May A section

WILLIAM R. BOONE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT PAPER • FOR STUDENTS, BY STUDENTS

2000 South Mills Avenue Orlando, Florida 32806

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009 Volume 57, Issue No. 6

Please see

year in review,

2

PLANNING AHEAD

On Tuesday, May 19, the Sports Medicine program is holding a physical night.

Athletes should arrive at 5:30 p.m. outside the gym to fill out paperwork and the doctors will start giving physicals at 6 p.m. The physicals are $20 per athlete and all proceeds will benefit the Sports Medicine program.

LAST CHANCE!

On May 20, extra yearbooks go on sale in Rm. 224 after school. They are $85, cash only. It is first come, first serve while supplies last.

FINAL EXAMS

Exams for periods 2 and 6 are on Monday, June 1. June 2 is periods 1, 3 and 7 exams and period 4 and 5 exams are June 3.

Each exam is an hour and 45 minutes.

There will be no half days.

FCAT SUCCESS

Boone had 81 percent of sophomores who took the FCAT Writes for 2008-2009 receive a 3.5 or above.

The state and district average was a 77 percent.

CLOTHES WANTED

The Kemosabe Kloset is looking for gently worn clothes, specifically business attire for graduating seniors.

Students can receive a voucher for every piece of clothing they donate to use at the Kloset.

senior section year in review

B C

Theft steals unto campus

NOTE

PHYSICAL NIGHT

2 4 7 10 14 16 20

c section

NEWS

Rising juniors can start scheduling their senior portrait appointments online at dspseniors. com. Portraits must be taken

by Sept. 19.

Senior Ads go on sale July 1.

opinion campus & local features special entertainment sports photo essay

By RACHEL MOTTA

Teens make

interactive

SEX SEXTING CRAZE SWEEPS NATION

By ZOE COMPTON and DAVID MATTESON

People she didn’t even know saw the naked picture she sent her boyfriend. It was everywhere. The rumors about her began to escalate causing her to lose her friends’ trust. Her embarrassment prevented her from attending school events.

“I felt violated; like people could see through my clothes when they looked at me. I was seen as a different person. I was horrified and depressed,” senior Jane Doe said.

This ever-growing trend of sending sexually related pictures or messages via phones or other technology is known as “sexting”.

According to a survey conducted by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, 20 percent of girls and 18 percent of teen boys have sent or posted nude or semi-nude pictures or videos of themselves.

Peer pressure can be a cause behind teenage participation in sexting. According to the same survey, 51 percent of girls claim pressure from their boyfriend led to the sending of sexually

sexting

is sending sexually explicit pictures via a text message

related content, which certainly was the case for Doe. “He told me that I was beautiful; no one really told me that [before]. It made me feel good about myself,” Doe said. “It was stupid; I gave in without thinking about what could happen.”

When she realized who had seen the pictures that her boyfriend had sent to people around the school, Doe didn’t want to believe it. Her devastation led to her acknowledgment that it was her own fault.

“People don’t see me as a nice, innocent girl anymore. Guys treat me differently; they think the picture depicts who I really am. The picture ruined my life in high school; nothing positive came out of it,” Doe said.

Although no charges were brought up in Doe’s case, other Central Florida teenagers have been charged as sex offenders for participating in sexting, such as Philip Alpert, a 2008 graduate of Ocoee High School.

Last year, Alpert sought revenge after a break-up by sending the pictures of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend to over 70 people. This included her parents, grandparents and teachers.

Three days after the incident, he was charged

crime

sexters may face charges of child pornography

with transmitting child pornography. He now is a registered sex-offender and has to serve five years of probation.

“I didn’t know how bad of a decision it was,” Alpert told the Orlando Sentinel in March.

As a registered sex offender in Florida, Alpert will carry this title until he is 43. As a consequence he will be unable to live within a quarter mile of a school even after his probation ends. Also, every time an offender moves, the neighborhood receives a letter informing them of the sexual offender. As part of the Safety Information Act of 1997, sex offenders are listed in a public database online.

“Twenty-five years is a long time [to have to be registered] for a mistake made by a stupid teenager. If you grow up and have kids and can’t live by a school just because of sexting, it’s a little extreme,” junior Tawni Rochester said.

These legal consequences have had personal ramifications on Alpert’s life, like neighbors questioning him about being on the sex offender database. He was not able to move out of the county with his mother because of his probation conditions. He also couldn’t live with his father, because he lives too close to a

penalty

a sex offender carries the title for 25 years

school. This forced him into finding an apartment on his own.

In Alpert’s case he never asked for the pictures. The same was true for a student on this campus. Sophomore John Smith received sexual messages from a female friend and eventually a compromising picture, which he never asked to see. He told the girl to stop, but she didn’t. After he told one friend about his unwanted sexting relationship, a rumor started and quickly spread throughout the campus.

“It definitely put me in a state of caution. [The rumor] makes me vulnerable. It puts me in a position where I receive unwanted attention,” Smith said.

Afraid that he would lose her friendship, Smith decided to overlook the sexting.

He tried deleting the picture and other messages she sent him, though she sent more messages to him repeatedly.

“She definitely tries to pressure me into [sexting]. She wants me to describe fantasies and tries to get me involved,” Smith said.

“

She definitely tries to pressure me into doing [sexting].

She wants me to describe and tries

FANTASIES

Please see

girls

to get me involved - john smith

Sext, page 6

20 percent of teen girls have sent nude photos

While the cat’s away, the mice will play. This held true over spring break. Wayne Ramsey, construction worker, gained access to the 200 buildings and stole over $10,000 worth of technology.

Along with Plasco machines and some Palm pilots, four Macintosh laptops used to create the 2009 Legend yearbook and a digital camera were stolen.

The police have recovered one Palm pilot belonging to the Discipline Office.

“We have video of a male Arson is up entering the 200 building, first 300% and second floor, entering some classrooms, removing cameras, computers and Palm pilots. Purse snatching is up 33% Over a three day period, he did multiple thefts,” Orlando Police Theft from detective Joe Capece said. device is up The police took Ramsey, 243% who made a full confession, into custody on April 21. Ramsey was a worker for C & C Construction Embezzlement is up 200% Company, the company hired to make AC repairs in the 300 Fraud is up 3% building over spring break.

The company is going to do a full reimbursement of all the Larceny is down technology and software that 14% in Orlando Ramsey stole.

Burglary is Legend Editor in Chief, down 15 % Madison Smith, took the loss personally. One of the laptops Shoplifting is stolen had personal information, down 16% such as homework, and she had not backed up these files.

“There was only one folder Pocket-picking is down 35% backed up that had the main yearbook stuff in it, but my college essays, English papers and staff pictures are gone,” Smith said.

When Smith first walked into the room the Monday after spring break, her thoughts immediately jumped to her laptop.

“I started thinking about all the things I needed off of [the laptop] and then about all the stuff I needed to finish. I felt beat up coming home from a good spring break and starting the end of the year off in a bad place,” Smith said.

Smith is also upset that the thief stole from high school kids.

“It hurt that it was our room that was broken into. It’s a hard time with the economy, but it’s not right to steal from a high school publication. It was almost like we were violated and our trust was broken with the school system,” Smith said.

According to Officer Kenneth Pinkston, the spring break break-in was the biggest theft on campus to date, but there have been others.

“There have been at least 100 [thefts this year]. They’re related to crimes of opportunity.

A lot of students have this belief that if they leave their personal items unsecured or unwatched on this campus, nobody will take it from them. For example, one of the most common thefts is when students are changing for PE. They’ll leave wallets, keys and iPods outside of the lockers,” Pinkston said.

While it may be natural to suspect that thefts

peers

friends caused 51 percent of girls to sext

Please see

Crime, page 5

Rivals tackle breast cancer FOOTBALL SUPPORTS WOMEN’S CAUSE

By EMILY O’LOANE

Running onto the football field in their pink and white jerseys, the varsity football team will contend against their cross city rivals, the Edgewater Eagles, in honor of breast cancer survivors on May 27.

With over 250,000 new cases of breast cancer reported in 2008 alone, breast cancer stands as the second most prevalent type of cancer affecting women in the United States behind skin cancer. Despite the quarter million new cases which emerge each year, there are over 250 million survivors nationwide, a statistic which gave the teams a reason to celebrate these survivors through their “Pink and White” game.

“This game is dedicated to breast cancer awareness. It is a special game for survivors and raising money to find a cure,” Phil Ziglar, varsity football coach, said.

Breast cancer is also linked to men. About 1,990 cases of invasive breast cancer emerged in men in 2008. The “Pink and White” game’s purpose is to raise awareness and promote education about breast cancer statistics like these as well as to raise money to find a cure. “[Orlando Health Center] is so excited [about

this game] because it is a high school supporting the community. It is something that all the football players are helping out with,” Cathie Brazell, chief quality officer at Orlando Health Center’s Arnold Palmer Medical Center, said.

This game marks the first time that Boone and Edgewater played outside of the regular season.

“Every year, we look for a team to play [in the spring]. We thought for this event, we should play our biggest rival,” Athletic Director Douglas Patterson said.

Carolyn Ziglar initially introduced the idea for a football game supporting breast cancer awareness because she works in the mammography department at the Dr. Phillips branch of Orlando Health Center.

“I do breast cancer awareness everyday of my life so I was excited about organizing a game to promote awareness,” C. Ziglar said.

An anonymous private donor supplied Boone and Edgewater with pink and white jerseys. These jerseys will be auctioned off after the game and the proceeds will be donated to Orlando Health Center under a special fund reserved for breast cancer research. The field will also be painted pink especially for the game.

“This will be a great cause and a great game.

I have no idea [how much money we will make].

Victoria, the girl who sold pink lemonade for breast cancer research, would have been fine with

making $50 but she made over $23,000. She will be at our game selling her pink lemonade. None of us can put a number around this,” Brazell said.

Orlando Health is also supplying informational tents with doctors, surgeons and radiologists to give out information on mammograms and breast cancer statistics. There will also be a scheduling booth so a person can schedule a mammogram at one of the Orlando Health facilities.

The game is being organized by a small committee of volunteers including Patterson and Brazell, among other volunteers. Orlando Health is partnering with the school to host the event.

Other teams, including the girl’s softball and volleyball teams, have held “Pink and White” games throughout the year, but this marks the first time the football team has staged such an event.

“It is my and Coach Bill Gierke’s belief that our men have to be citizens first. Our players have to learn to give back,” Ziglar said.

Pink shirts for the game with the slogan “Heroes on and off the field” are on sale in the Trading Post for $5. The game is Wednesday, May 27, at 7:30 p.m. Brighthouse Networks will cover the game live on local television. All ticket proceeds will go to the fund for breast cancer research.

“This is our way to show our community that we are willing to help fight breast cancer. This cause touches everybody,” Ziglar said.

photo/SANDY MCVIGE

SUPPORT THE CAUSE. At Victoria Petrucelly and Jesse Theobald’s pink lemonade stand on March 26, Mayor Buddy Dyer pays a visit. The girls have raised over $23,000 for breast cancer research and will be selling lemonade at the pink and white game.

2

OPINIONS FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009 •

letter from the editor PANDEMIC DESTROYS INTEGRITY Stretching slowly while hurriedly glancing at a peer’s desk, the student marks the stolen answers on his own sheet before the teacher looks up.

Cheating is a moral dilemma every student battles. Whether it be copying a friend’s homework or strategically placing a study guide within view during a test, these options are easy to get away with and offer instant gratification. The mind-set that everyone is doing it does not make the action any less morally wrong. Cheating not only harms a student’s work ethic and education but also destroys his integrity.

According to a survey by U.S. News and World Report, 80 percent of “high achieving” or A students admitted to cheating.

That, coupled with a similar survey where 51 percent of high school students said they didn’t feel cheating was wrong, is not only disheartening but also scary. These students, who can’t see the wrong in stealing other’s work, are going to run the business world in a few years. The ethics students learn in high school will shape their adult lives.

If cheating is accepted now, then the line is blurred before a student begins his career. No one wants his future president or CEO stealing his employees work and passing it off as his own. The decision to cheat now can make decision-making as an adult harder. If one can’t follow a set of academic rules in high school, he won’t be able to build integrity overnight as an adult. Business scandals, like Bernie Madoff, are examples of how cheating has begun to effect the business world.

Cheating is a vicious cycle. By cheating once on a homework assignment, the student has already hurt himself for the test. By cheating to pass the test, that same student will be unprepared for the final.

Every time a student cheats, he is just setting himself up for a need to cheat a second, third or fourth time. Children are required by law to go to school for a reason; it is to become educated and to set us up for success as adults. If a student did not need to know the material, the teacher, hopefully, wouldn’t assign it.

Every class serves a purpose and develops a student whether it is in decision making skills or to add knowledge. No matter the purpose, however, passing the work off to someone else or mindlessly copying answers only hinders a student’s education and sets himself up for repeated cheating offenses.

Even if students don’t care about their education, they should have a little selfdecency and care about their integrity. Integrity is a trait every person needs. Cheaters lack moral fiber. Students need to have at least a small set of morals that guide them in life. Stealing other people’s work usually sets off a blinking red light for most people. Our generation, however, seems to be missing that warning signal by socially accepting cheating.

One’s character is defined by his actions; cheating defines a person to his peers.

One student’s hard work shouldn’t mean a freebie for the lazy ones. If a student stayed up all night studying, he more than likely doesn’t want to share his answers with the well-rested, ignorant kid next to him.

Cheating only hurts students and it needs to stop.

HI-LIGHTS

Publications need protection

OUR view

Free Press Laws are necessary to implement in Florida to protect the integrity of its student publications.

Within the First Amendment of the Constitution, the United States clearly sets up freedom of the press for newspapers and other media within the country. However, high school media’s right to freedom of the press has been violated countless times in contemporary history.

After such court cases as Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier and Hosty v. Carter, increased censorship arose surrounding collegiate and high school publications. In order to eliminate censorship within student publications, Florida should enact protective legislation for student’s publishing rights called Free Press Laws.

Out of all fifty states, a mere seven have passed Free Press Laws to protect student publications from unjust censorship within their state. Because Florida lacks statutes of this kind, the state has created a situation which allows virtually any story to get pulled for any reason if deemed inappropriate by the school administration.

Censorship like this teaches students bad journalistic skills. More seriously though is the fact that censorship actually increases ignorance within the student population on what is going on in his or her community. Instead of reporting on controversial news topics, student reporters will shy away from serious or controversial material for fear of having it pulled or causing conflict with an administrator. Oftentimes, the most newsworthy stories are controversial; without Free Press laws, these stories could get pulled from the student paper and hidden from the eyes of students.

Student publications are run by and conceptualized by students, not by the administration or faculty. If administration is allowed to censor material that makes the administration look at fault, the publication becomes a piece of propaganda. A student newspaper is not the mouthpiece of a school’s

administration; it is a forum for students to discuss and learn about issues and news going on within their campus, community and world.

Having the administration come into the process of creating a student newspaper is as ridiculous as allowing the team sponsor of a high school soccer team to play in a game. The team is for the players, just like how a high school newspaper is for the students. Though the administrator may have better soccer skills or provide, in a student publication’s case, a place to work, they should have no say or play in the actual game. With Free Press Laws, high school newspapers would be free from administrative interference like this.

In Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier, the Supreme Court decided that if a student publication were not a “forum for public expression” by students, the publication could not have full First Amendment coverage and could be censored if the censorship was “reasonably related to legitimate pedagogical (educational) concerns.”

This decision allows unjust censorship to occur because it allows administration free interpretation of what is a “legitimate” concern. Deciding this is a totally subjective process which allows personal bias and ego to be mixed into the decision.

Students need to be protected from this.

Under these laws, the administration would still be able to review the publication before it goes to press, but they would be limited in altering or censoring the actual content of it, like an editor or publisher would be able to do. Also, with Free Press Laws, the school’s liability would actually be lowered if something were wrong within the student paper’s pages.

The fact that a newspaper is written by a student should not be a reason to revoke its right to freedom of press. A person almost never hears of the censorship of regular media, but because of

illustration/EMILY O’LOANE

the lack of Free Press Laws, censorship of student papers has become all too common. Although the Supreme Court has ruled otherwise, student publications should be treated in the same light as professional publications and be able to defend their press rights through Free Press Laws.

Aldous Huxley once said that “facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.” Administrators might think that by stopping a controversial or sensational news story from being published will make the story just go away. However, this mentality could not be more wrong.

The right to freedom of the press is specified in the First Amendment.

More than 3/4 of challenges to material occurred in schools.

Uniforms: War of the wardrobe

Progress never goes out of style

By JONATHAN WARREN

Public schools could use some dressing up.

For teenagers in the U.S., uniforms are a touchy issue. Just the sound of the word brings shudders of disapproval and angst. The thought of looking like everyone else couldn’t be more appalling, and the power the school would be exercising over students would drive some to insanity.

Many contest that clothes are a vital part of free speech which would be severely violated in forcing students to wear certain clothes; also, that prohibiting them from wearing what they want at school is prohibiting personality and creativity.

However, uniforms could benefit schools in positive ways, and every school should give them at least a trial run.

In January of 2000, Louisiana’s Bossier Parish School Board adopted a uniform policy for students. Mixed emotions spread throughout the schools and a group of 40 parents decided to sue, saying that the students’ First Amendment rights were violated. The court agreed that clothing is a form of free speech, but also stated that the right of educators to take responsibility for what is appropriate behavior and dress trumps the

students’ rights. During the case, school faculty and officials testified that the uniforms “drastically decreased” discipline problems and overall test scores improved.

In schools across the country, violence is a growing problem. Youth with lack of respect for their surroundings pick fights with peers and steal things they desire. Uniforms create pride and selfrespect by giving youth something nice to wear everyday and creating an equal playing field.

Many believe Florida public education is seriously flawed. Uniforms are a smart way to improve our schools as well as the respectability of the public school system. One school in Long Beach, California, adopted uniforms in 1994 and saw a 76 percent drop in crime.

It is generally agreed that youth are easily distracted when compared to adults. Uniforms can eliminate a large distraction for students and keep them more focused on schoolwork.

Contrary to popular notions, uniforms could magnify both personality and creativity. When one can’t express his or herself in dress, they do it in other creative ways. Students are forced to show who they are through interaction rather than split-

second judgments.

Clothes do not make a person, and students may express themselves through dress however they like after school and on weekends. Uniforms may seem like an overly simple solution for such daunting problems, but the school system needs simplifying.

There is one obstacle that even those for uniforms feel they would face: the expense.

Uniforms can cost upwards of $100. However, financial aid could be a possibility for these families as well as payment plans.

While the upfront cost of uniforms may be expensive, families may save money down the road when they don’t have to buy new clothes every school year.

Public schools are following the patterns of cities and becoming increasingly violent. Schools need to respond strongly. With possible increases in test scores and school pride, and decreases in violence and put-downs amongst students, uniforms are the solution. Of course, not all the schools’ problems can be solved, but uniforms only help.

Required clothing forces conformity

By DANIELLE COLE

Students fill the desks of the classroom, each clothed in a polo shirt and tan uniform pants or skirts. There is no sight of individuality and no self-expression present.

School uniforms hinder a student’s right to selfexpression and individuality. Students are taught from an early age that it is important to be a leader not a follower, to be oneself and to not worry about fitting in with the crowd. Forcing students to wear the same clothing categorizes them into one group, sending the message that everyone needs to be the same. Uniforms do nothing to teach a child that being different is acceptable. Uniforms tell students that it is better to hide behind a mask than to be unique or expressive.

According to the policies set by the Supreme Court in the Tinker v. Des Moines case, public school officials cannot censor student expression unless it is deemed disruptive. If a school has a dress code, there is no need for uniforms. A pair of pants and a tee shirt is not going to cause a riot.

In a school, there are numerous cliques of students. One of the arguments in favor of uniforms is that everyone dressing the same will help reduce cliques and bullying. However, students will still

have their set group of friends and an outfit does not mean a bully will change his ways. Clothing is not the source of all bullying. In 1998 Notre Dame’s Department of Sociology did a study on school uniforms and concluded that they had no affect on substance abuse, behavioral problems or attendance.

Osceola County attempted a uniform policy for the start of the 08-09 school year. However, they did not see results of improvement and after receiving complaints, the school board lifted the policy. Students will always hold grudges and disagree with others. This problem cannot be fixed by turning students into uniform robots.

This is not to say that students should be able to get away with clothing that is inappropriate. Dress codes in schools are necessary; however, making all students wear uniforms is not the answer.

Uniforms may be an attempt at leveling the playing field and reducing judgment, but students will find a way to surface their individuality. If this happens, discipline will remain a problem and dress code issues will still exist. Uniforms will not change that. Teenagers are rebellious and will work to be different. The “rules are meant to be broken” mentality of students will not decrease

hi-lights

Editor-in-chief

Laura Uncapher

Managing Editor Elizabeth Cartwright Copy Editor Emily O’Loane Business Manager Zoe Compton Campus and Local Editor

Lindsey Dye Features Editor Danielle Cole Sports Editor Brendan Hall Entertainment Editor David Matteson

Reporters Victoria Boatman, Carmela Crutcher, Ashley Edwards, Katie Edwards, Amanda Fleminger, Haley Guiette, Karen Jaen, Rachel Laquea, Jessica McCoy, Rachel Motta, Tyler Patrick, Jonathan Warren Adviser Renée Burke Principal

Margaret McMillen Policy Statement Hi-Lights is a student run publication of William R. Boone High School, 2000 South Mills Avenue, Orlando, Florida, 32806. The ideas and

views of the aforementioned students and faculty are not necessarily those of Boone or the Orange County School Board. Opinions expressed in unsigned editorials are those of the editorial board, who determine the content. Opinions expressed in columns are those of the authors.

Comments, letters, stories and ideas are welcome and encouraged under the following: 1. The material is not obscene or libelous 2. The material is signed The staff reserves the right to edit letters for grammar, length, punctuation,

accuracy, invasion of privacy and potential disruption of the school.

Hi-Lights is associated with Florida Scholastic, American Scholastic, Columbia Scholastic and National Scholastic Press Associations.

Our Mission This paper is a quality product whose sole purpose is to pursue the truth, and to provide objective data for the student body as well as the surrounding community. Any questions or comments can be directed to (407) 893-7200, extension 2614 or Room 224. If you find any errors, please call our offices or

with uniforms. In fact, a required uniform gives students another rule to break; it does not solve the problem.

Parents with financial concerns are also burdened by uniforms. Advocates for uniforms say that uniforms place less of a hindrance on parents to purchase clothing for school. However, uniforms can get costly when considering the need for more than one pair of pants and polo. Students will not wear uniforms outside of school making for a need to purchase not only the uniforms but clothing for home and weekends. Borrowing a uniform from a sibling works for families with a child who wore one previously, however, this is not always the case.

Although uniforms may eliminate the idea that the wealthy can wear better clothes, it does not solve the income gap. It simply puts a mask on poverty and differences.

High school students are preparing for the real world and learning regardless of differences, people have to accept one another. No two people are alike and schools should not make students conform. Students are not dolls packed on a shelf next to replicas of themselves; they are individuals and schools should encourage their individuality.

visit us. Advertising We welcome advertising into the paper, however, we do not publish advertising for tobacco, alcohol or illegal substances.

The paper is free to students and subscriptions are available for $10.

Advertising prices are as follows: Business card $20 Eighth page $45 Quarter page $75 Half page $125 Full page $175 Contact our offices for exact press dates.

Your compliments, critiques and letters are welcomed. Note that we do not print anything libelous or any poetry. Please sign your name to anything you submit, if you would like it published. If you would like your name withheld, please state so. Submissions are subject to editing for length, clarity and accuracy. Bring letters to room 224 or place in Renée Burke’s mailbox or mail to the school address.

OPINIONS FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009 •

Don’t

DYE

from it A column by LINDSEY DYE

HI-LIGHTS

Happy Sweet Six-TAN

By TYLER PATRICK

It is her fifteenth birthday and before she goes on a date with the person she has been dreaming about since third grade, she decides to get a tan at the local tanning salon. With new Florida laws being pushed, that may no longer be an option for teenagers.

According to new laws, any teen under the age of 16 is not permitted to tan at a tanning salon under any circumstance. Any teen 16 or 17-years -old must have a parental consent in written form witnessed by a tanning operator.

These laws are a fantastic way to help limit teens exposure to the dangers of skin cancer. It may seem like these laws are ruining the perfect tan that teens covet, but these laws are actually saving lives. One must understand the dangers of melanoma poisoning in order to understand why these laws are a good idea.

Melanoma is one of the deadliest cancers. If not found and treated early on, it can have deadly results. One should not want to go through the physical pain of having part of her skin sliced open in order to get rid of melanoma poisoning.

One of the many ways to prevent sun damage and melanoma is to use a natural tanner or bronzer that will make one’s skin darker without exposer to the sun.

One might see a woman walking down the street that looks to be 50-years-old, but in reality she is only 30. The reason she looks so old may be a result of tanning. It can cause one to show more wrinkles, age spots and fine lines that would not appear if she was not tanning.

The idea of aging faster because one wants to look good when she is younger is ridiculous and defeats the purpose she is trying to make by tanning in the first place.

If Florida passes this law, it would join 29 other states with similar restrictions on tanning

illustration/TYLER PATRICK

beds. New York, Texas and Vermont eliminated tanning bed use on anyone under the age of 18 and in Oklahoma one must be over the age of 13 to tan with written parental consent. Mississippi prevents one from tanning if they are under 14 and requires parental consent as well.

Tanning can cause one to have skin that appears tough and leathery. Not only is this not normal but it is also unappealing and can damage one’s dating life because leathery skin is not flattering.

Even though tanning store owners are upset about this proposal, one should not put teens in

danger just to maintain a steady paycheck.

While tanning is a major part of the teenage look, this law is helping to save the lives of teenagers who could potentially receive skin cancer from tanning. This law will also help to save one’s future social and dating life by not looking much older than his actual age and having unappealing and tough leathery skin covering her body.

One should take the time to realize she is hurting herself in the long run rather than helping herself right now. Don’t spend time doing something that isn’t helping you.

80% of teens know that getting a tan is dangerous 60,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year 34% of teens use sunscreen on a daily basis 10% of teens have used a tanning bed in the past year

Sunshine state is stupid south

By EA CARTWRIGHT

Florida has had its share of victories, but it is similar to Googl’ing “French military victories” and Google asking if you meant “French military defeats.” Sure, the Orlando Magic are actually doing well this year, but it is not the sports that people know this state for; it is the stupidity.

Florida is stupid—plain and simple. It is now 50th in funding education. That is behind Mississippi and Alabama, the two states that get the most flack for being ignorant. One can see this stupidity daily in the current budget legislation.

Teachers and people are now realizing that supplementing education with lottery money does not cut it—and a fifth grader (from Alabama) could have told us that.

Along with being ignorant, Florida has a high teen pregnancy rate. In 2004, there were 1,771 babies born to mothers 19 and under. Florida is rethinking its sex-education classes. Maybe teaching only abstinence is not the way to scare teens out of doing the deed.

To go along with teenage pregnancy: the Casey Anthony saga. How could one forget the tears shed by the grandmother, and the recent scathing interview by the grandfather? Casey Anthony only proves ignorance, even if she is innocent until proven guilty.

Changing one’s story to the police multiple times about “[Casey’s] car smells bad. . .It could be the car where [Caylee’s] body deteriorated,” to “never mind, there was just a rotting pizza” does

PUBLIC forum

pass a bill that prohibited discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. This could have been Florida’s shining moment of intelligence, for in 1977 gays were still heavily discriminated in the U.S. Enraged by this, Bryant thumped her Bible a couple of times and found that the best solution was a full fronted war against homosexuality and homosexual adoption. Save our children from being raised by two loving parents, who are probably better suited for parenting than most heterosexual couples.

Florida needs to get its act together. Being 50th in educational funding is quite an accomplishment and so is Amendment Two, but these are not one’s for which Walt Disney would be proud. Perhaps Florida is a tourist capital because people can relax their intelligence here.

Adam Carolla, a late night talk show host, once said, “Everything ridiculous or dumb I hear is either from California or Florida.” Oh how true this is. The state of Florida needs some educatin’.

Technology introduces craze

Law has no authority to punish craze

With roughly 20 percent of teens admitting to have tried “sexting” before, students sound off on the prominence of this new craze.

not help paint Florida citizens as smart people.

Along with the Casey Anthony saga there are countless other small things that make the Sunshine State, well, anything but sunny. For example, Floridians voted “yes” on Amendment 2, making gay marriage illegal.

Wait, that amendment also messed up couples that live together and are not married, who need the insurance benefits from their significant others’ employer. Not only did the right winged yuppies vote as ignorantly on that bill as they did for the re-election of President Bush, they also stabbed their fellow “non marriage” right winged yuppies in the back.

Since Amendment 2 passed, now heterosexual couples cannot get information from hospitals about their significant others and they cannot benefit from their other half’s employer. That takes away from everyone, not only gays, Florida.

Ignorance is a prevalent trait in the mind of a Floridian.

Anita Bryant was one of the forerunners of Floridan stupidity. Even though she was not from Florida, she represented what Florida knows best: orange juice. Bryant, along with being the spokeswoman for the Florida Citrus Commission, led a campaign called “Save Our Children.” Save our children from what? Homosexuality?

The campaign to “Save Our Children” was in Miami-Dade county. The campaign erupted because Bryant’s once good friend helped to

UH ORI D FL

While weaving in and out of traffic, he turns his bass up and changes the song noticing a little too late the car next to him changing lanes. He quickly slams on the brakes, leans on the horn and sticks his middle finger up at the other car while screaming every profanity in the book until the person changes lanes again.

Driving is a privilege, and with that privilege comes responsibility. The responsibility to be a good driver has shifted over the years. People are becoming more full of rage while on the road.

First things first, stop weaving in and out of cars. If one doesn’t want to deal with the traffic, take another road.

If it’s extremely necessary to weave through cars, one should use his turn signal. Blinkers were invented for a reason and should be used to avoid cutting other people off and furthering dangerous situations.

Being in such a rush that one must switch from one lane to another in a matter of three seconds is unacceptable; one should not put himself or other drivers in that situation. Stop being so inconsiderate and start waiting to change lanes. Drivers should care about their life, not about how quickly they can get somewhere.

Do not flick people off for no apparent reason. If one is going to stick up his middle finger just because someone forgot to turn their blinker on, he needs to go to therapy. Getting that angry over something so little is ridiculous. While forgetting to turn a blinker on can be frustrating, it does not require something so rude in return.

Yelling obscenely is also rude. A really funny thing, though, is when a driver tries to yell at another driver and doesn’t even take the time to roll down his window. Besides the fact that one shouldn’t be yelling at other drivers in the first place, if he is going to do it he should at least roll down the window; people who neglect to roll down their windows are looked at as ignorant and crazy.

Honking unnecessarily is beyond impolite, it is annoying to all and punishes everyone.

Instead of laying on your horn, find something better to do with your time. The legal use of a horn is to alert other drivers, not to show one’s annoyance of the other’s driving skills.

Don’t honk every time someone does any little thing to irk your nerves, honking once is sufficient enough and gets the point across.

Jam sessions while in the car are a blast and completely okay. However, keep the bass a moderate level and try not to shake the car 10 feet away. It is no longer the 90’s; cars aren’t meant to bounce up and down.

Yelling at others, flicking them off and honking unnecessarily fall under the category of road rage. While some may find it hilarious when drivers sit in cars yelling at others, it is unacceptable.

Take out the rage with boxing or therapy; it’s not that big of a deal to get so heated over. If other people’s driving habits are the most of one’s worries, he needs to get a life fast.

Being aware of road signs and rules is also a really important skill. In order to keep from building up more drivers rage and a car crash, be sure to use proper turn signals, slow down at yellow lights instead of speeding up and look before crossing an intersection.

All it really comes down to are the things mothers teach their children in kindergarten.

One of the first things people learn is to look both ways before crossing the street and this lesson still applies.

Pay attention to road rules and try to tone down the attitude. If these guidelines are followed and done properly, this will ensure a better driving experience for everybody on the road.

3

Sexting is very prevalent.

About 85 percent of all Boone High School’s students are sexting. I think that authorities have limited power in this matter but an office should be made so students can report it to officials.

Other than this, very little can be done about this craze. This situation should not be handled by the law.

- ryan sideco, freshman

certain message or picture they received. The law does have strict laws against child porn, but whether or not to punish sexting cases through criminal charges should be decided case by case in order to see if there was a malicious intent or motive behind the messages. In some cases, strict punishments should be used, and in other cases, a minor slap on the hand could be all that is needed to punish the kid.

- nick stucker,

sophomore

Criminal charges are too Officials need harsh harsh punishment I really don’t know how prevalent “sexting” is on campus because I really don’t hear too much chatter about this topic.

I think I don’t because it is a private matter if a guy or girl does do it. Also, it is not really anything I believe people would go around bragging about because of the consequences that could be a result of this.

The administration should have some control over this, but there is not too much they can really do because they don’t know what is being said or sent in the message. The only real way they could handle a situation like this is if one student came up to the administration and told about a

I definitely think sexting exists on all school campuses.

Since one out of five students are involved in this, I think they, as teenagers, view it as a joke or simply aren’t thinking through their actions. In a person’s adolescent years, one doesn’t see things as clearly as they do when they are older. We are stuck between being a child and being an adult and that is sometimes really confusing.

Going through these changing years causes a lot of extremes, of putting yourself out there and wanting attention, which may lead to sexting. Despite the reality of teens who involved themselves in sexting and being

“unaware minors,” I still think there should be consequences for their actions. We can come up with a million excuses for them such as age, unawareness, and so on, but they still all have brains. People should still be held responsible for their actions. Even a 13-year-old has a sense of what is smart and what is appropriate. Each situation is different and could be handled differently, but teens who are involved in sexting should be firmly put into place. Depending on the situation, some of the consequences should involve the law.

- anna hofer, sophomore

Crimes necessitate precautions

I think there are a lot of kids at Boone who send naked pictures and stuff like that to other people. I feel that the consequences should be different depending on the sender’s intent. If somebody were to send a picture to his or her boyfriend or girlfriend it should be left alone, as long as one isn’t 18 or older. However, if some kid is sending nasty pictures to random people just to be creepy, he should be punished.

I think the first offense should

be punishable by a fine and, if it happens again they should get jail time and be registered on the sex offenders database.

- sean heffernan, senior

Sexual crime is not popular

I think sexting is probably not as popular on campus as it is off campus. The administration should handle this by maybe suspension and calling parents.

The law should handle it by what the case was. They shouldn’t just give them all the same punishment, especially not the punishment of being a sex offender because they’re just exploring and being their age, even though it’s wrong.

- jamie cortes, junior

Popular crime needs addressing

I think sexting is common among high schoolers on campus. It creates rumors about people and the way they act. On campus, I think most people do it for attention or to hurt the other person just because they don’t like them. Defining the person who is sexting as a sex predator is a bit extreme,

but they should get penalized from it. If it happens on campus, administrators should tell the parent and let them deal with it.

I don’t think people or students on campus know about it until there is a rumor started from it or if it gets sent to their phone.

- hollie farrell, junior

Expulsion is necessary

Sexting is not only prevalent among all high school students, but it is also prevalent within Boone High School. Sexting is distracting and damaging to students because it causes negative behavior and unnecessary drama.

If administration comes across students who are sexting, they should be reported or expelled.

- jessica jensen, senior

Get involved or get punished

I don’t think sexting is prevalent at Boone. It’s not even that serious. The only reason someone should get involved is if they were told to. Other than that, no one else has the right to control. Being labeled as a sex offender is a little extreme.

- randolph daniels, sophomore

CAMPUS/LOCAL

4

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009 •

HI-LIGHTS

Vacations taken across the globe

By HALEY GUIETTE

Venturing to an atypical destination during Florida’s hottest months is the most desired way to go.

Students will be traveling the globe to satisfy their vacation obligation to make their summer months exceed the last.

Heading to the nautical locations of the north or the sizzling spots of the south, the Sunshine State will be abandoned in return for students to experience and learn new entities of the world.

Floridian returns to second home Knowing the beaches like the back of her hand, freshman Erica Beach prepares herself for her annual excursion to Costa Rica.

For the past 12 years, Beach and her family has made their way to Playa Grande, Costa Rica, as a yearly bonding trip.

“It’s been like a second home to me since I was three,” Beach said.

In preparation for the two-week

trip, Beach and her family pack their bags with bathing suits, tee shirts, flip flops and surf boards.

With surf board wax and sunscreen in hand, the family’s agenda for the summer consists of surfing the Pacific Ocean and racing down the beach on rented ATVs. “I just want to have fun spending time with my family,” Beach said.

Not only is it a vacation to get away from the crowded Florida

Senior summers in “the Dark Continent” beaches, but it is also an additional opportunity for Beach to maximize her perfect s u m m e r break.

Sophomore says “konnichiwa” to summer Even with the barrier of a different language, a group of Americans will venture to Japan to embrace a different culture.

With people to People International, sophomore Madeline Jensen will unite with other high school students and fly to Japan.

PTPI is a non-for-profit organization founded in 1956 by President Dwight Eisenhower.

Its purpose is to increase the exchange of ideas and experiences through educational, cultural and humanitarian activities shared between the people of different countries around the world.

It offers not only an adult travel group but a youth group that Jensen has been a part of for four years.

“Seeing the world is what I want to do with my life,” Jensen said.

Known for its traditional and cultural aspects, Japan’s cultural

museums are a target spot for the PTPI ambassadors.

During the two week trip, Jensen and her fellow ambassadors will be traveling to different cities every two to three days.

“I’m excited to stay in the different hotels where you have to take your shoes off when you walk inside and eat on the floor during meals,” Jensen said.

Prior to her Japanese adventure starting on June 13, Jensen is required to receive a series of shots to prevent disease such as bird flu that has recently broke out in Japan for the third

time this April.

Aside from the medical precautions, Jensen plans to pack her bags with everyday clothing along with her ambassador uniform that is required to be worn while visiting the museums.

Known for its quirky and contrasting styles, being one of the top fashion capitals of the world, Jensen remains determined to not come back empty handed without a souvenir of a piece of clothing or jewelry.

The end of her journey will conclude in a rural Japan village. Jensen and the other PTPI members will spend the last few days of their trip in the shoes of the Japanese natives.

Africa, the world’s second largest continent, is infamous for its poverty, illiteracy and overpopulation. Senior Katie Rehm will join her college youth group at the First Baptist Church of Orlando and travel to help out in “the Dark Continent” of Africa.

Leaving on June 7, Rehm will spend two weeks in a hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. The Dark Continent is a familiar area because of her first arrival this time last year.

“I decided to go back because I loved my first trip there,” Rehm

said. “I fell in love with the kids and getting to help them.”

While on her journey, Rehm will spend most of her time in the School Hope Academy teaching an elementary class. The Academy is a Christian based school providing children in grades K-12 with a Christ-centered education.

Rehm’s objective is to help repaint the school’s basketball courts and fix the hoops to give the kids a fun and constructive place to spend their time.

Student hikes “the Last Frontier” In contrast to Florida’s blazing temperatures of mid-80s in June and July, the secluded 49th state of Alaska is an amicable destination to be ‘cool’ for the sunny season in the eyes of junior Nicholas Robinson.

Breaking the stereotype that summer days are spent playing in the sultry sun, Robinson will be having his own fun in the city of Anchorage, Alaska.

Robinson’s plans are to hike in the mountains with his parents, including Mount McKinley,

which covers almost 30,000 square miles of the state.

“We decided to go because my parents just like going places that aren’t the same old Florida,” Robinson said.

Leaving in the first week of July, the Robinsons will spend seven days enduring the 63 degree weather, a possible wake up call to any Floridian used to the average temperature of summer’s high 90s.

“I plan to have a good time,” Robinson said. “I’m looking forward to seeing things I never get to see at home.”

Clay M. Townsend Attorney at Law

Available for Free Consultation Personal Injury and Wrongful Death • Contingency free arrangements regarding business disputes • Visit www.TownsendFirm.com for expertise, credentials and recent cases

407-422-2956 www.TownsendFirm.com

The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements.

Before you decide, ask us to send you written information about our qualifications and experience.

CAMPUS/LOCAL FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009 •

HI-LIGHTS

5

Crime surprises trusting teachers Crime, from page 1 have increased since the economic situation has deteriorated, this may not be the case.

“It’s about the same; it’s consistent every year. Very seldom does a week go by without at least one theft,” Pinkston said.

In Orlando, larceny is down 14 percent, burglary is down 15 percent and robbery is down 40 percent; however, arson is up 300 percent, embezzlement is up 200 percent, and fraud is up 3 percent, according to the City of Orlando Police Department.

While larceny has decreased, it still affects students.

One such student, Alyssa Rivera, had a total of $65 stolen from her wallet. The person who stole this money had access to the chorus room in the 1000 building. Since the chorus room was locked when Rivera left it, the thefts must have taken place while she was not paying attention.

“I felt a little upset and hurt because chorus is a family, and it upsets me that a family member stole from me. Usually, I’m the kind of person who will help people out, especially if it’s with something as petty as money,” Rivera said.

Rivera did not report this to the police, but she did report it to Courtney Nelson-Connelly, the chorus teacher.

“I didn’t think it was too important. It’s not as valuable as an heirloom. No doubt I was upset, but I didn’t think it was important enough [to report it to the police],” Rivera said.

While Rivera thinks it possible the recession is causing a rise in thefts, she also believes some of it lies in the thieves.

“Some people are just really greedy and feel the need to take things from people for no specific reason or to fulfill their needs. In a way, I have sympathy because I’m not sure if they know what they’re doing

is wrong. It’s a spur of the moment thing. I do feel mad, though, because I feel bad for the victim. The victims may have lost something important to them,” Rivera said.

Teachers are not immune to the lack of respect for personal items on campus.

Jeanette Bosela, world geography and sociology teacher, had her iPhone stolen at the beginning of the third quarter.

She used her phone right before second period.

When the class started, she put it on her desk. According to Bosela, it was in an area where no one could have accessed it without getting behind her desk.

“The range of emotions I felt in a matter of minutes was shocking. First it was disbelief, then anger, violation, then shock. Then it was sadness, sadness and disappointment,” Bosela said.

Bosela reported this to the school and the county.

She thinks she knows who stole the phone, but cannot prove it without concrete evidence.

“As teachers, we don’t make a lot of money and I had saved up for it. It didn’t have sentimental value, but I felt it was something I had earned, and to have someone take that away in just a matter of seconds was an extreme violation,” Bosela said.

Some ways for consumers, students specifically, to protect themselves is to put items in lockers, locking lockers, keeping fundraising money in sight at all times, having purses with zippers and constantly checking their possessions.

A final way to protect ones items is to keep them at home. Thieves do not have as much access to a locked house as they do to an unlocked locker.

If one becomes a victim of theft on campus, one should report it to the discipline office as soon as possible. Once this has been done, the victim should make an official report to the police. For more information, visit http://www.cityoforlando.net/police/ reporting/report_main.htm.

BREAKIN. Thieves vandalized and stole equipment, including a camera and lap tops from Room 224.

“I was so angry that someone would steal from a school,” Renee Burke said. The break-in was discovered on April 6 by Burke.

photos/RENEE BURKE

Shannon’s Casual Cafe

Jewelry & Watch Repair Specialists

4401 S Orange Avenue Orlando

Michigan Jewelers

337 E. Michigan Street Orlando, FL. 32806 “YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD JEWELER” (407) 835-0045

407-855-9995

Buy one breakfast, lunch or dinner entree and get one free Valid thru December 2009

(407)849-9719 Victoria’s Treasure Shop 361 East Michigan Avenue www.victoriastreasureshop.com Orlando, Florida 32806 W T F S 11-5:30

CAMPUS/LOCAL

6

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009 •

HI-LIGHTS

Eateries earn recognition TEENAGERS CHOOSE BEST EATS

Best Italian

Best Fast Food

Best Mexican

Best Asian

Unlimited soup, salad and breadsticks is one of the specials at Olive Garden Italian Restaurant. Another is the make your own pizza with up to four toppings and includes unlimited soup or salad. Other dishes are the lasagna, cheese and mushroom raviolis and shrimp primavera. Olive Garden’s menu also features Italian sodas, and desserts like Tiramisu and gelato.

Chick-fil-A is known for their classic chicken sandwich, waffle fries and their slogan “Eat Mor Chikin” endorsed ironically and ingeniously by cows. Chick-fil-A also offers an array of salads, wraps and sweet treats, and is open for breakfast. Chickfil-a has achieved their mission statement, “Be America’s best quick-service restaurant,” in the students’ eyes or at least according to their mouths.

At Tijuana Flats, customers have the option to make it green, wet, wheat, power lite or a meal. Menu items include burritos, tostadas, enchiladas, and salads which come with all the toppings: lettuce, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, sour cream and black olives. Tijuana offers Tex-Mex food with an edge and, as their manifesto puts it, “the anything goes approach to food and life in general.”

Chefs entertain restaurant goers while cooking right at their table, Teppanyaki style. The Teppanyaki dinner starts with onion soup and garden salad.

The main dish includes fried rice, noodles and vegetables with one’s choice of steak, chicken, seafood, tofu or a combination. Kobe’s also offers a variety of sushi rolls. They even offer Japanese desserts such as green tea ice cream.

Best Ice Cream

Best Seafood

Best Cuban

Best Burger

Best BBQ

Sprinkles, cookie dough, walnuts, gummy bears and Oreos are only five of the 36 mix-ins available at Marble Slab Creamery. At Marble Slab the possibilities are endless when it comes to ice cream. One can choose any combination of ice cream flavors, mix-ins and toppings in a cup or cone. They also have: floats, shakes, ice cream pies and cakes and frozen yogurt.

Red Lobster’s menu has more than just lobster. Salmon, trout, flounder, mahi-mahi and tilapia are five of the seasonal fresh fish options offered and can be wood-grilled, blackened or oven-broiled. Other items include scallops, shrimp, crab legs and clams. Besides deciding what to order, the greatest challenge at Red Lobster is saving room to eat after the irresistible Cheddar Bay Biscuits reach the table.

Pancho’s Spanish Bakery and Deli serves Havana Egg Sandwiches and Cuban Omelettes for breakfast. For lunch and early dinner, Pancho’s offers delicious Cuban sandwiches, Frijoles Negros Soup (black bean soup), steak sandwiches, tuna salad and a selection of pastries including empanadas. One can also order a Spanish soda to accompany one of the traditional Cuban dishes.

Johnny’s Fillin’ Station is great for sports fanatics and the whole family. There are televisions to watch sports and a game room to play pool and darts and to listen to the jukebox. Johnny’s serves up great food too. They are known for their half-pound hamburgers with toppings ranging from chili, banana peppers, ham and blue-cheese.

Chicken, subs, wraps and wings are also served.

Fingers smothered with barbeque sauce, one takes another scrumptious bite. At Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q, restaurant goers can indulge in smoked baby back or St. Louis ribs, pork, chicken or turkey with classic side offerings: french fries, coleslaw, garlic bread or baked beans. One does not have to be limited to one plate; at Sonny’s all you can eat is a great option for the true barbeque lover.

Best Pizza

By CARMELA CRUTCHER

Food is the universal bond between all people.

No matter people’s differences, whether they be language, race, religion, gender or traditions, people can always be brought together by food.

Each culture has its favorite dishes and specialties.

In 10 specific food categories, students on campus chose their favorite restaurants, creating the first Best Bites award list.

These 10 restaurants have a wide assortment of menus, but they each offer their own version of a favorite food eaten by American teenagers: Italian, fast food, Mexican, oriental, pizza, ice cream, seafood, Cuban, burgers and barbeque.

“I like to try the same dish at different restaurants to see which one’s really good,” sophomore Anais Sanchez said.

The winning restaurants serve the “best bites” of these foods, according to teenagers themselves.

Not only do these restaurants serve as a place for teenagers and other people to enjoy good food, but they are also a place where people can take a break from their lives. They do not have to worry about cooking or cleaning dishes.

“I go to a restaurant to hang out with my friends after school and to kick back after a long day,” Sanchez said.

According to the survey, 75 percent of the students said the food quality is most important in a restaurant. But it is not the only important quality. Good atmosphere and price ranked second in importance with 10 percent each and service rounded out the votes with 5 percent.

In response to the question of which trait is most important for a restaurant to have one student wrote “basically everything”. That is true. Though one trait is most important to one person and a different trait most important to another, one good trait does not keep people coming back to a restaurant or any business. It is the combination of the traits that creates a place costumers want to revisit.

Great restaurants bring together all necessary characteristics: wonderful atmosphere, helpful service and amazing food for a price that suits the quality; these 10 winning restaurants do just that.

Offering four types of crust including their famous pan crust, 13 different toppings, wings, breadsticks and four desserts, Papa John’s Pizza has something for everyone.

Customers can make their own combination or they can choose from 14 specialty pizzas including Papa’s White Pizza and Spicy Italian. Papa John’s is available for pickup, delivery and dine-in at some locations.

Texting opens new portals Sext, from page 1 Although sexting is a growing trend, there is a silver lining. In 1991, 54 percent of high school students said they had already had sexual intercourse. By 2007, this statistic had dropped to 47.8 percent. One study by Ralph DiClemente, professor at the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University, states that the increase in sexting has a direct correlation with the decrease in sexual behavior. He is currently working on a study on how the Internet and technology affects the sexuality of teens.

“I don’t think that [the decrease in the percentage of teenagers who have sex and the increase in the number of teenagers who sext] is related,” junior Randal Short said. “I would think sexting would increase the sex rate because you can’t get pleasure from sexting.”

Like Alpert, teens caught sending or receiving nude pictures can be charged as sex offenders.

One such case arose in Pennsylvania, where a

15-year-old girl faced charges for possessing, changing to the entire school. distributing and creating child pornography after “Sexting is inappropriate and a new arena sending topless photos to a 27-year-old man on so people don’t know how to deal with it quite MySpace. The man also faces charges. yet. [In order to prevent sexting on campus, However, while most are working towards administration] should educate students about punishing teens who sext, Vermont legislators are how much trouble they can get into by sexting,” trying to lessen the consequences.

Student Dean Amanda Miles In April, a bill was proposed and Teens caught sending said. if passed would exempt 13 to It may not seem like an issue, 18-year-olds from being brought nude photos can be but sexting can change lives up on child pornography drastically. Being labeled as a sex charged as sex offenders offender will prevent high school charges.

“We felt that it’s poor behavior students from being admitted and it’s not something we want to into college and cause them to give our OK to,” Senator Richard lose employment opportunities.

Sears told the Rutland Herald in Vermont. “But at To anyone thinking about sexting, Doe has the same time, do we want a kid in jail? Do we want crucial advice from personal experience. them tagged as a sex offender for the rest of their “You will lose a lot of friends and their trust, lives? And the answer is no.” but you will find out who your true friends are.

School’s can also become involved in punishment It is a dumb decision you will regret for the rest for sexting. For example, a girl in Connecticut was of your life, but move on and ignore the pigs and suspended after sending a picture of her friend nasty people who don’t let it go,” Doe said.

LIFE SHATTERING. For Jessie Logan, 18, sexting became a harsh reality. After pictures of her had been sent to hundreds of students and parents in Cincinnati by her ex-boyfriend, Logan was harassed and bullied by her peers. She began skipping school and avoiding her friends in order to escape the teasing. “I still get harassed and stuff,” she said. “I just want to make sure no one else will have to go through this same thing,” Logan told Cincinnati Channel Five News in May. Eight months later, Jessie’s body was found by her mother hanging in her bedroom closet.

Bumby at Michigan Street Self Storage Your neighborhood storage provider!

Moving supplies and boxes avaliable for purchase

Gate Hours: 6-10 p.m.

Office Hours: M-F 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Sat 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sun 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

2525 E. Michigan St. Orlando, FL 32806 407-894-3004

FEATURES FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009 •

Campus loses 150 years experience “ “

HI-LIGHTS

By CARMELA CRUTCHER

Together the seven retiring faculty members: Deborah Ford, Barbara Gadson, Sharon Johnson, Ronald Kast, Maryann Muirhead, Frances Durden-Nanus and Cheryl Plecoines have devoted 150 years to this campus. However 150 years is not a completely accurate portrayal of their impact upon the students, faculty and staff and community; their hard work and dedication is truly immeasurable. Their selfless devotion is greatly appreciated.

Though their jobs differed, they all had the same purpose: impact the students. Not only did they help the students grow as people, but they grew as well. In particular, they learned patience and understanding.

Despite teenage attitudes and smart remarks, these seven people kept motivated with a positive attitude. Their steadfast Boone spirit and pride set the attitude for those around them. Though they are retiring, their memories and impact on the Boone community will be remembered.

“

I’ve taught for 31 years now and it’s time to take care of me for a change.

I felt there was something missing in my heart; I decided to teach for a year and my heart was filled.

7

At every age there is something more I would like to do. That’s what retirement is for me.

-deborah ford

- barbara gadson

- frances durden-nanus, teacher

Heart left with her kids

By TYLER PATRICK

photo/TYLER PATRICK

CHILDREN’S PLACE. Walking through her classroom Frances Durden-Nanus hands out diplomas to the graduating tee pee tots in her children’s program. “My kids build me up and make me feel special,” Durden-Nanus said.

Students are pre-school teachers in training making arts and crafts that inspire the mind of a three and four year old in Frances Durden–Nanus’ early childhood development class.

“Teachers set the tone for their class when they walk into their classroom, and they begin setting the tone before school,” Durden–Nanus said.

After 28 years, Durden–Nanus is retiring.

“My heart is not quite ready to have a life without Boone but I am beginning to know God is in control and he has a plan for me,” Durden– Nanus said.

Durden–Nanus started working at Boone in 1981. She has taught a series of classes on campus, including English, family living, housing and interior design, sewing and early child development.

“I laugh almost every day. Anytime you teach of work with children you have a lot of laughs,” Durden-Nanus said.

Durden–Nanus has wanted to be a teacher since she was a child. She also wanted to work in fashion so she began working at Neiman Marcus

“

Mrs. Durden has a very good aura and gives off positive energy.

- alexis olijynk, freshman

and eventually became a manager in the store.

“Although working at Neiman Marcus was fun, I felt there was something missing in my heart.

I decided to teach for one year after my father suggested it, and then I realized that my heart was filled. I feel like I am serving God through my teaching,” Durden–Nanus said.

Durden–Nanus has recently written a children’s book called Carrie’s Favorite Place on Earth, that has been published and can be bought at any major book store. She is currently working on writing her second children’s book.

After her retirement, Durden–Nanus plans to do volunteer work that involves children and

teenagers, get involved with her church, travel with her husband and spend time with her 2-yearold grandson. Durden–Nanus also plans to work on her rose garden.

As a teenager Durden–Nanus was involved in her community including drum major, basketball cheerleader, class officer and church counseling.

At the end of her high school career she received an award for being involved in the most extra curricular activities than anyone had ever been in at Grande Ridge High School.

One thing that students are unaware about Durden-Nanus is that she was always in her high school talent shows as a dancer.

“I loved to dance and maybe that’s why I enjoy teaching teepee tots so much because little children like to express themselves through dance’” Durden-Nanus said.

She leaves behind words of advice for the students in years to come.

“Don’t let little things bother you and start each day with a positive attitude,” Durden–Nanus said.

German farewell to all

By TYLER PATRICK

Three months before the end of her senior year, German teacher Deborah Ford went to Germany to finish her final high school year. It was this trip which made an influenced on her decision to become a German teacher.

Ford has taught on campus for 20 years now, teaching the German language and occasional world history classes.

“Boone is a family. The Boone community is caring, friendly, full of tradition, and that was so obvious even 20 years ago. It’s what made me choose Boone over West Orange, when I was offered a job there,” Ford said.

Ford wanted to become a marine biologist.

“I decided against it because everybody wanted to. Who wouldn’t want to hang out at the beach everyday and look at cool stuff under the microscope?” Ford said.

Ford became a teacher because she wanted to do something that she could complete with a four year degree. Ford kept her motivation to teach throughout the years from her students.

“Most teachers are teachers because they loved school and were good students. It’s hard for

“

Mrs. Ford is more than just a teacher,you can go to her with anything and she’s gonna care

- jenneth jones, junior

teachers sometimes because most of the students they teach don’t feel the same way,” Ford said.

Ford taught a bilingual program in Lexington, Kentucky and a graduate program at the University of Kentucky before coming to Florida.

Ford began working at Boone after a representative from Orange County Public Schools came to the University of Kentucky where she was working on a recruiting trip. Her parents lived in Florida at the time, which is why she chose to try it out.

“I think a good teacher is an expert in her subject area and passionate about it. Someone who loves and respects her students. I’m very open and honest with my students. If they don’t know something about me then they probably don’t

need to know it,” Ford said.

Ford’s retiring because she never wanted to be one of those teachers “who was too old to relate to their students” and she doesn’t want it now.

Ford’s plans after retirement are to sit by her lake and take care of herself. She also plans to attend more concerts by her favorite bands such as Grateful Dead (now called Dead) and Steely Dan. “I’m looking forward to it. I’ve taught for 31 years now and it’s time to take care of me for a change,” Ford said.

Ford has had a series of memorable moments during her time at Boone.

“One year I lost a lot of weight over the summer, and when I was standing in front of the students writing on the board, my slip that was too big fell down around my ankles,” Ford said.

After a pleasant experience, Ford leaves words of advice to the teachers making their way into the Reservation.

“Teachers, you should care about your students and get to know them. When you treat them with respect they will return it to you and they will help you by doing the best that they can in your classroom,” Ford said.

photo/TYLER PATRICK

GERMAN FAREWELL. In the center of the class, Deborah Ford sits at a desk and verbally quizzes her fifth period class on the German language. “I’ve had a different experience teaching German, kids take it because they want to, not beacause they have to,” Ford said.

Students impact teacher

By CARMELA CRUTCHER

Singing, dancing, reading and gardening are just four of the things world history teacher Barbara Gadson plans on doing once retired.

Gadson started here in 1985 teaching senior English and was a substitute teacher before that. She currently teaches world history. “[I keep motivated to teach because of] my interest in young people. Their generation has so much to deal with. I like being a part of molding their minds and their attitudes,” Gadson said.

The message Gadson wants to impress upon students is short and simple.

“Learn for the sheer joy of learning. Learn just because you can,” Gadson said.

Not only have Gadson’s students learned from her teaching, but she has learned over the years also.

Gadson learned that, in addition to just planning lessons, flexibility in lesson plans is equally important.

“Sometimes the best lesson plans cannot be expedited. [Teachers should be flexible and] be open to students’ suggestions,” Gadson said.

As a teacher and a person, Gadson feels it is important to think of others before herself.

“Mingling with people of all races and cultures and learning from them to do what I can to help people [has shaped me]. I don’t think of what I want, but what I can do to make others happy,” Gadson said.

Gadson formed this belief when growing up. She lived in a modest home and she was in charge of caring for her younger siblings. Her background shaped her as a person, because it taught

“

MOLD MINDS. During fourth period, Barbara Gadson lectures her world history class. “[Teachers should not] be so rigid.

Laugh with your students and have fun,” Gadson said. Gadson believes student input is important to teaching.

Before teaching world history, Gadson taught senior English.

Mrs. Gadson is very energetic, always in a good mood and always willing to help you if you need it.

- nicholas glover, sophomore

her about responsibility.

For Gadson, retirement represents a new phase of life. It is a time she can spend to read, travel, picnic, garden, relax and enjoy the simple things life offers. She enjoys reading classic English literature, including one of her favorite novels, Gone with the Wind.

Retirement also allows Gadson to devote more time to her family especially her husband who is in poor health.

In addition to these things, Gadson has a love for the arts. She enjoys all types of music, but her favorite is jazz. As a high school student, Gadson was a member of the drama club and participated in school plays. She was also involved in chorus. Junior year she was the soprano soloist, which was a great achievement for her.

“I sang Ave Maria and I got a standing ovation. It was a wonderful feeling because everyone came up to me and complimented me. I had been so nervous,” Gadson said.

Though she is retiring, Gadson enjoys the opportunities she’s experienced. According to Gadson, being a part of this community has been a privilege. In addition to teaching and working with the other faculty members, she has been able to impact students.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my life on the Reservation, but at every age there is something more I would like to do and that’s what retirement is for me,” Gadson said.

photo/BRIANA ANGELO

FEATURES

8

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009 •

HI-LIGHTS

Oh the places she’ll go Her travels 2009 Spring Break Peru (Machu Picchu, Amazon) 2008 Fall Break Costa Rica 2008 Summer Kenya, Tanzania and Dubai 2007 Summer China, Tibet and Cambodia 2006 Summer Galapagos Islands

Other travels

Greek Isles Turkey (Istanbul) All over Europe from the top to the bottom (Sweden to Italy) All over the states including Hawaii and Alaska Most of Caribbean Islands, Bermuda

Future travels

India and Nepal in September Australia and New Zealand November

“

By TYLER PATRICK

Students sit in their World History classroom and learn the history of the world from someone who has seen historical places through traveling.

Johnson has traveled all over the world to places, such as China, Cambodia, Kenya, Tanzania, Peru, Costa Rica and Europe.

“Traveling has made me more open minded.

It has made me appreciate living in America more after seeing the way other people live and how they are treated,” Johnson said.

After her retirement, Johnson plans to travel to a few new places such as India, Nepal, New Zealand and Australia.

“I am excited because I want new adventures. I am still young enough to visit places. I just want to enjoy life,” Johnson said.

Johnson loved to learn as a teenager in high school. She often took classes that would help push her to learn more. This led to her decision later in life, when she went to college in Europe and decided to pursue a career as a teacher.

“Teaching helps to keeps you young; you have to look at life from different perspectives.

It teaches you not to be judgmental. You have to be open minded and more tolerant to last as a teacher,” Johnson said.

After 25 years as an Orange County employee,

Mrs. Johnson has experience of what she’s teaching with traveling, which is good.

- alison heffenan, sophomore

Sharon Johnson prepares herself for retirement.

She worked as a teacher at Westridge Middle School, located in The Hills, before coming here.

Johnson decided to retire due to the new hours and extra classes, as they have had a stressful effect on her days this year.

Johnson has enjoyed her time as a teacher. She enjoys interacting with her kids and other young children as an educator.

“I remember there was a student from drama who would dance to ‘Istanbul is from Constantinople’. I will always laugh when I hear that song because I think of this,” Johnson said.

As Johnson prepares to leave, she leaves behind advice for the students to come.

“Students, continue to love and to learn throughout life. Try to experience new things and new places,” Johnson said.

photo/MADISON SMITH

TEACHING HISTORY. While standing in front of her class, Sharon Johnson explains an overhead projection on the board to her World History class. “I love to learn, it’s the reason I decided to teach,”Johnson said.

Spirited security guard retires

“

By CARMELA CRUTCHER

photo/JOHN MICHAEL KELLY

KAST MOBILE. Around campus, administrator Ronald Kast rides his golf cart, the Kast Mobile.

“The biggest lesson I learned at Boone was to keep control of my golf cart,” Kast said. Kast is known for his school spirit.

Four leave Reservation

By KAREN JAEN

After years of teaching on the Reservation, four teachers are saying goodbye.

“It will be difficult to adjust [to these teachers leaving]. I’m going to miss their contributions to our school,” junior Leryn Turlington said.

Joseph Anagnostis

Subjects taught: American History, World History and

Riding around on a golf cart, nicknamed the Kast Mobile, Ronald Kast patrols the campus displaying his school spirit.

“The biggest lesson I learned at Boone was to keep control of my golf cart,” Kast said.

Mid-year, Kast’s golf cart flipped and his shoulder shattered. Due to the injury, he was unable to work for the remainder of the year.

On April 16, Kast returned to visit. Once again, riding on a golf cart, Kast was met with welcoming greetings from students and faculty alike.

“Mr. Kast is like a big old kid. He has more school spirit than the entire freshman class.

Anyone who loves Boone as much as Mr. Kast does will be missed by everyone,” biology teacher Patrick O’Malley said.

Kast worked has worked here as a security guard since 2002.

“I choose to work at Boone because I thought I could make a difference. My only regret is not starting sooner,” Kast said.

Kast plans on spending time with his wife and traveling with her too.

“It’s time [to retire]. I want to spend quality time with the one I love,” Kast said.

He also plans on spending time with his six grandchildren as well as the three more

Global Studies.

Years teaching: 11 Years on campus: Three Most memorable moment: The undefeated football season.

Plans after leaving Boone: Going to the new East River High School and coaching football .

Favorite thing about Boone: “The location in [which] I live in the area and it’s nice seeing the students outside of school.”

Contributions to the school: Helped the football team win three regional championships.

Coached: Football and weight lifting

CourtneyNelsonConnelly

I am going to miss all of Kast’s supportive speeches before volleyball games. He cheers everybody on.

- jacquelyn mason, senior

grandchildren on the way.

Because Kast loves gardening especially in his rose garden, he is looking forward to competing in the rose shows in Georgia and California. He hopes to win nationals.

Two of Kast’s favorite memories from his time on campus are when Boone became an A school and the 2008 football state championship.

“The championship game is something I’ll always remember. The 2008 game was the best football game I’ve ever watched. It was heartbreaking when we lost,” Kast said.

Kast often showed up at sports events to cheer on the players.

In addition to these memories, Kast had funny memories too. One of the funniest was when he witnessed a girl reverse her car in the back of the parking lot and fall into the retention pond screaming, “I’m drowning”.

Kast made many wonderful memories on

Subjects taught: Chorus, Keyboard Piano, Musical Theater and AP Music Theory.

Years teaching: 10 Years on campus: Four Plans after leaving Boone: Going to teach chorus and piano at the new Lake Nona High School.

Contributions to the school: “I built a piano program [and] there are a lot more students in chorus [now], when I first got here.”

Favorite thing about teaching at Boone: “Seeing the kids that I started out with four years ago who are now seniors blossomed into incredible musicians that are passionate about the performing

“Your pet’s care is our top priority.”

Robert Porter, D.V.M. 407-851-4752 4752 Hoffner Avenue M-F 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Sat 8 a.m. - noon

Boone Braves Bring this coupon for a FREE exam!

New clients only

arts.”

Favorite thing about Boone: “Students [because] they bring me joy.”

Sponsored: Music Honor Society and Boone Singers

Robert Connelly

Subjects taught: Symphonic Band, Music Theory, Percussion Ensemble, Keyboard and Color Guard Years teaching: Five Years on campus: Five Most memorable moment: “Last year when we performed with the Percussion Ensemble in Indianapolis at the National Percussion Festival.”

Plans after leaving Boone: Going

campus, but he also learned a great deal.

“Not a day goes by at Boone where you don’t learn something,” Kast said.

Among other things, Kast learned patience.

Through his experiences with high school students, Kast has developed the belief that many teenagers don’t reach their full potential which according to him is a shame.

“I’m a strong believer that if you can dream it, you can do it,” Kast said.

Before working on campus, Kast was a security guard at a hotel. Before that, he was in the military for 20 years and fought in the Vietnam War. Kast was a senior drill sergeant and left the military well decorated. “[Being in the military], you see that your life can be gone in an instant. It made me appreciate life a lot more. It makes me mad when students give up so easily because when [at war] you just tried to live,” Kast said.

Kast enjoyed his time working here. “[I keep motivated by] just waking up and thanking God for being alive and I try to get kids to smile and appreciate life too. I look up to the sky in the morning and realize all God has done for me and I just go from there,” Kast said.

While Kast retires, his memories and Boone spirit remain.

to Lake Nona High School to be the band director.

Contributions to the school: “[My] biggest [contribution] would be building a music program;the teachers and I worked together to get students to participate in the performing arts.”

Favorite thing about teaching at Boone: “The students, [because] they’re willing to work hard and I have built trust with the students. They trust me and I trust them.”

Clubs sponsored: Band, percussion ensemble and drum line

Peter Kearney

Kast was in the military for 20 years He was in the Vietnam War and was a senior drill sergeant Kast earned 4 Purple Hearts; 1 Silver Star and 2 Bronze Stars Kast enjoys gardening especially roses He plans on to competing in the national rose shows in Georgia and California

Subjects taught: American Government, World History, Economics, American History and Avid Elective Years teaching: Eight Years on campus: Four Plans after leaving Boone: “Going to East River High School. [I was] selected to be the head coach.”

Coached: Varsity football and girls’ flag football.

Favorite thing about Boone: “Traditions because I think they are important and people can cherish and remember them later on.”

Most memorable moment: “Making a connection with a student everyday. That is why I love teaching.”

inexpensive but never cheap

6651 S. Semoran Suite 105 Orlando, FL 32822 Near Beef ‘O’ Brady’s

407-851-9995

Adult Haircuts $12.95 Kid’s Haircuts (12 & under) $10.95

FEATURES FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009 •

9

HI-LIGHTS

Registrar leaves “family”

By CARMELA CRUTCHER

photo/RACHEL MOTTA

HOW MAY I HELP YOU. In the records office, Cheryl Plecoines works at her work. “[The Boone faculty], celebrate good times and commiserate bad ones and that’s what families do,” Plecoines said.

Looking back on 21 years, registrar Cheryl Plecoines smiles as she reminisces about the memories, experiences and lessons she learned.

“The students and the people I work with keep me motivated to work. I take pride in my job,” Plecoines said.

In 1988, Plecoines started working as a registrar in charge of past and present student records.

She has held that position ever since. Plecoines chose Boone 21 years ago because her son was enrolled at the time.

The Reservation is special to Plecoines not only because of her work, but because it holds family memories. Her fondest memory was when her son and his team won the 1981 state baseball championships.

“My husband and I were so proud. We were just so happy

for them. It was a team effort.

To this day, every single boy on that team is still friends. They are a great group of boys,” Plecoines said.

Plecoines’s daughter and oldest grandson also graduated from Boone and her two younger grandsons presently attend.

Over the years, the Boone faculty, staff and students have become like a family to her.

“Boone is a unique school because the people that work here are like a family and Boone has been my family for a long time. I know so many people here and I’ve seen a lot of people come and go, but no matter where we go from Boone, we know we still have friends and family here,” Plecoines said.

Through her time, Plecoines has learned to be patient and understanding, which according to her, can sometimes be difficult.

Plecoines advises others to try to learn and practice those characteristics too.

“Do the best you can and try to be kind to everyone you meet.

Keep smiling,” Plecoines said.

Plecoines enjoyed meeting and interacting with new and diverse people.

Since she was a child, Plecoines has liked meeting new people and experiencing new things. She attributes this to her father being in the air force and having to continuously move.

Plecoines is originally from Orlando but due to her father’s job she also lived in Guam and New Orleans.

“I get along well with people.

Moving and being in different places made me ready to do anything at anytime. It made it easier to meet and get along with people,” Plecoines said.

For the past 14 years,

Plecoines has taught an exercise class at the Wellness Center.

Once retired, she plans on spending time with her 87-yearold father and taking her three grandsons to the beach, as well as, planting in her yard, volunteering and enjoying time with her pets: a mixed chow named Hurley and two cats, Scoobe and Kobe.

With the knowledge and insight she has gained from her work with here, Plecoines offers helpful advice to students for the years to come.

“Stay true to yourself and make your parents proud,” Plecoines said.

After working 31 years at OCPS and 21 on campus, Plecoines has decided it is just the right time to retire.

She looks forward to new opportunities that await her, with fond memories of the past.

“

I love having Mrs. Plecoines here because she is so sweet and always there when you need her.

- tyler johnson, sophomore

Teaching dream reaches end

By CARMELA CRUTCHER

photo/RACHEL MOTTA

ANALYZE. Using the overhead, Maryann Muirhead teaches an American History lesson. “[Being a teacher], I have learned patience and how to control my temper,” Muirhead said. She wanted to be a teacher since fourth grade.

Sitting at her desk, a young fourth-grade girl dreams of being the teacher standing in front of the classroom instead of the student.

That girl’s dream became a reality.

American History Honors teacher Maryann Muirhead started teaching on campus in 1984, then she left to teach at other schools and returned again seven years ago.

“I came to Boone because of its reputation for academic excellence. I wanted to teach students who I felt would respond to higher level ideas and thinking. I like students to have a questioning attitude, because if you question, you learn,” Muirhead said.

Teaching, for Muirhead, is not only about the academics though. It is about influencing teenagers therefore influencing the future.

“I like interacting with students. I like the challenge,” Muirhead said.

Muirhead advises other teachers to interact and work with teachers in the same curriculum,

GRAPHIC

DESIGN

Kim Cummings

web uncomyn@gmail.com des ign

407.791.8562

apparel

posters

www.uncomyn.com

UNCOMYN

because she has done this throughout her own teaching career and it helped.

“Boone teachers are very willing to share ideas. It has helped me be a better teacher. [The other teachers] give suggestions on projects. If you’re having a problem, you can discuss it and get a different perspective. It helps [me] be more creative,” Muirhead said.

At the beginning of her career, Muirhead was learning and experiencing new things, but as the years went by, teaching became more routine.

Retirement offers Muirhead the opportunity to grow as a person and do something different after doing the same thing for over 40 years.

Once retired, Muirhead plans on traveling, first on a cruise to the St. Lawrence Seaway and then to Alaska. She also wants to devote more time to play with her grandchildren.

In her spare time she enjoys reading murder mystery and fantasy novels, as well as, baking desserts; she loves chocolate. Muirhead once told her class, sarcastically, that the Aztecs gave

chocolate only to the wise men and that may be the reason why she is so intelligent.

Muirhead enjoys music. Country and early rock and roll are her favorite genres. Muirhead’s passion for music started in her childhood. She played the saxophone from fourth grade through her first two years of college.

Despite all the benefits of retiring, Muirhead has mixed emotions about it. She looks forward to the extra time she will have to devote to her family, hobbies and travels, but she will miss the friends she has made here, the conversations with her colleagues and the opportunity to both impact students and live out her dream.

“There is only so much you can learn about your profession. There comes a point, [and for me it is now] that I’m not teaching so much, but reliving the things I lived. It’s time for someone younger with fresher ideas and new energy. After so long, you just get tired,” Muirhead said.

Muirhead’s fulfilled her childhood dream of being a teacher.

“

She has so much experience, she gives a different perspective.

It’s better than reading it.

- sarah

gamboa, junior

Jeff’s Handyman Service LLC Electrical repair Lighting Garbage disposal installed Ceiling fans installed Toilet repair Faucets replaced Sink replacement Door jams replaced Doors & knobs replaced Dry wall repair Windows replaced and much, much more...

No Job Too Small Call (407) 721-3150

Go Green

Carpet Care, Inc.

P.O. Box 162818 Altamonte Springs, FL 32716 Email: nneto@aol.com or www.gogreencarpetcare.com 407-227-0401 • • • • • • • •

Duct Cleaning A/C Cleaning Upholstery Cleaning Odor Elimination Treatments Fogger, Ozone Machine Carpet Spot Dyeing Carpet Repair and Stretching 24 Hour, Emergency Deflooding Response

HEALTHY AND SAFE SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY ASPECT OF HOUSEHOLD CLEANING ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

Powerful Brand New Machines! Top Equipment and Chemicals!

SPECIAL

10

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009 •

HI-LIGHTS

scoop

Students prove picky

Here’s the

What to eat, where to eat, how to eat

By JESSICA MCCOY

Whether it be something as exotic as sushi or an everyday food like pickles, everyone has one food that just doesn’t sit well with him or her. “It tastes bad”, “The texture is weird”, “The overall shape of it just doesn’t seem appealing”, are all things that one might say when approached with a food he or she finds unsatisfactory to his or her palette.

“

By EA CARTWRIGHT

Each day, teens across America are faced with the decision of what to eat. A majority of teens choose fast food restaurants which can allot for the current obesity phenomenon plaguing the nation’s youth.

Fast food restaurants such as McDonald’s and Burger King should not be on a teen’s every day menu. Instead, opt for more vegetables and foods with less sodium and calories.

Also, cooking at home is a way to avoid the high calorie world and to control one’s intake. By learning new recipes, one can feed themselves, and their family, and in turn be better prepared for living alone.

Bad food to one is great food to another; explore more exotic tastes to get the taste buds flowing.

A good portion of teens do not know how to feed themselves; they eat what is cheap and unhealthy. This special should help steer cravings in a more healthy, affordable direction.

Mushrooms are oddly shaped and slimey.

- alexander chmielewski, senior

“

Tomatoes are all squishy, the way they look is gross and nothing about them seems like they would taste good.

- jamie wood, junior

Families eat, celebrate culture

By KATIE EDWARDS

An array of food bursting with diverse spices and colors filled the pot luck table, from Mexican spice to sweet Asian. People from different backgrounds and cultures bring the different foods they eat.

Vietnamese brings freshness to food

Famous for its fresh flavors and lively meals, Vietnamese is known to be the “light cuisine” of all the Asian countries. Vietnamese foods use a large variety of fresh herbs like basil or Chinese chives and fresh vegetables in soups and stir-fries on seasoned grilled foods with heaping plates of rice or noodles.

“Vietnamese is lots of rice and noodles because our country is surrounded by water and that’s what makes rice grow,” sophomore Tuyetrang Tang said.

Although Vietnamese dishes rely on vegetables and fresh herbs, this cultural food is also reflected by its French and Chinese influences. Authentic Vietnamese food requires an array of simple dishes.

“Vietnamese food is healthier than American food because it’s not as greasy,” Tang said.

Ingredients like fresh ginger, spring onions, lemon grass, chilies, coconut milk and Asian noodles are staples of the Vietnamese diet. One can buy these items at any local grocery store.

Local Vietnamese restaurant Little Saigon portrays real home-style Vietnamese cooking.

Little Saigon is located at 1106 E. Colonial Drive.

The prices range from $4.00-49.50 and are open seven days a week 10 a.m.- 9 p.m..

Soul feeds the stomach

25

%

Don’t like pickles

Collard greens, neck bones and salt pork are best known as “soul food.” These items make up the cultural center of African American foods.

Soul food is derived from African slaves. The slaves would cook with scraps left from their owner’s meals and contribute them to the dish so they could eat on a low budget but still have a hearty meal after a long day of labor.

“Soul food is more seasoned and unique. It takes more time and practice to get the food just right,” Hale said.

Soul food mostly reflects the cook’s creativity.

Due to the short supply of foods they had to “make do” with what they had. Since the slaves were not allowed to read or write, the recipes were passed from one generation to the next orally.

A known local soul restaurants is Queen Bee’s.

It is located at 214 S. Orange Avenue.

“It brings us back to where we once were and

“

The texture and the weird taste of coconut just throws me off.

“

23

Don’t like sushi

Cheese makes me sick. I’m lactose intolerant and I just hate it.

how far we’ve come. It brings the family together.

They come and talk while eating good, soul food,” Hale said.

Russian cuisines warm stomach

- jeanette wilson, senior

“

Cuddled up in a blanket with soup in hand is the thing to do when living in Russia.

Russian food mainly consist of dishes with carbohydrates, fats and proteins because of the year round cold weather. Fruits and vegetables are rarely used in Russian dishes. The top five ingredients used in Russian foods are potatoes, bread, eggs, meat and butter.

“Mushrooms are a big part of our culture’s food because they are found everywhere in Russia. Fish are too because of the many lakes and seas that pretty much surround Russia,” freshman Nicholas McMillion said.

In the Russia culture there are a large variety of soups like borsht soup which consists of sausage, vegetables, garlic and a red sauce. Shi soup is more of a beef and cabbage soup and is also popular.

“My family and I believe that food is one of the greatest ways to gain insight about other cultures,” McMillion said.

The texture is not normal and the way the bones are in fish is just weird to me.

- elise lugo, freshman

“

Liver looks nasty because it just looks like blood is all over it. I would rather have a steak.

- deon cooper, freshman

Spice up the taste buds

Spicy seasoned chicken rolled up in a flour tortilla, covered in melted cheddar and an authentic enchilada sauce. This is an example of a true Mexican dish.

“Some of the traditional Mexican dishes that I like are tamales and enchiladas. We usually eat them on holidays or special occasions. They aren’t easy to cook and they take time,” sophomore Alejandra Zuniga said.

A majority of the dishes consist of a variety of spices like chili powder which is a hot spice; oregano, also used in Spanish and Italian dishes; and cumin to give it an extra kick.

Mexican food found across the United States is not the same as traditional Mexican food. Its American imitation is called Tex-Mex. TexMex comes from the combination of Mexican and Spanish prepared Texas style. Places like Chipotle, Amigos and Garibaldi’s are well known Tex-Mex restaurants.

“Mexican foods are a lot different from American food. No matter what you eat you always have tortillas and hot sauce right next to it. Mexican food has more of a spiciness to it. My family is really religious and we are really family connected. The food brings the family together,” Zuniga said.

“

Chocolate just tastes like dirt to me.

- catherine porter, sophomore

“

I don’t like pickles because they taste like they are supposed to be a food and a drink and they smell weird.

- daniel ruiz, sophomore

“

Steak always has a bloody taste to it no matter how well done you get it.

“

18%

- ashley cutting, senior

Carrots because they have a weird dry taste to them.

Don’t like tomatoes

%

- max gowen, junior

5

%

Don’t like chocolate

29% Dont like mushrooms

268 students polled, April 16

- jusme guerinaud, sophomore

SPECIAL

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009 •

11

HI-LIGHTS

Culinary artists rise to feed masses

By RACHEL MOTTA

Cooks are as much artists as are painters or performers. Their studio is the kitchen and their stage is the dining room table.

Three such artists roam campus; Taylor Purcell, Cameron Corwin and Brandon Sims. Their individual styles differ drastically as do their plans for the future. Some were inspired by people, and others were inspired by particularly artistic pieces of food in magazines.

Despite the differences, all three love cooking, whether they have been immersed in cooking since they can remember, or whether it is more like a new-found love.

Along with the love for cooking, they share something else: all three took courses or classes to perfect their crafts.

Purcell, a baker, took courses at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store to learn how to decorate cakes.

“It’s really awkward because its middle aged people and then 15 year-old me,” Purcell said.

Purcell wants to sell cookies and cakes and has decided upon a name: Purcell’s Pastries.

“I get to be creative. I can’t paint or draw, but I can decorate cakes. It’s my canvas,” Purcell said.

Sims and Corwin both spend half their days at Mid-Florida Technical Institute.

Corwin has been cooking since he can remember.

The fact that cooking has been ingrained in him from an early age may have put him on a path to a career. While his chosen career does not necessarily require a college education, he still plans to go to college and get a degree in culinary management.

Currently, he cooks biscuits and gravy, pastas and breakfasts; however, his favorite dish to prepare is steak. “[Cooking steak] takes talent. It shows that I’m good at cooking,” Corwin said.

Corwin also enjoys the emotional satisfaction that cooking brings him.

“It’s fun. If I make something new, I feel happy and proud,” Corwin said.

Sims has taken a different approach and has not quite chosen what it is he wishes to do. He does not wish to go to college, and does not know what he wishes to do. He is willing to go with the flow and take any job that involves cooking.

“I plan on cooking for any restaurant that will hire me,” Sims said.

While he doesn’t have a style, he does have a dish he enjoys cooking more than others.

“I don’t really describe my style. I just cook, but I do like to cook fried chicken,” Sims said.

Not only does he enjoy cooking, he enjoys reaping the rewards of his work.

“I feel good [when I cook] because I’m about to eat something that I made,” Sims said.

For more information on the MIT, visit http:// www.mft.ocps.net/

There are five basic sauces taught to chefs.

These are the five Mother Sauces Béchamel: a rich white sauce prepared with butter and cream Espagnole: a dark brown sauce prepared with dark brown roux, browned bones, veal stock, beef, vegetables, and seasonings Hollandaise/ Mayonnaise: a creamy sauce with butter, lemon juice, egg yolk, and pepper

Santa Claus inspires baker

Santa Claus cookies may not be typical inspiration for aspiring bakers, but they inspired freshman Taylor Purcell to cook for family.

“I saw a magazine with these rolly polly Santas, and I thought they were adorable. I wanted to make elaborate stuff like that,” Purcell said.

Purcell enrolled herself into Wilton Course, a cake decorating course, at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store. She is currently in Wilton Course III. She has learned things not taught in courses.

“I thought it was going to be a lot easier, but since [all the pastries] are custom, I have to teach myself a new skill every project,” Purcell said.

Purcell has learned a strong work ethic.

“If I’m not in the mood to make three gallons of icing, it still has to get done. I have to do it one batch at a time, so it takes forever,” Purcell said.

She also plans on going to college.

“I’m probably just going to do an undergrad.

I’d like to go to a culinary school in New York,” Purcell said.

Cook pursues dream While some people have a defining moment when they know what they want to do for the duration of their lives, senior Cameron Corwin has been cooking since he can remember.

Corwin currently attends Mid-Florida Technical Institute for the first three periods of the school day and takes a culinary course.

Along with learning the five mother sauces, baking, grilling and sautéing, he has learned to use an essential cooking tool: knives “My favorite part about cooking is cutting stuff.

We’ve learned cuts like the Julienne. It makes really long, skinny cuts,” Corwin said.

Like any artist, Corwin likes when people appreciate his masterpieces.

“I feel proud when people compliment me. and if I make something new. It’s fun,” Corwin said.

He plans to open a bar and grill after college in Key West.

“There are a lot of parties down [in Key West].

It will be good for business,” Corwin said.

Grandma inspires chef

Grandmothers inspire generations through their love, kindness, dedication and home-cooked meals. Senior Brandon Sims’s grandmother fueled his passion for a career in the culinary arts.

“I would always cook at [my grandmother’s] house, and I liked it,” Sims said.

Sims takes culinary classes at the Mid-Florida Technical Institute and intends to become a chef.

Right now he cooks everything and has yet to find his own unique style.

According to Sims, to become a chef, one needs an understanding of knife skills.

“The knives are very sharp. You can cut yourself if you’re not paying attention,” Sims said.

He would like to be a chef after high school.

Cooking is a way for him to make money and enter the work-force once he leaves high school.

It is also a pleasant experience for him. He feels pride when others partake in his delicacies. “[I’m proud] when someone eats [my food] and they like it,” Sims said.

Tomato sauce: can consist of fresh tomatos boiled down to a liquid, canned tomatos, tomato puree, or tomato paste Velouté: A white sauce stock-based and thickened with a white roux Roux: a mixture of flour and fat cooked together and used to thicken sauces

Healthy food, healthy pocket

By KAREN JAEN Eating healthy is not as difficult as one thinks. Foods that are generally considered healthy may cost the same as regular foods; they may even cost less. Healthy foods are not limited to low-fat yogurts and granola bars; there are varieties of food available. People can improve their health by reducing their calorie, sugar and fat intake. They can also reduce the amount of money coming out of their pocket by following a few suggestions.

1. Use Coupons. Although healthy foods such as fruit juices and produce can be expensive, there are solutions.

Use coupons when purchasing any food that is expensive. Coupons are available in various places like the newspaper, magazines and online. Get coupons from Web sites such as www. couponcabin. com and www. couponizer.com. Do not stop at coupons, search through store sales brochures for bargains on produce and other foods.

2. Choose healthier alternatives.

Keeping the habit of eating healthier snacks will help when one is trying to stay in shape or lose weight. When craving snacks, do not pick up a bag of chips and gulp down a soda.

Instead, choose a snack such as popcorn with a diet soda. These alternatives will help one reduce the

intake of calories. Popcorn consists of 30 calories while a bag of chips has 150 calories. The diet soda has a total of zero calories instead of the 100 calories.

3. Avoid excess sugars and fats. Try to control the amount of sugar that enters the body, but do not eliminate sugar completely; this will help a person’s body stay healthy. When buying drinks, purchase ones that are diet or sugar-free; this means that the beverage contains little or no sugar. When buying juices, make sure it’s 100 percent juice, not juice blend. These juices may be more expensive but check for coupons to keep cost lower.

4. Think about the difference. Try to think about how much the snacks and drinks cost. For example, water contains zero calories; a Coca- Cola however has 143 calories per can. As for price, water is considerably cheaper. A 24-pack of Nestle Pure Life bottled water is $3.50 and Coca-Cola is $2 per liter. Whenever one feels hungry, drink water because the water suppreses the feeling.

5. Consider the future. The factor that gets most people when deciding between unhealthy and healthy foods is convenience. Often it could take more time to mix together a salad than it would to pass by a local drive-thru and order a hamburger and french fries. However, the lack of convenience makes little difference when referring

to one’s health. Having a burger and fries for lunch adds about 40 grams of fat to the body, so instead choose a green salad and add some Wishbone Salad Spritzer. The Spritzer adds one calorie per spray.

Places such as Freshfield Farms, Wholefood Markets, Publix and Wal-mart offer foods that are cost effective and healthier. Make a list and set out to buy only the things needed and make sure the foods purchased will benefit the body and the pocket.

By RACHEL LAQUEA

Me so

hungry

fast food, good taste, bad option

With such places as Taco Bell, McDonalds and Checkers lining Orange Avenue providing fast convenient meal choices, it can be very difficult to eat health.

“A lot of the time teens don’t want nutritious food. They choose food based on what tastes good and is inexpensive,” H.O.P.E. teacher Cynthia Underwood said.

When eating outside the home, staying healthy is important because it provides benefits, physically and mentally, as certain foods help with brain function. Specific foods like flaxseed for example can help with focus. Carrots and cantaloupe can help with eyesight and chestnuts help promote weight loss.

“If you have nutrient-dense foods as opposed to empty calorie foods, the empty calories just work for a short while. You get a short burst of energy, but the nutritious foods help you focus better and sustain you longer,” Underwood said.

Eating out while being healthy can be more expensive than at normal restaurants, so it can be more economical to eat at restaurants one normally goes to. Places such as Panera Bread offer a hearty mushroom soup, and a plethora of salad, vegetable and fruit choices to make eating out healthier.

Applebees provides a Weight Watchers menu. This provides diner healthy options. For those involved in the diet program, the menu lists a Weight Watcher approved dish and number of points the meal is.

Fast food restaurants like Subway and McDonalds offer nutrition

MIX IT UP. This shortbread takes up to 30 minutes to bake and the ingredients make it low in fat. “I don’t particularly like shortbread. However, this shortbread has just the right amount of sugar to give it the perfect taste. I had four pieces, because I couldn’t resist,” senior Laura Uncapher said. The shortbread has 101 calories,; fat 6.4 g; protein 0.9g; carb 10.1g; fiber 0.2g; chol 8mg; iron 0.4mg; sodium 39mg; calc 2mg.

facts on the Web site. Previewing this information before eating at their establishment can make choosing a healthy choice easier or make one aware that a better option is necessary.

“Eating healthy is important because when you are young you are setting yourself up for later in life. If you start out eating healthier then you can maintain yourself better. Eating healthier will essentially make you feel better and happier,” junior Erika Cooper said.

Eating out, while staying healthy can also be achieved by choosing health-conscious restaurants, which don’t always have to be expensive. “[Eating healthy out] is important because we don’t want the younger generation to end up as unhealthy as America is right now,” Peter Kearney, girls’ flag football coach, said.

Pom Pom’s Sandwicheria and Teahouse, located at 67 N Bumby Avenue, offers a wide selection of fresh pressed sandwiches, costing about $6-8. Pom Poms also has many exotic teas, including Jasmine, Hibiscus and specialty teas such as “Rooibos Tiramisu” tea about $2.75 per cup. Each item is made fresh to order.

Another healthy restaurant is Sweet Tomatoes. Located on 4678 E. Colonial Drive, Sweet Tomatoes offers a variety of soups and salads. The company prides themselves on farm fresh produce and made from scratch dishes. The buffet is only $10 which includes all-you-can-eat salad, entrees and dessert. It provides a quick fix to hunger pains without hurting one’s wallet.

“People could change their eating habits by making the simple choice of getting the salad instead of the hamburger,” Cooper said.

12

FEATURES FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009 •

HI-LIGHTS

Teens confess on obsessions what is your

CELEBRITIES BECOME SUBJECT OF OBSESSION

greatest obsession?

By TYLER PATRICK

Fall Out Girl

Since their arrival as a mainstream band a few years ago, junior Alana Harrison has gained a love for the all boy punk band Fall Out Boy. In sixth grade, Harrisons’ sister introduced her to the band. It was love at first sight.

Harrison has gone to seven of their concerts and she has collected an endless supply of merchandise, including shirts, posters, CD’s, DVD’s, action figures and an alarm clock.

“They have really good music and they’re pretty attractive. They’re the one thing that I can hold onto from my past because I started liking them in sixth grade and I can have them as something from my childhood,” Harrison said.

Harrison listens to them on a regular basis and uses a day by day calendar with their faces on it to catch a glimpse of them on a regular basis.

Harrison has a few other friends that are also obsessed with Fall Out Boy. “It can get competitive sometimes, but it’s fun because it bring us together,” Harrison said.

As a true fan, Harrison knows a lot of important information about them, including their parents names, their full names, birthplaces, Pete Wentz’ old

“ “ “

My greatest obsession is film making because it’s fun to do and you get to be creative with it.

Walking into an obsessed individual’s room one’s will see his obsession plastered everywhere.

Her bookshelf will consist of books and DVD’s involving her obsession. Her walls will be covered in posters and pictures of her obssesion. She will also have scattered items that one may not even know existed for her obsession, such as a blanket, a doll, or a necklace.

Obsession is the domination of one’s thoughts or feelings by a persistent idea, image or desire.

Some people obsess over celebrities while others obsess for objects such as Pez dispensers and even sports teams.

Another idea of obsession can be obsessive compulsive disorder, which can sometimes lead to a person reaching a point of insanity.

When a person becomes obsessed with something, the result is usually that object being the topic of most of her conversations’, her thoughts all revolve around it, and she possess all items that resemble that object, or she’s attempting to do so.

Obsessions vary across every topic.

- travis goldfarb, junior

My greatest obsession is running because it makes me feel free and it’s really good excercise.

- stephanie garcia, freshman

My grestest obsession is music because I’ve been doing it since I was born.

photo/TYLER PATRICK

ALL AMERICAN OBSESSION. Laying on her bed, junior Alana Harrison stares at her collection of obsession Fall Out Boy items. She is surrounded by an array of posters, shirts, magazines, CD’s, DVD’s, stickers, a calendar, and even a doll. address and she knows their musical repetoire.

“Even though they are really cliché, you can’t deny their are good vocalists, Patrick, and their instrumentals,” Harrison said.

A milli-on thoughts

After rap star Lil’ Wayne came onto the scene, he has sparked controversy with his lyrics, yet freshman Blake Dickerson can not get enough of him and his music.

His love for Lil’ Wayne developed about a year ago, and since then he has filled most of his iPod with Lil’ Wayne songs and collected magazines with him on the cover, as well as three posters in his room.

“I think he has a cool way of expressing his opinions and telling stories through his songs. I like his attitude towards life,” Dickerson said. “My favorite message is ‘Do what you feel like and don’t care what people say’,” Dickerson has developed knowledge about

Lil’ Wayne that only a true fan would know, like that fact that he was a straight A student until he dropped out of high school in ninth grade to record and that he likes to bowl.

“I think people who don’t like him have to understand what he’s been through and what he’s doing about it. Before you talk about how bad his music is with cussing and stuff, you have to think about what the songs mean,” Dickerson said.

I’m a slave for britney

Riding in her car, sophomore Natascha Perez plays her stereo on full volume to Britney Spears.

Perez has loved Britney since she was 5-years-old when the song “Baby One More Time” debuted.

“It was a teenager that was singing pop and dancing really well at the same time so she really caught my eye,” Perez said.

Since then she has collected every Britney CD. She has also collected every Britney Spears magazine cover since 2004 that portrays a positive

- stephanie marchante, sophomore

message about her.

“I fell in love with her because her personality was bright and even throughout her fame she didn’t let that stop her from sticking to her roots as a southern girl,” Perez said.

Perez’ daily routine consists of checking britneyspears.com when she first wakes up and then researching Google and Yahoo to see what new information has released on her favorite starlet since the night before.

During the era of Britney’s fall from grace, Perez believes that instead of criticizing Britney the media should have supported her and tried to help, rather than dig her into a deeper depression.

Perez knows every tidbit that one could know about Britney, including her actual birthplace of McComb, Mississippi, her hometown of Kentwood, Louisiana, and her middle name, Jean.

“She is my idol and role model. I will always love her no matter what, for what she’s done as a person and performer, and I don’t care what other people say about her,” Perez said.

Britney Spears has 1,394,265 followers on Twitter Lil’ Wayne has 1,358,592 friends on MySpace Fall Out Boy has sold over 17 million copies on each of their 5 albums Britney Spears $49,424,707 in ticket sales for her latest Circus tour

O

2

©2005 Houlihan’s Restaurants, Inc.

PICTURES

HIGH IMPACT Visual Imagery www.o2pictures.com

2600 E. Colonial Dr. | Orlando, FL 32803 | 407-894-3009 | www.houlihans.com

407.812.9102 8000 South Orange Avenue 407.812.6898 fax Orlando, Florida 32809

The

Black A Column By DAVID MATTESON

It’s a common expression to analyze a person from “head to toe.” However, despite this phrase students have made the most appalling choices in footwear.

Whether it be fall, winter or spring there is a storm of terrible shoe trends for every season. As the year closes, summer will give students the chance to look back over their awful fashion choices of the past, push them aside and buy a new pair of shoes. But before you go out and purchase that dream pair of sneakers, look over this list of awful choices you or someone you know made this year.

Socks with SandalsThere is a common, urban misconception that making the mistake of wearing socks with sandals makes you ”gangster.”

It’s not true. Seriously, do you think you’ll uphold respect by making your feet look like they should be shuffling along in a retirement home? The answer is no. It’s possibly the largest fashion faux pas one can make.

If it is hot enough for sandals then you shouldn’t feel the need to keep your toes warm with socks. If underneath it all you’re hiding your secret toe insecurity, call up the nearest nail salon and make an appointment for a pedicure.

Sandals are classified as an open toe shoe; you should always keep it that way.

UGG Boots- They’re soft and warm and possibly the ugliest thing mankind has ever created. Not only are they un-friendly to animals, they are just downright unsightly.

Although most boots can have a slimming appearance, UGGs have the opposite effect. They accentuate the fat in calves and they’re bulky appearance makes those who wear them appear to be suffering from “cankles.” It only gets worse when jeans are tucked into the awful footwear.

Further, if you’re going to sport this terrible trend at least have the nerve to buy the real things.

Running around in fake UGGs is just a hundred times more unattractive because you’re posing as someone who makes terrible fashion choices. They were a Hollywood trend four years ago; just let them die a peaceful death in the backs of your closets.

Toms- Although these shoes have charitable intentions, they can’t help the fact that they’re just flat out ugly. It’s noble that for every pair one buys the company will donate a pair to a child who needs shoes, but even barefoot children wouldn’t want to wear these monstrosities.

They look like shoes nurses wear in hospitals. It is doubtful that every student who bought a pair at the art show in April is going into the nursing field, so please just leave them at home.

Not only are they unattractive they’re just not practical day-today shoes as they can be rather uncomfortable. If you stumble across the Toms Web site, you might be unable to control your laughter as you look at the many tragic options that the company offers to sell to you for twenty times what the shoe is worth. For example, check out the Tom wrap boot that is similar to having medical gauze wrapped around your entire calf and foot.

The next time you feel the need to make a difference in the world, buy Toms but as soon as they arrive donate them to Goodwill. You’ll have that tingly feeling one gets when he or she does something selfless, and you’ll spare yourself the embarrassment of wearing truly tragic footwear.

Your feet, like the rest of your body, send out a message.

The choices you make in shoes should make a good impression with whomever you meet. As you go into summer, keep in mind the awful footwear mistakes of the past and buy shoes that are both practical and attractive.

FEATURES FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009 •

HI-LIGHTS

13

Gestures reveal truth

By ASHLEY EDWARDS

In Lie to Me, the new hit television drama, Dr. Lightman (Tim Roth), the world’s most proficient deception analyst evaluates involuntary body language and facial expressions to reveal if someone is lying, and the reasons behind that lie.

Just a slight shrug of the shoulder, twitch of the lip or movement of the hand- and Lightman knows he’s lying. This is not just a TV show, though. It is a proven science.

“People communicate who they are and what they mean through their body language. People can say anything, but the way they act tells you so much more,” sophomore Sharde Alls said.

Lightman’s character is based on the behavioral psychologist Dr. Paul Ekman, an expert deception analyst. Ekman’s work and research shows facial expressions for emotions are universal and almost impossible to hide. With all humans, happiness, anger, surprise and sadness incite the same facial expressions and body movements.

Body language accounts for at least 85 percent of what one communicates to others, according to body language and deception experts. Actual speech often counts for less than 10. The tone of voice, facial expressions and involuntary body movements are what shapes a person’s opinion about another.

When lying about emotion, microexpressions flash across the face before one can get hold of them. Body language can tell when people are lying, and when they are being sincere by sending small hints about the speaker’s true intent, such as involuntary scrunching of the nose when one is secretly disgusted or tensing of the muscles in the forehead when one is truly worried.

“Someone who’s slouching and has his head down shows that he is not confident and may be having troubles,” freshman Bianca Samuel said.

People use body language to send messages to those around us. However, body language can send the wrong message. When meeting new people or when being interviewed for a job it is important to present the right messages with ones body language. This calls for one to know his body language and that of others with some level of precision.

“First impressions are everything. When you speak to someone you give off vibes so that people read and pass judgment on you, regardless of what you say,” senior Shemela Morrison said.

What does body language say?

Crossing the arms Crossing the arms in front of the body is a sign of defense or confrontation. It is subconsciously perceived as a person creating a barrier between themselves and the world or others around them- or as defense for an oncoming fight.

Standing with hands clasped behind the back usually indicates anger and frustration or a feeling of apprehension. Always try to keep arms open and at sides.

Tweet is newest craze

By KATIE EDWARDS

“Watching my wife steam my suit while wearing a bikini. I love God,” Ashton Kutcher tweets to his followers. This is a prime example of the new social networking sweeping across the nation.

“When I saw Twitter was getting so big I had to see what it was all about and I had to test it out,” sophomore Justin Kane said.

Twitter, the newest rave of social networking, allows users 140 characters to connect with friends.

There aren’t profiles or pictures, just updates on what friends and family are doing throughout the day.

“I like knowing what my friends are doing even when I’m not with them. It makes me feel connected and in the loop. I never have to miss out,” junior Jode Martin said.

Twitter has grown nationwide from breaking news to the latest gossip.

“I’m usually really busy so it’s nice to know what my friends are doing on a daily basis,” junior Victoria Mason said.

Twitter enables users to send and read other users’ updates known as “tweets”. Tweets are received on one’s phone, instant message or the Web. Users are in complete control of whose updates they receive and on what device they are received.

For example, Twitter provides a setting which allows users to schedule Twitter to automatically turn off and users can switch off updates too.

“Twitter is not as complex as MySpace and Facebook. It’s a lot simpler,” sophomore Omar Diaz said.

People who have subscribed to

other users are “followers” and able to stop following at any time. If one does not want to receive tweets there is a setting that allows people to ignore any tweet one may receive.

“Well a lot of people just use it to get updates on what people are doing. Celebs use it; Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher use it 24/7. When you think of the idea of Twitter, it’s kind of random,” sophomore Alicia Berlin said.

Twitter also is used by businesses to keep in contact with co-workers. If an employee is running late, he can let a co-worker know. It’s not only used to see what friends are up to.

Colleges are using Twitter too.

People can also connect with celebrities. Ashton Kutcher was the first person to hit one million followers with Sean Combs not far behind.

“I think celebrity tweets are amazing. I can stalk all my favorite people like Dane Cook,” junior Brooke Timinsky said.

Even John McCain and Barack Obama have a Twitter. Users can follow their favorite celebrities and know what they are doing at any point of the day.

“I follow my favorite celebrity tweets like my religion. I love it, I love every second of it. I feel like I’m apart of their lives,” Martin said.

In this generation social networking has grown into something people can’t live without. No matter where one is, whether it’s at home or out running around people have another way to talk to friends. Twitter made the one simple question, “What are you doing?” a phenomenon.

Talking with hands Talking with one’s hands generally indicates that one does not know how to express oneself. Using the hands to communicate one’s thoughts and feelings subconsciously tells others that one has difficulty verbalizing how he or she is thinking and feeling.

In the same token, it can also tell people that one does not really know what he or she is talking about. Experts say it is often a subconscious way to compensate for lack of knowledge or communicative skill. Try to keep hands calmly at sides while speaking.

Bad posture or slouching When in a setting with multiple people, posture becomes a revealing sign of one’s confidence and poise.

One’s posture sends a clear message about how one should or wishes to be treated. It can make a huge difference in the way strangers react to you.

Sluggish or slouching posture can often subconsciously tell others that one is overly selfconscious or weak.

Keep shoulders pulled back, feet at a comfortable width apart and head up.

Hands on hips Resting hands behind the head or on the hips is usually interpreted as a sign of superiority or arrogance. It also may be interpreted as a sign of authority or presumed dominance over the other person. Only use these motions when in the company of close friends, as they are often comfortable shifting positions that can be easily misinterpreted by strangers.

14 SNEAK peaks

ENTERTAINMENT FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009 •

Technology reinvents books

Upcoming Concerts ELECTRONIC BOOKS ADD CONVENIENCE

Red Jumpsuit ApparatusHouse of Blues May 24; 7 p.m.; $13.25- $16.25

By VICTORIA BOATMAN

StompBob Carr Performing Arts June 9; 8 p.m.; $28-$48 Jenny LewisPlaza Theatre June 29; 7 p.m.; $20

Upcoming CDs June 2- Dave Matthews Band Whiskey and the Groogrux King

June 9Black Eyed Peas The E.N.D. June 16- Ashley Tisdale Guilty Pleasure

Upcoming Movies May 15 Angels & Demons

Rating: PG-13 Genre: Suspense Thriller Director: Ron Howard Based upon best selling book by Dan Brown. Langdon (Tom Hanks) plays a man who discovers evidence of an ancient secret brotherhood and faces the death of the Catholic Church.

May 22 Dance Flick

Rating: PG-13 Genre: Action, Comedy Director: Damien Dante Wayans A young street dancer (Damon Wayans, Jr) meets a beautiful young woman (Shoshana Bush) and are brought together by their passion for dancing.

June 19 The Proposal

Rating: PG-13 Genre: Comedy Director: Anne Fletcher When high-powered book editor Margaret (Sandra Bullock) faces deportation to Canada, she declares that she’s actually engaged to her assistant Andrew (Ryan Reynolds), who she’s tormented for years.

July 1 Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs

Rating: G Genre: Family Comedy Director: Carlos Saldanha The gang ventures into an underground world, where they have encounters with dinosaurs and meet a dino-hunting weasel named Buck.

Upcoming Books June 16 Along for the Ride

Sarah Dessen $19.99 A job in a boutique introduces Auden to the world of girls: the friendships, the fights and the crushes. Basically all the things that she missed out on being busy being the perfect daughter to her mother. She meets Eli, a loner and together, Auden experiences a carefree teenage life and Eli overcomes the guilt he feels from the death of a friend.

HI-LIGHTS

Curling up by the fire with a cup of hot coca and a cherished book on a winter night is a classic past time for a literature lover.

Now imagine that same scene and instead of the beloved book there is an electronic device the same size as a standard paperback book, but with the capability to hold over 1,500 books.

Electron ic books, more commonly known as e-books, are now the future technology evangelists predicted back when a touch screen computer was only a vision.

“It’s a big advance in technology and it shows how we are progressing,” freshman Gianfranio Bertola said.

True advocates of the classic paperback feel it would be a

shame to lose the printed book and in a poll of 129 Boone students 68 percent prefer printed books to e-books.

“There is an added sense of intimacy when you read a real book,” senior Harry Keith said.

In today’s world, converting may no longer be a choice but a necessity. By not printing books three billion trees would be conserved and the convenience of having over 1,500 books right at ones fingertips would allow for more exposure to literature.

“If everything was electronic it could lead to more problems.

A paper back book doesn’t turn on and off or break,” junior Jenneth Jones said.

E-book devices such as the Amazon Kindle and the Sony PRS-700 Reader are two examples of readers available.

There is also the Fujitsu FLEPia which is a color e-book reader mainly sold in Japan that costs

$1,023, the Foxit’s eSlick costs $230 and the Astak EZ Reader costs $290 with the same benefits as the Kindle except the large library that Amazon offers.

Perks of the Kindle include: text-to-speech feature, wireless Internet connection, text size adjustment, downloading a book in 60 seconds and 230, 000 titles to choose from in the virtual Amazon store.

With the ability to connect to the Internet and download books without hooking to a computer, the Amazon Kindle is a more practical choice. However, the Sony PRS-700 Reader offers a backlight, usable in portrait or landscape orientation, MP3 files and a touch screen.

When it comes time to choose an e-book reader, price can be a major factor determining the purchase.

If finances allow, one can buy the Kindle for $359 or the Sony

for $299.

One may opt for the cheaper, but more limited book option of the free application for an iPhone or iTouch.

“It seems like a lot, but if you read a lot of books it will eventually pay off,” sophomore Alexander Walsh said.

Applications such as Stanza, eReader, Wattpad and Kindle for iPhone are free. Although not all of them offer a wide selection of texts they offer a solution for the spender on a budget because they are free applications if you have the iPod or the iPhone.

If one is looking for an easy and convenient way to read books an e-book is the right choice especially for those seeking the latest in technology.

Creative ingredients please customers SUGGESTED

LOCAL PLACE PROVES INNOVATIVE

GOOD ENOUGH FOR TEENS

Orange Avenue has it’s fair share of fast food restaurants, but with the closing of Roadhouse, residents have few choices on where to dine. However, Brick & Fire aims to fill this need.

Melt-in-your-mouth goat cheese, tangy chipotle barbeque chicken and steak and cheese are all pizzas available at Brick & Fire. With innovative pizza ingredients such as roasted pine nuts, the diner’s pizza is sure to be a memorable experience.

The average price of a small, 10 inch pizza is $9.95 and is big enough for one person to have for dinner, or two people to share if each gets something small, like a salad also.

For pasta lovers, Brick & Fire offers chicken alfredo, $9.95 and penne pasta with shrimp, $12.95, which has shallots, sun-

B

Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sun. 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Located on South Orange, close to the Orlando Regional Hospital Lunch specials for $7.95 Mon-Fri 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

By ZOE COMPTON

dried tomatoes, spinach and cream. The penne is cooked to perfection and is tender, while the spinach and cream complement the shrimp perfectly.

The overall atmosphere of the restaurant is cozy and the staff is attentive and polite. Although there is a variety of pizza to tickle one’s taste buds, the pizza had mixed reviews; one either disliked it or loved it.

The steak and cheese pizza, $11.95, was good but the onions overwhelmed the taste and the steak was slightly overcooked.

This pizza is served with red onions, portobello mushrooms, provolone cheese and a roasted garlic mayonnaise sauce.

The margherita pizza, $9.95, served with garlic, tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and fresh basil was adequate, but the goat cheese pizza is a perfect blend of flavors.

The combination of the fresh spinach and goat cheese along with garlic, tomatoes and basil

were an unexpected surprise.

There are four salads, including Caesar, $3.95, house, $2.95, Greek and baby arugula, $4.95. The arugula salad has a raspberry vinaigrette dressing, Gorgonzola cheese, cabernet poached pears and candied pecans. When one bites into the salad, there is a variety of tastes that fill the mouth. The sweetness of the candied pecans and poached pears balance out the cheese perfectly.

If one wants an inexpensive lunch, Brick & Fire has daily specials. Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., they offer spaghetti and meatballs, penne pasta bolognese, a large chicken caesar salad or house salad and two slices of pepperoni or margherita pizza. All specials including a drink are $7.95.

There is no specific special per day of the week.

The restaurant has kid’s coloring on the walls and different paintings, like the

photo/ZOE COMPTON

MMM, CHEESE. The goat cheese pizza, $11.95, has cheese, sautéed spinach, pine nuts, Roma tomatoes and fresh basil. “I really liked it because it was different than regular pizza. The goat cheese added a unique taste,” junior Victoria Boatman said.

Mona Lisa. The music is full of variety, from 80s hits to 90s alternative.

The restaurant used to be Moe’s and the inside has not changed in terms of seating arrangements. There is still the

few stairs that open up to a larger area for bigger tables, giving a sense of privacy to larger groups.

If one wants to try an interesting pizza, Brick & Fire is the place to go.

Startrek inspires a new fan generation NEW SPIN ON CLASSIC SCI-FI

By DAVID MATTESON

With breathtaking special effects and a story line that creatively embraces a legend Star Trek is an action packed film that will surely inspire a new generation of “trekies.”

Following an opening scene with a fast pace battle in space, the movie switches to Iowa. A young Jim Kirk (Chris Pine, Bottle Shock) causes havoc on earth, stealing his stepfather’s car and starting bar fights. After Captain Christopher Pike (Bruce Greenwood, National Treasure 2) from Star Fleet meets him, he encourages Kirk to enlist in the Star Fleet Academy. Kirk follows in the footsteps of his father who heroically died in a battle against Captain Nemo (Eric Bana, The

Other Boleyn Girl) while trying to keep peace in space.

Three years later, Kirk is on a mission on the USS Enterprise, out to save the planet Vulcan.

He is alongside Spok (Zachary Quinto, So noTORIous) and Dr. McCoy (Karl Urban, The Bourne Supremacy). Working together they take down the evil Nemo who sets out to attack Earth after destroying Vulcan.

Although one might consider Star Trek the epitomy of “geek,“ the movie is action packed from start to finish. Thrilling fights in space between battle ships as well as severe hand to hand combat between Kirk and the enemy is adrenaline pumping.

Viewers will be on the edge of their seats as they watch Kirk and Spok shoot down Nemo and his evil henchmen.

While JJ Abrams certainly paid respect to the legend of Star

Trek, he also cut out the cheesy lines and lame special effects in his interpretation of the classic cult series. All of the actors are impactful in their performances.

Each leaving their mark on a viewer’s mind.

Although Quinto’s acting is frustrating at some points including one painfully dull scene where Spok talks to his father about his inner anger, he delivers the role of the emotionless, apathetic Spok skillfully. This role will surely enhance his career which up to this point included only guest spots on television shows like Charmed.

The scenery used in the film is truly noteworthy. The spectacular, breath-taking views of space are both artistic and captivating.

Other worlds become a reality on screen, like the frozen wasteland planet Kirk is banished to, inhabited with

SUGGESTED

A

SIMPLY THE BEST

Star Trek

photo/PARAMOUNT PICTURES

viscous man eating creatures.

Unlike modern sci-fi movies, Star trek’s plot is easy to follow.

With a basic good verses evil plot line and a simple theme of friendship, all viewers will be able to have their breath taken away by Star Trek.

Although Abrams has glammed up the sci-fi classic, long

time fans will not be disappointed.

With an appearance by Leonard Nimroy and other classic Star Trek elements such as the line, “live long and prosper,” the profoundness of this saga can be understood by the audience.

These moments will carry on the Star Trek legacy into a new generation.

Rating: PG13 for sci-fi action and violence, and brief sexual contents Genre: Science Fiction Director: JJ Abrams

Mystery thriller stretches reality of the mind

SUGGESTED

KOONTZ UNRAVELS OUTRAGEOUS PLOT

SIMPLY THE BEST

With diverse characters and an ending that leaves the reader in disbelief, Dean Koontz’s The Bad Place is wonderfully confusing and a head-scratcher through and through.

The book starts with a disgruntled man waking up in a dark alley, only able to remember his name and the blurry phrase “fireflies in a windstorm.” From there Koontz changes the perspective from which the novel is told every chapter, rotating between Frank, one of the main characters, and four or five other important characters as well.

None of the perspectives

A

Book: The Bad Place Author: Dean Koontz Price:$7.99 on Amazon Publisher: Berkley Publishing ISBN: 9780425195482

By BRENDAN HALL

have anything to do with each other at first, leaving the reader wondering how in the world the stories could be connected.

Through a series of outrageous twists along with completely unorthodox characters with powers ranging from psychic abilities to a thirst for blood, Koontz manages to bring the characters together to form a wildly entertaining story line.

The main characters are by far the most entertaining aspect of the novel. Though not very developed, they are original and possess out-of-this-world talents that add a whole new dimension to the novel.

They all have specific purposes as well, whether it is for sympathy, comedic relief or the distinctive bad guy; everyone plays a role. The characters

are very cliché in a sense and it does tend to take away from the novel at first, but as the narrative progresses more and more dimensions are added.

Throughout the book Koontz adds twists and turns to keep readers on their toes.

The ending is unrivaled by all other books, sparing no mercy or detail as far as the ghastly events in which the characters are involved in.

There are no limits to the way in which he concludes the novel and the reader will constantly find himself staring with his mouth agape. If at any point there were doubts about Koontz’s creativity, all were removed in the last 100 pages.

The beauty in Koontz’s writing style lies not in the farfetched ideas the plot is based

on, but how he makes them remotely believable.

Everything has an explanation and regardless of how disturbing or crazy it may seem, with a little bit of imagination the reader is left saying, “Well, I guess it could happen.” It is this tactic that makes the book so intriguing.

Koontz’s writing style is a bit more mundane, with a fairly large vocabulary and moderately difficult syntax. It is not a difficult read by any means, but the reader does have to pay attention to what Koontz is describing and how he does it.

The only knock against his writing is the unnecessary abundance of similes and metaphors. Though effective in describing the situation, his sentences are often unorthodox and unnecessary.

One sentence compared the way a man left a psychic impression everywhere he went to the way a dog with bladder control issues would “mark each step on his route with a dribble of stinking urine.” It paints a picture, but in a very odd way that doesn’t apply to the story or add anything to it.

Overall, The Bad Place is a must read for anyone who enjoys thrillers or exciting plot twists. Though not as cunning and witty as Stephen King, Koontz is right with him as far as imagination.

Any reader who enjoys King (Pet Cemetery) or Dan Brown (The Da Vinci Code) will certainly appreciate the workings of Koontz. Just keep an open mind while reading the book and he certainly will not disappoint.

E N T E R T A I N M E N T 15 FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009 •

HI-LIGHTS

Lingering souls haunt Orlando

By VICTORIA BOATMAN

Walking through a dark walkway lined with tombstones gives chills and a forbidding sense that at any moment something terrible is going to happen. This is the experience one might feel at Greenwood Cemetery’s midnight walking tour.

“It was very enlightening because there are several historic grave sites on the tour.” sophomore Anthony Ray said.

Greenwood Cemetery midnight tours are free and limited to 50 people. To make an appointment call 407-2462616.

Michael Gavin also offers his Orlando Haunting’s walking tour that offers a haunted house route making its way through the heart of the historic district to the Clinic building.

It was built in 1911 and used as a hospital owned by Dr. John Singer McEwan until its transformation into the current Central Station Bar. Workers in the building reported that the elevator would open and close of its own accord and phantom footsteps were heard coming from the third floor.

photo/VICTORIA BOATMAN

GREENWOOD CEMETERY. Located east of Mills Avenue and south of the East-West Expressway this graveyard is home to many of Orlando’s founding fathers including Joseph Bumby.

A former funeral parlor on West Pine Street used to be home to one of Orlando’s hottest night clubs, the Blue Room. Visitors reported feeling uneasy and hearing strange sounds in the building’s second floor, as well as seeing a ghost of a woman and a child. No one knows why these phantoms appear, their secret is lost in the 102-year-old history of the building.

The Orlando Haunting’s walking tours last 75 minutes and details about tours or group rates can be found by calling 407-482-6428.

Eerie buildings make up the once Sunland Hospital, an institute originally for tuberculosis patients in the 1940’s turned mental hospital for the severely handicapped.

It was closed in 1985 and torn down in 1999.

Employees of the hospital allegedly neglected and abused their patients. Trespassers, before the building was demolished, reported seeing a boy ghost in search of the building’s upper floor and others saw things being thrown and the sound of objects being dropped.

Central Florida Ghost Society went to the haunted site and examined the now playground where the hospital once stood and determined there was strong energy in the area.

As the ghost hunters were leaving they caught the aroma of roses. They believed it to be the imprint left from parents when they would leave their children and loved ones roses.

Just north of Orlando at the Saint Johns River is a strip of I-4 that has witnessed more than 2,000 accidents since 1963.

WKMG Orlando reported graves located at the intersection dated back to 1880 when a German family died of yellow fever.

In 1960 when I-4 was being built, the graves were marked for removal. Instead of removing them, the city decided to put fill dirt on top of the graves to elevate the highway.

“People are claiming to see all kinds of things: orbs floating across the highway, apparitions on the side of the road hitchhiking and phantom trucks, you name it,” Charlie Carlson said to WKMG.

photo/VICTORIA BOATMAN

SUNLAND HOSPTIAL. This was the administration building of the hospital during its running time. It is now deteriorating with windows broken and shrubbery engulfing the perimeter.

photo/VICTORIA BOATMAN

FOR SALE. Once a downtown night club, this building is boarded up and advertising a for sale sign. Inside the building, the decor of the former club remains visible from the outside windows.

Silverado Pest Management Residential-Commercial Licensed and Insured

Let us help you get rid of those pesky “friends”

John B. Saulsbury Owner

602 Sweetbriar Road Orlando, FL 32806

Phone: Cell:

407-888-6908 407-748-2475

SILVERADOPEST@gmail.com

16

SPORTS

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009 •

HI-LIGHTS SUMMER ROWING PROGRAM

By MARGIE MERWIN, crew parent

photo/DENISE BAKER

THEY’RE GOLDEN. At the States Regatta, the men’s lightweight four rows across the finish line capturing first place. “I was actually really excited. It has taken a lot of preparation and hard work [to get to states],” junior Robert Schaffer said. The boat included Teri Bruno, Josh Baker, Robert Shaffer, Denis Andre and Paul Fleming.

We are currently registering new and experienced rowers for the Boone Crew Summer Rowing Program. It is open to anyone in 6th grade or above in any Central Florida school - men and women.

Adults are encouraged to participate, too! This program is tailored to meet everyone’s needs, prior rowing experience is not necessary. The program will run from June 8 - July 9; Mondays and Thursdays from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake.

Please join us for the fun and see how great the sport of rowing is!

For more information, stop by the main office to pick up a brochure or visit our Web site www.BooneCrew. com. Click on the Programs tab for the registration application and mail to the address listed.

Crew teams capture gold at states ROWERS UTILIZE STRENGTHS

By NICOLE LABOSCO and RACHEL LAQUEA

Competing as one of the smallest teams in the area, the crew team had two first place boats at States Regatta in Sarasota on April 25-26.

“I was actually really excited.

It has taken a lot of preparation and hard work [to get to states],” junior Robert Schaffer, lightweight four, said.

Because of their performance at states, the qualifying boats are competing in the largest and oldest high school regatta at Stotesbury in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Each rower had to pay $350

for the regatta. They raised the money by working concession stands at Magic games, donations and car washes.

Sophomores Amanda Ponce and Jessica Spinelli and juniors Laura Ramiz, Amy Cotton and Rachel Combs are in the women’s lightweight four boat.

“We’re kind of nervous but we’ve been working really hard so now we’re kind of excited,” Ramiz said.

Men’s lightweight four boat includes Teri Bruno, Josh Baker, Robert Shaffer, Denis Andre and Paul Fleming. The boys’ senior double boat includes Jacob Mellow and Marvin Leninger.

The boats competing at Stotesbury prepared rigorously for two weeks with two-hour practices every day. Running

practice races, sprints and working on their speed were all part of the practices.

“The two biggest teams that are always our toughest competitors are the two teams from Sarasota.

They are there at every race we go to and they are always right there with us. There are teams better than us, but Sarasota is the one we need to look out for,” Combs said.

The girls’ team knows they will have to utilize their strengths of technique in the competition

“

to overcome their slower pace while rowing.

“Our techniques are that we have good control over our boat and our strokes so the oars glide faster and smoother over the water.

Our biggest weakness would be speed, so we have a hard time bringing the rating very high. Our preciseness will cut off seconds instead of just going fast,” Ramiz said.

The competition at Stotesbury involves more individual competition because each boat is racing against themselves, not in

The biggest obstacle is that mentally you know you need a lot of motivation and confidence.

COME JOIN US! Youth Groups Wednesday Nights High school: 7:10-8:30 p.m.

Middle School: 6:30-7:15 p.m.

direct competition on the water with another team. The men’s lightweight four will have to have a time under five minutes to be competitive to other teams.

“Stotesbury is different than normal regattas, we’re racing against the clock. Times are compared afterward,” Shaffer said. “To come in first to win, we’re going to have to have the race of our lives.”

Since the team has a smaller amount of rowers as compared to other teams, they have found ways to overcome it and utilize their strengths.

“The team’s size is always a challenge. With bigger teams there is more competition and better and faster teams. We always need more people but we’ve dealt with it successfully,”

coxswain Elena Finer said.

While they do not row, the team’s coxswains are in charge of making sure the rowers are focused and concentrated on their goal.

“As coxswain, I have to keep the rowers positive. Even when we are losing I still have to motivate the guys to go as hard as they can,” Finer said.

Rowers say that crew depends on mental strength because it requires concentration and focus, even when they are losing or are behind in a race.

“The biggest obstacle, especially with rowing, is that mentally you know you need a lot of motivation and confidence.

You have to be dedicated because what we do is repetitive,” Ramiz said.

FIRST BAPTIST ORLANDO Keith Harmon Pastor Student Ministry 407-514-4315 (w) 407-648-0716 (fax) keithharmon@firstorlando.com 3000 South John Young Parkway Orlando, Florida 32805

The boats that qualified at the states meet: Women’s lightweight four- Amanda Ponce, Jessica Spinelli, Laura Ramiz, Amy Cotton and Rachel Combs Men’s lightweight four boat- Teri Bruno, Josh Baker, Robert Shaffer, Denis Andre and Paul Fleming

SPORTS

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009 •

In

Zone the

COACHES GIVE UNFAIR ADVANTAGE a column by BRENDAN HALL

Giving everyone a “fair” chance of making a high school sports team nowadays has become a joke. It is more about who the athletes know than how good they are. This is apparent in high schools across the county.

Coaches begin their scouting and contact with players as far back as middle school, visiting coaches around the district in hopes of recruiting the best players available. There is nothing wrong with scouting, but these coaches are looking to give star players a greater advantage by having them work out with the team privately during the offseason.

There is nothing wrong with conditioning in the summer, but it should be open to everyone, not just specific players. Any player given oneon-one time with the coach d to develop his skills can become an effective player on any team, but it is unethical to give this chance only to specific players.

There are also times when the coach picks players based strictly upon having known them or their parents for many years. Special treatment can be found almost everywhere in today’s society, but giving a player a competitive advantage simply because that athlete is familiar with them is unfair.

To even the score with all athletes wishing to make the team, coaches hold voluntary workouts during the school year for students to showcase their talent or athleticism.

First off, calling the workouts voluntary is a joke. If students who aren’t familiar with the coaches don’t show up and expect to simply jump on the team, they are extremely mistaken. The so-called voluntary workouts are a further testament to familiarity; if the coach doesn’t know you then you probably won’t make the team, regardless of talent.

Along with preseason workouts, coaches widen the gap between privileged players and average athletes even more by supporting and coaching outside leagues such as Amateur Athletic Association or Orlando Gold. Coaches will hold try-outs for players to join teams during the offseason and summer, but offer them only to athletes who were on the high school team, not anyone else.

Not only is this biased and a blatant display of favoritism but it is against FHSAA rules. It is obvious the team has already been determined and they are simply preparing for the season.

That still does not mean that it is fair. It shows a complete disregard for the ideals of sportsmanship and fairness by giving specific students privileges that others are unable to even have a chance at.

Coaches also often require players play in higher level leagues such as the ones previously listed. The problem lies in that these leagues can be costly and time consuming, so to practically make them a necessity for making the team is not fair to students who can not afford them. It is understandable to try and get the edge over other players but for coaches to stand in front of students who have false hopes of making a team while preaching fairness makes them look like a hypocrite.

High schools should start cracking down on their coaches and how they handle their teams in and out of school. It is the school’s team and though they should not harp over what the coaches do they should at least make sure that they are being fair and reasonable to the students in their attempts to develop the best team possible.

Equality among students in regards to their chances at making junior varsity and varsity teams has become a complete farce.

17

HI-LIGHTS

Athletes outrun opponents GIRLS TRACK IMPROVEMENT

By CARMELA CRUTCHER

Running, jumping, vaulting and hurdling ahead of the pack, four athletes on the girls’ track team placed at states.

At states, the girls’ team ranked 11 overall.

“The team has a lot of strengths. There are several elite versatile athletes. The team has no weak events; we cover all 17 events and get points in them all,” coach Paul Katauskas said.

The four state qualifiers were seniors Brittany Koziara, Jackie Wallace and Erica Weiss and junior Courtney Capehart.

Weiss placed fourth at states in the pole vault, vaulting 10’. “[When I finish my event] I feel accomplished and proud.

It’s unexplainable. Winning is awesome,” Weiss said.

At regionals, Weiss also competed in the 100 meter hurdles and the 4x100 relay.

While competing, Weiss focus and concentrate on the event at hand.

“I blackout everything and just think about doing it. It goes by so quick,” Weiss said.

Weiss started the season strong and gradually improved, but not as much as she hoped due to spraining her ankle while warming up before a meet.

Another state winner,

Capehart, ranked 13 in the high jump with a 5’0” jump. Capehart tied for first in the high jump at Florida Relays on April 3. She jumped 5’6”.

“I just try to clear my mind when I’m about to jump,” Capehart said.

Running the 1600 in 5:11.33 and the 3200 in 11:48.29 at states, Koziara ranked third in the 1600 and fifth in the 3200.

In the 1600, Koziara was the defending champion. As a result of a sprained soleus and shin splints, Koziara ran her slowest time since her freshman season.

“If I could do it over I would try and prevent my injuries,” Koziara said. “I had a stress fracture in cross country so its been really hard to stay healthy.

I pushed until I couldn’t go anymore,” Beating her previous record of 15.2 in the 100 meter hurdles, Wallace ran the hurdles in 14.88, placing fifth.

“I have improved a lot.

Last year I went to states for a relay and this year for my own individual race. [I prepared] by practicing really hard everyday and being dedicated,” Wallace said.

At regionals, Wallace also competed in the 300 meter hurdles and the 4x100 relay.

Because of the diverse set of talented athletes, the girls’ track and field team won five straight invitational meets, which was

never accomplished before, but came second to Lake Mary in regionals on April 29 by one and a half points.

Each runner made steady improvements from the start of the season.

Sophomore Tyesha White ran the 4x100 meter relay with Weiss, Wallace, and sophomore Melissa Marlin.

Other regional competitors included sophomore Kailee Kovacs in pole vault, senior Chinyere Onwudiegwu in 300 meter hurdles and senior Cierra Newman in shot-put and discus.

“My coaching strategy is to be strong with two or three girls in each event. That’s a dream team. The goal is to have a balanced track team scoring in every event,” Katauskas said.

Coaching is not just about winning to Katauskas though.

“My favorite part of coaching is watching high school kids go from never having done an event and learning for four years to master the skills. It’s gratifying,” Katauskas said.

According to Katauskas, in addition to being a diverse group of athletes the girls are also diverse individuals.

“They’re all so different; every single girl has a different personality. I’m trying to mix 40 girls in a bottle like in chemistry class so they blend together smoothly without exploding,” Katauskas said.

The girls won five straight invitational meets The team ranked second at regions by 1.5 points At states, the girls’ team placed 11 In high jump, Capehart jumped 5’0” and placed 13; her best is 5’6” Koziara’s times in the 1600 and 3200 at states were 5:11.33 and 11:48.29; she placed third and fifth Placing fifth at states, Wallace ran the 100 meter hurdles in 14.8 Ranking fourth, Weiss vaulted 11’0” at states

photo/DSP

LEAP. Focusing on her race, senior Chinyere Onwudiegwu jumps over the hurdles. “I improved tremendously this season. I worked hard and accomplished my goal; I broke my personal record in the 300 hurdles and in the 100 [hurdles],” Onwudiegwu said.

Onwudiegwu competed in the 300 meter hurdles at regionals.

Boys catch up on experience YOUNG TEAM COMES TOGETHER AS ONE

By AMANDA FLEMINGER

photo/DSP

EYES ON THE BALL. In the outfield, sophomore Taylor Byle prepares to catch a rogue ball. “I scored my first high school home run this year which made me happy,” Byle said. Byle has been playing baseball since he was 2-years-old.

Ending the season with a 13-10 record, the boys had to battle inexperience after the loss of seven starters.

“Our biggest problem is inexperience. Everyone is on the same level. We have no key players,” coach Pete Post said.

With a new team, the boys spent their time trying to work on their weaknesses through repetitious workouts and continuous practice in the batting cages.

“It’s going to take awhile to get back to being number one.

We worked more as a team and tried to work a lot on basic skills,” junior Daniel Dixon, first basemen, said.

Even though the team was inexperienced, they were always confident going into games.

“They better [be confident],”

Post said. “If you’re not confident, it’s going to be a long night because if you go in thinking you’ll lose then in the end you will.”

Hoping to overcome their inexperience through practice, the boys set their goals high for the season. Their main goal being to win districts.

“Our team goal was to work our hardest to be ready for the district games,” junior Skyler Skersick, pitcher and outfielder, said. “We would do extended practices and extra work to reach this goal.”

Taking their practice to the field, the boys beat tough teams like Winter Park, 1-0, and Apopka, 4-3. The boys came out with their toughest win against Dr. Phillips on March 3.

The game went into an extra inning. It was a tied game until the 11 inning, when the Braves scored to produce a 2-1 win.

Another tough game was against University on March 6

which ended in a 3-2 win.

“We fought to the very end [against University] and came out on top,” Skersick said.

These hard fought wins, however, were coupled with tough losses against teams like Timber Creek, 0-5, and West Orange, 2-8.

In the middle of the season the team was invited to go to Tallahassee to play Lawton Chiles High School. Although they lost both games, 6-11, on March 20 and, 6-16, on March 21, the team had a wake up call.

“We realized we had a lot of work to do, losing those games helped motivate some to work harder and come together as a team,” Edwards said.

At Florida State University, they were also able to watch a college game, Florida Statt University verses Clemson, aside from them just watching each other play. As a team, they all took a tour of the FSU campus, baseball stadium and the locker

rooms. “[It was a] good experience to watch better players,” Dixon said. “It was a team bonding experience; it gave us a chance to get off the field and hang out together.”

At the end of season play, the boys entered districts. Despite extra practice, the boys were not able to produce another win against University. They were knocked out in the first game by the Cougars.

“During practice we tried to psych each other up [for the University game] because we knew they were out to get us,” senior Marquis Edwards, captain and second baseman, said.

Despite the number of losses and lack of experience, the boys were able to pull together as a team and maintain a positive attitude about the outcome of their season.

“We came together towards the end more as team instead of different cliques,” Edwards said.

Girls hit past age old obstacle PLAYERS OVERCOME HARDSHIPS, FALL SHORT IN DISTRICTS

By DANIELLE COLE

photo/THOMPSON WOOD

HEY BATTER BATTER SWING. At bat during the game against the Freedom Patriots on Mar. 7, sophomore Sharde Alls prepares to swing. “Our team won this game with class, which is really hard when you beat a team that badly, but instead of being snobby, we kept our heads up and won with class,” Alls said. The girls won 14-1.

With her glove on and seated behind home plate, freshman catcher Marissa Edwards, waits to make the final catch to bring home the victory.

Holding a 15-11 record, the softball team has worked to build bonds, strengthen skills and build a team for future seasons. Beating out top competitors like Colonial and Spruce Creek, and East Ridge, and overcoming obstacles, the girls made their way into districts.

However, the girls fell short of the regional title following a loss on May 1 to Winter Springs, 7-0.

On April 21, the girls faced Colonial High School winning the game 7-3 and prepared to face University, a team that was favored to make it to the championships.

Despite thoughts that Timber Creek and University would be the final two competitors, the girls managed to defy expectations and win 2-1, kicking University out of their slot as number two in district seeding.

“We weren’t expected to win but we really played good defense and did really well,” junior third basemen Kathleen Gavern said.

However, along with the two victories, the girls also suffered a loss against Timber Creek, 0-7.

“They are a really good team and we went into it knowing it would be a hard game, but we still really wanted it,” sophomore Kacie Maroney, right-fielder, said.

Because of this loss, the girls needed a win in order to remain in districts. They refused to let the loss prevent them from playing strong against Oviedo on ---. Having lost 0-1 in the regular season, the girls pulled together as a team and took home the victory 1-0 in the district game.

“I expect [the team] to play hard in districts and

learn from their mistakes in order to be a better team next year,” coach Robin Bradford said.

The team is a young group consisting of four freshman, six sophomores and four juniors.

“Overall, [the season] was better than everyone expected. Although we did not win a lot of the games that we should have won, we really came together as a team and bonded. We are a young team; we have no seniors so it is really a building year,” Gavern said.

Despite age as an obstacle, the girls have managed to overcome the odds, achieving victories in the regular season against strong opponents.

On Apr.10, the team faced the Spruce Creek Hawks. Labeled as the underdogs, the girls were not expected to pull off the win. However, they didn’t let the label intimidate them and won 5-1.

Facing Colonial the first time in the season on Feb. 20, the girls lost 0-2. However, they managed to come back and beat them 2-0 on Mar. 24.

“We learned from our mistakes and got better as we went along,” Edwards said. “They have a really cocky team and we just had to get around that and play the game.”

Although the girls experienced unexpected victories, they also faced unsuspecting losses.

One of those shocking losses was against the Winter Park Wildcats on Mar. 25. The girls held the lead throughout the game and felt confident they would take home the win. However, in the final inning, Winter Park scored a run, winning 4-3.

“We knew that we should have won but we didn’t. It taught us that you can’t give up early in the game. You have to keep playing hard the whole time,” Maroney said.

Despite challenges, the girls were strong when it came to defense, pitching and playing as a team.

“I like seeing the kids learn from the beginning of the season and seeing them more successful in the end,” Bradford said.

18

SPORTS

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009 •

HI-LIGHTS

Boys compete to dominate districts TEAM RACES TO THE FINISH

By HALEY GUIETTE

With a season of two broken records and a progression of talent, both pole vaulter, senior John Kennedy, and distance runner sophomore Phillips Duncan qualified for the state meet.

“This group of runners is more focused on working harder than those of previous seasons,” coach Paul Katauskas said.

“There are many overachievers that try to get the most out of their abilities.”

Broken on April 23, the school’s 40-year-old pole vaulting record is history thanks to Kennedy. The height to beat was 14’6, but changed to 15’0 at the state meet on May 9, where he took first place.

The previous record holder was Principal Margaret McMillen’s brother Allan when he was on the team in 1969.

“My favorite memory of the season was breaking the school [pole vaulting] record,” Kennedy said. “I worked hard for it all last year but I didn’t do it so I worked ever harder this year and finally did it.”

The school placed 26th

overall at states.

Joining Kennedy at the meet was Duncan and the 4x100 relay team including seniors Lee Morris and Master Smith Lott and juniors Akil Hansen and Tabarie Sullivan.

The 4x100 relay team competed but were eliminated during the preliminary round.

Duncan placed 11th in the 3200m distance race.

Kennedy placed second at the FHSAA 4A Region 1 Elite Classic district meet at Showalter Fields hosted by Winter Park High School on April 23.

“It’s fun to be at meets because it’s not as stressful as other sports,” Kennedy said.

The 4x100 relay team, broke the 10 year old record running 42:11.

“I was jumping up and down and telling everyone because I was so excited,” Morris said.

But overall success didn’t come easy. After the graduation of the 2008 class, candidates for the shot put and discus throwing events were slim.

Senior Harrison Hodges, juniors Kevin McMillan and Michael McEwan and sophomore Max Lang took on the role of rebuilding the team’s skill level in these events.

“I like watching kids learn a new sport event and witnessing

them progress through the season,” Katauskas said.

Also at districts, Duncan and sophomores Nicholas Hall and John-Logan Hines and junior Garrett Furth finished second in the 4x800 relay race.

“This team has good chemistry,” Katauskas said.

“They compete for each other and are very team oriented.”

With more than half the team transitioning from running on the cross country team, also coached by Katauskas, friendship bonds were already formed.

“We have good chemistry and have a lot of fun together,” Morris said. “We get along really well away from track too.”

Not only are good relationships a key asset to the team’s success, but coach to runner relationships are considered as equally important to victory.

“I call [Katauskas] Papa K because he’s funny and is always there for moral support,” Kennedy said. “But he hates when I call him that because it makes him feel old.”

With teamwork and dedication strapped to their shoes, the boys don’t plan on slowing down while their talent progresses and records continue to be broken.

Personal Bests:

UP, UP AND AWAY. In mid- air, senior Master Smith Lott jumps. “I try to get as far as I can,” Smith Lott said. “I just play the jump through my head, picture it and then do it.” Smith Lott has been a member of the track team all of his four years of his high school career. “I’ve learned that practice makes perfect,” Smith Lott said. Smith Lott’s personal best record this season for long jump was 20’10.75’.

John Kennedy pole vaulting 15’0 Lee Morris long jump 1710.75 Master Smith Lott long jump 20’10.75’ Harrison Hodges discus throw 139’0 Eric Beavers 1600m 4:57.28 Vion Lanierhigh jump 6’4 Phillips Duncan 3200m 9:35.59 Rodney Jackson100m dash 11.73 Garrett Furth 400m dash 53.74 photo/DSP

Girls dance to the beat of their own heart DANCERS SHOW DEDICATION THROUGH INJURIES

By AMANDA FLEMINGER

Dancing is an art form shown through movement and music. Like any other sport, dance takes time to perfect as well as time to become the best dancer one can be.

Dancing can be anything from moving one’s hips to turning and leaping across a stage for technique dances, such as ballet, jazz, musical theater and modern.

Junior Whitney Michielssen is a competitive dancer who attends Art From the Heart twice a week for about three hours each day. She learns how to manage

school work and dance in an organized way by having a study hall period in the morning as well as using her weekends for homework.

Freshman Letitia Rossi, senior Lauren Kleiman and sophomore Darah Barnes all attend The Dancer’s Pointe and are involved with their dance company, Pointe of Impact.

The three struggle with handling both school and dance since all of them dance every weekend preparing for competitions as well as during the week preparing for their yearly recital in June.

“I haven’t really strategized a way to handle dance on top of school work. I just go to dance, dance my heart out and then stay up until two [in the morning] doing homework,” Barnes said.

Dancing is often dangerous and one can be injured just from getting up off the floor in a routine. Injuries such as

a broken ankle, a sprained ankle, torn ligaments in the hip, tendonitis and a fractured back are hardships that Rossi has had to overcome.

Kleiman has also experienced injuries such as fracturing her wrist by falling at dance practice and using her hand to catch herself. Barnes was also injured last year with a permanent injury, tendonitis in the ankles, caused by weeks of “intense” dance rehearsal.

“It had become so bad that I couldn’t even walk, but I had a dance competition coming up and my studio was counting on me [so I had to keep dancing],” Barnes said. “I ended up executing some of the greatest performances I’ve ever done and I even got a special award for my solo.”

Despite the injuries, these dancers keep going and dedicate their lives to dance by sacrificing weekends for their passion. Rossi feels that dance lets her express herself and helps let her emotions out; nothing will stop her, not even injuries. “[Dance is so important] because I believe it is a disciplined sport and it helps you in all aspects of life; you learn respect for teachers and peers, time management and how to work to achieve your goals,” Rossi said.

The Dancer’s Pointe girls will take center stage this summer at the Dance America National competition in New York City (July 1-4). After dancing at the Dance Olympus Regionals in Tampa, Rossi, Barnes and Kleiman all received high scores with their solos and qualified to be semi-finalists for the “Dancer of the Year” title.

“The award ceremonies are always really exciting,” Kleiman said. “It is such a relief to get an award and know that the judges liked your performance.”

Devoting more time and effort to dance, Rossi is participating in the Dr. Phillips High School next year to be a part of the magnet dance program.

“The only dance team we have here is Bravettes and I want more training,” Rossi said. “I’m looking forward to meeting other friends that are as passionate about dance as I am.”

Rossi sacrifices having “a life” in order to dance in the near future as a career.

photo/DAVID EVERTSEN

REACHING FOR FIRST. Sophomore Ally Hudson and freshman Letita Rossi placed first with their duet at the Regional competition.

photo/DAVID EVERTSEN

LET LOOSE. Sophomore Darah Barnes performed an African Folk dance at the Dance Olympus Regionals. “I like African because you get to completely let your body loose and there are no boundaries,” Barnes said.

LEAP FOR JOY. Sophomore Darah Barnes placed fourth with her African dance at Regionals.

“I was completely thrilled and incredibly shocked I qualified for Dancer of the Year,” Barnes said.

photo/DAVID EVERTSEN

PIZZERIA Del-Dio DINE IN-TAKE OUT-DELIVERY PIZZA- PASTA DINNERS CALZONES- COLD & HOT SUBS BURGERS- WINGS

3120 E. COLONIAL DRIVE, ORLANDO, FL 32806

COLONIAL LANDING PLAZA (OLD HERNDON PLAZA)

407-898-1115

www.pizzeriadel-dio.com Large 16” Pizza

$9.95

This coupon required. Toppings extra. Dine in and Take out.

Expires 12/1/09. May not be combined with any other offers.

Pizzeria Del-Dio

SPORTS

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009 •

19

HI-LIGHTS

Family shares passion SPORT REMAINS LASTING TRADITION

UCF Campus 12140 Collegiate Way #105 407-3804080 Hours: Sun: 11am12am Mon-Sat: 11am-3am

pole vaulting John Kennedy senior

Sibling rivalry is not uncommon, especially in sports.

For senior John Kennedy, following his sister in pole vaulting became a brother-sister competition they both enjoyed.

By DANIELLE COLE AND HALEY GUIETTE

With a love for the competitive edge, hopes for a scholarship and a heart for the sport, junior Andrea Sweat continues a family softball tradition.

Sweat began playing softball when she was 5-years-old. Her family’s passion got her involved, causing her to develop an enthusiasm of her own.

Softball is a large part of her family’s life as well.

Her mother, Allison O’ Connor, began playing softball at 8-years-old and fell in love with it. Her passion carried on to her daughter.

“I kind of pushed her into it because it was a love of our family. The whole family played and she developed a love for the game too,” O’Connor said.

O’Connor played for the class of 1983 and went on to play for Seminole Community College.

“My parents and sisters played and one day I decided I wanted to play too. They encouraged me to play and once I started playing I just enjoyed the game,” O’Connor said.

The Lady Braves varsity girls went to Metro Conferences and had an “awesome team” throughout her time in high school, according to O’Connor who, like her daughter, enjoyed the competitiveness and friends she made in the sport. One of those friends is current softball coach Robin Bradford. Bradford and O’Connor played softball together from the time they were six through college.

“We were in a group of friends that went to school together since elementary school and played ball all summer together. We were a close group and hung out constantly,” Bradford said.

In her senior year, O’Connor, Bradford and three others from the Braves were chosen to play in the Florida Sunshine State Games.

“It was fun and a good memory to add to the many we made. It was an honor to represent our team at an All Star game,” Bradford said.

Although Bradford and O’Connor no longer cross paths like they once did, they see one another regularly during softball season as Bradford is Sweat’s coach.

“Because I played with her mother and I coach Andrea, I see a lot of her mom in her. I see the natural athletic energy and fun-loving attitude

Spotlite

Why did you join pole vaulting? I saw my sister do it for three years (class of 2006) and she really liked it.

I thought it looked like fun and that I would like it too.

How competitive are you and your sister? We are competitive.

At the first meet last year I beat her record and that was really cool. Now I’m better than her so we’re kind of competitive about it. photo/THOMPSON WOOD

What do you see for pole vaulting in the future?

I hope to jump for FSU or Clemson.

My sister pole vaults for Clemson.

HIT THAT BALL. Standing on home plate, and awaiting the perfect pitch, junior Andrea Sweat watches as the ball comes her way. “When I’m at bat, I tell myself, if it’s a good pitch swing, if not don’t swing, Sweat said.” The girls had a 15-11 season.

“

they share,” Fear for three years and currently My parents and sisters played plays for Team Zemari.

Bradford said.

O’Connor They have traveled to New and one day I decided to play continued to York and Colorado for the and once I started playing I play softball on College Showcase as well as South just enjoyed the game. an adult co-ed Carolina and Illinois for softball -allison o’conner championships. While in league team named “The South Carolina, Andrea’s Flesh Ripping travel team came in third Weasels,” playing in places such as Barnett Park place at the ASA World Series and fifth and Sanford. However, she hasn’t played for place the NSA World Series. six months due to a recent surgery on her ACL. “I like traveling because I’ve Sweat’s grandmother, who also played softball, gotten to go to a lot of places. continued the sport until the age of 55.

I like seeing and playing Aside from school softball, the family’s love with new people from other for softball continues on a wider scale. When the states,” Sweat said. school season concludes, the family travels around Although Sweat plays the country together, watching Sweat play the more for scholarships, the love of game they all enjoy. Sweat has been on a traveling the game has never faded, and the team for five years. She played for Orlando No family support and passion for the game remains strong.

Downtown 1 South Orange Avenue Suite 101 407-447-PITA Fax: 407-447-6552 Hours: Sunday 12pm8pm Monday 11am -11pm Tues-Thurs 11am3am, Fri and Sat 11am -4am

“

Winter Park

I just started doing it for fun at first but after I got more into the game it became more competitive

Toppings Lettuce, tomatoes, onions, green peppers, mushrooms, pickles, cucumbers, sprouts, black olives, hot peppers, pineapple, cheddar, swiss, feta, jalapenos and spinach.

140 W.Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park 407-4788688 Fax: 407478-8690 Hours: Sun-Tues: Sauces 11am-12am Tzatziki, mayo, BBQ, Wed-Sat: hot sauce, secret 11am-3am sauce, mustard, honey mustard, dijon, teriyaki, caesar, ranch, salsa, salt & pepper.

What is the hardest part of following in the footsteps of a family member? She won states three times, has a state record and is an All American, so it’s big shoes to fill.

Would you have done it whether your sister had or not?

I hope I would have, but probably not. Coach K recruits pole vaulters and if my sister hadn’t done it I don’t know if I would have been recruited.

•Pitas $4.25-$6.35 •Salads $4.50-$5.50

20

PHOTO ESSAY FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009 •

HI-LIGHTS

Rival dishes heartbreak

EYE ON TARGET. Against a Winter Park defender, senior Emily Hester looks for a teammate, “I don’t think it was one of my best games. My shooting wasn’t up to the par it normally is,” Hester said. She lead the team in goals with 58.

By JONATHAN WARREN

In the state quarter final on May 1, the girls water polo team lost to Winter Park, 7-5. This was the girls second loss to rival Winter Park in the season.

High expectations have motivated the girls water polo team all year. Following a trip to the state semifinals in 2008 is no easy feat. However, the girls had nearly all of their starters returning.

“We had high expectations for this year, and we came through,” coach Rosalie Creighton said.

Creighton was named the Metro Conference coach of the year.

Their first game set the tone for the rest of the season. The girls defeated University, 16-1. They went on to record three more victories before heading to the Wildcat Invitational on March 6.

There the girls got a chance to play three teams from outside of Central Florida. They felt their first loss of the season to Gulliver Prep 9-15, the defending state champions, but defeated Palmetto, 19-3 and Miami Country Day, 10-5.

Led by seniors Emily Hester, Amelia Wall, Sara Wall, Laura Zuluaga and junior goalie Taylor Reeves, the girls won all of their next seven games.

This included five district victories, a win over Lake Brantley, 13-3, a traditional power, and a 33-1 tear on Freedom. They finished district

play undefeated after a 12-1 victory over Cypress Creek.

“Our strength is definitely defense. We have a good goalie and press. The starters work well together,” senior Sara Wall said After traveling to Chicago, the girls came back to their dominance of Central Florida. They defeated West Orange, 18-3; Olympia, 15-1; and Edgewater, 22-1.

The girls last regular season game was against rival Winter Park. According to Creighton the girls had three goals for this season: to win districts, make it to the state tournament, and defeat Winter Park. The girls lost to the Wildcats, 7-10.

“They played hard. They made some mistakes.

Hopefully they learned from their mistakes, but I’m glad the game was close,” Creighton said.

In the District 5 tournament on April 25, the girls defeated Cypress Creek, 12-1 and Dr. Phillips, 10-2 to win their district. They were declared joint winners of the Metro Conference along with Winter Park. Emily Hester and Sara Wall were both named to the all-Metro team, while Goalie Taylor Reeves was accepted to the national Olympic Development Program.

“We’ve been really, really good. We’ve been practicing hard and I’m proud of everyone and their attitude,” Wall said.

1 photo/JONATHAN WARREN

2

photo/DSP

1. BIG SAVE. While warming up, Taylor Reeves saves a shot from a teammate. “The team improved during the season. We were able to do more complicated plays as the season progressed,” Reeves said. Reeves saved 266 shots this season. 2. POST UP. During a 10-7 loss to Winter Park on April 17, Laura Zuluaga tries to block an opposing player’s pass. “We definitely tried our hardest against Winter Park. We played good defense,” Zuluaga said. Zuluaga had 23 steals. 3.

FUMBLE. Against Freedom, Hillary Haskins takes possession of the ball. “Our team knows the game pretty well. I think we are well rounded players,” Haskins said. Haskins had 24 assists this season.

3

photo/JONATHAN WARREN

photo/DSP

4 photo/DSP

4. ON TARGET Focused on the goal, Bianca Parente throws a ball in a game against Freedom. “I have good stamina. I’m really good at pumping the other girls up and getting them ready to do a really good job,” Parente said. The girls won 33-1. 5. PEP TALK. At halftime of the first Winter Park game, coach Rosalie Creighton tries to motivate her team. “I was most proud of the team when we played Winter Park. It’s the closest we’ve ever gotten to them,” Creighton said. The girls lost the game 10-7.

6. GO FOR IT. In a dive for the ball, senior Amelia Wall plows through a Winter Park player on May 1. Wall had 44 steals over the course of the season.

5

photo/JONATHAN WARREN

6

photo/JONATHAN WARREN