Staff Profile
Kailey Tracy –– Copy Chief
Senior Kailey Tracy is the Copy Chief for The Patriot. She is a member of the Spanish Honor Society, and the women’s varsity volleyball team. Kailey is the Co-President of the Romero club, and the Secretary of the National Honor Society. When she’s not playing volleyball or working at Chick-fil-A, Kailey is instilling the correct style formatting in The Patriot staff. She plans on journalism and/or sports broadcasting to be in her future, possibly as a profession. This is her third year taking journalism.
Kailey Tracy can be reached for comments at ktracy@jcpatriot.com.
Boston Marathon bombing impacts JC faculty, students, alumni
Kailey Tracy, Copy Chief
April 25, 2013
Filed under News, World News
The frantic, panting voice was what worried her the most. “Courtney, it’s Mom. We’re at the Boston Marathon and there were two explosions at the finish line. We don’t know what it was. It’s kind of scary. We’re fine. Turn on the news and call us. Please. Love you. Bye.” One hour after... Read more »
Sophomore excels in national wrestling tournament
Kailey Tracy, Copy Chief
April 17, 2013
Filed under Sports, Sports News Flashes
Glaring at the wrestler pinned beneath him, sophomore Hunter Ritter racked up his fifth win at the National High School Championships in Virginia Beach, April 5-7. Ritter placed first among sophomores in his 170 pound weight class, beating his opponents by either 15 points or more or pinning them. ... Read more »
STEM women inspire students at Battelle
Kailey Tracy, Copy Chief
March 27, 2013
Filed under Local News, News around JC
Bioengineering major at the University of Maryland Imani Sanders repeatedly told her small group that she knew the answer to the problem their professor had just given them. Her group, consisting of all males, ignored her and continued to work out the problem amongst themselves. When the professor stated... Read more »
The Patriot In-Depth: Making the Grade
Kailey Tracy, Copy Chief
March 22, 2013
Filed under In-Depth, Lifestyles
The Patriot adds up the facts on standardized testing and assesses its role in college admission. See the image below for the full story. [issuu viewmode=presentation layout=http%3A%2F%2Fskin.issuu.com%2Fv%2Flight%2Flayout.xml showflipbtn=true documentid=130322121821-10a8aa01cfff43728422ec37bb30c156... Read more »
Rule, schedule changes come to men’s lacrosse
Kailey Tracy, Copy Chief
March 20, 2013
Filed under Featured Sports Scrollbox, Sports
The 2013 men’s lacrosse season holds new excitement, with new rules and procedures being implemented to speed up the game, and a match against a team from California approaching. According to men’s varsity head coach Matthew Blair, lacrosse had started to “slow down too much” and was becoming... Read more »
Outdoor track hopes to replicate indoor success
Kailey Tracy, Copy Chief
March 14, 2013
Filed under Sports
With two medals around her neck, senior Kiana Wright walked away from the IAAM ‘A’ indoor track conference championships as the winner of the long jump and the triple jump Feb. 1. According to track head coach Robert Torres, both the men’s and women’s outdoor track teams will have similar individual... Read more »
College counseling system expands options
Kailey Tracy, Copy Chief
March 6, 2013
Filed under News, News around JC, Top Stories
Sifting and sorting through countless papers and innumerable websites adds unnecessary stress to the college search. JC’s new counseling arrangement, with one college counselor, has singled out one source for students to access college information. As the program’s first year winds down, both the... Read more »
Patriots do perform service projects
Kailey Tracy, Copy Chief
February 28, 2013
Filed under Sports
He threw the football to the little boy from Anna’s House, waiting for the pass in the end zone of the gym. Touchdown. The JC men’s basketball player and his “little brother” from Anna’s House lit up with jubilation and celebrated as if they had won the Super Bowl. Hosting children from... Read more »
Teacher Spotlight: Courtney Hugo
Kailey Tracy, Copy Chief
February 21, 2013
Filed under Lifestyles, Teacher Spotlight
It was the last 200 meters of the race. Math and science teacher Courtney Hugo scanned the masses of screaming people. She shouted over the crowd for her dad. When he finally saw her, he lit up. This is a recurring scene for Hugo, who has run 16 races, three of which were 50-milers. As an athlete... Read more »
Pro v. Con: Technological transition will result in student disadvanges
Kailey Tracy, Copy Chief
February 15, 2013
Filed under Opinion, Pro V Con
This is the con argument on JC advancing from tablet laptops to tablets/ipads. To view the pro click here. Game over. The option to restart flashes across the screen. In only a matter of seconds, a new game of Temple Run is launched, rather than a new set of Spanish notes. If the technology department... Read more »
Students share hunting experiences
Kailey Tracy, Copy Chief
February 1, 2013
Filed under Featured Sports Scrollbox, Winter Sports
Freshman Michael Imbierowicz aimed his shotgun at the goose, just yards in front of him. With the animal in his line of vision, he fired his weapon. The creature toppled to its side. Imbierowicz had his first kill under his belt. Hunters such as Imbierowicz may become the target of potential laws... Read more »
Quick Picks: The Bel Air Athletic Club offers great amenities, high fee
Kailey Tracy, Copy Chief
January 23, 2013
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, In the Community, Quick Picks
A sky-scraping tree house stands just inside the doors of the Bel Air Athletic Club, which acts as a workout in itself for the school-aged kids galloping through it. Amenities of the same caliber sustain the older kids and adults as well, making the gym a desirable place, despite the monthly fee. Encompassing... Read more »
The Patriot In-Depth: Supermen vs. Wonder Women
Kailey Tracy, Copy Chief
December 14, 2012
Filed under In-Depth, Lifestyles, Top Stories
In a world of academics and athletics, the world that is JC, no one gender seems to pack the dominating punch. Women swoop onto the scene towering above men in the number of athletic Letters of Intent and alumni volunteering on reunion planning committees. They also demonstrate their strength in the... Read more »
Romero sells sweets to support Sandy sufferers
Kailey Tracy, Copy Chief
December 13, 2012
Filed under Lifestyles, Uncategorized
Plastic bags full of toddler’s sweatpants and mom jeans fill sophomore Annie Lerch’s view as she gazes around her garage. Lerch and her family prepared to fill a U-Haul truck with the donations, bringing the clothes to her old town near the devastated Jersey Shore. Lerch moved from Toms River,... Read more »
Wrestling prepares for memorable year
Kailey Tracy, Copy Chief
December 5, 2012
Filed under Sports News Flashes
With five returning All Americans, the wrestling team hopes to place in the top five nationally and second at states, according to head coach Keith Watson. “We are on track to have one of the most successful seasons in JC history,” assistant coach Jake Hollin said. Senior Scott Strappelli agrees... Read more »
Question 6 legalizes same-sex marriage in Maryland
Kailey Tracy, Copy Chief
December 3, 2012
Filed under News, Video, World News
It was near midnight in Republican farm country of Baldwin. Senior Joe Novak’s eyes were glued to the TV, his heart in his throat. Just a few more votes and he would be part of history. On Nov. 6, Maryland voters elected same-sex marriage into law, joining nine other states including Massachusetts,... Read more »
New fundraising plan jumpstarts underclassmen fundraising, leaves seniors behind
Kailey Tracy, Copy Chief
November 12, 2012
Filed under Op-Ed, Opinion
Fifteen thousand dollars: the price of a night filled with unforgettable memories, gorgeous gowns, and dancing until the sun comes up. $15,000 is the price of Prom. This year, the administration declared that each class hold one fundraiser per year in order to make a dent in the cost. This requirement... Read more »
United States Catholic Conference of Bishops calls for consistency in religious curriculum
Kailey Tracy, Copy Chief
November 5, 2012
Filed under News, News around JC
Beginning with the 2012-2013 school year with the class of ’16, the religion department is implementing a new curriculum recommended by the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors will follow the current religion courses they are scheduled to take. By the fall... Read more »
The Patriot In-Depth: Spirit Week evolves over the years
Kailey Tracy, Copy Editor
October 26, 2012
Filed under In-Depth
Sporting bell bottom pants from Goodwill, a sport coat flipped inside out, and vintage sunglasses, science teacher Shane Lawler, class of ’00, struggled to clomp his way to the elevator in his homemade platform shoes. Lawler nailed blocks of wood to his sneakers, creating the amateur 1980s shoes as... Read more »
Math honors society debuts
Kailey Tracy, Copy Chief
September 27, 2012
Filed under News
Although science teacher Jorge Piquer may not get goose bumps solving a math problem, he still holds a passion for the subject. After enjoying his membership in the Mu Alpha Theta National Mathematics Honor Society in high school, Piquer initiated the society at JC with the help of Mathematics Department... Read more »
Firewall malfunction leads to inconsistent Internet connection
Kailey Tracy, Copy Editor
April 26, 2012
Filed under News, News Flashes
Due to a malfunction in the network’s server beginning on Monday, April 16, the wireless Internet has not cooperated with the school community. According to Director of Technology Greg Russell, “there was a part of the authentication on the place of the firewall was getting overloaded, so it was... Read more »
Profili updates upper gym mural
Kailey Tracy, Copy Editor
April 4, 2012
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, In the Community
Investing her faith in Photoshop and her creative ability, senior Lydia Profili puts her design skills to the test as she reconstructs the sports mural in the upper gym for her senior project. The idea to replace the outdated painting came to Profili with the help of her dad. “He went to JC and... Read more »
Faculty and students wear purple in honor of classmate
Kailey Tracy, Copy Editor
March 23, 2012
Filed under News
In memory of sophomore Xavia Pirozzi, students and faculty wore purple on Thursday, March 22, illuminating the hallways with Pirozzi’s favorite color. Pirozzi passed away on the evening of Wednesday, March 21, after a long battle with lymphoma. According to Campus Minister Patti Murphy Dohn,... Read more »
The Main Street Tower offers good food and better service
Kailey Tracy, Copy Editor
March 16, 2012
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Quick Bites Restaurant Reviews
Adorned in parsley pieces and strands of mozzarella cheese with luscious chunks of crab floating throughout, the piping hot cream of crab soup seemed to be begging me to devour its contents. The Main Street Tower offers a wide array of cuisine, from steaks and sautéed seafood to wraps and wings. I... Read more »
Lazor attempts environmental facelift
Kailey Tracy, Copy Editor
March 16, 2012
Filed under News
Water bottles, napkins, paper lunch bags, and other garbage fill the cafeteria trash can to the brim. Adding another piece of waste would push the trash can over the edge. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s website, the average American throws away over 1,130 pounds... Read more »
Mulch Madness returns for campus spring cleaning
Kailey Tracy, Copy Editor
March 6, 2012
Filed under News, News Flashes
As the month of March begins, college basketball’s March Madness nears, but so does a different type of madness: Mulch Madness. On Saturday, March 10, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., JC will hold its annual spring cleaning. “It is more of an opportunity for us to dress up the campus and complete... Read more »
Mayfields exercises fresh spirit with personal gifts
Kailey Tracy, Copy Editor
February 23, 2012
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, In the Community
Located in the Forest Hill Rockspring shopping plaza, Mayfields boutique is anything but secluded. The iridescent walls are highlighted in vibrant pinks, yellows, and greens, foreshadowing the bright, fun spirit of not only the shop, but the service as well. Mayfields reminds me of one of the little... Read more »
JC community sends cranes and prayers to sophomore with lymphoma
Kailey Tracy, Copy Editor
February 22, 2012
Filed under News, Top Stories
Hands crafting a blue piece of construction paper were the only objects visible upon the projection screen. An anonymous voice taught those interested the correct formation of a paper crane, as science teacher Rebecca Jansing-Kaestner’s advisory put forth their best effort in constructing the piece... Read more »
Summer reading committee slims down novel choices to three
Kailey Tracy, Copy Editor
February 8, 2012
Filed under News, News Flashes
The summer reading committee has narrowed down the list of summer reading choices for students from five books to three. The three book choices include “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time” by Mark Haddon, “The Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein, and “Heaven is for Real”... Read more »
‘Heaven is for Real’ offers reason to believe
Kailey Tracy, Copy Editor
January 27, 2012
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Books and Video Games
The Patriot has reviewed several of the summer reading options for this year. A student committee has been formed to allow for student opinion in choosing the summer reading book for 2012. To read more about changes to the summer reading program, click here. Perhaps the finest way to perceive... Read more »
Respect Life Day to occur during March for Life
Kailey Tracy, Copy Editor
January 13, 2012
Filed under News
“This is fulfilling a dream I had since I first came here in July,” Principal Madelyn Ball said. Ball wanted “to have so many students participate in the March for Life that it would be impossible to have our regular classes that day,” she said. Ball’s dream has transformed into reality. According... Read more »
Patriot of the month: Mackenzie Reese
Kailey Tracy, Copy Editor
December 18, 2011
Filed under Athlete Spotlight
Junior Mackenzie Reese’s adrenaline was pumping. Her heart was racing. There were five minutes left in the 2011 IAAM ‘B’ championship game, and the women’s varsity basketball team was down by two points after coming back from a 16 point deficit. One more basket and they would be able to... Read more »
Summer reading changes aim to increase student participation
Kailey Tracy, Copy Editor
December 16, 2011
Filed under News
On Tuesday, Dec. 13, three students and two faculty members sat in the library classroom with one goal in mind: to formulate a summer reading program that would appeal to the majority of students and increase school-wide involvement. Although the meeting was advertised in the Daily Bulletin, three... Read more »
Festival of Trees lights up cancer research
Kailey Tracy, Copy Editor
November 30, 2011
Filed under In the Community, Lifestyles, Off Campus, Uncategorized
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? In the armory, trees are glistening. A beautiful sight, Chesapeake Cancer Alliance is happy tonight, walking in a festival of trees. White pines, Norway spruces, and evergreens illuminated the Bel Air Armory Nov. 26 and 27 as part of the Chesapeake Cancer... Read more »
Protect Life Act protects taxpayers’ beliefs
Kailey Tracy, Copy Editor
November 22, 2011
Filed under Opinion
A passed bill in the House on Oct. 13 resumed the abortion controversy. The bill, entitled the Protect Life Act, prohibits federal funding of abortion coverage. It also allows government funded hospitals to deny performing an abortion if they morally oppose it. Although the established Affordable... Read more »
Poor voter turnout suggests ignorant society
Kailey Tracy, Copy Editor
November 21, 2011
Filed under Opinion
10 percent. What does this measly number represent? This year’s Baltimore City mayoral election turnout, nearly half of the turnout for the mayoral primaries this year. During the late 1700s to early 1800s in America, white male property owners, approximately 10-16 percent of the population,... Read more »
Men’s volleyball remains optimistic
Kailey Tracy, Copy Editor
October 21, 2011
Filed under Fall Sports, Game Recaps, Sports, Sports, Sports Center
The volleyball came hurling continually back and forth over the net. As sophomore Chris Collins sprinted to the ball, his heart pounding, the scoreboard appeared in his peripheral vision. Only one more point to go. If his team won this volley, they would have their first win under their belt. ... Read more »
School store travels to cyberspace
Kailey Tracy, Copy Editor
September 23, 2011
Filed under News
The school store landed in cyberspace with its online launch on Aug. 29 by teaming up with the apparel company SwagDog. According to Director of Enrollment and Marketing Jesse Roberts, one of the people who contacted SwagDog, the conversations regarding the online store have been in the works for... Read more »
Rian Dawson rocks to the beat of his own drum
Kailey Tracy, Reporter
August 8, 2011
Filed under Arts & Entertainment
For most, 30 to 50 bras being flung at you as you’re trying to concentrate on playing the drums would be distracting, but for drummer Rian Dawson of the band All Time Low, it’s all part of a day’s work. As highschoolers, Dawson and the three other bandmates met in singer Alex Gaskank’s... Read more »
Sophomore plunges for Special Olympics
Kailey Tracy, Contributing Writer
February 21, 2011
Filed under Lifestyles
Five, four, three, two, one! When the clock hit one, sophomore Stephanie Almasy sprinted for the 34-degree water. As icy chills surged through her body, she walked further into the Chesapeake Bay. For Almasy, the 2011 Polar Bear Plunge to benefit the Special Olympics of Maryland at Sandy Point... Read more »