February 2013 by Boone Publications

FINDING BIGFOOT

CREATIVE OUTLET

Art teacher retires in search of creature

Sophomore artist gains local recognition

 FEATURES, page 5

Volume 61  Issue 4

Florida trails 40 other states

 Full story, page 4, see Graduation Rate

Writer predicts outcome in America’s favor

 FEATURES, page 8

hi-lights By THOMAS EGAN Despite a steady climb in the high school graduation rate over the last decade and a jump in the last year, Florida ranked 45th in the country last year, at 74.5 percent. A recent U.S. Department of Education study shows that Florida high school students graduate on time far less than those in other states. The rate has climbed 18 percent since 2003 when it was 56.5 percent, but Florida high schools still rank among the lowest in the country. Graduation requirements vary throughout the country, so state-tostate comparisons are difficult. “Because education is not standardized throughout the 50 states, there is no standard coursework,” Principal Margaret McMillen said. “It is not a cookie-cutter education.” Florida’s graduation requirements are more rigorous than others. Students need to pass the Florida Comprehensive Reading Test and new end of course exams (EOC). However, the standardized formula for grading the states does not take these into account. Florida boasted a higher graduation rate than Alaska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon and Georgia. Iowa led the U.S. with an 88 percent graduation rate. The graduation rate of Florida minority students is well below average. African American students graduate on time 47 percent of the time and Hispanic students graduate on time 57 percent of the time. This statistic has

BASEBALL CLASSIC

 SPORTS, page 9

for students, by students Friday, February 8, 2013  hilights.org

the facts about

concussion- noun- Injury to the brain or spinal cord due to jarring from a blow, fall or the like.

! K N

Boone Concussions Tally-Up

2012-2013 Football: Boys’ Soccer: Cheerleading: Girls’ Soccer: Wrestling: 2011-2012 Football: Boy’s Basketball: Boy’s Lacrosse: Waterpolo:

3.8

million concussions occur each year in the U.S. from sports related injuries High school

Sports prone to

CONCUSSION

nationally

Highest Incidence of Concussion

#1 Soccer #2 Lacrosse Lowest: Cheerleading

#1 Football #2 Lacrosse Lowest: Baseball

DISEASE

N F L

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy is a neurodegenerative disease caused by concussions. Symptoms: - Memory loss - Depression

Nearly 4,000 former National Football League players are suing the NFL for denying the risks of long-term brain damage.

Concussions account for percent of high school athletic injuries. This is percent higher than a decade ago.

3.5

percent of confirmed cases are in retired athletes. First diagnosis: Mike Webster, former Steelers center

Kids and teens have a higher recovery time from concussions than adults.

*2012- 2013: spring sports not included sources/ESPN.GO.COM, MEDSTAR HEALTH RESEARCH INSTITUTE, PBS.ORG, SPORTSCONCUSSIONS.ORG, CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION

illustration/LINDSAY ALEXANDER

Hard hits hurt heads By MACKENZIE MOCK “Hey, Jimmy got his bell rung yesterday at practice, but he’s fine to play in the game today.” Years ago, this would be a typical situation when a player from a sport got a concussion. After, the athlete would get right back up and keep playing. Sophomore, Aleczander Beshere got a concussion while scrimmaging at practice during spring football. He was out for about a month because of continuous symptoms such as headaches and dizziness. He believes there is nothing one can do to prevent getting a concussion. “I guess you can just play the sport right and don’t hit your head. If people want to hit

you, they will. The rules can’t change that,” Beshere said. Because concussions hurt the brain which cannot be seen, they can be hard to diagnose. Symptoms include headache, temporary loss of consciousness, confusion, amnesia, dizziness, nausea, slurred speech and sensitivity to light. If one is suffering from any of the above he should immediately see a doctor. It is said to heal, one should sit in a quiet, dark room and not read, text, watch TV or surf the Internet. Junior Tiffany Torres got a concussion at water polo practice last spring when one of her teammates shot, but missed the goal and the ball hit her head. She healed within a

week, but admitted it was hard to get back in shape and she fell behind in school. “It sucked because I had to miss school and it was hard to focus and think. I couldn’t practice for a week and got really slow and weak,” Torres, said. Concussions can have long term effects. They can end a professional athlete’s career such as Scott Stevens’, New Jersey Devils’ defensiveman, when he was forced to retire in November of the 2003-2004 season because of post-concussion syndrome. Junior Seau, former NFL player, killed himself last

 Full story, page 10, see Concussion

Run benefits campus, clubs

SPRINT IT. Nearing the finish line, junior Joshua Rosenfeld participates in the 2012 Reservation Run. “It was fun running with [the swim] team. We got to wear our caps, and it was a great team experience. Everybody pushed each other to do well,” Rosenfeld said. The Bravettes received a $1000 Spear-It award for having the most participants.

By OLIVIA QUATTRONE February’s annual fundraiser presents an opportunity for students and the community to raise money for athletics and have fun. Reservation Run is a 5K race that goes through the neighborhood surrounding the school. It is funded by sponsorships from local businesses such as, restaurants, hospitals and law firms, as well as participant registration. The Boone High School Athletic Association established the race in

February 2008. “The BHSAA was looking for a good, fun fundraiser that would give all [clubs and teams] an opportunity [to fundraise],” Athletic Director Doug Patterson said. In its five years on campus, Reservation Run has raised over $44,000. To be in the race, a participant pays an entry fee: $15 for untimed runners and $25 for timed runners. With the fee, participants get a shirt.

“I don’t care about my time, I

just run for fun,” junior Austin McFarlin, who is running for tennis and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, said.

Half of the entry fee goes to the club or team of the participant’s choice and the other half goes to BHSAA. BHSAA uses this money to improve campus

 Full story, page 4, see Reservation Run

photo/CARLY BURTON

randomfact Today in 1960, the first brass stars were installed in the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

INDEX opinion 2 campus & local 4 features 5

special sports entertainment

6 9 12

GET INVOLVED check us out on facebook follow us on twitter @hilightsnp

SEE AND HEAR MORE go to hilights.org for photo galleries, soundslides featuring students and weekly sports’ beats

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Friday, February 8, 2013 hilights.org

insight

TLL

It is said ‘if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.’ James Downing, sophomore

STEM (Science, Technology, degree

Engineering and Math)

Lindsay Alexander, Editor-In-Chief

VS Non-STEM

source/Washington Post

7.7%

9.2%

Less regulation, more dedication

degree

Average unemployment rate in Florida

illustration/KARINA FLORES

Through Lindsay’s Lens

Governor promotes degree discrimination Literary scholars and history buffs looking to pursue a college degree in these fields might consider rethinking their major if Florida Governor Rick Scott gets his way. With the proposal of the Blue Ribbon Task Force on State Higher Education Reform, degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) will be offered at lower tuition costs than liberal arts degrees to appeal to prospective students. The tuition for STEM majors will freeze for three years while the tuition for liberal arts majors will continue to rise the normal annual minimum of 15 percent to offset the costs. Governor Scott justifies this unjust tuition gap by arguing the state’s need for these “strategic majors” in Florida’s job market and economy. This proposal seems like a businessman’s attempt to commercialize Florida’s university system in attempts to mass produce scientists and engineers for Florida’s workforce. Admittedly, an influx of the tech-savvy and math wizards will fill the demand, but this unfair approach might do more harm than

Gov. Rick Scott’s proposal to reduce tuition costs for STEM majors is unfair towards non-STEM majors .

ourview



In 2010-2011, 71 percent of Florida seniors graduated. This is higher than only five states and the District of Columbia. With low graduation rates, the state attacks teachers. Measures like the 2011 Robert Marzano Teacher Evaluation System and the Florida Merit Pay Law, which bases half of a teacher’s evaluation on test scores, and eventually uses test scores to determine pay, are ineffective. Weeding out poor teachers and looking for better evaluation methods is necessary, but as Florida tries to raise its graduation rate, it needs to focus on students more and teachers less. A student’s learning cannot be forced. Yet current provisions like Marzano’s TES and Merit Pay fail to realize this. Furthermore the effects of poverty, mobility and homelessness on graduation rates are ignored and the resulting attempts to fix rates hurt teachers, instead of helping students. In Central Florida, one in four students live in poverty, with concentrations in Orange and Osceola counties. High poverty rates often correlate with mobility or student turn-over. Orange County’s mobility rate in 2011 was 37 percent. This means that in an Orange County school, more than one in three students either enrolled or withdrew during the school year. Yet, according to the state, Orange County has 95.5 percent stability. The gap is due to a 2001 Charlie Crist decision to measure stability instead of mobility. Orange and other counties continue to calculate mobility because it helps track high risk students. The number of homeless students in Orange County increased over the past five years. In 2012, Orange County recorded 4,844 homeless students. Osceola County’s students are expected to reach 3,500 this spring; Seminole County had 1,865 in 2012. Perhaps, if instead of targeting teachers, lawmakers targeted the students who are at highest risk for not graduating such as certain minorities, like male African Americans whose graduation rate in Florida is 57 percent, they would see higher graduation rates. This could be done through an evaluation system that awards teachers for originality instead of regulating it. Some regulation is necessary, but the current teacher evaluation system and merit pay law are ineffectual. The state needs to rethink its attempt at raising graduation rates which merely inflicts regulations on teachers. Other factors like students and their living conditions, not just teachers, influence graduation rates. The state and schools cannot be held entirely responsible. Despite a low state graduation rate and poor evaluation systems, students must realize it’s their responsibility to learn and no one else’s.

hi-lights

good when looking at the broad picture and the task force’s intended results. Generally, universities charge higher tuition for STEM majors to accommodate for the smaller class sizes, expensive lab equipment and extensive resources necessary for lessons and research. Along with higher costs for the university, STEM graduates usually get paid more in the job market, thus balancing the costs. Scott’s task force will ignore the logical and traditional model to interest students with an education on a bargain. This discount on degrees will surely attract students, whether they are invested in their major or not, hindering the appeal of the more costly non-“strategic” majors. Therefore, the departments’ funding, which is based on enrollment, will decrease. A nationally recognized program, such as University of Florida’s Latin American History Department will lose resources, respected professors will be laid off and the university’s overall prestige suffers. A oncerespected program would be neglected. Most importantly, students who lack natural talent in mathematics and science will be at a disadvantage to no fault of their own. People have different abilities and interests and hope to pursue them in education, but with the tuition gap, students might be faced with the decision to pursue

a degree they do not feel passionate about but can afford, or pay significantly more for the degree they love and enjoy. This could result in a significant amount of unmotivated, disinterested students filling up classrooms and wasting time better spent on a degree they feel is worthwhile. Ultimately, impact of the STEM discount will be limited by the sheer difficulty of its majors. Retention of STEM students has been a national problem. In addition, although statistics show these specific jobs are in high demand, no one can predict the future of a changing economy. Fields in high demand today, could become overcrowded or unnecessary tomorrow. No university can guarantee a student a secure job or career with a four-year degree. On top of that, each niche has different demands. For instance, according to a study by the University of Florida, demand for bio-engineers is booming, while chemists are experiencing a 4.3 percent unemployment rate. Alternatives such as making more scholarships and grants available for STEM majors, and sparking interest in STEM earlier in a student’s K-12 education could increase the number of STEM grads in future generations. Tuition costs should be fair and nondiscriminatory towards fields outside the elite STEM club. One’s choice of major and career path should not be based on its price tag.

letters to the editor Unfair for non-STEM majors

I feel like a major’s cost would affect my decision and the decisions of other students. I would benefit from lower costs for STEM majors, but what about the people who don’t have sufficient math skills? In the way I can’t comprehend poetry, some students have harder times getting math, so they will be affected. Personally, it will further motivate me to major in something math-based since it is what I like and is cost-effective.

Michelle Duncan, senior

Major has to prove worth

The cost of a major can definitely sway my opinion on whether or not I want to take it. Luckily, I am in a predicament in which money is accessible when needed for college, but it is not an endless fund. If the major is too expensive I would consider if it’s worth the extra cost and student loans and the availability of work after college. If not, I would move on to another major because of my wide array of interests.

Joshua Dawson, freshman

Chase dream, not price tag

The costs of a major would not affect my choice on a major in college. It is said that “if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.” In many cases, a college major is needed to do what you would love to do. Money should not be a factor in chasing your dreams to the career you would love. Even if money is not accessible from personal or family funds, there are enough financial aid programs and scholarships available to aid in the pursuit of the major of your choice.

James Downing, sophomore

Any major ensures success The price of a major in college would not affect me or my decision because I know that in the long run getting any major will pretty much ensure me a better paying job and a brighter future.

Nathaniel Peardon, sophomore

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beheard Send letters to the editor to Hi-Lights, 1000 E. Kaley St., Orlando, FL 32806, or drop off in Room 224. You can also send to hilightsnp@gmail.com. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. To be considered for print, all letters must be signed and cannot contain libelous information. Contact us at 407-893-7200 ext. 6012614 or via email at hilightsnp@gmail.com Comment on the web at hilights.org To advertise call Lizzy Gordon at our ofﬁces. The paper is free to students and subscriptions are available for $10. Ad sizes available: Business card $25; Eighth page $45; Quarter page $95; Half page $125; Full page $175

Friday, February 8, 2013 hilights.org

hi-lights insight STUDENT OBLIGATIONS

RUN FOR A CAUSE

Outstanding financial obligations and checked out textbooks and library books can be seen on one’s Media Center profile from home at http://destiny.ocps.net. The username is one’s student number and the password is one’s eight digit birthdate. All obligations have to be cleared before purchasing prom tickets or parking decals and before graduation.

Boone High School Athletic Association will hold its 5th Annual Reservation Run 5K on Feb. 16, at 7:30 a.m. Registration costs are $15 for untimed runners and $20 for timed runners. Registration forms are available in the front office, online at www.booneatheletics.ocps.net or in the Trading Post.

Drinking causes age-old argument

Drinking is allowed in 29 states if done on private premises with parental consent and 25 states if for religious purposes.

2009: The 21to 24-year-old age group had the highest percentages of drivers in fatal crashes with blood-alcohol concentraction.

Current drinking age proves effective and responsible

 viewpoint

By LIA VILLAR Upon turning 18 years old, one is considered an adult, not only in the United States, but in most of the Western world as well. With this age, comes responsibility. One can vote for the president of the U.S., serve on juries, get married without parental consent, be prosecuted as an adult and join the military. Yet, the young adult who can risk his life for his country at 18 years old, cannot drink alcohol. Since 18 year olds are able to join the military and be sent to a foreign country, one might believe that an 18 year old can drink. In reality, despite the fact that the Western world allows 18 years old to drink, one cannot drink alcohol when in active duty. Keeping the Minimum Legal Drinking Age at 21 years old, urges 18 year olds to drink in secret to avoid consequences. Lowering the MLDA, will allow drinking to take place in more supervised environments. Along with this, according to drinkingage.procon.org, in 2002 and 2003 alone, the lives saved by the use of safety belts and airbags were far more effective than the MLDA. With advanced technology, airbags have succeeded in reducing the incidence of impared driving, crashes and fatalities which can result from drunk driving. Although one must be 21 years old to purchase or consume alcohol in restaurants, bars and other licensed establishments, the National Center of Addiction and Substance Abuse reports that 72.2 percent of seniors in high school have drank alcohol at some point in their lives. According

to chooseresponsibility.org, lowering the MLDA, will decrease drinking large amounts of alcohol since one does not have to do it in secret. According to The New York Times, the nation’s state and local government take in $17 billion a year from alcohol taxes alone, and that figure is slowly rising. Washington State installed a temporary excise tax on certain beers, which adds about 28 cents to a six-pack of beer. This could help the economy if the MLDA was lowered to 18 year olds. It could increase revenue for business owners and tax revenue. If the MLDA was lowered to 18 years old, it could be treated as though one is receiving his learner’s permit. Rather than learning road rules, John McCardell Jr., founder of Choose Responsibility, suggests 18 year olds complete 42 hours of instruction in the history, chemistry, psychology and sociology of alcohol. This also includes sitting in during an Alcoholics Anonymous session and experiencing court hearings in drunk driving cases before receiving a license to consume alcohol. Licensing would take place in insitutions where one receives a drivers license. Like a drivers license, penalties for giving younger adolescents access to alcohol would result in revocation of one’s drinking license. As a result of the MLDA, labeling 18 year olds as “adults” is a misleading. An adult has to assume responsibilities and if the MLDA remains as it is then this federal mandate infantilizes young adults and causes only infantile behaviors.

 viewpoint

Lowering drinking age calls for responsible young adults

2002: Meta-study of the legal drinking age and health and social problems, 72 percent of the studies found no statistically signiﬁcant relationship

At 18 people are considered a legal adult. The MLDA should reﬂect this and thus be changed from 21.

The MLDA should be 21 years old, as teens are not yet mature enough to handle this responsibility.

By GAVIN WATERS Opinions on teen drinking range from the “if it was legal it would not be a big deal” to the “kids drink in Europe.” Both of those arguments are invalid. With the 18th Amendment ending prohibition and, the 21st Amendment lowering the drinking age to 18, teen alcohol-related deaths have increased by such high numbers that senators and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) teamed up to get the drinking age raised back to 21. President Ronald Reagan passed the 21 Minimum Drinking Age Act on July 17, 1984. The act forced states to raise the drinking age to 21 years old or risk losing 10 percent of their federal highway construction budget. After the act passed, teen driving under the influence (DUI) and teen alcohol-related deaths decreased almost 13 percent, proving that the increased minimum age was the right decision. Supporters of lowering the drinking age site european countries as an example the U.S. should follow. In Europe, for example, it is common to have a beer with a meal even as a young child, but this is not part of U.S. culture. Because of this, kids think of a beer as an adult beverage and as a way to get drunk, not as a soda or as an aspect of a meal. Even with Europe’s unenforced drinking laws and lower DUI rate, it is incomparable because public transportation is mostly used

2002: Twice as many 21 year olds died in alcoholrelated auto accidents as 18 year olds.

by the affected age group. With high school students being 18 years old, a lower drinking age makes alcohol accessible for their younger peers. This phase is different than 21 year olds buying alcohol because 18 year olds are generally in a new time in their lives where they have more freedom from their parents through college and the workforce, making them more susceptible to making bad decisions. Lowering the age would also be medically irresponsible because the brain is not fully developed until 20 to 25 years of age. Drinking as an adolescent can damage the hippocampus, which is the part of the brain in charge of memory and the ability to learn, as well as the frontal lobe which controls planning, forming ideas, making decisions and using self control. A person is emotional when intoxicated and over time it can damage the lobes forever and make a person vulnerable to addiction. Binge drinking (not able to be defined under one definition) is basically drinking a large enough amount of alcohol in a short amount of time to put the drinker and those around him at risk. Binge drinking on college campuses and communities around the nation has caused a public health problem. Among all the four year universities nationally, 44 percent of the students drink to the binge level causing 30,000 18 to 23-year-old students to need medical attention between 1999 to 2005. Lowering the drinking age is irresponsible. It is adults’ responsibility to protect youth. Lowering the age puts kids in harm’s way. Even with the higher age, society has problems with binge drinking now. Changing the age will not solve the problem, just move the problem from 21-24 year olds to 1820 year olds.

The 21 year old minimum drinking age decreased the number of deaths by 13 percent for 18-20 year old

People who begin drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develope alcohol dependence in their lifetime, then those starting at 21

source/www.alcoholpolicy.niaaa.nih.gov, drinkingage.procon.org

hi-lightsnewspaper EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-In-Chief Lindsay Alexander Design Editor Anna Marie Boria Copy Editor Karina Flores Business Manager Lizzy Gordon Index Editor Delanee Bogan Webmaster Bridgette Norris Campus and Local Editor Thomas Egan Features Editor Lia Villar Sports Editor Chase Gardner Entertainment Editor Cooper Brock

STAFFERS Meghan Cotton, Jackson Crumbly, Conor

Curry, Gabriella Fakhoury, Kaley Gilbert, Austin Hall, Josh Halloran, Sam Holleman, Heather Janas, Jordan Knight, Ciara McCoy, Thomas McDonald, Mackenzie Mock, Paula Morales, Olivia Quatrone, Gavin Waters

OTHER

Adviser Renee Burke

Principal Margaret McMillen

Editorial Policy POLICY STATEMENT

Hi-Lights is a student publication of William R. Boone High School, 1000 E. Kaley Ave., Orlando, Florida, 32806. The ideas and views of the aforementioned students and faculty are not 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.

SCHOLASTIC ASSOCIATIONS

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

OUR MISSION

This paper is a quality product whose sole purpose is to pursue the truth, and to provide information and factual news pertaining to Boone and the community around it. Any questions or comments can be directed to (407) 893-7200, extension 6012614 or Room 224, as well as by email to hilightsnp@gmail.com. If you find any errors, please call our offices or visit us.

Check out hilights.org for up-to-date news and information. Scan this QR code to go to hilights.org

Friday, February 8, 2013 hilights.org

hi-lights

‘ KTD thenews

The nice part about [the Reservation Run] is that it’s not just a fundraiser for a speciﬁc group. It’s a win-win for everybody. Doug Patterson, athletic director

Rate shows positive growth

Kids These Days

 Graduation rate from, page 1

Sam Holleman, columnist

Austin Hall, columnist

Prada for Christmas Austin Hall: Back in the mid-1900’s, artists were famous based on talent. Artists like B.B. King, Aretha Franklin and Freddy Mercury (the moustached god with a voice worthy of the gift of immortality) used to dominate the music industry. Sam Holleman: Now, the requirements to be a musical artist consist of 1) Starring in a Disney movie or television show 2) Being quirky and 3) Having young girls want to be you or date you. AH: If you didn’t notice, the requirement “one must be talented” was not included. Nowadays, you can have your voice auto tuned or completely altered with a pitch correction program and lip sync every concert or live event. As long as you don’t give TMZ a reason to fall in love with you, like getting caught doing salvia or smoking weed or getting pregnant, then you’ll be set for stardom. SH: Correct! And if you want to hear some quality music, listen to Jetsail Drive’s fantastic EP. Its release date is to be announced. AH: Their EP will never come out. It is probably because their music is comparable to, and is just as bad as Nickleback. So if it even does come out I suggest you don’t listen to it. SH: Well, I think their music is fantastic, but back to the topic at hand: people have different tastes in music. Oh, and we should just get this out of the way that our complaints have nothing to do with taste in music, but everything to do with respect to music as an art form. AH: An art form that has been turned into a moneymaking business scheme. When I was in my band, I played in it because it was fun. SH: Musicians have slowly gravitated away from the “music” aspect and moved closer to the industry side. They have gotten so focused on money and fame that the reason they started writing music (for the love of music) has been tossed to the side like a mechanical pencil when it runs out of lead. AH: Musicians were not always focused on the fame and money. It used to be about expressing one’s self. SH: Throughout history there have been musical “artists” that have brought disgrace to the music industry, but they were never praised and honored for poorly concealing their lack of talent until now. Something happened in the past 20 years that has caused the mainstream industry to go from respectable and talented to pointless and computer-animated. AH: Take boy bands for example. Boy bands are put together for their looks and to take advantage of teenage girls in USA. Boy bands usually have at least one genuinely talented member. I’m not saying I’m a fan of One Direction’s music, but I can appreciate the talented members as individuals. Some of the members are actually really talented but the music they perform doesn’t properly showcase these individuals’ talents. In my opinion, Zayn Malik is the most talented one, but Harry Styles is still the front man of the group. I can not figure out why the most talented one is not the leader. SH: Boy bands have been around for 50-some-odd years. The Monkees were the first boy band (Davy Jones being the most talented), and The Beatles are one of the most famous bands in the world. So what is different now? Why are The Beatles praised for their work while One Direction (in our opinion) doesn’t deserve a glance when crossing the sidewalk on the way to Taco Bell. I’m not saying we should praise One Direction, but what makes The Beatles so much better? AH: The clothing and hairstyles. Or should I say...Harry Styles...hahahahahahaha SH: Shut up. AH: To me, it seems like you are in...deNIALL. Maybe you’re upset because you got Prada for Christmas instead of...LOUIS Vuitton.

plagued legislators for years and they are still searching for a solution. State leaders, such as Governor Rick Scott, see the increase as “moving in the right direction” and others, like founding member of Fund Education Now Kathleen Oropeza, see it as evidence that the education reforms aren’t working. “Look at the facts on the ground,” Oropeza said. “It’s still not showing that we’re supporting our children properly

or that they’re being successful.” Florida also struggles with a high mobility rate. When a student transfers from one high school to another, it appears on record that a student never graduated from his original high school, harming that school’s graduation rate. Florida’s mobility rate is one of the highest in the country with 33.54 percent of white students and 29.86 percent of African American students moving at least once. “I think that it’s sad that these people are failing school and closing so many doors for themselves at such an early

age in life,” senior Justin Fontes said. Florida’s low graduation rate shows improvements still need to be made, but the growth Justin Fontes from 2003 shows there is clear improvement in Florida’s public education system. “Once you are at Boone, you are a Brave, and we will do everything we can to open as many doors for you as we can,” Dr. McMillen said.

Fundraiser provides fun  Reservation Run from, page 1 athletic facilities. “The nice part about it is that it’s not just a fundraiser for a specific group. It’s set up for many groups. It’s a win-win for everybody,” Patterson said. Last year, 800 runners participated in the Reservation Run. This year, BHSAA hopes to have 1,000 participants. Timed runs are eligible for an award. Awards will be given to the top three overall male and female runners, as well as the top three male and females in seven different age groups ranging from under 13 to over 60. Clubs and teams are administered awards for meeting requirements, such

as having the most participants. The winners of these awards will win extra money in addition to their 50 percent per registration earned by all clubs. The race is not only a school event. It involves the whole Boone community. “It’s an exciting event that gathers our students and community together, neighbors come out and watch so it brings together the community,” Linda Coleman, head of the Reservation Run committee, said. “It helps the clubs and teams, and makes sports facility improvements. Without fundraisers, we would be without a lot of this.” One can register by picking up registration forms at the Trading Post or in the main office. Or one can register by going to: www.booneathletics.ocps.

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Friday, Febuary 8, 2013 hilights.org

featurestories 1

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There are some things in life we search for that we probably will never ﬁnd, but that does not mean we won’t try. Perry Allen, art teacher

photos courtesy/PERRY ALLEN

Artist retires in search of Bigfoot Teacher Perry Allen decides to drop the school system By GABRIELLA FAKHOURY After 22 years of teaching, something he said he would never do, photography instructor Perry Allen is retiring to hunt for Bigfoot. Allen never dreamed of being a teacher, but 25 years ago while working with students as an artist, he realized he enjoyed working with them. “My students inspire me sometimes more than I inspire myself,” Allen said. Before teaching, Allen worked at Disney for three years and exhibited his art at multiple museums including Rollins college, University of Central Florida, University of Georgia and Houston University, where he sold some of his pieces. Allen’s most significant art piece is the ‘shotgun houses’. The shotgun house looks like a floating house with no windows or doors. It is very narrow, yet, stretches far back. He modeled his art after the

civil war-era homes, which were narrow because the land rent was based on how wide the house is rather than how far back it went, making it cheaper the narrower the house was. Self inspired, not taking any art classes while in high school, Allen taught himself everything he knows. He always had a talent for drawing. “I always liked to draw. While the other kids were playing ball, I was drawing,” Allen said. Allen’s artistic talent caught the eye of Martin Margulies, one of the top 200 sculpture collectors in the world. He bought one of Allen’s shotgun houses for $1,800, adding it to his $800 million collection. “My first impression of Mr. Allen changed through out the year, and I realized he has a lot more heart than I thought,” junior art student George Barr said. Well known around school, Allen has inspired many students in his art classes. “He shows me how to love what I

do, no matter what that is,” Barr said. A f t e r 22 years of teaching, Allen decided it is time to retire and move onto the next step in his life. After finishing teaching classes this spring, Allen plans on moving to his cabin in the mountains of Georgia in search of Bigfoot. While searching for Bigfoot, he is also adding hiking and backpacking onto his list. Keeping up with his artwork, Allen plans on using nature to take on his new art of carpentry. He will leave his other forms of art behind and move on with a new chapter in his life. As for the search for Bigfoot in Georgia, Allen is preparing himself by watching Finding Bigfoot on the Animal Planet and looking into the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization

onway

(BFRO). Allen does not technically believe in Bigfoot, but he also says he does not doubt its existence. “There are some things in life we search for that we probably will never find, but that does not mean we won’t try,” Allen said.

seehear How well would you do know news or pop culture? We asked students and teachers the same six questions. To see their answers, scan this QR code with your smartphone.

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1. NATURAL. Using logs of wood and cast concrete, Allen created his ‘East Texas Trilogy’ series. “I created these sculptures by myself but they were so heavy I had to have help to move them for the festival,” Allen said. He created the series during graduate school for an art festival. 2. STANDING TALL. One of Allen’s ‘shotgun houses’ on display at a Disney showcase. “I would rip pieces of the walls of my house out to create these houses,” Allen said. This is one of the few pieces Allen used agriculture arithmeticians. 3. RELAXING. Hiking through the Georgia Forest, Allen takes a break by the smoldering fire. “This was before I thought about searching for Bigfoot,” Allen said. This picture was taken on the Panther Creek Trail.

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Friday, February 8, 2013 hilights.org

specialfeature

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I am an artsy person. I got involved in photography by just seeing good pictures and thinking, ‘I want to take pictures like that’. Elisa Castillo, senior

Teache

By PAULA M Popular belief says teachers d school. Except they actually do. A prime example of this is sc Smith shows that teachers do thin case, biking to school. It gives saves her money on gas. Current $35 or less on gas monthly and re “It sets a great example for m such a car obsessed society, and without using a car on a daily bas To start off her day, Smith pum sure her lights are functioning. T panniers and is out the door by 6: “I think it’s great. I wish I commitment to maintaining phy

Tweets

Hilights newspaper @hilights

@4:31 p.m. This spread spotligh

Castillo runs makeup business By MEGHAN COTTON When the last school bell rings, kids begin their after school activities. When 4:31 p.m. rolls around, sophomore Melody Castillo helps girls by teaching them makeup application both in person and on YouTube. “I think [videos] are really fun to do because I can be really creative with them. I want to see if other people like my videos and use them for themselves,” Castillo said. Castillo learned from other tutorials

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on YouTube and taught herself different makeup styles and ideas. Castillo and her childhood friend, sophomore Karissa Ramos, decided to make their own YouTube channel for fashion and makeup tips in December 2011. Their YouTube channel has 194 subscribers and 10,510 video views. Ramos is often used as the guinea pig for new makeup ideas. She gives feedback to Castillo and gives tips as to how she can improve. “It does not bother me [being the guinea pig]. I think it is cool being the first one to see it,” Ramos said. Castillo started to experiment with makeup in eighth grade. “I like the colors a lot. I know [the makeup] is not what defines you. It is just really fun,” Castillo said. Castillo started her own business of doing girls’ hair and makeup for special occasions such as prom.. Prices range from $5-$10. Her first customer was Ramos’s mom in June 2011. Castillo received a $5 tip, beginning her Stay

Classy Makeup business. “I like peoples’ reactions when I finish their makeup. I like making other people happy,” Castillo said. To spread the word about the business, Ramos helped hand out business cards. Both of their mothers help by telling their friends about Castillo. Castillo also has a page on Facebook advertising her business. “I think that it is awesome that she found something she really enjoys and she could definitely make a career out of it,” Ramos said. Castillo wants the cosmetology business as a side job. She is currently attending John Casablancas Modeling & Career Center where she is learning about etiquette and modeling techniques. Casablancas also offers business classes and teaches participants about how to get a job. When the final bell rings for school to end and kids go to their various after school activities, Castillo is preparing herself for her future.

‘

I think [videos] are really fun to do because I can be really creative with them. I want to see if other people like my videos and use them for themselves. Melody Castillo Sophomore

activities they participate in.

occasions to answering trivia que

highlighted vary in skill and perso

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#whatareyoudoing?

Artistic stu captures mo

By BRIDGETTE NORR With a sense of creativity and a knack for en Castillo spends her spare time hosting photo sho jewelry. “I am an artsy person and enjoy making jew photography by just seeing really good pictures an want to take pictures like that’,” Castillo said. Using the Internet as her resource, Casti photography tips, how to operate the camera making skills. “I got bored and thought [homemade jewelry and wanted to try it,” Castillo said. Her jewelry costs $5 for earrings, $7 for ring $10 for necklaces and bracelets. Some prices do v time consuming and difficult it is to make. “I usually do requests for jewelry. People tell m off that, whether it be the theme or style of jewel Prior to the jewelry making, Castillo began her small digital camera before upgrading to a Nikon The camera upgrade comes in handy during C the one with senior Shaffaq Noor. “We were laughing through the whole photo and having fun. I didn’t think the pictures would did,” Noor said. Castillo books photo shoots with friends and charges for them depending on how long it takes Facebook, www.facebook.com/elisacastillophotog Although right now Castillo’s photography an time, her dream is to be a professional photograph practical. “I don’t want to rely on waiting to see if I get realistic job to support me and keep photography now. Hopefully with time and practice, I am able Castillo said.

Friday, February 8, 2013 hilights.org

hi-lights specialfeature HONOR SOCIETY PROVIDES TUTORING

IMPROVISATION SHOW RAISES FUNDS

The French Honor Society is offering tutoring sessions for students who need help with French. One-on-one lessons with teachers (Ann Ballentine or Dr. Safia Mami) are also available. Tutoring is available Tuesday, Thursday and Friday in Rooms 10.205 or 10.209 from 6:45 a.m. to 7:15 a.m.

A Valentine’s Day Deep Thoughts Comedy Improvisation Show is Feb. 12, to raise funds to bring in the original Broadway dogs Bruiser and Rufus from Legally Blonde the Musical for their spring production of the hit Broadway show. Rob Ward is hosting the show; tickets are $5.

er advocates keeping active

MORALES do not have a life outside of

cience teacher Emily Smith. ngs other than teach; in this her additional exercise and tly, she spends an average of educes wear on her car. my students because we are it’s totally possible to exist sis,” Smith said. mps her bike tires and makes Then she packs up her bike :30 a.m. I could do it. It shows a ysical condition,” chemistry

teacher Glenn Listort said. Smith’s 15 minute ride to school gives her an opportunity to think and allows her to clear her head and let go of anything that is bothering her before she gets into her classroom. “I’d like to think I have a good attitude most days. The attitude I come to school with determines how my lesson will go and how my kids will receive the information,” Smith said. When the dismissal bell rings she heads to weightlifting practice. Smith has practice every day. Smith packs up her 1973 Schwinn Varsity bicycle, which used to be her father’s, and rides it to the 700 building. Smith likes to coach weightlifting because she participated in the sport when she attended Boone as a student. “I found it to be such a personally rewarding sport; it is really you against yourself. I loved how it made me feel confident, and now I love watching my athletes feel confident

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lucky. Instead, I will find a y as a side project, like I do to make a name for myself,”

and proud of themselves due to their achievements in the weight room,” Smith said. Being involved with students during and after school gives a positive vibe. When Smith gets home from school, the first thing she does is unpack the bike and go for a run. Smith looks forward to her run and tries to run every day. “Sometimes, the run is needed because I’m not feeling positive, other times the run is just amazing because I am feeling positive already,” Smith said. Being active helps Smith be alert during the day, helps her brain work better and makes her feel healthy. The more active she is, the better she feels. “I know the athletes I encounter appreciate my time and efforts and there are so many of my students that show their appreciation to me every day,” Smith said.

What’s in your bag?

Pepper spray to help her in case of an emergency Spanner Wrench, the original wrench that came with the bike

Bike pump in case she gets a ﬂat tire Bandages, she’s ready in case of an injury

Sports provide outlet for freshman By DELANEE BOGAN Hearing a loud beeping noise, he slowly hits his alarm clock, turning it off, still exhausted from the night before. Staying out late playing basketball and waking up early for his club basketball team practice is not unusual for freshman Alexis Bergan and his busy schedule. “[The best part of being on the freshman team] is that I get to represent Boone and play basketball with my friends. Basketball is a way to get your anger out and a good way to make new friends,” Bergan said. Bergan is the starting shooting guard on the freshman team and was the starting wide receiver on the freshman football team. Practicing basketball for 10 hours a week is helping him improve his skills as well as prepare for next year, “[Through basketball I’ve learned] to be a good leader and my communication skills have improved,” Bergan said. As well as being on the freshman team, Bergan is on the Florida Basketball Volleyball Association Club Team. He joined the FBVA club team in December 2012, but started playing basketball in eighth grade. “I think it’s a good opportunity for him to improve himself in basketball and work with others on the team,” mother, Rachel Campell said. Campbell supports her son by trying to go to all of his basketball games, but can find this difficult because she often

has to work late nights and is unable to attend. “If I’m not [able to go to one of his basketball games], I support him at home by encouraging him to achieve his goals,” Campbell said. There is a rule in Bergan’s house that he is only allowed to play sports if he has A’s and B’s in all of his classes. “Academics are very important; if you don’t have academics you don’t have anything,” Campbell said. It is more important to Campbell for her son to do better in his academics than his athletics. She wants him to do well in school so he will have opportunities that she did not. Due to his love for sports, Bergan keeps his grades up so he is able to play. He plans to continue to play basketball and football throughout high school so he can become a starter for junior varsity and varsity. Although Bergan likes to play basketball, he would prefer to play football in college because he thinks it is more exciting. He plans to achieve his goal of playing a sport in college by playing in high school. He plans to focus on the basics while remaining dedicated and practicing so he can become a better athlete.

Student makes All County team By TOMMY MCDONALD After getting home from water polo practice and studying for his five AP classes, junior Israel Miller still has not started practicing for Quiz Bowl. Luckily for Miller, his academic schedule prepares him for the upcoming Florida All County Quiz Bowl Tournament in April. “It would be like studying for the SAT, you can’t really do it. All I do is go in to have fun and show off my stuff,” Miller said. Quiz Bowl is similar to Jeopardy, but with teams. Questions range from science, history, math, English, fine arts and the foreign languages of Spanish and French. Quiz Bowl sponsor Christina Baybay Bykov selected Miller to try out for the All County team in November after the school season concluded. “I was pretty surprised [to make it to the All County Team]. I almost feel like I don’t deserve it, [because] I beat a bunch of seniors that I thought would do better than me,” Miller said. He will now train with the All County team at Winter

Park and West Orange high schools until the state meet in April. Miller suspects that the team will study old released questions from past Quiz Bowl tournaments. The schools third place finish in the Quiz Bowl playoffs displayed Miller’s skill. Even though Miller is a top player, he does not spend any time on his own preparing for the event. “He’s quick. He has good recall. He’s not a timid player, and that’s very good. You can’t doubt yourself. You have to take risks,” Baybay Bykov said Miller and the rest of the Orange County Quiz Bowl team will compete at Disney for four days against other county Quiz Bowl teams. Miller is the only student advancing from Boone’s Quiz Bowl team, an opportunity only six students in Orange

County receive. “It’s not about Boone. I want Orange County to take the State Championship,” Baybay Bykov said.

Friday, February 8, 2013 hilights.org

featurestories hi-lights

COMPUTER LABS

GRAD BASH TICKETS

Labs are available to students who need a computer to study or to type a paper. Before school times are: Monday and Tuesday in Room 220, Tuesday and Thursday in Room 226. After school hours are available in Room 228 on Monday and Tuesday, and Tuesday and Thursday in Room 221.

Seniors wanting to attend the all-night party at Universal and Island of Adventure will need to purchase a ticket before spring break. The start of ticket sales will be broadcast on BBC or announced on the after school announcements. For questions, see Senior Class sponsor Sarah Kittrell in Room 220.

Artist’s age “B” Side the point Freshman creates art, logos and t-shirts By LIZZY GORDON As Halsey Helfrich lifts the respirator mask off his face and sets down the can of spray paint, he steps back and admires his art. “I want people to know that I am trying to make a message,” Helfrich said. “Every piece has a different message. Sometimes I address problems in the government and flaws with human nature.” Helfrich uses a mixture of acrylic paint, spray paint and 3D figures to make his art unique. He commonly uses a light blue color. “[Light blue] is one of my favorite colors. I think it gives people a good feeling. When you get a good feeling you connect with a painting, and sometimes people buy it,” Helfrich said. Helfrich is a member of the local artist group called “The B Side Artists”. Asaan “Swamburger” Brooks loosely leads the collective group of 13 artists. Helfrich, being the youngest, is the only member who is still in high school. “Halsey is very knowledgeable about current and local artists,” Art 2D

teacher Nicole Moitoza said. “[He] has been exposed to many different artists and materials, that makes him unique.” Helfrich became interested in art when he was 9 years old. One Sunday, Helfrich was at the Orlando Farmers Market when he passed by the tent of a street artist named Tobar who was a member of the B Side Artists. Tobar gave Helfrich a flyer to his next art show. Helfrich began to attend numerous art shows, and he became a familiar face. He officially became a member of the B Side Artists last year. The name “B Side Artists” is a burlesque description of the group. Back in the day, tapes had an A-side and a B-side. The A-side contained pop hits that were commonly set on a radio’s replay list, while the B-side, also known as the “flip side,” was empty space that was filled up with the unknown. The name reflects the group’s unique and unconventional style, compared to that of mainstream art. “A lot of artists inspire and influence me. I like the local artist Tobar. I saw gas masks in his art and they intrigued me. I remember thinking, ‘I want one of those’,” Helfrich said. The group not only paints, but they also design logos and t-shirts for

seehear To see a high speed video of Helfrich painting, scan this QR code with your www.hilights.org smartphone. different businesses and events. Helfrich’s art has been displayed and sold at places such as the City Arts Factory, Blank Space, Space Bar, Pom Pom’s Tea House and Sandwicheria and Redefine gallery. He has sold pieces from $50-$200. “I’m always proud when his art is on display, we love to take pictures,” Halsey’s mother Grace Helfrich said. “I’m surprised at how quickly he has infiltrated his art into the community.” Helfrich wants to avoid becoming the stereotypical “starving artist”; in doing so he is thinking of becoming a gallery manager when he grows up, while still creating art on the side. “Art will always be a part of who Halsey is,” G. Helfrich said.

photo/LIZZY GORDON

CONCENTRATION. Halsey Helfrich paints clouds over an original piece. “When [my family] was ﬂying back from Key West, I saw the clouds. Clouds are always there, no one can change them. This piece reﬂects unchangeable nature,” Helfrich said. This piece is a combined effort; junior Willow Cheek drew the face beneath the clouds. The painting took two months to complete.

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In the Zone

Chase Gardner, sports editor

Friday, Febuary 8, 2013 hilights.org

We want the title of world’s best ball club, and with this roster, we can’t and won’t take no for an answer. Chase Gardner, columnist

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U.S. shows bullpen power Twelve years ago, America’s pastime went global: Major League Baseball and the International Baseball Federation established the World Baseball Classic to bring the world together with the greatest sport of them all. For the past two tournaments, however, baseball looks more like Japan’s national pastime because they’ve taken home the title. This is America’s year though; I can feel it. A superior pitching staff and power packed middle batting order will launch the United States to its first title. I don’t mean to sound cocky or anything, but come on; R.A. Dickey(2.73 ERA), Craig Kimbrel (42 saves) and Kris Medlen (1.57 ERA) alone could own the mound. These world-class pitchers coupled up with sluggers like Mark Teixeira (.475 SLG), David Wright (.306 AVG) and Joe Mauer (.319 AVG) and there’s no way we could lose, it’s too killer a combo. I’m calling a total flop by the Japanese team. Not having Ichiro Suzuki(.283 AVG, 29 SB), who says he just doesn’t want to play and Hideki Matsui(.435 OPS), who announced his retirement from the sport, will definitely shake up their roster and set them back. That will mean they’ll be without their fastest runners and two best hitters which will put the weight of the team on the veteran catcher, Shinnosuke Abe. I say the U.S. team’s biggest threat, without a doubt, is not the highly regarded Cuba, but in fact, 12th ranked Puerto Rico. The Puerto Ricans bring pitchers Fernando Cabrera (1.53 WHIP) and Giovanni Soto (3.09 ERA). They also have plate power needed for a long run with Yadier Molina (.315 AVG) and Carlos Beltran (.495 SLG, .346 OBP). They aren’t the only ones in the classic though. Look out for a strong showing from the Dominican Republic. While yes, they may lack in pitching, but they sure make up for it in their line-up. With blazing fast base runner Jose Reyes (40 SB, .347 OBP) and power hitters like Melky Cabrera (.346 AVG, .516 SLG, .906 OPS) and Adrian Beltre (.321 AVG, .561 SLG), the D.R. will pose a true threat with deep hits. Overall, it’s looking good for the United States. It will be a hard fought battle with certain teams, but a great pitching rotation will guide us through Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic’s killer line-ups. Team U.S. starts its run March 8, against Mexico. The team then plays Italy on March 9, and Canada on March 10. Third time’s the charm for Team U.S. We want the title of the world’s best ball club, and with this roster, we can’t and won’t take no for an answer.

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hi-lights sports

FINANCIAL AID HELP AVAILABLE

MORNING JAVA

Valencia offers free, expert help with the Free Application for the Federal Student Aid on Feb. 18, from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on both East and West campuses. Rollins College is also offering help on Feb. 23, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Students should make sure the FAFSA is turned in at least three weeks before your chosen school’s deadline.

The drama department is selling hot chocolate, coffee and tea before school in the Kemosbe Commons on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 a.m. to 7:15 a.m. Items are $2 and proceeds benefit the drama department.

#thetest

Concussions cause kids chaos  Concussion from, page 1

Sample concussion test question: This measures visual working memory and processing speed. The athlete is shown an image of X’s and O’s. Three are illuminated. Then a blank screen is shown as a distractor; then the screen with the X’s and O’s is shown again. The athlete clicks the X’s and O’s he thinks were illuminated. He gets a score based on accuracy and quickness. If an athlete gets a concussion, he retakes the test to see if his answers match.

year at age 43. The National Institutes of Health discovered this month that Seau had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a de-generative brain disease caused by repeated concussions that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss or cause one to become clinically depressed and even suicidal. However, there are 1.6 to 3.8 million sports related concussions per year in the United States, according to the The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Because of the increase of recorded concussions in high school and college sports, coaches, trainers, players and doctors are taking this injury much more seriously. There has also been an increase in professional sports. The NFL has had 159 concussions as of Jan. 24, in the 2012-2013 season. “When I played lacrosse, getting hit was just a part of the game. It wasn’t regarded as such a major issue. But since I’ve started coaching, everyone has been more careful, which is a good thing,” head lacrosse coach Elliot Whitton said. Coaches today are doing everything they can to prevent and protect their players from concussions. They talk about safe-hitting, don’t encourage pure violence and always make a player sit

out if he has been hit hard in the head or anywhere else. Furthermore, the NCAA is partnering with 11 sports leagues, equipment manufacturers and safety organizations to help limit concussions in youth football. The partnership will provide helmets and replace them for under privileged kids and will also educate kids on safe hitting. Athletic trainers are also doing their part. Sarah Coelho, athletic trainer, treats about 8 concussions every football season, two every soccer season and a couple occasionally, in any other sport throughout the year. To determine if a kid has a concussion Coelho sees how he was hurt, does a symptoms checklist and performs an impact test. The impact test is composed of 6 modules, each of which test a certain part of the brain, and can be performed by a doctor or an athletic trainer. Depending on what the athlete scores on the test, Coelho will refer him to see a doctor or require him to sit out of his designated sport until his symptoms are gone. “I know what it feels like to have a concussion. I played basketball and in one game I went up for a rebound and hit the floor really hard. I felt dizzy, but kept playing. I shouldn’t have done that because it probably made it worse,” Coelho said. In Orange County, schools are

illustration/MCTCAMPUS

required to give teams, such as football, lacrosse and water polo, free baseline tests before their seasons start to see if a player has a concussion and also for future knowledge if a player were to get one. But all concussions cannot be prevented. There is not a way to save oneself from getting hit in the head.

Participating in contact sports can put one at risk no matter what he does. There are rules to help prevent concussions; such as, hitting regulations in football and lacrosse, but they still happen. The next time one hears “Oh, Jimmy got his bell rung!” he should immediately tell Jimmy to go to the doctor.

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Friday, February 8, 2013 hilights.org

hi-lights sports

GIRLS WANT TO DROWN COMPETITION

LACROSSE READY TO SCORE

The girls water polo team will have the preseason jamborie at Winter Park on Feb. 15. Their first regular season game will be on Feb. 19, at Wadeview Pool against Colonial. Girls play at 6 p.m. and boys at 7 p.m.

The boys lacrosse team starts off the season with an away game at Oviedo at 6 p.m. on Feb. 13. Their first home game is against Lake Nona on Feb. 27, at 6 p.m. Girls play Timber Creek at home Feb. 21, at 7:30 p.m.

Driver accelerates career Stock car racer moves up in racing league By COOPER BROCK On his daily commute to school, he normally maxes out at 40 mph. However, every Friday night he reaches speeds of up to 115 mph. Driving around the track with up to 50 other drivers in full size stock cars, junior Bruce Bennett is a race car driver. “He’s always liked race cars and NASCAR. He skipped preschool and would hang out at a friend of mine’s and watch him fix cars,” Bruce’s father Charles Bennett said. Previously a stock car racer himself, Bennett’s father saw his son’s interest in the sport take shape at 5 years old. At 7 years old, he began racing go-karts, then racing full size trucks at 13 years old. “I like the adrenaline rush. We hit speeds over 100 mph depending on the truck, so it gets pretty intense,” Bennett said. “Probably like 20 minutes before the race I get nervous, but once I start driving it all goes away.” With his father as his spotter, and his mother and sister detailing the cars, Bennett’s passion has become his family’s, making each tournament and rally a family affair. “Every time he wins, it’s memorable,”

C. Bennett said. “When he was 12, he won his first race, and it was a weeklong event.” There are seven tracks in Florida, and the Bennett family travels to each of them as racing tournaments take place, every two weeks. They also travel to the tracks to race individually in timed trials every Friday night. “Most of the work is preparing the car. He’s considered a rough driver and we have to fix it back up. After almost every race, he comes back with a fender bender,” C. Bennett said. Having won one race in 2012, 9 in 2011, along with several 2nd and 3rd place finishes, Bennett earns between $500-$1300 per win. The prize money is often used for upgrades and repairs to the car. Bennett’s family intends to stick with racing for as long as they can afford, stating that they need a good sponsor to help pay for equipment, repairs, and entrance fees. The next step in racing for Bennett is a super late model, which is the fastest model one can drive locally without entering the NASCAR circuit. “I’d like to go big in race car driving, but it’s all about money and sponsorships. Whatever I can do I’m happy with,” Bennett said. As of now, Bennett continues

photocourtesy/BRUCE BENNETT

TRUCKIN’. Waiting for the race to start, Bruce Bennett waits to put the truck in gear. “I like the anticipation, it gets you pumped and ready to go,” Bennett said.

racing in all the Florida minor circuit tournaments and rallies as well as individually, against the clock. “There are some people who have traditions or rituals before they race, but not me,” Bennett said. “I just get in the car and drive.”

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RIDIN’ DIRTY. After a race, Bennett works on repairing damage to his truck. “I bang up the truck quite a bit during each race,” Bennett said. photocourtesy/BRUCE BENNETT

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artsentertainment hi-lights

KEMOSABE CLOSET

BRAVES FACE HAGERTY

The Kemosabe Closet is accepting donations of gently used articles of clothing, as well as footwear. The food pantry is also accepting all non-perishable food items. All donations should be brought to the front office.

Tonight the Lady Braves softball team will take on Hagerty at home. JV plays at 6 p.m., followed by varsity at 7 p.m. Their next home game is Feb. 20, against St. Cloud.

photos/JOSH HALLORAN

MOST EGGCELENT. The Mexican Omelette ($8.59)is served with chorizo sausage, green chilies and onions.“The Mexican Omelette had a nice variety of textures and ﬂavors. The cool and freshness blended well with the potatoes,” senior Cooper Brock said. There are seven omelette choices on the menu.

Eggspect the Uneggspected #the411 Restaurant provides Where: 2380 S. Orange Ave. Orlando, FL 32806

When: Mon.- Fri. 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sat., Sun. 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.

How much: $8-$20 Cash, VIsa

Beverages: soft drinks, homemade lemonade

Extras: offers outdoor seating with umbrellas

Online: theeggandiresta urants.com

exotic meals at acceptable prices

By JOSH HALLORAN Perfect for an early breakfast or a late brunch, The Egg and I has exactly what one is searching for in a modern day diner. The Egg and I is a perfect after church restaurant, but does not exclude from the casual family breakfast. With the price range between $8-$20, one gets to experience a quality meal without having to worry about paying an expensive bill. Part of the expanding SODO area, The Egg and I opened in early October and has offered deals in local newspapers and magazines. They offer an acceptable 10 percent discount to both veterans and seniors. The interior is aligned with a cream color and has an assortment of ceramic paintings and small ornaments that can make one reminisce of dining in grandma’s kitchen. But for one who prefers dining outdoors, The Egg and I also offers plenty of outdoor tables with umbrellas for shade. The menu has one’s average diner dishes with an exotic twist, for example the Viva La France ($6.99) is a typical French toast meal but decorated with two eggs and two strips of crisp bacon or sausage patties. Or if one is searching for simplicity, they might be interested in the Breakfast Croissant ($8.29), scrambled eggs, diced ham and melted cheese served with a bakery-fresh

croissant, with a side of ranch potatoes. The Egg and I also provides healthy choices for customers such as the Egg Byte Omelette ($8.49). This dish is served with a three egg white omelette, and a variety of fresh vegetables such as diced tomatoes, green peppers, baby spinach and portabella mushrooms. If one is not in the mood for breakfast, The Egg and I is equipped with an excessive number of sandwiches and lunch-based dishes. For example, The Egg Cheeseburger ($8.49), a regular cheeseburger cooked to one’s liking topped with a fried egg, a very exquisite taste. Once again, The Egg and I offers a healthy dish for the lunch crowd as well. The Veggie Greek Wrap ($7.99) arranged with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives red onions, Havarti dill and feta cheese wrapped in a tomato tortilla with pesto mayonnaise. The extra choices of add-ons and sides are exorbitant. The Pineapple Coconut Pancake ($5.99) exerts an indescribable amount of flavor. There is fresh pineapple and toasted coconut baked inside the pancake and is served with a side of vanilla cream sauce that is exquisite. The servers exemplified excellence when it came to customer service. The resturant was alligned so that it could sit an exceptional number of customers but still allow one a peaceful meal and to be excluded from its neighbor. The Egg and I gives one the exact experience of what a diner should be.

BREAKFAST TIME. The Breakfast Croissant ($8.29) is served with scrambled eggs, diced ham and melted cheese and a bakery-fresh croissant. “The Breakfast Croissant was extremely appetizing. It gave me the exact amount of food needed for breakfast time,” senior Coral Dixon said. This is the only croissant item on there menu. EGGSTRAORDINARY. The Texas Skillet ($8.99) comes with seasoned steak strips, roasted red and green peppers, onions and portabella mushrooms on a bed of ranch potatoes with melted cheese, two eggs cooked to any style and an English muffin. “This dish provides a ﬂavor that is indescribable,” senior Robert Irwin said. This dish is cooked to order.