of the uniform sizes and only have big clothes that don’t fit me. Why would I or anyone want to wear that every day?
Yet another reason why I don’t agree with the uniform policy is that this year they have been making it a much bigger priority than it was the year before and not everyone is able to go before school even starts to pick up their uniform. Then, when we’re actually in school trying to get them, it’s much harder. I didn’t have anything for the first few days of school and went around asking for the uniform but they never had right sizes. Then if I wanted to get any Patterson hoodies or sweatpants, I’d have to pay them myself. They don’t even give out the khaki pants now that school started; I have to go buy my own. There are just a lot of things that not everyone has transportation or money to get.
My friend, Yeimmi, another student who goes to Patterson High School, also does not agree with the school uniforms.
“I don’t like the uniforms because they have only given me a big shirt that doesn’t fit me and I’ve been yelled at a few times to change at school.”, she said. “It’s uncomfortable.”
“I didn’t have time to go get the uniform before school even started and since then I’ve only gotten an XXL shirt.”, Yeimmi added. “I feel like they’re useless and there’s no point in having them. It makes no difference.”
For all these reasons, I think that Patterson should get rid of its uniform policy and let students have the freedom to wear what they want, as long as it doesn’t violate the District’s dress code.
Mental health is something we all deal with every day, whether we realize it or not. Have you ever found yourself just lying in bed, struggling to get up in the morning, even when you know you have to? Or maybe you’ve questioned how you’re really feeling but can’t quite put it into words? This is something a lot of teens today go through. We don’t always understand our mental health, and it can be hard to figure out what’s really going on.
Experts have been talking about this for years, and it’s still a major issue. The American Academy of Pediatrics declared a national emergency in youth mental health a couple of years ago, and the struggle is still real for so many teens. There are warning signs, and a lot of people understand what mental health challenges look like, but for parents and friends, it’s important to really try to understand what someone might be going through. Anxiety and depression are real problems that teens deal with every day. And the only way to help is to be open to talking and really listening.
Another huge part of this problem is the impact of social media. We’re constantly online, scrolling through Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, etc., and it’s almost impossible not to compare ourselves to what we see. Whether it’s how we look, how successful we seem, or what kind of life we’re living, there’s always pressure to measure up to what others are putting on display. And most of the time, that’s just the highlight reel—it’s not real life. But it can make us feel like we’re not enough, which can lead to anxiety and depression. Finding a balance between online life and real life is important to protecting our mental health.
Sometimes, we reach a point where talking to friends or family isn’t enough. That’s when reaching out for professional help can really make a difference. Counselors and therapists are trained to help us make sense of what we’re going through. They offer a safe space where we can talk without feeling judged, and they can help us figure out better ways to cope. If things start to feel overwhelming, seeking out professional help could be the best step toward feeling better. Therapy is nothing to be ashamed of—it’s a tool to help us navigate life when things get tough.
If you don’t have access to a licensed therapist outside of school or you don’t know where to start, you can talk to Ms. Gaither, Patterson’s school psychologist, or to to one of the school counselors, social workers, and other mental health practitioners.
Students in the Esports club practice their gaming skills as they prepare to compete against other schools. (Photo: Mr. Sokolski)
by Jamira Ellison
Patterson High School has a variety of different clubs supporting the interests of students and preparing them for what they want to do as a future career. Some examples of student clubs at Patterson include Next Gen Learning Access (NGLA), the Patterson Press, E-sports, the Jonathan Ogden Club, and Chill Snowboarding.
Mr. Sokolski (better known as “Ski”) is the advisor of the E-sports club.
“The E-sports [club members] play video games competitively, and the games we play are Super Smash Bros, FIFA, Madden 2K, Rocket League, and Brawlhalla.”, explained Mr. Sokolski.
“It’s a lot of fun, and the league is still trying to get going but they still play against other schools in Baltimore City. It’s a great social atmosphere and a great place to make friends.”,
The club plays Super Smash Bros the most, but they are getting more players for the other games and they talk about potential future careers related to video games. Mr. Sokolski wants to focus more on that career aspect of E-sports as the next step for the club, so that students can have future careers in E-Sports.
Mr. Sokolski is looking for a co-advisor so the E-Sports club can expand.
“So far it is just me. I am the only coach for E-Sports but I could use another hand.”
All Patterson students are welcome to join the E-Sports club.
“You can find me in room 363. We meet Tuesdays or Wednesdays after school so feel free to come on down and join and have fun.”, said Mr. Sokolski.
For those who prefer more of an outdoor experience, there is Chill Snowboarding.
“The Chill Snowboarding program focuses on teaching kids how to snowboard.”, explained advisor Ms. Mahoney.
“They take weekly trips to the mountains to learn those skills.”
One goal they would like to accomplish this year is to apply for a grant to pay for the group’ s activities. Chill Snowboarding has qualified for this grant for the past 12 years and would like to receive it again this year.
Chill snowboarding isn’t necessarily a club in the traditional sense but more of a program. Students are hand picked to be invited to participate. Students can request to join but Ms. Mahoney mainly chooses 12th graders and sometimes 11th graders. Participants have to be athletic and be able to be picked up from where they meet at night.
To find out more about Chill Snowboarding, talk to Ms. Mahoney or Ms. Brooks (who also helps out with the program).
While many of Patterson’s clubs are fairly new, there are others that have been a school tradition for many generations. One such club is the Patterson Press.
“The Patterson Press is the official student newspaper and media club of Patterson High School that is written by students for students and has been around since 1943.”, explained club adviser Mr. Pesa.
“Students should join the Patterson Press because it’s a good opportunity to get their work published and make their voice heard.”, added Mr. Pesa.
“They’re also learning valuable skills that could help them in a variety of careers, and they get service learning hours.”
The main focus is on reporting news about Patterson and the surrounding community, including sports, clubs, activities, and performances. They do that with by conducting interviews, taking photos and videos, and publishing original articles both in print and online at pattersonpress.org.
The Patterson Press also has plans to start producing news broadcasts that students and staff can watch on the TVs and Smart Boards in school, as well as on their YouTube channel. The club will collaborate with Mr. Antoine and the AV Club to to broadcast news to the whole school.
Beyond that, Mr. Pesa is trying to expand the range of articles and videos that the Patterson Press is creating. He is also bringing in a group called Wide Angle Youth Media to train his journalism students in photography skills.
The Patterson Press is looking for more students to join the club.
“I’m in Room 364, so anyone can come up and talk to me to join”, Mr. Pesa said.
Patterson has many amazing clubs that students can join to have fun, learn new skills, and prepare for the future.
A new art club at Patterson is making art for charity.
“There are a lot of students who like art”, said Ms. Marchewka, one of the art teachers at the school.
She would like to use that interest in art to do something positive for the community. She decided to start a new club this new school year for students to create their own individual art and to sell it to raise money for charitable organizations.
Ms. Marchewka has participated in art for charity projects outside of Patterson, so she wanted to bring her experiences to our school this year. Ms. Marchewka loved leading these clubs, so she brought the concept to Patterson so other students can experience it as well.
“I thought it would be a great opportunity to bring that experience to Patterson.”, said Ms. Marchewka.
Ms. Marchewka sent out a Google Form to staff members so they can order commissions of custom artwork. Students will receive service learning hours for their work.
“Currently we are working on a variety of posters and signs for folks.”
Any students who are not working on a commission are making paintings to sell at the Winter Concert and the Spring Arts festival. These paintings will be available for anyone to purchase.
Ms. Marchewka will let the students decide what they want to do with the money and which charities they want it to go to.
“The students will actually decide that,” she explained.
Ms. Marchewka doesn’t know what the charities will spend the money on, because it’s their choice.
“It depends on the charity itself.”, she stated.
After students create original works of art, they will sell their artwork and Ms. Marchewka will be donating that money to any charity that the students in the club choose.
The Art for Charity club meets during Advisory. Currently Ms. Marchewka does not plan to add more students to the club.
“However, if I hear student interest in that, I would consider it for sure.”
The Patterson band gets ready to perform at Back to School Night (Photo: Jamira Ellison)
by MirianMaurizaca
We’re back to school! August 26 was the first day for students at Patterson High School. There are many events being planned to make this school year fun and memorable. There have also been achievements made already.
Our attendance has increased since last year. “I am proud of our attendance rate,” said Principal Myrick.
“Attendance rate went up to 82%. Last year we had a 69% rate of attendance. Also Patterson High School was in the top 10 of high schools for growth and achievements.”
Principal Myrick wants to add on to Patterson’s achievements from last school year.
“This year really focuses on academic achievement,” stated Principal Myrick.
There are also new programs at Patterson High School. There is a program for families that want to learn English or Spanish that will happen after school. For the first semester there is only one class but next semester there will be two classes. Additionally, Patterson High also has dance class and an NGLA program for students to become certified interpreters.
Principal Myrick has many ideas for this school year.
“I’m excited for this school year,” explained Principal Myrick.
One event from last year that will be returning is 405 Day. It will be a community event to invite family and friends to. There are many other events being planned as well, from Spirit Week to cultural celebrations, concerts, plays, and much more.
This school year promises to be a memorable year for all students. This year will bring us new achievements, more goals, and fun activities.
Editor’s Note: What follows are reflections from two graduating seniors who participated in Patterson’s Teacher Academy of Maryland (TAM) CTE Pathway. We were not able to include these in the May 2024 print edition of the Patterson Press but we present them to you here:
In the program, I learned many things. I progressed in my learning skills and people skills. Before, I was quiet, not really an interactive person, but the program helped me out of my comfort zone to succeed further in everyday life. This program expands my education to have a positive effect on my life. It showed me very important lessons. The T.A.M. program teaches you how to be a teacher and the ways to be a successful one. Being with my mentor (Mr. Baron) was a great experience. He let me in on key things when teaching and he helped me to really interact with students as if I was a teacher. This let me see a different perspective. Enjoy the T.A.M. pathway–It will be a great experience! -Iyanna Jenkins – Internship TAM program, Cohort 2024
My experience being at the pathway Teacher Academy of Maryland has been wonderful. I have learned very nice things and I have also overcome some of my fears in grade ten. I learned all the wonderful things about child development. Throughout this year I have overcome one of my biggest fears, which is to be speaking in front of people I don’t know. The most difficult thing is learning how to teach like a professional, but Ms. Sanchez has helped me and she has has also given me the example of how to do it at the same time. Just like my mentor: he has been patient with me and I have learned a lot in his class because his class is in Spanish, my first language, and I feel good learning too. And of course I am going to recommend this pathway to my friends because it is very nice to learn so many things. -Nesly Oliva, Cohort 2024
Patterson High School offers a plethora of different CTE pathways and clubs. Among them is our school’s band. The and is split into two sections: the marching band, which is mobile and performs at parades and sporting events, and the concert band, which wears formal attire and performs at indoor events. Both sections of Patterson High School’s band have participated in many great events this school year, such as the Mayor’s Parade, the Winter Concert, the School Choice Fair, the St. James Parade, and the Springs Art Show. Additionally, Patterson has added a new musical group this school year: the choir. Although the choir is separate from the band, they frequently collaborate and perform together.
Music teacher and band director Ms. Williams has reflected on her opinions of the band, what they have accomplished, the hardships they faced, and the efforts that went into preparing the students for the many events they did this year.
“One of the things that we’re working on is them coming up with a set list right before the performance to see if they can execute that. They don’t like it but it forces them to bring their ‘A’ game.”, Ms. Williams said.
As a small band, they lack the numbers of performers that some other schools have, so Ms. Williams has to make sure they can play to the best of their ability through practice and testing them with a set list. There also struggles that come with having few staff members to help.
“Sometimes I have to focus on the woodwinds to make sure they sound right, to the neglect of the percussion, which is why I asked Terrance [Whitaker] to come, so he can pay a little bit more attention to them.”
With only Ms. Williams and Mr. Whitaker on staff, they have to split their time to try make sure everyone can get equal attention and improve their abilities. Yet despite these challenges, everyone in the band still performs well. For most students, joining the band has helped them a lot.
“[Ms. Williams] helps me a lot, helps me be outside my comfort zone, which helps me gain that confidence. She’s an amazing teacher.”, said Kailani Becker.
Becker is a band member who plays the flute. In the beginning, she used to be shy, but after a while being around her peers and the teacher it helped her as a person to become confident socially.
Kylayah Davis, the editor in chief of the Patterson Press, also plays in the band as a trumpet player. She expressed how band changed her as a person.
“ I can open myself to a lot more things… and the effort I put into band expanded to other areas.”
Band has helped Davis become capable of putting the same amount of effort into other things she is interested in, which help her apply herself more, changing her as a person and expanding her capabilities.
As this program continues to grow, the experience will hopefully help others to also be a part of something bigger than themselves. As for Patterson, this current iteration of the band didn’t start until 2015, after many years of not having a fully functional band.
“Patterson didn’t have a band program for decades. Until I got here in 2015 is when we started…And it’s a slow build.”, Ms. Williams said.
There are many things Ms. Williams would like to add to the band to get more help, such as having coaching staff for each part of the band, including woodwinds, brass, percussion, flags, etc., and getting more instruments and equipment. But a big barrier to getting those upgrades is obtaining the funds to pay for them. Ms. Williams has been trying to get more funding for the band. Meanwhile, the school administration has been expanding the music program in other ways. This school year, Patterson hired a choir teacher, Mr. Fowler, who has already made a huge impact in terms of what kinds of performances the school can do now that we have both a band and a choir. Next year school leaders aim to add a dance teacher to the staff as well. Together, Ms. Williams and the rest of the Patterson performing arts staff will explore the possibilities of what our talented students can do for next year’s performances and for years to come as the band and the performing arts program as a whole becomes better and better.
(Photo by Mr. Antoine)(Photo by Mr. Antoine)(Photo by Patterson Press)
pattersonpress.org 