The BluePrint - Volume 13, Issue 1

blueprint

the

Issue 1

Volume 13

Oct. 13, 2017 Hagerty High School Oviedo, Fla.

CROSS COUNTRY NEARS POSTSEASON The boys and girls cross country teams compete in the FSU Invitational to prepare for postseason. page 8 Adam Mastrobuono, 11

(Ex)changing it up Jessica Maldonado

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Staff Reporter

ophomore Lara Kadoic was nervous: she was nervous about traveling to America for the first time, nervous about starting high school in one week, and nervous about meeting her host family.

“I thought it was going to be so awkward and that we wouldn’t talk, especially during dinner, but when I met them it was so good and it just felt right,” Kadoic said.

Through the Youth for Understanding program, Kadoic and other foreign-exchange students get to travel and to study in a new place to learn the language and the culture. This program allows over 260,000 students and host families in 50 different countries to “advance intercultural understanding, mutual respect, and social responsibility through educational exchange for youth, families and communities.”

Three students from YFU attend school here: junior Natrada Sirirak, from Thailand, sophomore Ting-You Liu from Taiwan and Kadoic, from Germany.

In order to become part of the YFU program, students must apply and take a test; then a host family chooses a student to live with them.

“My host family is really nice-they are more like my grandparents to me because they are a bit older and they don’t have any kids living with them,” Kadoic said.

Sirirak and Liu enjoy their host families too. Their host families do family like things like visiting

relatives, park trips and movie nights.

“I like cooking. My host family teaches me how to cook American food and I cook and teach them how to make Thai food, Sirirak said. “I like to cook for my host family because they are showing me their culture. I want them to learn about my culture too.”

One of the biggest changes for any foreign exchange student is the school system. When Sirirak goes to school in Thailand, instead of having seven classes and every subject, she picks between four majors: Science and Math, Math and Language, Language, and Art. As a Language major, Siriak does not need to learn math nor science at home.

Unlike science and math courses, however, everyone in Thailand must take English. “We start learning in first grade because it’s such an important language,” Sirirak said, “but since the teachers aren’t native speakers, I wanted to come here and learn.”

In Taiwan, Liu goes to school for 13 hours each day, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. He came to study here because his parents thought it was a good learning experience. However, Liu did not agree right away because his life and his friends were in Taiwan.

As he thought about it though, he realized that it would not be such a bad idea.

Kadoic moved here from Germany on Aug. 2 looking for a chance to better her English. Since Kadoic was little, she always had the dream to come to the United States and learn to speak just like the natives.

In Germany, the grades are split up differently, with middle school from

IN THE MIX Foreign exchange students, sophomore Lara Kadoic (left), junior Natrada Sirirak (top right), and sophomore Ting-You Liu (bottom right) came to this school in August through the Youth for Understanding program and will return to their countries next summer.

grades 1-4 and high school from grades 5-12, and teachers switch classrooms instead of students. Kadoic also had school three times a week, and each day she had different times when she would start and end.

“It’s completely different,” Kadoic said. “We do get a lot of homework

here, but it’s easier because school is longer, teachers talk more and tell us what we have study.”

Even though there are positive things that come out of being a foreign-exchange student, one of the challenges they have to overcome is being away from family. All of

School unites for Puerto Rico relief

SENDING RELIEF Spanish teacher Nitza Ariza’s class donations wait to get sent out to Disaster Relief Drive for Puerto Rico. Chess Club and Key Club collected supplies and sent them to Ariza’s room. photo by Nitza Ariza

Ahilyn Aguilar

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Editor-in-Chief hen Hurricane Irma hit Florida, the worst damage included power outages that lasted eight days. But when Category 5 Hurricane Maria made a direct hit on Puerto Rico on Sept. 20, the island was left without basic needs, a situation expected to last for months.

After leaving more than half of Puerto Rico without drinking water and 95 percent of citizens without power, according to USA Today, Puerto Rico has a long recovery ahead, but communities like Seminole County are trying to make the recovery less traumatic for the citizens.

Multiple clubs like Key Club and Chess Club have been collecting items to donate. They hope to provide those affected with basic resources in order to speed up the recovery.

From Sept. 26-29, Key Club sponsor Nitza Ariza accepted nonperishable food items and basic necessities such as flashlights, drinking water, first aid kits and sleeping bags. About 100 Key Club members and Spanish students donated throughout the three days in hopes of providing enough items to make a difference for those in need in Puerto Rico.

“Everyone is aware of the crisis in Puerto Rico due to hurricane Maria,” Ariza said. “We saw the opportunity to do something and we wanted to help.”

Once the donations were dropped off in Ariza’s room and collected, they were sent to Disaster Relief Drive for Puerto Rico

in Lake Mary. This drive was sponsored by the Seminole County Public Schools ESOL and World Language departments.

On Sept. 29, the donations were delivered and once they reach Puerto Rico, the government will be in charge of distributing them to the citizens.

“I know that when the people of Puerto Rico receive the donations they will feel all the love and support of the entire world and know they are not alone in this long recovery,” Ariza said.

Those with family in Puerto Rico, like guidance counselor Michelle Cortes, also decided to join the movement and gather essential items such as canned food, baby products and feminine products to be sent to Puerto Rico.

After witnessing her family struggle in Puerto Rico after the storm, Cortes united with the Lake Nona Run Club, a Puerto Rican people-based club that linked with Unidos por Puerto Rico (United for Puerto Rico), an organization whose purpose is to bring community resources together to aid in the island’s recovery.

Cortes decided to start collecting items for this organization by emailing staff and asking for their help with donations. Within two days, Cortes had collected monetary contributions and enough items to fill her car. Cortes delivered the items to the Lake Nona Run Club.

“People don’t have the basics to get through their day, whether is water or a granola bar,” Cortes said. “We’re not giving them luxuries, but we’re hoping that what they receive will be enough.”

Cortes will continue to donate to affected citizens by working alongside students and looking for more organizations to collect items to better the lives of Puerto Ricans.

Seminole County is also collecting items for relief purposes, however, the items will be given to families from Puerto Rico who come here. Minnie Cordona, the Seminole County ESOL Department coordinator, organized this event aiming to help out transitioning families who are immigrating because of the hurricane.

All donated products will be sent to a warehouse where the families will be welcomed and allowed to take any necessary supplies with them.

“Backpacks and clothes will also be provided for the kids with all the supplies they need for school,” FTC clerk Joanie Rodriguez said. “We’re trying to make it an easy transition for them to enroll at Hagerty or any Seminole County Schools.”

Rodriguez and secretary Sylvia Seacrist were in charge of collecting paper and plastic bags at school for the event. The bags were later sent to the warehouse for families to put their items in.

“It’s beautiful to see our community unite and come together for a good cause in such a short period of time,” Cortes said.

the foreign-exchange students have contact with their family through text, call and FaceTime, but none of them will see their family until the summer.

“I would love to come back, but it’s hard without my family being here and it’s pretty expensive being a foreignexchange student,” Kadoic said.

See more on HagertyJourn.com

FTC PROMPT REVEALED FTC is a competitive robotics program for teams to design robots which will compete head to head with high school teams from across the country. Read about this year’s challenge, the Relic Recovery at hagertyjourn.com END OF THE WEEK TREAT The last Friday of each month is Cupcake Friday. Costing 50 cents per cupcake, it is the mouth-watering treat to have at lunch. Learn about the planning and where the money goes from this event at hagertyjourn.com.

FRESH START The new colonel for the JROTC program, Col. Calvin Wimbish, has brought some changes.

These include different policies and making the class more interactive.

Check out how the class has adapted to the adjustments he has made to the program.

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Super SWAT simulation Emily Cosio

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News Editor

virtual showcase of the Special Weapons and Tactics team sounds like a high-tech video game, but it is the latest project of the Modeling and Simulation Club. The club has been steadily growing and because of this, took on a more ambitious project over the summer The Super Team, 10 upper class members in Modeling and Simulation, are creating an advanced SWAT training simulation.

Team members include: seniors Austin McGowan, Samuel Lee, Edgar Madruga, Julian Mousseau, Prince Odimegwu, Olivia JacquesBaker, Varadha Anandakumar, Roman BrockEdgar, Tristen Campbell and junior Flavio Teimouri.

“The people we picked were in Modeling and Simulation program exclusively so when it comes to a project like this, I don’t want to sit there and baby someone,” McGowan said.

Prepared to showcase their project in November, the Super Team worked over the summer brainstorming ideas for this project.

They have also done extensive research online, watching videos and documentaries, and talking to members of the Oviedo SWAT team. For the simulation, The Super Team needed to ask the ‘How does it really happen?’ questions in order to create the most realistic environment.

While people might call this “just another video game” it is really a virtual reality layered simulation. Like other simulations, it uses a virtual reality headset to bring the player into the action. However, this simulation stands out because it is multi-player, and it focuses on communication and teamwork.

“We’ve seen globally the challenge of rioting, with massive amounts of people in the U.S. and elsewhere in the world, where [SWAT] teams have to come in,” said Modeling and Simulation teacher Lindsey Spalding. “It’s easy to get dispersed, [and] not communicate effectively to calm the situation.”

The project helps to reduce problems through communication. The ultimate goal of this real-world application is to practice similar situations. Because training can be expensive, the simulation mimics real-world problems like a riot, and SWAT members work together through communication to assess the problem at hand.

“SWAT teams would normally go in a building [for live simulation training] where they would decide on how to do things, how to enter and how to get their task completed,” McGowan said. “We are putting them in a more realistic environment, like on a city street or in a subway, things they might not be able to do because of

news Leveling up Level 1: Foundation Students are introduced into the world of modeling and simulation through programs like Photoshop. They create a book cover about the history of Mod and Sim. Students also learn how to create textures and bit mapping, preparing them for the 3D world.

sophomore Tyler Redding, freshman Bradley Hagman, sophomore Jahzeel James

Level 2: Design Students in Design work with the software Maya, 3D modeling, and can be placed into the gaming world.

Students add detail to their models as they texture objects. Projects this year include modeling the classroom and animating a character.

VIRTUALLY UNSTOPPABLE Senior Samuel Lee works on the SWAT simulation in the virtual reality lab. The virtual reality headset is placed over the eyes and ears to create a life like experience. photo by Mizbah Ateeq

funding reasons in the real world.”

Large conflicts can and do happen in school situations, which can be difficult to recreate in real life. If a city SWAT team had to come in and deal with students in a mass situation, they could practice calming everybody and get the situation under control. The SWAT team would have that chance to practice in a simulated environment close to what they would really experience.

“We’re mainly working in a test world,” McGowan said. “We’re in a blank canvas testing different items.”

The actual modeling and simulating part of the project is complex. The team uses 2-D art concepts and brings them into building the 3-D environment. Those buildings can be pulled into the virtual reality simulation, which is accessible for multiple players to engage in the situation.

In simpler terms, the Super Team, after conducting their research, sits at a computer with the virtual reality software and designs images.

These high fidelity pictures of the environment and assets are made into a virtual reality simulation, where players can interact with the images they created.

The National Center for Simulation has sponsored the project for the Interservice Industry Training Simulation & Education Conference, a national gathering Nov. 27 through Dec. 1.

club corner

JUNIOR OPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL CLUB PLANS FALL BALL On Oct. 20, the club will host the Fall Ball for the special needs kids in the community, a special homecoming dance that includes dinner and dancing. The club will also be a part of the Haunted House at the Riverside Complex on Halloween, selling water and creating a room in the haunted house. In previous years club members have put together a clown-themed room, but the members have not chosen this year’s theme yet. The JOI Club meets in sponsor Teresa Decio’s classroom, 6-202, every Thursday.

MODEL UNITED NATIONS CLUB SIMULATION The Model UN will participate in a simulation activity at UCF on Oct. 20-22. During the simulation, each club researches a country and proposes different solutions that meet the needs of that country. Model UN makes resolutions to try and help the world.

The Model UN Club started in August, and is sponsored by history teacher Erin Foley.

Meetings take place every first and third week of every month, and the next meeting will be held on Monday, Oct. 16 in room 6-122.

CHESS CLUB HELPS COLLECT SUPPLIES PUERTO RICO Meeting once a week during first and second lunch, the Chess Club is sponsored by English teacher Samantha Richardson. President Alyssa Caples started the club to play and teach chess to others. Not only does Chess Club play chess, but they also do community service. Since Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, the Chess Club has been accepting donations to help with relief effort. Donations include toiletries, nonperishable canned goods and bottled water, which can be brought to Richardson in room 7-212.

YOUTH PALS BOWLS AT OVIEDO CENTER On Friday, Oct. 13, the Youth Pals will host bowling at the Oviedo Bowling Alley from 6 to 8 p.m. for the special needs class. Youth Pals will give the special needs kids an opportunity to hang out and have fun while bowling. The club’s main event will be the Hearts for Autism walk on Feb. 17, a fundraiser with event booths, raffle prizes and entertainment. All the money raised during the walk will go to the club, who buys supplies for the special needs classroom. “My niece has autism, so it’s nice to be a part of spreading awareness,“ said senior Ashley Harmen. Meetings are held every Monday in sponsor Brit Taylor’s room, 6-201.

“We’re helping [NCS] build their workforce, and for doing that they give students the opportunity to go to the nationwide simulation conference to showcase what they are learning in this program to the industry world,” Spalding said. “It’s a win-win for our school and the industry.”

With the growing program, teacher Samuel Adorno was hired this year to teach FoundationLevel 1 and Design- Level 2.

Adorno has structured his class to help his beginner students learn the skills in an interesting and beneficial way.

“Having students in a collaboratively and interactive learning space is something you don’t see every day in a classroom,” Adorno said.

The NCS certification is an achievement that levels three and four strive to complete, but students are introduced to the certificate in levels one and two. This is an industry-recognized credential that helps prove the skill level of the students and can help get students hired by the industry later in their careers.

“Students with different career paths and discipline interests is what Modeling and Simulation can beautifully bring together to create projects that are future ready for students to pursue a real world career in the industry,” Adorno said.

Level 3: Application Students learn how to add 3D models into the physics engine and create serious games. They also network hardware and software systems.

senior Varadha Anandakumar, senior Edagr Madruga, junior Jacob Steinebronn

Level 4: Research Projects Each student is expected to do an individual project and a community care project. A group of students are working on a historical walk through the Econ River to bring awareness to the community about the pollution of the Econ. There is also a group that working to improve the setup of the student parking lot. photos by Sarah Dreyer

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opinions It’s time for a do-over

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OUR TAKE issed drumlines, cancelled pep-rallies, an inactive student section, rained out games... A few weeks into to the year, the excitement seemed to disappear.

How did this happen?

We came blame Hurricane Irma, which caused plans to be rushed and postponed. It started with the most anticipated game of the year, Hagerty versus Oviedo, held on a Thursday night. Then a week of school was washed away, the Pink’d game was rescheduled to a school night, and a football game against Lake Minneola was moved to a Tuesday. Most of the school missed the dramatic win, typical for the first quarter stops and starts that were a hit to the school’s energy.

Football, however, was not the only Irma casualty. A girls volleyball tournament in Venice and a cross-country meet in Titusville were cancelled before the hurricane, and every sport has had the schedule rearranged.

Academically, students have been pressured with with a rush to finish quarter one material as teachers cram an extra week’s worth of work into a shortened time frame.

Maybe we should blame administration for harsher dresscode enforcement or not working in the Friday fun we are used to.

We get some blame too, as we have not shown up to events, and the energy has not been what we have had in the past, but no matter what or who we blame, we can all agree that the first quarter needs a re-do.

As a community, we came together after Hurricane Irma, so why can’t we do the same in the second nine weeks?

We need to start with the biggest week of the year, homecoming, and, unlike other schools, ours was not rescheduled due to Irma. Leadership released dress-up days early, giving students more than enough time to plan.

The mardi gras theme starts Monday, Oct. 30 with Bling and Bougie, then Frat Tuesday, Mardi Grass Madness, followed by Duck Calls and Overalls and, of course, Friday’s School Spirit Day. Friday also marks the homecoming parade and football game against Timber Creek.

So instead of avoiding the parade and checking out early, why don’t we pack the student section and show the support we could not give during the first quarter?

And a spirit do-over is not all about football and homecoming. We can show up to winter chorus and band concerts, dance performances or drama’s “Anne Frank.”

Second quarter is a new opportunity for everyone, and it is here to be taken. Students might complain that the start of the year could have gone better, but if we take a step back, we will realize that there is still time to fix it.

Hagerty High School 3225 Lockwood Blvd.

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

The BluePrint is a student-produced 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 (except for Our Take), the views of Seminole County Public Schools or Hagerty High’s administration and staff.

For information about advertising in the paper, please contact us via one of the above methods. We reserve the right to reject any advertisement.

Editor-in-Chief Ahilyn Aguilar Managing Editor Melissa Donovan Sports Editor Michael Gibson News Editor Emily Cosio Opinions Editor Katarina Harrison Business Manger Melissa Donovan

Online Editor Bryson Turner Staff Reporters Sydney Crouch Sarah Dreyer Noah Kemper Jessica Maldonado Tara Routie Adviser Brit Taylor Principal Dr. Mary Williams

Expect more of your teachers Katarina Harrison Opinions Editor

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etween homework, attendance policies and dress codes, high school is like navigating a minefield. A single forgotten homework assignment can crush your grades, and with it, your spirit. Breaking dress code can get you sent to the office, and taking out a cell phone in class can end in a referral, at least for a student.

However, the rules are very different for those who are meant to be our role models.

For teachers, school is more like navigating a suburban neighborhood. Forgetting an important paper at home might ruin a morning, but it will not have lasting consequences. An important phone call does not have to go unanswered for fear of punishment.

Strolling into class a few minutes late is no cause for panic, and the dress code is nothing more than theoretical. Teachers have all these rights and more, and some do not hesitate to take advantage of it. Even those who do not are not forced to live in the same fear as the students they preside over.

Certainly not every teacher abuses privileges--and not every teacher cracks down on his or her students either. There are teachers who simply shrug at students out of dress code, and there are teachers who follow every rule to the letter. But teachers who do chose to break the rules often end up getting away with far more than even the most lenient teacher could ignore. While some teachers might let a student get away with having a phone out, a student could never get away with answering the phone in class in the way certain teachers do.

Teachers are supposed to be a model of responsibility. They represent the school more than the students do, and yet they are able to break rules that are meant to make school orderly and successful. Signs posted outside classroom doors remind students that being late is a major offense, and yet there are teachers in the school who do not show up until after the bell, leaving their students to recite the pledge in the hallway. Teachers are in a

position of power, and have a responsibility to lead by example.

While many live up to that expectation, showing up late every day gives students the wrong message about the importance of attendance.

The freedoms teachers have are not the problem. It is not a bad thing that they can show up to class a little late without the world ending. The issue is that students do not have those same freedoms, nor any leniency. More is expected of minors who work without pay than of paid adult employees, which is just silly.

Not to mention the effects of the rules themselves. Students are held to high standards, and the risk of ruining their future is constantly held over their head. According to the American Psychological Association, the average reported stress levels for teens surpasses that of adults. When you compare the rules students are forced to live under to those that teachers are, it is easy to see why. Giving students a little leniency, maybe just as much as teachers are given, may help to deal with that.

Most of the time, students are told that rules are necessary.

Teachers say that rules are not there to punish us or take away our rights. They are meant to ensure that everyone can have a fair learning environment, and that every student is safe in the classroom. In theory, rules are important. But it is hard to tell students that using a phone in class will ruin their education when the teacher themselves was on the phone a moment before.

What is the purpose of these rules that teachers break without batting an eyelid? If they are not important enough for teachers to follow, it is impossible to justify that they are important for students to follow. Theoretically, school, with all its structures and rules, prepares students for real life. And yet, teachers, adults who exist in the real world, are not held accountable to these same standards. How are students expected to believe that future occupations will have these standards when the adults they are most familiar with are not?

If a teacher is getting paid they should be doing more than the students who are forced through the doorway every day. At the very least, they should be held to the same standards.

Kneeling for anthem warrants (just) punishment Bryson Turner

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Online Editor hen 200 NFL players did it on Sept.

24 in response to President Donald Trump’s comments on the matter, kneeling for the national anthem once again gained nationwide attention.

The protest has spread into high school sports, a realm where NFL players serve as role models, causing controversy in its wake.

Kneeling, and protesting the anthem in general, has disappointingly become a common sight across the country. Enough that the question must be asked: “What’s the correct way to respond?”

Those who choose to kneel during the playing of the national anthem, and disrespecting this nation and the people who support it, should be held accountable. However, the consequences must be appropriate.

In Texas, two players protested the anthem, one knelt and the other raised a fist, and both were kicked off the team. Their coach, a former Marine, ordered them to leave their uniforms at the bench. Meanwhile, in Missouri, a small Christian school vowed to not play against schools whose players kneeled for the anthem.

And in Louisiana, a principal sent out a letter home saying that kneeling for the anthem will result in suspension or removal from the team.

This is where things fall into a moral grey area. At the NFL level, no player has been issued fines, suspended, or released for kneeling.

However, high school coaches and administration are not as lenient, which is good, to an extent.

Even though kneeling is a disrespectful act that warrants consequence, it must be handled in a delicate manner, as this still falls under the category of a peaceful protest.

So, the best way to punish individuals who choose to kneel before the flag during the national anthem should be something that is short in duration, yet firm.

One of these could be extra laps before a game or during practice, or perhaps it could be being benched for a drive, or a half.

However, there is one solution that can prevent everything: just do not kneel.

Now, this is not to discourage people who want to display their dissatisfaction with social issues or the government, this is not what is being discussed; I’m simply suggesting that they choose another method, one that is not disrespectful toward the flag and nation.

BARKING MAD

Barking Mad is a collection of short submissions about things that tick students off around school. If something at school makes you mad, go to hagertyjourn.com and submit your entry to Ask the Editor, and it may be featured here.

Two popular alternatives to kneeling have been the raising of the fist, done by New England Patriots Devin McCourty and Martellus Bennett, and the linking of arms, a show of unity, which was performed by multiple teams on Sept. 24, including the Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals and New York Jets.

These protests manage to walk the fine line that is displaying their grievances while still respecting the nation. It still involved standing.

During the national anthem, and the pledge of allegiance, people must stand, remove headwear, and place their hands over their hearts. Each act is representative of people’s views. Standing is showing respect, and removing headwear and putting the right hand over the heart indicates satisfaction. By not doing either one of the latter, those that wish to express their opinions and values openly may do so while still paying respect to the flag, and the people, of the country they call home.

In September of 2016, Colin Kaepernick started a movement. While the motivations behind it made sense, the method by which he displayed his grievances was disrespectful.

However, what’s done is done. Kneeling during the national anthem has become a staple in not

“I don’t like how it’s all mixed lunch. I’d prefer first lunch to be ninth and tenth grade and then second lunch eleventh and twelfth grade.”

- Carter Spagnola, 9 “It’s too crowded. I‘m always bumping into people.”

- Kendalle Holley, 12 “[I don’t like] how early it starts, I feel like 7:50 a.m. is a good time to start school.”

- Amanda Nelson, 10

just the NFL, but the entire sporting world; catcher Bruce Maxwell of the Oakland Athletics became the first MLB player to kneel for the anthem on Sept. 23.

I hope that none of our high school athletes choose to participate in this protest, but if they do, coaches and administrators must be able to respond to it in a manner that suits the act.

KNEELING ON FOREIGN SOIL Jacksonville Jaguars Malik Jackson (97), Tashaun Gipson (39) and Eli Ankou (99) kneel during the playing of the U.S. national anthem before a game against the Baltimore Ravens in London on Sept. 24.

“One thing I hate about this school is how rude the teachers are sometimes.”

- Paola Fantauzzi, 12 “I don’t like the dress code, especially this year because they are really enforcing it.”

- Lauren Rizzo, 10 “Our school is not great with team spirit and supporting each other, especially at pep rallies because no one really hyped about it.”

- McKenna Flatten , 9

“I would probably like to change the block schedule.”

- Nick DeClou, 11 “One thing I would change about this school is how strict they are on phones.”

- Jeremy Krapf, 11 “The amount of homework the teachers give.”

-Juliana Joyner, 9 “I would change the food choices that they give at our cafeteria.”

- Destiny Harper, 12

Hurricane Irma 5

4 Hurricane Irma

IRMA’S SILVER LINING

ers to Students also crossed county bord ty Coun ge Oran At t. assist in the relief effor Staff Rerporter y unne McC D.J. e omor soph o, Bithl Academy in up the clean d helpe er Turn en to Hayd up s man speed fresh and ith heavy rain and wind s, raking branches and 80 mph, Hurricane Irma bombarded campus by fixing fence of water to help clean ets buck g Oviedo Sept. 10-11, leaving extensive leaves, and fillin ut witho inside. damage. Irma passed but left many . The When McCunney found out about the power for hours, days, or even a week other situation of Orange County Academy, he took it hurricane also left behind trees, fences, and ty to as an opportunity to go and help the community debris, and left students with an opportuni help however he could. and unity make a difference in the comm days,” “My power was out for a couple of clean up. ld shou I e realiz me made it “and 3 p.m., McCunney said, On Friday, Sept. 15, from noon until this.” like tions situa in s other for s who thing those to doing y be the school opened its food pantr tables Along with McCunney, Turner also found were impacted by the storm, setting up wanted out about Orange County Academy and full of canned goods and water. . relief the to said e ibute Bryc to contr Assistant principal Christy ever “It wasn’t just giving back,” Turner said. “It the school got more donations than they the was working with other people that you had no imagined possible. Administrators organized fruits to idea who they are until that day.” foods into groups from breakfast foods County the , tions dona Suzanne Caffery, director of Orange the and vegetables. Because of rent diffe “very a unity Academy, calls the comm school had plenty for everyone. .” of unity bers kind of comm “We want to reach out to the mem what “We have so many volunteers that came out our community that maybe don’t have ,” to help us,” Caffery said. “Yesterday, I came they need after getting through with this storm and the over to look around the school grounds Bryce said. ge.” dama much so was there help and , to d unity comm Off campus, students also volunteere other and er Turn atrick Thanks to McCunney, local people in need. Junior Dylan Fitzp ed clean is emy Acad ty Coun n V., volunteers, Orange and senior Carson George assisted Kevi on. sessi in back now r, are es wate up and class a disabled senior citizen, bringing him had Meanwhile at Faith Christian Academy food, ice and other supplies. His property ed in Orlando, the girls basketball team sold large trees and branches fallen over and down ed hot-dogs and hamburgers to families who have power lines, so Fitzpatrick and George clean seeing and logs, into not been able to have a hot meal. After up the branches, cut up the trees they ed decid team the the damages of the storm, moved the logs away from his property. . relief the of part , of the wanted to be a “I was aware, even before the storm on the “We wanted to help our community and devastating potential this hurricane had rence,” show our community we are one big family,” community and wanted to make a diffe junior Cailyn Muglach said.

Fitzpatrick said. back to clean the From those who pitched in to give Students were not only helping in to relief ided rence the community to those who prov up effort, but junior C.J. Bain made a diffe like nts stude , food get Nicole families who could not by donating a generator to junior for Turner realized the importance of lending a hand row, Good ael Mich r, fathe grand s row’ Good when needed. his oxygen concentrator. it, but “We said.

“I didn’t think I was going to enjoy Bain live,” to “He needs it back give to help to y happ his r I ended up being couldn’t let him go somewhere else to powe said. er Turn ,” rence diffe a made I that ing know oxygen.”

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Sarah Dreyer

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15 Irma stories Ashley Sharma, 10

Coming home from get ting supplies for the hurricane, sopho more Ashley Sharma had to leave her new car outside during the hurricane, not exp ecting any problems.

However, during the nig ht of Sunday, Sept.

10, Sharma and her family heard a loud thumping sound outsid e. Not being able to go outside because of the curfew, Sharma waited for the hurricane to pass and finally saw what the loud no ise was: a tree falling on the car ’s windshield , destroying it. After multiple breakdowns, Sharma decided that the best recovery plan was to get a part-time job to repair the car. (pi cture 18)

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Freshman Andrea Izaguirre did not expect the hurricane to be serious, causing them to not worry about major problems such as flooding, a decision they regretted. After the hurricane passed, Izaguirre saw the damage: flooding in the first floor caused by broken windows, broken doors, and a blown away fence. Izaguirre had a challenging Irma recovery. She realized that her hard-wood floors would have to be redone, new windows would have to be installed, and back walls knocked out because of water causing them to fall apart.

“We are going to take recovery one step at the time,” Izaguirre said.

19

14

18

16 Andrea Izaguirre, 9

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Morgan Thornley, 11

Living near a lake, junior Morgan Tho rnley was obligated to fully prepare for the hurricane by tying down her boat more secu rely than usual The day before the hurricane hit, Thornley lost power, but she and her family stayed at a neighbor ’s house since they had a full house generator. When Thornley came back to her house, she saw the damage the hurr icane had caused: a completely submerged dock with fish swimming on it, broken outside furn iture, roof damage and no power for more than a week.

Thornley helped fix the damage by cleaning up the yard from debris and covering the roof with a temporary tarp.

Graphic keinythe front entrance of Hagerty

1) Tree falls e to Irma.

High School du the storm in blown away by house.

2) Fence gets rea Izaguirre’s freshman And ns up leaves ea cl er Hayden Turn an hm es Fr

3) parking lot. nty Academy in Orange Cou up debris that ly Smith cleans 4) Junior Car the storm. ng ri ckyard du kids littered her ba ighbor water-s a Wilkhu’s ne ted. lif as w ew 5) Junior Priy county curf r te af et re st e tw in th tween o own away in be ez’s bl ts ge ed sh ierr 6) A nior Alexis Gut houses near se . neighborhood

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Unshaken by THE storm

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Melissa Donovan

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Assistant Editor unior Jack Chitty read the text from his neigh bor: power lines were coiled up, sparkling at his mom’shou se in Chuluota. He and his sister, knew that the county issue d a curfew a few hours ago and knew that the worst of Hurr icane Irma was coming, but they decided to take the five-minute ride to help.

“I was unsure if our house could catch on fire, [since] it’s super old,” Chitty said.

Pulling up, the house was empty; they could not see the lines or anything since the power was out. They remained in the car to inspect the house, but in less than five minu tes, a police car and fire truck arrived.

The officers moved flapping wires hang ing on the trees and lying in the road.

They also sent Chitty home, which was okay since his mom was safe at a neighbor’s house.

After Irma, the power was out at his mom’s until Monday, Sept. 18, leaving him without air condition ing, lights, Wi-Fi or water from the well for eight days.

“We live on a well, so it was hard witho ut power,” Chitty’s sister said. “We had to use buckets to flush our toilets and drink bottled water.”

Solving air conditioning and service issues, Chitty drove to Winne Dixie and 7-Eleven during the week .

“I still had to run for practice, so we used the company showers at my dad’s office, and I went over to my friend’s to shower twice,” Chitty said.

He had a small generator to keep his fridges going to avoid food from spoiling.

“Luckily we had water saved up,” Chitt y said. “And if we needed food, a lot of places opened up after the storm. We even grilled a few times.”

Once the curfew ended Monday morn ing, Chitty, his four siblings, and his dad all came over to his mom’s to help with the cleanup efforts.

The backyard was flooded, there were tree limbs and leaves all around the yard. Many trees had fallen : one blocked the path to the pool house and tree appeared to have been hit by a tornado because it was split directly down the midd le. The effort took four days.

“Our neighbor at my mom’s house was a tremendous help,” Chitty said. “He used his backhoe to move the large trees and unblocked the road to pool house that was covered in lines and brush, which would’ve been too dangerous for us to do by hand.”

Life has come back to normal; despite the hardships of Irma, Chitty he and his family put it in perspectiv e.

For more on Jack’s story check out www.hage rtyjourn.com

up fish n Sahinbas picks 7) Junior Shanno dock. ed p of her flood swimming on to ane Irma ric ur H r te ck floods af 8) Sahinbas’ do t area. hits Lake Picket g for Orange ir pa metal fencin 9) Volunteers re y.

County Academ od at his y relaxes in the flo itt Ch ck Ja a.

10) Junior Irm e ed by Hurrican dad’s house caus al et m ts lif DJ McCunney 11) Sophomore e hurricane. came off from th at th fencing and flooded vered with debris 12) Lake dock co e. ho Thornley’s us at junior Morgan annon Sh or ni ju branch near 13) Broken tree in Lake Pickett.

Sahinbas’ house

near and flooded dock 14) Downed trees t area. et ck e in Lake Pi Sahinbas’s hous eaned up cl ts ge is termath debr 15) Hurricane af igborhood. ichelle Zou’s ne near freshman M r fo es el Gibson prepar 16) Junior Micha e. us ho s hi ding up hurricane by boar sa athan Wilder drag N r ee nt lu vo the n 17) Event w do anch to a pile discarded tree br demy. ca A ty un Orange Co street to clean up y e Ashle top of sophomor 18) Tree falls on ry two storm. go te ca e th g rin Sharma’s car du s water ur po DJ McCunney 19) Sophomore County e ng ra O n to clea in buckets used gs.

Academy buildin

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lifestyles

Magic returns as Frizzle rides again

Original

Sydney Crouch

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Staff Reporter he release of “The Magic School Bus Rides Again” on Friday, Sept. 29 bought heaps of nostalgia to those who grew up on the original “Magic School Bus,” a show based on the lesser known series of best-selling books by Joanna Cole. This show has been a source of both entertainment and knowledge for young audiences since 1994. It uses a classroom of kids and a shape-shifting school bus to explore the world and teach kids lessons about science.

Each episode is a different adventure.

“I liked that you could learn something without it being super boring,” senior Alex Guzman Baker said.

Although this was a widely loved show, as ‘90s kids grew older, they grew out of the show as it was catered toward children. This is true for the reboot as well. There are differences between the reboot and the original; however, there are enough similarities to bring back the familiarity of sitting on the living room couch watching the show while snacking on some Lunchables, Dunk-a-roos, or Teddy Grahams.

“I always made my parents stop going through channels so I could watch it,” sophomore Connor Whitney said.

One difference from the original is the two characters from the original series that have been replaced: Jyoti replaces Phoebe (Maia Filar) and Mrs. Frizzle’s sister (Kate McKinnon) replaces Mrs. Frizzle (Lily Tomlin). While the amount of time between the original and the reboot is unclear, Phoebe’s absence is explained by one kid saying “she went back to her old school” and the original Mrs. (Valerie) Frizzle is now Professor Frizzle.

The beloved Professor Frizzle is moving on to new adventures with her new monkey sidekick, Goldie, leaving the class lizard, Liz, with her younger sister, Fiona Frizzle. Professor Frizzle’s original voice actor, Lily Tomlin, revisits her role for short appearances throughout the first episode, and reappears at the end of each episode to recap and provide additional information, something

Star Trek: Discovery (Episodes 1-3) CBS All Access: *****

NEW BUS, NEW SHOW The new Ms. Frizzle, younger sister of the former Frizzle, leads her new students on their first adventure. The show is currently available to stream on Netflix.

fans of the original series will remember as the “Is this the Magic School Bus?” section.

The most noticeable change is the animation style. This stirs controversy and splits opinions on the show due to the drastic difference between the new and old styles. This takes away some nostalgia for those who grew up on the original 90s animation.

“I like the old one better,” senior Bradley Langfeldt said. “The new animation is too different.”

So, that leaves the question as to why they made the reboot in the first place. Is it destroying the spirit of “The Magic School Bus?” “They’re bringing it back because it’s such a classic,” senior Ryan Minor said. “Who didn’t love that show?”

There are many different opinions as to why they made a reboot, even though there is no set answer from Scholastic Entertainment. This leaves fans to make assumptions.

“They probably made the reboot just because it did really good when we were kids,” senior Alex Guzman Baker said.

Mrs. Frizzle was a big part of TV life for anyone who grew up in the 1990s or early 2000s.

This is why Scholastic Entertainment was careful

when changing certain aspects of the original series in order to cater to both older and younger audiences.

The writers are well aware of the changes they have made and how it would affect fans of the original series. The start of the new series uses invasive species to symbolize the new teacher’s “invasion” into the classroom, an allegory that change is not a bad thing.

The episode indirectly states that the new show should not be looked down upon simply because it is different from the original. They even include some famous catchphrases as a callback to the original, like when Professor Frizzle jokes that Arnold was going to say he wanted to “stay home today.”

Keeping the same tune and lyrics from the original show for the new theme song sung by Lin-Manuel Miranda contributed to the nostalgia.

However, despite the nostalgia, the show is not geared toward those who grew up on the show, for it is still a kids show designed to teach younger audiences about simple scientific subjects. It is more of a nostalgia trip for fans of the original to watch one or two episodes to see what is new. If you were a fan of the original, the new series might be worth watching.

College = spreadsheets + scholarships Tara Routie

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Staff Reporter et’s face it, the college application process can be stressful. Testing and tuition fees only add to the hassle of transitioning from high school to college, while still trying to graduate. Applying to college is not easy, but tools and tips can help get you through the process.

1. Before applying, it is important to get organized. Make a list of each college you are considering applying to, along with the fees and due dates to make it easier to track everything.

Senior Renèe Rivera wanted to organize all of the details that go into each application, so she used Microsoft Excel to make a list of the colleges she wanted to apply to.

“I’ve always used them to organize a lot of confusing information,” Rivera said. “I have the vertical columns labeled with college names and the horizontal columns with test scores, due dates, and school size.”

Microsoft Excel is a great program to organize each college and its requirements, but senior Allison Ostarly preferred to make mental notes instead for each due date.

2. Colleges and universities also put crucial information online, so make sure to read college websites for places you are applying.

Opinions

Information about housing, requirements, and financial aid are all readily available. People who are on the ball take advantage of this so they know what is going on. Websites are also great for confirming requirements and essay topics, since schools vary. “[The] University of Richmond’s essay prompt was unusual. It asked us to tell them about spiders,” Rivera said.

3. Scholarship research is critical as well.

They exist for almost anything, from being a certain race to being left-handed. Applying for multiple grants increases the chance of earning money for tuition. Even small ones help out, and they can add up.

“It’s free money and it’s just out there,” senior Jared Sparrell said. “You should do it as soon as possible because for most of them it’s first come first serve.”

Due to the abundance of opportunities for tuition money, Sparrell has gone on a few websites that organize scholarships by the person’s individual data. This way, he can apply to the ones that fit him best without spending numerous hours searching for grants.

4. Every college requires standardized testing. Even though most dread it, it has to get done. This is a major piece of college acceptance or rejection.

Sparrell recommends taking the SAT/ACT

at the end of sophomore year in order to have time to take multiple tests.

While some students jump into the testing world at the start of their high school career, others like to wait. Senior Caterina Recine waited to take the SAT/ACT to learn what she needed to be successful.

“The start of your junior year is a good time to begin taking the tests because by then, you’ve been exposed to enough knowledge to be well prepared,” Recine said.

5. Time management is key when making the college process as stress-free as possible.

Senior year is already hectic with club meetings, senior activities, and graduation requirements, so do not start the night before it is due. Senior Abby Smith spaced out her applications so she would not be overwhelmed.

“I started it early so I would have a better chance of being accepted,” Smith said.

6. At the end of the day, do not worry about choosing a major just yet. Even students accepted into top schools like Harvard or Yale go into their freshman year undecided. While it is important to think about potential careers ahead of time, academic changes are common during the first few years of college.

“Part of the journey in college is to find your interests and make a living out of it, so apply with an open mind,” Recine said.

The first three episodes of this prequel establish an intriguing premise and main character in Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green). The first two episodes provide her back-story, as well as an excellent social commentary on race relations that only Star Trek could pull off. The third episode acts as the starting point for the series’ main plotline, laying groundwork for a mystery that will permeate the rest of the season.

Green manages a serviceable performance and the visuals are astounding. Just like its iconic predecessors, Discovery looks like it will live long and prosper.

Neo Yokio (Season 1) Netflix: ***

Netflix’s first original anime, Neo Yokio transports the viewer to an alternate New York City where demonic mischief seems to be a common occurrence. The series follows Kaz Kaan (Jaden Smith), a “magisticrate” who has to balance his everyday elite social life with his duties as one of the city’s most well-known demon slayers. From the start, Smith’s performance was uninspired and off-putting. Additionally, little information is provided about Neo Yokio’s history or world, raising questions like “Are demons unique to Neo Yokio?”,“What’s a Remembrancer?” and “Why is there a Bachelor Board?” While the series manages to improve by season’s end, viewers best go into this show not expecting something on par with Death Note or One Punch Man. Our Souls at Night Netflix: ***** Based on Kent Haruf’s final novel, “Our Souls at Night” stars Academy Award winners Robert Redford and Jane Fonda in the lead roles and was written by the same duo behind “The Fault in Our Stars.”

The film gets off to a rocky start, as Fonda’s dialogue sounds stilted, but as the film goes on, and the characters’ back-stories are revealed, this becomes less of an issue. Once the duo finds their chemistry, their performances improve rapidly. This film has a unique charm that is prevalent in every scene, which is aided by Elliot Goldenthal’s fantastic score. “Our Souls at Night” is a well-executed, heartwarming film, good to snuggle up and watch with your special someone.

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lifestyles 2

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We ’re just talking.”

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Teens stuck between dating, ‘just friends’ learn to read the signs

other enough to be comfortable with showcasing their feelings or saying if they would like to become something more or not.

“It is hard to tell whether or not the person that you’re talking to is trying to make things official,” Garrison said. “You just have Melissa Donovan to go off your best instinct and take the small hints and details into Assistant Editor consideration.” et up on a blind date by her friend and her friend’s boyfriend, Being so unsure of what is next in the relationship can lead junior Danielle Kreitemeyer was nervous about the outcome. to what seems like a never-ending period of getting to know the She dragged her friend and her boyfriend to come to the other person, which can contribute to ending it as a whole. movies with her and her date to relieve the awkwardness. When “You’ll know that you want to end it with them if you stop the guy she was on a date with tried to make a move on her, she getting excited to see them and if you don’t see it progressing into felt uncomfortable. an actual relationship,” senior Allyson Mattson said.

She has not talked to him since.

For junior Hannah Hadelman, not knowing the person too well Everyone has been there. In the stage where no one knows and not knowing where each other stands in having a relationship what to do. There’s a decision: make it official or break it off. This can make things awkward, making it a no-go. is the talking stage, the place where just friends and dating meet.

“Nine times out of ten, I’m good friends with the guy before This is where people get to know one another before I start talking to him,” Hadelman said. “So luckily the awkward making things official. The span of this phase all depends on the stage doesn’t usually happen.” commitment and interest levels that each person is at.

After getting to know another, it is time to find out how the “The talking stage is always fun and gives you a chance to other person feels. Times have shifted from the middle school get to know the person,” days of asking people out over sophomore Cameron text or writing on a piece of paper: Garrison said. “It’s funny “Will you be my girlfriend? Check reminiscing with them about yes or no.” the ‘talking stage’ and all Now some people have built the awkwardness that comes up the courage to tell the other with it.” how they feel, or others will get The talking stage can go a wingman to ask if their crush is in two directions: if there is interested. compatibility, then odds are If they have trouble conveying - Cameron Garrison, 10 the couple will end up dating. their feelings or the wingman However, if there is no spark, then the two could go their separate system does not work, then they will usually turn to a friend or ways or decide to continue on as friends. family for advice on how to move out of the talking stage.

“It’s kind of a given on how they act around you and talk to “It’s easy to get caught up in the relationship or the talking you if you would like to pursue the relationship,” senior Nicholas stage and it helps having friends who give their honest opinion Hurley said. “If the other is flirty around you and you do the same, with your best interest at heart,” Krietemeyer said. it’s bound to be because you have feelings.”

Their friends could say that the person is not a good candidate For most, their own instincts give them insight on their for a relationship, so they often let them know and allow them to feelings, like, if they find themselves getting excited over seeing make an informed decision on whether or not to move on with it. the other and enjoy talking to them.

“I’ve definitely been in a situation where I didn’t like who my When Garrison saw his ex-girlfriend for the first time, he friend was talking to. It was super frustrating because I knew that thought she was way out of his league. Then, he found out that the he wasn’t good for her,” Hadelman said. “She still went back to two of them had a friend in common. him, so at that point it’s hard to feel bad for my friend because she “She came up to say ‘hi’ to my friend, Justice, and then he just keeps going back to what’s hurting her.” introduced the two of us. She called me the annoying kid that had In other cases they would rather just let themselves or their just moved here from New York that was in her fourth period,” friend follow their gut on how to deal with the situation.

Garrison said. “Immediately I thought it was over, but I just “Sometimes you just need to let go and let them live his or her played along with it.” life,” Garrison said.

Afterwards, the two Snapchatted constantly and Garrison The talking stage is made up of components from getting admits to it being awkward between them at first, especially at over the potential awkwardness, to finding interest in the person, school. After about a month they ironed things out and got out of to getting advice or input from others, and to finally deciding to the uncomfortable stage. make it official.

Many have said that the talking stage is often a game of “who’s “[Talking] is usually so awkward at first,” Hurley said. “But going to make the next move,” because they do not know each it’s better to not rush into a relationship.”

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“She called me the annoying kid that had just moved here from New York.. immediately I thought it was over, but I just played along with it.”

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8 steps from friends to official

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1. GROUP DATE: It might start as an innocent group date to a movie. Below the surface, relationship feelings begin to bubble.

2.DURING THE DATE: As tension begins to build, their hands touch while reaching for the popcorn and they have a connection.

3.TOTALLY CRUSHING: Ever since the group date, sparks have been flying between them.

4. CONSTANT COMMUNICATION: They have been texting non-stop, they have a Snap streak and become each other’s best friend on Snapchat, talking every day.

5. AWKWARD FIRST DATE: After talking 24/7 on the phone, they finally go on the anticipated date, but only to hear crickets.

6. EMBARRASSING QUESTIONS: Strolling through the halls together at school, they run in to one of their besties, and he pops the question: “Are you guys dating?” palms turn sweaty and faces turn red as total awkwardness pours upon them.

7. STUDY DATE: They go over to his house to “study” but little do they know that his mom is peaking in to check on the situation.

8. IT’S OFFICIAL: Despite awkwardness and embarrassment along the way, the two cannot deny their feelings for one another and they finally move out of the hazy talking stage.

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sports

Runners push the pace Michael Gibson Sports Editor

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LEADING THE PACK Junior Ryan Self races an opponent to the finish line during the Hagerty Invitational. The team finished third overall and Self had one of his best finishes of the season. photo by Nora Godiksen

Varsity football runs wild Tara Routie Staff Reporter ith ten seconds to go, down 26-20 and fourth and goal from the two yard-line, Oliver Hart dove over the right side of the line for a touchdown, Landon Spangenberg kicked the extra point, and varsity football took the lead against Lake Minneola, 2726, on Tuesday night.

Trying to match the last second heroics, Lake Minneola lateraled three times on the final kickoff to try for a game-winning touchdown, but a fumble into the end zone resulted in a Hagerty touchdown and a 33-26 win. The team had scored three touchdowns in the fourth quarter and two in the final 10 seconds.

To say the season has been unpredictable is an understatement. Irma-related changes led to a Tuesday game against Lake Minneola, a Thursday rivalry game against Oviedo, and another Thursday Pink’d game in the rain against East Ridge, a district loss on Oct. 5.

Against East Ridge, the team did not score until the third quarter, when running back Oliver Hart rushed 25 yards for a touchdown. Adding to the problems that night, running back Jordan Gilbert suffered a season-ending knee injury during the third quarter. Hart finished with 65 yards rushing, but he thinks that the team could have played better.

“Lack of execution is what ultimately lost us the game,” Hart said.

The Pink’d game supports breast cancer awareness, and fans usually sport pink in the student section to cheer on the team, but the schedule changes caused only a handful of students to show up. Despite the changes, Hart was looking forward to the Pink’d game.

“It was a big game for us as a team because it was the game that ultimately decided who was going to be the district champ,” Hart said.

The team is in third place with a 3-1 district record, while East Ridge is in first.

A 22-21 win over Ocoee on Friday, Sept. 29, added to the season’s suspense.

The game began with an 8-point lead over Ocoee with a touchdown by running back Jordan Gilbert and a 2-point conversion by running back Oliver Hart. Ocoee scored three touchdowns, however, during the second quarter, and had a halftime lead, 21-8.

Quarterback Ethan Brewer scored on an 18yard run to end the third quarter, but the team trailed 21-15 with time running out.

fter a third and fourth place finish at the Hagerty Invitational on Saturday, Sept.

30, and a 13th place finish at Florida State University, the boys and girls cross country teams are focusing on the end of the season at the FHSAA playoffs.

Both teams’ seasons began at the Deland Invitational on Saturday, Aug. 26, where the boys finished sixth in a 23 team field led by a 17:10 run by senior Garrett O’Malley, who placed ninth overall. The girls team was led by senior Maria Puccio-Ball, who finished seventh and led the team to a third place finish in a 19 team field.

“My goal before we started racing was to get the school record,” O’Malley said. “I need to improve pacing myself during the race because I am [usually] off for the [last] mile.”

Both teams’ success continued through the Katie Caples Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 23.

The girls, led by senior Lauren Tucker, with a time of 21:20, finished eighth in the 17-team elite field. O’Malley carried the boys team to a tenth place finish and placed 16th with a time of 16:56.

The most important race of the season, to the runners, was the FSU invitational; the pre-states meet. This was the opportunity for the athletes to compare themselves to elite runners from across the state. “[O’Malley] is leading the charge and running very well at this point of the season,” head coach Jay Getty said. “[He] continues to set the tone in workouts, which in turn helps the training of the other team members.”

Both teams have produced consistent results, placing in the top 10 in all races. O’Malley, Puccio-Ball and Tucker are major contributors in each team’s success but they are not the only ones

making an impact. Juniors Adam Mastrobuono and Julia Plecsha are often found at the top of the leaderboards. Mastrobuono finished 12th out of 122 runners in the Hagerty Invitational, the second highest on the team, but he is still not satisfied.

“I could’ve done better this past week,” Mastrobuono said. “I feel like Hurricane Irma messed up the way I run but I will do better during [playoffs].”

A key reason for the success of this team is the practice schedule. The runners go on 12-mile runs a few times per week to improve endurance.

They also train on hills and do speed workouts one day each week to help pace themselves for weekend races. “[Practice] helps me prepare for the meets because it teaches me how to catch up with someone,” Mastrobuono said. “It reinforces with us how to work as a team during the race.”

The concept of team racing is nothing new to the returners, but it is an adjustment for new members. Running is easier in a pack because the runner feels they cannot get out or fall behind, so the team will often run together to push everyone. That same concept is also utilized during the track season in the spring.

“The [new people] are always asking for ways to improve,” O’Malley said. “I am always willing to help them out and welcome them into the team.”

The girls and boys teams will both compete in the SAC championships on Saturday, Oct. 21, and both teams have the possibility to qualify for the state championships. As for the rest of the team, they will continue to train for track season.

“At this point in time, everyone is progressing as planned,” Getty said. “As we get stronger in cross country season, it allows us to increase workout loads and intensities in track season.”

sports shorts

SLOW PITCH SOFTBALL TAKES TOP SEED IN SAC TOURNEY AFTER ROUTING SEMINOLE

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On Monday, the slow-pitch softball team came out swinging and never slowed down, as they beat Oviedo 4-1 and then crushed Seminole 10-0. Duke commit Taylor Krapf led the team, which finished with a regular season record of 13-1. They claimed the first seed in the SAC tournament and beat 8 seed Seminole again in the first round on Tuesday. The team was supposed to host the rest of the tournament at home, but because of hurricane damage to the outfield fences, the team traveled to Lake Mary for the semifinal and a potential championship game on Wednesday night. Check out hagertyjourn.com for updates on the championship.

Taylor Waters

BOYS BOWLING CONTINUES SUCCESS AGAINST LAKE BRANTLEY The boys bowling team traveled to Lake Brantley expecting a tough game, only to win in a blow-out. On Wednesday, Oct. 4, the team rolled past Lake Brantley, 2222-1684.

Logan Furlong led the team to victory, bowling a game high 254. “We performed really well as a team,” Furlong said. Furlong rolled his high game in game two of the series, and has helped lead the team to an 8-4 record.

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL STORMS PAST HARMONY, EARNS TOP SEED IN DISTRICT TOURNAMENT

CELEBRATION Running back Oliver Hart celebrates a touchdown against Lake Brantley in the first game of the season, a 22-12 win. photo by Chatham Farrell

With less than two minutes left, wide receiver Caleb Lowe caught a 12-yard touchdown pass, and the defense held off Ocoee with an interception, winning 22-21.

Despite the close win against Ocoee, the team has some readjusting to do. Hurricane Irma caused many games to be rescheduled.

Not only did the Pink’d game get rescheduled, but the away game against Winter Springs is rescheduled to Monday, Oct. 30. The team will play three games in two weeks. “[Irma forced] us to play multiple games in short spans of time and [condensed] our preparation time for some pretty important games,” Hart said.

Irma was not the only setback the team faced this year. With only a few senior starters, the team is very young.

“Our strength and weakness is our youth,” assistant coach Luis Chacon said. “We are going to be good in the next couple of years but there is immaturity and lack of knowledge.”

Despite the setbacks, the team still has a chance for playoffs when they battle for the second-place spot in a district game against Edgewater on Oct. 26.

“I’m proud of my team,” Gilbert said. “We are a group that when things are tough and hard we still prosper and fight through it.”

Leandra Mangual

In a match that featured the top two teams in District 6, varsity volleyball swept Harmony, 3-0. With that victory, the team remained undefeated in district play. Audrey Douglas (10 kills, 4 blocks) and Madison Coates (21 assists, 6 digs) led the way for the team. “I love the team dynamic and how everyone interacts,” senior Allyson Mattson said.

Since locking down the top seed, the team has gone on to beat Lyman, Dr. Phillips and Lake Mary, and the regular season ended with a home match against Winter Springs on Thursday. The team is 15-2, ranked ninth in the state, and will host district playoffs next week.

YEARBOOK SALE!!

Oct. 19-20 cafeteria $65

or buy your yearbook now at

www.yearbookforever.com Find out about ads and senior pictures at www.hagertyjourn.com