The BluePrint - Volume 7, Issue 5

HAGERTY HIGH SCHOOL

3225 LOCKWOOD BLVD. OVIEDO, FL 32765

INDEX

the

blueprint

Oz ................................2 Musical physics..........5 Going viral...............8-9 Friend dates...............13 Basketball at states....15

volume 7, issue 5

april 5, 2012

Fans starving for Hunger Games

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Tributes. Sophomore Tyler Copeland and sophomore Hannah Jewett ascend to view The Hunger Games for the fourth time, dressed in fan attire.

ike the Capitol-born citizens of Suzanne Collins’s bestselling novel, teenagers across the nation have been ravenous for The Hunger Games. The novel, now a major motion picture, has gotten the attention of both students and teachers. There are no magic wands and no bloodthirsty vampires, yet its appeal had fans readying themselves and their costumes for the midnight showing. In the first weekend alone, fans helped launch the film to the third biggest movie opener ever.

In Collins’s novel, which has been on The New York Times Best Seller list for over 100 weeks in a row, the dystopian world of Panem forces heroine Katniss Everdeen to fight for her life in a gruesome game broadcast worldwide.

“The storyline is different because it’s so controversial,” junior Giovanni Gonzalez said. “You never really see something like that put out there.”

Despite the severity and seriousness the book portrays, it has been a hit for teachers, students, parents—everyone.

It has even become the most recent ‘it’ series in the nation. At the Oviedo premiere, many fans dressed up as their favorite characters.

“The Hunger Games has something for everyone, like romance and action,” sophomore Hannah Jewett said. “It really makes me think of politics and the future.”

Jewett, a self-proclaimed diehard fan of the trilogy, has shown her dedication by not only dressing up as one of her favorite characters, Haymitch Abernathy, during

Homecoming, but by also meeting a few of the actors in person. She, as many fans of the novel and movie, waited with bated breath for the premiere.

“You can’t compare the series with Harry Potter or Twilight,” Jewett said.

“They’re all big franchises, but this [The Hunger Games] has more depth.”

The novel is not only a top choice for pleasure reading, but is also now a topic of discussion in the classroom. Tenth grade English teacher Lori Bowman chose the novel as assigned reading.

“I chose it because the students can relate to it through what they do and what they see on television,” Bowman said.

“The love triangle and violence appeals to them.”

Bowman believes that The Hunger Games “shows the morality of reality television” and how over time people become desensitized to even the most traumatic events.

Along with teaching many themes and motifs, Bowman has found other uses.

“We made connections to the brutality of the gladiator games in Rome, and we found that many of the names in the novel are Shakespearean,” Bowman said.

No matter the reason, The Hunger Games has created both awe and controversy from its gruesome take on human morality.

“The books really put a spotlight on reality television, how it’s changing, and what it could become in the future,” Gonzalez said.

-Sam Salinas, Graphics Editor

photo by Isabelle Sarnek

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Annual Ron Jon things to do this month  48th Easter Surfing Festival

 Charlotte’s Web  The Serious Art of [March 29 - April 29] Make-Believe The classic story of Wilbur [Jan. 30 - April 29] the pig is brought to the stage Take a peek at over 200 drawings and designs used at of the Orlando Shakespeare Theater. Admission is $9-10.

Universal Orlando events.

[April 6 - April 8] Watch champion surfers from around the world ages 12 to 80 compete. Take part in an Easter egg hunt.

Located at Cocoa Beach.

 Relay for Life

[April 13] Support the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer, located on the practice field.

Get involved and make a team by signing up at relayforlife.org/oviedo.

 The Lion King

[April 17 - May 13] Watch the classic Disney movie come to life with vibrant costumes and lively music at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre. Lasts about three hours, ticket prices vary.

2 what’s new?

news

Cast, crew prepare for Oz musical

w THE HUSKY TROT 5K will be held on April 21 and

start at 7:30 a.m. The cost to register is $25. All proceeds will benefit the HHS athletic programs. Registration forms are available on the school website.

w UCF’S BURNETT HONORS COLLEGE would like

to invite students ages 13-18 to participate in a threeweek computer science summer camp from July 2-20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Students will learn about JAVA and Python programming codes as well as take an elective class. The cost is $995 and includes all textbooks and other materials and fees. Applications are due by May 25 and available at: www.bhcsi.honors.ucf.edu.

w PROM TICKETS are on sale and cost $70 per ticket

until April 5. After they will cost $75 and will be sold until April 13. Anyone who wishes to bring a nonHagerty student to prom must turn in the required forms by April 5. On prom night, all students must depart from the Peabody Hotel at 11 p.m. Visit the school website for more information.

w CHEERLEADING

TRYOUT PACKETS must be completed and turned in at the pre-tryout meeting on April 23 at 6 p.m. in the media center. The tryout clinic will be held on April 30 and tryouts will be held on May 4 in the competition gym. Every student who wishes to participate in cheerleading must have a physical done May 16. Tryout packets are available on the school website.

w PTSA

SCHOLARSHIP applications are currently available on the school website. In order to be eligible, students must be seniors, registered PTSA members, eligible for graduation and be accepted to a postsecondary education institution. Students must submit a typed 500 word essay on “Why Volunteerism/Community Service is Important.” Essays and applications must be turned in to upper house guidance by April 19.

photo by Isabelle Sarnek

Break a leg. Senior Katelyn Satterfield, junior Justin Hughes, junior Kaitlyn Becker, senior Andres Erickson and junior Zachary Smith practice a scene on the stage.

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enior Kim Payumo puts the final touches on the witch’s staircase, or as she calls it, her “baby”.

For the past several months Payumo has been part of the set crew, and like other members of the spring musical, has worked almost every day after school since January to make sure everything turns out perfectly as Purebred Productions present “The Wizard of Oz” on April 19-21.

The many cast and crew members began their musical experience when an orientation meeting was held. Vocal and dance auditions were held a week later on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. Callbacks were then held on Feb. 2, and by the beginning of the

next week, every cast and crew member knew what their part would be.

“The hardest part about being Dorothy would definitely have to be getting into character and developing the relationships between her and her friends,” senior Katelyn Satterfield said.

Behind the scenes, more than 50 students and their parents work to make every costume, set piece and prop resemble the original film.

“The costumes are actually harder than the sets for this show,” theater director Michelle Backel said. Over 200 costume pieces have been made by hand.

Many props are needed for the

elaborate production as well, which includes a large hourglass, snow, the gate to the city of Oz, and other accessories.

“The Oz gate was a special project that required a lot of measurements, exact cutting, and painting,” Payumo said. “It had a lot of steps but overall it was a fun project.”

The most difficult for the crew to assemble was Oz’s face, which is made of seven giant pieces of Styrofoam.

Another unique prop is the tornado, where objects will be painted with glow paint and shown in black lights so it looks like they actually glow and float.

As for set building, 12 members on the crew are trained to operate saws and power drills so that they feel comfortable using them in order to properly put together set pieces such as Dorothy’s house, which is big piece that must be double sided in order to revolve during the tornado scene.

In order to pay for the production, all cast and crew members of the musical must sell $150 worth of advertising space in the play program.

“We sell ad space to pay royalties and to help pay for supplies like wood to make the sets, costumes, and lights,” ensemble member senior Ashley Miller said. The production is non-profit.

“Oz” has proved to be much more elaborate than past musicals due to the lighting and special effects. And as the deadline for the musical quickly approaches the cast and crew are proud of how everything is coming into place.

“I really hope that people will walk away from “Wizard of Oz” loving it so much that the songs are forever stuck in their heads,” Satterfield said.

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news

Local teams raise money, fight cancer in Relay for Life Relay for Life Facts

- In May 1985, Dr. Gordy Klatt ran 83 miles around a track in Ta-

coma, Washington to raise money for his local American Cancer Society office. The following year, 19 teams took part in the first official Relay for Life event and raised $33,000.

- The American Cancer Society is the largest voluntary health

organization in the world, with over 25 million donors and 2 million active volunteers.

- Every relay starts with a Survivors Lap–a time when cancer

survivors walk single lap around the track to celebrate their life.

- This year, Oviedo’s Relay for Life event has 197 participants and 32 teams. They have raised over $27,000.

- A Relay for Life event takes place every year in the online

virtual world Second Life. Online avatars build camps and form teams to raise money from March to July. In 2011, participants from 80 countries participated to raise $374,000.

How to Get Involved

- Several Hagerty groups such as Beta Club, National Honor Society and Student Government Association will participate.

- You do not have to join a team or be part of a club in order to

participate. To register for the Oviedo event, visit relayforlife.org and search for Oviedo. info from relayforlife.org

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ancer affects us all, whether through family, friends or personal experience. The fight to beat cancer has been long and not without its share of hardships but there is one charity dedicated to make a difference.

The American Cancer Society’s fundraiser Relay for Life is well known.

The society’s efforts to raise money for cancer research has made them the number one non-profit organization for cancer in the world. On April 13, students will get a chance to contribute; starting at 6 p.m., when the practice football field will be filled with balloons, booths and people who hope to help make a difference. “[Relay for Life] is a great cause and everyone’s life is touched in some way by cancer,” Christy Bryce, the Logistics Chair for the Relay for Life committee, said. “I am pretty sure we all know someone who has been affected in some way by this awful disease.”

Teams and committee members have planned the event since September. The

FCAT 2.0 brings change

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he Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test may become even more difficult for sophomore students this year. The new FCAT 2.0 is designed to be better structured and more of a challenge for students, but the changes are predicted to drop the average pass rate, overall school grades and increase the graduation rate.

The change to FCAT 2.0 starts with this year’s sophomore students. FCAT 2.0 Science, Math and Reading will start this spring while the written assessment will remain unchanged through 2014.

Changes include format updates, a new measure of student achievement, new designated cut scores, introduction of the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards and the replacement of the ninth and tenth grade mathematics FCAT with the Algebra 1 and Geometry end-ofcourse assessments.

According to Orlando Sentinel reporter Leslie Postal, the proposed changes could make the percentage of students in 10th grade who pass FCAT Reading fall from 60 percent to 52 percent, 10th grade students must pass the FCAT in order to graduate, so the changes to the testing methods could result in lowered graduation rates as well.

Some State Board of Education members believe that altering the standardized tests from an early age will decrease the number of students in remedial mathematics and writing courses both in high school and college.

To ensure quality scores, teachers must designate more time to workbooks, packets and essays—some classes alreadt practice every day. This builds up the students’ confidence, but also creates an atmosphere of doubt.

“I feel like I have to try even harder than I had before because I can’t get a score of three and pass anymore,” sophomore Naedean Shand said, “They’re not seeing if you can get through the test now, but [that you] actually know what you’re doing.”

Students are uneasy about the unfamiliar test and many feel that with a decreased chance of passing, there will be an increased chance of negative academic consequences.

“We have been working with our teachers and students for the last two years in readiness for these changes,” administer Kelly Thompson said. “Our expectations for Hagerty’s results have not changed.”

-Amanda Ellard, Staff Reporter

theme for the booths is board games; each team must decorate their booth or relate it in some way to a game.

Student government has decided to use the game “Scene It” for their theme.

They plan to decorate their booth with movie posters and sell popcorn and candy.

The teams in Relay for Life can have as many members as they want and anyone can form a team. The initial sign-up fee is $100 for one team. They can raise additional funds through their booth’s activities.

The student government has planned to sell t-shirts at both lunches in April.

Each student government class is doing their own fundraiser for Relay.

Many people do not realize that the money raised during Relay is not used just for research. Before he got involved, Tab Bartlett, the community representative for the American Cancer Society, did not realize how many different things the event helps fund.

“They do [raise money] and that’s

a big part, but one of the things I didn’t really know was how much they do for patient services,” Bartlett said.

The proceeds help fund programs like Road to Recovery, where cancer patients are taken to and from their chemotherapytreatments, free of charge. The money is also used to buy wigs, scarves, hats and prosthetics for cancer victims, alongside cancer research for treatments and possible cures.

“People have a kind of negative [outlook] when it comes to research,” Bartlett said. “They think, ‘Well, I don’t want my money going far away, funding some scientist who [might not even be working].’ Some people don’t like that.”

There are 34 Relays in Central Florida and 350 Relays in the state. All of these events help raise millions for cancer victims around the world.

“The more money that is raised for research, the better the chances are that we will find a cure,” Bryce said.

-Catie Mason, Staff Reporter

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lifestyles

Expression through body art

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ince mankind first drew saber tooth tigers on his buddy’s arm, body art has been a way of expression, storytelling and tribal status. In modern day body art, most commonly tattoos, many would argue the purpose of this art is to rebel against the natural order of society. For those who have been pricked by the small ink-filled needle, tattoos generally have a deeper meaning then what may appear on the surface.

Senior Hunter Boudreau recently received a tattoo on his forearm, “Time heals all”.

“I always put a lot of thought into my tattoos,” Boudreau said. “I’ve seen people with tattoos that they hate and have to live with it.”

Tattoos are most popular among young adults and teens. In 2006, according to inkvilletattoo.com, 36 percent of people between the ages 18 to 29 had at least one tattoo. It is not uncommon to see high school students with ink on their skin.

Junior Nick Dambro is no stranger to tattoos. Dambro has recently had “Follow Your Instincts” written around a compass on the left side of his ribs.

“Tattoos show who I am,” Dambro said. “I want people to be able to learn something about me.”

Dambro feels that much of society fails to understand the sentimental value of this art form, and he is not alone. For positive and negative, tattoos affect the way people are treated by both their peers and teachers.

“When I see someone with tattoos I generally just see them as a more artistic, free person,” senior Jose Cruz said.

Tattoos are something that have always affected the way society views recipients. Some reject the commitment of this art, others embrace it. No matter how many good tattoos, bad tattoos, big, or small, as humans many of us strive to be different.

-Jack Shwartz, Staff Reporter

No one wants your useless air containers Sabrina Chehab, Managing Editor

photo by Isabelle Sarnek

Who I am. Junior Nick Dambro believes his tattoos show who he is and that people can learn more about him from his tattoos.

What does your tattoo mean?

“I have ‘When all else fails, pray’ on my shoulder. It’s something my mom used to say all the time. It reminds me of her.”

“I got a Greek Omega made out of Celtic knots. Omega is the last letter of the Greek alphabet and represents the ‘end of all things.’ I’ve wanted it since third-grade.”

“I wanted something that looks cool and represents my culture, so I had a dragon tattoo done down my side to my thigh.

-Katie Schwab, 11

-Brad Dickinson, 12

-Elizabeth Dang, 12

rom fly fishing to deep sea fishing, bait fishing to river fishing, fishing is a popular activity.

Half the time, fishing is a quiet sport, providing peace and tranquility.

“I enjoy fishing because it is so relaxing and easy to get your mind off stuff,” sophomore Michael Marion said.

The other part of the time, fishing is an epic, head-to-head battle for the biggest catch and the most outrageous fish story.

“Also, the goal is to catch as many and the biggest fish as you can,” Marion said.

Fishing tends to be a very early developed passion, stemmed from memories of fishing with family and friends when younger.

“My papa taught me everything to know about fishing with a cane pole, but I later matured from that and then started watching Bassmasters on TV,” sophomore

Beau Hawks said. “That is where I really found the right way to fish.”

Like many other aspiring fishermen, he learned how to fish when he was younger and has loved it ever since.

The Oviedo-Chuluota area is teeming with water life and for avid fishermen there is no pond not worth fishing.

“The places that I usually fish are local. I fish all over Oviedo. If there’s a lake with bass in it, I will be there fishing day and night,” Hawks said.

Big bites and outrageous fishing tales are what provide the action in fishing.

Tales of impossible odds and chances, exaggerations and prize catches add a sense of competitiveness to the sport that fishermen love.

“I have been fishing for so long, trying to catch a nice trophy bass,” Marion said.

“I went one morning to go fishing in the

park nearby my house. The second cast, I hooked into a 10 pound bass that put up a good fight through some lily pads. I didn’t want to lose the fish so I hugged the fish and landed it successfully.”

Sometimes the stories are a bit more strange and interesting.

“One time, I was fishing the local Econ and a water moccasin started chasing my lure,” Hawks said. “Then I killed it with a big stick, breaking its back and later eating it.”

No matter the fisherman, they always have an interesting and colorful fishing tale to tell and, for the more avid anglers, a keen sense of identity through their experiences.

“Yes, I enjoy fishing very much; it is one of my many loves in life!” Hawks said.

Fishing stories lure avid anglers

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The Death of Chivalry

-Wil Egan, Staff Reporter

The phrase, “Will you go to prom with me?” is reminiscent of the bland, “Will you go out with me?” to which everyone should be asking, in return, “Where are we going?” followed by a brisk turning of the shoulder and a dramatic walking away.

When it comes to getting a date, creativity and bravery seem to be things of the past. It is nice to get straight to the point when it comes to romance—dangling from a Ferris wheel and asking for a date has proven effective.

Pronouncing your love for the first time on television prior to a brutal 24-person fight to the death is downright attractive. But there’s no need to be elaborate, just abnormal in a tasteful sense.

At this age, the fear of looking uncool is overwhelming.

Anything remotely embarrassing can be shared instantaneously via smartphone, so the consequences of going out on a limb are positively dire.

But despite the potential of a crash and burn, we should not be afraid. Everyone should be weird (in a tasteful sense) when it comes to dating. Balloons and flowers and date-me signs are cute, but they seem to be the only “creative” things anyone ever turns to. These clichés need some work.

Writing on the sidewalks with chalk is elementary.

It would be much more fun to take those dusty sticks of doom to the street. Not only does the spaciousness of the road present the opportunity to do some real art, but it’s dangerous. Nothing says, “I love you!” like the risk of getting hit by a car.

What is really accomplished in giving someone a balloon? The gesture is almost narcissistic to begin with: let us celebrate the fact that I like you. Date me? No. It would be more interesting replacing these useless air containers with one giant hot air balloon and approaching the situation The Bachelor style: I know you’re deathly afraid of heights, but if we can get through this together than we can get through anything.

Because that’s how relationships work.

It is difficult to go wrong with flowers because they are so classy. When it comes to dating, everyone always turns to roses because they are traditional symbols of love. But so many things can be said with different kinds of flowers.

Grab some stray daisies from your neighbor’s yard or some dandelions from in between the sidewalk cracks, they probably mean something important. The cactus is a symbol of warmth and protection, how romantic wouldn’t it be to receive a bouquet of cacti?

On a serious note, forget-me-nots symbolize true love, if you feel like one-upping the rose. And if anyone knows anything about true love, it’s the guy who dresses up as the Dread Pirate Roberts.

So I wouldn’t cross “pirate costume” off the list just yet, either.

lifestyles

Homemade instruments turn theory to knowledge

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lutes, guitars, xylophones, Zietlow said.

Another unique instrument was junior recorder, even a bagpipe? Musical instruments are all over campus, Kaitlyn Schuchart’s violin. She made it but not just from the band students. The with a wood neck and a round cardboard honors physics students have been making box for the body. She played “Ode to Joy.” “The hardest part was getting all their own instruments for a class project.

Each student had to hand-make their the pieces the right shape and length,” own instrument using common household Schuchart said, “There were also a lot of little pieces inside the body that had to be items or random things from the store.

Part of the project included tuning the just right before I could glue the lid on.”

Although the process of making the instrument, which meant calculating the lengths of the sound wave appropriately. instrument was difficult, students agreed The waves carry the sound vibration that watching the presentations was the particles in the air until the energy reaches best part.

“I loved being able to listen to others people’s ears. The creation of a pitch is play their instruments because it was different for each instrument.

However, students did not just have to entertaining,” Yanez said, “unlike regular make an instrument, they had to perform projects that you are forced to listen to in with it for the class as well. The hardest English and History.”

According to Zietlow, the worst part of the project though? Deciding instruments to make are the shoe box which instrument they should make.

Each instrument was worth a different rubber band guitars and the water filled amount of points. Depending on the glass xylophones. Zietlow asked her difficulty of the instrument the student students not to make those this year, but made, students could earn a multiplier on to think outside the box instead.

Despite the fact that some student’s their grade. The tune played could also instruments did not work for the class boost the grade if it was more difficult. performance, Sophomore I loved being able to listen to Zietlow was Mery Yanez chose to make others play their instruments impressed with the quality. a flute out of because it was entertaining, “Everyone did a PVC pipe unlike regular projects that really well on the because her project,” Zietlow sister could help you are forced to listen to in said. “It’s not easy teach her how to English and History. to make your own play it. To finish, -Mery Yanez, 10 instrument.” she drilled holes The main into it, taped the end of it closed and decorated it with reason that most students enjoyed the project was because they could keep makers and stickers.

Yanez spent three hours trying to something interesting afterwards, unlike figure out how to play “Here Comes the an English poster that gets thrown away Sun” by the Beatles, but she ended up just as soon as it is graded.

Some students, like junior Chris playing “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”

The most popular instruments were Valentine, even admitted that they still guitars and recorders because they were play around on their instruments.

“It’s really fun to mess around on easy to tune, but some students decided to my recorder and see if I can get better go a more creative path.

Junior Lauren Cremonese made a at playing it,” Valentine said. “It’s also a bagpipe, one of the most challenging good cure for boredom.”

For some, the best part was seeing all instrument to design, and the instrument with the highest multiplier. All the reeds the creativity around campus.

“Seeing people around the school were handmade and the actual bagpipe was made from Ziploc bags and duct tape. carrying their instruments was entertaining “Lauren did an outstanding job and and it also gave me some ideas to create she even could play the theme song from my project from,” Yanez said.

Braveheart on it,” physics teacher Sarah -Natalie Castle, Staff Reporter

photo by Isabelle Sarnek

Sound of music. Junior Leo Ayala constructed a trombone out of PVC pipes and a funnel. Junior Jenna White performed “Smoke on the Water” on her flute made out of PVC pipe.

6 Fangirls follow bands with fire

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veryone has a few favorite songs, or a favorite band. But sometimes people will go much further to get close to their favorite band members – using social networking sites to follow their everyday lives, creating their own shirts and sending the band members fan mail or funny items.

Most are constantly receiving updates on their phones, and always know where the band is, and what they are working on.

Twitter is one of the most popular sites to use when it comes to following bands.

“One of the best things in the world is getting a reply,” senior Shaina Seltzer said. Liam Payne from the band One Direction replied to one of her earlier tweets talking about their career and future. “It makes you feel like you’re a part of their lives…like you’re important because they notice you.”

People, and teens in particular, take the obsessing and the Twitter so far, that they are considered “fangirls,” or rather people who talk about their favorite band a lot, almost constantly, and tend to

focus on simple things like the lead singer getting a tattoo.

“I once had three computers open trying to get tickets for the One Direction concert in June,” Seltzer said. “It was a hassle and a half, but it is going to be so worth it!”

But for some, obsessing over their band and the people behind the instruments it is not simply about their good looks or funny attitudes. For some, the band has changed their lives and because of their personal connection to the music, having a personal connection to the musicians is just a natural progression of feelings.

Last year, Becker got the opportunity to do a meet-and-greet with her favorite band, My Chemical Romance, before their concert. After winning tickets from a radio station contest, she was able to go backstage before the show to get signatures and talk with them for a few minutes. She has listened to them every day since she was 11, so this experience left her nearly speechless.

“Their lyrics remind me that I have so

much waiting for me in the future, Becker said, “so why let the world try and drag me down when it’s not going to matter in a few years anyhow?”

Lyrics are often the things that attract people to their favorite bands. While the music itself can be great, sometimes it is life changing to hear words you have not ever been able to say out aloud.

“Nobody said it was easy, no one ever said it would be this hard,” are some of sophomore Brittany Hill’s favorite lyrics from the song Scientist by Coldplay.

“They make me know that they understand how I feel,” said Hill. “This past year has been difficult with drama, and listening to Coldplay always gives me an uplifting feeling.”

Obsessing over bands may seem to be nothing more than “fan-girling” over musicians, but mostly these obsessions comes from a touching song, or an inspirational line that have greatly impacted their listeners and changed them for the better.

-Quinby Mitchell, Staff Reporter

lifestyles

photo by Quinby Mitchell

Welcome to the Black Parade. Junior Kaitlyn Becker met her favorite band, My Chemical Romance, and they signed a flag that now hangs over her bed.

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Odds of liking The Hunger Games ever in fans’ favor

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ope; it is the only thing stronger than fear. President Snow could not say more about fans anticipating the release of The Hunger Games movie. For such a beloved book, the movie does not fail to impress. While fan’s fears about discrepancies were reasonable, the movie as a whole is enough to please both fans and newcomers.

Although one of the most violent movies of the year, everything is filmed quite tastefully, despite the plot of 24 children pitted against each other in a fight to the death. With a style of filming similar to Cloverfield, the quick, blurred shifts between movements and the shaky camera bring the audience into the confusion of the fights while never directly showing anyone getting killed.

The beginning can seem a little slow for those that have not read the book. If viewers expected a movie like 300 with fight scene after fight scene, this is not it.

However, the buildup is necessary for full understanding of the story, and much is still cut out from the book.

As a book adaptation, The Hunger Games is one of the most forgivable movies for differences. Because the book is much shorter than any Harry Potter

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Singing competition television shows need a reality check Sam Salinas, Graphics Editor

photo from IMDb.com

Power of the bow. Jennifer Lawrence, as Katniss, learned how to shoot for the movie.

book, these changes and cut-outs are far less than what readers are used to.

One concern fans of the books had was how a first-person story, where a character thinks more than speaks, would translate onto the big screen. Not only was it possible, but it was expertly done.

In the books, the majority of information, like explanations of the Capitol, Districts and the Games, came through Katniss’ thoughts. The filmmakers were able to provide the necessary background information, without having an obnoxious voice over of Katniss thinking, through added commentary from the Hunger Games television host, detailed scenery and action going on outside of the Games.

Jennifer Lawrence’s performance

The Lorax predictably cute, fun

rom the top of a dandelion to the snowy Mt. Crumpit, Dr. Seuss has taken readers to the crazy places of his imagination since 1937. Now they get another look into the world of Seuss with The Lorax, an animated modernized twist to Dr. Seuss’ Lorax tale.

The plot is simple and predictable, but the story is told in a unique fashion that makes it fun. It begins with a boy, Ted (Zac Effron), who hopes to woo his beautiful neighbor Audrey (Taylor Swift) by presenting her with a real tree.

Through his search he finds a mysterious man named the Once-ler (Ed Helms), who explains why the trees disappeared, which turns into a flashback, telling the story of the Once-ler.

Adults may enjoy this movie, but it lacks the adult humor found in similar animations such as Shrek. The Lorax mostly has bathroom humor and ironic situations, but the colorful animation and

Striking a Chord

photo from IMDb.com

character’s expressions make the cliché moments cute and fresh. Times like when the Lorax tries to pick a fight with the Once-ler’s family, or when Ted dreams about presenting Audrey with a tree, make it hard not to smile.

The musical numbers in the movie were fun and catchy; the ending song was balancing the thin barrier between cute and cheesy. The Once-ler’s “How Bad Can I Be?” definitely had a modern-day style, and the opening song added to the fake feeling of Thneedville.

The Lorax was a cute movie overall, with a very strong environmental lesson. It has relatable and likeable characters with a good plot that leaves nothing hanging.

The Lorax is best for those not attached to Dr. Seuss stories, but even then, it would not hurt to wait for the DVD. -Catie Mason, Staff Reporter

The Lorax, PG

did the rest. Probably breaking records for least amount of lines from a main character, Lawrence was able to embrace the saying, “Actions speak louder than words.” There is never a moment of doubt as to what Katniss might be thinking; Lawrence was amazing in making her expressions do the talking.

The Hunger Games is a superb movie and impressive book adaptation, worthy of a night out to the movie theater. If you do not make it to the theater, you need to tuck in your tail, little duck, because it is highly possibly the odds will not be ever in your favor.

-Jem Mason, Lifestyles Editor

The Hunger Games, PG-13

Raving to Roman Reloaded

W

ith her double platinum debut album Pink Friday, and the follow-up Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, superstar Nicki Minaj continues to show us that the rap field is no longer boys-only territory.

In the first song of the album, “Roman Holiday,” Minaj introduces her alter ego, Roman Zolanski, and raps through the ego in most of the songs. On the title track “Roman Reloaded”, Minaj raps through Roman about how far she has come as an artist—from getting her mix tapes out to the public to being nominated for a Grammy award.

Minaj also proves that she was meant for Top 40 radio with pop tunes, like “Starships” and “Pound the Alarm,” that will get people on the dance floor.

Minaj shines in her sophomore album and proves that her creative lyricism is truly a gift. While her split personalities and absurd creative artistry go over the top at times, it is a part of what makes her music enjoyable.

-Matthew Neveras, Business Manager

Nicki Minaj, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded

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t is just one after the other. Every year another aspiring singer/songwriter is cranked out of one of a handful of publicly watched music reality television shows. And each year, nothing changes. The producers of these shows have officially exhausted their supply of good, original ideas on sending talented people through the rags-to-riches process. Music reality television had a good run, but it has struck out. Yet The Voice, American Idol and America’s Got Talent will not allow that to happen, and will do anything to prevent the destruction of its gilded kingdom.

Release the Kraken.

From its origin, competitions to make America’s, or Britain’s, next musical artist started out strong. American Idol was a riot. I generally watched all of the tryouts, since that is where the real entertainment flourished. The concept was not necessarily completely new, but the way it was done definitely turned many heads and created an entertaining show where viewers could see any brave, yet foolish, soul humiliate themselves in front of three reliable judges.

And I could get behind that. For why else would we bother sitting down for an hour to watch it? To see each and every contestant succeed? No, we want to see them crash and burn, and get told by Simon Cowell that they are atrocious.

At some point, the appeal vanished. Then more shows about singing talent and competitions came about. Shows like The Voice, X-Factor, America’s Got Talent and others I erased from my memory have made these competitions repetitive and more of a snoozefest than anything else.

Yes, I get it. Millions of people want to be famous, and singing is a golden ticket to the land of opportunity. At first, I found myself laughing so hard I had to excuse myself from the room, but now I avoid these shows at all cost. History repeats itself, and so does the talent.

The Voice—or as I like to call it, American Idol 2—does not even have filmed auditions. Auditions are done behind closed doors, and only those chosen can be seen singing to Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine, Blake Shelton and Christina Aguilera, four judges who have lost whatever they had before and sold their souls to the devils of reality television.

The old Idol pumped out stars like Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken and Daughtry. So far Voice has not had any winners that have stood out so much that they became an instant hit.

From what I have seen, the biggest news about Voice has been the growing bromance between judges Blake Shelton and Adam Levine. Cee Lo Green getting so emotional that he is brought to tears by a contestant’s performance is laughable.

No one truly takes the musical aspect of these shows seriously. Especially not when Cee Lo Green makes a permanent appearance.

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KONY 2012

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After releasing a thirty minute video, Invisible Children Inc.’s Stop Kony campaign spread across the Internet. The video documented Invisible Children’s goals and efforts to stop Joseph Kony, the brutal guerilla leader of his rebel group, Lord’s Resistance Army, who kidnaps children and forces them to be part of his army. Since 1986, Kony’s violent campaign has caused the kidnapping of about 30,000 children and the displacement of 2.1 million people, according to the Invisible Children website. Jason Russell, one of the founders of the organization, has gotten his message out so much so that his voice has reached big time celebrities. The campaign against Joseph Kony is supported

by Oprah Winfrey, George Clooney and Ellen DeGeneres. The film gained 100 million views on YouTube faster than any viral video in existence, even Rebecca Black’s Friday.

TRAYVON MARTIN The night of Feb 26, 17-year-old Trayvon Martin was found dead in Sanford, Fla., having been shot by local neighborhood volunteer watchman George Zimmerman.

Zimmerman told police at the scene that he had killed Martin in self defense, so no arrest was made. Martin was unarmed, and had been carrying a pack of skittles and a can of iced tea. From there on the story blew up, prompting rallies and protests throughout the state. Even the NAACP and civil rights leaders like the Rev. Jesse Jackson have spoken out against police action. An arrest is wanted, but police investigation into what really went on has been slow and turned into a he-said-she-said scenario. As the case gets more steam, more details of “what really happened” are revealed. Was George Zimmerman acting in self defense? Or is this another issue of racial discrimination?

SENIOR DRAMA This year the senior class was very vocal about what they wanted the senior song to be. However, administration wanted a list of pre-approved songs they could make sure were appropriate. Once Katie Yoches, senior class president, posted the songs on the senior Facebook page, the site blew up. The students were very vocal about expressing their dislike of the chosen songs. The entire page, as well as much of Facebook, was filled with people attacking Yoches’ character and “being mean to be mean.” Within a few hours, most of the school knew about the incident.

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(1) Rebecca Black’s Friday hit YouTube spring 2011 and has become a staple joke every Friday. Photo from ktla.com. (2) Casey Anthony’s trial made national news and spurred discussions across the web. Photo from cbsnews.com. (3) Adorable and annoying, how long can you listen to Nyan Cat? Photo from theawesomer.com. (4) When an IT’s daughter posts about her parents on Facebook, he easily finds out and shoots her laptop as punishment. And tapes it. Photo from mashable.com. (5) Fully convinced he has super powers, this young teen went Super Saiyan on camera for YouTube. Photo from youtube.com. (6) A cute video of a man teasing his “talking dog.” Photo from lazytechguys.com. (7) “HEYYEYAAEYAAAEYAEYAA, what’s going on?” is the extent of the lyrics song by He-Man, a classic cartoon character. Photo from weheartit.com. (8) Hagerty’s own junior Justin Hughes went viral when his student election posters went up on Tumblr, reaching 50,00 likes and reblogs within 24 hours. Photo from tumblr.com.

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GOING VIRAL Social networking sets the stage for complaints, debates, fallacies and even revolutions

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hen junior Justin Hughes’s humorous class campaign posters were posted on Tumblr, they received over 60,000 hits within three days.

Funny or morbid, the Internet is an open arena for sharing ideas. Current events are transmitted at record speeds and forums spring up with a few keystrokes. Because communication is so easy, anyone from anywhere can express his or her opinions for all to see.

But people do not always agree, and conflicting ideas can lead to lengthy arguments. Discrepancies start small, but blow up quickly.

“There was this girl who posted ‘I like your biceps’ on a boy’s photo, and a whole bunch of girls attacked her,” junior CiCi Ryals said. “I thought it was funny.”

But things can get out of hand when divisive social issues are discussed.

Because arguing behind a computer screen is easier than arguing in person, problems arise—especially when comments can be made instantly. The recent Kony 2012 campaign—the crusade against Joseph Kony, an African guerilla leader who kidnaps children for his army—is most notorious for these blind comments.

“The fact people watch a 30 minute video online and think they’re experts on a topic is ludicrous because they don’t have all their facts,” senior Alex Johnson said. “You’ll say things online and then act completely different in person.”

Which, to a lot of students, is not fair.

After someone blindly comments on a serious issue, there is an explosion of critical comments. Then there are those who are angry at the critical comments and those who are just angry in general, and a circle of Internet hate is established, with fights running rampant.

“The Internet is only good to an

extent,” senior Steven Argueta said. “A lot of people are deceived about things.”

The deception and anger can be worsened by those who enjoy “trolling,” the art of deliberately aggravating and deceiving people online. While it is at times fun for the troll, arguments are often heightened to unreasonable proportions.

“Going too far is a danger of trolling,” senior Andrew Ashby said. “A very intelligent troll can make a legitimate argument into a joke and then people believe it.”

When senior class president Katie Yoches posted the list of available graduation songs to the senior class Facebook page, the site blew up with comments. Angry reactions ranged from those genuinely upset with the song options to those who just wanted to add fuel to the fire.

“There was no fear of repercussion,” senior class sponsor Jayme Jamison said.

“They were just mean to be mean— none of the things said would be said if they were talking face to face. We had to remove the group.”

Though the outburst resulted in changes in the senior song list, the fallout and anger remain.

Whether the topic is a class song or a global crisis, the raging debate can turn serious topics into aggravating ones.

Issues can be worn out when they are beaten with uninformed comments and ill-intentioned remarks. Instead of joining in on a cause, people roll their eyes at the sight of it.

“It’s a double-sided situation,” Johnson said. “The Internet is good because it gives you a chance to express yourself, but on the other hand you’re doing things you would never do in real life; you’ll say things online and then act completely different in person.”

-Sabrina Chehab, Managing Editor

illustration by Sabrina Chehab

10 QUOTES, NOTES & PHRASES LENT:  “I’m giving up cursing for Lent this year. I don’t really consider myself super religious, but I figured I could challenge myself for 40 days.”

-Katie Cecil, 11

SPRING BREAK:  “I’ve gone to El Salvador for two spring breaks in a row. It is something that I really look forward to because I help people that are there and get to experience another culture and place for a whole week.”

-Mery Yanez, 10

OZ MUSICAL:  “Being on crew for the show is great, but the best part? Getting migraines off the fumes from the prop’s crew hot knives.”

-Heidi Winters, 9

PROM:  “Prom is about spending your last moments with the people that made your high school experience the best it could be.”

-Peter Torres, 12

 “I am very excited for to be nominated for Prom Queen this year. I got my dress months ago since I was so excited! I ordered it online because finding one around here was ridiculous.”

-Rebecca Kennedy, 12

student connection

QUIZ

Which Hunger Games character are you?

1. When things are not fair, you show defiance...

A. by keeping your cool, staying true to yourself while secretly plotting revenge B. with very public gestures of rebellion C. openly with fiery rants D. with a façade of complete, drunken indifference E. artistically, in the things you create 2. In the nightmarish hallucination of a trackerjacker sting, your greatest horror is...

A. losing the person you’ve been in love with since childhood B. watching your family die C. being left defenseless D. reliving the past E. the inability to leave an impression 3. If involved in the Hunger Games, you would best take on the role as...

A. the protector; there can only be one winner, so you’ll sacrifice yourself watching over someone you care about B. the fearless; being scared isn’t going to help you win C. the fighter; you’re in it to win it D. the mentor; your experience is vital in coaching tributes to victory E. the designer; appearances are everything in this game

4. When it comes to romance, you...

A. use it as motivation for all your actions B. have no idea what you want C. hopelessly chase after it D. would rather not remember things that have happened E. keep secret about it

5. In the face of death, your final move would be...

A. acceptance, as long as the cause is just B. denial; there are people who need you C. to fight it, you do not deserve to die D. to outsmart it; it may bring relief, but you’re not ready E. to keep calm; you knew it was coming and it was only a matter of time 6. In a televised interview that will be seen by the entire country, you...

A. are smooth and dazzling, and have a real way with words B. freak out and do not know how to portray yourself C. see it as an opportunity to express your feelings of resentment towards the government D. are an expert schmoozer and know how to play into what people want to hear E. are incredibly polite and not very outspoken

ODYSSEY MONOLOGUES:  “I stayed up all night memorizing my two page monologue. The presentations were annoying; I didn’t really enjoy that project besides people’s costumes. The guy playing the Cyclops stuffed his clothes with cotton to make himself super fat.”

-Kelly Walter, 9

THEATER STATE FESTIVAL:  “My favorite thing was definitely meeting new people and making a lot of new friends and being really welcomed into a place where we’re all basically pretty much all the same person.”

-Kendall Vaughn, 10

POLL: YOUR SAY

Who would you take as a prom date? graphic by Sam Salinas

Based on a survey of 327 randomly selected students Compiled by Sam Salinas

7. You find that it is most important to...

A. stay genuine and do anything for the one you love B. protect your family C. fight for what you believe in D. drown your sorrows with bad habits E. show the world who you are by carefully choosing how you look

Mostly A’s: Peeta Mellark You are genuine, bold and steady. People adore you.

Your intelligence serves as support for those who are emotionally unstable. You would willingly die in any manner, at any time for your better half—even if your love seems unrequited.

Mostly B’s: Katniss Everdeen

You’re a fighter. Though you can appear indestructible, you are always in limbo about what you should do. It’s hard to know who to trust and even harder to know who you can open up to. You can handle all sorts of emotional damage, but only for so long.

Mostly C’s: Gale Hawthorne

You make an excellent friend. Your opinions are strong and passionate, and you’re willing to act upon them at any given time. You may be quick to anger sometimes, but holding a grudge is difficult. You’re an idealist who wants to make the world a better place.

Mostly D’s: Haymitch Abernathy

Blunt, insightful and a little terrifying. You are not afraid to tell people how it is; you know exactly what people want to hear and you know how to manipulate the public. You have troubles dealing with the past, though, and turn to bad habits in order to deal with it.

Mostly E’s: Cinna

You are calm and collective, very down to Earth. You know that appearances are important, but you don’t go overboard. Everything you create is given careful thought and you bravely make statements through your art.

-Sabrina Chehab, Managing Editor

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student connection

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Readers upset about assemblies and sick teachers

PHOTO OF THE ISSUE

Dear editors, I get it. Our futures are important. Our grades are important. College is important.

However, I’m getting sick of having the pressure of grades and going to a good school screaming at me whenever I turn around.

This year I’m only taking one AP class. Combining that with all my other homework and studying equals about three to four hours of homework a night, or more.

It annoys me when administrators tell me to take more AP classes because they’ll look good on college applications. Have they seen our workload? Isn’t this stage in our lives supposed to be somewhat fun? Well, shutting myself in my room and doing homework until 11 p.m. isn’t my definition of fun at all.

I suggest that next year, they put on shorter assemblies that are focused on one aspect. This way we wouldn’t feel so overwhelmed with everything we were expected to accomplish in high school. We should feel excited about going to college, not stressed.

Sincerely, Adeline Davis, 9 Dear editors, I think that if a teacher is sick and is going to be gone for over two weeks then we should get a new teacher. It is not reasonable for us when the [end-of-course exam] comes and we don’t know all the information that we need in order to pass the test.

The school should say after 10 days in a row of a teacher being absent, we should get a new teacher to come in and take over until he or she gets back. I think it is a good idea so that students will get the best education possible and not have the disruption of not knowing if a teacher will be there. Students need to be focusing on school, not learning how to do busy work that will not help them in the end.

Sincerely, Jessica Ritchie, 9

Have an opinion for The Blue Print staff? Send us an e-mail at hhsblueprint@gmail.com or come to 6-201.

EVERYONE HAS A STORY

photo by Isa

belle Sarn

ek

Q: A:

Q: A:

Photograph by senior Malia Campbell “This photo was from one of the best summers of my life spent on the Cape in Massachusetts. It epitomizes every boat trip we would take to go out on the water. Starfish are my absolute favorite.”

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 put a toothpick with a label reading “pick me!” into one of the Dunkin’ Donuts that are given out before school every Monday morning. The first person to pick that donut was hair and makeup artist freshman Anika Glick.

Where did you get your inspiration?

For makeup—my mom used to sell makeup and my stepmom was in Mary Kay. My aunt was a makeup professional, so I guess I learned from them. For hair— inspiration came from looking at scene hairstyles with my friend.

We got different cuts, but I didn’t like mine, so I decided to start doing my own hair.

What do you use?

I use CoverGirl’s LashBlast Mascara—the orange tube and Maybelline, and basically the only products I use are eyeliner and mascara. For my hair I use a blow dryer, round brush, comb and a straightener.

Q: A: Q: A:

Do you ever practice on other people?

Sometimes, I do some of my friends’ makeup. It takes about five to 10 minutes. My friend and I did our initial scene style together too. I like to experiment with hairstyles. I see other peoples’ styles and think ‘that’s cool, I want my hair like that’ and then I do it similarly.

What does your style mean to you?

It is a style that I like. It has its own certain look. Scene is a style that is based off of Goth; I learned what it was from a T.V. show and I told my friend and she knew what it was too and that’s when we decided to do that hairstyle.

Q: A:

How long have you been doing hair and makeup?

I’ve been doing it since sixth grade. I looked up some videos on YouTube on how to go about doing different styles. I’ve changed my hair often; before it was scene I had the ‘skater bangs.’ I went from scene to skater to back to putting my bangs at an angle. The first time I dyed my hair was second grade because I got a pixie cut and looked like a dude. The second time was brown in seventh grade, and then it was red then black in eighth grade. It was black again then a brownpurple that turned out red which I put black under.

-Amanda Ellard and Wil Egan, Staff Reporters

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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 Lifestyles Editor Jem Mason

News Editor Sarah Casagrande Reviews Editor Jem Mason Opinions Editor Justin Moser Student Connection Robyn Smith Sports Editor Sean Donovan

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

Our Take: FCAT needs to be phased out The situation is really nothing new. For years, the debate regarding standardized tests has raged, and opinions on the matter have swung to and fro with the passage of time.

FCAT has always been under scrutiny. Subject-specific end-of-course exams—also on the dissection table— are being phased in.

The big debate between FCAT and end-of-course examinations is which testing method will set standards, evaluate student performance— and by extension, teacher pay—and determine which students are enrolled in remedial classes.

Right now, the whole situation seems to be in a state of suspended animation;

with FCAT in silent death throes and end-of-course exams clumsily organized, neither side has much advantage.

Harder standards dubbed “FCAT 2.0” have been implemented in an effort to save the FCAT, which has created an ironic backlash.

Previously, criticisms of standardized testing in general have been directed at the “watering down” of standards and at “teaching for the test.” As it turns out, parents also do not like the idea of a higher percentage of schools receiving a failing grade.

The fact that the FCAT cannot get away with either lower standards or higher standards is likely proof positive that this particular testing regiment is on

the way out, and that a more versatile method must be sought.

The time for more flexibility in standardized testing has been long overdue. In today’s society, this flexibility is a must; rigidity is a veritable death sentence. The FCAT simply does not work anymore, and it is time to let it go.

End-of-course exams, though not necessarily part of a perfect system, offer a release from the purgatory where standardized testing has found itself. Refinements and adjustments will undoubtedly have to be made in order to work out the imperfections, but for the time being, end-of-course exams will have to do.

come easily to most students. Field trips provide an excellent opportunity for students to escape their tedious classroom environments and apply and expand their knowledge to the world.

According to the Council on Communications and Media, teenagers’ attention spans only stretch about 20 to 30 minutes–not much higher than the average 12-year-old. Ideally, a high school student cannot be expected to pay attention any longer than a student in middle school.

While not as simplistic or entertaining as field trips intended for children, high school field trips can still inspire and motivate students in a more mature way.

In January, students in the AP Environmental class took a field trip to a local garden. The voyage across the street and back had to be completed in a single block period over the course of two days.

However, the students were given a tour, worksheets and answers to their questions.

Along with the in-class assignments, the trip gave students a better-rounded lesson.

Yet the AP Environmental trip

showed how much block schedules add to the difficulty of field trip preparation.

If one class period has a field trip, students must miss their remaining three classes unless the trip is within walking distance. However, if one field trip per year is organized for entire grades, more students are provided with the privilege and unnecessary absences from class are prevented.

These trips outside the classroom can inform students on career opportunities, community service and different traditions and cultures. The excitement of the experience helps provide active, meaningful classroom discussions after the students return to school.

Students spend seven hours a day, five days a week in class. Most of that time is divided between notes, classwork and tests. With so much time spent on bookwork and memorization, students deserve the chance to venture out of the fluorescent lighting of the classroom and apply their education to the world.

Field trips provide valuable education

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n elementary school, some of students’ fondest memories involve field trips.

Drawstring travel bags, SPF 50 sunscreen and the sight of buses lined up in the parking lot sparked excitement and apprehension for a day away from school.

In high school, things change. With the heavy emphasis on AP exams, FCAT testing and end-of-course exams, the county is reluctant to let high school students miss instruction. Plus, teachers who are paid and graded based on student performance would rather have their students in a classroom than on a charter bus. High school field trips, despite the financial ability, have become a rarity.

While there is a major gap in the behavior patterns of a third-grader and a tenth-grader, the right field trips still retain educational value. In class, students grumble through notes and wonder when they will ever use the material in their real lives. Textbooks are an easy teaching method but offer only a summarized, limited view of information. The ability to memorize strings of facts does not

-Sarah Casagrande, News Editor

The Leek

Your monthly dose of satirical reporting

Free Time found dead in living room of apartment Justin Moser, Opinions Editor

T

ragedy struck last Sunday when police, investigating an apartment block for reports of a foul odor, discovered Free Time, 20, dead in his Cheyenne, Wyoming home.

The death came as a surprise to everyone close to Free Time, who was in good health at the time of his death.

The police are currently hard at work investigating the death, and although there are no suspects as of yet, foul play has not been entirely ruled out, which was a shock to neighbors who report Free Time’s lifestyle as carefree.

The surviving family, stricken with grief, did not wish to comment on the family tragedy that has just occurred.

Police discovered Free Time in his living room, partially crushed and asphyxiated underneath a large mountain of papers with subjects from calculus to biology printed on them.

The initial police report stated that it appeared as if Free Time was attempting to do homework.

“That just doesn’t seem like Free Time at all,” a neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous, said. “Working? I’m not even sure if Free Time had a job; he always seemed to be out with friends. Never did anything that required effort. Didn’t have a care in the world, no enemies, nothing. But for him to be killed in such an out of character way? I really don’t like the implications…”

It is precisely this out-of-place cause of death that has police investigators scratching their heads. Although investigators have declared Free Time’s apartment a crime scene, very few pieces of evidence—save for the piles of school work spread about the room—were left for them to sift through. It is believed that the mountains of papers and work scattered about are a sort of calling-card for the potential murderer.

Free Time is survived by his parents and older brother, Spare Time, 28. His surviving family members have begun planning funeral arrangements in spite of investigators’ warnings against such actions. As long as murder is still a possibility, police worry for the safety of the remaining family and wish for the family to be monitored and placed in a witness protection program. Particularly troubling news, Spare Time reports that U.S. history homework has started appearing in his mail, which has investigators working on Free Time’s case especially nervous.

“Free Time’s surviving family is understandably distraught,” Officer Caine, investigator in charge of Free Time’s case, said at a press conference. “But they’ll have peace of mind. I’m confident we’ll find the guy. I mean, they always do in CSI, right?”

Officer Caine confidently assured the family and those at the press conference that his crack team of investigators was working around the clock to determine the truth behind Free Time’s death.

“With Free Time gone, it just doesn’t seem right to take breaks,” Caine said whilst putting on a pair of sunglasses. “We’re not going to rest until we find out what really happened.”

YESNO

THE

opinions “[It is better] to have the guarantee of a fun night with a friend-date. You know what makes your friend tick and how to have a good time with them.”

Should you bring a friend as a prom date?

“Prom as a ‘couples only’ dance has gone by the wayside, so there is no need for you to stoop down and take a friend along as a last resort.”

-Robyn Smith, Editor-in-Chief

-Jem Mason, Lifestyles Editor

Y

ou find yourself standing six feet away from your crush (that you may or may not have been secretly admiring from afar for years) and you are building up your confidence to ask them to Prom. You have never really talked with each other much before and you are probably pulling a Gatsby, loving how you picture your crush more than the real thing, but you are going to go through with it anyways. Even if your hopeful date says yes, you barely know each other and you do not have many mutual friends. What is the guarantee the night will end well?

There is an easier solution to the Prom date dilemma than setting yourself up for rejection or a bad prom night: just go with a friend. Asking someone out on a date is hard enough; asking someone out to Prom is terrifying. But with a friend it is a pretty simple thing to do. Just walk up to your close friend—who also happens to be single and in search of a prom date—and say, “Hey, I’m single, you’re single, and there’s nobody we want to go to prom with. Let’s go together!” Bam, insta-date.

For some, it seems like a taboo suggestion to go to Prom with a friend. Prom is supposed to a romantic night with that special boy or girl. After all, what is the point in spending so much time and money on tickets, dresses and tuxedos if you do not even have a “real date?” But the same could be asked about going to Prom with someone you barely know just to make it more traditional.

Yes, going with a friend has the potential for some awkward situations. You cannot expect the boy to pay for everything. Your parents will probably make some embarrassing implications and tease you. Group prom pictures would probably get a little weird—everyone is going to be pressed against their boo as if they are eternally glued together while you and your frienddate have to situate yourselves to not stand out, but not become one sentient being. People at prom might make the incorrect assumption that you are suddenly a couple. But in the end, what does it matter?

When you are with your friend, there is nothing to worry about. You do not need to be concerned with what they are secretly thinking or if they are getting bored with you. There is no worrying about when you should make your move or what your relationship status will be in the morning. Even if the prom turns out to be a drag, you have no reason to be upset because you can still have fun complaining about it together. Neither of you went into the evening expecting anything more than a good time with the other.

Instead of tiptoeing around a date-date and hoping for the best, you have the guarantee of a fun night with a friend-date you love to spend time with. You can be yourself with nothing to hold you back. You can make your silly, personal jokes that no one but your friend gets. No one but the people you do not know at your table is going to judge you for stealing food from your date’s plate because you are still hungry. You know what makes your friend tick and you know how to have a good time with them.

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P “With a friend , there are no social consider ‘Are we dating? ations like ’ or being constri cted to staying person all nigh with one t long. With fr iends, you can and have a good just dance time.”

—Madison Cor inne, 12

ld be g to Prom wou “I feel like goin nce si te da a ith w ble more comforta ady re al date] are you [and your really close.” , 12 —Tyler Beach

“It’s bette r to go w ith a date spending P because rom with th at makes it m ore memora special person ble.”

—Steven A rgueta, 12

an etter than friend] is b e a th h it at w er m Pro do whatev n ca “[Going to u n o y n someo e because checking o y actual date tl an st n out co person.” dance with own to that d ed ti g n and bei Diehl, 12 —Andrew

“Some people think it’s awkw ard with a friend. I think it depends on ea ch person and their expect ations of Prom .”

—Cristina Key , 12

icture this—your date picks you up for the dance and your parents force the obligatory posed pictures upon you. They think it is adorable that your best friend of three years from the opposite sex is accompanying you to the penultimate school dance. And sure, it would be cute except for that moment when he wraps his arm around you for the picture—awkward.

Your parents snap away at their cameras as you begin to feel uncomfortable. You realize that the next four hours consist of eating, mingling and dancing with someone who is more like a sibling to you than a date. Totes awkward.

You suck it up, though, because you paid $70 for the ticket and you are determined to enjoy the night. Would it not have been cheaper to have a real date, one who pays for your ticket?

The months leading up to Prom are stressful for everyone. It is hard to see all your classmates asked to Prom by actual dates.

It is hard to not wish that chalk drawing was for you or that those flowers were delivered to your doorstep. But hard as it may be, for your sake alone, do not take the easy way out.

When dinner is over, you breathe a sigh of relief. This means you can move around the ballroom and get away for a little bit.

The night has other plans for you, though, as the King and Queen are crowned. They move to the dance floor for their traditional slow dance. Oh no—the moment you have been dreading since your friend picked you up. Your peers start to assemble, coupling off with their dates, leaving only you and him alone.

The music starts up and he rests his hand on your waist— seriously?! Does he not feel as awkward as you? You start dancing and aside from the awkward touching and his heavy breathing, you can feel the rest of the school staring at you. As soon as the music dies down, you hightail it out of there.

It can almost be pitied that you had no other option but to go with him. But shame on you for ignoring the alternatives. Why not go with a group of friends instead of just one? Why not go with girls instead of guys? If you feel you must go with a boy at least pick your date very carefully. It is understandable to want a male date; when someone asks you who your corsage is from, it is preferable to say “my date” instead of “my dad.” But please ensure that he is someone who will not make you feel awkward and definitely make certain that you are both platonic friends.

Midnight strikes and you and your date approach your house.

What could have been comfortable silence or anticipation with a date turns into an awkward pause as you wait for a goodbye. He has the courtesy to walk around the car and open the door for you, but as he bids you goodbye you are left with a “good night highfive”—that is what friends do, right?—and an overwhelming sense of regret. You pictured your Prom night ending with a romantic kiss, but you cross all your fingers that your date does not lean in with a pucker.

Prom as a “couples only” dance has gone by the wayside, so no need for you to stoop down and take a friend as a last resort. But if you insist, just be prepared for what you are getting yourself into. You can thank me later.

14 sports shorts w WEIGHTLIFTING BREAKS RECORDS

The boys weightlifting team recently broke records at the home meet against Lake Howell. Sophomore Eric Long broke every school record for his weight class and qualified for sectionals. Junior Kip Beacham broke a school record in the bench press for the 154-pound weight class.

Senior Kevin Hansen broke the clean-and-jerk record in the 183-pound weight class. The team won against Lake Howell 57-22, the biggest victory in the program’s history.

w BASEBALL DEFEATS RANKED TEAM

The boys baseball team beat nationally ranked Winter Springs on March 20. Seniors Sam Bates and David Howard both scored runs in the 2-1 victory. Senior Zach Eflin pitched four innings and struck out six, while senior Riley Baird pitched for three innings and also struck out six.

w LACROSSE GETS HISTORIC VICTORY On March 20, the boys varsity lacrosse team defeated Winter Park for the first time ever, 11-10. The team was led by junior Andrew Bonnie, who scored three goals and had four assists. Seniors Austin Floeter and Branson Mikell each scored two goals. Junior Austin Lenick also scored two goals and had two assists Senior Jacob Calloway and junior Ryan McMahon both had eight saves.

The team is 9-2.

Sophomore Kevin Collin sets up a pass down field photo by Isabelle Sarnek

w TENNIS TEAM TAKES CONFERENCE

On Feb. 22, the boys tennis team defeated Lyman in a critical conference game to help pave the path to the conference championship victory. Kohn marked this as the most important game of the season with their top three players excelling in their matches. Junior Michael Rodwell leads the team as the top singles player. Junior Daniel Wieck is currently 8-2 in doubles and senior Mason Nicholas is undefeated in doubles. The team is currently 7-7.

sports

Basketball dream run ends at states

H

ate claustrophobic spaces and the earsplitting noises of an excited crowd? Then the competition gym on Feb. 25 might have been a bad place for you to be, as 1,200 fans filled the bleachers at the regional championship to watch the boys varsity basketball team defeat West Orange 74-69, a win that sent the team to the state Final Four.

“It was the most packed I have ever seen the competition gym,” senior captain and shooting guard Aaron Bodager said.

“It was definitely the best game [of the state series].”

In Lakeland, the team beat Vero Beach 63-60 on March 2 and advanced to the state finals the next day. Both Bodager and forward Ira Smith had three-point buzzer beaters during the second and third quarters, with Smith contributing a total of 21 points to the game.

“I’m proud of our confidence and how we played,” senior point guard Cartree Pettis said. “We went in optimistic and we knew we could beat them.”

In the state finals, the team lost to Hialeah Gardens, 63-46. Pettis shot back to back lay-ups and scored twice on fast breaks while senior forward Luke Doyle made a three point shot that brought the team within seven points of the lead with six minutes to go. “[The team] had been talking about making it to the state final since middle school, but we never thought it would really happen,” senior forward Ira Smith said. “We promised our coach we would

play our hearts out to get to that game, and when we lost we felt like we hadn’t completed our main goal, winning the game for him.”

To get as far as they did, the team beat Flagler Palm Coast, 70-56, in the quarterfinals, and beat Sandalwood in Jacksonville in the regional semifinals, 71-67, in overtime.

Head coach Josh Kohn compared the team’s season to one of a set of building blocks, and said that to do this well in a season did not happen overnight.

“It’s amazing how the team has gone from not even having an official competition gym to going all the way to the state finals,” Kohn said. “I’m proud of the team; they had to deal with new things like media attention and the pressure of the Final Four and they still managed to play their game.”

Kohn even attributed some of the team’s success to former players.

“I called some of the graduated players after we won [the regionals] to thank them,” Kohn said. “They were a part of what helped us get this far.”

Like the players before him, Bodager felt that he and his team members had set milestones for next year’s players.

“Regardless of what happened in the state finals, this whole thing has been amazing,” Bodager said. “For [the] seniors this is our last season and hopefully in a few months we can look back on [states] and appreciate how far we’ve come.”

photo by Isabelle Sarnek

Shooting from downtown. Senior captain Aaron Bodager shoots a three-pointer against West Orange. Bodager was a critical asset to the team as a shooter and led the team.

-Matilda von Kalm, Staff Reporter

w VOLLEYBALL UNDEFEATED AT HOME

On March 12, the boys volleyball team started a four game run at home by defeating Deland 3-0. During the following two home games, against Crooms and Spruce Creek, they also won 3-0. Then they played two games in which they struggled and had to comeback to win: Lake Brantley, which they won 3-2 and Winter Springs, which they won 3-1. Junior Seth Boyd leads the team in kills, averaging eight per game and sophomore Danny Mauer is second, averaging four kills per game. They are currently 5-3 and second in the conference behind Lake Mary.

w TRACK TEAM EARNS SECOND PLACE

On Saturday, March 10, the girls track and field team traveled to Port Orange in order to compete in the fifth Annual Spruce Creek Invitational. The team did not let the heavy rainstorms and poor running conditions prevent them from finishing second out of more than 30 teams at the meet. The team was led by seniors Alyssa Younker and Amy Ankli and junior Sheri Menna.

-Matilda von Kalm, Staff Reporter

15

sports The Word of Seanovan Volleyball coachCorey Radford provides Olympic insight to teams Sean Donovan, Sports Editor

H

ead girls volleyball coach and JV boys volleyball coach Corey Radford knows the pros. He knows top-tier volleyball men and the head coaches of national champion collegiate teams—the guys that someone would see on the United States highlight reel for Olympic volleyball.

Over the summer, Radford attends camps and workshops to hang out with his prestigious pals. For him, it is not a big deal, since they are just his buddies from across the country. Sometimes, instead of attending camps, he will stop in for a casual visit and play a little bit of volleyball.

Radford himself may not have played under the supervision of national coaches through high school and college, but his skill in the sport allowed him to take part in training opportunities where he played amongst the likes of the prestigious coaches and players. In college he met some potential pro-volleyball players and Olympians and gained a multitude of intelligence and skill on how to play the game. He has also met star players from the 2008 Olympic team, like Clayton Stanley (who broke off somebody’s pinky finger on a spike, when the blocker went up for a block).

And from that experience comes the rotations, plays and techniques that Radford uses in his practices. One method of discipline, the Coach-on-1, in which a coach hits a down-ball at the player while the whole team watches, he learned while at one of the camps. Though he has some personal rules, like timeliness and treatment of the gym, he uses the rotations that the Olympic team uses. Techniques he has learned throughout his years allow him to teach any player any position, regardless of their level of skill.

One of the most important aspects is his use of the Olympic practice plan. Drills like Arie, in which two players stand on both sides of the net and pass twice on one side before passing over to the other to score a point, Butterfly, in which one player serves, the receiver passes to a standing target and the target moves to serve, are just some of the drills that are famous for their United States practice appearances.

This greatly improves the quality of play for the teams. They are able to compete and learn at professionaltype levels with professional-type rules for practice.

This past season, the girls varsity volleyball team set a milestone for their program as they went into the regional semifinals,only to fall to Deland 3-1. Not only that, but the most recent team he coaches, JV boys volleyball, also had two firsts. Never before had they defeated Lake Mary and until March 7 when they won 2-1 in a comeback. They also defeated Winter Springs for the first time, 2-0, after having lost to them earlier in the season. On all levels, it is clear that his training techniques are worth the effort.

Water polo chases down rival Oviedo

S

ince water polo started in 2007, neither the boys nor girls team has advanced past the district finals. For the past couple of years, both teams have been knocked out by area powerhouse and chief rival, Oviedo. Last year, the boys defeated Oviedo, 13-12, in the regular season but wound up losing 17-10 in the district final. The girls lost 10-4 in the regular season and 16-11 in the district final. This year, things are the same so far, with both teams ranked as the area’s top two. Both the boys and girls, however, plan to end the season differently.

On March 28, the boys beat Oviedo, still considered the area’s top team, 1412. Senior Alex Gatlin and junior Derek Daugherty led the team in goals, with six and four goals respectively. The girls, however, fell short 9-8. It is their closest loss to Oviedo ever. Senior Mckinlee Hand and sophomore Madison Gilbert led the girls in goals.

Oviedo is one of the few teams that can keep pace with either of the water polo teams. Both teams are 5-1 with recent wins over West Orange—22-13 and 15-8 respectively. The boys had to come back from a deep deficit to win, as senior Alex Gatlin led the team with eight goals. The girls had the game under control, led by senior Mckinlee Hand with 10 goals.

The success is due to the improved fitness, increased legwork and the new style of offense, which focuses on more attacking the goal.

photo by Isabelle Sarnek

Shot at success. Sophomore Syndey Egan pulls back for a pass attempt. She was one of the key passers to the team to set up assists.

The preseason for the team began shortly before swimming season started.

Key water polo players, like seniors Travis Pulford, Gatlin and Daugherty took part in the swim season and postseason.

Others played on a club team.

“We go through a hell week,” Gatlin said. “It’s actually a two-week period. We don’t use the [water polo] balls yet; all we do is swim and train.”

The girls have similar practice plans and similar coaching. They do the same drills; the starting girls team and the starting boys team often scrimmage. The girls also have a lot of experience with only five underclassmen, and those with inexperience show that their athleticism

more than makes up for it.

“Practices are intense, but we have to be ready for the season,” junior Daniella Hankey said.

Both teams feel as if their shot at postseason success is within range. Junior Dakota Porter feels that the girls are bonding more, creating a stronger team.

As a result, they expect to make it beyond the district finals and set a new milestone by advancing to the regional level. Most of the pressure, both teams agree, is on defeating Oviedo in the postseason.

“People who didn’t step up last year have stepped up so far,” Gatlin said. “It has tremendously changed our dynamic.”

“Our youth showed at the beginning of the season. We made simple mistakes such as bad bunting and too many popups,” Dechau said.

Dechau, a sophomore, was named one of the captains, along with junior Jacey Castro and senior Missy Montgomery.

These players helped the team transition into the season where they, not only lost their senior experience; they lost their coach.

Elementary teacher David Stone replaced the former coach, giving the team a different coaching style. His background in softball, as a former player, allowed him to relate to them.

“He lets us enjoy ourselves more and remember why we love the game. He allows us to make mistakes, but learn from them at the same time, which is what we need,” Dechau said. “He knows a lot

about the game and is able to relate well to us.”

The team is expected to do well in the rest of the season. Having already competed well against the other teams in their district, they look forward to what the postseason has to offer.

“We have a lot of potential; we just need to be able to tap into it,” sophomore second baseman Alex Miller said.

One of the struggles has been their their hitting. Players such as Samantha Worrell, Castro and Montgomery are some of the strongest hitters that they have had, yet the team as a whole failed to produce runs early on in the season.

“We have hitters that are much better than the hitters that we had last year, but it just doesn’t seem like that during games,” Miller said.

-Sean Donovan, Sports Editor

Softball struggles to find late-season offense

F

or every sport, there is a balance between graduating seniors and incoming freshmen. For the varsity softball team, five freshmen and returning sophomores filled the void after seven seniors left last year.

The season, though only half over, has already been filled with many highlights like a 12-1 win over Oviedo, as well many hardships such as losing three games very early on in the season that they the team felt should have won.

“We started off really well during our first few games, but then got hit with a dip pretty early on in the season,” sophomore left fielder Kiley Dechau said.

The strong start gave the team a taste of accomplishments. However, that changed once the team lost three games to easy opponents due to their lack of ability to adapt to mistakes during a game.

-Darbi Filliben, Staff Reporter

16

water?

back

allergic to

S

pring Break saw most students at the beach, by the pool or covered in sweat. Senior Jason Leblanc was not one of them.

Leblanc has aquagenic urticaria, a condition that makes it painful for him to be in contact with water. When he was 10, Leblanc’s family went on a vacation to Hawaii. After coming home, he showered and broke out in hives.

“At first I freaked out,” Leblanc said.

“I just got into the shower and as soon as the water hit me it felt like my body was on fire and I was covered in big red welts.

I thought there was something wrong with the water, like chemicals had gotten into it, but my mom and sister both tested it out and they were fine.”

He tested every form of water— saltwater, distilled water, chlorinated water, rainwater—and found that he had the same reaction each time. Although he developed the “allergy” seven years ago, he was just recently diagnosed officially.

After spraying Leblanc with water and seeing hives appear on his skin, his doctor did some research and found the condition.

Approximately 30 known cases of aquagenic urticaria exist in the world and Leblanc has a mild form of it. While he has a reaction when it touches his skin, he can still drink it. There is no way to treat the condition, and although Leblanc

has been prescribed numerous allergy medicines and beta blockers, nothing has been effective. Unlike most allergies, the condition is not caused by a histamine release, making it difficult to medically understand and classify.

For a boy who had just finished training to be on a swim team before developing the intolerance to water, Leblanc was devastated.

“Other people didn’t believe me at first [when I told them I had it],” Leblanc said.

“They thought I was just being stupid, so I washed my hands in the sink and showed them the hives. After that they were just really sad for me because they knew swimming was my favorite thing to do.”

Leblanc had to learn how to adjust to a life without swimming or getting wet. When he was younger, he used to only drink out of squirt water bottles to decrease spilling on himself. Now, he always has an umbrella in his car and a jacket in his locker in case of rain.

“When I was younger, I tried avoiding water as much as possible, including avoiding the shower,” Leblanc said. “But that’s obviously not something that works out too well, so I used to soap up before I got into the shower so that way I only had to be in there for a couple seconds to wash it all off.”

Now, he can stay in the shower for longer because he is used to the pain

and the itching that come along with the hives.

However, he must maintain a healthy diet because he is unable to do cardio or workouts without having a reaction to his own sweat. The hives that he gets from sweat distract him too much, so he cannot play sports either.

Beach trips or spending too much time outside is also prohibited.

“I used to go on these eight-mile bike rides with my cousins and their parents every Saturday, but they stopped taking me when we found out I got the hives from my own sweat,” Leblanc said. “My friends didn’t really treat me differently, but I’ve definitely had to pass up a ton of invitations to pool parties and stuff like that over the years.”

Because so few people have it, there is little medical knowledge and progress being made toward finding a cure.

“I’m pretty much resigned to living with [the condition],” Leblanc said.

“It’d be awesome if they found a cure, but I’ve gotten used to it by now so it’s not the end of the world if one is never found.”

-Robyn Smith, Editor-in-Chief

•

Keep car in garage in case of rain

•

Soap hands before washing to minimize water exposure

•

Always have an umbrella and jacket in car and locker in case of rain

•

Workout in intervals in winter to avoid excessive sweating

•

Drink through water bottles to avoid spilling

•

Use plastic instead of glass; glass sweats more

• •

•

Decline pool party invitations

•

Do not let dogs lick hands or arms, instead play with dogs using treats and dog toys

•

Shower right before going to sleep to give hives a chance to disappear by morning

Stick to inside chores to avoid sweating, but avoid washing dishes and laundry Avoid fog and high humidity

Water you doing?

Senior Jason Leblanc protects himself from rain with a poncho and umbrella. Leblanc has an allergic reaction if water touches his skin.

photo by Isabelle Sarnek

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