John Jay High School Hosts Blood Drive

The John Jay Chapter of FBLA hosted the first of its two biannual blood drives for the 2017-2018 school year on October 19th, and it was very successful. FBLA members gave their free periods to the cause and made sure that the event ran smoothly by signing people in and providing general help to the professionals.The John Jay Community too did not disappoint. Teachers, students and even parents--who drove in just to donate blood--showed up in great numbers to give to those in need. Students are not often given the chance to contribute so directly in the saving of other lives as a blood drive does, but once given the chance, their enthusiasm is unstoppable.Some students hadn’t even signed up prior to the event, but once they saw the drive, they jumped at the chance to give back to their community without a second thought; while younger students had to be turned away if they did not have a registration form, they all excitedly promised to be back for the drive in the spring. The generous spirit of the community was clearly visible, and the drive had already surpassed its goal by the middle of the day. 86 pints of blood were collected. The chapter would like to extend a special thank you its partner, the New York Blood Center, one of the largest community-based, non-profit blood collection organizations in the nation, and looks forward to a long partnership ahead. Thank you as well to all those who donated, and to the members who gave their time to make the event a success.

by Amy Z.

History Honors Society Wrapping Party

Hot chocolate, pretzels, marshmallows, wrapping paper and boxes towered feet high; that’s what you would have seen in the cafeteria during the History Honors Society wrapping party. After school, the café was filled with teens getting their volunteering hours while having fun and helping the community. Hundreds of gifts were being wrapped for the children at the Astor Home. Many of the children residing there were not fortunate enough to get gifts from parents or family. The wrapping party exists as a fun activity that helps provide for those who do not have the same as others. If only you could see their faces when they opened the gifts donated by the John Jay Student Body and teachers. Gifts ranged from giant teddy bears to Pokémon cards and comfy clothes, each specially wrapped by students for a great cause. It was really amazing to see how the John Jay community came together to make this happen. I cannot wait until next year to do it again! By Chelsea Co.

Round of Applause

At John Jay, we are known for having good athletic teams, ranging from football to volleyball, and no one can deny that we are proud of all our athletes. However, I think there should be an equal amount of pride when it comes to the arts. On February 19th, the Talent Show—hosted by La Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica (Spanish Honor Society)—displayed phenomenal talent. Experiencing it first-hand, I was floored by how amazing all the performances were. At one moment, we were watching a Spanish cultural dance with amazing coordination and then the next, a satire on political debates with Ben Carson falling asleep in the middle of it. We even witnessed the epic rap style of Mr. Davis, with lines flowing so fast, I think he dropped a whole mixtape in just four minutes. If you didn’t come to watch, you also unfortunately missed the reigning champions, now called “Desi Empire.” With their mix of Indian dancing and American pop music, they killed it, earning their spot as number one. Others danc

Inadequate Security in Public Schools

Security cameras lace malls, cops stalk airports with large loaded guns, and from convention centers to conference halls, security stands amongst the highest priorities. At the same time, society’s future leaders lay vulnerable to various dangers, from bombings to shootings. In the 21st century, metal detectors, screening systems, and a strong police presence arm most public facilities against potential threats while public schools--the “safe haven” of education and dreams for the future--horrifically fail in protecting the hundreds of faculty and students occupying them for over nine months each year. When used incorrectly, technology--especially weaponry--poses threats to people psychologically, emotionally, and physically; such wounds maim relationships and entire communities and may even prove fatal. The “National Center for Education Statistics” states in “Fast Facts” that in the school year of 2013 to 2014, 68 percent of America’s public schools required faculty and staff to

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