Senior Amanda Brannan made a promise to her mom, who passed away from breast cancer in 2009, that by the time she turned 18, she would raise $50,000 to donate to breast cancer research. With her 18th birthday only three months away, Brannan has already raised $61,000.

“When I was 12 years old, I didn’t think the goal I promised my mom was possible. Over the years I discovered how many people are really affected by cancer, and my motivation grew into a reality,” Brannan said.

This accomplishment has been achieved after three Swim Fests at The Arena Club, four Crab Feasts at Price’s Seafood in Havre De Grace, and the JC Patriots in Pink team. For the past four years, the Patriots in Pink teams completes the Race of the Cure in Hunt Valley, MD. Brannan also sells Patriot in Pink bracelets for $2 and has donated the proceeds to Mercy Hospital in Baltimore.

To raise breast cancer awareness and bring her cause to JC, Brannan has held a series of informational talks to the and student body over the span of her four years here. As a continuation of what Brannan has accomplished so far, she conquered the 39-mile Avon Walk for Breast Cancer on Oct. 17 and 18 in New York City for her Senior Project.

Eight years ago, Brannan’s mom walked the same 39 miles as a cancer patient. “I was able to literally walk in my mom’s shoes and felt connected to my mom in a way I had never felt before.”

Hanna LeBuhn is the Print Chief for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.

Sadie Hawkins dance renewed

Mark your calendars. On Feb. 14 there will be a Sadie Hawkins dance at John Carroll.

In the past, there have been winter dances, but in more recent years the tradition of having a winter dance has died off,” Vice Principal of Student Affairs and Technology Brian Powell said.  “There has been low attendance in recent years. In fact, I think that all of them have been cancelled since I’ve been here.”

The dance is being headed by senior Allen Bryant. “I am [heading up the dance] with the help of the senior class officers and other members on a dance council,” Bryant said. Along with the Senior Class officers, Counselor Larry Hensley and College Counselor Carrie Siemsen will be coordinating the dance with Bryant.

For Sadie Hawkins dance, it is tradition that girls ask guys to the dance and sometimes pay for their tickets as well.

“Girls are saying that they like the idea because they can come up with ‘cuter and better’ ideas to ask someone than the guys,” Bryant said.

Not all students are looking forward to this dance. “It’s scary [having to ask someone],” junior Parker Day said. “To me that’s scarier than than waiting to be asked.”

Bryant remains optimistic, however. “I hope that this will become a tradition and I hope that a lot of people come and have a good time.” Bryant said.

Mitch Hopkins is a News Editor for the Patriot and jcpatriot.com.