SNN December 2010

Lakewood High School - Dec. 15, 2010

snntoday.snn.pcsb.org

Spartan News Network

SNN Staff

Holiday traditions A look at how five Spartans celebrate

... pages 8-9

Lakewood lifts its school grade

... page 3

Keep warm and stay in style this season

... page 11

the hub

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Spartan News Network 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.

SNN Staff TYLER HOLCOMBE | SNN

Each year at Lakewood, seniors get the opportunity to paint their parking spots in the student lot. Many students get creative and show off their interests, such as this Chevrolet logo. For more pictures, check out snntoday.snn.pcsb.org.

A word from

By TAYLOR LAPUMA SNN Editor in Chief

Recently we have heard from readers that our editorial page is a bit too whiny.

Although meant as criticism, we take this as a compliment.

As I’ve said before, the most important things for us to do are report the facts and maintain objectivity by leaving out any bias.

Another important part of a successful paper, apart from the entertainment, is the editorials.

Editorials give writers a chance to break away from the rules of news writing and express their opinion about a topic.

In every issue, we request letters to the editor in response to the editorials, thus leaving the door open for rebuttal or accordance from readers, giving them the chance to put in their two cents.

It’s nearly impossible to express one’s opinion about something they are not too fond of without complaining, and it just so

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you SNN Did know… happened that, in our last issue, our writers as well as our readers had little positive to say.

Lakewood has been going through many changes this year, and as a newspaper we are giving students the opportunity to share their complaints and concerns with the rest of the student body.

This provides an open forum, and gets the readers involved and interacting through our paper.

In this issue, our opinion pages feature an editorial on the new exam exemption policy and columns on manners and Lakewood’s lack of school spirit.

We also have many letters to the editor expressing opinions of this year’s homecoming week.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, negative or positive, we strongly encourage you to submit a Letter to the Editor. You can e-mail your letters to tobink@ pcsb.org or deliver them to room C-100.

Correction: Shane Sackett’s name was misspelled in the November issue of SNN.

-- 56.3% of Lakewood students have an average grade of a B, and 25.4% of students have an average grade of an A. -- Most Lakewood students were born in September more than any other month. The second-leading birth month is January.

-- 27.5% of Lakewood students have three siblings, and there is a tie with 22.5% of students with one, two and four or more siblings. Only 5% of Lakewood students are only children.

This information comes from surveys conducted by Andrea Carvill’s AP Statistics classes.

Editor-in-Chief: Taylor LaPuma Design/Copy Chief: Spencer Blevins Multimedia Editors: Katie Atkisson, Madeline Glassman Opinions Editor: Sofia Damos Sports Editor: Julia Pohlmann Graphic Designer: Kristen Hardy Online Editors: Molinseai Elcius, Jessica Thornton Chief Photographer: Tyler Holcombe Video Editor: Morgan McCabe Ad Managers: Keyata Seymour, Kamdon Martin SNN is produced by the students of Lakewood High School.

1400 54th Ave. S St. Petersburg, FL (727) 893-2916, ext. 2163 SNN is printed

by Lakewood’s business partner, the St. Petersburg Times.

For more news, go to the SNN web site:

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LHS raises school grade

By TAYLOR LAPUMA, JALON EDWARDS and JUNE FLOWERS SNN Staff Writers

COURTESY PHOTO

AMSET is building two 10-foot islands to be placed in Mirror Lake, similar to this one in Orlando. The islands will improve the water quality and provide nesting areas for the wildlife that inhabits Mirror Lake.

Mirror Lake to get a make-over

By DEONNA MIMS SNN Staff Writer

AMSET is taking major steps at Lakewood to make it more eco-friendly, but recycling paper, collecting cans and cultivating fish aren’t the only things the group is doing to raise awareness about going green.

Ninety students, two teachers and a committed community now have another mission: cleaning up Mirror Lake.

Once a source of drinking water for Native Americans, Mirror Lake in downtown St. Petersburg has become a sanctuary for the homeless and is covered in strewn trash. The Florida Learn and Serve Grant awarded Lakewood’s AMSET program $3,600 in the beginning of August to clean up the park.

“I found out about the Florida Learn and Serve Grant from the grant office, and we had to do a huge application and sub-

mit it,” said AMSET coordinator James Kostka.

AMSET began to change the look, atmosphere and health of Mirror Lake on Dec. 10.

Students went to the lake to do “some base line data to see what condition it’s in and how we can create a management plan,” said senior Samantha Holden.

The grant money will help AMSET “educate the community about the history of Mirror Lake, determine if the lake is healthy for living animals and manage the lake so that it will be and stay clean,” said Kostka.

Students from the program presented their ideas for cleaning up the lake to the St. Petersburg City Council on Nov. 22.

“We are just trying to get the community involved and also the homeless to

help us clean up as well, not to just clean it up but to keep it clean,” said Holden.

The materials for the two 10-foot islands were donated to AMSET from New Earth Industries. The islands will be built out of plastic tubes and AMSET will then place plants in the middle. The islands will improve the water quality and provide nesting areas for the wildlife that inhabits Mirror Lake.

“Mirror Lake has a lot of history and it’s a great ecosystem to restore and maintain,” said environmental science teacher Fawnia Schultz.

Although the clean-up will be a major part of this project, the students will create videos about Mirror Lake and show the community about what they will be doing.

Principal Bob Vicari said he was pleasantly surprised on Dec. 6 when the state Department of Education announced the improved school grades.

Lakewood’s grade rose to a C, making it the highest grade the school has received in the past seven years.

Vicari and administrators weren’t sure if the grade would go up or not. “We put a lot of new things in place,” he said.

“We should improve it even more next year.”

Senior Quasheria Griffin said she was excited when she heard the school grade had improved. “I feel like I’m part of it,” she said.

Coach Cory Moore agrees. “I think it shows that teachers have put a lot of extra time in, and kids are (doing) better.

Everybody wants an A, and when you have progress, you have to take steps,” he said.

Region 4 superintendent Barbara Thornton congratulated Lakewood teachers and staff on the improvement via email. “Thank you for the work you do every day for each and every Lakewood High School student,” she wrote.

This time, though, the grades were calculated using a different formula than the year before.

“I’ve never liked the grading system,” said English and yearbook teacher Barbara Palmer. “Many times we are comparing apples to oranges.”

Palmer said that although Lakewood as a whole improved, low math and reading scores skew the school’s results.

“Having reading and math coaches are helping, but it’s whether or not the student has the will to learn,” she said.

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TYLER HOLCOMBE | SNN

Sophomore Franklin Newton-Reece works on a project for web design class after school during the new Extended Learning Opportunity program at Lakewood.

School grant money helps pay for tutoring

By KRISTEN HARDY and JALON EDWARDS SNN Staff Writers

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Lakewood High School received a $500,00 federal grant to pay for tutoring, technology, SMART Boards, teacher training, software and instructional materials, principal Bob Vicari said.

Curriculum specialist Rita Tomaselli said a school-based leadership team decides how the School Improvement Grant (SIG) money is spent. The team consists of the principal, assistant principals, heads of professional learning communities and coaches.

Most money has been used to benefit the students, Tomaselli said. For example, the Extended Learning Opportunity program (ELO) offers individualized learning on computers, FCAT remediation, credit recovery and tutoring in English, reading, math, science, social studies and world languages. This is a free service to all traditional and CAT students.

“If parents hired a tutor, they would have to pay $50. This is the same thing but free,” Tomaselli said.

This program takes place after school in the media center from 2:30-3:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Extended Learning uses a new computer program called NovaNET for credit recovery or for students who are not able to fit a certain class into their schedule.

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Students can either take it first semester, second semester or for the whole year.

Junior Nazima Hakim, 17, is taking advantage of the ELO program. She said the sixweek course has been helpful to her for grade recovery. She said she likes it because “you can do it at your pace.”

Spanish teacher Linda Santiago’s daughter, Nayarid Santiago, went to the program before she got involved with sports.

“She liked it. She really benefited from the one-on-one tutoring. It really helps,” said Santiago.

Transportation is not an issue because the school has a bus that stops in several different locations to get the students home. ***** In addition to the school improvement grant, Lakewood has been given capital outlay money which is being used for improving the appearance of the school, such as painting, installing new ceiling and carpeting and buying equipment, Vicari said. Over winter break, flooring in the hub and the band room is going to be laid out. Vicari and assistant principal Peter Oberg recently picked out the carpet that will be put in those areas.

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features

GED: Another Way Out

By KALA FUNDERBURK and CEDRENEA BULLARD SNN Staff Writers

KASEY DILLARD | SNN

Corliss Johnson works in the GED classroom at Lakewood High School.

TYLER HOLCOMBE | SNN

Student Miguel Douglas uses sign language with an interpreter while doing an assignment in the GED class at Lakewood.

What do you do when you’re short some credits, having trouble passing the FCAT or have a low grade point average?

What if these problems could prevent you from graduating? There is an alternative.

The General Education Development (GED) Program allows a person to earn a GED certificate, which is equivalent to a high school diploma.

At the end of 11th grade, Vatica Holmes realized that she wasn’t going to graduate on time. Her alternative was to drop out or enter the GED program. Holmes chose to pursue a GED because she was short three credits.

“I like it because I can work at my own pace,” she said. “It’s easier than traditional school. I’m actually learning.”

The GED program is taught by Patrick Timmel, who accepts students into the program based on behavior and test scores.

Timmel describes a typical GED student as mature, independent and self-directed. “(There is) no right to come, no right to stay unless they do work,” said Timmel.

The students must stay at least 4.5 hours a day between 7:05 a.m. and 12:05 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Students only work on what they need to learn to pass the GED test.

The test consists predominantly of reading and math. The test is available for the students to take when they feel they are ready and can pass.

Once students enter the program they typically stay and do not return to traditional high school. “One out of 100 students leave the GED program and return to traditional,” said Timmel.

So what is the difference between a GED diploma and a traditional diploma?

Transcripts.

A GED diploma does not provide colleges with transcripts; however it is 95 percent as effective as a traditional diploma. The GED diploma states that a

student can read, write and do math on a basic college level.

From the time students enter high school until their senior year, they have 10 semesters to earn 24 credits.

“Traditional high school might not work for everybody. For those students, the GED program is the best alternative,” said assistant principal Harriet Davis. “They usually mess up in ninth or 10th grade and fall so far behind that they don’t have enough time to regain credits.”

Sometimes Davis has to advise students to transfer to the GED program because of their situation. The school is penalized for sending students to the GED program, she said.

Once students transfer they are not included in the dropout rate, but the students also do not contribute to Lakewood’s graduation rate.

The students from the GED program still walk across the stage and graduate with all seniors, Davis said.

The benefits of the GED program for students are they do not have to take certain courses or obtain credits to graduate. GED students also don’t have to pass the FCAT and only have to learn what they need to pass the test.

However, there are some cons as well. GED students cannot participate in Lakewood clubs or extracurricular activities. GED students also miss out on high school events such as homecoming week.

At 17, Holmes made the decision to transfer into the GED program, and now as she nears graduation she is confident about passing the test and graduating.

After high school Holmes plans to attend St.Petersburg College to study cosmetology and culinary arts.

“This is a life-changing experience,” she said.

“It’s easier than traditional school. I’m actually learning.”

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Techies take control

By JALON EDWARDS SNN Staff Writer

No longer will freshman have to wander aimlessly around Lakewood High School.

As part of classes directed by network administrator Louis Zulli Jr., juniors Kyla Kolb and Lindsay Hofer created a virtual tour of the Center for Advanced Technologies on the CAT website. A third student, junior Sean Carter, created an interactive map of the traditional side of the school.

“We created the virtual tour so that freshmen won’t get scared on the first day of school,” Kolb said.

In addition to network administrator of the CAT program, Zulli is also the technology coordinator of Lakewood High School. He has two classes that consist of five seniors in one class and nine juniors in another.

The tour the students created shows you all of the different classes in the CAT building, and it can be seen at www.cat. pinellas.k12.fl.us.

The students created the tour in four weeks this past summer. For years students have been trying to finish the virtual tour, but Kolb said she and Hofer have been the only ones to finish it.

The virtual tour takes you through the halls of the CAT building. When you click on the picture of the class, it moves to show you another side of the classroom.

On the side of the class photo is the teacher’s name and his/her schedule.

Carter created the map of traditional Lakewood in a couple of weeks during the fall semester. The interactive map shows the entire campus of Lakewood.

Before students can get into Zulli’s class, they need a “certain level of knowledge,” he said. Students have to know the basics of technology and how to work with computers.

The students, who replaced all of the network hardware in CAT, are in charge of

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MARIAH WATTS | SNN

From right, student network assistants Michael Wiley and Kolby Clark work on the computers during a networking class with Lakewood network administrator Lou Zulli.

RACHELLE GADDY | SNN

Seniors Michael Wiley, top, and Kolby Clark sit in the networking room at Lakewood High School. all CAT website development and helping teachers with technology, Zulli said.

The students are now working toward Microsoft system engineer and developer certifications.

Kolb wants to be a program engineer,

and Carter wants to be an aerospace engineer. “(Zulli’s computer tech class) will help me become a computer engineer by already having the experience,” Kolb said.

MARIAH WATTS | SNN

Junior Kyla Kolb, a network assistant, works on her certification as a Windows developer.

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WILL BOLINGER | SNN

Sophomore Carl Johnson stands in front of a Smartboard with the Mr. Mind graphic he made for one of Atlanta’s top music producers. Johnson charged the producer $200 for the graphic and it took eight hours to complete.

Sophomore keeps websites fresh with hot designs

By MALCOLM ERVIN SNN Staff Writer

He is sought by big-time producers and recording artists. His work is featured on the popular music website SoundClick.

The music business is paying big bucks for mixtape covers, flyers and web design, the work of 15-year-old Lakewood High School sophomore Carl Johnson Jr. Johnson creates work for big-name artists such as Young Jeezy, Rick Ross and Travis Porter.

Johnson’s dad, Carl Johnson Sr., introduced his son to web design about a year ago. His dad is a local promoter who has worked with rappers such as Plies, Gucci Mane and Crime Mob. He also manages some artists.

“My dad’s computer didn’t have Internet, so I just played around with Photoshop,” Johnson said.

Johnson uses his dad’s connections to get in contact with artists and producers.

He is also known for the creative designs he makes for producers on SoundClick, a website where producers and artists show off and sell their beats and music. Producers pay him $500 to $600 for a layout.

“A layout to a producer is like a new outfit – you always want to stay fresh,” Johnson said.

Local producer Marquis Thomas, also known as Lil’ Keis, recently bought a layout from Johnson to put on his SoundClick page.

“He is the hottest on the ‘net right now, and his prices are very reasonable,” said Thomas, who has produced tracks for bigname artists such as Soulja Boy and Lil’ B. Johnson’s first professional project was a layout for St. Petersburg rapper Darrian Brickhouse’s MySpace account.

“I feel as if he is very passionate about his work,” said Brickhouse, who uses the stage name Famous Kid Brick. “He takes his time on his product for an outstanding finalized result. That’s why I salute his material.”

Ever since Brickhouse’s MySpace layout, Johnson’s telephone has been busy with people wanting a layout. As he made more designs for people, he realized he

could make this a part-time business. He started his own web design company called Tru Gfx, a virtual graphic design business found at www.trugfx.com.

Johnson has been running Tru Gfx, which stands for true graphics, for about a year now. His hard work has been paying off. His dad’s telephone is always ringing from producers and artists wanting fliers, mixtape covers and website layouts.

“I probably would want to do web designing as a career,” Johnson said. “If not, I will want to go to college and major in business administration.”

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KATIE ATKISSON | SNN

Sophomore Jessie Sokolov, who attends synagogue with Ariyah, shows off his Jewish swag by wearing his yarmulke, and posing with his dreidel (below). A yarmulke is a traditional hat worn to show humbleness and respect to God.

Eight times the fun Hanukkah Happiness Something that freshman Ariyah Farrell always looks forward to is celebrating Hanukkah with her family and friends.

Hanukkah, which is celebrated by followers of the Jewish faith, began at sundown on Dec. 1.

It is customary to light a menorah that holds eight candles, lighting one candle each night.

In Farrell’s family, they have a menorah for each of the kids. Along with lighting the candles, on each night of Hanukkah each family member receives a present.

For each night, a different family member or friend joins the Farrell’s celebration. They also have one night specifically for friends.

“They bring us presents and we give them presents, so that our parents don’t have to buy us presents for all eight days,” Farrell said.

Farrell compares the celebration to Christmas.

“It’s something that you grow up with, and you have every year. When you’re a kid it’s the most exciting thing in the world,” Farrell said.

“It doesn’t really lose its specialness because you don’t lose important aspects, like Santa, when you get older.”

Stories by Julia Pohlman and Chelsea Gadbois | SNN Staff Writers

MARIAH WATTS | SNN

Christmahanukwanzaak {Krist-muh-hanuh-kwan-zah --noun

The ultimate winter fusion holiday. It’s Christmas, Hanuk This holiday is useful for a family of many different religions. for Hanukkah, and six for Kw

- Definition from UrbanDictiona

Unity, purpose and much, much more Sharon Snow, night school administrator at Lakewood Community School, celebrates the holiday season with more than just a religious holiday. She celebrates Christmas and Kwanzaa.

“I embrace all customs, holidays and traditions during this time of year,” Snow said.

Kwanzaa is an African-American cultural holiday that was started in 1966. Kwanzaa literally means “first fruits” in Swahili and is celebrated from Dec. 26 - Jan. 1 each year. Snow started participating in this holiday in 1989 when her children were young.

“Kwanzaa is a family tradition, something we have done for many years. It helps keep us grounded and centered as a family in spite of all the commercialism associated with the holidays,” Snow said.

Kwanzaa has many physical items that are crucial to this holiday, such as the Mishumaa Saba (the seven candles) and the Kinara (candle holder).

Each candle represents a different principle, and each is lit on a different night: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia(Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith).

“It (Kwanzaa) allows us to set new goals for the upcoming year that would enforce the principles of Kwanzaa,” she said.

Snow has been sharing information about Kwanzaa throughout schools and community groups.

“The principles in Kwanzaa are basic values that anyone can embrace.

While Kwanzaa was created for African-Americans, I have seen a diverse group of people share in this tradition,” Snow said.

And on the 12th day of Christmas Over the river and through the woods...

kah h-kah}

kkah and Kwanzaa all rolled into one.

It lasts 16 days, one for Christmas, eight wanzaa.

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When you’re not celebrating...

There are different reasons why people might not celebrate holidays during this season.

For example, sophomore Tiannah Alvarado has never observed any holidays, because as a practicing Jehovah’s Witness celebrating holidays does not agree with her beliefs.

“Sometimes it made me feel left out (when I was younger), to see my friends getting presents and stuff. But I’m used to it. It’s no big deal,” said Alvarado.

“An escape from the commercial Christmas,” is how sophomore Marianne Foley describes her Christmas celebration. “It’s a time to be loving and give people things that will make them happy, and get things that make you happy and just be thankful,” Foley said.

To retreat from commercial Christmas, Foley, a Unitarian Universalist, has traveled about two hours north of St. Peterburg to a rural town named Brooksville to a retreat associated with her fellowship. “It’s really rural. One interstate goes through it and that’s about it,” she said.

They aren’t completely living in the wilderness though, she says. They have dorm-like rooms, and they have a swimming pool and modern amenities.

But it’s still much different than everyday life in MADELINE GLASSMAN | SNN St.Petersburg.

Sophomore Marianne Foley has attended a retreat, run by her Unitar“It’s an experience. Most of my friends are city ian Universalist fellowship, for the past couple Christmases. born, but this is a rural city where forests take up the majority of the town,” said Foley.

They spend their days exploring the town, and on Christmas Eve last year they ate pizza around a bon fire and went to the movies and saw Avatar on Christmas Day. “Christmas is spending time with the people you love. It’s about saying I love you... and actually really meaning it,” said Foley.

To grandmother’s house he goes

When you think of a traditional Christmas celebration - the eggnog, decorating the Christmas tree, listening to Christmas music and being surrounded by family - it’s probably similar to how senior Casey Kracht celebrates Christmas with his family.

At around 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Kracht and his family go to church for a Christmas Eve mass. “(You) get to hear the story of how Jesus was born,” said Kracht.

He spends Christmas day with his family at his grandmother’s house, where they have their traditional Christmas dinner. Sometimes Kracht and his family open their presents on Christmas Eve, if his dad is working the next day. But Christmas means more to Kracht than MADELINE GLASSMAN | SNN just opening presents. “You Senior Casey Kracht holds up a picture of his family at Christmas time. get a religious renewal; it’s like the beginning of something new,” he said.

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H o L L Y W o o D HoLlA’ Your page for reviews of the latest movies, books, fashion and music.

Magical from the beginning to the end Reviewed by TAYLOR LAPUMA and JULIA POHLMANN SNN Staff

Rihanna heard ‘Loud’ and clear Reviewed by SYMONE BROWN SNN Staff Writer

Upon entering the theater for the midnight showing of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, devoted fans were excitedly waving around their wands, and house colors were proudly represented.

The movie started off with adventure, the loss of a beloved character and many action scenes. As the movie progressed, the action slowed and the main actors were left with a boring script that would have been lifeless if not for the magic Daniel Radcliffe (Harry), Rupert Grint (Ron) and Emma Watson (Hermione) brought to the screen.

With the return of all of the main characters also comes the return of the Dark Lord Voldemort and his followers, the Death Eaters.

Ralph Fiennes (Voldemort) has been terrifying from the first time we saw him in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, and he comes back inflicting even more terror.

In Part 1, Harry, Ron and Hermione travel around searching for Horcruxes,

items that contain a part of Voldemort’s soul.

In order to destroy him for good, they must destroy all of the Horcruxes.

Voldemort sends Snatchers and Dementors after the wizarding trio to capture them, which creates suspense as they are around nearly every corner.

Helena Bonham Carter also returns as Bellatrix Lestrange, who is quite possibly the scariest of all the Death Eaters.

Bellatrix truly brought horror to the screen, especially during the scenes in the Malfoy Manor, which is used as Voldemort’s headquarters.

The Tale of the Three Brothers, told to the trio by Xenophilius Lovegood, is a brilliant interlude in the flow of the movie.

The animation is excellent and clarifies the true meaning of the Deathly Hallows while giving meaning to the strange

symbol that was appearing nearly everywhere they looked.

This movie is an emotional rollercoaster for the average Harry Potter buff, but to some it may seem a bit slow.

Director David Yates did a great job of bringing to life some of the best scenes in the book.

The ending left suspense for what the next installment will bring. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is planned to premiere on July 15, 2011.

‘Extras’ leaves you wanting more of the ‘Uglies’ Reviewed By DEONNA MIMS SNN Staff Writer

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Imagine a world where roads and highways are no longer needed, popularity determines how much money you make and mansions float and change shape continuously.

This world belongs to the civilization of the future where past inhabitants are called rusties and younger children are locked away and considered hideous until they turn 16.

Extras, the fourth book in the Uglies series, is exactly what the doctor ordered, and the sci-fi and fantasy combination is a great mixture of delusion and reality.

“Tech-heads” flaunt their latest gadgets, “kickers” spread gossip and trends, and “surge

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monkeys” are hooked on extreme plastic surgery.

And it’s all monitored on a bazillion different cameras.

Aya Fuse, 15, is the victim of all the popularity loopholes and her face rank is so low that no one ever notices her. But Aya is obsessed; she has to become popular. She devises the perfect plan to get her feet wet in the pool of fame.

Aya joins a crazy clique called the Sly Girls and to her surprise she receives enough fame, news and trouble to last her a life time.

Scott Westerfeld’s series is truly addictive. Once you begin it will take the jaws of life to pry your fingers away from its saucy pages.

Rihanna has mended her broken heart and proclaimed her new found happiness in her album Loud. She merges her bad-girl image, intimate emotion and island influence together in a catchy, provocative fashion.

The album opens with S&M. It has a hands-on-your-hips sassy vibe and a vivacious beat backing it, Rihanna’s rebel side shines through in this song.

What’s my name? featuring Drake follows the track, and the superstar combination guarantees this single a spot on the Billboard charts.

From there the album alternates between saucy party starters like Cheers to soft records about issues on love such as Complicated and Fading.

Rated R, Rihannaʼs last album, was dark with brilliantly penned lyrics, but Loud is the total opposite.

It’s vibrant with light-hearted lyrics. Even the ballads canʼt carry the same emotional load that Rated R did, though Love the Way You Lie Part 2 featuring Eminem brought back memories of heartache from her last album.

Rihanna has ditched the black and is now back in color, flaming red hair and all.

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Trendy must-haves

By Shanté Shedrick SNN Staff Writer

fashion

With fall, summer and spring behind, it’s time to look ahead to winter. The cooler weather is here, and as the weather gets cooler the trick to staying warm is layers upon layers upon layers. After all, winter fashion is all about pairing chic trends with winter essentials for a fashion forward look.

DO’S AND DON’TS

Don’t become so comfortable in staying warm that you lose your sense of style under mounds of clothing.

Do look for thicker materials in clothing that will have you looking great while staying warm.

ALANDRA PRYOR | SNN BYRON BOYKINS | SNN

KASEY DILLARD | SNN

FALSE EYE LASHES

This year’s must-have beauty accessory by far is for those who lack long eye lashes and the steady hand for mascara. False eye lashes are offered in a variety of sizes, styles and colors.

They give you all the va-va-voom you can’t get in your regular eye lash. The most important thing to remember when choosing lashes is to pick a pair that best suits your eyes. It’s as easy as 1-2-3: measure the lashes so that they fit your eyes, cut the remainder and glue them on.

FAUX FUR

Instead of taking refuge under oversized jackets and coats, get cozy in one of this season’s most stylish accessory: faux fur. It’s fur that isn’t fur, and it’s great for PETA supporters.

Why not warm yourself with the latest fall jacket?

CLASSIC OXFORD

The used-to-be man shoe is now a woman’s best friend. The classic oxford is a rising trend and an essential alternative for this upcoming winter.

Whether you pair it with knee high trouser socks, tights or jeans, you’ll be confident and warm while stepping out this winter.

By BYRON BOYKINS SNN Staff Writer

Sophomore Jared Gregory Polo swags every day.

Since the eighth grade, Gregory has worn Ralph Lauren Polo because he loves it.

Gregory got into Polo after seeing his older brother rocking the pony labeled shirt.

ALANDRA PRYOR | SNN

Column

Choosing flashing, fashion or self-respect?

Dressing seductively is a great distraction to the opposite sex. It only makes sense to put restrictions on what can be worn to school. Sexual thoughts are already common in BRYNESHA TEHARTE middle school and high school. Most students do not need visual aids. The imagination is active enough. Students should dress respectfully.

Polo Swag

They should be allowed to wear what they want, but to a certain extent. Students should not be allowed to wear miniskirts or wear their pants down to their knees. Those looks are sloppy and do not show selfrespect or self-confidence.

No business wants to hire a man who wears his pants down to his knees and shirts four sizes too big. That’s not a presentable look. If you want a good job, then you should dress properly.

There are many reasons why schools have dress codes. It’s not to hinder our individuality; it’s to promote a better lifestyle. No one is taking away our freedom.

School is merely preparing you for the

future. Whether you choose to take that opportunity or not is your choice.

I believe that we, as students, should be able to wear nearly anything – except for clothing that conveys a lack of respect.

Fashion is changing every day, so students come to school and show off their new clothes to get a compliment or to make themselves look cool. But it’s time to wake up and think about your future and what you’re going to be in the world.

Would you make a difference or make the world a better place to live in, or are you going to throw it all away over an outfit? We are the future!

“When I first began to wear Polo nobody wore it,” he said “But now that everyone wears it, I’m still gonna wear it, because I love it and can’t stop.”

Gregory buys most of his clothing from department stores such as Dillard’s and Macy’s. He also shops at the Polo outlet in Ellenton Mall in Bradenton. He spends around $120 on a shirt, hat and pants. However, the cost all depends on the material and how it looks.

“The difference between me wearing Polo and every other person is that mine is exclusive, and I have a lot of it,” Gregory said.

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opinion W e d n e s d a y, D e c . 1 5 , 2 0 1 0 Editorial

Make a choice: get better or hit the books Coughing, sneezing, and stuffy nose. These are things that will become a far more common sight to students as the year progresses. The new exemption policy for exams this year requires all students to have fewer than five absences in all classes or they will be unable to exempt.

That means that if you have five absences in only one class (even if they are excused), that and all other classes are un-exemptible. Not only is this extreme, but if you leave a class before it’s half-way over or you receive three tardies, both equal one absence.

As the countdown from five absences nears zero, students will be forced to attend school sick in order to meet exemption criteria. Not only is this promoting a slow recovery for the student, but it adds to the

mass spread of a cold or flu. If schools say that safety is their main concern, then this really contradicts that core belief.

Holiday seasons fall abundant throughout the school year, along with unexpected events such as funerals and birthdays. Students who are excused from school by their parents should be able to exempt regardless of absences. If a family decides to take a one week vacation at some point during the school year, you might as well bring along your textbooks because exams are coming your way.

Grades are what it should come down to. Regardless of days missed, if you’re able to keep your grades up and you know the material, you should be able to exempt. If anything, being able to miss school while maintaining your grades

shows a better understanding of the material. If a good student misses a few days of school every now and then, who’s to say that they should have to take exams after earning solid grades for 18 weeks?

Having an excused absence or doctor’s note should prevent your absence from ruining your exemption chances. If a policy has to be put into place, it should be for unexcused absences only.

School policy should encourage students to attend everyday and condone good attendance, but should not punish those who miss school due to illnesses, family ordeals, or other excusable situations.

- This editorial reflects the opinion of the SNN staff and was written by Nate Plaines.

Cartoon by AARON PARRY

Letters Abusing Homecoming Dear Editor, The events for this week of Homecoming have been mildly disturbing to say the least. From uproar over the dance to suspensions for vandalism, it makes one wonder what people think this week is supposed to mean.

Homecoming is a celebration and taking pride in your school.

People had no right to dispute with school officials about the rules for the dance, as it was a privilege, not a guaranteed right. People should be happy that the school is nice enough to put forth the effort into making the dance happen. On Wednesday, many people were suspended for having paint, some people used it as an opportunity to throw onto others and vandalize their clothes.

Why do people think the school rules change just because it’s Homecoming week? Would people throw paint on others during any other time of the year to promote their school class?

- Ricky Nelson, 12th grade

Freshman faced unfortunate fates Dear Editor, Despite the efforts of faculty and administration, many students were victims of the attacks from their fellow students on Harry Potter Day. I personally think the school

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did a good job to stop these attempts.

Every year Lakewood had class color day, few freshmen were prepared for Nov. 10, and many of them suffered unfortunate fates. A tradition for Lakewood: painting others, shooting silly string and canning, were stopped by administrators.

Why should a student have to watch over his or her shoulder every five seconds to make sure they are not going to go home with green hair?

I can understand that people want to have fun, but when it hurts another student, it shows they only have respect for themselves and their reputation. It’s almost like they don’t care about the feelings, and emotional states of others.

I believe that some people may have wanted to be painted on, or maybe even canned, but what about the people who didn’t? It’s no fun if it’s happening to someone who doesn’t want it done.

- Scotty Schenck, 9th grade

Dying traditions Dear Editor: I think that Homecoming week at Lakewood has sent students many mixed messages. The first two days of Homecoming week were simple fun. On Wednesday, the administration over-reacted when they suspended people for doing what had been allowed for the last several years.

I did not agree with it, but I understood why the staff suspended people. They made it clear that order and educa-

tion are more important than fun and tradition.

Even though the administration insisted that education should take precedence over fun, they are still willing to waste time on pep rallies that take actual time out of class, rather than painting, which creates chaos in between classes. That is unfair and unreasonable.

-Lauren Hastings, 9th grade

Let the students do their thing Dear Editor, This homecoming week fell short, well below the standards of previous years. The way this week happened didn’t make much sense at all. My first complaint begins with the whole “class color” thing. The administrators said we could not have a class color day because of the celebratory paint and everything else involved. It made no sense at all. Somehow we managed to find our way around it, and I didn’t see the problem with it.

All they would have to say is “Don’t bring paint to school.”

Another topic of discussion is the Homecoming ceremony. Last year’s ceremony, and the ceremonies before were much better without the administrator’s stepping in, when they let the students do their thing.

- Caleb Baker, 12th grade

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opinion

Columns

Lending a helping hand: LHS does it best

By SOFIA DAMOS SNN Opinion Editor

One thing colleges look at when they review your application is whether you are a well-rounded student. A huge factor is participating in community service. Though it isn’t necessarily a requirement, it’s that added spice that everyone seems to love on applications. We as a school have a number of groups that allow any student to participate.

KEY Club, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, a new club at Lakewood High School called the Girls Service League and many others open their doors to any student who truly wishes to play a part in bettering our school and community.

Volunteering has many benefits for students as well as their community. It transforms lives, solves problems and strengthens communities.

For the person, it builds onto life experiences, allowing students the opportunity to meet new people who have similar interests and develop new skills. It allows students to take a moment and focus on participating in something good, not just for themselves, but for their community as well.

Volunteering is also a big part of scholarships, the goal of the majority of high school students. Many scholarships require a set number of hours devoted to volunteering, and the amount of desired hours varies.

There’s a common misconception about volunteering that you will be forced to participate in humdrum, uneventful, mundane activities that no one wants to do… Incorrect! For instance, you could take part in the Santa Speedo Race to collect money for AIDS prevention that KEY Club is participating in. Or how about the collaboration of NHS, SGA and KEY Club with Toys for Tots? This is a program that donates gifts to children whose parents cannot afford them. This is not limited to just collecting toys. You could also help distribute food, toys and emotional support to families in need.

While it takes a kick to get started, there’s nothing better than getting involved. There’s something out there for everyone: animal shelters, hospitals, after-school programs, soup kitchens. If you find something you are good at – do it.

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.

Lakewood lacks Spartan Pride I like Lakewood and I’m not ashamed to represent it, but occasionally I get very bored attending this school.

Some students who walk around Lakewood High School might say that they think Lakewood is boring and lame. Sometimes teachers even say the same thing. The

By DRE WALKER point is that some of LakeSNN Staff Writer wood’s students and teachers seem to have no school spirit.

Some students don’t care about their school, and that may be the reason why they don’t have school spirit. The school environment at Lakewood also has something to do

with it: hallway floors are dirty, the bathrooms are sometimes nasty, A-wing is cold and it seems like it’s broken down and everything seems either classic or ordinary.

But it all doesn’t have to do with the students, teachers or the condition of the building.

The administration – which sometimes seems to suck the life out of school activities – also plays a role. Everything is run the way they think it should be without the students’ point of view. Homecoming is one example. Most students didn’t have a say-so in that. The point I’m trying to make is that to have school pride, you need to be able to have a good connection with how your school is and how it is run.

We are supposed to be the best school in the universe, but we’re not even close to the best school in the county.

I wish instead that students would stand up for their school and make some type of positive movement, and

I wish also that the administration at this school would include everyone’s thoughts when they make decisions.

Fun activities really lead to more excitement in your school, and that leads to students representing their school with pride. Teachers also need to come up with fun ways for students to learn in class so students will actually want to learn. In the process this will increase school pride and promote a better attitude, and when students come to school they probably won’t dread the whole day.

More spirit would be good for the school in the sense of bringing back more recognition for the good and fun things that we do. We could start new school traditions and do things that will get others into the excitement. We need to represent our school and have Spartan pride each and every time we step on and off campus.

Can you say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’?

For as long as I can remember, my parents have stressed the importance of being respectful and having manners. It’s second nature to me, like breathing. I know to say “thank you” and “excuse me” and to hold doors open for people.

By SHERRISH GAINES The lack of manners in SNN Staff Writer today’s society is atrocious.

Where grades, music and the latest fashion are hot talking points, little space is left for what truly matters.

Just because I walk through a door and there is a small space between myself and the frame, does not mean that space is reserved for you to squeeze by. It is not that difficult to say excuse me when you have to get through or when you accidentally bump into someone.

Disrespect toward adults is beyond inappropriate.

Regardless of how angry or upset a person may be, it is never okay to talk back to a teacher. You are there to learn.

Teachers are there to teach. If there is conflict, it can be resolved through calm discussion.

It starts at home. Manners should be as important as learning to tie your shoes or how to ride your bike. If it isn’t taught at home, it won’t be perpetuated later on in life.

Students need to take a step back and assess the situation.

Say excuse me when you have to walk by someone or when you accidentally bump into them.

Hold the door open for someone for once.

Bullying sprouts from bad manners. I was teased and bullied through much of elementary and middle school and I know the long term effects it can have. Usually kids who bully others were never told not to as a kid. Their parents never sat them down and told them right from wrong and how to be respectful to others.

Good manners reduce bullying.

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sports

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Long-time coach honored

By KAYLA GARCIA SNN Staff Writer

JANAE HINES | Special to SNN

Lakewood’s Ernest Clayton (10) defends a Gibbs High School player during a game on Dec. 8.

Winter Sports Briefs

Girls Basketball: Girls’ basketball coach

Nicole Tunsil said the basketball team is doing okay but they have room for improvement. This year’s captains are Kayla Roberts and Kasey Drayton. The girls’ record is 5-1, their loss being to Atlantic High School in Daytona over Thanksgiving break, 54-42.

“It’s really difficult to judge how we will be because our more competitive games are still to come,” Tunsil said.

Her main concern right now, she said, is that the “girls are working hard on the court but not as hard in the classroom.” Tunsil believes several of the girls in this group are not taking their academics as seriously as previous teams have.

After 35 years of service, boys’ basketball Coach Daniel Wright was honored Dec. 1 when the Spartan gymnasium was named after him.

“It’s a good honor, but I would say I have mixed feelings. I still feel the same today as I did yesterday,” he said.

Wright said he had no idea he was going to be honored; he said it was a “total surprise.” After lunch he was told to go to the gym and then the announcement was made.

Currently, Wright is on the verge of breaking a county record.

After the 55-39 loss against Gibbs High School on Dec. 8, Wright remained tied with his former coach Freddie Dyles for the most wins in his coaching career in Pinellas County. Both coaches have 674 wins.

The team was scheduled to play Northeast High School on Dec. 10. If the team wins, Wright will be the coach with the most wins in county history. (For the results of that game, which were not available when SNN went to press, check snntoday.snn.pcsb. org.)

The team’s win in its first regular season game against Tarpon Springs on Dec. 3 meant Wright and

“There might be some game or even team suspensions,” she said.

The girls played at Lakewood Dec. 7 against Palm Harbor University with a win of 67-33. The team was also scheduled to play at home on Dec. 10 against Clearwater High.

As far as on the court, Tunsil said, “what we need to work on most is finishing plays. We are a very talented and skilled team; we make a strong way to the basket and we make the shot when there is no defense there.”

-KAYLA GARCIA and CHRISTOPHER DEISTER

Wrestling: Wrestling Coach Frank Niles thinks

Dyles were tied. Wright has the rest of the season to break the tie before he retires.

“I feel this is the time to walk away, not necessarily to become idle but to see if I’ll be happy retired,” he said.

“Everything is pointing in the WRIGHT right direction toward retirement.”

Wright said this year his team has a good chance of winning district and advancing deep into regionals. “I try to emphasize teamwork. I think collectively we have 15 good guys,” he said.

With the exception of D.J. Moore and Alonso Smith, “we basically have a group of guys who have been together since ninth grade.” The basketball team won both its preseason games against Southeast High School and Sarasota Booker.

Wright has also organized a game in which the boys will play against the faculty on Friday (Dec. 17). The event will take place during school hours in the gym. Tickets will be sold ahead of time for $2 to fundraise for the boys to travel to Ocala for a tournament over winter break.

the team is on the right track this season.

“I have high expectations this season as our team returns eight starters from last year’s squad,” said Niles The team is currently 2-0 due to the wins against Tarpon Springs High School (42-36) and Gibbs High School (4112).

“They’re a pretty good team,” senior captain Kenny Price said. “They’re strong, determined athletes.”

“So far I’ve only been in one match but I think I’m doing better than last year,” said junior Cole Hardman.

“There are a lot of openings on the JV squad and a hole or two at the varsity level. It’s not too late to come out and join the team,” said Niles.

Boys Soccer: The boys soccer

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team is halfway through the season but not quite where they want to be yet.

“So far we are not meeting out potential,” Coach Alexander Seoane said.

The team is optimistic however about what they can accomplish in the rest of the season.

“We had a rough start but we’re getting better. We’re gonna finish off strong,” said senior Justin Poisson.

Seoane hopes to finish the season with a record of 8-3 meaning that the guys would need to win the rest of their games. “(It would take) hard work and practice, lots of hard work and practice,” Seoane said.

-CHELSEA GADBOIS

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-CHRISTOPHER DEISTER

Girls Soccer: Lakewood High

School girls’ varsity soccer team has a 3-3 record.

“This year the team is working hard to come together with the loss of our seniors from last year, but I think the returning players are doing a good job to help the new girls,” said Katy Lally, a junior captain on the team.

“We have a lot of new players and a strong defense,” said Ashli Henkel, senior.

The girls practice every non-game day from 2:15-4:00. Henkel, Lally and senior Samantha Wilson are all captains for the girls’ varsity soccer team.

- Daniel Hernandez

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Freshman Mariah Watts has been playing softball for eight years.

sports

RACHELLE GADDY | SNN

Rising Star

By CHRISTOPHER DEISTER | SNN Staff Writer

Her dad encouraged her to pick up the ball at

age six “to get my mind off of family problems,” she said.

Eight years later, as a freshman, she will be the starting pitcher on Lakewood’s softball team, and she isn’t looking to throw in the towel any time soon. She hopes to attend college with a scholarship for softball.

“More money in my pocket,” she said.

Watts has a rigorous conditioning routine. She follows a regimen known as the Oklahoma weight-lifting program, and she also runs one mile every other day and does 50 push-ups and 200 sit-ups four times a week.

She also sometimes works out at the gym.

She plays all other positions, except catcher, so she is called a “utility player.”

She pitches between 57-62 mph – which is about 4-6 mph faster than the average 14-year-old pitcher in the nation, according to softballperformance.com. She said she doesn’t know her exact ranking in the county, but she knows she’s in the top 15 high school pitchers.

She hopes to advance as the season progresses.

Watts said her worst injury was when she dislocated her knee last April, after the spring season. She ran on the gym floor wearing socks and slipped.

“I’m never going to do that again. I have too much to lose to do stupid stuff,” Watts said.

She also plays volleyball, but is “not serious” about it, she said.

Besides going out for Lakewood’s team, Watts is a pitcher for Team FLA, a travel ball team. Her toughest softball game she ever played was in Gainesville in November against Team North Florida.

“We were up 5-1 (going into) the seventh inning and I lost my mindset,” she said.

By the end of the seventh inning the score was tied. The bases were loaded, and the other team’s winning run was on third base. There was one out, and Watts struck the next two batters out, so the game went into a tie-breaker.

Though Watts’s team won in the end, she said it was her “over-confidence” that made the win so difficult.

“I will stay focused, start hard and finish hard,” said Watts.

Coach Haley Forsyth said Watts is definitely going to be the starting pitcher for the team.

“I’ve only seen her pitch once, but she definitely has speed, accuracy and movement,” Forsyth said.

Forsyth said the back-up pitchers will be Haley Michalski and Brianna Ray. The season officially starts Jan. 10.

“I will stay focused, start hard and finish hard.”

-Mariah Watts

COURTESY PHOTO Freshman Mariah Watts pitches a rise ball for her travel ball team on the Gators field in Gainesville, Fla.

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t’s no surprise that fashion week is every week here at Lakewood with so many stylish individuals strutting down the halls. After all, we aren’t called Hollywood High for no reason. Here are just a few of the Spartan fashionistas we are highlighting. Also, check out the fashion page added to SNN’s Hollywood Holla. From now on, the extra page will be devoted to fashion. That’s right, a page based solely on fashionable Spartans and a feature that goes in depth on one Spartan’s inspiration. Take a look at Page 11 for the premiere of the Hollywood Holla fashion page. Enjoy!

- Shante Shedrick, SNN Fashion Editor

Junior Brittney Farwell: “I consider myself a dare devil; I’m bold and not afraid to take fashionable risks.

What better way to scream bold than with red hair?”

PHOTOS BY KATIE ATKISSON & KIM MCENTEGART | SNN

Junior Tevin McCoullough: “I like being an individual, doing things others don’t have the courage to. My style is described as pushing creativity in men’s clothes but keeping it masculine.”

Junior Alexus Black: “I shop designer labels for the quality, cheap clothes don’t do it for me.”

Senior Taye’lor Trotter: “My style is pretty normal.”

Junior Autionna Blockson “The bright colors (in my eye make-up) reveal my fun personality.”

Senior Nick Hadley: “I like to incorporate my interest (comic books) into the way I dress.”