William R. Boone High School Student Paper
C
For Students, By Students
section Friday, May 11, 2012 Volume 60, Issue No. 6
2000 South Mills Avenue Orlando, Florida 32806
Year in Review
Time for a flashback By TYLER PATRICK This 2011-12 school year, like any other, was host to events that helped shape what one talked about on a daily basis. From club events like drama’s production of Dracula to the sporting events like cheerleading winning a state title, events on campus were the highlight of most weekends on the Reservation. News was also a major factor in the definition of the year, ranging from the fatal shooting of Treyvon Martin to the death of Steve Jobs; people were talking about current events. Pop culture’s impact on society left an impression on students as well with the 72-day marriage of Kim Kardashian and the introduction of boy band One Direction. No matter what event occurred, whether on campus or not, students had places to go and topics to discuss throughout the year. Look inside for a recap of these events.
• See sport season wrap-ups and highlights p. 4
• Look back at pop culture events p. 8
year in review By KINSEY SEACORD
photo/COOPER BROCK
3. Amway Arena goes down with a bang
On March 25, officials imploded the 23-year-old Amway Arena. The city brought the older building down with over 600 pounds of dynamite and other explosives that left the arena in rubble. The new Amway Center opened Oct. 1, 2010.
photo/GARY W. GREEN/Orlando Sentinel/MCT
TAKING THE STAND. On April 20, George Zimmerman attends his bond hearing for the shooting of Trayvon Martin in Circuit Judge Kenneth Lester’s courtroom in Sanford, Florida. Zimmerman’s bond was set at $150,000.
1. Killing sparks protests The Sanford community suffered a loss on Feb. 26, with the shooting and death of Trayvon Martin. While walking unarmed back home from a friend’s house, Martin became engaged in an altercation with a member of the community’s neighborhood watch, George Zimmerman. According to The New York Times,
Zimmerman placed a 911 call for a suspicious person and later ignored dispatcher’s warnings to stop the pursuit. The altercation escalated to physical violence and ended with Zimmerman shooting the 17-year-old. Controversy stirred on whether the act took place in self defense. Outraged protests occurred around the country in response to Sanford
police’s lagged response time and the lack of action taken. Six weeks after the shooting, police arrested Zimmerman on a second-degree murder charge. Police commented, stating Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law, which allows one who feels threatened to not retreat from the situation, would make it hard to find a case since Zimmerman claimed self defense.
photo courtesy/RED HUBER of Orlando Sentinel
4. DeLand plane crashes into Publix
An experimental plane from Illinois crashed into the DeLand Publix located in the Northgate Shopping Center on April 2. The accident injured five people, three were Publix shoppers. The cause of the accident is unknown.
2. All Star game returns
photo/GARY W. GREEN/Orlando Sentinel/MCT
EAST VS WEST. East All Star player Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic) boxes out West All Star player Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers) during the All Star game on Feb. 26. The West Coast team beat the East Coast team 152-149.
For the first time since 1992, Orlando hosted the 61st NBA All Star game, bringing in 100 million dollars to the local economy. Basketball fans headed to the Amway Center on Feb. 26 to see players such as Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant and Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant take to the court and aid the West Coast team to a 152-149 victory. Both Durant and Miami Heat’s LeBron James, East Coast team player, scored 36 points. Durant received the Most Valuable Player through fan votes. Bryant surpassed Michael Jordan’s record of prolific scorer with 278 points. “I liked seeing all of the skilled basketball players come together,” junior Elisa Castillo said.
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5. Occupy Wall Street extends to Orlando
Angry protesters took to the street on Oct. 15, in support of the Occupy Wall Street movement. The activists marched from the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce through downtown. Similar protests occurred across the country.
Sept. 17 - Senior Heather Classe places 3rd in DeLand Invitational with a time of 6:20.
Aug. 25 - UCF freshman Ann Hefferin dies of alcohol poisoning.
The most important [local event] was the Trayvon Martin case because it went beyond our region. It reached a national level. - jacob jiskoot, senior
photo/AL SEIB/Los Angeles Times/MCT
Sept. 12 - Big Red Bus rolls onto campus for first blood drive of the year.
May 11, 2012
Oct. 25 - Names of jurors from Casey Anthony case are released.
Sept. 25 - Saudi Arabia gives women the right to vote.
Oct. 7- Ten year anniversary of the beginning of the war in Afghanistan.
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year in review Page Compiled By AUSTIN HALL
1. Brave Aid profits benefit local Foundation As each seat in the auditorium fills up, more and more money is put toward a good cause. Brave Aid is a school sponsored talent show that provides an opportunity for students to showcase their talents in front of a filled auditorium. All proceeds went to the Always Wear Your Seatbelt Foundation. Tickets were $7 in advance and $10 at the door. “It was a great way to get the club’s name out and raise money for the scholarships that the foundation gives out,” sophomore Christopher Caplan said. The Always Wear Your Seatbelt Foundation was created by Eddie Culberhouse’s mother, Lorisse Garcia, and Laura Grant’s mother, Wendy Grant, after their deaths in a car accident. This foundation helps to raise awareness about the importance of wearing one’s seatbelt when riding in a motor vehicle. Sophomore president Madison Nagle and sophomore vice president Christopher Caplan started the The Always Wear Your Seatbelt Club to raise awareness on campus. At Brave Aid, 22 acts performed. The acts ranged from solo singing acts, to Orange Swag which is a rap duo, to the Bollywood Club. The Bollywood Club performs traditional style Middle Eastern dancing. “It just goes to show that we have a lot of supporters in our community,” Caplan said.
It Is amazing that so many people were willing to come out and support such a worthy cause. - madison nagle, sophomore
photo/ALEXIS MARTINEZ
3. February blood drive breaks two records
The third blood drive on Feb. 6, broke the record for the most pints drawn in one day with 196 pints, and broke the record for the largest number of pints Boone has drawn in a school year with 610 pints.
photo/CHANNA HARRINGTON photo/CARLY BURTON
FACELESS. At Brave Aid, senior Tyler Collick plays the ukulele. “It is actually really exciting playing at Brave Aid because you cannot see [the crowd’s] faces or their expressions so you don’t have any worries about what they are thinking,” Collick said. Collick performed twice in one night at Brave Aid, he played with senior Lindsay Phelps, and played guitar with, senior Geoffrey Kirchoff, who played the drums.
4. Senior semi truck shows spirit Decorated in a carnival theme, seniors ride on their float to show school spirit. The homecoming parade and Braves Brawl served as a pep rally to pump up the school for the homecoming game against East River.
2. ‘Dracula’ keeps the blood pumping
photo/CARLY BURTON
DON’T CHOKE. In Dracula, Norbert Briggs (Clark Thornton) chokes Robert Renfield (played by Tyler Conrady) , as Van Helsing (played by Jackson Upperco) looks on in shock. “My favorite part about playing [Van Helsing] was the feeling of accomplishment. It was a difficult role to play,” Upperco said. Oct. 28 - Guinness Book of World Records declares Samuel L. Jackson highest grossing actor of all time.
Oct. 27 - Boone beats East River 4225 in 60th annual homecoming game.
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The drama department performed Bram Stoker’s Dracula from Oct. 20-22. In Dracula, Abram Van Helsing, played by senior Jackson Upperco, and his confidants make it their mission to hunt down and kill the King of Vampires himself, Count Dracula. Dracula, played by junior Caleb Roche, uses his supernatural powers in an attempt to evade his pursuers. Senior Angel Lozada played Jonathan Harker, a lawyer who joins Van Helsing to slay Count Dracula. “My favorite scene would have to be Harker’s Recollection because of all the lighting affects, the haze, and the aspect of going back to the past made it real to me,” Lozada said.
Nov. 4 - Central Florida Educators Federal Credit Union holds official Grand Opening for Boone branch.
photo/MICHELLE AMES
5. Boone band plays holiday concert The Sound of the Braves played a holiday themed concert on Dec. 8, at 7 p.m. There were three concert ensembles, three percussion ensembles and one jazz ensemble. All seven ensembles played 11 songs total.
Nov. 12 - International Association of Athletics names Usain Bolt World Athlete of the year.
Nov. 5 - Former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky’s’ trial begins based on sexual abuse charges.
Nov. 18 - Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 premieres, making $280 million in the box office.
May 11, 2012
[The winter] concert was very festive. Everyone loves this concert the most and it is usually the most popular. - drake wornick, junior
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year in review By SAM HOLLEMAN
1. Cheerleaders repeat state title
photo/DAVID JESTER
STATE CHAMPIONS. At the FHSAA cheer finals, bases support junior Sarah Berlinsky in a liberty. “[Winning state for the second time] felt unreal,” Berlinsky said. The competition was in the Silver Spurs Arena on Feb. 4.
The varsity cheerleading team won first place in Florida High School Athletic Association’s 2A extra-large varsity division on Feb. 4; this is the second year in a row varsity cheerleading has taken this title. “One of our teammates broke her nose the day before the competition; we had to rearrange everything but still won,” junior Victoria Batura said. Manatee High School is the team’s biggest rival and its team received second place at the state competition. The Lady Braves scored 76.9, points while Manatee High School scored 74.8. Each cheer team is scored on its tumbling (both stationary and running), dance, stunting, cheering and music selections. Boone alumni Sandy Long and junior Sarah Berlinsky choreographed the dance routine. “We are more advanced as a team [compared to last year] and added more complex stunts to our routine,” Batura said. Lakewood Ranch High School followed the Lady Braves and Manatee High School, capturing third place. “[Winning states for the second time] felt good. I feel very accomplished in front of my team,” Batura said.
On Monday, Jan. 9, senior Frank Grandinette signed a full ride scholarship to the University of Miami. He will be playing baseball for the Hurricanes in the fall.
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opponent. “I want to go pro in either football or track and field,” Bracy said. B fastest time at the 100m dash is 10.06 seconds.
DODGE. At a home game against Ocoee, running back Marvin Bracy runs up the middle. “I started playing football because all of my friends were,” Bracy said. Braves won this game, 35-12.
photo/MARK VAGELAKOS
photo/CHASE GARDNER
6. Edgewater keeps barrel The varsity football team defeated Winter Park, Ocoee, Freedom, East River and Cypress Creek High Schools, but the Edgewater Eagles claimed the barrel for the second year in a row, winning 28-7.
7. Lady Braves prosper On May 3, the girls ended their near perfect season in the regional finals. They had an undefeated regular season and the JV team only lost two games, losing to Timber Creek and Freedom High School.
Dec. 18 - Futbol Club Barcelona beats Santos Futbol Club 4-0 in the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup Finals.
Nov. 29 American Airlines files for Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
[Varsity] football making it to the playoffs is the best thing that happened this school year.” - marvin bracy, senior
SPRINT. On April 14, senior Marvin Bracy works to keep his lead against his A
photo/DEAN STEWART PHOTOG
photo/RENEE BURKE
5. Grandinette signs UM scholarship
photo/CAROLINE CO
Dec. 13 - SGA collects 4,104 pounds of cans during the canned food drive.
May 11, 2012
Dec. 31 - Russell Brand and Katy Perry file for a divorce.
Dec 25 - With six Oscar nominations, Steven Spielbergs’ War Horse premieres.
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year in review
2. Runner tackles future
OLEMAN
Apopka Bracy’s
Since the age of six, Marvin Bracy has been immersed in the world of football. Now a senior, Bracy is not only on the varsity football team, but is also the fastest high school student in the nation, the fastest person under the age of 19 in the world, and overall the fifth fastest person in the world for the 100 meter race with a time of 10.06, according to the Orlando Sentinel. “I started [playing football] because my friends and cousins started playing; I had to play,” Bracy said. Bracy recently signed a football and track scholarship for a full ride to Florida State University. “[I chose FSU] because they were the first offer I received. I have a good relationship with the coaches, and I love Tallahassee,” Bracy said. On top of these achievements, Bracy will be going to the 2012 Olympic qualifiers on June 22 in Eugene, Oregon to run the 100 meter in track and field. “It is quite an honor to be apart of [the Olympics]; I am just going to give it my all. I have nothing to lose,” Bracy said. Bracy plans to make a career out of sports, hoping to play professional football or run track. “If I become a professional football player, it would be my dream to play for the New Orlean’s Saints,” Bracy said.
photo/CAROLINE COLEMAN
photo/CAROLINE COLEMAN
ACE. At the regional semi-finals on April 10, junior Samuel Lampman returns the ball. “I play tennis for the exciting and sad moments that it brings me,” Lampman said. Lampman ended this season undefeated in both singles and doubles tennis matches for the regular season.
3. Player does ‘fairly well’
With an undefeated regular season, playing in singles semi-finals and doubles finals, junior Samuel Lampman thinks he did fairly well. “I was expecting [to go to state] and it is a lot of pressure. But at the same time, I wanted more out of it,” Lampman said. At districts, Lampman and junior Remy Artavia competed in doubles against Dr. Phillips in a three hour
match for the finals and lost. “The game against the team from Dr. Phillips was a must win,” Lampman said. The boys’ varsity tennis team lost only one game in its regular season to Winter Park High School on March 17, 5-2. “[I would like to improve] my strength, and definitely my mental toughness,” Lampman said.
FLY. Junior Chelsie Britt swims the butterfly. “My coaches inspired me to compete in the Olympics,” Britt said. 2:14:23 is her fastest time in the 200m fly.
4. Swimmer shines in spotlight She started swimming at 2-years-old, going to practices for competitive swimming at age 5, and now a junior, Chelsie Britt is an Olympic hopeful swimmer. “I started swimming out of convenience; my sister was swimming so I started going with her so my mom did not have to drive around town,” Britt said. Britt will be going to the Olympic qualifiers to hopefully compete in the 2012 Olympics, swimming the 100m and 200m fly, along with the 100m back stroke and the 200m individual medley, but this is not Britt’s first Olympic event. “Swimming at the 2008 Olympic trials [is the most memorable moment in my swimming career] because I had the opportunity to swim with so many really good athletes,” Britt said.
GRAPHY
photo/EMILY NUSBICKEL
photo/COOPER BROCK
photo/CAROLINE COLEMAN
8. Girls become district champions
9. Basketball team defeats the Eagles
10. Girls reach districts
The varsity softball team defeated Apopka High School on April 24, becoming the district champions. Another notable game was against Freedom on March 7. They won 10-0. Junior Elizabeth Cargo had 1 hit and 2 runs, and junior Sarah Hayes had 2 hits.
The boys’ varsity basketball team defeated Edgewater, 59-47, on Feb. 2, with impressive displays from sophomore Barry Taylor who scored 18 points, junior Robert M. Irwin who scored 10 points, 3 rebounds and 4 steals. Also, junior Robert Rimmer scored 13 points and 14 rebounds.
The girls’ varsity soccer season ended 11-4-2. The team suffered a tough loss to Winter Park High School in the district quarter finals, 1-3. Senior Nikia Toomey was the Most Valuable Player of the team
Jan. 24- Boy’s soccer advances to District Semifinals with a win over Cypress Creek, 3-2.
Jan. 13 - Costa Concordia cruise ship capsized off the west coast of Italy.
Feb. 2 - Guidance Counselor Susan Gertel wins guidance counselor of the year.
Jan. 25 - Boy’s basketball beats district rival University 53-52.
Feb. 2 - Senior Robert Irwin and senior Margaret Dukes Sweetheart Court king and queen.
May 11, 2012
My favorite part [of winning state] was hitting the stunt sequence, because when all five stunt groups hit the crowd went wild and [there was] a huge adrenalin rush. - sarah berlinsky, junior
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year in review By STEPHANIE GARCIA
1. Social media sparks revolutions
With the click of a mouse and the touch of a keyboard, revolutionaries delivered tweets, updated statuses and overthrew dictators. A new age of Internet democracy emerged and cyber activists were the culprits behind its birth. Social media became the pamphlets of the 21st century, an outlet to oppose the status quo and a portal to generate public reaction. In January 2011, revolutions flooded the Arab Spring; Middle Eastern countries such as Egypt and Tunisia rallied support and initiated change through media channels that accelerated the toppling of constricting regimes. From the Boston Massacre to the storming of the Bastille, revolutions have a tendency to evolve from street protests. This theory could be seen on the Gaddafi was pavements of Libya, where social media played a major role in already out its revolutionary success. of power; it After a six-month power struggle to overthrow Muammar Gaddafi, critics of the regime removed the dictator from power in would have August. On Oct. 20, Libyan rebels captured Gaddafi’s hometown been better if of Sirte and discovered the fallen dictator in a drainpipe; Gaddafi the dictator later died of gunshot wounds to the head and chest. Within had lived and days, a video of the deceased leader’s capture surfaced online, suffered. There spreading like wildfire. are certain After uncovering the video discovery, international and situations human rights groups called for formal and legal investigations. where it should The legality of the leader’s death was put to question; the footage be up to the captured a graphic frame by frame account of Gaddafi’s assault, providing a vivid account of the dictator’s fatal encounter with government to rebel forces. decide. ” “Gaddafi was already out of power; it would have been better - alexander diaz if the dictator had lived and suffered. There are certain situations junior where it should be up to the government to decide,” junior Alexander Diaz said. Three days later, the country was liberated by the provisional government, the Transitional National Council, setting in motion the process of creating a new constitution and an elected administration. In the months succeeding Gaddafi’s death, Libyans anticipated an end to four decades of rule by brute force and a new beginning brought on by the ballot box. Presently, militia leaders have altered post-Gaddafi Libya, plunging their growing influence into politics and are threatening to undermine elections intended to lay the foundation of a new democracy.
photo/ AMRU SALAHUDDIEN/Xinhua/Zuma Press/MCT
GOVERNMENT REVIVAL. Libyan people celebrate the death of the fallen leader Muammar Gaddafi in Tripoli, Libya, Oct. 20, 2011. Mahmoud Jibril, head of the Libyan National Transitional Council’s executive committee, confirmed that Gaddafi was killed in gun battle in his hometown Sirte.
photo/ VANESSA VICK/MCT
5. Non-profit produces film
On March 5, Invisible Children co-founder Jason Russell premiered Kony 2012: a viral documentary that received 100 million views within six days and created a social media campaign to topple rebel leader Joseph Kony.
photo/TIM ISBELL/Biloxi Sun Herald/MCT
6. Rick Santorum drops out of primaries
On April 10, former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum announced he was suspending his campaign, avoiding a potential home state loss on April 24 and virtually putting an end to the Republican primary. Feb. 4 - Over 1000 runners participated in BHSAA’S 4th annual Reservation Run.
[ The troops] were moved too early [from Iraq] because we had something established but not set in stone, so everything might collapse again. - nathan perroux, sophomore
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photo/ CHANNA HARRINGTON
7. New memorial unveiled
The 9/11 Memorial in New York, New York, opened to the public for the first time on Monday, Sept. 12. The north pool of the memorial is in the shadow of the unfinished Freedom Tower.
Feb. 29 - Facebook adds a new look with the timeline layout.
March 13 - March Madness tips off with BYU beating Iowa, 78-72.
Feb. 21 - Universal Studios holds its annual Mardi Gras 2012 festival.
May 11, 2012
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year in review
photo/ CAROLYN COLE/Los Angeles Times/MCT
3. U.S. concludes Iraqi war
photo/ MATTHEW O’HAREN/Centre Daily Times/MCT
PERJURY. Former Penn State vice president Gary Schultz arrives at District Judge William Wenner’s office Nov. 7. Schultz surrendered on charges for failing to report suspected child-sexual abuse by former coach, Gerald Sandusky.
2. Sport scandals shock
Referenced as “The Sandusky Scandal,” the athletic department catastrophe sent shock waves through the Pennsylvania State community. On Nov. 5, Penn State defensive coordinator Gerald “Jerry” Sandusky was charged with sexually abusing 10 boys over the course of 15 years. On Nov. 7, Penn State athletic director Tim Curley and senior vice president Gary Schultz stepped down from their positions and were charged with perjury and failing to report
complaints against Sandusky. Four days after Sandusky’s initial arrest, Penn State fired university president Graham Spanier and head coach Joe Paterno; both of whom failed to initiate investigations in 2002 when child molestation allegations in relation to Sandusky surfaced. “The whole situation was awful. No one acted responsibly. They should have been more forceful in defending the kids and coming forward,” media specialist Frances Giessuebel said. On Nov. 27, a similar sexual abuse
After more than eight years of fighting, the war in Iraq officially ended on Dec. 15. The U.S. held a flag-lowering ceremony to signify the war’s conclusion. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, who was present in Baghdad, thanked the more than 1 million troops who served there since March 20, 2003. Nearly 4,500 U.S. service members were killed in the war, which began as an invasion to uncover Saddam Hussein’s weapons of mass destruction and evolved into a pursuit of disposing a dictatorial regime. While fractious, Iraq has experienced democratic elections. Though Iraq will be tested by foreign threats, Panetta stressed that the U.S. will remain committed to its success.
scandal disrupted the Syracuse basketball program. However, assistant coach Bernie Fine was the only one removed from his position. Earlier that month, former players Bobby Davis and Mike Lang appeared on ESPN accusing Fine of molestation, citing their previous reports to authorities against Fine’s inappropriate conduct in 2002. As the alleged abuse occurred in the 80s, prosecutors were unable to file charges due to statute of limitations.
photo/ ROBERT DURELL/Los Angeles Times/MCT
4. Digital pioneer leaves legacy
photo/ DMITRY ASTAKHOV/Itar-Tass/Abaca Press/MCT
8. Korean leader passes away
North Korean leader Kim Jong-il died of a heart attack at the age of 69 on Dec. 19. Following news of Kim’s death, South Korea put its armed forces on high alert and said the country was on a crisis footing. March 17 - Boone holds Preservations of the Reservation (a.k.a Greenup Boone).
March 16 - Legend yearbook receives a Gold Crown from Columbia Scholastic Press Association in New York City for the 2011 “Just Saying” book.
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photo/ MARK CORNELISON/Lexington Herald-Leader/MCT
9. Giants win Super Bowl XLV
Wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) and kicker Lawrence Tynes (9) of the New York Giants hold the Super Bowl XLV championship trophy on Sunday, Feb. 5. The Giants defeated the Patriots, 21-17. March 26 - Tiger Woods wins his first PGA tour title since 2009.
During his innovative lifetime, Steve Jobs became synonymous with a modern-day Leonardo da Vinci or a Thomas Edison meets Willy Wonka, leading a digital renaissance with revolutionary gadgetry such as the iPhone and iPad tablet. Jobs, who was the mastermind behind the global tech company, Apple, died Oct. 5 at the age of 56. The visionary ignited the company’s inception from a Silicon Valley garage in the 70s. Over the course of 30 years, the innovator sparked a market of digital convenience, transporting the home computer to a portable device. In memoriam, Jobs’s admirers plastered heartfelt post-it notes in Apple Stores around the world. The news was not unexpected. Jobs battled pancreatic cancer for years, stepping down as CEO of Apple in August 2011 after taking a medical leave of absence in January 2011.
April 2 - University of Kentucky beats University of Kansas, 67-59, at the 2012 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship
People were touched by Steve Job’s passing because they were obsessed with his products. Apple has made life faster and easier to get information.
March 21 - Boys water polo beats district rival Olympia, 11-6.
- carly larr, junior
May 11, 2012
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year in review By KARINA FLORES
1. Film hits box-office target
The film adaptation of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins has girls across the globe switching from Team Edward to Team Peeta. Released on March 23, the story portrayed in the blockbuster hit and its swoon-worthy cast created a worldwide phenomenon. Based on a New York Time’s Bestselling novel, The Hunger Games has become the fourth-highest weekend opening of all time, behind The Dark Night and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. In its opening night alone, the film raked in $68.25 million. Author Suzanne Collins co-wrote and co-produced the first installment of the trilogy. The on screen story is set in a post-apocalyptic world where young tributes are forced to fight to the death in a televised tournament better known as The Hunger Games. The lead character Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) volunteers as tribute to save her sister, Primrose. This begins the gut-wrenching tale of survival. Adding to the plot is an ensuing love-triangle between Katniss, childhood friend Gale Hawthorne (Liam Hemsworth) and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson). The film created a fan-frenzy with its action-packed scenes, heart-warming love story and the moral message beneath it all. Midnight premieres sold-out everywhere as fans donned homemade “Team Peeta” and “Team Gale” tee shirts and signs showing their dedication to the trilogy. Junior Krystal Lopes joined the masses at midnight. “I like The Hunger Games because for once the female character can fend for herself,” Lopes said. The film created a franchise ranging from a themed nail polish collection to a Facebook game allowing one to play as Katniss in its version of The Hunger Games. The film caught fire at the box-office burning out competition for five consecutive weekends. Its success shows the odds have been in its favor.
photo/ANDREW KELLY/Abaca Press/MCT
LOSS OF A LEGEND. After the news of Whitney Houston’s death spread, fans flocked to her hometown church in New Jersey with flowers, card and candles to mourn her death and celebrate her life. The singer and actress died of an accidental drowning in a Beverly Hills hotel on Feb. 11.
The Hunger Games
photo courtesy/COLUMBIA RECORDS
3. British boy band breaks boundaries
One Direction broke records by being the first British artists to have their debut album premiere at number one in the United States, beating artists such as The Beatles, Elton John, The Spice Girls and Adele.
photo/LIONSGATE/MCT
[My favorite part about the movie] is the competition and the teamwork and strategy they have to win. - spencer longest, junior photo/JOHN W. ADKISSON/Los Angeles Times/MCT
2. Fans mourn singer’s death
The death of a legend shook the world on Feb. 11. Famed singer and actress, Whitney Houston, passed away on the eve of the 54th annual Grammy Awards at the age of 48. According to the L.A. County Coroner, Houston died of an accidental drowning in a Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel bathtub, the same hotel where the Grammys were to be held the following night. At approximately 3:55 p.m., Houston was found by her personal assistant lying face down in the hotel room bathtub unconscious. As later investigations and toxicology reports revealed, heart disease coupled with drug-use contributed to her early death. Drug paraphernalia were found at the scene. Lifelong fans were saddened to hear the renowned and legendary artist lost to her long-time battle of cocaine drugabuse that marred her career since the 1980s. Fans flocked to Houston’s hometown New Jersey church where her funeral was held. Cards, flowers, pictures and candles strewed the church’s gates as a display of mourning by her fans while celebrating her achievements and the influence she made on people worldwide. “She has written music that gives inspiration to other singers,” sophomore Derek Cox said. Houston won two Emmy Awards and six Grammy Awards. In 1987, her album Whitney was the first female album to ever debut at #1 on the Billboard Charts.
April 6- Guidance Counselor Rosa Pearson passes away.
[Whitney Houston’s] voice was so powerfully unique, that she inspired others with her words, her emotion and her sound. She made others want to follow their dreams. - lindsey hall, senior
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4. Judge frees celebrity
On March 29 in Los Angeles, California a judge freed Lindsay Lohan from probation stemming from a 2007 DUI bust. The highly publicized court hearings ended five years of probation violations.
photo/CHRISTOPHER PASATIERI/NewsdayMCT
5. Reality star’s marriage flops
Reality star Kim Kardashian’s fairy-tale marriage to NBA star, Kris Humphries, ended in a not-so-happily-ever-after divorce after 72 days. The demise of the couple’s relationship was seen nationwide on Kim and Kourtney Take New York.
April 12 - Drama premieres its production of Once Upon A Mattress.
April 24 - Girls softball wins the District Championship, for the first time since 2007.
May 11, 2012
April 27 - Boys baseball reaches the district championship but losses, 5-6.
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