The BluePrint - Volume 7, Issue 1 by Hagerty Journalism

HAGERTY HIGH SCHOOL

3225 LOCKWOOD BLVD. OVIEDO, FL 32765

INDEX

the

blueprint

volume 7, issue 1

New chorus director...2 Batman movie............4 Pottermore.............8-9 Censorship...............11 Getty, AD..................14

october 13, 2011

Wi-Fi ports enable new levels of connectivity

ust last year administrators let students use their electronic devices during break and lunch. Now, students are encouraged to use those devices more often due to the county’s directive to outfit high schools with WiFi services. Seven high schools, including Hagerty, had the Wi-Fi services installed, costing an average of $100,000 for each. According to the technology facilitators, the main purpose for the WiFi service is to better facilitate online testing at schools, which experienced some problems during last year with FAIR testing and computer-based end of course exams. It is also accessible to any person on campus with a device that allows Internet access. “More connectivity for staff, students, and guests—the benefits are obvious,” network specialist Corey Radford said. “The downside is that it is a bit more work to secure and support.” The Wi-Fi is available to anyone with the proper equipment on campus. All students have to do is pull out their smart phone device and connect to the network by typing in their first and last name and submitting. After a few seconds of loading, they are connected. However, parts of campus such as the portables and the piano lab are still having problems receiving the signal. People may assume that teachers would be against allowing their students the power to access the Internet anytime in school, but faculty and administration have worked together to develop certain

guidelines. Certain social networking sites such as Facebook are blocked to make sure that the Wi-Fi network is not used as a distraction. Several teachers are even incorporating the Wi-Fi services into their lesson plans. “It’s great because if we can’t get in the lab or use the laptops, I tell the kids to use their phones since most of them have Internet access,” World History teacher Isaiah Cabal said. Students are taking advantage of the Wi-Fi in order to help out with school work. “The Wi-Fi is good because if I forget to check something on Blackboard the night before and I don’t have a chance to go to the media center, I can just look on my phone real quick,” senior Ashley Miller said. Soon students will be able to hook up their laptops to the Wi-Fi services, and with some teachers already requesting students to bring their electronic devices to class for educational purposes, several people think this could be the beginning to a technological revolution in modern day schools. “The possibilities are endless really,” Radford said. “For the ﬁrst time ever, SCPS high schools will have the full Internet at their disposal as well as being able to take advantage of the multitude of mobile devices that exist on campus.” -Matthew Nevaras, Business Manager

Film Festival things to do this month  Orlando [Oct.19—Oct. 23]

 Halloween Horror Nights 21

[Sept. 23—Oct. 31] Get your spook on in Universal Studio’s new haunted houses including Nevermore, Saws N’ Steam and The Thing.

 Haunted Hay Ride

[Oct. 22] 4H Fundraiser at Chuluota’s Mikenda Farm, this event is child friendly and lasts from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Films from over 300 independent movie-makers, including live concerts and comedy shows. This year requires a $5 day pass for each day of the festival.

Logging in. In the cafeteria, junior Michael Bedont logs in to the Wi-Fi service. photo by Isabelle Sarnek

 Carnival of Screams

 Howl-O-Scream: The Dark

[Oct. 28-29] At Riverside Park, hosted by the city of Oviedo, and events include costume contests, carnival games, children’s activities, food, music and a frightening haunted house.

Side of the Gardens [Sept. 23—Oct. 29] Located at Busch Gardens, Tampa. Scary shows and riveting roller coasters will keep crowds screaming all night. Ticket prices available online.

2 what’s new?  THE MARCHING BAND won second place for their

performance of Primal Instinct: Hunt or be Hunted, scoring high enough to land them into the state competition on Nov. 19. The band also won best percussion.

 JAZZ ENSEMBLE I has been selected as one of the

two winners of a nationwide jazz competition called “Mark of Excellence-National Jazz Project.” Jazz Ensemble I was one of the 161 ensembles to submit a recording to The Foundation for Music Education at the end of the year.

REFLECTIONS submissions are due on Nov.  PTSA 21. The program allows students to receive recognition for their artistic efforts. Categories include literature, musical composition and dance choreography. Information can be found on the school website. THEATER DEPARTMENT PIZZA NIGHT  THE Giovanni’s will be held on the second Tuesday

at of each month. The first pizza night was on Oct. 11 and 15 percent of students’ bills will go to the Hagerty theater department.

 THE NEXT COLLEGE VISITS are Seminole State

College and the Marines on Oct. 13 and Florida Hospital College and Full Sail University on Oct. 14. The visits are open to all juniors and seniors. Students need to pick up their passes in the College and Career Room two days prior to the scheduled visit.

KILL A MOCKINGBIRD will be performed by the  TO theater department Oct. 27-29, and will begin at 7 p.m. each night. Tickets will be $7 in advance, $9 at the door and $11 for priority seating. Tickets may be purchased on the school website. There will also be a performance during the school day on Oct. 26 for all freshman that is free of charge. All ninth grade English classes have read the book in the first quarter to finish the book before the play occurs.

news

New director wants to expand choir

he new chorus director, Blair Bryant, switched over from Lake Howell in July, and found that chorus was a small program and decided to build it back up. His students have asked their friends to join while he works on each singer’s skills and helps each choir find their unique voice. There are four different choirs: a first year chorus; Hagerty Singers, an Advanced Ladies class, a Men’s Choir and a show choir; Voices of Hagerty. The Men’s Choir is one of Bryant’s top priorities. “[It’s] another thing I want to be bigger,” said Bryant. “I’d like to have 30 guys by next fall, and the year after, I’m going for 50.” One goal for the chorus department is All-State, a competition for high school choirs from around the state to audition and be part of one of three advanced choirs: men, women or mixed. The choirs eventually perform at the Performing Arts Center in Tampa in early January. Although work on the choir department has been difficult, Bryant has the support of his new students. “He’s been really great,” said junior Jessica Perry. “He seems like he’s perfect for the job.” To generate more interest in the program, Bryant has his students travel out of the classroom to sing for school employees. The Advanced Ladies choir has sung for administration during midblock and sang to Principal Sam Momary for his birthday. The Men’s Choir sometimes visits Dr. Backel’s theater class to show off their newly learned skills. Bryant sings with the choir during performances because the choir is a small department. Once the program is larger,

photo by Isabelle Sarnek High note. Chorus director Bill Bryant helps the women’s chorus warm up their voices for class. The choir’s first performance will be their fall concert on October 13.

he will simply direct the students and not sing alongside them. Bryant has decided to add a fall concert on Oct. 13 with a string quartet accompaniment and a holiday concert in December with Jackson Heights Middle School and Lawton Chiles Middle School choruses as well. “It’s good that we have more concerts because more people can see how we’ve grown, and I believe we can achieve even

more goals with him in the future,” said Perry about the chorus’s plans. So far, Bryant’s experience at Hagerty has been a unique experience and he enjoys the students that are involved in the program. “I’ve been impressed with the level of talent and how prepared they are,” said Bryant. “They want to do well. There’s no “want to hang out” mentality at all.”

-Quinby Mitchell, Staff Reporter

news

Increase in Bright Futures hours causes anger, confusion

he required volunteer hours for all three Bright Futures Scholarships increased when the State Senate approved Bill 2000 on July 1. It affects students who graduate in or after 2012, and has caused frustration and confusion among the students who applied for the scholarship. It has especially affected seniors who have already completed their 75 volunteer hours. “When I found out the hours had changed I could not believe it,” said senior Ashley Schulte. “Most of us are busy ﬁlling out applications for colleges and do not have time to complete more Bright Futures hours on such short notice.” According to the Florida Student Financial Aid website, the bill was intended to help pay state expenses and salaries, assist with the construction and improvement of capital outlay, and relieve the expenses of various agencies of the state government. But even after an explanation of the Senate’s motives, students still felt perplexed and upset. “I felt like the state was trying to pull

a fast one on all of the hard working high school students just trying to make it to college without bankrupting their families during these times of recession,” said senior Heidi Rossow. Students who have not completed their 100 hours now have to visit the College and Career Room to pick up a new Bright Futures application form, and have it signed by their guidance counselor before they can count any new hours. Students are allowed to choose a third organization for the additional hours, and have one calendar year from when they ﬁrst get the guidance counselor signature to complete the 25 extra hours. This has made it tough for many seniors to ﬁnd the time to complete the extra hours. “The reason that the hours were increased was completely and solely to reduce the amount of eligible students,” said senior Tyler Yeargain. “It is a gimmick that (Governor) Scott and Republicans in the legislature are using to balance the budget, and it’s immensely unfair.” College and Career Room supervisor

Mary Cullen said that if students had already completed more than 75 hours but only logged the needed total, they should visit the College and Career Room in the Media Center to see if their extra hours can be counted. “The senate is trying to make it harder to get the scholarship,” said Cullen. “Students now have to work for it.” Upper House Guidance Counselor Cristina Strassel encourages students who feel they cannot complete the 100 hours for the Florida Academic Scholars award to apply for other Bright Futures scholarships. Two other options for students are the Florida Medallion Scholars award, or the Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars award. Both awards were increased from zero hours to 75 and 30 hours respectively. “I expect no difference in the number of students applying for a Bright Futures Scholarship,” Strassel said. “I do expect a decrease in the number of students who are able to meet the new criteria.”

-Matilda von Kalm, Staff Reporter

photo by Matilda von Kalm Story time. Sophomore Emily Withers reads a book to Carillon Elementary School student Sophie von Kalm for Teen Trendsetters. Withers now has to work 100 hours to qualify for Bright Futures.

Local singer auditions for The Voice

enior Christina Hunziker walked in front of the judge; conﬁdent in her voice but paralyzed by her nervous anticipation. “I was super nervous; my legs were shaking like Jell-O,” Hunziker said. This summer, she auditioned for The Voice, is a competitive singing television show and of NBC’s popular programs. On the show, the contestants are divided into teams and the teams compete throughout the season with one contestant eliminated at a time. Hunziker ﬁrst heard about The Voice from her friend who auditioned in season one. She decided to watch the show and fell in love with it. She has sung for most of her life and produced her own music videos. Her family supported the idea for her to audition. “[I have been] trying for so long to start a career,” Hunziker said. “The worst that the judges can do is say no, so why not try?” Auditions were held at Lowe’s Hotel at Universal Studios in Orlando. Lines formed outside the hotel until the doors were open at 7:30 a.m. The contestants proceeded to check in and entered a room with six lines. The lines then branched

off into groups of twenty and moved to another room where the groups split again into ten. From there the groups of ten moved into the ﬁnal room where they approached the back-turned judge. Hunziker was in for a surprise when it was her turn to audition. Instead of a solo audition, she entered the room with nine other people. The judge’s back was turned so they would judge by the voice alone and not by the person. “It’s intimidating because you don’t know what they think about you and don’t get a chance to gauge their reaction,” Hunziker said. Hunziker did not tell anyone about the audition. “I don’t like to talk about my career at school; I like to keep it separate. I don’t like my outside life to conﬂict with school life,” Hunziker said. Something that stood out to her though was how respectable the people who ran the show were. They would not let anyone audition if dressed up as a gimmick or refused take the auditions seriously. “It was nice that they valued talent,” Hunziker said. The line-up for auditions started outside the Lowe’s Hotel at Universal

Studios well before the doors were opened at 7:30 a.m. Once inside, competitors were continually divided into different lines and groups until time for the audition. “It was a very intimidating process,” said Hunziker about her experience in the judge’s room, “[But the] judges told me they liked me a lot and I should come back next year. One was very complimentary of my unique voice, as he called it.” She got a call back to perform again the next day, but was beaten out by another girl in her age group. Communication was not smooth around the hotel as well. “They didn’t give you free water,” Hunziker said, “and they would charge $5 for an apple.” Some lines also took much longer than others, which created a lot of frustration among the contestants. Hunziker’s line took two hours and was much slower than the other ﬁve. However, the experience meant a lot to Hunziker and she got advice from workers in the industry, which she feels will ultimately help her in the future. Even though she did not pass through, Hunziker feels she gained valuable experience and may audition again another year.

-Amanda Ellard, Staff Reporter

lifestyles The Death of Chivalry And other stories of society’s stupidity

The ongoing battle with technological scapegoats -Sabrina Chehab, Managing Editor

Holy Movies, Batman!

illustration by Sabrina Chehab

dark night—the perfect time for Trent created fake blood for some scenes seniors Talon Trent and Drew out of an online recipe and was only Hilderbrant to begin filming. mildly concerned with public opinion. Bravely oblivious to weird stares from “If people see the video camera we’re college students, the filmmakers and hoping they’ll know our guy isn’t actually their cast had no regrets about how dead,” Trent said. “Let’s just say we don’t they spent their Wednesday night— have a plan if they call 911.” running up and down the parking The Batman suit required more garages at UCF to ensure movie gold. attention than the other costumes. Made Sony Handycam in hand, fake blood in out of motorcycle body armor paired pocket and prop weapons that looked all with a low density body suit, the costume too real, all the group needed was some was naturally difficult to move around shark repellent. in. This certainly poses a problem, as These are the things generally found Hilderbrant—the dark knight—wants to in Gotham. The items are supposed to be do a lot of stunts. real, of course, but Trent and Hilderbrant “I want to find a way to jump off of could not use real guns in the creation of the fourth story of the parking garage,” a movie. The idea for creating a three-part Hilderbrant said. “Well not really jump, photo by Daniel Espinosa Batman movie was born after Trent wrote but maybe lower myself down with a rope a script for one and Hilderbrant looked or something.” Why so serious? Senior Talon Trent it over, deciding to add a prequel and a The budget for this production is practices his Joker smile. sequel. The characters in the story are about $300. Trent and Hilderbrant earned reinterpreted from how they are portrayed the money from a combination of various doing,” senior Mohamad Hussein said. “I in the comics. jobs such as lawn mowing and Publix. think it’s embarrassing.” The final product will be “The Riddler is uploaded to YouTube and is darker in our movies,” Trent said. “He leaves If people see the video camera, we’re hoping expected to take a few months behind bloody question they’ll know our guy isn’t actually dead. Let’s to complete. Each movie will be marks on his victims.” just say we don’t have a plan if they call 911. about 30 minutes long. This is the first official film that Trent The events of the and Hilderbrant are creating trilogy explore the fall of -Talon Trent, 12 together, but Trent has some Bruce Wayne—the man behind the Batman mask. Volunteers were Some friends pitched in and helped with prior filmmaking expertise as his father chosen to be actors after they were put things such as managing the camera is a director. through an auditioning process. Costumes during filming. Other friends were slightly -Sabrina Chehab, Managing Editor were created from a combination of using less supportive. Go to page 6 and find out which Batman Goodwill, Ebay and anything at home. “I’m just here to laugh at what they’re character you are!

batman

filmography  Batman [1989]  Batman Returns [1992]

information from www.imdb.com

 Batman: Mask of Phantasm [1993]  Batman Forever [1995]  Batman & Robin [1997]

 Batman Begins [2005]  The Dark Knight [2008]  The Dark Knight Rises [2012]

know this phrase is moderately overused, but technology is great. We can dive behind lit screens and avoid uncomfortable social situations through texting and instant messaging, communicate with relatives far away instead of a painful in-person visit and we can even violently collide particles using supercooled magnets. Who Newton?! Lame puns aside, students really benefit from technology. Yes–we can email teachers to inquire about assignments, transport files on our handy-dandy USB drives and type some of our essays instead of hand write them, postponing the early onset of arthritis. Although I am sure typing and texting are candidates for carpel tunnel syndrome. But you know that one kid who could not turn his essay in because Blackboard was down? Or that one girl whose printer was broken, so she could not print out her current event article? There is always one. It might even be you. And on some occasions, it is completely understandable; machines are fickle fiends who spontaneously display blue screens of death and sometimes take amusement in making files disappear. It happens. The first time you cry technological malfunction, teachers usually give you the benefit of the doubt. The second time is a little fishy. There is definitely something up the third time, and then malfunctions become convenient and happen whenever something is due electronically. I do not want to give anyone’s master plan away, but there is a website that corrupts files for you. Actually, there are several corrupting websites if one does not like the layout of a certain corrupting website, which is probably something that would only bother a nerdy newspaper editor. Revealing the name of any of these sites is most likely counterproductive, but if I were to summarize the general motto of all of them, it is, “We understand that you are an avid student who needs more time on your half-finished assignment, so here! Put your file into this box and we will corrupt it so you have some extra time.” I am not bitter, but these time-purchasers are ridiculous. If I ever have to cry to my AP Literature teacher that Blackboard was down—and it really was— but you ruined my chances with some kind of made up story, all I will want to do is kick you. By no means is it possible to have everything done perfectly, but if something’s not done and it is not a machine’s fault, we should not blame the machine. If we did, we would all be like the boy who cried wolf, but we’d be crying corruption. Of files. Which admittedly sounds cooler, but is it really any better?

lifestyles

Increased demand for Adderall blurs legal lines Side effects  Loss of appetite  Anxiety  Insomnia  Increase in blood pressure  Upset stomach, vomiting or nausea  Emotional changes  Dry mouth  Weight loss  Addiction

efore most students sit down to tired, some people use it to stay awake take a test, they make sure they while at parties. Adderall can also be used for have studied or that they have a sharpened pencil— they do not make sure important tests, like the SAT or ACT. Students feel the pressure to do well on they have popped pills. But lately, this new option has these tests, as they are important in the become a trend. Adderall, a drug college application process, and believe commonly prescribed to control symptoms Adderall will make it easier to do well. of Attention Deﬁcit Hyperactive “For the SAT, the ﬁrst time I took it I Disorder, helps It’s a Class 2 medicine and simply students focus. The increased possessing without a prescription is a felony, focus leads to not a misdemeanor. The risks are numerous more interest in and it shouldn’t be done. One pill will not a subject and also change a test score. helps students think clearly - Dr. David Mosch and easily. “I took [Adderall] for a month straight got a 1600 overall, and the second time I at the beginning of last year and I got took it, I was on Adderall and I got a 2100 straight A’s the entire month,” John said. overall,” Robert said. “As soon as I stopped because I ran out of Adderall can be habit-forming. If it is money, my grades went down.” taken too often or in too large a dosage, In addition to using Adderall for the user may develop a dependency on it. schoolwork, like for focusing on Side effects include loss of appetite, homework, some users take it for which can be so extreme that “the sight of recreational purposes. Because Adderall food repulses you,” according to one user. makes the user more focused and less Dry mouth, jitters, anxiety, insomnia,

emotional changes and increased blood pressure are also experienced often. “The main side effect is feeling really alert, like you want to run a mile or do a cartwheel,” Robert said. “Taking a test is literally fun for you.” Users say that Adderall is very easy to get, from both other teenagers and from doctors. Students who have a prescription for the drug sometimes sell it to their peers, which under Florida law is a felony. However, others have found that doctors freely prescribe it if a patient says he or she has t r o u b l e focusing. “I was prescribed Adderall through a visit to the doctor,” Brian said. “The visit was less than 30 minutes and they prescribed it to me without knowing if I have ADHD.” Students justify their use of the pills by saying that it makes them more productive—they can do more work in less time because they focus better. Adderall gives them an advantage, makes

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it possible for them to get better grades, and helps “make the learning curve more fair.” While it may sound like a miracle drug, there are plenty of medical professionals who advocate common sense and knowing the law. “It is a Class 2 medicine, and simply possessing it without a prescription is a felony charge, not just a misdemeanor,” Dr. David Mosch, a general practitioner in Oviedo, said. “The risks are numerous and it shouldn’t be done. One pill will not change a test score.”

*Names have been changed

-Robyn Smith, Editor-in-Chief

student connection

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Readers upset about morning traffic

BY ISABELLE SARNEK

PHOTO OF THE ISSUE

Dear editors, What’s up with this year’s traffic? In fact, I will tell you what the problem is — it’s near outrageous! Every day students come to school, it makes you wonder if there has been a wreck on Lockwood. You end up getting near the school (because you technically are not at the school yet with this type of back-up) around 7 a.m. and are not stepping out of the car until 7:15 a.m. Last time I checked, that’s when the bell rings. Then, the school turns on you and brings cops out to ticket people. Does it make sense to ticket kids who are trying to get to school on time? No. How about you give them a nice, big pat on the back with a P.R.I.D.E. sticker? Something needs to change about this! Sincerely, Anesu Mucherera, 11 Dear editors, I am driven to school every morning by my father or my friend’s mother. When we get to school, we are constantly surrounded by an endless amount of traffic. Once, we waited for over 20 minutes and I was almost late to class. I do not understand why it is so hard to get a police officer who will actually direct traffic, rather than just sit and watch the traffic build up. The crossing guards are great, but only for the kids who actually walk to school, everyone else is forced to wait longer for the kids to cross the street. This is ridiculous and something needs to be done. Is it too much to ask to get a simple traffic light or maybe even a stop sign? I know it is going to cost a lot, but the school should be thinking of ways to raise money, not just sitting around waiting for an accident to occur. Sincerely, Haley Gaeser, 9

Send us your thoughts! E-mail hhsblueprint@ gmail.com or stop by room 06-201.

EVERYONE HAS A STORY Q:

Photograph by junior Kirsten Nye “I took this picture at Cocoa Beach in November 2010. I like the way my flip-flops are in focus and the waves on the beach are blurry. It gives the photo a little character.”

Submit a photograph you have taken! Visit room 6-201.

Every issue, the newspaper staff creates a random task. Whoever completes it first is featured in the next issue of the newspaper. This issue, we taped a dollar bill to the ground and whoever tried to pick it up was chosen. Junior Dylan Francisco, a martial arts and nature enthusiast who likes to read, write, learn, play soccer and practice Bagwa Chung, was the first student to grab the cash.

What makes you unique? I do not conform; I like to look at everyone’s piece of the puzzle before my own. I love the heat, and I always love a new challenge.

ph oto

by Isa be

lle

Sa rne

Q: A: Q:

When did you start to think like this? Probably 12 to 13 because being the same as everyone else is nonsense. We are all individuals and have a different song to sing, no matter what anyone else says. I enjoy being different because the ones who get to know you are worth meeting. What is your favorite part about attending Hagerty?

A: Q: A: Q:

I think my favorite part of attending Hagerty is seeing the individuality among the students. Most everyone is different and it is refreshing to have a constant role of duality in every class. Can you describe what Bagwa Chung is? Bagwa Chung is a martial art where the concept is moving like a coiled spring. You have a center focal point and you move your body around this point, never losing focus. During this, I assume defensive position in which if someone attacks me I can easily move around them and counterattack. How do you express yourself in Martial Arts?

Q: A:

I express myself in Bagwa Chung and other martial arts by practicing and giving it my all. When I practice a form I get inside myself to show serenity, peace and strength. I show what is hidden under my human armor just like I would if I was singing, drawing, etc. How can you relate to your favorite subject at school? My favorite subject is English and there is not a part of me that does not relate to English. Writing, above all, is part of my character. In my opinion, it is my most expressive action other than when I’m practicing martial arts. I say this because I can make my most deep and sought-after words become heard with the scribble of my pen.

-Matilda von Kalm, Staff Reporter

6 QUOTES, NOTES & PHRASES  “I had a good time at the pep rally. It was much better than last year.” -Heather Smith, 11

student connection

WHAT’S IN YOUR BAG -Sam Salinas, Graphics Editor

 “It was really bad that the seniors represented us the way they did [at the pep rally].” -Gio Gonzalez, 11

 “I had a lot of fun. Everyone seemed

What is the most interesting thing that you carry in your bag?

more into [the pep rally] this year.” -Jamie Everett, 11

 “[The volleyball games] are so much fun. It just shows how spirited and supportive our student body is.” -Stephanie Englert, 12

 “It’s good that there’s a lot of new faces in the [To Kill a Mockingbird show]. There are a lot of freshman.” -Brittany Hill, 10

 “We’ve been working really hard, and I’m excited to see how [the To Kill a Mockingbird show] turns out when we show it to the school.” -Katie Cecil, 11

 “I liked the halftime show. The choreography was interesting and unique. It was a lot better than Oviedo’s show. -Kaitlyn Becker, 11

 “Everyone had a lot of great energy [during the Oviedo game], and even though we lost, I think we played well and had a good time.” -Morgan Bruenle, 11

 “Both of the teams [Oviedo and Hagerty] played their hearts out. It was a great game to watch.” -Robby Gaydos, 12

 “We ask dumb questions [on Ques-

QUIZ QUESTIONS Which Batman character are you? Take this quiz to find out! 1. Are you a hero or a villain? a. Hero (Go to #2) b. Villain (Go to #3) 2. Do you prefer shorts or pants? a. Shorts (Go to #3) b. Pants (Go to #5) 3. Do you enjoy corny sayings? a. Yes (Go to #4) b. No (Go to #5) 4. Which is more fun? a. Playing pranks (Go to #6) b. Kicking bad guy butt (Go to #7) 5. What is your motivation for fighting crime?

CHRIS MORALES, 11 There’s a special packet of gum that I carry around. For every major test, I take out a piece of my Trident Layers Strawberry gum and chew it during the class.

OMAR GARNASKIE, 11 I have a lucky pencil that has an equally lucky grip on it. The pencil comes in handy for special tests that I really need to do well on.

SAKEENAH KHAN, 10 I carry a “pocket bottle” around with me. It’s like a water bottle, but when it’s empty, you can roll it up and put it in your pocket.

photos by Isabelle Sarnek

a. My parents are dead! (Go ligence can get you out of any sticky situation. abcdto #7) b. To make the world a better B. Robin: Holy abcdplace (Go to C) Quizzes, Batman! You’re an 6. Which is the most evil? upbeat and a. Creating chaos (Go to E) playful kind of b. Creating an person that inescapable death enjoys making the best out of v trap (Go to D) any situation. You’re often the comic relief among your friends 7. Are you a leader or a and take pride in that fact. follower? a. Leader (Go to A) C. Batgirl: Men, b. Follower (Go to B) always having to do things the A. Batman: To hard way. Smart the Batmobile, and down to Robin! You are earth, you have strong and motivated. No matter a strong sense of right and wrong and want to change the what the world throws at you, your wit and intel- world. You often face obstacles

due to prejudice, but you overcome them and come out on top. D. The Riddler: Riddle me this. You blur the lines when it comes to following the rules. You can be a bit obsessive compulsive, but it only adds to your charm. E. The Joker: Have you heard this one? It’ll KILL you, Batman! You live on the wild side. Boundaries and rules, what are those? Life is all about doing what you want, when you want. -Jem Mason, Lifestyles Editor

POLL: YOUR SAY Who would win in an all-out

BRAWL?

tion of the Week] and get ridiculous answers. Now that’s TV!” -Michael Lane, 12 Based on a survey of 300 randomly selected students compiled by Sam Salinas

graphic by Sam Salinas

middle

The Muggle’s Guide T

HARRY POTTER

Potter fans face en

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middle

series finale

hey camped outside bookstores movie s instead of the writte waiting for installm n text. ents of the Students also expresse The story attracted magical series to go d their love for World students no matter on sale. They ho Potter by playing ga of Harry Potter at w they were introd stayed up until mi mes like Quidditch, Universal uced to it. Fans say dnight to see how Stu dio s, wh ich Potterheads can tha is their favorite trio pe t this is because the a sport in the wizardin immerse rformed in the latest series has universal g wo rld . the mselves into the settin Because Harry Po popularity. movie premiere. Th g of the novels. tter is so popular, ey dressed up like Through activities lik Quidditch has turned witches and wizards “Harry Potter tur e this, students into a phenomenon fee ned into such a for release parties l connected to other Ha of its ph own, including an enomenon because and Halloween. They rry Potter fans. International Many it was such a well are the kids who League and a Husky have met other fri written book that no grew up in what is du ends through Quidditch Club that t only appealed to the bbed by many as the their love of the series was created in 2010. younger age group, bu Harry Potter generation . Hughes said that t to the older as well,” . it is easy to talk to And while the ser junior Jon Le said. Most of these students and meet other fans ies has stopped becau started reading se “you could talk for rel eas ing the series at a young Ac ne w co rdi no ng ve ls ever about the to an sen d ior mo age. Because of this, vies, fans series and Erin Hughes, the have not stopped sho how it has affected yo books gained popular they were able to gro wing their love for Mo ur life.” ity so easily because w up reading the st fans, like Hughes, the story. they provided an escap novels. believe that their e from regular life int love for the novels o “Now that the series a magical world. “My favorite part is something shared is over, I feel like betw of the series is een them, and som my childhood has en having the chance “No matter what ha ething they all ded,” Hughes said. ha ppened in the world to grow up along ve in common. “Now that they’re ov or in our personal liv with Harry, Ron, an er, I feel like I have es —good or bad— d Hermione as they “The best part of gro the nothing left to look next Harry Potter bo matured,” Krupar wing up in this forward to. I cried ge ok was always abou said. “The books neration is that alm t to through the whole sec come out and make ev matured, and so did I.” ost anywhere you ond half of the last go erything better again , no matter who you movie because I rea ,” Hughes said. Others started rea ask, these people lized that this was it ding the series wi ll know who Harry Po for ev er. ” at a later age- aft Fa ns of tter is,” Le said. the ser ies, called “Potterhead er the phenomenon “I don’t really see s” To deter this “en by many, showed the had started. They say an y worst part in d-o ir lov f-c hildhood” growing up e for the characters that the intense feeling, there were ma in this generation.” by dressing up as popularity of the bo ny endeavors taken them for holidays oks is what caused -Robyn Smith, Ed by author J.K. Rowl or parties. Senior Erin their interest in readin ing to keep the story itor-in-Chief Hughes trick-or-trea g the novels. ted ali ve . as Wi a Hogwarts student wh th the interactive Some Harry Potter fan en she was younger online s have not read an experience, Potterm d Krupar plans to dre the novels at all. Ra ore, fans can ss as the female main ther, they grew to ex pe rience new, never-b character, Hermione like the characters an eforeGranger, this year for d plot based on the seen parts of the ser Halloween. ies and by visiting The Wi zarding

rs e f f o e e c r n o e i r rm e e p t t x o e P ne i l n o fans

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The Muggle’s Guide T

HARRY POTTER

Potter fans face en

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middle

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rs e f f o e e c r n o e i r rm e e p t t x o e P ne i l n o fans

illustration by Sabrina Chehab

opinions

the

blueprint

The Blue Print is a student-produced newspaper 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 views as a whole, the views of Seminole County Public Schools, or Hagerty High School’s administration and staff. Letters to the editor are encouraged, but cannot be anonymous. Please submit via email, Brit Taylor’s staff mailbox or to room 6-201. For more information about advertising in the paper, please contact the staff via one of the above methods. We reserve the right to reject any advertisement.

Hagerty High School 3225 Lockwood Blvd. Oviedo, FL 32765 Telephone: (407) 871-0750 Fax: (407) 871-0817 Email: hhsblueprint@gmail.com Principal Sam Momary Adviser Brit Taylor Editor-in-Chief Robyn Smith Managing Editor Sabrina Chehab

News Editor Sarah Casagrande Lifestyles Editor Jem Mason Opinions Editor Justin Moser Sports Editor Sean Donovan

Graphics Editor Sam Salinas Photos Editor Isabelle Sarnek Business Manager Matthew Neveras Staff Reporters Wil Egan Amanda Ellard Catie Mason Quinby Mitchell Jack Schwartz Matilda von Kalm

Our Take: Bright Future changes unfair The Bright Futures scholarship is an important and highly sought-after source of ﬁnancial aid for college-bound Floridians. Qualifying for one of the three levels of this scholarship requires students to maintain a high academic record and complete community service hours. However, the staff believes that changes to the scholarship requiring more community service are a shot below the belt. The lowest scholarship, the Gold Seal Vocational Scholar, now requires 30 hours of community service. The Florida Medallion Scholar tier now requires 75 hours while the highest level—the Florida Academic Scholar— now demands 100 hours of community service from students, up from 75 hours.

The minimum SAT and ACT scores for the scholarship will also see an increase over the next three years. The increase in community service required to qualify is not what is unfair. Instead, it is the fact that students who have already completed their service hours and turned in the paperwork are still subject to the scholarship changes. Students who completed 75 hours of community service for the FAS now only qualify for the FMS and must complete an additional 25 hours to reclaim the highest level of the scholarship. There is plenty of information about what the changes are, but there does not seem to be any explanation as to why the changes have been implemented and why students must re-qualify themselves—not

even on the scholarship website. A likely explanation is the fragile economy and the government’s attempts to balance its budget. There may not be enough money to fully fund the scholarship. Raising the bar would make the scholarship more difficult to earn. If fewer students earn the highest tier, less money would be given out. The whole situation is just a way to save money. That is all well and good. However, it hardly seems fair to snatch away the scholarship from students who have exerted the effort to earn its benefits. Students who have yet to submit their paperwork should be subject to the new requirements, but those who have finished their work should be allowed to keep their eligibility. They have earned it.

Kindle would cost about $360,000. Even when the eBook cost is added to the $139 price, Kindles are still less expensive than regular books. High school students usually own between four and seven textbooks each year, which costs several hundred dollars per student. Although the $360,000 price tag sounds high, schools would save money because the constant textbook updates and replacements would be unnecessary. The majority of a student’s backpack weight is textbooks. According to Amazon.com, a Kindle weighs 8.5 ounces and is one-third of an inch thick. In comparison, Glencoe Science’s Biology textbook, which is used by the standard and honors Biology students, is 1205 pages long and weighs 6.2 pounds; almost twelve times the weight of a Kindle, which can easily slip into a student’s backpack and not cause any serious back problems. Despite their frequent use by students, textbooks aren’t particularly durable. In

addition to frequent replacement with new titles, few textbooks survive a single school year without a few rips, tears or torn pages. Students also frequently drop, bend or throw their books around. Kindles are fairly durable; National Public Radio compared them to Blackberry phones, which can be dropped on hard tile ﬂoors without signiﬁcant damage. In addition, students are much more likely to take care of them. Two other high schools in Florida have already gone digital. This year, Clearwater High School replaced all of its textbooks with Kindles and Lake Minneola High School distributed 1750 iPads to its students. According to the Worth Ave Group, public schools in Florida plan to use all digital materials by 2015. In our high-tech world, it should be considered primitive to use piles of paper to instruct a class when there are rows of iMacs in the computer lab next door.

Replace textbooks with e-readers

igh schools have entered the digital age. Cafeterias use biometric scanners, libraries are filled with computers and teachers use PowerPoint slides for notes. Yet students still shuffle to class with ten pounds of textbooks in their arms every day. According to Converge Magazine, Florida spends $260 million per year on textbooks. Each book costs between $60 and $130 and has a lifespan of two to three years. Textbooks have evolved from a teaching tool into an 800-page annoyance, but there is an alternative to fix this problem: digital textbooks. The lowest model of the Amazon Kindle, a popular e-reader, retails for $139 on Amazon’s online store and the battery lasts up to two months on a single charge. It also has enough memory to hold up to 3500 books. Kindles can also connect to the school’s public Wi-Fi. For our school to supply each of its 2400 students with the lowest-model

-Sarah Casagrande, News Editor

The Leek

Your monthly dose of satirical reporting

Much adieu about partisan politics -Justin Moser, Opinions Editor

n an effort to better simulate an actual government environment, the Student Government Association has decided to adopt the federal bipartisan system. The two newly created parties, the Honors and the Scholars, span every class government. The ultimate goal for this decision was to help student government officers gain real-world knowledge and experience in politics. It worked—only too well. The Honors party is comprised mainly of students who advocate strict interpretation of the Code of Conduct and an expanded athletics budget, whereas the Scholars party is made up of students who lobby for greater SGA involvement and increased scholarship benefits. Taking the spirit of this decision and bipartisan politics to the extreme, the Honors and the Scholars have rooted themselves in two bitterly opposed camps, each existing for the sole purpose of stonewalling whatever policy or decision the other party makes. The harsh rivalry not only spans across party lines but also encompasses groups within each political party. The senior class has developed an opposition with the juniors, sophomores and freshmen. Upper house and lower house do not see eye to eye. And the freshmen find themselves continuously disenfranchised. This has created a complex web of inter-party and inter-class conflicts, coalitions and everything in between that is almost as hard to untangle as a reality television show’s political game. The divisive politics of the SGA’s new two-party system has ensured that absolutely nothing gets done and nothing is decided upon. Homecoming, usually a staple of the high school experience, has been postponed until 2015 in hopes that the Honors and Scholars will be able to reach a consensus by that time. The current projections from several Seminole County political analysts look, unfortunately, grim. Other events, such as prom, the ICE awards and graduation, may share a similar fate as treasurers default the class budgets for these events and bipartisan committees squabble amongst themselves. So far, class presidents have tried in vain to create a middle ground between the Honors and the Scholars who seem to be more concerned with increasing their own influence and keeping to faction doctrine. Many appear to be in preparation for the next SGA elections and not too concerned with pressing matters such as the socialization of school lunches or the dismal levels of bake sale revenues. In spite of the obvious problems that this new government model has created, the SGA insists that the system is working and that it has the student body’s best interests in mind. In an effort to further extend its domination over the school and its populace, the SGA is also pressuring other clubs and extracurricular organizations to adopt its “A+” system of government. Although public support for the SGA’s system is now waning, what will become of the bipartisan organization remains to be seen.

YESNO

THE

opinions

“Censorship keeps the school environment safe form harsh, profane subjects that are best Should censorship be used in learned elsewhere.”

school literature and plays?

“Leaving the words in novels and productions forces us to confront the past and understand what to do to change the future.” -Quinby Mitchell, Staff Reporter

-Sam Salinas, Graphics Editor

n-democratic, un-constitutional, un-American—just a few of the many radical terms and ideas used to describe censorship. While total censorship is not completely agreeable or necessary, it is necessary for people to realized that there is a reason for imposed limitations and that they actually help steer growing young minds toward a more positive direction. Censorship in schools is found in the form of speech, theater and most notably literature, is far from “unconstitutional.” Limitations are put in place by the authority of school boards and the state not to cause uproar, but to protect both the interests of parents and the interests of students from content that is not completely appropriate in schools. Censorship keeps the school environment safe from harsh, profane subjects that are best learned elsewhere. School acts as a learning center for different academic subjects such as math and science; schools should not have to feel pressured into teaching students the correct or incorrect usage of the “n-word” or any other hate-ﬁlled slur. Students can still learn the same principles and themes present in To Kill a Mockingbird, and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn in other, equally symbolic and informative novels that have been deemed school appropriate. This may be high school, but that does not mean students are completely mature enough to handle profanity and adult content in books or plays. There is no denying the snickers and laughs that arise each time a curse word comes up when a book is discussed in class. Certain profanity and obscene subjects are meant to be taken seriously in the classroom, yet it is obvious that most students do not. Learning about sensitive subjects should not be off limits, but there needs to be some discretion on how to approach it. Profanity is not a high school requirement. Students do not need to bad words to get the clear idea of what a book, movie, or play is trying to get across. Purebred Productions has decided not to change or censor anything in their show, To Kill a Mockingbird. It is not a crime to replace a vulgar word with one more appropriate for this day and age. The younger generations will still understand the gist of the plot and what theme Harper Lee was going for. The omission of the “n-word” or “slut” will not damage the spongy high school minds. They will learn. They will get the point. Of course, To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic, a great work that has been used to teach morals of tolerance and coming-of-age lessons. There just needs to be guidelines on what is appropriate to bring up in class. Reading aloud the “n-word” with no pause is not the right way to go. Profanity is more abusive than informative. There is an appropriate time and place for profanity, though not for every word deemed obscene. School is never the time and place, and discussions about the importance of hate speech in a text are not inevitable.

“I

“I don’t believe censorship shou high school. H ld be allowed igh school stud in ents are old en understand the ough to effect curse wor ds have on peop —Valentina D le.” ouse, 10

e uld warn th “Teachers co e th y sa to t no ll them students and te .” ey get punished words or else th fomante, 10 B —Danielle uf

“Freedom of speech amendmen is a reason t, and if yo able u don’t lik words then e [bad] don’t read the book.” —Louie C ribb, 9

. g literature h censorin it y w er e re ev e ag dis chang “I totally to go and s concept u ” lo e. u v ic si d ri en It’s a ttle off ight be a li m at th el v no nhold, 11 —Joe Wei

“In most cases censorship shou allowed. But it ld be shouldn’t when it comes to educational purposes.” —Ben Dang, 10

’m real sorry they picked you to defend that nigger that raped my Mayella.” When Bob Ewell says this in To Kill a Mockingbird, the word “ nigger” causes a reaction. It makes people stop. Whether it is written in a book, performed on stage or heard in a movie, that moment will be remembered, because those words bring out the importance in the statement. Bad words can often be heard in movies during class or read from books of all different levels and grades. Some people think having these words in school goes too far, and think that certain novels should be censored and changed so that the content is more appropriate for a school environment. But this is high school. The protection students once had from these derogatory terms should no longer be necessary. In fact, the opposite is true—it is necessary to hear the words to get the full impact of the story, which is often what those words are used for, they will not understand the severity of the situation. If students did not learn about the Holocaust, there would be no mourning or awareness of the past. It would be as if it had not happened and no one would learn from the experience. If the word “nigger” was taken out of books such as Huckleberry Finn or To Kill a Mockingbird, the meaning would no longer be the same. Novels need to shock the reader, maybe even hurt them emotionally so some sort of meaning is taken from it. And with that meaning, sometimes people change their actions to try and make a better life. For a change like this to happen, stories have to have certain qualities that stick in the mind, disturb to the point of change. Derogatory language sometimes helps people teach others about what the reality of was, and why things have changed now. The theater department is doing a production of To Kill a Mockingbird for the fall show. Usually high school productions of this show, cut out the words “nigger” and “slut” so less offensive wordscan replace it to keep the rating of the show down to PG so kids can watch it and parents are happy. However, Hagerty Theater will not be editing a word. It would be like editing history and lying to the younger generation. It would be like taking adultery out of The Scarlet Letter and the Holocaust out of Anne Frank. While Hagerty Theater is trying to stay true to the past, others believe censoring older novels is the right path to protect this generation. Allan Gribben, a Twain scholar at Auburn University at Montgomery will be publishing a version of Huckleberry Finn that has been edited so the “n” word has been replaced with “slave.” He feels that he is simply “updating” the work. He is destroying a classic to ﬁt the present time period. If it was written in the past, it should remain the way the author intended it to be. Gribben says that this word is blocking people from getting over the racism that has happened in the past. But having bad language and risqué situations in novels makes it so these terrible things, such as racism, continue to happen. Leaving the words in novels and productions, even at a high school level, forces us to confront the past and understand what to do to change the future.

YOU JUST GOT

tudents who walk past the husky statue at the front entrance of the school may be surprised to see a pink ribbon on it. A month long event that started the ﬁrst day of October, the second annual Pink’d is sponsored by the various clubs and sports of Hagerty and is geared toward raising money and awareness for breast cancer. “We are trying to continue a tradition while raising awareness about breast cancer,” junior Darbi Filliben, one of the organizers of Pink’d, said. “Our pinked out football game last year was a great

success and we want that to happen again this year.” Every school in Seminole County will participate by holding at least one pinked out game this year, with Hagerty’s pinked out game on Oct. 21, after a pinked out pep rally. Students can buy wristbands, tattoos and trinkets among other things to support breast cancer at both lunches and at the game. All proﬁts go to either the Breast Cancer Research Foundation or the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

-Matilda von Kalm, Staff Reporter

WHO WHAT WHERE WHY

IS INVOLVED: Leadership, bowling, girls lacrosse, football, band, dance team, cheer team and various other sports and clubs.

CAN YOU BUY: Items from various clubs and societies. Proceeds will be donated to help raise awareness and money for research.

CAN YOU BUY: Most items can be purchased at both lunches or at the Oct. 21 football game, which starts at 7:30 p.m, against Lake Brantley.

SUPPORT IT: Participating in Pink’d shows support for breast cancer victims and survivors, as well as their friends and family

pink d THE GAME WHEN: October 21 at 7:30 P.M.

Ribbons for a Reason Pink Wristbands Senior class Junior class Buy at both lunches Buy at both lunches $1, $3, or $5 $1

WHERE: Sam Momary Stadium HOW MUCH: $6 per ticket WHAT TO WEAR: Pink spirit wear

Pins, Beads, Wristbands, Rubber Ducks, Mini Footballs Law Society Buy at both lunches and at football game $1 per item

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Pink Tattoos Freshman class Buy in 2-202 $0.50 Pink Hairspray Freshman class Buy at Oct. 21 football game $2 Pink’d Shirt Leadership Buy at both lunches $8 10/5-10/14 $10 10/18-10/31 Pink’d Out Pig Out Ticket National Honor Society Buy at both lunches $5 illustration by Justin Moser

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Adele “takes it all” with 21

Hearts race in Abduction

t is not often that a 17 year-old, after living a completely normal, carefree life, ﬁnds out that nothing about his family is truly as it seemed to be. In Abduction, starring Taylor Lautner, high school student Nathan— accompanied by his childhood friend, Karen (Lily Collins)—discovers his photo on a missing persons list when he is doing research for a school project. Nathan’s access of the list leads to his discovery that his current family is not who they seem to be, and sends him and the girl on a run for their lives from federal operatives. With the help of his psychiatrist and his real father, he takes matters into his own hands to stay alive. The general idea was good: boy feels lost, boy learns the truth about himself, boy meets disturbed girl, and boy goes on epic quest in order to untangle the web of lies that constrict him. The plot seems simplistic in the sense of being predictable, such as situations when Karen is used as leverage. This simplicity led to some deﬁnite plot holes. Nathan’s anger management issues in the beginning seem to be forced. Magically, by the end of the movie

everything is awkwardly resolved. The dialogue quality, like so many other movies, did not match up to the acting quality. Some lines were just not well written and bordered cliché, like when Lautner’s character screams the all too familiar, “I’m not leaving her!” Despite the ﬂaws with plot, consistency and dialogue, the movie was still entertaining. The combination of action, suspense and even a little romance worked well. After a random make-out scene, Lautner has one of the better action scenes in the movie which ends with a bad guy getting thrown out of a window. It was refreshing to see Lautner in a different environment from the Twilight saga. In some ways the suspenseful, thriller genre does him more justice than his typical comedy or fantasy ﬁlm. Though his abs only made cameo appearances, avid Lautner fans will still enjoy the movie and should check out Abduction in theaters, but for everyone else; just wait for the DVD release. -Amanda Ellard, Staff Reporter

Abduction, PG-13

fter a long, three year absence since her last album, Adele has come back to take the number one spot for “Someone Like You” on her new album 21. This British Soul artist may be remembered for her single “Chasing Pavements” from her ﬁrst album, and like before, she does not disappoint. She rivals Joss Stone in best female Soul artist, yet her music brings the listener back to a different era. Back to when the Blues was deep, and soul came together with heart. A few of her hits have a Pop edge to them, which gives the melancholic vibe some upbeat tones. “I hate to turn up out of the blue, uninvited”, she sings in her song “Someone Like You”, which has brought her to the top. Adele’s fame has ﬁnally caught up with her big voice, a voice that has no trouble stopping radio channels from being changed. Although “Someone Like You” is number one on the charts for popularity on iTunes, other songs worth noting are “Set Fire to the Rain”, and “Take It All.” -Sam Salinas, Graphics Editor

Adele, 21

Guns, guns—and a computer virus?

pon ﬁrst look of Neal Stephenson’s newest novel, REAMDE, the gaudy cover and misspelled title does not make it look like a fun read. Even more of a turn-off is the daunting 1,044 pages bound together in one fat book. But after making it through the rather slow beginning that most big books suffer from, readers find themselves swept up into the brilliant mind of a massively multiplayer online roleplaying game creator and businessman, whisked away from Seattle on

a Russian mob trip to China, wrapped up in the espionage of an undercover British spy, and that is not even all of the layers of the plot that make REAMDE such a great book to read. Stephenson weaves together each of these intricate plots with multiple, unconnected characters to achieve an end goal that readers really do not see coming. Frankly, every twist and turn within the novel comes up from behind and sticks an AK-47 in the reader’s back. Who would expect a book whose beginning lies with a computer virus contracted through a MMORPG to have guns? Endless guns? Even more shocking than the explosions and gunﬁghts is Stephenson’s ability to properly represent the technological generation, unlike so many media platforms. Countless television

shows and books represent texting among young adults and teens as a secret encoded language of acronyms: ‘WYLTGOT’ instead of ‘would u like to go out 2nite.’ Seriously? Stephenson understands the impact of technology on different generations and employs this as an underlying theme throughout the novel. Technology brings together wealthy businesses founders, struggling young hackers and violent mobsters and terrorists, from all around the world into one single novel. So if guns, MMORPGs, hackers, terrorists, the Russian mob and British spies hold appeal, REAMDE is deﬁnitely worth the read. -Jem Mason, Lifestyles Editor

Neal Stephenson, REAMDE

Great

Outstanding

Striking a Chord Pointing out the path of destruction popular music is taking

Despite popular opinion and rising fame, hip-hop and rap are getting old Sam Salinas, Graphics Editor

any a night I have lain awake, pondering timeless life questions like, “who is Nicki Minaj? And why did she win Best in Hip-Hop for this year’s MTV Music Awards?” What surprised me more is the fact that hip-hop still counts as its own genre when it is really just pop, except you only need to know how to work an Auto-Tune to make it big. I have kept this in mind as I have frantically tried to come up with any plausible explanation as to how I could have missed this superstar from Queens, N.Y. Miss Minaj must be talented, for how else could she have come out on top in the music industry after being a part of an entirely different hip-hop group, who stayed out of the limelight after her budding success? From what I have heard and have recently seen, she really put the rap back in “rapidly declining taste in music.” Now, I am sure Minaj has a touching background of rising above the average, but that does not take away from the fact that on a scale from one to ten in music, she ranks a Rebecca Black. As one of the single artist pop stars on the rise, she represents the thoughts and feelings of an entire generation. She and the dynamic duo of LMFAO, coupled with infamous noise of dubstep, makes Dec. 21, 2012 inevitable. I have no problem with the beat. I will admit that I have dabbled in some Myah Marie and Young Money before. At times even Pitbull and Drake have sucked me in with a few hypnotizing harmonies. But sometimes, now coming close to most of the time, the typical techno beat gets old when it backs up gems like “he got that super bass” and “party rock is in the house tonight.” What I am getting at is hip-hop/rap has become old. Almost The Partridge Family old. Yet I would still prefer to listen to the heart wrenching melody of “I Think I Love You” rather than hear another upsetting single from someone who goes by the name of a piece of chocolate candy. So I propose a challenge to all upcoming hip-hoppers to rework the genre into something tolerable, or at least something that does not need profanity every other word. Help me believe in meaningful lyrics and instrumental background music again. It’s like listening to a child babble on with all the slurring. If this is as good as it gets, I can only hope that Nicki Minaj tells me where I can ﬁnd a Super Bass. Perhaps it’ll get me a record deal.

14 sports shorts  FRESHMAN FOOTBALL HEARTBREAK

The freshman football team lost to the Lyman Greyhounds 14-12 on Wednesday, Oct. 4. The team scored two touchdowns in the first half and lead 12-0 at the half. A Lyman touchdown in the third quarter put them down by five, and in the fourth quarter the Lyman quarterback threw it to his receiver in the end zone before the receiver was hit and the pass intercepted. However, referees ruled that the receiver had possession before the hit and awarded the winning touchdown to Lyman.

 CROSS-COUNTRY RACE TO VICTORY

The girls cross-country team had their best timed race when they attended the FLrunners.com Invitational, where they placed fourth out of 18 teams. Almost all of the team ran a personal best for the season, and senior Amy Ankli set a team record with a time of 18.39.

 SWIMMING BACK ON TOP

The swim team once again has shown signs of state-worthy success this season as top swimmers step up. Junior Jason Coombs came in first in the 100 meter free style and third in the 200 meter free style at a Sept. 17 meet against Natsuko Worrel Lake Brantley. Sophomore Nasphoto by Isabelle Sarnek tuko Worrel came fourth in the breaststroke and second in the 200 meter individual medley, while junior Danielle Nuskowski came in fifth in the 200 meter free style and fifth in the 500 meter free style.

 JV FOOTBALL GAINS SECOND WIN

sports

Volleyball team sets healthy goals

ith a 8-6 record and no major injuries, the girls varsity volleyball team feels it has already improved from last year. “I hope we get a winning record this season,” senior left hitter Emily Code said. “Last year was close, but we still made it through.” A four game win against the Lake Howell (25-17, 25-18, 21-25, 25-19) let the team gain enough confidence to beat Seminole and Lake Brantley in the following matches, but the win against the Winter Springs also turned some heads. “Beating Winter Springs was exciting for us,” Code said. “It was the first time our varsity program had ever beat them.” Now recovered from injuries that occurred last season, Code and senior captain setter Heidi Rossow have fired up the rest of the team. “Last year, I rolled my ankle at the Lyman game,” Rossow said. “This year, I really enjoy having my team look up to me as I play. Everyone contributes and I love that.” Junior twins Emma and Katie Ballantyne’s goals are not only to win, but to break school records as well. Katie Ballantyne currently holds the school record for the most kills in a single match and seeks to add to her record book

 GIRLS SOFTBALL BEATS BEARS

 GIRLS GOLF PLACES FOURTH

On Oct. 5, the girls and boys golf team played in the SAC tournament. Three lady golfers, sophomore Courinne Duren, junior Amber Harman and sophomore Jamie Benedict made the All-Conference team, part of the top 12 players in the conference.

throughout her career. Her sister wishes to have some records as well. “My sister and I help each other on the court,” Ballantyne said. “We can pretty much predict our next moves and that’s what makes me do better.” The team’s new consistency allows

them to win their games in a more proﬁcient style than last year. This results in more conﬁdence when they go into games and tournaments throughout their season and their postseason.

-Isabelle Sarnek, Photos Editor

Getty takes over as new athletic director

The JV football team improved to 2-4 with a 21-6 over Lyman on Oct. 5, its first win since a September victory against Winter Springs. A scramble by junior quarterback Dorian Cantor and jet-sweep by sophomore running back Kevin Otiano gained the team two quick touchdowns, also capped off by a safety in the first half. The second half was marked by a touchdown by sophomore Heath Kubo. The only Lyman touchdown in the game came in the last few minutes. The girls slow-pitch softball team defeated the Winter Springs Bears at Winter Springs High School on Sept. 28 with a score of 3-2. Freshman Samantha Worrell, sophomore Kori Dunn and senior Melissa Hughes each hit a home run. The team is 8-2-1.

photo by Isabelle Sarnek Bumping up the level. Junior left hitter Stephanie Nagel prepares to hit the ball so to set up her teammates during a loss to Oviedo.

photo by Isabelle Sarnek Taking command. Coach Getty runs down the football field on Pop Warner night, making sure things are running smoothly.

ay Getty has been a well-known ﬁgure in the athletics department since his arrival in 2005, when he assumed the assistant athletic director position behind Christy Bryce. Now Bryce is an assistant principal and Getty has taken over. “It’s a labor of love with athletics,” Getty said. “The bulk of the job deals with organizational aspects of event management and athletic eligibility.”

Getty is not only busy with the new were quickly made to create a positive title, but also with the new course load. He experience for the boys in the program for is one of two AP Environmental Science the remainder of the season, Getty said. teaches, He had along with It’s a labor of love with athletics. The to talk to Marc Pooler bulk of the job deals with organizational principal S a m In addition, aspects of event management and Momary he continues with his duties and head athletic eligibility. as the head football -Jay Getty, AD coach boys and girls varsity cross-country coach, for his sixth Nate Gierke to get things settled within the school and with the media attention. year. Since he has so many new The rest was handled by Coach Gierke to responsibilities as the AD and still retains appoint the new coaches with the support his coaching role, he has less time for his of the athletic department. family, mainly his younger children. Getty has had a history in this ﬁeld. “It’s tough, because as a coach, the Ever since middle school he has been athletes see you as a teacher,” Getty said. involved in some way, either as an athlete, “So it’s almost like I have to neglect my coach or head person. “It’s a stressful job at times,” Getty own kids for the sake of my students.” Some instances arrive when he is said. “But life would be very boring needed more. One instance happened without sports, for me. That’s why four weeks ago with the freshman summer is boring; we don’t do much.” football incident. Coaching adjustments -Sean Donovan, Sports Editor

sports The Word of Seanovan Putting the spotlight on some important sports characters

Nate and Jeff Gierke bring brotherly bond -Sean Donovan, Sports Editor

oaches left, coaches quit, and this year coaches even got fired. Football has seen some difficulty. But in the heat of it all, there is still some sanity. Head coach Nate Gierke has retained the reins of the program, and has some familiar help. Coach Gierke brought in, well, coach Gierke. Coach Jeff Gierke. “I learn every day,” new defensive coordinator Jeff Gierke said. “It’s very different from my old school. Over here we’re willing to work hard.” Jeff Gierke was hired after the old coordinator, Vinnie Siciliano, left for Seminole. The brothers have always gotten along as friends and siblings. As kids, Nate Gierke would always drag Jeff Gierke out to the baseball field for catch, because the older Nate needed to warm up his pitches for a game and his younger brother would be there for him. “There isn’t a lot of ego between us,” Nate Gierke said. “We’ve always respected each other.” Even before this season, it was not odd to see them on the same field. The football team had been playing Edgewater as the preseason, or spring game, the past few years where Jeff Gierke had been coaching under their father, legendary coach Bill Gierke. “He’s always the first one to come out and shake my hand,” Nate Gierke said. “He’s always a competitive guy, but he’s also got respect.” Even before that, they were still on the same field. Nate, when he was an assistant coach under his father at Edgewater, coached Jeff when he was a high school player. And through it all, they got along and had a well-rounded coach-to-player connection. Now that they are both coaching here, their strong bond is even more important. As far as the program is concerned, there is big change. Important seniors left last year. Some transferred and the rest graduated, and the current seniors have had to fill some big shoes. Some freshman coaches had to come up to the JV and varsity level because of the lack of coaches, yet nobody could fill the defensive coordinator spot. Jeff Gierke was the solution in the head coach’s mind. “He came in at the perfect time,” Nate Gierke said. “The biggest difference now is that we’re more aggressive than last year.” The aggression has fueled a new system that the defense has implemented. Coach Jeff plans to use the aggression to his advantage, and to the team’s advantage to win more and get the players ready for the next season. He also wants to change the expectations and culture, a help for the players. Older brother Nate is excited about what Jeff brings to the program, but Nate also believes that this new system can help his brother in the long run. “He’s a really good coach,” he said. “He’s going to be a head coach soon, and it’s good to have him with us now to have that experience.”

15 Football rushes toward changes

fter the loss of 27 seniors, as well as a star quarterback, the varsity football team has worked to reshape their identity. “From day one it’s been about bringing the younger players up to speed,” head coach Nate Gierke said. With top-ranked quarterback Jeff Driskel at the University of Florida, and the loss of key players like Tyler Thrift and Andreus Dubose, the team has altered their focus. “It’s up to the more experienced guys to ﬁnd the teams chemistry,” Gierke said. “But I believe we mesh well.” Among the more experienced seniors are tight end Hunter Boudreau, safety Ethan Albers and punter/kicker Lucas Wainman, who serve as role models and provide the leadership some of the inexperienced players will need this year. The team started off the season with a win against Winter Springs. With 102 passing yards and 186 rushing yards, the team won 24-6. After their victory, the team faced back to back home game losses against Timber Creek and Lake Mary. The Lake Mary game was played on the following Saturday morning after a storm delayed the game. Despite their losses, Gierke feels improvement is bound to happen once the less experienced players get a chance to ﬁnd their ground. Top freshmen and six sophomores play on varsity, including quarterback Jason Driskel, who has taken the place of his older brother Jeff and thrown for 415 passing yards through four games of the regular season. “They are different players,” Gierke said,“But I see a lot of Jeff’s talent in Jason.” On Sept. 30 the team went head to head with Oviedo. Although Oviedo won

photo by Isabelle Sarnek Avoiding defeat. Senior running back Christian Young jukes out a Winter Springs defender to continue his run. The team won 24-6.

31-24, the team feels they played well. “We work hard in practice every week,” senior offensive linemen Robby Gaydos said. “We play well together and were getting better all the time.” Gaydos, who is currently in recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament, has been with the team for all four years of his high school career and knows how important team chemistry can be. The team has shown a sense of determination toward the season. Followers think the team can achieve a 5-5 record.

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“We have to trust ourselves that we can make the plays we need to make, and win the games we need to win,” Driskel said. Upcoming games against Lake Mineola, Lake Brantley, Seminole, Lyman and Lake Howell will give the team a chance to show their developing team chemistry and show what they are really made of. “We’re progressing really well, I think we can turn this thing around,” Gierke said.

-Jack Schwartz, Staff Reporter

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Boccheciamp battles lables, stereotypes

Freshman Dalymar Zayas-Boccheciamp overcomes spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, a form of dwarfism

photos by Isabelle Sarnek Rise above. Boccheciamp does not let her condition prevent her from participating in cheerleading.

n average school day for freshman Dalymar ZayasBoccheciamp starts like most freshmen: her dad drives her to school, she goes to class, hangs out with friends. Then she is off to cheerleading practice and she gets picked up around five. Boccheciamp’s schedule gives no hint to the fact that she struggles to have a ‘normal life.’ Boccheciamp was born with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, a form of dwarfism that also affects hearing. Dwarfism is a medical condition that affects a person’s height, causing them to be shorter than the average person. Despite the fact that she has dwarfism, Boccheciamp has always been active. She is an ice skater, gymnast, and is part of the freshman cheerleading squad, something she started in sixth grade. “I thought it would be fun to cheer with girls, do something new, and show my mom that I can [cheer] just like everyone else,” Boccheciamp said. “I like to take a lot of challenges.” Many people do not know much about dwarfism, and this occasionally

leads to inappropriate comments and behavior toward those who have it; Boccheciamp is not an exception. “In school, some people make fun of me by picking me up or sitting on the floor so they can be the same height as me,” Boccheciamp said. “I really hate it when they do that because it makes me feel and look stupid; one time someone [sat next to me], I told them to stand up and just be normal.” Not everybody is rude to Boccheciamp. She has noticed most people simply do not know how to act, or are afraid to come off as rude. “In the beginning [of cheerleading] a lot of the cheerleaders were afraid of hurting me because I’m shorter. Though it got better once they got used to me,” Boccheciamp said. A concern for the general public is how to refer to those with the condition. Boccheciamp does not like the term ‘dwarf’ and she finds the word ‘midget’ extremely offensive, though the words ‘little’ or ‘short’ used to describe her are okay, as long as it is not in a teasing manor. Her height is not the only

challenge she faces; Boccheciamp also has trouble with her hearing. “It’s really difficult for me to hear friends and keep up with their conversations,” Boccheciamp said. People have often wondered how Boccheciamp learns in school if she cannot hear. She uses an FM system, a small radio-like device her teachers wear to drown out background noise and allows Boccheciamp to hear them. She also has a translator, who listens to what the teacher says for Boccheciamp and then translates it into American Sign Language. “I hate it when they [people] say, ‘Oh, Dalymar can’t hear because she’s hearing impaired,’” Boccheciamp said. “It’s really insulting because there’s [nothing wrong] with me being deaf. I prefer [the term] deaf over hearing impaired.” Despite the obstacles she has had to face, Boccheciamp refuses to let herself be put down. She does not give up on her goals and keeps going. “I always tell myself to dream big, do something new, and don’t let anyone stop you,” Boccheciamp said. -Catie Mason, Staff Reporter

Dalymar inspires friends, faculty

“Daly is so funny and nice. She is awesome to have around.” Adriana Cavazos, 9 “She has performed scenes where she hasn’t used her interpreter very much. It’s interesting; she can kind of keep her eye on the interpreter while staying in the scene.” Drama teacher Michelle Backel

“She inspired me to learn Sign Language. We would talk to each other during class and no one would know what we were saying. She inspires me to be who I want to be no matter what.” Deanna Lorin, 9 “She’s really social despite her hearing loss. She talks to all her classmates and you don’t realize her limitations unless you already know. She also very friendly and answers other people’s questions [about her disabilities].” English teacher Tonya Smith

“It’s inspiring that she would even attempt to learn a language, like French, with her disability. She would speak it and her accent was pretty good.” French teacher Pam Lynch “She’s fun, caring, cool, and she’ll always have your back.” Marisol Torres, 9

Dwarfism facts w Spondylo

refers to spine, epiphyseal refers to the growing ends of bones, and dysplasia refers to abnormal growth.

w The condi-

tion affects males and females in equal numbers.

w A person

with SEDC has a 50 percent chance of passing it to their child.

information from www.ksginfo.org