Tag Archives: news

Patterson hosts Winter Spirit Week to raise money for SGA 

Posted on by Leave a comment

By Deontay Blackwell

February 12th to 15th was Patterson High School’s winter Spirit Week hosted by Patterson’s Student Government Association (SGA) to raise money for the organization.

SGA raised money by asking students to pay for the opportunity to nominate a staff member to get pied in the face at a pep rally that was held on Thursday in the gym. The fortunate victim to receive this pie to the face was Mr. Ober, an English teacher.

For this spirit week, each day had a specific theme: Monday was a cozy day where people wore their pajamas like onesies and pledge pants. Tuesday was twin day where students tried to match with their friends to look like twins. Wednesday was flip-flop day where teachers dressed like students and students dressed like teachers. Finally, on Thursday, students and staff showed their Patterson pride during the day by wearing our school colors which are blue, white, and black, and then ending the celebration with a pep rally. The different cohorts participated in fun games against each other or against the staff members. These games included musical chairs with basketballs and real-life Hungry Hungry Hippos.

All of these events were planned by the SGA, a small group currently in need of more members as they have an important role helping to run fun events within the school for everyone to participate.

“The money raised is for future events for the school”, explained Jayzanay “Jazzy” Blessett, one of the members of SGA.

SGA can help to benefit students with more fun activities if more students join. Also, if you have problems with the way that the school is run and and you want to address those issues, SGA can be a great way to make your voice heard.

Bentley Law holds drunk drivers accountable for child support

Posted on by Leave a comment

By Dayana Herrera-Mateo

About 43% of car accidents involve drunk drivers in the United States. About 10,850 people have passed away every year because of drunk driving crashes. In Austin, Texas, a new law was made in which drunk drivers who have killed a parent or parents have to pay child support until the kids turn 18.

The law took effect on September 1, 2023. This law was made after a fiery car crash that killed Cordel, Lacy, and their four-month-old son, leaving behind Bentley and Mason under their grandparent’s care. Cecilia Williams, the grandmother of Bentley and Mason, and the mother of Cordell, said that kids of this circumstance no longer have parents and she wants people who cause that sort of pain to be held accountable. She believes they should pay child support for the consequences of their actions.

At the moment, four states have passed the law. Tennessee was the first to pass the law, along with Kentucky, Maine, and Texas. Cecilia Williams is hoping that by December of this year, all 50 states will have passed this law. She also hopes this law prevents people from driving drunk and helps the victims who are struggling. 

Teenage gun violence at its highest rate

Posted on by Leave a comment

By Jennifer Iraheta-Delcid

Incidents of gun violence involving teenagers is rising in Baltimore. Teenagers are being injured and even killed in 2023 at a pace never seen before in at least a decade. On average, one victim is shot every two days and one is killed every week. The cause of the highly elevated rise in teenage brutality may be because of disagreements and rivalries.

This year, Baltimore City made a significant advancement in reducing overall violence by seizing 398 guns while seeing a 25% reduction in homicides and 27% in non-fatal shootings. Yet many Baltimore residents still have easy access to these guns, which is also a reason for this increase in gun violence among teens. High school-age teens continue to be shot in record numbers, with the year 2023 ending with 16 juvenile homicides and 94 non-fatal juvenile shooting victims. This generation of young people can’t resolve problems peacefully like talking it out. Most situations like this are victims younger than 19 years old. These conflicts can affect the well-being and mental health of many students, teachers, and parents by inducing fear and worry, and it’s devastating to the community.

“This makes me feel sad and worried at the same time because there is no security anymore… This affects me because I have a daughter in high school”, stated Joselyn Delcid. She added, “ I believe they should have more security like metal detectors and the state should remove the easy access to guns. I would feel more at peace with the security and well-being of my daughter and everyone in the school.”

Mayor Brandon Scott associates gun violence with the lack of responsibility and care of parents or even the way they raise their children. He is looking for ways to hold parents accountable. Scott is partnering with a program called “We Our Us“  in hopes of making progress through numerous small efforts that can add up to have a big impact. Scott also said he will be placing more mentors and specialists in Baltimore City schools to see if it makes an impact. The Mayor said the state and the country need stricter laws and a more efficient justice system to hold criminals accountable. Whether or not we will see a decrease in violence in the future is unclear, as teenage gun violence continues to be an unsolved problem.

Students prepare for new semester

Posted on by Leave a comment

By Kimberly Aguila-Torres

Patterson High School’s first two quarters are coming to an end already. Final exams are soon to start right when we students come back from Winter Break. Right now, teachers are wrapping up their final lesson for students before they head off for their Winter Break.

I asked several students if they were ready to start a new year with new classes.

”It’s whatever”, said one student. “I had gotten used to in my classes so it’s going to feel weird when we have our new classes.”

“It is gonna be a change for students.”, another student replied. “This is the first year that Patterson High School does this [semester schedule], but students will adapt to their new classes. Some will have the same lunch and some will change.”

I followed up my first question by asking these students if they like the classes they will be taking next semester.

One student responded, ”Nah, really I will be having geometry–and I am not great at math–and chemistry, which I think I properly will do not good.”

So far, there are students that like this new semester-based schedule and some that don’t and wished that they could just stay in the same classes throughout the whole school year. It’s going to be difficult for students once they come back from their break and have to take a lot of final exams for each class.

“I am feeling really sad because I wont be with the same people I was in class with.”, one student lamented when asked how they felt about the semester ending.

Hopefully students will enjoy their new classes and get used to their new schedules for next semester.

Patterson holds “Sneaker Ball” for Homecoming

Posted on by Leave a comment

By Deontay Blackwell

Students let loose at the Homecoming dance (photo by Deontay Blackwell, Patterson Press)

Patterson High School held a Homecoming dance inside the school’s gymnasium, on Friday, October 20, 2023 from 7:00-11:00 PM. This year’s dance had a theme advertised on posters as a “sneaker ball” where people wear their best suits and dresses but with their best pairs of sneakers.

On the night of the dance, the girls wore long colorful dresses with some ignoring the theme and wearing nice heels to match, while the boys wore suits with ties and some wore polo shirts and jeans.

During the dance, the gym was kept dark with funky neon lights flashing all around. Music was blasted throughout the gym, featuring songs like Deli by Ice Spice and Back End by Finesse2tymes, with people forming dance circles and hyping themselves up. There was even a photo booth in the corner.

“It was good. We had tons of space to walk around and dance.”, said Henry Lewis, a student who participated in the dance.

Food was offered to the students with options like meatballs, pigs in a blanket, etc. They also served fruit and cookies as desserts with drink options like water and sodas. Most students did not express strong feelings one way or the other about the food, but some students complained about having to eat standing up.

“Where was the tables? Where was the chairs?” asked student Andre Green.

Despite this small complaint, it was clear that most students enjoyed themselves quite a bit. Overall, the 2023 Homecoming Dance was a big success. It was a Friday night that most attendees will never forget.

(Photos by Deontay Blackwell, Patterson Press)

Students and staff show their Patterson Pride during Spirit Week

Posted on by Leave a comment

By Kylayah Davis

Every year, on the week of Homecoming, we have Spirit Week, where the student body shows their school spirit for the upcoming football game, and this year at Patterson High School the Clippers really showed their school spirit!

This school year, Spirit Week took place on the week of October 16. The first day of Spirit Week was “Manic Monday”, where you dress up in your sports paraphernalia. While most students committed to wearing sports clothes, others took a different approach and wore hospital gowns to truly be manic. 

Our beloved hall monitor Mr. Walker, affectionately known as “Snitch”, is considered by many to be our school’s most manic sports fan, as his everyday attire shows his support for the Baltimore Ravens and Orioles. 

On Tuesday, it was Celebrity/Decades Day and there were a variety of outfits on this day. Students and staff wore outfits from the 80’s and 90’s or dressed as Chris Brown and other celebrities.

Wednesday was “Wacky Tacky” day where, as the name suggests, you dress in your wackiest, tackiest clothes. 

Thursday was Class Colors day and each cohort wore their colors: 

  • Class of 2024: Red & white
  • Class of 2025: Green and gold
  • Class of 2026: Maroon and gold
  • Class of 2027: Green and white

Friday was our pep rally, which took place in the football stadium and was attended by the entire school, and a Homecoming dance where the theme was “Sneaker Ball”.

All of these festivities were to prepare for our Homecoming football game on Saturday, October 21.

Read more about the Homecoming dance here.

MANIC MONDAY (SPORTS):

CELEBRITY/DECADES DAY:

WACKY TACKY WEDNESDAY:

PEP RALLY – PART 1:

PEP RALLY – PART 2:

PEP RALLY – PART 3:

PEP RALLY – PART 4 (includes earlier photos from a second camera):

PEP RALLY – PART 5 (second camera):

HOMECOMING GAME – PART 1:

HOMECOMING GAME – PART 2:

(All photos by Patterson Press)

Patterson celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Posted on by Leave a comment

By Mirian Maurizaca

Patterson High School celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a special event on Friday, October 13 from 5:00-7:00 PM.

Patterson staff and students wanted to bring different aspects to the event that are used to represent different cultures. The Patterson band performed at the event. There was also a typical dance from Colombia that was performed by three students from Colombia. Another group named “Bailes De Mi Tierra” performed Mexican Folklore.

Everyone that participated brought something with them that represented their culture, such as unique clothing styles. There was also typical foods from different countries in Latin America. Additionally, there was an organization of lawyers there to provide guidance on immigration laws and policies.

This event was planned by the department of World Language which include the Spanish teachers as well as the ESOL teachers. Other teachers and staff members that are not from that department also helped to plan the event, including Ms. Jones (graphic design teacher), Ms. Williams (music teacher), and the art teachers. 

“We want to highlight the Hispanic culture as they do throughout the United States in a full month from September 15 to October 15.”, explained Mrs. Perez, who helped organize the event.

Other ways that Patterson celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month include a door decorating contest, a performance by Hispanic comedian, Ernie G., and morning announcements in Spanish and English about important Hispanic people in history.

Hispanic Heritage Month has become an annual event that is celebrated across the United States and internationally. Here at Patterson, there are plans to continue holding events here at Patterson in the years to come.

“We already created that expectation that we are going to do it every year”, Mrs. Perez said.

The Hispanic Heritage Month celebration was a great idea because it helped other people get to know different cultures. Many people are already looking forward to next year’s celebration.

(Photos by Patterson Press)

Ernie G. empowers Latino students through comedy

Posted on by Leave a comment
Empowerment comedian Ernie G performing live at Patterson
(Photo by Kylayah Davis, Patterson Press)

By Mirian Maurizaca

Comedian Ernie G. performed at Patterson High School on October 12, 2023, as part of Patterson’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. He visited Patterson for two days.

His first presentation was for students who were taking Spanish for Heritage Speakers or AP Spanish, along with upper level ESOL students. It was an audience of about 150 students. The second presentation was on the next day, and was only for students who were in the Spanish for Heritage Speakers class, because that audience could relate to him the most.

Ernie G. is a motivational speaker. He uses comedy as a way to engage students. 

Mrs. O-G, who planned the event, has known Ernie G. since 2010. She met him through an organization that helped students become leaders in their community.

Mrs. O-G recalled, “He actually reached out to me and he’s like, ‘Hey, I’m going back to the East Coast. I’ll be around for Hispanic Heritage Month. Do you think your school might want me to come and present to kids?’, so I thought it was a great opportunity because our kids don’t necessarily get the opportunity to listen to a speaker [very often].” 

Ernie doesn’t just do motivational speaking but also talks about social/emotional learning, self awareness and understanding, and loving yourself.

Ms.O-G said, “ It was motivational. It was more geared towards [empowering messages] like ‘You were born out of love and your purpose in life is to let your light shine and be the best you can be.’ ”

Ernie G.’s visit had an impact on the Latino/Hispanic community at Patterson by building a connection with Latino students. The event was an important part of Hispanic Heritage Month at our school.

(Photo by Kylayah Davis, Patterson Press)

Fiesta Baltimore celebrates Hispanic culture

Posted on by Leave a comment

By Rancel Lagombra 

Fiesta Baltimore, which took place on October 7th and 8th, is an annual event held in Patterson Park. With the festival lasting from 11 AM to 7 PM both days, there was also a parade that took place on October 8th at 2 PM. This event is a family and community oriented event and it is also free, with food, arts, and craft vendors where people will be sharing their creations.

The parade had a diverse array of contingents, like folkloric groups, marching bands, cultural associations, community-based organizations, businesses, nonprofits, local schools and universities, cars, floats, and trucks.

“I like walking around there and seeing different Hispanic cultures and I like to have fun there.”, says John Swift, a Hispanic student who lives to see these Hispanic festivals. 

This festival is a good way to express yourself and have fun even if you’re not Hispanic. “I ain’t even Hispanic, but I still go to these events…It’s very fun to be there and to try these different foods,” says student Jeliel.

Events like these really show the cultural appreciation in Baltimore. It makes you feel welcome and accepted here. It can also make you feel proud of being Hispanic. I think this event can be important for the people at Patterson as a big portion of the students that go here are Hispanic and it can help them get reconnected with their culture. It also can give the Hispanics here a breath of fresh air if you can call it that, since a lot of them can struggle with English and seeing this festival can make them happy. Also, we are currently celebrating Hispanic culture with Hispanic Heritage Month. Although the event has already ended, you can still celebrate Hispanic Heritage here with a celebration night coming up. 

Editor’s note: This article was written in October during Hispanic Heritage Month. The celebration mentioned in article is over but you can read about it here.

Students still struggling with social anxiety stemming from COVID-19 pandemic

Posted on by Leave a comment

By Zeinab AL Ali

Social anxiety is becoming common amongst students due to the COVID-19 outbreak which led students to be isolated from society for a long period of time.

COVID-19 started four years ago and entered the United States In January 2020. It led to quarantining where students had to stay home and take online classes. Students had to be isolated from their peers and they had to stay home for an extended period of time. In that time period, students spent their time alone and they were prevented from coming into contact with their friends and family members out of concern for their health and safety.

After quarantine ended, students had to go back to school and proceed with their education. Most students had a hard time communicating and interacting with their peers because they weren’t used to this sudden change in heir environment. Due to COVID-19, many students developed social anxiety and became anti-social. Many students at Patterson High School today are experiencing the same thing. It’s hard for students to communicate, express themselves, and interact with others after being isolated for a such long period of time.

To solve this problem, teachers should create fun activities that allow students to break out of their isolation bubble operates at a different pace. Teachers should encourage students to be more interactive but not push them, because pushing students to do something they are not used to can create fear, tension, stress and can also add to their anxiety. Sometimes students seem like they don’t want to communicate but the truth is they do; They just don’t know how to and sometimes they might be afraid to do so.

Students can be more interactive with others with the help of their teachers.

Recent Entries »