Mark Vagelakos 2011 Portfolio by Renee Burke

Mark Vagelakos

May 27, 2010

2000 S. Mills Avenue Orlando, Fl 32806 markvagelakos@gmail.com (407) 438-9269

Renee Burke Advisor Hi-Lights online news website 2000 S. MIlls Avenue Orlando, Fl 32806 Dear Mrs. Burke If chosen as the Web Master for the hilights.org news website, my leadership skills, experience in online reporting and writing will greatly benefit the online media staff. Since the web class will involve more writing from the print Newspaper class next year, my experience with the print Newspaper and the returning students will help me lead the writers in the new online format. As a journalism student for three years, participating in Journalism I,Yearbook, Newspaper and Online Newspaper, I have an expansive amount of experience in the field. In these classes, I have learned reporting, writing and interviewing skills, as well as technical skills in professional production programs like Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator and iMovie. Additionally, I have provided help to other students when they were in need. My ultimate dedication, ability to learn quickly and vast journalism experience will make me an ideal worker and leader if chosen for the position. While working on the website, I have brainstormed dozens of ideas to expand the coverage and readership of hilights.org. While my accompanying resume shows my experience and skills well, I feel that an interview would better display my knowledge of the field and ability to lead hilights.org next year. Thank you for your review and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Respectfully yours,

Mark Vagelakos Enclosed: resume

Mark Vagelakos 2000 S. Mills Avenue Orlando, Fl 32806 markvagelakos@gmail.com (407) 438-9269 OBJECTIVE To manage and improve the hilights.org news website and lead my peers to successfully find, write and submit stories and video for online media. EDUCATION Completed three years at Boone High School Graduation date: May 2010 Completed Journalism I,Yearbook, Newspaper, Online Newspaper EXPERIENCE Journalism I, Boone High School •Aug 2008-2009. Researched publication techniques, skills and journalism ethics and history Yearbook Staff Member, Boone High School •Aug 2990-2010. Used production skills and programs and journalism techniques while composing stories, photographing events, interviewing and assembling pages on LEGEND Yearbook staff Newspaper Staff Member, Boone High School •Aug 2010-2011 Used production skills and programs and journalism techniques while composing stories, photographing events, interviewing and assembling pages on HI-LIGHTS Newspaper staff Online Newspaper Staff member, Boone High School •Finding, researching and composing stories and videos for online media RELEVANT HIGH SCHOOL STUDIES Advanced knowledge of production products such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign and Adobe Illustrator and an advanced technical writing ability

It has been said that journalism is dead or dying. I passionately and hardily disagree. The ideas behind it will never die. Journalism is an art form, not only in what it accomplishes but in how it does it. Journalism brings knowledge, challenges norms, dissents doctrine and tells the story of human interest: from the story of one to the stories of millions. Journalism is both powerful and intricate. With Journalism, how something looks can have just as much impact as what something says. The amount of work and thought, conscious or subconscious, which goes into designing and producing journalism is astounding. In essence, for its boldness, intricacy and impact, I love journalism. My experience with Journalism began in middle school. I read the Orlando Sentinel every day, aspiring to be active in journalism, and finally joined the yearbook staff. By my eighth grade year, I became the Editor in Chief of my middle school yearbook. While the technical skill of the publication was modest to say the least, I learned important leadership skills, discipline to deadlines and skill with professional design programs like Adobe Indesign. Going into high school, I continued my journalism career with Journalism I,Yearbook, Newspaper and Online Newspaper, constantly advancing my proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator, as well as my dedication and drive toward the publications. In order to succeed in Journalism, I had to develop a better work ethic, as well as become more deadline oriented. Whether innate or learned, I have a tendency to procrastinate.Yearbook quickly taught me that this was not an option. Since I began the journalism program, my work ethic has improved greatly. I now know to complete assignments early to reduce the number of errors that go to press and help others who are struggling. Additionally, I had to overcome personal feelings in my third year of journalism as well as a change in style. After my year of Yearbook, I found out that I was not chosen to be an editor for the next year, while two students who were not previously on any staff were chosen. This made me annoyed and frustrated and I felt that my skills were not being recognized. However, I put my emotions aside and realized that I still had a job to do in journalism, a class I still loved. The following year, only weeks before the start of school, I was told that due to scheduling issues I would not be able to take Yearbook with my desired classes. I could either take the simple way out and quit the field or I could enroll in Newspaper, a class I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know about and was nervous of. Clearly my good senses prevailed and it turns out that I enjoy the newspaper class more than the yearbook class. Now, going into my fourth year of journalism and second year of Newspaper, I will be the Webmaster of hilights.org news website. I still love journalism.

This year, Newspaper has reinforced many important lessons that I learned in previous years in journalism and has caused me to grow as a journalist and generally as a writer. Production wise, I have independently practiced and grown my skills in professional level programs like Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator and iMovie. Working on deadlines in Newspaper and other journalism courses has given me the most valuable life skill I have taken from the program. The importance of sticking to a deadline and knowing when to ask for help is paramount to success in the Newspaper course. If one strays too far from the deadline, it is possible that the entire paper will be delayed from its press date, resulting in very real world consequences such as an increased cost and annoyed peers. Additionally, teamwork is very important to the success of the paper. It is easy to blame one person for holding up the press date, but really it is also the collective fault of every other staff member for not making sure that the writer was on deadline and not in need of help. Again, this skill is directly applicable to life after staff, as most college courses and professions require work with others. Reliability is universally essential to success. Selling advertisements, while not a new skill for me, helped increase my confidence and comfortablity with people I did not know. Finally, the life and staff lessons of journalism ethics and dedication were reinforced in the Newspaper course this year. One may find it easy to quickly change a word or two in an interview to give it a much more profound meaning but if this is done, the legitimacy of the publication is damaged greatly. I learned this year that it is vital to be extremely careful in how one quotes or paraphrases someone else, as even the slightest change can have a big impact on the intended meaning of the speaker. Re-interviewing the person who did not give the quote needed, re-submitting a story, skipping lunch to work on a story or staying into the late hours of the night all are a testament to the dedication required to be a proper staff member. Several times this year I had to rewrite a story instead of getting to an editor on time because I know that the quality was not up to the standard of the paper. Dedication like this is constantly needed in Newspaper.

My most significant piece is my story about internet bullying. The distinction of significance is important because while I believe I have had more successful and definitely easier stories, this story required me to overcome problems and fears and I ended up with a story that I was proud of. In the November Issue I chose to write a story in the Double Page Spread section about cyberbullying. The purpose of the story was to enlighten the student body on the new issue of online bullying and harassment. The piece was relatively timely as several students around the country had committed suicide that year due to online harassment. The decision to choose the story was not easy, as I was not comfortable working in the section or the story. Initially I thought the story would be very difficult to write, to do its in-depth nature, a type of story I was not familiar with. Additionally, I had never worked in the DPS section and truth be told was a bit afraid of having David Matteson as a section editor. As first impressions usually go, mine was wrong. While the story did take more research, time and effort than usual, I managed the extra workload and wrote one of my best stories of the year. Additionally, David Matteson was extremely helpful and pointed me in a great direction when I was lost. This is not to say there were not a few road bumps along the way. One difficulty of the story was finding people to interview since the several I had approached would not talk about their experiences. Being dedicated to the paper, I pushed through and found great interviews to finish my story. Generally, I am satisfied with the final product. It is written well and covers the topic accurately and sufficiently, while serving my initial purpose. The story shows use of good research and interesting interviews.

122

If I had the chance to write one of my stories again, the piece I would rewrite would be my coverage of the girls junior varsity basketball season in February. Since I do not watch sports and subsequently do not fully understand the more intricate rules and details of sports, I made it a general rule to try and avoid sports stories. However, for the February deadline, I was without a choice in the matter, as all of the other sections besides sports were already taken. Upon receiving my assignment I immediately began to interview several people. Already I ran into difficulty, due to the limited selection of students that had not been marked off as used in the master locator. Because junior varsity girls basketball was already covered in the previous issue, many of the star players were already used and thus could not be in my story. This also made taking and choosing pictures more difficult. My inexperience in sports photography also did not help, making me dependent on my peers and profession photography companies to fill the required amount of pictures. By the end of the deadline, my story was a bland and formulaic mix of statistics, score totals and tired quotes. In retrospect, I would have searched harder for a unique or more personal angle.

If my years in journalism have taught me one thing, it is the importance of teamwork. If one person is late, then the paper doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go to press. However, it is not only that writerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fault, but also the collective fault of the staff and editors for not making sure that the story was on deadline. Whether it means that I have had to do an interview for someone else instead of finish an Advanced Placement United States History essay due later that day or go to an event instead of getting home on time, I have done my best to help others on staff get their stories completed on time. In turn, I have had to ask others to assist me in finishing my stories. Additionally, being in room 224 during Research has amplified my ability to be asset to staff. While it can be annoying to occasionally complete several interviews a day for other people, it is worth it since teamwork is necessary for the paper to ship to press on time and without mistakes. Because of this knowledge I gained through Newspaper, I work extremely well with other students in a group setting. Depending on others and being depended on by others is an important life skill that Newspaper has taught me.

My first hardships in Newspaper this year happened before the class began. Only Weeks before school started, I found out that I could not take Yearbook which I previously signed up for, due to scheduling issues. Instead of dropping out of journalism, I decided to take Newspaper, which was an entirely new style with all new story angles and methods of writing. Additionally, instead of being focused on photography, as in Yearbook, the focus is largely on the writing. Stories are longer and more current. These changes took some adjusting but I soon but I soon enjoyed the style more than Yearbook. Another challenge this year was trying to balance four Advanced Placement classes with Newspaper. My rigourous schedule made it difficult to give my full attention and time to Newspaper. Despite the difficulties I had, in adjusting, I think that my writing improved greatly and became appropriate for the newspaper style. I balanced my workload well but if I could handle the situation again, I would try to procrastinate less in my AP classes, as this directly influenced the amount of time I had to work on my Newspaper stories..

I set three goals for myself during the midterm exam: to write an editorial, to attend all restaurant reviews, and to work harder on my story planners in order to better prepare myself in writing the stories. Unfortunately throughout the second half of the year, the editorials were completely taken by the time I got to choose a story so I could not write an editorial for the print newspaper but I did write two editorials for the online website. Probably the best thing about the online website is the total control one has over the subject topic. My other goals were more successful. I did attend every restaurant review, allowing me to get to know more people on staff and I am satisfied with the improvements I made to my story planners. I think that for this reason, my stories were much easier to write in the second half of the year.

page 6

The earthquakes in Japan and all of the deaths that were involved [were the biggest things that happened in the world this year]. - claire lang, sophomore

Wikileaks, a watchdog organization run by Australian activist and journalist Julian Assange, leaked classified information relating to the Iraq war. With comparisons to the Pentagon Papers, the affair brought new criticisms to American foreign policy.

5. Leaks cause uproar

May 13, 2011

Feb. 2 - First openly gay secretary of the White House, Jeremy Bernard, is appointed

6. Discriminatory policy repealed

Jan. 23 - Somalian pirates stopped from hijacking a ship in the Gulf of Aden

photos/ MCT CAMPUS

Feb. 9 - Lindsay Lohan accused of stealing a $2,500 necklace from jewelry store

hilights.org

Feb. 11 - President Hasni Mubarak resigns due to protests

7. Chile rescues trapped miners

Feb. 6- Fatal accident on I-4 claims two lives and injures two Boone students

After being trapped underground for nearly two months, 33 Chilean miners were rescued and reunited with their families in an emotional scene on Oct. 13. While underground, the miners worked to maintain physical and psychological health.

TORN DOWN. The survivors of the tsunami at Kamaishi gather before the wreckage that was once their thriving city. The earthquake in Japan was the largest in over half a century, a 9.0 on the Richter scale.

Page Compiled By MARK VAGELAKOS

President Obama signed the repeal of the controversial “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy Dec. 22, ending a period of discrimination. The policy restricted entry of openly gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered citizens into the military.

Crisis upon crisis unfolded on March 11 as an earthquake, tsunami and nuclear panic sent Japan into a state of emergency. Registering a 9.0 on the Richter scale, the Tohoku earthquake off the coast of Japan sent a devastating 124 foot tsunami onto the country’s shores that hit just an hour later. In total, the Japanese Police Agency determined 12,600 people dead, 14,700 missing and 150,000 homeless. Continuing the chain of events, the tsunami floods knocked out electricity along the Japanese coast and destroyed backup generators for the nuclear power plants Fukushima I and II. These vital pieces of equipment cool the facilities. Due to faulty design of the nuclear facilities, radioactive material was sent [The situation into the local atmosphere, Japan’s water supply and the in Japan] is ocean. Subsequently, Japan announced that the nuclear crisis is on the same level as the 1986 Chernobyl disaster in tragic. I think Ukraine USSR which killed 56 workers and radiated others. it will take a Since radioactive leakage began in Japan, 78,000 citizens long time to have been evacuated and the country is still trying to repair get through the damage from the power plant. Following the disaster, relief efforts sprung up to aid it. But, with cities and families in their recovery. The Red Cross has set all the help up a donation system using SMS texting. To give $10 to the and supplies, Japan relief fund, text REDCROSS to 90999. they’ll get Additionally, the United Nations International through it.” Children’s Emergency Fund organized a donation fund on their website to help the children suffering from the - ryan dittmer Japan disaster. Groups like Doctors Without Borders, the Salvation Army, International Medical Corps and Save the junior Children have also stepped up and got involved to help support Japanese victims. Aside from the human loss and property damage from the tsunami, manufacturing industries have also been affected. Major automakers like Honda, Toyota and Nissan were forced to stop production in all Japanese plants for over a month, as areas that produced parts for the cars were damaged. While production has resumed, the companies are only operating at half the level as before the shutdown, according to the New York Times. The disasters in Japan have had local, national and international repercussions that will likely continue for years to come.

1. Japanese earthquake causes massive destruction

year in review

2. Search comes to a close

hilights.org

Feb. 12 Sweetheart dance held at the Orlando Museum of Art

March 7 - 6.6 rating Earthquakes occur off the coast of the Solomon Islands

March 2 - Apple Inc. unveils the latest model of its tablet computer, the iPad 2

8. Bullying takes new victims

Rutgers University student Tyler Clementi killed himself Sept. 22, for being bullied online by his college roommate- the fourth suicide in a two month span due to bullying based on sexual orientation. Vigils were held in honor of Clementi.

photos/ MCT CAMPUS

March 14 - Dr. John, Darlene Love, Alice Cooper, Neil Diamond and Tom Waits are inducted into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame

May 13, 2011

March 14 - Gilbert Gottfried fired from job as Aflac duck (voice over) after a number of tasteless posts regarding the Japan earthquake

page 7

Osama bin Laden being shot was definitely the biggest thing that happened this year. - gianfranco bertola, junior

4. Nations respond to Libya

After weeks of civilian deaths and popular uprisings, the United Nations voted 10-0 to create a no-fly zone over Libya. Inspired by the recent overthrow of Egyptian totalitarian President Hosni Mubarak, protests sprang up across Libya with activists citing government aggression against citizens as well as government corruption and a lack of basic civil rights as reasons for assembling. Soon, rebel forces took over several major cities and advanced on Tripoli, the capital. However, they were no match for the government trained army and airforce. In response to reports of government forces firing on civilians and towns, the UN set up an anti-military aircraft zone over Libya, controlled mainly by France, Britain and the United States. The no-fly zone has been successful against the Libyan government, stopping all aircraft and tanks from being used; it is undetermined how long the no-fly zone will persist.

March 16 - Publications received Silver Crown from Columbia Scholastic Press Association in New York for 2010 Legend Yearbook

9. New justice appointed

crowds in Washington and other big cities took to the streets to show their happiness. However, some experts are concerned the killing will turn Bin Laden into a martyr for his followers and cause an increased terrorist threat to the United States. Additionally, there are renewed calls to bring troops home from Afghanistan, while others believe that a terrorist threat still justifies U.S. involvement.

President Obama’s second Supreme Court nomination and second female nomination, Elena Kagan, was sworn into the United States Supreme court on Aug. 7. Kagan was confirmed with a senate vote of 63-37. She is the fourth female justice.

passed away in the following years, according to the New York State Health Department. President Obama announced late Sunday evening that the terrorist leader was killed by a fire fight with Navy Seals and other American forces in Pakistan. This immediately gave Obama a surge in approval rating, from 46 to 57 percent, according to a CBS poll. Following the news of the death,

CELEBRATION. Washington D.C. citizens gather in the streets to celebrate after news hit the wires that Osama bin Laden had been killed. Bin Laden was the self pronounced leader of al-Qaeda and orchestrator of the 9/11 attacks. Nearly a decade after the 9/11 attacks, Osama bin Laden, leader of al-Qaeda, was killed by American military forces in Pakistan on May 1. Bin Laden planned the 9/11 suicide bombings on the World Trade Center and Pentagon. The largest terrorist attack on U.S. soil in history, 3000 civilians died immediately and about 800 responders have

3. Shooting sparks controversy

At a rally in Tuscon, AZ, 22-year-old Jared Loughner shot 19 people, killing six. After Loughner unloaded his 33 round magazine into the political rally, the crowd charged and immobilized him while he was trying to reload his gun. The “Congress at your Corner” rally took place at a Safeway on Jan. 8. Among the 19 victims was democratic congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, the target of the attack. The issue of gun rights was raised after the Tuscon shooting. Adversaries of Arizona’s gun laws argue that it should be harder to obtain gun licenses and magazines should be smaller. Giffords is expected to make a full recovery.

year in review

N2, Social networking puts news spin on old problem, November 12 2010 pg. 15 This piece is current since at the time of the story, several teenagers had

recently committed suicide in due to cyberbullying, most recently Rutgers

student Tyler Clementi. The piece also features good research and statistics, an

important purpose, to teach students of dangers of online harassment, and has an

interesting viewpoint, as one of the people interviewed in the story was accused of

cyberbullying.

N14, Cuisine conveys authenticity, March 18 2011, pg. 28 I really like the vibrant colors on this page. The deep orange, red and green hues

draw the reader in and the coverage of the story is complete, informative and well

written.

N11,Year in Review: International News, May 13 2011, pg. 6-7

Always a favorite, the Year in Review provides interesting information that makes

readers recall events throughout the year. I am satisfied with the writing, look and

overall coverage of the events.

reflection eight

In taking journalism this year and taking Advanced Placement Language, my writing has improved greatly since last year. In my transition from a Yearbook style of writing to a Newspaper style, I was able to practice multiple styles of journalism coverage. This improvement has correlated with my improved overall quality and attention to detail, mainly due to my better work ethic and better orientation to deadlines. Additionally, I have spent huge amounts of personal time learning design styles and professional product skills, increasing the technical merit of my designs from last year.

october issue

november issue

december issue

february issue

march issue

may issue

year in review

page 6

The earthquakes in Japan and all of the deaths that were involved [were the biggest things that happened in the world this year]. - claire lang, sophomore

5. Leaks cause uproar

May 13, 2011

Feb. 2 - First openly gay secretary of the White House, Jeremy Bernard, is appointed

6. Discriminatory policy repealed

Jan. 23 - Somalian pirates stopped from hijacking a ship in the Gulf of Aden

photos/ MCT CAMPUS

Feb. 9 - Lindsay Lohan accused of stealing a $2,500 necklace from jewelry store

Feb. 6- Fatal accident on I-4 claims two lives and injures two Boone students

hilights.org

Feb. 11 - President Hasni Mubarak resigns due to protests

7. Chile rescues trapped miners

Page Compiled By MARK VAGELAKOS

1. Japanese earthquake causes massive destruction

77 photos/ MCT CAMPUS

hilights.org

Feb. 12 Sweetheart dance held at the Orlando Museum of Art

March 7 - 6.6 rating Earthquakes occur off the coast of the Solomon Islands

March 2 - Apple Inc. unveils the latest model of its tablet computer, the iPad 2

8. Bullying takes new victims

March 14 - Dr. John, Darlene Love, Alice Cooper, Neil Diamond and Tom Waits are inducted into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame

May 13, 2011

March 14 - Gilbert Gottfried fired from job as Aflac duck (voice over) after a number of tasteless posts regarding the Japan earthquake

page 7

Osama bin Laden being shot was definitely the biggest thing that happened this year. - gianfranco bertola, junior

4. Nations respond to Libya

9. New justice appointed

Nearly a decade after the 9/11 attacks, Osama bin Laden, leader of al-Qaeda, was killed by American military forces in Pakistan on May 1. Bin Laden planned the 9/11 suicide bombings on the World Trade Center and Pentagon. The largest terrorist attack on U.S. soil in history, 3000 civilians died immediately and about 800 responders have

2. Search comes to a close

3. Shooting sparks controversy

year in review

page 10

University of Florida

The Basics: The UF campus is made up of 2,000 acres and more than 900 buildings holding 50,000 students. It is officially one the largest campuses in the nation. The Dorms: After completing the fall/spring contract, students submit preferences for up to three halls and two room types, along with two specific roommates. An alternative option to dorms is the rental rate. Rental rates are per student, per semester and include cable TV, high speed Internet, electricity and other utilities. All rooms are fully furnished. The Nightlife: Swamp (1642 W. University Ave.): This social night bar and patio is the definition of going out at UF. This popular sports bar features food like buffalo wings, burgers, tacos and seafood. It attracts the college crowd and always has an energetic atmosphere. Spannk (20 NW. 2nd St): This local club’s goal is to help make the discovery of local bands easier. Spannk aims to be the definition of upcoming shows and promotion for local bands. Restaurants: Dragonfly (3117 SW. 34th St.): This is a good choice for Asian food. Although a bit more expensive than average meal choices, it is worth it ($11 - $30). Leonardo’s (706 West University Avenue): This Italian specialty is less expensive and serves pizza along with other Italian cuisines ($10 - $15). The Peach Valley Cafe, 3275 SW 34th St: This cafe is highly recommended and serves only breakfast and lunch ($4 - 8). Things To Do: The Reitz Union (1080 SW. 11th St.): This is a major hangout for studying or grabbing something to eat. The Reitz Union contains several restaurants including Tijuana Flats, Pita Pit and Jimmy Johns Gourmet Sandwiches, a bookstore and a Starbucks. The Words From the Wise: “If you are a freshman, go to campus before the first day of classes so you don’t get lost or show up late to your classes,” sophomore Moises Diffo said.

The Basics: Opened in 1960, USF now teaches 47,000 students and is recognized as one of the top 100 public research universities. The Dorms: The campus assigns four students per suite which have individual bedrooms and a shared kitchen. The cost of the four suite room is $3,785 per semester, per student. The Nightlife: Empire Night Club (1902 7th Ave., 33605): Open from Wednesday to Saturday nights, is a two-floor, crowded nightclub and bar that plays hiphop music. The cover charge is $5. Restaurants: Taco Bus (913 E. Hillsborough Ave, 33604): Serving food 24/7, the Taco Bus provides authentic Mexican food. From vegetarian rice, bean and vegetable burritos and tacos to meaty quesadillas, fish tacos and barbacoas, a style of barbeque authentic to ancient Mexican recipes, the Taco Bus menu caters to guests with a wide variety of diets. ($5 - $8) CBD’s Southside Italian Restaurant and Bar (3671 S. Westshore Blvd., 33629): This area favorite serves classic Italian, from pizza to pasta ($25 - $30). Things To Do: Open only to USF students and staff, the Riverfront Park is a popular hangout on campus that offers free kayaking and canoeing. The Words From the Wise: “I would encourage living in dorms the first year. It’s the best way to meet people, and you have class with a lot of the same people in your [dorm area], so it’s easy to form study groups or find people to hang out with. There is always someone awake which makes it so convenient to meet friends,” USF sophomore Madison Smith said.

University of South Florida

Tallahassee

May 13, 2011

hilights.org

A Guide to Florida Universities

College Bound

architecture, and atmosphere of Tallahassee has a southern charm and naturally picturesque appeal. The campus has a quaint, small town feel with a big population. The Dorms: Freshmen are required to live on campus their first year. The Residential Assistants in the dorms make sure residents acclimate well and find ways for everyone to get involved. Smith Hall is the least expensive dorm pricing at $2,150 per semester. The most expensive is Ragans Hall, individual apartments exclusively for upperclassman, which cost $3,120 a semester. The Nightlife: West Tennessee Street, 32304: This legendary street of clubs and bars is the number one place to hit when partying in Tallahassee. Commonly referred to as “The Strip” by FSU students, Tennessee Avenue includes the most affordable dinner specials and music from the best DJ’s in town. A.J.’s Sports Bar & Grill (1800 West Tennessee St., 32304): From Major League Baseball to the NFL, A.J.’s offers almost any televised game. The sports and entertainment venue on “The Strip” serves jumbo wings in 15 different flavors and handmade burgers. Restaurants: Gordos (1907 West Pensacola St., 32304): This college favorite serves delicious Cuban sandwiches under $ 9.50 and dinner dishes under $11.95. Momo’s Pizza (1416 West Tennessee St., 32304): Offering large pizzas, the spot is highly recommended with large appetites. (16” Med. Pizza Pie $11.95, 30” XLarge Pizza Pie-$22.95) Monks (1710 W. Tharpe St., 32303): As a unique hamburger joint, one Monk’s specialty is the Lip Smacker ($8.50), a peanut butter hamburger topped with smoked bacon and cheddar cheese. Things to do: Student Life Cinema: This free movie theatre, exclusively for FSU students, plays current blockbusters. Crenshaw Lanes: This on campus bowling alley includes Internet access and a lounge area. Cosmic bowling ($10) is held every Friday and Saturday from 9 p.m.- 2 a.m. Flying High Circus: A student run circus premieres each fall and has been a unique tradition since 1947. The dazzling performance rivals that of a professional show. Winter Wonderland: In December, snow is shipped in from Georgia and the campus creates a winter landscape with snow ball fights, hot chocolate and snow globe decorating. The Words From the Wise: “FSU as a university is not seen as a difficult school to get into, but the individual colleges like communications and studio art are very competitive. They are considered the top in the country, accepting only 30 students per program,” FSU freshman Nicole Regan said.

The Basics: Located near Georgia, the landscape,

Florida State University

special

83 hilights.org

Tampa

Gainesville

University of Central Florida The Basics: UCF recently gained the interest of USA Today when it ranked as one of the top 50 public colleges in the United States. The Dorms: The Apollo Community is equipped so that each room can house four people. It costs $2,420-$2,755 per semester and includes three bedrooms and a shared bathroom and kitchen. The Nightlife: The Ikiwi Yogurt Bar (4250 Alafaya Trl. Oviedo, 32765): A new addition that can satisfy one’s sweet tooth. The Liquid Cellar Bar and Bistro (12233 University Blvd. Orlando, 32817): This social gathering offers more than just drinks and food, it also is home to performances by local artists. Restaurants: Lazy Moon Pizza (12269 University Boulevard. Orlando, 32817): Close to campus and known for their massive slices of pizza and student-friendly atmosphere ($5 - $10). Mama Millie’s (12273 University Blvd. Orlando, 32817): Offers traditional Caribbean food and its location makes it a popular place for students ($5 - $10). Things To Do: Lake Claire Recreational Area (Gemini Blvd., Orlando, 32826): A fun, free, on campus feature that provides canoes, kayaks, paddleboats and swimming for students to do in their free time. The Words From the Wise: “It’s important to focus on schoolwork, but UCF offers a lot of young, modern activities that kept me entertained as a student. Find a balance between school and fun, and UCF becomes a wonderful school for anyone,” Henrik Allanson, University of Central Florida graduate, said.

May 13, 2011

page 11

Page Compiled By Katie Edwards, Stephanie Garcia, David Matteson, Tori Treiber, Mark Vagelakos, Molly Wallace

The Basics: Located near both the Palm Beach and Miami, FAU offers a vast variety of on and off campus excitement. The Dorms: Gladdes Park Towers is the dormitory hall offered to incoming freshmen. The building boasts both single and double rooms ($2850 - $3712 per semester). The Nightlife: Funky Buddah Lounge (2621 N. Federal Hwy.): This casual bar located less than 10 minutes from the university provides a cozy atmosphere for students to unwind after a hard day of classes. Restaurants: Tomasso’s (1229 W. Palmetto Park Rd.): An Italian restaurant that has traditional Italian dishes including pizza, pasta and calzones. One may choose to dine in or have the food delivered to a dorm ($15 $25). Things to Do: Cinemark Palace 20 (3200 Airport Rd.): Located across the street from FAU, this movie theater features current and retrospective films ($10). Red Reef Park (1400 N Ocean Blvd.): A maintained beach front that provides snorkeling and an Environmental Information Center ($10). The Words From the Wise: “Don’t skip class to go to the beach because it’s so close,” freshman Lindsey Cooper said. “It will be there when your class is over.”

Florida Atlantic University

perfectly preserved nature and wildlife. Living in Jacksonville means one can experience the city as well as the rugged environment. The Dorms: Prices for dorms can vary from $1,500$4,600 per semester. There are various floor plan styles available for students, including private apartments, doubles and even six bedroom residencies. The Nightlife: Plush (845 University Blvd): is located next to the campus and hosts events for artists such as Diddy Dirty Money. Metro (2929 Plum St.): A 15 minute drive away from campus where one can enjoy fun and partying. Restaurants: Sushi House 2 (201 SE 2nd Ave): Serves traditional sushi and Japanese dishes ($10 - $15). Things To Do: On campus lazy river: The “Osprey Fountain” residence comes adorned with a lazy river solely for students to relax and wash away all college stress. The Osprey Cafe: Dine on campus at this buffet style restaurant which is popular with students who have meal plans. The Words From the Wise: “Join a student organization that gets priority registration [for classes], like Student Government or Presidential Envoys,” UNF senior Chris Warren said.

Boca Raton

Orlando

Jacksonville

University of North Florida The Basics: The campus lays on 1,300 acres of

special