In case you missed it: Week of Jan. 2

The Patriot recaps what has happened over the past week in the community and makes sure nothing passed you by. Have a look, and catch up on the news just in case you missed it.

Spirit+Wing+singer+Barry+Lee+explains+a+piece+of+Native+American+history+to+students+during+the+Powwow+assembly+on+Thursday%2C+Jan+5.+The+Powwow+assembly%2C+held+this+Thursday%2C+gave+students+a+glimpse+of+the+annual+Morning+Star+Powwow+which+will+be+held+at+JC+on+Jan.+14.

Zachary Miller

Spirit Wing singer Barry Lee explains a piece of Native American history to students during the Powwow assembly on Thursday, Jan 5. The Powwow assembly, held this Thursday, gave students a glimpse of the annual Morning Star Powwow which will be held at JC on Jan. 14.

Powwow Assembly

On Thursday, Jan. 5, students attended an assembly about the annual Morning Star Powwow. The assembly’s purpose was to give students a glimpse of what the Powwow is like and to promote Native-American culture. The assembly was led by Barry Lee, a member of the band Spirit Wing, who sang traditional Native-American songs as well as songs written by the band. He provided students with a glimpse of Native-American history and culture that will be expanded upon at the Powwow. The Morning Star Powwow will be held on Saturday, Jan. 14 in the Upper Gym.  

New whiteboards

Students returned from Christmas break on Tuesday, Jan. 3 to new whiteboards in most classrooms. The whiteboards were installed over break and provide a change of scenery. Many students are happy with the change and think they will better the learning environment. “I like the whiteboards because they are easier to read,” junior Josephine Cohen said.

New principal announced

On Jan. 4, President and Interim Principal Richard O’Hara sent an email to students, parents, and faculty announcing the selection of the principal for the 2017-2018 school year. Tom Durkin will start his term as principal and chief academic officer on June 12, 2017. He is currently the Assistant Principal of Academics at St. Vincent Pallotti. Durkin has been an educator for 30 years and was an English teacher, English Department Chair, and Learning Specialist at Loyola Blakefield for the majority of his time teaching.

In his email, O’Hara acknowledged the transition of responsibilities to Durkin over the next few months. “We will have a transition plan in place to allow him to meet John Carroll constituents and to quickly become knowledgeable of key issues, strategic goals, and important ‘to-do’s’ that will require his involvement and leadership,” O’Hara said.

Dance Company auditions

The College Preparatory Dance Program held auditions on Saturday for the fall of 2017. Auditions were in the auditorium from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The College Preparatory Dance Program is a JC program beginning in the fall that offers dance classes after school that are included in tuition. Classes will be graded and taught by Laura Ward-Moran.

Lauren Becker is a News Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.