SNN April 2013

Lakewood High School - April 17, 2013

snntoday.pcsb.org

Vol. 4, No. 5

Three-time Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Medalist

Many Spartans, multiple

talents ... pages 12-13 Prom need-to-knows ... pages 14 and 15

the hub

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A word from

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By KAYLA GARCIA SNN Editor in Chief

As we begin our final month and a half of this school year we prepare for upcoming events and changes for next year.

This next month brings one of the most important events for seniors: prom.

This year’s prom theme is “A Night of Elegance.” Remember to think about all the details when you are planning for this formal event, such as the long gown, or the matching tuxedo. Don’t forget to plan out dinner and your ride to prom.

When you are planning, keep in mind your overall budget. Prom can get expensive: To find out exactly how expensive, check out page 15.

Although prom is supposed to be a night to remember, keep it elegant and appropriate. There are many recent examples of what can happen when someone drinks alcohol. Drinking makes you vulnerable and may lead to a life-changing event; to get more insight on the topic look at SNN’s editorial on page 16.

Amid all your prom planning, keep in mind that the Advanced Placement tests begin the week before prom. Remember to rest yourselves at the end of the first week of testing. These exams can take a workload off of you when you reach college.

(You can find the AP testing schedule on the Lakewood High website.)

For those of you not graduating, here’s something to keep in mind as the school year comes to an end. Next school year, a change of dress code is upon Lakewood.

The hallways will no longer be filled with ripped or colorful jeans, dresses or skirts. SNN has laid out exactly what the upcoming dress code will be. Take a look at the next page to find out and check out the editorial pages (16 and 17) for letters to the editor expressing opinions on the upcoming dress code.

ATIERA HOPKINS | SNN

Sophomore Danielle Hamilton’s reflection is shown in a puddle of water as she walks in the parking lot next to Cwing on Feb. 15.

On the web...

Check out the following news and multimedia stories on the Spartan News Network’s website.

Go to snntoday.pcsb.org.

• The Saxophone: Chris Holloway talks about playing the saxophone. By Michelle Witcher and Emonie Howell

• Driving: Learning to drive isn’t easy.

Hear junior Jacoby Chambliss’ story. By Christian Miller and Higmot Salami

• Slideshow: See what LHS teachers can’t leave home without. By Sherice Johnson

• Flag Football: Junior Qua’shonna Williams talks about the flag football season.

By Rashad Williams and Kaleb McClendon

• Anime: Junior Jaquira Darling explains the art of anime. By Amber Bein • Football: Junior Dan Reaves talks about his love for the game of football. By Jermaine Brown and Kejuan Samuels

• Baseball: Senior Cornelius Copeland talks about his future in baseball at St. Petersburg College. By Brianna Johnson and Basil Rolle • Slideshow: Check out photos of the Lakewood auxiliary tryouts. By Krystal Mitchell. (See story on page 9)

Page 1 design by JOEL GRANT

• LHS leader: Learn more about Malachi Johnson. By Domonic Eaves and Jacob Phillips

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Correction: Computer teacher Chris Borg has never visited Ethiopia. A story in the

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February issue of SNN said otherwise.

Journeys in Journalism Journeys in Journalism coordinator Cynda Mort was honored March 30 by the Studio@620. The Studio Honor was awarded to her based on her “contribution to the intellectual, artistic, economic, social and cultural aspects of life in the Tampa Bay community and the world beyond.” She was honored in connection with her work in the journalism program, which includes Melrose Elementary, John Hopkins Middle and Lakewood High. Mort started the program in 2002.

Program events: Journeys in Journalism will be featuring an exhibit of student work at the St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Dr. NE. in St. Petersburg. The exhibit will be on May 2 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The exhibit will feature student pictures from each school and is free to the public.

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Students charged in school break-ins

By ALEX DORN SNN Staff Writer

Two Pinellas County students were arrested in connection to break-ins at Bay Vista Elementary and Lakewood High School. The boys – one a sophomore at Lakewood and one an eighth-grader at John Hopkins Middle – are charged with breaking into classrooms and taking electronic devices.

The boys’ names are being withheld because they are juveniles.

The break-in at Bay Vista happened on Feb. 24. According to police reports, there were four laptops, four computer chargers and a projector stolen. That night the two boys were approached by officers and, according to reports, “spontaneously” said they just committed a burglary at Bay Vista. The two were charged with commercial burglary. The eighth grader was already on probation, and was also charged with violation of probation.

The Bay Vista burglary was just one of a string of burglaries that have happened there and at Lakewood during this school year - a total of seven at Lakewood, and two at Bay Vista since September, records show.

On the same night that Bay Vista was burglarized, the eighth grader broke into two portables at Lakewood High School and was charged with burglary, police spokesman Bill Proffitt said.

In that burglary, police said the eighth grader entered health teacher Erika Miller’s portable by the east window and stole her projector worth $450, police reports said. He

also took cereal snacks from inside the closet.

“I think it is very disappointing that students would break in and steal things that benefit other students,” Miller said.

HOPE teacher Michael Culbreath’s portable also was broken into that night, and his school projector was stolen as well. Culbreath said he noticed something was wrong as soon as he entered the portable in the morning and saw glass on the floor from the window.

Culbreath’s portable already had been broken into earlier in the year sometime over winter break, and so was AVID teacher Chantella Moore’s portable.

“For a while I didn’t want to come (to school). I felt violated,” Moore said.

The same eighth grader charged in the February case had broken into Bay Vista back in October of 2012. In that case, he told police that he broke in because “there wasn’t nothing else to do,” records said. He is charged with stealing two Dell notebooks and vandalizing the school, reports said. Also that same weekend, he broke into Lakewood and stole a flip camera and a plastic container of trail mix, reports said.

According to Lakewood principal Bob Vicari, workers have secured the portable windows with metal grates and installed steal door jambs so no one can shimmy the door.

They also are lighting up the area so people can see from the street, and police will periodically patrol around the

DEYSHA HENRY | SNN

Several portables in the back of Lakewood have been broken into this school year. Administration has secured the portables by installing metal grates and steel door jambs to prevent future break-ins.

school. The school also has ordered more security cameras that will be focused in the portable area, and has patched over holes in the fences.

Vicari said there are no advantages to having portables on campus, and if he were able to move the teachers from the portables into the school he would – “if I had enough classrooms.”

Honors classes may weigh GPA differently

By MARILYN PARKER SNN Staff Writer

The Pinellas County School Board is looking into making additional weight given for taking honors classes worth less than points given for Advanced Placement and dual enrollment courses.

This year, AP and dual enrollment classes are worth the same as honors courses – an extra point for a full-year course. The school system, however, may keep AP and dual enrollment courses worth the same, but make honors courses worth only a half point extra.

The issue recently came up at a School Board meeting, and director of high school education Rita Vasquez has been examining whether to change the grade weighting system, according to Mary Beth Corace, the director of strategic planning and policy.

Currently, six major school districts in Florida add more weight to AP and dual enrollment courses than honors courses, she said. In those districts, AP and dual enrollment are worth one extra point and honors courses are worth half a point.

Some Lakewood teachers agree with this change.

“All advanced classes get an equal bump (now) so honors, AP, dual enrollment all get the same amount, which seems to me unfair,” English teacher Kristie Dowling said. “I think that there should be some differentiation between honors and AP. They should get some kind of bump in their GPA for honors, but they should also be encouraged to be in AP classes.”

The school system may be changing the grading scale because they want to encourage students to take more rigorous AP courses.

“Maybe because AP and honors are the same weight, why would you take one over the other?” Dowling said.

If the plan passes, students would have to decide whether they want to remain in an honors class or take the more difficult route.

“I would take AP over honors, because I would want that higher education along with boosting my GPA,” junior Aaron

Graham said.

Junior Isaiah Wynn agrees with Graham.

“If that was to happen, I wouldn’t still take honor classes. I’d rather take the highest class, because it would boost my GPA and prepare me for college.”

Principal Bob Vicari said he believes that the change was brought up because many counties are using different formulas to calculate GPAs as well as because of a desire to get students enrolled in more difficult courses.

“The push is always to get kids into more rigorous classes. (They) can always adjust down,” he said. “Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t.”

The School Board will discuss the proposed change in policy multiple times before approving it. If changes to the credits given are approved, they will not go into effect until next year.

-SNN Staff Writer Katie Blevins contributed to this story.

Modified dress code policy The official dress code, effective for the 2013-14 school year, has been decided. A committee of faculty members, parents and students assembled to make the final decision. Their recommendation went to the administrative team, which discussed it and sent it to the School Advisory Council (SAC) on March 12, where it was approved.

• Blue jeans and tan khaki pants.

• Blue jean or khaki knee-length shorts.

• No rips or holes in clothing.

• No bandanas.

• No Beat headphones.

• Undergarments must not be visible.

• Any color solid polo, except red.

• T-shirts: Any Lakewood gear (no exceptions). Athletic teams can wear their gear only on game day.

• No dresses, skirts or skorts.

• Safe and appropriate footwear must be worn. No roller skates, skate shoes or bedroom slippers.

- AMELIA ALBERTS

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Get to know your 2013 vals and sals

By CHELSEA HELT SNN Staff Writer

Salutatorian

Traditional

Valedictorian

CAT program

The honor of being named salutatorian of Lakewood High School caught Le’Ciang Vazquez by surprise. She was unaware of her high rank and says that she never tried to get any kind of reward.

“I just show up to school and do my work like a good little kid,” said Vazquez, who has a 4.58 GPA. High school for Vazquez hasn’t been easy, though. She took on heavy course loads that required her full attention.

“I’ve turned down classes and jobs, because I knew I wouldn’t be able to handle it with my workload,” Vazquez said.

She encourages underclassmen to just find motivation and let that be their drive to do something.

“It’s really about staying on task, keeping yourself motivated and actually wanting to do the work,” Vazquez said.

Vazquez loves marine biology and will ATIERA HOPKINS | SNN be pursuing that degree at Florida Gulf Le’Ciang Vazquez, left, and Malachi Johnson, right, stand outside on April 8.

Coast University. She doesn’t have an idea of a career, but says as long as it involves Johnson and Vazquez are the 2013 valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, of traditional Lakewood. “It’s an honor to have the recognition environmental science, she’ll be happy. for my work,” Johnson said. (To see a multimedia piece about Johnson, go to snntoday.pcsb.org.)

With a 4.79 grade point average, Alex Voce claimed the first place spot in the Center for Advanced Technologies senior class. Voce insists that his goal was never to be valedictorian; it merely came to him.

“It’s a great honor, but the thing is I didn’t really do it to be valedictorian,” Voce said. “I got the grades I got, because I wanted to do it for myself.”

Voce said he expected to be ranked at third, and was surprised to hear that he was first. The honor is bittersweet for him though because of the daunting valedictorian speech he has to give at graduation, he said.

“There’s a reason I sit behind a computer desk all day. I’m not good with people ... I’m very introverted,” Voce said.

He expects the speech to benefit him by improving his public speaking skills.

As far as future plans go, he is going to attend the University of Central Florida for the honors program on a $14,000 scholarALEX BRACKX | SNN ship where he plans to major in aeronautiAlex Voce and Kathryn Ellett stand outside on March 15.

Voce is the valediccal or mechanical engineering. torian of the Center for Advanced Technologies and Ellett is the salutatorian.

“It’s a great honor, but the thing is I didn’t really do it to be valedictorian. I got the grades I got, because I wanted to do it for myself,” Voce said.

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Valedictorian Malachi Johnson, with a 4.6 GPA, has earned the title of Lakewood valedictorian, her biggest accomplishment according to her.

“It’s an honor to have the recognition for my work,” Johnson said. She said that she has always kept school first and done the best she could.

As Student Government Association president and a dual enrollment student, among other obligations, Johnson has a lot to juggle.

“I balance everything by staying focused and organized and determined to conquer all of my goals,” Johnson said. To also help her through her high school career, Johnson has always kept her role models in mind: Jesus and her mom.

She stresses the fact that you can be popular, social and involved while still maintaining high grades.

“Set goals, stay focused with those goals, accomplish them. … Prioritize and remember what is important,” Johnson said.

After Lakewood, Johnson will be attending Florida A&M University to major in pharmacy. In the long term, she hopes to become a pharmacist, make six figures, and be successful.

Salutatorian

When Kathryn Ellett was in kindergarten, one of the first things she read by herself was a poster that said “be the best you can be.” Since then, she has lived up to that. Ellett is now the CAT salutatorian.

Becoming valedictorian or salutatorian only became a goal of Ellett’s at the beginning of senior year when she saw that it was in her reach. She is slightly disappointed that she didn’t get valedictorian but is content with being number two.

“It isn’t as good, but it’s still pretty amazing,” said Ellett, who has a 4.77 GPA. She credits her parents for a lot of her success.

“They built a very structured home,” Ellett said.

Both of her parents are engineers and are typically very knowledgeable in the classes she’s taking.

“They’re always available to sit down and help me,” Ellett said.

Ellett would like to attend Georgia Institute of Technology, but is unsure if it is financially feasible. If she can’t go to Georgia Tech, she will be going to UCF. Her original plan was to major in engineering, but she is now more interested in biology, specifically genetics, she said.

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Freshman class struggles to mature

By MAKAYLA GREENE and ASHANTI PENNINGTON SNN Staff Writers

This year’s freshman class, the class of 2016, has a large number of failing students. At the end of the first semester, 23 percent of the class had a grade point average below 2.0, according to numbers from data management technician Dianne Roth.

Teachers and administrators say these numbers are concerning, and they worry that the freshman class may be headed for a downfall because some students will be lacking credits by the time they start sophomore year.

“It upsets me to see the students throw away their futures so early,” said principal Bob Vicari, who described the ninth grade group as more challenging than any other grade level.

English teacher Angela Hawkins agrees with Vicari. “Being that ninth grade sets the foundation for the rest of your high school career, I would like to think that more students would take school seriously,” said Hawkins, who teaches only ninth grade.

Hawkins and Vicari are not the only ones who share this view.

“I feel very disappointed, because we just got here,” freshman Rayjon Love said.

After the first semester, precautions were made to keep students on a four-year graduation plan. “If the students were identified as failing a class, we made phone calls to encourage the parents to send them to tutoring,” Vicari said.

In addition to poor grades, the freshmen class has received 497 referrals between August 2012 and February 2013. “(I think) they really don’t care, because in middle school you just got a referral and that was it; now they think they can do it in high school,” said freshman class vice presi-

dent Sonya Casey.

Casey said she tries to encourage her fellow freshmen to keep their grades up in their classes.

“I play sports so if anyone on my sport team gets bad grades, I will encourage them to get good grades so that can stay on the team and go to college for that sport,” she said.

Hawkins said that if teachers are willing to work hard for students, the students should show the same effort.

“As ninth graders, you’re new to high school, and many seem to be caught up in trying to start a reputation, usually negative, or trying to be popular,” Hawkins said. “Priorities are definitely not what they used to be. … I’ve noticed that when it comes to learning in the classroom, being on a cellphone, talking while the teacher is trying to teach, sleeping or displaying disruptive behavior takes precedence.”

While there are a lot of concerns about the class of 2016, one ninth-grader said the students are just adjusting to high school.

“It should be expected, because they haven’t matured as much as the 10th and 12th graders have,” Kealan Sullivan said.

Vicari said despite the numbers, he does agree that some students have matured over the year.

“I am happy to see more maturity in the students - taking more pride in the school and themselves,” he said.

-SNN Staff Writer Kayla Garcia contributed to this story.

Quicker time than in the line

By LAURA HAAN and ALEXIS VALENCIA SNN Staff Writers

It’s located in the back left of the cafeteria, and all you need to use it is your date of birth, your student ID and an empty stomach.

This is a special vending machine.

Instead of the normal chips and soda you could pull out of the vending machines around school, here you put in your information and you’re rewarded with a complete and healthy meal.

The idea came down through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Pinellas County food services director Art Dunham.

“It was put in to ease crowds in the cafeteria line, and it can hold 96 meals, but not many know it’s there,” food services manager Carol Workley said.

“When kids see a machine, they automatically think they have to pay,” Workley said. There’s no charge, however, for breakfast, which includes something along the lines of milk, juice, cheese squares and some type of treat, like a chocolate muffin.

At 9:30 a.m. every school day, the lunch staff switches the breakfast meals to lunch meals. For lunch, the computer in the machine knows if students have free, reduced or regular pay by the information they put in. Salads and sandwiches can no longer be found on the lunch line; they are now in the vending machine for lunch. Like breakfast, each meal comes with an extra treat such as a Rice Krispies treat.

“I think it’s a good idea, because it makes it easier for people who do not have time to wait in line for food,” senior Gage Burdick said.

The vending machine holds the cold meals and the line holds the hot meals. The meals are the same type of food that would be found on the line, only now they can stay fresher and colder with easier access to them. Students can get one breakfast and one lunch per day at the vending machine.

If they select lunch from the vending machine, they cannot get lunch from the line unless they pay the adult price of $2.75.

“I use the vending machines because Photos by SHAYQUONE SEYMOUR | SNN they are quick and there is no line,” junior Above: Zachary Snell said.

Prepared To get more action at the machine, the meals for Pinellas food services office came up with the Healthy a promotion to put tickets in every meal.

Express maTickets were entered into a drawing to win chine include things like an iPod shuffle and a Wii gammilk, juice ing system. The promotion recently ended, and Lakewood students won iPod shuffles and a peanut and several gift cards, Workley said. butter and As the vending machine picks up popugrape jelly larity, the lunch staff will start putting in all sandwich. of the 96 meals the machine can hold, and Lakewood may even get another one like other high schools, including St. Petersburg High School and Tarpon Springs High School.

“It’s all just a trial and error,” Workley In the cafeteria there is a new Healthy Express vending said. machine that provides a full breakfast or lunch.

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3-D printer ‘empowers students to create’

By SCOTTY SCHENCK

SNN Staff Writer

Imagine upstairs A-wing, where molten plastic strips are slowly laid down to create layers that will soon become a part of a much larger creation. This is already a reality in the 2012-2013 school year after engineering and robotics teacher Jason Ness secured a $2,089 grant to get a 3-D printer.

“Three-D printers allow us to make parts for this class and other classes, like research,” Ness said, who also said that the printer would give an outlet for students working in 3-D software.

The printer works using heavy plastics, which are heated and come out one-tenth of a millimeter thick. The strips slowly construct layers, creating a gear or a part. The machine could take anywhere from minutes to more than an hour to print a project. The machine follows blueprints either received online or made by Ness on a 3-D modeling program.

The idea to purchase the printer came from Center for Advanced Technologies class of 1996 alumnus Lucas Hundley, now an aerospace engineer in California. Hundley emailed CAT program coordinator Peter Oberg about 3-D technology and said that robotics students could create motor parts and mounts with ease the same day that they make the models of what they want to print. He also said that exposure to this technology could be beneficial to all students in CAT. “I believe having this experience at a younger age will inspire students to pursue engineering and empower

them to create,” Hundley said. He was never a part of the recently born robotics program when he was at CAT, but he said it is a good opportunity for students. “(I) was thinking of how great this technology would be if I had access to it at the high school level,” Hundley said. He also said that 3-D modeling and technology are now used in almost every technical field so it is very important to know.

Although Hundley said he was very excited about the idea, Oberg said he did not have the money, Three-D printers have existed for a while, but recently they have dropped in price to make them more feasible for the robotics club to purchase. Ness simply needed the money. Oberg said that he didn’t have the money for the project; however, a break came earlier this year.

In mid-December, the Pinellas Education Foundation visited Lakewood High School and went to Ness’ room.

Fascinated by the class, according to Ness and his students, they asked what they could do to help the students.

When Ness joked about buying a 3-D printer, he didn’t expect them to take it seriously. They told him to write the grant, and they would make the printer his.

Several factors influenced Ness to ask for and write the grant to allow the robotics program to purchase the printer.

First, robotics student Ian Van Stralen continually asked Ness to get a 3-D printer.

“It had to happen,” Stralen said after he saw videos of other 3-D printers online. He not only asked Ness for the

SCOTTY SCHENCK | SNN

Seniors Jacob Wannemacher and Tyler Pinheiro examine the new 3-D printer in Jason Ness’room.

The printer was possible because of a grant from the Pinellas Education Foundation. printer repeatedly, but also asked other students to ask Ness. So when the day came that the Pinellas Education Foundation was at Lakewood, Ness knew what to ask for.

“It’s just a dream of mine that’s come true,” Stralen said.

Continuing the cleanup

BY JULIE CHRISTIANSEN

SNN Staff Writer

DERON PERSHA | SNN

Junior Tyler Johnson stands in Mirror Lake measuring the depth of the water on March 14. Students in the Aquatic Mangement Systems and Environmental Technologies program went to Mirror Lake to clean litter and other debris around the lake. “I had to do my part and help protect and restore the planet,” Johnson said.

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Junior Tyler Johnson strode into Mirror Lake wearing waders and holding a sixfoot-long pipe and a digital compass. His job was to figure out the depth of the water so that others could plant vegetation.

Johnson was one of 30 Aquatic Mangement Systems and Environmental Technologies students who went on a field trip to Mirror Lake Park on March 14.

AMSET students were at the lake because the city of St. Petersburg asked them to help restore it. They have volunteered in the past with cleanups and had also built two islands to float in the middle of the lake.

“It’s better than sitting in a classroom. It makes me feel like I’m part of something,” sophomore Brendan Garrison said.

The first thing the AMSET students did was test the lake for phosphate, nitrate and dissolved oxygen levels in the water.

“I never worked with chemicals before,” said freshman Kenishia Jordan, who was excited about the project.

Students had to go into the cold lake water and test the depths to determine where to plant the canna lilies, blue iris and water lilies - among other plants - around

the lake. The plants won’t survive beyond six feet, AMSET teacher James Kostka said.

“I feel it’s my responsibility to help.

Most people don’t care and disrespect the environment,” Johnson said.

Other students were bird watching to see if they could spot any rare birds and determine their migration patterns.

As part of the project, the city of St. Petersburg is going to widen the sidewalk around the lake, put a patio on the northeast end of the lake and a dock in the water surrounding the state building.

“After the construction is over, AMSET will be planting flowers in the lake to help clean the water, provide habitat for fish and help make the lake look nicer,” Kostka said. In addition to fish, the flowers will also provide habitat for turtles, otters and water birds, he said.

Sophomore Sean Lally said he enjoyed being a part of the project because he likes to help clean the environment and make it a better place for all organisms to live.

“AMSET will affect (me getting into college), and maybe it will get me into something for marine science,” Lally said.

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Club makes changes at Lakewood

By KATIE BLEVINS SNN Staff Writer

Weeds, dirt, paint, mulch and shovels.

These girls are willing to get dirty.

From traditional clubs like the National Honor Society to the not-so traditional ones like the Fishing Club or Fancy Cheese Society, Lakewood High School is covered when it comes to clubs. Lately, one club in particular has been making an impact on the campus, and it’s 100 percent girl power: the Girl’s Service League You may have seen the new picnic tables that were put in between A, B and C wings, and you may have noticed that they were painted the Spartan black and gold.

You may have glanced at the plots of land around the school that were full of trash and growing weeds, and you may have also noticed that they were recently cleaned up.

GSL, with some help from the National Honor Society, has been making an effort to make Lakewood High School’s campus better through its beautification projects.

“Our mission is to make Lakewood the best school it can be and just help out in every way possible,” club president Avni Agrawal said.

GSL started three years ago when former Lakewood student Taryn Schlather wanted to be part of a club where she could help out the school while also spending time with her friends.

“I got the idea to start GSL from St. Pete High School’s Rojans. … All my

KATIE BLEVINS | SNN

Seniors Aly Dangar and Bailey Kay and freshman Paige Mcaulife laugh while digging a hole for a plant on Jan. 21.

KATIE BLEVINS | SNN

Senior Julia Pohlmann paints a picnic table gold during a Girl’s Service League event on March 14. friends had started (taking part in the club) and then I was like, ‘Oh my goodness, I want a club like this,’ so I just kind of rolled through the punches and figured out what I could do to get something similar,” Schlather said. “I wanted to start a girls club because I’m very girly and I like girly things so I thought it would be awesome to really bond with my girlfriends and … serve.”

Schlather and another former student, Sanah Vora, went to AP biology and physics teacher Kathy Zavadil with the idea of starting a club for girls and eventually ended up with GSL. “(They) came to me wanting to start a girl’s club and we kind of tossed around some ideas and I told them about the Girl’s Service League in my school, and so we came up with it together,” Zavadil said.

“There was a girl’s service league at my school in Illinois. I was in the club myself when I was in high school.”

GSL is a service club that mainly focuses on teacher appreciation week and performs beautification projects at Lakewood, as well as helps with school functions, like CATCOM’s Lipsync last year, Agrawal said. So far this year, GSL has finished painting picnic tables, fixed three plant beds and helped collect materials to make blankets to send to the victims of Hurricane Sandy.

“We focus on service to Lakewood High School. We do a big teacher appreciation project every year and this year, with the help of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Grant, we’re doing school beautification,” Zavadil said.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service was a new alternative to the traditional parade in St. Petersburg on MLK day. The Day of Service, introduced by state Rep. Darryl Rouson, is simply that: a day of service in honor of King. Grants are given to local organizations that apply and are approved by St. Petersburg College.

GSL, among more than 50 other organizations, applied for the grant and was chosen.

“We applied for more money than we got, but in the end, we were awarded $1,500 and then after our project they give us a $450 reward, if you will. So we did get a big reward,” Zavadil said.

The money GSL was awarded went toward the cost of the plantings and picnic tables, Zavadil said.

GSL has started to become a popular club among Lakewood females, almost doubling its members each year. The club had about 10-15 girls in its first year, about 20 girls the second year and now has grown to 40 girls.

“I didn’t think it would ever get to 40,” Schlather said. “Goals I had for the club

were to continue after I left the school and just to continue to collect members and … to serve Lakewood. Definitely the club is living up to what I thought.”

Many members of GSL joined because they wanted to make an impact on Lakewood or get involved, Agrawal said.

Junior Clarissa Bradfield joined because she wanted to help improve the school. “(GSL) seemed like a club that’s going to really help the school. I really love Lakewood and I feel like people judge it because it’s not the most attractive school,” Bradfield said. “But the projects we’ve done have changed the look of the school. I think it’s important to make Lakewood visually appealing and even if the students don’t notice, it makes a difference.”

Agrawal agrees.

“I believe that you should always help out in your community and do community service because you’re granted with so many opportunities in life and you should always give back. (GSL is) a great way to just have fun and do something good for Lakewood.”

KATIE BLEVINS | SNN

Senior Alexis Valencia and junior KC Shelton dig at the edge of the plot of land in front of the CAT building on Jan. 21. (To see a multimedia piece on GSL, go to snntoday.pcsb.org.)

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I Tried It: Belly Dancing

By DIONNE SANCHEZ SNN Staff Writer

You know how some people want to have hips like Shakira? Well I had a chance to make sure my hips definitely don’t lie.

I went to two free beginner belly dancing classes called Hip Expressions in February and March at a dance studio on 54th Avenue N in St. Petersburg. I wanted to try it because it’s something I wouldn’t usually do, and this past year my personality has changed in many ways, socially and emotionally, and I just have a whole new view on life.

I thought that belly dancing would be a fun, free spirited and creative change of pace for me.

I wasn’t sure if I was going to do well considering I have no endurance or rhythm at all.

I decided to go with a couple of friends and one adult, so if I were to mess up I wouldn’t be the only one.

I was expecting that everyone was going to be dressed like an Arabian Goddess or whatever you see in the music videos. I was a little worried since I was wearing a T-shirt, jeans and sandals. However, my attire turned out to be just fine. Some were wearing coin belts, which are quite lovely and come in many colors. You don’t have to wear costumes in the class but you are welcome to.

The atmosphere was warm and inviting. My nerves were still a bit on edge in the beginning of the class considering I wasn’t sure if I was cut out for doing this.

However, that quickly vanished once the music turned on and my Puerto Rican hips swayed from side to side.

In the class we started off going slow through all the steps. Then, once we got the hang of it, we combined all the moves and did it at a fast pace.

The instructor mentioned I was doing well on the moves, and I must say, I definitely surprised myself with how easy it was. The only thing I had trouble with is turning around while still doing the moves because you have to shake, stop, shake and then turn around.

I was tired by the end of the hour-long class. What I discovered is that belly dancing is not only fun, but you are also able to burn 250 to 300 calories per hour. So you can have fun and lose a bit of weight all at the same time.

You learn something new each time you go to the class even though it usually consists of the same basic moves. Belly dancing is not as hard as everybody thinks. It’s just a matter of bending the knees, keeping your back straight and shaking your hips.

Special to SNN I really enjoyed the classes and plan on continuing Junior Dionne Sanchez belly dances at Hip Expresthem. Also, it will be nice to tear up the dance floor at sions, 2033 54th Ave. N, St Petersburg. homecoming dances with a new twist.

Lakewood student lives a vegan life

By SHANA-KAY SURAGDEEN SNN Staff Writer

Sophomore Ryley Baker loves to longboard and play music. She’s a typical teenager. In fact, you could never tell just by looking at her that she’s a vegan.

“A vegan is someone who doesn’t eat any animal product-based food. Not only don’t we eat meat, but we don’t eat eggs, milk or dairy,” Baker said.

Baker made the decision to become a vegan in the summer of 2012. She had one lapse when she drank some coffee with cream and then started again in November or December, she said.

Baker said she made this choice because she thinks that animals are not supposed to be eaten.

“I feel like they are equal to us, and I felt guilty when I used to eat animals,” Baker said.

Sophomore Melissa Dones, a friend of Baker’s, said though she could never be a vegan herself, she understands her friend’s decision.

“I don’t judge her for being a vegan. I respect her for doing what she wants to do, and she respects me for doing what I want to do,” Dones said. “I like to eat meat. I was always taught that God gives us animals to eat and they give us protein.”

“No offense, but I could never give up meat and cheese; they taste so good, plus they are too common,” Dones said.

Baker, however, said it’s healthier to be a vegan.

“Red meat is unhealthy for us, and I just feel a lot better and healthier when I only put vegetables and fruits in my

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body,” Baker said.

Baker is the only person in her household who is a vegan but she doesn’t find it difficult to be the only one.

“I think it’s only difficult when I go to the beach because they only have burgers and stuff like that, but when I’m going out to dinner with my family we would usually find a restaurant that would serve food that I can eat. A lot of restaurants will have veggie burgers or salads,” Baker said.

Baker said she doesn’t need to shop at any special health food stores to get the food she wants.

“Usually, I would just go to Publix.”

A typical daily menu for Baker includes cereal with almond milk for breakfast, a bag of baby carrots for lunch and rice and beans or soup for dinner.

“I feel bad sometimes when she is eating a salad and I’m eating a burger,” said senior Skyler Weaver, another friend of Baker’s. Weaver said Baker being a vegan influenced him to make better and healthier food choices.

One disadvantage of being a vegan, Baker said, is that it’s cheaper to eat unhealthy food than to eat healthy food.

Baker said she is not certain what the future holds for her. If she goes to college, she would like to go to California or out of the country. “Just anywhere not in Florida,” she said.

“I don’t want to work in an office or anything. I told my mom I want to live in a hippy commune and I feel like

SHERICE JOHNSON | SNN

Sophomore Ryley Baker stands beside a tree near A-wing. Baker made the decision to be a vegan the summer of 2012 because she thinks animals should not be eaten. she’s disappointed in my decision but I just want to be happy and live my life to the fullest, and I want to do everything that people are telling me that they don’t think is reasonable and I want to travel,” Baker said. “If I do decide to get a real job, it would be philosophy or psychology.”

She said she sees herself continuing to be a vegan and may even become what is called a raw vegan, a vegan who eats only uncooked foods.

“But that takes a lot of will power, and I am not sure if I can do it,” she said.

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features

Making the cut One of the auxiliary captains predicts next year will be their best year yet.

By NILAJA KING SNN Staff Writer

Football games include cheering fans, laughter with close friends and Lakewood’s marching band. The games also include Lakewood’s own auxiliary, which dances and leads the players onto the field before the game and entertain at halftime.

Auditions for next year’s squad were held March 18- 20 to replace the seniors who will be moving on. Guidance counselor Cathy Heatly is one of the new coaches for the auxiliary, which includes dancers majorettes and flag girls. She went to Bethune Cookman University, where she was a part of the 14k dance team throughout college. She helps with the majorettes and the dancers.

Dance captain Marilyn Parker said she looks for drive and excellence in her squad members.

“The ladies that want to be a part of the team will work their hardest. Don’t come if you won’t commit,” Parker said before the auditions.

The week of tryouts was intense. Parker said she told the girls to stay on their best behavior at all times because that is also taken into account.

“The girls have to remember that we are looking for members who can benefit the squad,” Parker said.

During the audition, the girls learned a dance choreographed by previous members, and they had to make up a one-minute dance, too. “Tasteful music is a must! Just because the song says ‘bend it over, touch your toes’ doesn’t mean you have to do that! ” said Parker.

After the new squad was announced, Parker said she was “extremely happy” with the choices.

“I think that this will be our best year, because it’s been a long time coming,” she said.

“If everyone does what they’re supposed to do, and takes their position seriously, this school year will be unstoppable for the auxiliary.”

Sophomore Danielle Hamilton and Ta’Coyia Davis were two of the 33 who tried out.

Hamilton learned how to twirl the baton while Davis learned several sequences. They

KRYSTAL MITCHELL | SNN

Junior Jasmine Johnson spins a flag during auxiliary tryouts in the student parking lot on March 19. Auxiliary tryouts took place March 18-20 after school. The girls who make the team will be performing at school football games and pep rallies, among other events. both had to learn the steps to the dance they had to perform at the audition. Hamilton said she has wanted to join the auxiliary since last year.

“It was one of my dreams and I’m a very shy person. I’ve wanted to come out of my comfort zone,” Hamilton said.

The list of those who made it was posted on April 3. Of the 33 girls who tried out, 20 made it: eight flag girls, seven dancers and five majorettes.

Davis was one the seven who made the dance team. “I wasn’t surprised. I was confident,” she said.

Hamilton, however, didn’t make the cut. “I’m okay, but at the same time it’s disappointing,” she said. “I’m still going to try out next year.”

To see more dance team tryout pictures, go to snntoday.pcsb.org.

Reigning chess champion

By ELIJAH FLEWELLEN SNN Staff Writer

ELIJAH FLEWELLEN | SNN

Math teacher Anthony DiEmidio plays chess against sophomore James Thomas-Bowles during lunch on March 14. DiEmidio is undefeated in chess at Lakewood with a record of 288-0.

Here’s a little-known fact about math teacher Anthony DiEmidio: He’s undefeated in chess at Lakewood. Winning over 288 matches in two years competing against CAT and traditional students, DiEmidio is nearly unstoppable.

DiEmidio said his father taught him to play chess when he was 10 years old, and he has been playing ever since. He said he loves the game because it’s very complex. “(It has) a lot of strategy and logic. …

Every time you play it’s different,” said DiEmidio.

He leaves lunchtime available so he can play anyone who wants to play him.

The quickest match DiEmidio has played lasted two minutes, but he does think he will lose someday.

“I’ll just shake the other person’s hand and congratulate him or her,” he said.

James Thomas-Bowles said he has played DiEmidio numerous times. He said the teacher has an interesting strategy.

“Instead of taking your pieces one by one, he’ll go for the king and move all of his pieces ahead,” Thomas-Bowles said.

“He gives you less room to work with.”

Sophomore Edward Godbolt is optimistic that he will be the first to defeat DiEmidio. He hasn’t finished a game against DiEmidio because he keeps running out of time during the 30 minute break.

“He’s not hard to play; he’s kind of a weak player. He loves to say he’s a good player,” said Godbolt. “We couldn’t really play because he was scared I would defeat him, so we would play half games.”

“I’m always open,” DiEmedio said in response to Godbolt.

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Far from home, exchange student makes waves

By ZOE BLAIR-ANDREWS SNN Staff Writer

After signing up for the Rotary International Youth Exchange program, Ewa Dymarek left her mother, father and two younger brothers in Poland and set out to experience a whole new way of life as a foreign exchange student in the United States.

One of the main reasons Dymarek, a junior, came to the United States was to pursue her passion. “I want to swim, that is the most important point for me,” she said.

When she came to Lakewood in August, Dymarek started swimming on the Lakewood swim team, and met coach James Kostka.

“When she enrolled in the school, her host family contacted me and let me know that she was a swimmer in her native country and she was looking to swim this season,” Kostka said.

Dymarek came with a lot of past swimming experience; however, she still learned a lot from being on the Lakewood team. “Here it’s not an individual sport, it’s team. In Poland, we are individual; now I know that swimming is not individual. …We need to cheer (on) everybody,” she said.

With hopes of one day becoming an Olympian, Dymarek puts a lot of focus and attention on her swimming.

“She’s extremely hardworking and very determined. …

I think that because of Ewa, everybody else on the team started to work harder,” Kostka said.

While Dymarek was signing up for the exchange program in Poland, the Smith family was filling out paperwork in the United States so that they could take in a foreign exchange student for the year.

When Dymarek landed in America, she moved in with her host family: Joe and Janice Smith and their two daughters. “I thought it would be a great opportunity to increase the cultural IQ of my kids and my family, and I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to bring Ewa into our home,” said host father Joe Smith.

One of the first people at Lakewood to meet Dymarek was guidance counselor Tara Davidson.

“Ewa came in at the beginning of the year. She was a foreign exchange student, so I helped her do her initial scheduling before we got a new counselor on her,” Davidson said.

In the Rotary Youth Exchange, students come from various countries to spend time in the United States while American students get the opportunity to study abroad as well.

“While Ewa is here, there’s a young lady from San Francisco, Calif., that’s at Ewa’s house in Poland that’s experiencing an exchange opportunity,” Joe Smith said.

Davidson said the program is a good opportunity for teens. “They love it. It’s a new experience, they’re young, they get to meet Americans, they get to see our way of life,” she said.

Curious about a different culture, Dymarek agrees the program is a good opportunity. “I decided to be an exchange student because I want to learn English, and I think it’s something new,” she said.

Dymarek wanted to learn English because she has dreams of attending college in the United States.

“After this year I go back to Poland, but I want to go to college here,” she said.

Even though Dymarek is having great experiences in Florida,

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RACHELLE GADDY | SNN

Lakewood swimmers gather behind the blocks, waiting for the meet against the Shorecrest Chargers on Aug. 29, 2012, to begin. Ewa Dymarek was a standout member on Lakewood’s swim and dive team. there are still parts of the transition that are difficult. “The hardest part is (being) homesick,” she said. Being miles away from her family for a whole year has been tough, but she tries to communicate with them as much as possible. “I talk with them on Skype, maybe not so often but sometimes,” Dymarek said.

Nearly every day, Dymarek talks to her friends in Poland through phone calls, Skype calls or Facebook messages. It’s hard being away from close friends for a long period of time, she said. “Yeah, I miss my friends and family, but I have a lot of friends here who help me,” Dymarek said.

One of Dymarek’s close friends at Lakewood is senior Rebecca Halfast. “I met her in the middle of August … when she DAIJHA WIMBERLY | SNN joined the Saint Petersburg Aquatics.” Over Ewa Dymarek takes notes in her history class on April 10. Dythe year, Dymarek and Halfast got to know marek is an exchange student from Poland. each other well. “During the high school swim season her host family allowed me to in my fourth grade in Poland so I learned it (for) six, seven, take her to practices and meets so we got some quality time years,” she said. together,” Halfast said.

Through spending time with the Smith family, Dymarek On top of missing her family, another challenge of behas noticed the changes in culture from her country and ing in a new country is speaking a new language and being here. “We’re always able to create the dialogue to talk to thrown into a different culture. “I don’t understand a lot of each other about those differences,” Joe Smith said. special words in English yet, so it’s hard,” Dymarek said.

Even though Dymarek leaves soon - late May or early However, over the year Dymarek’s friends have noticed June - she has made a lasting impression on the people her improvement in English. “She’s definitely gotten a here, especially the Smith family. “It’s the opportunity to lot more open, and her English has improved a lot. She’s expand our horizon on making contact with people beyond overall a very sweet girl,” Halfast said. the boundaries of our country and having those relationIn order to qualify to be a Rotary exchange student, ships to carry with my kids for the rest of their lives is very each youth needs to reach a certain level of proficiency in important to my wife and I,” Joe Smith said. the language of the country they’re traveling to. Having To see a multimedia piece about Ewa, go to snntoday. previous experience with speaking English made the tranpcsb.org sition for Dymarek a lot easier. “I started learning English

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features

Teachers have dreams, too

Everyone has that one “dream job” in mind - the career in which they believe they can stand out and be happy pursuing. However, the reality of the matter is not everyone ends up with the occupation they have in mind. Teachers, too, had dreams of becoming something that they love. Some of the teachers here at Lakewood High School have always wanted to teach kids; others did not.

By KC SHELTON, ALEX PEREKHODKO and CHRIS HERSCHBERGER SNN Staff Writers

When computer teacher Anthony Snead was a senior in high school, he was into football and received a scholarship to play in college.

After college, his main choices were going into professional football, being an astronaut, or being a preacher. Professional football and being an astronaut did not seem realistic to him so he gave up on those ideas. He said he thought seriously about becoming a preacher but eventually gave up on that idea as well.

“When I was thinking about being a preacher… it seemed like not many people wanted to hear about God. So I just decided I wouldn’t pursue it,” Snead said.

Thinking he was out of options, he asked a friend for help. “Technology is the way of the future. That may be something you would want to get into,” his friend told him.

So Snead started off substitute teaching tech classes and really enjoyed it. After that he applied for a job at Lakewood High and got the job, and he is now also the track coach.

“Realistically, when I was growing up I did not want to be a teacher,” Snead said.

“I like the way everything turned out.” **** Tennis coach and sports education teacher Brian Taylor wanted to be a psychiatrist. “What motivates people was always fascinating to me,” Taylor said.

He got his four-year degree in psychology, he needed a job. Taylor got a job as a special education teacher while working on his graduate degree. Eventually, Taylor stopped going to grad school. He has been a teacher since 1998. Even though he never wanted to be one. “It always seemed boring,” Taylor said. Now, he says that teaching is “more interesting than I thought it would be.” **** Lakewood English teacher Elizabeth Halstead wanted to be anything she could.

When Halstead was in high school, she thought about being a dietitian, an editor for a magazine, an actress or a teacher.

One of her passions was trying to help

teenagers with eating disorders. Halstead majored in English literature, but when she graduated, she could not find a job.

At 27, Halstead decided maybe she wanted to be a teacher. She ended up getting her master’s in elementary education and then began substituting in Los Angeles.

Halstead taught elementary and preschool to begin her teaching career.

“I had to fight for my job,” Halstead said.

After working at an elementary school, she moved to St. Petersburg. Her passion for helping teens with eating disorders led her into being a high school teacher because she felt like she connected with high school students better and easier.

Now that she’s been a teacher for a few years, Halstead says she wishes she’d stuck with becoming an editor for a magazine. “I love teaching, but I would also love to be an editor for a magazine. That would make me so happy,” Halstead said.

Revolution.

Heiser enjoys teaching. “I love it,” she said. “I’ve been very blessed with really amazing kids this year.” **** Lakewood’s freshman experience teacher Anthony Lawrence loved basketball.

When Lawrence graduated high school, he had a college basketball scholarship to play in Europe for a professional team. He played basketball in Europe for three years but then realized that family and other things were more important than basketball. “The need for being with my family superseded playing basketball,” Lawrence said.

After basketball, Lawrence got a sociology degree in business and then got a job in corporate sales. He worked at Tech Data for about six or seven years, then started

working at AT&T in business sales. After that he worked with a student loan program.

Since Lawrence dealt with students there, he felt as if he should go into education. This realization was a perfect opportunity to become a teacher. Lawrence got a job at St. Petersburg High School working in the Intervention Center room there, which he held for one year.

Through a mutual friend, he met assistant principal Deb Fabrizio who offered him a job as freshman experience teacher at Lakewood. Since Lawrence still loved basketball, he became Lakewood’s boys basketball coach. This is his fourth year at Lakewood.

“I’m living my dream now. I’m the coach for the basketball team and I love my teaching job. Nothing can get better than this!” Lawrence said.

**** Earth and space science teacher Christina Worden was born into a military family, so she planned on joining the Army after her senior year of high school. This didn’t work out, though, because she is blind in one eye.

After high school, she attended St. Petersburg College and later transferred to the University of South Florida. She currently teaches earth and space science, but has also taught biology and chemistry.

“I love science. … it was always one of my favorite subjects,” Worden said. Teaching appeals to Worden because she has kids, and the schedule works for her. **** History and ethics teacher Jessica Heiser wanted to be a veterinarian when she was in high school. She decided, however, not to pursue a veterinary career because she “realized you had to put down animals.”

Heiser has always had a passion for history. “It’s just cool people from the past,” said Heiser about history. Her favorite historical topics are the Renaissance and the various revolutions, especially the French

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NAUDIA McDANIEL | SNN

ROMELLO PRESLEY | SNN

Senior Tasso Nikolov knows how to work with a yo-yo. He has been playing with them since he was in fourth grade. “It never really occurred to me to do competitions or show people until the (2011) talent show,” Nikolov said.

Junior Aaron Heron sees his talent as a gift from God. Heron got his start with drums in the fourth grade at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, and it later became a hobby that turned into a passion. “When I play, it’s a whole other language; you can actually talk through music,” Heron said. He’s now been playing for eight years and would like to attend Bethune Cookman University for criminal justice. “Music will always be my passion,” he said.

ROMELLO PRESLEY | SNN

Senior Ben Edmunds plays four different instruments: the trumpet, French horn, guitar and base.

He has been playing for about six years. If he were to give advice to someone who was about to play in front of a huge crowd for the first time, he would say, “Pick an instrument you want to play your whole life.”

Junio Park danc

Junior Jaquira Darling has an artistic side that she likes to shar Darling has been making clay art for her friends at the end of th starting in her freshman year. Each school year she has differe man year was octopuses, sophomore year was monkeys and sh this year. “I’m thinking about pandas,” Darling said. Before she es what she would like the art to look like. Then she just starts

Maybe they’re born with it, maybe it’s...

BRIANNA JOHNSON | SNN

KRYSTAL MITCHELL | SNN

or Marilyn Parker is a dancer for the Lakewood High School marching auxiliary. ker has been dancing her whole life; she’s done ballet, modern, tap and praise ce. “It fits me very well. It feels like … the perfect shoe,” Parker said.

Senior Justin Hooks has been doing mixed martial arts (MMA) for nine years. Hooks would like to be a professional fighter for the Ultimate Fighting Championship. “It’s a calm and relaxing mindset. MMA does put a lot of positive things in your head,” Hooks said.

Senior Trevor Dansby does break dancing, hip-hop, popping and choreography. Dansby has been dancing for six years. He was been in LipSync his sophomore and junior year. “It’s a great way to meet people and express yourself,” Dansby said.

ATIERA HOPKINS | SNN

re with her friends. he school year, ent themes; freshhe’s undecided on e starts, she sketchmolding.

Text by NAUDIA McDANIEL and ROMELLO PRESLEY

NAUDIA McDANIEL | SNN

Design By SCOTTY SCHENCK and KAHIL HOLMES

prom

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PromPERFECT: Tutorials Prom: The perfect excuse to get dolled up. For this special occasion, we bring out all the stops. Here are some how-to’s so you can get the night just right.

GIRLS

BOYS

How to: Apply false eyelashes

How to: Tie a tie

By SYMONE BROWN

By BRANDON SWEAT

To add a little more dazzle to your makeup, try applying false eyelashes – also known as “falsies.” Whether you prefer flirty wispies or ultra-voluminous lashes, a flawless application is always essential to wearing falsies.

Every young man should know how to tie a tie, but a shocking number of guys are clueless on the topic. The task is easy, takes less than two minutes to finish and it adds a classy, professional and formal look to your prom outfit.

SNN Staff Writer

1.

SNN Staff Writer

2.

Remove the lashes from the package with tweezers. Size them by holding them up to your lash line and cut off the excess from the ends.

3.

Place a tiny dab of glue on the back of your hand.

4.

Take a makeup brush handle and dip it in the glue.

5.

6.

1.

Put the tie

2.

Cross the two

3.

Take the thick

4.

Bring the thick

end over and under the thin end twice.

end behind the knot between the split.

5.

Stick the thick

6.

Ready for prom!

around your neck and let the two ends hang, with the thick side longer than the thin side.

pieces with the thick end on top.

Apply light strokes to the lash strip using the makeup brush handle, concentrating on the ends.

end through the front loop and pull it down.

Relax. Close one eye and place the lash strip as close to your lash line as possible.

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Gently press your falsies and real lashes together with your fingers and go over the lash strip with eyeliner to camouflage the glue.

Photos by KRYSTAL MITCHELL

Photos by KATIE BLEVINS

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prom

How to: Pin a boutonniere This flowery accessory adds an inexpensive, yet elegant touch to your date’s outfit, but it’s crucial to know how to put one on - the right way.

1.

Place flower on your date’s left lapel.

Cartoon by SCOTTY SCHENCK

Weighing the expenses of prom 2.

3.

4.

5.

By NIA CUMBERLANDER

Hold the flower in place and lift it with the lapel about two inches.

Take the straight pin and stick it through both the back of the lapel and the flower stem.

Repeat step 3 with the next pin at a criss-cross angle to secure the boutonniere.

Ready for prom!

Photos by BASIL ROLLE

SNN Staff Writer

Prom is an essential part of the high school experience, but the rising cost might break the bank for some students.

With Lakewood’s 2013 prom just around the corner, many may already be feeling that pressure.

It is estimated that the cost of prom on average is $1,078 per attendee, according to a 2011 study conducted by Visa Inc. Studies show that families making under $50,000 per year spend on average $1,307 and those making between $20,000 and $30,000 spend on average $2,635 according to this study.

Sophomore Ke’Ara Clayton thinks the cost is justified.

“I think it’s a lot, but it’ll probably be worth it because you get to spend a lot of time with your friends and make a lot of memories,” Clayton said.

Clayton plans to spend money on a dress, shoes, makeup and hairstyling. She wants to spend time with her friends afterward, but doesn’t want to spend money after prom.

Senior Malachi Johnson said these amounts are extravagant.

“That’s expensive; it’s not a wedding,” she said.

Johnson said she is willing to spend up to $300 on her prom dress, shoes up to $100, and hair up to $200. She thinks girls spend more than boys on prom.

“Boys gets a simple haircut, girls spend more on hair. A boy can rent a tux for $100, a girl buys a dress,” Johnson said.

Senior Aswin Sembu agrees with Johnson’s view on cost differences between genders.

“Girls spend more. Girls need a dress, shoes, accessories, they get their hair done. Sometimes it’s excessive,” he said, “Prom is a once in a lifetime experience, but going over $1,000 is too much.”

With all the talk of the rising costs of the famed last hurrah of high school, there are a few ways a frugal student can

Lakewood’s 2013 “Night of Elegance” prom Who can go? Juniors and Seniors may go and can bring a date from another class.

Students may bring dates from other high schools after filling out a permission slip and they may bring a date that has graduated high school who has a valid college ID. When is it? May 11, 8 p.m.-12 a.m.

Where is it? Gulfport Casino, 5500 Shore Blvd. S, Gulfport, FL How much does it cost? $50 per ticket save money: • For girls, the Belle of the Ball program gives free dresses for those referred or on free or reduced lunch in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. (For more information, contact executive director Susan Schwartz at 727-3864502.)

• Thrift shops often have formal attire for both men and women for low prices.

• Online stores often have items that you won’t be able to find in the department stores, many times for a reasonable price.

• Don’t forget about good old hand-me-downs. If a sibling or someone else you know has a dress or tux that nobody’s seen in a while, you can wear it and guarantee that nobody else will have a duplicate.

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opinion

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Editorial

Speaking out on Steubenville rape A small town in Ohio called Steubenville received its 15 minutes of national infamy recently when two of its star high school football players were found guilty of rape. After a pre-season game, many of the football players and fans went party hopping in celebration. At one of the parties, a 16-year-old girl became so intoxicated that she passed out. Two of the football players proceeded to drag her around from party to party, where they and others took off all of her clothes and repeatedly raped her. All of this occurred while fellow partygoers recorded it on their cell phones but did not think to intervene. Many of those watching called her the “dead girl” and a whore, saying that she “deserved it” and they “have no sympathy.”

What happened that night in Steubenville isn’t simply a Steubenville problem; it’s a nationwide problem, it’s an American high school problem. America’s attitude toward rape is skewed. The victims are blamed and shamed. Rapists are protected and sympathized with and their actions justified. Observers stand on the sidelines and do nothing. Many activists call this kind of attitude a “rape culture,” a culture in which

rape is viewed as inevitable, excusable and accepted. This is a kind of culture that needs to end.

Numerous problems and views make up this societal attitude, but some of the most pressing viewpoints that need to be changed are victim blaming and misunderstanding of consent.

Often, a female victim of rape or sexual assault is blamed for bringing about her rape because of the clothes she was wearing or her lack of sobriety. Victims are told that they were “asking for it” by wearing skimpy clothing and/or being intoxicated.

No one ever asks to be raped or sexually assaulted. Rape and sexual assault, by their very definitions, are forced and without consent. Nobody wants to be raped and what someone is wearing is no excuse for someone to violate them sexually. A man saying that a girl’s clothes provoked him to rape her is to say that he is as primal as an animal with no higher thinking or consideration for anyone but himself.

The component that makes rape and sexual assault what they are is a lack of explicit consent. Many people seem to be unable to recognize when someone is not

consenting or unable to do so. Consent should never be assumed. If someone is turning away, shaking her head, being silent, or hesitant to carry on sexual acts, then it should be assumed that she is not giving consent as clearly as outright saying “no.” When someone is so drunk that they are throwing up or passed out, this person is unable to consent to sexual activities and is therefore off-limits in that regard. Sex needs the outright approval of all parties involved, or it isn’t sex any longer. Without consent, you are a rapist.

Rape is a despicable crime. It causes terrible trauma for victims and truly changes their lives in every aspect. What happened in Steubenville should have never happened. This tragedy brought the topic to discussion and opened many eyes. Change needs to occur immediately. We need to analyze and critique the way things are typically viewed concerning sexual crimes and when we see an injustice, we need to take action. Do not be a bystander - as those in Steubenville were.

-This editorial reflects the opinion of the SNN staff and was written by opinion editor, Chelsea Helt.

Letters to the editor

Reconsider dress code guidelines

Dear Editor, I’m going through my junior year, and I’m faced with a modified dress code for my senior year. Not only am I faced with this new boundary, every student attending Lakewood will endure this change. Lakewood High School changes something every school year. First it was early release Wednesdays, then it changed to a block schedule that only gets out one hour early, now early out Wednesdays are being eliminated.

I don’t mind a dress code; I just do not understand why the students have to wear a certain type of shirt and pants. Does

the school board think about all the kids who cannot afford the modified dress code? Do people think this change is going to help students perform better academically? What happens if students still do not perform well in the classroom? What will be the next “change” in Pinellas County?

I’m not saying Lakewood does not need a dress code, because people do come to school dressed inappropriately. I’m just asking everyone to reconsider the guidelines of the dress code, and think about the freedom wanted at our age. It is not about what we wear that makes me upset, it’s the fact that the modified dress code is based off “votes,” and I can name so many people who did not contribute to the decision.

-T’Anna Harris, 11th grade

Changes will decrease school spirit Dear Editor, I am outraged by the recent decision involving our dress code for next year. I don’t think that it’s fair to force the students, especially upperclassmen, to have a modified dress code. I was informed that it’s not a uniform. However, reviewing the expected attire, it pretty much is. It is also wrong to ban red shirts from school. If gang-related colors are the issue, then every color should be banned because there’s a specific color for numerous gangs. It’s been mentioned that the dress code will stop bullying, but that won’t stop a bully from finding another reason to pick on someone. Most people like to have their own fashion because it boosts self-esteem. Positive attitudes are just what the students need to get through their day. It leads to optimism academically. If the school puts in place a dress code, it’ll lead to negative attitudes toward school.

-Jhared Swain, 11th grade

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Spartan News Network Staff Editor-in-Chief: Kayla Garcia Managing Editor: Katie Blevins Chief Photographer: Leon Tomlinson Chief Sports Photographer: Rachelle Gaddy Sports Editor: Devon Rogers Opinion Editor: Chelsea Helt Entertainment Editor: Tristan Shuler Multimedia Editor: Alex Brackx Design Chief: Scotty Schenck Online Editors: Molinseai Elcius, Jessica Thornton Copy Editors: Zoe Blair-Andrews, Caroline Dunning

Code of Ethics As journalists for the Spartan News Network, we work together as a community with respect, professionalism, accuracy and curiosity. We collect information and dig deep to get to the bottom of the most current events to produce and distribute hard-hitting and honest news to the Lakewood community in a timely manner. SNN is an open forum that strives to accurately report a balanced and truthful depiction of the news while remaining objective. Our main goal at SNN is to build and maintain trust with the people, to give a voice to the voiceless and to succeed at not just painting the picture, but telling the story behind the art.

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Share Your Opinions

Letters to the editor should be sent to tobink@pcsb.org. They should concern an opinion on a featured editorial or news story. They must be signed, accurate and at most 150 words. Letters may be edited for taste, length and grammar.

For more news, go to the SNN web site:

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opinion

Columns

Dressed to kill or overkill?

By BOBBIE WRIGHT

By DAIJHA WIMBERLY

SNN Staff Writer

SNN Staff Writer

Girls walk down the halls wobbling on their “fierce” heels as they struggle to stretch their dresses down their thighs to an appropriate length. My biggest struggle with my own wardrobe throughout the school day is the occasional loose shoe lace from my sneakers.

I can’t understand why anyone would want to be that uncomfortable during a school day. Considering that my usual jeans and tee ensemble is the most comfortable thing I can wear, six-inch heels and a body-hugging, chic dress must be the polar opposite of comfortable.

Throughout the typical high school day students spend 90 percent of their time learning elaborate equations, listening to lectures and begging their teachers for a few more extra credit points. So at what point do you decide to be dressed up for that whole ordeal?

My main question is: Who are we really doing this for?

Our classmates? Our friends? The lunch ladies? Either way, these people are irrelevant when it comes to our education.

School has always been a place to learn and I want to do that as quickly as possible so I can reach the goals I have set for myself. I don’t want to cause any distraction or delays during this process. That’ll just hold me back from my goal.

With the threat of the school administrators calling you out on dress code, students should choose to be comfortable while spending all their time on the actual purpose of school (which is getting their education) and not in the office.

Some may argue that they’re not trying to impress anyone or be uncomfortable, but they’re just looking to express themselves. Well I like to express myself too; all the time in fact.

On my free time, with my friends I like to wear my favorite outfits and look my best where no one will stop me and deem my outfit out of dress code. During those times I truly express myself to the fullest.

Four years is the maximum time we will spend here, hopefully. Then we’re off to college, foreign countries and/or pursing our lifelong dreams, where we can express who we truly are. That should be the main focus when the administrators remind you of the school dress code.

When I wake up in the morning I usually contemplate what I’m going to wear for the day. Some days I want to just chill and relax and wear something comfortable. Most days, however, I like to wear a nice outfit with a pair of high heels.

I like to dress up and look nice because it expresses my personality. I love fashion. I love heels the most. I love all kinds of heels: wedges, stilettos, heels with platforms, and even heel-less heels. I’m not the only one either; there are plenty of students at Lakewood who view fashion the same way I do.

Here’s my point: Wearing high heels or fashionable clothing has nothing to do with the way that I learn. I get A’s and B’s regardless of what I wear. That is why I disagree with the “modified dressed code” coming next school year. I don’t think I should be told what to wear because others can’t follow the school’s current dress code. The administrators should just enforce the dress code we have now.

Self-expression means a lot to me. I like to look nice while I’m getting an education. It makes me feel good about myself.

I think that dressing well even facilitates my education. When I’m wearing what I want, I’m happy and more inclined to learn.

However, with the dress code being put into place I wouldn’t be able to wear a pair of heels because a collared shirt doesn’t go with a pair of heels. This new dress code is preventing me from expressing my fashionable side. This is extremely upsetting for me. Why should I be told what to wear? It doesn’t prepare me for the future; it just restricts me from wearing what I really want to wear.

Coming to school every single day with jeans, a hoodie and flats does not excite me. It bores me.That means that I put absolutely no thought into how I wanted to look when I walked out of the door. That just isn’t my, or many other students’, style. I like color, designs and most of all heels. I like expressing myself through fashion, and next school year I won’t be able to do that. I’m going to have to wear a collared or Lakewood High School logo shirt and jeans or khakis: no color, no excitement, no fun.

LEON TOMLINSON | SNN

Sophomore Bobbie Wright, left, and junior Daijha Wimberly show off their personal styles. Wright prefers to be comfortable and casual at school, while Wimberly enjoys putting extra effort into her outfits to make sure she looks polished and dressy.

Letters to the editor (cont.)

Code won’t solve problems Dear Editor, As an upcoming senior at Lakewood High School, I believe that high school students should not have a dress code or uniform. Even though it can be argued that school uniforms eliminate materialistic pressures, reduce appearance-based bullying, and help foster a respectful school environment, there are many negative consequences associated with them as well. On a surface level, school uniforms restrict student individualism and can cause problems as schools work to accommodate an ever-diversifying student population. Parents and educators should also ask themselves what message uniforms send to students and how effectively they prepare children for the “real world.”

Though students may be encouraged to stand out and think for themselves, their regimented dress code sends a different message. School uniforms are supposed to eliminate the pressures of “fitting in,” but they actually incite just that. Rather than veering away from the issue of bullying by eliminating one small ingredient, educators should face it directly and eliminate it from the root. Students should be discouraged from bullying because it’s hurtful and damaging, not because there are fewer things to bully a person about. To prepare students for the “real world,” a place where people dress freely, educators should discuss bullying and materialism rather than avoid it. School uniforms can also fail to accommodate hot and cold temperatures, leaving students sweltering in the late spring months and shivering in the winter.

- Shekeema Striggles, 11th grade

Blame only yourselves for dress code Dear Editor, As a student who has been attending Lakewood High School for three years, I was a little less than surprised when I heard of the recent “modified dress code” at Lakewood. My first thoughts were like most students: upset. But after thinking about the situation for a while, the last thing students at our school should be is surprised. There is no one to blame for this new dress code but the students who attend the school.

Everyone is aware of the dress code that is enforced now, but people wear whatever they want, regardless of the rules. But is it fair to everyone just because a few students choose to break the rules? In my opinion, I am not in favor of the dress code, but I do understand why there was a change that was needed. However, I do think the committee who was in charge of modifying this dress code should rethink it.

-Kristin Miller, 11th grade To see more letters to the editor, go to snntoday.pcsb.org

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opinion

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Columns

Impracticality leaves students unprepared

By MARIAH WATTS SNN Staff Writer

Have you ever wondered when you’ll use the Pythagorean Theorem again? Or define the symbolism in Romeo and Juliet?

The more I think about my future, the more I ask myself these questions. Don’t get me wrong, I believe that an education is essential to our future. But how in-depth does our learning need to be?

Schools need to have more classes that will prepare us for real-world tasks. Home economics is one, as well as driver’s education. But these classes are only available for

a semester. I think those classes are just as important as any science, literature or math class. For one, we actually apply what we learn in the real world. We all need to learn how to feed ourselves and many of us will be behind the wheel at some point in our lives.

Most of the time I feel like we’ll be thrown to the wolves after our schooling is done. I see my teachers more than I see my parents throughout the week. Sure my parents can teach me some of the steps to being successful, but school is the place where learning to be successful is supposed to happen. School isn’t all that bad for students who want to pursue work that involves science or math.

But how about those who want to be authors, news anchors or entrepreneurs?

I want to learn how to pay taxes and bills and when to use a credit or debit card. So far, not one teacher has taught me about them. I’m pretty sure I’ve learned more about living at Enterprise Village when I was in fifth grade than I have in the past 11 years in school. Enterprise Village taught me how to write checks and how to pay my car bill.

Since no one refreshed my memory, I forgot how to do it.

I’m not saying I have a cure for the dreaded senioritis, but maybe if schools taught us how to fend for ourselves instead of soon-to-be forgotten principles of stoichiometry, students might pay a little more attention.

Find an alternative other than suspensions

By OWEN DYCHES SNN Staff Writer

In the last issue, one of the writers, a freshman student in the Center for Advanced Technologies, wrote a column giving her opinion that the school needs to start taking action against students who decide not to go to class or disrupt the class. She suggested that the school needs to begin suspending students for this. She argues that students “only receive detentions and referrals” for not going to class and acting up, and it causes teachers to “babysit” instead of teach.

With all due respect, I don’t think you have the great-

est experience with this issue. You’ve only attended this school for a little over a semester. You’re also in the CAT program. If you were a traditional student, like myself, and spent all of your time in the traditional classes, you would see that many students do get suspensions. But suspensions cause students to stay at home for long periods of time, which may get them into more trouble. Perhaps students should be given other punishments, like the Alternate Bell Schedule, which would help keep students from getting in trouble in their neighborhoods.

The large number of suspensions you’re proposing will also affect the entire school in the long run. Suspensions will cause the school’s reputation to go down. This may cause parents of eighth graders who want to get their kids

into the CAT program to second guess it.

Part of being in high school is realizing that some kids will never change, and the same goes with their behavior.

If kids want to act out, they will act out. Teachers don’t need to babysit these students, which takes away precious class time. The simple solution is just sending them to IC with work, not suspending them. Judging by the program you’re in, you maybe have two classes where students are disruptive. There are students here that have disruptive classmates in every class and they deal with it just fine. I suggest just learning to cope with the disruptions and try to enjoy school.

If the Spartan could talk, what would he say?

DeVontae Persha | Junior | “‘We’re the best school in the universe.’ I mean that’s what it says on the side of the school.”

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Tasso Nikolov | Senior | “Give me some more clothes. Skirts aren’t in anymore!”

Darquez Watson | Junior | “He would say ‘THIS IS SPARTA!’”

Phelan Stover | Freshman | “He would probably say ‘Lakewood nation’ or something.”

Quotes and photos gathered by KE’ARA CLAYTON | SNN

W e d n e s d a y, A p r i l 1 7 , 2 0 1 3

fashion

FabulousFashion Fashion Standout: Allissia Lamar

By SYMONE BROWN SNN Staff Writer

A gold, gaudy lion head hooked to chunky metallic links peaks from under a denim collar. Black leggings emerge from under a light-wash denim top, and disappear into leather combat boots. An afro of inky curls frames a meticulously painted pale face, decorated by a shimmering smoky eye and nude glossy lips. This fashionista, without a doubt, stands out: She is none other than senior Allissia Lamar.

“My style is different, unique and crazy,” Lamar said.

Her fashion evolution began at the end of last school year, when she grew tired of repetitive styles around campus. “I noticed people started to dress the same. So I started to put together different things that I liked,” Lamar said. “I wanted to stand out. I didn’t want to be like everybody else.”

For inspiration, Lamar turned to the YouTube channel, TymetheInfamous, which features vibrant makeup tutorials and flamboyant fashion hauls. She said she

was drawn to beauty guru Tyme’s style and easy-tofollow tutorials.

“I liked her style, her voice, the way she acted, everything,” Lamar said.

Though she admires the colorful beauty guru, Lamar says she doesn’t have any fashion idols; her fashion sense is self-directed. Lamar said she shops everywhere, from the mall to Goodwill, when adding clothes to her closet.

Above all, thrift stores are her favorite. “They are cheap and affordable, and you can find unique things that not everybody will have,” Lamar said.

Fashion isn’t her only interest. Cosmetology is her BRIANNA JOHNSON|SNN passion. “Hair and makeup is my main thing,” Lamar said. “I like doing hair, but I love doing make-up.”

This senior plans to attend cosmetology school after BRIANNA JOHNSON | SNN graduation and pursue a beauty career in Los Angeles.

Before she heads off to the Hollywood hills, she can Senior Allissia Lamar sits on Spartan Field bleachbe seen flaunting her eccentric style down Hollywood ers on March 21. Lamar’s style is inspired by YouTube High’s halls. beauty guru TymeTheInfamous.

Fashion Police:

Spartans school celebrities in fashion THE GUILTY:

The Fierce:

Lady Gaga, on the other hand, looks like Alice in Wonderland’s Queen of Hearts kooky sister. To make it worse, the 24-inch death traps on her feet aren’t even the most atrocious aspect of her outfit. Between those bug-eyed glasses and oversized sleeves, she has the “crazy look” on lock.

Sophomore Krystal Mitchell rocks her daring footwear with a double-slit maxi skirt, black bandeau top, paired with a leather jacket. Her style choices highlight her peep-toe, heel-less heels without over shadowing them.

Being fashionable never goes out of style. Trends like the peplum, heel-less heels and high-low hemlines can make or break an ensemble. Those who commit fashion faux pas are shackled by their tawdry style.

SNN’s Fashion Police brings to you criminal celebrities and law-abiding Spartans in the land of fashion:

Trend:

Heel-less Heels

This gravity-defying trend can be an avant-garde addition to any outfit - if you know how to walk in them.

To see more fashion police coverage, go to: snntoday.pcsb.org ELIJAH FLEWELLEN | SNN

GRAMMY.COM

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entertainment

By TRISTAN SHULER

W e d n e s d a y, A p r i l 1 7 , 2 0 1 3

Steampunk selection

SNN Staff Writer

A lesser-known trend in the world of fashion and entertainment is the concept of steampunk. Steampunk is a mix between Victorian England style of dress and the gears-abundant Industrial Revolution. While it has struck a mark in the world of conventions, it has also been felt in the world of media entertainment. The following is a list of the best of entertainment in steampunk.

Video Game: Bioshock Series - Irrational Games Noted for its remarkable morale based gameplay, game-changing powers called “plasmids” and signature antagonists “Big Daddies,” giant, hulking, drill-wielding guardians of “Little Sisters,” the Bioshock series has made a huge splash with each successive title starting with

Bioshock in 2007, Bioshock 2 in 2010 and the recently released Bioshock Infinite this year. New players to the series can look forward to intense survival gameplay and a riveting storyline.

Book: Leviathan Trilogy – Scott Ripley These books are set in an alternate universe during World War I in which the Central Powers are referred to as Clankers due to their use of steam-powered, iron-clad war machines and the Allies are Darwinists, so called for their bio-engineered animals of war. The story follows the paths of the prince of Austria-Hungary, Aleksandar Ferdinand, and brilliant airman Deryn Sharp, who is disguised as a man who serves in the British Air Service. With brilliant

imagery, riveting re-imaginings of the events that transpired during The Great War and a stellar plot, the Leviathan Trilogy is a shining example of steampunk’s involvement in modern day media.

CD: Clockwork Angels-Rush The legendary prog-rock band Rush’s only concept album came out in 2012. Clockwork Angels features a return to Rush’s earlier hard-rock sound. With lyrics telling the story of the travels of a young man in a world run by the stern Watchmaker, this album is both an excellent example of Rush’s musical talent and how steampunk can influence even the most prominent of icons.

WOLF album will ‘blow your mind’ Artist shows progression through new sound.

By QUINDON NOLTON SNN Staff Writer

Many have heard of Tyler, The Creator, but not many have seen him like this. His new album WOLF, which came out April 2, will blow your mind. When you hear the massive sounds of WOLF, you will see how much Tyler and his group Odd Future have progressed and aged.

The album, which contains jazz, dark synth, and N.E.R.D type beats, is similar to a movie and Tyler plays two characters named Sam and Wolf. Sam is into jazz and Wolf is a bully who takes Sam’s girlfriend, Salem.

The song, Bimmer, has melodies and synths that will make you think of the summer and the beach, while the riot starter Domo 23 will have you getting hyped up in the car or at a party with your friends. The song Trash Wang features Trash Talk singer Lee Spielmen and Tyler’s other friends. The song Slater is about his bike and it features Frank Ocean. The song 48 contains a sample of the artist Nas talking about the negatives of selling drugs, and the song Tamale makes you think of Congo drums and a party.

People who pre-ordered the album received a poster, calendar and 24-page book with lyrics in it. The lyric book is the “Original Screenplay.”

In his new video of the songs IFHY/Jamba, Tyler plays the worst Ken doll a little girl could play with. It might sound like jazz but it’s on another level.

On Jan. 26, Tyler performed another song from WOLF called Treehome95 with African singer Coco O and Erykah Badu on Jimmy Fallon. On March 10, Odd Future released their second season of Loiter Squad but they still managed to pull off the WOLF tour, the show and the album.

Sony Music

Wayne’s new album is filled with disappointment

By KAYLA GARCIA SNN Staff Writer

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YMCMB

SNN

After recovering from multiple seizures and a near-death experience, Lil Wayne dropped the sequel to I Am Not a Human Being, I Am Not A Human Being II, on March 26. The album, which features the hit singles No Worries, Love Me and My Homies Still, was heartbreaking.

I was completely disappointed after listening to the album all the way through. The songs were nothing like the usual Wayne. Besides the hit singles, I could listen to only one song over and over again, and that was God Bless Amerika. The song starts with Wayne’s classic lighter flick … inhale … then Wayne goes in. The song expresses the unstableness in life and how one’s life could change dramatically from one hour to the next or end completely.

The rest of the album was honestly shocking. Being a huge Weezy fan, I expected more from this album considering how amazing the first one was. The worst song, Hello, with Shane Heyl, was a rock-like rap song that made my ears cringe because it was all screaming.

I couldn’t make it through Wowerz, featuring Trina, because of the explicit lyrics. It’s true, sex seems to sell in today’s society, and I am used to Wayne’s usual sexual references, but this album was raunchier than his usual stuff.

I love Lil Wayne - so much that I have six posters of him in my room - but this album just wasn’t his best work. I hope that his next album, whenever it comes out and whatever it is, has more meaning and can be more relatable to fans.

W e d n e s d a y, A p r i l 1 7 , 2 0 1 3

Carrie

Now that it’s prom season, take a look at this classic thriller.

By CAROLINE DUNNING SNN Staff Writer

When discussing prom night, kids talk about pretty dresses, handsome tuxedos, dancing, balloons, flowers and happiness. And why not? Prom is meant to be the best night of your high school life. You wouldn’t expect fire, pig’s blood, death, or burning flesh to be added to a list of prom festivities. But in the 1976 movie Carrie, starring Sissy Spacek, you Artists United get the scariest prom movie scene in history and you will never forget it.

Carrie is about a socially awkward girl with telekinetic powers who takes revenge on those who bullied her when they prank her on prom night. It is the ultimate story of bullying, with a horrific twist. Although it is difficult to understand how Carrie would believe that a jock with a girlfriend would actually want to ask her to prom, the movie was phenomenal. The best part was definitely the prom scene, with Spacek’s facial expressions that send chills to the bones.

Brian De Palma, who directed other famous movies like Scarface, did a fabulous job with Carrie. He chose the perfect actress in the perfect setting, with a perfect script, all in all creating a perfect movie, one of the best movies of the year 1976. Kudos to Spacek for being able to portray Carrie as well as she did, since being as awkward as Carrie is extremely difficult without looking like you’re trying to do it on purpose.

Interestingly, a new Carrie will be premiering in theaters in 2013 with Chloe GraceMoretz as Carrie White. The release date has been moved from March 15 to Oct.18.

According to ew.com, Carrie author, Stephen King, said he still has a soft spot for De Palma’s original film. “The real question is why (re-make the movie) when the original was so good?” said King in an interview.

Carrie is overall a fabulous movie and can easily be counted as one of the greats. Without Carrie, the thriller genre would be incomplete and less advanced.

entertainment

K-pop is more than just Psy

By EPITHANYE SHERMAN SNN Staff Writer

K-pop, also known as KaYo or GaYo, is a genre of music made in Korea, and it is spreading and infecting America - in a good way.

In Korea, K-pop is just that, pop music; however, overseas in America it refers to any song sung by a Korean popstar.

The path to becoming a K-artist is long and full of work. They start off as a trainee, in which they have to work on their singing, dancing and even acting. Usually, training lasts two to five years and then if they are good enough they debut. Some trainees, however, are dropped while others have their training extended. This period means they have no social life, and some even have to continue through school while training.

Ever since Psy, whose real name is Park Jae, a Korean rapper, dancer and music producer, broke out internationally with Gangnam Style, Korean idols have started performing here as well. Recently groups like SNSD, a South Korean girl group formed by S.M. Entertainment in 2007, and Wonder Girls, managed by the singer-songwriter Park Jin-Young under his talent agency, JYP Entertainment, have had performances in Tampa.

SM Entertainment

I enjoy K-pop for numerous reasons.

It’s catchy, each song has a story and tells it well, and the idols go above and beyond to get the music and dance as perfect as possible. While it is sad to see your favorite idols exhausted from practice, it makes you appreciate all their hard work, and love them for their humble personalities.

You will religiously follow ‘The Following’

By KASAI WALLER SNN Staff Writer

Former FBI agent Ryan Hardy is called to deal with serial killer Joe Carroll, who he captured nine years ago. When Carroll was trapped in prison, he spent the last nine years using the internet to recruit an army of killers to carry out his evil objectives.

Now it’s up to Hardy to stop Carroll once and for all.

The Following debuted on the FOX channel on Jan. 21. This show always has you wondering what will happen next.

However, The Following is also very gruesome. It is bloody, gory and I refuse to watch it at night. Some examples: in one episode Carroll dissects a woman alive.

In another, a woman named Louise cuts a man’s stomach open and another lady named Amanda kills her husband and the

woman he was having an affair with, chopping them to bits and throwing them in a swamp. She then shoots a woman with a spear gun and throws another woman out of a building that was at least 10 stories high.

Despite all the intense violence, I like this TV show because it is full of action and suspense along with some mystery.

The main cast members are Kevin Bacon as Ryan Hardy, James Purefoy as Joe Carroll, Annie Parisse as Debra Parker and Natalie Lea as Claire Matthews.

I would recommend this show for high school students – the ones who like gore or even the ones who don’t like gore - because it’s an awesome show.

FOX

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sports

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Sports Updates: Girls tennis loses in regional finals

The Lady Spartans tennis team lost 4-2 in the regional finals on April 11. The team lost to the Academy of Holy Names, with the second doubles match unable to play, as Holy Names had already advanced to the state tournament. The girls reached regional finals by making a clean sweep against Lake Placid High School on April 9, winning 7-0. The girls team finished off the season in the top 16 out of 123 schools in Class 2A in the state of Florida. “The girls played hard, they played great, and I’m proud of them,” coach Brian Taylor said.

Track team sprinting toward success

The boys and girls track teams are rolling along as they break records with their eyes set on the state championship. Thirty people on the teams qualified for regionals at the District 10 Class 2A championship on April 11 at a meet at Spoto High School. “We had a lot of quality performance,” track coach Anthony Snead said. “Everybody won.” Snead said a lot of unexpected athletes performed well enough to advance to regionals, including pole vaulter Olivia Gibson who has only been competing in the event for two months, and Shandra Gordon, who placed third in the 800 meter.

The success followed momentum gained at the Florida Relays on April 4-6 at the University of Florida. In those relays, the boys track 4x400 relay got first place, beating the national time and shattering Lakewood’s old school record of 3:20 with a new time of 3:13. The 4x100 relay is now 41.1 seconds, which is close to the Olympic time of 39.0 seconds.

Most of the times turned in by Spartan runners at the Florida Relays were faster than many of the colleges that competed. Senior Shaquill Griffin broke the triple jump record, which was formerly held by his brother Shaquem Griffin. The boy’s record-breaking season isn’t complete, as they could break records in even more events.

Senior T. J. Holmes is three-tenths of a second away from breaking the 110m hurdles record. Austin Copeland is four feet away from breaking the shot put record. In all this success for the boys, it seems as though the girls are “overshadowed, but are doing well,” Snead said. The girls team is ranked second out of 16 teams in Pinellas County.

- JALON EDWARDS

RACHELLE GADDY | SNN

Junior Mariah Watts, left, receives a pitching tip from coach Jaci Davis on April 5.

Prepping the pitchers CAROLINE DUNNING SNN Staff Writer

Pitching is not an easy feat and takes a lot of practice and hard work. Working on your arm, running, staying fit and maintaining your health are just a few of the tasks required to stay at the top of your pitching game. SNN asked Lakewood pitchers Mariah Watts and Cornelius Copeland how they stay fit during their seasons.

Mariah Watts, Junior BRIANNA JOHNSON | SNN

Cornelius Copeland, Senior

Lakewood Spartans Pitcher Height: 5’9” Length of playing time: 11 years College he will be attending: St. Petersburg College

KAMDON MARTIN | SNN

Senior softball player Haley Michalski gets help from physical therapist Wayne Whittle. Michalski tore the labrum in her right shoulder last year and had it repaired on Sept. 27, 2012. You can watch the story on SNN’s website, snntoday.pcsb.org, produced by Kamdon Martin.

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Monday-Friday After-school Lakewood baseball practice from 2:45-5 p.m. – every day except game days.

Batting practice before the game.

If he is pitching, he runs after the game or early the next day.

Saturday-Sunday Goes to the field and practices with father or other teammates, Then hits in the cage and runs.

Lakewood Lady Spartans Pitcher Height: 5’ 11” Length of playing time: 6 years competitively.

College she will be attending: University of Wisconsin Monday After-school Lakewood softball practice from 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Trains with Pitching coach Jaci Davis at 5-5:30 p.m.

If she has time, she goes to the gym for an hour and a half and does a full body workout.

Tuesday - Friday After-school Lakewood softball practice for 2 hours.

Pitches to a catcher 10 pitches of

each type of pitch.

Specific snap drills for each pitch.

Runs one mile, three times per week.

Saturday 1-hour cardio workout – elliptical and core: obliques ; side planks and lower abs and leg lifts Sunday Team FLA travel ball practice.

Depending on the amount of homework she has, Watts will go to the gym for a full body workout.

Every night before bed, she throws curve and rise ball spins, which are different types of pitches.

W e d n e s d a y, A p r i l 1 7 , 2 0 1 3

sports

Football standout faces the spotlight

By TRACY JOHNSON SNN Staff Writer

As a kid, junior Isaiah Wynn was denied a chance to compete in little league football because he was simply too big, but that didn’t affect the left tackle. When he arrived at Lakewood, Wynn quickly got the hang of protecting the quarterback.

Wynn’s first time ever playing football was in a varsity game against local rival Gibbs High School when he was 14 years old. At 6-foot-2 inches, 275 pounds, Wynn has been playing football for only three years, and has been on the all-Pinellas County team three years in a row, the All-Suncoast football team two years in a row and the AllState team following the 2012 season.

In September, he was offered a football scholarship from the University of West Virginia. After that, Wynn was ranked as the number one offensive guard in the nation, according to scout.com, rivals.com and 247sports.com.

Currently, Wynn has dropped to number 12 in the nation for offensive guards according to 247sports, and is currently the number 34 offensive tackle on scout.com.

“It felt good, but I still have a lot to prove,” said Wynn.

Head coach Cory Moore said Wynn is a leader on and off the field. “(He) brings experience and dedication of being the best,” Moore said. “Isaiah will help with taking the front seat in the leadership role, not always on the field but off the field also.”

Wynn plays left tackle, meaning he has one of the most important jobs out of the five offensive linemen: protecting the quarterback’s blind side.

Wynn followed in the footsteps of his brother, former Lakewood standout offensive tackle Aram Wynn, who is now a senior at Arkansas Tech. Aram played in the same position and wore the same number as Isaiah does today.

Wynn also named several people that have motivated and inspired him.

“I dedicate and give thanks to God first, my mother Beulah Johnson-Keels, Coach Moore and Dante Fowler,” said Wynn.

Fowler was a former Lakewood five-star athlete who now plays for the Florida Gators. He was ranked BRIANNA JOHNSON | SNN number 10 in the nation last year Isaiah Wynn completes a blocking drill at spring practice on March 20. as a senior at defensive end and participated in the Under Armour All Wynn plans to go to college to study sports medicine.

American game. Wynn said Fowler helped develop him Wynn is already involved in Lakewood’s sports medicine into the player he is today. program, which is run by teacher and athletic trainer Erika “I feel good being protected by the best offensive lineMiller. Wynn works on the sidelines at most basketball man in the nation in my opinion,” said sophomore quarter- games, doing everything a college certified athletic trainer back Tyrell Smith. does.

Being a top recruit, Wynn’s main goal is to play in the The academic side of a university will play a big role U.S Army All-American game in San Antonio, Texas, in determining where Wynn plans to attend college, he when he is a senior. Wynn has also been invited to the said. So far, he’s gotten offers from Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, Nike football training camp for the second year in a row Arkansas, Missouri, Florida State and the University and will attend the Rivals camp in Atlanta. Events consist of Central Florida, just to name a few of the 18 schools of the 40-yard dash, L-drill, three-cone drill and power interested. ball toss. Athletes are evaluated by recruiters based on how Wynn is also hoping to get offers from the University well they do. Wynn has been invited to the Nike Opening of Oregon and college football national champions AlaCombine and Camp held in Oregon, where the nation’s top bama Crimson Tide, where he’s taking a visit on April 13.

100 athletes perform in a televised event on ESPN. Wynn helped the Spartans go 10-2 last season as the In March, Wynn attended the Big County Preps comSpartans fell short, losing their second-round playoff game bine and the National Underclassman Camp in Orlando, to Robinson High School in Tampa. where he received MVP in both events. He also attended “We’re going to be straight, as long as we play as a the prestigious U.S. Army All-American Bowl combine, in team,” Wynn said about next year. “It’s not going to be San Antonio, Texas held January 4. like last year.”

Spartan transfers prepare for spring challenge

By OWEN DYCHES SNN Staff Writer

Cool fall evenings will be a little different for Lakewood’s football team next year. Four new players from different Pinellas County schools have transferred here in the past few months.

Junior Patric Jones attended Gibbs High until transferring to Lakewood on March 6. Jones, who played quarterback at Gibbs, said he transferred to Lakewood mainly because of his mother, who thought that Gibbs wasn’t the right environment for him.

“There are a lot of problems with drugs and violence over there. I was tired of seeing German shepherds every day. The sports over there aren’t very committed either; over here, it’s more like a family,” he said.

Junior CJ Burge, a recent Osceola transfer, played offense and defense last year in the Warriors surprising playoff run. Burge said he moved to Lakewood because he lives down the road from the school, and Osceola was

too far for him.

“It’s been a very sudden change, coming to Lakewood.

We don’t have any days off (from practice), and it’s the hardest I’ve ever worked for football in my life,” he said.

Sophomore Tyrell Hubbard-Smith, who plays a variety of positions, played at Lakewood his freshman year on the junior varsity squad, but transferred to Northeast High School at the beginning of this school year. Smith transferred back after the fall football season.

Junior Albert Laskett is a defensive back who also attended Lakewood his freshman year, but then transferred to Gibbs. Laskett transferred back to Lakewood at the beginning of the semester.

Laskett said he returned to Lakewood because it “is more of an organization than Gibbs.”

“Over there, it’s kind of freelance. I’m very satisfied with my move,” Laskett said.

Head coach Cory Moore said he is happy that the two students have returned to Lakewood.

“They might think the grass is greener on the other side, but soon they realize that they want to play with their friends,” Moore said.

After the past successful season from Lakewood’s football team, in which they reached the district finals in the playoffs, the team lost some key seniors, including quarterback Tracy Johnson and wide receiver and quarterback Rodney Adams. The addition of Jones will certainly shake up the starting quarterback race for next year’s team.

All four of the newly transferred players will be playing in the spring football game, Moore said. The May game is in Miami, against Booker T. Washington High School, which made a run to the state finals last year and came in second in their class.

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Sunset sailing

By KAHIL HOLMES SNN Staff Writer

A typical sailing club practice consists of cursing, lots of comedy and lots of fun on the water, according to one club member. The club practices out of the downtown St. Pete Sailing Center on boats provided by the St. Petersburg Yacht Club. The club is free to join and there are no extra costs for the sailors.

It’s not hard to get into the sailing club if you are interested.

In fact there are no requirements to join. All you have to do is get in contact with one of the sailors and go to a practice.

Lakewood High School’s sailing club is making its way to the competitive field. “We’re getting better,” sophomore Sean Lally said. “At the beginning of the year, we were decent,” According to junior Addison Hackstaff, Lakewood’s sailing club is always the next in line to make it to districts. “I think next year we can make it; (we) just have a little work to do,” Hackstaff said.

Sailors on the team have various levels of experience. “I’ve been sailing since the sixth grade,” junior Martin Hood said.

Senior Alex Voce has been sailing for three years now. “I got forced into doing it,” Voce said. “The first time it was blowing 18-20 knots, and we flipped like six times. I found it fun.”

Lally started sailing last summer. “My mom showed (sailing) to me last summer and I started taking some classes,” Lally said. “Then I started high school regattas.”

Hackstaff started sailing at a young age. “As a kid I lived in the Virgin Islands and (sailing) was one of the only sports viable,” Hackstaff said. “I’m not big enough to play football.”

The club is competitive, but the members do it for the joy of sailing, according to Hackstaff. “We are basically a group of friends who go out and have fun.”

Senior Alex Voce checks the sail during practice on March 4. Voce has been on the Lakewood sailing team for three years.

Crew members adjust the sails during an afternoon sail in Tampa Bay on March 4.

Student sailors sit on the side of S.O.R.C., one of the boats that the Lakewood sail team uses on a weekly basis.

Photos by JULIE SMITH-FRAZER Designed by SCOTTY SCHENCK and KAHIL HOLMES