THE
RED & BLACK
Florida’s first high school newspaper
Hillsborough High School • 5000 N. Central Ave. • Tampa, Fla. 33603 • Volume 112, No. 6 • April 2012
high school Marijuana and its connection to the student body
-Special Report pages 7-9
(staff photo)
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News
April 2012
Trouble by the numbers FEMALE Sexual Offense
M A L E
Criminal Activity Alcohol/Drugs Other Bus Violation Fighting Minor Violation Personal Conduct Truancy (all day) Skipping Class Tardiness
E
ver wonder just how many behavioral and disciplinary incidents there are in a school year? Last year, it totaled to 3,512. The Red & Black researched every account of fighting, tardiness, truancy (skipping school) and other referral-causing events from the first three grading periods of this year and compiled it into one representation of the sheer magnitude of how unruly the students really were last year. To follow the graph, a color responds to a different type of incident that required disciplinary action. The section of the graph that is devoted to the color represents the percentage of total incidents of that type. -Fabio DeSousa
News
April 2012
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UTA’s funding a concern for seniors By Nico Tavella & Jenn Travis Opinion Editor & Staff Writer
Back in 2008, a federal grant was given to the Hillsborough County public school district to encourage students to become teachers by promising to cover the full costs of college: tuition, books and fees, if in return they agree to teach for three years in an inner-city school. They would get these scholarships by having the district and school staffs work with students to secure any scholarship they are eligible for. Now however, the first group of 31 students graduates from the Middleton, Hillsborough and King magnet programs who are entitled to this promise (13 from HHS alone) have come to discover that only $17,000 has been raised. Students are now stressed about the future of the program. “This [program] is the only reason why I came here” says senior Cynthia Curbelo, who was zoned for Sickles High originally. “It really benefited me with experience.” Senior Jessica Palfi also raves about how the program “helped a lot with experience in the field” getting her “a step ahead for college” by being able to practice by going to Memorial and tutoring students. She is also now worried about what the future will entail. Principal William Orr thinks called the creation of this program is a great idea, stating that “we certainly have a need for teachers in inner city schools” but is disappointed in the program’s inability to raise funds, saying that due to the un-
Cynthia Curbelo and Jessica Palfi are required to teach mock classes in the Urban Teaching Academy. (Photo by Nico Tavella)
predictable economy, “this is not a good time to raise money.” The program’s reliance on the education foundation also helped prevent its ability to raise funds. Spokeswoman Linda Cobbe said the district still indends to fulfill the promise of raising this scholarship money for the UTA students. Fundraisers such as the Celebrity Spelling Bee have attempted to raise funds, but did not raise a significant amount.
Cobbe says that she doesn’t base the success of the program off of how much money it has raised. “I look at how many students may become teachers in this district” Cobbe said, “and that they have had meaningful experiences to enhance their education. [The students] have received excellent training to prepare them for success in college and in the classroom.”
English department diminishes teacher count By Jake Gagne & Kristine Lee News Editor & Life Editor
The school has seen English teacher after English teacher leave this year, each one of the five that left embarked on a different journey. Their departures have simultaneously created a new endeavor for their students and their replacements. The most common complaint from the teachers is the time void necessary to complete the lesson plans and become comfortable with their students.
“It’s very challenging,” said Jesse Lockley, ers leaving. who took over for Jon Jordan at the beginning “It’s put a lot more stress on me, especially of March. “Teachers have less time when they leave in the middle “Teachers have less to get to know the students… [and] time to get to know of exams,” Rowland said. we have just as much to do, but the students ... we Students have been adless time to do it.” versely affected as well. “It’s have just as much to Samantha Caldwell, who re- do and less time to do always tough, but it’s toughest placed Cindy Spence in Novem- it.” -Jesse Lockley on the kids,” Assistant Princiber, said “It was very hard at the pal for Curriculum Stephanie beginning; we didn’t have time to plan.” Davis said. “It’s always hard to say goodbye Lou Rowland, the department head for to one of your favorite teachers.” English, has been distraught over the teachDespite the initial obstacles, the teachers
have been supportive and mostly adapted and caught up. Rowland said that he helps the teachers all the time with teaching strategies and materials. “All teachers have been great and supportive, and Ms. Davis has been very helpful,” said Mechelle Marchant. All the new teachers said that the changes would not affect the students’ test scores. “We’ve had enough time to catch up, I don’t think their test scores will change,” Marchant said.
4 Volume 111 No. 6 Editor in Chief Samantha Matras News Editors Jacob Gagne Chrissy Geshel Elizabeth Gwilt Life Editors Nick Bennett Roksana Borzouei Brittany Valencic Kristine Lee Calendar Editor Alex Rosendo Sports Editors Katie Lutton Luke Votzke Kellen Yent Opinion Editors Nico Tavella Nikki Ferrera Photo Editor Jimmy Herd-Bond Staff Writers Fabio DeSousa Holly Schroeder Nadiya Fakhar Jenn Travis Amanda Glenz Zachary Wright Kimberly Rampersad Adam Godbey Adviser Joe Humphrey, MJE Principal Dr. William T. Orr Jr. The Red & Black belongs to the Florida Scholastic and National Scholastic (All-American, 2011) press associations. The newspaper considers itself an open forum for student expression and decisions about content are made by student editors. However, the paper is subject to prior review by the school’s administrative staff. The staff editorial reflects the view of student editors and columns represent the viewpoints of their authors. The R&B welcomes letters from students, teachers and members of the Hillsborough community. Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity, and should be submitted to Room 506 or to The Red & Black, 5000 N. Central Ave., Tampa FL 33603. Advertising content is subject to approval of the editorial board. The Red & Black is printed in partnership with The Tampa Tribune. This newspaper includes content from the MCT Campus wire service. Phone: (813) 276-5620 • Fax: (813) 2765629 e-mail: joseph.humphrey@sdhc.k12.fl.us
www.hhsredblack.com
Opinion Our View
Stop the spread of ‘slacktivism’ Slacktivism, a combination of the words slacker and activism, means exactly what it sounds like: low-effort advocacy of those who want to seem passionate for a cause without spending enough time to make a change. Imagine the perfect slacktivist. He is the person who blames you for the famine in Africa because you threw away your lunch and he criticizes you for taking a shower lasting more than five minutes. Yet, he is frequently updating statuses for causes on one of many products manufactured by Apple, which has been accused of harsh labor conditions in its Chinese factories. Hypocrisy is his middle Cartoon by Luke Votzke name. He will ask you to buy a KONY2012 action kit for $30, when Invisible Children, the organization Cross, Project HOPE volunteers delivered responsible for KONY2012, spends 80.5 more than $60 million in medical supplies. So we can make signs that say “I am percent of their money on vaguely defined Trayvon” and “We want Justice,” but we can program expenses. Furthermore, money donated through text only raise awareness so lawyers, congressional representatives and policymakers can messages make the cannot aunge tomatically “Slacktivism ... the low-effort advocacy cweh aask of do anything of those who want to seem passionate them. The unless benefit of for a cause without spending enough there are slacktivism time to make a change.” volunteers is raising there to awareness transform on a mass the money into help. The Huffington Post scale, not seeking a solution. reported in 2010 that the American Red Cross The trick is to not get caught in the web raised $20 million for the earthquake in Haiti of social networking slacktivism. The internet through text donations. That money would not gives us the gift to communicate on a global have helped Haitians if Red Cross volunteers scale, but the step after slacktivism, real help had not traveled to Haiti to provide aid. True activism involves one person helping to others, is proven to have a tangible effect another, face to face, with substantial commit- on our society. Become involved with a cause beyond ment. Project HOPE is one organization that a like or a tweet. Fight back against KONY sends volunteers to distraught regions of the hipsters who claim to have known all about world with provisions, medical supplies and the war in Uganda, because knowing about it medical professionals. Also reported by the is not enough. We need to become involved. Huffington Post, in comparison to the Red
April 2012
Americans need movies, not repeats Nico Tavella Comentary
These past few weeks, people have been buzzing about the re-showing of James Cameron’s Titanic in theaters. Before that, there was an earful of rave about George Lucas’s Star Wars: Episode I and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast being brought back in 3D. I see this rereleasing of countless movies as more a ploy for companies to make more money than as a blessing. I’m finding that as movie companies focus more on profit, the amount of movies based on original ideas is shrinking. The based-on-a-book and based-ona-true-story movies have been around for decades, but now movies are being based on past movies; Snow White and the Huntsman and Mirror Mirror, coming later this year, are planned to be little more than the 1937 Disney classic, and The Amazing Spiderman is nothing but a recap of what American moviegoers learned over the past decade. This merry-go-round style of movie making might make monetary sense to the big cats in Hollywood, but not to everyday people like me. Unfortunately, all we can do is hope that the cycle of movie ideas comes to an end. Photo Credit: www. titanicmovie.com
Opinion
April 2012
New prom? New price
For $75, the price of prom is heavily concentrated in the price of the hotel venue, the service charge, the gifts and the variety of food. I’m not buying it. Literally, there’s no way I’m buying a ticket for my senior prom. Whenever I say that, people give me a response by the lines of “but it’s a once in a lifetime chance!” Yeah, well so is getting kidnapped. Don’t get me wrong, I love the idea of prom. I want to wrap up my senior year with a night with my friends, dancing and taking pictures. It sounds awesome. But it’s making my pockets bleed tears. On top of my estimated $500+ Nadiya Fakhar dress, I have to pay over $70 to attend too? No, thanks; I’m working on Commentary making the Class of 2013’s prom cheaper. A national survey by Visa Inc. finds that families across the nation are willing to spend an average of $1,078 for their kids to have the envisioned prom night-of-your-life experience. That could buy me something slightly more important; let’s say the car insurance that I had to get an extra job to afford? Personally, having at it somewhere like the Marshall Student Center at USF, with a few minor cuts on food, and maybe the oh-so special “gifts”, is by all means still a fairy tale to me. If doing that could the cut the price to by almost $30 or $40, then by all means, may the sweat be brought on by the dancing fanatics. Below are the changes that I would make to lower the price of prom.
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ment Corner Cudeonts m offer their views on various issues of the day St
One issue that I think should be addressed is the absence of a turning signal on Central and Hillsborough. Every morning during my daily commute to school I spend approximately 10-15 minutes waiting to turn on to Central Avenue to get to school. It’s ridiculous that there is not a turn signal when there is a high school in the area. I was almost even hit on the passenger side, which is where I sit, when my mom crossed over to turn onto Central from Hillsborough and a car sped up to make the light. It’s dangerous to not have a light at that intersection. -Faith Hendrix, sophomore
$30,000 Price of this year’s prom - $450 fewer finger sandwiches
- $100
less shrimp
- $1125
no empanadas
- $235
fewer chicken fingers
- $650
fewer fruit platters
- $3150
no senior gifts
- $4520
new venue: Marshall Student Center at USF
- $6240
Relay for Life can really change people’s lives, because so many people have cancer. I think that everyone should know what a big deal Relay is. People who join Relay just to get service hours or play with their friends and stuff like that don’t realize how hard it is for the people who have to live with this disease. So, I think Relay for Life is a real life changer for many people. -Jedi Hernandez, senior
the venue eliminates extra costs for security, service charges and taxes
$13,530 / 400 people =
$34
If you would like to submit an opinion to be considered for next month’s Comment Corner, bring your submission to Room 506 or go to hhsredblack.com. (Photos by Brittany Valencic and Nikki Ferrera)
News
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TALENT SHOW
PREVIEW Brassholes bring the beats The Brassholes are every bit as interesting as their name. The nine-person music group features seniors Delmonte Bent, Justin Corrao and Michael Rodriguez, juniors Ben Bucholtz, Joe Goldthorp, Evan Metziere and Pablito Torres and sophomores Shawn Joseph and Robert King. All members of the Big Red Band, The Brassholes came together at last year’s CARE Concert. “They asked us, ‘Do you guys want to play something?’ and told us to put something together,” Bucholtz said. “We decided that we would be idiots for it and be like, ‘Oh Brassholes! That’s funny right?’ and then it ended up sticking,” Corrao said. Although all of its members are in band, The Brassholes are an entirely separate group. In addition to their regular band practices, they come together about twice
April 2012
By Nikki Ferrera • Opinion Editor Students longing for a chance to shine on stage and share their talent with their peers will get the opportunity come May. After an initial date change, the SGA-sponsored talent show is scheduled for Friday, May 11 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. The show has 17 acts ranging from musical groups to special handshakes. Feature guest performances are from the Slins and the HHS Drum Line. Ticket funds will go towards prom for the junior class, as well as other senior activities. Tickets are available for $5 in advance and $6 at the door. a month to hold their own practice sessions. Their sessions are long, sometimes even five hours, so that the group “can get the job done,” Corrao said. However, the five-hour practices are not all work. “We have a lot of jokes. We like having fun,” Joseph said. After they go through the music, The Brassholes usually play Xbox. “We do things like go over certain measures that we’re having trouble on, and then we play Call of Duty,” Corrao said. Having played at USF and this year’s CARE Concert, Corrao makes sure that the group doesn’t “play at places to get recognition or to win anything. We just play because we like to jam.” Although they may not want recognition, it wouldn’t be entirely true to say The Brassholes are purely on a quest for music. “We like the ladies,” Joseph said. With inside jokes involving electronic fly swatters, and a seemingly ubiquitous love for snacks, The Brassholes are clearly a close group. “I like spending time together,” Bent said, “They’re a cool group of guys.”
Vinny Ruia plays guitar accompaniment as Valeria Rigobon sings as practice for the talent show. (Photo by Jimmy Herd-Bond)
Freshmen make the cut
The Brassholes hold an impromptu jam session in the barn. (Photo by Brittany Valencic)
Freshmen Valeria Rigobon and Vinny Ruia know that the best way to show people your talent is to put yourself out there. Rigobon approached Ruia about performing with her. “Not a lot of people know that I sing and not a lot of people know that Vinny plays guitar, and we’re pretty good friends so I asked him if he wanted to play guitar with me.” Both Ruia and Rigobon have a history playing music. Ruia has been playing the guitar since fifth grade, when his little brother wanted to take lessons and Ruia’s mom forced him to go along. Now Ruia plays guitar, preferring rock or jazz styles. Ruia can also play violin, drums,
bass and ukulele. “I can play a lot of string instruments,” he said. Rigobon has taken up piano lessons, plays the clarinet and, like Ruia, plays the guitar and ukulele. Rigobon began singing at age 4, and at 8, she became a member of her church’s choir. “I just like singing.” Ruia and Rigobon will be performing “We Are Young” by Fun at the talent show. The song choice did not come easily to the duo. They spent two hours at Rigobon’s house going through songs until they decided on it. “It’s a song that a lot of people know but it’s still kind of classy,” Rigobon said. Both are excited for the upcoming show and for people to see them perform. Ruia, “I like performing. I like playing guitar, and here I’m doing both.”
Special Report: High School
April 2012
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Student sightings of marijuana smoking on campus More than 4 times (43.9%) 1-3 times (15.9%) Once (9.8%) Never seen 30.4%
Illustration by Jake Gagne and Samantha Matras Survey of 214 students; compiled by Nikki Ferrera
Welcome to high school By Samantha Matras Editor in Chief
It’s everywhere. It’s in the bathrooms, the hallways, the parking lots and the cars in the parking lots. The infamous smell of marijuana has stained the school and like the stench of smoke left on a jacket, it can’t be washed out. In a recent Red & Black poll distributed randomly to more than 200 students, almost 70 percent of the students admit to seeing other students use marijuana on campus before.
“I live with my decisions. I know that if I get caught, I will be punished,” said one junior, who understands the consequences of using marijuana very well, yet is still a regular user. Although 16 states and the District of Columbia have taken a progressive approach to marijuana legalizing medical marijuana, Florida is concrete in its law declaring the possession of any kind of marijuana illegal. But, people do not always obey the law.
Tampa Police Officer Frank Noel, assigned to HHS, said he has disciplined one repeat offender 20 times in a year. Despite the fact that marijuana is illegal, some students decide that the benefits outweigh the consequences. But why is the percentage so high if marijuana is illegal? Noel blames it on a change in society mixed with a glitch in the system. “It’s a societal ill. [The use of marijuana] is
not as frowned upon as it once was. Societal norms are changing,” he said. Yet the fact remains that the use of marijuana is illegal and students are somehow eluding major consequences. Noel explained, “The system itself is broken.” Students caught with possession of marijuana automatically receive 10 days of suspension, according to the student handbook. See MARIJUANA, page 8
Special Report: High School
8 Medicinal marijuana should be legalized
Strongly Agree
No Opinion
Agree 26.6%
27.1%
Strongly Disagree
Disagree 28.5%
8.9%
8.9%
9
Percentage of students who report using marijuana
Never used 63.1%
Percentage of students who report using marijuana regularly 6.3% Freshmen
Sophomores 5.7% Used once 13.6%
16.4%
Illustration by Jake Gagne and Brittany Valencic; survey of 214 students compiled by Nikki Ferrera
20.1%
30.8%
15.4%
17.3%
Recreational marijuana should be legalized
Regular user 12.6%
Used more than once 10.7%
20.3% Juniors
Seniors 14.5%
Illustration by Jake Gagne
Illustration by Jake Gagne and Samantha Matras
Strongly Agree
MARIJUANA, from page 7
On top of that, if a student is suspected to possess more than just a personal use amount of marijuana, indicating the student may be selling it, a student could go to court, be placed in the Juvenile Assessment Center or be placed on probation. But that still doesn’t stop some from repeating the crime. “Kids that have actually been [in JAC] see it’s a joke,” Noel said. Noel explained that the problem is a bit out of the school’s control. “It’s not confined to this school, he said, adding that some view it as an acceptable form of entertainment. Because Noel is a police officer from the Tampa Police Department, not the school, his ability to search students is limited. Noel can only search a student under probable cause. This means that there has to be evidence that a student has marijuana. For example, if Noel walks into a bath-
Agree
room and there is marijuana smoke, he has the right to search the student, but if a student simply reports that another student has marijuana, Noel is unable to take action. School security officer E. Johnsen and other administrators can search students under probable suspicion, thus they can search someone based off of a report by another student. But since Officer Noel, who deals with drug arrest on campus, cannot search under probable suspicion, he rarely catches students in the act. It’s actually reports from students, or other faculty members that lead to the majority of searches. Nonetheless, a fair amount of marijuana abuse is reported. Noel said that he has to address marijuana issues about three to four times a month. Another reason why there seems to be a high use of marijuana amoung high schoolers can be found in the severity of the
No Opinion consequences. The majority of high schoolers are minors, students under 18 years of age. This means consequences are not as high for students as they are for adults. Principal William Orr said, “Because the penalties are less, they don’t think it’s that big of a deal. But it’s different when they are 21 years old, especially when they’re employed.” Assistant Principal Darryl Givens suggest that students’ disregard for the law can be blamed on their perspective of marijuana. “A lot of people look at ‘illegal’ in degrees. People may not think driking alcohol and smoking cigarettes underaged is that bad. But it’s like speeding, when they pull you over it’s a little too late.” Despite the effort put in to prevent students from using marijuana, smoking on campus still persists. One senior said that the element of breaking the law is one reason why she uses marijuana.
Disagree
“It wouldn’t be as fun if we couldn’t sneak it,” she said. According to her, smoking on campus can be tricky feat. “If you’re just standing outside the hall, nine times out of 10, you’re going to get caught.” But there are some things that make it usuing marijuana very doable. “If you got a car, it’s easy,” she said. For one junior, the consequences are impactful. “There are many fears. I have to stay one step ahead,” he said. “I try to think about where they [administation] wouldn’t check and that’s where I go.” “I’m not going to give you all my spots,” he said, when asked for his secret smoke spots. Even students who smoke know the negative effects of marijuana. “You’ve got your good and you’ve got your bad. I mean right now my lips are dry and my eyes are lazy,” the junior said. “I mean, I’ll be honest -- it kind of did [have a negative effect on me]. The people I was with and the stuff
Strongly Disagree we did got tied up with school. I would miss school. That was the main thing...I want to learn -- that’s the point in coming to school.” It’s not only the administrators who are concerned about the students’ future. Some students do actually recognize that they need to be more careful once they turn 18. “This year might be the last year I smoke,” the junior said. “I’ve got to get my lungs back and I’ve got to get my grades up.” When people discuss the legalization of marijuana, a conflict that often arises is the negative effects it has on a person compared to the negative effects of other drugs or even cigarettes. One student explained that the reason why he doesn’t think marijuana is harmful is because it is not addictive like other drugs. “Weed is not a drug that will take over you, it just affects you,” the junior said. Sports Editor Luke Votzke contributed to this report.
2012
Medicinal Marijuana legalized Medicinal Marijuana legalization pending Marijuana not legalized
Illustration by Zack Wright
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The Red & Black
April 2012
Life
April 2012
LEARNING TO LEARN
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Visual, auditory and kinesthetic are the three main types of learning styles. We utilize one of our senses more than the others. Take our quiz to find out what kind of learner you are and then use this info to effectively study for your upcoming exams. -Holly Schroeder & Brittany Valencic
START I prefer teachers who use: a) charts and diagrams b) lectures and discussions c) field trips and labs
When I meet someone new for the first time I remember their:
I would rather be:
a) face b) name
a) talking on the phone b) texting
When it comes to sports, I would rather be: a) in the stands b) on the field I remember directions best when:
When studying, I remember material best when: a) I see a picture b) I make a rhyme or jingle
I would rather be: a) watching TV b) listening to an iPod
You are a visual learner! You learn best when you can see the information. When studying for your upcoming AP exam, make flashcards and PowerPoints to allow you to see the information. Furthermore, colorcoding your study tools helps you to pay attention SLUT to the finished product. Also, try looking at pictures and videos relating to your topic of study. To pass her AP exam, senior Jeanette Cruz read an AP review book and “even watched chemistry specials on The Discovery Channel,” she said.
a) I’m given verbal directions b) I’ve been taken through the route
When putting something together I:
When I am not sure how to spell a word I:
a) read the directions first b) figure it out on my own
a) sound it out in my head b) write it out
You are an auditory learner! This means you learn best by listening. Class discussions and lectures are the most efficient ways for you to pick up information. As an auditory learner, when it comes to studying for an AP exam, you will benefit most from going to after school review sessions with your teacher as they review their lectures. You may also find it helpful to listen to podcasts or a recorded textbook on the material. Group study sessions are also helpful for auditory learners. “Study sessions are key to passing the AP exam,” senior Jennifer Casanas said.
You are a kinesthetic learner! The best way for you to obtain new information is to participate in hands-on activities, move around and stay active. When it comes to studying for your AP exam, it will be most helpful to create flowcharts and graphs that help display the information you must learn. Write out notes and lectures. “Take as many practice exams as possible,” AP Human Geography teacher Jason Rogowski said. Also, try walking while reciting your notes and study guides aloud. As silly as it sounds, any kind of movement will help you to focus on the activity at hand.
Life
12
April 2012
Community raises $42,000 at Relay for Life Left: Seniors Giselle Ponce, Nicole Mowat and Brittany Dupree quietly reflect at a luminaria to honor loved ones. Top middle-left: HOPE is spelled out with luminaria on the stadium bleachers. Bottom middle-left: Sophomore Shawn Joseph, senior Justin Corrao, junior Kevin Stephens, sophomore Anthony Pasetti, freshman Dorian Vasile and senior Quinn Pruitt run for the Miss Relay pageant and had to strut their stuff for a vote from the crowd. Top left: Senior Antonio Brooks bends to try and stay in the limbo competition. Bottom left: HOPE is changed to CURE when the luminaria ceremony started. Right: Seniors Kendall Melendi and Delmonte Bent dance to the YMCA. (All photos by Jimmy Herd-Bond)
Survivor Story: Wilson wins the fight By Nico Tavella Opinion Editor
The phrase “you have cancer” is certainly scary, but Linda Wilson is proud to say it didn’t scare her. “I just kept telling myself that I gotta get through this,” says Wilson, who was diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma in October of 2005. Wilson claims most of the reason why she wasn’t scared was because “so many people came to help. Students, teachers and parents all came to help so much that I really wasn’t given much of a reason to be scared.” After being diagnosed, Wilson went to chemotherapy sessions every three weeks. “That was a big production,” explains Wilson, “because I had to get blood work done beforehand to make sure I was healthy enough for the therapy…then I had to go through the actual therapy…then I had to get shots; I was very tired.” Wilson also lost all her hair, but claims “that wasn’t too difficult because a lot of students and parents brought [her] wigs.” Despite all this, Wilson still came to work as often as she possibly could; “I was praying that I’d make it though this to continue teaching, so why would
I take a break if I didn’t have to?” Wilson was informed last year that she had beaten her cancer, and as a result is now one more member of the iconic Survivors’ Walk at the American Cancer Society’s annual Relay for Life event. “Relay for Life is great,” Wilson says, “It raises money to support the very research and technology that made my experience with cancer tolerable. When I go to Relay for Life, I walk for myself as well as the other people have gone through cancer and made it, because it’s a difficult thing to do.” Q: When did you find out you had cancer and what kind was it? A: October 2005 and Non-hodgkin’s lymphoma Q: What was it like finding out you had cancer? A: I don’t think I was scared, but I wasn’t happy either. I just kept thinking ‘ok I gotta do this’ so I guess my reaction was acceptance. Plus people told me it was a treatable kind of cancer so I really wasn’t too worried. A lot of people helped me through it though; teachers, students and parents were always bringing me things and helping me out in the classroom. The same substitute actually came to my class every time I was doing chemotherapy so that
the classes would stay on track, and that was really nice. Q: Did it affect your job as a teacher? A: Well I was tired a lot because of the chemotherapy. I kept going to work though because that’s what I was praying to keep doing. I didn’t want to stay home. Q: What was chemotherapy like for you? A: It was a major production because I had to get blood work done beforehand to make sure I was staying healthy throughout the treatment, and after each session I would have to get shots. I lost all my hair, but “I couldn’t beat my students as much as usual. But I still people brought me lots of wigs burned their butts don’t worry” joked Linda Wilson. (Photo by so it was fine. One parent actu- Nico Tavella) ally came to visit me whenever I had chemotherapy. A: Well I relay for myself because I’m a Q: So what was beating cancer survivor. I love it though because the kind of like for you? A: I found out last year from the doctors, research that the American Cancer Society and it was really just such a relief. funds was a great deal of what made my Q: How is Relay for Life for you? experience with cancer tolerable.
Life
April 2012
13
Students suggest replacements for closed Jaws ride By Jennifer Travis Staff Writer
Walt Disney World is not the only amusement park making colossal expansions at heavy costs. Universal Studios is also upping its game to entice even more thrill seekers and theme park surveyors. Universal’s classic Jaws ride closed this year after being a famed landmark in the park for nearly 20 years. Although the closing of this famous ride is melancholy, Harry Potter fans should be excited for rumored expansions in the previous Amity/Jaws area. Although Universal has not confirmed anything yet, leaked information states that an entire new Gringotts bank area and ride with Victorian style vehicles may be added to the Harry
Potter mix including a winding walk through of the bank (similar to that of Hogwarts Castle), along with a brand new 8,900 square foot restaurant. It is also suggested that there is a possibility of a Hogwarts Express train conjoining the Gringotts and Hogwarts Castle, since they are at either sides of the park. Plans seem somewhat muddled at this point, but every Potter fan should be eager for these new developments. Some students however, have their own bright ideas on new attractions to boost ticket sales and bring in new guests. Such as freshman Alexandra Hayes and sophomore Jeremy Gardener, Hayes wanting a Spongebob Squarepants water ride “like an underwater adventure with a 3D effect” and Gardener
who wants to experience a “crazy” roller coaster based of the popular movie Avatar where he said “I want to jump off one part of the track onto another.” Avatar is actually the subject of an expansion at Disney's Hollywood Studios, as both parks compete for business. Harry Potter expansions are not the only new developments at Universal Studios though! The old and outdated Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast ride, which is more of a blast to the past ride; featuring all Nickelodeon cartoons from the late '90s (such as Hey Arnold, the Wild Thornberrys, and other antiquated classics) is going to be replaced by a brand new interactive 3-D Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride.
That’s what’s up [May] Graphic by Alex Rosendo
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday Thursday
30
1
2
Rise Against/A Day to Remember @ Green Iguana
The Devil's Blood @ The Orpheum
8
Overkill, God Forbid, Diamond Plate @ The Orpheum
14
Wilco @ Morsani Hall
15
Heartless Bastards @ The Orpheum
4
Tampa's Only Open Mic Hip Hop Night @ Crowbar
9
Patel Conservatory Jazz Jam @ Teco Theater
The Mighty Mighty Bosstones @
The Ritz Ybor
10
Sensory Overload @ State Theatre
11
Darius Rucker & Lady Antebellum@ 1-800-Ask-Gary
16
17
23
24
Allen Stone @ The Orpheum
Friday
Saturday 5
Creed @ Ruth Eckerd Hall, Set It Off @ The Orpheum
Sunday 6
All-American Rejects @ Downtown St. Pete
12
Chris Cornell @ Tampa Theatre
19
Rusko @ The Hawaiian Village
Jane's Addiction @ Ruth Eckerd Hall
20
Disney On Ice @ Tampa Bay Times
21
Seniors Last Day!!!!
Timothy B. Schmit @Ruth Eckerd Hall
Jobsite Theater presents Race @
25
Steve Kimock @ The Ritz Ybor
26
Van Wilson @ State Theatre
Photo Credit: http://wilcoworld.net/#!/news/page/4/ , http://www.dariusrucker.com/photos , http://www.allamericanrejects.com/default.aspx#!featured , http://www.bosstonesmusic.com/albums/pin-points-and-gin-joints/ , http://adtr.com/media/photos/3013/53518 , http://www.vanwilsonband.com/
Sports
14
April 2012
Friends driven to success By Nick Bennett Life Editor
Junior Jorian Ordway doesn’t trash talk. “I do my talking on the track,” she says. Joined in that resolve is her friend and mentor, senior Ciara Hawkins, who together are two of the fastest runners in Hillsborough County. Ordway first ran track as a freshman. She says that she’s developed as a runner a lot since then, seeing improvements in her form especially. Ordway enjoys competitions most of all, saying that she enjoys the opportunity to “get out there and show what I can do.” Ordway runs the 200 meter, 400 meter, and 4 x 400 meter relay. She identifies the 400 meter as her best event, in which she achieved a new personal record this season of 55.81. In the 200 meter event, a half-lap sprint, her personal record is 25.52. She wants to drop time in that event, however, so she’s working on her starts off the block. Hawkins has been running track since she was a sixth grader at Sligh Middle School. Since then, she’s shuffled events and running styles, going from a sprinter in her formative years to a middle-distance runner today. The events she currently runs
are the 800 meter and the 4 x 400 meter and 4 x 800 meter relays. In running relays, “you have to depend on teammates,” Hawkins says. When running the 4 x 400 meter relay with Ordway, the two know they can depend on each other to be their best. “We both look out for each other,” Ordway said. Hawkins was recently sidelined because of a quad injury. The injury happened at a meet on the same day as prom. Hawkins is still recovering, making sure to stretch and ice her legs to accelerate the healing process as much as possible. But she’s optimistic, hoping to be ready to run again for districts. Ordway and Hawkins both practice over the summer with AAU teams, in order to keep pushing themselves to maintain their edge. In eighth grade, Hawkins went to nationals with an AAU team. Her ultimate goal, though, is much greater. Someday, Hawkins wants to compete in the Olympics. With a year still left in high school, Ordway hopes to see herself as the state champion. Having placed fourth last year, she sees it as a very real possibility. The two hope to remain both friends and winners. Senior Ciara Hawkins, left, and junior Jorian Ordway run laps during practice. Both atheletes are highly
ambitious, Hawkins with her sights set on the Olympics one day and Ordway with state champion aspirations. The two credit their friendship as a source of inspiration. (Photo by Nick Bennett)
Tennis squad advances to Regionals and ‘makes history’ By Kimmy Rampersand Staff Writer
In the words of junior Manash Ramanathan, the girls’ tennis team “made history” this season. The team advanced to Regionals for the second year in a row, last year being the first time it had advanced that far. Unlike the girls, the boys’ tennis team did not make it to Regionals and placed third in the district, despite success in past years. Although the girls’ team was eliminated during the regional competition and did not make it to states, Ramanathan, the No. 1 ranked player in the district, said, “We were all very proud and happy to advance to Regionals as we had a great season and district matches.” Last season the team placed first in dis-
tricts, holding the title of district champion. This year the team made second place, but the top two teams from each district move on. Junior Suvetha Ravichandran said the team did better this year than last year because they grew closer and were more in sync. “Getting to know each other better has helped us work better as a team,” she said. Last year, teammates disagreed on issues and had problems working well together. But this year was different, and building a “stronger team” has helped them play better, said Ramanathan. The girls won almost every match in the season, losing only one to King High School. “They were our biggest competition because they’re at the same level we are,” Ravichandran said.
The boys’ tennis team did not make it to states this year like they did last year. Sophomore Ben Muschol said, “This year, we lost three of our top four players from last year. That could be why we didn’t perform as well this year. Those players had played in district tournaments and district matches before, while a lot of our players this year hadn’t.” Muschol also said, “Next year we aren’t going to have too many people graduate, so hopefully we can win since our team will only be getting older and better.” “I believe we did quite well throughout our season, winning eight games out of 12,” freshman Phil Nguyen said. “In many of our matches and games, we stood alongside the fences cheering each other on, winning
or losing.” Both the boys and girls plan on practicing individually and possibly together during the off-season to improve their skill. They have weekly practices and play matches for fun. On top of friendly sessions, a lot of them also train locally. Nguyen said, “My team has given me a great season this year and I hope to play again next year.” “When the season first started we weren’t sure what to expect. Each school team changes drastically every year so we never know what we’re up against. But I’m happy with our season this year,” Ravichandran said. With a successful season under their belts, the girls’ and boys’ tennis teams have high goals and expectations for next year.
Sports
April 2012
15
Team celebrates small victories despite adversity By Kellen Yent Sports Editor
Starting off the season with close to 40 players, the flag football team looked forward to the upcoming season. Now, as the season is winding down, there are 16 left on the team and there hasn’t been a game won. Head coach Michael Patrick, also the head coach of the wrestling team, took charge of flag football when news spread of coach Dean Eychner’s new job as head football coach at Brandon High School. According to Patrick, there might not have been a flag football team if no one stepped up. “He tried,” says sophomore Ashley Ortega, “and I admire him for stepping up because we would not have had a season.” After the last JV game, he says he is glad that he stepped up for the position, even if he is unsure about next year. “I would like helping, and I enjoy the girls, but it is just too hard to be the head coach of two sports. Especially two sports back to back,” Patrick comments. “By being a wrestling coach, I can’t do preconditioning with flag football.” He then commented that having the preconditioning before the season starts would have made the season smoother because he would have more time for the girls to get to know him. “I had to start over with the basics all season,” he says when talking about having almost 24 girls quit mid season. After a fight broke out during the second game of the season, where the “refs were letting the game get too rough,” Coach Patrick had to discipline a player because of their involvement, he says. “My No. 1 is sportsmanship. I’m teaching them a life skill: to turn a cheek and walk away,” Patrick explains. “The girls had short tempers, and he didn’t deal with that, which I respect,” Ortega adds. Since then, more and more girls kept on quitting. “A lot of people were tired of playing, and tired of losing,” comments junior Angel Santiago. Patrick tried to stay optimistic with the loss of players and athletic ability. Most of the first string was gone by the middle of the season. “It affected our athletic ability. But it also made us better because everyone had playing time,” the coach says. In the Chamberlain game, the JV girls were able to hold off most of the touchdowns that their rivals were working hard to score. The game ended at 6-0, and varsity finished with a score of 39-0. Both times, Chamberlain won; this was expected because they are one of the top teams in the state, according to Patrick. Assistant coach Elizabeth Ward comments, “We can’t complain about [losing to a top team], we have to cherish the small victories.” Moving on to the latter part of the season, a game against Gaither High School showed that the team was improving. “We have really started to move the ball in the past two weeks,”
Clockwise from top: Varsity member Destany Mackey runs for a first down when opponent from Chamberlain grabs her flag; Ortega gains a first down in the fourth quarter against Chamberlain; JV player Artecia Brown throws during warm-up drills. (Photos by Kellen Yent)
Patrick said. But everyone does agree that the start was rough. A new head coach, who coaches wrestling primarily, and having many girls quit right at the start up did not make Patrick’s job any easier. He states that he only had one day to switch from wresting to flag football. Senior Rebecca Jones stated, “[Having a wrestling coach] helped the players because it made us understand more, too. We had to learn with him.” Patrick then stated that coaching two sports was difficult, but they are not all that unlike. “I didn’t treat them any different with my expectations for them, but I am more abrasive with
the guys.” He then adds, “I wouldn’t let them get away with something I wouldn’t let the guys get away with.” Overall, the experiences for both the team and the coaches have been mixed. Ortega remarks that the season was more of a team involvement than anything. “On flag football we did everything together. It made us more of a team, even if we lost.” Ortega then notes, “[The season] was something to adjust to, whoever stayed in the end really wanted to play, no matter what.”
Sports
16
Assistant takes charge By the numbers Six stats you probably didn’t know about Orlando Goodwin
23.5
Years Goodwin served in the Army
5
a.m. Time Goodwin wakes up every morning to come to school
10
Age at which Goodwin started playing basketball
3
Number of kids Goodwin has. Goodwin also has 3 grandchildren.
13
Number of foreign nations to which Goodwin has been deployed
3
Number of univerity degrees Goodwin has earned (from University of Kentucky, University of Central Michigan, and the Royla Military College of Canada.)
-Adam Godbey
By Adam Godbey Staff Writer
Orlando Goodwin has replaced Stephanie Crawford as the head coach of the boys’ basketball team. Goodwin inherits a 2-18 boys’ basketball program after working as both a teacher at Hillsborough and an assistant on the team for the past six years. Goodwin had been offered the head coaching job on two separate occasions, but had rejected the offer both times. He said he wanted to “help younger coaches develop.” As senior guard Melique Hill said, “Coach Goodwin is our second daddy-he takes care of all of us.” Goodwin, however, is looking to seize his opportunity after taking the head-coaching job for the 2012-13 season. Known for his exhaustive conditioning exercises as assistant coach, Goodwin wants to condition both the bodies and the minds of his players. Goodwin said he plans to “use this summer to get everything straight, whether it be running on the track or learning how to read defenses and offenses.” On the court, Goodwin will focus on two basic offenses: the dribble drive, which spreads the offense in order to create driving
and passing lanes, and the triangle offense, a triangle between the center, a forward and guard, with the other guard at the top of the key. The triangle offense allows for spacing, isolation, and quick cuts. Both offenses entail more of a read and react style of play, and require quick minds able to understand weaknesses in defenses. Sophomore Diamond Johnson is looking forward to the offensive freedom of Goodwin’s system. Because the offense relies more upon reaction than set plays, Johnson said that they will be able “to do a lot more on the court.” During the summer, Goodwin said he will present his players with a barrage of defensive styles and reaction drills in order to increase the “basketball IQ” of his players. He said these drills will help his players quickly “get the offensive process down.” Similarly, Goodwin will have a more open and IQ-based defensive strategy. He said that one of the large problems of last year was the lack of defensive flexibility; players were not experienced with running different defensive styles. Goodwin said the solution is to “learn everything on defense: zone, man to man, and…[playing] whatever [is] best at depending on the situation.” After a 2-18 season, he is confident with his position change as well as the team’s strategic change. This summer, he will “change more of the commitment and get a feel for who is serious.” He will also “make sure that everyone is conditioned and make sure that every person knows what he is doing on the court.”
Orlando Goodwin observes a game during the 2011-2012 basketball season. (Photo by Hannah Gagne)
April 2012
Baseball wraps up season in districts By Katie Lutton Sports Editor
The season ended Tuesday with a 6-3 loss to Riverview in the district tournament at Brandon. Hillsborough, 12-10 during the regular season, beat Riverview twice already this year, 9-3 and 8-4. The Terriers, however, could not pull out a victory in the game. Throughout the season, the Terriers were led offensively by John Safe.The senior first baseman and sometimespitcher led his team in batting average, runs batted in and on base, slugging and fielding percentages. As of April 20, the senior also was fifth in all of Hillsborough County in batting average and RBIs. At one point in the season, Safe was ranked among the top 10 baseball players in the state for batting average. Safe said that his impressive statistics this year are the result of his increased focus on baseball.
Safe’s Stats Batting average
.462
On base percentage
.519
Slugging percentage
.600
Fielding percentage
.948
Runs
15
RBIs
23
Source: maxpreps.com