The BluePrint - Volume 6, Issue 3

Page

4

lifestyles

Split life.

Students cope with the divorce of their parents.

Hagerty High School

What’s inside

News bites SAT Review: The UCF Test Prep center will offer an SAT Review course on campus beginning in January. The classes will be held on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in preparation for the March 12 exam.

Attention Seniors: A financial aid workshop will be held on Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium.

Robert Lynn, a representative from Seminole Community College’s Financial Aid office, will speak to the senior families about scholarships and financial aid.

PTSA News: PTSA will be focusing its efforts on “Continuing the Tradition of Excellence” at Hagerty High School.

Membership, which costs $6, is the primary source of funding for programs, and they will be available in the school office.

13

sports

Time management.

Multiple-sport athletes work to overcome tight schedules.

Just dance 3225 Lockwood Blvd. Oviedo, Florida 32765

news....................2 lifestyles..............4 middle.................8 opinions.............10 sports.................12

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volume 6 issue 3 december 20, 2010

Dance classes perform routines for their annual winter showcase Mehak Rahman

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staff reporter wo months of memorization and multiple days spent after school for routine practices made the Winter Spectacular successful.

Every year the dance show features the dance technique classes’ choreographed routines from the first semester of the school year. Students in the classes see this show as an opportunity to display the dance styles that made each of their routines unique.

“The dance show is also held for the dance team to perform national competition dance routines in front an audience for the first time,” dance team captain Danielle Linde said.

“This accounts for a good performance opportunity that we always need.”

Despite the fact that dancers are required to dedicate countless hours to

practice these routines, there is always room for improvement.

“Our coach comes up with the basic choreography for our dances that stands as a foundation and we sometimes go back and improvise to make them more polished

“Every second [of rehearsal and practice] counted and that is all that mattered.”

-Jaclyn Michel for our actual dance show performances,” Linde said.

The success of the production was important to the dancers, who appreciated the support from friends and family.

“As far as the rehearsal went, it was stressful for everyone,” Linde said. “It

lasted for four hours but the extra practice was completely worth the sacrifice of time and energy.”

For sophomore Jaclyn Michel and others, it is their first year on the dance team. Because of this, they were challenged with balancing in-class preparation and after school practices to enhance their performance.

A dress rehearsal was held on Thursday, Dec. 9, the day before the show. This rehearsal was meant to bring the entire dance department together in an effort to refine the routines and run through the show in costumes. At this time, problems are fixed, which allows for a smoother show the following night.

“Without the rehearsals and all the practices the show would not have been the success that it was,” Michel said.

“Every second counted and that is all that mattered.”

Registration Information Night: On Jan. 27, the school will host registration information night.

Students and parents can come to gather information about the wide variety of classes and organizations in order to register for the 2011-12 school year.

Project Graduation Update: Project Graduation is a supervised, all-night celebration that is held for the graduates the evening of the graduation ceremony. This is a drug, alcohol and chemical-free gathering. The meetings for Project Graduation will be held on Oct. 5, Nov. 2, Dec. 7, March 1, April 5 and May 3.

All meetings are at 6 p.m. in the media center.

Husky poll

The dance team demonstrates their flexibility a routine that will later be performed in a competition.

photo by jem mason

High scores, low gains lead to ‘B’ Matthew Neveras

F

staff reporter or the past four years, the school has bounced back and forth from an ‘A’ to a ‘B’ school grade. As the 2010 school grades were revealed, most were surprised when the school was given a ‘B’ grade, as its FCAT scores were some of the highest in the district. So what was the reason behind the grade?

Even though the school had one of the highest point totals in the state of Florida according to the new Florida School Accountability Measurement System, and

enough to earn an ‘A’, it did not have a high enough gain from lower quartile readers.

This group represents the bottom 25 percent of students on the FCAT Reading test. To not be penalized, this group needed a 1 percent increase in FCAT scores, or at least 50 percent of these students to perform better than last year.

Only 46 percent of the lower quartile improved, compared to 47 percent in the previous year, so the school was stripped of the ‘A’ and given the “B”. Unfortunately, reading gains from a handful of students would be enough to make the increase.

Based on score, Hagerty ranked as the second best high school in Seminole County, just behind Oviedo, with a total of 1310 points out of 1600. To be considered an ‘A’ school, only a score of 1050 or higher is needed. The score also placed Hagerty in the top 10 percent of the state.

Though the overall scores were above those of Winter Springs, Lyman, Lake Howell and Lake Brantley, all schools which earned an ‘A’ grade, the end result was still a ‘B’.

The school earned an ‘A’ in 2006 and 2008, and a ‘B’ in 2007, 2009 and 2010.

page 2

Issue 3

news

Ping pong serves fun

Hagerty

Sohani Kasireddy

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highlight

Chris Huttala

• Huttula works as a volunteer firefighter at the Orlando Fire Department.

• As a volunteer, he helps to take off the workload of the firemen and collects his community service hours.

• Huttula cooks, cleans, and trains with the firefighters, which are the least dangerous of his jobs. photo by matthew neveras

• Sometimes he goes out on medical scenes to administer first aid to the victims of fires.

• Many dangers are posed to Huttula on scene.

If a victim has been stabbed or shot, the attacker could still be around.

co-news editor usic fills the background of the cafeteria walls. The buzz of conversation serves as white noise. Students are gathered around two tables with paddles in hand. The ping pong club is now in session.

Avid players Gabe Rivera and Joe Mutarelli wanted to develop this social activity in a school environment. This became their motivation to seek a sponsor, ask for approval from administration and create a constitution for the club. Upon completion of these requirements, Rivera and Mutarelli were elected president and vice president respectively.

“Ping pong in general is fun,” Rivera said. “We thought it would be a great way to relax after a day with school work, others clubs and sports.”

Mutarelli and Rivera believe the flexibility of this club makes it fun and enjoyable. For example, the club meetings have been shifted from a regular after school time frame to 7 p.m every other Monday in the cafeteria or old gym.

They hope this encourages students who want to join the club but may have other commitments after school. In addition, the club is open to everyone regardless of grade or skill level.

“We have a variety of people like some [are] focused on school and others on sports,” Mutarelli said. “So it’s not the stereotypical kids you would think to be in ping pong club.”

Club sponsor Belinda Elmer is eager to be a part of the organization. She acknowledges the difficulties that come along with the initiation of a new club such as the need to raise funds, publicity and club membership. Elmer’s main concern is in regard to equipment – the club has only two ping pong tables.

She believes it will become difficult to accommodate all players if there is a growth in membership. Consequently, players would be idle for an extended period of time before they are able to play.

To fix this issue, club members have come up with tentative ideas for fundraisers such as movie nights, bake sales or t-shirt sales.

In terms of publicity, the club will host a ping pong tournament open to the Oviedo community. There will be a nominal fee for participation. The majority of the proceeds will be donated to the Leukemia Lymphoma society.

“I think it’s a great case to support and being able to play ping pong while doing so is just a fun experience,” Elmer said.

“I would definitely encourage anyone interested to participate.”

• Also in the case of a fire, the uncertainty of whether a building will collapse or not exists.

• Since his father is a firefighter, Huttula wishes to follow in his footsteps.

“

I like the excitement,the adrenaline rush. I like to be able to save someone’s life or property.

”

compiled by sarah casagrande

photo by sohani kasireddy

Ping pong club members engage in a friendly match to improve their skills.

HANDS club lends green thumb to recycling While this might seem like thankless staff reporter work for a club, the members don’t mind.

“It’s really not that hard moving the ecycling is found everywhere: neighborhoods, amusement parks, bins around campus,” junior Becky Golden jails, the White House, yet not said, “but it can be time consuming.”

Golden, like many of the HANDS at most public schools. While paper is already recycled on campus, there was no members, is extremely passionate about way to recycle plastic, aluminum or other the environment and wishes that more materials. That has changed courtesy of students would recycle.

“It really bothers me when I see plastic the Helping Animals and Nature by Doing bottles or other materials in trash cans that Service club.

Club leaders were able to begin a could have been recycled,” Golden said. recycling program through Republic “It’s so simple for people to just do their Services. This program allows people part and recycle them.”

Not only does the club run the recycling to recycle styrofoam, plastic, aluminum program but the club and cardboard, with also participates in all the materials put “Although [recycling] community projects into the same bin. may seem small, it outside of school.

Students and sponsors goes a long way.”

Recently the club were excited about the - Larissa Curran went to Spring implementation of the Hammock Preserve recycling program. for an invasive plant “Although it may seem small, it goes a long way,” said club president Larissa removal project.

“We got to pull air potatoes off of trees Curran. “It reduces the amount of garbage in landfills and the amount of new resources because they are harmful to the habitat,” junior Cody Hebda said. “It was rewarding we use to make new things.”

Every Monday, students take the bins to to know we were helping the environment.”

Sponsor Heidi Grasso is proud of the curb to be picked up. HANDS members are responsible for organizing the process. the club and hopes that the school takes Each week a group collects all 15 bins advantage of the program.

“We dedicated a great deal of time and and rolls them to the back of the school.

After Republic Services picks up the bins, effort into the recycling program,” Grasso the students then put the bins back in their said. “The club members made sure it was a success.” designated spots.

Matthew Neveras

R

BIN LOCATIONS

WHAT CAN

BE RECYCLED?

Upstairs and downstairs in lower and upper house

Na

D Per ate iod

Near most vending machines Outside porch area and concession stands

• Paper • Plastic • Styrofoam • Aluminium • Cardboard • Boxboard l

Car line and Cafeteria Band hallway and Stadium

me

news

December 20, 2010

Student talent shines

Meagan Galczak

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staff reporter he lights flash on. An array of dances, original songs, instrumental solos, magic acts and heavy metal bands flood the stage. On Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. for a$6 pre-sold ticket and $8 for one at the door, students, alumni, teachers, and community members performed in the 25 acts of the show. Host Elise Longoria was assisted by student director Alain Muise, along with co-hosts Yash Naran and Alex Berghuis. A tech and video team also provided support, as well as volunteer parents who helped with concessions and ticket sales.

“We had people from everywhere cooperating with the entire process as a whole,” Naran said. “Friends, old students, and the parents were especially upbeat and quick when helping us with anything we needed.”

The talent show, now in its third year, takes well over 40 hours to organize the auditions, rehearsals, stage set up and tech preparation.

“It was a lot of after school time and I missed out on social activities I would have liked to be at,” Naran said. “Even though I was all over the place, it was worth to see the pleased awestruck look on the audiences’ face.”

Some performers want to take their talent farther than just the show and wish to make a career out of it.

“I really like everything about the show and what it stands for,” said performer Deja Smith. “I’m rapping this year and want to be professional one day, even if I just start off here.”

This year, a few tweaks were added to make the show run more smoothly and

to create a better standardized way to run future shows.

Decided months prior to ease tension and stress between performers, the talent show was no longer competitive; therefore, no trophies or goodie bags were awarded.

“The students really liked the idea of performing without the pressure of competing,” Longoria said. “How can one judge a jazz dance number against an original vocal solo?”

There was a newly enforced time restraint this year; it was made to highlight the most significant parts of each act and fit in more performances for the benefit of both the performers and the audience. This also resulted in a cut of the past two-day talent shows, into one day.

“Instead of long introductions, instrumental breaks, repeated sections and ‘oohs and ahs’; the audience saw and heard only the best part of every performance,” Longoria said.

Another significant improvement for the talent show is the updated technological factors. Tech crews successfully set up a live close-up video feed of performances and short clips of the pre-recorded performers’ interviews that were taken after they passed the audition process. This new addition helped the audience get a more personal connection with the participants and a brief preview of the performance they were about to see on stage.

“It was so awesome to see the performers’ real personalities and how they viewed their talent, beforehand,” said spectator Danielle Linde. “It reminded me of the little summaries you see on American Idol right before the people go on the stage.”

page 3 TALENT SHOW FAQs • How competitive is the talent show?

This year, the talent show was noncompetitive. No prizes were awarded for any acts.

• What type of commitments must participants make?

Everyone, both performers and staff, made large commitments that cut into other priorities.

• How long in total does it take to put the talent show together?

The talent show took over 40 hours to organize, rehearse and set up the stage and tech.

• What is the most common type of act

featured in the show?

Dance is the most common type of act, but performances can range from bands to magic acts.

• What are the requirements or suggestions to get through auditions?

Potential acts should try their hardest and enjoy what they do.

Co-hosts Yash Naran and Alex Berghuis introduce the performers and talents throughout the night.

photos by nadia albaiz

page 4

lifestyles

back & f o r t h Issue 3

Teens lost in a divorce shuffle Sabrina Chehab

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co-lifetstyles editor ith the highest divorce rate in the world, 49 percent of marriages in the United States end in divorce. At the age of 11, junior Tyler Yeargain’s parents sat him down on a couch and told him of their separation.

“My initial reaction was shouting, ‘This is a dream!’,” Yeargain said, “but then I calmed down, and we talked about [the divorce] like reasonable people.”

At 11, the news was difficult for Yeargain, like any child, to swallow.

According to childadvocate.net, typical responses between the ages of 8 to 11 are anger and a feeling of powerlessness; age and timing strongly influence how children react to the news of divorce.

For teens, the break up may cause them to sink into a deep depression and become uncertain with their own future marital relationships.

Freshman Claudia Gabel was only four years old when her parents separated.

“I can remember it vividly; it’s like my first memory,” Gabel said. “[My parents] said, ‘We still love each other, but we’re not happy and we don’t want to keep fighting, so we’re going to separate.’”

Gabel considers her young age an

advantage during the separation because of her naivety. It is more difficult for her now due to the physical distance between parents.

A common trend for teens with divorced parents is alternating living arrangements. One week will be spent at their father’s house and the following week at their mother’s house. Similarly, holiday events are traded off between parents. If Thanksgiving dinner was eaten at Dad’s house, Mom gets Christmas.

Separate holidays call for separate company, specifically stepfamily.

“It seems like getting stepfamilies is a lot like picking something out of a box of chocolates,” Yeargain said. “The lucky people get the kind filled with caramel, but the unlucky people get the kind filled with toothpaste; I just bit into some icky, sticky Colgate.”

But the popular cliché of a terrible stepfamily does not apply to every teen. Freshman Katie Corrado forms friendships with the children of the women her father dates, and she does not find it awkward. But for Gabel, it took time to adjust to her new family.

“I disliked my stepdad [at first] because he wasn’t careful about what he said around us,” Gabel said. “He’d just be open

illustration by sabrina chehab

and honest and didn’t know how to parent; he didn’t really try to build a relationship.”

Differences aside, there are a few benefits to having two different homes.

“A lot of people think [divorce] is bad,

but I like it,” Corrado said. “When you’re a teenager you fight with your parents a lot, especially your mom, so I go to my dad’s a lot and it’s a relief to get away from them both sometimes.”

staff reporter irty monitors, mangled keyboards and crashed computers are sophomore Carolyn Bouwens’ specialty. She volunteers at A Gift from God Computer Foundation, and fixes old computers to be used again by needy children.

This is not the everyday road cleanup or library duty, but instead one of the many out of the ordinary, yet overlooked, volunteer activities.

For high school students, community service hours are critical for a solid college career. Sometimes there can be a downside or two. Mess-ups can occur at any time, but that is just another challenge when it comes to volunteering.

“At one point, we had this not very bright idea of dipping the computers in a bath of chemicals to clean them faster, but it only took longer to dry and clean them,” Bouwens said.

Sometimes opportunity finds the student.

Sophomore Chris Bartel volunteered at the Florida Young Artists Orchestra and had already

worked there for a while before he realized that the time could be used toward community service hours.

“We rehearse for our Sunday concerts, but when we’re not doing that, we sponsor food drives and donate clothes to the homeless,” Bartel said.

Charitable acts do not have to be considered tedious or looked at as work to get hours out of the way for college.

For senior Hannah Bradley, the basketball camp Winnings Ways was not work at all.

“I like when the kids come up like ‘Coach Hannah, Coach Hannah, look what I can do’ because it’s cool that they want to show me what they can do,” Bradley said.

For about seven hours a day, Bradley volunteered in the camp to teach kids how to play the sport.

“We weren’t allowed to sit for about seven hours a day, so my feet hurt, but I still loved doing it anyway, especially when Rashard Lewis came to play with all the kids,” Bradley said.

How to have fun while at work is only one of the many benefits gained from

community service. Deeper meaning can be found in everyday activities. Sophomore Kristal Declou learned about the diverse lives of people truly in need at Harvest Time International, a grocery store that tends to the poor.

“I saw a woman with a cart who was turned away for not having enough money, and she had a crying child with her too so I felt bad,” Declou said.

She was able to see into the various situations of the homeless, and low income families. Not all of her experiences were exactly heartwarming, but they did help to open her eyes about the less fortunate.

“There was this one guy who lived in his car, and who needed a special type of chocolate [prescribed by his doctor]; it was sad,” Declou said.

Whether students need community service hours for Florida Bright Futures Scholarships or they want to help the community, boredom is never a part of the equation.

The want for a break in routine is all that a student needs.

How many hours do I need to get Bright Future Scholarships?

Where can I find a list of places to volunteer?

How long do I have to complete my required service hours?

Students trying to qualify for Bright Futures need to acquire a minimum of 75 hours.

A list of approved places to volunteer can be found in the Guidance Office or on the SCPS service site.

Volunteering for the soul, not the hours Sam Salinas

D

photo by kris ryan

Sophomore Alex Stack volunteers for PALs club by helping members of the community with autism play mini golf.

Stack volunteered for over 50 hours each school year.

COMMUNITY SERVICE FAQs Students must complete the minimum of 75 hours within a calendar year.

What do I do when I am finished with my volunteering?

Students must submit their Community Service Application, Community Service Log, and a 2-3 page reflective essay.

lifestyles

December 20, 2010

page 5

Grotkopf works toward Eagle Scout Justin Moser

older Scout in Troop 39, Grotkopf must co-news editor help plan campouts and weekly meetings oy Scouts are a dying breed. and provide guidance to younger Scouts.

In addition to his responsibilities as It is rare to find members still a leader in Scouts, Grotkopf must also active in the youth organization, juggle schoolwork and sports. Grotkopf is especially in high school. However, Junior enrolled in honors and AP classes, which Karl Grotkopf, who joined in first grade, keep him fairly busy.

He also practices for has been a Scout for ten years and is swimming up to two hours per day, six days currently working on earning the rank of per week and participates in monthly swim Eagle Scout. meets.

Grotkopf’s priorities in Scouts have In the Boy Scouts of America, Eagle cut into his other activities, especially as Scout is the highest achievable rank and the day of his Eagle project draws near. requires a Scout to develop, plan and “I’ve been going to swim practice only give leadership to a volunteer project. once per week just to keep me used to being Only five percent of Scouts will achieve in the water,” Grotkopf said. “Every other this rank, according to the BSA’s website, day I’ve come scouting.org. home to work on So far, “I’m just not afraid to sit down, my Eagle Project Grotkopf has to make sure earned six rank focus, and knock [all the work] it’s ready.” badges, each out and move on to the In spite of the one testing his next task.” o v e rwhelming knowledge of -Karl Grotkopf workload and outdoor and life responsibilities skills, over 21 merit badges for subjects ranging from that he must contend with, Grotkopf first aid to computers, and served in a considers himself lucky in the way his responsibilities even themselves out. variety of leadership positions.

“I’m just not afraid to sit down, focus, For the last several weeks, Grotkopf and knock [all the work] out and move on has planned his Eagle Scout project, to the next task,” Grotkopf said. one of the last steps he must take to earn In all, Grotkopf regards his experience Eagle. Grotkopf will lead his troop and in the Boy Scouts to be a rewarding adult volunteers in a campsite renovation experience, despite the extra work it brings. at Lake Mills Park, which includes the He says it has taught him responsibility reconstruction of benches, a barbeque grill and leadership, valuable necessities and a fire pit. that he will need and use for the rest “It’s not all about planning,” Grotkopf of his life. said. “You also have to raise the money “Everything I do is all worth it,” and get the volunteers to come out; it’s Grotkopf said. “I wouldn’t trade it been time consuming, to say the least.” for anything.”

Troops are entirely youth-led. As an

B

photos supplied by karl grotkopf

Junior Karl Grotkopf leads Troop 39 in rebuilding a fire pit and campsite benches. Building the fire pit is labor-intensive; each brick must be cut and mortared.

Teamwork was very important for getting the job done.

page 6

Issue 3

Living with the teacher Sarah Casagrande

F

staff reporter or most students, high school means seven hours a day to be away from their parents and to be independent.

But for those with a parent who teaches at their high school, school does not provide as an escape from their parent’s influence for the day.

“I feel as though people expect more out of me because I am a teacher’s daughter and she works at the same school,” junior Madison Daniel said.

Daniel, whose mom is chemistry teacher Trent Daniel, said that her mother’s job at her school during the day has impacted her in positive and negative ways.

“I constantly have to watch myself because people like to go and tell my mother about every little movement I make,” Daniel said.

Despite the fact that they always have a ride home, lunch money and signatures on school forms, students who have parents who work at school have to deal with the fact that their parents know a lot about their school lives.

“Sometimes [my mom] talks to my teachers about me, or she always knows my grades before I do which is really stressful,” sophomore Eileen Pigott, daughter of forensic science teacher Yvette Pigott, said.

“I always know what [my son’s] homework is,” U.S. history teacher Robin Grenz, mother of junior Dillon Grenz, said.

“I try to make sure he uses the resources provided like all other students. I still help him if he asks, though.”

Another disadvantage is that even though they get a free ride, the students usually get home later than most other students, around 5 or 6 p.m.,

because they have to wait for their parent to finish work.

For students who actually have their parent’s class, things are a bit different.

Freshman Todd Leighton said that his dad, band teacher Todd Leighton, often embarrasses him during class.

“He makes me play [my band instrument] in front of the other people in class,” Leighton said. “He also tells students stories about me when I was growing up.”

Leighton said that if he does well in class, such as getting a good chair in band, his classmates think it is biased.

“Also, when my friends go over to my house, my dad’s there, and it’s kind of awkward,” Leighton said.

Other students, like Daniel, do not have their parents as teachers and so they only see them outside of class. “[If she was my teacher] it probably

lifestyles

History teacher Robin Grenz and her son, photo by jem mason junior Dillon Grenz

would not end up well,” Daniel said.

“My mother and I are like the North and South poles.”

The fact that their parents are always at school with them can sometimes be a motivator for students to do better, because of higher expectations from other teachers.

Daniel said people often judge her based on her mom, as if they were the same person.

“Whether it’s first impressions, such as them thinking we have the same personality, or her getting mad at a student and then them getting mad at me, our actions affect each other,” Daniel said.

However, most students said that their parent’s presence at their school has not really affected their outside lives.

“He’s still a parent,” Leighton said.

“He’s still my dad. He can ground me, and tell me what to do. But he still jokes around with me a lot.”

lifestyles

page 7

December 20, 2010

TV production filled with off-air action

the Senior DVD, and then in yet another co-lifestyles editor class, work on personal projects. he name television production “For the senior DVD we need to is a misconception because record and put together events and we are more of a production sports throughout the entire year,” senior company than we are a TV class,” teacher Sydney Gabel said. “Last year, we had Donna Parker said. “Many people don’t a sleepover at the school to finish the realize how creative this class is.” senior DVD; I only had two hours of sleep From levels one to nine, television through all the work.” production class students produce mini Despite so much time and effort movies, commercials and public service dedicated to the class, in and out of school, announcements. Once students find a Gabel still finds the time and motivation to certain area they enjoy, acting, filming, or create personal home videos. editing, they can specialize and focus in “I try to make videos for my own that area to prepare benefit and get my for future careers. name out there,” “Last year, we had a “I’d really love Gabel said. “I do sleepover at the school to be a professional creative things like video editor,” senior music videos for my to finish the senior DVD; I Suzanne Grage said.

YouTube account, only had two hours of sleep “There’s a lot going SydneyyKLove.” through all the work.” on in the present While the love -Sydney Gabel and I love it can for film drives be documented.” students, the support Junior Lyle from friends keeps Griesemer helps students in lower level them motivated to continue the hard work. classes with their projects and also spends The desire to create better videos bonds time on big projects, such as the mock DUI. them together and creates tight friendships.

“There were eight cameras from “They’re like a second family,” Grage different shots recording the entire show said. “We’ll be here on the weekend and I need to use each shot to put it into taping a show and spend multiple periods one video,” Griesemer said. “Something together; we started on this road from the went wrong with the cameras so I need to beginning and have grown together and manually go between each camera angle to watched each other progress.” use to the shots, which means I can spend Their hard work is not just for a grade. a whole hour working and only get 10 Students dedicate their life to the love of minutes of film done.” film and work toward a future with film.

Devoted students like Griesemer often “I hope that when people look at take more than one television class. films they realize it’s so much more than Morning announcements consume a small entertainment because there are so many amount of time compared to other projects. stories to be told and to learn from,” Gabel One period they can work as a student said. “I think that’s why I love it so much; assistant, then in another period work on it spreads the word.”

Jem Mason

“T

Filming the News

Director Staring with the countdown to filming, junior Amanda Laporto acts as the director for this episode of Woof TV. She keeps everyone on task and on the schedule so they can air the show during second block.

Newscasters For each show, there are two anchors who report news at the desk and a sports reporter.

To spice up the show, seniors Jake Teixeira and Lindsey Culbreth employ the help of classmates to act as their arms while reporting.

Cameramen

Juniors Joey Sorrentino and Brooke McCabe film from two cameras at different angles to get shots of each newscaster alone as they report.

They rearange the cameras to get shots of sports and the anchors talking together.

Film Editor Once all the filming is finished, junior Evan Birriel edits the shots and puts them together with the Woof TV opening credits and advertisements. He also changes the greenscreen behind the newscasters into graphic backgrounds. photos by jem mason

page 8

Issue 3

lifestyles

Student Robyn Smith

manag he girl who does not because she is afraid she The boy who goes to the day so that he is as muscular as The teenagers who look at th the mirror and see themselve than they actually appear.

When body issues becom an obsession than a small worr wreak havoc. According to about.com, approximately on high schools students view the overweight when they actual Parents’ views of themselve of teens’ peers, and the influe media are mostly found as th these negative opinions.

“It is really difficult to los junior Jackie Roberts said tell me all the time I look beautiful, but I look in the m think ‘slob, disgusting.’”

A weight that is healthy for may not be healthy for anothe For example, the average 5 should weigh 136 pounds average 5’7” woman should pounds, according to dietician.

In some cases, like Roberts’, body image can develop dismorphia, in which a pe something is wrong with the appearance when in reality no “I think a lot more than nor do about how my body looks,” R “It’s normal for people to look a and see problems every now an for me it’s a constant problem.”

T

DYING TO BE

THIN

BODY IMAGE ISSUES ARE A CONSTANT PROBLEM, ESPECIALLY FOR TEENAGERS. SOME INDIVIDUALS HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO TAKE EXTREME ACTION IN AN EFFORT TO ALTER THEIR APPEARANCE.

y a s r u BODY PART yoWHAT ARE TEENAGERS MOST SELFCONSCIOUS ABOUT?

Hair Teeth Weight Skin Muscle

14% 15% 31% 26% 13%

Wh

nation

based on a survey of 84 random students compiled by robyn smith

Senior struggles to recover from eating

Lyndsay Santiago

guest writer hough always a little overweight as a child, senior Sharon Popke was never consciously aware of her weight until her sophomore year when she began the South Beach Diet with her mother.

“Whenever I weighed myself and it was lower than the last time, it felt amazing. [It was] almost like a high knowing that I am so dedicated that I can starve myself more and more,” Popke said.

As she continuously lost weight over the course of a year, close friends and family began to notice.

“When my mom would say I might be anorexic I never believed it,” Popke said.

She weighed 170 pounds at the beginning of high school, but quickly lost weight. Though this was a conscious decision, Popke was not aware of the severity of her condition.

“I would blow up in [my mom’s] face saying, there’s nothing wrong with me! I eat just as much as everyone else! I truthfully never thought I had a problem with eating, I thought I was simply eating healthy,” Popke said.

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Popke’s mother took her to see a nutritionist April 2010, she was then diagnosed her with anorexia.

The eating disorder came with a variety of medical issues including fatigue, stomach ulcers, gallstones, dizziness, dehydration and dry skin. In addition she also developed lanugos, dark hairs on her body and ascites, stomach bloating due to lack of protein.

When Popke began experiencing body aches, frequent fevers and uncontrollable shaking she was taken into the ER. After several blood tests and an endoscopy, she was diagnosed with a kidney infection. Popke’s poor health lowered her immune system and left her prone to infection meaning that this was another result of the anorexia.

After being hospitalized, Popke was encouraged by both her mother and boyfriend John Quinn to go into rehab for her eating disorder. On May 10 Popke’s parents received a phone call from their insurance company; Popke would have to be in Arizona by noon the next day to have treatment covered. Popke had little

time to pack and no time to say goodbye to friends who were left with no idea as to where she was.

On May 11 Popke was admitted into Rosewood Centers for Eating Disorders, an isolated facility in the desert that holds teenage boys and girls who suffer from anorexia, bulimia, binge eating and other eating disorders. She weighed 100 pounds.

At the beginning of her stay she was under constant surveillance. She had to request a key to use the restroom, obey a set curfew and was prohibited from exercise until she put back on enough weight.

During Popke’s stay at Rosewood she was only allotted 10 minutes for phone calls a day.

“It was hard for my boyfriend, John.

When I was there he had no clue when I would be back home,” Popke said.

Popke was released July 1 after a seven-week stay from Rosewood. She was still kept on a strict 3,000 calorie diet and had to visit a nutritionist every week to document her food intake. Popke also visited a therapist and psychologist

to help deal with the emotional stress associated with anorexia such as distorted self image, loss of interest, lack of focus and mood swings.

“Sometimes I’ll eat a cookie or ice cream too, something I’d never do before,” Popke said.

She is no longer on any diet plan and is trusted with maintaining her own weight. After several doctor visits as of November Popke is in good health and weighs nearly 50 percent more than when she entered rehab.

For Popke, her anorexia was fueled by an image issue which made her feel she needed to lose excessive amounts of weight to achieve what she saw as beautiful.

“A huge [factor] is the media, almost everyone on television and magazines are emaciated,” Popke said.

Many teenagers pull their ideal image from pop culture but it can stem deeper.

Popke also attributes a lot of her issues to anxiety at home and in high school.

“When I entered high school I never cared much about the way I looked. As

lifestyles

page 9

December 20, 2010

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Teenagers cope with these negative images through change in their physical appearance. Some exercise a lot and find themselves at the gym nearly every day in order to lose weight.

Other teenagers prefer to cut off the amount of food they eat. Colorado University states that one-third of women and one-fourth of men are on diets at any given time. This method of weight loss brings serious health risks, though. Through diets, teenagers starve their body of nutrients they need, especially at a time when their body is still growing.

In some cases, teenagers push their efforts to have a perfect body to extremes. Eating disorders affect 5 million Americans every year, according the National Institute of Mental Health.

The most common of these disorders are anorexia and bulimia.

Anorexia happens when a person is very afraid of weight gain, so they limit how much food they eat. People with bulimia eat a lot of food at one time and then purge themselves, or vomit, afterwards.

These approaches are not healthy, and can severely hurt the human body. To effectively lose weight, teenagers should exercise in moderation for their body type and eat healthy foods.

“Anyone can be made fun of for how they look,” junior Jacob Teller said. When I was little, right after I started getting heavy, I was self-conscious about my weight.

Once I got older I realized ‘Hey,

I’m fat, I don’t give a flying [flip] about it.’ Anybody can call me fat and I would not really care. It is something you get over with age.”

here to go for help: edreferral.com 407-434-9431

naleatingdisorders.org 352-702-9798 anad.org

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the eating disorder progressed I was more and more aware of body image.

I became obsessed with what others thought about the way I looked, but right before I left for Rosewood I stopped caring about everything, including the way I looked,” Popke said. “Now I look at myself and see my body as beautiful and perfect. I don’t care about what people say about me because I know in my heart I’m perfect the way I am.”

illustrations by sabrina chehab

page 10

Issue 3

opinions

A few words lead to tragedy

Matthew Neveras

3225 Lockwood Blvd.

Oviedo, FL 32765 Telephone: (407) 871-0750 Fax: (407) 871-0817 Email: hhsblueprint@gmailcom

The Blue Print is a studentproduced newspaper published six times a year in which the student editors make all content decisions. The newspaper belongs to the National Scholastic Press Association and the Florida Scholastic Press Association.

Opinions expressed within the newspaper do not represent the staff’s view as a whole, and do not reflect the opinions of Seminole County Public Schools, the school board, or Hagerty High School’s administration and staff. Some material courtesy of American Society of Newspaper Editors/MCT Campus High School Newspaper Service.

Letters to the editor are encouraged, but cannot be anonymous. Please submit to email, Brit Taylor’s mailstaff box or to room 6-201. For more information about advertising in the paper, please contact the staff via one of the methods listed above. We reserve the right to reject any advertisement.

Principal Sam Momary Adviser Brit Taylor Editor-in-Chief Kaitlan Aries Managing Editor Robyn Smith News Editors Sohani Kasireddy Justin Moser Lifestyles Editors Sabrina Chehab Jem Mason Opinions Editor Kait Moorman Sports Editors Jacob Calloway Scott Strauss Graphics Editor Jacob Calloway Photos Editor Jem Mason Business Manager Kristin Krawczyk Staff Reporters Sarah Casagrande Sean Donovan Meagan Galczak Matthew Neveras Mehak Rahman Sam Salinas Jack Schwartz

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illustration by justin moser

just make that individual want to go through with the suicide more.

Asher Brown, a Texas teen whose suicide took the national spotlight, is an example of the tragic effects of bullying. Brown was 13 years old and was constantly harassed by students at his school. Brown was gay, and his peers felt that it would be funny to call him a “fag” and pretend to hit on him. He told his parents about the harassment and they called the school to complain, but none of the messages were returned. One day when Brown got home from school, he shot himself in the face and ended his life because of bullying.

While Brown and thousands of others could not be saved, this does not mean it is impossible to prevent this from

happening. Students just need to exercise common sense and common courtesy.

Instead of laughing at someone for being different, or creating a Facebook group against someone, or spreading rumors about someone, put yourself in their shoes and ask yourself, “What if that was me?”

As the saying “Do unto others as you would want them to do to you” goes, by simply following this advice one could prevent someone from feeling bad about themselves and taking extreme action.

Maybe this is the spark that prevents someone from taking their own life. So next time you have the urge to insult someone, bite your tongue. A little respect can go a long way, especially when someone’s life is on the line.

only does conversation allow opinionated students to make their voices heard; it allows students to share their general knowledge of any debatable subject.

Discussions range from world conflicts to moral issues like abortion or personal view on same-sex marriage. When an individual’s beliefs, or political stance comes into question as part of a class discussion, students tend to become overly-sensitive. Teachers should enable class discussions because high school students need the general information from these discussions to become knowledgeable citizens.

But more importantly teachers must facilitate these discussions to prepare students for heavier arguments that will take place in an environment that is not as controlled as a high school classroom. Students will eventually need to deal with the different perspectives of their peers and they will need to become more open minded to function in today’s volatile society.

Students who are easily offended during class discussions add fuel to the fire as well. They will retaliate with inappropriate comments that are equally offensive to their peers. Not only is this

small-minded but immature. At this point students should be able to piece together the etiquette for appropriate class discussions that do not involve offensive language or name-calling. As elementary as it sounds to be calling high school students out for acting immaturely in a classroom setting, it’s equally as childish when teenagers cannot learn to appropriately and calmly discuss issues in a such a setting.

Not only does this student mindset kill the mood for a good debate, but it hinders further class discussions. Openly opinionated students don’t speak up in class discussions in fear of offend a certain student or starting a conflict based on religious remark or moral issues.

While some people may retaliate with inappropriate comments, teachers should not take that as a factor to contribute to the end of class discussions. With regards to sensitivity, teachers and students should both be able to freely participate in class discussion without fear of offending a select group of students.

Open discussion in class is positive and can allow the general spread of knowledge of what ever issue is being discussed. On the other hand, students should keep an appropriate attitude and open mind, and they should maturely voice their thoughts instead of adding unintelligent comments that are more counterproductive than necessary.

Class discussions offensive Mehak Rahman

M

staff reporter ost teachers make it a point to make their classroom setting comfortable before starting class discussions on controversial topics.

In light of recent events, arguments concerning the federal debt, religious phobias and other controversial discussions have increased in frequency.

Discussions reflecting a student’s political stance or religious beliefs can foster raised voices and defensive undertones that add stress to a normally controlled class discussion.

Teachers hesitate to start discussions because they feel that openly discussing certain topics might make certain students uncomfortable.

However, students and teachers should have equally open minds toward these discussions. Argumentative students need to swallow their pride and make an effort to listen to what their peers have to say. And on the other hand teachers must realize that by fostering sensitive discussions, they allow no room for students to formulate and defend their own opinions among their classmates. Not illustration by justin moser

Hagerty High School

staff reporter atass.”

“Bitch.”

“Fag.” We have all been called these or other hurtful words, and whether we want to admit it or not, we have all been responsible for using these names or others against our classmates.

Most people laugh at the term “bullying” and think that it only happens on television shows or in movies, or that the problem is overblown, but few people realize the consequences until someone close is affected. Unfortunately this is more common than most believe.

A recent survey conducted by ABC News revealed that 50 percent of teenagers have teased or taunted someone in the past year, while 47 percent of teenagers have admitted to being the victims of the bullying. And when one person puts down another, while that person may not show it, it might hurt more than people think.

Bullying might start small with a few jokes or names, but over time these little things can have a big effect. It can cause major depression or even suicide.

According to teenhelp.com, 50 percent of teenagers have considered suicide as a solution to their problems, and of that 50 percent, eight percent will try it. Society has placed so many expectations on teens and how they are supposed to act, that when one does not seem to fit under this ideal stereotype, they feel that there is no point for them to keep on living. Putting others down and other forms of bullying

Our view: Community involvement a positive for students The talent show is one of few school productions that allows for community involvement.

As a staff, we feel that the community needs to be given more opportunities for them to participate in school events, since they have relatively few.

Students can benefit from increased community involvement. Since we attend a relatively new school, many of the events we host are still being developed. If community members were allowed to have more input and offer their experience, students could learn useful new skills and help improve future school productions.

Parents could also become more active in their children’s lives if they were provided opportunities to work with them in school events.

Members of the community could also benefit from working alongside students as students can teach them new skills as well.

opinions

page 11

December 20, 2010

high school parties get Back Talk: Do too out-of-control?

NO

YES

“Parties are meant to provide an outlet for fun, not for drinking and doing other reckless things that will be regretted.”

“Parties for teens have always

been a great way to meet new people, unwind from school, dance and just celebrate life.”

- Kait Moorman

Kait Moorman

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opinions editor he house reeks of alcohol. Red plastic cups litter the floor, but can barely be seen through the thick smoke of cigarettes. LMFAO blasts out of the speakers, encouraging the alreadytipsy partygoers to gulp down their shots.

A glance at the clock reveals that it is well past midnight.

A plastered attendee brushes past.

Yelling obscenities, he shoves an opaque bottle into your hand. A roar starts up from the crowd, “Chug, chug, chug, chug!”

Peer pressure wins the battle; the bottle meets your lips. Then everything goes black. A rough hand shakes you awake.

Your eyes meet the stern glare of a police officer. As the sky begins to lighten, everybody at the party is led away in cuffs.

Now this party is over.

A party is meant to be a social gathering where people engage in conversation and entertainment. Nowhere in its definition is a party considered a place to get wasted and loose while people disregard societal morals.

A typical high school party consists of more than staple finger foods and soda pop. According to a survey done by the American Medical Association in 2005, 25 percent of teenagers admitted that they had attended a party in which minors drank alcohol in front of parents. That is one quarter of American teenagers. And this statistic only notes consumption of alcohol before the life-givers we call parents, excluding all the drinking that goes on in their absence.

Not only is teenage drinking illegal, but it is also stupid. Alcohol is a depressant, which means it slows down the brain and in turn, the individual’s reaction time. While some party goers may find its effects humorous, it is really dangerous. According to an article written by doctors who handle the after-effects of sexual assaults, about 50 percent of sexual assault cases on American women “involve alcohol consumption by the perpetrator, victim, or both.” If people drink at parties, they put themselves, as well as others, at risk.

But although drinking is the most common and most deadly illegal activity that occurs at high school parties, it is not the only one. Teens also take drugs and smoke.

In fact, according to an article on Hubpages, a site where professionals publish stories in their area of expertise, over two fifths of teenagers admit to having been offered drugs at some point in their life. Parties are one of the most common places for such offers to take place.

Many teens argue that they should party while they are still young, that they have little responsibility and that they should be free to make their own mistakes. But what they fail to realize is that because of their partying, they may not see a future in which they learn from said mistakes.

Another fault in this argument is that teens have little responsibility. While adults generally do have a lot worry about (a job, family, bills), teens are responsible for maintaining good grades, a reputation and college appeal. Not to mention household chores and the decision of what to do beyond high school. All of this potential is risked when one attends a party and participates in the expected.

There are plenty of more sensible ways to celebrate one’s youth and have a good time. Contrary to popular belief, a fun party does not require booze or drugs.

A party can simply consist of a group of friends and a bonfire. Or a movie. Or a board game. None of these options result in impaired judgement or loss of brain cells, not to mention any of the other risks induced by alcohol and other drugs. So why is it that teens feel the need to bargain so much just for some “fun?”

Parties are meant to provide an outlet for fun, not for drinking and doing other reckless things that will be regretted.

Things are deemed illegal for a reason.

“Yes, from what I’ve noticed, most parties involve underage drinking and reckless behavior.

This often leads to someone getting hurt.”

- Sydney Topor, 12 “Yes, a perfect example is when people get wasted and drive home. It is dangerous and stupid.”

- Marissa Menear, 11

- Meagan Galczak

Meagan Galczak staff reporter he cliché of a teenagers’ inability to control themselves when they attend or host a party is based on ignorance and paranoia.

Usually, when parents hear about a teen party, they become panic stricken.

Under circumstances where minds are equipped with morals and common sense, there is no doubt that teens are capable enough to attend a party without being dragged under the influence of drugs, peer pressure and alcohol. Parties for teens have always been a great way to meet new people, unwind from school, dance and just celebrate life.

In this era of strong technological dependence, teenagers need direct face to face social contact. Technology is a resource that has increased significantly among the younger generation. Laura Weiss from the School Library Journal says that over the last four years the number of teens that use the Internet has grown by 24 percent.

Teenagers in the modern era are entangled in technology and are becoming more socially distant due to websites such as Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr and MySpace. The Kaiser Family Foundation shows that Americans, ages 8 to 18 spend approximately seven and a half hours a day alone to use electronic devices.

The more a teenager interacts with others in a manner that positively affects their personality, the more that it can reduce risks of social phobia, unhealthy addiction to Internet sites, depression and suicide.

A high school student’s day requires them to focus on their school work for seven hours a day, not including extracurricular activities, transportation, volunteer work, attend school or team related events, carry out chores, make food, take care of younger siblings and

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Tell it like it is

complete homework.

If someone is plans to throw a party, students usually jump at the chance so they can hang out with their friends and get to have a good time. When a student is faced with college, they will have even more to worry about such as a more fast-paced lifestyle, tuition debts, taxes and more that can prevent them to get a chance to wind down and have enough social time to enjoy their life.

Despite the common opinion, not all teenagers are prone to fall under the influence of drugs, sex and alcohol at all teenage parties. But the few who have been overcome by the devastating effects that peer pressure, drugs and alcohol can have help to spread the cautionary word and in turn prevent teens from untimely overdoses, suicides or deaths.

Programs like Drug Abuse Resistance Education, The Anti Drug, mock DUI’s and guest speakers talk about the harmfulness that come from these substances and are effective enough to lead students away from such substances to make the right decisions about life, especially at parties. Abovetheinfluence. com and dare.com say that programs such as these educate at least 10 million preteens and teens a year, mostly before major social events that tend to inject high amounts of adrenaline into the teenage mind such as homecoming and prom.

With enough tears, photos, reenactments, heart-wrenching stories and real-life examples, reality hits and is effective enough to lead students away from such substances.

One of the greatest parts of teen partying is that it is very versatile.

Teenagers look at the world with fresh minds, which will eventually be molded by strict societal rules. They look forward to celebrate everything they can to come together and exhibit their love for life through social entertainment.

Teens party for things such as holidays, graduation, prom, birthdays, and anniversaries and to keep friendships close. A grandeur such as life could never be over-celebrated; there is too much life to celebrate.

“No, parties are intended to get out of hand and it really depends on who you invite and what you do.”

- Jenna Fahnastock, 10 “Yes, I have friends that have entirely changed and started ruining their lives because of [parties].”

- Sam Rhodes, 11

“No, kids know what’s right and what’s seriously wrong, and even if it gets crazy, it isn’t threatening to life.”

- Tyler Hosterman, 10 “Who doesn’t like to party? You should know when to stop and it’s your own fault if the cops come.”

- Steven Long, 9

sports Football team reaches new milestones page 12

Scott Strauss

co-sports editor different attitude, a winning mentality, more focus; all contributing factors that led to the newfound success for the football team. Not only did the team have the best record in school history, but they also reached the playoffs for the first time.

“Our attitude at the end of the season was the same as it was at the beginning of the season, and we feel a lot better about ourselves knowing that we accomplished our goals by making the playoffs,” junior Michael Wiggins said.

The team finished with a record of 7-3, a complete turnaround from last season, which finished at 2-8. Part of this success was the result of a new offseason program. The returning varsity players began to prepare for this season in January, and the infamous ‘Filthy Friday’ was added to the mix.

“The offseason was long and brutal.

We worked very hard and I think it has made our team much better and our success reflects how hard we worked in all those months,” Wiggins said.

Not only did the team finish with an improved record, but they also won the Mayor’s Cup after beating rival Oviedo, 30-27. This victory was spurred by strong defense in the second half, when Oviedo was held scoreless to fuel the comeback. This victory not only returned the Cup to its original home but also put the team one step closer to achieving the goal established at the beginning of the offseason: make the playoffs.

The team started their district run strong with a dominating win against Lake Howell, however could not pull off a win against district opponent Winter Springs in front of a pinked-out stadium for ESPNU. “The three losses we suffered this season were a result of not staying focused and being on edge. Our practices leading up to those games were just as well executed as all of our

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Issue 3

What do you think led to the team’s success this season?

- We worked hard all season. We deserved everything we got.

How has the team changed since last year?

- The whole attitude has changed. I hope that it stays like this in the future.

What does it mean to make the playoffs in your last year?

- It was always a goal and I put in a lot of hard work to get there.

What game will you remember the most from this season?

- Lakeland. We played a powerhouse, and I’m sure we turned some heads.

How did the offseason program affect the outcome of this season?

- We worked as a team to get stronger, faster and bigger.

Why was UF the best choice for you?

- It was a great school, great football program, great fans and it’s in state. There wasn’t a reason not to go.

How has the recruiting process been?

- At first it was cool, but then it got tiring. At some points I wanted to be alone, because it was annoying to be bothered by coaches all the time.

With Coach Meyer leaving Florida, has your decision changed?

- My opinion hasn’t changed. It made me think about my decision, but I’ve stayed solid and loyal to Florida.

How did it feel to win the Gatorade Player of the Year?

- Someone told me that I was the first person in Seminole County to win the award, and when you think about all the people who come from Seminole County, it was a real honor.

Question and answer with Jeff Driskel practices were all season long. We just didn’t bring it when we needed to,” junior Gaydos said.

After the setback, the team went on to defeat its next two district opponents, Oviedo and Evans, and finished in a three-way tie for first place in the district with Oviedo and Winter Springs.

In the tiebreaker, the team lost to Oviedo but defeated Winter Springs with a last-minute touchdown, clinching the first playoff berth in school history.

“Beating Winter Springs was a bittersweet victory [because we had just been defeated by Oviedo], but knowing

that we had made the playoffs and that our season truly meant something made all the offseason work worth while,” Gaydos said.

After finishing the regular season with the best record in school history, the team faced the Lakeland Dreadnaughts, who were ranked third in the state and number 23 in the MaxPreps national rankings at the time of the game.

“The Lakeland game was [my favorite game] for sure,” senior quarterback Jeff Driskel said. “We played a powerhouse state team, and I’m sure that we turned some heads.”

photos by dave rudd and jack schwartz

Jeff Driskel, who will leave for the University of Florida in January, throws a pass in the ESPN game against Winter Springs.

The team lost in a shootout, 3556. The team was led by Driskel who accounted for five touchdowns: two passing, two rushing and one receiving.

Junior Treyous Jarrells and senior Zach Haywood also had a touchdown each.

Despite being defeated in the first round, the team accomplished the goal set from the beginning, and that was to make the playoffs. This season not only redeems those past, but sets the standard for the team in the future.

“The whole attitude of the team has changed,” Driskel said. “I hope that it stays like this in the program for years.”

2010 Football Schedule Sept. 3 Lake Mary 24-22 (W) Sept. 10 Lyman 41-12 (W) Sept. 16 Seminole 14-28 (L) Sept. 24 Lake Howell 43-13 (W) Oct. 8 Winter Springs 21-28 (L) Oct. 15 St. Cloud 36-14 (W) Oct. 22 Oviedo 30-27 (W) Oct. 29 Evans 28-21 (W) Nov. 5 Pine Ridge 17-6 (W) Nov. 12 Lake Brantley 21-55 (L)

Nov. 19 Lakeland (playoff) 35-56 (L)

The team experienced many triumphs this season, including an appearance on ESPNU and a first-ever playoff trip

sports

Scott’s Say Bad sportsmanship changes game Scott Strauss

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page 13

December 20, 2010

co-sports editor o matter what sport you play, one rule is stressed above all others: be humble and play the game the way it is meant to be played. However, Vince Lombardi’s quote “winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing” is too evident. Across all levels of athletics, players have been demonstrating worse and worse examples of poor sportsmanship than ever before.

The ethics of sportsmanship can make or break a team. Demonstrating poor judgment on the field toward an opposing player or official can have harsh consequences, especially in sports, where aggressive acts are becoming much less tolerated.

A bad decision on the field by one can result in an unfortunate situation for the entire team. An argument about a bad call in a baseball game or hitting someone after the whistle in a football game can land those at fault with a game or even prolonged suspension. This means that their team will have to play without the guilty player, which in some cases can severely influence the team’s performance.

Poor sportsmanship not only makes a statement about players and their morals, but it also speaks for an entire organization. Hitting, vulgar language and offensive gestures show just what kind of program an association is running, with a lack of discipline most likely the reason for such acts of foul play.

Poor acts of sportsmanship in public display are not only inappropriate, but offensive to those who truly value clean play. For example, a coach erupting on a referee after making a controversial call in a little league baseball game sets a poor example for the innocent kids who stand witness to the ordeal. According to ABC News, reports of acts of poor sportsmanship in front of youth are becoming more commonplace. The most over-the-top example occurred when a father beat another dad to death over their sons’ youth hockey game in Illinois. Obviously cases such as these are extremely rare, however the fact that something this drastic occurred shows that chivalry in sports is slowly withering away.

While our school is considered one of the best in Central Florida, these violent acts in sports still do occur on the field. In a recent incident at a football game, a player received a personal foul for punching another player in the helmet after a play had been whistled over. While the player only received a verbal warning, the repercussions could have been much more severe, potentially not allowing the player to participate in the next six games.

While our school typically is thought of as an institution that holds its students to the highest standards, there are occasions when this does not show. This is the case, however, across the nation and the world; poor sportsmanship is becoming more common and taking away from the traditional play of the game.

Multiple sports? No problem Kristin Krawczyk

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business manager

o to school. Go to practice. Do homework. Go to sleep. Repeat until June. This is the routine for students who play more than one sport. The busy lives of these students revolve around one thing: their ability to successfully manage their time.

Most multiple-sport athletes agree that the ability to find space in their schedule to complete homework and balance free time, as well as play their sports, is the most difficult aspect.

“You have to manage your time [precisely] and make sure you have time for everything, especially homework,” junior Katie Yoches, who participates in cross country, soccer and track, said.

Senior Cristina Valdes, who cheers, lifts weights and pole vaults, is never envious of those students who go home directly after school despite the fact that it would guarantee a greater possible amount of sleep. Because she does not get home from her sport until 6-7:30 p.m., the time she goes to bed ranges from 10-11 p.m.

“With three AP [classes] and three honors [classes], [I] have to make sure [I] get all of [my] homework done before [I] have any free time because work will build upon each other,” junior Ethan Albers, football and basketball player, said.

Practices for different sports often conflict with each other and students do not have a break between their activities.

Junior Lucas Wainman is not allowed to play two sports at one time, a rule enforced by the school. He has to finish out the football

season before he starts to practice with the soccer team, even though soccer started mid November.

“All of the sports run into each other, and during the summer, I’m conditioning for all of them,” Yoches said.

Since conditioning for football starts in the spring, Albers does not have much time between the end of basketball season and the start of football, which causes him to continuously be active in a sport.

While time management is a problem, playing more than one sport has its benefits. Participation in one sport often helps with conditioning for another.

Junior Chris Elander says that football helps improve his speed and conditioning for baseball. Weightlifting strengthens Valdes and gives her power for pole vaulting.

“Soccer helps in track because I’m running constantly and I’m always doing something.

The year that I didn’t play soccer, I was slower,” Yoches said.

Being involved in sports is a way of life for these students. They got into the routine of these activities through the influences of parents, siblings and friends.

“My mom is all into exercise, and I know it benefits me, so I started weightlifting last year,” Valdes said.

Both Wainman’s older sister and

Yoches’ older brother influenced them to become active in soccer. And since they started, they have continued to play throughout their lives.

“I like getting out there and doing things,” Yoches said. “I don’t like sitting around.

Sports are a way to keep me active.”

photos by Logan Photography

Katie Yoches is one of many multiple sports athletes. She participates in three sports, soccer, track, and cross country.

New coach steers soccer success Sean Donovan

staff reporter ith head coach Rodney Kenney in only his second season with the varsity girls soccer team, the team looks to excel far beyond last season. The season started with an undefeated record through the first five games, then suffered a 3-2 loss at home to Oviedo on Nov. 17.

“I know we can’t win every game, but sometimes it’s good to lose early because it’s like a wake-up call,” Kenney said.

That loss was their first district game of the season; however, the team still has maintained their early success. They are currently ranked third in the Orlando Sentinel Super Six with a record of 122-2 Last year they were defeated in the district tournament, which halted the season for the girls.

“We’re definitely going to go further,” junior midfielder Andrea LaRocca said.

“We’ve got the potential and the talent to go far in the playoffs.”

On their most recent district victory on Dec. 15, the team managed to defeat Oviedo at Oviedo. Off of a string of five passes, sophomore forward Amaya Banks managed to score the game’s only goal. The team’s defense then managed to shut out Oviedo, securing the 1-0 victory. They have two more districts games against Lake Howell and Winter Springs.

Not only does he help the team earn better records, Kenney is doing his best to help the team in new ways.

“We’ve changed the system of play,” Kenney said, “We’ll see if a system works, and if it doesn’t, then we’ll look it over and change it the next day.”

The players also feel like the team plays differently while they also improve physically and mentally.

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“We’re definitely playing more strategically,” sophomore centermidfielder Sam Collin said. “It feels like we all know what to do and when to do it.”

A majority of the team has returned, so they understand how to play the game and how to connect with each other, and since there were not very many changes in the roster, many of the girls understand each other much better than they did last season, when many team members were new. And because of this time together, all of the girls have put in all their efforts to move on ahead into the postseason. There are more components of the team that are being relied upon this season, and all the talent of every teammate is spread out across the team.

“There’s more depth this year,”

sophomore defender Darbi Filliben said. “We’re doing everything better and we’re just generally playing as a team.”

One of the closer games of the season was an early home game against Lake Mary. The game was tied at 1-1 until the team shot a last-minute goal to win the game 2-1.

“I loved the Lake Mary game because it was super exciting for everyone who went,” Collin said.

The team has to win more district games like this in order to make the playoffs. The overall goal for the team is to make the Final Four in the state tournament, and this is what the new coach is focused on.

“I see the beginning of the season as a training session,” Kenney said. “Then districts are where we really get our game on.”

photo from Hagerty soccer

Rachel Clark dribbles the ball past a Lake Howell defender at Sam Momary Stadium

sports

page 14

December 20, 2010

Former lacrosse players return as coaches On top of school work and coaching, co-sports editor Shriver works 25 hours a week at Huey ollege life is hard by nature. Making Magoos. To work a part time job, carry a new friends, attending classes and hefty school load as well as balance the living alone are all new challenges freedoms bestowed on college freshman is a student must overcome. It is rare to find a time management feat in itself. Mixing in a person who goes above and beyond the responsibility of teaching young men to tackle these new challenges, and add the importance of discipline and work ethic being a coach to the list. Two University of required to excel in lacrosse would be too Central Florida students, Andy Shriver and overwhelming for a 19-year-old.

George Tucci have taken on that challenge.

“I definitely have to sacrifice a lot Coach Shriver, a freshman in college, of my free time. Every day it’s class and and coach Tucci, a sophomore, both coach then work or coaching. I’m busy a lot but the varsity lacrosse team. Defensive coach coaching is worth it,” Shriver said. and box coach respectively, they balance With the recent completion of their the challenges of college while leading the own high school careers, their insight lacrosse program. differs from the aspect in which a seasoned Defensive coaches have the veteran coach. To see the game from responsibility of teaching the defensive different facets provides diversity in formations and slide packages. the coaching and makes for a mix of old The box coach has the responsibility school values and fresh perspectives for manage the number of players on the the young player. field and make substitutions. This is vital “I’m able to relate with the kids.” Tucci because unlike said, “I’ve most sports, been there, substitutions and I use “I definitely have to sacrefice a lot in lacrosse my own of my free time. Every day it’s class happen all the faults to my and then work or coaching. I’m busy time, usually advantage mid-game now and a lot, but coaching is worth it.” while the ball teach them -Andy Shriver is being ran how to avoid down the field. the mistakes “I always I made.’ felt that I was relatively knowledgeable Although young in comparison to most as far as the coaching aspect of the sport coaches, these two do not come without was concerned, even though I wasn’t their own tools to help build the program necessarily the best player when I played that gave them so much. it,” Shriver said. “It’s always nice to be “I think my personality is the biggest able to come back and help out a guy like asset that I have,” Tucci said. “I relate Ayad who’s been a staple in your life for well with all sorts of people with different four years.” backgrounds and personalities, I am Jacob Calloway

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very knowledgeable when it comes to the sport and I feel that being able to use examples from my career helps the guys to learn better.”

Being a recent graduate of the lacrosse program does not come without its own inherent challenges. Going from teammate to team leader is a huge jump.

“It’s definitely difficult in the sense that you still want to be friends with [the players] but at the same time there needs to be a separation and they need to respect you as a coach,” Shriver said. “It is difficult to find that balance of friend and coach.”

Tucci, who has one year more experience as a coach, had to continually fight the battle of earning respect in the eyes of players who were seeing him as the old attackmen, not as the coach his first year.

“Respect is no longer an issue really.

I learned to understand the situation,” Tucci said. “I know that I’m a 19-yearold sophomore in college and that many of these guys watched me play in high school, and in most cases they know me personally. The guys know I like to have a good time and joke around, but when it’s time to put in the work they listen to what I say and they do what they’re asked, they respect me and I respect them.”

With so many different styles in the way a coach can choose to teach their players, Tucci and Shriver had to find their own successful technique in a short period of time. This is a vital aspect of being a coach which weighs heavily on how their players view them.

“When I’m coaching, I don’t condescend my players,” Tucci said, “I’m given a role of power and I do have power to an extent, but I make sure I don’t abuse

photo by dave rudd

During his first year of coaching, George Tucci advises his players at a game against Lake Howell. that to make my players feel unequal to me. Not one person out there should feel they are better than any other person, including myself.”

With no pay, and with no benefits besides something to put on their resumes, Tucci and Shriver have gone above the regular activities of a college student.

“I love the sport and being around it in general but at the same time, the team gave a lot to me as a person,” Shriver said. “I have learned so much from simply being a part of [the lacrosse team], and I feel like I owe it to the them to try and help out in any way I can.”

sports

page 15

December 20, 2010

Sports Shorts

Bowling places fifth at state tournamament competition to take a first place victory staff reporter at districts. n Nov. 10-11, the girls bowling “It wasn’t easy,” head bowling coach team attended the FHSAA state Erin Foley said. “We had a few close tournament at the Boardwalk matches, but overall persevered.”

Entertainment Center. The team walked To qualify for the state finals, the team away with three wins and two losses, and a was led in districts by sophomore Jessica fifth place state ranking.

Perry, who bowled a three game score of The team 541. Junior Jessica bowled their first Camacho also placed game against high, bowling an “We had a few close St. Lucie West overall score of 532. matches, but overall Centennial High The team’s persevered” School and won accumulated score at - Erin Foley 851 to 829. The districts was 2,412, girls then went which put them on to face Martin above the second County High School (who would later place team, Seminole High School, by only place second in state) and lost 749 to 673.

12 points.

After their first loss in the tournament, Seminole’s top individual score was 578. the team moved through the consolation “We beat Seminole,” Foley said. bracket with wins over Columbia and Vista “But they provided some really tough Community high schools. After their back- competition. It’s just an example of the to-back victories, the team bowled against talent these girls are up against. And the Mandarin High School to get into the Final fact that we not only did well, but won it, Four and lost. is huge.”

“We ended really strong,” sophomore The team plans to take the experience captain Christine Masillo said. “We provided by this past season and use it to weren’t really expected to do so well [at their advantage next year. states], but we did so well at districts that “Next year we have a shot at being state we thought we would have a chance.” champions,” Masillo said. “We just have to The team climbed their way up the step up are game.”

Jack Shwartz

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photo by dsp

Sophomore Jessica Peery bowls for the team at the FHSAA state tournament at the Boardwalk Entertainment Center. The bowling team, who ranked fourth place in the state, finished the tournament with three wins and two losses.

Curby wins first in states Cross country places fifth Jack Shwartz

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Sarah Casagrande

staff reporter

ed by the strong performances of senior Matt Curby and sophomore Jason Coombs, the boys swim team earned a fourth place finish in the state finals.

Team members placed first in four events: the 400-yard freestyle relay, the 100-yard breaststroke, the 100-yard backstroke and in the 200-yard individual medley.

Curby earned or helped earn three of the wins: the relay, the backstroke and the individual medley. Coombs won the breaststroke and like Curby, was also on the relay team, with seniors Zack Edgar and Takashi Worrell.

“I was really happy with the way I performed,” Curby said. “It made all the work worth it.”

Curby’s accomplishments put him in the top 25 recruits for incoming college students, and earned a first place ranking at states.

He received an athletic scholarship to the University of Florida.

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photo by dsp

Senior Matt Curby waits by the diving board as he mentally prepares for his 400 yard freestyle relay event to begin.

staff reporter

he girls’ cross country team’s fifth place finish out of 24 teams at the FHSAA State Championships finished off what sophomore Tayler Johnson said was “the best season Hagerty has ever had”.

“We were really excited about this, because it was higher than what we were projected to place,” junior Shannon Dunne said.

The team placed 17th out of 24 during last year’s competition, which makes this year’s scores a major improvement.

The team was led by two All-State team members; sophomore Bryce Seymour and junior Amy Ankli, who placed 13th and 16th with times of 19:07 and 19:13, respectively.

The team was named Conference and District champions, but Dunne said that she was most excited about where they finished in at the State competition.

photo by dsp

Junior Amy Ankli fights through the pain of long distance running at the district competition.

page 16

Issue 3

back

Homes Combined all photos provided by erin dunne

(Left to right) Keanu, Karl, Allison, Karissa, Kevin and Kareem pose as a family.

Karissa is currently 4 months old and weighs 10 lbs. She is just learning how to sit up.

Keanu, Karl and Kareem smile down at the newest member of the Leith family.

Erin enjoys spending quality time with Karissa when she watches her in her mother’s absence.

Two families brought together by a tragedy Kait Moorman

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opinions editor our months ago, Erin, Shannon and Kelly Dunne were part of a family of five with plans for no more.

Then the death of family friend Cheryl Leith resulted in the union of the Dunne and Leith family in August, and now there are nine.

Prior to her passing, Cheryl became close friends with Kevin and Allison Dunne, the owners of Double R Private School, as both of her sons attended.

During her pregnancy, Cheryl developed placenta previa, a medical condition in which the placenta attaches to organs it would not normally attach to. Cheryl passed away the day after she gave birth to a 4 pound baby girl, Karissa, despite doctors’ best efforts to save her life.

“When Cheryl passed away, I was the first person Karl [Cheryl’s husband] called,” Allison said. “When I got that phone call, my life changed. Now we are a family.”

Together, the Dunnes and Leiths do many normal family things. They celebrate holidays, go to church and experience firsts by one another’s side.

This past summer, the Dunnes threw Karl a birthday party—his first in 43 years.

Even with this additional responsibility, The Dunnes also helped Karl change a diaper for the first time. Allison even Allison finds time to care for her family, takes Karissa’s older brothers, Kareem, like she always has.

13, and Keanu, nine, shopping for food “A lot of people kept saying mom and clothing on a regular basis. The boys wouldn’t have time for us with this also attend Shannon’s cross country meets additional responsibility,” senior Erin Dunne said. “But that’s not true; she with the Dunnes.

“It’s not just our immediate family that always has time for me and my sisters and spends time with her, our aunts and uncles Kareem and Keanu.”

Allison finds the circumstances and grandparents have fallen in love with her, too,” Erin said. “She’s brought so inspirational. The doctors and nurses at Orlando Regional Medical Center, the much joy to our family.” hospital where Karl works as a material Karissa was “It’s really opened my eyes to born, donated in technician in the how much more there is than their own money energy department to purchase at Siemens. Since ourselves—it’s fulfilling.” supplies such he works every day - Erin Dunne as a car seat, during the week stroller, diapers, and his sons attend Double R Private School, Karl drops gift cards and other items. Local churches, Karissa off at the Dunne home each businesses, and families have also pitched morning around 6:30 a.m. on his way to in to help the Leiths.

“The thing that has inspired me the work. Allison then brings Karissa to work, where she spends the day in Allison’s most is seeing the community come office. After work, Allison brings Karissa together,” Allison said. “The amount of home, and Karl picks her up at about 7 in support within Oviedo is unbelievable.” the evening.

Karl says he is especially grateful for “It’s really interesting to see how she’s the support his family has received both beginning to recognize and respond to us, from the Dunnes and from the community as a whole. Without any extended family especially my parents,” Shannon said.

to support him, Karl relies entirely on the community for support.

“I feel that God put Allison in our life for a reason,” Karl said. “[The Dunne family] has been there for us through everything—words cannot express how I feel.”

Despite the community’s efforts to help the Leiths as much as possible, Karl still feels pain over the loss of his wife, espcially after 24 years.

“I feel empty without her; I miss her a lot,” Karl said. “I realize the things she did and I have more appreciation for my wife now that she has died.”

Although Cheryl will be greatly missed, good has come from the situation.

The Dunnes and Leiths have all confessed that they have learned a lot from it.

“It’s really opened my eyes to how much more there is than ourselves—it’s fulfilling,” Erin said. “There’s more to life than just me.”

Erin and her sisters do not feel negatively affected by Karissa’s presence in the least. They have incorporated her into their lives with ease.

“My life has fallen into a pattern with her,” Erin said. “It’s a natural part of my life now to tend to her needs when my mom is not around.”

Karissa Ayanna Rashida Leith Birthday: August 23, 2010 Hospital: Winnie Palmer Time Born: 00:00 x.m.

Weight: 4 lbs. 11 oz.

Length: 17 in.