THE COUNTRYSIDE HIGH SCHOOL
PAW PRINT 3000 SR 580
Friday, February 2nd, 2007 - VOLUME 28, Issue 5
Clearwater, Florida
What’s the price of extra school security? shrutiLAKKANIKI
staff writer
Winding one’s way through the lunch line during the short break leaves students and staff lost in a massive sea of rowdy, hungry, and frustrated individuals. Hidden from plain view though, in this unstructured and chaotic world anything can happen, from individuals stealing a French fry to another much worse scenario; robbing a person’s identity. Luckily for the young and defenseless, this problem took a turn for the better when the Department of Food Services presented a solution to all Pinellas County schools concerning lunch lines. They suggested using an innovative new techonology that reads individuals fingers as an image. This new equipment takes some of the chaos out of the typical lunchline by speeding up the process of food payment and wait time in the cafeteria lunchline. “We are seeing less horse play and there is a significant amount to decrease in theft,” said Debbie Ferguson, Countryside High School’s cafeteria manager. The previous lunch line program included Winsnap, a windows based database program that requires cafeteria cashiers to punch in the students’ four digit lunch number or their name and the variety of foods chosen. However, the problems with this system became apparent as the computers lapsed into unpredictable malfunctioning because of keyboard keys that get stuck and computer viruses. “The old lunch line program was not efficient because it took a long time for the student information to upload,” said Ferguson. Also, one of the growing problems as a result of this old program was theft. Students who either forget their account numbers or just don’t intend to pay their share would make up a random number on the spot until they pinpoint another’s student account number by chance. Additionally, with the 2000 plus students navigating in and out of the cafeteria and lunch supervisors trying to monitor all students, it can be hectic.
“It is a big improvement in students’ behavior,” said Ferguson. Finger imaging lets students slide their finger, and with careful supervision of lunch assistants, the line glides by. “All the lunch specialist assistants are trying to include as many students as possible in fifteen minutes of lunch period,” said Ferguson. While the new lunch line program was improved to accommodate more students in a fifteenminute time period during lunch,there is a huge cost factor. With the cafeteria on a slim profit margin it will be quite awhile before the Paw Print photo by Megan Hays system can pay for itself. tudents wait in line to purchase lunch as Vivian Panagopoulos collects cash using the new The new lunch line system Horizon imaging system, created by Software International LLC. comprises of four terminals equipment, should not be confused with fingerprinting. It in which each touch-screen computer costs $2,100 and each finger scanning machine is merely a captured picture of the pattern of the middle finger by using algorithms and binary code to create a is $500. “The cost is astronomical,” said Debbie Johnson, food template (a mathematical representation of the finger services assistant. “Even though the Department of Food print). “I don’t really mind finger imaging that much because Services is paying for this school, the new lunch line system is not making enough profits to balance the cost,” without it, the line wouldn’t go as it is now,” said freshman Amber Broadus. she continued. With the cafeteria unable to capture everyone’s finger A commonly mis-led belief students have about fingerprinting is that the fingerprints might be used against image, the line does move slow at times and the staff must revert back to the old system of collecting the money. a student during a felonious situation. “We don’t have everyone’s finger images because many “They started out with fingerprinting, and then what’s students believe that finger images are an invasion of next after that?” said sophomore Johnny Dedanilla. Finger imaging, according to the developers of the privacy,” said Johnson.
S
Carpet cleaning leaves some noses pinched samanthaMALONE
of the carpet. It takes one plant operator an estimated ten hours All of Countryside’s students and staff have come across to scrub the length of the main concourse. Countryside is a peculiar unidentifiable odor at some time or another while equipped with two of these scrubbing machines. Whether walking through the halls of the various campus buildings. one or both of the machines is used at the same time is a Everyone has different ways of coping with this mysterious matter of the staff availability. airborne Only the main concourse is cleaned scent: some on a regular basis of every three to four make use of weeks. The hallways leading to the their jackets classrooms are cleaned on a somewhat as odorregular basis, depending on the need masks, a few of a cleaning and the number of staff. brave souls Classrooms are scrubbed as needed attempt and during the summer. to breathe “The more it’s cleaned the shorter through their the life span,” said day-time plant mouths and operator, Jerry Reynolds. ignore the Countryside’s carpets get a deep taste, and scrub once a year. A strong cleaning the rest hold chemical is sprayed, and then a more their breath intense scrubbing machine is used for as long followed by cleaning by the normal as possible, scrub machine with Edge 5 carpet Paw Print Photo by Megan Hays only inhaling shampoo. ach of the two carpet cleaners are equipped with scrubbers that to supply the The cause of the musty smell that penetrate the floor with rotating wheels. much needed resonates throughout the school after oxygen to the brain or to complain about the smell. the carpets are cleaned is the result of leftover water The carpets are actually the culprit. In the main marinating in the carpet. The water stays in the carpet concourse they are vacuumed every day and scrubbed until it dries, taking anywhere from two to four hours to do every three to four weeks by the plant operators using a so. The rate at which the carpet dries is dependent on the large rolling machine. This machine drops water onto the humidity outside. Unfortunately, while the leftover water carpet as a rotating wheel scrubs the floor using a shampoo sits in the carpet, it develops a peculiar smell. The carpet called “Edge 5,” then a vacuum pulls the excess water out shampoo does help to deodorize the carpets but does not
E
staff writer
prevent the smell from spreading throughout the school. To switch methods of cleaning, chemicals used, or add another element to further help deodorize the smell would cost more money. Most schools throughout the county use the same methods for carpet cleaning. “We work with what we have,” said plant operator Jerry Reynolds.
What Does Clean Carpet Smell Like? “Wet dog.” -John Angelo. “Old, moldy clothes.” -Senior Joaquin Cornonado. “Rotten cheese.” -Junior Alyee Kerr. “Rotten milk,” -Sophomore Ajla Cengic.
Did You Know? Emergency Contact For License Brandin Milton, Design Editor
Register emergency information on your driver’s license at https://www6.hsmv.state.fl.us.dlcheck/findcustomer. Enter your license number and birthdate, then information of two people that you want to use as your emergency contacts.
Check out The Paw Print online at http:// my.highschooljournalism.org/fl/clearwater/csh/
CULTURE
2
Volume 28
Drawing the line between joke and racial slur beccaMORALES
culture editor
Between periods, racial slurs echo throughout Countryside High School, some in English and others in different languages. On any given day, there may be 2400 to 2500 students in this building of various ethnicities partially due to Countryside’s ESOL program. “My friend was [racially harassed]. She got into a fight with this white girl because she was Egyptian,” said sophomore Vanessa Vasquez. America is considered by the world a melting pot of different cultures. City names, architectural designs, and even the English language stand as proof of the tremendous influence foreign countries have over the United States culture. Despite its current multicultural environment, America hasn’t had the most pleasant history when it comes to interacting with other cultures. Even after President Lincoln abolished slavery, many white Americans maintained a superiority complex over their African American neighbors and decidedly took matters into their own hands. Formed in the 1800’s the Ku Klux Klan began as a group with positive intentions much changed to a group that persecuted African Americans in the cruelest ways solely for being different. It wasn’t until the mid 1960’s that segregation was banned in schools and public places thus forcing white’s and black’s to integrate. African Americans were not the only racial group to be cast aside. People of Japanese descent near costal regions were taken from their homes and forced into encampments during World War II. President Franklin Roosevelt issued a statement in which he believed that the Japanese-American citizens were conversing with the enemy at ports. When WWII was over the military finally allowed the Japanese to return to their once normal lives. Yet, some were left without homes or jobs; it was not until years later that the government apologized for its actions. When looking back at the chaotic beginnings of the nation’s history, it is clear the American public has over the years adopted a more accepting, and cooperative standpoint. However, it appear that in recent years acceptance seems to have regressed. Racial harassment is quickly becoming an issue, especially in high schools. Regardless of how people are raised, no one has the right to treat a person with disrespect based solely on the color of
their skin or their heritage, nor does a person’s upbringing allow them license to spray paint racial remarks across buildings like a small group of students at Gibbs High School did last year. After the school board spent thousands of dollars to renovate and update the high school’s building, graffiti contain-
ing racial slurs and inropriate symbols started appearing, causing the majority of students from all backgrounds to feel uneasy as they walked the halls. “Racial harassment is a very serious offense and if those words appeared on a referral, depending on the severity of the offense it could lead to anything from suspension to expulsion,” said graphic arts specialist, Tony Kell. Last semester Kell had to make an announcement to his communication technology classes on the subject after a racial harassment incident occurred. “If a complaint is ever brought up that fits the criteria of
harassment, which is ongoing, it could be dealt with as an out of school suspension and we may have to recommend the student for transfer,” said Assistant Principal Lewis Curtwright. If the situation or scenario does not appear to be harassment, it does not necessarily mean it would be written off as never occurring. Instead of harassment, it would be considered profanity and would receive an out of school suspension. In order for criminal charges to be pressed against a person or group of people it would have to be a severe case of harassment or a hate crime. A hate crime is defined as the attack of a person or group of people being attacked because they are of different racial or religious background. As for the number of referrals, the assistant principals see from racial harassment, it’s lower than fifty. Different cliques openly speak to one another using racial comments and may quickly get offended whenever an outsider refers to any one with the same language. “It’s not cool for someone to call me anything like [the n-word] but my home boys can call me that because we are all black,” said freshman Robert Huggins. The solution to the racial issue within and outside our school, is to eliminate the scornful words from our vocabulary. If the words are not said then there is no chance of offending any other person. “I think words can be very powerful but it also depends on who the person receiving and whether or not he or she gives those words power,” said peer mediation counselor, Me-Me Panzarella.
Cual es el precio dela segundad? beccaMORALES & alessandraYOUNG
culture editor & business manager
Cuando caminas entre las líneas de la cafetería en Countryside High School, es probable que te encuentres con estudiantes frustrados y hambrientos. En este mundo caótico en donde todo puede suceder; como robar unas papas fritas o robar la identidad a alguien. Afortunadamente para los jóvenes indefensos, este problema está cambiando para mejor gracias al Departamento de Comida y Servicios. Ellos presentaron una solución para las escuelas en Pinellas County, sugiriendo que se usen imágenes de dedo. Esta nueva tecnología acelerara las líneas de comida dando más tiempo para que los estudiantes coman y también asegurando las cuentas del almuerzo. El previo programa de la cafetería incluyó Winsnap, un programa de Windows que requiere que la cajera tenga que insertar los 4 dígitos del número de lunch o el nombré del estudiante y también los precios de la comida. Pero los problemas con este sistema surgieron cuando las computadoras empezaron a tener problemas porque las teclas se atascaban y por virus. “El viejo programa de la cafetería no era eficiente, porque se demoraba mucho para que la información de los estudiantes aparezca. También las computadoras eran muy difíciles de operar porque tenían bastantes virus y tomaban mucho tiempo de arreglar,” dijo Debbi Ferguson, Countryside High School directora de la cafetería. Otro de los problemas era el robo. Estudiantes que se olvidaban su número de cuenta o no querían pagar lo debido, inventaban un número. Por esto cuando el verdadero dueño de la cuenta iba a pagar, ellos tenían que pagar más por lo que el otro estudiante hizo. Mas allá con los estudiantes entrando y saliendo de la cafetería es muy difícil para los supervisores mantener orden. “Todos los asistentes de la cafetería tratan de asistirá todos los estudiantes que puedan durante el receso de 15 minutos,” dijo Ferguson. Como sea, las imágenes de dedos hace que los estudiantes pasen su dedo, y con mucha supervisión de los asistentes, la
línea avanza rápido sin problemas. Ahora estudiantes no pueden copiar la imagen de dedo de otros estudiantes, esto ayuda proteger las cuentas del lunch. “Ahora hay más alumnos en el receso de 15 minutos,” dijo Debbie Johnson, 56, asistente del servicio de comida. “Es una gran mejoria en el comportamiento de estudiantes. Nosotros estamos viendo menos travesuras y hay una gran diferencia en los robos,”dijo Ferguson. Aunque el nuevo programa se hizo para acomodar más estudiantes en el receso de 15 minutos, la mayoría piensa que hace más daño que bien. “El costo es astronómico,” dijo Johnson. “Aunque el Departamento Paw Print photo by Alex Harris del Servicio de Comida esta pagando sando el nuevo sistema, freshman Michael Wiszowaty, puede pagar su comida mas por esta escuela, el nuevo programa rapido, que si todavia estuvieramos con el otro sistema. no está ganando muchos ingresos que balanceen el costo,”ella continuó. El dedos, ¿y que sigue después de esto?” dijo Johnny Dedanilla, programa consiste de cuatro touch-screen computadoras que 10th grade. cuestan $2,100 y los scaners de dedo cuestan $500 cada uno. Las imágenes de dedos, no deben ser confundidas con El reciente cambio es para acomodar a toda la población huella de dedos, las imágenes son fotos del contorno del dedo de la escuela. Pero menos de la mitad de los estudiantes del medio. comen en la escuela, porque los otros estudiantes se van “Imágenes de dedos son simplemente usadas para acelerar apenas terminan las clases o traen su comida de casa. las líneas y proveer seguridad a las cuentas de los estudiantes. “Pero yo pienso que esto es así porque es solo el primer Las imágenes de dedos y las huellas de dedos son dos cosas ano de este programa... y creo que va a mejor con el tiempo,” distintas,” aseguran los asistentes del servicio de comida y el dijo Johnson. jefe de la cafetería. “También no tenemos las imágenes de dedos de todos “A mi no me importan las imágenes de dedos mucho, porque muchos estudiantes piensan que es una invasión de su porque sin eso, la línea no seria como los es ahora,” dijo privacidad,”dijo Johnson.“Entonces esto hace una gran demora Amber Broadus, noveno grado grade. en la línea cuando un estudiante viene a comprar comida, y hace “Definitivamente fue bueno hacer este programa, aunque que nosotros regresemos al sistema antiguo,” ello continuo. nos haya tomado tiempo adaptarnos a algo nuevo, nos a Un concepto muy común que muchos tienen sobre las traído grandes resultados,”exclamó Ferguson. imágenes de dedo es que esto puede ser usado contra ellos durante una situación criminal. “Empieza con imágenes de Special thanks to Señora Sprague.
U
SPORTS
Issue 5
3
Last minute goal clinches a win for Lady Cougars The Lady Cougars won an intense game against Gaither High School for the district semi-finals. They were down by two goals in the middle of the second half when Janelle Huffman, and Samantha Striano scored two penalty kicks which brought the game back to a tie. With 20 seconds, remaining in the second overtime of the game Striano kicked the ball over Gaither’s goalie for the winning goal. The Cougars would end up district runner-ups after losing to St. Pete High School. In the regional quarterfinals, the Cougars faced East Bay High School. The Cougars got out to an early lead by scoring in the first three minutes. With goals from Hana Kaba and Huffman, they defeated East Bay 4-2. “Last season and this season are like night and day. This team gets along with each other, which has contributed to this seasons success,” said head coach Rob Saltz.
Boy’s Soccer equals dominance
Paw Print photo by Kaitlin Montgomery
T
he Lady Cougars in celebration after defeating Gaither High School 3-2 in double over time dog piled in the middle of the field. “The dog pile was amazing, we all wanted to hop on,” said Kim Cohn.
nickSCHLERETH
sports editor
With last season not living up to their expectations, the Lady Cougar soccer team has made changes in their game plan in order to fulfill their dreams. The team is loaded with senior leadership as this close-knit group tries to reach a level of excellence that for years Countryside has strived to obtain. Last season, the Cougars made a leap in state classification in the Florida High School Athletic Association. They were promoted from class 5A to 6A, bringing about tougher competition. With this jump, they will play Gaither High School, Sickles High School, St. Pete High School, Alonso High School, and Mitchell High School. “The new season brought a fresh attitude, we got rid some of the attitude issues from last season. Everything has changed, we stepped up our work ethic and work harder,” said junior Christina Brabson. This season has been accompanied with a new outlook
that is vastly different from last season, with young talent that has propelled the team to being a contender for a district championship. The Cougars have defeated Gaither, Mitchell, Alonso, and have tied Sickles making them second place in their district. The Lady Cougars hope to keep this winning streak going through the Hurricane Watch Tournament and hopefully to the state playoffs. The Hurricane Watch Tournament was a huge success for the Cougars. The Lady Cougars’ record for the tournament was 1-1-1. They defeated Seminole High School in a rematch of an earlier in the season battle where Seminole won. The Lady Cougars finished the tournament in third place. The Lady Cougars have clinched the first place seed in their district. The team achieved this by defeating St. Petersburg High School on December 12, 2006. The Lady Cougars will make a return to the playoffs this season. With a bright future and a new winning spirit, the Lady Cougar soccer team is hoping to fulfill the aspirations from last season.
Containing a plethora of returning players, the Boys soccer team is again dominating opponents. The boys kicked off the season in the right manner as they tried to defend their state champion title. The season opened with winning the Puma Challenge, a tough tournament that challenged the team to see how they would replace last year’s seniors. Halfway through their march back to the state playoffs, the Cougars made a stop at the Admiral Tournament where they previously placed second. The Cougars won the championship in the tournament, a first for Countryside. The team received a ranking of first in the nation by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and was featured in Sports Illustrated. Senior Kyle Kuhlman also was named as an All-American player. Heading into the Hurricane Watch tournament, the Cougars possessed a perfect record and faced their biggest rival, Palm Harbor University High School. The tournament’s final matched them against the Hurricanes. They where triumphant, keeping their perfect season intact and adding more hardware to their collection. The boys won the PCAC tournament, beating Seminole 2-1 in penalty kicks. The Cougars hope that their success from the season will generate into a productive post season.
FOC
4
Color me human F tamikaMARTINEZ
copy editor
or centuries, the existence of “different” kinds of interpersonal relations has either been frowned upon or only mildly accepted by the general populace: interracial couples. Dating back to the ages of apartheid and severe segregation, the act of talking to, befriending, much less engaging in romantic relationships with anyone outside of your relative race was nothing short of inappropriate. It depends on the time period as well. Even in classic literature such as William Shakespeare’s Othello, the lead character Othello was a man of African-Moorish descent romantically involved with an Italian woman. Even then, the couple experienced a slew of interracial slurs from a character Iago in lew of their integrated marriage. It seems that international disputes and war with other countries prove to be a deciding factor in who we interact with. Because of the Pearl Harbor attacks in the 1940’s, affiliating with anyone of Japanese lineage. Most recently however, romantic relationships with individuals of Middle Eastern descent prove to be controversial. “Years ago [relationships of mixed origin]
weren’t nearly as common as they are today. The only thing that’s changed is people have become more accepting,” said Assistant Principal, Louis Curtwright. While most students questioned said they did not have any qualms or issues with interracial relationships and would most likely be involved in one or more, the only inhibition seemed to be the concern of the parents. “I’d be fine with [dating] someone outside of my race. My family probably would be mad at me though if I was in an interracial relationship. They think that my kids would have a [harder] life and be confused as to where they really came from,” said freshman Megan Camero. “They’re the same as being in a relationship with someone of your same background or color. It doesn’t necessarily change the person at all. Relationships are about interest and love. You can’t stop someone from loving another just because of their cultural background. If you’re happy, you’re happy,” said junior Emily Roman. Interracial relationships provide individuals with an opportunity to experience and understand alternative cultures and ethnicities. It institutes an element of learning as we are given the opportunity to appreciate the differences and beauties of something new.
tamikaMARTINEZ
“It makes things interesting and exciting. Life would be boring if we were always with the same people who do and think the same things as we do. We live in a world full of millions of different people and so many different ethnicities and places, so why not experience as much as we can?” said junior Katelyn Heineken. Most importantly, we are finally learning that the outer shell of a person does not change who they are on the inside. Deep within, we are all one in the same. Interracial relationships strengthen individuals and build harmony between different races. Learning and experiencing other cultures enlighten us to new things. Let’s face the facts. We live in a multicultural society; America is called the Melting Pot, and with the increasing interest in travels and fascination with other countries, the growth in numbers in integration is inevitable. By interconnecting with various nationalities, we are doing away with the deep-rooted seeds of ridicule, racism, and prejudice. The fact of the matter is that people – regardless of what race, religion, creed, or nationality – are people. We are all, at the very simplest, just human.
copy editor
Meeting in math class, seniors Rachel Veitmeier and Aubrey Matthews have been together for a solid 11 months. For Rachel, a slight parental uneasiness had to be overcome in order for the relationship to be acceptable. “My mom had a little problem with it at first, but she loves Aubrey now,” said Veitmeier. “He’s actually kind of the man of the house since we don’t live with my dad. He does chores for us sometimes; he’s like a part of the family.” Matthews’ family didn’t have any reservations because that they are integrated as well. “I actually am more attracted girls with lighter skin than me, it’s just a personal preference,” said Matthews. “I’ve been in mixed relationships before. I don’t see color, it’s all about personality,” said Veitmeier. “We were in math and I knew she was single and I thought she was really nice and quiet, which I like, so I asked her if she wanted to hang out and go out to eat or something. She said yes and that’s how it started,” said Matthews. “We’ve never had any problems from people about it. I mean I can’t change anyone’s opinions if they think it’s wrong, even if I don’t understand why,” said Matthews.
Photo courtesy of Rachel Veitmeier
5
CUS beccaMORALES culture editor
In the fundamentals of every high school relationship, there are common interests such as movies, books, and bands. Depending on the person, looks can come second or first. This category usually consist of eye and hair color. However, with this day and age skin color is not a priority as it once was. “Yeah, couples of different races are being more accepted, because you see it more often and it’s part of society,” said senior Kim Bednark. Bednark, of Italian and German descent has been happily dating Frank Arevalo of Hispanic descent for the past five months. “We have no problems being of different races nor do our parents have one,” said senior Arevalo. “We really haven’t had any racial or cultural problems. Well, sometimes his dad and him talk in Spanish and I feel left out, but other than that, no,” said Bednark.
tamikaMARTINEZ
copy editor
Photo courtesy of Anthony Ramdarsh
For seniors Katie Skiba and Anthony Ramdarsh, first period OJT was where the magic happened. Although the couple has been together for three months, Skiba is still a well-kept secret. “He’s Indian and his family tends to prefer to keep [relationships] within the same race,” said Skiba. “I’m kind of scared to tell my mom, I date outside of my race all the time. If it seems to get to serious is when my mom starts getting upset,” said Ramdarsh. “I don’t really care about race, I’m always in mixed couples. I’ll just date anyone I think is cool,” said Skiba. For these two, color and heritage was exempt from the initial attraction. “I liked her because she’s funny, kind, and smart,” said Ramdarsh. “I liked him because he’s bold and exciting. I don’t even see him as any different. I like him for him,” said Skiba.
Paw Print photo by Sarah Vodika
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OPINION
Issue 5
7
What will be your first act as female president?
Speak Your Mind I will make Fox News the only news station in the country. Also, G.W. can be my chauffeur.
I’ll make Bill redecorate the White House and appoint Monica Lewinsky the gardener.
I’ll eliminate hunger by hosting cooking shows! Ethiopia and Nicole Richie are first on the agenda.
Who would you choose as a woman president and why? “Condoleeza Rice because she is very articulate and comes across as very intelligent.” Pete Peterson, Media Specialist
Walking through Countryside samanthaMALONE
opinion editor
Walking through the halls of Countryside High School, it can be observed that though seemingly united, the ever present exclusive cliques are what support the claim that high schools are busting at the seams with stereotypes. We have all seen the teen movies with “the token black guy”, the “smart Asians”, the “gothic freaks”, the “jocks”, the “burnouts” and all of us laughed at how over the top they are. Nevertheless, behind every joke, yes, there is an ounce of truth. Venturing through Countryside’s front doors, and turning west towards the cafeteria, shorts that start at the ankle and t-shirts and jerseys that could be used as an evening gown for Oprah before she lost the weight are in abundance. Everyone seems to know all others in the group, even if they are not exactly friends. Chatter ranges from “those hot new Jordans” to the upcoming Chris Brown concert. Continuing to wander towards the middle of the main concourse is an amoeba of a group usually consisting of several smaller groups within itself. The varsity football players, varsity cheerleaders, and the dedicated “Cougar Crazies” all gather in the center of the concourse. This assemblage can most easily be found on a Friday, when a sea of garnet and gold jerseys, cheerleading uniforms, and homemade shirts gather in the center of the concourse. This group is charged with the responsibility of “pumping up” their peers for the game. If lucky enough, one may stumble upon the delicious aroma of the tray of cookies made by one faithful “Cougar Crazy” for the varsity team every game day. As we stroll down the K - wing we find something truly amazing: students making out smack dab in the middle of the hall oblivious to their surroundings- unbelievable. Their mouths might be occupied but their style makes the statement for them. Not being devoted to just one style of clothing in particular, these kids seem to be more focused
on spending as much time with the love of their lives as they can before they having to endure the eternity of an 85 minute class period without seeing their significant other. Past the little clusters of fours and fives on the either side of the tardy building, we find what looks like two separate sit-ins. On the east side there are the goths. Black from head to toe is a classic style for gothic students. However, as the style becomes more mainstream, we see bursts of bright neon colors in the form of hair dye, jewelry, and reflectors on clothing. The emo scene, and select goth tend to grow their hair long enough to prevent themselves from witnessing their dramatic daily life. This group is held together by the safety pins and bondage that clutter their clothing. Ambling around the free standing tardy building to its west side are the drama kids. They are loud and definitely make their presence known, after a few large swigs of coffee or energy drink of course. They sing, dance, and entertain in ways most have never heard of. No, this is not a cabaret, no vaudeville show, just kids who dream working minimum wage for long hours in the back of some chorus in a crammed theatre in off-off-off Broadway. Just do not touch their food and caffeine -- they get a little jumpy without it. In the alcove, directly outside and inside the A-wing and auditorium doors we enter another country. We do not speak their language; and sadly, we are ignorant to their customs. We hear Spanglish phrases like, “What up ese?” or “What’s goin’ on homes?” These students stick to themselves with a style of dress that would fit in near the cafeteria crowd with baggy jeans and long t-shirts, however this clothing reflects a new touch, usually a ‘blingin’ cross. We wonder if they are talking about us as we walk by. Maybe. We may never know but do admire their exotic sounding language as they converse. Stereotypes and cliques are an inherent part of high school life as teens struggle towards finding their pecking order and place in today’s society. Identified by style
PAW PRINT STAFF Countryside High School
3000 S.R. 580 Cleawater, Florida 33761 Editors In Chief Design Editor Copy Editors Features Editor Sports Editor Culture Editor Opinion Editor Entertainment Editor Technology Coordinator Artists Business Manager Photographers Staff Writers Adviser Principal
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Molly Hays & Scott Seel Brandin Milton Tamika Martinez & Missy Willoughby Christina Lupi Nick Schlereth Rebecca Morales Samantha Malone Angie Forbes Andrew Tannahill Rudi Grub, Bobby Marcellus , Morgan Swim Alessandra Young & Jessica Congdon Megan Hays, Kaitlin Montgomery, Sarah Vodika Felicia Ashby, Lauren Bland, Rylie Burns, Alex Harris, Aneta Kozub, Shruti Lakkaniki, Samantha Striano, Xander Urben Joyce Dimmer Gerald Schlereth
“Oprah Winfrey because she has done great things like opening the school in Africa.” Amanda Maddox, Freshman
“Pamela Anderson because she is smart and beautiful.” Jeremy Gourdine, Junior
“I wouldn’t want a woman president because I don’t want it to be based on gender.” Alli Thrower, Senior
of dress, mannerisms, opinions, race and hobbies that can be grouped and observed teens are dictated to by where students stand between classes or who they make friends with. They can be a negative aspect of high schools, causing ridicule and discrimination, yet they also bring about an abundance of diversity. The jungle that is a typical American high school can be survived. Just look at the older generation who passed through the halls before us. For better or for worse cliques are obviously here to stay.
Florida Scholastic Press Association- All Florida Southern Interscholastic Press Association- Superior Quill and Scroll- International Second Place Award The Paw Print is published by the newspaper staff at Countryside High School. Advertising rates are available upon request by calling (727)725-7956 ext. 146. Advertising which promotes illegal products under Florida Law, or opposes any religion will not be accepted. The Paw Print has been established as an open forum for student expression as outlined in the Student Press Law Center’s model guidelines for student publications. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the faculty and administration but rather of the author or the newspaper staff and its editors. The Paw Print welcomes letters to the editor on topics of interest to Countryside High School and its surrounding community. We also welcome contributions from writers not associated with the newpaper staff. All freelance material should be submitted to room A-3. All submissions must bear the author’s name.
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Backstage Pass:
ENTERTAINMENT
Volume 28
Music At a Glance The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
Interview and photo: Molly Hays Editor-In-Chief Violence and death are glorified on the silver screen. is vegetarian but we know PETA is sponsoring Take AcHowever, what’s often perceived as “movie magic” is not tion! and PETA2 and we love that. We’re stoked about far from reality. One in four women will experience some that because we understand that they have a cause for a form of domestic violence in her lifetime. Furthermore, reason and we’re totally there to support it. Even if we’re suicide is the third leading cause of death for people ages not poster children for PETA we’re still all about them 15 to 24. making a good cause and doing something right, helpThe statistics are high but one band from Middleburg, ing others and having people’s backs that want to try stuff Florida is attempting to reverse the climbing statistics like that and people that think animal cruelty’s wrong. with a cry to inspire. Bassist Joey Westwood explains how their hit song and upcoming tour will tackle issues Essentially upon formation in 2003 it only took you that plague the nation. guys two years to land a major label deal. Do you feel you have quote unquote paid your dues? Y Z You guys have been selling purple t-shirts and Paying dues is different for everyone. There’re bands that have been out touring for five years in a van and they wristbands for the National Cowould say something to us about not paying our dues. But alition against Domestic Viopeople don’t know where we come from really. The way lence (NCADV) . Do you know I feel about it is we’ve been paying our dues for 20 years. how much you’ve raised so far? Paying your dues is all about keeping it real. We haven’t You know what, I’m not sure exbeen on tours as long as a lot of bands have. We’ve been actly, but its been really good. Up blessed with good things happening to us but we feel like to the point where at shows were our dues are paid. We’ve had rough times, but besides selling those shirts more than any that we’re just young and keeping it real. We’re not commerch for any of the bands, ing out of here like rock stars on top of the world our which is cool because first year with a record deal. We totally appreciate every we make it a point band that’s out there. That’s one part with Take Action! to tell people, like, , we’re not trying to do some major tour right now with if you’re not going some huge headlining bands. We want to keep it still to buy anything, underground. The Take Action! tour is a good thing like no merch, to do. None of the bands from the tour are quote-unnone of the quote huge, lead successful bands. All those bands are bands, whatever obviously bands for a reason, but they’re not taking just buy that beover the world. cause it doesn’t even really go to us it goes to help a good cause. Since It’s basically like you’re from Florida, what’s a donation box your favorite thing about the and you get sunshine state? a free tI’m not going to lie, it sounds kind of cheesy but Orshirt. lando’s right in the middle of Florida, and Disney you That’s know what I mean. And you’ve got the House of Blues what down there, Hard Rock, Universal, Orlando’s the it is spot. And the beaches everywhere you go. You’re an for us. hour drive from the beach no matter where you’re We ’r e at in Florida. Florida’s cool. definitel y Do you have anything else to add? stoked We’ve been touring since Februon what ary and just for all the people that we’re dohave been to our shows and everying. thing, like honestly from the bottom of our hearts we’re having the It seems your band has a great time of our life. People might not desire to support such causes. realize it but we’re just kids. We’re Why? having a great time, like every time we Yea, it’s just cool. Just see you guys we’re seriously just having ‘cus we’re all young a blast. So don’t be shy, hang out. Everyand we all know that there’s body’s too shy to hang out with us. more out there than becoming a rock star and trying to Don’t miss RJA when they come to St. live the glam life. So, we figured we’re Pete for the “Take Action Tour” on Febin this situation, we’re blessed to be here so we’re ruary 9th. Also, listen to UPC for details going to take complete advantage of it and help out, do on how to win an autographed CD. whatever we can that is right. Honestly, no one in our band
The Laguna Beach Soundtrack: Summer Can Last Forever
If you are a devoted follower of MTV’s Laguna Beach and can perfectly mock Kristen’s beckoning call for “Steeeven” then listen up. Or, if you’ve ever gotten up dancing or singing, then you are most definitely going to love the soundtrack. Including artReviewed by Alesandra Young ists like The All-American Rejects, Angles & Airwaves, The Bottom Line Dashboard confessional, With pop, rock, and alternative Sugarcult, and Lifehouse, music and fast and slow songs, this CD was meant to be listhis makes an awesome mix. tened to anywhere.
Bobby Valentino: Special Occasion Bobby Valentino's beautiful voice, croons his female audience, with both a sincere voice and lyrics. With a lot of potential, and a whole lot of talent, it is truly a breath of fresh air. This album offers a variety of slow jams and up-tempo songs. However, Reviewed by Jessica Congdon the ballads such as “Never Lonely” and “One Girl to The Bottom Line This album is all about love and Love” are definitely the relationships, but don't let that songs that shine. The lyrics discourage you! The slow and fast are sentimentally touching songs give the album a nice flow. and Valentino shows that he truly has soul.
Joanna: This Crazy Life This Crazy Life isn’t all that crazy or special for that matter. But one thing is certain, no one will want to listen to Joanna Pacitti’s remake of Dashboard’s Screaming Infidelities. She also loves using corny lines like “I want to tip toe through your mind.” or “I want you Reviewed by Alex Harris to drive me to the edge of your soul.” Those who dare The Bottom Line Joanna’s beautiful voice to listen to a beautiful voice doesn’t mask other lacking as- singing empty lyrics will certainly adore this album. pects of This Crazy Life.
CD covers courtesy of Wikipedia.org
Sunday
Monday
Tony Dungy & 4 The Pittsburgh 5 Lovie Smith are the Steelers win Super Bowl 1st African American XL, defeating the Sehead coaches in the attle Seahawks 21-10. NFL Super Bowl.
Tuesday
Wednesday
6
Tampa Bay Lightning play LA Wings
Thursday
Friday
2 In 1967, The American Basketball Association is formed.
Saturday
Tampa Bay 3 Lightning play NY Rangers
In 1964, The 7 8 10 Take Action! 9 Beatles arrive on Chicago @ Ruth Eck- Tour @ Jannus Land- Less Than Jake @ The erd Hall State Theater their first visit to the ing United States.
February 11
The Epitaph Tour @ The Orpheum
13 Young Love, 12 Tampa Bay Moros Eros @ The Lightning play PhoeOrpheum nix
14 Happy Valentine’s Day
The NBA All 18 21 1968, NET debuts 19 Tampa Bay 20 Star game takes the children's television Lightning play Florida Against Me @ The place at The Thom- program Mister Rogers' State Theater as & Mack Center in Neighborhood. Las Vegas, NV. 1919,the U.S. 26 In 1983, The final 28 Cute is What 27 Tampa Bay 25 Congress establishes episode of Lightning play Pitts-the Grand Canyon as a We Aim For, This M*A*S*H airs becoming Providence, @ The the most watched televiburgh United States National Orpheum sion episode in history. Park.
In 1933, The 17 16 Tampa Bay 15 Retard-o-bot @ The Blaine Act ends ProLightning play WashState Theater hibition in the United ington States. Justin 22 21 Timberlake, Pink @ Finger Eleven, Hinder @ Jannus Landing The St. Petersburg Times Forum
Blue Man 24 Group @ St. Petersburg Times Forums