The BluePrint - Volume 8, Issue 3

HAGERTY HIGH SCHOOL

3225 LOCKWOOD BLVD. OVIEDO, FL 32765

INDEX

the

blueprint

Memorial plaque..........4 FEA..........................5 Cheating................8-9 Frozen yogurt............11 Coach departures......14

volume 8, issue 3

Dec.�17, 2012

Internship provides insight Darbi Filiben

“O

News Editor

ne second you can be on one side of the field, then the next second there’s a 200-pound guy running at you and you have to adapt to it,” senior Dorian Cantor said.

This is something, along with “different filming techniques” that the TV Production students have had to deal with and learn since they teamed up with Bright House Sports Network in order to film and report on as many of the school’s various sporting events as possible.

“Bright House doesn’t have enough employees to go to every after school game so they asked us if we could provide students to film and report for them,” video production teacher Donna Parker said. “My students were really excited to have this opportunity.”

TV Production seniors Cody Wright, Jim Kurila and Cantor film and edit most of the sporting events while senior Daniella Hankey interviews and on-field reports. After the editing is done, the students upload the productions to the Bright House Sports Network’s website, and they are available for everyone to see.

“I want to major in communications so it helps me with my speaking in front of the camera,” Hankey said. “It

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also helps me when it comes to debate.”

TV Production is a career education program, a program that works best when it provides students with internship opportunities. However, students have found it difficult to get legitimate internships in the past. This internship gives TV Production the opportunity to further their program and allow the students to prepare for their future.

“It’s a great experience for the students.

It’ll help them with their college resumes and their futures,” Parker said. “Some of them want to go into the reporting field so it’ll allow them to get experience.”

The students get the opportunity to learn firsthand how to correct certain aspects of filming and video production and gain the knowledge to put out a good, unbiased product.

“We went to a seminar presented by Bright House where they spoke to us and allowed us to ask questions to the producers, reporters and camera guys,” Cantor said. “You get a better appreciation for people who are actual reporters.”

The internship has opened these students up to the more detailed features of filming and how to properly use and correct them.

“They taught us different techniques, like how to film a football game,” Cantor said. “They taught me how to move with the plays. You either get out of the way or you get hit and ruin an expensive camera.”

Caught on film. Senior Dorian Cantor films the varsity football game against Winter Springs. Cantor, along with his fellow TV Production crewmates, teamed up with Bright House to gain a better appreciation for the real world of television reporting. photo by Isabelle Sarnek

in Space things to do this month  Holidays [Nov. 21 - Jan. 1]

 Christmas Bricktacular

 Festival of the Seasons

[Dec. 5 - 31] LegoLand will be hosting this celebration, featuring a 30 ft.

Christmas tree made from 270,000 green Lego bricks.

[Nov. 9 - Jan. 8] Lively décor, stilt walkers, holiday carolers and photos with Santa at Downtown Disney.

Free admission.

 Holidays Around the World  Grinchmas

Visit Kennedy Space Center and learn what it is like celebrating the holidays on the International Space Station.

Features a Space Skating Rink and a 42 ft. tall tree.

[Nov. 25 - Dec. 30] Explore Epcot as it retells the story of Christmas with a celebrity narrator, a 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir.

Regular park admission prices, from 5 p.m. to close.

[Dec. 3 - Jan. 1] Walk through the winter wonderland at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure. Live shows, strolling Whos and a chance to take a picture with the Grinch.

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news

Every grade counts for competitive top ten Haley Gaeser

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photo by Isabelle Sarnek

Getting the GPA. Senior Chang-Hyun Choi studies AP Literature by reading Paradise Lost, an epic poem by Milton. Choi was ranked number three in the senior class and is in five AP classes and three dual enrollment classes.

what’s news?

FIRST ANTI-BULLYING WEEK SCHEDULED From Jan. 28 to Feb. 1 the Anti-Bullying Club will be holding an antibullying week. Themes and activities related to bullying will be held every day including “Put bullying to rest Monday” where students will get to wear their pajamas, “Say hi Tuesday” where students can practice being nice to someone they don’t know, “Assembly Wednesday” where a speaker will come in to talk to students about the affect of bullying, ADOPT AN ANGEL DRIVE SUCCEEDS The Interact Club hosted a toy drive for the holidays for children whose parents are not able to afford toys. To participate, students took an angel from the tree in the front office which had the child’s gender, wish and clothing sizes, bought a present, and delivered it back to 3-114 or the front office by Dec. 7. All 80 children on the tree received presents.

DRAMA TROUPE BRINGS HOME DISTRICT AWARDS Drama students took home awards from the state competition on Nov. 15 at Lyman High School. Seniors Gisele Nze, Kristyn Gorton and Justin Hughes and junior Ace Jennings won Best of Shows in Playwright, Monologue, Publicity and Pantomime, respectively. The troupe also earned 21 other superiors in a variety of categories.

CLOROX OFFERS GRANT PROGRAM From Nov. 12 through Dec. 19 students and parents can help vote for Clorox Company’s power a Bright Future grant program. This program focuses on the need for schools to be technologically advanced in order to engage students in their studies. Depending on the number of votes, the school could receive iPads for educational purposes. Text 132pbf to 95248 or go to https://powerabrightfuture.clorox.com to vote for Hagerty.

Opinions Editor ast summer, senior Jon Le took four classes online and three at Seminole State College to be number one in his class.

To be number one, in the top 10 or even in the top 10 percent, students have to “play the game” to get the highest GPAs and class ranks.

They go above and beyond to be the best of the best, and some have gone to extreme lengths to get to the distinction.

Before Le was number one, it was senior Eric Anschuetz. By taking the extra added classes over the summer, Le was able to surpass Anschuetz.

“He did it legally and took the right classes,” Anschuetz said.

Although most students just take five to seven AP classes, the students in the top 10 take as many as 16 AP

courses by the end of their senior year.

In addition to their advanced classes, many of them are also involved with dual enrollment.

“I used to be number three but I dropped to number five because I didn’t take enough AP classes junior year,” senior Taylor Scimeca said.

In order to be number one, a student must be able to acquire as many A’s as possible. Many students in the top 10 will take any type of AP class, even if they do not like it.

“I got a ‘B’ in AP Biology my freshmen year and because of that, I am not as high ranked as I should be,” senior Katrina Eden said. “I think it’s unfair how the people who took Honors Biology are higher ranked than me just because I got a B in the harder class.”

College statistics show that the more AP classes a student takes in

high school, the more likely they will receive a high college GPA and graduation rates. For some students, the extra classes are no big deal, but the competition and added stress of juggling so many AP classes can be too overwhelming.

“Competition can be good as long as it doesn’t go over the top and students don’t get overly stressed,” upper house guidance counselor Rafael Davila said.

Everyone in the top 10 do not only receives high prestige but other benefits as well. They are able to qualify for multiple college scholarships, are in the running to speak at graduation and or course, earn the title of valedictorian.

“At the end of the day if you end up number one, three or even 10, you’re not doomed for failure,” Davila said.

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news

Teacher losses increase Adeline Davis

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Staff Reporter

hen Weston Below found out about his new AP Human Geography position, he was excited. However, the switch from teaching standard classes to AP classes proved to be a challenge. The content was harder and he had to study the chapters before teaching them to ensure he understood the material.

“Last week I wasn’t home while the sun was up,” Below said.

Below was not the only teacher put out into a new situation. Many other teachers were switched around.

ESOL teacher Shannon Moran relocated to another state and was replaced by Christina Pierce. William Cooper subbed for ASL teacher Glenda Freeman for several weeks before Ryan Vander Weide was hired. Care and prevention of athletic injuries teacher Ryan Patterson Smith took a job out of state and was replaced by Joshua Johns.

The teacher changes this nine weeks have taken their toll. When Below arrived in AP he started making changes to the structure of the classroom. Instead of using PowerPoints to explain new concepts, he tried to relate the content back to his students by doing hands-on activities, like filling in words and pictures to diagrams, that were more engaging. In doing so, he has received positive feedback from his students.

“Coach Below understands the way we learn and that we don’t want to sit there and take notes; we want to have fun,” freshman Mira Saad said.

However, Saad also agreed that the change in classroom structure has been hard for her.

“I learned better with Ms. Sandoval because we took more notes,” Saad said. “I like to have my materials right in front of me.”

In this first month, Below has come to enjoy teaching AP because of the more challenging curriculum.

“I would describe teaching AP

as a ‘learning together’ process,” Below said. “I’m learning with the students and they’re learning with me. The difference in motivation has motivated me to work harder.”

For Stout, taking on Below’s sophomore standard Geography classes has proven difficult as well.

Despite the experience of teaching U.S. History, Government, MultiCultural classes and Psychology for the past 10 years, the new teaching position still took Stout by surprise.

“The classes have similar skill levels but have a different content and are larger,” Stout said.

Students have to get used to his new teaching styles as well.

“Our class had to adjust to writing more essays and dealing with harder assignments that were similar to college material,” said sophomore Thalia Velazquez.“Everything is still getting organized.”

Similar to Below, Stout’s goal is to engage students in his class through utilizing partner and group work. For one of his assignments, he

photo by Isabelle Sarnek

New roles. Coach Below teaches students in his AP Human Geography class.

Below had to adapt to new students and a new curriculum during his switch.

put students into groups and had them create Mexico travel brochures with information about the country.

“I want every student to be successful and have high achievement rates,” said Stout.

Stout strives for all of his students to successfully learn the basic social,

reading, writing and speaking skills to perform well in college.

Despite the short notice, Pierce, Vander Weide, Johns, Below and Stout have managed to stay afloat in their new teaching positions and plan to continue to set goals for themselves and for their students.

Town comes together to cheer for Caitlin Winnie Meyer

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photo by Jake Burton

Forever cheering. Senior Austin Pleasants sets out luminaries in Live Oak on Nov. 17. The community came together to remember Caitlin Downing and show support toward her parents.

Staff Reporter

ive years. Five years time for the Downing family to know their daughter. Five years until she met her unfortunate fate with an incurable tumor.

“She was really close to my family, so I spent a lot of time with her,” sophomore Mikayla Hermenau said. “She always wanted to just be with everyone, she didn’t exclude anyone. She was just friendly with everyone.”

Caitlin Downing was a beloved Pop Warner cheerleader, daughter, sister and friend to everyone she met. Early in 2012, Downing was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, or DIPG, an incurable, inoperable brain tumor.

She was given treatment in New York from a pediatric neuro-oncologist until a month before her death.

“It was working for a long time, but then recently it had started to

grow again,” Hermenau said. “They decided that they weren’t going to keep putting her through it if she was in pain. So, they let her go naturally.”

On Nov. 11 Downing lost her battle with DIPG. The following Saturday the community honored her with luminaries lined and lit up on every street of Live Oak and many other developments in Oviedo while the Downing family drove around in a golf cart, looked at the lights and remembered their daughter.

“It was just beautiful, everyone who came out to offer their support to the Downing family and to Caitlin.

It was just a beautiful thing for the community to do that,” Hermenau said.

Not only is Downing honored in lights, but with a tree as well.

Principal Sam Momary decided to plant a tree with a plaque in her honor on campus. Sophomore Rodney Shaw is leading the drive to raise $400 so Downing can be properly remembered at the school. Since

the student body alone could not meet the needs, the fundraiser was taken to local businesses. However, donations are still welcome.

“We’re just asking for every student at Hagerty with a heart to just donate a little bit. We’re not asking for anything big, any donation is greatly appreciated.” Shaw said.

The majority of the students working on the project were connected to Downing in one way or another and could remember the innumerable ways that she could light up a room.

“I remember Caitlin even before she was diagnosed. She was always just the kindest, most sweet-hearted girl,” Shaw said.

Shaw also witnessed Downing give her younger sister Campbell the courage and love to do anything she wanted in life.

“Everyone misses her a lot, and we’re all supporting her. Everyone needs to keep cheering for her,” freshman Haley Parlette said.

Downing may be gone, but her memory will live on throughout the city of Oviedo.

news 4 Memorial plaque dedicated to fallen alumnus Lexi Rossow Business Manager

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fter graduate Brenden Salazar died in Afghanistan on July 22, assistant principal Christy Bryce decided to commission a memorial plaque dedicated to alumni killed while serving in the military. The plaque will be placed on the right wall outside of the front office, only steps away from the flag pole.

Salazar is the first Hagerty alumnus who will be honored on the plaque when it is finished.

“It’s amazing that they are dedicating the plaque in honor of Brenden,” senior Chrissy Masillo, one of Salazar’s close friends, said.

“It shows how he has become an actual hero.”

Salazar was killed by an improvised explosive device while serving in Afghanistan. Due to the

difficult communication between the field and the base camps, officials are not sure of the exact date, but it is estimated that only days after he and his 1st Battalion arrived they suffered the explosion.

The JROTC program will present the plaque to the school and Salazar’s family will attend the dedication procession in January when the plaque is finished. Masillo will also be in attendance.

“I feel the school is appropriately memorializing a former student by presenting the bronze plaque in his honor,” Lt. Colonel Dave Johnson said.

Salazar was the son of two former Army pilots as parents, yet was not a part of the JROTC program while in school. He trained with his father prior to arriving at boot camp in September 2010.

As well as the bronze plaque, Salazar’s death was honored by a

benefit night at Tijuana Flats in Winter Springs on Sept. 29. Ten percent of the proceeds were dedicated to the Brenden Salazar Memorial Trust Fund, and all donations raised that night were matched by the Just In Queso organization. The entire night raised $1,400.

“I wish it were under different circumstances that he was being honored,” Tijuana Flats employee Kristin Cintron said, who had personally known Salazar and organized the event, “but [dedicating a plaque in his honor] is a very respectful way to memorialize him.”

The fund will help pay with the medical bills of Salazar’s sister, Hannah Nelson, who suffers from cystic fibrosis and has been receiving treatments for the past two years.

Salazar was close with his sister and always supported her.

“I know Brenden would want his family to be as comfortable as

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photo by Kristen Cintron

Always remember. Salazar’s close friends partnered with Tijuana Flats in Winter Springs in order to raise funds for the Brenden Salazar Memorial Trust Fund. They raised over $1,400 which will go to his sister’s medical bills.

possible, it’s only right that we do the same for his family,” Cintron said. “Hannah is going through such a battle herself, they’re more than deserving.”

The event will be invitation only to include privacy and reverence for the Salazar family’s loss. Only family

members and close friends will be invited. The plaque was finished on Dec. 4 but the date and procession details have not been set yet.

“There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about him,” said Masillo. “I always wish that I had one last chance just to talk to him.”

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news

Future educators shadow, assist teachers Sarah Casagrande

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Editor-in-Chief

unior Katie Aryafar entered first-grade teacher Paige Brinker’s classroom and peered curiously at the students. They sat in a long row of desks that wrapped around the classroom. Brinker introduced Aryafar to the class and remarked that, about 10 years ago, she was one of Brinker’s students herself.

“She actually remembered me,” Aryafar said. “As soon as she saw me, she knew my name, which I thought was nice.”

Aryafar is a member of the Future Educators Association, an organization that was formed in the 1930s for students who are interested in careers that are related to education. The school chapter of the organization was founded by media specialist Po Dickison and culinary teacher Janice Palmer when the school opened, but the club is now run solely by Dickison.

The club meets on a monthly basis, but their biggest assignment is shadowing teachers at three different schools throughout the year. On Nov. 15, 10 students walked across the street to Carillon Elementary to shadow eight teachers for the day and assist them in their classrooms.

Dickison, who worked as a media specialist at Carillon until 2005, enjoyed her return to the school.

“I loved it. I was there for a few hours and had made prior arrangements so students could conduct activities with the kids in the classroom,” Dickison said. “We try to make it as real as possible.”

The students had to interview their assigned teachers and fill out a questionnaire

form as part of their assignment. They aided students who ranged from kindergarten to third grade with spelling, math and craft projects throughout the day. Senior McKenna Erbes even walked around and introduced herself to each of third-grade teacher David Stone’s students.

Although the day consisted mostly of observation and assistance, Erbes was later allowed to teach Stone’s students their math lesson with a Smartboard, which she called a “weird new technology” that did not exist when she was in elementary school.

“At first I was really nervous and then I realized–they’re third graders. They don’t judge,” Erbes said. “They helped me out when I messed up and [Stone] said I did a really good job teaching.”

The students also ate lunch in the teacher lounge and got the chance to ask the teachers about their jobs and the field of education.

Aryafar said that the best advice she was given was to make sure that she left time for her family, because “teaching takes up a lot.”

FEA currently has only 10 students but Dickison wants to recruit more in order to expand the club.

“We really want to take kids to the state conference because we’ve never been,” Dickison said. “But our group is small; $20 won’t cover the cost of the trip.”

However, a speaker came on Dec. 10 from the UCF Teaching Academy to promote their college, and the club will shadow teachers again at Jackson Heights Middle in February and here in April. “[FEA] is really important in my opinion because a lot of young teachers leave after five years,” Dickison said. “I try to recruit as many students as I can.”

Students teach students. Senior Alana Carey assists two kindergarten students with a reading assignment (left). At the back of the room, junior Katie Aryafar observes a first-grade class (right).

Future Educators

photo by Po Dickison

Teacher talk. Executive director Bryan Zugelder discusses college admissions and UCF’s educational program with FEA and SGA. The College of Education was opened in 1968 and contains over 5600 students.

photos

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by Isab

elle Sarn

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n Dec. 10, a group from the UCF Teaching Academy visited and spoke to both FEA and SGA members about the program in the group projects room. The academy is part of UCF’s College of Education and looks to recruit high school students who are interested in a career in education.

The college spoke to students about opportunities at the academy and why they should consider becoming a certified teacher.

In order to assist students, the College of Education offers a number of scholarships at both the undergraduate and graduate level.

In addition, the Minority Teacher Recruitment and Retention Program offers two scholarships worth $1000-$2000 to help promote diversity among teachers. The program also provides future educators with financial assistance, academic support and professional development.

Along with information on the educational field, the academy gave students advice for their freshman year of college if they choose to go to UCF. “At UCF there is a lot that you can get involved in,” senior Alana Carey said. “They made a point to tell us to step out of our shells our freshman year.”

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lifestyles

Driving laws lengthened by STANDUP Act Lexi Rossow

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Business Manager

fter the 2010 census, Florida was named the state with the second highest number of deaths caused by teenage drivers in the country. Recent research studies compiled by the Allstate Foundation have shown that teenagers cause accidents four times more than any other age of driver and have the highest probability to causing fatal accidents. This research has encouraged the government to take steps toward a safer driving environment, which has resulted in the Safe Teen And Novice Driver Uniform Protection Act. The STANDUP Act was brought to the attention of the government in April of last year. This act will create new requirements for states to enact concerning the graduated driver licensing system used currently

by Florida.

If Florida’s state legislatives enact the STANDUP Act, teenagers will have to wait until they are 16 to earn their learner’s permit for driving instead of 15. This will cause a delay for getting the intermediate license, the stage between full licensure and the learner’s permit.

This new act will push back the eligibility to earn the learner’s permit, and if the worry that these new restrictions will impede their involvement in extracurricular activities, despite the safety

precautions the STANDUP Act was made to promote.

“By the time you’re 16, you’re already involved in so much after school stuff and kids wouldn’t be able to drive themselves, especially if their parents work,” junior Jordann Marinelli said.

After a minimum of six months, teenagers will be able to take their driver’s test to receive the intermediate license. An intermediate licensed driver will not be able to use any form of cellular device, including texting or talking on the phone, until they receive their full licensure at 18 years of age.

Intermediate licensed drivers would also not be able to drive between 1 and 5 p.m. with an intermediate license, just as it is for a 17 year-old driver currently.

“Having [teenagers] get their license at 16 and only having them practice for six months isn’t very smart,” senior Max Roberts said.

“And even though I’ve been driving for three years, I’m nowhere near a professional.”

While having this license, teens could only have one non-familial passenger in the car who is under 21 years old, unless a licensed driver over 21 is in the vehicle as well.

Because of the restricted passenger clause, students will not be able to carpool to extracurricular activities, which would not allow them to save gas or money.

“A lot of my friends rely on me

®

to take them to volleyball practices,” Marinelli said. “It’s also way more eco-friendly to carpool.”

To entice the state with the new requirements, Florida will not be eligible for incentive grants if the state does not agree with the new laws after three years of the introduction of this act. These incentive grants can go toward construction for safer road conditions and provide adequate driving education for young drivers.

If the STANDUP Act is added to the graduated licensing laws in three years, freshmen and sophomores will have to wait an extra year to get their learner’s permit.

“I would hurt people [if this act pushed back my eligibility],” sophomore Harrison Meekins, who recently received his license, said.

“People would be dying in the streets because of me.”

More information about the STANDUP Act and other statistics on young drivers can be found on the www.KeeptheDrive.com website.

This includes information on how to get involved with state decisions and actions concerning graduated driver licensing laws or information on the progression of the STANDUP Act in Florida’s state government.

To encourage the STANDUP Act and promote the safety of teenagers, young drivers and their families are encouraged to take part in the ParentTeen Driving Agreement, where a contract is made available on www.

KeeptheDrive.com.

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STANDUP ACT States must meet the following requirements under the STANDUP Act: Three stages of licensing – learner’s permit, intermediate stage and full licensure Age 16 should be the earliest age for entry into the learner’s permit process Nighttime driving should be restricted during the learner’s permit and intermediate stages Driving using communication devices should be prohibited until full licensure Unrestricted, full licensure should occur no earlier than 18 Passengers should be restricted to no more than one non-familial passenger under 21 Any other requirement adopted by the Secretary of Transportation may be included Compliance with the requirements makes states eligible for incentive grants Three years are provided for states to meet the requirements

information compiled by the Allstate Foundation

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lifestyles

Gluten-free diet gains popularity Daniel Neveras

S

Reviews Editor

andwiches, rolls and pizza.

Many people would consider these foods to be everyday items. However, in the wake of growing health concerns and dietary choices, there is a new option.

Gluten-free diets have grown in popularity. Gluten can be found in common foods, specifically all grain products. Gluten is a popular ingredient that allows foods such as bread and pizza crust to have a solid feel instead of a gooey texture.

Because of its presence in most foods, the diet can be a challenge at the beginning.

“The worst part of gluten-free dieting is the fact that you can’t eat foods most people eat on a regular basis,” junior Christian Pasciak said.

The gluten-free diet has grown in popularity because of the successful results. Most students use glutenfree as a means to lose weight in a healthier manner than fasting.

“The diet is pretty good because you lose weight,” Pasciak said, “but it shouldn’t be taken lightly.”

However, a large amount of people use gluten-free diets because of allergies developed their lives.

These allergies are not any different than a peanut or pollen allergy.

“I have an allergy to gluten, but I still enjoy sandwiches,” junior John Lancaster said.

A gluten-free diet allows for the dieter to eat familiar foods, such as beans, meat, fruits and vegetables.

So, the diet allows for a variety of food choices despite the limitations.

However, people who maintain a gluten-free diet must be careful when choosing foods at the local grocery.

“Despite the extraneous shopping for food, a gluten-free diet helps keep people healthy,” Pasciak said.

The rise in diets against gluten is credited to health research.

According to Australian researcher Dr. Rodney Ford, studies show that 33 percent of all chronic diseases can be traced back to gluten consumption.

Since the increase in gluten used in food products helps maintain the high demands, an increase in chronic disease victims has also occurred.

“Gluten is a silent killer, and the worst part is that it can be found in

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rnaments, Christmas trees, lights, Santa, paintings, pottery, elegant stained glass, photographs... not only is it the holiday season but it is also the height of art festival season. Many groups, museums and schools around Central Florida showcase artwork. Great Day in the Country and the Winter Springs Art Festival may be over, but many more opportunities are coming up.

Keeping Haiti in our Hearts This show by Butler and Betty Smith and UCF art students began on Sept.

14 and continues through Dec. 29.

This is an exploration of Haitian history and culture shown through exhibits that feature paintings, sculpture and photography. This

photos by Isabelle Sarnek

Gluten-free grub. Chemistry teacher, Dr. Romina Janotti eats her gluten free lunch with an unbreaded chicken salad.

anything with grain,” Lancaster said.

With the healthy options and research support, gluten-free diets is expected to increase in numbers, especially among teenagers. So for

Haitian experience is a free show located at 642 W. New England Ave. in Winter Park.

the event costs $10 and is located in the Orlando Museum of Art on 2416 North Mills Ave. in Orlando.

Sanford Art Walk The fourth Friday of every month, this free art walk in Sanford features live music, refreshments and plenty of art from 6-9 p.m. Each month is a different theme including “Animals” on Dec. 28 and “Seminole’s got ARTalent” on Jan. 25. The art walk takes open submissions so it features pieces from all over Florida. The art walk is free and located on 230 East First St. in Sanford.

Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination Displayed every day except Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until April 27, the exhibit explores the fantasy technologies in the Star Wars films and features costumes and props from all six films. The event is $27 and located on 777 E Princeton St. Orlando in the Orlando Science Center.

Classical Glass This show, on the first Thursday of every month from 6-9 p.m., specializes in glass works by local artists. Featuring blown glassware and renaissance-style stained glass,

YOLO’S one life needs to end Matilda von Kalm Managing Editor

some, when the healthy options at a grocery store are between whole grain and gluten-free, they choose to pass on the whole grain and join in on the gluten-free trend.

Art shows take over Central Florida Natalie Castle Student Connections Editor

That Sounds Familiar...

OPEN HOUSE: A Night of Fire Featured at the Crealde School of Art on Jan. 5 from 5-8 p.m., this free event involves tours of the studios and galleries, refreshments, live music, hands-on workshops and a bonfire, located on 600 Saint

Andrews Blvd. in Winter Park.

Studio 6 Group Showing This free showing is a special event by 15 artists collectively called Studio 6. Their exhibit features diverse paintings centered on themes like nature and beauty and will be on display Nov. 7 to Jan. 5 at the Taste restaurant exhibit on 717 West Smith Street in College Park.

The Secret Life of Painting An exhibit full of artwork by aspiring artist, Judy Rushin, featuring hanging lamps, paintings, and sculptures. Rushin has featured her 1960s inspired work both nationally and internationally. The free exhibit is on display from Dec. 6 to Feb. 10 at the Orlando Museum of Art located on 2416 North Mills Ave. in Orlando.

In the real world, “You Only Live Once” is only appropriate for scenarios that only happen once in your life. It would appear the catch phrase of the 2011 song The Motto

by Drake has become the mark of the moron.

If you are still intent on shouting YOLO to the world at every opportunity, at least do it right.

Examples of a real YOLO instance include, “Dude, who cares about indecent exposure laws—YOLO!” followed by streaking around the neighborhood.

Unfortunately, 99 percent of YOLO usage occurs when someone tries to excuse something dumb they’ve done by acknowledging that only being alive once is reason enough. “I didn’t study for a test that’s a major component of my grade. I’ll probably fail out now, but YOLO!” The largest group of YOLO users, however, would be the tweeters who have no idea how to use the term YOLO in context. They instead hashtag it with every tweet they send out as if this will justify everything. “Just crashed my car into this pole while tweeting this #YOLO.” Maybe not.

Of course, I would be lying if claimed I have avoided the YOLO craze entirely. I’ve used it to validate spending $80 shoes I have yet to take the tags off of, and I’ve said it to make myself feel better about wearing yoga pants to my cousin’s first communion.

Recently, I decided that YOLO was a good enough reason to die a piece of my hair blue without letting my mom know. She, unfortunately, disagreed with my once-in-a-lifetime reasoning.

It’s catchy and can be funny when used to justify a bad decision. But like all pop culture references, YOLO has a limited life span and it has come to the point where we must gently let go. So do the world a favor, stop YOLOing; do not make YOLO the generational equivalent of groovy.

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Matilda von Kalm

F

Managing Editor

rom the last minute copying of a homework assignment to paying another student to take an online quiz, cheating has become a social norm, especially as the pressure to be at the top of the class increases.

To teachers and administration, cheating is classified as any student turning in an assign ment or test that has not been explicitly done with their own thought processes. To students, however, that definition is not always true.

“I cheat in basically all of my classes, mostly to get ahead and stay there,” Jim* said. “The competition in my grade is cutthroat, and I need to get into a good university.”

From standard to Advanced Placement courses, students take pictures of tests, look up inform ation online on their smart-phones, and share work to make the grades they need to pass. Though seen in all grades, cheating is most rampant with upperclassm en, where getting the assignment done as painlessly as possible outweighs the fear of getting caught.

“I didn’t cheat when I was a freshman; I was too afraid of getting caught,” Sarah said. “But then when everyone else started to cheat, it felt more social ly acceptable, and it became harder to turn down my classmates if they asked me for homework to copy. ” So what is cheating? According to the Student Code of Conduct, cheating is defined by the possession of inappropriate or deliberate distrib ution or use of information. This, however, is not the definition students use.

“We like to refer to it as teamwork,” John said. “If I let you copy my work, you’ll let me copy yours next time. It’s common courtesy.”

AP U.S. History teacher Robin Grenz does not find this definition to be true. Instead, she views cheating as a breach in the learning process and a consequence of the forever growing appeal of instan t gratification.

“Students think, ‘I need the grade now,’ but don’t connect the learning process to the grade in the grade

book,” Grenz said. “They’re not e no long-term learning, which is i the information shows up somew Grenz is one of a few teac completely to taking online quizz home and in class, easy targets fo set up obstacles to prevent this, h providing the opportunity to do qu still receive an 80 percent to disco cheat. Despite these precautions, incident where a former student to take other student’s quizzes w passing it for them with a 100 pe this down immediately.

According to Dean of Aca Hunter, out of 1,500 total referra only 38 cases of cheating were doc “A lot of circumstances do up because of how broad the so interpretations of cheating differently,” Hunter said.

There is also a line drawn betw minor assignments and cheating on “I don’t like to feel like I don material in a class, so I do my own Elizabeth said.

So why do students take the risk “Everyone needs to get ahea makes school a level playing field, maybe two hours of sleep a night load is really heavy, so at some p physically impossible not to chea grades up.”

As cheating becomes more of a students now feel zero guilt over not work, especially as they see their gr “It’s not tabooed anymore, and little bit of peer pressure to partici that one kid who doesn’t let anyone Sam said. “Sometimes I wish I h material, but since I started cheatin have gone up significantly, and that’ to keep doing it.”

*all student names hav

9

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photo illustration by Isabelle Sarnek

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student connection

EVERYONE HAS A STORY

ART CORNER

Junior Devin Caldwell, the randomly selected student of the issue has been involved in church his whole life whether by serving, helping the church or doing community outreach through the church. His main church at the moment is River Run Christian church in Chuluota. He helps out at the youth service which is at 11 a.m, every Sunday morning.

Q:

Why do you help at the church so much?

A: Q: A:

What is a major event that you have most recently been involved in?

Q: A:

The church is just the place that I am always at, I love it there. The atmosphere is amazing and everyone cannot help but be happy when you walk in.

We filled about 600 boxes with toys, candy and school supplies in four hours. A lot of people showed up and we had a lot of fun.

Would you ever change being involved in church?

No, I like my church and it’s hard work but it is a lot of fun. We meet new people and change lives every day and it is an addicting feeling knowing that you are changing people for the better.

PO

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4-6 Hours

How many hours of sleep do you get a night?

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“Bones” by Mckenna Calabro, 11 “I’m new to using watercolor, so this is one of my most recent pieces, and using this style really helps me improve in art.”

With homework keeping us up all night, sports practice every day and after school jobs, teenagers are constantly fighting for sleep.

According to a National Sleep Foundation study, of the 46% of teenagers that claimed to have depression, 73% admitted to get insufficient amounts of sleep. A Brigham Young University study also proved that students who get less than seven hours of sleep are much more likely to do poorly on tests.

So, instead of the late-night cram for tomorrow’s test, go to sleep and get a full seven hours; besides, you should not have waited that late to study in the first place.

“Fashion Squared” by Sylvia Owens, 12 “I’m not a girly kind of person, but I try to make this collage a self expression of the inner girl inside even the most edgiest women.”

Homelessness, Ani Gomez, 11 “This art piece was about the homelessness of a person; and even though it looks complicated, it was rather easy to make.”

Submit your own 2-D or 3-D artwork! Visit room 6-201.

11

reviews HORRIBLE

What’s on your

iPod?

Mackensie Mannerberg, 12

“Invisible”

by Big Time Rush Even if you think no one notices you that does not mean people are not noticing you.

“Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye”

by Luke Bryan “Goodbye”

by Miley Cyrus “Cover Girl”

by Big Time Rush “I’ll Be” by Edwin McCain Josue Siciliano, 11 “Gangnam Style”

by PSY It came out during a time where people wanted something new and inspires people to be weird.

“Just Lose It” by Eminem “Shots” by LMFAO “Not Afraid” by Eminem “Low” by Flo Rida Steven Carolus, 10 “In The Halls of the Mountain King”

by Edvard Grieg It’s instrumental and I like it when doing homework.

“Strobo Pop” by Die Atzen “Nara” by E.S. Posthumus “The Mesopotamians”

by They Might be Giants “Bass Cannon”

by Flux Pavilion

GOOD

OUTSTANDING

Frozen yogurt freezes out competition Daniella Parcell and Winnie Meyer Staff Reporters

M

ove over, ice cream, yogurt is the new king of the dessert scene. Although the taste is similar, the flavors are plentiful, from pumpkin to plain vanilla. The multitude of toppings range from chocolate rocks to boba seeds. With a low calorie count, frozen yogurt chills customers’ throats and satisfies their taste buds as new establishments pop up everywhere.

Because these businesses sell the same product and are concentrated in a small area, there is competition between shops. To judge everything from price to atmosphere, teens can choose for themselves which fro-yo shop fits their frozen needs.

With 16 flavors, Menchie’s takes the cake in the yogurt business. It has a bright and fun theme everywhere throughout the establishment, from the vibrant and colorful walls to the adorable spoons used to eat your yogurt. Its yogurt has many unique and fun flavors that are all enjoyable and the consistency of the treat is perfect. Though Menchie’s is the most expensive local yogurt shop at 49 cents per ounce, and is a bit of a drive from the school, the price and time are well worth the quality.

Menchie’s

The friendliest experience, iKiwi is the most convenient yogurt store for students. Less than five minutes from the school, iKiwi has 10 choices at only 45 cents per ounce, which makes it the cheapest. Despite limited topping options, the employees make the experience. They always seem interested in the customers’ wellbeing and are very hospitable to everyone who enters their store. The shop has a comfortable and open feel, which further enhances environment of iKiwi.

IKIWI

Oh Sweet is priced the same as iKiwi; however, the quality is not nearly as fabulous. Watery yogurt with a soupy texture and bland options open to you are not nearly as good as the other fro-yo options.

The bowls also only come in one size, so what you get is what you get.

Sample cups are only given when asked, and weirdly-named choices leave consumers confused. Not even the quaint atmosphere at Oh Sweet makes up for the poor quality of its frozen yogurt.

Oh Sweet

Enzian: hipster theater Ben Sorkin Graphics Editor very once in a while, the Regal Cinemas 22 just does not cut it for movie night; the constant flow of big-budget action flicks and vampire-laden romance movies becomes a bore.

This is where The Enzian Theater and Café in Maitland comes in. The Enzian promises a unique experience right when you drive onto the lot.

Originally erected in 1985 as a revival house dedicated to classic cinema, the Enzian reinvented themselves in 1989 as an art house theater. An art house theater is a theater that shows artsy indie flicks that are made to appeal to a niche market. In simpler terms, the Enzian shows movies you cannot find anywhere else.

The theater itself is very easy on the eyes and practically oozes style from the inside out. Inside, there is a standard concession counter where you can buy snacks such as popcorn and sodas for $4 and $2 respectively.

If a snack is not what you want, then head into the theater and order from the Enzian’s menu of full meals such as a 12-inch pizza or a quesadilla.

Forget the red felt seats of a

E

normal theater; the Enzian boasts full tables and couches in their one theater room. Long time customers and Enzian Film Society Members can reserve their favorite seats for whenever they want to come to the theater.

Outside the theater, visitors can wander off in the weeping willow draped courtyard, where films are occasionally held.

Visitors can also delight themselves with live entertainment and tasty foods, such as steak or shrimp scampi, from the outdoor Eden Bar. But as cool as the Enzian is with looks and food, that is not where it shines. Films directed by Michael Bay or Stephen Spielberg are nowhere to be found in this theater. The Enzian takes its pride in independent showings. Documentaries, foreign films and cult classics call the Enzian home for limited releases.

Aside from the nightly movie, the Enzian also hosts film shows like the Brouhaha, a film festival dedicated to independent films by local artists.

Similar to the Brouhaha is the Film Slam, another film festival that incorporates international short films.

During the Film Slam, each short

photo by: www.visitsouth.com Retro revue. The Enzian theatre and cafe is located in Maitland and is open on specified dates on their website. The Enzian features indie films produced by local artists.

is showed one after the other. Once all the films have been shown, the attendees to the event can vote on the best film.

Not only are the films a unique experience, they are also cheap at about $10 for general admission, and

$8 for students, senior citizens and those who serve in the military.

For more about the Enzian and the currently playing movies, visit their website at www.enzian.org.

Enzian Theatre

12

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 (except for the Our Take), the views of Seminole County Public Schools, or Hagerty High School’s administration and staff.

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

News Editor Darbi Filliben

Graphics Editor Ben Sorkin

Lifestyles Editor Lexi Rossow

Staff Reporters Ellie Bonck Keith Clowney Adeline Davis Jessica Jeffers Lauren Lee Brianna McGuire Winnie Meyer Ryan O’Connor Daniella Parcell Spencer Thompson

Sports Editor Sean Donovan

Principal Sam Momary

Managing Editor Matilda von Kalm

Adviser Brit Taylor

Business Manager Lexi Rossow

Opinions Editor Haley Gaeser

Editor-in-Chief Sarah Casagrande

Photo Editor Isabelle Sarnek

Student Connection Natalie Castle

Reviews Editor Daniel Neveras

Our�take: Class ranks a thing of the past

W

hen report cards are distributed, amidst the lines of letter grades and GPAs will be a missing piece of information—class rankings. Their absence is due to conflicts with calculations and student GPAs, but according to the National Association for College Admission Counseling, more than half of all high schools no longer report student ranks.

Class rankings were once a major component in college admission decisions—students strived to be in the top 10 percent of their graduating class and competed for the title of class valedictorian. However, class ranks are an outdated system of

measurement and are an ineffective judgment of student performance when it comes to college admissions.

Every school is different, and potential classes and student populations can vary widely. The top 10 percent of students can range from five to 500–it all depends on class size. A student at a small, competitive private school will have to enroll in more high-level classes and earn more A’s than a student at a larger one to make the cut.

In schools with high levels of competition, a student may not be able to take enough classes to maintain the 4.5 or 5.0 GPA required to make the top 10 percent or to qualify for class

valedictorian. The number of AP and IB classes available varies per school and many required classes can only be taken at the standard level. Any GPA can be negatively affected by a standard class, or even an honors class, through no fault of the student.

Thankfully, although it is still required by most colleges, class rank is now far less a deciding factor in the admissions process than other numerical scores. According to CollegeBoard, private colleges have begun to discount the accuracy and importance of class rank when it comes to decisions on student admission. Although scales vary by school and can be weighted

or unweighted, GPAs are a more standardized form of achievement, while SAT or ACT scores allow students to improve through retakes.

Despite the changes, many large universities still require class ranks and use them to help sort through the thousands of applicants that they receive. But a number as subjective and unstandardized as a class rank should not be a deciding factor for admissions. A student in the top 10 percent is just that—a student in the top 10 percent, and there may be other students who are just as able and talented in a school’s population who are not recognized because they chose not to take all AP classes.

Daniella Parcell

place students into intensive classes.

The Department of Education states that all high school students who scored a level one or two on the FCAT must be placed in an intensive class for the following school year.

Even a straight A student who is a part of the English Honors Society could be forced to leave a spot for an intensive reading class in his or her schedule—a spot that could be filled by another academic elective that could further improve his or her GPA. Students in this situation often strive to get into a good college and have a successful high school career that was only made possible by taking extra academic electives.

An intensive class will only take up space in students’ schedules and leave no room for a class that they are deeply interested in.

Along with students who are improperly placed, those who are deservingly put into an intensive class are negatively impacted by

others who should not be in the class. One student with a negative attitude or a sense of being too good for the class will change the learning environment from positive to negative quickly. With a negative learning environment, students who actually need to be in the class are not able to learn the material.

Although a two on the FCAT is still a failing score, more than just a small, single digit number should be considered to make this decision. In order to maintain a positive learning environment and give students the opportunities to take the classes they desire, the DOE should offer students who score an achievement level of 2 on the FCAT but have a scale score that is within 20 points of a 3, and also maintained an A in a previous AP or honors English class, a waiver to potentially switch out of their intensive reading class. Students’ class options should not be limited due to a bad testing day.

At times, intensive classes unnecessary

graphic by Ben Sorkin

A

Staff Reporter

fter two Ibuprofen and an attempt to down a decent breakfast, the student trudges to the school bus, attempting to keep an open mind about the test she is about to take. Although she usually earns perfect scores on standardized tests, she has recently come down with the flu, which impairs her testing ability and lowers her confidence. A few months later, she is disappointed to hear that she must take an intensive reading class next school year.

It is not uncommon for a usually high-scoring student to become sick the day of a test, or to simply have a bad test day, and therefore be placed in an intensive class. To avoid forcing these students to sit through a course that will be painfully easy for them, the Florida Department of Education should take more than just FCAT scores into consideration when they

barks

& bites

Haley Gaeser Opinions Editor A BARK to Carla Baird for handling the front office with love. It is evident how much all of the students enjoy having you around and how hard you work. You always treat everyone as if they were your best friend even if you have just met them.

Just hearing you say, “Have a great day” is all students need to know that you truly care.

A BITE to judgmental teachers who feel the need to point out flaws in their students before even getting to know them.

Many students feel targeted by some of their teachers while they are in class. Although a teacher may think something is a joke, it may actually offend someone. Even if a teacher never meant for this to occur, it is causing problems within the student body.

A BARK to all of the family and friends of Caitlin Downing, the five year old girl who died of brain cancer. Without the help of all of these individuals, Caitlin would not have made it as far as she did in her struggle. Not only that, but the 13,000 luminaries throughout Oviedo for Caitlin were amazing. Though her passing is tragic, Caitlin was so lucky to have such loving people in her life.

A BITE to teachers who feel the need to constantly change assignment due dates. When that date gets changed, it messes up the flow of a student’s schedule and creates a stressful time crunch for them. It also confuses the teachers of what needs to be collected and graded each day.

Teachers need to understand that students have busy lives and cannot afford continual due date changes.

13

opinions� “Students change lives every day through organizations.”

Jessica Jeffers

YES

Staff Reporter ithout the help of student volunteers, the city of Oviedo would be hostile. Imagine people and animals starving on the streets, roofs filled with holes and people living in tents. Organizations that help with these issues would be nowhere if there were no students, which would mean these situations would become a reality.

Students change lives every day through organizations such as the approved service sites for Bright Futures like Pet Rescue by Judy. PRJ is a non-profit organization in which unpaid volunteers help to care for animals that would be homeless if not for the provided shelter given by this facility.

It is not required to complete any hours for graduation, though there are many scholarship opportunities for those that complete hours from a range of amounts. By completing community service, students have more job experience, help the community, and add points to their college essays or applications. Students have more than enough free time to complete at least 25 hours for graduation rather than tweet about their teacher or new shoes. Compared to other schools, we have very limited requirements for graduation.

According to multiple guidance counselors, people who complete community service sound better on a college application. They can get support letters from these organizations which can boost them up on the college acceptance list.

Volunteering can expose students to follow instructions given to them by people in higher power. This can help in the long run by preparing them for authority. Some students have issues with respecting teachers and faculty, but in this case they would be forced to respect the boss or supervisor.

Jobs want people who are experienced in a workplace to be prepared for the environment rather than not prepared and not ready to work or not knowing how to work. It makes it easier to adapt to the environment rather than not, which could be frustrating or annoying.

Though some would look at this story and say that they do not have time to complete this if it ever became a graduation requirement, I am just saving you time in the long run. It is not that hard, so take a lesson from Nike and “Just do it.”

W

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Do you like to write?

Have an opinion for the BluePrint Staff?

Send us an email at hhsblueprint@gmail. com or come to room 6-201. Letters to the editor cannot be anonymous.

Should community service be required in order to graduate?

“Yes, because it helps the community and students may discover they enjoy certain activities they wouldn’t have tried before.”

Olivia Randall-Kosich, 11

“I don’t think it should be required because some people have other responsibilities like sports or jobs that prevent them from being able to take time out of their life for community service. I don’t see why it should be needed.”

Kelly Walter,10 “It’s the only time high schoolers will serve the community, and it opens new opportunities for the youth.”

Chang-Hyun Choi, 12

%

“It shouldn’t be required because we should want to do it out of the goodness of our hearts. If you are forced to do it, you will be miserable the whole time.”

Taylor Chifone, 11

Dear editors, I know people complain about the temperatures of classrooms all the time, but there is a noticeable difference in a lot of the hallways, especially in Mr. Conybear’s classroom. As you walk in the door, the cold air hits you and the whole class is almost miserable because of the temperature drop. It is so cold that Mr. Conybear keeps sweatshirts in his classroom for kids to wear if they forget a jacket. It also makes it hard to concentrate sometimes, and Pre-Calculus is a class you have to pay attention in. I do not understand why it is so cold and why administration will not fix it. They have to know that students complain about it all the time. Maybe there is nothing they can do about it but either way, something needs to be done.

Sincerely, Mery Yanez, 11

NO

“Free will to choose where students volunteer would disappear.”

Lauren Lee

T

Staff Reporter wenty-five people wait outside the College and Career room, the last day to turn in community service forms, and no one wants to be there. The first person in line turns in a half completed form, then gets into a yelling match with the staff, saying how he would quit school if they made him volunteer. Two people farther down the line sign each other’s forms, which have completely nonsensical answers.

If the school requirement changed, this is just one of the nightmares required community service would bring.

Free will to choose where students volunteer would disappear as soon as required community service for graduation was created.

About two-thirds of the students in the school complete community service, but if all of the school is required to complete the hours, the fundamentals of community service would fade away, and students will start to resent volunteer work.

Enforcing this requirement also promotes pressure to complete more than enough work just to graduate.

Students sign up for community service, to take part in the Bright Futures Scholarship Program. It is not worth losing free time and an increase in stress just too graduate high school, though it would be worth it for a scholarship.

In addition, the staff in the College and Career room will have a hard time keeping track of every single student’s progress and community service hours. The staff would have to keep track of everyone’s hours and what place they volunteered, which would cause a more convoluted organization and mess up hours.

There are only a set number of places where students are allowed to complete volunteer hours, and if the whole school was required to do community service, overcrowding and limited spaces would stress students out. If there is a requirement to fulfill community service, colleges will expect more of the students, since it will be required that they volunteer.

For students who want a scholarship, volunteering is one of the best options, but changing community service to a requirement for graduation is the wrong move.

Dear editors, I believe Hagerty should offer their students exam exemptions. Exam exemptions mean that if you get an ‘A’ in a course you do not have to take an exam. Exams are risky because they can either make or break your hard-earned grade. High schools across the country offer exam exemptions to students and Hagerty should too.

Some people aren’t good test takers and struggle the entire year to keep a good grade. If the student has worked hard enough and studied enough to get an A in the course before exams roll around, they should be rewarded.

I have worked really hard for my grades throughout the quarter, and I hate the fact that one grade can drop me so many percentage points.

Sincerely, Jordann Marinelli, 11

14

sports

sports shorts

Soccer struggles to win

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL BEATS LAKE MARY IN OVERTIME The girls’ basketball team beat Lake Mary 56-53 in overtime on Dec 5. Junior Cori Duren led the team in points. The team also beat Lake Brantley. This is the first time they have beaten both Lake Mary and Lake Brantley. They are currently 8-4.

GIRLS’ JV SOCCER PLACES SECOND AT TOURNAMENT The girls’ JV soccer team competed in a tournament on Dec. 8-9, winning the first game on Friday night, 2-0, against Lake Highland, and the second game Saturday afternoon, 3-0, against Bishop Moore. The team lost in the finals, 3-2, to University.

VOLLEYBALL SEASON ENDS WITH LOSS TO LAKE MARY The girls’ volleyball team ended their season on Nov. 6 with a loss to Lake Mary in the regional semi-finals with a score of 25-20, 2520 and 25-18. The team ended up with a regular season record of 21-4, and the girls were district runners-up. Senior Katie Ballantyne led the team in kills with an even 400. Junior Chrissy Teixeira lead the team in assists with 565, and senior, Emma Ballantyne lead the team in digs with 400.

BOYS’ BOWLING FINISHES SIXTH IN STATE The boys’ bowling team finished the best season in history with a 15-1 record in the regular season. Senior Ricky Basen led the team to a second place district finish after losing to Seminole, 3038-2782.

At the state competition on Thurs. Nov. 8, junior Tim Berberich and Basen guided the team to a sixth place finish.

CROSS-COUNTRY FINISHES FOURTH AT STATES The girls’ cross country team finished fourth at the state championships on Nov. 17. The team was led by senior Bryce Seymour who finished sixth with a time of 18:42, followed by junior Kerstin Sosa who finished 16th, junior Brenna Johnson who finished 32nd, senior Tiffany Gargiulo who finished 36th and senior Tayler Johnson, who finished 76th. The team finished first in the Seminole Athletic Conference championships, first in districts, and second in regionals.

photo by Isabelle Sarnek

Going for goal. Senior mid-fielder Alex Gilbert dribbles the ball down field, preparing to pass the ball. He’s been in the soccer program all throughout high school.

Ryan O’Connor

T

Staff Reporter

he boys’ varsity soccer began their season with a 2-1 win against Lake Brantley on Nov. 8 with junior Alex Chorpa scoring a goal. After this game the team lost against Seminole, 5-2, Oviedo, 3-1, and Lyman, 6-1. They have an overall record of 2-6.

Junior goalie Andrew Reilly claims that the team “will start winning a lot more games which

will make the season much better.”

Reilly’s goal for the season is to get as much playtime as possible. Reilly also tells how the team has gotten better and are scoring good goals.

New players have added a new dynamic to the team. Senior Anesu Mucherera says that the new players bring a new field style and that they are trying to pull their fieldwork together. Mucherera says that his hope for this year’s games is that they just have a good season. Mucherera scored the winning goal in the Lake

Mary game.

Mucherera says it “felt like things were ready to run around” in regard to the win against Lake Mary.

Junior Andy Giles feels that the team’s goal for future games is to come out and stay focused. Giles’ future goal is to get scouted by colleges this season.

Giles says that the team plans “to turn things around.” With this win the hopes for the team to get to districts have gotten larger and have made the team one step closer to getting there.

While other games have not gone that well they are improving, winning one of their latest games against Lake Mary, 1-0. The defense kept Lake Mary at bay preventing them from changing the game or momentum.

Senior Connor Muladore made good saves, which stopped Lake Mary from catching up.

Muladore says “[they’re] starting to come together” as he described how the team has been doing since the Lake Mary game. Since this game the team has become more optimistic for districts.

Junior Brian Pak stated that the team started off rusty but has been getting better, partly because of the 5 a.m. practices at the beginning of the year “The teamwork depends of the relationship; it’s like a family for me.” Pak said.

Gierke steps down from football after eight years Sean Donovan

T

Sports Editor

he biggest change in the biggest athletic program has come.

Head football coach Nate Gierke resigned as football coach Tuesday, Nov. 27. Gierke, however, will remain at the school as the girls’ and boys’ weightlifting coach and as the weightlifting teacher. How much time he has left at the school, though, is undecided.

“I’m really not sure what the

future holds for me,” Gierke said.

“But I’m thankful to Mr. Momary for giving me this opportunity.”

Gierke has been with the football program since its inception seven years ago. He has been the most consistent part of the football program, the only coach left from when it began.

However, the toll on his home life eventually became too much.

“I thought that I could be a head coach and be with my family,” Gierke said. “Now that’s not the case. I just have to re-evaluate my priorities. It’s

not really complicated.”

For Gierke, the most unforgettable moment will be the Lakeland game two years ago, the first-ever playoff appearance for the program.

Defeating Oviedo twice is also a fond memory of his, because of the meaning that it holds for the community.

“The rivalry between the schools is great,” Gierke said. “I’ve seen my share of rivalries. I think it might turn into a really competitive one. Nobody thought that when this school was first established.”

Best moments aside, some other noteworthy memories Gierke has remain with the people has met, such as players and parents, who have come and gone through the program.

“We’ve accomplished a lot on and off the field,” Gierke said. “I’m going to miss the relationships with the people who work here, the parents, and my players.”

Gierke has had his fair share of coaching changes though. He was an assistant coach at Edgewater before coming to coach here.

Though several coaches who were

established with the school remained, several left after the playoff run. In recent years, the program has seen more coaching changes under Gierke than ever before, including Gierke’s younger brother, Jeff.

“It’s hard to deal with,” Gierke said. “It’s how the players handle it that I’m mostly concerned with.

There’s always lots of coaches coming and going. It’s something to be concerned with in this profession, because of all the cutbacks.”

So far, 70 applicants have applied for the job

sports Sports Truths The death of the Multisport Athlete Sean Donovan Sports Editor

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reshman Sam Suarez had just finished up the volleyball season and was getting ready for her first high school soccer season. Then she got a message during tryouts. letting her know that she was going to play for the Lady Aces volleyball club. Though she liked volleyball more than soccer, her soccer season ended before began.

Like Suarez, many athletes are forced to specialize, or focus on one sport. That entails an intense season followed by a long period of training and conditioning between seasons, as well as playing in a club to keep up their skills. This contradicts what should be happening—an increase in multi-sport athletes, a trend that has been starkly weakened.

Assistant basketball coach Brett Hamilton comes from a small town in Indiana, and like many kids in small towns, participated in several sports.

Hamilton was actually involved in four: basketball, cross-country, track, and some baseball. When he moved to Central Florida, he founds things to be much different. He is in favor of multisport athletes and would like to see more of them, since it can bring forth more competition.

Specialized athletes do have one fatal flaw: the burnout and boredom clause. Like signing a contract, specialized athletes tend to stick to their sport for a few years, but by the end are exhausted from constant conditioning or get bored of doing the same thing routinely. They could give up on sports all together.

With most star athletes working year round in their specialized sport, athletes who try to play multiple sports can lead to less playing time or even worse, getting kicked off the team, or not playing. And that is something that no true athlete wants.

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Runners-up return with pressure Sean Donovan

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Sports Editor

ast year, two sports teams went to the state finals: girls’ soccer and boys’ basketball.

Although both fell short, the postseason successes they did gain provided experience for returning players. Now they are back in season and look to finish what they started last year. The challenge lies not only in the physical opponents they face, but against the pressure to return to where they made it last year and even take it one step further.

The girls’ soccer team started off stronger than last season, beginning undefeated, with only two ties. The highlight of the season so far has been the sweep of Oviedo: 4-0 on Nov. 12 and 4-1 on Dec. 10. This is in part because of the greater amount of experience the team has carried over from last season with nine seniors, seven of whom have been playing since their freshman year. They only lost four seniors.

Boys’ basketball, on the other hand, had to replace seven seniors,

including top star Aaron Bodager and Ira Smith. Thus, there was a necessary influx of seniors this year and prominent members from the JV team. The team, though has managed to a 8-1 record with a big victory over Lake Highland Prep, 98-92, in the Hoops-4-Hearts Showcase on Dec. 8.

The strategies for the two teams have slightly changed. Partly because of club season conflicts, girls’ soccer will allow more players to get playing time so there will be less inexperience in the postseason.

Basketball’s game plan for this season has not varied much from last season’s because head coach Josh Kohn feels that the strategy worked well enough last season.

“We play how we play; there’s no reason to change anything,” Kohn said. “So far, so good.”

From the experience retained by the girls soccer team, they plan to make another to the state Final Four and from there win it all.

“Now we know how to do it, we know the process,” senior midfielder Sam Collin said. “We just have to worry about the regular season now.”

Out of the two teams, soccer faces more pressure this season.

They opened at the number one spot in the Orlando Sentinel Super Six. Basketball was ranked fifth in the by the same poll.

Both teams have star returners who are known state wide. Soccer has Mucherera, and basketball has senior Luke Doyle, who has been on the team since he was a freshman.

They were both leading scorers last season and have become the leaders this season.

“The four guys coming back are really good players,” head basketball coach Josh Kohn said. “They’re key guys with a lot of experience, they make the transition smoother.”

The two teams have managed to put last season behind them and look forward to taking the regular season by storm and advancing through the postseason. For both teams, the notoriety that has come with success also makes each a target.

“You get every team’s best shot, you knock everyone off, and everyone wants to beat you,” Kohn said.

photo by Isabelle Sarnek

Free-point frenzy. Junior Nick Brizendine shoots a free-throw in the win against Olympia. Brizendine is one of seven returners from last year’s state runner-up team.

Jersey numbers become athletic identity Spencer Thompson Staff Reporter

“I

got your number, I got your back,” sings Kenny Chesney is his iconic tribute to high school football, “The Boys of Fall.”

The original idea was simple; put numbers on players’ uniforms to help identify them to officials, coaches, and fans in the stands. Over time, however, uniform numbers have taken on special meaning and have become part of an athlete’s identity.

In the athletic program, there has never ceased to be a special connection between the player and their number.

In football, players are assigned numbers their freshman year, and from then on they get to pick their numbers based off seniority. For some players, their number carries a history. Sophomore DJ Butler got his number, 70, from senior linemen Devin Duffy. He feels it is important

to keep that number alive.

“Having his number is a start of a new legacy of linemen. When I’m a senior, I’ll pass the number on to someone else,” Butler said.

For others, their number has been something that has never left them, and most likely never will. Senior Stevie Nagel has worn the number three her entire life.

“Number three is mine,” Nagel said. “I was born number three.”

For junior quarterback Jason Driskel, however, it is a family tradition. Driskel’s brother Jeff always wore the number six growing

up and continues to wear it during his college career. His dad also wore six growing up as a kid.

“I didn’t want to have the same number as my brother,” Driskel said, “so obviously the closest number to six that isn’t six is 16. It’s a family number.”

As for the basketball team, picking numbers is not always as peaceful. On the JV and freshman team, there is the occasional battle.

“A couple of times we have players that want the same number, so we’ll let them play a game of oneon-one or horse, and the winner gets

the number,” basketball coach Josh Kohn said.

Sophomore Andrew Sawyer was one of those players that had to battle for his number, 3; a number that belonged to him all his life.

“We just played a quick game of In and Out, and I won, so I got my number,” Sawyer said. “It’s the number I’ve been wearing since I was a little kid, so I was happy I got it.”

Although both coaches have different styles of handing out numbers, they both can agree on one thing: most players have a true connection with their number.

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back

New textbooks needed Jessica Jeffers

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Staff Reporter

he page has illegible words, Cheeto fingerprints, missing pages and inappropriate drawings. The drawings are abundant and there are too many missing pages to count, making it impossible for the student to do homework.

Many of the school’s textbooks are in this condition.

“My AP Human Geography book has pages that are torn out and is just, overall in bad condition,” freshman Mira Saad said.

“It would be easier if to read and study if they were in new condition.”

Most issues that are found in textbooks are caused by students who write answers on pages, draw bad pictures and rip or completely tear out pages.

“I don’t see why people do this,” freshman Maddy Bohlmann said. “I guess it makes them feel better knowing that future generations are going to struggle reading these pages.”

In some cases, textbooks need to be updated because of their old or lacking

information. For instance, the World History Honors textbook is rarely used. The book contains inadequate information and because the curriculum changes over the years, the text provided is no longer needed, so instead teachers hand out printed copies from newer sources.

The original books are unable to be replaced due to the lack of money given to the school by the county and state.

Books are normally updated every five to seven years, except AP textbooks, which are purchased directly from the publisher, making them more expensive and less frequently replaced.

Through these issues the school tries to provide the best books possible. The AP Human Geography textbook will be replaced in the near future, along with many other outdated books.

“The next generations of AP freshman will look at the books and be excited to continue AP classes throughout high school, unlike myself who thought last year that AP classes at this school do not matter as much,” sophomore Hope Bryant said.

PERFECT GIFT