Devil's Advocate (Issue 5 | 2012 2013) by Devil's Advocate

devilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s advocate stanton college preparatory school

your stories. your school. your voice.

The TOP no. 5 | june 2013

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Throughout their high school careers these a legacy of volunteerism, academic excellence, and athleticism.

SAMANTHA FOSS

SAVANNAH MIKA

Senior k you’re n i h t u o y f I “ ave an h o t l l a m s too going to impact, try osquito m a h t i w d be dick Anita Rod ” . m o o r e in th

“Speak y our min d, be bold , or else be unhe ard.” Kierra D

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Lizzie Utse

“Nothing goes wro ng for long for peop le with a po sitive attitude. ” Ma rcus You

“Don’t l et gave up someone who on talk you their dreams out of Unknow yours.” n Alexis W alker

you’re e f i l a e ou liv y e p o that h I d “ n fi u o . If y proud of I hope you have ot, you’re n h to start all gt the stren .” F. Scott Fitzgerald in over aga ivey p S e n i r Cathe

2 / devil’s advocate / student life

“In th ree wo rds I ca n su m up ever yt hin g I’ve lea rn ed ab ou t life; it go es on .” Robert Frost

Karol M

atamoro

“When life reaches out with a moment like this, it’s a sin if you ck.” don’t reachLinba ings Playbook Pat Solitano, Sr., Silver

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e a k i l s i “Life don’t u o y if ine, t dance, u o r the know yle.” t s e e r f lcox i W i r Dane

“In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.” Coco Chanel Dwight Montgomery

Quotes er t f a y l “It’s on erything ev t s o l e v e e we’ r f e r ’ that we hing.” ytlub n a o d to ght C Fi

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“Stay true.” Amanda Agle

nna o g m ’ ing I y a ut I s b t , o d n l “I’m e the wor l spark l chang e that I wi ange nte l ch guara in that wil hakur a cS the br world.” Tupa the ray C c M r ia Kayd

“Wh to su en you w you cceed as ant want bad t o brea as then th y succ ou’ll be e, es Eric sful .” Thom as Yuvr

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“If you are content with the best you have done, you will never become the best you can be.” Unknown

Katie Drell

le g g u r t ut s o h t ss.” i e r g “W o r no p glas s i e r the k Dou redric F

rtin

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“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” Muhammad Ali

Brianna Scott

“Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” Albus Dumbledore

Alyssa Cabrera

“ I t ’s look not wh at a i t ’s w t t h a t m y o u atte hat rs, you Hen ry D s avid ee.” Tho reau Jillia nne Ram irez

student life / june 2013 / 3

SAW U ..

Waiting on the Sideline You: The muscular football player with a dream. I hear you’re committed to Southeastern on a football scholarship, I wonder what else you’ll be up to while you’re in Lakeland.

Score a Goal You: The intense lacrosse player with long hair. I don’t know what mesmerizes me more, your tanned good looks or how swift your skills are.

Anno-date Me You: The dreamy new girl who transferred last year. Your curly hair makes it hard for class to sound interesting.

Me: The brunette on the sidelines, silently wishing

Me:

Somewhere With Me You: The tall handsome hunk in theater class with a lot of skill. Sometimes the leading role and sometimes the supporting role, it doesn’t matter because you’re always the star in my eyes.

#PerfectTen You: The tall blonde who can play every sport,

Me: close by in Tampa, you can always commit to me too. Go for the Gold You: The boy with a dedication to swimming, maybe you should take a breather for once and have some dinner with me. Me: The tan girl with golden hair, I have a soft spot for swimmers, and always loved a guy who isn’t afraid to work hard for his prize.

“ -Nicky Harrington

“I chose Stanton because I loved the environment of it and how little drama there would be as compared to Fletcher. It’s been pretty drama free and a great environment that has helped me succeed and go to my dream school- Boston.”

-Jamie McNulty

“I would accept, despite the long nights and depressing homework! Stanton has prepared me for college and made me a well-rounded individual, I’ve been graced to go to my dream school, however I know many people were rejected. We question ourselves if the four years of Stanton was worth it. It was to me.”

I mean yeah it was hard work, but it was worth it. I’ve made such great friends, the teachers are amazing, and the whole atmosphere is wonderful. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

-Daysia Davis

If our seniors were back in eighth grade, and just received their acceptance letter to Stanton College Preparatory School, would they accept or decline? “I feel like I could have take the same classes and accomplished the same goals and earned the same, if not better, grades at a school a lot closer to home.”

-Charlotte Dempster “I would choose Stanton any day. Coming from Douglas Anderson I have realized how much more I will be prepared for college.Yes it was tough, but was it worth it? Absolutely.”

-Kaitlyn Blume “Accept. The community and the way that we all encourage each other makes Stanton entirely worth it. Plus we don’t have to deal with half the stuff local schools deal with.”

-William Tiner

“It was a tough ride, but because of Stanton I will be more prepared for college than any other students at other schools.”

-Alexis Walker

4 / devil’s advocate / student life

Me: The glamorous girl who read all your reviews on LuLu, you seem like the #PerfectMatchForMe. Maybe you can slow down for a minute and spend some time with the Alpha.

Accept Decline

“Accept in a heartbeat. Stanton has made me the person I am today and I couldn’t be happier.”

-Pauline Maturi

Me: The luscious brunette in the crowd, your shy best fan. The egg cartons you had on protected you from the fall in the play, but if you fall in love with me, you won’t need them.

captivated by your #StrongJaw

“If I knew how much stress and anxiety Stanton would have given me, I would never have came here. I thought I would exit Stanton with a lot more liberty in choosing colleges, but I didn’t. I regret going to Stanton.”

-Anonymous

“I appreciate the education I’ve gotten here, but I also feel as if many of the classes I was forced to take caused me unneccessary stress and crammed useless information into my head. It was an okay experience, but not one I’d willingly repeat.”

-Katie Drell

“Decline. I work so incredibly hard just to barely make it by when students in other schools in the county worked a quarter of how hard I have to graduate with a 4.0 at the top 10 percent of their class while I graduate the middle of my class.”

-Anonymous

“Stanton stretches you too thin, they expect a mountain out of you, and they don’t even offer dual enrollment for major classes like most neighborhood schools. It’s not worth going bald!”

-Kierra Davis

Good Luck Seniors! -From Atomic Tees

2013 Sports Legends and their Prodigies The dedication these six seniors have demonstrated within their sports will be By EMILY ISELEY, Sports Reporter

LARA DEDIC

BRANDON PENN

TENNIS

FOOTBALL

Captain of the girls’ varsity tennis team, Lara Dedic, is Aside from being on the 2011 and 2012 Florida TimesUnion All-First Coast Tennis Team, she has also earned the titles of District and Regional Champion, as well as four-

has spent his four years at Stanton competing as a key athlete for the football, basketball, and track teams, with team, he plays outside linebacker, wide receiver, running

Like Dedic, freshman Medina Hamzagic is potentially

“I believe that we were successful this year because we communicated well between teammates and that we received such good advice from our experienced coach,

BENJAMIN GROSS SOCCER Ben Gross is one of the seven senior athletes graduatplayers hold three district titles, and won ten of their

“Playing sports throughout high school was fun, but example for the incoming freshman that were once like

CHELSEA WILLIAMS FLAG FOOTBALL Captain Chelsea Williams plays safety, and wide terceptions and a touchdown reception, winning the game

a regular top scorer on the team, scoring 15 goals this lot of close games, but eventually the close games started Sophomore Andrew Murnin, also a forward, is the teams other top goal scorer, with 16 goals just this past game against Bishop Kennny, Gross launched a 30-yard ball from a free kick that rebounded off the keeper and was

LESLIE FLANDERS SWIMMING

JACK OGIN BASEBALL Captain of the varsity baseball team, Jack Ogin plays

freshman year for the 100 yard breaststroke, and then went back the next two years for the same event and the “Leslie was one of the top swimmers to ever come

season for Ogin was the mid-season game against school rival, the Paxon Eagles, where he pitched a one-hit shut “The season went pretty well this year, I think we could have done better against some of the teams in our

Like Leslie Flanders, sophomore Audrey Ware swims the baseball team wasn’t able to defend their district title

6 / devil’s advocate / sports

Top 5: MEGAN FEDERICO

Stanton expects each student to maintain the best grades possible while balancing extracurricular activities to get into great colleges. Bennett Gosiker embodies these qualities by working hard and keeping his grades up, while also staying involved with clubs and extra-curricular activities.

By MANYA GOLDSETIN, Reporter

I just had to learn how to manage my time and prioritize my assignments,” said Gosiker. Even though maintaining his 4.63 weighted GPA in the

“

interview, she jokingly said, “I don’t sleep!” She successfully manages to balance all of her endeavors, prime example that it is completely possible to balance work with extracurricular activities and offers a useful piece of advice to others. what extent you can procrastinate before it becomes go time!” she said. Federico’s peers look up to her for her leadership skills, apparent from the many positions she has upheld. Starting in Freshman year as Freshman Class President, she is currently the co-captain of the lacrosse team, captain of the bowling team, National History Honor Society, secretary for National English Honor Society, and president of the Spanish Club. Mostly everyone who Federico works with notices the great talent she possesses to take charge and lead others, especially her teammates. “Megan is a great leader and her enthusiasm is contagious,” said teammate Selina Wang. Federico is also actively involved with her community, participating in many organizations and volunteer projects. This past summer, she served as a junior counselor for a local version of the Children’s International Summer Villages (CISV) camp that promotes cross-cultural understanding and peace education. She has also been involved with HandsOn, Jacksonville’s Youth Leadership Council, which takes part in monthly volunteer projects, throughout her four years of high school. Federico will be attending the University of Florida in the fall and hopes to major in either Business Administration or Marketing and minor in Spanish. She wants to work with people or children, something that is not surprising given her favorable reputation.

Ultimately, I want to be able to inspire people because I am so grateful to those who have inspired me. -Megan Federico

societies. Even with all of her extra-curricular activities, Federico is still able to obtain top grades, an accomplishment that is even more notable given Stanton’s strenuous workload. “Balancing extracurriculars can prove challenging, but it’s really about prioritizing and using my time wisely,” said Federico. something, but making the time for it, and if it’s something you care about and truly want to be involved in, then it’s possible.” With all of her activities in addition to schoolwork, it’s a wonder how Federico ever has time for herself. During a recent

8 / devil’s advocate / features

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There are few people who are capable of having an impact on everyone they encounter. These individuals are seldom fully appreciated for all the good they bring to the world. As the year comes to a close, it is time to recognize someone who never fails to put others before herself: Megan Federico. With her involvement in her school and community, Federico constantly strives to make others happy. Most students think of her as her yearbook superlative reads, “Most Likely to Brighten Your Day.” “That’s something I would really like to embody by being considered compassionate and thoughtful, or, just the right amount of goofy to get students to crack a smile on a bad day,” said Federico. When most people hear Federico’s name, they immediately comment with, “She’s the nicest person ever!” or “She just always wants to make people happy.” Her reputation has even led some to rate a person’s niceness “on a scale of one to Megan Federico.” Apart from her desire to help people, Federico has been actively involved in extracurricular activities and sports throughout her high school career. These include Photography Club, Multicultural Club, softball, soccer, lacrosse, and the bowling league along

Federico explained a priority of hers as she enters into college and begins her adult life. “Ultimately, I want to be able to inspire people because I am so grateful to those who have inspired me,” she said. Federico maintains a mature view on success, something that will “I believe that professional success will follow if I work to live up to that commitment I have made to myself to give back to the community that has nurtured me,” she said. While it seems certain that Federico is on the path to success in

photos by Kathryn Mcmullen

Stanton is home to some of the country’s most innovative and outstanding students. We take an seniors and recongnize them for their athleticism, community service, academics, and life endeavours that make them some ofStanton’s most memorable seniors of the 2013 class.

his hard work paid off. Like most people, Gosiker was not accepted to every college he applied to, but did get accepted into University of Florida, Florida State University, University of South Florida, Stetson, University of Miami, Emory University, and University of Virginia. With so many choices, Gosiker narrowed down his choices to Emory University and University of Florida Honors College. Gosiker was drawn to Emory University because of the strong foundation in the Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the community feel was similar to his experiences in the Stanton IB program. “When I visited Emory, the atmosphere there was quite similar to that of Stanton IB. Where all of the students are more academically focused, while simultaneously maintaining a sense of camaraderie,” said Gosiker. Even though he is drawn to Emory, as of April he still

the Classics (the study of ancient languages of classical civilizations), or both if possible. “My ideal job at the moment is a pediatric cardiologist,” said Gosiker. In Biology the most intriguing thing to him was the cardiology portion. Since he loves to work with kids, Gosiker feels that being able to help kids and make a difference in their lives would be emotionally rewarding. Gosiker has been able to maintain his GPA while staying involved with clubs at school and the Boy Scouts program outside of Scouts when he was in the sixth grade. He chose to stay with the Boy Scouts because along with his overall enjoyment, it taught him good morals and principles and allowed him to make new friends. After being involved with Boy Scouts for so long, he was very excited about earning the title of Eagle Scout, the highest honor.

over the years, but I just had to learn how to manage my time and prioritize my assignments. -Bennett Gosiker

attends, Gosiker wants to major in either biochemistry or molecular biology with the possibility of a double major in business administration. He also wants to minor in Spanish,

”

became an Eagle Scout it was quite rewarding knowing that all of my efforts had culminated into that moment and achievement,” said Gosiker. “Scouting has really shaped who I have become over the years, and has set the foundation for my personality and how I deal with obstacles that I am faced with.” The good qualities that Gosiker obtained from Boy Scouts are apparent in his personal life as well. His girlfriend, senior Taylor May, has recognized some of the great qualities. “He is very honest and will not hesitate to tell you how it is,” said May. His commitment to the Boy Scouts shows his ability for hard work and dedication. Gosiker’s success at Stanton shows that it is possible to balance grades and other activities. Gosiker is not just a person solely focused on the academics and

Scouts. In addition to these activities, he likes to go cycling in his free time. He is a part of the North Florida Cycling Club and the Florida Blue Cycling Team, and has participated in these since eighth grade. Gosiker even goes on charity rides with his father each year, one being the MS 150. For the past three years, he and his father have been participating in the MS 150 to help raise money for patients with Multiple Sclerosis. Beach and the next day they ride back, totaling roughly 150 miles. Gosiker’s achievements academically and in his community are what made him a great candidate for the Top 5. His hard work and dedication to school and Boy Scouts put him above the rest to make him stand out in his graduating class.

This 5’s Facts 1

Bennett maintains a 4.63 GPA.

He was a part of the F.I.R.S.T. Robotics Club.

He has held the position of National Hometown News Correspondent in Boy Scouts.

Bennett wants to major in either biochemistry or molecular biology.

Honor Society, National Math Honor Society, National English Honor Society, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society.

feelings on graduating, Federico admits that it is sad thinking that she will not be seeing many of her classmates anymore. However, she is incredibly excited knowing that she has made it through “the best high school in the world,” as she proudly referenced Stanton. Looking back on the past four years, Federico admits that there were nights when she questioned why she would put herself through “The experiences and teachers I’ve had, along with the friends I’ve made, is something I would not trade for the world, “ she said.

This 5’s Facts 1

Megan’s yearbook superletaive reads “Most Likely to Brighten Your Day.”

She has held over several leadership positions at Stanton

Megan will be attending University of Florida in the fall.

She has participated in many community service programs including HandsOn Jacksonville.

She hopes to major in Business Administration.

Top 5 : BENNETT GOSIKER By SAVANNAH MIKA, Reporter

features / june 2013 / 9

Top 5: MEGAN FEDERICO

By MANYA GOLDSETIN, Reporter

I just had to learn how to manage my time and prioritize my assignments,” said Gosiker. Even though maintaining his 4.63 weighted GPA in the

“

Ultimately, I want to be able to inspire people because I am so grateful to those who have inspired me. -Megan Federico

8 / devil’s advocate / features

“

photos by Kathryn Mcmullen

over the years, but I just had to learn how to manage my time and prioritize my assignments. -Bennett Gosiker

attends, Gosiker wants to major in either biochemistry or molecular biology with the possibility of a double major in business administration. He also wants to minor in Spanish,

”

This 5’s Facts 1

Bennett maintains a 4.63 GPA.

He was a part of the F.I.R.S.T. Robotics Club.

He has held the position of National Hometown News Correspondent in Boy Scouts.

Bennett wants to major in either biochemistry or molecular biology.

Honor Society, National Math Honor Society, National English Honor Society, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society.

This 5’s Facts 1

Megan’s yearbook superletaive reads “Most Likely to Brighten Your Day.”

She has held over several leadership positions at Stanton

Megan will be attending University of Florida in the fall.

She has participated in many community service programs including HandsOn Jacksonville.

She hopes to major in Business Administration.

Top 5 : BENNETT GOSIKER By SAVANNAH MIKA, Reporter

features / june 2013 / 9

The poet Rumi said, “Let yourself be silently drawn by the stronger pull of what you really love” This best characterizes the mindset of senior Rachel Jaffe as she will soon go off into the world facing the challenges of college and experiences thereafter. Born here in the Sunshine State, her parents, Stephanie and Donald Jaffe, strongly support her Douglas Anderson School of Arts. A 4-year Honors student, Jaffe has accomplished tremendous drama and theatre began in eighth grade when she auditioned for the play, My Fair Lady. After earning the lead role in the production, she claims to have caught the,“ theatre bug” and has fallen in love with performing ever since. “ It was never my intention to be a part of it, nevertheless make the lead role as Eliza because I just needed some place to hangout and wait for my mom to pick me up,” said Jaffe. Enrolled in Stanton to face the rigorous academic challenges, she desires the ease to get into college in which she plans to attend University of Central Florida in the fall for one or two years and then transfer to a school in New York. key to success to survive the dilemmas Stanton presented by trying to balance the commitment towards school studies and drama. “I come home from rehearsals around 7 p.m., then I have to start my homework,” said Jaffe, and master time management.” Jaffe started off by participating in the Night of One Acts in 2009. This night consists of four short one-act plays written and directed by students themselves. Each year thereafter, she has participated in the drama which eventually led to her producing them herself. In her years involved in drama at Stanton, Jaffe was the lead role in the musical Once Upon A Mattress, she played the role of Kitty in The Drowsy Chaperone, and she was the senior producer for One Acts, in which she accounted for major responsibility in helping create, direct, and stage the musical. She also competes annually with the Stanton Thespian Troupe in the district and state thespian competition.

“

I owe everything to Mr. Grove and

and loving support, I could not have carried on through the years.

-Rachel Jaffe

enthusiasm makes a big impact on her fellow peers and their outlook on her. She has proven to be

Top 5:

RACHEL JAFFE

meet,” said senior Sam Swantek.

By AUVION BRADSHAW, Reporter

peers and instructors. “The IB kids really motivate me, but I owe everything to Mr. Jeff Grove and Ms. Shirley Sacks,” said Jaffe, without their unconditional and loving support, I could not have carried on through the years.” Jaffe visited Kenya last summer for two weeks at a theatre summer camp. Along with fellow peers from Fletcher High School and Douglas Anderson, she participated in the set up of a theatre camp in an orphanage in a small village there. rewarding thing I have ever accomplished,” said Jaffe. she takes the stage. She claims that the standing ovations and applause after each performance bring what she calls, “the best feeling ever.” Through her academics and involvement in the arts Rachel is an example of what a well-rounded student should be.

features

photo by Kathryn Mcmullen

Mikayla Briones. With much support from her friends and family, her relationships with others within Stanton walls matured her outlook on life. “ When I was an underclassman they made such a great support system,” said Jaffe. After being in Stanton, your experiences facilitate your ambition and allow you to become more driven and hardworking,” said Jaffe.

This 5’s Facts 1 2 3

She has an obsession with Audrey Hepburn and babies.

Rachael visted Kenya last summer for two weeks for a theatre summer camp.

She will be attending the University of Central Florida in Orlando in the fall.

Bobby Dawson is an exceptional student-athlete at Stanton. He has excelled on the

Reporter -

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-Bobby Dawson -

said Dawson.

This 5’s Facts 1 2 3 4

Eccezionale! League of Legends. -

5 features / june 2013 /11

Reporter

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This 5’s Facts

1 2 3 4 5 12

features

Congratulations to the Class of 2013 from the Devilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Advocate

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Editorial Staff 2012-2013 Alexandra Morgante, Editor-in-Chief Leah Quisenberry, Managing Editor Alexis Brown, Opinions Editor Kia’ Cooper, Features Editor Taylor Galloway, Sports Editor Laura Gerbec, Student Life Editor Kathryn McMullen, Photography Editor The Devil’s Advocate School. It is produced monthly by members of the Journalism class. The editors reserve the right to edit any material submitted to the paper for content, grammar, length, and accuracy. The Devil’s Advocate is a public forum for student expression, which encourages free exchanges of opinions concerning controversial and non-controversial community and school related issues. The ideas and advertisements expressed within the newspaper are not necessarily those of the newspaper adviser, school administration, or the Duval The Devil’s Advocate accepts advertisements from all businesses in the Stanton community. The ad format can be given to the staff or the adviser, Mr. Larry Knight. Students, faculty, and parents may contact the staff and adviser at (904) 630-6760 ext. 143 or at knightl1@duvalschools.org.

We are the Class of 2013 As a graduating senior, we are often faced with the question of what high school was like, how much did we have, are we ready to grow up, what’s next? However, as a Stanton graduate, the main question is “Was it worth it?” and automatically we have an answer in our heads. In August, I would have easily said that attending Stanton was the worst decision that I made; in fact, two years ago I almost left to attend Atlantic Coast. After a lot of thought and conversation, my mom withdrew my application to ACHS which upset me at the time, but looking back I realize it was the best decisions she could have made. Walking into Stanton my freshman year of high school, I never thought I’d be where I am now. I never thought I would meet the people I met, endure the experience I’ve endured, or make the memories that will last forever. Anytime someone outside of Stanton asks me if it’s worth it, I always tell them that it depends on what type of person you are. If you are committed and willing to spend your teenage life studying and working hard, then yes Stanton is worth it. With the numerous nights of no sleep and the insanely stressful weeks, there really is no turning back once you’ve put one foot in. However with all these negatives, the most life changing and amazing positives come. As Mrs. Mary Krieger says, “Stanton is one big stress experiment.” In reality, it is. Stanton pushes us to our wits ends and makes us do things we never thought possible. For example, acing a project on a book you’ve never even touched which evidently is a skill we have all acquired over time. That is what makes Stanton students so amazing though, through this pain comes endurance, and through this endurance together comes friendship. We all come from different backgrounds, but the one thing we have in common is our stamina. We were all built for amazing things, and in a few years these talents will begin to show; however, Stanton brings out one of the most important talents: the talent to fall down and get up no matter how many times it takes to succeed. If you ever look back and are tempted to say that Stanton was a waste of your four years, remember the things we got to experience that no other high school student can our intense step team to our crazy multicultural extravaganza; from our amazing band to our hard working athletes. So in the end, I can’t answer the question of whether or not these four years have helped us mold into the people we will be for the rest of our lives. Good luck to my fellow seniors graduates: go forth and work as hard as you can; be the best you can be. Be the image the people will follow, set the bar higher than your dreams, and become who you are meant to be. We made it through four years at one of ance, we are the image of hard work, we are the symbol of dedication. We are Stanton’s Class of 2013. By ALEXANDRA MORGANTE, Editor-In-Chief

14 / devil’s advocate / opinions

The American Dream Years of our parents sheltering us, and holding our hands are over. The minute we hear our names called by the announcer at graduation, there is less than 30 seconds separating our childhood from our adulthood. For some, it may seem like someone has just dropped our bodies in another world: The Real World. This is the time where we must start walking on a path that leads us to success, where we must think for ourselves. Going to college is the most comforting idea a teen can think of as the last year of high school is being completed. As our friends talk about their college decision choices, and our parents discuss what college they want us to go to, we must now think for ourselves.Yes, we may want to join our friends in harmony, but is their decision ours too? College is often associated with drinking, partying, and having more freedom than a person should receive at one time; however, we must learn to associate college with words and phrases such as “success,” “The American Dream,” and “climbing the social ladder.” The American Dream is a term that was established during the frontier years when people had to move out west to expand our country. Although this term’s meaning has changed from the 19th century to the 20th century, the main idea stays the same. The American Dream says that everyone has the opportunity and potential for prosperity. It says everyone is capable of doing the same thing in this world no matter the color, race, class, or religion. A dream for one person could be owning a house and having a traditional family, but climbing up the social ladder may be a dream for someone else. Whoever we are, we must realize that college is one of the many opportunities we have to pursue our dreams. It is not a place to throw our life, our money, and our education away; college is a place where we learn how to pursue our dreams and aspirations to live a comfortable life in the long run. As we all know, America is not a hierarchy, but there is a hierarchical structure of society called the social ladder. This metaphorical ladder is climbed by everyone whether they know it or not. It is a phase in social mobility and a sign of inner strength. Climbing this ladder is not for the weak because it is not easy. While our senior class graduates and become adults in this world, we must have a sound mind and body. There will be people telling you that doing what you love is pointless. There will be people who say that money will bring happiness, but in reality it only brings comfort. The key to picking a career is to do what you love. A successful person does not equal a rich person. Over the years, Stanton has emitted very successful people who go on to follow their dreams. When we graduate the world is ours. We are legal adults who can make our own decision, at our own time, based on our own feelings. It may seem a bit nostalgic when we go to tion of seeing them on social networking sites) but we have a multitude to be happy for such as graduating and getting in to a college. Whether you go to Florida State College of Jacksonville or Harvard University, we are all getting the same education and we are winners. Surviving 13 years of grade school was just half of the battle. How will we make history in the future?

Transformations

angst, anger, and a mind so closed off that looking back now I don’t even know how people tolerated being around me. I begrudgingly me with a position I didn’t really want and thus probably didn’t deserve. I became involved with a few clubs, once again begrudgingly, but I, interestingly enough, always seemed to have a doctor’s appointment or some other place to be at the same exact time as the meetings. I spent more time in the hallway yelling that I didn’t want to be here than I did trying to give it a chance. I thought to myself every day “I would give anything to go to the private school with my real friends and have free time instead of being at this stress-ridden place.” Needless to say, I wasn’t a very pleasant person from age 14 to 15. By the beginning of my junior year, I realized that the friends I had from the private school weren’t really my real friends at all. I soon found myself stranded at Stanton with few friends, many more

No Fear “Senior” is a word that encompasses so many different ideas. It symbolizes the passage of time and it is a metaphor for power, but what does being a senior really mean to you? In essence it means change, adulthood, and maturity. You’ve made it this far, so what can stop you now? Then pond all over again, except this pond is even bigger then before. This senior class has so many different kinds of people. We have jocks, preps, drama geeks, photo by Prestige

photo by Prestige

I recently read an article on FoxNews. com written by a man named Erick Erickson, in which he describes himself as being “somewhere down a path I did not choose, but on which I walk.” I have never read a statement that so accurately applied to my life. It seems like yesterday I came home from ton. I was in my kitchen crying uncontrollably, screaming “I hate that place,” and begging my mom to let me transfer to the Catholic high school. I became so hysterical that my dad was called in as reinforcement. They would not let me transfer despite my claim that I could tell that this school was not for me, although I had only spent eight hours there. Here I am, four years later, about to walk across the stage with a diploma that says Stanton College Preparatory across the top.

large group of us are in an array of clubs, sports, honor societies, and communicate with different people that congregate within different activities offered by Stanton. This sort of intermixing doesn’t occur at other high schools. Many of my friends that attend other schools talk about all be, at least when it comes to being entertained by the ignorant, it is certainly evidence to support the fact that common sense is present here, at least in some small increment. Yes, Stanton is super hard, and yes, some of the nerds are annoyingly smart but, out of all the acknowledgements of the negative things about Stanton, the one thing I can say is I wouldn’t trade my experiences here for anything in the world. If given the choice to go back in time and choose my high school over again I would choose Stanton every time. Why, is probIf I went to another school I wouldn’t know about the importance of the Ides of March, (Hail Caesar Mr. Burleigh)! I would have no idea how to write a column such as this, (thanks Mr. Knight for everything you’ve ever taught me in Journalism). If I had gone somewhere else I wouldn’t have enjoyed the wonders of Hithcock or Birth of a Nation, (Doc Adams you where else I would have no idea how to distinguish between Asian people, (thanks to Tina Lee for that one), I also wouldn’t know anything about Romanians and the lovely schnitzel they make, (thank you Mara Buzatu). Also, Emaleigh Rivell thanks for sharing my love of David Beckham and Johnny Depp! If I had never met any of my other friends, Maria Walts, Chanllyca Chau, and George Abraham I would still be a sheltered book worm with no personality and for that I thank all of you. At the end of August we are all going to pack up our belongings and move away from the one place that has shaped us into ourselves and make new lives that will probably be different then ever before. Some of us will stay in touch some of us won’t, but just knowing that I met all of you makes leaving look like an okay prospect. Class of 2013 will be 13gendary! By LEAH QUISENBERRY, Managing Editor

Resilience

class vice president and I still was involved with clubs, but I decided to actually start attending the meetings instead of trying to run to my car as soon as the bell rang. I soon discovered that if I just gave people a chance, even if we seemed to be polar opposites, I

Over the past four years I have made good friends, good grades, good memories, a few bad grades, a few foes, and of course a few memories I wish I could forget; thus I have had the typical, perfect high school experience. Stanton changed me, but only because I let it change me. I couldn’t change the path I was on, mostly because my parents wouldn’t let me, but I could embrace it and make the myself, soon to drive out of The Mudlot for the last time, with the regret that it took me so long to realize what a great community I was given the chance to be a part of rather than with the regret that I was a part of this community at all. ter that Stanton has instilled within us then we will not only make lasting friendships, like the ones we have developed here, but we will also become even better individuals than we are now. I may say knowing that I will never be able to come back as a student. The only advice I have for everyone else who still has time at Stanton is take advantage of all the opportunities this school has to offer you. If you wait as long as I did to get involved, I promise that you will look back with regret. By ELLIOTT BEALE, Contributing Writer

Throughout my years enrolled at Stanton College Preparatory School, I have learned a lot about the nature of life and the pursuit of happiness. As humans, we strive to maximize our potential as best we can. At a school as prestigious as Stanton, failure is absurd. After the hours upon hours ever, the stress and pressure has taught me more than just how to handle the workload. yet intricate and confusing element in life. Time, like a mathematical series, only moves in one direction. Every moment--every laugh, every tear, every stress, every accomplishment--only happens once. No moment can be repeated with exact precision. Time has a way of amplifying the pain and powerlessness of this truth. No matter how much you regret a decision, you do not have the power to change it. On May 29, 2012, one of my best friends, Adrian Paul Joseph DeMeza, took his life. At the end of March 2013, my photo by Prestige

with them. I realized that I could tolerate the kids at Stanton, at least from 8:25 to 2:40, and I even enjoyed the presence of most of them. I began to laugh a lot more and scream a lot less. By my senior year, I was so involved that I rarely found myself leaving campus until 4:30 on most days and yet I was happier than I had ever been. Who I am now is a completely different person from the individual I was at the beginning of my freshman year, though those

still exist even at the almighty Stanton College Preparatory School, but the one thing that makes us different from the rest is our unity. When I say unity I’m alluding to the fact that even though some

that nothing lasts forever. This realization shook me enough to challenge everything I had been doing. I learned the hard way that time should not be wasted. As adolescents, we are at the climax of our lives. Our youth, the people in it and the opportunities we are given are far greater than we realize. I spent an overwhelming amount of time in high school focused much as I regret these decisions, I cannot change them. A wise man once told me, “Even if you stumble, you’re still moving forward.” Throughout high school, I have held onto studied this year is “learned hopelessness,” where one becomes accustomed to failure and expects it. I now look at my relationship issue, an insecurity, an addiction, or virtually any challenge. I encourage you to not embrace learned hopelessat the end of the tunnel. I have struggled through many traumatic situations over the past few years, and have been far too I used to strengthen myself. Just as physical strength is gained through tearing down muscle, emotional strength is built the same. I have learned that these tragic shades of life make us stronger. We are resilient. I look in the face of every Stanton senior, even the people that I do not talk to, and I am proud. The level of academic pressure that one endures attending this school along with the social stigma, is too overwhelming to be explained. Most importantly, aside from everything else, I have learned what it truly means to try. If you give your best honest effort, then By KYLE SANCHEZ, Opinions Reporter

opinions / june 2013 / 15

...goodbye.