Countryside High School Paw Print Newspaper Volume 35 Issue 5

Friday, May 23, 2014

Volume 35 Issue 5

3000 S.R. 580 Clearwater, FL 33761

Eusef Abdelmalek-Lee – UF, Robert Abraham – SPC, Austin Adams – SPC, Gabrielle Aguillar - USF, Daphne AhenkoraBediako - SPC/FGCU, Jacob Akridge - PTEC, Christian Albrecht - UCF, Ryan Alexander - PTEC, Andrea Allen - SPC, Austin Anderson - FGCU, Yasna Anez- SPC, Sybrina Augustine - Working, Alexandra Bailey - USF, Joshua Bajaras - SPC/UCF, Devon Barber - USF, Hannah Barlow - FSU, Nicholas Barone - SPC, Victoria Bass - UCF, Jonathan Basye - SPC, Bridget BenHayon - UCF, Stephen Berendt - Indian River State College, Morgan Berger - UF, Emily Bernard - FGCU, John Bigelow - Working, Brandon Booser - USF, Tyler Booser - USF, Kelly Brandt - Keiser University, William Breithaupt - PTEC/SPC, John Brennan - SPC, Kayla Brock - Cap21 Conservatory, Sierra Brock - PTEC, Elizabeth Brown - PTEC, Shamari Brown - Full Sail University, Xavier Brown - FGCU, Sindi Buna FSU, Cory Burks - SPC, Bridget Caddigan - FGCU, Joseph Cagen - SPC/Marines, Suzette Calderon - Florida Southern College, Mallamy Camargo - SPC, Costin Campanella PTEC, Alexandra Carroll - UF, Harley Carter - Navy, Alexis Charles - SPC, Arielle Charles - SPC, Rachel Clairmont - Middle Tennessee State University, Michael Clennan - UF, Francisco Colon - Marines, Raphael Concepcion - Santa Fe College, Angel Coronel - SPC, Miranda Crump - SPC, Edgar Cruz - SPC, Daileen Cruz Salvador - Cosmetology, Jada Cuffy - Oakwood University, Emily D’Azzo - SPC, Thomas Dailey - SPC, Jonathan Dalmida - Full Sail University, Kathleen Dattilo - SPC, Brianna Delrossi - SPC, Autumn Demner - UCF, Logan Dennis - Undecided, Gianna Diaz - FGCU/ University of Chicago, Christopher Dobler - Coast Guard, Samantha Dom - Florida Southern College, Steven Dufala - SPC, Benjamin Dunham - Manatee Technical School, Anne Dupree - School in Ireland, Alexia Eadie - SPC, Brenden Edwards - SPC, Kate Estavil - UCF, Morgan Evans - USF, Nicholas Evenwel - Marines, Brianna Farryelly - SPC, Caleb Feibus - Baseball Scholarship, Johnathan Feibus - Undecided, Alexander Feliciano - SPC/Art Institute,

Continued on Back...

Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

Features

May 23th, 2014 | Issue 5 | Paw Print Newspaper

2

Dear class of 2016,

Dear class of 2015 ,

alexMILLER

page editor

“What do you want to be when you grow up?”

As a toddler, the answer to this age-old question will lie somewhere between a ballerina and an astronaut. School is just for reading and PE games. Your friends are forever, and becoming an adult seems like the greatest fantasy within your growing mind.

Then comes high school.

If asked the same question from 10

years prior, one may rep ly with “an actress” or “a lawyer”. Classes are now taken around your skill and performance levels, each year gradually getting more difficu lt. Your friendships have dwindled to simply a few close classmates, yet the future still seems for ever away.

The first three years fin ally fly by, though, and now you are filling out your fourth college application and finalizin g Bright Futures papers.

It is finally time to buck le down and plan your

future.

If panic mode has not already kick ed in, act now.

This time next year, your graduati on will be rounding the corner. So, everything should be picked and polished for the impending future by then, right? You r dream college has mailed your acceptan ce letter; financial aid will all be set; and your path to the ideal career is now smoothly setting sail.

And as perfect as that all sounds, this portrayal will crumble as test dates and application deadlines fill up your calendar. It will seem as though everything happens right after the other, between scheduling the SAT, ACT, campus tours, planning for prom, senior breakfast, graduation, and so on.

The past years have refined you as an indi-

vidual completely, and the choices made from them will carry on through your maturing journey. Teachers and peers have aided in finding your strengths and weaknesses. Take what they have taught you, then, and point yourself in the right direction. Set a steady pace, tackle the more challenging tasks, and persevere through senioritis.

Remember that now is not the time to impulsively decide where you want to go and

what you want to do for the rest of your life. High school establishes students ’ individuality while life after will be spen t further discovering yourself.

So, the next time someone prompts, “W hat do you want to be?”, and the answer is not yet clear, do not fret. Simply repl y, “Me.”

meghanMOREY

features editor

Welcome to your junior year!

Finally, the shaky feeling that comes with a new year will begin to fade away. You are not quite at the top of the totem pole yet, but you are no longer a underclassman and will feel the confidence start to build.

That being said, you have to remember why you are here. Your finish line will approach faster than expected, so stay on top of your game, and do not get off track.

It will become apparent that some classes will become more difficult, but some will also become much more enjoyable and rewarding. The ability to explore your options with Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment classes and earn yourself college credits early will present itself.

Bright Futures hours, SAT and ACT test scores, and your GPA will start to be on your mind. Searching for a college and scholarships that seem to fit your desired future will become a weekly ritual.

It will seem like the stress of being a senior decided to come early. The more that gets done now, the less there will be to deal with next year.

Congratulations, you have completed half of your high school career.

Dear class of 2017, jackWALKER

staff writer

This last year was rough. Probably really rough.

Your year began likely pretty similar to a 1-800-Ask Gary commercial - scared and confused.

You did not have much say in what classes you chose this past year and had to slave through the pains of your biology class’ “interactive notebook”.

Nonetheless, you were able to rejoice at the prospect of gaining your permit and, hopefully, one day this upcoming year, you could be allowed to cruise into the student parking lot sporting the family’s ‘93 Subaru Impreza.

No longer will such an array of demeaning adjectives apply to you. The “freshie” days are over. Year one is over, and there is only the future to look forward too. You have finally settled in ready to take on high school.

These coming years are critical, and if you did any slacking, you will find it is time to step up.

Most are beginning the arduous process of college tours and it is wise to do the same. It seems like a distant worry but it will be here before you know it!

It may seem like high schools eternal but around a semester from now, you are halfway done.

Features

May 23rd, 2014 | Issue 5 | Paw Print Newspaper

4 bucketli 1 0 2 r e m st Sum rezartaMALCI

staff writer

Summer is finally around the corner, waiting patiently for the school year to be over.

What will you be doing? What kind of crazy adventures will you experience and probably remember for the rest of your life?

As a high school student, the possibilities to enjoy summer are endless. If you have not yet considered those possibilities, here is a must-do list, consisted of simple yet wonderful activities in a nonspecific order: • Go to the beach • Make lemonade from scratch • Stargaze while lying in the grass • Swim in a lake • Play a sport: soccer, volleyball, football etc.

• Take a last-minute road trip anywhere as long as it’s outside of town • Write a song or poem • Create a photo journal • Play with water balloons As long as you are with your friends and live through the good vibes of summer, everything will be splendid. Live your life to the fullest- but safely, of course, and experience adventures that will be great to look back to.

Seniors, this is the first summer into adulthood. Grow up but never forget the amazing feeling of being a child. Most importantly: have fun!

3

Exploring more than an education emmaMOSCARDINI

news editor

As high school comes to a close, many students have to choose their path. Whether it be college, the military, or a job down the street, the number of options are daunting.

Some forget that studying abroad is a viable option.

Although it is rare to study abroad through a college during one’s freshman year, it is never too early to plan for a possible trip as an upper classman.

Popular abroad destinations include France, China, Australia, Germany, Costa Rica and Ireland.

Sometimes, knowing a second language seems like a necessity of the location of study, but not necessarily.

Many countries have International schools that work in tandem with American schools, and the students there all tend to know English.

Of course, learning a country’s native language never hurts. It is possible that after being immersed in the culture for a long period of time, one will learn the language through osmosis. Plus, being bilingual is invaluable when it comes to certain careers later in life. For example, one’s chances of scoring a job at the FBI increase dramatically if the candidate knows a second language.

Besides increased job opportunity, experiencing another culture and learning another language makes a person better rounded.

Whether its next year or in ten years, studying abroad is a great way for a student to spend their time.

Countryside teacher superlatives angelaBOOTH

entertainment editor

Most paternal: Sica Most maternal: Trautwein Most likely to be mistaken for a student: Mills Most stylish: Dimmer Most Disney-obsessed: Lawson Most likely to take over the world: Schuster Most likely to cure a disease: McGovern Most likely to corrupt the minds of young children: Mr.Kitchen Most likely to dress-code you: Fresia Most likely to take your cell phone: Morse Best story-teller: Ceraolo-O’Donnell Most intriguing: Gerakios Most photogenic: Grey Most sarcastic: Yongue

Reproduced by permission of Jerrysartarama.com

News

Earth is dying jackWALKER

staff writer

Ice caps are melting. Mega-companies are spilling black sludge by the metric ton into our oceans. Enormous fracking machineries scatter over the once luscious green plains drill miles down to salvage the last drops of an increasingly scarce fuel source. Mile-high factories pump black smoke into the atmosphere, until the very air in the sky becomes a sickly dull brown. Smog.

Mother Earth is dying. A decade ago the thought of global warming was a possibility, maybe a myth. Now there

May 23th, 2014 | Issue 5 | Paw Print Newspaper

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Is global warming purely natural or are humans causing this occurence?

is evidence, conclusive study after conclusive study.

To think one can deny this is shocking. Yet the ultraconservative stick to their old world ideas, feeding their denial through the likes of Fox News.

Malaysian islands fade into the sea while republican overlords line their pockets from oil-based investments.

Old world warriors such as Joe Barton (A Texas republican) have directly stated their disbelief that global warming is linked to human pollution, after reportedly making over $100,000 on natural gas investments.

The future is bleak for mother Earth.

The graduates face the aftermath of moving out jennaFENDER

opinion editor

With high school coming to an end, the inevitable event of moving out follows for most seniors. After the final days of excitement from prom and graduation dies down, seniors are thrown into the real world of college and living on their own.

Some are excited about independence and moving away from their parents while others could be dreading this major life change.

Students could turn to their graduated peers for advice on how to adapt to the change of lifestyle.

“I love being independent. I have learned how to time manage and get my work done. I sometimes miss having my family around because they are always there for me,

but I know that they are only a phone call away, so it’s not too bad!” said former Countryside High School student Dana Harris.

“The best part of living alone is being spontaneous: stay out until 4 a.m., have a pineapple for dinner, buy a pink couch- go for it. Living on your own doesn’t even require clothing. One downside to tenant life is loneliness.

I strongly recommend having a roomie; unless, you are into the whole no clothing thing,” said Katelyn Wabnum, another CHS graduate.

Wabnum so warns that living alone is more expensive than living at home, but if students do not mind going to school and working everything will be fine.

“The biggest adjustment I made was not having to wake up at like 6:00 a.m. for stupid high school. I don’t

remember the last time I woke up before 9. The hardest thing [about moving out] is having to manage your free time so you don’t slack off in classes.” said former student, Darian Johnson.

One major concern for students who will be moving away from home is that they will have to be completely independant. This includes doing their own laundry, cooking their own meals, paying their own bills, and learning how to manage their money. Many will experience the shock of having to be self-reliant and learn how to not self-destruct.

Whether students are nervous or excited about leaving the nest, they are not alone. Millions of teenagers all over the country are starting the journey to college and away from their parents.

Boston waits for justice Soccer kicks rylanFRITZ

prison awaiting a trial that will be held on November 3rd, 2014.

April 15th, 2013 was a day in which Americans will Tsarnaev currently has an arraignment for 30 charges, surely not forget. Two pressure including using and conspiring cooker bombs exploded in the the use of a weapon of mass devicinity of the Boston Marathon struction to result in death. finish line as the closing hours of Dzhokhar has pleaded not the race were under way. guilty to all charges and since his Chechen-born brothers interrogation, has not been comDzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarplying with interrogators. naev were the suspected bombThree of Dzhokhar Tsarers and as they made their escape, naev’s friends have been arrested Tamerlan was killed in a shootout for varying charges between the with pursuing police. A few days group. later, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was Reproduced by permission of globalpost.com Dias Kadyrbayev and Azamat andmade signs show support to the vic- Tazhayakov were charged with found hiding and was arrested by tims of the Boston Marathon bombing. conspiring to obstruct justice by the FBI on April 19th, 2013.

Currently, the motives of the hiding or destroying evidence. two bombers is not entirely clear. However, many point Robel Phillipos was charged with lying to investigators. to believe their motive lies under extremist Islamic beliefs Dzhokhar Tsarnaev faces the death penalty for the and reactions to the United States’ involvement with Mus- bombing. Dias Kadyrbayev and Azamat Tazhayakov face lim affairs at the time. Many are asking, what is to happen up to a maximum of five years in prison along with fines. to the Boston Bomber, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev?

Robel Phillipos faces up to a maximum sentence of eight As of right now, Tsarnaev is being held by the FBI in years in prison along with fines. staff writer

H

We will miss you! jessicaHALL & shelbyTAVARES

Teachers are a vital part of what makes Countryside so great. They are the foundation of a students success in school but much like our graduating seniors there comes a time when they too, must move on to new adventures. As this school year comes to a close we are saying goodbye to the following teachers:

staff writers

Mr. Peterson: worked in Pinellas County Schools and Countryside for 42 years. Plans after retirement: he wants to travel to many popular tourists spots like Mount Everest.

Mrs. Curnutte: worked for 33 years as a teacher at Countryside. “It’s bittersweet. This has been my life for so long but I am looking forward to another chapter in my life.

Mrs. Mackey: taught for a total of 35 years, eight of which have been at Countryside High. “I want to travel.

I also look forward to not getting up at five in the morning unless it’s for travelling.”

its way up in Europe rylanFRITZ

staff writer

European soccer is recognized worldwide as one of the most prestigious competitions of the sport the world has ever seen.

Every year the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) hosts one of the most honorable and popular soccer tournaments other than the FIFA World Cup. However, in this tournament, only the best European club teams play for a spot in the final.

This year, the final will be held in Lisbon, Portugal as Real Madrid will battle Athletico Madrid to claim the bragging rights as soccer champions of Europe.

Not only are both of the teams spanish, they are bitter rivals from the same city as well.

The last time the two rivals met, Real Madrid were victorious 3-0.

News

May 23rd, 2014 | Issue 5 | Paw Print Newspaper

Seniors pledge their sobriety at the sight of Bayflite savannahLEDUC

staff writer

Sadd club held an assembly for prom promise. It was an reenactment of teenage drivers on their way to prom driving under the influence suddenly colliding with either other causing a severe crash.

This reenactment was held during periods 6 and 7 May 1 at Countryside High School for seniors only. This assembly had students from Sadd club and Drama club acting as teenagers in the accident. There was also parents there acting as if that was their child in that accident scene. This reenactment showed students the risks they are taking while drinking and driving.

This assembly is very visual, you saw two vehicles that had crashed together and the bodies that were thrown out of the vehicle. Real life Emergency personnel arrived on scene, they also have the Police Department and Bayflite acting on scene. A hearse showed up at the end of the assembly to take away the teenager that had died in that accident. Every year Countryside High School creates a drug and alcohol assembly each year for the students to attend Prom promise is aiming towards showing teenagers that one person driving under the influence can cause unintentional harm to anyone around them. This reenactment is based off of real life situations.

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Looking back to a most sensational night jennaFENDER

opinion editor

May 2, 2014 was a music-filled and lively night. The Safety Harbor Spa was spruced up for Countryside High School’s “Old Hollywood”-themed prom. Film reels and scene clappers decorated the ball room to set the antiquated mood.

Students could take pictures in the photo booths, and they also enjoyed the multiple tables of food provided.

Roger Vassell and Lena Willis were announced Prom King and Queen towards the end of this magical night.

Furthermore, all Cougars send out a unanimous “thank you” to the prom committee and advisers for putting on a such an astounding prom.

Terrorist group kidnaps Nigerian school girls emmaMOSCARDINI

news editor

The Taliban is a terrorist group constantly making headlines around the world. Few other terrorist groups seem to have as great an exposure--until more than 200 Nigerian women were abducted from a boarding school in Chibok on April 14.

The terrorist group is called the Congregation of the People of Tradition for Proselytism and Jihad. The group is also known as Boko Haram. The militant Islamic group was founded by Mohammed Yusuf in 2002.

The group’s goal is to stop what they deem to be “westernization” and revert back to a more “pure” Islamic state.

Christians and Muslims are constant victims of the Boko Haram.

The radical group has been known to bomb places

Reproduced by permission of nydailynews.com

of religious worship, government buildings and schools.

Recently, abduction was added to the long list of crimes against humanity.

In Huasa, Boko Haram means “Western education is forbidden” So when over 200 high school girls were abducted, it was not necessarily surprising, but it certainly warranted outrage, right? It would seem that the Nigerian government would be working overtime trying to find the “lost girls.”

This was not the case. It was three weeks before the president of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, even acknowledged that the girls had been abducted. So how did the rest of the world find out about the horrific crimes?

Twitter. Two mothers of abducted girls posted messages on twitter with the hashtag “bring our daughters home.”

Soon, the entire twitter community had joined in with a

modified hashtag: “bring our girls home.”

Until the tweets came out, the world did not know about the abducted girls. Millions of concerned people worldwide are outraged that the Nigerian government had not tried to do anything to help the girls, and that they were--in fact--trying to cover up the awful event.

Since the abductions, several girls have been able to escape the imprisonment. The Boko Haram have even released videos to the public. In these videos, the terrorists say chant-like things such as “kill, kill, kill” and “we sell [the girls].”

The coming weeks will be pivotal in trying to recover all of the teenage girls that were abducted from Chibok.

Many countries, including the United States, are working to bring back the lost girls.

Now, only time will tell.

May 23rd, 2014 | Issue 5 | Paw Print Newspaper

jennaFENDER

opinion editor

“Good things come in small packages” is a quote that holds true when discussing Paw Print’s editor-in-chief, Alex Miller.

What she lacks in height she makes up for in brains, sense of humor, and not to mention her stunning good-looks.

“First impressions are not always correct” is also true when it comes to Alex. When you first meet her, she tends to come off as a shy, quiet person, which could not be farther from the truth. She is probably the weirdest and craziest girl I have ever met, but that just makes us love her even more.

Although the Paw Print is losing the best editor it has ever had, Florida Gulf Coast University is gaining an amazing journalist and student.

I know she will take college by storm, and I cannot wait to see all the places she will go after graduation.

We love you so much, Alex, and please know that no matter how far away you go, you will always be a part of the Paw Print family.

meghanMOREY

features editor

Rachel Waag joined the Paw Print staff her sophomore year as a staff writer and worked her way up to editor-in-chief.

It was sad to see her leave after first semester, but we cannot wait to watch her thrive out in the real world.

As a concert junkie and passionate photographer, her and I bonded over similar interests.

She is very involved with extracurricular activities such as Relay for Life, the National Honors Society, and Marine Biology Club.

Waag is very charismatic and lionhearted, making her an easy person to get along with.

We all wish her the best of luck as she attends Florida Gulf Coast University in the spring, pursuing her artistic hobbies and interests outside Countryside’s walls.

We love you, Rachel! Keep swaagin’ on!

May 23rd, 2014 | Issue 5 | Paw Print Newspaper

rylanFRITZ

paigeRENNER

staff writer

Even though this past year has been both her first and last on the Paw Print staff, Jessica Hall has grown to be an amazing journalist.

She has brought to the staff several incredible articles, her oneof-a-kind attitude, and passion for journalism.

Jessica has been accepted to the University of South Florida to major in Journalism. She will be spending the upcoming summer, however, in New Mexico on a hiking excursion.

The staff will never be the same without her. She is an amazing friend and role model to many, and we are going to miss her very much!

We love you, Jess!

staff writer

On behalf of the entire Paw Print staff, including myself, I just want to thank Laura “LarLar� Pettit for being a great editor and friend to us all.

As her first year on staff, Laura was one of our most hardworking members, always putting forth her best to make the Paw Print the best it could be. She is very easy-going, as well, which made her become apart of our family instantly.

LarLar, the staff will miss you dearly, especially all the hard work you have put into making this newspaper one of the best.

Good luck at FSU, majoring in Nursing. You are one of the kindest and most hardworking gals the staff and I have had the pleasure to meet.

Always know that the Paw Print will forever miss your contributions as our favorite sports editor!

shelbyTAVARES

staff writer

Even though not all of us had to opportunity to get to know Emma Moscardini due to her absence in 6th period, I can personally say that I did had the marvelous opportunity to meet her!

You are quite the phenomenal writer and news editor, Emma; and I do not know what the staff and I would have done without your strong editing skills and amazing writing gifted to our paper.

Congratulations on your acceptance to becoming a Gator, which is such an incredible accomplishment, and we are all very proud of you.

Emma is an inspiring journalist and person as a whole, and will be dearly missed.

Sports

May 23rd, 2014 | Issue 5 | Paw Print Newspaper

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Oh, the sports you’ll play!

Erin Jankiewicz has been playing softball for the past ten years, and she has been on the Countryside softball team all four years of high school as a third baseman.

Jankiewicz partakes in advanced placement classes along with her time consuming sport. “I think colleges like the fact that I work hard and am always trying to do what’s best for the team,” she said.

While she had other options, going to a smaller school was the best choice for Jankiewicz, for that meant she could play on her school team all four years.

Therefore, in the end, Jankiewicz chose Southeastern University where she plans on majoring in History while attending.

Jankiewicz will miss Coach Bayly and all of her friends at Countryside, but she is so excited to learn new things and receive a less repetitive education than what Pinellas County offers.

Good luck at Southeastern, you are on Fire!

Arielle Charles has been playing soccer for 13 years as a goalkeeper.

Along with soccer, Charles is an A average student who has taken Dual Enrollment classes.

When deciding where to go to college it was not too tough of a choice for Charles between Young Harris and Saint Leo. Both schools were attracted to her superior technical that will improve their team.

“I loved the coach and the campus and I got the best scholarship” from Young Harris said Charles when asked about her decision, and while there Charles plans on majoring in Biology.

While Charles will miss her favorite teacher Mrs. Greco and the Flag Football season, she is excited for the chance to transform herself and become her own person, and go a whole day without being called “twin”.

Good luck at Young Harris, and go Mountain Lions!

R y a n Peters has been swimming for 13 years. Peters competes in the freestyle and the backstroke for Countryside High School.

Peters is an A average student with a 4.3 grade point average. His 100 backstroke caught the eyes of several college scouts, namely Georgia Tech, the University of Cincinnati, and the University of South Carolina.

In the end, Peters went with the Cincinnati Bearcats and a Division One Scholarship. Once there he plans on majoring in transportation design.

There were many reasons why Peters choose Cincinnati over his other options, but the main reasons were the cold weather, the fact that it is an out of state school, and the coaches.

Although he is very excited to be starting college, Peters will miss “Schlereth’s morning announcements,” but especially his friends and family.

Good luck in Cincinnati and go Bearcats! lauraPETTIT

Countryside’s defensive end, Steven Czop, has been playing football for six years, and he cannot wait to start playing in college.

Czop had many options to choose from when it came to where he would be playing next year, his top few were Fairmont State, Winona State, Lake Eyre, Black Hills, and Southeastern.

For Czop Winona State University was the best choice because it “felt the most like home.”

Czop has not decided on a major yet, but he is not leaving anything out of the mix. Business, Communications, Criminal Justice, and History are what Czop is the most interested in aside from playing football on the collegiate level.

While moving on to college is very exciting, he will miss “talking smack to Sica” the most. But he is willing to let that go and experience the “cultural difference from Florida to Minnesota” once his classes begin next school year.

Good luck at Winona, and go Wazoo’s!

Rachel Preble has been playing soccer for the past ten years, and she has been a center- mid defensive player on Countryside’s team since freshman year.

Preble’s top college choices were: the University of Maine, Vermont, and Western Carolina. She believed that colleges noticed her when the team “made it to the regional finals and became state semi-finalists”.

But the University of Maine had “the program [Preble] really wanted” and “[she] really like[ed] the coach, the team, and the location.” It was an all around good fit for her Nutrition and Dietetics major, and her sport.

Preble says that she will miss her team and the people she has gotten to know over the course of her education. But, she is very excited to start over socially and have the opportunity to play at the next level.

Good luck in Maine Preble, and go Bananas the Bear!

sports editor

This is the time of year when high school seniors are hearing back from colleges and deciding where they will spend the next four years of their lives. While this process may be stressful, it is also very exciting. Many Countryside athletes have been struggling to make this very decision: “What college is the best for me?”

Every year Countryside High School loses some of its top athletes and hopes new students will strive to fill their places; while the students who graduated continue to shine in whatever else they choose do.

Sporting events are not just about wins and losses. They involve an organized and prepared unit of athletes who are

dedicated and hardworking.

“There is so much more to these kids than what goes on in school,” said Mrs. Nicole Greco,” math teacher at CHS. On Wednesday, February 5, 2014 some of Countryside's prestigious senior athletes signed, committing to their school. This year’s National Signing Day was filled with nerves and excitement when, surrounded by family and friends, each student celebrated their academic and athletic success.

These students, as well as many others, excelled throughout high school, but what sets them apart from the rest is their commitment, not just to themselves, but to their team.

Sports Sommer Pollard has been playing softball for 10 years, and she has been a catcher and outfielder on the Countryside team all four years of high school.

Pollard is a dedicated player who puts her sport and academics first, which is evident since she is an A average student enrolled in both advanced placement and dual enrollment classes.

While she was recruited by a few smaller schools in Tennessee and Georgia, Pollard knew that Saint Leo University was the best fit for her.

At Saint Leo, Pollard plans to major in Biomedical Biology, their “good Bachelors program” was one of the many reasons she was drawn to their university.

The school is also “close enough to home, yet also far enough away,” said Pollard. The only downside being that she will miss her friends from Countryside.

Good luck at Saint Leo, and go Fritz the Lion!

Madison Glennie had been playing golf for 13 years, this year she came in second place at States, and she tied for first place at the Premiere Junior Tour.

Glennie is a straight A student enrolled in several advance placement classes. She is very dedicated to her school work on top of her sport, so when she was choosing a college Glennie was searching for one with many “great opportunities” available.

Some of her top options were Mercer, Akron, Drake, and Yale University, who were all drawn to her extremely low shooting score of 70. In the end, Glennie choose to major in English at Drake University.

“It’s a great place athletically and academically” and “I really liked the coach,” said Glennie. The only downside will be leaving her friends behind.

Good luck Glennie, and go Spike the Bulldog!

Michael Johnson has been playing football for 14 years and is the cornerback on Countryside’s Varsity team.

Johnson had many options to consider before deciding on a college: Florida State, Iowa State, Louisville, Texas Tech, South Florida, Central Florida, and Vanderbilt.

Iowa State provided the best opportunity, though, for at Iowa, Johnson can play as early as a freshman.

While attending, Johnson plans on majoring in Kinesiology, or physical therapy, and he cannot wait to get on the field.

While he will miss Countryside’s coaches and the fans that come out to his Friday games, he is excited to make the transition to Iowa, partake in the college life, and play the sport he loves on a televised program.

Good luck at Iowa State, your fans will be watching, and go Cardinals!

May 23rd, 2014 | Issue 5 | Paw Print Newspaper

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Josh Manning has been playing football for nine years.

On Countryside’s Varsity team, Captain Manning plays on the offensive line.

However, he does not just succeed on the field during football season. Manning is a straight A student who choose to partake in the challenges of advancement placement classes.

While Manning was also recruited by Embry Riddle, he choose to enroll at the University of Central Florida where he will be majoring in Mechanical Aerospace Engineering.

“Their program seemed to have the best fit for me and they have a good ROTC program,” said Manning when he was asked why he wanted to be a Knight.

Manning cannot wait to start college next year, but it will still be hard leaving behind some of his friends and “the great administration!”

Good luck on the offensive Central Florida line, and go Knights!

Charlie Skantze has been playing baseball for 13 years, and has been on the Countryside team for four years as a pitcher and shortstop.

Skantze is a B average student who has challenged himself by taking an advanced placement class.

Colleges were drawn to his 90 mile an hour pitch. His top choices were Trinidad State, Polk State, Iowa Lakes Community College, and Lakeland Community College, but Skantze choose Iowa Lakes because it was “the perfect fit for [him]” and they gave him “the best offer.”

At Iowa Lakes, Skantze is going to study physical therapy, and he is very excited to start college! Although, he will miss his friends and his current team of cougars.

Good luck at Iowa Lakes, and go Lakers!

Andrea Petrovic has been playing basketball for five years, and she has been on Countryside’s Girl’s Basketball team all four years of high school as a guard.

Petrovic had several options regarding colleges, including: Queens, Regis, Montevallo, Southern Charleston, and Adelphi. However, Petrovic knew that the University of Montevallo would be the best fit for her.

At Montevallo, along with playing basketball, Petrovic plans on majoring in business. She hopes that her advanced placement and honors classes have prepared her for her upcoming college journey.

“The easy going atmosphere” is one of the main aspects of high school that Petrovic will miss the most aside from her friends. Although, she is very excited to “meet new people and [be] able to play at the collegiate level” that she is willing to make the sacrifice.

Good luck at Montevallo Petrovic, and go Falcons!

Entertainment

May 23rd, 2014 | Issue 5 | Paw Print Newspaper

10

The more he writes, the ear D Of more teens fall in love Class 2014, stephanieCLARK

staff writer

John Michael Green was born August 24, 1977. Green not only vlogs for entertainment and educational purposes, but also has written many amazing books.

His famous book ‘Looking for Alaska’ won the 2006 Printz Prize. ‘The Fault in Our Stars’, also by Green, was number one on the New York Times bestseller list in 2012.

Although Green’s books are some of the most well-

written pieces, Green has not always aspired to be a writer.

Early in life, Green wanted to be an Episcopal priest; but after working in a hospital helping children with disabilities, he became inspired to be a writer and to write his book ‘The Fault in Our Stars’.

John Green compels his readers into the world of the characters and is definitely a worth-reading author of many books.

Readers are seeking Green publishes his their “great perhaps” biggest infinity stephanieCLARK

staff writer

‘Looking For Alaska’ is an exhilarating yet tragic story of a boy in search for his “great perhaps”.

Miles Halter, the main character, reads biographies and memorizes people’s last words. Miles leaves for Culver Creek to fulfil his journey.

On his way, Miles meets great people, each with their own story.

Alaska is the mysterious, daring and careless girl, beautifully composed.

Chip“The Colonel”, who memorizes state capitals and Takumi a student who studies japanese descendents.

As one reads deeper into the story and the characters unfold, a certain attachment is made with each character, so strong as it is as if one knows them in real life.

The ending brings out convoluting mixed emotions that leaves the reader not wanting the story to end, thirsty for more of an explanation as to why things ended the way they did.

The story is beautifully written from cover to cover and plunges deep into Miles Halter’s “great perhaps”, making one see, hear, feel, and love the way Miles Halter has. Alaska poses the question “how will I ever get out of this labyrinth?”

To answer these questions and feel the way one can from just reading words on a page, ‘Looking For Alaska’ is a great choice.

annGUARRACI

staff writer

A riveting book by author John Green, “The Fault In Our Stars”, is a New York Times number one best seller.

“Electric...Filled with staccato bursts of humor and tragedy,” said Jodi Picoult, best selling author of “My Sister’s Keeper” and “Sing You Home”.

The book is about a modern day teen, Hazel Grace Lancaster, who has thyroid cancer that has spread to her lungs and now she has to figure out life; as she meets new friends, her favorite author figures out who she is and falls in love.

It all starts out in a support group where Hazel meets other cancer patients and catches the eye of Augustus Waters, who is now cancer free and living with a prosthetic leg after having osteosarcoma.

The book is mostly about their friendship, and how they live life with cancer. Green wrote the characters to some extent. They are all created to be different, which makes this book relatable to anyone.

“The Fault in Our Stars” is definitely more for the teenage audience. It is at times quite depressing, but the characters will say something humorous or sarcastic and the mood will change.

With a tragic ending, this drama filled comedy will have you in tears and laughing at the same time.

Reproduced by permission of shelf-life.ew.com

Jam to the soundtracks of summer briannaBROWN

staff writer

Summer is approaching faster than we think. Looking for something fun to do? There are several music festivals happening throughout the summer. A few of the festivals are the Sunset Musical Festival, Warped Tour, and the Fest.

Sunset Musical Festival will occur on Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25. The location is Raymond James Stadium (North Lot), Tampa, FL. Some of the artists performing at the event will be Zedd and Benny Benassi on Saturday, May 24, with Hardwell and Krewella on Sunday, May 25. Others include ETC!ETC!, DJ Snake, Luminox, and The Chainsmokers.

Tickets for General Admission for a Two-Day Pass is $129.00 with a fee of $12.09. The VIP Pass is $209.00 with a fee of $16.49. The VIP passes get the person into express festival entrance, air conditions bathrooms, and front row pit access. To order these tickets, go to smftampa.com.

Warped Tour lasts over two months and travels all

across the country, including three dates in Florida: St. Petersburg ( July 25), West Palm Beach ( July 26), and Orlando ( July 26).

Some of the bands that will be there are Breathe Carolina, Mayday Parade, Motionless in White, Of Mice And Men, The Devils Wears Prada, and The Ready Set. All of these bands will be performing on all three dates.

The ticket prices for General Admission is $40.00, but to find out the prices for the close-up seats, go to vanswarpedtour.com.

The Fest will be happening on October 31st, November 1st, and November 2nd in Gainesville, FL. The 3-day pass is $100.00, Pre-fest 2-day pass in Little Ybor is $40.00, and FEST 13 and the Pre-fest 5-day pass is $130.00. The Careeners, Dikembe, The Duppies, Frameworks, Hot Water Music, Less Than Jake, Moonbeard, Spanish Gamble, and Sunshine State will be performing.

These are a select few music festivals that are happening in the area for summer.

alexMILLER

page editor

An era is ending for the 428 Who will leave with a wave while walking on stage.

An era is ending for the 428 Who plan on going to college To take more tests and acquire new knowledge.

Maybe for you, the military is key; But man, that sure takes bravery.

An era is ending for the 428 Who will marry in chapels Under brightly lit candles And soon have a baby (It’s hard to say now, but maybe).

An era is ending for the 428 But it’s only the first of many.

Oh the places you’ll go they’re aplenty!

Every window and door is still open, All it takes now is some hardy devotion.

An era has begun for the 428 Who will set on the prowl for what their future awaits.

Opinion/Editorial

May 23th, 2014 | Issue 4 | Paw Print Newspaper

11

If celebrities do it, The snow birds have everyone should rezartaMALCI

staff writer

In today’s era, celebrities are like Gods. Mortals look up to them, following their footsteps and copying their every move in thought that it is smart, trendy or successful.

They are right. Celebrities have some of the smartest ideas, and the fact that they can get away with anything allows them to introduce their attributes, personalities and sharp minds.

Some of the biggest names in the media including, Alicia Silverstone, Tia and Tamera Mowry, and- the best of all- Kim Kardashian have come to a conclusion that eating a temporary part of their body is healthy.

Yum, right?

Placentophagy’s definition, according to The Free Dic-

tionary by Farlex, is the act of mammals eating the placenta of their young after childbirth.

Supposedly, the Chinese have been using placenta as medicine for over a thousand years and eating one’s placenta can result to a full recovery faster. However, is that not cannibalism of some sort? Eating a human made part of one self and - Rezarta Macli a baby’s?

Recently, it seems like because more celebrities have been doing it, the topic about placenta consumption has become more popular, as it should. It is very controversial and opinions can swap around forever.

Since celebrities are treated as Gods, even viewed as one by some people, us “mortals” should follow their footsteps and eat our delicious placenta.

“...eat our delicious placenta.”

The technologyically adept might be intellegently inept emmaMOSCARDINI

furniture, many will build robots.

Why remember information when a google search is a The simple answer is yes, but perspective is everything. click away? One does not have to retain information in this For example, older generations did not have the knowl- day and age because technology has made it so we do not edge of computers and electronics that even the average have to. When reading, why use context clues to decipher five year old has today. Children--instead of playing with the meaning of a word when you can just ask Siri? wooden blocks--can pick up an iPad or Tablet and immeIn essence, why be intelligent? Infinite information is diately get onto the internet or their favorite game. always at our fingertips, but that does not mean it leaves This is impressive. But how impressive? Relative to its mark in our minds. As the saying goes, “if you don’t use children 20 years ago that were practically it, you lose it.” reading Shakespeare out of the womb, it is not Analytical and investigative skills have beincredibly impressive. come obsolete. Nature is no longer a mystery, It is easy for parents to scoff at their chilhomework is no longer difficult, nothing is undren when they do not recognize references to reachable with the computer. Nothing is too Paradise Lost and works by Chaucer or canfar away, nothing is too hard to access. not name famous philosophers like Voltaire Would you opt for a virtual tour of Paris and Kant; but is that fair? In 40 years will we on Google Earth over the real deal? Of course be incredulous when our children do not know not! So why glide through school and life on who Steve Jobs is or be able to recite Harry pseudo intelligence?

Potter by heart?

Summer is almost here and--for some of This begs the question, is technology makus--college. ing us dumber, or is technology just making Knowledge is power. Turn off your cell us...different? phone, your computer, your iPod, your tablet, It is both. Math and science skills have your television. Turn off everything but what skyrocketed because of society’s heavy emphamatters--your mind. Crack open a book for sis on technology, especially computer techonce this summer. Read the newspaper. Stay nology. Instead of writing novels, many will informed and feed your mind. If you do, you grow up to write manuals. Instead of building Photo credit Avery Vela will be eons above the masses. sports editor

returned paigeRENNER

staff writer

Time to bust out the Hawaiian-print shirts, knee-high socks, and the infamous fanny pack. Yes, it is that time of the year again: tourist season.

Florida is one of the most popular tourist destinations in America with world famous tourist attractions like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, the Florida Keys, and Miami beach.

A little closer to home is another famous tourist attraction: Clearwater beach.

There are many things to do in Clearwater, such as visiting the word famous Winter the dolphin at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, taking sailing lessons at the Clearwater Community Sailing Center, or just relaxing at Clearwater Beach. There is something for everyone in your family to do, which makes it such a popular tourist destination.

It is great that people from all over the country come from great distances to experience our lovely beaches, but there are some things Floridians just do not do, such as feeding the seagulls. These are the things that make Floridians annoyed at tourists.

Common complaints from Floridians are bad driving, tacky clothing, constantly complaining about the heat,, and wearing souvenirs from every theme park they have ever been to.

Although tourists may be irritating, overall they are what Florida thrives on. In 2012, 89.3 million people visited Florida, 10.2 million of which came all the way from out of the country, according to Visit Florida - Florida’s tourism marketing corporation. Without tourists, Florida would not have the money to keep up with new and exciting renovations to keep the beaches enjoyable for all its hottest attractions.

Reproduced by permission of: www.america.schickhappens.net

Reproduced by permission of plateshack.com; wnmufm.org; ncgar.gov; migration.kentucky.gov

Matthew Fernandez -SPC/UCF, Mathew Finegold - SPC, Brianna Fineo - Florida Southern College, Benjamin Fisher - FGCU, William Fitch - Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Gabreille Fitzgerald - SPC, Rasia Florenciani - SPC, Carlos Flores - Utain Orlando, Darrell Ford - SPC/FSU, Sarah Ford - USF, Benjamin Foster - Working, Zachary Fowler - Trade School, Brody Fox - Internship, Jose Franco Vargas - Working, Nicholas Frankich - Hockey, Zipporah Frazier - Johnson & Wales Providence, Kiana Gagnon - SPC, Michael Gallagher - Army, David Garcia - USF, Joaguin Garcia - Marines, Mirna Ghobrial - USF, Abagail Gilbo - FGCU, Aaron Glogowski - UCF, Sydney Glover Santa Fe College, Ruby Gomez - SPC, Jessica Gorman - USF/UF, Charles Greenberg - UF, David Greenberg - FSU, Ke’vonna Greene - SPC, Chloe Gregory - SPC, Kyle Gustafson - Army, Clare Guthrie - USF, George Guzman - SPC, Jessica Hall - Harvard University, Haley Hannon - USF, Michael Harms - SPC, Macy Harper - FSU, Jon Haynie - Traveling, Elijah Hechtman - SPC, Daniel Hensel - Working, Lorena Herrera - SPC, Matyra Herring - Allied School of Nursing, Robert Hicks - FSU, Anthony Hinson - SPC, Zachary Holland - time off, Sarah Hughes - FSU, Kathryn Hutter - SPC, Erin Jankiewicz - Southeastern University, Stephen Javaruski - UCF, Brendan Jevons - UCF, Amber Johnson - USF, Jacob Johnson - SPC, Micheal Johnson - Iowa State University, Zachary Jones - other, Caleb Kasten - Working, Joseph Kataya - Marines, Megan Kearns - UF, Thomas Kelly - SPC/Virginia Military Institute, Taylor Klima - FGCU, Sydni Kloczkowski - Army, Travis Knowles-Hale - Coast Guard, Lera Koch - USF, Klea Kostadini - SPC/USF, Carrena Kotsovolos - SPC, Niina Kozoreva - Estonian Academy of Arts, Tiffany Kuntz - SPC, Christopher La Rose - SPC/Navy, Tyler Lebel - UF, Jacob Litov - USFSP/Air force, Zhaorui Liu - Valencia College, Kaylee Lockwood - SPC, Antonio Love - SPC, Oswaldo Machado - UCF/FAU, Melissa Mahoney - Army, Rachel Manchester - SPC, Joshua Manning - UCF, Mary Mason- FSU, Patrick Mastrandrea -SPC/UCF, Ryan Mcdonnell - SPC, Kayla Mcdowell - SPC, Tanya Mciver - Army, Destini Mckinney - Suncoast Academy, Alexandra Miller - FGCU, Victoria Miller SPC, Connor Mirchandani - SPC, Laura Moch - FGCU, Jordan Monosky - Newberry college, Emma Moscardini - UF, Heidi Mox - Johnson County Community college, Sydne Mushaben, Saint Leo university, Giovanni Negron - Southeastern missouri state university, A’lecia Norman - University of Georgia, Aleksandar Nozharov - SPC, Cecilia Oehl - Embry-Riddle Aeronautical university, Carlos Ojeda - SPC/UF, Michelle Olson - FSU, Jessica Osorio Perez - SPC, Arlindi Paco - USF, Maria Padilla Hernandez - SPC, Kenneth Parraway - Time off, Andrew Parys - UCF, Frank Passarella - SPC, Victor Passarella - SPC, Tyler Ray Patch - SPC, Mackenzie Pearce - UWF, Mariel Ely Perez - FGCU, Ryan Peters - University of cincinnati, Laura Pettit - FSU, Saithong Phaengpheng - USF, Donald Pierce - Navy, Zachary Pisitelli - Marines, Sommer Pollard - Saint Leo University, Rachel Preble University of Maine, Jordan Premru - 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SPC, Kimberly Stevens - SPC, Zoe Stewart - SPC, Michelle Stoeckicht - SPC, Khalil Tarhine - SPC, Xhana Taylor - Navy, Taylor, Zachary - FGCU, Brittany Thomas - SPC, Edward Tieu - Air Force, Harrison Tomlin - University of Alabama, Jenessa Torres - SPC/Post University, Kylie Torres - Florida Southern College, Sergi Torres - Brown University, Christian Townsend - FGCU, Adam Tram - SPC, Michael Tucker - FGCU, Jahayra Ullao - undecided, Roger Vassell - FGCU, Alejandro Velasquez Echeverri - USF, Lindsey Velde Broward University, Tanner Volz - SPC, Owen Wade - Air Force, Chandler Walker - UF, Jacob Walther - Undecided, Donald Wasoff - UF, Kasey Watson - SPC, Aubrey Westmoreland - FGCU, Trevantis Whetzel - UCF, Brittany Whitaker - USF, Hank Whiteleather - USF, Sara Williams - SPC, Morgan Winn - FSU, Ashleigh Witting - SPC, Allyson Wolf - UF, Ariana Wunderly - FAU, Xue Ying Yang - Beijing Film Academy, Rebecca York - PTEC, Corey Zallis - UF, Mark Zimmer - PTEC