The BluePrint - Volume 16, Issue 3

the

blueprint Hagerty High School

Vol. 16, Issue 3

Dec. 17, 2020

Oviedo, Florida

NUN THE LESS

On opening night, junior Ariah Todriff and senior Arianna Lynn perform in the winter musical “Nunsense.” With a masked cast of six and a limited crew, it was drama’s first production in a year. photo by Shannon Hahn

Mega FOR OVIEDO MAYOR

Winter week

Caffeine Craze

Soccer Stars

To energize the student body and celebrate the holidays, leadership organized a winter-themed celebration. Freshman Carson Turner played in the annual Snowball Fight.

Students find meaning in a simple cup of coffee by enjoying it with friends and using it to stay focused on schoolwork. Junior Charrisa Thompson has many memories with the drink.

The girls soccer team is having their best regular season start since 2013.

Their next game is scheaduled at Deland on Thursday, Dec. 17. Pictured Senior Emma Canty.

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News

Winter Week welcomes the holiday spirit Bethany Barker

A

Staff Reporter

s the Florida cold swept in with temperatures under 60 degrees, students began to shift from shorts to pants, and Hagerty students and staff celebrated the coming of winter and the holiday season with the annual Winter Week. Taking place from Dec. 7 through Dec. 11, leadership planned a week of spirit days and winterthemed events to reign in holiday cheer.

Following tradition, Winter Week featured five dress-up days: Ugly Sweaters on Monday, Snooze Day Tuesday, Frasca’s Frost on Wednesday, Hawaiian Holiday on Thursday, and Cheers to the New Years on Friday. Students came to school in a variety of winter wear, with many students having miniphotoshoots in front of the dress-up day signs.

While dress-up days took place during school, after-hours were the annual events like Flick on the 50 and the dodgeball tournament were held in the evening. The Flick on the 50 had students bringing chairs, blankets and friends on Monday to set up in the Sam Momary football field to watch an outdoor showing of “Home Alone.”

Leadership held a poll the week prior on eCampus to choose a movie everyone would enjoy Students were allowed to buy snacks at the concession stand and sat, socially distanced, to enjoy the film.

For the dodgeball tournament on Wednesday, teams of students were encouraged to form teams and join the game over the announcements and Instagram. Senior Aaron Ball was excited over the Instagram post, feeling that dodgeball was “right up his alley.” Ball led the winning team and defeated the faculty team after a competitive match.

“I enjoyed how you saw a variety of different people around the school come and

IN THE SPIRIT (1) Freshman Carson Turner takes aim at the opposing side at the dodgeball tournament on Wednesday. (2) Sophomore Emma Barona shows off her Christmas tree jacket on Ugly Sweater Day on Monday. (3) Students enjoy watching “Home Alone” on the football field to start off Winter Week. photos by Sarah Hinnant, Shannon Hahn and Bethany Barker

participate,” Ball said. “I also enjoyed the people who decided to come and watch.”

Behind the scenes, leadership put immense effort, with a limited crew, into planning, setting-up, and participating in the Winter Week events. Between planning the time, what movie to play, posting tickets on GoFan, and communicating with outside sources to purchase the screen, the leadership team had to consider a variety of factors.

“I think having a student perspective kind of allowed us to envision the participation throughout the week,” senior Gina Dillulo said.

The main concern for the team was

wondering if enough students would participate, but after the events planning was done, the team was confident their work would pay off. Both events reached the team’s goal in terms of show-up, with over 100 participants.

“I felt that these events would have a large turnout, and they did, and I’m satisfied with it,” freshman Owen Anirault said.

With heavier concern placed on health and safety, the team had an added layer of difficulty planning. Spectators had to wear masks, while players did not if they were active. This difficulty was overcome very quickly, and the team has a positive perspective on the changes

from last year to this year.

“The dodgeball event also had much more student involvement compared to last year,” Dilullo said. “I also think we were able to get more ticket sales by selling through GoFan.” Though the year has been anything but normal, and the holidays will follow suit.

However, students are continuing to return to a school environment where students can be involved and have fun, despite the struggles and hardships they have been through. Winter Week is another example of how students are doing more with less and having a positive outlook on the future of this year.

358 Connect students to return in January

MASKED UP IN CLASS Sophomores Dylan Grossenbaugh and Victor Jimenez discuss an assignment. Masks are required. photo by Andrea Izaguirre

Skyler Glenn

A

Assistant News Editor

fter a semester defined by desk partitions, face masks and laggy video conferences, 358 students have decided to return to in-person learning for

the third quarter. The semester proved to be difficult for students and staff, whether it was in a Webex call or a socially distant classroom.

In a county-wide survey, all virtual and hybrid students were required to pick their education method for the third quarter – Seminole Connect, Seminole County Virtual School (SCVS) “Save my Seat,” or face-to-face learning – by Nov. 9. Surveys were collected early to allow for time to rebuild student and master schedules.

“I chose to go back because I feel like I’m not learning as much as I would if I was at school,” freshman Beck Livesay said. “Distractions at home make school more difficult than it would be normally.”

Seminole Connect and SCVS “Save my Seat” were offered only at the beginning of the year, with SCVS requiring semester-long enrollment. SCVS “Save my Seat” allowed students to still be registered at their zoned school, despite not attending classes there.

Now, 21% of all virtual students are returning to brick-and-mortar classrooms, doubling the number of those that returned in the second

quarter.

“I’m very excited to see new faces at the beginning of the second semester,” science teacher Tawni Small said. “I feel like with the craziness of this school year, I’ve struggled to get to know students in my classroom and online.”

Returning students calls for adjustment to schedules, student-to-teacher ratios and staff.

Although stress is anticipated, administration feels that everything will be back on track within weeks of the second semester.

The second semester will absolutely feel like the first day of school,” English teacher Suzanne Sink said. “We know that there are going to be a lot of big changes and adjustments.”

Many modifications are on the horizon, but teachers feel that one thing should remain constant: course material. Throughout the first semester, all assignments were Canvas-based, and Small feels that should not be changed.

“My class is going to remain Canvas-based throughout the year,” Small said. “This is to create a sense of community in my course.

Students have spent the semester getting used to the course layout and information, so I may as well continue to use those tools.”

However, a large cause for concern is the rising number of coronavirus cases. According to The New York Times, contraction of the virus has increased by 41% and deaths have increased by 32% over the past two weeks in Florida.

“I’m concerned for my safety since the third quarter starts right after the holiday season when people travel,” sophomore Soli Flores said, who is returning from virtual schooling.

“Cases are continuously rising. It’s scary.”

Even so, administration is confident in their ability to keep everyone safe, as they feel they were successful in keeping students healthy throughout the first semester. Principal Robert Frasca is optimistic about what is to come on Jan. 4.

“I don’t anticipate any major changes in our safety plans,” Frasca said. “In the first semester, I didn’t know what to expect, but our students and staff did a great job of making this difficult situation into something really positive.”

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news

A ‘spectacular’ show

UPCOMING EVENTS JAN 4

THE SHOW MUST GO ON The dance program hosted its winter show on Dec. 11, with all Dance Tech classes I-IV participating, and varsity and JV performing their competition routines.

Performers included sophomore Rita Smith (left) freshman Haylee Citty (top) and sophomore Olivia Iacono (bottom). photos by Matthew Dearolph

Matthew Dearolph

H

Staff Reporter

er legs flowed gracefully as sophomore Olivia Iacono danced to the song “War.” Following weeks of training Iacono performed her solo for the first time in front of a live crowd at the dance program’s winter showcase.

“It was nice to finally perform my dance in front of an audience,” Iacono said. “It helps to see what I need to practice on and if there is any part of the dance that I need to cut because it’s too taxing.”

On Dec. 11, dance technical classes and both varsity and JV Unleashed dance teams showed off their dance routines to friends and family in the 2020 Winter Spectacular. To start the show, both varsity and JV dance teams opened up with “A Hand for Mrs. Claus.”

“It was great to perform with JV,” said sophomore Lola Navarro. “We haven’t been able to get together this year and it was a nice bonding experience.”

Due to COVID-19, JV and varsity were forced to learn the opening dance separately.

Director Diane Hasenbank choreographed the dance in a different fashion to have small groups and only have JV and varsity come together at the beginning and end so they would only need to practice fluid transitions together. Both teams came together last Tuesday to rehearse as a group for the first time.

“I like to always have JV and varsity to come together for at least one dance. It’s important for the younger and less experienced dancers to observe the older dancers to watch and see what it takes to dance on a higher level,” Hasenbank said.

After the opening Hasenbank organized the rest of the show so that no styles of dancers had back to back performances so as not to get tired out, along with sprinkling in a Christmas song here and there for the holiday season. However, no plan is perfect, and senior Madison Donaldson was tired after dancing five times that night.

“It is very exhausting on both the mind and body doing so many dances – I never had to go back to back thankfully, but I did have to do a quick change and had to be zipped up as I walked onto stage,” Donaldson said.

Dance Tech classes I through IV used the performance as their semester exam, while Seminole Connect students sent in videos

of themselves dancing. Hasenbank created a video collage of her Connect students and played it during intermission.

Further changes to the winter dance concert included a smaller dance rehearsal the day of the dance concert.

“It was a bit of an adjustment to not have that extra day of preparation especially with the changes to dressing rooms but we were able to run through everything and practice the dances one last time,” senior Skyler Diserafino said.

The event also showed off the JV and varsity dance team competition routines.

Varsity displayed both their lyrical and jazz dances “Indestructible” and “Rose,” while JV showed their hip-hop and lyrical dances “Fresh Prince” and “I Ran.” “It’s really important for the team to dance in front of an audience like they would at competition to see what we need to work on,” Hasenbank said.

Hasenbank records the dances and then looks at footage concentrating on synchronization, little details like hand placement and fluid transitions. Since both teams competed the next day at Dance Team Union Regionals, the event served as an important warmup.

“It was hard waking up the next morning and going to a competition after performing multiple dances but in the end it helped us to perform the dances the day before,” Navarro said.

The winter dance concert was limited in how many people could attend, but Hasenbank livestreamed the event for those who could not make it.

“The winter show had its challenges this year, but it’s a different part of dance I get to experience and it challenges me,” Hasnebank said. “I get to watch kids I’ve known since elementary school grow up and see them progress as dancers.”

Concert Program

Look through the various songs and dancers in the 2020 Winter Spectacular program.

JAN 9 JAN 11 JAN 26

FIRST DAY OF SECOND SEMESTER

Students return after a two week break on Monday, Jan. 4. After filling out an online survey in November, 357 students are returning to face-to-face classes for the first time this year. Students will receive new schedules with the possibility of big schedule changes.

STEM NIGHT HOSTED ON ZOOM

The non-profit organization, STEM Without Boundaries, is hosting the annual STEM Night on Jan. 9 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. STEM night introduces more students to careers in STEM. Normally, the event is hosted in-person, but this year each organization will present a live 10-20 minute presentation virtually through Zoom.

DUAL ENROLLMENT STILL OPEN

Second semester dual enrollment begins Jan. 11, and there is still ample time to register. SSC offices will be closed Friday, Dec. 18 at noon through Friday, Jan. 1 for winter break and will reopen on Monday, January 4, 2021. Students may check in with their high school counselor for help applying.

PSAT GIVEN TO UNDERCLASSMEN

The yearly PSAT will be held on Tuesday Jan. 26, pushed back from its usual October date. Seniors have the day off, while juniors, sophomores and freshmen spend the day testing. As a majority of students will be testing, regular class will not be held. However, teachers can still provide enrichment assignments for extra learning.

NEWS BRIEFS Over 100 quarantined in one day

After competing at the Clash of the Titans tournament at University High School on Dec. 4, two members of the wrestling team tested positive for COVID-19 on Dec. 10. The wrestling program was shut down for at least two weeks, and contact tracing determined that over 100 students (with some of the number due to other positives on campus) would have to quarantine through semester exams. The Dec. 19 tournament the team was supposed to host was also canceled. The wrestling team will be allowed to meet starting on Dec. 22. (wrestlers Lauren McLeod and Marietta Jordan pictured)

Band holds annual winter show

On Thursday, Dec. 10, the wind ensemble, woodwind, and brass choirs held a performance in the auditorium for their portion of the annual winter show. Instead of a traditional audience, the performances were streamed live through the TV Production YouTube channel.

Students were placed six feet apart from each other, all wearing masks. The performance lasted for an hour and a half and was split into two sections. In the first half, band students played traditional band music while the second half was Christmas music. TV Production will link all four winter band shows on YouTube. (senior Braden Bast pictured)

Chorus hosts winter concert

The chorus department held its annual winter concert on Tuesday, Dec. 8. This year’s concert was held in the courtyard. Although it was a closed event, every student was able to bring two family members to attend with them. The theme was around set up around the holidays, so there were Christmas lights and everyone wore cozy pajamas. They set up a projector outside to display progress videos, and each class sang a song. “I also loved seeing the freshmen and meeting them! We didn’t have [a fall concert] this year, so it was really great seeing kids from other class and getting to know them,” senior Lainey Butler said. (senior Emily Taylor pictured)

opinions

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DRAWN OUT Floridians react to the temperature change

OUR TAKE

Make downtime more meaningful

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o sleep or not to sleep?

Every day, it seems like a new report about the dangers of sleep deprivation is released. Scientists warn you about loss of brain function and heightened stress. Teachers suggest getting a good night’s rest before an important exam. Even your mom teasingly calls you a zombie every morning before you have had your coffee.

Except the research has only proven to make you more upset and going to bed early is virtually impossible with all the homework due the next day. It is a problem. While there are many articles that tell you to take more breaks, they never explain how to find the time. How exactly is one supposed to stay healthy but keep up with daily demands? It is not easy but work on incorporating smaller strategies into your life; these may seem small, but the minutes add up.

First, think about what is worth your effort. Those cheesy self-improvement magazines at your dentist’s office and Marie Kondo were correct: get rid of the toxic in your life.

Put work into what makes you happy.

This does not mean blowing off the pile of worksheets on your desk or quitting your job. Instead, you should stop making half-hearted plans and stop joining extracurriculars just for your college application. Colleges want you to find meaning in the activities you partake in; dragging yourself to every Webex meeting where you sit muted for an hour is a waste of time, and so is going on yet another cheap date.

Making room in your schedule for sleep and rest is important, no matter what time of day it is. Johns Hopkins Medicine in 2020 finds that half-hour naps can stimulate brain activity and improve cognition. Their research taken from 2,000 participants showed that those who took afternoon naps could recall more words and information; their memory was stronger than those who did not sleep at all during their day.

While it is dismissed as something for the lazy or for the elderly, napping is for all ages. For students, sleeping on the bus or in between homework assignments is ideal for getting rest and staying on pace. You can also pre-record your TV shows and invest in meal-prep.

More importantly, work towards an earlier bedtime and a quality night’s rest. Harvard Health in 2020 wrote that eight hours of sleep is best, while a lack of sleep results in increased stress levels and higher predisposition to conditions like obesity and heart disease.

Sleeping for longer than three hours as a high schooler seems like a fantasy. However consider investing in comfortable pajamas and staying off your phone at least an hour before bed.

For students struggling with schoolwork and sports, the struggle is especially real. Essays are time-consuming, and with practices lasting hours into the night, sleep is virtually impossible. Try talking to your teacher or reading your syllabus to plan ahead; if there is a big project coming up, see if you can receive the directions early. Listening to audio books through headphones can also be helpful when you are on the way home in a dark car, or have a break during practice.

Do not to push sleep aside to do work. Jobs, grades and a social life are all important. Yet, your health matters the most, and you should prioritize it above all.

the

blueprint Hagerty High School 3225 Lockwood Blvd.

Oviedo, FL 32765 hagertyjourn@blueprint.com Phone: (407) 871-0750 Fax: (407) 871-0817

by Alexis Madlang

The fashion monopoly: the hardest game to beat Sophia Canabal

“F

Staff Reporter

lash sale” signs and “50% off” banners are plastered on every store window, and for many shoppers, these advertisements are the opportunity of a lifetime. Every day, millions of frenzied clothing fanatics rush to sale counters to claim their bargain. With eager consumers ready to spend, fast fashion companies are more than ready to open their greedy pockets and take advantage of loyal customers, suppressing small creators. Small businesses are constantly falling prey to international companies, who wrongfully redistribute stolen work under their name.

To companies like Fashion Nova, Forever 21 and H&M, ethical production is of the least concern. Many of their products have been publicly recognized as stolen artwork. Their grievances have ranged from Forever 21’s advertisement of Native American headdresses to Old Navy using graffiti artists’ work without permission. Due to the lack of restrictions against plagiarism within the fashion industry, independent businesses are especially vulnerable to others looking to copy their designs.

The Copyright Alliance, an organization that enforces rules in terms of using intellectual property, states that only graphic and textile designs are protected by copyright law. By manipulating the material quality and production method of stolen designs, companies can easily bypass protections.

Gosha Rubchinskiy, a Russian fashion designer and filmmaker, is one among many who fall victim to inadequate copyright protection. The unique, gothic fonts that are commonly printed on H&M clothing were originally created by Rubchinskiy, but its unintended popularity within the fast fashion industry has caused it to become anything but exclusive.The lack of credit given to Rubchinskiy has significantly damaged the prestige of his brand, allowing H&M to unethically capitalize off of his design. Two years after the font was first plagiarized, Rubchinskiy still receives no credit for his creation. The existing loopholes in copyright protection have made it impossible for him to legally fight for his credit.

Many companies revolve their advertising and production methods around making more for less, often sacrificing their

Editor-in-Chief Zoey Young The BluePrint is a student-produced newspaper in Print Editor which the student editors make allLukas content decisions.

Goodwin The newspaper belongs to the Columbia Scholastic Online EditorPress Association, the National Scholastic Press Association Charlotte Mansur and the Florida Scholastic Press Association.

Opinions expressed within the newspaper do not represent the staff’s views as a whole (except for Our Take), the views of Seminole County Public Schools or Hagerty High’s administration and staff.

For information about advertising in the paper, please contact us via e-mail or phone. We reserve the right to reject any advertisement.

products’ quality for quantity. This irresponsible tendency not only plays a part in overproduction and unsustainable practices, but it also encourages such companies to stoop surprisingly low when it comes to ethical advertising. SHEIN, an online business notorious for their low prices and frequent sales, has been publicly called out for their products’ quality and integrity, selling culturally appropriated items such as Muslim prayer mats as “decorative carpets.” In advertising these items, SHEIN is creating a false representation of Muslim culture, undermining its importance and being extremely insensitive to those who practice it. It is outrageously irresponsible for a company with international influence to have such lack of judgement on which items are appropriate to advertise.

However, it is difficult to sacrifice the affordability of clothing sold by large companies when most independent businesses, while usually providing higher quality products, are much more expensive. Because they are on a smaller scale, these businesses have to compete with major corporations to gain customers while still maintaining a signature look. However, upholding the quality of their products is easier when selling to a smaller range of consumers, but this also forces them to raise prices.

Encouraging the purchase of thrifted clothing would act as the first step in ensuring honest production within dishonest corporations. Not only does it provide consumers with an inexpensive source of unique clothing, but it gives avid shoppers an alternative that doesn’t contribute to unsustainable manufacturers. Thrifting has recently become very popular, to the point where even wealthy celebrities use thrift stores to find unique outfits. Likewise, it can sometimes be a way to find more expensive clothes for amazing deals, such as Ralph Lauren polos and vintage Levi jeans.

Although investing in recycled clothing is a good first step to ending the fashion monopoly, the future of small designers rests on the shoulders of consumers. Just as someone should check the credibility of any given source, a consumer should investigate the integrity of companies who bypass scrutiny by using their wealth. Making conscious choices when it comes to shopping is essential to supporting independent clothing stores that are being squashed by companies that lack integrity.

Editor-in-Chief Zoey Young Print Editor Lukas Goodwin

Sports Editor Hayden Turner

Online Editor Charlotte Mansur News Editor Sharika Khondaker

Photo Editor Peyton Sutch

Politics Editor Laura Shaw

Lifestyles Editor Alexis Madlang

Social Media Editor Andrea Izaguirre Adviser Brit Taylor

Opinions Editor Sophie Woodburn

Principal Robert Frasca

Staff Reporters Skyler Glenn Bethany Barker Chanson Cadet Karson Cuozzo Matthew Dearolph Skyler Glenn Gabriella Herrera Julia Sumpter

opinions

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ALGEBRA II:

CHAR-CASM

Booking it out of Facebook

FIND THE SOLUTION Skyler Glenn

Y

Assistant News Editor

ou watch the timer on your virtual quiz. You go to the first question, only to realize you do not understand what it is asking. Trying to find any piece of knowledge to help you answer, you dig through the back of your brain, feeling hopeless.

Twenty-five minutes remain. You are only on question four. Why is this happening?

Attention. Your quiz will be submitted in 10 seconds.

You stare at your computer screen in disarray as it displays your score: 37%. Your grade drops from an “A” to a “C.” This is the distressing and unacceptable reality for many Algebra II students. Between timed quizzes, assignments graded on accuracy and AP Calculus expectations, it is nearly impossible for students to learn effectively – and to pass.

“I realized this class would be hard very quickly,” sophomore Tris Witter-Lowry said, who took Algebra II Honors as a freshman. “I failed multiple tests and quizzes. I had never done that poorly in a class before, and I took it to heart, especially since I was in ninth grade.”

As a mid-level math class with no testing or graduation requirements, this class is more difficult than necessary. Math is generally known to be one of the most strenuous subjects, but the Algebra II department has unreasonable expectations for students.

“This class is fast-paced, rigorous and detail-oriented,” Algebra II Honors teacher Gian Tucciarone said. “We purposely make it challenging because we [the Algebra II department] know where you guys are going.”

After Algebra II, students are urged to go into Precalculus, followed by AP Calculus.

As Algebra II is a prerequisite for both, it is designed to prepare them for the speed and asperity of each course, forcing students to understand advanced Calculus rules. However, according to a poll of 300 students, over 40% opt out of taking Precalculus due to their inability to comprehend the material.

“I believe that every student should be enrolled in Precalculus after Algebra II. A few won’t, but that is most likely due to their perception of their own abilities and word of mouth about the class,” Tucciarone said.

Even so, it is important to note that the class

is Algebra II — not Calculus. Every course is unique and has its own learning standards that allow for the success of students. The material speaks for itself; there is no need to make it any more tedious or put it on a Calculus level.

“It was really difficult to pick up on the concepts in this class, especially because math isn’t my strong point,” Witter-Lowry said.

The hardest aspects of Algebra II are the quizzes and tests, as is true for many classes.

These assessments are administered over specific weekends that correlate with the completion of chapters. Students are given roughly 10 to 20 questions consisting of multiple choice, free response, and fill-in-theblanks. The stinger is the infamous 60-minute time limit that comes with every quiz. Time is taken away from the hour to scan and upload work, which proved to be a problem for many students during the second quiz, including sophomore Braden Bast.

“The timer didn’t intimidate me at first, but as I read through the questions, I knew I wouldn’t do well,” Bast said. “I spent most

they teach and cause students to fall behind.

Sophomore Tyler Welch agrees.

“Mr. [Michael] Pentz is a really great teacher. He explains problems well and he makes sure that everyone is on the same page before he moves on,” Welch said. “I do wish that we could go more in-depth on the notes, though, because they are so much easier than the quizzes. More review would help, too.”

With all taken into consideration, the big question is, how can we fix this? Algebra II students have various ideas, ranging from removing time limits to providing deeper explanations on quiz problems. Complaints have been spoken about this course for years, and yet it remains unchanged. Many students have opted into taking Algebra II via Florida Virtual School for the second semester because of the abiding and demanding curriculum.

“I think that the FLVS environment for Algebra II will be a lot better for me,” Bast said. “It will be much more forgiving and relaxed than the brick-and-mortar class.”

The problem may be complicated, but the solution is simple: fairness. Giving an Algebra II class AP Calculus guidelines is blatantly arbitrary, as is wording questions in odd ways to spin us in the wrong direction or not accepting the quiz work of those with Wi-Fi problems.

The course notes should be the same rigor as the tests and quizzes, with “concept checks” – mini quizzes – given as a mere supplement. Basic lessons are not enough to work students up to the level of difficulty needed for assessments, given the pace of the class. Additionally, the unreasonable quiz and test time limits are a serious blow to the grades and morale of students, and should be abolished. Students should be tested on how well they know the material, not how fast they can do it. Although the time limits may be to help prepare for the AP Calculus exam, that is not a concern for students two years ahead of time. Again, Algebra II is no more than Algebra II and should not be manipulated like an AP class.

Algebra II has potential to be enjoyable for students, as long as it is taught and graded with integrity. Between the stellar teachers and comprehensible material, the problematic nature of the course could easily be reversed.

“This class takes so much more effort than I originally imagined,” Welch said. “But I feel that it will get better with time.”

“I had never done that poorly in a class before, and I took it to heart.”

Barking Mad Barking Mad is a collection of short submissions about things that tick students off around school. If something at school makes you mad, e-mail us at hagertyjourn@gmail.com and it may be featured here.

of my time stressing about the timer and uploading my work instead of completing the problems correctly. It was the worst experience that I’ve had in a math class.”

The struggles of this class only increase when it comes to the circumstances of Seminole Connect. This virtual option in particular has received much backlash over the past months, and the visual and hands-on subject of math has shown to be arduous through a screen.

“I think my Seminole Connect students are at a slight disadvantage just because it’s harder to teach my specific content through a device,” Tucciarone said. “Face-to-face students can walk right up to me, ask questions and get immediate visual feedback.”

The struggles that come with this class cannot be pegged onto the instructors’ ability to teach. All of the Algebra II teachers are praised and appreciated by students, as their methods are straightforward and apprehensible. Their hard work does not go unnoticed. However, the materials they produce are beyond what

“I wish it was easier to get out of the parking lot, it’s really crowded all the time and the pathing is really weird, and I wish that we could paint our parking spots.”

- Natalia Cruz, 12 “The classes are too long, I wish they were shorter.”

- Hannah Sodoh, 9 “I hate how if you have a class in person and you do it online for a day that you still get marked absent, even if you join the Webex.”

- McKenzie Adams, 10

“Longer lunches would be nice.

They’re really short.”

- Jayden Luis, 9 “There’s a lot of rescheduling, being done with the students classes, and the administrators aren’t handling it really well.”

- Brendon Excelen, 10 “It’s always either really hot or really cold in the building. There’s no in-between.”

- Megan Shepp, 9 “Bullying is overlooked by school administrators all the time.”

- Abby Miller, 10

T

Charlotte Mansur

he flashy headline on the newest post from your grandpa reads that the world is doomed and will end in 12 days. The only way to stop it is to subscribe to WeeklyDigest for a small fee of $10 per month. There is a reason that high schoolers are not on Facebook, but that does not mean we should disregard it, especially since our parents are going wild.

Facebook takes fake news to a whole new level. It is not always major media outlets you have to watch out for, it is your relatives and community members. If your former high school sweetheart posts that he saw a bear by his trash can, the whole town is suddenly in a frenzy over what turned out to be the neighbor’s unsuspecting labradoodle. Harmless posts can turn into scandals at the touch of a share button. I cannot count how many times someone has called crying about Betty White’s death, after they saw it posted on Facebook.

The false information does not end at community gossip. Facebook is a cesspool of Buzzfeed crockpot recipes. Most of these do not taste good, and are impossible to recreate as producers use shoe shine and Elmer’s glue to make the food look decent.

Meanwhile we are stuck with a dry pot roast in an onion soup mix.

Now that people can start their own groups and pages, deception has doubled.

There are more Hagerty Parent groups out there then there are bunco leagues.

Those pages are filled with unoriginal narcissism in reposted information from the actual Hagerty Pages. This creates ridiculous arguments between soccer moms and wannabe PTSA presidents alike.

Of course, I follow all these groups just to hear the pissing contests of “ my kid said this,” or “ my neighbor who is friends with Mrs. Bryce said that.”

People will attack each other on these groups based off of something minuscule If you use the left lane to drop off instead of the right, you can be sure someone will be complaining about it on Facebook by lunch. In the comment section, 30 other parents will tag school board members to address your behavior.

A lot of moms feel the need to monitor their children’s social media to make sure the posts they create and interact with are appropriate, and I think at this point we need to return the favor. Do not turn a blind eye to your parents’ Facebook habits; they could be sharing a Betty White conspiracy theory as we speak.

“We don’t have enough school spirit, our football team won (a) playoff game, and it wasn’t really celebrated.”

- Jace Horn, 11 “Teachers are super lenient with masks, and people will either not cover their noses or just take it off when talking and no one tells them anything.”

- Gwen Shaw, 10 “The teachers hold the face-toface kids at a higher standard than the Seminole Connect kids,” - Sarah Hinnant, 10

“My teachers marked me absent for three weeks straight. I was there.”

- Lauren Verstrate, 9 “There are a lot of COVID cases, but school is still open. It’s unsafe.”

- Tianna West, 10 “Some teachers don’t wear their mask at their desk.”

- Emily Taylor, 12 “It’s so hard to find any information. The announcements are vague and the website has basically nothing.”

- Natasha Nilsen, 12

Small Talk

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Gabriella Herrera “I made most of the friends I have today because they started THE THING WHAT CLASSES ARE YOU TAKING? DO YOU HAVE ANY PLANS AFTER Staff HIGHReporter SCHOOL? WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ANIMAL? D talking about something weirdly specific that I could add onto ABOUT: through my own personal experience, and so the conversation wo new partners sit next to each other in Physics. Having didn’t feel awkwardWHAT or come toIS an YOUR abrupt end,” Keast said. “An neverYOU spokenHAVE before, ANY they sitPLANS in uncomfortable silence TODAY? WHAT CLASSES ARE YOU TAKING? DO AFTER HIGH SCHOOL? FAVORITE AN SMALL example is shared childhood experiences… because that can before one of them decides to break it. branch off anywhere after that.” “... Nice weather we’re having.”

WEATHER TODAY? TAKING? DO YOU HAVE ANY PLANS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL? WHAT IS YOUR FA TALK WHAT CLASSES ARE YOU Though being introverted is certainly a big obstacle, mental The dreaded small talk. For some, small talk is as easy as health is an even greater one that can be incredibly difficult to breathing, but for others, it is a genuine challenge.

HOWS THE WEATHER TODAY? WHAT CLASSES YOU however, TAKING? DOseemYOUto have HAVE PLANS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL? WHAT overcome.

With small talk, anxiety can make it significantly harder Junior ARE Kayla Collins, does not any ANY to approach someone or maintain a conversation. problems. As a theater student, Collins is confident she has Junior Emily ANY Cobb does not always struggleHIGH to carrySCH a mastered bold conversation and confidence whileTAKING? surrounded by DO a EO GAMES? HOWS THEASK WEATHER WHAT CLASSES ARE YOU YOU HAVE PLANS AFTER EASY TODAY? conversation, but she does have a hard time beginning them. Cobb large cast and crew, which has taught her to communicate without experiences anxiety, which she continues to address in order to being awkward.

QUESTIONS PLAY VIDEO GAMES? HOWS THE WEATHER TODAY? ARECollins YOUsaid.TAKING? DO YOU HAVE PLANS AFTER help her overcome her fear of socialANY interaction.

“You can take WHAT the time CLASSES to know people,” “Once I get myself over blocks, I do just fine, so I guess the key “Sometimes it’s more beneficial to know who you’re talking to at is to not TAKING? have those blocks go intoHAVE intimidating situations like a little.”

DO YOU PLAY VIDEO GAMES? HOWS THEleast WEATHER TODAY? WHAT CLASSES ARE YOU DOandYOU ANY PLANS there’s nothing intimidating going on,” Cobb said.

Compared to Collins, freshman Elise Nash considers herself During her freshman year, Cobb’s anxiety would ruin her slightly more introverted. She admits she is not very good at making ANIMAL? DO YOU PLAY VIDEO GAMES? HOWS WEATHER CLASSES AREmakeYOU DO YOU pacing, and her soTAKING? nervous she would start to HAVE giggle orA small talkTHE with people she does not TODAY? know but uses WHAT it anyway as a ramble on during class presentations. method of making new friends.

FIND COMMON “Mrs. CLASSES Love asked me what favoriteTAKING? month was, andDO I saidYO “Opening upHOWS a conversation any open-ended questions WHAT FAVORITE ANIMAL? DO YOU PLAY VIDEO orGAMES? THEwithWEATHER TODAY? AREmy YOU ‘Well, January is my favorite month, because it’s my birthday topics is great to continue the conversation and make a new INTERESTS month and I got hit by a car, but, in eighth grade, my friends Nash said. “Ask what their interests are. A college they’d IS YOUR FAVORITE ANIMAL? DO YOU PLAYfriend,” VIDEO GAMES? HOWS THE WEATHER TODAY? WHAT CLASSES ARE YOU TAKIN through a really nice party,’ and just glossed over it,” Cobb said. “I want to attend or career is a good way to start small talk. In some was so stressed out by the fact that I had just dropped that in and cases, asking why they’re attending an event is a good way to start moved onTODAY? because I had WHAT no idea howCLASSES to pace what I was I a conversation as well.” GAMES? HOWS THE WEATHER WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ANIMAL? DO YOU PLAY VIDEO AREsaying, YOU never fully got to express myself. Having to get up there and say it Junior Aidan Donaghy, meanwhile, has a slightly more difficult the spot… my anxiety took over the words that I was saying.” time. A quiet student, Donaghy struggles to communicate with SCHOOL? WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ANIMAL? DO YOU PLAY VIDEO GAMES? HOWS onTHE WEATHER TODAY? WHAT CLASSES Despite the challenge, Cobb does not let her anxiety get the people he does not know well. best of her- she uses classes like band and debate to improve her “I think the hardest part is finding something to talk about,” STAY TER HIGH SCHOOL? WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE YOU PLAY VIDEO GAMES? HOWS speaking skills. THE WEATHER TODAY? WHAT DonaghyANIMAL? said. “Without DO finding it, there is awkward silence or COMFORTABLE “They help me get over myself, especially in debate, by just boring questions that make the other person uninterested. [It’s jumpingGAMES? in headfirst andHOWS forcing myself better at small talk,” about] asking the right questions.”

PLANS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL? WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ANIMAL? DO YOU PLAY VIDEO THEto getWEATHER TOD Cobb said. “Having classes or extracurriculars in common with For some, small talk can be even more difficult than just people also give me something in common to talk about.” being sure what to talk about. It can be hard to strike up a HAVE ANY PLANS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL? not WHAT ISwithYOUR FAVORITE DO YOU PLAY toVIDEO THE WEA According the ChildGAMES? Mind InstituteHOWS (2015), one in three conversation a stranger, especially forANIMAL? senior Erika Keast, students, like Cobb, have anxiety, and a smaller number of youth who finds these conversations uncomfortable and difficult to sufferDO from YOU social anxiety. it is different for everyone, these manage, especially when IS theyYOUR are not sure how to keep ANIMAL? a very DO YOU HAVE WHAT FAVORITE PLAYThough VIDEO GAMES? HOWS TAKEANY IT PLANS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL? students may get flustered easily or forget what they were going general conversation going. to say. People who suffer from social anxiety are afraid of what “Silence is awkward but sometimes I don’t really know how TAKING? DOSLOW YOU HAVE ANY PLANS AFTER HIGHaSCHOOL? YOUR ANIMAL? DOandYOU VIDEO GAMES people will think of them small PLAY talk only makes matters worse to approach person because IWHAT don’t knowIS them,” KeastFAVORITE said. “It because they feel they have no time to prepare themselves. feels rude to pry into the other person’s life because you haven’t Senior Roshna Cherugail is aware DO of how uncomfortable established how much you’re allowed to pry yet.”

ARE YOU TAKING? DO YOU HAVE ANY PLANS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL? WHAT IS YOURpeople FAVORITE ANIMAL? YOU PLAYsome VIDE can be. An extrovert by nature, she goes out of her way to For Keast, small talk did not even help them make most of their CLASSES ARE YOU TAKING? DO YOU HAVE ANY PLANS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL? WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ANIMAL? DO YOU

BIG DEAL

T

IS YOUR FAVORITE ANIMAL? DO YOU PLAYWHAT VID- DID THEY THINK OF ME? DID MY WORDS COME OUT RIGHT? DID THEY OPINION: Anxiety Makes Small HOOL? WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ANIMAL? DO YOU MISUNDERSTAND WHAT I SAID? DO THEY THINK I’M BORING? DOES ANYONE Talk, Socialization more HIGH SCHOOL? WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ANIMAL? REALLY LIKE ME? WHAT IF EVERYONE THINKS I’M FAKE? WHAT DID THEY difficult THAN PEOPLE REALIZE S AFTER HIGH SCHOOL? WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THINK OF ME? DID MY WORDS COME OUT RIGHT? DID THEY MISUNDERSTAND Gabriella Herrera Staff Reporter ANY PLANS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL? WHAT IS WHAT YOUR I SAID? DO THEY THINK I’M BORING? DOES ANYONE REALLY LIKE ME? hould I choose the empty seat in the back, or the one in the second row? The row is almost full, they could be waiting on a friend, and I do not want to OU HAVE ANY PLANS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL?WHAT WHATIF EVERYONE THINKS second I’Min anyone’s FAKE? WHAT THEY ME? DIDto get way… but willDID I be able to see inTHINK the back? OF The bell is about ring, I have to make a choice.

NG? DO YOU HAVE ANY PLANS AFTER HIGH MY SCHOOL?

At one pointTHEY or another, the dreaded period arrives where students must pickDO WORDS COME OUT RIGHT? DID MISUNDERSTAND WHAT I SAID? where to sit or risk getting left in a group of scary strangers. But for some, this can be a more complicated than just “in which seat am I the least likely to get called upon.”

U TAKING? DO YOU HAVE ANY PLANS AFTERTHEY HIGHTHINK I’M BORING?lot DOES ANYONE REALLY LIKE ME?settingWHAT IF EVERYFor students with anxiety, interacting in a social is a complex process due to their obsessive thought patterns. These people tend to fixate on the opinions of S ARE YOU TAKING? DO YOU HAVE ANY PLANS others and how their decisions are perceived.

When every like the end of ONEAFTHINKS I’M FAKE? WHAT DID THEY THINK OF ME? DIDmistake MY feels WORDS COME the world, relationships and mental health begin the crumble as people lose confidence in themselves.

T CLASSES ARE YOU TAKING? DO YOU HAVEOUT ANYRIGHT? DID THEY MISUNDERSTAND WHAT I SAID? DO THEY THINK I’M Small talk is an amazingly helpful tool for people who struggle with obsessive thoughts. Small talk can be an easy and fun pastime in a new environment: it breaks DAY? WHAT CLASSES ARE YOU TAKING? DOBORING? YOU DOES ANYONE REALLY ME? WHAT IF atEVERYONE THINKS I’M up the tensionLIKE and allows people to feel more ease.

It’s even an art. For those more socially adept, it is easy to maneuver out of awkward situations. Talking about the weather or what they ate for breakfast can flow naturally ATHER TODAY? WHAT CLASSES ARE YOU TAKING? FAKE? WHAT DID THEY THINK OF ME? DID MY WORDS COME OUT RIGHT? DID without even a second thought.

People with social anxiety are not helpless, and they can absolutely handle THE WEATHER TODAY? WHAT CLASSES ARE YOUMISUNDERSTAND WHAT THEY I SAID? DO THEY THINK I’M BORING? DOES themselves when it comes to making polite conversation.

If they are feeling overwhelmed and unable to handle tedious interactions, they can pull themselves out S? HOWS THE WEATHER TODAY? WHAT CLASSES calm themselves down, but for many, initiating conversation is very WHAT difficult, and ANYONE REALLY LIKE ME?and WHAT IF EVERYONE THINKS I’M FAKE? DID having someone else ask them a simple question is a great relief.

For instance, sitting in a strange new class with students you have never met EO GAMES? HOWS THE WEATHER TODAY? THEY WHATTHINK OF ME? DID MY WORDS COME OUTyouRIGHT? THEY MISUNDERbefore can be intimidating and make regret tryingDID something so different, even if THE THING it is something you love. But when the senior next to you asks what video games you oPLAY Maintain Steady Dialogue VIDEO GAMES? HOWS THE WEATHERSTAND TODAY? and you spend the first BORING? twenty minutes of class debating Minecraft vs. Roblox, ABOUT: WHAT I SAID? DO play, THEY THINK I’M DOES ANYONE REALLY try to make her peers feel secure during conversation. suddenly your new courseload does not seem as intimidating.

“I try to match the other person’s energy, try to gauge their SOCIAL

Social anxiety is a complicated phenomenon made even stranger when considering DOkindYOU PLAY VIDEO GAMES? HOWS THE WEATHER LIKE ME? ANXIETY WHAT IF EVERYONE THINKS I’Mpeople FAKE? WHAT DID THEY THINK OF of personality, and once I find that out I try to reflect them,” the existence of extroverted with social phobias.

As contradictory as it is, some Cherugail said. “If they’re more the quiet type, I tone down a compelling need to be around people and love to surround themselves with big NIMAL? DO YOU GAMES? HOWSME? THEDID MY WORDS COMEfeel my personality so theyPLAY don’t getVIDEO uncomfortable, and through groups.

But RIGHT? when they do DID go out, THEY they feel incredibly anxious and self-conscious.

This I OUT MISUNDERSTAND WHAT conversation if I find they’re a little crazy, too, I’ll tone up my exhausting cycle of insecurity often makes individuals never fully comfortable. energy to match them.” feel like an internal struggle, as one part of you desperately wants to go hang out AVORITE ANIMAL? DO YOU PLAY VIDEO GAMES? SAID? DO THEY THINK I’MItwithcan BORING? DOES ANYONE REALLY LIKE ME? WHAT IF Small talk has helped Cherugail make many of the friends she friends, go to parties, and be in big groups, but another stresses out and goes into has today. When she first moved across the country from New full panic mode when you actually do try to have fun. It works in a strange, conflicting ISJersey YOUR FAVORITE ANIMAL? DOset.YOU PLAYEVERYONE VIDto Florida, it was an essential asset in her skill THINKS I’M FAKE? DIDimpossible THEYtoTHINK OFthatME? way that WHAT makes it nearly find a balance works.DID MY WORDS “It wasn’t like I had any previous friendships to base myself

Generally, the best solution for extroverts with social anxiety is to hang around off of, soWHAT my friendships are mostlyFAVORITE created by first initiating small people who understand them and make them feel relaxed. Family, friends, or even a HOOL? IS YOUR ANIMAL? DO YOUOUTIF YOU’RE COME RIGHT? DID THEY MISUNDERSTAND WHAT I SAID? DO THEY THINK talk,” Cherugail said. “I’m not the kind of person that waits for it romantic partner can put an extrovert at ease and make them feel safe and happy.

UNCOMFORTABLE to happen.”

Quarantine can feel especially confusing for extroverts like this, as they HIGH SCHOOL? IS irritating YOURandFAVORITE WAIT TODOES BE ANYONE While chit-chat can WHAT be incredibly a fun time ANIMAL? I’M BORING? REALLY LIKEoutME? WHAT THINKS desperately miss hanging with their friends IF but EVERYONE do not have to worry so much killer for others, it has clearly become an integral part of daily about the pressure of being surrounded by their peers. But when friends get together APPROACHED socialization.HIGH For better or for worse, itWHAT is a big deal.

S AFTER SCHOOL? IS YOUR FAVORITE aTHINK group call, OF or plays another thrilling of “AmongCOME Us,” socialization can feel I’M FAKE? WHAT DID THEYoneasier.

ME? DID MYround WORDS OUT RIGHT? “Most friendships that are present now do start with small Cherugail said. “Because obviously in order to get close to

However, at their absolute worst, when their body is tense and they are on the ANYtalk,” PLANS HIGH SCHOOL? YOUR THEY MISUNDERSTAND I SAID? DObeginTHEY THINKeverything I’M BORING? DOES someone you’veAFTER got to first kind of see if you can mixWHAT well with IS DID vergeWHAT of a panic attack, some will to hyper-analyze about themselves them.” and the people around them, counting their breaths, attempting to inhale and exhale at “I felt kind of disappointed. went through all thatSCHOOL? effort to OUexplain HAVE ANY PLANSIAFTER HIGH WHAT REALLY LIKE ME?the right moments hide their panic, focusing on theI’M cadences of the voices around ANYONE WHAT IF toEVERYONE THINKS FAKE? WHAT DID to him my viewpoint, and he wouldn’t even consider it. He them, mimicking their classmates perfectly, until they can no longer see or hear or said ‘no’ and nothing else,” Nemery said. focus on what is going on around them and everything is one unrecognizable blur.

NG?justNemery DO YOU HAVE ANY PLANS AFTER HIGH THEY SCHOOL? THINK OFFIND ME? DID MY COME OUTthese RIGHT? THEY makes frequent political tweets covering all sorts of PeopleWORDS with anxiety must carry around fears and DID insecurities everyMISUNDERday, resulting topics, one of the most prominent being his disdain for injustice in in a struggle that is largely misunderstood and understated.

U TAKING? DOsystem.

YOU HAVE ANY PLANS AFTERSTAND HIGH WHAT the current political heat of a panic it can be incredibly for a person to recover I SAID? DO When THEYin theTHINK I’Mattack, BORING? DOESdifficult ANYONE REALLY SUPPORTIVE “For too long, lots of people have been… completely ignored from such intensity. Even still, some different tools and techniques can be used to by our government.

These deep-seeded discrepancies back toPLANS AFavoid getting to that overwhelming point, such as sticking with a friend or using small FRIENDS S ARE YOU TAKING? DO YOU HAVEtraceANY LIKE ME? WHAT IF EVERYONE THINKS I’M FAKE? WHAT DID THEY THINK OF the roots of how the system works,” Nemery said. talk.

Junior Olivia Tulloch has also received pushback when Anxiety and social phobias do not make someone less of a human, and those who T CLASSES AREon YOU TAKING? YOU HAVEME? ANYDID MY WORDS COME struggle defending her views social inequality.

When DO adding her own OUT THEYmembers MISUNDERSTAND canRIGHT? still functionDID as productive of society. Many enjoyWHAT spending I commentary to Instagram posts, Tulloch is not afraid to deal with time with their friends, going to school or work, and maintaining relationships with the the backlash. they care about. Though some hold perceptions that people dealing with social DAY? WHAT CLASSES ARE YOU TAKING? DOSAID? YOU DO THEY THINK I’Mpeople BORING? DOES ANYONE REALLY LIKE ME? WHAT IF “I mostly post things against racism, sexism and homophobia. anxiety are recluses with no friends or social lives, this is largely untrue, and people If you want to flood my DM’s with threats… against those things, who match that stereotype are part of the minority. Regardless, they all just want to ATHER TODAY? ARE YOU TAKING? that says more about youWHAT than it doesCLASSES me.”

EVERYONE THINKS I’M FAKE? DIDwithTHEY THINK OFways ME? DIDit.MY WORDS live theirWHAT lives in peace, many finding their own to manage Of course, political activism is not for everyone, and the

Social anxiety is exhausting, but there are ways to overcome it. For those who majority of students willTODAY? not be able to vote for a president until the ARE YOU THE WEATHER WHAT CLASSES suffer, taking deep breaths and lookingWHAT at things from a more objective angle canTHINK help AT DID THEY COME OUTGORIGHT? MISUNDERSTAND I SAID? DO THEY 2024 election. In the meantime, people will likely continue sharing cut out the mental fog. For more intense cases, talking to a therapist can be incredibly views online until the internet itself dies out. helpful in building healthy coping mechanisms and preventing panic attacks before YOURDOES OWNANYONE S?theirHOWS THE WEATHER I’M BORING? REALLY LIKE ME? WHAT IF EVERYONE THINKS “I just personally [share] because it’sTODAY? a part of whoWHAT I am and CLASSES they happen. it’s something I’m interested in, but people don’t have to,” Tulloch

Breathe in, breathe out. Take it slow, and focus. The seat in the second row will “However, if HOWS you are silent on your morals, that’s TODAY? a lack of EOsaid.

GAMES? THE WEATHER WHAT you see better keep you focused, if anyone hasCOME a problemOUT with it, they will I’M FAKE?PACE WHAT DID THEYhelp THINK OFandME? DID MYandWORDS RIGHT? character. Politics is one thing, basic human decency is another.” probably move. It has nothing to do with you. You have got this.

PLAY VIDEO GAMES? HOWS THE WEATHERDID TODAY? THEY MISUNDERSTAND WHAT I SAID? DO THEY THINK I’M BORING? DOES

S

illustrations by Bethany Barker

SOURCE: MENTAL HEALTH AMERICA

8

entertainment “Megan Is Missing”

“The Prom”

Surrounded by a world of hate and pressure, 14-year-old Megan Stewart (Rachel Quinn) disappears after meeting up with an internet friend. After a grueling three-week search, Megan’s best friend Amy Herman (Amber Perkins) also vanishes, causing panic in their community. “Megan Is Missing” is an incredibly disturbing movie with amazing acting, but is poorly filmed. This movie is just as spinechilling as horror classics like “The Shining” and “Psycho,” but no film will ever match its horridness. This movie is not suitable for all viewers and should be watched with caution.

Mamma Mia, Chicago, Grease… and Rent.

All popular musical movies that have been loved--or hated--by thousands since their premieres. Ryan Murphy’s “The Prom” is the newest addition to this genre, centered around four Broadway stars who travel to Indiana to help a lesbian teen go to prom when her homophobic school refuses to allow her.

Unfortunately, the movie instead focuses on the wrong characters. Overall, watching “The Prom’’ is a waste of time that could be better spent watching a better Broadway show like “Chicago.”

- Gabriella Herrera

R E V I E W B O X

“Jingle Jangle” (Netflix)

“Evermore” Taylor Swift

“Jingle Jangle” follows Jeronicus Jangle (Forest Whitaker), a toymaker who brings his toys to life as he struggles to regain his reputation after his creation was stolen.

Despite all the ingredients for a cozy Christmas movie, “Jingle Jangle” is a slight disappointment, ruining the feel with tryhard pop-music and quick jump cuts. Where this movie lacks in story it makes up for in animation. As the toys came to life, so did the holiday spirit of the audience, and combined with the acting by the characters was also very well executed.

- Julia Sumpter

Taylor Swift’s new album “Evermore” was highly anticipated all the way until its release Dec. 11. Fans were mildly disappointed to find that “Evermore” is just Swift’s previous album “Folklore” all over again. She made the same record, with the same people less no less than a year ago, yet none of the songs on her newest album live up to the expectations of her older songs. Although “Evermore” was a slight letdown, each song is worth a listen, especially “Willow” or “No Body, no Crime.”

- Skyler Glenn

- Sophie Woodburn

“Hard Kill” (Netflix)

“If Anything Happens I Love You”

Instead of the usual stimulating narrative you might expect from an action movie, “Hard Kill” is painfully slow, leaving its viewers wondering when it will be over. The writers shoved every cliche imaginable into the movie, creating constant confusion and prematurely bashing any hope of success for this film. Countless other movies have tackled the same plot, making it unoriginal. Unfortunately, this trend of predictability continues throughout all of “Hard Kill,” as nearly every progression was anticipated. The only redeeming aspect to this movie was its mediocre camera work.

After losing their child in a tragic school shooting, “If Anything Happens I Love You” follows two grieving parents struggling to let go and move past this heartbreaking incident.

This 12-minute film has beautiful imagery and a compelling story, keeping your teary eyes glued to the television. Although the film is saddening, it is too short to evoke all possible emotions in viewers. The tragedy itself is very brief and fails to capture the true horror of the moment. Despite the slow start, when a fleeting break comes your way, this film is worth crying to.

- Skyler Glenn

- Sophie Woodburn

“Operation Christmas Drop” almost completes mission Julia Sumpter

G

Staff Reporter

oing snorkeling or tanning on a beach do not exactly fit the classic image of snow falling, snowmen and hot chocolate of a Christmas movie. However, Netflix’s “Operation Christmas Drop,” released Nov. 5, attempts to change that narrative. It follows Erica (Kat Graham) as she heads to Guam on a mission from Washington D.C. to find flaws in an Air Force base.

The Air Force base in Guam makes their goal for the holidays to deliver presents to families on remote islands in need. Every year, the base drops boxes of items out of a plane for different islands.

Erica’s boss pushes to defund the program,

TOP 4 X-MAS MOVIES

but Erica finds ways to fight to keep it afloat, making her an empathetic and relatable character.

Known for playing Bonnie Bennett in the popular teen drama, “The Vampire Diaries,” Graham’s drama-filled, supernatural TV show character is very different from the workaholic personality of Erica, but her acting is superb.

While she is in Guam, Erica meets Andrew (Alexander Ludwig), and their relationship blossoms into more than co-workers. Viewers see them bond over a surprise helicopter ride and stress over a monmental typhoon.

Despite this, the film’s plot is too predictable to make up for in good acting.

While the storyline was easy to follow and chronological, it lacked originality and felt slow. The first 20 minutes are full of nonsense,

The Grinch

This classic cartoon is good for any family looking to find the true meaning of Christmas (beyond packages, boxes and bags).

making those minutes feel overly long.

Even though the plot is bland, the character development of the main duo is still enjoyable and engaging enough. Erica and Andrew build a strong connection throughout the movie by spending time together and getting to know each other instead of going off of what the other person seems to be. This gave a romantic characteristic to this holiday movie.

One thing that made the film special was its humor and comedic timing. Erica embarrasses herself by dancing in front of the whole Air Force base at a party, a notably amusing scene.

Little scenes like this created a cheery atmosphere that In the same respect, the music further infused the film with the holiday spirit. Unlike most recent Christmas movies, the song list is well

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Charlie Brown and his friends come together to celebrate Christmas, despite their many fights.

Elf

Following an elf looking for his father, “Elf” will make you laugh as you keep up with his ridiculous adventure through the streets of New York City.

planned, with a mix of newer and classic songs.

“Christmas in the Sand” by Colbie Caillat and “White Christmas” by CeeLo Green give this film its own Christmas twist, tying in well to the unusual setting. This was much appreciated over the alternative option of original songs from the cast members. The classic tunes enhance an authentic holiday feeling.

In the end, the film was cheesy and the writing was lackluster. “Operation Christmas Drop” does not fit the regular Christmas mold like “Elf” or “The Polar Express.” It had potential to be unique, but it missed.

“Operation Christmas Drop” went offscript with a unique setting and perspective on Christmas cinema. But despite centering around a sunny and humid Guam, the movie was ultimately dreary and dull.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

The film celebrates those with unique features, making it a heartwarming watch.

Lifestyles

9

The caffeine craze Lukas Goodwin

A by and ti o n er s o n a r t t s i l l u ly Pa t d w i n o i E m as G o Luk

Print Editor

s senior Izzy Pacheco entered her kitchen to brew herself a cup of coffee, she sighed: the coffee machine was broken.

Abandoning the Keurig, Pacheco hopped in the car and drove to the nearest Starbucks for the day’s caffeine fix — something that she, and many other teenagers, have grown unable to live without.

In 2017, the U.S. National Coffee Association reported that 37% of those between ages 13 to 18 drink coffee daily, which is a sharp leap from 23% in 2014. Among countless others, senior Morgan VanHoozier relies on the beverage almost every day.

“I used to only drink coffee like once or twice a week, but since school started I’ve drank more,” VanHoozier said. “I need something to wake me up so I can pay attention.”

Between homework and extracurriculars, it may feel challenging to not rely on coffee. On top of a regular school day, junior Charissa Thompson regularly goes to cross country practice, which she finds can become exhaustive over time. She usually has to drink a few cups of coffee a week, but when things get especially stressful it becomes a daily occurrence.

“There are some days where I’m just drained, and coffee helps me get through the day,” Thompson said. “[It] replaces naps for me.”

The caffeinated drink has been a saving grace for students in times of desperation, too. Senior Riley Boice credits surviving some of his most memorable experiences with robotics competitions to coffee.

“We would stay up till 4 in the morning preparing for the competition at 7,” Boice said. “I remember drinking over eight cups [of coffee].”

With the drink becoming so popular, particularly with the rise of kingpin corporations like Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts, people tend to forget that caffeine is still a drug that should not be ingested at an unhealthy rate. Coffee is known to enhance problems such as sleep deprivation or heart issues, and if one becomes too reliant on it, a lack of caffeine may trigger an onslaught of headaches and an inability to concentrate, among other symptoms.

The Mayo Clinic states that consuming more than 400 milligrams worth of caffeine in a day is considered harmful for adults, but experts believe that it can be especially harmful for youth. In 2014, the

University of Zurich Children’s Hospital claimed that too much caffeine can disrupt essential brain development in children. Those aware of these consequences, including sophomore Julia Lavoie, try to moderate how much they consume in response.

“If I drink too much [coffee], sometimes I get really anxious, so I’ll try to take weeks where I don’t drink it as much,” Lavoie said.

Despite the adverse effects coffee can have, it is still central to many people’s lives. Produced in over 70 countries, coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world, second only to tea and water. Boice uses coffee as an excuse to meet with friends in cafes or go for a drive with them, and the beverage also holds nostalgic and sentimental value in a lot of students’ hearts.

Pacheco started drinking coffee as early as when she was 5, when she would stay the night at her grandmother’s and be served an espresso by her in the mornings; even now, she will order an espresso after dinner at restaurants because she loves the taste so much. Thompson also takes after her father in the way she likes her cup of joe.

“The coffee that I have at home, Jamaican Blue Mountain Peak, is the same coffee that my dad used to drink in Jamaica,” Thompson said.

“I think it’s cool how this coffee has made it to the U.S., and I have the opportunity to drink it like how my dad drank it at my age.”

Sophomore Tris Lowry also comes from a coffee-loving family; they own a large collection of personalized mugs, with designs including company and college logos. Lowry recently got a job at Martin’s Dreamery Creamery, and learning to make various specialty lattes, cappuccinos and even Italian affogatos — espresso poured over vanilla ice cream — has made Lowry come to “appreciate coffee more.”

History teacher Erin Foley used to sell coffee in the mornings from January to March, to support her Model UN club. While this has been discontinued this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, she also incorporates lessons on coffee in her AP World and European History classes. Originating in the Islamic world in the 15th century, coffee and coffeehouses flourished alongside an age of knowledge and sciences, and quickly became associated with them.

“We look at coffee and how it was crucial to the spreading of ideas,” Foley said. “Our society kind of revolves around coffee, so I think it’s important for kids to know not only where that comes from, but also why coffee is so important.”

Redhead redemption: outcasts for life Laura Shaw

E

Politics Editor

yes, skin and hair are among the most identifiable features of any person, but that is especially heightened when the combination of genes from both of your parents decides to bless, or curse, someone with an extra rare attribute. Red hair might be the most noticeable of them all, sticking out like a sore thumb.

According to the British Broadcasting Company, between 1% or 2% of the world’s total population has red hair, making it the rarest hair color to inherit, and while that is fascinating, it burdens redheads to be victims of lots of unwarranted comments and assumptions.

“Strangers think it’s funny to tell me I have no soul… being a redhead doesn’t change your personality,” redheaded senior Kayley Gilman said.

A common stereotype of people with red hair is that they are hot-headed, and the assumption can be dated back to ancient times. According to the Washington Post, the Scythians and Thracians, inhabitants of western Eurasia in sixth century B.C., were described by Ancient Greek writers as having red hair and being infamous for their aggression. While the traits could be purely cultural, the combination of these characteristics has been passed down through the ages, and now scarlet-haired

people far and wide are assumed to have the same temperament. Most people agree that it is the person that determines your temper not the hair Gilman denies she possesses the trait redhaired senior Rusty Taylor believes he does.

“I definitely think I have a short temper..I get mad really easily but I don’t think that is because of my hair,” Taylor said.

Apart from just the assumption that they will blow up at the slightest comment, redheads are also subject to lots of teasing because of the hair, especially growing up. Anyone that looks different knows that insults from peers and comments from adults are very common.

Bullying can start as early as elementary school and carry into middle and high, with kids sporting nicknames such as ‘carrot top’ and ‘candle.’

“I was teased at the beginning of school... but I just ignored it,” Taylor said.

Inappropriate comments from male peers are especially common for girls, contributing to the usual snarky banter with their specific traits.

“Sometimes guys forget boundaries and ask me inappropriate questions..I’m proud to be a redhead, but I don’t like when it becomes other people’s business,” Gilman said.

Both Taylor and Gilman admit that they have Scottish and Irish descent from one of their parents, but aren’t exactly sure where the hair color is from. This is a case for a lot of redheads, as the genes are recessive and can

not show up in family lines for generations.

Taylor is the first person with red hair in his family for two generations. Gilman says that both her older sister, mom and grandfather have red hair but are the only ones in their extended family with it despite heavy Scottish ancestry on that side.

Despite the teasing and extra attention, lots of red heads are proud of their fiery locks and agree that differences are not always bad.

Some students even feel that it does not make them different at all; it simply draws attention to them.

“I don’t feel different, I feel superior,” said Taylor.

Because the hair is so relevant in their lives, many people feel that it has almost become a part of their identity. It is associated with their personality and what many people can become known for, but that is not necessarily a bad thing.

“I do feel different because I’m a redhead, but I don’t think of that as a bad thing,” Gilman said.

Red hair comes with more baggage than other genetics, but redheads feel that the positives significantly outweigh the negatives.

Standing out in a room and compliments from strangers can be weird and the people with this hair can agree that although there are a lot of disadvantages to the hair they would never change it.

“I like that it makes me, me,” said Gilman.

If you didn’t alREDy know...

Ireland has the highest number of red-haired people per capita in the world with the percentage of those with red hair at around 10%.

Between 1% and 2%, or 70 to 140 million people around the world, have red hair.

Studies in the 70s hypothesized that lighter skin pigmentation prevents rickets in colder climates by encouraging higher levels of vitamin D production.

Information from the British Broadcasting Corporation and the Washington Post.

Lifestyles

10

B OYZ 2 M EN

Perhaps the most challenging part of growing up is watching childhood favorites mature and change alongside their fans.

Andrea Izaguirre

T

Social Media Editor

he evolution of the boy band is a tale as old as The Beatles.

For some, the attachments to certain musically talented heart-throbs formed in early childhood or adolescence never quite fade over time. Today, many high school students still find themselves head-over-heels for groups and ex-members that they’ve cried over, pulled all-nighters for and devoted countless hours of streaming toward since elementary school.

Arguably some of the most popular boy bands of the modern era, groups like One Direction, Big Time Rush, The Jonas Brothers and 5 Seconds of Summer, defied all the laws of pop music and revolutionized the way listeners in the 2010s viewed the industry.

“It’s kind of crazy watching them grow up. I mean, we literally watched them from when they were children to now being adults,” senior Madison Chandler said. “I was kind of a secret One Direction fan when I was in elementary school — I didn’t want to be like everyone else so I kept it low-key. But now I’m a proud One Direction fan. I don’t care anymore.”

Senior Claudia Allocca has liked her boy band of choice, 5SOS, since 2014.

“It’s been amazing to see how much their sound and style of music has progressively changed over time,” Allocca said. “I’ve seen them four times in concert…I feel like a proud mom every time I see them advancing more in the music industry.”

Despite only recently being proud of her 1D fan status, Chandler also continues to support the members’ solo careers — just as much as she did years ago. Chandler has maintained the same level of interest in the group’s music, drama and personality since the early

Senior Briana Lopez displays her One Direction themed poster and Harry Styles vinyls that make up her room decor.

CHAY’S CLOSET Berets: all the class of France, without the accent

Y Senior Claudia Allocca displays both the 5SOS poster and vinyl pictured in her room currently.

2010s.

“When One Direction first split up I was devastated, but when they started making solo music I realized how much… more mature it was,” Chandler said.

Die-hard “One-Directioners” are not uncommon to find despite the group having gone on a permanent hiatus in January of 2016. The group’s unique structure, which consisted of five separate members who each pursued a career in the entertainment business, allowed for fans to continue supporting their favorite boy well past the groups expiration date.

“All of the [ex]-members of One Direction have moved onto better things and are killing it in their own ways,” senior Briana Lopez said. “Zayn, Louis, Niall and Harry have made some really great solo stuff… and they seem so much happier to be making what they want to make rather than what they [would’ve] been making as a boy band.”

With groups like 1D, TJB and 5SOS, keeping up with boys has proved to be relatively simple. For junior Evan Siegel, “Instagram and Twitter” are the main platforms to use when secretly cyberstalking an ex-member. Lopez, Allocca and Chandler all agree that using social media is the most prominent way to keep up with the boys and their current projects.

“I followed The Jonas Brothers the second I realized they were on TikTok,” Allocca said. While TikTok has proved to be a more casual way to stay in touch with all of her favorite boys, Allocca’s preferred platform for staying updated is Twitter, much like Lopez and Chandler.

“I personally follow a lot of hardcore Harry stan accounts on Twitter so I frequently hear about what’s going on with him from there,” Lopez said. “I’m supposed to see Harry Styles in concert next October for his postponed Love on Tour. I’m keeping up with any developments via his management’s Twitter.”

While following the boys on social media and staying up to date with their general projects isn’t inherently enough to be considered a “crazy fan girl,” going the extra step to publicly show support for the boys today is still viewed as slightly obsessive for some. “[I know] I do some things that people think are a little much like posting certain things or hanging certain things up on my wall,” Chandler said. “That’s why you gotta find people that have the same obsession as you so you don’t seem as crazy.”

For Lopez, she believes any push-back she has received from showing her admiration for the group both online and in real life stems from society’s “culture of hating teenage girls”.

“I don’t take any of the hate to heart because it’s always been there, surrounding boy bands.

When the Beatles first got popular their fans were mainly female, but as time moved on it [changed from] being considered silly music for girls to being extremely influential...and some of the most beloved music of all time. Again, people just love to hate popular things in the moment so it’s not surprising,” Lopez said.

Moving into young adulthood, Allocca speaks for many when she says that age will not play a role in redefining her appreciation for the groups that helped shape her childhood. “[5SOS is] still my favorite band to this date, I hope to see them in concert for a fifth time if possible.” Allocca said. “Yes, everyone already knows I’m obsessed and I have no intention of stopping anytime soon.”

Chanson Cadet

ou are eating a croissant over a balcony, a man with a handlebar mustache paints your portrait and calls you his muse; everything is bliss. France is often associated with love, baguettes, and “Ratatouille.” But the most significant part of French culture is the fashion which carries a romantic elegance to it that draws people in: the beret.

A beret is a soft-round cap often made of felt or wool. Most have a tab in the center and come in all sorts of colors and patterns. Berets easily elevate any outfit from drab to chic.

Berets originated from Southern France during the 19th century. Their association gives anyone wearing one an automatic French and sophisticated flair. Though the beret is a part of European culture, they are not exclusive to Europe, but many people have not realized the advantages of the diverse headpiece.

They can be worn in a multitude of ways, limited only by their wearer’s imagination.

Before beginning my beret collection, I feared that my thick and curly hair would cause a beret to fall right off my head. In reality, I was simply trying to wear the wrong type of beret, the flimsy felt ones were more suited for my hair type.

Berets come in different levels of thickness, either holding their own rounded shape or falling flat. Thicker berets are better suited for straight or short hair, while looselyfitted caps fit the curly and voluminous hair patterns.

There is no wrong way to wear a beret which is what sets them apart from most structured headwear. You can wear them to the front, side, back, with braids, a bun, fold them in on themselves, or allow them to sit up, round and aloof.

Not many people take advantage of the class associated with berets. The added European style brings poise to your look.

Even amongst the few fashion influencers that wear berets such as Amy Roiland and Chelsea H, men often negate the cap as being too feminine for their personal wardrobe. It is true that many of the designs on berets lean more feminine side, but they were originally a military symbol of dignity and pride.

Buying a plain black leather or wool beret is an easy way for men to subtly start incorporating them into their wardrobe. With the winter season approaching, matching a beret to a sweater-based outfit is an easy task.

Berets deserve the spotlight for their versatility and their ability to bring style to any plain outfit. As the winter months approach, it is the perfect time to try out a beret and see how it can be incorporated into your wardrobe. Taking a trip to Paris might not be possible right now, but wearing a beret can bring Paris to you.

SCAN THIS CODE

View a Pinterest board with different ways to wear berets.

sports

11

Girls soccer starts 8-0, best regular season start since 2013 Hayden Turner

Sports Editor

The 2019 girls soccer team limped to a 5-84 finish to the regular season and a quick 3-1 loss in the first round of the playoffs. With eight graduating seniors, the program was looking for new leadership and new life. Team captains Emma Canty, Siara Youngblood and Addison Smith stepped forward and have ignited a “family” like fire in the program.

Now, the team is staring down the rest of the season with a 7-0 record, the school’s best start since 2013.

“Our play style changed this year in comparison to last because of the chemistry that has developed,” Canty said.

Smith has played a key role in the bond that has been built this year by having the team at her house to spend time together and host team dinners, which they believe has contributed to their success on the field.

“Most seasons I have felt like my friendships with the team would only last during the season,” Smith said. “This year I know that I will have these friends for years to come.”

Their game day routines have also changed from last year. They text back and forth in their team group chat throughout the day expressing excitement for the game. From jamming out in the locker room to team hangouts, they are

always together, and that has helped them win.

“By knowing your teammate’s preferences you can make smarter decisions such as whether to play a ball to feet or into space,” Smith said.

This proves true in the close games and even the blowouts. The team has had a close win over Lake Mary, 1-0, and a dominant 5-1 win against Apopka.

Midfielder Reagan Fitzgerald has also stepped up in a major role after losing the majority of the team’s starters last season and leads the team in goals, with 10 goals on the year.

“I couldn’t do it without my teammates,” Fitzgerald said. “They always play me the perfect ball.”

Another contributing factor to their season is the addition of four freshmen on the varsity team. Skye Barnes, Megan O’Donnell, Aryana Rosenblum, and Raegen Varvarigos have accounted for seven of 23 goals and seven of 18 assists. Rosenblum, a goalkeeper, has worked together with Olivia Caruso in front of the net, shutting out four of seven opponents so far.

“We had the core of wonderful returning players and added four dynamic freshmen,” head coach Angie Densberger said. “They are very talented on the field and are wonderful teammates.”

Game against Oviedo was not completed in time for publication.

2012-2013 Season (through 7 games)

2020-2021 Season (through 7 games)

Date

Opponent

Score

Date

Opponent

Score

10/29

Lake Mary

3-2

11/17

Lake Mary

1-0

10/31

Lake Howell

4-1

11/18

Apopka

5-1

11/02

Lake Brantley

3-1

11/19

Lyman

3-1

11/05

University

3-1

12/01

11/07

Seminole

5-0

12/03

Harmony

3-0

11/10

Ponte Vedre

3-0

12/08

Lake Brantley

3-2

11/12

Oviedo

5-0

12/10

Seminole

3-0

ATHLETE OF THE ISSUE who

Olivia Lipari

team

Girls Weightlifting

date

Dec. 9

what

Won SAC Championship

where

Winter Springs High School

On Wednesday Dec. 9 the girls weightlifting team placed first at a conference hosted by Winter Springs High School. Senior Olivia Lipari placed first in the 129 lbs weight class for the second year in a row. Lipari went 4/4, her best bench was 150 lbs and her best clean and jerk was 165 lbs, which gave her a total weight of 315 lbs. “I was feeling good, I was relaxed and confident going into the conference,” Lipari said.

Winter Springs

2-0

ATTACKING THE NET Wing Emma Canty dribbling the ball down the field in their game against Winter Springs. The team would go on to win 2-0. photo by Ryan Schmitt

sports

12

Wrestling shut down due to COVID-19 Karson Cuozzo

O

Staff Reporter

n Dec. 4, the girls varsity and boys JV wrestling teams started off their seasons at the Clash of Titans tournament hosted by University High School.

Boys JV placed second in the tournament of the 13 teams as well, just 10.5 points shy from taking first place for the third year in a row, and the girls took sixth place of 13 teams and scored a total of 92 points.

On Dec. 5, the boys varsity team started their season. They ended up tallying at 166 points, which landed them in fourth place in the tournament.

All the teams came out with a strong start to the season, but the season’s momentum came to a halt very quickly after they were put in a mandatory two week quarantine because multiple wrestlers tested for COVID-19 after this tournament.

Lake Mary, Lake Brantley and Hagerty shut down their wrestling programs until Dec. 22 due to wrestlers testing positive for COVID-19 after the tournament. After the quarantine, the team will participate in the Knockout Christmas classic on Dec. 28-29 at Silver Spurs Arena.

Hosted every year by Hagerty, the Johnny Rouse Invitational is one of the most competitive wrestling events of the year, in addition to states. The tournament was supposed to take place on Dec. 18-19, but was canceled due to COVID-19.

“I was looking forward to the Johnny Rouse Invitational this year, it has always been one of my favorite tournaments to wrestle in since I

was a freshman,” senior Ethan Lopez said. “I just hope that we can reschedule it later.”

As of now, the wrestling program only has three positive cases on the team. All coaches have been tested, and one out of four tested positive.

“It is frustrating to have to shut down for a couple weeks, but I understand why and I want to make sure all of our athletes are safe,” head coach Scotty Diaz said.

Diaz is having the whole team quarantine separately so that it does not spread throughout the whole team, and delay the season any longer.

“Being quarantined sucks because we cannot have wrestling practices, which makes it hard to get in a good workout and to keep improving,” junior Jada Llamido said.

At the Clash of Titans, team members were proud of how they placed, especially with a majority being first-year wrestlers.

Top wrestlers from boys varsity team were Lopez, who placed first in the 182 lbs weight class. A handful of varsity wrestlers placed second, including sophomore Kamdon Harrison at 138 lbs, junior Blake Watts at 152 lbs, junior Ethan Gomez at 160 lbs, and senior Sam Bornelus at 220.

“Varsity’s first tournament of the season could have been better,” Diaz said. “We need to focus and prepare for the hard season we have ahead of us,” Diaz said.

Top wrestlers from the girls team included senior Käthe Wilken-Yoder, winning in the 140 weight class. Wilken-Yoder beat the second highest ranked 140 pound wrestler in the state and took first place in the tournament.

“It felt awesome to come out and win the

SPORT SHORTS Boys basketball edges Spruce Creek

The boys basketball team traveled to Spruce Creek to face the Hawks on Mon. Dec. 14, and escaped with an 83-82 victory, improving their record to 3-4. Guard Jah Nze led the team to the win with 26 points and 12 rebounds, in addition to a 14 point and seven rebound complement from forward Jason Miller. The team was up 13 points at a point, but turnovers made the game closer in the final moments. Their next game is Jan. 5 against St. Cloud. “We started slow defensively, but tightened it up and got better towards the end to win the game,” guard Walker Mitchell said. (forward Jason Miller pictured)

Boys soccer falls to Oviedo at home

On Wednesday, Dec. 9, the boys soccer team lost to Oviedo at home, 2-1, making their record 2-4. The team beat Oviedo 1-0 in the beginning of the season but were unable to complete the sweep. Oviedo quickly made it 1-0 in the first 20 minutes and stayed that way for the majority of the game. After increasing their lead to 2-0, a goal in the last five minutes was not enough to tie the game. “It wasn’t like we played bad, we just made a mistake in the first half and made another silly mistake in the second half. We actually played really well,” goalkeeper Ryan Schmitt said. (midfiedler Lukas Schoenfeld pictured)

Girls basketball crushes Winter Springs

The girls basketball team dominated Winter Springs on Monday night, Dec. 14, 63-38. After a rocky 1-4 start, and a tough 56-28 loss to Oviedo, this win is the team’s fifth consecutive win, propelling their record to 6-4. Forward Laila Viator led the team to their victory with 21 points, and guard Amanda Laumeyer put up 14 points. This is a confidence booster for the team headed into winter break. The team’s next opponent is East River on Jan. 6. “We played great together with a lot of different people scoring and our high energy was essential,” Viator said. ( forward Ally Bortz pictured)

GOING FOR THE PIN Freshman Carson Greenier sprawls to block his opponent’s shot. He would later go to win this patch by a pin, earning six points for his team. photo by Karson Cuozzo

whole thing my senior year,” Wilken-Yoder said. “I had a much better outcome than last year in this tournament.”

Senior Brooke White placed second in the 154 weight class and junior Lauren McLeod placed fourth in the 122 weight class.

“All girls wrestled very well. They have been working hard during practices and I am proud of them,” girls varsity head coach Paul Cuozzo said.

Top performers for the boys JV team were freshman Greenier (106) who came in first, freshman Jacob Donovan (106) took second and sophomore Austin Desoto (145) took third.

Freshman Carson Greenier was feeling confident at the event, winning his first-ever tournament.

“I was super happy that I won, it felt amazing,” Greenier said. “Jacob [Donovan]

and I always wrestle each other in the room together, so I knew it was going to be a really good match.”

Greenier came out on top and scored 23 points for the team. Donovan tailed behind him in second with 22 points for the team. Not only did Donovan fight his way to the championship match on Friday with JV, but he also came in sixth place on Saturday wrestling with the varsity team in the 113 weight class.

“He is a little scrapper. He fought hard in every match, and I am very impressed with him,” Diaz said.

Both teams feel energized after their success at University and look forward to coming back strong after being quarantined.

The coaches have high hopes for the season and expect great things from this young, “scrappy” group of wrestlers.

Chanson Cadet

during both the bench press and clean and jerk parts of the competition. Having the highest max in the weight class means more points for the team so lifters are motivated to try their hardest, like senior Christina Montique who hit a new max of 130 pounds on the bench press by working hard during practices.

“Seeing all the new maxes my teammates made were the most surprising this week,” Montique said. It is very uplifting knowing all their hard work is paying off.”

Head coach David Attaway was confident in the work the girls had been putting in and were sure of their victory at the past meet.

“Lake Mary, they’re a great group but they’re not all that,” Attaway said. “We knew we were gonna win going into it, and it was more of a confidence builder and preparation for our conference championship.”

Weightlifting wins SAC championship

O

Staff Reporter

n Wednesday, Dec. 9, Winter Springs hosted the girl’s weightlifting SAC championships at Winter Springs High School. The meet consisted of eight teams and 160 lifters. After practicing hard all season, the work paid off and the team placed first.

“I was so happy that we won because our whole team put in so much hard work at the meet and we worked so hard at practice so to win felt amazing,” junior Ryley Basco who placed second in her weight class said.

Hali Fildes (154), Chloe Vardy (169), Ryley Basco (119), Megan Carlson (101), Lyzza Zuniga (110), and Haleigh D’Amico (199) placed second. However, the three first-place winners were key contributors to their victory, including Emma Ducharme (119), Olivia Lipari (129), and Karlie Marini (183).

“After my lifts, I felt so excited because I realized I was finally champion and all my training is paying off,” Marini said. “I’m so proud of my girls for winning as a team.”

Prior to the SAC championship, the girls varsity weightlifting team beat Lake Mary, 76-8 on Dec. 5, an important win that set them up for victory throughout the season.

The team has been preparing all year.

Going in with a game plan and executing it is essential, but each member incorporates their own strategies when lifting.

“I focus on positive affirmations and try to refrain from psyching myself out before I start lifting,” senior Amira Ali said. “I also remember the little things that my coaches tell that will help me hit the lift.”

The goal of every lifter is to hit a new max

HITTING THE MAX Senior Nadia Briggs performs a clean and jerk in the competition against Lake Mary. photo by Chanson Cadet