Staff Profile
Chioma Iheoma –– A&E Editor
Junior Chioma Iheoma is an A&E Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com. This is her second year taking journalism and her first year on the paper. Iheoma is also a member of spirit club, the secretary of the Nation Art Honor Society, a member of the Tennis team, and a member of the French Honor Society. In her spare time, she likes to check out fashion blogs, listen to music, and hang out with friends.
Chioma Iheoma can be reached for comments at ciheoma@jcpatriot.com.
Freshman competes at World Irish Dancing Championships
Chioma Iheoma, Opinion Editor
May 2, 2013
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Featured A&E
Freshman Casey Smial stands behind the curtain waiting to go on stage. Barely recognizable with her curly-haired wig, tanned skin, and made up face, she steps out onto the stage of the Hynes Convention Center. The upbeat music starts and she and seven of her fellow teammates begin to dance at the World... Read more »
May Report Card: Patriot turns the tables by grading the school on today’s issues
Chioma Iheoma, Opinion Editor
April 29, 2013
Filed under Op-Ed, Opinion
A Reel Great Prom Tradition Attending Senior Prom in the Baltimore National Aquarium and following it up at Dave and Buster’s: $85. Being one of very few people who can say they had dolphins at their prom: Priceless. JC has managed to turn our prom into something so unique that it can’t be... Read more »
Internet sales tax legislation hurts small Internet retailers
Chioma Iheoma, Opinion Editor
April 26, 2013
Filed under Op-Ed, Opinion
Buying the latest knick-knack off of Wanelo may become a little more expensive soon. The House of Representatives is preparing to vote on legislature that would mandate the payment of sales tax on Internet purchases. This legislation hurts small online retailers and should be adjusted to promote... Read more »
News Flash: Laws on marijuana to go in affect in October
Chioma Iheoma, Opinion Editor
April 12, 2013
Filed under Local News, News, News Flashes
The Maryland Senate passed legislation to decriminalize the use of possession of marijuana on March 19. The bill aims to remove criminal penalties for the use and possession of marijuana and marijuana paraphernalia for those over the age of 21. The bill also legalizes the possession, sale, and farming... Read more »
AP Studio students prepare collections for AP exam
Chioma Iheoma, Opinion Editor
March 18, 2013
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Featured A&E
Come mid-July, there will be students waiting at their mailboxes, hearts palpitating, for an envelope. The envelope that these students will be receiving will hold the scores of AP tests that they will have taken months prior. Inside the envelopes are the numbers that reflect a semester’s worth... Read more »
Comparing issues lowers their importance
Chioma Iheoma, Opinion Editor
March 18, 2013
Filed under Op-Ed, Opinion
My laptop is almost dead, but the charger is over there. My fridge is full, but there’s nothing I want. I was given a Frappuccino instead of a cappuccino at Starbucks. If these are the problems that are thought of when “first world problems” are mentioned, then real problems of those who... Read more »
Pro v. Con: SAT scores accurately reflect a student’s ability
Chioma Iheoma, Opinion Editor
March 11, 2013
Filed under Opinion, Pro V Con
This is the pro argument for whether or not the SAT is a good measure of intelligence. To view the con click here. Despite the tons of essays, short answers, and college applications that college-bound seniors/juniors have to go through to get into college, the one thing that is most popularly despised... Read more »
Religion in public schools could stunt young minds
Chioma Iheoma, Opinion Editor
March 5, 2013
Filed under Op-Ed, Opinion
Students at JC get a positive mix of science and religion. However, states across the United States are introducing legislation that could negatively impact students’ young minds and the future of the country. Several states across the country are introducing legislation, commonly called “Academic... Read more »
Teacher friendships thrive outside of school
Chioma Iheoma, Opinion Editor
March 4, 2013
Filed under Lifestyles, Uncategorized
The concert was filled with music as the band O.C. Supertones played their set. Members of the audience included social studies teachers Jake Hollin and Brian Powell, who sang along with the Christian Ska band. Jumping up and down in the mosh pit at the concert is just one of the memories they’ve... Read more »
February Report Card: The Patriot turns the tables by grading the school on today’s issues
Chioma Iheoma, Opinion Editor
February 20, 2013
Filed under Op-Ed, Opinion
Yes, drugs are bad “Hugs not drugs.” How many times can elementary phrases such of this be repeated to the ears of bored teenagers? The best way to ward teens away from drugs is to make the side effects of drugs more personable to the student. Speakers that give their horror stories that result... Read more »
Pro v. Con: Class pranks bring students together, should be allowed
Chioma Iheoma, Opinion Editor
January 29, 2013
Filed under Opinion, Pro V Con
This is the pro argument on allowing class pranks. To view the con click here. It’s hard to create great memories in high school when each memory involves a random teacher hanging out in the background. Everything that students do is supervised by the administration. Students should be allowed... Read more »
President Obama reveals proposals in response to gun violence
Chioma Iheoma, Opinion Editor
January 25, 2013
Filed under News, World News
President Barack Obama revealed his proposals to lower gun violence during his gun control press conference on Jan. 16. According to whitehouse.gov, Obama’s proposal included closing loopholes for gun sales, banning military-style weapons, banning magazines with room for more than 10 bullets, and... Read more »
Teens abuse social media, ignore the future
Chioma Iheoma, Opinion Editor
January 16, 2013
Filed under Op-Ed, Opinion
The phrase “think before you speak” needs a modern update. “Think before you tweet,” or “think before you post a status,” or “think before you blog” are just a few things that need to be pounded into the minds of young people with Internet access. This needs to be done soon, because... Read more »
‘Struck by Lightning’ flashes brilliant message
Chioma Iheoma, Opinion Editor
January 7, 2013
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Cinema
Get a bolt of inspiration from writer and actor Chris Colfer’s film, “Struck by Lightning.” The fresh take on the typical coming-of-age story is one you should see. “Struck by Lightning” is narrated by the main character, Carson Phillips (Chris Colfer). Carson lives with his alcoholic... Read more »
International students experience holiday spirit
Chioma Iheoma, Opinion Editor
December 12, 2012
Filed under In the Community, Lifestyles, On Campus
Lit paper lanterns fill junior Harry Wu’s view as he looks up into the sky. The Spring Festival in China has come to a close with the Lantern Festival. “Christianity is not widely spread in China,” Wu said. Because of this, some Chinese students don’t celebrate Christmas in China. “It’s... Read more »
Teaching to test fails, US should adopt other method
Chioma Iheoma, Opinion Editor
December 6, 2012
Filed under Op-Ed, Opinion
This past summer, the U.S. dominated the other countries in athletic ability at the olympics. However, when it comes to educational ranking, the U.S. doesn’t even make it to the podium. American students are not matching up with other first world countries, and this stems from education practices... Read more »
Seniors take fine arts show into their own hands
Chioma Iheoma, Opinion Editor
November 30, 2012
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, In the Community
It’s not every day that students see a problem in the school around them and decide to make a change, but seniors Emily Hennegan and Rachael Boyd have done just that. Their decision to plan a new Winter Fine Arts Night will relieve the burden on art students, as well as raise money for the Fine Arts... Read more »
Uniform enforcement sends mixed signals to students
Chioma Iheoma, Opinion Editor
November 12, 2012
Filed under Op-Ed
Ask any student the place to avoid when they are out of uniform and they will tell you: avoid the third floor. The majority of the hallways are a free-for-all when it comes to bending the uniform rules. While this is great for rule breakers, the disparity of uniform rule enforcement combined with... Read more »
Pro v. Con: Gun debate ignored in wake of shootings
Chioma Iheoma, Opinion Editor
October 19, 2012
Filed under Opinion, Pro V Con
This is the pro argument for gun laws. To see the con argument, click here. After the Aurora, Colorado movie theater shooting many in the media said it was a bad time to bring up a gun control debate because partisan debates shouldn’t occur after a tragedy. But after the Sikh Temple Shooting, the... Read more »
Mini Editorials
Chioma Iheoma, Opinion Editor
October 18, 2012
Filed under Op-Ed, Opinion
Powder Puff resumes position The Powder Puff game has been returned to a school time event. When the great news was revealed to the entire senior class the upper gym erupted in applause. Even though Variety Show has still been banned, the return of Powder Puff to its traditional time is a great gain... Read more »
STEM night hopes to educate young students
Chioma Iheoma, Opinion Editor
October 5, 2012
Filed under News
The Northeastern Maryland Technology Council’s STEM Pipeline Committee will host its STEM night at JC on Oct. 9. The STEM night is expected to have more attendees than previous STEM nights with over 200 young students in attendance. The first STEM night of the school year will be open to fourth, fifth,... Read more »
New evacuation plan exceeds previous plan
Chioma Iheoma, Opinion Editor
September 27, 2012
Filed under Op-Ed, Opinion
The administration rightly decided that the previous evacuation plan that placed the entire student body in one spot directly behind the school was not a great idea. However, the new plan, which splits the student body up on either side of the school, might not do the trick either. According to... Read more »
Sophomore steers children towards bike safety
Chioma Iheoma, A&E Editor
May 31, 2012
Filed under In the Community, Lifestyles, Off Campus
In a joint effort to earn an award and help children learn about bicycle safety sophomore Kate Rizzieri set up a “Bicycle Rodeo” May 19 at St. Margaret’s School from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. According to Rizzieri, the rodeo “focused on teaching kids from five to eight bike safety and skills.” Rizzieri... Read more »
Seniors hasten to meet service requirements
Chioma Iheoma, A&E Editor
May 4, 2012
Filed under News
In the school mission statement, it is promised that “sensitivity to others” will be “cultivated” in each student. Part of this cultivation is the requirement of 60 service hours in order to graduate. JC leads Archdiocesan high schools in service requirements, but it seems like every year... Read more »
Sharon’s Shaved Ice serves great flavor and atmosphere
Chioma Iheoma, A&E Editor
May 2, 2012
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Quick Bites Restaurant Reviews
The weather has quickly gone from constant chilly days to surprisingly hot ones. In order for your body to cool off, you should head on over to Sharon’s Shaved Ice. When picking the best stand there are a few things to keep in mind: seating, location, and of course flavor, all of which Sharon’s... Read more »
Pro V. Con: HS Memes was an ineffective way to adress bullying issues
Chioma Iheoma, A&E Editor
April 27, 2012
Filed under Pro V Con
This is the con argument on the HS Memes assembly. To read the pro argument, click here. The administration is “sick and tired” of cyber bullying, but honestly, who isn’t? With the realization that JC has its own page on the website hsmemes.com came a flood of quirky commentary about the... Read more »
Korean Restaurant offers great food and self service
Chioma Iheoma, A&E Editor
April 4, 2012
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Quick Bites Restaurant Reviews
Restaurant titles tend to be quite vague, but Korean Restaurant gets right to the point and holds no secrets about its serving of Korean food. While the restaurant owners weren’t too creative with the name, the food is superb. Anyone interested in trying new food should head down to Aberdeen... Read more »
Peace Yoga provides great atmosphere for de-stressing
Chioma Iheoma, A&E Editor
March 16, 2012
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, In the Community
As the school year starts to get a tad more stressful with searching for colleges, taking the SATs, and studying for exams, things start to get tense. The healthiest way to de-stress is by taking yoga, and it should be done no other place but Peace Yoga on Main Street. Peace Yoga is owned by Heather... Read more »
Main Street boutiques satisfy dance needs
Chioma Iheoma, A&E Editor
March 14, 2012
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Featured A&E, In the Community
Girls go to great lengths to find that perfect formal dress, literally. They drive so far as an hour and 45 minutes to get to King of Prussia Mall, over an hour to get to Christiana Mall, and 40 minutes to get to Towson Marketplace. Gas prices are too high to waste on driving so far to a place where... Read more »
Weekend movie previews: “John Carter,” “Silent House,” “A Thousand Words”
Chioma Iheoma, A&E Editor
March 9, 2012
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Cinema
The box office is premiering a film for every type of movie goer, the ones that can buy their own ticket of course. There’s “A Thousand Words” for those who like a comedy that comes with a life lesson, “Silent House” for those who like horror films, and “John Carter” for those who like... Read more »
Weekend movie previews: “Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax” and “Project X”
Chioma Iheoma, A&E Editors
March 1, 2012
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Cinema
The films premiering this weekend are polar opposites. “Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax,” an animated family friendly film, and “Project X,” a parent’s worse nightmare, are both debuting this weekend. No matter the difference in the genres, these films are both supposed to be great entertainment... Read more »
Senior Mia Cho wins award in Cornell design contest
Chioma Iheoma, A&E Editor
February 27, 2012
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Featured A&E, In the Community
Senior Mia Cho sat down to think of opposites ranging from cats and dogs, white and black, to religion and science. Then she took pen to paper and created a winning piece of artwork. Cho has won a Silver Honorable Mention in Cornell University’s Design Contest. The work of the top winners will... Read more »
Weekend movie previews “Wanderlust,” “Gone,” “Tyler Perry’s Good Deeds,” and “Act of Valor”
Chioma Iheoma, A&E Editor
February 24, 2012
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Cinema
The best way to end this three day school week, other than attending the Glow Dance on Feb. 24, of course, is seeing a great film on Feb. 25. “Act of Valor” “Act of Valor” does not seem to be an average military film. If the film is anything like its trailer, then it is going to be epic... Read more »
Fashion Spotlight: Kyleigh Daiker calls for colors and prints
Chioma Iheoma, A&E Editor
February 17, 2012
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Featured A&E, In the Community
It’s time to start refreshing wardrobes for spring. The warmer weather calls for a wider variety of colors and prints.Not only is junior Kyleigh Daiker on top of the trends but she is prepared to revamp her wardrobe and parade her own style. Daiker describes her style as “retro or vintage”... Read more »
Weekend film previews: “This Means War,” “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance,” and “The Secret World of Arrietty”
Chioma Iheoma, A&E Editor
February 15, 2012
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Cinema
“This Means War” The idea that guy friends come before girlfriends is put to the test in the romantic comedy “This Means War.” CIA operatives Foster (Chris Pine) and Tuck (Tom Hardy) are the best partners that the CIA has produced. Their friendship ends up in shambles when they both fall... Read more »
Sophomore revives French Club
Chioma Iheoma, A&E Editor
February 13, 2012
Filed under News, News Flashes
With the help of French teacher Regina Ferry, sophomore Mitchell Russell restarted the French Club. Five people attended the first meeting for the new foreign language club on Tuesday, Feb. 7. A French Club existed a few years ago, but low participation caused it to end. With Ferry’s help,... Read more »
Lana Del Rey makes up for bad SNL performance with new album
Chioma Iheoma, A&E Editor
February 9, 2012
Filed under Arts & Entertainment
After an unsuccessful performance on Saturday Night Live, alternative singer Lana Del Rey has released her new album "Born to Die." The album showcases the singer's eclectic and random style while still being cohesive. Her Saturday Night Live performance overflowed with circle walking and hair flipping... Read more »
Weekend film previews: “Journey 2: Mysterious Island,” “Safe House,” “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace 3D,” and “The Vow”
Chioma Iheoma, A&E Editor
February 8, 2012
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Cinema, Uncategorized
Screen “heartthrobs” are crashing theaters this weekend in the premieres of “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island,” “Safe House,” and “The Vow.” AMC Loews and Regal will be bursting with hoards of girls falling all over themselves to see “The Vow” as well as hoards of “Stars Wars”... Read more »
Bolden revives Bella Vocé
Chioma Iheoma, A&E Editor
February 6, 2012
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Featured A&E, In the Community
Senior Emily Jefferson and several other students walk into McDonalds, but they’re not there for the chicken nuggets. They take their places and begin to sing as onlookers in the crowded fast food restaurant watch them quizzically as they sip their drinks. The group, completely clad in black, finishes... Read more »
Harkins sponsors spiritual retreat to Mount St. Mary’s University
Chioma Iheoma, A&E Editor
February 1, 2012
Filed under News, News Flashes
Religion teacher Rachel Harkins will accompany students to the Mount 2000 and Beyond retreat from February 10 to 12. Harkins and six students will be staying with other teenagers in the dorms at Mount Saint Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland. “It’s themed as a Eucharistic retreat,”... Read more »
Weekend film previews: “The Woman in Black,” “Big Miracle,” and “Chronicle”
Chioma Iheoma, A&E Editor
February 1, 2012
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Cinema
The films premiering this weekend all have something in common. Whether it is the loss of the pathway to safety, the loss of the will to do good, or something else altogether, this weekend’s premiers encounter a loss and will surely identify with everyone. “The Woman in Black,” “Big Miracle,”... Read more »
Weekend film previews: “One for the money,” “The Grey,” and “Man on a ledge”
Chioma Iheoma, A&E Editor
January 25, 2012
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Cinema
The start of the new semester may be stressful for some, with adjusting to new seating arrangements and teachers. As the weekend approaches, be sure to invite your friends over to complain about their new schedules and see some great films. This week the theatres will have movie-goers gripping their... Read more »
Weekend film previews: “Joyful Noise,” “Beauty and the Beast 3D,” and “Contraband”
Chioma Iheoma, A&E Editor
January 13, 2012
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Cinema
Exams are starting next week which means the mandatory procrastinating schedule needs to be formed. Anyone near Regal in Abingdon or AMC Loews in White Marsh will have an easier time making this schedule as there will be a few movies premiering this week. The films, which consist of different genres,... Read more »
Tasti D-Lite serves up great soft serve
Chioma Iheoma, A&E editor
January 2, 2012
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Quick Bites Restaurant Reviews
Watch out TCBY. There’s a new frozen dessert place in town. Tasti D-Lite, located in The Festival at Bel Air Shopping Center, provides frozen dessert in the most entertaining way. The bright colors and “punny” signs located throughout the small restaurant allude to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate... Read more »
Basta Pasta delivers fine food and great service
Chioma Iheoma, A&E Editor
December 16, 2011
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Quick Bites Restaurant Reviews
Basta Pasta, located in Fallston, didn’t seem too special from its outward appearance, but walking into the Italian restaurant’s mellow romantic atmosphere was a delightful surprise. Arriving at 4 p.m., I entered the empty restaurant hoping that the quality of the food was not the reason for the... Read more »
January TV premieres hold promise
Chioma Iheoma, A&E editor
December 16, 2011
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Cinema
Ligers, ghost criminals, stuffed pets, and quick fashion are coming your way this January. Grab your boxing gloves and your remote because next month is going to be an interesting one television-wise as many shows make their premieres. Fox is premiering two new series in January with rather famous... Read more »
Theater department launches first holiday play
Chioma Iheoma, A&E Editor
December 8, 2011
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, In the Community
The Theater Department's first Christmas musical is premiering this week on Thursday, Nov. 8 at 7pm. “White Christmas” centers around two singing and dancing World War II buddies, Private Phil Davis and Captain Bob Wallace. They meet two performing sisters, and Davis tricks his friend Wallace... Read more »
“American Horror Story” enthralls viewers
Chioma Iheoma, A&E editor
November 22, 2011
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Cinema
Ghosts are not enough anymore. Real horror lies within a demon baby, a rubber man, and the dead that walk as if they’re living. FX’s new series "American Horror Story” is addicting with its dark plot, enticing characters, and skilled directing. The show zeros in on the Harmon family, consisting... Read more »
Looney’s Pub to donate to senior class
Chioma Iheoma, A&E Editor
November 21, 2011
Filed under News, News Flashes
The senior class will be holding a fundraiser at Looney’s Pub located on 312 S. Main Street in Bel Air on Tuesday, Nov. 22 in order to raise money for their prom. The event will begin at 3:00 p.m. and end at 9:00 p.m. During that time, 10 percent of a customer’s bill will go to the senior class. In... Read more »
Blue Dog Café introduces new type of entertainment to Harford County
Chioma Iheoma, A&E Editor
November 16, 2011
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Featured A&E, Quick Bites Restaurant Reviews
In comparison to brown blocks of a strip mall that hide behind it, the Blue Dog Art Café appears out of place with its white rectangular box shape and pastel colored beach chairs out front. The cafe houses an interesting gimmick that can’t be found anywhere else in Harford County. The small café... Read more »
Fine Arts prepares for new nature library
Chioma Iheoma, A&E editor
November 7, 2011
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, In the Community
In an effort to enhance the artwork of students, the Fine Arts Department is creating a nature library that will work as a collection of artifacts. The library is a collective project among the fine arts teachers, including fine arts teacher Michael Gaudreau. “The nature library is a place where... Read more »
Artist Spotlight: Taylor Brown
Chioma Iheoma, A&E Editor
November 4, 2011
Filed under Artist Profile, Arts & Entertainment
Six year old Taylor Brown sits quietly in awe as she watches her father. She listens intently to the light scratching of his the pencil to the paper. His hands move quickly across it as he begins the sketch for his new piece of art. Junior Taylor Brown is fond of color, "I've always liked Andy... Read more »
Evanescence fails to live up to potential
Chioma Iheoma, A&E editor
October 18, 2011
Filed under Arts & Entertainment
Evanescence released their self-titled album on Oct. 11, and although the band has made some changes to their lineup, their sound has failed to evolve with this new release. Lead singer Amy Lee’s powerful voice overwhelms most of the songs on the album that would be better as instrumental focused ballads. The... Read more »
Senior class officers adjust variety show
Chioma Iheoma, A&E editor
October 11, 2011
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, In the Community
Last year’s Variety Show featured a girl walking across the stage eating a bag of chips. The audience laughed unknowingly as one alumna ran out of the auditorium upset. This year’s Variety Show is about “taking the meanness away,” Senior class moderator Sue Greig said. Faculty complaints... Read more »
Women’s volleyball makes run for championship
Chioma Iheoma, A&E Editor
September 30, 2011
Filed under Fall Sports, Game Recaps, Sports Center
Lying flat on their stomachs, the women’s varsity volleyball team smacks the floor of the gym – their hands pulsing up and down in a rush of noise. The strong sound ricochets off the walls of the gym followed by an immediate silence. Then comes the sound of their collective voice as they cry,... Read more »
Summer reading fails to involve students
Chioma Iheoma, A&E Editor
September 26, 2011
Filed under Opinion
Did you actually read “Into Thin Air”? The honest response to this popular first week of school question was typically a negative one, excluding freshmen who hadn’t experienced a summer reading assignment and took it seriously, unlike many upperclassmen. Disinterest in summer reading novels... Read more »