May 2012-A section

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William R. Boone High School Student Paper

Friday, May 11, 2012 Volume 60, Issue No.6

For Students, By Students

Flag Football raises bar p. 22

2000 South Mills Avenue Orlando, Florida 32806 photo/BROOKE DAWKINS

Charities benefit those in need

1 photo/ANNA MARIE BORIA

3 photo/LIZZY GORDON

1. HELPING HAND. A volunteer for Clean the World helps organize small care packages to hand out to less fortunate people seeking help. 2. PILE UP. One of many large crates holds a collection of soap that will be cleaned, melted and carved before it is sent back out to those in need. The soap helps save the lives of many people as the leading cause of death in children under the age of five are pneumonia and cholera, which can be prevented through regular handwashing. 3. CARVE IT OUT. Junior Anna Marie Boria helps Clean the World by carving soap into the appropriate shape for the organizations standards. “It was very fulfilling knowing that I was donating my time to an organization that has done so much to save the lives of people in need,” Boria said.

2 photo/ANNA MARIE BORIA

•Op-Ed argues sides on gay marriage p. 6

By TYLER PATRICK Donating to charities are a form of giving that can leave one in a state of good mind and great feelings. Charities are a definite way for people to help those less fortunate than themselves. Organizations like Clean the World, which recycles old soap and distributes it to local homeless citizens, as well as people in third world countries. Other organizations like Habitat for Humanity help build houses for less fortunate families and requires those seeking homes to help in the building process. Another way to contribute to a charity is by gaming which allows interactive play online to benefit those in need by sending small items like water or rice to them. No matter what way someone helps a charity, every contribution helps to satisfy the needs of others.

Please see , page

14

• Homelessness becomes decision for Central Florida man p. 10



Volume 60, Issue No. 6 May 11, 2012 For Students, By Students

In Every Issue 4 5 10 21 22

10

photo/LIA VILLAR

contents 6 Writers offer opposing views on gay marriage

B2 Traditions continue on the Reservation

12 Teens make destructive decisions

B8 Students work hard to earn top spots

22 Flag football falls in regional semi-finals championship

C2 Local events impact the community throughout the year

28 Small restaurant offers friendly service

C4 Looking back to major sports events

3 The word “lethologica”

made by someone squishing her hands in jelly.

describes the state of not being able to remember the word you want.

2 Orlando is the second most

4 The numbers ‘172’ can be found

hilights.org

28

Star Ratings

1 The sound of E.T walking was

popular domestic travel destination in the country, next to Las Vegas.

Scan this QR code with your smartphone to visit www.hilights.org

17

photo/MOLLY WALLACE

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.

on the back of the U.S. $5 in the bushes at the base of the Lincoln Memorial.

Not worth the money. Might as well gouge your eyes out now.

May 11, 2012

photo/STEPHANIE GARCIA

Calendar May 20, 3 p.m. Baccalaureate at FUMCO

May 25

Seniors last day

June 2, 8 p.m. Graduation at Amway Center

June 8

Underclassmen’s last day

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opinions

2011-12 Staff

EDITOR Students donate and gain knowledge

EDITORIAL BOARD

By KAREN JAEN There are over 6 billion people on the planet; out of that population, there is always one person who needs help. There is an average ratio of 7,000 homeless people per 2 million people in the world, according to grabstats.com. Giving to a charity can be a gratifying experience; knowing one’s money is going toward a cause, brings people joy. However, it is important to know where this money is going, donating to the right charity is a necessary part of the donation process. There are a variety of local charities in the community that target certain causes. Hi-Lights covers these charities on page 14 and how the charities help the causes they raise money for. There are different ways a student can donate, whether it is through an event such as Relay for Life or by playing a online game that donates money to a charity. The Special section also focuses on students who work to organize or get involved in charities. When a student donates to a charity it is imperative that one knows how the charity distributes the money. This information is available through the charity’s IRS 990 form, which can usually be found on the organization’s website. There are charities that

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

seem to be official in appearance but only small percentages of the donations are given to the actual cause. The staff takes a stance on the importance of knowing how to donate on page 5. As an actively informed student, one is able to find out about pressing issues in the United States and most importantly, in Florida. Endangered animals in Florida have been a pressing issue for years now. Florida has over 100 animal species who are endangered. The article on page 9 gives an in-depth look on the dangers these animals are facing. Another significant issue constantly plaguing the press is the controversial topic of gay marriage. Gay marriage has appeared frequently in the press since 2001, when 10 countries began allowing same-sex civil unions. The United States has not been as open to accepting the concept of marriage between the same sex. Six states have been granted the right to do this, such as New York and Connecticut. On page 6, two writers take stances on the issue and what they believe should happen. It is essential for students to be informed about the various issues that arise in an everyday setting. Donating time and money is one of those important issues and students should educate themselves before making a decision to donate.

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Contribute

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

Advertise

Visit hilights.org where you can read or comment on any of the stories published. Photos from school and sports events are available for purchase on our online photo gallery for $2. The site features up-to-date news, video, polls as well as daily Boone Broadcasting Company shows.

We welcome advertising into the paper. The paper is free to students and subscriptions are available for $10. $25 Business card $45 Quarter page $75 Half page $150 Full page

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

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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.

May 11, 2012

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hilights.org


opinions

View Careful research lends better results GIVING REQUIRES THOUGHT, NOT BLIND DONATION The students currently walking the halls, cramming books in lockers and entering class rooms, all receive one name: the Me Generation. While this title does ring true in some aspects of teenage lives, the Me Generation does have the ability to focus on others. A University of California Los Angeles study by the Higher Education Research Institute found that in 2006, 67 percent of students entering college thought it was important to help others in difficulty. This is the highest percentage in 26 years. A majority of college students who think helping others is important does not reflect a generation consumed in itself. Since teens have concerns for those in need, it is important for them to know how to correctly donate time and money. Research is an important first step. Before one blindly gives to a charity, one needs to research it. Honest charities with the best interests for their causes and their donors in mind will have ways donors can discover more about them. For example, The American Cancer Society’s website is highly informational and includes pages that tell readers about the charity’s goals and practices. The site also offers contact information for those with further questions. Most importantly, one needs to look into the financial aspects of a charity. Any credible charity should practice transparency. Their sites will have monetary documents recording the money received the prior year and the areas it went to like production and administrative expenses. An IRS 990 form ensuring the charity is a non-profit organization should also be among the site’s accessible documents. An easy way to discover if a charity is credible is to look for the Better Business Bureau’s stamp of

approval also known as the Wise Giving Alliance Seal. This seal means a charity has gone under investigation by the Better Business Bureau, and the Bureau found that the charity’s governance, fund raising practices, solicitations and information materials, as well as expidentures, were up to par. A list of charities who have this seal can be found on the Better Business Bureau’s website. However, if a charity does not have this seal, it can still be a valid organization. Charities that receive the Wise Giving Alliance Seal have to apply for it. The possibility remains that a charity without the seal did not apply. It is also possible the charity is local; the seal is only given to national

One

effort could have meant more to him if he donated to a charity like The American Cancer Society. Then, the student is not helping just someone. He is helping someone like his Dad, and helping a family who has experiences similar to his. Another benefit of giving to ACS is that the charity has local events like Relay for Life, which is on campus May 18. Being involved in a charity, as well as giving money to it helps one reap the benefits of the giving process because the experience becomes more hands on. In the same vein as giving to a charity close to one’s heart, giving to a local charity can be of greater value to the donator. Since local charities are close to the home, they are easier to become involved with. In this case, one can give his time, not just his money. Habitat for Humanity is a perfect example which emphasizes personal service through building houses and not just giving. According to a British Broadcasting Company news article, “Charity ‘makes you feel better’,” “it is not having lots of money that makes us happy— it is spending it on others.” There is science behind the statement, ‘giving makes For more you happy.’ A University of information on British Columbia study of local charities 630 people found the ones like Habitat who spent money on others were for Humanity, happier. Dave Ramsey, host of Clean the The Money Game, a talk-radio show with hundreds of thousands World and of daily listeners, says giving helps Relay for people realize the world does not Life, turn to revolve around them. the Special Giving, when done responsibly Section on with careful research and thought, is pages 14 and an experience even the Me Generation 15 can benefit from.

University of British Columbia study of 630 people found the ones who spent money on others were

happier.

Your Thoughts How should people go about giving to charities?

charities. Those seeking further assurance of a charity’s credibility should check charitynavigator.com. The site provides accurate reviews of a charity’s financial credibility as well as the charity’s accountability and transparency. Furthermore, even if a charity checks out as financially sound, it does not mean one should automatically donate. Giving to causes which are close to one’s heart allows givers to reap more benefits by knowing they helped someone they have personal ties to. A plausible example: a local student’s father passes away of cancer. If the student gives to The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, he does well, but his

People should follow up. If people see how it affects people’s lives, they’ll be more willing to give.

They should research it before just so they know how it impacts who they’re giving it to.

I don’t like it when a certain person gives to a bunch [of charities] because they don’t have a motive behind it.

They should know what the cause is for and depending on what they feel is right, they should give to the charity.

- margaret brown, sophomore

- bashari james, senior

- geraldine irizarry, junior

- joseph perez, freshman

Forum Charity supports deserving children I care about Give Kids the World because all the kids there have been through way more than they deserve to at their age, but they still manage to [deal] with their everyday lives.

HOW AND WHY DO YOU SUPPORT CHARITIES? Marching with local charities [I care about] March of Dimes and MS Awareness. [I go to] walk-a-thons and [raise] funding from local businesses.

- alexis olijnyk, senior

- jileiska ross, junior

U.S. based charities are priority Without a personal source of income, I do not currently have any charities that I donate to, but I love to be able to help others in need. I favor projects that help those in the U.S. It’s not our responsibility to take care of the world, especially when so many have to suffer.

- jackson upperco, senior

hilights.org

Nike charity leads to collection

I support the Doernbecher charity. They’re signed with Nike. The kids in the charity design their own shoes /

-jose delgado, junior

American Cancer Society aids relative I care about the American Cancer Society because it’s one of the largest growth charities for cancer. They help all people whose lives have been affected by cancer including cancer

May 11, 2012

patients, patients’ family members, cancer survivors and research programs to help find a cure. This charity especially hits home for me because my grandma is fighting cancer currently and has survived three different types of cancer. This charity gives my grandma hope that she still has a fighting chance against this terrible illness. Every year I participate in Relay for Life, a big fund raiser for the American Cancer Society, and I support the greatest grandma in the world.

- dalles black, senior

We’d love to hear from you! Please send a letter to Rm. 224 or go to hilights.org page 5


opinions

Separate, but unequal? MARRIAGE IS A CIVIL RIGHT, NOT A POPULARITY CONTEST By MARK VAGELAKOS With seven states and Washington, D.C. legalizing gay marriage, the argument for equality has reached the federal level. As legal movements for black rights and women’s rights fade into history books, it is high time this last inequality in civil rights be corrected. A couple of basics must be set before arguments can begin. Fundamentally, one must understand that being gay is not a preference, choice or fad; it is an orientation. A gay person does not choose his or her orientation any more than a straight person makes a conscious decision to be straight. Furthermore, it is unlikely anyone would choose to be discriminated against by a segment of the population or to be treated as a second-class citizen by the law. Secondly, civil unions do not amount to total equality. Marriage is about devoting one’s life to the person he loves, not about getting a dental plan or tax break. Marriage has societal and cultural implications beyond a base definition and the fact that civil unions are only reserved for gays represents an unequal separation on a basic level. While other issues will be addressed, it is important for one to look past all other elements but the law when discussing gay marriage. The 14th Amendment states “no state shall… deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” When this was ratified, it stood as a support for civil rights of African Americans and it serves the same purpose today: it means one cannot be treated differently based on an orientation he or she does not choose. Moreover, The United States Supreme Court has established repeatedly that the right to marry is so fundamental, it cannot be abridged by states (Zablocki v. Redhail). This ruling sets a clear precedent for gay marriage and a federal banning of anti-marriage rules. While the country was founded on a platform of decentralized control to the states, civil rights must be provided by federal law, even if states disagree. This was the case in 1967 when the federal government declared laws against interracial marriage illegal (17 states still had laws against this at the time and 24 states had them a decade before). Opponents of gay marriage believe marriage should not be changed because it has been held constant for over 6000 years. However, the fact is that marriage changes all the time. Not only was interracial marriage illegal only a century ago in the United States, but marriage was not even a Christian sacrament until 1250 when the Catholic clergy declared it so. The truly radical aspect of marriage is marrying for love, since feudal relations were dominantly about a pairing of skills and wealth. Marriage adapts to the evolving nature of humanity. It is naive to think something created thousands of years ago can fit perfectly to our times. Additionally, the claim that gay marriage ruins the sanctity of heterosexual marriage is equally misguided. Rather, the fact that

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two people who love and respect each other want to dedicate their lives to one another supports the sanctity of marriage, which has taken a few hits in contemporary culture. For example, a man and a woman can meet in Las Vegas, pay $110 and get married in under an hour (reception shots not included). Meanwhile, Larry King and Liz Taylor have 13 divorces between them and even lifetime prisoners like the Menedez brothers can get married in prison. With all these distortions, it is hard to imagine a husband and wife deciding on divorce or a heterosexual couple choosing not to marry because the gay couple down the street was able to tie the knot. Now, it is time to address the issue hiding in the closet: religion. While not all Christians are against equality, some of the largest dissent of gay marriage stems from the religious community. Hateful bible thumpers quote Leviticus 18:22 every time the issue comes up “Thou shall not lie with mankind as with womankind; it is an abomination,” but they fail to see the real issues mentioned in Leviticus. Just pages away, Leviticus outlines other “abominations” facing humanity, like eating shellfish (Leviticus 11) and wearing two types of cloth, like cotton and polyester, at once (Leviticus 19). More rational equality opponents cite God’s intention for a male and female to be able to make a child; thus, only a man and a woman can be married. However, marriage is not only to make babies. Following this logic, any woman who could not conceive should be banned from marriage. The bottom line is that it is difficult to empathize with a situation without experiencing it, but civil rights requires an open mind. Marriage is a fundamental right that belongs to everyone.

MARRIAGE NOT MADE FOR SAME SEX COUPLES By SARA CASLER Marriage is an institution established for the creation of an eternal bond between, yes, a man and shockingly enough, a woman. Although some states may recognize the union of same sex couples, that is not marriage. It should never be defined as marriage. Religion and respect of tradition would have to collapse first. Yes, it is understandable that same sex couples should be offered the same rights and privileges, just like heterosexual couples. Advocates for gay rights have been pushing for gay marriage since the beginning of the gay rights movement in 1989 with the New York City Stonewall riots. Their arguments for equal rights on a state and federal level are appropriate, but their push for allowing gays to “marry” is inappropriate. Although it was not an official practice of the Christian church until the Renaissance, marriage has been around since the beginning of time. Ancient Israelis had ceremonies bonding a man and woman for life, with proof evident as early in time as the book of Genesis. To offer perspective, page one of this approximately 1200 page book is the beginning of time. The first union occurs on page 2 between Adam and Eve. The ancient Jews were not the only ones performing marriage ceremonies. The ancient Greeks had ceremonies to bless relationships. The first Chinese marriage took place between two of their original g o d s , Nuwa

Breakdown of support 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

% Should be % Should not valid be valid In 1996

May 11, 2012

% Should be % Should not valid be valid In 2011 Source: gallop.com

and Fu Xi, with permission of the heavens. Nikah is an Arabic term used for marriage, meaning the physical relationship between a man and woman. The original meaning is found in the pages of the Quran. Marriage was started as a coupling of those of the opposite sex; history speaks for itself. “But what about civil rights? Interracial couples went through the same thing,” said a poorly informed nay-sayer. Wrong. The argument has been made that individuals of different races were in a similar situation when interracial couples were outright outlawed. First flaw in the argument: the establishment of marriage has rightly not been adjusted to fit the needs of a homosexual couples, that’s all. As of June 2011, only 12 states outright prohibit same-sex marriage via statute and 29 via the state’s constitution. That’s 41 states that still have their heads on their shoulders, rather than muddled with emotions. Another argument can be made on the destruction of a traditional marriage by adjusting the rules after thousands of years. It would be a quest to change the fundamental marriage ideals, where the man is dominant over the woman, and the woman is responsible for taking care of her man. In a homosexual relationship, although one partner “wears the pants,” so to speak, there is no obvious dominant half or submissive spouse. The National Organization for Marriage is a well renound advocate for avoiding the redefinition of marriage. The most powerful, most effective argument they have been backing since their foundation in 2007 reads, “Gays and Lesbians have a right to live as they choose, they don’t have the right to redefine marriage for all of us.” It is not appropriate for less than one percent of the population according to the 2000 US Census to rewrite the dictionary. There is more than enough evidence to place a legitimate argument regarding the rights of homosexual couples. Long lasting meaningful relationships between two people of the same sex is a new thing, with adjustments only being made as early as the 1970s. Even this stubborn writer can agree that these couples deserve the same rights as heterosexual couples, but there is no reason to be hasty, take the “easy way out” and make marriage, a religious institution, work across the board. According to the federal government’s Government Accountability Office, more than 1,138 rights and protections are conferred to U.S. citizens upon marriage by the federal government; areas affected include Social Security benefits, veterans’ benefits, health insurance, Medicaid, hospital visitation, estate taxes, retirement savings, pensions, family leave, and immigration laws. These are not problems that will be fixed overnight with the wave of a civil rights wand. Again, returning to the original point, marriage is between a male and a female. There is no denying that. The outlawing of interracial relationships was based off of racial segregation and contests between classes rather than a need to adjust the laws of eternal bonding.

hilights.org


opinions

Screaming & Hollering Sam Holleman Columnist

Snooki filled country By SAM HOLLEMAN From Aristotle, who is one of the greatest philosophers in human history, to crazy Steve who used to live in my neighborhood, it has become a well known fact that children are the future. And if this is true, then America is headed for some dark times. Back in the 1500’s (during the enlightenment period in Europe), people would go to these things called salons. Now these do not remotely resemble the establishments where women go to get their hair done and chit chat about how Beth from down the street told Michelle’s cousin’s best friend’s sister her hair looked “nice” and everyone knew she wanted to say her hair cut was horrible because bangs were so last year. The salons from the 1500’s were the equivalent of a club in America. Basically, a wealthy person would hold a party and people would come to it. But, to attract as many people as possible, the host would invite celebrities to come (the owners of clubs today still use this technique). During this time period the celebrities were not movie stars or television stars, the celebrities of that time were philosophers, free thinkers. And at these parties, there was no binge drinking, beer pong, or even the ever popular listening-to-high-frequency-sounds-mimicing-the-action-of-smoking-marajuana-in-orderto-get-high that Fox 35 news is sure everybody is doing. Instead, peasants and average people would sit around and listen to these philosophers new ideas. These people listened to some of the greatest intellectual minds of their time, and the next generation of this great country have what can only be referred to as a Snooki. The children during the enlightenment period listened to new ideas and thoughts, and kids today listen to Snooki say things like, “A crow comes and starts quaking at us…or not quaking, what does a crow do?” This is what kids have to look up to. This is who kids have to idolize. If kids are the future, then the future, at least from this perspective, looks pretty dim. Furthermore, the health of the future is a homburg gray (Sherwin-Williams SW 7622). Obesity is rampait in America; this is no CNN breaking news update. America is the third fattest country in the world with a solid 67 percent obesity rate. But something even more concerning is the fact that 15 percent of children and adolescents are overweight. There are approximately 67 characters on Sesame Street, 15 percent of 67 is just over 10. So imagine watching an episode of Sesame Street without a cookie monster because he ate too many cookies (chocolate chip, of course), became morbidly obese, and had a heart attack, and where the count was forced to start counting calories instead of numbers on his weird singing organ because his doctor said if he doesn’t lose a lot of weight, he could die. Nobody wants to live in a world like that, and Sesame Street is just a television show. Everyday real people in the real world are diagnosed with obesity. Now children are facing this issue at an age where they should be learning the ABC’s, not their BMI’s. Children are the future, and the future looks nothing less than grim. Moreover, children are becoming less intelligent every year, not only academically, but culturally. Programme for International Student Assessment conducts a report every three years that compares the knowledge of 15-year-old students in 70 countries. According to this report, America is ranked 14 in reading, 17 in science, and 25 in math. Japan scored higher on the PISA report than America; a country that not even 200 years ago was still a feudal society with peasants and all that jazz. Now they surpass us in education. The intelligence of our children does not just prove to be weak academically; the cultural exposure children receive is also far less than stellar. Television is a large part of the life of a child, the average person watches about 151 hours of television every month, which puts a lot of pressure on the writers, directors and producers of television shows to create quality, intelligent programming, but instead of rising to the occasion, they decided to sink to an all time low. Apparently, shows about cooking, eating, driving trucks and living in Orange County as a house wife are now high end television. People do this stuff every day. It is not entertainment; it is called a job, and if filming a person doing their job is now considered entertainment, then someone might as well go around and film a guy doing a different job every episode. Oh wait, the Discovery Channel already did this, called it Dirty Jobs and had it last eight seasons. This is what the youth of America has reduced itself to, and it is frightening to think the people who find watching a group of people walking around the Jersey Shore with more spray tan on their body than clothing entertainment will soon hold the future in their hands. Children are the future; it is inevitable. All America can do is try and fix this generation because if we do not, America is headed for a disaster of biblical proportions, Old Testament, real wrath of God stuff; fire and brimstone coming down from the skies, rivers and seas boiling, 40 years of darkness, earthquakes, volcanoes, the dead rising from the grave, human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together, mass hysteria: a country filled with Snookis.

hilights.org

May 11, 2012

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campus and local

Ten

in

“By acting as a role model for the younger generation.” - dinorah figueroa, sophomore

We asked 10 students to answer “In what ways do you give back to the community?” in 10 words.

“I have volunteered at Conway Elementary School for three years.” “ I give back by volunteering at - libby rymer, freshman church and paying taxes.” - jacob pirino, sophomore

“ I give back to the community by recycling a lot.” - francisco benitez, senior

“I help at an after school program by tutoring kids.” - aquanette stafford, junior

“I set an example through music people can relate to.” - chris williams, senior

“I give back through church, Girl Scouts and community service.” - ashleigh simmerson, sophomore

“On weekends, I do work duty for the Boone Cadets.” - alec hyre, junior

“I give back by helping old people cross the street.” - albert khoury, freshman

“I recycle everything and volunteer at the local community center.” - brianna lakman, junior

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May 11, 2012

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campus and local

Endangered wildlife seeks help FLORIDA IS HOME TO 56 ENDANGERED ANIMALS By DELANEE BOGAN Drowning from being trapped inside large nets owned by longline fisheries, the leatherback turtle is an endangered species in Florida. This animal is declining not only due to the fisheries but also due to destruction of its habitat. The world is home to nearly 1.7 million animal species and 500 of these animals are endangered, meaning they are at the risk of extinction. Numbers of endangered animals are increasing every year. Without these animals, the earth’s natural balance will be destroyed, and there will be rapid climate changes which will impact everyone negatively. Florida alone has 56 threatened and endangered animal’s. If people do not take action, Floridians will see changes in the animals they see on a day-to-day basis. “It is disgusting how we let the pure number [of endangered animals] get that high. It is outrageous that we are destroying Florida’s naturally beautiful ecosystem,” sophomore Joseph Johnson said. Classified as an endangered species by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 1967, the Florida Panther is threatened due to destruction of its habitat, genetic defects caused by extensive inbreeding, and collisions with automobiles. In 1996, the population was 30-50 panthers, but because of the Genetic Restoration Program, the wild range is now estimated to be 50-70 panthers. “[Everyone] should know that one day all of the animals that we think are cool and observe are not going to be there anymore. [The amount of endangered animals] is affecting our environment and it will eventually come back to hurt us,” freshman Ramon Alejo said. The Florida manatee is also on Florida’s endangered species list. This animal is on the list because of careless boaters who do not look out or slow down for the manatees. SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment has helped ill injured and orphaned animals for the past 45 years. They help any animal that is in need of assistance. Over 20,000 animals have been rescued by the rescue team, which is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. SeaWorld rescued 19 manatees and released 16 back into the wild last year. With an attempt to take the manatees off the endangered species list, the government has created idle speed zones to reduce the amount of manatees injured and killed by boat propellers. The government has also created sanctuaries so the manatees cannot be harassed, hunted or captured. Homosassa Springs, located in Homosassa, is one place where students can observe and interact with this endangered species. Freshman Alexandra Freel visited the park last year. “[Homosassa Springs] is quite interesting. I didn’t realize how much I didn’t know about manatees. I learned what their habitat has to be like and that they mostly eat lettuce. The people that work there let my mom and I throw heads of Romaine into the spring,” Freel said. At Homosassa Springs, there is an adopt-a-manatee program. To adopt a manatee one can pay $25 to contribute to saving manatees. With adoption, one receives an official certificate, official club newsletter, a full color photo and a biography of a real manatee. The Florida gopher tortoise is another species threatened due to the destruction of its habitat. They share burrows with rattlesnakes, and are often killed accidentally by hunters which are trying to kill the rattlesnakes. The Florida law prohibits intentional killing or wounding of this animal. To get involved and help donate to save endangered

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The Florida Gopher Tortoise

photo/ED SACKETT/ORLANDO SENTINEL

The Florida Manatee

Horseshoe crab

photo/PETE SOUZA/CHICAGO TRIBUNE

photo/RED HUBER/ORLANDO SENTINEL/MCT

animals one can go online to worldwildlife.org. This website helps protect endangered animals by accepting monthly donations that support the World Wildlife Fund’s Global Conservation Efforts. Another way to help is the Adopt-a-Bird program at the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey, located in Maitland. One bald Eagle costs $3,000 to rehabilitate. This “adoption” includes annual investments in the care, medical treatment, and feeding of one’s bird. The donations help other species as well as contribute to educational programs that help spread awareness of the endangered animals in Florida. Although the bald eagle was removed from the threatened and endangered species list in 2007, it still remains under protection of state and federal laws. The horseshoe crabs in south Florida are on the brink of extinction. They are endangered because their blood is used for testing human pathogens in human blood, tissues, and for creating intravenous drugs. They are crucial to the

environment because their eggs provide food for birds. “[Endangered animals] lives should be valued. If there are small amounts left, they should be preserved. These animals are here for a reason,” Freel said. The American alligator, located in the FL everglades, is on the endangered animals list. It is endangered due to pollution, and because of hunters killing them. The local non profit organization, Back to Nature has been open since 2007 and its main goal is focused on saving Central Florida’s native wildlife. They do this by helping rehabilitate them at their center. BTN has over 50 permanent residents and will take any animals that is orphaned or injured and help nurse them back to health then release them back into the wild. To help volunteer visit their website at www. btn-wildlife.org. “[While volunteering at Back to Nature I have learned] so many things. I have more respect for what animals go through with humans,” Bonnie Westvreld, office manager said.

May 11, 2012

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features

Homeless men forage unique paths A DAY IN THE LIFE OF ABSTRACT MEN By KAREN JAEN and MOLLY WALLACE Lounging against a tree in Lake Eola, selfacclaimed hippie Justin French enjoys shade away from the sun. Sporting a tribal printed tunic and pants, along with homemade rope sandals, French chose the homeless lifestyle. He felt overwhelmed with the lifestyle he was living, as a normal middle class American with an office job at a small business. French did not enjoying working and he felt unsettled with keeping economic stability. “I was terrified when I [chose this path]. The hardest thing I did was walking out the door. Can you imagine putting your life in a backpack?” French said. French lived in Arkansas where he spent his childhood. French also attended college at Arkansas Tech University as a theater major where he earned his bachelor’s degree. After finishing school, he maintained a steady job and lived in a rental house with friends. However, French slowly began to feel trapped in a repetitive routine. After his roommates moved out, he began to feel like he had an excess of possessions, to relieve himself of them he sold most of his possessions and kept only what was necessary. One day he ended up walking out of his house with one bag of objects he needed to survive; with this bag he began traveling around the United States. “I had too much stuff. I narrowed it down to a closet-sized amount of stuff and realized

I didn’t need it, I started giving it away,” French said. French prefers to go by Xander, which means “Defender of the people” or “warrior;” he calls himself this because of the rough implications of his lifestyle. Before taking off into his new lifestyle, Xander got a tattoo of a ship to symbolize his new journey. To stay safe he has a road dog, a slang term for a road companion. French’s partner is Veya; he met Veya when he first embarked into the homeless lifestyle. However, the road dog role has more responsibilities than being just a walking partner. “A roaddog is someone you can trust your life with. There is a connection that the partners have that symbolizes a sort of best friend relationship but much more involved,” French said. There is no typical day for Xander. What he might do in one day may include making jewelry out of hemp, foraging for food, playing his drum or passing out stickers and bandanas with political messages he advocates. Conversely, Xander does not waste his days; he is a constant activist for numerous causes such as world peace, nutrition and for the homeless population’s rights. He has also participated in Occupy Wall Street movements in cities like San Francisco and Orlando which he arrived at by foot. Friends of Xander mail him stickers and bandanas with messages for the causes he is currently advocating; he spends days handing out these items to the public. He receives packages by borrowing friend’s addresses who are not homeless. One of the causes he is passionate about

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is representing the rights of the homeless population. Public funded arenas such as the Amway Center are required by law to open the doors to allow homeless people to sleep there when no event is taking place, but they do not abide by this. The City of Orlando is also notorious for its’ strict feeding ordinance related to homeless people. One cannot feed or hand out food to a group of the homeless population without a permit. Xander works with Food Not Bombs to rally against these laws in Florida and other states. “I would never go into those arenas, [instead] I would try to organize something to get people together to advocate a better society for the homeless,” French said. Xander receives various types of criticism regarding his lifestyle. He encounters people who demand he get a job, people who embrace the way he is living and people who do not acknowledge his existence; however, he is not phased by these constant critiques. While lounging on the tree in the park, Xander encountered a kindred spirit similar to his. At first impression, one would think these two men had been life long friends; however, this was their first encounter. Exhibiting pink hair and cheetah printed pants, Taylor Cates began speaking with Xander. Both of the men live the same lifestyle, and began sharing views on the ideas related to their lifestyle. “Once you start on this path, the universe guides you. I’ve met people who are just a beacon of light that help lead you in the right direction,” Cates said. Unlike Xander who does not have frequent contact with

family, Cates arrived from California, his home, on a bike to visit his uncle and his girlfriend who flew from California; he had not seen her in three months. He called his coast-to-coast expedition “going from Disneyland to Disney World.” Cates also has a job back home making pizza. In contrast to Xander, Cates chooses periods of time to exercise his lifestyle. When he begins to feel overwhelmed, Cates will travel back to his family’s home in California and spend time with friends until he recovers resources and energy to continue. Cates shared stories about how he sneaks into hotels to grab a shower or take a swim in the pool. Both of these men have had spontaneous opportunities to enjoy themselves, whether it be receiving a free tattoo or being apart of the events of the New Orleans Mardi Gras festival. Cates planned to visit Disney World with his girlfriend the following day courtesy of his uncle. However, Xander did not plan on spending more time in Orlando; he was ready to pack up his bag and continue his journey somewhere else, although he was unsure of where he was headed. “I would consider myself at home with my backpack. The Earth is my home. Humans have the ability on how to perceive the world. I may be pedaling and want to cry and give up [on this lifestyle] but I can’t be negative,” Cates said.

percent

increase in Central Florida’s homeless population in the past year source: Channel 9 news

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May 11, 2012

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features

Determining when to rent a moving truck

He & She SAID MOVING OUT TO A NEW PERSPECTIVE By KINSEY SEACORD Young adults are much like baby birds. There comes a time to leave the nest, and much like birds, there are a few that feel not quite ready to fly; in which case, they should be pushed. Moving out after graduating high school is detrimental to the growth of an individual. While continuing to live at home does have financial benefits, the missed opportunity of spreading one’s wings without any parental influence outweighs the money issue. Self dependence cannot fully be attained while living at home. The emotional attachment created between child and parent needs to be altered. It is healthy to move out and be put into an unfamiliar environment. There will be situations in which one will be thrust out of his comfort zone. Moving out teaches one to adapt to new situations and embrace all of the opportunities presented. If one continues living with his parents after high school moving out later on is difficult. A study conducted by the Pew Research Center reports that 40 percent of 2008 graduates are still living at home with their parents, and 42 percent of 2006 graduates are also still living at home. To avoid emotional instability when parentals finally mandate a move, be proactive and fly the coop. If one is in need of money, take a loan, swing a scholarship or dare it be said, get a job. The issue of money is for whiners and slackers. No one enjoys a moocher - parents included. College is a time to be

Your Thoughts Should students move out after high school?

broke and learn how to manage on a tight financial budget. When one moves out, he takes on new responsibilities, such as food plans and paying bills. Moving out is the first taste one has of financial independence. Parents will not always be there to help out with the bills, so beginning to rely on oneself as early as possible sets the right financial track. Additionally living at home puts one at a social disadvantage. “A common time for people from healthier families to move out is upon graduating high-school and moving away to live at college,” according to Lisa Warren in “When Should Kids Move Out of Their Parents’ House.” Whether one is attending college or starting a job, moving out is essential. Breaking the social norm can leave students ostracized. For those who have seen “Failure To Launch,” unless one is as attractive as Matthew McConaughey, there is no excuse to be the loser living at home. Moving out begins the transition from a dependent to a blossoming adult butterfly. “Living at home for too long into adulthood delays the maturation process and holds you back from embracing adulthood,” Steve Pavlina, self-help author and motivational speaker, said. To fully express one’s individuality free from the fear of parental repercussions, one must seek his own abode. Parents should shift from the hound dog of order breathing down their child’s neck, to the guiding mentor. Staying at home after high school is a mistake. The benefits of moving out clearly outweigh the convenience of staying home. It is time to spread one’s wings and fly into the next chapter of life.

It depends on what [the students] are going to do for college and their financial situation.

- kirstie friend, senior

PREMATURE FLIGHT WILL BACKFIRE By AUSTIN HALL Cutting the cord and leaving the nest is never easy, nor is it necessary. There is not a rule against staying home right after graduating high school. Unless one’s parents are kicking him out, staying home for college makes the most sense. Moving out means one will have to fend for himself, and no one can survive without food. Since parents usually do all the grocery shopping, by moving out now one must spend money on his own food. According to scholarships.com, the average price of a dormitory for one year of college is $7,500-$9,000 a year. That is $30,000-$36,000 for four years of college, and that number will rise even more, or even double, if one is planning on getting a masters or doctorate degree. Most students have to take out loans for things like books, room and board, tuition, and meal plans. According to a New York Times Article, Burden of college loans on graduates grows, the average student leaves college with $24,000 in school loans. A big chunk of that can be eliminated by taking out room and board and meal plans. Unless one has been saving for college for a while or gets a full ride scholarship, financially, staying at home makes more sense. Most parents will either let one stay at home rent-free or have their child pay rent. Either way, it is cheaper than any dormitory. By staying home, remembering to buy groceries will not be a worry until after

I think [students] should because it shows that they are independent.

- leslie irizarry, sophomore

college graduation. Everything that has been supplied since birth is still available. Parents have supplied the simple things like medicine, soap and toilet paper for the household, there is no need to buy those bare necessities. This goes hand in hand with familiarity. There will be no adjusting to a new setting or way of life, no awkward first couple weeks of living with complete strangers and no chance of coming down with the dreaded illness that affects every budding adult: home sickness. Homesickness is defined as the distress and functional impairment caused by an actual or anticipated separation from home and attachment objects such as parents. This temporary ailment is caused by the falling sensation that comes with jumping from the safety of the nest of childhood. A study conducted by the Educated Resources Information Center, found that out of 304 freshman polled, 68.8 percent of freshman admitted to feeling homesick. Two thirds of those students experienced homesickness for a week, where 18 percent of those students felt it for up to eight weeks. Living at home can give the child time to adjust to being an adult without having to dive into growing up, especially on a college student’s budget. The odds of a freshman in college being able to financially support himself is highly unlikely without the help of one’s parents. Once one has graduated, he will have the chance to jump straight into working a consistent, full-time job. Moving out of the house when going to college is a bad idea. Moving out only leads to poverty, disorientation and crying at night. Being in debt and distressed is not the best way to start out one’s adult life.

No not immediately. I think they should get used to college first.

No, because they need to learn how to live by themselves first.

- cristian drayton, junior

- minh nguyen, freshman

4524 Hoffner Avenue (407) 240-2524

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May 11, 2012

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special

ALCOHOL , , s g u r d Sex, OH my

By MADISON NAGLE In regards to risky behavior, teenagers vary. However, statistics show that unsafe sex, drug and alcohol abuse, sexting, and drinking and driving peak an interest in today’s youth. Whether people want to face the truth or not, students on campus and across the globe are making these risky decisions on a daily basis Teens are not yet prepared for the responsibility of having sex. Along with the decision comes the dangers of pregnancy and STDs.

Drug and alcohol abuse are on the rise. More teens are killed by alcohol than by all illegal drugs combined, according to www.abovetheinfluence.com. “I now realize that [drinking and driving] is illegal because I know that I am endangering other lives. It’s so easy for someone drinking to just swerve off the road and kill people in another car,” a junior boy said. Sexting has emerged as a more recent teenage pastime, dangerous decision for teens to make. According to “11 Facts About Sexting” from www. dosomething.org, one out of ten teenagers, ages 14 to 24, has sent or received a nude text.

Drinking, driving do not mix TEENS RISK THEIR LIVES TO BE THE LIFE OF THE PARTY By MADISON NAGLE After years of driving irresponsibly under the influence, a senior boy finally decided enough was enough. “Fifteen thousand dollars later I realized [that what I was doing was wrong]. I got pulled over on my way home from the beach last February and was arrested for being under the influence. I got a DUI,” the senior boy said. “My mom found out and was pretty disappointed. She put me in a probation program. At this point, I decided to never do it again.” Teenagers cannot comprehend the ramifications of driving under the influence. According to an article on dui.lifetips.com, one person is killed every half hour due to drunk driving. “I thought I was above it. I never imagined myself getting caught,” the senior boy said. “I’d think about the consequences sometimes and I’d tell myself to not drink and drive, but I’d never stick to it.”

Studies have shown that any amount of alcohol consumed has an affect on a driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle. At a 0.2 blood alcohol content level, drivers’ visual functions decline, they have a much slower reaction time, and their ability to track a moving object is impaired, according to an article titled “Does Drinking Affect your Driving? Myth or Fact?” from the Driving While Intoxicated Blog. Student drivers seem to have a different mindset. “[Driving under the influence] doesn’t change much. I’m a very good drunk driver,” a junior boy said. Alcohol impairs a person’s judgment. After a few drinks, teenagers are likely to think they are invincible and perfectly capable of safely driving a car, according to an article titled “Effects of Alcohol” on webtrafficschool.com. “I got pulled over once and I was really sketched out, but I just went back to drinking and driving the next weekend. I know it’s wrong, but I just hope I don’t get caught,” the junior boy said. Underage drinking is already illegal,

At the mock DUI, the driver looks at what he has done.

photo/OLIVIA QUATTRONE

so when driving is added into the situation one should be well aware that something is likely to go wrong. “If you’re under 21, don’t drink, it’s against the law. If you’re going to drink, be smart about it. Have a plan. Understand that the alcohol will enhance any mood you are in and cause not only physical impairments, but also emotional,” School Resource Officer Scott Daniels said. There are countless ways that drinking and driving can be avoided.

The Moms Against Drunk Driving Foundation suggests that when drinking alcohol: be responsible, choose a designated driver, call a taxi and hide the keys. “Quit thinking about yourself. [Students who are drinking and driving] have a mental impairment. They are being lazy and selfish. They aren’t taking responsibility for their actions. Either be good, or be responsible,” Officer Daniels said. Teenagers who drink and drive know the consequences at stake but are not mature enough to step up and take responsibility for their actions. Others stand by and watch as their friends make the reckless decision to drink and drive without knowing how to help. “I always think about how I should get my friends to stop drinking and driving but whenever I’m about to confront them, I chicken out,” a junior girl said. “It really frightens me to know that my friends could potentially be responsible for the deaths of innocent drivers. Drinking and driving is stupid and selfish on their part.”

Fast Facts • About 30% of Americans are involved in an alcohol-related crash during their lifetime. • The highest rate of drunk driving occurs among drivers ages 21-24. •Nearly 75 % of fatal crashes between midnight and 3 a.m. involve alcohol. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Teens booze, teens lose By MEGAN RUSHLOW The shiny glass bottles sitting around were like a tempting voice calling out to them. Giving in to that voice is all it takes to become a victim of alcohol abuse. “When I first came into high school, I was at a friend’s house and everyone was drinking. I felt like an outcast so when someone handed me a beer, I didn’t hesitate to take it. From then on, my drinking started to spiral out of control,” a sophomore girl said. Approximately 12.5 million underage teens drink each year, according to Monheit Law Corporation. They see drinking as a way to

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take their mind off of school and their everyday stress, or to fit in. Teenagers often drink for entertainment or social purposes. “I drink because I think it makes me look older and helps me appeal to an older crowd,” a sophomore girl said. Staying at home, not driving, and limiting themselves are what some high schoolers call responsible drinking, but what they don’t realize is that these “responsible” acts of drinking can still affect them in negative ways. “You definitely have to have a limit. My friends and I aren’t dumb and if we’re drinking, we’re all staying at the same place and have a designated driver,” a senior girl said. Alcohol abuse is the number one cause of injury and increases teen dating violence. One in three adolescents have experienced this, according to The Department of Public Safety. Drinking affects family, social, and academic areas of lives too. Underage-drinking leads to

drinking and driving, which is the top cause of deaths ages 16 to 21. “Teens can go to jail for DUI. It can cost them money, scholarships, opportunities, friends and their childhood,” Dr. James Corbin, American Government teacher and retired police officer said. Drinking has long term effects that high schoolers do not realize. As alcohol travels through the bloodstream it damages one’s stomach, brain, liver, kidneys and muscles. Alcohol slowly ruins one’s body, according to abovethe influence.com. “It’s unproductive to the teenage community. Nothing good happens when you are drinking,” sophomore George Barr said. Underage drinking is more likely to kill young people than all other illegal drugs combined and those who start drinking by the age of 15 are five times more likely to abuse alcohol than those who start drinking after the legal age.

May 11, 2012

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Messaging the bare minimum By JOVANN MARTIN It started with the click of a button. A revealing photo meant to be seen by one set of eyes was sent, potentially ruining the reputation of the sender. Sexting is the act of sending sexually explicit material through a mobile device. One in 10 teenagers between the ages of 14 to 24 have sent or received a nude text. “If you trust the person, why not [sext]? Just don’t be stupid with it and send it to everyone in your school,” a senior girl a of sexters send or post said. s sext to be fun/flirtatiou Sexting is becoming more and of teens said they have more common h wit red had sexts sha a m o n g ant them that were not me high school for them to see students. It www.covenanteyes.com is so common that kids think of

63%

29%

it as a normal activity. According to dosomething.org, 44 percent of teens think it is ordinary for the receiver of the sexts to show other people. Sexting occurs most often in one of three scenarios: exchanges of images solely between two romantic partners, exchanges are then shared outside the relationship, an emotional connection between two people, or exchanges between people who are not yet in a relationship, but often where one person hopes to be. “Usually I would be dating [the person who sent me the sext],” a junior boy said. Most kids are not afraid of sexts getting around; they either are not afraid, do not care or trust the person they sent it to. Studies have shown students who have had sexual intercourse are five times more likely to sext than virgins. “It would suck [if other people were looking at the picture], but it is not a big deal. People see people naked at one point in their life and it is natural,” a

junior girl said. Of those received messages, 17 percent will show it to one other person, but 55 percent will show it to more than one person. Also, it is not uncommon for such images to find their way to other people’s cell phones and even web pages, where they can be seen, copied, searched for, and redistributed by anyone. Of those who have sent a picture, 61 percent admitted they have felt pressure to do so at least once. Creating, transmitting, and possessing a nude, semi nude, or sexually explicit image of a minor can be considered child pornography. It can be prosecuted as a state or federal felony, with a minimum sentencing of five years. It can even lead to having to register as a sex offender. Recently, due to the commonality of sexting, state lawmakers are trying to change the act to a misdemeanor among teenagers, but that is not yet the case. “Do not put anything in a text you wouldn’t want your mother to see,” teacher Alyssa Goss said.

photo illustration/DELANEY SEACORD

RISKY BUSINESS. Sophomore girl exposes herself in a picture sent to her boyfriend. One harsh break up later, the photo was leaked.

Teens undress the truth, receive media influences MORE AND MORE TEENAGERS ARE HAVING UNSAFE SEX By DELANEY SEACORD It only can take one moment to make a careless decision. That decision not only changes a person’s life, but has the potential to change another life. By the age of 14, 42 percent of youth will have engaged in sexual intercourse, according to a study by the U.S. Center for Disease Control. Of the large portion of teenagers having sex, 52 percent say that they do not use any type of protection. “[Teens] are in the heat of the moment and really don’t think about birth control,” a junior boy said. “It’s very bad, of course, but sometimes you’ve got to do what you’ve got

to do.” The heat of the moment. An excuse that has justified risque teenage activity countless times. “I think [teenagers are having sex] because we see it on TV shows and [we see] celebrities having sex and it seems so normal. The media makes it seem okay to have sex,” a freshman girl said. Shows like Jersey Shore and 16 and Pregnant portray sex in a casual light, and teens can be lead to think it is normal to do and that everyone does it. Teens that watch provocative television shows are twice as likely to get pregnant or get their partner pregnant, according to “Teen-Pregnancy Drop Pinned to Contraceptives” on National Public Radio. Alcohol and drugs are also responsible for impairing teenagers’ judgement. When under the influence, one’s

common sense is gone and teens make decisions with haste. “If someone is under the influence, they are more likely to have unsafe sex because they are not thinking,” a junior girl said. Young people that have repeated sex have a significantly higher rate of repeat pregnancies or contracting an STD, according to Country Health Rankings. Teenagers think they are invincible. “[It is going to take] education about sex and parental guidance [to change teenagers’ opinions],” nurse Pamela Furman said. Teenagers are not exempt from the repercussions of their actions, that makes unsafe sex very risky. “I think [teens] should just wait until [they] are old enough to make these decisions that will affect the rest of their lives,” a junior girl said.

Drug abuse reaches all time high TEENS UNAWARE OF CONSEQUENCES OF BEING INTRODUCED AT EARLY AGE By MARY CATHERINE DUSING What is thought of as a “one night thing” to help people get away for a while is not so harmless. This method of relaxation could bring harm to an entire generation. “[Drugs] make you chill and think about the good things. When things get rough, it’s nice to be able to get away for a while,” a sophomore boy said. Marijuana is a depressant. Depressants usually make a person tired which is commonly confused with a feeling of calmness. Marijuana can also make people feel depressed and give them thoughts of suicide, according to the article “Marijuana” on the Above the Influence website. There were 82,000 deaths in America according to Resource Officer Scott Daniels.

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“I don’t really think weed is wrong. I smoke quite often, like on an everyday basis. Weed makes me feel calm,” a junior girl said. One reason so many teens use illicit drugs is because they are unfamiliar with not only the legal ramifications but the health consequences as well. Their ignorance has the potential to cause serious turmoil in their futures. According to the article “Marijuana- Debunking the Myths” located on theantidrug.com, if smoked at a young age, marijuana can cause structural and functional brain defects as the human body is still growing. Early marijuana use can also increase the chance of weakened verbal and communication skills. Teens are getting introduced to drugs through a variety of ways. The most common is through their peers. One way to avoid getting involved with drugs is to stay away from anyone who does them. This will reduce one’s chances of ever being in a situation where he feels pressured to try drugs.

May 11, 2012

“I don’t like when kids use drugs. It makes them look stupid. I don’t associate myself with kids who use drugs,” sophomore Jimmy Dawson said. For the kids who are constantly in situations where saying “yes” to drugs is inevitable, they are in for a hard future. Such an early introduction to any kind of drug will only lead to the use of bigger and stronger ones later in life. “No, [there is no way to stop kids from doing drugs], it’s a moral issue. All we can say is don’t do it,” School Resource Officer Scott Daniels said.

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Re ay raises funds EVENT ILLUMINATES HOPE ON MAY 18

photo/AMY COMSTOCK

KICK-OFF. Carrying the American Cancer Society Relay For Life banner, survivors walk the first lap together. “Relay is a fun event overall,” senior Samantha Kinser said. “Once on the track, everybody begins to feel like a family and is becomes united in fighting back.”

Lending provides necessary capital By MARK VAGELAKOS In the modern day, it is an unfortunate necessity for donors to check into the background, employee salaries and even the tax files of charities one contributes to. In the shadows of such vague and complicated bureaucracy, micro lending websites like kiva.org, a non profit that relies on donations and loans, simplify the charity process by acting as only a conduit between good hearted lenders and disadvantaged entrepreneurs. The best part about this good act is that Good Samaritans get their money back. Micro lending provides a way for anyone around the world to lend to international entrepreneurs, usually in Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe, whose country either does not have the capability of setting up large lending institutions or discriminates heavily against them. For this reason, micro lending is especially useful for women who are often seen as less than equal to men in business capabilities. Of those receiving loans on kiva.org, 80 percent are women. While there is a chance that lenders will not give the money back, kiva.org currently boasts a 98.9 percent repayment rate from the $309,323,800 they have lent. Once entrepreneurs set up their profile, either by themselves or more often through a third party mission group, lenders can provide loans anywhere from $20 to the full amount needed. The entrepreneurs then follow a repayment plan, usually over a year or more. Their repayment determines the possibility for future loans.

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By COOPER BROCK In May of 1985, Dr. Gordon Klatt walked around a track for 24 hours to raise funds for his patients who had been diagnosed with cancer. Eighty-three miles and $27,000 later, Klatt had walked the first Relay for Life. Twenty seven years later, Relay for Life is national, with over 5,000 communities across the nation hosting their own 24-hour night-around-the-track. On May 18, Relay for Life for the Conway area will be on the school’s track, with the theme, “Illuminating the way to the Cure.” “I want it to be a giant, crazy party that pulls the community together, all the while raising funds and awareness,” senior David Ballentine said. A member of the Relay for Life Conway committee for two years, Ballentine is responsible for organizing

clubs and sponsors for the event. “[Being on the committee] is a lot of hard work, but it is extremely fulfilling,” Ballentine said. “I spend a lot of time talking to leaders around Boone, talking to them about starting up with Relay. It’s an awesome feeling, knowing that you’ve just helped an organization start relaying and fundraising.” Apart from raising funds for cancer research, Relay is geared towards celebrating those who have beaten the disease, remembering those who have lost their battles with cancer, and encouraging those who are still fighting their battle with the disease. While participants will be walking the track, food and drink will be sold, and several club games and activities will be held throughout the night. A car smashing will be active on the football field, where people pay to smash an old junkyard car with a myriad of tools; ranging from baseball bats, to sledge hammers. All proceeds from fundraising, concessions and activities will go towards the American Cancer Society to help fund cancer research. After the sun goes down, a luminaria

ceremony is held, where candles are placed inside paper bags decorated to commemorate someone who has been affected by cancer. Participants walk a silent lap taken to honor the memory of those who have been lost, and the tributes are rearranged in the bleachers to spell out “HOPE.” “Relay has given me the opportunity to connect with the other cancer survivors in the community,” senior Samantha Kinser said. “It has also given me a chance to raise money for a very important cause and organize an event to celebrate the survivor’s success in their battle against cancer.” Kinser, who initially started participating in Relay through Key Club, was diagnosed with skin cancer in March of 2010. After undergoing three surgeries, one in March, and two in May, Kinser had conquered her illness, and walked the survivor lap. “Relay means the world to me. A lot of my family and friends have been affected by cancer and participating in Relay is my way of remembering and honoring them and their struggle,” Kinser said.

25 cents helps Change This World end global starvation By LIZZY GORDON Every three seconds, someone dies of hunger; that equals 16,000 people a day. To make a difference, students can partner with Change This World. CTW is a local nonprofit organization that’s mission is to end world hunger. A quarter is relatively small on the money scale, but with the help of CTW, a quarter is life changing. A quarter provides a meal for a person suffering from malnutrition and starvation in Botswana, Haiti, Jamaica, Burundi, Peru, Honduras or Thailand. “It is very empowering to know it is this simple to make a difference. The world produces enough food to feed every person 2700 calories per day. To some, the fact is frustrating, but to me it is inspiring. Change is possible,” volunteer coordinator Meaghan Crump said. One meal includes soybeans, white long grained rice, vitamin fortified soy, a dehydrated blend of six vegetables, vitamins and mineral powder. According to the World Health Organization hunger and malnutrition currently affect one in six people on the planet. Nearly 1 billion people are malnourished. Since 2009, CTW has packaged 4.6 million meals, the total keeps rising as people continue to donate. Every penny of the 25 cents is broken down. Eleven cents buys the product, two cents pays for transportation,

May 11, 2012

photo courtesy of/CHANGE THIS WORLD

FOOD PACKAGING. Students pose for a picture while packaging food. “Students should get involved because it is a great and easy way to make a direct global impact in your own backyard,” volunteer coordinator, Meaghan Crump said. Students packaged 50,000 meals. seven cents goes to international shipping, one cent goes to labor, two cents goes to distribution and two cents go to overhead costs of CTW. If a student is interested in being involved in a packaging event, email Crump at Meaghan@changethisworld.com. “Through Key Club, I made and sold lollipops and bracelets. It felt good to give my time and effort to CTW because it is a good cause,” senior Joel Simons said.

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Foundation constructs better life

I applied because I am a single parent. One of my children was born with Spinal Bifida and is wheel chair bound. It has been a mission to find an affordable wheel chair accessible place to live.” - ileana quinones, guidance clerk

By LIZZY GORDON A house is not simply a place to live; it is a fortress where people find comfort and security. Families find themselves living impoverished houses and neighborhoods. Families tend to lose their sense of safety; but Habitat for Humanity helps restore their lives Since 1976, Habitat has been seeking to prevent poverty housing. With the support of local companies, the non-profit organization, has built more than 200,000 houses worldwide, as well as provide 1 million people with safe, decent, affordable shelter. “I applied because I am a single parent. [My daughter] was born with Spinal Bifida and is wheel chair bound. It has been a mission to find an affordable, wheel chair accessible place to live, and also I wanted to ensure that she would always have a place to call home,” Guidance clerk Ileana Quinones said. Habitat does not give anyone a home. To receive a home, a family must attend orientation, send in a completed application, and then Habitat will look through finances to ensure that the family is capable of reimbursing them. Families can only be approved if they meet qualifications and agree with something called sweat equity. Sweat Equity is when a parent of the household volunteers with Habitat for Humanity. The time required depends

on how many parents are present. A single parent has to volunteer 300 hours; a two-parent household must complete 500 hours. People can meet these hours by helping build their own homes, a neighbor’s home and by working at the Habitat headquarters. “Because I have a full time job here at Boone, I really only worked on two houses, mine and another family’s home for about the same amount of time,” Quinones said. According to the Proclamation of the City of Orlando, 600 women spent 5,000 hours building 12 homes during the 2010 and 2011 Women Build Week. Last year 24 houses were built in all, volunteers are always needed. “The issue of housing affects everyone. Houses give you a sense of stability; families that apply tend to move a lot due to financial issues. Some youth may act up because of the stress of moving,” volunteer coordinator for Habitat for Humanity Jennifer Gallagher said. If a student wishes to volunteer and get involved, he must be 16-years-old or older and must complete a volunteer application online. Students can help build a house by stabilizing walls, shingling the roof or by landscaping. Students interested in volunteering can go to habitat-orlando.org for an application. Volunteer workdays are Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. “[Volunteering] was so much fun because everyone was cheerful. There

photo courtesy of/HABITAT

SWEAT EQUITY. Volunteers paint town houses and secure the roofing as directors in blue shirts keep people on task and organized. “This year we have [constructed] around 15 homes,” Gallagher said. Each house takes around six months to construct.

is something everyone can do to help,” Diane Ringlund, a volunteer, said. Students under the age of 16 can also get involved without working onsite. “We have an off-site educational system where students can learn about Habitat for Humanity. They can also make lunches for volunteers and workers,” Gallagher said. Each house costs roughly $59,000; to donate students can text “HOME” to 41518. Each text donates $10.

Scan Me

Using a smartphone, take a picture of this QR to figure out how students can get involved.

Local organization recycles soap, saves lives By ANNA MARIE BORIA As the girl opens the box, a smile streams across her face and screams a cry of joy. It was not a toy or a brand new pair of shoes but only a bar of soap. To her, the soap bar can save her life. Clean the World is a non-profit organization based in Downtown Orlando. This organization began when Clean the World’s president and cofounder Paul Till researched online and discovered that medical research shows the top two killers in children under the age of five are pneumonia and cholera, and learned that 60 percent of those diseases can be prevented through regular hand washing. Hotels in America alone throw away one million bars of soap each day, this is why Clean the World has partnered with 1,300 hotels in the past three years. In the partnership, hotels give their used soap to Clean the World. Clean the World recycles it, then gives it to countries where it is desperately needed as well as to people who need it

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in our own community. “When I leave a hotel I take that last look in the shower and [I would] see that bar of soap left. You really can’t pack a bar of soap like you can the shampoos and thought it to be such a waste [to throw away]. So, I thought this organization really had a simple solution,” Nichole Gordon, a local advocate for Clean the World, said. The process of recycling the soap begins with surface cleaning, which volunteers do at Clean the World headquarters. The sanitizing process uses an eco-friendly, germ-fighting solution and then rebatches recycled bars into new bars of soap. With the help of a soap press, a machine compacts bars together; it is able to produce 80,000 soap bars per day. “[What caught my attention about this organization is] the fact that they are utilizing what people are throwing away and making good use out of it,” sophomore Elizabeth Gordon, who has

volunteered, said. Clean the World sends soap to more than 45 different countries including Albania, Armenia, Bolivia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone and Suriname. “In 10 years, I’d like to see us capture at least 50 percent of the global hospitality market and, by doing so, change the way the hospitality industry deals with hotel waste,” Matt Gomez, Clean the World marketing and communications director, said. Clean the World has multiple ways in which a person can help. People can text CLEAN to 20222 to donate $10, visit Change the World’s offices to volunteer; they are located at 400 A Pittman St., Orlando, FL 32801 or hold a soap drive. For more information, visit www.cleantheworld.org. “If you want to be a part of something bigger than you and make an impact in someone’s life [this is the organization to be apart of],” freshman Grayson Gordon said.

May 11, 2012

Scan Me

Using a smartphone, take a picture of this QR to find out more information about Clean the World.

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special

Online games help students fight hunger SITES AID OTHERS THROUGH GAMING By DELANEE BOGAN With the click of a mouse, one’s face instantly brightens knowing that one question answered correctly help fight world hunger. Freerice.com, charitii.com and Wetopia offer interactive games online that provide users the opportunity to fight hunger globally. “It feels really good helping someone that is really in need of your help. It is nice to be able to do something so simple and help people who need it more than you,” sophomore Rebecca Carrigan said. With every question answered correctly on Free Rice, it donates 10 grains of rice through the United Nations World Food Program to help end hunger on a global scale. Free Rice has donated rice to Haiti, Cambodia and Bangladesh. The subjects on this website include humanities, geography, English, math, chemistry, language learning, science and SAT test preparation. The site is beneficial to one studying a specific subject and acts as a way to review material. Since 2007, there have been over 95 billion grains of rice donated because of Free Rice, and the number continues to grow daily. These grains of rice have already fed millions of people. Junior Christine Maloney learned about Free Rice in Key Club. Key Club have held meetings where members have the opportunity to go online so they could play the game. Maloney answered enough questions to donate 4,000 grains of rice in just one sitting. “I love helping others in need. I have so many blessings and sometimes I feel like it’s my turn to give back. There are so many subjects, so many questions to be answered, and so much rice to be given,” Maloney said. Free Rice is funded by sponsors whose names are featured on the bottom of the screen after each answer is answered correctly. “In sixth grade my language arts teacher told us about Free Rice, so I tried it and have been playing it ever since. I feel good [helping others] because I’m making the

Your Thoughts What is your favorite part about online gaming? page 16

world a better place,” freshman Mason Wood said. Teachers are now encouraging students to play educational online games as a means to learn materials and to help less fortunate people. English and Advanced Placement Art History teacher, Cheryl Race offers all of her students extra credit for playing Free Rice. Students print out their results as proof of donating. She encourages her AP Art History students to play games that match artists with their paintings. For English, she suggests English grammar, vocabulary and SAT test preparation. “I view [helping the less fortunate] as a bonus, and I see it as a way of encouraging students to become more socially involved,” Race said. Similar to Free Rice, charitii.com is a crossword-style game, which allows one to pick which charity to donate to. One can donate clean water to communities living in extreme poverty, give food to malnourished children and families, provide education for children around the world, or help protect the world’s rainforests. Charitii.com is funded by individual sponsors and began August 2008. As the game progresses the difficulty of each question increases as well. Words that match each clue lose letters and become more challenging to answer the longer one plays. There are over 10,000 puzzles, and more are constantly being added to the database daily. One can submit a puzzle to the charitii.com database. After evaluation and verification the puzzle can be published to the website’s data base for everyone to play. “We get food so easily; people in other countries don’t have that opportunity. It is a struggle for them. [Playing games that help others] have made me really grateful. It is really simple. You can answer many questions in a short amount of time,” Carrigan said. Wetopia on Facebook is an interactive game like FarmVille. It allows one to create a community with friends who are also logged on. The player builds houses and buildings to earn “love.” “Love” is used to send various items to charities. Wetopia allows one to choose between three different charities to send the items to. Justin Bieber and Ellen DeGeneres

are both helping spread awareness of this website that helps less fortunate children. They are raising awareness by tweeting, and Ellen DeGeneres often mentions the website on her show. Wetopia has already donated over 3,000 papaya trees to kids in Africa and over 400,000 hot meals. Wetopia is funded by Sojo Studios and private donors. “[People wanting to play] should know that once you start playing you will probably be engulfed for a while; it is really entertaining,” Maloney said.

My favorite part is helping others because it makes me feel good.

It is a good way to help people and make a difference while having fun.

Wetopia Free Rice is a word game that with every correct answer 10 grains of rice is given to the less fortunate.

- bria cobb, junior

- ean grothe, freshman

May 11, 2012

Wetopia is an interactive game on Facebook that gives money to charities.

99uper 9itters Ruben Carrillio 407-342-5271 9A Babysitting Service

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sports

Lacrosse Teams Cradle

Competition DYNAMICS ASSIST TEAM WINS THROUGHOUT SEASON By LIA VILLAR Before every game, the girls are asked to put their left hand in the huddle because it’s closest to their heart. They are also asked to mentally prepare themselves to face off the opposing team but more importantly, win or lose, the girls are told to leave the field with their heads held high. “[Before a game I feel] very anxious. I always hope that the girls are ready to play and [hope] their mentality is out there to win. A lot of times even if we’re getting beat by two goals, their mentality comes down, [but] it’s about being able to get through the entire game whether we win or lose, with our heads held high and [playing] the whole 50 minutes of the game,” head coach Meg Lane said. Moreover, the girls won against Cypress Creek (20-3) but ended the season with losses to Winter Park (11-17)

University (4-13) and Lake Highland (3-21). “[Sometimes] we’ll play down lower than our level but really, it’s about coming back and giving all you got. There are those games that are disappointing [and] things don’t necessarily go your way [but] if they play well, I always feel so proud of them and accomplished,” Lane said. Beating their biggest rival, Edgewater (13-6), sophomore Lauren Edmonds had four ground balls and junior Brennah Mehan scored five goals. But the rivalry goes beyond the game, it goes to the girls of both teams, who have played on the same youth and club teams. “Last season we lost [to Edgewater]. [This season] we were tied but then we started scoring more and got ahead. We played one of the best games in the whole season and we [got to] beat our rival,” sophomore Kiernan Mehan said. Throughout the season, the team’s dynamic worked in their favor, even through the losses. “[During] the Winter Park game, we were down by a lot during the halftime but we came back like we were a whole

BOYS CROSS PATHS WITH BISHOP MOORE By ANNA MARIE BORIA In overtime, the hearts of the crowd are pounding anxiously. The boys’ lacrosse team is tied in the district semifinal game against Bishop Moore. A premature roar is heard in the crowd as senior John Kissick makes a goal. The goal is recalled due to a crease violation, meaning Kissick entered unplayable space. Bishop Moore soon scores and wins 10-11. “The Bishop Moore game I felt as if it were taken from us. We were not playing at our best which was a game changer. It wasn’t like Bishop Moore stomped us, they got lucky,” junior defensive player Alan Kominowski said. This game adds to the list of five games lost by the team in their regular season. Bishop Moore (7-8), Woodbury Forest (7-15), St. Thomas Aquinas (5-15), and Winter Park (10-11). A record not meeting the players’ expectations. “I don’t think the season met my expectations because we’ve had too many losses and injuries, but I feel we’ve done well in adjusting to those injuries and have had people step up,” sophomore offensive player Paul Chong said. One player who has stepped up, according to head coach Elliot Whitton, is sophomore offensive player Kyle Irwin,

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photo/ANNA MARIE BORIA

CHECKING COMPETITION. In the game against Hewlett an opponent checks offensive player Mario Muniz. “The best thing about playing lacrosse is having fun with my friends,” Muniz, senior, said. This was Muniz’s fourth year on the team. who contributed 10 goals this season. One game that outshines the other 10 games won is the

May 11, 2012

different tem. [Even though] we still lost, we played really well during the second half,” B. Mehan said. In the same way the team has their strengths, senior Lindsay Miller’s weakness plays a role on the field too. “I get really mad when someone hits me and [once] you get angry, you get a yellow card [for reacting but] I’ve done a lot better this year. I only got one yellow card,” L. Miller said. Aside from team weaknesses, a team must practice. Practice started off with a game having nothing to with lacrosse but to merely start practice of on a good note. “I don’t always like starting off practice tough. Sometimes we don’t even play lacrosse, we’ll play something different so that they love lacrosse [even more],” Lane said. In addition to the wins and losses of the season, L. Miller shows her admiration for her fellow teammates. “I thought we had really good games like the Edgewater [and] Winter Park [game]. There were some games that we just gave up [but overall] we played our hearts out and never stopped trying,” L. Miller said.

game against Timber Creek. The game against Timber Creek was an important win for the team because it was a team they have never beaten before. “My proudest moment so far this season was beating Timber Creek because it was a huge win for us. It’s good to get that monkey off our back,” Kissick said. Two of the key players on the team are seniors John Kissick and Mario Muniz. Collectively Kissick and Muniz made 85 goals this season. They contributed goals to every game. Aside from the games against St. Thomas Aquinas and Freedom where only Kissick scored and Hewlet where only Muniz scored. According to Coach Whitton, Kissick and Muniz offensively make a good pair. “The best thing about playing lacrosse is that it’s my passion. It’s what I know and playing it with my team; it’s like a big family,” Kissick said. On the other hand, some of the more challenging games have been against the private schools on the roster. “Our more challenging games have been against Lake Highland and St. Thomas Aquinas because with them being private schools, they have more resources than we do,” Whitton said. Whitton feels the team needs to work on more effective team play on offense.

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sports

photos/SARA CASLER

FOLLOW THROUGH. At a practice on Turkey Lake, junior Kasee Kickery and sophomore Logan Mallard practice racing starts. STROKE. Concentrating on staying in sync, sophomore Joan Spinelli and freshman Lindsay Merwin work on maintaining a consistent rhythm.

Small, steady strokes spell success By SARA CASLER Rowers rock the oars to steady the boat. The coxswain, sophomore Gabrielle Yordan, checks her “cox box,” an intercom system laced throughout the boat she uses to keep the rowers on rhythm, and waits for the starting gun. As the year comes to a close, the team continues to push for perfection. The season started in the summer of 2011 with about a dozen team members, not counting middle schoolers, no equipment and two donated boats from a local rowing club that were unraceable; they had originally been slated to be discarded. The boats were repaired, and once rowers paid their participation dues, the team invested in new equipment and also in maintaining the original equipment. Also, because most of the rowers had never set foot in a sculling boat or racing boat, the team competed at the novice level more often than not, with three of the five boats competing in those categories. Despite the newness of the

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rowers, even with the novices, the team made a new name for itself. The Men’s Novice 4 placed second at the Mayor’s Cup and the Women’s Novice 4 placed second at the Florida Straights Regatta. The Novice 8 placed third at the Straights Regatta as well. Also at the Novice Regatta on Feb. 11, three boats, the Mixed 8 and both Mixed 4s, placed in their respective races with a Mixed 4 boat placing second and the other two placing third. “[The team performed at its best at] the Novice Regatta. Most of our boats came home with medals, some of which had never medaled before. I was really excited for the novices because the faster their boats are, the faster we are overall,” senior team captain Michael Merwin said. Merwin placed sixth in the state in his most recent race, the Sculling State Championships racing a Men’s Lightweight two, with his sculling partner, sophomore Jesse Pollard. Team captain Madison Lennon, junior, reflects on this

May 11, 2012

year as one of challenges and teamwork. “We try our hardest. We are not as strong as we could be, but our technique is really good. I think that’s what saves us sometimes. We have high hopes. [This year] was going to be hard, but we were fully aware of [that],” Lennon said. Yordan also considers this year an overall success after performances such as the Straights; she was a rower on the Women’s Novice 4 rather than the coxswain for this race. “We have a bunch of strong new rowers that have been joining and have shown potential. We’ve lost rowers before and we learn to work with each other’s strengths and weaknesses to perform at our best,” Yordan said. Yordan’s most recent event as coxswain was the Tampa Mayor’s Cup on March 17. The final race of the season, the Southeast Regional Championships in Sarasota, begins tomorrow, May 12, with every available novice and varsity boat hitting the water.

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sports

photo/CAROLINE COLEMAN

SPLASH. Jumping into the water, sophomore Luke Smith focuses on running the 2,000 meter steeplechase. “I like it because it is exciting and I am good at it,” Smith said. Smith ran a 7:45.04 in the steeplechase which is his best time.

photo/JOHN CHAPMAN

RACE TO THE FINISH. At the Brain Jaeger Elite Classic, junior Rhapsody Arias runs the 600 meter run. “Initially I am excited then I am tired, then I celebrate with my team mates,” Arias said. Arias ran a 1:56.77 in the 600m placing fifth.

Teams sprint past competition Tally Up

Season allows individual runners to compete in states

Boys April 20, District 3 meet, 2nd place March 3, Lake Brantley Invitational, 11th place Feb. 24, Highlander Invitational, 4th place

Feb. 20, Wildcat Open, 4th place

Girls April 20, District 3 meet, 7th place March 3, Lake Brantley Invitational, 5th place Feb. 24, Highlander Invitational, 9th place

Feb. 20, Wildcat Open, 4th place

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By RUBEN CARRILLO Sprinting down the track, Marvin Bracy hoped to have a 3-peat sweep in the 100 and 200 meter events at the 4A state championship. However, in the middle of his 100m, his left hamstring tightened, leaving him unable to compete in the 200 final. Bracy placed first in the 100 with a 10.52 time, slower than he has been running this season. Junior Justice Donald also competed in the state meet on May 5, at the University of North Florida. She placed fifth in the 100 meter. Overall the track and field team has had a successful season as the boys finished second at the FHSAA 4A District 3 meet with 126.50 points and the girls finished seventh with 65 points. “As a team, we have always performed our best at the end of the season. Our coaching staff has planned our workouts to make us peak at the end of the season where it counts,” coach Josh Shearouse said. On Thursday, April 26, 19 participated in the FHSAA 4A Region 1

finals, with Bracy and Donald advancing to states. Donald ran a new best of 25.43 in the 200m. On April 20, four athletes set personal records in the FHSAA 4A District 3 meet at Lake Mary High School: sophomore Burkhardt Helfrich (10:20.11 in the 3200m); senior Corey Davis (22.72 in the 200m); senior Desmond Holland (117-9 in the discuss); and senior Nikia Toomey (2:24.11 in the 800m). “I am really proud of myself for making a big improvement from my time at the Brian Jaeger Elite to my district time. It was an amazing feeling to run so well and qualify for regionals. It showed me the reward of all my hard work,” Toomey said. “I wish I had done track all four years.” The boys finished as District runnerup and the girls finished seventh in the district. “I love being the track head coach. It is such an honor to be a part of the Boone family. As a Boone graduate, and former track athlete myself, I take great pride in working with all of my athletes,” Shearouse said.

May 11, 2012

photo/JOHN CHAPMAN

LEAP. Junior Joshua Green does the triple jump event. “[The best part of the triple jump is] when you are in the air and it feels like you are not going to make the pit but then you do,” Green said. Green placed fifth at the FHSAA 4A District 3 meet in the triple jump, achieving a new personal record.

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sports

Set, spike the season BOYS FINISH SEASON ON POSITIVE NOTE

SPIKE IT. In the game against Ocoee, Solomon Attaway serves the ball. “I enjoy playing volleyball because it is challenging and competitive,” Attaway said. They beat Ocoee 3-1.

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By MOLLYWALLACE Six out of the 11 boys step on to the court as the district games come to an end. Although experiencing losses in these games, the comradery stays strong. “We had arguably the hardest district in the state so if we could’ve gotten [passed] districts, I feel we would have had a real good shot at going to the state championship game,” coach Nathan Kyle said. The record of 6-12 impresses senior James McCann compared to his first outlook on the season, which he claims he came into hesitant as a new volleyball player. “I knew we had a lot of work to do and luckily we improved as the season went on,” McCann said. The team’s strong point, according to McCann and Kyle, was prior knowledge of the game; having four or five players who have played the game for over eight years contributed to their skill. In junior Joel Camy’s eyes though, a team weakness also arose: recovery. “We have good athleticism, the more we play the more experience we show, but we have a hard time recovering from our mistakes,” Camy said. Bishop Moore, the leading team in the district, was a tough loss of 0-3 for the team. Although senior Carlos D. Roman had nine digs, players stress is was a tough battle. “Bishop Moore [was our hardest game] because they are ridiculously good,” senior Solomon Attaway said. “They are

May 11, 2012

very skilled and at the time of the game we were lacking skill.” Starting the season with a 3-0 win against Timber Creek kept the players excited. In this game, sophomore Zachary Robinson had 27 assists to junior Matt Combs who had 12 kills and 7 aces. Following a 3-0 win against Lake Nona, at the Dr. Phillips Invitational, where the team played well, also kept players hopeful. “I would not single out one game in particular as our best, but [I would single out] the Dr. Phillips Invitational Tournament. We went in their seed [placing] 11th out of 12 teams, and ended up finishing fourth,” Kyle said. In games such as Colonial, 3-0, Combs proved beneficial with 14 kills and 6 aces. Camy states that the comradery of the team also proved beneficial in this match and showed its power to defeat an opponent. “When someone is down or has problems doing what they want to achieve, there is always someone there to pick them up,” Camy said. According to McCann and Kyle, key players who act like team leaders are there to pick the players up too. In key games like the 3-1 win against Ocoee, Attaway proved a positive leader when the team would give up points. “Solomon Attaway has shown to be a good team leader. He and I are always positive and I think that benefits our team’s performance,” McCann said. Kyle is happy with the outcome of the season. With over 90 percent of the team playing club volleyball in the offseason, he claims it was a good team to coach. “Having team experience and knowing how to play with each other is probably the hardest part of the game. A good player has a good game, while a good team has a good season,” Kyle said.

Fast Facts

• Dennys is the team’s favorite restaurant to go to after games • Junior Matt Combs and senior Solomon Attaway are the team captains • The “Libero” can sub out whenever but has to play back row.

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sports 1. HIT AND RUN. Against Olympia, Mitchell Barati makes contact and runs to first. “I’m proud to be on the Boone team; I wouldn’t want to play anywhere else. There is a great fan base and the team is like one big family,” Barati said. Mitchell Barati had a season batting average of .288.

2

1

2. STRIKEOUT. In the last playoff game, Frank Grandinette hones his pitching, striking out six Olympia Titan batters. “Baseball is a big part of my life and getting to play in high school is an honor,” Grandinette said. The pitcher had 50 strikeouts over the season.

photos/MARK VAGELAKOS

Boys come back strong, redeem upset VARSITY BASEBALL TEAM ENDS SEASON IN PLAYOFFS By MARK VAGELAKOS From season ending upsets to come-from-behind underdog wins, the boys varsity baseball team has overcome a lot together in the 12 years they have been playing on the same team. “The whole team has played together since we were six. We know what everyone is capable of. We build off each other and pick each other up and are really close as a team,” junior Mitchell Barati said. The team has had a meteoric season, coming from the 2011 season which can rarely be remembered without mention of their top seed season ending loss to eighth seed Colonial at the district championship. “Last year, I was in disbelief. We had a great season and everything went well but in the end, you have to be able to bear down and win the games you’re supposed to win, especially when your season is on the line,” senior Robert B. Irwin said. The team came to district semi-finals ready to set the record straight. Finishing 8-0, the boys carved out a place in the playoffs against Freedom on April 24 and continued a trend of overwhelming wins. “It’s the fact that the kids aren’t going to give up, and play ‘til the end. That’s why we are winning,” coach Pete Post said. Post also attributes the team’s success to its

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camaraderie. “Each of the games, if someone’s dragging, someone will pick them up. It’s a real team effort,” Coach Post said. The team’s determination to surpass the previous year’s losses was evident in their game against West Orange. Senior Frank Grandinette led the win by pitching seven strikeouts that game. The boys came from behind to beat the better ranked West Orange, 7-5. Since the underdog defeat, the team has seemed to beat teams with ease. “The game against West Orange really shot our belief in ourselves way up through the roof and took us to a whole new level,” Barati said. With a semi-final win against Freedom, the team headed to the district championship, playing Dr. Phillips on April 27 then to regional quartarfinals agaisnt Olympia on May 3. However, the team’s momentum was interrupted with a loss to Dr. Phillips, 5-6. While this loss did not eliminate them from the playoffs, it was troubling considering Olympia, the boy’s next opponent, beat them earlier in the year. The team remained optimistic about the playoffs regardless. Underdogs against a nation-leading, 28-0 team, the Braves, led by Frank Grandinette on the mound, held the runners at bay for four innings, but the Titans broke through and got 10 runs in the next two innings, ending the game 10-0. The loss ended the season with a 23-5 record. “Well, we had one of the best records ever at Boone, but when you get into tournament play, everything changes. Timing on that wasn’t good for us, but the kids played well. The kids had a really good season,” Post said.

May 11, 2012

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sports

Team wins district championship GIRLS FALL SHORT OF UNDEFEATED SEASON

photo/BROOKE DAWKINS

DEFEAT THE FALCONS. In the game against Seabreeze, junior quarterback Bailey Florin looks for an open receiver. “I have been playing since I was young and I love it. The best part of playing is the group I am surrounded by and I mainly just love to play the game,” Florin said. The team won 33-14 in the regional quarter final game. Florin threw for four touchdowns and 285 yards.

QUICK-OUT 11

Your Thoughts How do you feel about the season overall? page 22

I thought it was really good, [we were] undefeated 14-0.

-samantha hauke, senior

By BRIDGETTE NORRIS Even after their 6-13 loss to Jacksonville Mandarin High School on May 1, the Lady Braves flag football team felt accomplished. While the loss ended their state title dreams, it did not shatter their spirits. Immediately after the game, team members began to blow up Twitter and Instagram with messages like: @lizziemcewan: farthest the BHS flag football team has ever gone. I’m going to miss playing under those lights, but most of all for boone high school #forever brave @brandirecker: four years worth of memories on this field, lots of blood, sweat and tears but no regrets. I could not be prouder to be a brave. @taylorgies: could not have asked for a better group of girls. You all have become like a second family to me. A regional runner up is not too shabby. In the Mandarin game, both teams started out slow, ending the first quarter without either team scoring. In the second quarter, Florin scored the first touchdown of the game and the only touchdown for the team. Mandarin scored a touchdown and earned the extra point, taking the lead 6-7. Mandarin scored another touchdown. Senior Kyndal Skersick blocked the Mustangs from scoring the extra point. But the girls were unable to defend Mandarin’s touchdown, which ended their perfect season. However the team set the standard for the season by starting out strong, winning their first game 34-0 against Lake Nona. “We have almost the same team as last year and new athletic players. I expect to go all the way [to states]. We have the skills to get there,” head coach Ken Hensley said. Returning junior quarterback Bailey Florin threw over 300 yards per game and set a personal record of 450 yards. “We have to go into each game with a plan and execute it. There are times when we get frustrated, but we somehow pull it together and play well together,” Florin said. The Orlando Sentinel Super Six’s ranked

the team #2 on April 21. “I think we play really well together because we know each other. The team is very goofy until it comes to game time,” rusher Anisha Holloway junior said. Defeating another team, on April 9, the team won 26-0. Florin threw three touchdown passes and had two interceptions. Skersick had two touchdown receptions and an interception. Pressure built and players like Florin and Holloway looked forward to the Timber Creek game. The team considered Timber Creek a tough competitor. Both teams lacked losses and had 9-0 records. Within four minutes of the first quarter, Florin scored the first touchdown. Recker scored a touchdown in the second quarter, Skersick scored one in the second and one in the third. Recker and Skersick’s touchdowns were passes from Florin. There were no touchdowns scored in the fourth quarter. Throughout the game, Gies and McEwan blocked the defense from reaching Florin, allowing her to throw passes freely. With two minutes left in the game, Skersick had an interception and continued to keep Timber Creek from scoring. The team won the game 25-0, leaving Timber Creek with their first loss. Along with wins like Timber Creek and Lake Nona, the team won all of their regular season games and earned the district championship title on April 25 against Edgewater, 25-6. At the district game, Florin had four touchdown passes for Boone. After winning the district title, the team furthered their season and played in the regional quarter finals on April 28. The girls won 33-14 against Seabreeze. At half time, the team was ahead 26-0 but in the third quarter, Seabreeze scored two touchdowns. Florin threw for four touchdowns. Both Florin and Ketchum had two interceptions, one of Ketchum’s was returned for a touchdown. Recker had two touchdown receptions. “Their clear eyes, full hearts and can’t lose” mantra helped the girls reach a record year. This is the first flag football team to win regional quarter finals and make it to regional semi finals.

I think we did good, we won a lot of games. I enjoyed meeting new people.

Successful. Disappointing loss at the end but still a good year, it went by fast.

I had a great time. I think we did really well, except until the last game. We did all we could.

-jenna chastain, sophomore

- courtney patz, sophomore

- cassandra ketchum, freshman

May 11, 2012

hilights.org


CHARLIE HALL

eahall Productions a full production facility...

416 E. Anderson St. Orlando, FL 32801

(407) 648-4759 Fax (407) 649-4241

Email: seahall17@aol.com

For up-to-date information on everything Brave, visit:

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May 11, 2012

page 23


entertainment

Local venues offer wide variety VENUE SIZE DOES NOT DAMPER QUALITY

A positive atmosphere and people who are there for the music not the open bar [make a good venue] - cathryn pierson sophomore

By AUSTIN HALL Venues are unique in their own way. The sights, the smells and the sound of a venue can remain in the archives of one’s memory for the rest of time. The standards for what makes a good venue vary from person to person. Three important standards are overall size, experience and sound quality. Overall experience can range from what services are offered, to how comfortable a venue is, to how the place is managed and how employees treat their customers. A company should pride themselves on the quality of their customer service. Bigger does not always mean better regarding sound quality. Larger venues offer a theatrical sound that is popular with concert halls. That is popular because it sounds spectacular, but is not always more aesthetically pleasing than a compact more, in-your-face, type of sound that small venues provide. These standards are what make a great venue.

photo/CHRIS GARCIA, THE SOCIAL

SOUND CHECK. Power pop band HelloGoodbye warms up before their show at The Social.

BackBooth proves size doesn’t always matter BackBooth is a small venue located downtown at 37 W. Pine St. that ensures a good view of the performer from anywhere in the room. BackBooth has a maximum capacity of 350 people, which is a fraction of the maximum of House of Blues. One might have elbow room in House of Blues, in a venue as small as BackBooth,

every spot on the floor is a good spot. Unlike House of Blues, BackBooth does not serve food inside the venue and has a limited sitting area. Unless one can get into the VIP section, which is just a small balcony with a couple of booth-style seats; the only places to sit are at the few stools at the bar, or two rows of bar stools in the back of the venue. The upside of BackBooth is its size, but that also comes with negatives. Although one is never too far from whoever is performing, the other people watching get a little too close. For some, it can be an invasion of privacy. For others, if one throws all shame out the window and goes with the flow, it is just part of the experience. While BackBooth may not have anywhere to eat inside, it is downtown location is close to many eateries like Pancheros and Tijuana Flats. Small venues like this are great for upcoming artists. These types of venues tend to host local artists trying to make it big in the music industry. Before You Exit started out playing small venues like BackBooth; now they have been on tour with bands like All Time Low and have written with the lead singer of Fall Out Boy and solo artist, Patrick Stump. There are only two posted events coming up. On May 12, at 8 p.m. RUG is having a CD release party featuring Heckfire and RJ Harmon and Co. for all ages with tickets at $5. On June 6, at 7 p.m. Ceremony and Screaming Females will be playing an all ages show; tickets can be bought for $10 at www.backbooth.com.

The Social shows true colors in sound quality The Social, much like BackBooth, is a very small venue in downtown Orlando. It’s size comes with advantages and disadvantages. The standing area is

page 24

May 11, 2012

longer than it is deep compared to BackBooth. It also does not serve food. The Social’s maximum capacity is similar to BackBooth’s. The general admission floor takes up most of the space. There is limited seating at the bar. The sound from inside the venue is unique. It is much different compared to a larger venue like House of Blues, but is beautifully crisp. In a larger venue there is a reverberation off the towering theatrical walls that every town-hall-type venue contains. But in a venue like The Social or BackBooth, the sound has a sort of concentrated feel to it. A sort of sound that has time to bounce around in one’s head and stay for quite a while. Tickets for upcoming shows can be bought at www.thesocial.org/calendar/. An upcoming event to consider is Julian Marley, son to reggae artist Bob Marley, will perform at The Social on May 23, at 8 p.m. General admission tickets cost $20 at The Social’s website with a $6.75 service fee. On June 4, Two Door Cinema Club will be playing at 8:00 p.m. General admission tickets cost $29.84 after taxes.

House of Blues lives up to it’s name House of Blues is a giant in comparison to other local venues. With its two story structure, House of Blues can fit up to 2,100 people. The standing area in front of the stage is bigger than BackBooth or The Social but is small enough to where one does not get too far from the stage. Unlike the other two venues, House of Blues has seats that surround the general admission area, and the second floor balcony has seats right above the seats on the bottom floor. Adam Sliger, a freshman in college, was in the band 7 Months Later that recently parted ways. Sliger and 7 Months Later performed at local venues like the House of Blues, Hard Rock Live, The Social, BackBooth and some not-so-local venues in different cities. “My favorite venue is certainly House of Blues. Everyone there is a professional, and the stage is massive. Also, the backstage area is an awesome place to prepare for a show,” Sliger said. House of Blues has one advantage over the others: it owns a restaurant right next to the venue. One can get food before and after a show without having to travel too far. Jane’s Addiction will be performing on May 25. Pre-sale tickets cost $59.50, but on the night of the show, tickets are bumped up to $62.50. On May 27, The Used is playing at 6:30. Pre-sale tickets cost $29 and $31 at the door.

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entertainment

Ty it all TOGETHER Tyler Patrick Managing Editor

Pop star becomes Godney

Alberto F. Padron, M.D., F.A.C.S.

General Surgery

Danelle K. Chambers, M.D., F.A.C.S. Michael B. Freeland, M.D.

WE PROUDLY SUPPORT THE BOONE BRAVES

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here are said to be seven wonders of the world created by God himself, and I believe these spectacles are the seven albums of Britney Spears. Which, through my eyes were created by God, who I believe to be Britney Spears. Each album is a wondrous journey through her combination of talented vocals and upbeat instrumentals. The best part of listening to Spears’ albums in chronological order is experiencing her life through music. Spears’ first two albums ...Baby One More Time and Oops!... I Did It Again were a look into the innocent life Spears led as a young girl. These albums presented quirky songs teenagers could sing along to and find relatable. Her third album, Britney, began to dig into a young girl who was trying to grow up. With songs like “I’m a Slave 4 U” and “Overprotected,” she openly stated she was not a little girl anymore. She also began to dress a little more promiscuously and added suggestive dancing to her music videos. Her fourth album, In The Zone, told the story of a young adult who just wanted to be herself and escape the media. Spears’ fifth album Blackout was a memoir of the dark times in her life, released in the heart of all the drama surrounding her. Songs like “Piece of Me” and “Why Should I Be Sad” were strong hits against the things that tried bringing her down, like the paparazzi and ex-husband Kevin Federline. Her sixth album, Circus, was exactly that, a circus. It detailed the whirlwind of a life she began to have once she started trying to get back into the spotlight. This album was a great stepping tool to get Britney’s life back on track. We are now left with possibly Spears’ greatest album so far, Femme Fatale, which released in March 2011. Her seventh album proves she still has the “it-factor,” and she can put on a show like nobody else. If one watches The Femme Fatale Tour, he can easily see Spears’ rocking body and high energy create the spectacle that is the one and only Britney Spears. A god is defined as a being who becomes the source of all moral obligation and the greatest existent known to man. With a definition like this, in my eyes only one person comes to mind and that is Britney Spears. Now, I know you might be thinking how extremely inappropriate it is for me to refer to Britney Spears as a god, and it is an insult to religions around the world. Well, it is in fact my opinion and growing up I have always placed her on a higher pedestal than anyone else. She stands a leader, as a representation of how to live life and most importantly as the main reason why fans who worship Spears exist. Spears is definitely the main reason I’m happy with my life today, as cliche as it sounds. It is almost impossible to explain the feeling she gives to me. I can recall the first time I ever saw Spears in person. It was Saturday May 19, 2007, and I went to the House of Blues Orlando with my mom to see her live. The show was 15 minutes and featured no opening acts. Spears performed under the alias “The M+M’s.” When Spears first came out at the show, I began to hyperventilate, and I was on such a “Britney high” it was ridiculous. Since that night, I have seen Spears three more times. Each time Spears comes out on stage at a show, I am unable to breathe from over-excitement and admiration toward her. One of the other great emotions I get from Spears’ presence and existence is feeling like I can accomplish anything and that I’m “on top of the world.” She gives me this energy that cannot be topped by anything else. Besides being just a god for me, Spears serves as a higher being for a whole handful of fans. She has reached such massive success throughout her career; it is inevitable for her to be considered as such a figure. According to the Billboard Hot 100 Chart, Britney Spears is the biggest selling female artist of the 2000’s and is the only female artist to have all seven of her album’s appear at number one or two on the Hot 100 chart. She is one of the most famous and sought-out celebrities in the world and for her to still be relevant in today’s society, where famous people lose their “in” faster than Kim Kardashian’s marriage, indicates how strong of a force she is. Spears is more than just the greatest artist to ever make it on to the music scene, she is a god to fans like me who look up to her. So remember, All hail Godney and praise the holy spearit.

Expert. Local. Af

Log On

Has a person influenced your life so much that you think of them as a religious symbol? Send a letter to Room 224 or email us at hilights.org

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May 11, 2012

page 25


G.I. Joe: Retaliation

Sneak Peeks Roger Waters

Sunday June 10

Monday Neil Patrick Harris

June 2012

Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

June 12

The 66th Annual Tony Awards airs on CBS at 8 p.m. Emmy Award winning actor Neil Patrick Harris will return to host the awards show. Broadcasting live from the Beacon Theater in New York, the Tony Awards recognizes achievement in live Broadway theater. The first Tony Awards Show was held in 1947.

Waka Flocka Flame’s sophomore album, Triple F: Friends, Fans, and Family, releases through Warner Bros. Records. The album includes singles “Round of Applause” featuring Drake and “I Don’t Really Care” featuring Trey Songz. The album also features B.O.B., Tyler the Creator, Nicki Minaj, Tyga, Ludacris and more. Juaquin Malphurs, better known as Waka Flocka, is a southern hip hop artist who came to fame in 2009 with his single “O Let’s Do It” from his debut album Flockafelli. The artist is also known for his hit singles “Hard In Da Paint” and “No Hands.” The rapper has advocated against the cruelty of animals, appearing in a PETA campaign, “Ink Not Mink” revealing his ink in support of the campaign against the use of fur.

June 17

Chelsea Kane and Jean-Luc Bilodeau

The Queen Extravanganza concert show performs at The Plaza Live Theater at 8 p.m. Formed by former British rock band Queen drummer Roger Taylor, the show pays tribute to the band’s music and legacy. The sold-out concert will feature 40 Queen classics performed by four vocalists and four musicians chosen by Taylor through worldwide online auditions. The 1970’s rock band has influenced artists such as The Foo Fighters, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Lady Gaga who got her name from one of their hits “Radio Ga Ga.” Songs such as “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Are The Champions” and “Another One Bites The Dust” are among the band’s all-time, chart-topping hits. Queen’s music is timeless with features in movies, commericials and popular television shows such as Glee.

June 24

Rapper Tech N9ne performs at the Firestone Live at 6 p.m. as part of his Hostile Takeover Tour. The concert will include supporting acts MGK, Krizz Kaliko, Mayday and Prozak, all signed under the music label Strange Music founded by Tech N9ne. Aaron Yates, better known as Tech N9ne, is recognized for his dynamic rhyme schemes and speed rapping. Tickets are available at eventful.com for $27.

page 26

Adam Levine

Friday June 15

That’s My Boy, R, releases in theaters featuring SNL comedian Andy Samberg, comedian Adam Sandler and Gossip Girl’s Leighton Meester. The comedy tells the story of a teenage father who lost touch with his son and reconnects with him the day before his son’s wedding, years later. Tickets are available at fandango.com.

June 20

Maroon 5 releases their fourth album Overexposed. The pop rock band formed in 1997 with members Adam Levine (lead singer), James Valentine (lead guitarist), Mickey Madden (bassist), Matt Flynn (drummer) and Jesse Carmichael (keyboardist). The band has three other albums including Songs About Jane, It Won’t Be Soon Before Long and Hands All Over. Currently lead singer Adam Levine appears on the second season of the hit NBC singing competition show, The Voice, as a judge and vocal coach to select singers for Team Levine. Last season, one of Levine’s singers won the show. Maroon 5’s latest single, “Moves Like Jagger,” featuring Christina Aguilera, sold over 7 million copies worldwide making it among the best-selling singles of all-time. They have won three Grammys from nine nominations. The new 10 track album will feature Wiz Khalifa and for the first time, contributions from outside songwriters.

May 11, 2012

June 16

Roger Waters performs at the Amway Center at 8 p.m. Waters is the founding member and bassist of famed progressive rock band Pink Floyd. The band reached fame in the 1970s with their album Dark Side of the Moon. Waters is now pursuing a solo career as vocalist and bassist. Tickets are available online at amway.orlandocenter. com for $78.

June 23

Series premiere of new comedy Baby Daddy airs on ABC Family at 8:30 p.m. The show is based on a young man played by Kyle XY’s Jean-Luc Bilodeau, who becomes a father to a baby girl after his ex-girlfriend leaves her at his doorstep. The series features Dancing with the Stars alum Chelsea Kane as his best friend who helps raise the child while overcoming hardships.

June 26

Saturday

LMFAO performs at the Amway Center at 7 p.m. as part of their Sorry for Party Rocking tour. Artists such as Far East Movement, The Quest Crew and Natalia Kills will join the unclenephew duo as guest performers. Their single “Party Rock Anthem” stays in the top 100 on iTunes. Tickets are available online at amway.orlandocenter. com, they start at $64.

June 28

Coldplay performs at St. Pete Times Forum at 7 p.m. The British alternative rock band, formed by lead vocalist Chris Martin in 1996 has become a bestselling music artist. Their latest single “Princess of China” featuring Rihanna became a radio hit. Selling over 55 million records worldwide, Coldplay has won 7 Grammys from 20 nominations. Tickets are available at stubhub. com starting at $93.

June 29

G.I. Joe: Retaliation, PG-13, releases as the sequel to 2009’s G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra. Written by the creators of Zombieland, the ensemble cast features Channing Tatum and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson reprising their roles from the first film. The story continues as the leader of the Cobras, Zartan, assassinates Joes. Those who remain take revenge before the Cobras release destructive warheads.

June 30

The British boy band One Direction plays at the Amway Center at 7:30 p.m. The band travels from the UK for their first American tour after being formed and placing third on The X Factor. Their debut album Up All Night, features their single “What Makes You Beautiful,” which made the highest Billboard Top 100 for a UK act. Tickets are available online at stubhub.com. Prices start at $102.

hilights.org



entertainment

Bella Italia exhibits cuisine diversity FAMILY OWNED PIZZERIA IMPRESSES By STEPHANIE GARCIA The newly furnished and renovated establishment of Bella Italia ignites a modern vibe that can serve as a weekend spot with friends or a celebration venue for the family. With European décor highlighting the walls and comfortable booths providing a sense of relaxation, Bella Italia is a prime location for kicking back and feeling at home. The privately-owned pizzeria offers an array of Italian cuisine and presents customers with a place of refuge. Upon entering, one is greeted by servers that are both conversational and courteous. One benefit of this small restaurant is its staff that provides a family oriented service. The affordable venue is another pleasing factor. Appetizers do not exceed $9, and dinner dishes start at $8.95. The Combo Appetizer ($7.95) includes a platter of fried mozzarella sticks, spicy jalapeno peppers and chicken tenders. Customers can also purchase appetizers of a more specific nature, like the Fried Calamari ($8.50) and Tomato Brushetta ($5.25). Bella Italia also hosts lunch specials from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., where guests can select from a variety of salads and rolls for $4.95. A recommended lunch combination is the 10 Wings and Fries, which contain a crunchy exotic flavor and can be prepated in numerous ways (mild, hot, suicide, garlic, bbq or honey mustard). All lunch combinations are under $7.95. With over 15 toppings to choose from, customers can decorate their slices with everything from green peppers to black olives. Pizza pies are offered in various sizes from 14”18” ($10.95-15.95). Pies are prepared with fresh dough made daily, authentic New York style thin crust and mozzarella cheese. The Hawaiian Pizza is a favorite; the 16” specialty pizza comes with honey ham, creamy mozzarella and fresh pineapples. Pizzas are served in large portions and will be pleasing to customers who favor extra cheese and additional tomato sauce. From Stuffed Shells ($8.95) to Shrimp Parmesan ($12.95),

Dining 411 Bella Italia

Specialty Dinners offer customers a diverse assortment of dishes. Signature plates unique to the establishment are the Seafood Platter ($15.95) and Bella Italia Combination ($12.95). The platter includes a collection of mussels, clams, calamari, and shrimp; the latter provides a compilation of manicotti, stuffed shells and lasagna. For an additional $3, guests can add chicken to any dinner meal or purchase a dinner salad for an additional $1.50. Salads are prepared in small or large portions, and Bella Italia includes a Greek or Antipasto salad option. House Italian Vinaigrette and Honey Mustard are a few of the appetizing salad dressings provided at the pizzeria. A signature salad is the Caprese Salad ($6.95), which consists of fresh mozzarella topped with tomatoes marinated in olive oil and fresh basil. Another unique component to Bella Italia is the venue’s diverse cuisine. For those not craving generic Italian dishes like Baked Ziti ($9.95), Bella Italia provides a collection of subs ($5.95-$8.75) and vegetarian dinners ($6.95-$13.50). For subs, customers can purchase a Cheese Steak ($8.75) or a Gryo ($5.95). The Cheese Steak offers a choice of two toppings: mushrooms, onions or green peppers. The Gyro is served on pita bread with tzatziki sauce, a strained yogurt mixed with cucumbers. Vegetarian meals are served with crunchy garlic bread and one’s choice of mouth watering pasta (spaghetti, ziti, fettuccine or bowties). The Spinach Lasagna ($10.50) is a hearty dish assembled with fresh spinach and plenty of ricotta layered on red sauce and noodles. As a concluding attempt to entice guests, Bella Italia offers a selection of desserts. One can receive a taste of the Big Apple when ordering Zeppoli ($2.99-$3.99), which are fried ricotta doughnuts dusted with confectioners’ sugar. At Bella Italia, one feels at ease in a warm environment that goes above and beyond for its customers. This hospitable establishment is worthy of a four-star rating; while the high par service and diverse menu are superior, the restaurant’s hidden location in Mariner’s Village Plaza can be difficult for eager guests to uncover.

Vegetarian Dinners Available:

4662 E. Michigan Ave.

Served with Garlic Bread (Dinner Salad $1.50 Extra) *Your Choice of Pasta (spaghetti, zitti, fetticcine, bowties)

When:

BAKED ZITI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8.95

Where:

11 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekdays 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. weekends

How much: $2.95 - $22. 99 Beverages: soft drinks, free refills

Extras: kids Online

*MARINARA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10.95

mybellapizza.com

page 28

1 This 44,457 lb. pizza supplied 90,000 SLICES.

Global Toppings AMSTERDAM The kingdom of coffee shops loves hotdogs on pizza.

MANICOTTI W/ RED SAUCE. . . . . . . . $8.95 *EGGPLANT PARMESAN . . . . . . . .$10.95

737-2000

AMERICA is home to the LARGEST PIZZA IN THE WORLD, which was eaten by over 30,000 PEOPLE in HAVANNA , FLORIDA.

CHEESE RAVIOLI . . . . . . . . . . . . .$8.95

menu, vegetarian options

Call: 407-

10 WINGS AND FRIES ($7.95). Bella Italia hosts lunch specials from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. where guests can select from a variety of meal combinations that range from $4.50-$7.95.

The United States of Pizza

SPINACH LASAGNA . . . . . . . . . . .$10.50 *ALFREDO W/ BROCCOLI . . . . . . . .$13.50

photos/STEPHANIE GARCIA

BELLA ITALIA COMBO ($12.95). The signature dish provides a compilation of manicotti, stuffed shells and lasagna. For an additional $3, guests can add an order of chicken to any dinner meal.

*PESTO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10.95

RUSSIA One can try a mix of sardines, tuna, mackerel, salmon and red onions on a slice.

0 COSTA RICA In this South American country, natives favor coconuts on their pizza.

*GARLIC, OIL & BROCCOLI . . . . . . $10.95

AUSTRALIA Down under, they have shrimp, pineapple, and BBQ sauce pizza.

sources: http://recipes.howstuffworks.com, http://www.pizzajoe.co.uk

May 11, 2012

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