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Bishop Kenny High School Volume 65 | Issue 2 Jacksonville, Fla. BKTODAY.ORG
Attention to Detail
Military Ideals Page 3
Robotics Club Page 10
Turtles All the Way Down Page 16
News
Theater Department Takes Center Stage “Arsenic and Old Lace” falls into play
Hailey Farah | Staff Reporter
Photo courtesy of Brandy Camp
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ishop Kenny’s theater department presented their fall play, “Arsenic and Old Lace,” on Oct. 26 and 27. Auditions began in September, when directors Jeffrey Springmann and Mae Davis listened to monologues of auditioning performers. After callbacks, the rehearsal process began; due to Hurricane Irma, the first week of rehearsals was eliminated. “It was particularly challenging for us,” technical director Dan Nast said. “We would have been done a week before the show, if we had that week back.” The play is a dark comedy written by Joseph Kesselring set in 1940’s Brooklyn. Sophomore Tyler Thompson acts as Mortimer Brewster, who discovers his elderly aunts, played by seniors Grace Nast and Brandy Camp, are murderous. Meanwhile, his brother, Teddy Brewster, played by senior Michael Dunne, believes he is Theodore Roosevelt. His other homicidal brother, Jonathan Brewster, played by senior Alexander Bennett, arrives with an alcoholic plastic surgeon, Dr. Einstein, played by junior Claudia Irizarry. “We individually worked to develop our characters which led us to the
Bishop Kenny’s Theater Department performs final act in play “Arsenic and Old Lace.” stage, then dress rehearsals, and we worked as a group to get the show together,” Thompson said. “It was a little stressful, since we lost a lot of time, but with great cast members we were able to help each other out.” In the spring of 2018, the the-
ater department will perform “All Shook Up,” a musical featuring the music of Elvis Presley. Auditions will take place in December.
Made to be Displayed
Bishop Kenny art students put on another Art Gallery Franchesca Peralta | Staff Reporter
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he artists of Bishop Kenny filled the Art Gallery with unique pieces and opened its doors to art admirers of all ages. Accompanied by light refreshments and snacks, visitors were able to walk around the room filled with different works and take their time to view what has been created. The fall gallery displayed various forms of 2D art from all art classes. Pieces that are shown in this display range from pumpkin still life drawings by Art 1 students and oil pastel self-portraits by Art 2 students, to self-selected artwork by the Art 3 and AP Art students. The gallery is a direct product of weeks of work on the part of each student, shown in the detail of every creation displayed. For instance, Art Club vice presi-
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Graphic courtesy of Creative Commons dent, junior Lauryn Parker reports spending an average of 9 to 13 hours working on each piece she creates, with most of the work being done at home. All creators have a certain buildup of emotions and anticipation when creating a piece. Some even have a sense of relief when their artwork is completed and on display. “I think it’s pretty cool that other people can see my art and it makes me even more proud of what I’ve done,” Parker said. Not only does art class give one the ability to show their talented, artistic side, but it also gives students some time to focus on what they want to do and how they want to complete it, rather than follow the traditional instructions done in
most classes. “Art class allows me to be creative and take a break from my packed schedule,” junior Bryanna Racke said. Under the direction of new art teacher Lauren Doran, students have continued old traditions like the cardboard arcade and holding art galleries, allowing students’ work be showcased, which Doran asserts is an important experience for students in many ways. “Exhibiting student work in the gallery is an important part of the overall artistic journey and experience,” Doran said. “It is an opportunity for the students to gain exposure and I hope they will feel a sense of pride in showing off the artwork they create.”
December 2017
News
Pride in American Patriots
U.S. military’s presence shown at Bishop Kenny through experiences of community members
Photo courtesy of Crusader Coverage
Max Montana | Staff Reporter
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Cadets line up for Annual Military Inspection at Bishop Kenny on Oct. 31.
his country is very patriotic,” Master Chief Kevin Harris said. “Everywhere you go, when you hoist that red, white and blue flag, everybody stood tall.” Harris, a retired Command Master Chief in the U.S. Navy, has been a teacher in the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, or NJROTC, at Bishop Kenny since 2006. “Service comes with patriotism and a place of being,” Harris said. “It [NJROTC] was a really good fit for me.” Harris brings this military experience to Bishop Kenny by teaching students how to conduct themselves. “Because of my discipline here in the classroom, it [students’ behavior] stems out to other classrooms,” Harris said. Junior Brandon Singleton is not enrolled in the NJROTC program, but has a father who served in the military. Singleton calls to mind the principles of being ‘honorable’ and ‘on time’ passed on by his dad, Commander John Singleton, who served 21 years in the U.S. Navy. “The military families who stay
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balanced and have faith as part of their family structure do really well with that,” Commander Singleton said. Just as Master Chief received a job as a NJROTC teacher due to his past service in the Navy, Commander Single-
“That kind of diligence and dedication is what employers really appreciate if you go back into the workforce after you have been in the military.” ton decided to retire, in part because of opportunities outside of the Navy. “You learn to operate with a certain structure,” Commander Singleton said. “That kind of diligence and dedication is what employers really appreciate if you go back into the workforce after you have been in the military.” Through his dad’s emphasis on family and values, Singleton believes that he has the right upbringing to succeed in and out of school. Not only do these morals apply in school and later in a job, but in athletics as well.
Jeff Tranovich, a retired Navy Master Chief E-9 that served for 25 and a half years, currently spends his time coaching the Bishop Kenny boys’ junior varsity basketball team. “I was responsible for mentoring as well as training other sailors,” Tranovich said. “That put me in a position to mentor young people and train them in the skills of life, not just basketball.” Tranovich has been coaching the team for six years, and plans to retire after the 2018-2019 season, but he hopes the lessons and examples he set for his players will live on for years to come. “I like to think my players are more disciplined after I coach them and they understand the value of teamwork, what we’re trying to accomplish, and how basketball pertains to life,” Tranovich said. Although Tranovich, Master Chief Harris and Commander Singleton have unique perspectives, each one vouches for everyone to learn the lessons and values instilled by the service. These American beliefs are what they affirm will stand the test of time.
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Feature
How To Not Completely Fail Your Midterms Ten tips I’ve learned over the years but likely won’t ever use
1) Don’t procrastinate!
Julia Rodriguez | Staff Reporter
Teachers provide study guides weeks in advance. Work on them all periodically so you won’t be stuck at home with seven half-finished study guides on the day before they are due. You won’t have enough time to finish them to the best of your ability.
2) Take notes.
If your teacher discusses important aspects that may be on the test, write them down on the review or a separate page of notes.
WHICH MIDTERMS ARE STUDENTS MOST STRESSED TO TAKE?
3) Study in groups.
Go to a quiet restaurant or cafe to study with your friends. This will benefit you and your friends as you each have different perspectives. They can teach you in a different way to help you understand the material better.
48%
4) Ask questions.
Your teachers want you to ask any questions, by doing this they can clarify concepts for you. This will also show your teacher how invested you are in your learning.
st ud ent s th at ex pec t math to be th eir harde st exam
Other 2%
Social Studies 17%
5) Get sleep.
The night before the tests, study until you feel your body protesting and telling you to sleep. If you are tired during the test, you are more likely to forget things or misread questions.
6) Eat something.
When you wake up on the day of the test, eat something. Anything is better than nothing, but make sure to avoid too much sugar as it will make you sluggish and your mind won’t be as sharp.
Math 48%
Science 20% English 13%
7) Review, review, review!
Get to school early and go over your notes a couple more times. Repetition will help you remember the information.
8) Don’t stress!
While testing, if there is something you don’t know, skip it and return to it later if you have time. It will not help you if you try to think of the answer and waste half the time you are given.
9) Stay awake!
If you feel yourself falling asleep while taking a test, drink some water. Pinch yourself. Do anything to wake yourself up so you can finish strong.
10) Be well-rounded.
Study all subjects for equal amounts of time. You may feel more confident in one subject area, but you may have forgotten material covered months ago.
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"There are so many equations you have to memorize." -Jackson Milton (9) "Math has always been a difficult subject, plus I'm doubling up, so I have two math midterms." -Dailey Jackson (10) "It is hard to remember all of the different formulas and when to use them." -Madelyn Hollenbeck (9)
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December 2017
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Opinion
Shield
The Shield is a member of FSPA and NSPA. It is published four times a year by journalism students at Bishop Kenny High School 1055 Kingman Ave., Jacksonville, Fla. 32207 phone: (904) 265-9390 fax: (904) 398-5728 The policy of The Shield is to provide a forum for student expression. If you are interested in advertising in The Shield email newspaper@bishopkenny.org for more information. Letters to the editor are encouraged. Please submit them to room 224. Letters must be signed; names can be withheld upon request. Editor-in-Chief Allison Weinbecker Copy & Design Editor James Ragonese Business Manager Maddie Dyro News Editor James Ragonese Feature Editor Allison Weinbecker Opinion Editor Maddie Dyro Arts & Entertainment Editor Allison Weinbecker Sports Editor James Ragonese
Staff Reporters Niah Aleger John Bogush Taylor Brazinsky Olivia Burch Hailey Farah Max Montana Franchesca Peralta Julia Rodriguez Keith Stokes Emily Willis Megan Yates Adviser Jessica Durbin Follow The Shield on Twitter and Online: @bkhs_newspaper www.bktoday.org
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The Weather Outside is Frightful Depression spikes during the holidays, but not for the reasons you think
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Maddie Dyro | Business Manager
oliday carols playing over the Many people think that suicide radio. Hot cocoa by the crack- and depression rates rise dramatically ling fire and a movie on TV. Ev- during the holidays, but that is untrue. In erybody gathered closely on the couch fact, suicide rates actually drop during the as the snow falls gently outside. This is winter months and rise during the spring what many would describe as the per- and summer, according to the Center for fect Christmas night, or holiday celebra- Disease Control and Prevention. Howtion. But all that togetherness and family ever, certain individuals can be affected time may actually be damaging for your with seasonal affective disorder, which health. could lead to a rise Think about “So, while your relatives might in their symptoms your least favorite be annoying and the Christ- during the winter family member. MayIt is importmas carols are stuck on a rip- months. be it’s your uncle who ant to note, however, everyone is ashamed your-own-head-off loop, the that this is due to the to talk about. May- holidays themselves are not dark winter days and be it’s your nagging not the actual holiaffecting your depression.” days themselves. Peomother who keeps asking when you’ll get ple living in northern a boyfriend. Or maybe it’s the sibling who states where the days are dark and short, ran off at 17 to get married to a slightly for instance, may find an increase in their unnerving man who you don’t want to be symptoms between the months of Noalone with. All these people gathered in vember to March. This does not mean, one place is enough to drive anyone crazy, however, that your symptoms are any less especially if they stay in your house. And real or treatable. since your family insists on being the per- Because the holidays fall during fect host, you’ll spend at least two weeks the coldest and darkest months of the scrubbing floorboards and washing win- year, those suffering from depression dows in preparation for their arrival. You should have plenty of vitamin D and sunwill do so much prep that by the time they light because being in a cold, dark place actually get there, you wish they would will only contribute to depression sympjust leave already. You’re exhausted, an- toms and make it hard for them to enjoy gry, and there are so many people around this time of year. you that you can’t think straight. So, while your relatives might be This is when depression strikes. annoying and the Christmas carols are Depression is classified as a persistent de- stuck on a rip-your-own-head-off loop, pressed mood which impacts one’s daily the holidays themselves are not affecting life. Depression can strike fast and lead to your depression. Go outside, find some devastating consequences in both your sunlight and do whatever it takes to make life and your family’s. While the diag- yourself feel better. nosis of depression can take years, many Never forget that if you feel depeople suffer in silence before their voices pressed, have suicidal thoughts or tencan be heard. dencies, or lose interest in activities that “I was diagnosed with depres- used to interest you, don’t hesitate to ask sion two years ago, but I believe I have for help. Call the National Suicide Prevensuffered from it since 1979,” one anony- tion Lifeline or visit Campus Ministry or mous source said. (For privacy reasons, your guidance counselor. All these people the source has requested to remain un- are trained in how to most effectively help named.) “I believe my depression gets you and support you through a tough worse around the holidays, but I am not time. Just because this disease is invisible, sure why. For many years, I didn’t even that doesn’t mean it’s any less real or dancelebrate the holidays.” gerous.
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Opinion
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December 2017
Opinion
Q “I have 3 brothers, and they can be so annoying! Do you have any ways
to deal with annoying siblings?”
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- Salty Sophomore
Q “With a senior brother, who is one of the most popular people in school, how do I become as popular as him?” - Shunned Sibling
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NEW BO S 0Nll THE BL CK Bishop Kenny Robotics Club starts anew Olivia Burch | Staff Reporter
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he Robotics Club, a rookie team this year named the Crusaders, placed third in its first qualification match of the season. The club prepared for months and built two new robots for the competition. One robot was built at the end of the 2016-2017 school year by a team of six people who worked to finish it before summer so they would be prepared for this school year. At the time, the robot was able to make basic maneuvers and the students frequently navigated it down the halls of school. The robotics makerspace was still under construction, so the Robotics Club was relocated to club sponsor Scott Givonetti’s classroom. Over the summer, the makerspace was designed for remodeling specifically for the club by Givonetti with expertise from John Homa. Room 128 contains just enough basic necessities to be called a classroom: projectors, desks, white boards, and shelves for the materials. But, this new room has “Bishop Kenny High School” emblazoned on the wall, along with three white boards and a pegboard to store all of the tools along with a large work bench, grinder and vice for fabrication. The robotics team meets in the makerspace on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Robotics, by the way, is the only club on campus to have its very own room. This school year, the Robotics Club acquired new members, growing from 5 members to twenty. They improved the previous robot’s design and prepared for the new season to begin. This is the first year that the robotics team competed in the First Robotics First Tech Challenge competition, instead of Botball, which the team competed in during previous years. Despite winning multiple awards in the Botball competitions, the team decided to switch to First Robotics competition for increased competition and a much more complex robot.
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With the new competition imminent, the club began to build their second robot, which is able to do more than the previous model. The club planned to program it to move on its own, easily drive onto and off a balancing pad, and lift up and set down blocks. All of these accomplishments are necessary to place in the new competition. Each competition consists of 18 different matches, with two teams against another two teams. The two teams would randomly be paired together for winning points for themselves and their partner team. In each match, the robot and drivers were tested to see if they could perform different tasks as one unit. The judges then awarded each team points accordingly. Each team could also be rewarded for positive attitude since the competition supports teams helping other teams. During the competition, held right here at Bishop Kenny in the Harris Center, the Crusaders participated in five of the 18 matches, and won four out of the five matches in which they participated, losing only their match against the top two schools of the first qualification match. The team hopes that in the future they will be able to build more robots, each time improving their skills. They also are working to change the way most people view robots, especially in competitions. “When people think of robotics, they usually think of ‘Terminator’ and ‘Wall-E,’” Givonetti said. “They never really realize all the science that goes behind building and designing a robot, particularly the design element.” With dreams of the state level competition at the Prime Osborne Center, the Crusaders take their bot on the road to Gateway College in Lake City and then Bolles Bartram Campus in December.
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December 2017
nArts and Entertainment
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Things just got a whole lot weirder in Hawkins
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Keith Stokes | Staff Reporter
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Sheriff Hopper has been hiding Eleven at his cabin in the woods, but she rebels and runs away to search for and reunite with her mother, discover the truth about how she ended up in the lab, and even track down a ‘sister,’ who, like Eleven, has special powers and was raised in the lab. We also see the break-up of Steve and Nancy, and the development of a romantic relationship between she and Jonathan Byers. Another love triangle develops between Max and Lucas, while Dustin is crushing on her hard. In the end, Eleven and the characters reunite at the middle school dance, giving us the sense that everything will be all right in the end, but will it? Although season one was amazing, season two introduces new friends and foes, allowing for more adventure, drama and action.
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her older step-brother Billy is busy trying to take the crown away from the understood king of Hawkins High School, Steve Harrington. Along with these new faces, ‘80s child star Sean Astin plays Bob Newby, a new boyfriend of Joyce Byers and the unlikely hero of season two. Adding new characters to a TV series can be challenging because fans of the show could reject the new characters, or the characters may not have chemistry amongst themselves, but this new class of “Stranger Things” characters definitely added more substance to the story, allowing the viewer to get more from the show. The Duffer brothers obviously put their blood, sweat and tears into making sure that their fans would love this season as much or more than they did the first. Season two allows viewers to see how much the characters have matured as they navigate through various conflicts.
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rab your proton packs and your flux compactor, because we are taking a trip back to the 80s with the latest installment of the Duffer brothers’ Netflix series, “Stranger Things.” Season two kicks off with a nostalgic blast from the ‘80s past as the kids from Hawkins prepare for their chance to score big on Halloween night, but they are still recovering from their fight with an alien species called the Demogorgons, and their struggle to free Will Byers from the parallel universe called the Upside Down. Throwback images like the kids’ “Ghostbusters” costumes, and the use of the original camcorders sustained the show’s nostalgic vibe. And it’s at an arcade that we meet new characters Max and Billy, who seem to stir up trouble between the characters almost immediately. Max wants to befriend Mike, Will, Lucas and Dustin, while
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Arts and Entertainment
Ja Ga
es’ es
A long-lasting saga continues with “Star Wars: Battlefront 2”
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n November 2015, “Star Wars Battlefront” was released to the public in a continuation of a series from 10 years in the past. The new game featured modes that placed players in classic battles between the rebellion and the empire. The game was received well by the public for its arcade-style online multiplayer, but it was obvious that the game needed something more. Something more is here, and in a big way. “Star Wars Battlefront 2,” released Nov. 17, outshines its predecessor by bringing three times more content than the Battlefront released two years ago. The new game features maps and characters from all three of the “Star Wars” trilogies, including characters from the newest movies. While the game is a step up from the previous Battlefront, there is a large concern about a major aspect of the game.
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James Ragonese | Copy & Design Editor Before its launch, Electronic Arts (EA) made a mistake by announcing that special heroes, such as villain Darth Vader, would be set at a ridiculously high ingame price. Players could either spend countless hours grinding for in-game credits, or pay real money for in-game currency called crystals. With all the upgrades and unlocks available, one player would have to spend thousands of dollars to unlock everything unless he (or she) wanted to devote all of his time to the game. This “play to win” style of game has been seen in countless other games, and set off red flags in the gaming community before the game was even released Fortunately for players, EA later announced that, after receiving major backlash, it would suspend the in-game purchases completely for an undisclosed amount of time, with a plan to implement it back into the game at a later date. EA
saved themselves from a major sale collapse at launch, but the reinstallation of crystals could turn players away from the game down the road. EA has created a short term solution to a long, greed-fueled problem. “Star Wars: Battlefront 2” has a large shadow looming over what is otherwise a very entertaining and well-produced game. A wide character base, large maps with extreme attention to detail, and a vast array of weaponry available to players of all levels make this game a onesize-fits-all game, regardless of skill level. EA will have a massive decision to make on whether to reintroduce the in-game purchases or not. Hopefully, EA will make a choice that benefits the Battlefront community as a whole, and not the pockets of EA executives.
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Arts and Entertainment
Turtles All the Way Up the Charts Bestselling author explores mental illness in new novel
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her. Aza’s anxiety is downright scary, and Green’s writing captures her fears so vividly that you are scared to be inside of her head. “I wanted to give people a look at living with a mind that doesn’t feel like it’s entirely yours,” Green said at the launch event for “Turtles All The Way Down.” Character development is a writing device that Green has mastered after writing four bestselling novels. Sophomores preview a copy of “Turtles All The Aza’s anxiety is somewhat thrown Way Down” after school. at you in the beginning, and it is that Daisy has thoughts and feelings too, shocking to say the least. Shock is likely and that she is not just the wacky sidekick what Green intended when writing Aza’s who is there to cheer up the protagonist. character. Only the third page reveals The ending of this novel is one that Aza’s fear of microbial diseases, specifi- leaves the reader somewhat confused. Are cally Clostridium difficile, a bacterium that they still together? Does she still have the infects humans, leading to painful swell- money? What happened to Harold? John ing of the colon. The fact that some people Green has conquered the art of suspense actually live with these phobias is heart- yet again. The vivid words he uses capbreaking. Daisy, Aza’s best friend since tivates readers, leaving us wanting more. elementary school, is the most well-devel- The narrative teaches some people about oped character in the book. For the first the struggles of mental illness, while othpart of the book, she has a job at Chuck E. ers relate and realize that they are not the Cheese’s. Quirky, right? We later learn that only ones suffering. You do not have to enshe has this job because she needs to sup- dure the torment Aza undergoes to idenport her family. While the book is centered tify with it. You just have to be human. around Aza’s anxiety, we are reminded Photo by Emily Willis
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here is a mutual consensus among readers familiar with John Green novels: every single chapter will leave you crumpled on the floor in a puddle of tears and ice cream. Unsurprisingly, this was my response to the bestselling author’s first book release in six years. “Turtles All The Way Down” follows Aza Holmes, a 16-year-old anxiety-ridden wannabe detective. Alongside her longtime best friend Daisy Ramirez, she attempts to track down a billionaire to win the $100,000 reward. Upon sneaking onto the missing person’s property, she is caught by Davis Pickett, the billionaire’s son. This ignites an old flame, as the two once attended “Sad Camp” (a.k.a. Camp Spero, a camp that helps children deal with losing a parent) together as kids. Although the storyline seems to be a mixture of the same ingredients we see in so many young adult novels (insecure girl, funny best friend, kind boy, deceased parents), Green takes readers on a journey with many arcs and twists. The author leaves readers uneasy and in suspense throughout the book, up until the very last line. Aza and Daisy’s friendship is rocky, at best, and we are never really quite certain what is going on in their heads. The missing person’s case that brought Aza and Davis together is often pursued as an afterthought. Most of the book is centered around one underlying theme: living life with a mental illness. “This is my first attempt to write directly about the kind of mental illness that has affected my life since childhood, so while the story is fictional, it is also quite personal,” Green said in a press release. The opening sentence of the novel begins, “The first time I realized I might be fictional…” By breaking the “fourth wall,” the metaphysical space that separates the reader from the character, Green gives us an insight into the main character’s anxiety. The protagonist, Aza, suffers from severe anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or OCD. She has compulsive tendencies, such as splitting open a callus on her finger and cleansing it with hand sanitizer out of fear that bacteria and diseases will kill
Emily Willis | Staff Reporter
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December 2017
Arts and Entertainment
What Do You Recommend The Shield staff member visits restaurants around Jacksonville for breakfast and asks its employees “What do you recommend?” Franchesca Peralta | Staff Reporter
Metro Diner // Yo Hala on the Square 3302 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, Fla. 32207 After its feature on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives,” with celebrity chef Guy Fieri, Metro Diner became a local phenomenon. From Chicken and Waffles to a Breakfast Burger, Metro Diner is the right choice for anyone looking for comfort food that will leave you happy and needing to loosen your belt by a couple notches. Yo Hala on the Square is challah bread with banana and cream cheese filling, topped with a blueberry and strawberry compote. This meal was a on the sweeter side, and I felt a bit like I was eating a piece of cake for breakfast. The traditional diner vibe and welcoming staff makes Metro Diner a must stop for out-of-towners, having them enter as a visitor and leave feeling like a local.
Cracker Barrel // Momma's French Toast 438 Commerce Center Dr., Jacksonville, Fla. 32225 Cracker Barrel is the perfect place if you are looking for a satisfying, homecooked meal. Known for its adjoining shop, this restaurant is rarely quiet. The staff is dedicated to welcoming, seating, and taking your order, all while treating each and every guest like family. The dish that the staff recommended here was Momma’s French Toast and the name surely delivered. Every single bite of the French Toast topped with syrup was just like being at your grandma’s house; nostalgic, to say the least. This home-away-from-home is a stop where anyone can get a warm, comforting meal. One holiday perk is that you can pick up lastminute Christmas gifts at Cracker Barrel, and even have them wrapped for free.
Southern Roots Filling Station // Tofu Scramble 1275 King St., Jacksonville, Fla. 32204 Southern Roots Filling Station is a small local restaurant and shop located in Five Points. If you are looking for a breakfast option that is healthy, quick, and reasonably priced, Southern Roots is your stop. Whether you want a healthier spin on cereal or a filling bagel stuffed with yummy vegetables, there is a choice for everyone. The Tofu Scramble was the most healthy option out of the three restaurants. This was definitely a filling meal, with scrambled eggs with various vegetables served with two pieces of buttered bread on the side. The minimalistic vibe and chill music add to the list of why Southern Roots Filling Station is a perfect stop to spend a weekend morning (or even afternoon, why not?).
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Boys soccer chases state championship
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increased effort in practice will lead to more victories on game day. Although the outcome of a game is decided in 90 minutes, the Crusaders begin working long before the starting whistle. Case begins preparations for a match many days in advance by running the team through specific drills. These drills focus on certain aspects of the game that the team may Kenny soccer player scans field for an open teammate to be lagging in, such as pass the ball to. passing or dribbling the them to succeed in the classroom as well. ball. He puts emphasis on the importance of According to Case, passing drills maintaining high grades and being sucare important because they help the team cessful in school. to move the ball faster and develop each “School should come first, then player’s first touch on the ball. soccer,” Case said, as he grilled his play “We will work on first touch drills ers on the tactics for the upcoming season. everyday because it is something that ev- Case, also a teacher at Bishop ery player needs to improve upon,” Case Kenny, left a few words of advice pertainsaid. “If we were all perfect at this skill we ing not only to soccer, but to life in genwouldn’t have to work on it, but because eral: “Don’t sweat over the small stuff. we aren’t, it is going to be a daily part of Be prepared to change your mindset if our practice and warm up routines.” your original plan falls through, because Case not only wants his athletes the plan you have now may develop into to excel on the soccer pitch, he wants something else, and that’s okay.” Photo by Allison Weinbecker
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John Bogush | Staff Reporter t is December, and BK is midway through its soccer season. The team, lead by coach Matt Case, is attempting to surpass its previous season’s record of 12-10-2 and win a state championship. In the past three seasons, the team has won three district championships, two regional championships, and has reached the state final four twice. Senior Camilo Ramirez has played varsity soccer for four years and is a starting forward for the team this year. According to his teammates, Ramirez’s hard work and dedication have attributed to his strong skill level and starting position on the varsity team. During a game, Camilo’s job is to receive the ball and create a play that could allow his team to score. Ramirez also shoots the ball whenever the opportunity presents itself. Last year, Camilo scored 12 times. Leading the team is head coach Matt Case, who has been coaching at Bishop Kenny for a total of eight years and has been involved in both the JV and the varsity programs. He is in the middle of his first season as head coach, and strongly believes that performance during games has a direct correlation with the effort shown during practice. Because of this, Case urges his players to focus and remain dedicated during every second that they are on the field. The team agrees that
December 2017
Sports
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Jacksonville Icemen take to the ice opening their season
Image courtesy of dreamstime.com
James Ragonese | Copy & Design Editor
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s the great Cooper Huskey once said, “It’s hockey season!� This means the start of a new era for Jacksonville hockey in the Icemen. The team hit the ice for the first regular season match Oct. 14, and skated in front of a sold-out crowd. Sports fans and Jacksonville residents may question if the professional hockey experience could really excite the common Floridian fan base. Is hockey really entertaining enough to lure fans in the River City? The gameday atmosphere of a Jacksonville Icemen game is unlike anything seen in the past. As soon as the gates open, fans pour into the arena, hoping to catch pregame action and warmups. The aroma of sports food staples such as burgers, French fries, and funnel cake fills the venue. Fans make their way through crowded corridors as they walk to their seats, where they are greeted
The Shield
with the sight of smooth, untouched ice painted with an array of advertisements and team logos. There is not a bad seat in the house, as all angles provide a perfect view of the action. As the players skate onto the ice, an emphatically loud train horn blares into the arena, and pucks start flying in the air like a rubber hailstorm. The music gets louder, the starting lineups are announced, and everyone knows it is time to start the action. The puck drops to start the period, and the sounds of sticks clashing together on the ice echos throughout the arena. Players crashing into the boards, as well as each other, can be heard vividly as the skaters move with the puck. A quick shot is taken that misses the net and hits the glass, startling fans in the first few rows. Suddenly, an Icemen skater winds up for an explosive shot, and puts the puck in the back of the net. The crowd erupts into a cheer, and the train horn sounds again. Players celebrate on the ice as fans cheer in the stands. After play restarts, the announcer declares to the fans which players scored and assisted the goal, as they cheer once more. After the first 20 minutes of play, fans make their way through the concourses to use the bathroom or find a bite to eat. While the players regroup in the locker room during intermission, the on-ice entertainment
does n o t stop. Fans playing bubble hockey keep fans in their seats and excited for the 15-minute break. After the intermission concludes, players rush back onto the ice, while fans pour back into their seats. The mission of the Icemen is to entertain the common sports fan, and they have not fallen short in doing so. A Sunday trip to watch a Jaguars game may cost fans over 100 dollars per person, considering the cost of parking, food, and merchandise. Fans can park, watch, and eat at an Icemen game for under 50 dollars. This affordability is a major plus for the experience, and encourages fans to come back and see another game. The Jacksonville Icemen will continue to play in the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena for the season, and fans of all ages and levels of hockey knowledge can enjoy an exciting night at the rink.
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Sports
Managing the Madness JV boys basketball manager Carlton McGriff reflects on his 2016-2017 tenure Max Montana | Staff Reporter
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Photo by Max Montana
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he crowd bursts into a fit of applause as they begin to taste the sweet taste of victory in the waning minutes of another 2016-2017 Kenny JV boys basketball game. A time-out is called by the opposing team in order to stop the bleeding. Coming back to the bench, the mammoth players smile brightly with inevitable triumph on their minds. Although he was not visible from the stands, Carlton McGriff, manager of the team, grinned wide and stood amongst the other players in the huddle. McGriff may not have been the center of attention during the critical moments of games, but his coaches and teammates would appreciate his character and consistency throughout the course of the season. The role of team manager, new to the JV boys basketball program last year, was filled by McGriff, a freshman who felt he had a lot to offer the team. A manager is responsible for making sure the daily activities of the team in practice and during games run smoothly. McGriff fulfills this by helping set up drills, running the clock and distributing water during practice along with giving advice during games. “I was recommended to [become the manager] by Coach Tranovich as he pulled me over after tryouts and talked to me about becoming the manager,” McGriff said. Jeff Tranovich, head coach of the JV basketball team, only met and got to know McGriff during that week of tryouts, but
still determined that his character was a cut above the rest. “He’s made a very positive impact,” Tranovich said. “He made himself part of the team by fitting in with the guys. He was dedicated and did an outstanding job.” Managing 22 games, McGriff came to know the difficulty of competing in the Kenny basketball program. “Being the manager showed me how aggressive and dedicated you had to be [as a player],” McGriff said. “You couldn’t take it as a joke and you had to be very talented, because the coaches really wanted to win.” As intense as they were on the court, McGriff describes other members of the team as friendly and accepting of him off the court. “Carlton’s a great guy,” former JV player JP Lynch said. “He’s pretty funny to be around, encourages us and laughs at all of our jokes.” Lynch describes McGriff’s attitude off the court as one that translates well to the games. “He’s always the first one off the bench during timeouts to get us water and to cheer us on,” Lynch said. McGriff claims his positive attitude comes from the teams’ dependence on him. “Everybody has a role,” Tranovich said. “And the manager is a very important role to the success of a team.” Although naysayers may dismiss the idea of becoming the manager, McGriff considered and accepted the gig. “People might think that it is a waste of their time,” McGriff said. “But ultimately they’re benefiting their own team.” Mulling the opportunity to reach the next level and become manager of the boys varsity basketball team, McGriff acknowledges that he would jump at the chance. This loyalty to the manager position has led to thoughts of the possibility
of continuing the practice of having managers in the boys basketball program at the JV level. “I think the possibility exists,” Tranovich said. “The kids enjoyed him so much that the tradition may begin since we have not had a manager at the JV level before [McGriff].” Although McGriff was the first manager in JV boys basketball history, the boys varsity basketball team had two managers last season: alums Rylan Elstein and Patrick Madden who paved the way for McGriff at the varsity level, setting their examples of hard work and dedication, along with showmanship on display on Elstein’s Hudl.com profile. Even though Elstein and Madden helped prepare McGriff for life on the varsity level when he becomes an upperclassman, his experience on the JV team is what he believes stands to serve him the best as manager in the future and as a lifelong fan of basketball.
December 2017