Thomas McDonald 2013 by Renee Burke

PORTFOLIO THOMAS MCDONALD

THOMAS MCDONALD 1344 Waterwitch Cove Circle Orlando, Florida 32806 tommydanielmcdonald@gmail.com (407) 484-0157 April 22, 2013 James Gentes CEO/Founder The Social Business/Good Peeple 141 NW Greenwood Ave, Suite 100, Bend, OR 97701 Dear Mr. Gentes, Your upcoming tech company, The Social Business, has potential to succeed in the highly competitive market, and further assistance would help it reach itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s maximum efficiency. A person like yourself, a busy father of two, or four if you include your business creations, could use some additional help to take the stress out of the daily grind. If this kind of help sounds beneficial, please consider the internship of a diligent, hard-working student with knowledge of technology and business. I am applying for a general internship of whatever position you deem necessary. I have already managed a community clubhouse during events and parties, and this has taught me how to be attentive and stay on task. With working at a large facility, taking responsibility is key. Forgetting to lock a single door can lead to massive thief. In addition, I am finishing my first year on my high school newspaper, Hi-Lights. While working on the paper, I have learned how to use computers to a greater degree, specifically including Photoshop and InDesign. With a general background of the skills necessary to be successful in business and a solid fundamental of computers, I make an excellent, well-rounded candidate for an intern at The Social Business. My attention to detail would keep the company well run, and help you attend to all the minor, but crucial details you do not always have time to attend. The general knowledge I possess about technology, social media and computers would lend myself well to suggesting and innovating ideas currently implemented in The Social Business. Also, after countless hours of supporting family and friends with technology over the phone and in person, I am able to help support customers in a detailed, thorough and polite manner. I understand you have plenty of work to do, and I appreciate you taking time out of your day to read this application. I believe that a personal interview either over the phone or Skype would lend better to us discussing my abilities. An interview would be a great honor, and setting up one at a good time for you is a personal priority. Thank you for the consideration. I look forward to your further inquiry and our upcoming interview. Respectfully yours,

Thomas McDonald

Enclosed: resume

THOMAS MCDONALD

OBJECTIVE

1344 Waterwitch Cove Circle Orlando, FL 32806 tommydanielmcdonald@gmail.com (407) 484-0157

To learn how an entrepreneur in the tech field creates a small business, nourishes it, and innovates. Also, how to manage and run a business succesfully.

EDUCATION

• Completing second year of high school at Boone High School • Graduation date: May 2015. • G.P.A. 4.6

ACTIVITIES

• Varsity Tennis Team

EXPERIENCE

• Hi-Lights Newspaper Staffer, Boone High School

Aug 2012 - present: Writing and designing stories for the newspaper including in-depth editorials, sporting events, and features. Also, covered live sporting events by live tweeting them and posting a story within 24 hours to the website, hilights.org.

• Demo Volunteer, Orlando Science Center

June 2012 - present: Learning how to work over 12 different demos and exhibits while interacting with guests.

• Office Employee, Windsong Community Clubhouse

May 2012 - present: Setting up parties and greeted guests. Maintaining an orderly and clean party with minimal guidance. Working in the office taking phone calls and monitoring the facility.

RELEVANT HIGH SCHOOL STUDIES

Journalistic writing; advanced outlining; picture editing; social media usage; web development; core productivity applications.

HONORS, AWARDS, AND MEMBERSHIPS

2nd place in Science County Fair for Botany A large science fair bringing in students from all over Orange County to compete in rigorous judging from qualified professionals.

REFERENCES

• Renee Burke- Hi-Lights Newspaper Adviser (407) 443-8451 • Susan Woods- Windsong Community Clubhouse Manager (407) 953-0052 • Adrian Zguns- Winter Park Tennis Center Pro (863) 605-4342

self analytical essay

I received my start in journalism when I was first heard about Booneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s publications program, and how outstanding it was. I have learned many skills and values this year on Hi-Lightsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; staff. I have learned how to manage time, work within a tight deadline, work among others in a group setting and stay on task while being social. Also, I have learned how to use Adobe InDesign and Photoshop CS6, report live from a sporting event on Twitter and sell ad space to a variety of companies. I have seen how a lack of thoroughness and fact checking haws lead to incorrect fact. I have acquired a hard work ethic this year and learned the job is never complete until you have the final approval. I have learned how to work hard and to focus on the goal. Newspaper is a valuable course to take, because it is like a job, but with room for error. It is not a job that requires little skill, but a professional job where you are expected to meet a certain standard and manage your own time. In newspaper, you have time to learn how this process works and instead of getting fired, you have time to learn. I will use these skills in every team environment I work in. Also, any job I have to use Adobe products or write will be benefited from the skills I have obtained during my first year in newspaper.

reflection one

I consider my most significant piece of work â&#x20AC;&#x153;Discrimination against majority hurts everyone.â&#x20AC;? This editorial is my best piece of work because it is extremely direct and makes strong points.The article is based directly on facts that walk readers through a logical thought process that brings them to the conclusion. Because of information that helped support my position, I tried to minimize my writing and make things as simple and conclusive as possible. The purpose of the article was to convince the reader why my viewpoint was the correct and logically and ethically right. The viewpoint disagreed with affirmative action, and supported equal opportunity for all races. The piece was not hard to complete, but did require numerous hours of research. Sorting through all the facts, and choosing which ones were the most impactful took me time, but once I was able to do so it came along quickly. In retrospect, if I had been focused on finding the strongest arguments based on solid facts in the beginning, research would have been less like finding a needle in a haystack. When I was given my side, I started by finding three powerful facts about affirmative action that would allow me to elaborate and use specific facts under the overarching point. Through multiple revision, I made major changes and added better facts and a more cohesive narrative. In the beginning, the editorial was confusing and buried. It had background into the issue, which was eventually scrapped and moved to a separate intro, because it applied to both stories. After reordering the piece so that the position of the piece was apparent, I still had to fix awkward wordings. Once I completed that, the piece turned out concise and focused. I like how the finished piece progresses. Everything is to the point and backs the viewpoint. The piece never wastes the readers time because there is no fluff, and all the facts are relevant not to mention slightly astonishing. The piece has a mature, composed tone that makes me sound confident and informed. As a reader, I would not want to argue against the writer of the piece. The style of writing I display in the editorial shows how I can give powerful statements backed up by facts with killer conclusions throughout the piece that help deliver a smooth, yet potent argument.

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Friday, November 9, 2012 hilights.org

insight hi-lights

FCA HUDDLE

SHIRTS FOR A CAUSE

Fellowship of Christian Athletes will be holding a FCA Huddle at 7:09 p.m. in the junior/senior cafeteria on Nov. 5, with the theme “Thanksgiving Feast.” FCA will be collecting donations for the Boone Food Pantry.

The Spanish Club begins their SHIRT OFF YOUR BACK community service project that will end in March. Students can donate long or short-sleeved cotton buttondown shirts that are in good condition that will benefit the Migrant Farm workers Association. Please send shirts to Connie Heiselman in Room 10-203.

Historic Court decision resurfaces Affirmative action began with an executive order passed by John F. Kennedy that mandated employees be hired and treated equally no matter their “race, creed, color, or national origin.” In 1978, the Supreme Court ruled that UC Davis’ medical school’s quota of setting aside seats for minority groups of students unconstitutional. Justice Lewis Powell voted for stopping the quotas, but still thought diversification among admissions was a positive idea and necessary. The Supreme Court is readdressing affirmative action in Fisher v. University of Texas case. In the case, UT denied Abigial Fisher’s admission claims she was denied entrance to the University of Texas and admitted less qualified minority students.

By JACKSON CRUMBLY Since 1961, when affirmative action began, it has been a controversial topic mainly due to the common misconception of what it actually is. Those who disagree with affirmative action may be misinformed with an exaggerated notion of its meaning. This creates tension and jealousy between minorities and Caucasians. For most of America’s history, minority groups and women have been discriminated against for something that they has control over, race and gender. Minorities and females were considered subordinate, by not having the rights of white males. From 1863, when slavery was abolished, it took almost 100 years for minorities to finally get the same rights as caucasians. This why affirmative action aims to correct this unjust treatment. Affirmative action is an effort to better minorities and women’s opportunities in education and employment. Caucasians may think it means minorities do not have to do the work and are just given opportunities. It really means that an equally or better qualified minority or woman would get hired or receive a scholarship over a Caucasian male. Women could not vote until 1920, no matter what their race was. After winning the right to vote, it didn’t make finding a job for a woman easier, and the same goes for black and Hispanic people after gaining their

viewpoint

Affirmative action presents diversity in schools and gives more minorities a chance to be as successful as the majority.

hi-lightsnewspaper

OTHER

EDITORIAL BOARD

Editorial Policy

Editor-In-Chief Lindsay Alexander Design Editor Anna Marie Boria Copy Editor Karina Flores Business Manager Lizzy Gordon Index Editor Delanee Bogan Webmaster Bridgette Norris

STAFFERS Cooper Brock, Meghan Cotton, Jackson

Crumbly, Conor Curry, Thomas Egan, Gabriella Fakhoury, Chase Gardner, Kaley Gilbert, Austin Hall, Sam Holleman, Josh Halloran, Heather Janas, Jordan Knight, Ciara McCoy, Tommy McDonald, Mackenzie Mock, Paula Morales, Olivia Quatrone, Gavin Waters

Adviser Renee Burke

POLICY STATEMENT

Discrimination against majority hurts everyone By TOMMY MCDONALD Affirmative action is meant to create equality for all, but accepting over qualified students solely based on race is discrimination. Racial preference that discriminates against the majority is not anymore right than discrimination against minorities. Moving forward with racial equality requires the same treatment for every race. Affirmative action is a hypocritical system that supports discrimination. Entitlement based on race is something. The government should not support. Affirmative action supports lazy citizens who are used to receiving handouts. No race should have this kind of advantage. The current system serves as a backup to minority students who know they will not have to secure a high GPA because schools will compensate them with a point if they are black and half a point if they are Hispanic according to CNN’s “Keep affirmative action but reform it.” A false sense exists that white students are given everything they need to get into college, but being white does not guarantee being smart or having access to adequate resources. Success comes from being selfdriven, not a skin color. One could argue that coming from a family based on a life in poverty would promote a hard work ethic rather than students from an affluent family. Once minority students graduate from college they will realize employers take minority status into account much less

viewpoint

Diversity provides America with better opportunities

illustration/OLIVIA QUATTRONE

freedom in America. Today there are still employers who do not hire women or minorities. Affirmative action makes sure ethnicity and gender are not disadvantages. Although minorities and women getting hired in average paying positions has become easier due to this law, higher paying positions are a different story. According to 1998 U.S. Department of Labor statistics, a black person generally earned $459 a week, and a Caucasian earned $590 a week. This gap may be due to a lack of education or racial bias. This is why affirmative action is still necessary in America today. Affirmative action is also in place to account for minorities, statistically, having more financial problems than Caucasians. Getting good grades is more difficult than it would be for a person who doesn’t have to worry about everyday essentials, like food. Through affirmative action a minority student could be accepted into college and have a chance to receive a degree and from that, a job and eventually get out of poverty. America is 13.1 percent is black, 16.7 percent Hispanic, and 63.4 percent white. The workplace needs to model the country it is in. Diversity in workplaces and on campuses is another goal of affirmative action. America is a melting pot of races, religions and beliefs and that is exactly how schools and jobs should be: diverse. On a college campus or in the workplace, affirmative action may get two people of different races, who never considered talking, to interact. This helps eliminate ignorance by having all races talk and learn together. Racism still exists today, and its root is based in ignorance. Ultimately, America’s population is over 60 percent white and over 50 percent women; affirmative action keeps all races and genders equal in America. This action is in place to give everyone a fair chance to have success in life by getting an education and a job.

Ending Affirmative Action will push minorities to succeed without inequality for majorities.

Principal Margaret McMillen

Hi-Lights is a student publication of William R. Boone High School, 1000 E. Kaley Ave., Orlando, Florida, 32806. The ideas and views of the aforementioned students and faculty are not those of Boone or the Orange County School Board. Opinions expressed in unsigned editorials are those of the editorial board, who determine the content. Opinions expressed in columns are those of the authors. Comments, letters, stories and ideas are welcome and encouraged under the following: 1. The material is not obscene or libelous 2. The material is signed The staff reserves the right to edit letters for grammar, length, punctuation, accuracy, invasion of privacy and potential disruption of the school.

than colleges. Only when two applicants are similarly qualified and one is a minority will affirmative action become a factor. Affirmative action accustoms minorities to succeeding with sub-par qualifications, although employers will hire the best worker without taking race into consideration. Less qualified students being admitted into schools is not always a blessing for those students. The majority of students accepted under racial preferences struggle academically and usually do not come close to achieving their goals, according to “The Unraveling of Affirmative Action” in The Wall Street Journal. This claim is confirmed by Duke University’s research that shows black students 52 percent rate of achieving an intended sciences major versus white students who have an 83 percent rate. Students getting into colleges based on racial preferences is reality. Stanford’s African-American students on average scored 171 points less on their SATs than white students according to Stanford in “The Case Against Affirmative Action.” According to “The Unraveling of Affirmative Action” in The Wall Street Journal, preferences for minorities are equal to an additional 100 points on the SAT. Students coming from homes with an income of $200,000 score an average of 381 more points than students living in poverty, according to “Total Group Profile Report” from College Board. The research shows that every economic bracket does better than the one below it. There are poor white students and privileged minorities have well paying jobs. Assistance should be given to students based on income. Assistance should be given in the form of a better education, not free points on the SAT or boosted GPA’s. Every qualified student deserves a chance to succeed, and when a discriminatory admissions policy takes that right away from him based on race it is unfair. Equality is for everyone, not just minorities.

SCHOLASTIC ASSOCIATIONS

Hi-Lights is associated with Florida Scholastic, American Scholastic, Columbia Scholastic and National Scholastic Press Associations and Quill and Scroll.

OUR MISSION

This paper is a quality product whose sole purpose is to pursue the truth, and to provide information and factual news pertaining to Boone and the community around it. Any questions or comments can be directed to (407) 893-7200, extension 6012614 or Room 224, as well as by email to hilightsnp@gmail.com. If you find any errors, please call our offices or visit us.

Check out hilights.org for up-to-date news and information. Scan this QR code to go right to the site.

reflection two

The piece that could use the most work is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Student makes All County teamâ&#x20AC;?. I learned from the piece that just because a story itself seems straightforward, does not mean that is the best direction to take the story. The piece evolved with adding small clarifications and minor details. If I had the chance to further improve the piece, I would go further in depth into Quiz Bowl. The piece covers Miller well, but the life of an AP-athlete-student is similar to most of the newspaperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s readership. Students do not want to read about something similar to them, but rather something new and exciting. I would have elaborated on Quiz Bowl, something most students have little knowledge about. That would include elaborating on the practice process, and the feeling of the actual matches. When I recieved the story, the interview had already been completed. I started on the initial composition, and eventually interviewed him for additional content. After that, the process was standard- checked and corrected. The overall feeling the piece gives me is of being content. I feel it is a solid piece, and I was even more satisfied when I first wrote it. It is not a bad story; there are no wrong facts or bad quotes, but it has a cookie-cutter feel.

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HONOR SOCIETY PROVIDES TUTORING

IMPROVISATION SHOW RAISES FUNDS

The French Honor Society is offering tutoring sessions for students who need help with French. One-on-one lessons with teachers (Ann Ballentine or Dr. Safia Mami) are also available. Tutoring is available Tuesday, Thursday and Friday in Rooms 10.205 or 10.209 from 6:45 a.m. to 7:15 a.m.

A Valentine’s Day Deep Thoughts Comedy Improvisation Show is Feb. 12, to raise funds to bring in the original Broadway dogs Bruiser and Rufus from Legally Blonde the Musical for their spring production of the hit Broadway show. Rob Ward is hosting the show; tickets are $5.

Teacher advocates keeping active By PAULA MORALES Popular belief says teachers do not have a life outside of school. Except they actually do. A prime example of this is science teacher Emily Smith. Smith shows that teachers do things other than teach; in this case, biking to school. It gives her additional exercise and saves her money on gas. Currently, she spends an average of $35 or less on gas monthly and reduces wear on her car. “It sets a great example for my students because we are such a car obsessed society, and it’s totally possible to exist without using a car on a daily basis,” Smith said. To start off her day, Smith pumps her bike tires and makes sure her lights are functioning. Then she packs up her bike panniers and is out the door by 6:30 a.m. “I think it’s great. I wish I could do it. It shows a commitment to maintaining physical condition,” chemistry

teacher Glenn Listort said. Smith’s 15 minute ride to school gives her an opportunity to think and allows her to clear her head and let go of anything that is bothering her before she gets into her classroom. “I’d like to think I have a good attitude most days. The attitude I come to school with determines how my lesson will go and how my kids will receive the information,” Smith said. When the dismissal bell rings she heads to weightlifting practice. Smith has practice every day. Smith packs up her 1973 Schwinn Varsity bicycle, which used to be her father’s, and rides it to the 700 building. Smith likes to coach weightlifting because she participated in the sport when she attended Boone as a student. “I found it to be such a personally rewarding sport; it is really you against yourself. I loved how it made me feel confident, and now I love watching my athletes feel confident

and proud of themselves due to their achievements in the weight room,” Smith said. Being involved with students during and after school gives a positive vibe. When Smith gets home from school, the first thing she does is unpack the bike and go for a run. Smith looks forward to her run and tries to run every day. “Sometimes, the run is needed because I’m not feeling positive, other times the run is just amazing because I am feeling positive already,” Smith said. Being active helps Smith be alert during the day, helps her brain work better and makes her feel healthy. The more active she is, the better she feels. “I know the athletes I encounter appreciate my time and efforts and there are so many of my students that show their appreciation to me every day,” Smith said.

What’s in your bag?

Pepper spray to help her in case of an emergency Spanner Wrench, the original wrench that came with the bike

Bike pump in case she gets a ﬂat tire Bandages, she’s ready in case of an injury

Sports provide outlet for freshman

Tweets Hilights newspaper @hilightsnp @4:31 p.m. This spread spotlights five peoples’ lives and unique activities they participate in.

Friday, February 8, 2013 hilights.org

hi-lights specialfeature

From make-up styling for special

occasions to answering trivia questions competitively, the activities highlighted vary in skill and personal interest. These activities help relieve stress and are an escape from school work for each person.

#whatareyoudoing?

Artistic student captures moments By BRIDGETTE NORRIS With a sense of creativity and a knack for entrepreneurship, senior Elisa Castillo spends her spare time hosting photo shoots and making and selling jewelry. “I am an artsy person and enjoy making jewelry. I got involved in photography by just seeing really good pictures and thinking, ‘I want to take pictures like that’,” Castillo said. Using the Internet as her resource, Castillo learned photography tips, how to operate the camera and jewelry making skills. “I got bored and thought [homemade jewelry] looked cool and wanted to try it,” Castillo said. Her jewelry costs $5 for earrings, $7 for rings and key chains and $10 for necklaces and bracelets. Some prices do vary depending on how time consuming and difficult it is to make. “I usually do requests for jewelry. People tell me what they want and I go off that, whether it be the theme or style of jewelry,” Castillo said. Prior to the jewelry making, Castillo began her photography hobby with a small digital camera before upgrading to a Nikon d5000. The camera upgrade comes in handy during Castillo’s photo shoots, like the one with senior Shaffaq Noor. “We were laughing through the whole photo shoot, just joking around and having fun. I didn’t think the pictures would come out as good as they did,” Noor said. Castillo books photo shoots with friends and her friend’s families. She charges for them depending on how long it takes and uploads the pictures on Facebook, www.facebook.com/elisacastillophotography, afterwards. Although right now Castillo’s photography and jewelry are ways to pass time, her dream is to be a professional photographer, but thinks it is not very practical. “I don’t want to rely on waiting to see if I get lucky. Instead, I will find a realistic job to support me and keep photography as a side project, like I do now. Hopefully with time and practice, I am able to make a name for myself,” Castillo said.

By DELANEE BOGAN Hearing a loud beeping noise, he slowly hits his alarm clock, turning it off, still exhausted from the night before. Staying out late playing basketball and waking up early for his club basketball team practice is not unusual for freshman Alexis Bergan and his busy schedule. “[The best part of being on the freshman team] is that I get to represent Boone and play basketball with my friends. Basketball is a way to get your anger out and a good way to make new friends,” Bergan said. Bergan is the starting shooting guard on the freshman team and was the starting wide receiver on the freshman football team. Practicing basketball for 10 hours a week is helping him improve his skills as well as prepare for next year, “[Through basketball I’ve learned] to be a good leader and my communication skills have improved,” Bergan said. As well as being on the freshman team, Bergan is on the Florida Basketball Volleyball Association Club Team. He joined the FBVA club team in December 2012, but started playing basketball in eighth grade. “I think it’s a good opportunity for him to improve himself in basketball and work with others on the team,” mother, Rachel Campell said. Campbell supports her son by trying to go to all of his basketball games, but can find this difficult because she often

has to work late nights and is unable to attend. “If I’m not [able to go to one of his basketball games], I support him at home by encouraging him to achieve his goals,” Campbell said. There is a rule in Bergan’s house that he is only allowed to play sports if he has A’s and B’s in all of his classes. “Academics are very important; if you don’t have academics you don’t have anything,” Campbell said. It is more important to Campbell for her son to do better in his academics than his athletics. She wants him to do well in school so he will have opportunities that she did not. Due to his love for sports, Bergan keeps his grades up so he is able to play. He plans to continue to play basketball and football throughout high school so he can become a starter for junior varsity and varsity. Although Bergan likes to play basketball, he would prefer to play football in college because he thinks it is more exciting. He plans to achieve his goal of playing a sport in college by playing in high school. He plans to focus on the basics while remaining dedicated and practicing so he can become a better athlete.

Student makes All County team By TOMMY MCDONALD After getting home from water polo practice and studying for his five AP classes, junior Israel Miller still has not started practicing for Quiz Bowl. Luckily for Miller, his academic schedule prepares him for the upcoming Florida All County Quiz Bowl Tournament in April. “It would be like studying for the SAT, you can’t really do it. All I do is go in to have fun and show off my stuff,” Miller said. Quiz Bowl is similar to Jeopardy, but with teams. Questions range from science, history, math, English, fine arts and the foreign languages of Spanish and French. Quiz Bowl sponsor Christina Baybay Bykov selected Miller to try out for the All County team in November after the school season concluded. “I was pretty surprised [to make it to the All County Team]. I almost feel like I don’t deserve it, [because] I beat a bunch of seniors that I thought would do better than me,” Miller said. He will now train with the All County team at Winter

Park and West Orange high schools until the state meet in April. Miller suspects that the team will study old released questions from past Quiz Bowl tournaments. The schools third place finish in the Quiz Bowl playoffs displayed Miller’s skill. Even though Miller is a top player, he does not spend any time on his own preparing for the event. “He’s quick. He has good recall. He’s not a timid player, and that’s very good. You can’t doubt yourself. You have to take risks,” Baybay Bykov said Miller and the rest of the Orange County Quiz Bowl team will compete at Disney for four days against other county Quiz Bowl teams. Miller is the only student advancing from Boone’s Quiz Bowl team, an opportunity only six students in Orange

County receive. “It’s not about Boone. I want Orange County to take the State Championship,” Baybay Bykov said.

reflection three

I am proud of this picture because it captures an intense moment in a baseball game where the pitcher is throwing the ball. The pitcher is exerting his all and preparing for a possible make or break moment. The photo uses the rule of thirds, because the pitcher laying in the lower line of thirds. The pitcherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s orange hat and socks create a striking center of interest and draws you into the photo while the action makes the moment even more interesting.

reflection three

This picture makes me proud because it captures a lacrosse game right before a play is executed while showing the iconic Boone stadium and Braves sign. The photo draws one in with the lacrosse player in mid-stride, in focus, and the backdrop of spectators slightly out of focus. The focus creates a depth of field and makes the player easily distinguishable from each other.

reflection three

This picture impresses because of the feeling it expresses. The contrast of the metallic benches and fading sky shows the difference between nature and nonliving while maintaining a relaxed feeling. It also evokes a subtle curiosity from the viewer because of the way the reader is casually but purposely looking away from his book. The picture tells a story, but not in itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entirety. This mystery makes a complex photo with many levels.

reflection four

I was an asset to the 2013 Hi-Lights staff because of dedication and persistence to always deliver a quality product before the paper went to press. I always gave my best work each issue and it showed in the final output. My work was always on time, so pulling it and other stories was never a concern. If my work was deviating from the vision of the paper, I would find out what I needed to change and make sure to correct my story in a timely manner. I was committed to Hi-Lights to the extent I was willing to wake up early on Saturday morning and cover cross country which is not the most glamorous or exciting sport. I would drive 30 minutes to an hour and cover the story which included live tweeting, taking pictures, and finding out the facts so I could report on the meet later that day. In addition to covering cross country, I spent countless hours in class, during other classes and after school working on my assignments until they were perfected. Another example of my dedication is my two editorial pieces. Each story required a tremendous amount of research which involved me piecing together facts from a plethora of articles to form a single body of work. If I lacked dedication, the articleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s research would not be strong.

reflection five

During my first year on newspaper staff, the most challenging problems I faced were staying on deadline and knowing what was going on. At the start of the year, a significant problem was figuring out when deadlines were, and the rapid succession of deadlines. Since I did not know that the first pocket of free time given at the start of each issue was only temporary, I was left with little time to complete my article. My first submission was a resub. I did not realize I needed to resubmit the next day or as immediately as possible, so I waited about a week to resubmit the article. Once again, a lack of knowledge about the workflow of newspaper left me positioned for failure. I learned that knowing what is due is key. If you do not know what is required, how are you expected to complete it? After the first deadline, I made sure to know when deadlines were so I could increase my work time. Also, I learned if I do not know what I am supposed to be doing figuring it out is a priority. If I had known what was due earlier on, I would of had a better chance of being on deadline. Overall, I handled the incident well. At first, I was unaware of how much work I needed to be completing on a daily basis. Despite this error, I was able to meet the final deadline and complete my work. After the first deadline, I tried my best to make sure that I was completing my work on time, and I have generally improved. I have not had a story pulled due to not completing it the entire year. I have learned that being prepared, and overestimating the amount of time to complete anything is always better than underestimating it; underestimating it leads to not enough time. I learned from my mistakes, and I was able to be better aware of deadlines. Next year, I plan to be better prepared for each deadline and start on my work earlier.

reflection six

1. I succeeded with this goal because I asked questions about the details I did not understand on revisions. I made sure I knew exactly what the editor meant when they revise my work, so my revision was for the better. This has saved me time because I am able to address issues when they first appear. 2. I partially succeeded in this goal. I was able to get everything in on time, so that it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pulled. I was not able to meet every individual deadline, but I will strive towards this goal next year. I made improvement, but I still have room to improve. 3. I partially succeeded accomplishing this goal. I occasionally self revised early on, but I did not do it enough. With better time management, I aspire to be able to revise all my work next year prior to submitting.

reflection seven Morales, Olivia Quatrone, Gavin Waters Ciara McCoy, Tommy McDonald, Mackenzie Mock, Paula Holleman, Josh Halloran, Heather Janas, Jordan Knight, Fakhoury, Chase Gardner, Kaley Gilbert, Austin Hall, Sam Crumbly, Conor Curry, Thomas Egan, Gabriella

STAFFERS Cooper Brock, Meghan Cotton, Jackson

EDITORIAL BOARD

hi-lightsnewspaper

tniopweiv

black and Hispanic people after gaining their for a woman easier, and the same goes for the right to vote, it didn’t make finding a job matter what their race was. After winning Women could not vote until 1920, no male. or receive a scholarship over a Caucasian qualified minority or woman would get hired It really means that an equally or better the work and are just given opportunities. think it means minorities do not have to do education and employment. Caucasians may minorities and women’s opportunities in Affirmative action is an effort to better action aims to correct this unjust treatment. rights as caucasians. This why affirmative years for minorities to finally get the same slavery was abolished, it took almost 100 the rights of white males. From 1863, when were considered subordinate, by not having over, race and gender. Minorities and females against for something that they has control groups and women have been discriminated For most of America’s history, minority jealousy between minorities and Caucasians. notion of its meaning. This creates tension and with an exaggerated may be misinformed majority. with affirmative action as the Those who disagree successful to be as of what it actually is. a chance common misconception minorities mainly due to the gives more controversial topic schools and began, it has been a diversity in affirmative action presents Since 1961, when action CRUMBLY Affirmative By JACKSON

with better opportunities Diversity provides America

of the school. punctuation, accuracy, invasion of privacy and potential disruption The staff reserves the right to edit letters for grammar, length, 2. The material is signed 1. The material is not obscene or libelous encouraged under the following: Comments, letters, stories and ideas are welcome and authors. the content. Opinions expressed in columns are those of the unsigned editorials are those of the editorial board, who determine Boone or the Orange County School Board. Opinions expressed in views of the aforementioned students and faculty are not those of School, 1000 E. Kaley Ave., Orlando, Florida, 32806. The ideas and Hi-Lights is a student publication of William R. Boone High

POLICY STATEMENT

Editorial Policy Adviser Renee Burke

Principal Margaret McMillen

OTHER

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find any errors, please call our offices or visit us. Room 224, as well as by email to hilightsnp@gmail.com. If you ments can be directed to (407) 893-7200, extension 6012614 or to Boone and the community around it. Any questions or comthe truth, and to provide information and factual news pertaining This paper is a quality product whose sole purpose is to pursue

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life by getting an education and a job. give everyone a fair chance to have success in equal in America. This action is in place to affirmative action keeps all races and genders 60 percent white and over 50 percent women; Ultimately, America’s population is over and its root is based in ignorance. and learn together. Racism still exists today, eliminate ignorance by having all races talk considered talking, to interact. This helps two people of different races, who never in the workplace, affirmative action may get should be: diverse. On a college campus or and that is exactly how schools and jobs is a melting pot of races, religions and beliefs is another goal of affirmative action. America Diversity in workplaces and on campuses it is in. The workplace needs to model the country percent Hispanic, and 63.4 percent white. America is 13.1 percent is black, 16.7 that, a job and eventually get out of poverty. have a chance to receive a degree and from student could be accepted into college and food. Through affirmative action a minority to worry about everyday essentials, like it would be for a person who doesn’t have Getting good grades is more difficult than more financial problems than Caucasians. account for minorities, statistically, having Affirmative action is also in place to still necessary in America today. racial bias. This is why affirmative action is This gap may be due to a lack of education or a week, and a Caucasian earned $590 a week. statistics, a black person generally earned $459 According to 1998 U.S. Department of Labor higher paying positions are a different story. positions has become easier due to this law, and women getting hired in average paying not disadvantages. Although minorities action makes sure ethnicity and gender are not hire women or minorities. Affirmative Today there are still employers who do freedom in America.

minority status into account much less college they will realize employers take Once minority students graduate from rather than students from an affluent family. poverty would promote a hard work ethic that coming from a family based on a life in driven, not a skin color. One could argue resources. Success comes from being selfbeing smart or having access to adequate college, but being white does not guarantee are given everything they need to get into A false sense exists that white students affirmative action but reform it.” are Hispanic according to CNN’s “Keep if they are black and half a point if they schools will compensate them with a point not have to secure a high GPA because to minority students who know they will The current system serves as a backup kind of advantage. receiving handouts. No race should have this action supports lazy citizens who are used to government should not support. Affirmative Entitlement based on race is something. The system that supports discrimination. Affirmative action is a hypocritical the same treatment for every race. Moving forward with racial equality requires against minorities. than discrimination is not anymore right against the majority majorities. that discriminates for Racial preference inequality is discrimination. without solely based on race to succeed qualified students minorities but accepting over will push equality for all, Action is meant to create Affirmative Affirmative action Ending MCDONALD By TOMMY

tniopweiv

Webmaster Bridgette Norris Index Editor Delanee Bogan Business Manager Lizzy Gordon Copy Editor Karina Flores Design Editor Anna Marie Boria Editor-In-Chief Lindsay Alexander

majority hurts everyone Discrimination against

everyone, not just minorities. him based on race it is unfair. Equality is for admissions policy takes that right away from to succeed, and when a discriminatory Every qualified student deserves a chance on the SAT or boosted GPA’s. form of a better education, not free points on income. Assistance should be given in the Assistance should be given to students based privileged minorities have well paying jobs. There are poor white students and than the one below it. that every economic bracket does better from College Board. The research shows according to “Total Group Profile Report” more points than students living in poverty, income of $200,000 score an average of 381 Students coming from homes with an to an additional 100 points on the SAT. Journal, preferences for minorities are equal Affirmative Action” in The Wall Street According to “The Unraveling of “The Case Against Affirmative Action.” white students according to Stanford in scored 171 points less on their SATs than African-American students on average on racial preferences is reality. Stanford’s Students getting into colleges based students who have an 83 percent rate. an intended sciences major versus white black students 52 percent rate of achieving by Duke University’s research that shows Wall Street Journal. This claim is confirmed Unraveling of Affirmative Action” in The to achieving their goals, according to “The academically and usually do not come close accepted under racial preferences struggle those students. The majority of students into schools is not always a blessing for Less qualified students being admitted without taking race into consideration. although employers will hire the best worker to succeeding with sub-par qualifications, Affirmative action accustoms minorities will affirmative action become a factor. are similarly qualified and one is a minority than colleges. Only when two applicants illustration/OLIVIA QUATTRONE

admitted less qualified minority students. entrance to the University of Texas and Fisher’s admission claims she was denied Texas case. In the case, UT denied Abigial affirmative action in Fisher v. University of The Supreme Court is readdressing positive idea and necessary. diversification among admissions was a for stopping the quotas, but still thought unconstitutional. Justice Lewis Powell voted aside seats for minority groups of students UC Davis’ medical school’s quota of setting In 1978, the Supreme Court ruled that national origin.” equally no matter their “race, creed, color, or mandated employees be hired and treated order passed by John F. Kennedy that Affirmative action began with an executive

Historic Court decision resurfaces Association. Please send shirts to Connie Heiselman in Room 10-203. down shirts that are in good condition that will benefit the Migrant Farm workers that will end in March. Students can donate long or short-sleeved cotton buttonThe Spanish Club begins their SHIRT OFF YOUR BACK community service project

collecting donations for the Boone Food Pantry. junior/senior cafeteria on Nov. 5, with the theme “Thanksgiving Feast.” FCA will be Fellowship of Christian Athletes will be holding a FCA Huddle at 7:09 p.m. in the

FCA HUDDLE

Friday, November 9, 2012 hilights.org

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FCA HUDDLE

SHIRTS FOR A CAUSE

viewpoint

Affirmative action presents diversity in schools and gives more minorities a chance to be as successful as the majority.

illustration/OLIVIA QUATTRONE

hi-lightsnewspaper

OTHER

Adviser Renee Burke

Ending Affirmative Action will push minorities to succeed without inequality for majorities.

Principal Margaret McMillen

POLICY STATEMENT

STAFFERS Cooper Brock, Meghan Cotton, Jackson

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Hi-Lights is associated with Florida Scholastic, American Scholastic, Columbia Scholastic and National Scholastic Press Associations and Quill and Scroll.

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Friday, December 14, 2012 hilights.org

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COMPUTER LABS The computer labs in Room 220, 226, 221 and 228 are open before and after school on designated days. One can go online, write papers and print documents.

y twists sc vers ie tro Scientists lack global warming understanding

hi-lightsnewspaper EDITORIAL BOARD

mitigates the entrance of the cloud forming rays, determines the Earth’s temperature, according to CERN’s Cosmics Leaving Outdoor Droplets experiment. Due to the results that severely question the possibility of CO2 emissions having a large hand in global warming, Rolf-Dieter Heuer, the director of CERN, is telling his scientists not to draw any conclusions from the experiment even though the evidence easily forms a conclusion that cosmic rays have an active hand in the temperature. This is because global warming is a highly political issue and funding for projects looking to investigate other causes of global warming besides CO2 could be cut like past projects. Global warming has always been a highly political issue. The lack of concrete evidence about global warming has not stopped politicians from creating policy to address the undiscovered cause. Neil Windsor, the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta executive director, is not surprised about a survey conducted by APEGGA with over 1000 replies where 68 percent agreed that a scientific cause on climate change had been settled because their is no clear agreed cause of global warming by scientists. According to “Carbon tax: Exxon backs Obama plan to impose climate change fees” on newsday.com, a carbon tax would charge electricity producers, refiners, and manufacturers for the greenhouse gases they release. This is just one example of governments trying to tax CO2 emissions even though there is no knowledge on how the climate reacts to CO2 emissions according to “The Weather Isn’t Getting Weirder” in the Wall Street Journal. Trying to fix the environment based on faulty assumptions will not lead to progress and could possibly lead to harmful effects on the economy. The Obama-EPA under the Clean Air Act costs $400 billion a year and will also increase the price of energy and create job loss. The government will add 230,000 new employees using taxpayer money and will cost an additional $21 billion to enact the green house gas program according to Oklahoma Republican Sen. James Inhofe, who is a ranking member of Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson has stated the new regulation will not bare any effect on the environment. Not only will this lead to an increase in spending, it will lead to a loss of jobs. The Global Warming Act of 2006 helped California achieve it’s 12 percent unemployment rate and have the highest unemployment in the nation, according to americanthinker.com, in “Scientists Revolt Against Global Warming” which is similar to Obama’s model. On the contrary, states like Texas and North Dakota are using oil to power a strong economy. North Dakota has a 3.5 percent unemployment rate because of the oil production, according to americanthinker.com, and 40 percent of Texas’ new jobs since the 2009 economic recession have been because of the oil industry. Oil jobs pay well too. The average starting pay on an oil rig is $70,000. Oil offers a way for the US economy to revitalize itself. Offshore drilling in Brazil created two million jobs. The United States possesses triple the amount of oil of Brazil; that’s potentially six million new jobs. G l o b a l warming is

OTHER

Adviser Renee Burke

Principal Margaret McMillen

Editorial Policy

Editor-In-Chief Lindsay Alexander Design Editor Anna Marie Boria Copy Editor Karina Flores Business Manager Lizzy Gordon Index Editor Delanee Bogan Webmaster Bridgette Norris Campus and Local Editor Thomas Egan Features Editor Lia Villar Sports Editor Chase Gardner Entertainment Editor Cooper Brock

POLICY STATEMENT

STAFFERS Meghan Cotton, Jackson Crumbly, Conor Curry, Gabriella Fakhoury, Kaley Gilbert, Austin Hall, Josh Halloran, Sam Holleman, Heather Janas, Jordan Knight, Ciara McCoy, Thomas McDonald, Mackenzie Mock, Paula Morales, Olivia Quatrone, Gavin Waters

hi-lights specialfeature

still shrouded by unknowns. Concluding something is causing it at this time is making a major assumption. Until more research can be conducted, global warming’s cause can not be determined. Strong research exists that cosmic rays controlled by the sun lead to cloud formation which regulates the temperature of the Earth. There is evidence that CO2 is not affecting the global temperature. Making laws to combat a problem by reducing a potential cause that has limited evidence backing it is reckless and uninformed. President Obama’s policy will hurt the economy and will not even slightly affect global warming. EPA administrator Lisa Jackson even admits that the policy will not change the environment because of her strong belief that CO2 is not causing global warming. According to Dr. Richard Evans, rocket scientist, carbon accounting expert, and former consultant to the Australian Greenhouse Office, historical climate change is not correlating with rising CO2 levels and has been unrelated to it for up to 800 years. Global warming by CO2 is the biggest known conspiracy in politics today. There is no conclusive evidence backing it, yet the leader of the most powerful nation in the world openly supports it and is risking his country’s economy on it despite the impending fiscal cliff. Global warming will remain an issue, but until extensive, honest research can escape the grasp of politically funded scientists, the global community will not make true progress to uncovering the truth CO2 by Gas behind this Emissions modern mystery.

e nc

Co n

WRITING CENTER PROVIDES HELP The Writing Center is open during both lunch shifts in Room 313. Student writing consultants along with English teachers Jennifer Hilley and Mike Glester can help any student with his writing. Students are welcome to bring their lunches during the consultation.

By TOMMY MCDONALD Global warming is an easy concept to understand. The earth is warming up and everything is changing because people are emitting too much CO2. In reality, this simplified perception lacks solid evidence. The earth is warming up. According to “Effects of Global Warming” in National Geographic the world has warmed up 1.4 degrees fahrenheit and even more in the poles. Without a doubt, the world’s average temperature increased. The increase in temperature is not without effect. Outcomes of global warming include worldwide ice melting, increase in the rate of rising sea levels, animals moving farther north, increasing rainfall, and the decline of some species including penguins in Antarctica which have fallen from 32,000 mating pairs to 11,000, according to “Effects of Global Warming.” Although there is evidence that global warming is occurring, it is not known what the source of it is. The major misconception is that CO2 emission from the burning of fossil fuels is the settled cause of global warming. In theory, it is easy to relate the increased release of a gas that traps heat in the atmosphere as the cause of global warming, but under further investigation, to make this assumption with just this knowledge is uneducated. Humans have released more CO2 in the past 100 years than ever before and temperatures are increasing. Though the two are increasing, the global average temperature is increasing at a drastically slower rate than CO2 emissions, according to Climate Conservative Consumer. Scientists at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) proved that cosmic rays in a stainless steel environment that replicates the Earth’s atmosphere change the temperature by controlling the cloud size. The sun’s magnetic field controls how many cosmic rays will enter the Earth’s atmosphere, and the rays lead to the formation of cloud droplets. The cloud droplets form clouds which regulate the Earth’s temperature. Therefore, the sun,which

S M O K I N G

By TOMMY MCDONALD Affirmative action is meant to create equality for all, but accepting over qualified students solely based on race is discrimination. Racial preference that discriminates against the majority is not anymore right than discrimination against minorities. Moving forward with racial equality requires the same treatment for every race. Affirmative action is a hypocritical system that supports discrimination. Entitlement based on race is something. The government should not support. Affirmative action supports lazy citizens who are used to receiving handouts. No race should have this kind of advantage. The current system serves as a backup to minority students who know they will not have to secure a high GPA because schools will compensate them with a point if they are black and half a point if they are Hispanic according to CNN’s “Keep affirmative action but reform it.” A false sense exists that white students are given everything they need to get into college, but being white does not guarantee being smart or having access to adequate resources. Success comes from being selfdriven, not a skin color. One could argue that coming from a family based on a life in poverty would promote a hard work ethic rather than students from an affluent family. Once minority students graduate from college they will realize employers take minority status into account much less

Editorial Policy

EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-In-Chief Lindsay Alexander Design Editor Anna Marie Boria Copy Editor Karina Flores Business Manager Lizzy Gordon Index Editor Delanee Bogan Webmaster Bridgette Norris

Tragedies trigger concern

Discrimination against majority hurts everyone

viewpoint

Diversity provides America with better opportunities

source/Environmental Protection Agency

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Friday, March 15, 2013 hilights.org

SENIORS ORDER CAP & GOWNS

KEMOSABE KLOSET PROVIDES DRESSES Prom season is just around the corner. For students in need of proper attire, but cannot afford it, check out the Kemosabe Kloset. Gently-used and/or new backpacks are desperately needed. There is also a high need for 16 and larger-sized Junior/Misses jeans.

of teens asked have believe tried

cigarettes marijuana are more harmful than hookah, dipping and marijuana

believe cigarettes think marijuana is most used by has the most high school levels of nicotine students 196 surveyed on March 7

Marijuana has highs, lows By TOMMY McDONALD It is no surprise that students engage in the practice of smoking cannabis. Although, it’s usually referred to as marijuana, mary jane, pot, weed, or a variety of other names, these casual names do not detract from how serious using the illegal substance can be. “I know a lot of people who have been charged with the possession of marijuana and others who have been charged with distribution, and [they] are ruined,” freshman John Doe said. Marijuana is the number one used illicit drug in the United States, but it is not necessarily the most harmful. Over 800,000 Americans are arrested each year for marijuana possession or another marijuana-related crime according to drugpolicy.org in “10 Facts About Marijuana.” Possessing marijuana can result in up to 10 years in prison. “I’ve seen too many go to jail as a result of making the stupid choice to use, sell or possess marijuana at school,” Student Resource Officer Kenneth Pinkston said. If one is caught with 20 grams or less of marijuana, the maximum sentence is one year and $1,000 fine. If one is caught with more than 20 grams, it is a felony and the penalties are equivalent to owning 25 or less marijuana plants. That includes a maximum of five years in prison and a maximum $5,000 fine. Selling 20 grams or less contains the same legal consequences as possession of the same amount. Selling 25 pounds or less becomes a felony with a five year maximum sentence and maximum $5,000 fine. When within 1,000 feet

of a school, park, college or any other qualified area, the penalty for selling automatically jumps to a felony with a maximum 15 year sentence and $10,000. Minors can attend Drug Court instead of going through the normal county juvenile court. The system puts the convicted into a counseling program where the minor can eventually remove the offense from his record if he follow the curfews, pass drug tests and attend his counseling sessions. Despite possible legal consequences, sophomore Jane Doe smokes a few times a week and on weekends. Despite it being a time consuming and halfdebilitating habit, she has been able to maintain her 4.3 weighted GPA. She credits marijuana for pulling her out of depression and helping her build a relationship with her sibling through smoking together. Marijuana for all the negative connotations associated with it, hasn’t been fully negative according to John Doe, but that is not to say its benefits outweigh its negatives. “It relieves a lot of stress. When I’m really pissed off I have to smoke or I’ll punch something. I’ve gotten involved in a lot of hard drugs, coke, molly and it’s mainly because you buy pot from drug dealers who are involved in other drugs,” John Doe said. Similar in name, but different in practice, synthetic marijuana, also known as spice or K2, is more harmful to its users than smoking weed. Synthetic weed can be found at some gas stations under a variety of names, even though Congress outlawed it’s sale in 2012. It

is linked with kidney damage, has killed teens and caused over 11,000 emergency room visits in 2010, according to CNN in “Teen narrowly escapes death after smoking synthetic marijuana.” According to U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration spokeswoman Barbara Carreno, synthetic marijuana can be 100 times stronger than marijuana. “[Synthetic marijuana] is literally the scariest s**t I have ever done. It’s really easy to smoke too much. I was in danger of going into cardiac arrest last time I smoked too much. It’s a really, really scary high. It’s actually a lot of fun though,” John Doe said. Weed has affected student’s reputations in high school. Whether it is viewed as a positive trait to smoke it, or a negative one, it changes student’s perceptions of each other. “I lost all of my friends because I was doing it. I didn’t care what people [thought] of me because I was happy,” Jane Doe said. Marijuana is linked to causing cancer and having no effect, so its exact effects are unknown and likely different for each individual. Some users understand that what they are doing is bad for them, but that fact does not stop them. “It will affect me later in life. Smoking anything is really bad for you, but it won’t affect me ‘til later,” senior Joe Smith said. John Doe has little concern for smoking marijuana and actually is certain it will not effect him at all. Although health effects are not certain, legal consequences will affect students for the their entire life.

Dipping hurts student’s health By JACKSON CRUMBLY Use of tobacco is prominent in the United States today, such as cigarettes, cigars and smokeless tobacco. Smokeless tobacco, commonly referred to as “dip,” has been around ever since tobacco was harvested. Dip is extremely common among athletes, particularly in baseball, because one can do it while playing or practicing the sport, unlike smoking tobacco. This sort of tobacco has also found its way to students, both during and after school hours. One can purchase dip, like smoking tobacco, at the age of 18, but that does not always mean minors cannot get their hands on it. Junior John Doe, age 17, dips five times a day, at school and spends nearly $40 a week on smokeless tobacco. Doe started dipping when he was 12 years old. “I was fishing with my buddies and dipping sounded like a fantastic idea,” Doe said. Doe’s brands of choice are Long Cut ($3.29 a can) and Grizzly ($3.75 a can). Doe believes dipping relieves headaches more effectively than Aspirin and relaxes him when he is stressed. Currently, Doe does not plan on

quitting. In 13 states, including Florida, if a minor is caught using tobacco he must attend educational awareness classes on tobacco use. In addition he will be fined up to $250 and the user’s driver’s license may be suspended. Also, the parents of the underage user can be convicted of a violation and forced to attend these classes with the user. Peter Post, baseball coach and algebra teacher, doesn’t let students or players dip at all and is against anyone, young or old, using tobacco. If he catches a player he makes the player sit out a week of practices and games. “I think dipping is bad period. I think a lot of the guys see the professional players doing it,” Post said. Major League Baseball has banned players from carrying tobacco cans on them during games and using during interviews but has not banned players using it during play. Dip contains nicotine, like cigarettes, which is an addictive drug that makes one crave it. Among nicotine, dip contains 28 other carcinogens including: cadmium used in car batteries; lead; n-nitrosamines; polonium 210, a type of nuclear waste; hydrazine; benzopyrene; uranium 235; used in

nuclear weapons and fiberglass. Studies show, due to its higher levels of nicotine, dip is harder to quit than cigarettes. Once one has become addicted to dip it is extremely difficult to stop, and can induce one with withdrawals. If one is a constant user before the age of 18, there is an 80 percent chance he will use it for the rest of his life. Along with cancer of the pancreas and mouth, dip also increases risk of gum disease and heart disease from higher blood pressure. Dip also reduces an athlete’s ability to perform because it causes slower reaction time. Dipping can be harmful or even fatal to the user’s health and starting earlier only increases one’s risks. Both smoking and smokeless tobacco present unhealthy risks for one’s future and could affect one’s future.

insight hi-lights

N3. “Historic Court decision resurfaces- Discrimination against majority hurts everyone” Issue 2 pg. 4 Nov. 9, 2012 I would like this piece to represent me, because it is a strong piece with a solid argument and a cohesive narrative tying it together. I believe the piece is my strongest work in the paper due to the excellent side to argue and my punctual but effective writing. The work is backed by overwhelming facts and logical points that will cause one to question their beliefs if they disagree. N3. “Controversy twists science” Issue 3 pg. 3 Dec. 14, 2012 I would like this piece to represent me, because it displays my ability to piece together many facts and sources who disagree on a highly debatable issue. The editorial debunks common fallacies behind global warming and helps readers understand the true issue and the corruption mutilating science’s integrity. Overall, the piece addresses an important issue in a convincing manner and helps informs readers of the buried truth.

Check out hilights.org for up-to-date news and information. Scan this QR code to go to hilights.org

Parents or students can still order cap and gowns at www.herfforlando.com. One can also go to the Herff Jones office located at 112 N. Wymore Rd., Winter Park, to place an order. Cap and gowns are $65.

P O L L

SHIRTS FOR A CAUSE

Friday, November 9, 2012 hilights.org

#fastfigures

percent of students who use drugs regularly claim to use marijuana

percent of all males use marijuana compared to 6 percent of females

14 million Americans report using marijuana in the last month

63.9 percent of marijuana usage reported in emergency rooms were recorded in Dallas, TX.

1.1 percent of people are in risk of marijuana abuse and 0.3 percent risk of marijuana dependence *source/ healthyplace.com

N2. “Marijuana has highs, lows” Issue 5 pg. 13 Mar. 15, 2013 I would like this piece to represent me, because it gives multiple opinions on an interesting and controversial issue that is relevant in the life of high schoolers and on a national level with emergence of the discussion of the legalization of marijuana. The piece gives students the oppurtunity to anonymously express their opinions and experiences while helping others derive a better understanding of how the drug affects students.

Friday, October 5, 2012 hilights.org

QUICK HEADLINE HERE

This would be some news brief that we could highlight but not write a story about. It could allow for more coverage on pages and throughout the paper. Short and sweet quick reads. That’s what readers like.

sports hi-lights

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Tennis beats Winter Park By TOMMY MCDONALD It’s inevitable. When a player reaches the top of the pro game, players and coaches begin talking about his or her strokes differently. Slowly but surely the references to the dominant players of the previous generation fade away. When it comes to the serve, we recently went through one of these transitions, from the glorification of Pete Sampras to the glorification of Andy Roddick. I would often see the transition when I talked with junior coaches. Up until a few years ago, most coaches still wanted to study Pete. The Advanced Tennis high speed video of Pete and the talks I did about his motion at coaching conventions were phenomenally popular. The serve of Pete Sampras compared to that of Andy Roddick. I also did dozens of side-by-side filming comparisons using Pete as a model for competitive junior and club players. The impact of his unbelievable clutch serving and his gorgeous, fluid motion lingered well after his retirement. But then the conversation shifted. Those same coaches then started asking me for high-speed footage of Roddick. No one talks directly about this shfit. It’s more subtle than that. It’s just become part of the atmosphere. When coaches discuss serving technique they say things like, “Andy does this,” or, “Andy does that,” as the reference points in their

arguments. It wasn’t like that when Andy was coming up. It fact, it was the opposite. Many if not most coaches and “expert” commentators said that Andy’s motion, in particular that distinctive, super-abbreviated windup, was dangerous and unsound. The conventional wisdom was that Roddick was going to tear up his shoulder and ruin his career. One exception was Rick Macci, a coach who actually worked with Andy. Rick helped him develop his serving fundamentals when he was around 11 years old. In his article, Rick turns the argument about Roddick’s “dangerous” motion on its head. He believes that the problem was never with Andy’s serve. The problem was with the so-called experts who didn’t know what they were seeing. “Experts” fear what they don’t understand. And Andy’s motion was definitely different. Rather than really try to understand what was happening, the predominant response was to assume there must be something wrong with Andy’s motion and dismiss it as dangerous. Andy Roddick’s serve: dangerous and unsound, or a technical breakthrough? All that started to change when Andy got to number one in the world and won the U.S. Open. Suddenly Andy’s serve didn’t look quite so weird. Junior players

LEAD IN. I am a present tense sentence telling who and what is happening in the photo and do not begin with a name. “I am a really good quotable quote that Burke will love to read,” Burke said. I am something that cannot be seen in the photo, started trying to emulate Andy’s abbreviated windup. A poll showed that over 50 percent of adult club players wanted to copy Andy’s motion! And across the country, coaches who had criticized him vehemently began telling their

students they had the secret to hitting the 150 mph bomb, just like Andy.

Essentials 1. Racquets- 2 Head Prestiege racquets 2. Grips- 6 foot Yonex white grips 3. Drinks- Arnold Palmer Half and Halfs

Acid rapper is insane By NMB Just over a year ago, Chance the Rapper released his debut mixtape #10Day, a project inspired by a suspension from school in his senior year. It showcased a promising young man with raw talent and sharp instincts. Now, after much hype, Chance returns with his sophomore effort Acid Rap, a complicated, comprehensive journey into the curious mind of an artist starting to come into their own.

A young Kanye West and Chicago’s sonic roots serve as the obvious reference points for Chance’s sound. “Good Ass Intro” is a rework of Ye’s Freshman Adjustment

2 intro and two tracks feature a Chicago Juke breakdown. His

delivery is highlighted by a quirky and pitchy voice that drifts somewhere in between rapping and singing. It’s a calculated kind of freewheeling that sounds effortless yet designed simultaneously. Chance’s interesting choice of collaborations is another highlight of Acid Rap, and instead of going for the biggest names, Chance chooses artists who are equally unique as him, Action Bronson, AbSoul, BJ The Chicago Kid and Childish Gambino among others. These selections help Acid Rap’s singular vision instead of turning the mixtape into a mosh posh of ideas, a mistake often made by

Music Comes

Juicy is turned up By PITCHFORK Juicy J cuts to the chase early on Blue Dream & Lean: The entire chorus of “Juicy J Can’t”, the album’s third track, is, “You say no to drugs/ Juicy J can’t.” It’s informative, though not completely necessary on a mixtape that derives its title by rhyming the slang for cough syrup and soda with the name of a strand of weed. Juicy-- one half of legendary, and legendarily bizarre, Memphis rap group Three 6 Mafia-seemingly spent most of 2011 ingesting enough recreational drugs to make Nikki Sixx raise an eyebrow, and paying producer Lex Luger for beats so he can rap about it. Blue Dream & Lean is basi-

cally a continuation of Juicy’s two collaborative mixtapes with Luger, Rubber Band

Business and Rubber Band Business 2. Despite Luger’s producing only nine of the album’s 28 tracks, beats by Sonny Digital and Juicy himself work off of Luger’s blueprint, which itself is partially filtered down from the type of dark, head-knocking production of classic Three 6. The success and failure of the mixtape are two sides of the same coin. On the one hand, there’s cohesion to Blue Dream & Lean that serves it well. The result of Juicy’s chanting about taking drugs over tracks that are largely similar is that he pulls you into his world, one where narcotics blur everything together until one day you have a 28-track mixtape, yet you

to Orlando

Hyped Shows

The Weeknd serenades crowd By GUARDIAN Anyone unconvinced of the wisdom of giving away your music for free might wish to consider the crowd that has turned up to see the Weeknd. It’s almost two years since Abel Tesfaye released the first of three mixtapes on his website. An alleged 8m downloads later, the Electric Ballroom is packed for the first of four sold‑out shows: as he notes from the stage, the next time he comes to Britain, he’s playing the arenas. He’s somehow contrived to sell a quarter of a million CDs since he signed to a

major label, but, judging by the audience’s reaction, Tesfaye is a far bigger star than that figure suggests. They’re word perfect on every song. The women, and there are a lot of women present, scream their heads off, seemingly undeterred by the fact that, judging by his lyrics, Tesfaye’s attitude to women could use a little work. “Please, please, please let me get what I want this time,” he, and indeed everybody else, sings in the opening Enemy: it turns out to be the latest addition to

Mac goes in By ALLHIPHOP Macadelic begins with the intro, “Love Me As I Have Loved You”- filled with lust-filled women speaking in all different directions and languages, shrouded in a hazy backdrop with the melody ‘Row-Row-Row Your Boat’ being whistled. The mixtape, featuring the likes of Kendrick Lamar and Lil’ Wayne, bears a cover and title possibly influenced by Jimi Hendrix in his

Ladyland

years, movie like even in the melody This after reviews debut Blue and

contains several samples Willy Wonka, and has a “Lucy Sky with Diamonds” thrown in. comes mixed for his album Slide Park, this melting pot of ideas and sounds may be the perfect remedy for the young spitter. The best part of this

writing clips

Friday, October 5, 2012 hilights.org

sportsstories hi-lights

JUNIOR VARSITY FOOTBALL UNDEFEATED

FRESHMAN CONTINUE WINS

The junior varsity football team claims wins against Winter Park on Sep. 13 (38-16), Cypress Creek on Sep. 20 (36-14) and Wekiva on Sep. 27 (35-6). The team plays Ocoee, away, on Oct. 11.

The freshmen football team remains undefeated, along with the junior varsity team, as of press date. With wins against Winter Park, Cypress Creek and Wekiva, freshmen take on Ocoee, away, on Oct. 11, at 6 p.m.

Coaches run team to success Renewed focus on running defines team By THOMAS MCDONALD With the retirement of Paul Katauskas, this is the first year since 1997 that he has not coached the cross country team. With his absence, the school hired Paul Hines to coach the boy’s team and Darcy Jeffers was promoted from an assistant coach to head coach to coach the girl’s team. The new coaching has ushered in changes. The team is much more composed than the previous year according to junior Burkhardt Helfrich. “We train more together, practices are longer, and we’re better than we were last year,” Helfrich said. The girls’ training routine has changed too. “We’re training completely different so we’re trying to peak at the end of the season to make it to States,” sophomore Claire Collins said. “The training is making us better.” Coach Jeffers sets up the week with distinctive workouts for each day. Mondays are the mile repeats which works on speeding up the race pace. Tuesdays and Thursdays are distance days which are equally important because races are 5000 meters. Wednesdays and

‘

quoteme

Cross country will never be the same without Coach K, but we are now building [our] tradition and running with a new vision. Christopher Caplan, junior

Fridays are morning practices with a changing agenda. Jeffers’ routine is derived from her philosophy of running. “I’d say my style is to challenge them everyday and do more than they think they can do,” Jeffers said. With a new coach, came a girl’s team with only two returning varsity runners, junior Alexandria Meneses and Collins. Collins placed 43rd at the 13th Flrunners.com Invitational with 20:53.70 and Meneses finished at 21:19.10. A clear goal and focus is improving performances. Junior Davis Coleman sees the team finishing top five at States because of the team’s top two runners, Helfrich and Jared Hines, individually placing 14th and 26th, respectively, out of 292 runners at the University of Florida Mt. Dew Invitational. Hines had a breakthrough

performance at the 13th Flrunners.com Invitational in the Race of Champions by taking off 43 seconds from his previous meet. Hines beat Helfrich with 16:38.20 while Helfrich achieved a personal record at 16:49.60. The team’s average time dropped 49 seconds from the same meet the previous year from 17:55.45 to 17:06.28. The team exhibits a powerful top two, but Coach Hines sees the most potential in the team. “I focus on the team accomplishment,” Hines said. “Initially a very proud moment was that 12 guys at camp embraced pack running. It really let us come together as a team. There’s a challenge to see who could run the fastest but they stuck together.” Hines has brought in a new era of running for the boys, who placed first at the Astronaut Rotary Invitational beating last year’s winner, Winter Park, and improving their placing at the UF Mt. Dew Invitational from 30th to 6th. Although the team is continuing to succeed without Katauskas, memories of the old coach stand strong. Burkhardt misses the old coach’s goofiness, team speeches and pep talks. Coleman also shares with Helfrich a fondness for the retired coach. “No one can ever replace [his] goofiness, and we will always remember him for it,” Coleman said.

photo/DARRELL LAXTON

STRIDE TO VICTORY. At the race, Burkhardt Helfrich cuts off 10 seconds from his time the previous week at the 40th AstronautRotary Invitational. “[My performance has] gotten better because of [the] coaches,” Helfrich said. Helfrich placed 5th with 17:02.88.

SAT ACT TEST PREP UCFTestPrep Expert. Local. Affordable. 407.882.TEST Scan this code to visit our website!

Sports, page 16, Oct. 5, 2012

testprep.ucf.edu Find us on Facebook!

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Friday, November 9, 2012 hilights.org

insight hi-lights

FCA HUDDLE

SHIRTS FOR A CAUSE

viewpoint

Affirmative action presents diversity in schools and gives more minorities a chance to be as successful as the majority.

illustration/OLIVIA QUATTRONE

hi-lightsnewspaper

OTHER

EDITORIAL BOARD

Editorial Policy

Adviser Renee Burke

Editor-In-Chief Lindsay Alexander Design Editor Anna Marie Boria Copy Editor Karina Flores Business Manager Lizzy Gordon Index Editor Delanee Bogan Webmaster Bridgette Norris

STAFFERS Cooper Brock, Meghan Cotton, Jackson

POLICY STATEMENT

viewpoint

Diversity provides America with better opportunities

Ending Affirmative Action will push minorities to succeed without inequality for majorities.

Principal Margaret McMillen

SCHOLASTIC ASSOCIATIONS

Hi-Lights is associated with Florida Scholastic, American Scholastic, Columbia Scholastic and National Scholastic Press Associations and Quill and Scroll.

OUR MISSION

Check out hilights.org for up-to-date news and information. Scan this QR code to go right to the site.

Insight, page 4, Nov. 9, 2012

Friday, December 14, 2012 hilights.org

hi-lights insight

COMPUTER LABS

The Writing Center is open during both lunch shifts in Room 313. Student writing consultants along with English teachers Jennifer Hilley and Mike Glester can help any student with his writing. Students are welcome to bring their lunches during the consultation.

The computer labs in Room 220, 226, 221 and 228 are open before and after school on designated days. One can go online, write papers and print documents.

Co n

WRITING CENTER PROVIDES HELP

twists s y s r e cie v o tr Scientists lack global warming understanding

hi-lightsnewspaper

OTHER

Adviser Renee Burke

EDITORIAL BOARD

Principal Margaret McMillen

Editorial Policy

POLICY STATEMENT

STAFFERS Meghan Cotton, Jackson Crumbly, Conor

Curry, Gabriella Fakhoury, Kaley Gilbert, Austin Hall, Josh Halloran, Sam Holleman, Heather Janas, Jordan Knight, Ciara McCoy, Thomas McDonald, Mackenzie Mock, Paula Morales, Olivia Quatrone, Gavin Waters

e nc

igger concern

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source/Environmental Protection Agency

SCHOLASTIC ASSOCIATIONS

Hi-Lights is associated with Florida Scholastic, American Scholastic, Columbia Scholastic and National Scholastic Press Associations and Quill and Scroll.

OUR MISSION

Check out hilights.org for up-to-date news and information. Scan this QR code to go to hilights.org

Insight, page 3, Dec. 14, 2012

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HONOR SOCIETY PROVIDES TUTORING

IMPROVISATION SHOW RAISES FUNDS

What’s in your bag?

Pepper spray to help her in case of an emergency Spanner Wrench, the original wrench that came with the bike

Bike pump in case she gets a ﬂat tire Bandages, she’s ready in case of an injury

Sports provide outlet for freshman

Tweets Hilights newspaper @hilightsnp @4:31 p.m. This spread spotlights five peoples’ lives and unique activities they participate in.

Friday, February 8, 2013 hilights.org

hi-lights specialfeature

From make-up styling for special

#whatareyoudoing?

Special feature, page 7 Feb. 8, 2013

County receive. “It’s not about Boone. I want Orange County to take the State Championship,” Baybay Bykov said.

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hi-lights specialfeature

S M O K I N G

Friday, March 15, 2013 hilights.org

SENIORS ORDER CAP & GOWNS

KEMOSABE KLOSET PROVIDES DRESSES

Prom season is just around the corner. For students in need of proper attire, but cannot afford it, check out the Kemosabe Kloset. Gently-used and/or new backpacks are desperately needed. There is also a high need for 16 and larger-sized Junior/Misses jeans.

Marijuana has highs, lows

P O L L

By TOMMY McDONALD It is no surprise that students engage in the practice of smoking cannabis. Although, it’s usually referred to as marijuana, mary jane, pot, weed, or a variety of other names, these casual names do not detract from how serious using the illegal substance can be. “I know a lot of people who have been charged with the possession of marijuana and others who have been charged with distribution, and [they] are ruined,” freshman John Doe said. Marijuana is the number one used illicit drug in the United States, but it is not necessarily the most harmful. Over 800,000 Americans are arrested each year for marijuana possession or another marijuana-related crime according to drugpolicy.org in “10 Facts About Marijuana.” Possessing marijuana can result in up to 10 years in prison. “I’ve seen too many go to jail as a result of making the stupid choice to use, sell or possess marijuana at school,” Student Resource Officer Kenneth Pinkston said. If one is caught with 20 grams or less of marijuana, the maximum sentence is one year and $1,000 fine. If one is caught with more than 20 grams, it is a felony and the penalties are equivalent to owning 25 or less marijuana plants. That includes a maximum of five years in prison and a maximum $5,000 fine. Selling 20 grams or less contains the same legal consequences as possession of the same amount. Selling 25 pounds or less becomes a felony with a five year maximum sentence and maximum $5,000 fine. When within 1,000 feet

of teens asked have believe tried

cigarettes marijuana are more harmful than hookah, dipping and marijuana

believe cigarettes think marijuana is most used by has the most high school levels of nicotine students 196 surveyed on March 7

Special feature, page 13, Mar. 15, 2013

#fastfigures

percent of students who use drugs regularly claim to use marijuana

percent of all males use marijuana compared to 6 percent of females

14 million Americans report using marijuana in the last month

63.9 percent of marijuana usage reported in emergency rooms were recorded in Dallas, TX.

1.1 percent of people are in risk of marijuana abuse and 0.3 percent risk of marijuana dependence *source/ healthyplace.com

writing clips

Friday, May 10, 2013 hilights.org

hi-lights featurestories WORDS OF ADVICE TO UNDERCLASSMEN

MOST MEMORABLE TEACHER OR CLASS?

Don’t be afraid to try something new, it is all a part of the experience of life. Vicky Lam, senior

Mr. Eslava because I’ve had him as a teacher for four years and he has helped me become a great musician and a responsible adult. Bridget Bonnette, senior

Hospitality achieves goal, helps custodians photo/MATTHEW CASLER

ORDER. At the state competition, junior Elizabeth Barahona, senior Emily Blaydes and junior Brendan Francis stand outside the courtrooms. “[Mock trial] boosts your confidence in things like public speaking,” Blaydes said.

Mock trial takes fourth By THOMAS EGAN With a fourth place finish, the Mock Trial team ended their season at the state competition with their best finish in over four years. “I was really excited because it was the best we had ever done at mock trial in my time,” senior Emily Blaydes said. The high school mock trial program simulates a real courtroom experience and allows participants to practice their law skills. During competition, teams are restricted only to the materials supplied in their case packet. The team began studying the case in September, to prepare their arguments and defenses. In state competition, judges preside over the Florida high school teams and give scores for the team’s performance. Individual scores are given in each category, such as cross-examinations, opening statements and witness testimony, and then the scores are added up to determine the total scores. “A lot of preparations goes into preparing the case,” senior Monica Joyce said. Junior Brendan Francis won one of five award presented for Top Attorney at the competition. Mock Trial competition prepares law students, such as Joyce, Blaydes and Francis, for future careers in law. “You learn a lot of good public speaking skills because you have to talk in front of people and you learn a lot about the law,” Blaydes said.

photo/KRISTEN DUGAN

Jennifer Hilley and Carlotta Mendoza Iglesias reward custodians

SIGN IT. Countless students sign a card given to the custodians. “I felt warm and fuzzy inside and I felt I needed to help because I believed it was the right thing to do,” senior Samuel Dracket said. The custodians received their bonuses in the cafeteria.

By CIARA MCCOY In December, every custodian received a $175 holiday bonus. English teacher Jennifer Hilley and Assistant Principal Carlota Mendoza Iglesias continued a project formerly known as Project X, but now simply titled Custodian Hospitality. The pair raised money with help from Spanish Honor Society, National Honor Society, the Credit Union, FCA, teachers, students and countless others. “I’d like to believe the custodians were happy. The thank you notes we received were unbelievable and there were definitely tears,” Hilley said. According to Hilley, in 2009 she was discussing the custodians and student Mary Claire Dillard raised her hand saying that the custodians should be recognized for all of the things they do at school. From this conversation in class that day, they developed Project X. Every year around the December holidays MendozaIglesias and Hilley raise money to reward the 12 custodians. All together they made collection boxes, where students could donate and received numerous donations from teachers

directly. Senior Alexandra Schelle constructed the collection boxes. She along with countless other students contributed in helping the Custodian Hospitality Project. Iglesias felt a personal connection to the custodians. She works with the custodians on a personal level and she is the administrator who supervises them and feels they need to be appreciated on campus for all of the things they do, especially by the students. “They were honestly shocked! They felt they were noticed and loved by all at Boone, especially our wonderful students,” Iglesias said. In the previous year the project underwent a year long hiatus and the pair wanted this years to be equally as special as the previous years. “Mrs. Iglesias and I regretted not doing it last year. So we decided to start it up again,” Hilley said. Hilley and Iglesias worked diligently for all of the custodians to be recognized for the hard work they do everyday. They believe these custodians deserve holiday bonuses above all others based on the work they do for everyone everyday.

#fastfigures

custodians received holiday bonuses.

175 dollars were presented to each custodian.

6+ clubs helped with the Custodian Hospitality Project.

Student pursues audio career

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It made me realize how prepared I was to enter the industry. It all comes so naturally to me. Timothy Hamilton senior

By TOMMY MCDONALD While seniors are finishing their final year of high school on campus, senior Timothy Hamilton is already forging the basis for his professional career. Hamilton is studying sound engineering, a skill that can be applied to a career in producing and mastering audio for a variety of purposes. He is also displaying his knowledge in the Skills USA competition, a competition that tests students around the nation in a specific business skill. After placing gold in regionals, Hamilton advanced to compete in states on April 29 with his classmate and partner, Cynthia Gonzalez, in the visual audio section of the competition. They did not place. “Getting gold [in regionals] surprised us, because the team [we]

were competing against had been in the program longer than us,” Hamilton said. For Hamilton, the competition has served as an experience to test his new ability in an applied setting. “It made me realize how prepared I was to enter the industry and how well I would do once I’ve gotten a job. It all comes so naturally to me. The judges are looking to hire me,” Hamilton said. Orlando Tech provides Hamilton a way to accelerate his start into his career of audio engineering. He received the cost of the course, $2,000, for free and is able to transfer credit hours over to Valencia State College when he finishes Orlando Tech. At Valencia, he plans to obtain an Associates Degree in Sound Production. “I don’t need anymore degrees

photo/EMILY NUSBICKLE

photo/STACEY STROM

photo/KAYLA COMBS

CATCH IT. On Dec. 13 at the Senior Breakfast, senior Kristi Creel catches her pancakes. “The Senior Breakfast made me feel happy that I was finally a senior attending the Senior Breakfast but sad at the same time for the year almost being over,” Creel said. Creel is attending Florida Southern University in the fall.

TECH SAAVY. Three students (junior Steven Espinoza, junior Yaritza Ferrer and sophomore Matthew Babcock) of 30 throughout the county won laptops from High School High Tech Program. “I just felt really happy,” Babcock said. The three of them submitted essays and were chosen to receive laptops.

COLLECT. At the WESH canned food drive on Dec. 13, junior Katharyn Lindborg packages cans collected into a box .“It felt really great to be apart of the canned food drive because I know my time and effort was going to such a wonderful cause,” Lindborg said. Lindborg is the Junior Class president.

because after a certain point you can’t teach this industry. Rather, you have to prove yourself on the job and what you’re capable of,” Hamilton said. His instructor Glenn Feit also believes that fundamental skills help one succeed in the industry rather than specialized training. Feit notes that the changing technology in the field make knowing one piece of equipment or software less valuable than being able to adapt to whatever a certain job will require one to use. “One needs to know how to be a problem solver and how to learn how to keep learning all the time,” Feit said. Hamilton is currently arranging his first job with a family friend whose company sets up events with sound equipment, his desired occupation.

photo/MADISON NAGLE DANCE. On Jan 26, sophomore Mekayla Hudak performs with the American Sign Language Club at Brave Aid. “Performing at Brave Aid was the highlight of my sophomore year,” Hudak said. They signed the Gangnam Style dance.

Year in review- features, page 3, May 10, 2013

writing clips

Friday, May 10, 2013 hilights.org

hi-lights featurestories MOST MEMORABLE TEACHER OR CLASS?

WORDS OF ADVICE TO UNDERCLASSMEN

Mr. Hortze because he always wants to make sure you’re happy. He’s so friendly and you don’t see that anymore. Whitney Williams, senior

Enjoy all the little moments because you can’t get them back. Sarah Seaver, senior

photo courtesy/MERRIE HARDING

GET PUMPED. This plaque on the wall recognizes Boone for their contributions. photo courtesy/MERRIE HARDING

Student raises funds, builds well Student helps Ethiopian village and wins award By MEGHAN COTTON The Prudential Spirit of Community Award is a national award that recognizes 10 national honorees and 102 state honorees for service to their community. Senior Merrie Harding is one of the recipients. Late last year, Harding organized a service project, “Get Pumped Braves,” to collect money to build a well in Ethiopia. Every summer the Harding family travels to Ethiopia to help provide villages with clean water. “It’s been a great opportunity. I’m

blessed to go and get to know the people. It’s a good reality check for how I live my life in America,” Harding said. Harding’s goal was to raise $2500 through donations and selling tee shirts as well as water bottles; to her excitement, she raised $3,300. The Fellowship of Christian Athletes also partnered with Edgewater High School to raise an additional $300 of donations to bring the total to $3,600. Harding’s mother, Mary Harding, has supported her daughter in all of her extracurricular activities. “I was proud of her thoughtfulness and initiative. I also thought it would be a good learning opportunity for her to plan, organize and carry out,” Mary

Harding said. Harding also received the Martin Luther King Jr. award which recognizes students who have provided a service in some way and have made an impact in their community. “I wasn’t expecting it at all. I didn’t even know that it even existed,” Harding said. The award is given to one student from each high school in Orange County. The students also get the opportunity to march in the Martin Luther King Jr. parade. “I think it is great for young people to be recognized. [I was] so proud of her. I was surprised she won, but it’s been fun marching in the MLK Jr.

parade and meeting the mayor,” Mary Harding said. In addition to the MLK award, Harding was recognized by the Prudential Spirit of Community Award. “It was shocking. I didn’t think I was going to get in the top 10. It’s nice to be recognized,” Harding said. In the future, Harding would like to work overseas in a third world country. Her goal is to make a difference wherever she goes. “I want Merrie Grace to grow in her love for the Lord and I am excited to see what career choices she makes as she seeks God’s will for her. Whatever she does I’ll be proud and love and support her,” Mary Harding said.

DIG DEEP. In an Ethiopian village, senior Merrie Harding uses the new well she helped provide. “It was really satisfying to see [the well] being used,” Harding said. The well provides villagers with clean water.

Concert comforts Connecticut

photo courtesy/GLYNN HOLLINGSHEAD

LEAD IN. During the concert, senior Andrew Markel conducted a song he wrote just for the concert. “It was great to use my talents of music to help out the community,” Markel said.

photo/MORGAN ROWLAND ATTACK. Sophomore Jace Burrell faces his opponent on the mat. On Jan. 9, the wrestling team defeated Winter Park, Colonial and University at home. “[When we win] I feel like I’m on top of the world,” Burrell said. The wrestling team ended their season with a 6-3 record.

By TOMMY MCDONALD After the Newtown tragedy, senior Glynn Hollingshead was personally devastated by the horrific shooting. “[The Sandy Hook shooting] made me realize that it only takes a split second for your whole world to change, and I could only imagine if it was my niece that was in one of those classrooms,” Hollingshead said. Although being shocked and saddened after a disaster is not uncommon, in the wake of sadness, Hollingshead decided to take action. Hollingshead decided the best way to deal with it was to give back. “I wanted to help the families,

photo/KARINA FLORES KICKIN’ IT. On Norton Baker Field, junior Sabdie Alvarado runs for possession. “This was one of the best seasons with the team. Making it to regionals was a huge accomplishment,” Alvarado said. On Jan. 17, Winter Park defeated the girls soccer team, ending their season 15-5.

because I know if it were me in their situation I would want the same, so I started Concert for Connecticut,” Hollingshead said. He organized a fundraising concert for Newtown at Conway United Methodist Church. During the concert on Feb. 23, a band of students from across the county performed “Praying for Sandy”, “I’m a Believer”, “Shout!” and “We are the World” among other songs. The band was composed of musicians who played horn and wind instruments to create an inspiring and uplifting atmosphere, according to Hollinshead. On top of raising $1,100, the

photo/DEAN STEWART PHOTOGRAPHY HUSTLE. In the Wayne Rickman Gymnasium, freshman Sadie Desroches takes the ball down court. After a 17-10 season, the girl’s basketball team made it to the district final on Feb. 1, but lost to Dr. Phillips in a 38-73 blowout. “It was a close game during the first half. Unfortunately, it went downhill,” Desroches said.

event had a positive impact on the Orlando community. Canned foods were donated from the community to local charities. Besides that, the concert offered aspiring musicians a chance to perform for a cause. For Hollingshead, the best part was when he realized the concert made a difference by raising money for the town. A constant idea for Hollingshead is using music as a vehicle for greater things in life. He received a scholarship to William Penn University in Iowa and plans on majoring in law and political science. After college, Hollingshead wants to become a lawyer.

photo/LINDSAY ALExANDER RECOGNIZE. McDonald’s All-American team nominates senior Bailey Florin and senior Robert Rimmer. “I felt very proud and honored for the hard work I’ve put in over the years,” Rimmer said. Rimmer is attending Stanford University, and Florin is attending University of North Florida.

Year in review- features, page 7, May 13, 2013

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SGA provides Thanksgiving meals By THOMAS MCDONALD For the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, the Student Government Association is providing meal boxes to Boone families. In September, teachers collected money for one week, raising $1400. The Kiss the Pig fundraiser provided enough funds to make 30 boxes. At the football game Friday Sept. 14th, Annette Montgomery had the honor of kissing the pig. “[Kiss the Pig] is the best thing we do at Boone. You can see exactly where the money goes, and it helps people right here,” Montgomery said.

TEAMWORK. For less fortunate families, sophomore William Gauthier and senior Jessica Kneeland pack meal boxes. photo/THOMAS MCDONALD

The boxes include a coupon for a free turkey from Publix, two pies, green beans, corn, salad and additional Thanksgiving food.

“[The best thing about doing this is] the warm, fuzzy feeling I get inside my heart [because] I am contributing to helping to end poverty. It’s important to give back to the Boone community because it has given me so much, ” sophomore William Gauthier said.

Families contacted can pick up their box in the front office Thursday and Friday after school. Students involved in the process also benefited from the project. http://teacherpress.ocps.net/hilights/2012/11/15/sga-provides-thanksgiving-meals/

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Follow-up resembles debut By THOMAS MCDONALD Following the release of his latest mixtape, Cabin Fever 2, Wiz Khalifa’s sophomore album, O.N.I.F.C., finally debuts. The 17 track album (20 tracks on deluxe version), O.N.I.F.C., starts with a 40 second intro that has a generic sound to it and sounds as if it was thrown together at the last minute. “Paperbond” proves to be a catchy song with an interesting beat. The following songs, “Bluffin (feat. Berner)” and “The Bluff (feat. Cam’ron)” sound strikingly similar and are easy to confuse. “Work Hard, Play Hard” is the most notable single from the album with over a million digital downloads in the U.S. alone, is the “Black and Yellow” of the album, both catering to the charts rather than his fan base. “Work Hard, Play Hard” is surprisingly catchy and more interesting than “Black and Yellow”, but certainly not as infectious. The album deviates into a few more songs lacking features that are not notable. Then it debuts its customary 2 Chainz feature with “Its Nothin (feat. 2 Chainz)” which sounds like a typical 2 Chainz track, catchy and daringly simple. Fellow Taylor Gang member, Lola Monroe, appears in the up-tempo “Initiation (feat. Lola Monroe)” where Wiz Khalifa serves up a track that fans would expect to hear on one of the Cabin Fever mixtapes. The song ends with a heartfelt yet slightly awkward voice mail of Amber Rose, Wiz Khalifa’s fiancee and bearer of his son, talking to him while he is presumably on tour. The voicemail leads the progressive and addicting track “Up in It” with an glitchy hook. Piano melodies, hard bass lines, and an above par performance from Khalifa helps create a stellar track. Taylor Gang and Three 6 Mafia rapper, Juicy J, makes a well needed appearance on “The Plan feat. Juicy J”. The boring beat creates an average track and is neither of the rapper’s best work. The Weeknd and Khalifa link up for “Remember You (feat. The Weeknd)” which sounds like a Weeknd song with Khalifa rather than The Weeknd featured on his album. The track is impressive with Khalifa offering a contrast to The Weeknd’s R&B style. After the song concludes and listeners are refreshed from the usual sound of the album, the big names of the Taylor Gang, Juicy J and Chevy Woods jump on the final track to make a catchy outro that leaves the listener with good impressions of the album. “Medicated (feat. Chevy Woods and Juicy J)” starts with a simple loop and slowly builds with the help of each MC rapping about his success from hard work and that the only way to celebrate is to get high. O.N.I.F.C. is another solid showing from Wiz Khalifa, but is more like Rolling Papers than the mixtapes that have helped him establish his fanbase. Constant themes

of marijuana, money and women fuel every song as expected. Production on the album has a pop feel, and though beats within the album are similar at times, others make up for it. Khalifa combines the perfect mix of solo tracks with a wide variety of features including everyone in the Taylor Gang. Khalifa creates a good album with a few notable tracks, but overall the album is not much more than a Rolling Papers 2. Title: O.N.I.F.C. Release Date: Dec. 4 Stars: 3.5

http://teacherpress.ocps.net/hilights/2012/12/05/follow-up-resembles-debut/

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Monster brings party By TOMMY MCDONALD Steamclock Software’s latest release, Party Monster does not attempt to create a better music app for the iPhone, but rather an app focused on providing the perfect musical experience for any party or casual hangout. The first thing noticeable about Party Monster is it’s simple interface. It displays a list of upcoming songs, and a small bar on the bottom offers two ways to add more songs. It’s emphasis on a less-is-more design philosophy is apparent. Once the app is launched, music can be queued by tapping a plus sign or selecting a source playlist. The plus sign offers a way to quickly assemble a new queue with any of your songs by navigating by songs, playlists, artists or albums, in addition to search. The app’s elegant’s gestures include being able to swipe right to play or pause the music and swipping left to clear a song from the queue. Holding down on a song allows listeners to adjust it’s position in the queue. In the options section, users can adjust the cross fading configuration which gives music a more professional sound than the stock music app. Thankfully, the refuse to play

Nickelback feature is turned on by default, and the app will not play a song by Nickelback as long as the option is enabled. Party Monster is a useful app, whether it is being used for music at a party or daily use. The app does not aim to replace the default music app, but comes close to it even without trying . Being able to save queues the user makes would help complete the app, but it is understandable that some minor features are not yet implemented. Although the app is in it’s infancy on version 1.0.1, it is extremely polished. This app’s stellar execution and design complemented by subtle hints of the developers humor create an effective music app with a wide variety of uses. Party Monster Stars: 4 out of 5 stars Cost: $1.99

http://teacherpress.ocps.net/hilights/2012/12/20/monster-brings-party/

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Coleman completes first marathon By TOMMY MCDONALD As the finish line became visible, junior Davis Coleman felt a surge of motivation while entering the final stage of his 26.2 mile run. On Dec. 16 in Jacksonville, he finished 427 out of 1034 finishers and broke the four hour mark with 3:58. The JaxBank Marathon was Coleman’s first marathon, but his accomplishment is nothing new to his family. His father, John Coleman, has completed four marathons in his lifetime, and has qualified for the Boston and New York marathon, in 2013. “My dad ran marathons and I said to myself, if your father can run marathons, you can run marathons,” D. Coleman said. Despite this being his first marathon, D. Coleman has competed in three seasons of cross country which gave him a base training. “My dad prepared me for the arduous journey that I was about to embark on. He gave me a training plan

[which contained] a few long runs on the weekend [that were about] 20 miles,” Davis said. Even though he came off the cross country season and trained, the marathon was still a challenge for Davis. He placed first for 16 and under and top three for 18 and under. “[The hardest part was] not stopping and forcing myself to continue. It was very hard to keep running. The trick is to not think or you’ll quit,” D. Coleman said. He met his goal of breaking four hours and hopes to improve by 30 minutes for his next marathon. The marathon experience was a mental and physical journey for D. Davis that he had to endure without his father with him.

CRUISING THROUGH THE FINISH. Junior Davis Coleman ends his journey of 26.2 miles. photo courtesy/DAVIS COLEMAN

“We have created a bond that few fathers and sons can share by experiencing the different stages and challenges to finish a four-hour marathon,” J. Coleman said.

http://teacherpress.ocps.net/hilights/2013/02/04/coleman-first-completes-marathon/

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Evad3rs release anticipated jailbreak By TOMMY MCDONALD After over five months of waiting, the new iOS jailbreak team Evad3rs released their jailbreak for iOS 6 that reached seven million downloads in four days. Jailbreaking is a process that can be done on any device, but is known for it’s remarkable ability to make the capable, yet locked down iPhone more efficient and customizeable. Jailbreaking allows users to install third party packages not approved by Apple through an app called Cydia. These packages can be apps Apple did not approve, but the majority of them are tweaks that change how the OS works, rather than a stand alone application. “It’s a personal thing. Some people love it; some people don’t. It gives you more freedom with your phone,” senior Remy Artavia said. A tethered jailbreak released for iOS 6 on iOS 6’s initial release, but only on devices with an A4 processor which include the iPhone 4 and iPad 1. Because of the annoyance of a tethered jailbreak and the limited

number of devices supported by it, the first jailbreak of iOS 6 was not widely adopted. “I had my doubts [about an across the board iOS 6 jailbreak], but [the jailbreak hackers] always pull [find a security flaw to jailbreak the phone],” sophomore Matthew Torontali said. Artavia cites that his main reason for jailbreaking is MiWi, a $20 unauthorized application used to circumvents AT&T’s $50 a month data plan that allows iPhones to tether and create a mobile hotspot for free. Other reasons to jailbreak include tweaks that automatically turn off the blue light that keeps one awake, quick replying to text messages on the lockscreen and within apps, quick access to settings and overall customization of iOS with themes that customize everything from the lockscreen to individual app icons.

figure out how to do it, you should not do it. Although it is a simple process, you can temporarily break the phone by doing it and it will occasionally black out for hours. Both Torontali and Artavia figured out how to jailbreak their phone with help from detailed tutorials on the Internet. Jailbreaking can slow the phone down a bit according to Artavia, but this is usually more of an issue on older models. It also voids the warranty, but a simple restore will hide signs that the phone was once jailbroken. Though jailbreaking can add beneficial features, it’s drawbacks make the choice not for everyone.

The general rule of thumb for jailbreaking is that if you can’t

http://teacherpress.ocps.net/hilights/2013/02/21/evad3rs-release-anticipated-jailbreak/

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Silk Road offers online black market By TOMMY MCDONALD Buying drugs on the Internet seems like an oxymoron, but the practice is actually starting to expand. The online blackmarket, Silk Road, is the latest of a handful of black market sites created on the Internet. Silk Road is only accessible through a secure browser called Tor and transactions can only be made with a decentralized, digital currency called Bitcoin. “It is secure because it requires you to use Tor [an encrypted browser] and asymmetric encryption when sending your address [to the seller],” sophomore John Doe said. Despite his claims, Silk Road being 100 percent secure is a fallacy many of it’s users have. The site, although secure, is not foolproof. According to Jeff Garzik, a member of the Bitcoin development team, Bitcoin transactions are not secure because they are recorded in a public log. It is not as simple as looking at the log and identifying the user, but if law enforcement agencies are determined, the users can be traced.

It is not likely for the authorities to go through all this trouble to find a small quantity of illegal, but usually harmless drugs. Checking suspicious packages has been an issue in Australia. Australia arrested one person in 2013 for selling illegal drugs through the Silk Road in Australia.

right now,” John Doe said.

Providing students with a large range of drugs more powerful than For users, the Silk Road’s greatest marijuana can have unintended feature is it’s ease of use and consequences. options. At one’s fingertips lies a plethora of illegal drugs and “If it opens up the supply, that’s bad. other items not sold publicly You don’t know who you are buying like fake IDs and cell tower it from [or if it is] real,” Student jammers. The site is relatively Resource Officer Scott Daniels said. new, launching in February of 2011. Although drugs such Despite it’s potential, Silk Road is as marijuana and alcohol are a blip on the international flow of obtainable for most students, drugs. Silk Road’s worldwide sales, Silk Road could give students including drugs and other items, access to a larger range of are $18.6 million a year, according intenser drugs. Also, without to GQ, while the U.S.’s illegal drug the hassle of finding a supplier sales are estimated at $60 billion, for obscurer drugs, students are according to pbs.org. able to obtain them with less resistance. “I [bought] LSD. I could have gotten [it], but no one has [it]

http://teacherpress.ocps.net/hilights/2013/03/07/silk-road-offers-online-black-market/

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Girls tennis continues rocky season By TOMMY MCDONALD At Lake Cane Tennis Center, the girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; tennis team lost 1-6 to Olympia. Line one, senior Lyndsey Boos, lost her singles match 6-8. Line two, freshman Julia Bonnewitz, also lost her singles match 1-8. The rest of the top five lost their singles matches.

ON THE BOARD. Despite losing their singles matches, senior Lyndsey Boos and freshman Julia Bonnewtiz battle back from a 2-5 deficit to get Booneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only win of the match. photo/TOMMY MCDONALD

Boos and Bonnewitz won their line one double in a close match coming back from a 2-5 deficit to win 9-8, 7-4 in the tiebreaker. Sophomore Meghan Cotton and freshman Ashlyn Gage lost their line two doubles match 1-8. This match marks the teams fourth loss in their 6-4 record. They compete at home against Cypress Creek on Thursday, March 14th at 3:30 p.m.

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Hoodie Allen cakes The Social By TOMMY MCDONALD Touring and performing his latest mixtape, Crew Cuts, rapper Hoodie Allen made a sold-out stop on the final leg of his Cruisin’ USA tour at The Social. After fans entered into the meet and greet line, Hoodie took pictures with everyone in line and signed autographs. The free meet and greet was a great way to start the night and showed how Hoodie appreciates his fans by not charging for something virtually all other artist do. Although a close spot to the stage added to the experience, The Social offered a tight but up-close and personal venue despite the small stage that slightly interfered with the performance. Opening acts Jared Evan and Aer warmed up the high energy crowd. Evan gave a decent performance and impressed fans with his singing while Aer rocked the stage performing their reggae-rap hits. During the reasonable wait between the opening acts and Hoodie, Hoodie tweeted at fans furthering the bond felt during the show. Hoodie took the stage with high energy fueled by the wild, high school filled audience. The drug use

was surprisingly low for a rap concert, which was refreshing to see fans have a good time without being high or wasted. Colorful lights added to the performance and made the show feel like one big party. The concert had a mixture of songs from his old mixtapes, All American EP and Crew Cuts, although the majority were newer songs due to the recent success and popularity. He blended popular songs like “All of the Lights” by Kanye West and “I Knew You Were Trouble” by Taylor Swift into his set to build up the already turned up audience, and because a large portion of his fans only have knowledge of his recent projects. Having a pianist, guitarist and drummer who played with a broken leg added to live feeling of the concert. Hoodie Allen looked out of breath occasionally while rapping, but generally carried a comfortable yet outgoing stage presence while looking like he was having as good of a time as everyone in the audience.

HOODIE TIME. At The Social, Hoodie Allen puts on a show with his impressive singing and rapping abilities. photo credit/ TOMMY MCDONALD

Boy”, a dance off between audience members on stage, Hoodie crowd surfing, and a remix of the song “Hard in da Paint” that finished the show with a bang. Overall, Hoodie’s catchy songs, personable interactions and the incredible energy of the audience made the concert a superb show and a night to remember. The 411 Concert: Hoodie Allen with opening acts Aer and Jared Evan Date: 04/06/2013 Cost: $20 for general admission (meet and greet free) Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Other highlights of the night included helpers throwing cakes into the audience during one of his recent singles, “Cake

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