William R. Boone High School Student Paper
Friday, March 16, 2012 Volume 60, Issue No.5
For Students, By Students
See student tattoos p. 28
2000 South Mills Avenue Orlando, Florida 32806
Hazing causes e g a Dam By MARK VAGELAKOS The 21st century has brought light to academic hazing, a practice previously thought to be inconsequential that was kept behind closed doors and behind the law. Incidents of hazing at Florida A&M University, specifically when student Robert Champion was killed after a marching band show, have reignited the issue many think is harmless. Legislation is arising to prevent future hazing incidents and future deaths. California law now defines hazing and punishes it after an incident at California Polytechnic State University on Dec. 1, 2008. Sigma Alpha Epsilon pledge Carson Starkey died from alcohol poisoning during an initiation where he was told to drink various alcoholic beverages from a brown bag. Afterward, his blood alcohol level was .44. His parents are suing to force every fraternity to list its infractions. Before Carson pledged, they checked college and fraternity websites for previous infractions but did not find anything negative even though the fraternity had been suspended the year before for underage drinking. Orange County Public Schools has a zero tolerance policy on hazing, an attitude shared by football coach Phil Ziglar. “I don’t [understand] beating a child. I don’t see making a child feel embarrassed. To me, it’s the most demeaning thing
Please see , page
• Learn how to handle finances p. 9
11
• Read about drama’s production of Once Upon a Mattress p. 26
Volume 60, Issue No. 5 March 16, 2012 For Students, By Students
In Every Issue 4 5 10 21 22
12
photo/STEPHANIE GARCIA
contents 6 DREAM Act stirs up controversy in the U.S.
14 Foreign students share their culture and views on America
9 Learn ways to keep finances in check for the future
16 How technology hinders relationships
11 Unconventional ways to spend time during spring break
18 Dancers manage school work and their sport simultaneously
12 Students use different forms of art to convey messages
28 Students use their bodies as a way to express themselves
3 The typical lead pencil can draw
the world located on two continents.
a line that is 35 miles long.
2 The sentence “the quick brown
4 A chicken with red earlobes will
hilights.org
26
Star Ratings
1 Istanbul, Turkey, is the only city in
fox jumps over the lazy dog” uses every letter in the English language.
Scan this QR code with your smartphone to visit www.hilights.org
16
photo/LINDSAY ALEXANDER
4
Letter From the Editor Our View 1 in 3,000 Ty It All Together Sneak Peeks
Perfection in every sense of the word. Nothing special, but worth buying. EH.
produce brown eggs, and a chicken with white earlobes will produce white eggs.
Not worth the money. Might as well gouge your eyes out now.
March 16, 2012
photo/TYLER PATRICK
Calendar March 19, 6 p.m. Flag football vs. Olympia
March 20, 6 p.m.
Boys’ lacrosse vs. Edgewater
March 21, 6 p.m. Girls’ lacrosse vs. Edgewater
March 22, 6 p.m.
Boys’ baseball vs. Colonial
page 3
opinions
2011-12 Staff
EDITOR
Diversity benefits citizens
EDITORIAL BOARD
By KAREN JAEN America is considered the melting pot of the world, open to accepting different ethnicities and traditions from everywhere This country is a thriving place for opportunity, which is why foreigners seek a home here. Moving away from one’s home country is always a difficult transition. Moving to America is one of the hardest transitions, especially for someone who has spent the majority of his youth in another country. Coming from someone who has experienced this transition, it is no cakewalk for those who seek “The American Dream.” The presence of different cultures in America is one of the most fundamental aspects of this country. There is a sea of languages and traditions surrounding American people; the numerous traditions from all over the world should be embraced. Learning values, such as spending more time with family from other countries is also important for people to do; it facilitates the ability for different people to connect. It allows people to relate to one another in different ways. There is a multitude of people who speak a variety of languages, and consequently there are a vast number of people who are bilingual.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Karen Jaen MANAGING EDITOR Tyler Patrick COPY EDITOR Lindsay Alexander BUSINESS MANAGER Anna Marie Boria INDEX EDITOR Stephanie Garcia
WEBMASTER Mark Vagelakos
REPORTERS Delanee Bogan Cooper Brock Sara Casler Ruben Carrillo Karina Flores Lizzy Gordon Austin Hall Joshua Hollaran Sam Holleman Bridgette Norris Kinsey Seacord Lia Villar Molly Wallace
Being bilingual is becoming one of the most essential skills to have in the U.S. because most job occupations now require this skill. Readers should take a look at the Special section of Hi-Lights for a close feature on students who have moved to America from different countries. This section offers an in-depth look on the students’ traditions and cultures and how those traditions compare and contrast with American values. However, the melting pot of America is also stirring controversy between conservative and liberal citizens. Illegal immigration is a daily hot topic in headlines, and many Americans condone those who move here to seek opportunity. One of the most controversial topics against illegal immigration is what is known as the DREAM Act. Two writers face off about the DREAM Act on page 6. The debate focuses on whether illegal students who meet certain requirements should be allowed to seek affordable higher education in America. Being diverse and open to different cultures is an important quality to obtain when living in the U.S., especially because one international migrant moves to America every 43 seconds; accepting the melting pot is necessary and beneficial for everyone to be able to relate.
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OTHER ADVISER Renee Burke
Agree or disagree with any of our content? We will print letters to the editor in the Editorials section. We are always looking for new ideas. If you have anything you think we should cover, feel free to drop your idea off at Room 224.
PRINCIPAL Margaret McMillen
karen jaen, editor-in-chief
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Editorial Policy Policy Statement
Hi-Lights is a student 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
November 12, 2010
page 4
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, 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 2614 or Room 224. If you find any errors, please call our offices or visit us.
March 16, 2012
page 7
hilights.org
opinions
View Communicating cultural recognition LANGUAGES HELP BUSINESS, BRAIN English is the lingua franca of the world. It is the language of international business transactions. However, the business world is changing and English speakers who learn foreign languages benefit not only economically but culturally and intellectually as well. International business calls and transactions take place every minute of every day. Calls from Saudi Arabia to the United States and from the United States to China are here-say in the realm of international trade and commerce. Face-to-face meetings and interviews are also conducted on a regular basis. While translators can be used, the international business employment market is becoming more competitive. Graduates of top business schools in America compete with global graduates who know several languages. International businesses, as well as local businesses, will take multilingual employees over monolingual ones, as long as both employees are equally qualified in other areas. At New York University in Abu Dhabi, students from around the world taking classes ranging from Chemistry to Anthropology, learn, speak and study i n languages not of their native tongue. This educational
Your Thoughts What do you think of learning languages?
attempt at experiencing a diverse global society is preparing students for the real world of international business. International business is not the only occupation where multilingualism comes in handy. Anyone flirting with an espionage occupation will find benefit in speaking foreign languages for jobs with the State Department or the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Still, citizens looking for conventional jobs will find speaking another language helpful in public relations, social services and health care. Knowledge of a foreign language is especially helpful in states like Florida, New York and California where immigrant and ethnically diverse populations are high. English speakers who learn other languages improve themselves culturally as well. People around the world learn English, which is a convenience for English speakers. If English speakers in turn attempt to learn other languages, they communicate a kind gesture. In the year 2011, 1.3 billion people spoke Chinese natively and 341 million people spoke English natively. Even a small percentage of English speakers learning Chinese is a wise decision both economically and socially. Furthermore, languages are art forms. Marcel Suarez-Orozco, a globalization professor at NYU and editor of Educating the Whole Child for the Whole
I’m excited to learn [Spanish] because everyone assumes I know it, and it will help me later in life . - julia collazo, freshman
Forum Americans steam roll cultural beauty For hundreds of years, the English (and American) culture has consumed native cultures. We forget the beauty of other cultures as we steam roll through them. By learning other languages, we gain insight into the nature of other cultures. By choosing not to, we close our minds to possibilities and continue to subjugate others with the full force of American culture.
- adam kobert, freshman
Free country equals language choice Nope. If students or adults wish to learn other languages they have the ability to choose that and the resources to do so because we live in a free country. It should not be required for students in our country to have to learn another language
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illustration/ LINDSAY ALEXANDER
World, a series on globalization and education, says, “Aristotle is turning in his grave.” Using a lingua franca is progressive, but society cannot forget the beauty of different languages. Speaking a language allows people to connect culturally and relate to each other. Conversing with a person in his own tongue beats roughly conversing through a lingua franca any day. A little known fact about multilingual persons is their gray brain matter, a component in brain tissue that passes along sensory information to different parts of the body, is denser than the
It’s a waste of time. We live in America; all we need to know is English. - cameron truex, sophomore
rest of the world’s monolingual inhabitants, indicating higher levels of intelligence. According to the Center for Applied Linguistics and webmd. com, researchers have discovered being bilingual changes brain structure, especially in the left brain’s gray matter density. Whether it is to advance in the business world, to advance one’s social graces through the art of learning a language or trying to boost brain power, English speakers who study and learn a second language will reap the benefits.
If you want to talk to people in another language, you do it because it’s your own choice.
I don’t think it should be forced in schools, but it’s good to know.
- arielle baba, junior
For student opinions on English speakers learning languages, go to hilights.org and search Reservation Conversation. Also see pages 14 to 15 about other cultures
- christhian charria, senior
SHOULD ENGLISH SPEAKERS LEARN FOREIGN LANGUAGES? when half the people here can’t speak proper English.
- shannon gresosky, senior
English speakers must take initiative American students should be forced to learn other languages. European countries make it a key aspect of their education for children to learn English because it is so important to the world, considering America [an English speaking country]is a super power. If kids were forced to learn European languages, it might help in the future or just make us a more well-rounded country.
- jennifer whitlock, senior
Foreign languages broaden worldview I think all American students should learn at least one other
March 16, 2012
language growing up. Even though English is arguably the most popular language, it is important to be able to communicate with people of other tongues and cultures. I was raised speaking two languages and believe that it has helped me understand other cultures and people as well as broadened my world view.
- hannah ausen, senior
Language classes specific to location I think Americans should learn another language. [Learning a language in school could be based on] geographical location sush as Florida students could learn Spanish while Pacific States could learn Chinese.
- kendal martinez, senior
page 5
opinions
DREAM Act provokes controversy By AUSTIN HALL and KARINA FLORES The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors’s (DREAM Act) goal is to provide affordable higher education to undocumented youth currently living in the United States. The federal version of this bill does not require universities or colleges to offer in-state tuition prices while the state version does. Rather than paying out-of-state tuition, eligible students will be able to pay in-state tuition, which is three times less, therefore three times more affordable. Before receiving this exemption, students must have been 15-years-old or younger when they came to the United States, lived in the U.S. for at least five years before the enactment of the law, earned a high school diploma or GED and proven to be of good moral character with no criminal record. With requirements met, eligible students would have six years to earn permanent residency status if they complete two years of college or complete two years of military service. The state bill was denied in Florida and in Arizona, but passed in every other state, where the federal bill was denied by Congress. This bill will not be brought to Congress for discussion until 2013, making it a controversial issue in the 2012 elections.
1.5
million undocumented immigrant youth currently live in the United States
65
thousand immigrant students graduate U.S. high schools each year.
Straddling the border 5 of injustice By AUSTIN HALL The Florida DREAM Act is just another way for America to give away money that we do not have. America is currently $15.4 trillion in debt and that number is constantly rising. This Act provides illegal immigrants with the opportunity to pay in-state tuition for college, instead of paying out-of-state tuition rates, or enlist in the military and get put on a fast track to citizenship, after five years of illegally living in America. This bill is like ants to honey. It promotes immigrating to the U.S. According to the Department of Homeland Security, in 2010, there were 10.8 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. If this bill passes, that number would likely skyrocket. The yearly annual flow of illegal immigrants has been dropping since 2000. Nothing will stop people who are thinking about migrating illegally to the U.S. if the DREAM Act passes. Bright House Networks does not give discounted cable to people who have been stealing their neighbor’s cable. So, America should not give in-state tuition to illegal immigrants who have been living in our country for five years. According to the Center for Immigration Studies, America will lose $6.2 billion a year to the DREAM Act. Illegal immigrants are draining America’s resources. If an illegal immigrant, who is living in America, gets a finger cut off and has to be taken to a hospital, the hospital is required to treat the person, even if the person cannot afford it, the person will walk
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out with a bandaged up hand without having to pay a single cent. So taxpayers pay for that person’s hospital trip. America provides enough of these public services for its citizens, not for these illegal immigrants. When people who are getting married send out invitations, they expect to receive an RSVP back so they know how much food to buy. They do not buy extra food for uninvited wedding crashers. The theory behind the DREAM Act is kids who came to the country illegally will go to college, get a higher education and become a functional member of society by getting a job and reinvesting into our country. The problem is not immigrants going to college, it is the part about these students getting jobs. With unemployment at an all time high, there are not enough jobs to go around. Until the economy turns around, we will lose money and as a result, a higher unemployment rate. This Act is unfair to the people who became legal citizens the right way, because these people did not get a chance to receive in-state tuition before they moved to America. It is not always the child’s fault that they are here illegally, but their parents should have thought ahead before they decided to cheat the American government. The DREAM Act is only a valid idea if increased debt, drained resources and a higher rate of illegal immigration are appealing side effects. The Florida DREAM Act was not passed in 2012, but it will rear its ugly head again in January of 2013. So vote no to keep America out of debt.
Minimum number of years eligible students have to live in the U.S. before enactment of law
13
Number of states have implemented versions of the DREAM Act
15
The maximum age eligible children must have been when they were brought to the United States
2
Years in college or military completed before receiving permanent residence
March 16, 2012
Let DREAM come true By KARINA FLORES Joy, excitement and relief can describe the feelings of thousands of students who graduate each year, but those that are here unlawfully cannot say the same. They are left with the feeling of uncertainty, not knowing what to expect for their futures. Approximately 1.5 million undocumented immigrant youths currently living in the United States are left without affordable education after high school, drastically limiting their success. The Florida DREAM Act should be enacted so that innocent and deserving students can pursue an affordable education and citizenship. According to a study by the Urban Institute, 65,000 undocumented students graduate from U.S. high schools each year. About 5,000 of these students graduate in Florida, and only about 5 percent go on to get a college education. Risking deportation for a better life, parents brought their children illegally, but without an opportunity at higher education, these children will be considered inefficient employees, forced to fall prey to a cycle of poverty. The astoundingly low percentage of undocumented students pursuing a higher education is due to the sole fact that they cannot afford it. Currently, legislation states that unlawful or undocumented youths are required to pay out-of-state tuition in the state of their recent residence, which is three times more than in-state tuition. The DREAM Act is a proposed legislation tailored to provide a path to legal residency for undocumented immigrant students who, to no fault of their own, were brought illegally into the country and received primary and secondary education in the U.S. Those opposed to the bill assert it will reward illegal activity of immigrants through citizens’ tax money. In one way or another, parents of these children pay taxes through sales taxes everyday. The proposed law is not without its conditions. Only after meeting the requirements specified in the introduction and completing two years of higher education or two years of military service will the student have six years to earn permanent residency status. These are attainable goals that require diligence and determination, qualities valued in citizens. The DREAM Act will not grant citizenship to anyone and everyone, but provide a pathway to those who deserve a chance to reach their full potential in society. Therefore, only those who
fulfill the requirements provided by the bill will be deemed qualified for citizenship, adding an educated and skilled asset to communities and the United States as a whole. The aforementioned requirements needed to qualify for the DREAM Act not only help those who reap these benefits, but also the citizens in their surrounding communities, since students who would benefit under the DREAM Act have been raised and educated in the U.S. and local taxpayers have already invested in the education of these children in elementary and secondary school. With advanced college degrees, U.S. taxpayers will see a return on their investment. Furthermore, the economy can benefit from an increase in educated immigrants with acquired skills, ultimately creating jobs and generating revenue. According to a December 2011 study from the American Enterprise Institute and the Partnership For New American Economy, every 100 foreign-born workers with degrees are associated with 262 jobs for native-born workers. Today’s global economy requires an educated and skilled workforce capable of acquiring, creating and distributing knowledge. Passage of the DREAM Act will create a group of talented, multi-lingual and multi-cultural workers who will help America compete in the global market. Unfortunately, the similar Florida DREAM Act, consisting of two proposals, was unable to gain ample support, as of Feb. 16, when it was voted down 4-3 in the Senate Judiciary Committee. The Florida DREAM Act can ensure affordable opportunities to students who would become an advantage to our country. It is only viable to pass legislation that allows competent and deserving individuals to fulfill their DREAMs.
Scan Me
Using a smartphone, take a picture of the QR Code below to see a soundslide of students opposing views on the DREAM Act.
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opinions
Screaming & Hollering
Comparison of Birth Control Effectiveness Rhythm Method (75%)
Sam Holleman Columnist
Withdrawal (81%) Male Condom (86%)
Better than Babylon A.D.
The Pill (95%) Source: American Pregancy Association
Birth control legislation is fair, lawful GOVERNMENT SHOULD LET PEOPLE “CONTROL” THEIR LIVES BY MARK VAGELAKOS In a heated debate igniting partisan sentiments, contraception is the buzz word in the Capitol. However, the constituents that the debaters represent have decided on this issue and they are in favor of it (55 percent of Americans and 58 percent of American Catholics according to the Public Institute of Health), and for good reason. In 2011, the United States Department of Health and Human Services announced a new policy requiring employers to provide health insurance covering contraceptive services such as birth control to women without a co-pay or a deductible. A Guttmacher study found 99 percent of women in the United States rely on birth control at some point in their lives. Health insurance companies initiated this legislation because it would be cheaper for them to pay for birth control rather than pay for unplanned pregnancies and children. Among providing FDA approved birth control like “the pill,” patches and shots, the bill would also provide an annual “well-woman” physical, screening for the virus that causes cervical cancer and for diabetes during pregnancy, counseling on domestic violence and other services. Even though churches are exempt from the rule and many Catholic adherents agree with the rule, many church officials, especially Catholic clergy, were angry church affiliated groups like hospitals and schools would be forced to comply. In response, President Obama announced that religious affiliated charities and universities would not have to pay for this coverage; instead the cost would be shifted to the health insurance companies. The compromise does cause a hassle for women with these employers, but it is not a bad fix: health care is still provided while religious institutions do not have to directly infringe upon their beliefs. Yet, some still oppose the decision, claiming constitutional religious rights are being encroached upon because they have to pay for health care that indirectly provides contraceptive services. However, the fact is, they simply are not. No religious worship is being interfered with and no one is being forced to take contraception. Rather, it compels health insurance to provide for contraception, which the Institute of Medicine has called a medical necessity opposed to a convenience
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“to ensure women’s health and well-being.” On a broader level, America is not a theocracy. Religious institutions should not influence the public policy of America where no religion is dominant. In fact, the Supreme Court upheld this position in the 1990 decision Employment Division v. Smith, which said religious liberty does not supercede an otherwise neutral law. Meanwhile, religious objectors ignore the rights of another group: women. It is a woman’s right to decide what to do with her body, not her employer’s. It is a two way street though, which leaves one wondering where an employer gets the right to push his religious views on others. Instead of protecting zygotes like human beings, religious officials should be concerned for the children of unplanned pregnancies. Family planning through birth control and other contraceptive methods would reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies and thus the need for abortion and unwanted children. Considering it costs about $190,000 to raise a child from 0-18, according to bankrate.com, along with a huge amount of time and energy, unplanned pregnancies, which account for 49 percent of overall pregnancies and 78 percent of teenage pregnancies in the U.S., (Guttmacher) create a troubling situation. Of those pregnancies, 54 percent ended in abortion. Additionally, with most unplanned pregnancies occurring with poor women of a minority, the state ends up taking the bill for providing where parents cannot. Unplanned pregnancies cost the U.S. government $11 billion a year (Guttmacher). It would be much more cost effective to provide birth control early rather than support later. If families are planned, parents will be more likely to provide the time and money to raise them. The century long fight against contraception has produced many other troubling consequences. A separate Guttmacher study found that the United States had the lowest proportion of contraceptive use among developed countries. This leads to increased abortions and an increased transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. Legislators need to understand the American people have already made their decision on this issue. Providing contraception will reduce the number of unplanned pregnancies and reduce the dependence of poor mothers on the government as well as reduce the number of children with unprepared parents.
March 16, 2012
America has reached this time again. The time to start recording the newest episode of Glee so one can fast forward through all the political ads. Time to either put out yard signs endorsing a candidate or shoot those same yard signs with a paint ball gun to express one’s hatred of that candidate (Hi-Lights does not condone the act of using a paint ball gun as a weapon to vandalize and frowns upon any act of vandalism). Yes, this year Americans will cast their ballot on who they think should run the country. But, to much disappointment, the 2012 election has become less of an election and more along the lines of Vin Diesel’s acting career: a joke. Before any election, of course, we must narrow down our options through what is called a primary. And this election, given President Barrack Obama is seeking re-election, only the republicans hold a primary to decide who will run against President Obama in the general election. But these primaries have lost their meanings and their purpose. Instead of trying to pick the best candidate to represent them in the primaries, republicans are attempting to find the candidate who is the farthest from President Obama’s beliefs as physically possible. Republican government officials have changed their opinion on major issues 24 separate times. And this was not just one or two radical republicans switching sides, republicans have moved in drones to the opposite side in fear that they might actually agree with President Obama. From military intervention in the Middle East to social security, republicans miraculously changed their minds on huge issues when Obama became the president. Let us use the DREAM Act as an example (to learn about the DREAM Act, refer to the page directly to the left of this one). In the 1980’s, President Ronald Reagan gave amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants; even George W. Bush and John McCain were willing to work hand-in-hand with democrats to work out immigration reform. But all of these efforts seized like the end of the Korean War after the 2008 election. Republicans decided to pull a Mitt Romney and start focusing on militarizing the United States-Mexico border to keep the same immigrants out of the country that not eight years ago, were welcoming with open arms. Republicans are against President Obama, and the purpose of the republican primaries is not to pick a candidate that best represents the republican people, but rather to pick
someone opposite of President Obama. Furthermore, the republican hopefuls are to elections as Escape from New York is to Kurt Russell’s career: not exactly a highlight. As previously mentioned, since Obama was elected, republicans have been against everything he has done and will do, so the officials the republican party asks to run were expected to be the “best of the best of the best…sir...with honors” (Men in Black) because the person who gets the nomination would have to be able make Obama a 1-term president. One might remember in the beginning of the republican primaries, voters were acting a lot like goldilocks, except instead of three bowls of soup, there were eight republican candidates. Voters jumped from one republican to the next, hoping to find the soup that was just right. Now the choices have been cut in half, but by no means does it help republican voters. There are fewer choices, which should, in theory, mean an easier decision. But voters have to pick between a man who thinks Spanish is the language of the ghetto, a man who genuinely believes corporations are people, a man who’s views are too far to the left to even be considered a moderate Republican and a man who believes that elderly people in the Netherlands wear “Do not euthanize me bracelets.” This is sadly, the best the Republican Party has to offer voters. Moreover, none of the republican hopefuls stand a chance against President Obama in re-election. Barrack Obama, since he took office, has done amazing things. General Motors was checking out when he took office and now they are the top auto seller in the world. America’s consumption of oil is at its lowest in 16 years. He ended a war for Pete’s sake! In his first term, Obama created over 3.1 million jobs; this is more than the amount George W. Bush created in all eight years of his administration. None of the republican hopefuls can come remotely close to those accomplishments. Gingrich was brought up on ethics charges when he was the Speaker of the House, and the only notable accomplishment of Rick Santorum is that thanks to his dislike of the homosexual community his name has a special definition; (Google the word “Santorum” and the definition should be one of the top results). America has been about expressing one’s self freely for many years but when it comes to running the country, our expectations should be a bit higher than The Pacifier and Babylon A.D.
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campus and local
Ten
in
“I went swimming and made kool-aid on the beach.” - matthew besedick, junior
We asked 10 students to answer “What is the craziest thing you have done over Spring Break?” in 10 words.
“I went to Miami and the beach and partied hard.” -leiah burgess, senior
“I went to Cancun and surfed on some humongous waves.” - george gamez, sophomore
“I went on a cruise with my family and friends.” - stephanie hunte, freshman
“I fed the homeless and helped at the Humane Society.” - nicholas brown, sophomore
“I told this girl to make me a chicken sandwich.” - daniel sims, senior
“I went deep sea diving with “I jumped off a roof into a very deep pool” the sharks, big sharks.” - lateala nann, freshman - lane gray, junior
“I went to New York and stayed at Times Square.” - sabrina ishaque, sophomore
“I went to New York with family; it was fun.” - jamal galette, junior
4524 Hoffner Avenue (407) 240-2524 page 8
March 16, 2012
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campus and local
Teenage finances for METHODS FOR ALLEVIATING THE WOE OF MONEY MANAGEMENT By SARA CASLER According to finaid.org, the median cumulative debt among graduating bachelor’s degree recipients at 4-year undergraduate schools was approximately $20,000 in the 200708 school year. The average high school student is underinformed about the benefits and implications of planning a balanced financial future. Here are the top four tips to help navigate this system of numbers.
Start small and skip the credit card A credit card is not an all access pass to the epic man cave, so put it down. Credit cards are one of the most heavily abused forms of financing available. They are a valuable asset when used properly. The cost of items purchased with a credit card cost no more than they would at the initial time of purchase if the bill is paid on time. The problems arise when the bill is not. Economics teacher Richard Houston believes purchases made on credit should not be made if the bill cannot be paid. “[One of the dangers of credits cards is that] there is the feeling of a free lunch and consumption without payment. A lot of people think they can control their consumption and that it will never be a problem, but with a lot of people, it does. If you don’t have the discipline to pay 100 percent of the bill every single month, cut up the card,” Houston said. Credit cards have interest rates upwards of 14 percent, depending on how many rewards points or frequent flyer miles the consumer thinks they “need.” So, if a purchase of $100 is made on a credit card with an interest rate of 16 percent, the bill, if untouched for approximately four months, would total approximately $180, almost double the original cost. Credit card companies also like to lure unsuspecting students into gimmicks with “cool gear” like tees, coupons and most importantly, food. Do not fall for it; the free food only lasts as long as the meal, while the temptation to spend the entirety of a bank account lasts as long as the plastic does. If the draw of having a high roller flashing plastic is too great, try a debit card or prepaid card. Those kinds of cards can be more easily managed because the amount one is able to spend is limited by the amount put into the linking account.
.
To avoid the struggle to survive or the need to ask mommy and daddy for funding, set up a budget. Invest a small amount in a checkbook or notebook to track spending. Divide the money into quantities set aside for necessities, spending and saving. According to getrichslowly.com, a top financial advice blog, the preferred method of saving versus spending is called the Balanced Money Formula, which states that the key to success is spending 30 percent on wants, 50 percent on needs and putting 20 percent in a savings account. Although saving 20 percent is tough, it is a good plan to develop when finances are stable.
risk and more specifically, the likelihood that the borrower will become seriously delinquent on credit obligations after a 24-month period. In laymen’s terms, the higher the number, the more likely the one being scored will repay loans and make good on obligations. A prime example of a location where the credit score is vital is purchasing or leasing a car. Every car salesman not only takes into account the size of the down payment on the vehicle but how well the buyer has been in the past with repaying debts and loans. If one’s credit is low, then the odds of receiving a financing plan are low; the car dealership is not Take advantage of sales interested in getting ripped off or cheated. At one point or To build credit, start with small loans and another, every item purchases that can easily be paid back on time. on the market goes Avoid overstepping the boundaries of income, One more tip: on sale because of and try to keep some money in reserve in case Determine the long term effect excess supply. This of emergency purchases on credit so that a high A $20 purchase made weekly totals is prime time to credit score can be maintained. purchase what is $1,040 a year. Is it really a necessity? needed. Textbooks go on sale at the end of every year because most students no longer need them. Food items go on sale to increase total sales for a store. Stores publish a listing of all items available for less. When those are published, grab a copy. Not only are there listings, but normally coupons. Also, buying in bulk is cheaper, but only if the stock purchased gets used. Warning! Sales are not a reason to go on a shopping spree. Debate whether the item is needed before buying or if it would just be an impulse buy because of the cost.
Accumulate credit Odds are, a part of the readership is stuck scratching one’s heads in confusion. A high school kid needing credit? Why? What is the point? What is it, any ways? A credit score is a numerical value designed to predict
Make a budget If a student working at minimum wage works a 40 hour work week, he makes, on average before taxes, $300 a week. If that money is spent in the first two days, that leaves 12 days without funds and an excessive amount of Ramen. Calculus teacher and advocate for teenage financial planning Teresa Tachon believes that the issue most teenagers have is not purchasing what they need as independents, but unnecessary buying what they want. “Teenagers need to understand the difference between “wants” and “needs.” Sometimes, teens tend to spend their money on what they think is important which may differ from what their parents [or financier] may think is important,” Tachon said.
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campus and local
Spring break: no beach, no problem TIPS FOR SPRING BREAK ACTIVITIES
By LIZZY GORDON Students can find themselves with nothing to do over spring break because they lack transportation to go anywhere, or they just do not like the crowded beaches. Do not fear, there are other activities one can do to pass the time, even if one has budget in mind. For students on a budget, going to Boardwalk Bowl, Airheads and Putting Edge’s glow in the dark golf are affordable options. For students looking to have fun, with no budget in mind, playing laser tag at Wonderworks, going on the Sling Shot at Fun Spot or ziplining at the zoo is right up his ally. On the other hand, students looking for an inexpensive and relaxing restaurant can go to the Dandelion Cafe for a vegan cuisine, or to Dave and Busters for burgers and games. “The people are friendly, the food is delicious and the games are so much fun,” sophomore Kathleen Nelson said about Dave and Busters.
Cheap food, great quality
1. Dave and Busters: 8986 International Dr., Orlando,
32819. For a limited time only, games will be half priced every Wednesday from open to close. Also, there is a $15.99 Eat and Play combo. This includes one of nine entrees and a $10 game card that can be used in the arcade. “[My favorite thing about Dave and Busters] is that you get really good food, and they have great prizes. One time I won a huge pen that was bigger than my face,” sophomore Brianna Cameron said. 2. Dandelion Cafe: 618 N Thornton Ave Orlando, 32803. This cafe is completely organic and vegan, and offers an eco-friendly environment. It tends to be pricey. The cafe produces homemade team and cupcakes. “It is all organic and all the food is very fresh, I’d recommend it to friends,” senior Jordan Wilson said. “They have really good chili and green tea.” 3. Piper’s Bar and Grille: 4544 Curry Ford Rd., Orlando, 32812 Piper’s is most famous for their burgers and wings. “I go to Piper’s every Friday with my family. It is a tradition. My favorite thing to eat there is their salad,” freshman Anna Farrell said.
Your Thoughts What are you doing over spring break?
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fun for less
1. Airheads: 33 W. Pineloch Ave., Orlando, 32806. An
indoor trampoline warehouse where students can jump for two hours on Fridays from 9 p.m.- 11 p.m. for $14. Aside from the promotional prices, one hour of jumping is $12 and an additional hour is $10. “[I like Airheads because] it is cheaper [than Rebounderz], and it is just a huge room of trampolines. It makes me feel free,” sophomore Savannah Griffis said. 2. Boardwalk Bowl: 10749 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando, 32817. At the Boardwalk Bowl students can bowl, play mini golf and play in the arcade. An hour of bowling is $12, the price of one game is $2.75. “Boardwalk Bowl is a place you can go to with friends if there is nothing else to do. You can play mini golf, arcade games and eat,” Nelson said. 3. Putting Edge: 5250 International Dr., Orlando, 32819. Putting edge is a glow in the dark mini golf course located in the Festival Bay Mall. General admission is $10.50. The group rate for 15 people or more is $7.50 a person. “Putt putt is affordable and a good place to go on dates because it is dark,” freshman Mckenna Crager said.
No budget, just wanna have fun 1. ZOOMAIR: Within the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens 3755 NW Highway 17-92, Sanford. If one wishes to go ziplining, he can zipline the moderate Upland Course for $27. If he wants to be challenged, he can zipline the Upland and Rainforest Course for $46. “I like how [zip ling at the Central Park Zoo] is a workout, but fun at the same time,” Crager said. 2. Sling Shot at Fun Spot: 192 US Highway, Kissimee. For students who enjoy the thrill of rollercoasters or high speed car chases, the Sling Shot is their best match. The Sling Shot launches 230 feet, and lasts three minutes. The first ride is $25. For a souvenir video, add $15. “I was very scared at first, but it was not so bad at the end,” freshman Kennedy Heath said. “I would recommend this to people who are not afraid of heights.” 3. Wonderworks: 9067 International Drive, Kissimee, 32819. Wonderworks is an amusement park that consists of laser tag, rope challenges, movies and educational exhibits. “It is pricey, about $30 a person for everything, but I think it is worth the money,” senior Dominique Goldsborough said.
LOCATION
COST
SAFETY ARCADE WAIVER
AIRHEADS
BOING
33 West Pineloch Ave. Orlando, FL 32806
532 S. Econ Circle Suite 120 Oviedo, FL 32765
$12 first hour, $10 per additional hour Friday night 9 p.m.- 11 p.m. $14
$12 first hour, $9 for additional hours
Helmet is mandatory if under 18, shoes is mandatory for everyone
Not allowed to wear any jewelry, only have to wear ankle braces
Yes
Yes
Online at: https:// boingorlando. pfestore.com/ waiver/
Online at: https:// airheadsorlando. pfestore.com/ waiver/
Scan Me Scan this code for a review of Boinge, Rebounderz and Airheads
Tight budget, I am going to my beach house in New Smyrna with friends to hang out and go surfing. madeline murray, freshman
I am going to Puerto Rico to have fun with my old friends and father. - julissa velazquez, sophomore
March 16, 2012
I am going to hang out with my friends and go to Miami Beach. - stephen erickson, junior
I am going to be playing some shows with my band, The Weather Underground. - daniel bernal, senior
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campus and local
Initiations are dangerous, unneccessary , from page
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someone can do to another person,” Ziglar said. Hazing, according to hazingprevention.org, is any action that causes embarrassment, harassment, or risks emotional or physical harm, regardless of participation. A March, 4 CBS Sunday Morning report found that alcohol was present in 82 percent of hazing incidents. Since 1970, there has been a hazing related death on a U.S. college campus every year. Common hazing practices range from humiliating tasks like singing songs in front of a crowd, to forcing pledges to take drugs or drink alcohol, and violent acts like group beatings. However, those like Ziglar believe even supposedly trivial incidents are dangerous. photo/2000 LEGEND “Anytime you allow something or think it’s just DEEP CLEAN. A class of 2000 underclassman scrubs the Brave-head in the fun, someone will carry it too far. I don’t think 100 building after stepping on it. Before this tradition was stopped, football having someone injured is playing. I don’t think players would gaurd the hall to dole out the punishment. having someone die is playing,” Ziglar said. Champion was exposed to extreme hazing are hazed each year. Of the 91 percent of high school students practices while in the FAMU band program where he was that belong to at least one school related group, 48 percent beaten to death in a “gauntlet” by 30 students aboard the report being hazed. band bus, a ritual that had been going on for years and has Dr. Phillips High School reported an incident in 2010, hospitalized a student before, according to the Orlando where five football players beat another football player and Sentinel. Afterward, band director Julian White was fired for forced him into a trash can. Four were charged but were knowing about the dangerous practices. acquitted of crimes of hazing and battery while the fifth was Including Florida, 44 states have anti-hazing laws and not brought on charges. several more like Georgia are proposing new legislation to After the incident, the Orange County School Board now punish hazing with jail time. bans students who participate in hazing from being involved Hazing starts before one enters colleges, though. The in sports or extracurricular activities for one year up to life. Alfred University study said 1.5 million high school students Ziglar and administrators try to combat hazing with an
“It just isn’t going to happen here” attitude, but, while old traditions have died out like “trash-canning” underclassman who enter the junior-senior cafeteria, others have only recently been abolished. Until this year, the drama department had its initiates of the Thespian Honor Society participate in “Hell Week.” As part of the tradition, pledges would dress and act as characters created by senior members. Hell Week is a tradition followed around the country for initiates of the honor society. While drama teacher Tiffany Weagley does not challenge the decision to end the “Hell Week” tradition, she separates it from hazing because it is not mandatory. “What we do is an option. It’s not required; it’s fun,” Weagley said. The water polo team has also stopped hazing practices like “swirlying” (dunking a pledge’s head in a toilet and flushing it) and spanking pledges with the “hippie stick” (a paddle signed by senior members as they left the team). To keep the tradition, the team now kisses the stick. “I realized how dangerous [hazing] is and that somebody can really get hurt and how senseless it is. That does not need to be going on, especially in high school,” water polo coach Rosalie Creighton said. The fact remains, however, that hazing requires participation. Students must realize that hazing is illegal, as is battery and rape, and if students refuse to participate, they can avoid serious harm. “For [students] to allow that, I think it’s foolish. For a young man or a young lady to allow someone to haze them without them going to someone and saying something is foolish because in reality it’s against the law,” Ziglar said
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features
photo/MOLLY WALLACE
SHOOT IT. Shaffer’s photo of a B-42 Bomber hangs in the photography room. “I am inspired by patriotic things and by nature when I take photographs,” Shaffer said. “I like my night shots and my B-42 Bomber shot because my grandpa used to be a bomb pilot.” Shaffer’s other photos have been framed and hung in the art building. These include trains, staircases, lightposts, buildings, and many other pictures taken at night. These pictures were also in the art festival.
photo/LINDSAY ALEXANDER
TRANSFER IT. A modern culture idea arises in senior Alexis Mauerman’s picture. “The dinosaurs represent materialistic debt going into extinction,” Mauerman said. This was Mauerman’s favorite piece.
photo/MOLLY WALLACE
PAINT IT. While in painting class, Mauerman works on a landscape piece. “I like art that is not only meaningful but beautiful too,” Mauerman said. Over the course of her high school years, Mauerman has been in all art classes offered on campus and has had plans to continue an art hobby while staying focused on studies in college.
Creative students share insight ARTISTS EXPRESS THEMSELVES
photo/LINDSAYALEXANDER
PICTURE IT. Outside of the photo room, Shaffer takes photos of nature. “I like taking pictures outside, but especially at night,” Shaffer said. Shaffer has indulged himself in various extracurricular activities including playing trombone in band.
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By MOLLY WALLACE Salvador Dali has become the face of surrealism to all those interested in such an art form and an inspiration to senior Alexis Mauerman’s work, which models Dali’s. Mauerman is currently an Advanced Placement Art student but has taken all visual art classes on campus. She claims the classes provide room to explore but enough structure from teachers to allow new forms of medium, like transferring and watercoloring, and subjects to be learned. “My favorite part of art expression is being able to explore different mediums, seeing in other people’s minds and broadening my own,” Mauerman said. As Mauerman works, she focuses on producing what is envisioned in her mind, so she can communicate it to others. She works with painting, drawing and transferring, which are just a few of the multiple mediums art allows one to use. Mauerman believes that in a broader aspect there is a connection to art and faith, letting one be appreciative of what is offered in the world. “In a religious aspect, [art shows] how much skill and knowledge it took God to create the universe,” Mauerman said. Her favorite piece, focused on debt, shows an image of a car driving off a cliff, with a lady jumping out of the car with a parachute, into dinosaurs, which represent the materialistic debt going into extinction. This transfer piece includes watercolors to create the skyline and canyon, and sketching to create shadows on the mountains and dinosaurs. Mauerman plans on pursuing engineering, but wants to
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remain active in her art. She claims that sometimes hobbies are meant to be hobbies, but art provides a feeling of satisfaction because it has something to show for the work it produces. “I like my art because it’s something I create,” Mauerman said. “It’s like my baby, and of course you’re going to love your baby.” Robert Shaffer, senior, laughs as he explains his love and inspiration for taking pictures of fire trucks and photographer teacher Perry Allen’s hate of it. “I am sort of patriotic, and I have an interest in fire trucks,” Shaffer said. “My grandpa was a bomb pilot, and that’s why I became patriotic.” His grandfather’s past, and his love for America, gave inspiration to Schaffer’s favorite piece, a picture of a B-42 Bomber. This is a panoramic picture was taken in the daytime. He combined multiple pictures in layers to see the B-42 bomber head on. His artistic talent stretches beyond photo and into band, so Shaffer claims that his love and effort for art allow him to excel in photographing. “I think my work is good because I enjoy going out and taking pictures. Especially at night because of the different effects,” Shaffer said. Shaffer’s decision to take photos came from his want to be an engineer, the fact that he was already in band and looking to challenge his artistic ability and the belief that taking pictures will help solve problems engineers face. “I want to be an engineer and you sometimes have to change what to do to make it work,” Shaffer said. “In photo, you learn to change angles to produce a new idea.” With plans to be an engineer, Mauerman and Shaffer both plan on using art techniques in their future workplace.
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features
Entertainer keeps creativity flowing By ANNA MARIE BORIA recognition he would have liked to Playing sold out arenas around the receive more. world, working with Latin music royalty Carrero-Santana describes his fond and working on National Broadcasting moments while working with NBC Company, one of the biggest television were seeing his family flourish in the networks in America, is a dream. To field of entertainment. His nephew is television production teacher Gerald Latin Grammy Award winning rapper, Carrero-Santana, it is part of Migelito and his niece plays Angie on his resume. the Cartoon Network series Level Up. Carrero-Santana was “I got into broadcasting after being a a professional musician for so long musician before because I feel that he became a they go together. The things that are the hardest to I was always so teacher. He worked in the intrigued on how get are the most cherished. Let music industry your dreams take you on the ride of people could spend for over 40 years hours just looking your life. and worked with - gerald carrero-santana at a box,” Carreroartists such as Santana said. Jennifer Lopez, Gloria Estefan and One of the main motivations for Marc Anthony. Later, he became an switching to broadcasting was his editor for NBC newscasts. daughter, Lilliana, who at age 13 was “The exposure is what inspired me kidnapped in Daytona Beach. to choose the field of music. I would Being in the field of broadcasting enjoy having people tell me they saw opened multiple doors for Carrerome on TV and it was just visually Santana while he was searching for intriguing,” Carrero-Santana said. his daughter. Multiple programs where Working behind the scenes at NBC, they show time-progressed photos of he felt frustrated because of the lack missing children, aided to eventually of recognition. Getting the occasional finding his daughter alive. “pat on the back” was the kind of This experience changed his
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occupational mindset; he felt the need to give back to the community and decided to try teaching. “After a certain time you get tired of always traveling and not being able to see your family. One of the worst experiences is playing an arena on New Years Eve and when the clock strikes midnight seeing everyone hugging and kissing their families, but being thousands of miles away from yours,” Carrero-Santana said. Carrero-Santana worked at Jones High School for over a decade before coming to Boone. The most challenging part of this change is the acceptance of the student body. “It has been difficult to try to begin to fill these very big shoes since Mr. Lyons [former television production teacher] left. These students really enjoyed him,” Carrero-Santana said. From a career spanning from NBC to Boone’s BBC, his tip to anyone interested in a possible career in the field of music or in television broadcasting is to stay focused. “The things that are the hardest to get are the most cherished. Let your dreams take you on the ride of your life,” Carrero-Santana said.
March 16, 2012
photo/CHANTELLE CADE
HELP OUT. While filming a BBC episode, Gerald Carrero-Santana explains an issue to interpreter Buddy Collins. “[My favorite part about being a teacher is] finding my students later and seeing the impact I had on their life,” Carerro-Santana said. This is Carerro-Santana’s first year teaching on campus.
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special
It's a Small World... European culture travels By MOLLY WALLACE With over 50 independent nations, Europe offers a culture of it’s own. From their seas to the United States’ seas, Europe provides different foods, music and fashion, linking one country to the other. The differences, though, are plentiful for kids living in America with a European background. Junior Dimitri Tsirigotis’ family is Greek; his father previously lived in Greece and his grandparents still reside in Sparta allowing him to visit his grandparent’s house, and a different culture, periodically. “I go there four times a year,” Tsirigotis said. “It’s really mountainous there. They are more free there and a lot more laid back.” According to Tsirigotis, Greece provides a more plentiful landscape, filled with farmland but less police and governmental institutions that one might see in America. The time it takes, due to its mountainous landscape, to travel from city to city is consuming. The education system is more laid back in Greece, Tsirigotis claims; there is a greater focus on well-rounded minds, indulging kids in art or music classes. He also states that America is far more modern, with easily accessible computers and
television. According to Tsirigotis, the “Greek God” myths are not as stressed in the country as some might stereotype. And Tsirigotis claims that those living in Greece are not all good looking, like some might think, but they are purely Greek. “There’s only one race there. Everybody is Greek,” Tsirigotis said. “A person who isn’t Greek sticks out like a sore thumb.” Although the government recently insisted on a $172 billion bailout and the economy is in bad condition, the traditions are strong. For example, those living in Greece, and also Tsirigotis’ family in America, still perform certain customs on holidays. Due to a tradition of eating lamb on Easter, Tsirigotis’ family celebrates something Greeks have done for years. “On Easter we kill a lamb and cook it in our yard, and after we season it. Some people might think it’s weird, but it’s tradition,” Tsirigotis said. Another Greek custom is spitting on each other to spur the devil away after dinner, commonly done by Greek children. Tsirigotis and his family, whilst living in America no longer practice this, but customs such as these and food like pita bread, gyros, oregano and souvlaki (similar to a shish kabob), keep the Greek way of life going and the
family bonding. “The family is so much more together. We always know what’s going on,” Tsirigotis said. “Have you ever seen Big Fat Greek Wedding? It’s kind of like that.” In another aspect, students like senior Marilyn Roy, offer an interesting cultural taste, but claim to be more Americanized. Roy’s family is from Germany; her grandpa moved the family to America after his years as a Nazi official. “My grandpa was forced to be a Nazi soldier, although he tells me all the time he didn’t want to,” Roy said. “It was just part of the country’s doings at the time.” All of Roy’s family lives in America now, but they still enjoy certain German ideas. Roy has been to big family gatherings celebrating Oktoberfest, when she was in elementary school, which relive the marriage of Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen, but in the past few years, her family has not celebrated this. Things such as the food they eat, like shweinshaxe (a chunk of pork served with fried potatoes) and the holiday traditions they experience with family, like a family game of croquet on Easter and Christmas, are still practiced. “Things like Christmas trees and gingerbread house making came from
Germany, and of course we do that,” Roy said. “My grandpa, Leslie Doll, loves making gingerbread with all of us around Christmas time.” Roy has been influenced significantly by Europe’s positive views on outside activity and their willingness to engage in activities regularly, like soccer. “I like the athletics in Germany. They care a lot about being outside and my parents and grandpa have influenced me on that,” Roy said. Roy describes the attitudes on food. People and landscape as one would describe Texas: “Everything is bigger in Texas.” The food, especially pork and potatoes, a common food for Roy, is served in huge portions. In photographs her grandfather has shown her, she claims to see plenty of big mountains and hefty people. Pictures of her family and grandpa in Germany provide her with some knowledge of the landscape, government institutions and education, but her first visit will be this summer, where she can get a full taste of her family’s past. Both Tsirigotis and Roy claim that America has provided them with a more modern, and beneficial way of life. Neither feels deprived because of their European culture, but use it as a way to keep traditions flowing from one country to another.
By TYLE The Earth is app miles round and as holds 7 billion peop people is spread acro and features a wide This school featu individual from each These stories a students across t come from each co journey across Bo Land to discover t various cultures and American lifestyles. Hi-Lights chose expand on the cultu all of Boone and sh similarities through land.
Pakistani overcomes cultural adversity By COOPER BROCK An opinionated, yet soft spoken girl, one wouldn’t guess that junior Shaffaq Noors’ origins are from a small village in northern Pakistan. Her village, located in a valley between the Himalayas and China, and next to Afghanistan, is where Noor spent the first seven years of her life. “It is prettier there, closer to nature,” Noor said. “The people are nicer, just friendly without reserve.“ Noor moved to the United States for a better education with her parents, brother and sister when she was seven, knowing little English or anything about American culture. “[It was difficult when I first came here,] the language barrier was
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a problem, but I was in elementary school, so it wasn’t crippling. I just learned it from the people around me,” Noor said. “The whole culture [of Pakistan is different from that of the United States]. The way that we live, the way that we dress, the way we act. We wear Shalwar Kaeez [Long, robe-like dresses]. North Pakistan is a lot more modest, and the people are quieter, more welcoming and more humble.” Cultural adversity was a problem for Noor: being Islamic, and being from the Central Asia caused people to treat her differently, even from an early age. Once, Noor returned from the restroom to find someone had drawn a plane crashing into a building on her
paper. “I didn’t make a big deal out of it. People around me were flipping out, but I was not going to get angry over such a little thing,” Noor said. “[People] would just joke about the whole terrorist thing and I did not take it personally. People will do anything for attention, so I just let them make themselves look stupid.” Now 17-years-old, Noor has not returned to Pakistan in 10 years. Although not in Pakistan, Noor and her family still practice Islam, and observe all Islamic holidays. “[An Islam custom we practice is] Eid. It is a celebration after we fast,” Noor said. “I love that, fasting. It teaches you patience and self control.” In the Islam religion, fasting is the
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refraining from food, drink, smoking, and marital intimacy during daylight hours, and is meant to teach devotion to God. “When you see people eat, and you want to so badly, just the fact that you can say no teaches you self control. When you don’t eat at certain hours, you start to appreciate food more. You appreciate everything more.” Noor is undecided on whether she plans to return to Pakistan after she graduates. “It’s much easier over there, you don’t have a daily routine. My village is pretty remote,” Noor said. “There isn’t much political conflict in the village where I am from.”
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special
ER PATRICK proximately 24,860 s of August 2011, ple. This number of oss seven continents variety of cultures. ures at least one h continent. are from various the campus who ontinent. Take this oone’s Reservation the reasons behind d how they adapt to
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Oriental cultures influence perspective By LIA VILLAR Not knowing the traditions or influences the United States is built upon can create barriers for numerous immigrating families. Junior ShuTong Zhang experienced barriers after leaving the populous country of 1.3 billion people in China and coming to the United States. His way of life changed drastically as he adjusted to American values and an increased emphasis on pop culture. “I was 10-years-old when I left China. My home country is very big and it’s crowded, very populous. We have a really ancient history and also we have a lot of traditions and festivals. China has a lot more tradition influencing us than pop culture,” Zhang said. Above of all other traditions, the brilliant environment of Chinese New Year is filled with colors of red and gold and is a tremendous celebration in China. “Chinese New Year is the most important holiday of the year. It’s celebrated like Christmas in America where people and families gather together to wish for good luck and
good fortune,” Zhang said. Preparing for Chinese New Year requires people to take weeks off of work to prepare for the holiday. Both men and women receive haircuts before the New Year, believing it will deliver good fortune and if not cut, bring them bad luck. “My family, mainly my mom and I, make dumplings [for Chinese New Year but since] my family is really westernized, we don’t really practice the traditions,” Zhang said. South of China, having a population of 86.9 million, freshman Huong Dang left Vietnam when she was eight years old. “In Vietnam, there is a vibrant atmosphere. Vietnam is hotter [than Florida]. In the evening people [will] crowd around downtown and there [are] food carts everywhere selling soy milk or fried rice,” Dang said. Accompanying their vibrant atmosphere, Vietnam’s lively festival, Tet, means the first morning of the first day of the new year and lasts for three days. Cleaning is frowned upon during Tet, in fear that families will sweep out
the good luck. Traditional foods such as earth cake, a square cake made with rice beans and pork, and several different desserts made with coconut are offered during the festivities. Like Chinese New Year, Tet honors the year of the dragon, celebrated on January 23. With both China and Vietnam celebrating New Years for good fortune, they both have a strong link to the Confucian philosophy. Children are educated to respect their elders and value education. “My family believes that school should be well disciplined. In China, our school was the most important aspect of our lives. We didn’t have time to hangout with friends because we had a lot of homework to do. American education is very liberal [because] we get to choose what classes we want to take,” Zhang said. Unlike students in American schools, who are only required to go five times a week, in China, children attend school six days a week from early morning, about 7 a.m., to at least 4 p.m. Even though all children are able to go to primary school and middle school for
free, parents are still required to pay for uniforms and books. If the child intends on furthering his education, parents must pay for public high school. “[My family came to America] in search of better living conditions. We were in poverty. [Our house was] very old, the paint was chipped and there were seven people living in one house [with] one bathroom and no air conditioning. [My parents] hope [by coming to America] that I’ll get into a better college and [find] a good job here,” Dang said. Along with putting education as a priority, stereotypes develop toward Zhang and Dang, labeling them as smart because they are Asian. But despite the stereotypes, both Dang’s and Zhang’s cultures have influenced their ways of life. “I hear people say that I get good grades because I’m Asian, [but] success can only be achieved through hard work. [That’s what my culture has] taught me, to do the best I can to succeed and to value education,” Zhang said.
Student, teacher love African culture By RUBEN CARRILLO In the war stricken country of Sudan death is everywhere. The people are in distress and need help. The United Nations picks families in Africa who are healthy enough to move to America, to come to the “Land of the Free.” “It wasn’t the most peaceful place, but was really simple. People weren’t concerned about superficial materials. [We] lived on a day-to-day basis,” junior Weng Ruach said. Ruach was 7-years-old when the UN picked him and his family to move to America. Ruach came with his mother, father and little sister. His extended family is still in Africa. He has not seen them in 11 years. Even after witnessing such horrors, Ruach keeps an open mind. “[Your opinion of Africa] really depends on what your comfort level is. [For example] lot of people say ‘Don’t go to Parramore it is a horrible place’, [but] there are different parts you can go to,” Ruach said. Despite the poverty, Ruach believes parts of Africa like South Africa are
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beautiful. “I plan on going back [to Africa] after graduating from college to see what good I can do with my degree,” Ruach said. In comparison, the education in Africa is very different. America provides a free education. In Africa, there are more private schools with uniforms and hundreds of children walk two miles to attend school. Ruach believes people in Africa are more patriotic because there is more nationalism in Africa. “Everyone in America says ‘Oh we’re Americans’, but it is just something that people say. It is not like they really care [about being] American. I guess it is because they have never really had a sense of freedom. We [Africans] don’t take things for granted,” Ruach said. Rosalie Creighton, Anatomy and Physiology teacher, grew up in Poloqwane, South Africa and attended an English speaking elementary. Creighton’s life appeared to be similar to an average American child’s, but differences existed. “We spoke the language called
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Afrikaans at home. After school I played netban, field hockey, swam and did gymnastics. We did not have TV and [I] remember listening to the radio at night. We had wild animal reserves all around the town where there were lots of giraffes, zebra, buck and even rhinos roaming around. We also had monkeys that would steal our food from time to time,” Creighton said. In Creighton’s childhood, South Africa suffered major racial segregation. The white population lived in towns and surrounding farms, while blacks were confined to crowded all black neighborhoods. However, the nonwhites were allowed into towns with passes during the day for working purposes only. All of the schools, buses and certain public areas were segregated. “At the time I was growing up, South Africa was banned from all international sporting competitions because of the apartheid policy. Since my swimming times were fast enough to make the finals at the Olympic Games, my dreams of ever participating were crushed. I had to settle with swimming in the USA on a full scholarship to Indiana University,
where I became Big Ten Champion and record holder,” Creighton said. Contrasting the culture of Ruach’s Sudan, South African culture is similar to British culture because it was a British colony until 1961. South Africa celebrates Boxing Day and adores the royal family. In regard to culinary differences, Creighton’s favorite food from South Africa is Boerewors and Biltong. Boerewors is a type of sausage and Biltong is dried meat, almost like beef jerky but made from zebra or eland meat. “[The thing I miss most] is the African bush and animals, the sounds of birds and animals. The stars are so different in the Southern Hemisphere. I also miss my family that still lives in South Africa,” Creighton said. While Ruach and Creighton similarly both miss their families still residing in Africa they have adopted to an American life.
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features
Brazil offers inhabitants a playful oasis By STEPHANIE GARCIA When thinking of Latin America, a Spanish-speaking country my come to mind. However, there is a nation in South America that contains Portuguese origins, a nation with an abundance of beaches, passionate sport’s fans, and regional celebrations; that country is Brazil. Famous for its variety of beaches, Brazil is a prime location not only for relaxing under the sun, but also for immersing oneself within a busy city. This rings true for Brazilian brothers Brian and Bruno Ferrari who lived in Sao Paulo, the world’s third largest city for two years, 2004-2006. “Sao Paul is a crowded city. Nothing is horizontal; when you look outside your window, all you see are buildings. Traffic is everywhere, and Sao Paulo is one of the most expensive places to live,” junior Bruno Ferrari said. With over 10 million dwellers, Sao Paulo is the most populous urban area in South America. The city’s attraction lies in its array of nationalities ranging from Italian to Japanese inhabitants who make Sao Paulo’s Jardins District a diverse dining experience.Though Sao Paulo is a rushed environment, Bruno describes the people to be largely unaffected
by the hectic atmosphere. While the social life gives Sao Paulo its reputation, family life remains a vital component of a traditional Brazilian household. “In Brazil, family and friends are very important. Families are very close knit, and friends you grow up with as kids become extensions of your family,” sophomore Brian Ferrari said. The Ferrari brothers both see a higher emphasis on family importance in Brazil than in the states; examples can be eating together for daily meals and speaking only Portuguese at home. Since their mother was born in Brazil, Bruno and Brian see clear differences in parenting standards and family expectations. “You’re hardly ever away from your family. There’s no such thing as going away to college. Usually in Brazil, you live with your family and they support you until marriage,” Bruno said. The emphasis on family ties is a shared value that connects Brazil with the rest of Latin America. When discussing family in a Brazilian context, the phrase refers not only to the nuclear family but also to an extended kin group of distant relatives and friends known as the parentela. The parentela can consist of childhood friends and in-laws; this
vital component of social life unifies un-related and related individuals into one interconnected family unit. In reference to national traditions, Festa de Debutantes and Carnival are among the list of defining cultural identity. Festa de Debutantes, sometimes compared to a Spanish Quinceanera, celebrates a young woman’s 15th birthday; the event is a less individualized affair similar to a debutant ball. Carnival, an annual Roman Catholic festival held during Lent, showcases parades honoring religious discipline and local folklore. While the major festivities take place in Rio de Janiero, regional variations of Carnival are celebrated throughout Brazil. Known for its passionate soccer fanatics and festive celebrations, Brazil is a playful oasis with a serene ambiance. At the heart of the matter, Brian appreciates his native country for its people and tranquil quality. “Brazil is a beautiful country with a fun atmosphere. It’s a great place to just relax. It’s extremely laid back, and the people are always playful,” Ferrari said. “The people are always friendly and everyone greets you like they are your best friend.
BRIGADEIRO. A traditional Brazilian sweet similar to a chocolate bonbon, commonly served at festivities like birthday parties FESTA DE DEBUTANTES. This tradition can be compared to a Spanish Quinceanera; to celebrate young women’s fifteenth birthday, the event is a less individualized affair similar to a debutant ball. CARNIVAL. The annual Roman Catholic festival, held during lent, showcases parades honoring religious discipline and local folklore. Rhythm, participation, and costumes vary from one region of Brazil to another. The six-day event is influenced by African-Brazilian culture. FAVELAS. The slums of Brazil are known as Favelas. In these areas, there are numerous amounts of poor housing, and the crime rate is extremely high. Favelas are associated with extreme poverty and represent the unequal distribution of wealth in the country.
Holocaust family ties inspire senior PROMINENT RELATIVE EXHIBITS BRAVERY
I would like to say that I would show the same type of courage that Miep did, but you never know until you’re in that situation. It really is a true test of character. - taylor gies senior
By STEPHANIE GARCIA In the wake of the Second World War, the Gestapo uncovered a secret annex concealing a group of Jewish families. As the residents were carried off, a diary that would inspire generations to come was left behind; that story, written by a 15-year-old Jewish girl, became known as The Diary of Anne Frank. A question one might ask is how Anne Frank and her family survived two years in the secret annex. The answer is Miep Gies, a courageous woman who not only assisted eight people in hiding but was also responsible for releasing Anne’s story to the world. Senior Taylor Gies is related to this woman who risked her life in the mist of social persecution. “The Holocaust is a low point for people of German decent because you
TIMELINE OF MIEP GIES: February 15, 1909 Hermine (Miep) Santrouschitz is born in Vienna, Austria.
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don’t know what role your relative played. When I discovered that my relative helped hide Anne Frank and her family and that she was the secretary of Anne’s father, it gave me a better perspective for my future to see what good I could do,” Gies said. After reading The Diary of Anne Frank, Gies discovered that she was related to Miep through her grandfather. Proud of her personal ties to World War II, Gies did research on Miep and re-read Anne’s story with a new perspective. “After knowing I was related to [Miep Gies], Anne Frank’s story opened my eyes to how important your morals are and how far your morals can take you,” Gies said. When completing projects and assignments on the Holocaust, Gies feels a connection to her cousin, Miep Gies. To gain more knowledge, Gies has visited Holocaust museums in Maitland, FL, and Washington, D.C. In the seventh grade, Gies went to Holland and saw Anne Frank’s place of hiding; she describes the experience as “remarkably surreal.” After the war ended, Miep helped
the Frank family even further. In June 1945, Anne’s father, Otto Frank was the only surviving family member and upon returning to Holland, lived with Miep and her family. Eager to comfort the grief-stricken father, Miep presents Otto Frank with Anne’s diary; it is published two years later, and within the 50 years of its publication, the diary is read by millions worldwide in over 100 languages, according to cbsnews.com. While Miep Geis remained in Germany until her death in 2010, the rest of the Geis family moved to the states after the war. Though Taylor’s nuclear family never met Miep, her father, Kurt Gies, hopes to display the same type of bravery and is honored to consider her a part of the family. “During that time, it would’ve taken a lot to put your life on the line. As a dad, I hope that I would respond in a similar way,” K. Gies said. When thinking of Anne’s story, one cannot forget the ordeals faced by thousands of other Jewish families. Next month celebrates Yom Hashoah
Her employer of nine years, Otto Frank, asks Miep if she will
June 1942 help his family go into hiding.
or Holocaust Remembrance Day on April 12; the poignant holiday is a time to commemorate a tragic event that must be remembered. “If we would have stood up to Hitler sooner, six million people would not have been executed. The Holocaust was catastrophic but it has raised people’s awareness. It has caused people to stand up to those aggressors that threaten lives,” Gies said
Scan Me
Using a smartphone, take a picture of the QR Code below to see senior Taylor Gies discussing her relative Miep Gies and the importance of the Holocaust.
Otto Frank has survived the war and comes to live with Miep and her
June 1945 husband, Jan Gies. When they hear that Anne and Margot have died,
August 4, 1944 The people in hiding are arrested. Miep finds Anne
Miep gives Anne’s diary to Otto Frank.
January 11, 2010 Miep Gies dies at the age of 100.
Frank’s diary in the secret annex.
March 16, 2012
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features
Relationships undergo a software update
He & She SAID TECHNOLOGY IS SLOWLY KILLING COUPLES By KINSEY SEACORD A relationship is like a plant. Once the seed is cultivated, it takes nurturing and attention to grow. One way to nip the bud is to let technology take root in the relationship. While cell phones and the Internet do have a place, the dangers of excessive use are too prominent to ignore. Face-to-face contact is being slaughtered by technology. Nothing is making couples more awkward in person than when all of their communication is behind the security of a screen. Technology can be a useful tool for long distance relationships, but quality inperson time together is imperative. Being able to articulate oneself around a significant other takes time and effort. When people speak in person, emotions can be detected from their tone; digital words are flat and detached. While it can be argued that texting allows couples to have constant contact and get to know each other quicker, there is no substitute for human interaction. Getting to know someone through texting or social networking robs the couple of simple moments. The moment where she laughs at his stupid joke, or the time he smiles just because she is with him. Technological barriers keep one from experiencing these. Also, persistent connection can become annoying and does not allow the couple to have space. No one enjoys being smothered. A fantastic habit, that will ensure one’s feelings are communicated, is writing love letters. Putting pen to paper
Your Thoughts Is technology ruining couples?
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demands time and thought. It is a sentimental and old-fashioned keepsake. According to a survey by The Telegraph, 70 percent of women would rather receive a love letter than some form of digital communication from a significant other. Misunderstandings through the digital world are more frequent than not. Comical connotations can often be misconstrued and the true meaning of one’s words can be lost. Couples fighting via texting are doomed to fail. According to John Suler in Cyber Psychology and Behavior, people say and do things in cyberspace they would not ordinarily say or do in the face-to-face world. This means fights will be more heated, words will be more cruel and anger will be more explosive. Social networking sites are breeding grounds for misunderstandings. Cyber words often cause confusion in their meaning. People obsess over documenting their relationship and making everything public. Connections require intimacy, not publicity. The biggest danger technology imposes is superficial distractions. The virtual world is full of things to browse through, but one should not be looking when spending time with his partner. For a relationship to thrive, a couple’s full attentions should be focused on each other. Nothing will get one dumped faster than whipping out a phone during a date and rudely disconnecting with the world around him. When one is too busy to notice his significant other is desperate for attention, it sends a clear message: “technology is more important than you.” So put the phone down and start experiencing a real relationship.
I think it damages [relationships] because communication isn’t face-to-face. - kahlila nesbeth, freshman
CONNECTING IS SO EASY, IT HERTZ By AUSTIN HALL The Internet and other technologies have built themselves a terrible reputation. A reputation where mothers must fear for their children’s lives or their credit cards, where crazy girlfriends constantly call to find out what their boyfriends are doing. Whether it is apparent or not, technology has made communication easier in every way. Before cell phones and email, people could not simply text one another to reschedule a date, or call to say they were running late. They had to show up late, and risk getting chewed out, or not show up at all. Cell phones can keep two people who are on opposite sides of the country in touch without having to wait to get home to call and hope the other person is near their phone. Cell phones are meant to be taken wherever the owner goes. Using cell phones is easier than writing a letter and awaiting delivery. Smartphones can basically live one’s life for him. Finding somewhere to go for dinner or calling someone to give directions has never been easier. Most smartphones come with a multi-tasking feature, so now one can do both simultaneously. With unlimited text or calling, which most everyone has nowadays, two people are never more than a few touches of a keypad away. Getting to know someone can be done in a million different ways. Texting makes communication between two people impossibly easy. Just shoot that person a text and get a simple response back fast.
I don’t think so. People can stay more connected. Texts and Facebook are good. - thi nguyen, senior
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Texting has whittled communication down to its simplest form. This allows conversation between two people in a relationship to be simple and convenient. People say technology has lowered the social skills of youth, but this is a choice made by the individual because anyone with a webcam can Skype other people to have face-to-face conversations. Apple developed Facetime, a program similar to Skype that allows people to communicate face-to-face on any generation 4 or higher iPhone, iPod touch or any iPad 2 with an Internet connection. Even though webcams lack certain aspects of conversation like body language or the setting affecting the mood, it still enables two people to talk and see each other while talking. There are an abundance of dating websites to choose from. According to New York Daily News, 21 percent of Americans use online dating services, which drastically raises the variety of people to choose from. There are dating websites for specific groups of people, like Christians or men looking for women from the former Soviet Union. ChristianMingle and AnastasiaInternational are websites that filter out people who don’t meet a certain criteria that someone is not looking for. Years of time and money have been spent to create and improve these technological advancements. A life without all these helpful tools of communication makes most people shudder and some pre-teenage girls cry, but all of these technologies have been created, not to encourage social awkwardness, but to make lives easier. When used properly technology can help bring people together when they are far apart.
I think it ruins communication because they talk all day long, ruining face-to-face conversation. - alan kominowski, junior
Yes because it can make someone’s private business public.
- jaquan gray, sophomore
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features
Dancers maintain tempos PERFORMERS SHARE DANCING HARDSHIPS
photo/PHABULOUS PHOTO
POISED POINT. At the Regional Dance America competition, in Tampa, Florida, sophomore Tyler Cook performs a jazz number. “The first time on stage is always nerve racking [but dancing] takes the stress out of what I’m doing. Usually the first dance determines how you’ll dance for the rest of the day,” Cook said. Besides Cook’s jazz solo, she performed musical theater and tap.
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By LIA VILLAR As lights illuminate the stage, four girls go over techniques, their bodies and muscles tightening with tension as time lingers, waiting for the curtain to rise to perform a long awaited routine. “It’s really nerve racking [right before a competition] because everyone back stage is going through the dance but once I step on stage, all the nervousness goes away,” junior Morgan Carr said. Carr started dancing at two years old. Her grandfather serves as her inspiration to continue dancing. “He died when I was really young so I wanted to keep doing it [because] my grandpa loved to watch me dance,” Carr said. Before going into competitions, practice is essentially a daily aspect for Carr, senior Alexis VanCura, sophomore Ashley Simkovitch and Tyler Cook, each have practice between five to seven days a week. Dancing not only takes dedication, but it also takes time away time from school work and their social lives. “It takes up a lot of time on
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weekends. I’m not allowed to dance get stronger, so why wouldn’t it be a if my grades are low so my [dance] sport,” Simkovitch said. teachers are understanding if I can’t go The girls believe dancing is an art to class,” Cook said. that requires athletic ability. Throughout the season, Carr, “You have to stay in shape to dance. VanCura, Cook and Simkovitch all A dancer [has to be] muscularly fit compete in the Regional Dance America because dancers use their muscles and which hosts 85 dance companies and core more than anything else,” VanCura over 3,000 dancers from said. across the nation. Without athletic ability In addition to competing and endurance, dancers Once I step on in the Regional Dance are in danger of injuring stage all the America competitions, themselves. VanCura has participated “Dance is hard on your nervousness goes in competitions such body. I have tendentious away. as Starlight, On - morgan carr, in both of my hips and Stage New York, I’m afraid that will lead to junior health issues but I don’t Starpower, Hall of Fame and Encore. think any us would stop “I competed [outside of dancing because of our Dancers Pointe] from the injuries,” Carr said. age of six to about 13. In competition, Dancing in competitions not only I did solos and I also competed in large demands practice but requires the girls groups called production numbers,” to have rhythm, be in shape and know VanCura said. how to apply the leaps, jumps and turns Even though dancing requires dancing entails. physical input, numerous speculators “A dancer has to prepared to be believe dancing is not a sport. corrected. No one is perfect and there “[They] have no idea how hard is always room for improvement. A it is. You always need to keep your dancer’s heart also has to be in this, you body healthy and in shape. I mean, have to develop a passion for this art to many football players go to ballet to be able to succeed,” VanCura said.
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sports
March supplies ‘Madness’ By JOSH HALLORAN Teams are geared up and ready to achieve the ultimate dream of college basketball, to become the last team standing in the NCAA Tournament. Over the years of the NCAA tournament intensities have lent them the nicknames such as “the big dance” and “March Madness”. March Madness is all about playing one game at a time. Being the number one seed does not mean anything unless they win it all. Ever since the tournament expanded to 64 teams the number one seed has only won the tournament 64 percent of the time. For example, in the past two years, no number one seed has made it to the Final Four. The last number one seed to win was North Carolina in 2009. In this year’s tournament
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the four number one seeds were difficult to choose due to the upsets in the conference tournaments. The number one overall team in the tournament Kentucky(32-2) will match up against either Mississippi Valley or Western Kentucky on March 15 in Atlanta, the number one seed in the eastern division Syracuse(31-2) who will face UNC Ashville in Boston; the two other number one seeds are ACC tournament runner-up North Carolina (29-5) and Big 12 Champion Michigan St. (27-2); both are capable of making some noise in the tournament. The part that excites the real fans is the art of the “underdog”. When an unknown team tops off one of the top teams it can be very interesting for the fans and is what makes March
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Madness the most exciting time of the sports year for die hard basketball fans. For example, in the ACC conference tournament, Florida State University, 21-9 before entering the tournament beat out University of Miami in the first round, then topped off the predicted number one seed Duke University, 62-59, and in the Championship game knocked off the reagular season conference champion North Carolina, 85-82. “The games are my favorite part because you never know what is going to happen, they are always unpredictable,” junior Joshuda Green said. The madness of the tournament tips off on March 13, with the final four being held in New Orleans April 2, Lousiana Super Dome
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sports
Weightlifters raise standards Tally Up
Boys team starts the weightlifting season off strong.
L 38-44 Braves vs. University
Senior Samuel Borges lifted a total of 505 pounds at this meet.
W 56-23 Braves vs. Freedom Senior Dylan Fontaine achieved a new personal best, lifting 365.
L 47-41 Braves vs. Timber Creek
Johnny Clark achieved a personal best, lifting a total of 510.
W 55-7 Braves vs. Cypress Creek
Senior Desmond Holland placed first in his respective weight class, lifting a total of 490.
Braves vs. Colonial and East River Meet will start at 5 p.m. tonight at Colonial High School.
LIFTERS, COACHES SET GOALS By SAM HOLLEMAN Staying after school to practice in a weightlifting room that resembles a prison, the team is ready for the meet to begin. “The kids on the weightlifting team are more involved and seem more excited about improving compared to last year’s team,” coach Phil Ziglar said. On Feb. 29, the boys went up against University and Freedom in the Wayne Rickman Gymnasium. Boone suffered a loss to University, 38-44, but beat Freedom High School, 56-23. Senior Dylan Fontaine lifted a new personal best with a total weight of 365. “We did really well for our first meet. The rules tend to put more pressure on the lifters, especially new lifters who have not competed before,” Ziglar said. The bench press is the weightlifting team’s biggest weakness. Coach Ziglar also stated that making kids confident in themselves is another difficult part of coaching the weightlifting team. “[The most difficult part about
coaching weightlifting for me ] is trying to get the boys past their block headed stubbornness; our girls weightlifting team tends to follow direction better than the boys team,” coach Glen Listort said. According to Coach Listort, the team’s biggest strength is their depth; there are strong lifters in all weight classes, not just one or two. “The bench press is what I am best at, so I want to be lifting at least 350 pounds this season,” senior Samuel Borges said. Weightlifting is a sport based on the improvement a player makes on an individual level and less upon how the team as a whole does. “I feel we have a better shot of having more people place at the meets than last year because we have so many returning lifters,” Borges said. On March 7, the weightlifting team met at Lake Nona High School for a meet against Timber Creek, Lake Nona, and Cypress Creek. The boys suffered a loss to Timber Creek High School 41-47, but beat Cypress Creek, 55-7. Although it was supposed to be a quad-meet, Lake Nona did not attend. Senior Desmond Holland placed
first in his respective weight class and Javon Clark lifted a total of 510, which is his personal best. “I think we did well as a team at the meet against Cypress Creek and Timber Creek; even though we did not score as well as we had hoped, we are improving as a team from meet to meet,” sophomore Anthony Santana said. The majority of lifters joined the weightlifting team to train for other sports such as football, but it is not a requirement to be on the team. “Weightliftng is a great individual sport that gives the small guys a chance to compete,” Ziglar said. The team has a very experienced middle division (weight classes from 140 pounds to 160) due to the amount of lifters returning from the previous season. The lower weight classes are strong in the clean and jerk. “All of the lifters enjoy practicing and being on the weightlifting team, they make my job as a coach really easy,” Ziglar said. The next weightlifting meet for the boys is tonight at 5 p.m. against Colonial and East River at Colonial High School.
Weightlifting has given me a place where I can succeed or fail and it is up to me which one happens,” - anthony santana, sophomore Santana lifted 370 at the Timber Creek and Cypress Creek meet on March 7.
Despite youth, team stays afloat WATER POLO STARTS STRONG DESPITE OVERALL INEXPERIENCE
photos/TAYLOR KEEFER
THE SHOT’S UP. Ball in hand, sophomore Dakota Lewis shoots a goal against the Wekiva goalie. BLOCK. Leaping from the water, Senior William Stone blocks the opposing team’s shot. FREESTYLE. While transitioning from defense to offense, sophomore Julia Hester swims with the ball.
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By SARA CASLER His feet pedal violently to keep his athletic body afloat, his right hand firmly grasps the game ball, his left stabilizes him as he goes to make the throw. Eyes filled with chlorine, junior Brendon Elixson takes the shot, and scores a point. With the season now underway, teammates are optimistic, despite the youth and inexperienced players on the team. “This year we have a lot more freshman and only three seniors. It is a really young team that we have to make strong again. [Last year], I wasn’t a starter. I am filling in for all the seniors we lost last year. It is a really big step to have to take, but we will make it,” sophomore Julia Hester said. Despite having a younger team than anticipated, the boys and girls teams are playing well. Both won their first match against Wekiva High School, the girls, 22-7, and the boys, 17-11, with continued solid records of 4-3 for the girls and 3-4 for the boys. Elixson believes this was a showing of the team’s ability to work together as a unit. “We can work together very well. This first game, I didn’t play, but the team still pulled off a win,” Elixson said. The team was led that night by junior Thomas Egan with six goals and four assists as well as goalie Will Stone, senior, with 12 saves and three steals. Elixson, Egan and sophomore Israel Miller lead the team in both shots and goals, 28 and 20 for Elixson, 19 and 13 for Egan and 11 each for Miller. Head coach Rosalie Creighton remains realistic about the season because of the youth of the team. “[Our first game] was a little bit sloppy, but it was a good
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first opening game for the season. We have a good offense, but our defense is our weaker area,” Creighton said. A large part of being a strong team is maintaining an arsenal of strong, well rounded athletes. The water polo players participate in cross training, working in and out of the pool to stay in peek physical condition. “Physically, our team[s] are ready to go. Skill-wise, they are improving and have a ways to go,” Creighton said. On Feb. 24 and 25, the team competed in the St. Andrews Invitational against teams from Miami. Both teams were able to pull out one win out of three matches. Elixson views this experience as a reality check for the teams in regards to maintaining a rigorous practice schedule. “It helped us realize how much practice helps because our competition has been playing since fifth or sixth grade, and it gave us a base as to what minor things we need to focus on to get better,” Elixson said. Part of what makes a water polo team strong is the overall camaraderie of the team and the affect it has on teams’ ability to perform. According to Miller, part of what makes the boys’ team stronger is their overall ability to communicate. “We have good team chemistry. Everyone knows where they need to be and we all know what to do,” Miller said. Hester feels similarly about the girls team, with their success made obvious in their performance against Freedom, winning 21-4 on March 2nd with eight goals from sophomore Ele Clark and three saves a piece from goalies Abigail Shea, senior, and Jenna Layton, sophomore. “We communicate a lot better this year. We are a serious family. [Now], you know that everyone has your back and that everyone is there for everyone else. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to be called a team at all,” Hester said.
Home games • March 20 vs. East River, 6 and 7p.m. • March 21 vs. Olympia, 6 and 7 p.m. • April 3 vs. University, 6 and 7 p.m. • April 13 vs. Cypress Creek, 6 and 7 p.m.
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sports
JV Briefs: Teams in midst of season By JOSH HALLORAN Halfway through their seasons, teams prepare for the end. Players are competing at their very best so they can possibly be moved up to the varsity level by the end of the JV season. With previews from the boys’ lacrosse and baseball teams as well as ladies softball and how they have competed this spring season.
Team receives marquee win over cross town rival In a tought season opener against Timber Creek, the JV boys lacrosse team prepared for a fight and pulled out a win that meant a lot to the team. “[My favorite game this season was against Timber Creek because it was my former team. It meant a whole lot for me and the team to pull out a win,” coach Ian Gold said. The team prepares to face district opponent, The First Academy, on March 22 on the Reservation. “The advantage we have as a team is that our athletes have played together for a long time so they have team unity,” Gold said. The team will cap off their season with a home game against district competitor Freedom on April 6.
is to play as a team, and not to worry about batting averages and how we are doing individually. We are focusing on doing our job and hope that we can come out with the win,” Hogan said. The team will finish their season at an away game on April 15 against rival
Rough start to anticipated season With a much needed blowout win 12-2, over top team Colonial on Feb. 18, the boys baseball team is looking forward to the season. “[The game against Colonial] was the season opener. We had been working hard the week before, so it was great to go out, play hard and receive the win,” sophomore Austin Hogan said. The team lost two of their first three games to Dr. Phillips, 8-4, and to Olympia 8-0. While beating Occoe, 14-3, University, 12-5 and Bishop Moore, 10-6. “This season I am looking forward to playing Timber Creek, and I would say everyone on the team is. [Timber Creek] has been talking trash and think they can take it to us. Knowing they are a challenging team as well as hearing what they have been saying has really pumped us up as a team,” Hogan said. On March 16 the team will match up against district opponent Cypress Creek who is having a rough start to their season. Currently they have a winning record of 6-2 “One of our main goals as the team
Timber Creek.
Redemption season under way
In the first home game for the girls softball team they beat Pine Castle Christian Academy, 7-5. “I feel the team could go undefeated because we work hard and play together as a team, which could help us win a lot of our games,” sophomore Mary Dusing said. The team started their season with a three game win streak against the top competitiors in the district; Winter Park (11-8) (12-4) and Lake Mary (13-3). The team will match up with a district rival, West Orange on April 13, for the season finale. “I cannot wait to play West Orange again. Our last game against them got rained out so I am looking forward to playing them again,” Dusing said.
Sam Hill Oswald, sophomore JV Lacrosse player 1. What is your favorite part of lacrosse? Why? Playing it, because it is my favorite sport.
2. What has been your best game this season? Why? Against vero beach because it was a close game and I played well.
3. Who is your sports idol? Why? Michael Vick. He is a risky player and always produces.
4. What is your favorite sports movie? Like Mike. He was good at basketball.
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14 West Gore Stree • Orlando, FL 32806 Orlando Tel: (407) 423-3815 • Fax: (407) 423-3817
March 16, 2012
page 21
sports
Team improves, earns wins BOYS MAKE COME BACK, AFTER SLOW START
photo/SARAH BERLINSKY
BATTER UP. Playing against Lake Brantley on Feb. 18 at the away game, senior Frank Grandinette steps up to bat. The team won 8-5 and it was their first win of the season. “Baseball is a big part of my life and getting to play in high school is an honor,” Grandinette said. Grandinette pitched five innings and gave up one run.
By BRIDGETTE NORRIS Stepping up their games, junior infielder and pitcher Ian McKinney, junior infielder Derek Deler and senior infielder and pitcher Frank Grandinette helped in the team’s first win, against Lake Brantley, 8-5. The game improved the team’s record and changed the season for the better. “We started out slow, and we needed to work more as a team. I expect to do well and come together as a team. I think we have good comradery,” McKinney said. Despite losing the first two regular season games, the team entered the game against Lake Brantley with a different mindset. “I thought our game [against Lake Brantley] was a big win. We stuck to our ability and everything took care of itself. I expect to win more games,”
Grandinette said. Since the team’s won their first game, the boys have been undefeated. The wins include the team defeating district and metro games. “We have been [playing] together since we were young and that benefits the team,” Grandinette said. The team won 8-1 on March 9 and 10-3 on March 7 against Freedom, and 7-2 on Feb. 29 against Dr. Phillips. All three games were district metro games. “The wins do not change our outlook on future games. Each game is important. Each game we will focus just as much,” coach Pete Post said. Two days after the game, March 2, the team defeated Dr. Phillips again, 2-1. Deler had the game winning RBI. “I was excited to win a big district game against Dr. Phillips. Getting the big hit to bring the second run across to help my team just added to the victory against Dr. Phillips,” Deler said. At the game against West Orange on Feb. 24, the team won 7-5 with junior catcher and outfielder Mitchell Barati
earning a double and a triple. Leading the team with a home run and three RBI’s, junior outfielder and first baseman, Dylan Dragon contributed to the 11-1 win against Foundation Academy on Feb. 21. Before the team’s winning streak, they lost their first two games of the season, against Lake Mary and Oveido. In the Lake Mary game, the team was ahead 4-1 at the bottom of the fifth inning. In the sixth inning, Lake Mary began to catch up, and pull far ahead, leaving the team defeated, 4-5. “Practicing and playing as a team will help us to fulfill our hopes for the season,” Grandinette said. Nine games into the season, the team is looking forward to continuing their winning streak. “Things are looking good right now but we still have a lot of ball [games] left [to play],” Post said. The boys will play district and metro home games against Cypress Creek tonight, Wellington on March 21 and Colonial on March 22.
Strong defense carries team GIRLS PREPARE FOR DISTRICTS
photo/BLAKE WARRANCH
BOOK IT. Senior Laura Gavern runs to first in the game against Winter Park on March 5. “[The game] started out tough, but we got together as a team and worked through it,” Gavern said.
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By COOPER BROCK Over halfway into their season, the Varsity girls softball team looks to the coming district competition with eagerness. “Our goal for this season is to win districts,” junior Elizabeth Cargo said. “[We plan to accomplish this by] working together, focusing [on] one game at a time, and not giving up.” On Wednesday, March 7, the girls took on Freedom at home. Cargo scored two runs, bringing the team to a 10-0 win. “Freedom was our best game so far,” freshman Chase Cassady said. “Everyone did their job and people who were in a slump got some hits.” Cassady, starting pitcher for the girls, has a .47 earned run average, meaning, on average, she allows less than half of a run every nine innings. “Chase is an outstanding pitcher, especially for a freshman. She’s very consistent,” Bradford said. On Friday, March 2, the girls played
Cypress Creek at home, and won, 1-0. “The toughest game this year was against Cypress Creek, we were not adjusting to their pitchers while we were hitting,” senior Katelyn Schettino. “I was trying to get the girls focused and working together, but if everyone is not on the same page it does not work.” With an 8-3 season record, and districts in sight, the girls look to work on their weaknesses, and hone their strengths. “[Our biggest weakness is] hitting,” coach Robin Bradford said. “Right now we are struggling. The negative mindset is mentally contagious, and right now we are in a rut.” With four shut outs, the team’s defense is its main advantage. “Our strength is our defense and how we come together,” Cargo said. “Our drive is supporting our pitcher and catcher because they work so hard.” The girls have a home rematch against Freedom, tonight, at 7p.m. “We have done really well,” Schettino said. “We have had a few lapses in focus, but overall we are a strong team when we come together.”
November 16, 2012
Tally Up
The girls have won three out of their last four games, losing to Cypress Creek
W 10-0 Braves vs. Freedom Both Laura Gavern and Elizabeth Cargo had two runs.
W 3-1 Braves vs. Winter Park Junior Kristi Creel tagged out four players.
L 3-0 Braves vs. Cypress Creek
Junior Sarah Hayes assisted four outs.
W 2-0 Braves vs. Dr. Phillips Chase Cassady pitched a shut out.
Scan Me Scan this code for more photos of the varsity softball team
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entertainment
Ty it all TOGETHER Tyler Patrick Managing Editor
Rising singer has tween-star potential
E
ven though America has a bundle of teen stars in the spotlight, singer Austin Mahone has the potential to become the next big thing. Mahone is a 15-year-old rising star who gained his fame from YouTube and is slowly becoming a household name. His combined use of talent, looks and personality will make him the star he is born to be. Mahone grew up in Texas with his mom, moving between Seguin, San Antonio and La Vernia. Mahone moved back to San Antonio after his mother divorced her second husband, where he briefly attended Lady Bird Johnson High School but chose to become home-schooled due to his rising success. Mahone has over 100 covers on his YouTube channel including “Someone Like You” (Adele), “Born to be Somebody” (Justin Bieber), “Find Your Love” (Drake), “Forget You” (Cee-Lo Green), and “It Will Rain” (Bruno Mars). All of these covers are phenomenal and show off Mahone’s singing ability. Mahone started posting videos on Feb. 10, 2011. He soon began gaining more and more followers who fell in love with his voice. His voice is a combination of Justin Bieber and Adam Levine, but Mahone’s voice is much deeper than Bieber’s when he started out and has a bit more of an acoustic/pop feel to it. Mahone can also play the guitar and piano to accompany him in song. Mahone’s cover of “Mistletoe” by Justin Bieber became so successful that it topped the views of the original video by Bieber himself. Two of Mahone’s covers are home made music videos where he swoons fans with multiple angles and shots. Mahone’s skyrocketed success is partly due to his major attractiveness. He is more than just a pretty face to this tween-star junkie. Mahone has a look about him that simply reads “I’m meant to be famous.” He has already gathered a large fan base of teenage girls, something other stars, like Bieber, developed early in their careers. Mahone’s fans refer to themselves as “mahomies” similar to how Bieber’s fans are called “beliebers.” Mahone is working to increase his fan base. He began using U-Stream to do live video chats with fans, previous U-Stream sessions of Mahone can be found on YouTube. Each session lasts about an hour, where Mahone answers questions and discusses his life with viewers. In one video, fans ask Mahone to impersonate different people, which he reluctantly does, but his impersonations are hilarious to say the least. He impersonates Miley Cyrus and Snooki, and also impersonates by acting British, Italian and country. Another way Mahone trys to interact with fans and make himself relatable is with his account on the site Keek and by using Twitter and Instagram to keep them updated on his life regularly. On Keek, he posts small video blogs about his life, making it easy for fans to keep up with him on a face-to-face basis. He has over 400,000 followers on Twitter and is slowly rising every day. Mahone’s style consists of a typical snapback hat, diamond studs in his ears, a chain and a collection of clothes from places such as PacSun and Hollister. This collection of popular clothes helps him create the image that people look for in celebrities. Mahone’s ability to stay down to earth while he rises to fame is an accomplishment within itself; it is very easy to become self centered and forget your roots when the whole world starts loving you at one moment. Mahone released his first single “11:11” on iTunes and it is currently in the top 200. The song is Mahone’s first attempt to really push himself in to the teen scene. This single can definitely make Mahone famous. The song is an upbeat pop tune with hints of acoustic sound, that focuses on making a wish at 11:11. Mahone is just as talented, if not more, than stars like Big Time Rush, Greyson Chance and Cody Simpson. Mahone used the right form of self-advertising by using YouTube to promote his singing; it really is the best way to get one’s self out to the public in such an Internet driven world. Mahone has the right attributes in a teen occupied industry and one can bet he won’t get lost in it. This mahomie definitely predicts that Mahone will go far in his career and could join the ranks of Justin Bieber as America’s favorite teen star. Austin Mahone will be at the Playlist-Live event at the Walt Disney World resort on March 24-25. Tickets to the event are $75.
Log On
Are you interested in hearing Austin Mahone sing? Log on to hilights.org for a link to some of Mahone’s music and his official website.
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March 16, 2012
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Lionel Richie
Van Halen
Sneak Peeks Sunday
Red Hot Chili Peppers
March - April 2012 Monday March 26
Madonna will be releasing her 12th studio album entitled MDNA. Singles include “Girls Gone Wild” and “Give Me All Your Luvin” featuring Nicki Minaj and M.I.A., which she performed at the Super Bowl. This will be her first album in 30 years that is not associated with Warner Bros Records.
Tuesday
Wednesday Thursday
March 27
March 29
Lionel Richie’s new album Tuskegee is being released. This CD features artists such as Tim McGraw and Jimmy Buffett. Tuskegee, Alabama, is Richie’s inspiration for the album title. Richie has made this album unique and personal. The songs consists of remakes of his greatest hits in duet form.
Snow Patrol, is performing at Hard Rock live at 8 p.m. This concert consists of songs from their album, Fallen Empires which released Jan. 10. Their hits include “Chasing Cars” and “Set the Fire to the Third Bar.” Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com for $65.05. Snow Patrol
Madonna
April 3
Nicki Minaj
April 8
Producing his 12th studio album, Paul Simon releases his new album So Beautiful or So What. Songs on this album include “The Afterlife,” “So Beautiful or So What” and “Love and Blessings.” All songs on the album were written by Paul Simon. He is an accomplished singer songwriter who has received 12 Grammy Awards. In 2003, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel were awarded the Grammy Lifetime Drake Achievement Award.
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Nicki Minaj’s album Roman Reloaded will be released through Cash Money Records, Young Money Entertainment and Universal Republic Records. Her single “Roman In Moscow”, released on iTunes Dec. 2, and is featured on the album. Roman Zolanski is Minaj’s alter ego who was featured on her previous album. This album focuses on the return of Zolanski.
March 30
Sister Hazel is performing at the House of Blues at 8 p.m. The band is originally from Gainesville, Florida, and their music style includes a mixture of southern rock, classic rock ‘n’ roll and pop. The concert is general admission, and can be purchased at houseofblues.com for $65.50.
Saturday March 31
The Red Hot Chili Peppers are performing a sold out show at the Amway Center at 8 p.m. This is an alternative rock band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1983. Their newest album came out Aug. 26 I’m With You. After taking a six year hiatus, this is a highly anticipated tour.
Titanic 3D
April 4
Titanic in 3D and IMAX is being re-released into theaters. This movie tells the story of the tragedy that killed 15,00 people due to a cruise ship colliding with an iceberg. It is an action packed movie with an unforgettable story of romance that shows the tragedy between a couple in love. The original Titanic released in 1997 and won 11 Oscars. This movie won Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Director, Best Visual Effects, Best Film Editing, Best Music for Original Dramatic Score, Best musical for Original Song, Best Picture, Best Sound, and Best Sound Effects Editing. It will be playing April 3 at midnight at City Walk and Downtown Disney. Tickets can be purchased online for $13. 50 at fandango.com.
April 10
April 12
The book Calico Joe by John Grisham releases. Set in the world of major league baseball, it is a story between a father and his son. Two themes of this book include forgiveness and redemption. The book provides insight about what happens both on and off the baseball field. This is Grisham’s 26th book. Calico Joe will be published not only in paperback and hardcover, but also as audio and ebooks. Paul Simon
Friday
John Grisham
March 16, 2012
The rock band, Van Halen, is playing at the Amway Center at 7:30 p.m. The band originated in California in 1972, and has sold over 80 million albums worldwide. Their new single, “Tattoo” released on Jan. 10 and has played on more than 160 radio stations. Tickets are available online that include exclusive merchandise and premium seats. To access VIP packaging, go online to vipnation. com.
April 14
WJRR’s 19th Earth Day Birthday concert 2012 is featuring artists including The Hurt, Godsmack, Pop Evil, The Used, Falling In Reverse and other artists. It is an all day event at Tinker Field. Tickets are on sale at earthdaybirthday19. com for $58. They are also for sale at Cricket’s Restaurant and Bar, 1909 South Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach Shores, FL, 32118 for $63. The Hurt
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entertainment
Pub serves gnarly subs, salads
photos/KINSEY SEACORD
PERSONALIZED PERFECTION. One can combine his favorite meats and toppings when ordering the Build Your Own Sandwich. “Having control over my food made my meal even more delectable,” Jorge Ramirez said. The BYO Sandwich ($7) comes with potato chips. DIG IN. While not stated on the menu, Gnarly Barley offers the Snack Attack. “I’m obsessed with blue cheese and anything salty, so the salted chips with melted blue cheese were perfect,” junior Lindsay Alexander said. The Snack Attack ($3.50) is served warm.
By KINSEY SEACORD If one is looking for a homey sandwich bar to watch a sports game or hang with friends, Gnarly Barley Bites and Brews is the place to go. Located on 7431 S. Orange Ave., Gnarly Barley is the size of a small house. It’s cozy atmosphere makes the restaurant the ideal place for an intimate lunch. With only a few tables and a bar area inside, the outside porch is fitting for sunny day brunches. Created by Boone graduates Joey Morris and Trace Pleicones, the bar has a woodland-like theme. The founders tore down an old barn and used it as interior decor. Across one of the walls is a mural of a barley field painted by Boone graduate Alex Ray, who also painted the campus’ Trading Post. Because of the restaurant’s small size, service is quick and waiters are able to provide intimate discussion regarding the menu. Beverages and dishes are delivered within minutes so make sure one’s party is all there before ordering. While appetizers are not listed on the menu, Gnarly Barley offers the Snack Attack (3.50): an explosion of blue cheese, red onions, tomato and meat over salted potato chips, topped with basil. The flavor is strongly influenced by the brisket meat, so if one does not have a taste for it, stick to ordering the hot Smashed Potato Salad ($1.50). The sandwiches are boldly unique with imaginative ingredients so be sure
Kids channel thoughts SITE PROVIDES SELF EXPRESSION OUTLET FOR STUDENTS By RUBEN CARRILLO It is a Monday night and she has her video camera ready for the next big video she has been preparing for the last couple of months. She hits the record button and begins. Videos on YouTube make people laugh, cry and feel all of their emotions at the same time. Laughing and crying could not be evoked without YouTube posters who like to show who they are by posting original videos. YouTube creators Chad Hurley, Steve Chen and Jawed Karim, who were previously all employees of PayPal ,launched YouTube Feb. 14, 2005, as a way for people to share videos. Three students use YouTube to sing, to cover songs and produce makeup tutorials. Sophomore Kevin Schoeppler makes videos of his musical covers of artists like Green Day. He hopes one day the videos will reach his favorite band. “I would love to make a [YouTube] video with Green Day because they are so unconventional. They seem crazy,
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to ask the waiter his opinion on the dish before ordering. One specialty is the “38,” A Club Sub Like No Other ($8). This is a fresh sub roll loaded with ham, turkey, crisp bacon, provolone cheese, honey mustard and tiger sauce with crunchy lettuce and tomato on the side. The subs are perfectly sized and come with potato chips. For vegetarians, the bar offers the Veggie Monster ($7). This is freshly baked white or wheat bread with crisp apples, red onions, diced tomato, cucumbers, arugula, cream and provolone cheese topped with thousand island dressing. The bar emphasizes “you playing chef,” so create-your-own salads and sandwiches are a delectable option. When ordering the BYO Salad ($7), one has the choice of one meat, two toppings, one cheese, and a salad dressing. With the addition of homemade “Gnarly” blue cheese, the salads are a combination of crunchy flavors one is not able to resist. If one is in the mood for a memorable dish, order the Johnnie Mac ‘N’ Cheese ($8). A toasted wheat sub roll is piled high with tenderly sliced roast beef, grilled onions, mayo and homemade mac ‘n’ cheese. Served with au’jus on the side, the meal is perfection. The bar is the ideal place for a mellow lunch or dinner. Stop by the next time a sandwich craving hits.
Dining 411 Where: 7431 S. Orange Ave.
When: Tues. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 12 a.m. Fri. 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.
How much: $3 - $8, additional sides $1.50
Beverages: soft drinks, beer and wine
Extras: good for small groups
Online: thegnarlybarly. com
Call: 407854-4999
Pumped Up Kicks Cover
1,009 views
17 likes, 0 dislikes
fun and seem like awesome guys to work with,” Schoeppler said. Schoeppler posts covers because he has a passion for the drums. Posting these videos is how he expresses himself. His “Holiday Drum Cover” has 121 views. “When I make a video of me drumming, I can record it, and I become better because I can see my past mistakes,” Schoeppler said. Senior Erika Plogstedt posts videos on how to apply makeup without a big expense. She began this hobby the beginning of her sophomore year. “I post makeup tutorials because I [remember] I was in the position that most girls are in and didn’t know anything [about wearing makeup],” Plogstedt said. Plogstedt saw videos on YouTube and felt inspired to create her own. Plogstedt’s video, Queen Beeuty Contest Entry, has earned 5,734 views. This video is Plogstedt trying out for the Queen Beeuty Contest. She painted her face like the Cheshire Cat from
Alice In Wonderland. Sophomore Rebecca Gage makes YouTube videos of herself singing covers of songs, like Taylor Swift’s version of “Silent Night”, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Lisa Layne, “Pumped Up Kicks” by Foster the People, and “Jingle Bell Rocks” by Bobby Helms. When she starts to sing she gets into a zone and can’t be tamed. “I sing to get exposure and for people like my family who are out of town [so they can watch me],” Gage said. Gage made her first video, Finals Winner Announcement, about 11 months ago. It is Gage singing at the American Idol Experience at Disney. Her dream is to make a video with Taylor Swift. “[Talyor Swift] is my favorite singer and she seems like she would be fun to work with,” Gage said. Unknown singers in the past have used YouTube to land record deals. These three students are trying to become the next big thing and make a name for themselves.
March 16, 2012
Holiday Drum Cover
121 views 2 likes, 0 dislikes
Queen Beeuty Entry
5,749 views 30 likes, 0 dislikes
To see another popular YouTube video by Tre Simpson and Chris Williams, featured on Boone Broadcasting Company and at Brave Aid, type in the search box Orange Swag.
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entertainment
Princess Winifred Veronica Kelly
photo/DELANEE BOGAN
Prince Dauntless Caleb Roche
Queen Aggravain Kyra Kemp
photo/TYLER PATRICK
photo/TYLER PATRICK
1. PAYBACK. Prince Dauntless (Roche) argues with his mother, Queen Aggravain (Kemp) over Princess Winifred’s (Kelly) royal status after her fate is revealed. “I hope people will have a fun time and that they will laugh, smile and leave happier,” junior Caleb Roche said. 2. SLEEP TIGHT PRINCESS. Queen Aggravain reads the incantation to help the princess fall asleep. “At first, I had mixed feelings about playing the Queen because it’s hard to play the bad guy. You have to get used to the audience not liking you. It’s a journey, but it is a lot of fun,” Kemp said. 3. SING SWEET NIGHTINGALE. The Nightingale (Brandon Dalzell) is summoned by the Queen to help sing the princess to sleep. “[Being in the cage for the whole show], I really hope that no one kills me because I get rushed on to stage really quickly in the cage and I’m not strapped in,” Dalzell, senior, said.
Drama revamps classic fairytale MODERN SPIN ADDS HUMOR TO SHOW By DELANEE BOGAN AND TYLER PATRICK When one takes a classic fairytale like The Princess and the Pea and combines it with modern society, one is given an adventure like no other. On April 12, the drama department will premier its production of Once Upon a Mattress. The drama department’s director Steve MacKinnon, who comes in to help with productions, had the idea to make the play modern. To modernize the musical, the castle resembles a rock concert. There is a scaffolding, cast iron for the walls and PBC pipes. “I think [making the play modern] will add a good modern touch to it and it will draw more crowds since the show isn’t that well known,” senior Alicia Kent, stage manager, said. Costumes for the play also help contribute to the modern aspect the cast is going for. Prince Dauntless, played by junior Caleb Roche, wears a hoodie and balloon pants with Converse, which
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adds a contemporary touch to his royal costume. Characters will use cell phones as a modern element to the play. However, despite the present-day touches, the cast will still resemble aristocracy with brightly colored dresses and knight costumes. The cast rehearses four to five days a week for three hours to prepare for the show. During this time they dance, sing, set-block around the stage and rehearse their lines with each other. “Rehearsal helps keep me on pitch. Without it, we would be horrible. It really helps us get to workshop our characters and get to know them,” senior Veronica Kelly, Princess Winifred, said. The play features five main characters and four comic relief characters, with an ensemble cast of 18. In The Princess and the Pea by Hans Christian Alderson, a young prince must marry a real princess, meaning she is of royal blood. One night, a young girl arrives during a storm asking for a place to stay, claiming she is indeed a “real princess” despite her appearance from the rain. In an attempt to test the young girl’s royal status, the queen secretly hides a single pea underneath the bedstead. She then piles 20 mattresses and 20 feather
beds on top of one another. According to the queen, any “real princess” would feel discomfort from even a tiny pea underneath her mattress. The following morning the queen asks the princess how she slept, and when she replies that she slept awful on some “hard lump” all night, she proves that she is in fact a princess and she then is able to marry the prince. However, this vision is not the typical Princess and the Pea story people know. It dives deeper into the stories of other characters and adds comic relief to the fairytale. The musical takes a different spin on the classic princess. Princess Winifred the Wobegon is known as the Princess from the Swamps, which makes the queen doubt her royal status. In the beginning of the play, Princess Winifred swims through the castle moats to get inside. Once in, she is harassed by Queen Aggravain, and the princess plays up her awkward nature by singing the song “Shy.” Other elements of classic fairytales appear in the show by including the three princesses Snow White, Cinderella and Rapunzel. The show features a lot of innuendos that help appeal to an adult audience
March 16, 2012
viewing the production. In the song “Man to Man Talk,” King Sextimus, played by senior Jackson Upperco, who can not speak, pantomimes to his son Prince Dauntless about the “birds and the bees.” “It literally is about the birds and the bees, it features a lot of innuendos, the song is really funny and easy to sing,” Roche said. Other songs that accompany the musical help blend different styles of music like classic Broadway, Latin and hip-hop. The play uses light cues, hazers and a fog machine as a way to add special effects and transition between scenes. LED lights are used to help give a rock concert feel to the show. “I hope that [Once Upon a Mattress] will make money, people will enjoy it and support the play, the students involved will grow from the experience and parents will be proud,” drama teacher Tiffany Weagly said. Once Upon a Mattress will show in the auditorium on April 12 - 14 at 7 p.m. and on April 14 at 2 p.m. Children under five are free. The matinee show on April 14 features $8 tickets for students and senior citizens.
See & Hear Where Auditorium
What Once Upon a Mattress
When April 12 - 13 at 7 p.m. April 14 at 2 and 7 p.m.
How Much $10 for General Admission $20 for VIP
hilights.org
entertainment
2
1 photo/BRIDGETTE NORRIS
4
3 photo/TYLER PATRICK
photo courtesy/SAMANTHA BELL
5
photo/TYLER PATRICK
photo courtesy/EMILY UNDIEME
4 HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS. The bright colors and feathers on senior Alexis Olijnyk’s foot represent the Conway peacocks near her home. “I have always been interested in tattoos and this one means a lot. The colors go well together and matches everything I wear,” Olijnyk said. Olijnyk got the tattoo on her foot a week after she turned 18. 5 STAYING TRUE. At tattoo parlor, senior Emily Undieme gets a tattoo of her first name and a flower. “I always liked the idea of tattoos. They are something special that you get done and will always be there, like a constant variable in your life. I got my name because it represents me, obviously, but it also reminds me that when the world is changing around me, I am still who I want to be, I am still me. I am still Emily,” Undieme said. She got the tattoo on her hip because she wanted to be able to hide it when need be and did not want it shown off.
ART
Body
STUDENTS GET MEANINGFUL TATTOOS By BRIDGETTE NORRIS hether it is a name or a design, students are getting permanent body art: tattoos. In just three years, from 2003 to 2006, there was almost a 9 percent increase in adults getting tattoos. The process of getting a tattoo may cause pain, bleeding and even more significant health problems. If the needles, guns and other equipment used to apply the tattoo are contaminated, one is at risk of various diseases, including hepatitis and tetanus. Not all reactions or health problems are as serious as a disease. The ink used in tattoos can cause allergic reactions and skin infections. Complications from tattoos may be irritation of the skin, causing bumps,
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redness or various symptoms. Although there are different opinions on getting tattoos, students believe the artistic element outweighs the risks. After admiring superheroes her whole life and wanting a tattoo of Spiderman for four years, senior Kaley Craig decided to get it. “My mom was supportive of me. They think it is my body and I can do what I want with it. [My mom] understands my obsession with it,” Craig said. Craig decided to get the tattoo because it encompass the power of superheros to her. She uses it as a reminder of how important it is that one always does what they feels is right and to be one’s own superhero. As for the Torres brothers, senior Samuel and junior Samario, have similar tattoos of their last name though size and font differ. “The tattoo expresses and symbolizes my family name. It means I take pride in my name,” Samario said. The Torres brothers are not the only students who have tattoos to represent their
1 BROTHERS BOND. The tattoo shows the connection between the Thomas brothers through music and dance. “[Other people’s opinion] does not matter to me because I like it, Deion said. 2 OVERPOWERING. A Spiderman fanatic, senior Kaley Craig has his chest icon on arm. “Superheros have always been important in my life. I would not say I have a lot of strong male influences, so I use superheros as a role model,” Craig said. 3 LIKE MOTHER, LIKE DAUGHTER. After making a promise to her mother, junior Samantha Bell got the first name of her mom behind her ear.
expresses personality family name and bond between members of the family. Three brothers, sophomore Deion Thomas, junior Devin Thomas and graduate Derrick Thomas have a tattoo on their arms that Devin designed. The tattoo is the letter D and the number three with a microphone. The letter represents the first initial of the brothers names while the number stands for each of the individual brothers. “The tattoo reminds me of my family and brothers. [Derrick and I] really loved the drawing of the tattoo as soon as we saw. The microphone symbolizes the music we make, rapping, dancing and singing,” Deion said. Like Devin, senior Emily Undieme designed her tattoo, her first name in cursive black ink with a little flower on her hip. Getting the tattoo was also a meaningful moment for Undieme’s family. “My step mom and I went together to get our tattoos done. It was an important moment because she was still new to my life,
March 16, 2012
but now this memory and my tattoo will last forever,” Undieme said. As for junior Samantha Bell, who has more than one tattoo, she confidently states there is a specific one she considers most important to her, her mothers’ name behind her ear. Bell states the tattoo expresses how much she loves her mom. She made a promise to her mother that someday she would get a tattoo for her. Bell wanted to follow through with the idea and promise she had made to get the tattoo and display her love for her mother. “My mom influenced me, she is my best friend. I always promised my mom I would get a tattoo with her name on it. Instead of chickening out, I just went for it,” Bell said. Besides the permanent ink on their body, the memory of getting a tattoo will stay in these students minds and remind them why their tattoos are important to them.
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