Volume 19, Issue 4 by Hagerty Journalism

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BLUEPRINT Vol. ol. 19 Issue 4 | February 23, 2024 | Hagerty High School | Oviedo, Florida

Girls flag football starts first season

Junior Gabrielle Diaz, junior Carson Gregory, senior Mina Stephens, senior Belinda Vo, junior Marin Mendell Photo | Nadia Knoblauch

SCPS restricts movies District interpretation leads to limit of classroom films

Charged up Caffeine plays large role in students’ daily lives

Alt-together now Fans find expression through alt music

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SCPS restricts movies

WATCH OUT A student watches “Memento” in film class. After the county’s December policy change requiring principals or media specialists to approve all movies shown in class, many teachers have decided to be cautious and not show any movies, while others have forgone the regulations in favor of educating their students. Photo | Brooke Bohan

Josephine Lim | News Editor

hen film teacher Jaimie Ling first heard about the district’s new movie restriction policy, her first thought was, “Oh no, here

we go.” Last December, Seminole County published new guidelines for educational material, requiring all movies be watched and approved by the school principal and certified media specialist. Teachers who do not follow the policy are in direct violation of the law and will be subject to investigations. Considering the hundreds of teachers on campus, principal Robert Frasca found the new policy overwhelming. “I 100% understand the intent of [the policy], and I absolutely support the fact that we should be using appropriate materials,” Frasca said. “It’s the execution that’s become impossible.” In the advanced film class alone, students watch 35 movies throughout the school year, most of which are rated PG-13 or R. Permission slips have long been standard procedure in such classes, as teachers anticipated state and parental objections. “For the 15 years I’ve been teaching film, I have always sent out permission slips. I’m not going to show a rated R film just because I like it…I’m going to teach it because it has academic merit in regards to film analysis,” Ling said. Thanks to the foresight to send out detailed permission slips in previous years, film classes will proceed as normal this year. However, other classes are not as fortunate, with the new restrictions forcing teachers to rework

assignments. AP Literature teacher Cameron I would think that movie permission slips are Curran often shows screen adaptations of class enough,” Drewry said. novels, such as “Fahrenheit 451,” to help her The new policy comes in the midst of a school students understand the literature better. With year fraught with increasing restrictions. Despite movies and even YouTube clips now in question, claiming “Florida legislation” as the cause of the Curran’s students miss the opportunity to consume new policies, county guidelines do not name any the material in their intended form. specific bill in question, leading many to assume “[Pieces like “Macbeth” and “Hamlet”] were that the policy is a more cautionary measure than never meant to be read, but viewed as plays and specifically ordained by the state. The guidelines performances,” Curran said. “So now to have are also vague on the fate of YouTube clips and a law that suggests that I’m unable to show whether lower rated movies, like G and PG films, are these classical pieces of allowed to be shown. literature modernized and Film teacher Lisa Gendreau made relevant…it’s very believes the tightened policies My hope for the future is disheartening.” are simply a byproduct of that we let educators do Language classes have distrust in teachers, as some what they do best, which is also felt the brunt of the new parents, bolstered by politicians, to educate. legislation, as the vetting worry over “indoctrination” in process is nearly impossible schools. - Jaimie Ling, film teacher with their material in a different “Instead of dealing with language. In French, students often watch films to the teachers who have made bad choices [in help them understand the language better. French the materials they choose to show], everybody’s teacher Pamela Lynch worries about the long term suffering because [the higher ups are] effects of the policy. micromanaging everybody,” Gendreau said. “I don’t understand why we’re not allowing kids Although parents are often blamed for the to learn any kind of culture…it’s going to make us rise in drastic policies, Ling points out that most more isolated as a state,” Lynch said. parents work diligently with teachers to support Junior Macy Drewry, who takes French III, their children. It is only the few bad apples that spoil was disappointed when she heard the new policy the barrel. prohibited the class from watching “Ratatouille” “Unfortunately, it is a byproduct of the time dubbed in French. She was especially perplexed that we live in...there are people that want heads considering the movie’s G rating and reputation as to roll,” Ling said. “My hope for the future is that a wholesome family film. we let educators do what they do best, which is to “I’m confused why this policy is needed because educate.”

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JROTC program offers aeronautical elective and will be taught by JROTC instructor MAJ Martin Johnson. n the classroom, learning topics such The class will go over the basics as graphing, the periodic table or of aeronautical science, offering essay-writing is common. But next students a broad understanding of year, a new lesson will be offered: how aviation and the fields surrounding it, to fly. including airport operations, air traffic The school will be introducing principles, elements of air navigation, three new flight-oriented courses flight physiology and aviation this upcoming school year through regulations. Unmanned Aircraft Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Systems, also a dual enrollment two of which will be dual enrollment course, will also be instructed by courses. Journey to Flight, Principles Johnson and will be centered around of Aeronautical understanding Science, and and operating Unmanned unmanned It is simply an opportunity Aircraft Systems aircrafts such will all be making for cadets within the JROTC as drones. Both program to receive an their Seminole dual enrollment industry certification. County debut, courses are for and similar sophomores and - MAJ Martin Johnson, programs have above. JROTC instructor already entered Students Orange County enrolled must schools such as Ocoee High School. maintain a GPA of 2.5. These courses Journey to Flight will serve as will allow students to receive drone an entry level course and will be certifications through the Federal taught by JROTC instructor MSG Aviation Administration. Those who Daniel Weber. It will teach the take these courses have the potential basics of aviation. The course will be to earn up to 17 dual enrollment offered to all grade levels. Principles credits. of Aeronautical Science is a dual While the new programs are enrollment course, giving students being run through JROTC, they are the opportunity to earn college credit, not directly affiliated with the military

Isaiah Macri | Staff Reporter

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ATTENTION JROTC cadet Owen Fox performs with the Color Guard at halftime of a football game. Next year, the JROTC program will add Aeronautical Engineering, an elective that will teach the basics of aviation. Photo | Levi Cal Rivera

NEWS BRIEFS Parking reinforcement rises

Greta Carrasco | Online Editor

enior Ivy Browning had finished all her classes and was about to go home when she noticed a white note on her windshield: a warning for unauthorized parking. “I saw [the warning] on my windshield and I was super confused because I did have a parking pass. But I get it, I was parked in the wrong lot,” School security guard D.J. Harris Browning said. checks for parking passes. Unauthorized Photo | Greta Carrasco parking has resulted in threats of towing for repeated offenders. Towing for parking without a pass may seem excessive, but the school has reasons for the harsh parking enforcement. Although 20% of parking passes are oversold to account for students’ absences and off-campus schedules, approximately 75 students remain on the waitlist for a parking pass. “What happens [is that] when sophomores turn 16, they get their license, so they’ll start testing the waters to see if they can get away with [parking without a pass]. They might for a day or a week, but eventually they get caught,” school administration manager Jason Maitland said.

or other institutions. Instead, they are meant to encourage student exploration in these potential careers. “This is all civilian-related, it’s not about a pathway to the military nor is JROTC a pathway to the military. It is simply an opportunity for cadets within the JROTC program to receive an industry certification,” Johnson said. The program has the ability to expand as more students enroll in the initial course, allowing for a four-year program. “I signed up because the curriculum looked really interesting, and there are a lot of well-paying careers that it ties into,” junior Reuben Bianco said. Careers in the field of aviation, especially those operating unmanned aircrafts, pay extremely well with little to no post-secondary education. “[For] future careers as far as unmanned pilots, the average salary is over 100K a year— and that’s straight out of high school,” Johnson said. The average wage of a flight instructor is also well above the national average at $82,000 per year. These courses will provide students with a chance to excel in the field of aeronautics and build a foundation for establishing a lifelong career.

Vending machines revamped Interclub council’s new board Grace Hilton | Staff Reporter s students walked to class, they were used to the empty spaces in the nooks and crannies of the school where large machines once were. Sitting empty, collecting dust and fading in the sunlight, the vending machines have had almost no maintenance for a year—until Monday, Feb. 12. “[The vending machines] sat kind of empty, kind of weird looking, almost abandoned,” school administration manager Jason Maitland said. The new machines have been placed under stairwells because the old machines encountered a challenge that schools in other states do not: the Florida sun. At the far end of the campus, an old vending machine full of snacks was put directly in the sunlight, leading to each snack’s color fading. This not only discouraged students from buying these snacks, but also made them question the freshness and healthiness of the The new vending machines in food provided. between buildings 6 and 7. The new Photo | Lillie Overton machines are more advanced, accepting credit cards and even Apple Pay. In general, the machines have the same selection of snacks and drinks as before, with some new additions like Powerade and Smartwater.

Lillie Overton | Staff Reporter uring both lunches on fixed Wednesdays during the month, Leadership teachers Kari Miller and Sarah Bearss and administrator Christy TibbittsBryce are busy overseeing the Interclub Council meetings, where clubs meet together to plan upcoming projects. In February, the silvertiered clubs met in Miller’s room during both lunches to discuss the implementation of a new board: the Interclub Executive board vice president Council directory Ariana Cruz leads ICC meeting. board. Going into Photo | Lillie Overton effect in March or April, the directory board will discuss and fix issues with attendance for the meetings, clubs getting voices, and general problems for the clubs. “The directory board is a good thing to give more people voices,” Bryce said. “Club participation is important too, so we can do more things schoolwide. The clubs are tiered by the level of involvement that they have on campus. Smaller clubs like the Book Club and Poets Society fall in the silver tier. Clubs that have more involvement fall under the blue tier like Robotics and the Unity Alliance. Blacktiered clubs such as the honor societies have the most involvement, especially with service events. “The board is giving clubs the opportunity to boost school spirit,” Miller said.

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Dancers wave to the audience as a part of their routine. Members of the Unleashed dance team aid their teammate during the piece. Sophomore Sophia Lamorte feels the emotion and rhythm during the lyrical number. Senior Jenna Hecker hugs her teammate in the routine, highlighting the emotional connection in the dance. Dancers hold onto each other for support. This routine focused on the group’s chemistry. Not only did Unleashed’s lyrical number show off the skill of the dancers, but it also highlighted their emotional bond. Photos | Dance Team Union

Dance team wins second national title

Kailey Calvo | Print Editor

eaving it all on the dance floor, the varsity dance team “Unleashed” won first place on Feb. 10 at their national competition. The team participated in the Dance Team Union circuit, which hosts regional competitions in the fall and the national competition in February. The dancers competed in areas of jazz and lyrical and were scored on technique, artistry, showmanship, spacing, projection and more to evaluate the best routine of the day. The team had been practicing their nationals routine since July, sticking to a rigorous practice schedule. The girls met two times a week after school, as well as during their sixth-period class, to ensure their stamina was ready for challenging dances. While they usually compete within the jazz and lyrical categories, this year’s routines were unique to this set of dancers. The team leaned into a precedent that they have maintained the last few years of staying true to jazz technique through stylized movement and music choices. “Our lyrical routine was my favorite that I’ve competed with and demonstrated our techniques as dancers, as well as our range of

emotion as humans,” Vescio said. solo routines to show off their Since there are 11 seniors on the individual skill sets. current team, this has allowed for “The nerves are that much the girls to build a strong sense of greater since you are the only one chemistry together over time. on stage and cannot lean on the “Most of us have been dancing girls, but the encouragement from together for years, so our connection my teammates helped a lot,” Getty with each other is so much stronger said. “It is harder to show emotion than in previous and make years,” senior connections dance captain without your This team is the closest one I’ve teammates Leah Getty been a part of both on and off said. around you the stage, and this season, we’ve also dancing.” In previous years, the team Although pushed each other harder than did not focus as ever to accomplish our goals and the Unleashed much on group Dance be the best team possible. work; however, won a - Alexis Evans, senior dance captain Team the group work national title within this two years routine relied on their emotions, and ago, many of the girls were not a was only possible because of their part of that team, which made this specific connection as a team. victory that much sweeter. According “The dance was [thematically] to Evans, the girls’ relationships as a based on coming together as one and team strengthened, along with their our own close bonds and friendships dancing abilities, helping them win. within this team,” senior Jenna Hecker “This team is the closest one I’ve said. “Our group work and emotion been a part of both on and off the was shown in moments throughout stage, and our positivity towards one the dance like hugging, holding hands another is really shown through our and helping one another up when we dances,” Evans said. “This season, are down.” we’ve pushed each other harder than Aside from competing within ever to accomplish our goals and be group routines, senior dance captains the best team possible.” Alexis Evans and Getty performed From the beginning of this school

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year, the team had their incoming competition season at the forefront of their minds, and became determined to be recognized for their dedication to their craft. “The kids knew they had it in them to win, and they knew from day one that this routine was extremely special,” head coach Diane Brooks said. “The 2022 team had to be convinced that they could do it, and these kids knew that they already had the capabilities.” The team also set another goal to reach“The Battle,” a selected showcase of 12-16 teams that are picked to dance again at the end of the competition weekend for a battle cup. When Brooks received a text saying the team had been invited, the team knew that their routine ultimately stood out, boosting their confidence in their performance. In order to feel more assured with their routine and abilities, the team’s rehearsal time to sharpen their routine made all the difference. “They went into the [competition weekend] ready because of all of the practice they put into the dances, and we kept the weeks leading up to it positive and focused,” Brooks said. “At the end of the day, their connection to the piece, along with being extremely comfortable with it, led to our win.”

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Social media is

FIRED UP

NOT

SATAN

Nadia Knoblauch | Editor-in-Chief

Feb. 14—a day of love turned to mourning, again

Unlike Lia Miller | Opinions Editor many unjust ur great-grandparents once communicated laws that people turn a blind eye to, this will affect through letters or telegrams. As newer citizens every day, and lead to a significantly less technology became available, long-distance up-to-date teen population. interaction switched over to telephone calls and Even beyond this blatant government emails. Then came mobile phones, texting, and overreach, it is confounding and disappointing recently social media. With every improvement, the that Florida’s legislature seems to find this their world becomes more interconnected, and more most pressing issue. HB-1 is the first bill of the year opportunities emerge for people everywhere. and as such, generally the top priority of the state No one said that the end was nigh because they government, so it raises an interesting question: could send telegrams that reached their destination of all the problems that citizens face, of all the instantly instead of waiting days for some old-timey changes that they could approve, projects that they messenger to deliver a letter on horseback. No one could set in motion or improvements that they could called it a passing trend when pocket-sized mobile make, do lawmakers really think that kids on social devices began to appear. No, that was the “future media is the most critical? In fact, if they devoted of communication.” anything like this effort Older generations to targeting online cannot seem to grasp, predators instead of though, that social media the victims, maybe By treating it as a is simply the next step in there would not be plague or enemy, this progression. HB-1, so much demand to which would ban social adults turn a blind eye restrict children’s social media for children under media use. to all of the potential 16, just further proves It is also their ignorance. By redeeming qualities of unreasonable to treating it as a plague expect social media social media. or enemy, adults turn companies to maintain a blind eye to all of the this rule, and hold them potential redeeming qualities of social media and responsible if it is broken. Let’s face it: kids are really fail to consider that getting rid of it would deprive good at lying about their age; I’ve seen my sister younger generations of one of their primary forms pass for 8 years old and 16 on the same day without of communication. blinking an eye. How can anyone be sure that users Certainly, social media has its risks, but unless of social media apps are telling the truth, especially you plan on locking yourself in a cellar and staring at when they have a screen to hide behind? In order to a blank wall for hours on end and reading “The Very have absolute certainty of a new user’s age, these Hungry Caterpillar” as entertainment, it’s pretty sites would have to implement such extensive age difficult to find a totally risk-free activity these verification that it would cause great inconvenience days—and even then, you might get a paper cut. to actual adults trying to make a social media Teens aren’t idiots. They know not to go walking account. through unlit alleyways at night with no flashlight, All in all, independent parents and independent no phone and no friends or adults around; the same children can deal with private corporations, and common sense keeps them out of shady places no parties involved need or want this kind of on social media. No reasonable parent keeps their interference from the state. child locked inside all the time because some places Currently, HB-1 has passed the House of are dangerous—and there would be outrage if a Representatives, and was welcomed with open government official 100 miles away decided that arms by politicians on both sides of the spectrum. no students could go anywhere outside their house. It seems that the one thing uniting the far right and Similarly, it should be up to parents and children to far left in Florida is their new favorite team-bonding ensure that they take the proper precautions online. activity of carefully removing personal freedoms Education about online safety is still important one at a time, and watching as the proverbial Jenga and would be far more effective than turning it into tower does not even sway. It’s about time that the forbidden fruit. whole thing collapses on them.

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SOCIAL MEDIA STATS 167 people surveyed

50%

of students said that the pros of social media outweigh the cons

Most students got their first social media account at

52%

of students named Instagram as their top social media app

13-15 32% years old

named Snapchat

ellow and red confetti flies through the air. So do bullets.

On Feb. 14, a day to celebrate loving relationships, hearts in Kansas City, Missouri were broken. After their Super Bowl win on Feb. 11, the Kansas City Chiefs were welcomed home by an estimated 1 million people at their victory parade. According to the New York Times, two armed men were detained after shots were fired at the end of the parade, killing at least one and injuring 21—children included. According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been 49 mass shootings in the United States as of Feb. 14—the 45th day of the year. This is a concerning and horrific statistic, and one that Americans have grown too accustomed to. I can clearly picture Feb. 14, 2018. I was sitting at a cafe on vacation with my family from Miami. My aunt opened Facebook to see “alleged shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.” Less than an hour later, my older cousin, who attended a high school only four miles from Stoneman, FaceTimed us from her school where she was under lockdown for an active shooter. I remember the fear in her voice. I remember the fear I felt for my family, even though I was 2,499 miles away. If that much fear can be instilled in an 11 year-old over FaceTime, imagine the terror felt by mass shooting victims and survivors. Almost every day since the Stoneman shooting, there has been a mass shooting in the U.S. I cannot clearly remember every day, like I do Feb. 14, 2018, but the millions of Americans affected by these shootings do. And now for citizens of Kansas City, Feb. 14, 2024 will be one they can clearly picture. How have we come to the point where mass shootings are so common? How can a day of love turn into one of mourning twice in six years? And why have our leaders done nothing to make the U.S. safer? The shooting in Missouri, an open carry state, emphasizes the danger that open carry laws and concealed weapons pose to the public. If lawmakers truly want to preserve life in America, guns and assault rifles need to be properly accounted for. To say the U.S.’ handle on guns has gotten out of control would be an understatement. Not only does gun violence destroy Americans’ trust in their officials and public safety, but it costs the U.S. nearly $557 billion per year—five times the nation’s Department of Education budget. The argument of Second Amendment rights is one I’ve grown tired of. Why is someone’s right to arms valued over my right to live? My right to liberty? My pursuit of happiness? I don’t want or expect lawmakers to send search parties into houses, grabbing every gun they see. That would be ridiculous and a clear violation of privacy. However, I do hope our officials will tighten the ability to buy weapons, increase background checks and value the safety of children and families over the opinions of close-minded adults.

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BLUEPRINT OUR TAKE: SCPS needs to think for itself Hagerty High School 3225 Lockwood Blvd. Oviedo, FL 32765 hagertyjourn@gmail.com Phone: (407) 871-0750

EDITORIAL POLICY The BluePrint is a studentproduced newspaper in which the student editors make all content decisions. The newspaper belongs to the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the National Scholastic Press Association and the Florida Scholastic Press Association. Opinions expressed within the newspaper do not represent the staff’s views as a whole, the views of Seminole County Public Schools’ or Hagerty High School’s administration and staff. STAFF Editor-in-Chief Nadia Knoblauch Print Editor Kailey Calvo Online Editor Greta Carrasco-Garcia News Editor Josephine Lim Features Editor Gabriella Navarro Opinions Editor Lia Miller Sports Editor Ava West Staff Reporters Jolin Alcindor, Grace Hilton, Isaiah Macri, Lillie Overton, Holly Smyers, Ava Strzalko Adviser Brit Taylor Principal Robert Frasca

BluePrint staff

o books. No movies. And now, no social media. For two years, state laws, and Seminole County’s interpretations, have gotten increasingly restrictive. With the pretext of giving rights back to parents and shielding students from inappropriate content, too many laws have passed that are setting a concerning trend. While Florida continues to approve this vague and alarming legislation, Seminole County keeps interpreting these laws to the extreme. From the permission slips that were instated earlier this year to the recent movie restrictions on campus, more and more media is being censored for students. These laws typically have a common starting point, in theory— the fight for parental rights. But, with the new bills that are passed, the narrative seems different. The School-Sponsored Events and Activities law was passed to allow parents to decide what kind of school-sponsored activities their kids were allowed to be exposed to. Now however, the new social media ban seems to be taking that parent freedom away by banning social media for all minors younger than 16, regardless of parental decision. Intentions are not the only place where these bills contradict themselves. The same bill, SB 1788, states that the government will take measures to prohibit minors, anyone under 18, from making new social media accounts, but it never truly clarifies if only new accounts will be restricted or if it will be applied to accounts that were made before the bill is passed. In short, the legislations

Illustration | Josephine Lim

are not specific enough, so they can be interpreted as more restrictive than what it is on paper. Needless to say, the vague nature of these laws allow interpretations that are not necessary. The Parental Rights In Education, for example, never mentioned that movies needed to be verified by the principal; it simply stated that any content that is given to students needed to be verified. However, Seminole County interpreted this to mean movies, and with the county’s cautious interpretations, it is hard to say what other steps they will take next. Will they ban YouTube clips, field trips or even clubs that the state might find inappropriate? It is frustrating since the bill never specified how to carry out any of their laws. But, in order to prevent

any legal issue, the county takes laws to the extreme, and students suffer. Despite the constant disagreement of students and teachers, these laws are never legally challenged. Students, media and civil liberty groups have all complained and spoken out against the governor in force, but so far it is just noise. Until these laws are challenged and defeated in court, the trend of disappearing student rights will continue. It is impossible to say what other laws will be passed that strip students’ rights. But one thing is for certain: if these laws are never questioned or challenged, we will face a future where we have less and less access to the books, media and even the courses that have made our county among the top in the state and nation.

PE: essential education for every K-12 student Bushra Rashid | Journalism 1

ny person living in the United States is familiar with the country’s rising obesity rates. The same way they are familiar with seeing a McDonald’s or Burger King around every corner. For many years, it has been unanimously recognized that people don’t become overweight or obese overnight. Instead, it’s the result of unhealthy habits that accumulate each day and are never corrected, thus why physical education classes for K-12 were implemented around the 19th century. The requirements for PE classes in Florida, however, wither down starting in middle school, where students have the option to choose between a required semester of PE or an optional extended full year of PE. In high school, students are only required to complete one PE credit for

busy completing chores at home. graduation. This, however, is anything Whatever the case, time is limited. but enough. Full-year PE classes For most students, the only time they should be required for all high school will have to students—and for squeeze in a every year of high daily exercise school. is if they have The CDC a PE class recommends that day. 1 hour of daily For people exercise for who have adolescents. In a overweight 2019 survey, only parents, 23.2% of high the risk of schoolers met the becoming an recommended obese adult daily activity rises to an hour. This should astounding cause concern to Illustration | Areli Smith 80%. So, PE parents, teachers, classes in the Florida school are the wall that separates Department of Education and Florida us from our families’ poor choices. lawmakers. High schoolers are busy It is what teaches us the value of people. Some have homework, some developing healthy lifestyle habits well are employed, some regularly attend into adulthood. Some may say that after-school clubs and others are

PE classes make students nervous or anxious by making them insecure in their athletic ability in a physically competitive environment. Though this may hold some truth, exercise actually reduces stress hormones and releases endorphins, therefore improving the mood of students and eliminating stress and anxiety. Studies also show that PE classes are linked with a better academic performance due to increased concentration. We can’t put a halt to the rising fast food industry. We can’t tell millions of adult Americans to change their lifestyle. However, what we can do is ensure that all students are taught the importance of nutrition and exercise to prevent unhealthy lifestyle choices and habits from developing. The Florida Department of Education must take action to adjust the curriculum for PE classes— but in order for that to happen, we as a state and people must take action.

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entertainment

In The Moment: the Oscars and the Barbie resurgence

no Ken without Barbie, and there is no Barbie movie without Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie, the two people most responsible for this history-making, he only way to describe the impact Greta globally-celebrated film.” Gerwig’s “Barbie” had on everyone for Internet trends will come and go, and new the last several months of 2023 is to call it movies will be released that will catch the attention a spectacle. For months before the movie was of everyone once again—but Gerwig’s “Barbie” will released, Mattel was collaborating with a number of brands—from Zara to Burger King to Airbnb—and no doubt be culturally relevant for a long time. The feel-good trends that had a hold on internet culture once the movie was released, people all around the for months were something that let everyone world were dressing up in hot pink and dreamy get to have fun and embrace pastel attire at the theaters. their inner child again, and the It was fun. movie was able to spark a lot of Everyone was excited, The movie has brought more conversations about and the movie proved to awareness to the role women valuable equality. be such a success that it are expected to play in society, Twenty years from now, was all anyone could talk as well as what it’s like to be people will look back on this about over the summer. a woman in a largely male- time, remembering the “Barbie” Many were certain that once dominated world. movie fondly for what it is, award season hit, “Barbie” and thinking back on the important, real-world would receive a lot of awards, especially in favor of lessons that were continuously being brought up Greta Gerwig and titular character actress Margot in our society. And at the end of the day, no award Robbie. And then, the Oscar nominations were released nomination can compete with that. in late January, and “Barbie” was nominated for eight awards—but no nominations for “Best Leading Actress” or “Best Director.” Robbie’s co-star Ryan Gosling, who played Ken, was nominated for “Best Supporting Actor” and America Ferrera, who played Gloria, was nominated for “Best Supporting Actress” but there was no mention of Gerwig’s directing or Robbie’s performance. It’s safe to say that fans online were outraged. Gerwig was the first female director to hit $1 billion in the box office, and Robbie’s performance as Barbie was deemed perfect for the film. The lack of nominations for Gerwig and Robbie only prove that not everyone understood the point of the movie. It’s diminishing—completely ignoring the messages of equality and women’s rights that the film portrays. This isn’t the only time something like this has occurred due to the “Barbie” movie. During the Golden Globes, comedian Jo Koy made a misogynistic “joke” to compare the film to “Oppenheimer.” At the Critics Choice Awards, Gosling’s “I’m Just Ken” won over Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” which plays at the emotional climax of the film. As if we needed another reminder, the girlempowerment themes from “Barbie” are just as important as ever. The movie has brought more awareness to the role women are expected to play in society, as well as what it’s like to be a woman in a largely male-dominated world. Gosling’s performance as Ken was amazing—but as Gosling Photo | Warner Bros. said in a statement about the nominations; “there is

Ava Strzalko | Staff Reporter

ONLINE

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Kailey Calvo Print Editor

In this episode, Kailey investigates Culinary IV’s Pastapalooza event.

Jolin explores Cub Sport featuring guest Jazlyn Compton.

Lia Miller Opinions Editor Holly Smyers Staff Reporter Tune in to hear Holly and Lia discuss the ups and downs of having siblings.

Jolin Alcindor Staff Reporter

Lillie Overton Staff Reporter Lillie asks students about their New Year’s resolutions.

“Divine Rivals” Gabriella Navarro | Features Editor As the official first book I have read this year, “Divine Rivals” has set the bar. Rebecca Ross not only set the book in a time of war but added gods and mythology into the mix. Iris Winnow is a journalist forced to quit school to provide for her family when her mother turns to alcohol and her brother runs to the war. But her hopes to win a column spot are stolen by her aristocratic and snobby rival, Roman Kitt. As Iris tries to find her brother, her escapade takes her to the front lines of this godly war. And when she tries to write to her brother, her letters magically end up in the hands of someone she finds to be a new confidant, but little does she know it is Roman that she is finding solace in. The character writing in this book is some of the best I have read. Iris has a sense of strength that I wish I would see more in female characters, but she also has this vulnerability that makes her human and relatable. Then Roman, the rival-turned-companion, goes against all initial impressions of him. He has a heart of strong compassion and courage hidden beneath his veneer of rivalry. His character development was one of my favorite aspects of this book. Seeing him go from this pompous rich boy to a passionate, caring person resonates with the reader and leaves you wanting to uncover more of his story. Their connection reminds me of a decadeold love story; a black and white picture you’d find in a dusty photo album. Their typewriterwritten letters, the rush to enjoy life as much as people can, and the harsh background of war all set the tone. I find it so romantic that Roman has always admired and liked Iris from afar, while she holds a strong dislike for him from the get-go. Ross has such a way of writing; it’s not like books I’ve read before, and this really shines through her world-building. It felt so unique even when she was using the classic writing of tales and myths. And as a huge fan of “Percy Jackson,” I’m a sucker for any mythology in books. So, I hope to see more of the mythology in the second book, “Ruthless Vows.” However, I found that the magic in this world was very contradictory. There were some parts of life that were enchanted but then parts that weren’t. How are the shelves at the nearby convenience store enchanted, but the offices aren’t able to get a coffee pot that magically refills itself? Also, the gods (that are mentioned very early on in the book) are creating this entire war, yet not everyone believes they exist? Sometimes, it came off as disorganized, with many technicalities that were never really addressed. While researching before I read the book, I was warned about the ending by people saying they were in tears by the last page. And it’s safe to say they were right; the ending did rip my heart out with how intense it was and the fact of the book ending with a cliffhanger. I feel lucky knowing I can dive into the next book. Despite some minor issues, I’d recommend it to everyone. If you love a fantasy romance with stakes, then “Divine Rivals” is the book for you.

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CHARGED UP Caffeine consumption becomes a regular part of teen life

For senior Cailin Kilkenny, who works 35 hours a week as a manager t 7 a.m., student energy at Oviedo Panera Bread, having the levels fluctuate dramatically, energy to get through the day is key. some brimming with vitality “I usually drink two [to] three energy while others teeter on the edge of drinks a day,” Kilkenny said. “Energy exhaustion. The early morning school drinks help me get through a long day start time drives students to find ways of school, work and online work.” of getting needed energy. According to a poll taken surveying The most popular way? Receiving a Hagerty students, 51 percent of them kick-start with caffeine. consume caffeine on a regular basis. Additionally, So, what is according to the caffeine? American Academy Caffeine of Pediatrics, is a drug that minors of ages I usually drink two [to] three stimulates 12 to 18 should energy drinks a day. Energy your brain cap daily caffeine drinks help me get through a and nervous intake at 100 long day of school, work and system. It milligrams (mg). online work. is typically However, popular consumed in drink - Cailin Kilkenny, 12 energy drinks format as a source among teens, like of energy. It also Monster, Celsius increases the circulation and Prime, exceed the of chemicals such as cortisol and recommended cap, with Monster adrenaline in the body. The effects of having 160 mg per can and Celsius caffeine can be felt anywhere from and Prime having 200 mg. five to 30 minutes from consumption. Senior Riley Von consumes a similar Naturally, caffeine is found in coffee amount, also drinking two energy drinks beans, tea leaves and guarana, plants a day, although the reason differs, as that make popular drinks. her volleyball practices, dual enrollment With the science lesson out of the classes and working as a grocery clerk way, let’s see how these popular drinks at Publix only allow for four hours of affects the lives of students here. sleep. “I have [long] practices and work How much caffeine do you late, so I usually end up with minimal sleep,” Von said. “I use [caffeine] to consume? A study from the Mayo Clinic shows boost alertness and academic and athletic performance.” that 83 percent of teenagers (13-18 years old) say they consume caffeine on a regular basis, and 96 percent Do you experience any of teenagers state they consume side effects? caffeine occasionally. This shows that Drinking caffeine excessively caffeine intake is prevalent among the is reported to have damaging side adolescent population, raising concerns effects, including digestive issues, about the potential impact on their insomnia and high blood pressure. And overall health. according to Science Based Medicine, Jolin Alcindor | Staff Reporter

50 percent of caffeine drinkers will experience such effects. However, according to junior Amberly Napierata, who works long hours at Chick-fil-A, it’s hard to break those habits when you need to stay alert in school. “When I don’t have caffeine in the morning I have a headache all day and I [feel] like I’m falling asleep in class,” Napierata said. “I feel so tired without it.” Napierata describes caffeine withdrawal, the process of drinking a high intake of caffeine daily, followed by an abrupt withdrawal. This process is reported to cause more harm than good, including headaches, anxiety and fatigue, the latter of which is something Kilkenny has experienced in the past. She highlighted a reliance on the Charged Lemonade from Panera Bread, and with its 390 milligrams of caffeine in a large portion, it has come under major fire for not being a safe energy drink option. “As soon as I stopped drinking them as regularly, I felt a huge drop in my day to day energy and felt dizzy,” Kilkenny said.

caffeine to help make the change more manageable. “I’ve been drinking caffeine regularly since [my] freshman year,” McCluskey said. “My freshman and sophomore years I’d wake up and [drink] a [cup of] coffee, but [my] junior and senior year I switched to Monsters.” Sophomore Emma Smith describes a similar need, as being on the junior varsity softball team and her automotive classes require constant energy. “I started consuming them on a daily basis when I entered high school,” Smith said. So, students drink caffeine, and they drink it a lot. The question that remains, however, is...

Is caffeine consumption a problem?

In exploring the caffeine habits of high school students, it’s clear that many rely on caffeinated beverages to navigate early morning classes and busy schedules. However, it’s important to understand limits when it comes to the body, When did according to you start sophomore Sarah McQuillin. drinking “On a given When I don’t have caffeine caffeine? day, I’ll drink in the morning, I have a Transitioning one Monster headache all day and I [feel] from middle Energy,” like I’m falling asleep in school (which McQuillin said. class. I feel so tired starts at “Any more without it. 9:30 a.m. than that can be - Amberly Napierata, 11 in Seminole dangerous for my County) to high health.” school (which At 7 a.m., students starts at 7:20 a.m.) may vary in energy levels, and is a huge adjustment for for those seeking an energy source, students, and it often requires them caffeine remains a popular choice. And to make different choices when it for the foreseeable future, it’s here to comes to sleeping and energy habits. stay. Senior Emily McCluskey turned to

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‘Filtered’ micro cafe opens on campus

coffee, iced tea or a lemonade for just were positive, with junior Anne Smith $1.75; a hot chocolate for $2.50; a nitro noting its modern style. cold brew for $2.95; and a café latte bout five years ago, Seminole “I think it adds more character for $3.25. Customizable options for County Public Schools surveyed to our school,” Smith said, “the menu drinks include syrup flavors like vanilla, students across its nine high items are really creative and give peach, strawberry schools and asked, [students] more options when it comes and caramel being “What are they to selecting our lunch.” available to add most interested Senior Grace Dean shared similar One of the things that was on for 50¢ extra. At a in when it comes thoughts, welcoming the change. the list was a coffee [place] station nearby the to food choices?” “I’m glad that Hagerty is taking concept. So, we wanted to café, students can The resounding what students want into account,” provide [students] with great sweeten drinks with Dean said. answer? A café. coffee without paying $8 stevia or add whole “One of the Others were not so favorable of the milk to use as a things that was on [every time]. new café, stating that they don’t see creamer. the list was a coffee the appeal. The lack of creamer options - David Hawk, SCPS While the café [place] concept. has also come under fire, with some So, we wanted to complaining that it shuts out people Coordinator of Operations sells drinks during breakfast, break provide [students] who can’t digest lactose or simply and lunch, during the lunch hour, the with great coffee without paying $8 prefer non-dairy creamers. café serves deli subs and toasted sub [every time],” SCPS Coordinator of “If I want to enjoy a latte, I have to sandwiches, along with salads, hummus provide my own creamer or my options Operations David Hawk said. boxes and parfaits. While this The remodeling process started are limited,” senior Rebekah Reyes said. may seem like a at the end of the last school year and “That doesn’t seem wide variety of was scheduled to be completed before fair at all, does it?” options, many school started. However, supply issues Overall, the I think it adds more characof these menu pushed the opening date to early idea of microter to our school, the menu items are already items are really creative and restaurants is a January. available in the “We were kind of fortunate—it give [students] more options long time coming cafeteria. was our turn to get something done,” for Hagerty, as when it comes to selecting Despite principal Robert Frasca said. “Even other high schools our lunch. having many though our building isn’t big enough to have already made of the food sustain what the full renovation looks renovations. More - Anne Smith, 11 like, [Red Apple Dining] wanted to make options already expansions will be available, the sure that we got something that our coming in the future, but for now, café has been a popular new spot students would be excited about.” the Filtered café is open for on campus, with long lines blocking The menu of the new Filtered business. cafeteria doors. café, which opened the first day of Student reactions to the new café the second semester, seems to live up to that idea. Students can get a hot Jolin Alcindor | Staff Reporter

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supercharged

STATS

51% 83% 100

of students drink caffeine on a regular basis

of teens nationally drink caffeine on a regular basis

milligrams of caffeine is the recommendation for teens

Illustrations | Christin Smith Design | Josephine Lim

Hearts on their sleeves B Gabriella Navarro | Features Editor

eyond the standard hoodies and sweatpants, a slowly growing number of students are pushing the boundaries of traditional school fashion, using the school as a runway of self-expression. From vintage ensembles to chic combinations, students are turning the mundane morning routine into a canvas for creativity. The highlights of this trend? Bright colors, bold patterns and DRESS TO IMPRESS Freshman Brianna Elder-Heinman celebration of personal style. shows off her creative style through bright colors and This fashion allows students to wear whatever funky patterns. Elder-Heinman always tries to pair her they express rather than wearing what is trendy outfits to match her mood. Photo | Gabriella Navarro and being criticized by anyone who doesn’t wear those things. This can lead to most being scared to dress how they want at school, feeling like they don’t need to be the most expensive brands out need to conform to society’s norms. However, some there to fit in. They can have their sense of style with students aren’t afraid to stand out. no shame or extra cost, and it’s evident that some Sporting a vibrant ensemble, freshman Brianna students are taking advantage of this newfound Elder-Heinmen’s wardrobe is a testament to her freedom. fearless approach to show herself. Choosing her “I feel more comfortable when I’m in my own outfit in the morning is a simple process for her. clothes [...] and when my outfit matches the mood “I base my clothes off of how I’m feeling,” Elder- I’m in,” Fuentes said. Heinmen said. “I feel happy and bright today, so am The fashion choices not only spark I going to wear suspenders or conversations in the hallways thigh-high rainbow socks?” but also foster a sense of unity So, after she debates among students. The way I dress is definitely how she feels over breakfast, “The way I dress is the way I try to express myself definitely the way I try to Elder-Heinmen finds a top the most. I feel like I can show express myself the most,” that fits her mood. Then, she’s already narrowed down my personality and my feelings Elder-Heinmen said. “People through my outfits. what pairs of pants match, have told me [my style] is it’s just a matter of picking. pretty cool and I’ve bonded -Brianna Elder- Heinman, 9 For Elder-Heinmen, getting with some of my friends dressed has transformed over it.” from just a morning routine into something she Through their vibrant and creative outfits, loves. students are rewriting the norm: individuality and “[Picking my outfit] gives me something to look academic excellence coexist forward to each day,” Elder-Heinmen said. “I infuse in harmony. After all, in the and take inspiration from characters that I love with canvas for school fashion, the basis of my style and then I build onto it with each outfit tells a unique other ideas.” story. The trend towards unconventional fashion at “Choosing my outfit school is not about rebellion; it’s about creating a sometimes feels like sense of identity in a world that often tries to stick creating something like to uniform. Students like Elder-Heinmen are pushing art,” Fuentes said. “It back against the idea that conformity is identical sets the tone for to professionalism, showing that creativity and selfmy entire day.” expression can coexist with her academics. “The way I dress is very colorful and prominent, which kind of reflects my personality because I’m very extroverted,” Elder-Heinmen said. “My personality stands out and so do my clothes.” Most students also like showing who they are physically through their clothes. “[My style] reflects how much I like trying STRUTTING STYLE different things and exploring,” senior Sofia Fuentes Senior Sofia said. Fuentes styles her For some, this is a way to break free from the cropped top with ordinary; for others it’s about building confidence her favorite long and self-esteem. skirt. She likes to “It’s not just about the clothes, it’s about the plan her outfits mindset,” Fuentes said. “When I dress nice and feel in advance and like myself, it makes me feel more confident with match her jewelry interactions at school..” to the aesthetic. Increasing numbers of students have been Photo | Gabriella thrifting, trying to find clothes that fit their style Navarro and aesthetic while also being comfortable and affordable. They find that the clothes they want

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Greta Carrasco | Online Editor

Preston Hearn - fishing Preston Hearn spotted movement in the water. Looking closely, he found an alligator gar, a fish that can grow up to six feet long, swimming along the Titusville river bank. After getting within catching distance, Hearn got his lure five feet in front of the fish and waited for it to swim over. With one swift move, Hearn shifted the rod toward the Gar which successfully hooked onto it. “I was speechless. I was using a rod that was meant to be for smaller fish, so I had to be careful and take my time railing it in,” Hearn said. Hearn started fishing when he was 4 years old, first introduced to it by his dad and grandpa. When he started, he would only fish bass in the pond near his great grandmother’s house. After learning how to properly angle the line and throw the hook accurately, Hearn moved to locations outside the pond, now taking on both freshwater and saltwater fishing as well. “I like the thrill of watching the fish swimming in shallow water and slowly applying all the techniques to catch them,” Hearn said. “I throw the lure a good distance in front of the fish so it can cross the path of the lure and catch them.” Some of his favorite spots to fish include Titusville and Merritt Island. His favorite types of fish to catch are red drum fish, snook and alligator gar, and while most of his fishing trips are successful, there can be days when the fish do not want to cooperate. “Winter is the hardest time of the year because of the constant temperature changes, fishes do not always come to the surface” Hearn said. “It’s really frustrating, but that is something any fisherman deals with so you just have to work around it.” Hearn typically goes fishing three times a week. When he turned 17, he had to get one license for recreational fishing for saltwater and another for freshwater. Costing $50 each, Hearn’s licenses have to be renewed every year to continue his hobby. However, that is not the only cost: with everything from equipment, bait and maintenance for the boat, Hearn spends $100 in lures alone. While Hearn doesn’t enjoy the pricey nature of his hobby, he hopes can get sponsors from making social media content to help pay for the cost. Like many influencers, Hearn is able to receive certain tools from fishing brands if he increases his social media following. “I just try as hard as I can, creating good content and stuff that people can see—that way I can continue fishing as I have,” Hearn said.

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Taste tester Holly Smyers Photo | Lia Miller

features

DINING IN S

Holly tests Holly Smyers | Staff Reporter cafeteria food... ix weeks. 24 dishes. Not all cafeteria food is so you don't made equal, so I set out to find the best of the worst and the worst of the best. There are have to some items that I would (at the very least) consider getting again, and others that absolutely no one should bother trying to choke down.

Most Underrated Yogurt

t’s basically yogurt with either jam or strawberries (or other fruit sometimes) at the bottom with granola. It would be a good breakfast, and a good lunch if you’re not super hungry. There's honestly nothing bad to say about it, it’s pretty hard to mess up a yogurt cup. Seriously though, it’s worth a try next time you’re debating what to get- just sweet enough, refreshing and with a nice crunch.

Most Flavorful Buffalo Pizza

reshman year, when I first got a look at the menu, this option confused me. They had cheese, pepperoni, (ok, that’s expected) and buffalo? I genuinely had never heard of buffalo before I came to Hagerty. But, for some reason, all of my friends were getting this and I followed suit. This has been my go-to for lunch ever since, and it hasn't failed me yet. Some days, it is a little drier, depending on how long it has been sitting out for, but it always makes my day just a little bit better. Out of all the pizzas, buffalo is the most flavorful and the chicken adds a decent amount of protein, if you’re into that sort of thing. If you've ever ordered buffalo wings and left them sitting on the counter for a few hours, you will know how this pizza tastes at its worst.

Ruined My Day Toasted Sub

f you like soggy bread, or you're a 17th century French peasant, this is the sandwich for you. I take that back. This would kill any 17th century peasant. Inside, it has cheese with tomato sauce smeared into the bread, a poor excuse for ham on top, garnished with pepperoni and an ungodly amount of grease. I understand toasted bread is cool, but you don't need to pat yourself on the back for it by neglecting the rest of the sandwich. By the time I got it, it tasted vacuum-sealed and spongy. I don’t think I have ever actually seen someone eat this in person, and now I know why.

Most Disappointing Grilled Cheese

magine this. It’s lunch time and your stomach is growling because you haven’t had a thing to eat all day. Grilled cheese and tomato soup is an option and, “Oh!” you think. ‘I haven't had that combo since I could still count my age on both hands. I should try it. How bad can it be?” Famous last words. The tomato soup portion tested the limitations of what soup is, even more so than the weird “is cereal a soup?” debate online. Regardless, if someone had given me cereal instead of the ‘tomato soup’ with my grilled cheese, it probably would have been a better experience.

Would Eat This Every Day * Fruit Salad

his salad contains lettuce, seasoned chicken and strawberries. It comes with sweet and sour sauce and it’s easily the best thing in the cafeteria. Additionally, it still tastes good if you don’t add the chicken, so it’s a good option for vegetarian people. Tragically, I haven't seen it as an option in a month, and no one who works there seems to even remember it. If you ever do see a meal fitting this description, I promise it is worth a try. The chicken is well seasoned and cooked perfectly. The sweetness of the sauce goes brilliantly with the tangyness of the chicken. *But I can't, because this is as likely as a full moon.

Best Presentation Deli sub

irst, I have to give them props for the presentation. The deli subs come in these cute bags, which was a big step up from the greasy paper plates and foam trays everything else comes on. It genuinely feels like something I would get from a deli. They taste fresh, but still only ok. Honestly, the fact that they weren’t a crime on my taste buds is enough for me. The lettuce was crisp, which was a lovely change. It overall felt like an average deli sub, but I enjoyed it.

See all 24 food reviews online here

REMEMBERING

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features

CHUCK HAIBEL STAFF AND STUDENTS REFLECT ON TEACHER’S LEGACY

Nadia Knoblauch | Editor-in-Chief

“Honestly, I didn’t think that it existed or really happened. [I thought] I heard it wrong,” Priore said. “Even when I made an announcement to the Programming Club, I had to recheck to make sure I wasn’t going crazy.” Like Priore, Frasca was informed of Haibel’s passing by the SCPS Assistant Superintendent of High Schools at an unfortunate time, as he walked into the school theater program’s spring production. “It is hard to lose someone on campus. As a principal, I also had a million things running through my mind as I was trying to figure out all of the things that I would need to do to prepare my campus and community for the news,” Frasca said.

rogramming fanatic. Dog lover. Veteran. Mentor. Husband. Father. Teacher. These are just some of the roles Charles “Chuck” Haibel played in his 75 years of life. Arriving at Hagerty two years ago, Haibel began his teaching career in AP Computer Science and Computer Science Principles classes after a long career as an account executive for healthcare software. Working with software both in sales and as an instructor for night classes in programming at Sanford Middle School, Haibel was a lifelong learner and connoisseur of computer programming—a skill most would not associate with his Defining qualities age demographic. To most, he was an Daniel Conybear, who previously easy-going, friendly face on campus, taught AP Computer Science but to those who really knew him, he with Haibel, first met Haibel a few was a demonstration of kindness and years ago at his night classes on curiosity. programming. “We were Taking the taking our third course to earn quarter exam Sometimes you focus on the certification to and I sat at the negatives and complain about teach computer desk closest to little stuff that really doesn’t science, Conybear his. I looked up matter that much. But he was saw Haibel as at him and he an “honest and never that way. was just eating humble” guide -Daniel Conybear, the biggest when learning the former colleague bag of animal material. A couple crackers. I sort of of years later, laughed at him. He looked at me and Conybear reconnected with Haibel silently held out the bag behind his as he began his career at Hagerty, computer. I was like ‘Can I take one?’ I where Haibel taught him more than got an animal cracker and passed the technological instruction. exam,” senior Ivy Browning, who took “Sometimes you focus on the Haibel’s AP Computer Science course negatives and complain about little last year, said. stuff that really doesn’t matter that much. But he was never that way,” The announcement Conybear said. “He always smiled and Principal Robert Frasca sent an was always good to sit and tell stories email notifying students, staff and with.” parents of Haibel’s passing on Jan. According to Priore, Haibel was 20, and the community shared in the a constant force of positivity, going confusion and shock. For senior Aidan beyond his other teachers in support Priore, who took Haibel’s Computer and recognition. Science Principles class sophomore “At the end of curriculum night year, Haibel was more than a last year, he emailed all five of us who teacher. helped him out, giving each of us a In addition to teaching, Haibel compliment. I’ve never seen a teacher acted as the sponsor for the go out of their way to compliment, Programming Club, which Priore runs let alone every single person,” Priore as president. Priore, who met with said. Haibel at least once a week after ESE Counselor Erin Isaacs, whose school with the club, recalled emailing office is across the hall from his old him up to the day before Frasca sent classroom, also recalls Haibel’s warm out the announcement. demeanor and positive attitude. So, when Priore learned of “He was a good human. He Haibel’s passing the next day while wanted the kids to know what driving on the highway, his anxiety programming was, he wanted them “went through the roof.” to understand the concepts and he

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IN MEMORIUM Charles “Chuck” Haibel’s American flag, veteran hat and a photo of him on a boat. At Haibel’s memorial service, these items were displayed for viewing. Photo | Nadia Knoblauch

his brother-in-law, daughter, Frasca and JROTC shared the impacts he left on others. At the front of the media center, a sign-in table was decorated with Campus support photos of Haibel driving a boat, Unlike other staff members, smiling next to his John Deere and Isaacs knew Haibel outside of the a collection of military flags from his classroom. Since 2010, Isaacs has classroom. In addition to his careers been close friends with Haibel’s wife, in software and education, Haibel was who she worked with at Jackson a Vietnam War Veteran, serving from Heights Middle School. Isaacs also 1968-1970. After serving as a water worked as the guidance counselor filtration specialist for his unit, Haibel for both of Haibel’s younger children volunteered for another tour with when they came through Hagerty, so the army so that his brother would the news left her in shock. not have to go—an act of love and “A lot of people here didn’t know bravery. my relationship In addition to with [the family,] the celebration so [the news] was of life service hard to take,” He was a good human... as an outlet for Isaacs said. he was very impactful with students and As Isaacs our kids here. staff to share in had a personal -Erin Isaacs, their grief, county connection family friend grief counselors to the Haibel were available family, she acted to all on campus for the first two days as the liaison between the family back at school after Haibel’s passing. and Hagerty. After Haibel’s wife Haibel’s impact on Hagerty reached out to Isaacs about holding students and staff will not be a memorial service on campus, she forgotten. His love for his family, and Frasca got straight to work with encouragement of his students and the PTSA. Two days later, Haibel’s humility in his work should serve as celebration of life ceremony was a constant example for those on planned to be held in the media campus and beyond. center on Jan. 27 from 5-7 p.m. “He was always willing to learn. Dressed in Hagerty blue, family, He was teaching you and you could friends, colleagues and students discover something new,” Priore said. shared memories and reflected on “I think that’s really unique.” Haibel’s life at the ceremony, where wanted them to be successful. I think for that alone, he was very impactful with our kids here,” Isaacs said.

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features

ALT TOGETHER NOW “I’ll stop wearing black when they make a darker color” —”Wilson (Expensive Mistakes)” by Fall Out Boy

Lia Miller | Opinions Editor

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hey’re gonna clean up your looks / With all the lies in the books / To make a citizen Often, you can recognize an alt out of you / Because they sleep with music fan by the way they dress, a gun / And keep an eye on you, son mimicking the fashion and general / So they can watch all the things you aesthetic of the music they enjoy. do” Senior Teddy Baker, who enjoys While these lines may sound like gothic rock bands, described their they came straight from a depressed aesthetic as “mall goth or death college student’s diary, they actually rocker.” These aesthetics incorporate appear on the third album released by dark colors, the occasional band American post-hardcore alternative t-shirt and bold styles. band, My Chemical Romance. However, many students prefer Pessimistic yet intriguing lyrics like to change up these distinguish their aesthetic MCR and regularly as The [alt] community other bands opposed to like it from the provides a safe space for a sticking to one all fluffiness of the the time. group of people that don’t mainstream “I would say always feel safe. pop music that that my music prevailed at - Teddy Baker, 12 taste changed the time, and how I dress,” caught the media’s attention. And freshman Itzel Gerena said. “People while MCR split up as the members usually dress to their music. But for moved on to different projects, me, I switch my aesthetic, from grunge alternative music and the culture to Barbie.” that it created continues to capture Grunge outfits tend to be darker students’ hearts and minds. and messier, taking inspiration from The label “alternative music” the aesthetic of bands like Nirvana, describes anything that steps outside and usually featuring plaid or denim in of the norm in some way. Some of the some form. most influential bands include Green Other alt aesthetics include punk Day, Radiohead and Nirvana, while (which usually incorporates spikes or some (slightly) more modern artists studded accessories, and contrasting are Avril Lavigne, Girl In Red and Fall bright/dark colors), and emo (thick Out Boy. black eyeliner, skinny jeans). Not only do students find comfort and enjoyment in listening to alternative music, the culture itself is accepting, and many of the artists act as role models.

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PLUGGED IN A student shows the Spotify profile of Green Day, an alternative music band they enjoy listening to. Alt music has become a place of comfort and enjoyment for many students. Photo | Lia Miller

“After it all, I just really wanna call my dad” —”Call My Dad” by AJR

For many, a love of alternative music runs in the family. Most students said that they were initially introduced to the genre by parents or family members. “I started [from] my mom because she suggested I listen to some older songs,” sophomore Finch Uhing-Wagner said. “Then I started discovering other bands. [My friend] introduced me to Mayday Parade” Since alt music has been around for a long time and is always evolving, it makes sense that kids would adopt their parents’ music taste and then go looking for more modern bands that strike a chord with them. “[My music taste] is a combination of my mom liking bands like those, and the radio,” sophomore Olivia Hamby said.

“17 and coming clean for the first time” —”Coming Clean” by Green Day

While members of the LGBTQ+ community can be found listening to any music genre, students have expressed that the alternative community seems especially welcoming in terms of breaking sexuality and gender norms. This is due to the fact that alt culture centers around embracing differences. “[Alternative music] has introduced me to [the] LGBTQ scene, and that encompasses being your genuine self,” Baker said. “The community provides a safe space for a group of people

that don’t always feel safe.” Prominent alt music artists have also taken extra steps toward making the community feel safer and more inclusive, in part by being vocal about their own sexuality, and publicly challenging gender stereotypes. It has also become common for male artists to dress in traditionally feminine clothing and vice versa. For example, “guyliner"is widely embraced in alternative subcultures, originally as a way to stand out and now as a challenge to toxic masculinity.

“And when you’re gone, we want you all to know, we’ll carry on,” —”Welcome To The Black Parade” by My Chemical Romance

The future of alternative music is unsure, but a lot of these bands seem to be making a comeback, while others never faded away. AJR released a new album, “The Maybe Man,” on Nov. 10, which shows their development as a group, while keeping some of the fun, quirky elements of their earlier work. “I feel like a lot of bands have been following [AJR] in their style, especially alt bands,” Hamby said. “But alt is so diverse. It’s kind of hard to tell where it’s going to go." Despite all the questions regarding the genre’s future, fans will never lose that indescribable laughing-screaming-crying feeling that they get from a certain song. So long, and goodnight.

KICKING OFF

Senior Gabriela Jones

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sports

Girls flag football starts inaugural season x x

Similar to the athletes, Attaway has had to to playing with their friends, the team also serves as balance his own scheduling conflicts, as he also an outlet for students to improve their fitness in a coached the boys and girls weightlifting teams. positive environment. enior Gabriela Jones watched her pass soar While the girls team had 10 days left of their season “I’m not an athlete, but I feel like this will grow through the air at the perfect arc. when football started, boys weightlifting had just my athleticism because it’ll help my speed and Then, she watched as it hit the ground. started. However, Attaway has been able to rely reaction time,” Vo said. For girls flag football, everything is new to on his assistant coaches on both teams to aid him Even for students who already have athletic many players—including catching. And like the when scheduling overlaps arise. experience, they saw the team as a way to improve players, the game is new to Seminole County Despite his coaching experience, Attaway looks their overall athleticism and challenge abilities Public Schools. forward to coaching a team sport in comparison to that aren’t as emphasized in their other sports. Announced at the beginning of the school the individual competition of For senior Mina Stephens, who year by the Seminole Athletic Conference, the weightlifting. played on the varsity volleyball girls flag football team has now been added to “This will be fun to have a team as a libero, she hopes to the long list of spring sport options. Following the I’m excited; I like to build a have her limits pushed. implementation of the sport in Orange County and team sport. In weightlifting, you program. I have high hopes. know who’s going to win before “Flag football will help my Volusia County, all Seminole County public high [The team] is good, you go because everybody agility and cardio because of the schools created teams this year. When school they’re solid. has the numbers. [But] this, running, but it will also challenge resource officer and assistant athletic director you never know what could me mentally as learning a new - David Attaway, David Attaway heard of this push last year, he happen,” Attaway said. sport can be difficult and take immediately volunteered to coach the team. girls flag football coach With practices already time,” Stephens said. “I like to build a program and be the first,” underway, Attaway anticipates more competition. Similar to Stephens, Jones, who played as the Attaway, who played flag football for 10 The first game of the season was held on Tuesday, powderpuff quarterback her junior year, has found years, said. “I’d love to win the first conference Feb. 20 against Oviedo High School, just under similarities in flag football to recreational softball, championship—I have high hopes. [The team] is three weeks after the team began their practices which Jones played throughout her adolescence. good, they’re solid.” for the season. Attaway’s main focus as of “[Softball] gave me my throwing arm. Knowing On Jan. 29-30, tryouts for the inaugural now is to solidify the team’s that I’m pretty decent at that, I wanted to represent team were held on the understanding of the game and Hagerty,” Jones said. practice field, where around Initially, I thought that it was their plays, as many were new to Although powderpuff gave Jones a solid 40-50 students came out cool they were introducing a the sport. understanding of the game, she finds differences for a shot. After going over new sport to the school, and For many, the annual between the plays and structure. In comparison to the basics of defensive and I wondered whether it would homecoming powderpuff powderpuff, where up to 40 players are traded in offensive plays and rules of be as competitive as the game served as a catalyst to and out to get playing time, flag football will focus the game, the girls worked others. I decided it wouldn’t join. Led by girls flag football more on skill than numbers. on snapping, dodging and hurt to try out soon after assistant coach Chandel Coffie, Preparing for their first match against Oviedo catching the ball in addition hearing about it. the powderpuff game gave took up the majority of players’ first few weeks, to running the ball through students only a taste of what with practice Monday through Friday after school defenders. - Belinda Vo, senior flag the sport can offer. and even on Saturday mornings. Although they In the afternoon that football player “I heard about [the team] from played Oviedo’s team, the game took place at Thursday, the first list of 25 my friends who did powderpuff with me. Initially, I Lake Brantley High School. For each match, multiple players was announced for the team. However, thought that it was cool they were introducing a teams from across the county will play at the same Attaway has 11 more players lined up to try out new sport to the school, and I wondered whether it location, giving the team a chance to see how other for the team. With sports such as cheerleading, would be as competitive as the others. I decided it schools’ compare. soccer and weightlifting nearing the end of their wouldn’t hurt to try out soon after hearing about it,” “It’s more competitive,” Jones said. “I’m most seasons, many interested athletes tried out for senior flag football player Belinda Vo said. looking forward to the games, especially our first the team over the course of the last two weeks, In addition to many of the girls looking forward against Oviedo.” according to Attaway.

Nadia Knoblauch | Editor-in-Chief

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PLAY IT BACK x Junior Maya Douglas

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Kailey Calvo | Print Editor Starting this month, girls flag football teams are being implemented within public high schools in Orange, Volusia and Seminole counties. The team is currently scheduled to play seven games throughout the regular season, with their first game held against rival Oviedo last Tuesday at Lake Brantley.

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Senior Mina Stephens

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Girls basketball scores playoff upset The team was led again by Kitts, who had 33 points, 18 rebounds, and 11 blocks. The team had he girls basketball team ended their season lost to Boone 49-33 on Feb. 1 but managed to with a 51-39 loss to Lake Mary in the second secure a win when it mattered, in the playoffs. round of the district 7A playoffs on Feb. 19. “We studied how we played in the Boone Throughout the season the team was led by Kylee game last time, and we corrected our mistakes by Kitts, a 6‘2” forward who dominated the paint and watching film and seeing what we could have done averaged 24.2 points and 14.5 rebounds per game. better,” Merlin said. “We also studied the other team Kitts, a Florida Gators commit who only played this to see what their defense and offense would look season with the team, was the focal point of the like.” offense all season. The season has had its “There’s no pressure, I just ups and downs with the team do what I do,” Kitts said. going on a five-game win Kitts was not the only new “We just showed up to practice streak before losing three of face to the team this season. excited to play another game; their last four. They entered the everybody focused and In the playoff game against tournament as the seventh seed worked hard,” Lake Mary, point guard Narelis with a record of 14-9 following De Alba faced off against a 37 point loss to the number - forward Kylie Kitts her old teammates. De Alba one ranked school in the state, transferred from Lake Mary this season. Colonial, who they would have faced again if they The team lost to Lake Mary in January with a had beaten Lake Mary on Monday. score of 45-31, but despite the past loss and the Even with this setback, the team did not let bad roster issues, the team felt confident heading into games derail their confidence or distract them from the matchup. the win against Boone. “We’ve played Lake Mary before. We didn’t “We just showed up to practice excited to play win but we know what we did wrong,” small forward another game, everybody focused and worked Celine Merlin said. “I thought we had a pretty good hard,” said Kitts. chance of winning.” The team’s talent and resilience allowed for a One of the factors that hurt the team for the successful season, and highlights included a 77-19 playoffs was the loss of guard Ciara Hayes, one of win against Oviedo in the season opener, an 85their three-point shooters and a prominent inside 18 win against Osceola, and a second win against scorer. Hayes left after the district tournament to Oviedo, 67-45, in January, where Kitts scored 41 transfer back to Faith Christian Academy. points on 72% shooting. While the team was eliminated in the second Kitts and small forward Delaney Siegmund are round, the season still had its successes with an the only graduates this year, leaving it to De Alba upset against the number two seed, Boone, in the and Merlin and the team’s younger players to lead regional quarterfinals. the team next season.

Isaiah Macri | Staff Reporter

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RUN IT BACK Forward Jarianna Fletcher shoots free throws against Osceola. The girls won, 85-18, one of many blowouts early in the season . Photo | Kayla Rrapi

SPORTS SHORTS Boys basketball ends season Weightlifting wins regionals Varsity cheer comes in second A T Nadia Knoblauch | Editor-in-Chief

uilding the pyramids must have been tough in Ancient Egypt, but for the varsity cheerleaders, it has become part of their daily routine. On the weekend of Feb. 9-11, the team competed in the National High School Cheerleading Championships at Walt Disney World’s ESPN Wide World of Sports. Here, the team was able to showcase the routine they have been preparing during their daily after school practices, which ran until 5 p.m. “Throughout the season we talked a lot and encouraged each other,” sophomore Ashley Dusart said. However, despite the team’s long Varsity cheer forms their practice hours and pyramid at the NHSCC. efforts, they finished Photo | Caydee Claps in second place with an overall score of 89.9/100. “We were disappointed to get second place because we had been on a streak of hitting our routine for so long,” senior Alana Jones said. “We all really wanted to win, so it was not a great feeling for us, but it is still something to be proud of.”

Lia Miller | Opinions Editor fter finishing their regular season 18-7, the boys basketball team moved to the district championships. They won their first game against Colonial 68-60, but on Feb. 8, fell to University 7357 in the semifinals—ending their season. In the game against University, the boys collectively totaled 57 points, 13 assists, 34 rebounds and nine steals. Top performers included forward Caden Douglass with 18 points, 12 rebounds and four assists, center Julian Declou with 16 points, six rebounds and five assists, guard Asa Kohn with 10 points, four rebounds, and three assists, and forward Alex Dipaolo with seven points, eight rebounds and one assist. “Last year, I had a Junior Kyle Bailey shoots smaller role, because I was against University. a freshman, [with] a lot Photo | Lia Miller of seniors on the team,” Dipaolo said. “So this year, I kind of had to step up and do bigger things.” By the end of the first quarter, the boys were up 13-12, but by halftime, University had reached 34 points, and Hagerty had only scored 28. Despite numerous blocks and aggressive offensive plays from Hagerty, University maintained their lead for the entire second half. “There’s always going to be good plays and bad plays,” center Kyle Bailey said. “But I feel like we all work together [well] as a team.”

Anya Maduro Sykes | Journalism I

he girls weightlifting team finished in first place in Olympic lifting at the girls 3A region 2 championships on Feb. 2. Taking place at Lake Brantley, they had to compete against nine other teams, but ended with a final score of 59 creating a gap of 19 points between them and second place. Winning first place overall in a weight class of 101, Brianna Mendez earned 190 points total. Joining her in the top three Mackenzie Ruping finished with a score of 180 beating seven others in the weight class, falling only 10 points short from second. Sophomore Cara Orlando snatches In a weight 95 lbs in the regional championship. Photo | Bryce Padilla class of 139, Bailey Basco placed first scoring 315 points, while Ava Kaplan took second not far behind with a score of 290. The team also finished in second place for Traditional lifts. With a total of 29 points, the team fell short to Winter Springs, the highest team members placing in second. At states the following weekend, the team placed 18th overall, with Elizabeth Ruplinger (154) finishing seventh in Traditional and third in Olympic.

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Soccer ends run against top-ranked Bartram two times in a row.” After the district championship, ndefeated through the regular one of the highlights of the season season and district playoffs, the was the home playoff win, an exciting girls varsity soccer team ended regional quarterfinal victory over their run Friday night against topAtlantic Coast. ranked Bartram Trails, losing 2-1 in the Up 2-1, the girls varsity soccer regional semifinals. team was playing keepaway from After a strong win against Atlantic Atlantic Coast in the final two minutes. Coast, the team was on a high as they But with 30 seconds to go, an Atlantic advanced against Bartram on Feb.16, Coast player stole the ball and got a the farthest the breakaway. A longteam had made it in ranged shot was the last four years. blocked by center We made it so far “Even though we back Skye Barnes and this season, and I am had a short amount the buzzer sounded. so proud of us. of time to prepare They had won the - Skye Barnes, we continued to regional quarterfinal. center back keep the energy “We have a great high at practice,” Barnes said. team and our bond is amazing,” The team was undefeated before Barnes said. “We have more drive this this game with a record of 14-0-3 and year which helped us get to where we Bartram’s record was 15-4-1. Bartram are now.” had been dominant the past couple of The first goal of the game was years, going undefeated last season a scored by defensive midfielder winning the state companionships. Chaney Mauer off of a penalty kick Bartram won the semifinal 30 minutes into the first half. The matchup, ending Hagerty’s season second goal was scored by attacking and leaving them with a final record of midfielder Megan O’Donnell off a 14-1-3. corner kick assisted by Barnes in the “Honestly, Bartram Trails is a first 10 minutes of the second half. great team,” Rosenblum said. “It is Goalie Aryana Rosenblum had six hard to get anything past them, and saves during the game, shutting down we were missing a key player on our Atlantic Coast’s offense. offense.” “During our practices we did During the game the defense held more fitness than we would usually to for most of the first half, but Bartram prepare ourselves and we practiced had a good play and was able to corner and penalty kicks,” Rosenblum score before halftime. said. “We also had one of our “It was hard for us to get up the defenders specifically mark one of field offensively,” Barnes said. “We Atlantic Coast’s players so she would had to make adjustments during the have less scoring opportunities.” game which made gaps through our The strategy worked, as the team formation.” only let one goal in from Atlantic When the second half started Coast midway through the second Bartram scored another goal, half. securing the win. Even though they “One of our main goals on lost this game, the team is proud of defense was to stay consistent,” how far they have come. Barnes said. “Also, we focused on not “We made it so far this season getting too comfortable when we and I am so proud of us,” Barnes said. were up.” “I am also proud that we won districts Barnes had four goals and two

Ava West | Sports Editor

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SCORE MORE Attacking midfielder Megan O’Donnell boxes out her defender for the ball. The girls varsity soccer team won their playoff game against Atlantic Coast, 2-1. Photo | Kayla Rrappi

assists this season and was the last line of defense. O’Donnell had 17 points this season while Mauer had five goals and four assists this season. Rosenblum averaged 8.4 saves per game. Even though the team had stats and a good outcome from this game, they believe there are still some things to be worked on. “We did well keeping our composure during the game but we need to work on being more selfish,”

JUSTIN ST. JOHN WRESTLING

Athletes of the issue

ARYANA ROSENBLUM SOCCER

Goal Keeper Aryana Rosenblum Photo | Kayla Rrapi

The female athlete of the issue is goalkeeper Aryana Rosenblum. Rosenblum plays for the varsity girls soccer team. This season, she averaged 8.4 saves per game and had a total of 138 saves. “I love playing soccer at Hagerty—I get to do it with my best friends,” Rosenblum said. “The team has such a strong bond and we work so well together.” In the regional semifinals against Atlantic coast, she had six saves. “I am so proud of how far we have come,” Rosenblum said. “This is the farthest we have made it.”

Rosenblum said. “We would have had more chances to score if we shot when we had the chance instead of trying to pass it off.” This season, the team went undefeated until their last game, won the SAC championship and the district championship. “The best part of this season was spending time with my girls,” Rosenblum said. “They made this year so amazing and the competitiveness of our schedule was also so fun.”

The male athlete of the issue is varsity wrestler Justin St. John, who is in the 150 lb weight class. This season, he has 28 wins and won the SAC tournament for his weight class. “The best part about wrestling with Hagerty is my teammates and coaches,” St. John said. “They push me to get better every day.” As well as winning the SAC championship, St. John is also ranked top 10 in the state. “I expect to make it to the state tournament this year and potentially place,” St. John said. Wrestler Justin St.John Photo | Justin St. John