SNN Feb 2014

Lakewood High School - February 26, 2014

Vol. 5, No. 4

snntoday.pcsb.org

Four-TIme Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Medalist

CARLOLLEE BRYAN | SNN

Recycling: One can at a time . . .

10-11 Firefighters go green . . . page 8 Absentee fathers. . . page 6 page

the hub

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A word from

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By SCOTTY SCHENCK SNN Editor in Chief

LAUREN DEXTER | SNN

Sophomore Mina Neiro, junior Demé Davis and senior Kaylee Polk (back to front) run up and down the bleachers for flag football conditioning on Feb. 11. This year science teacher Justin Bending is the coach. “It’s a great sport.

It helps a lot with my athletic skills, and I like the feeling of being on the team. It’s like a family,’’ Neiro said.

On the Web...

Check out the following multimedia stories on the Spartan News Network’s web site. Go to snntoday.pcsb.org and click on multimedia. * GSA: See inside Lakewood’s Gay Straight Alliance club by sophomore Amber Bein. * Fundraising: The Lakewood jazz band hopes to go to New Orleans. See a video by senior Joel Grant * Family business: Watch a multimedia about senior Tyler Johnson who creates duck calls, by sophomores Christian Miller and Jimmy Faulks. * The Guys: Listen to episode one of SNN's entertainment podcast by sophomores Chris Williams, Jordan Shorter and Kejuan Samuels.

Corrections

• Health sciences teacher Erika Miller did not •

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eat Thanksgiving dinner with computer science teacher Chris Borg and his family. A story in the January edition said otherwise.

Miller sells a product called Muscle Milk, not Mighty Milk. A story in the January edition said otherwise Catching Fire came out in 2013 and Mockingjay Part 1 is not the final film in the series. A story in the January edition said otherwise.

It’s the season of love again. With Valentine’s Day behind us, we march on, and SNN has plenty of new content for all of our readers. From stress to the read-alouds in our classes, we’ve got you covered.

On page 5, SNN investigates dating violence in Lakewood High School. Reporter Zoe Blair-Andrews delves into the disastrous effects of abuse that we often like to think could never happen to those close to us. The powerful stories of two victims is a clear reminder that even those at a young age and those very near and dear to us could be the victims of violent actions from those they trust.

On the center spread, in a story by Anthony Niemeier and Kasai Waller, you’ll get a look at the recycling program at Lakewood led by the academy for Aquatic Management Systems and Environmental Technology.

We go through the entire process of recycling, which many students are unaware of. The pages feature pictures showing AMSET students doing their part by collecting, separating and more.

Pages 14 and 15 are loaded with opinions that matter. Nia Cumberlander has written an editorial about violence, and its caustic effects on our society. Her points on self-defense being abused and how we must be careful are on point. She also gives examples of recent cases involving violent acts with claims of exaggerated self-defense.

In the theme of black history, Marilyn Parker has written about the N-word and Demé Davis discusses the phrase "acting white" and its implications. Both are worth a read.

This issue is full of relevant, interesting content that the SNN staff has worked hard to produce. I hope you enjoy it.

Page 1 photo by Carlollee Bryan: AMSET students gather plastic bottles and cans from the blue and green barrels around campus. Four times a year AMSET students empty the barrels and separate the cans from the bottles to be recycled.

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Nearby shooting may affect exam policy

By SCOTTY SCHENCK SNN Staff Writer

After a shooting at Lake Vista Park during exam week involving a Lakewood student, administration will continue to discuss the event and whether the early release policy should change. For students this could mean that Lakewood or the school district would look at removing early release for exams, though nothing specific has been decided so far.

“We’ll modify any future plans based on student safety,” Center for Advanced Technologies program coordinator Peter Oberg said. “It’s always about keeping a safe environment.”

An investigation is ongoing about the shooting that took place at Lake Vista on Jan. 16, during exam week. Lakewood High School went on lockdown during the school day after two minors were talking in the park and one of them, a Lakewood student, showed a handgun to the other student and it was accidentally fired, hitting the second boy in the foot, said School Resource Officer Lerric Boyd.

“A call came in through our radio communications (from the St. Petersburg Police Department) about a shooting,” Boyd said.

The school then went into lockdown as a safety precaution.

Principal Bob Vicari said the lockdown started at about 1:30 p.m. It then became a lockout (where the school can continue its day, but no person is allowed in or out), and the entire process ended about 2:10 p.m. once police had a suspect in custody.

Vicari said he was with a police sergeant when they spotted a boy matching the suspect’s description on 54th Avenue by the school and alerted police to the suspect’s position.

Vicari said he was told the gun was “acquired in a burglary.” However, the police have still not found the weapon.

“Apparently they didn’t know what a safety or a trigger was,” Vicari said.

Boyd said the investigation is still in progress, but the student who was shot will not press charges against the other. The boy, however, may still see charges from the state.

The school district is looking at ways it can prevent future incidents and keep Lakewood safe. Currently during exam week, once students finish their exams for the day, they can leave campus if their parents have signed the exemption form giving them permission to leave early. If their parents do not sign the form, students are not allowed to leave, but there is no measure in place to stop them, Oberg said.

“If you have to stay at school, it kind of defeats the purpose of exempting the exams,” said senior Erik Peksens, who said he visits Lake Vista during exam week.

“We just go down to Lake Vista and play basketball.”

The administrative team cannot alter this policy, so if they decide if any changes are necessary, it would be a suggestion given to the school district.

DEMÉ DAVIS | SNN

The jazz band awaits its introduction from band teacher Michael Kernodle on Feb. 14 before a fundraising concert at Lakewood. The band put on the benefit to raise money for a trip to New Orleans.

Jazz band aims for New Orleans

By JAKOB BARKER SNN Staff Writer

Lakewood High School’s jazz band held a benefit concert Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day, in the Lakewood auditorium to raise money for a trip to New Orleans in March.

The concert featured not only the Lakewood jazz band and jazz ensemble, but also Grammy nominees Gumbi Ortiz, J.B. Scott and Lisa Kelly. The students have $15,000 left to raise for the trip.

Tickets were $10, but jazz ensemble leader Michael Kernodle said fewer than 200 people showed up. The money will be used to cover the students’ transportation, housing, performance, historical tours and jazz festival attendance costs.

Now the group, which won straight superiors, the highest possible grade, at the district-level Music Performance Assessment (MPA) the night before the concert,

is looking for sponsors in the community – corporations or businesses - who may want to donate. In addition, the group will do more fundraisers, such as other concerts and selling chocolates, Kernodle said.

“Every jazz musician should have the opportunity to see up close and personal the birthplace of this great music,” Kernodle said. “It’s one thing to read about it, but it’s a much different experience when you are there. No textbook can give you that.”

During the trip, March 21-24, Kernodle said the students will perform throughout the city and be exposed to “the musical culture of New Orleans.”

Kernodle said failing to reach their fundraising goal “is not an option. We have faith we will reach our goal.”

Pinellas County lengthens grading period

By JAKOB BARKER SNN Staff Writer

Changes that promise to shake things up for returning students are coming to Pinellas County high schools next year. Chief among them are the modifications to the semester scheduling and a proposed change to the discipline policy.

Instead of having six, six-week grading periods next year, students will have four, nine-week grading periods, two per semester.

“The nine-week grading period … would have more impact than if you fail a six-week. ... You have more catchup time,” principal Bob Vicari said. "We just saw the benefit of the nine-week grading period for credits and all kinds of other things as well.”

In addition, first semester exams will be before winter

break rather than after. This is reverting to an old policy from years ago, when the school year started in early August.

“For a classroom teacher the difficulty of having those finals after winter break is this: you provide so much instruction before winter break, and then those last two weeks all you’re really doing is concentrating on those finals, because … to introduce any new material in that short period of time, it just doesn’t make sense,” Vicari said. “So spending two weeks just on reviewing for a final, it’s just not good productive use of time.”

Not everyone thinks the earlier exams are a good idea, however.

“I think we should still have it after winter break. We

still need more time to study and get the knowledge that we need,” freshman Aliyah Marshall said.

Finally, a proposed change in the discipline policy focuses on the concept of “zero tolerance,” which currently forces administrators to expel or relocate a student for the first offense of drug possession. The proposal would allow administrators more leeway to do things such as place the student through a rehab course.

“I think the intent of those changes are more for first time offenders, whereas someone who makes a thoughtless mistake early doesn’t pay for it for the rest of their lives,” Center for Advanced Technologies program coordinator Peter Oberg said.

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Lakewood makes a 'pact' to read

By CAROLINE DUNNING SNN Staff Writer

Some haven’t read it, some have caught bits and pieces of it and some read it regularly, but everyone has heard of it.

The One Book One School read-aloud has sparked many conversations, with people having varied opinions on the chosen novel, The Pact by Rameck Hunt, Sampson Davis and George Jenkins. The read-aloud is said to help improve reading comprehension among Lakewood students.

“It’s that analogy that we often make between sports and reading: If you practice a little bit every single day you will build fluency,” Lakewood literacy coach Nicole Harazin said.

The Pact, a story about three African-American men who grow up in harsh conditions and work through it to become successful doctors, was chosen to inspire students. “It’s about setting a goal and reaching it … surrounding yourself with those people who can help you reach your goal and also want to be a success in life,” Harazin said.

The 12 literacy team members initially chose three books: The Other Wes Moore, Kaffir Boy and The Pact. Teachers voted on which they wanted to hear, and The Pact came out on top.

The read-aloud began Jan. 30, and every day it is scheduled for a different period so that one class is not missing 15 minutes each day.

Many students said they have enjoyed what they have heard of the book so far. “I like the book because I can relate,” junior Kayla Crawford said.

“I’m excited about reading more.”

Along with the supporters, however, come those who dislike the readaloud. “I think we should have been the ones to pick the book instead of just somebody picking a random book that nobody’s gonna like,” sophomore Chaz Wallace said.

Though many of the teachers also said they like the project, some teachers have not been playing the read-alouds every day.

“There are some teachers who are not doing it, and it makes it difficult for those of us that are because we have to go and fill in the chunks and pieces that the kids are missing,” physical education teacher Chantella Moore said.

The read-aloud is set to end on March 10.

JULIE SMITH-FRAZER | SNN

English teacher Colleen Coughenour’s seventh period English III class listens and follows along to the The Pact by Rameck Hunt, Sampson Davis and George Jenkins on Feb. 5. The Pact is about three African-American men who grow up in rough conditions, against all odds to become doctors. The Pact is read school-wide to Lakewood students every day until the book is finished.

For many, Dual Enrollment proves its practicality

By JALEN MIDDLETON and HALEY DOLAN SNN Staff Writers

Lakewood and 25 other high schools in Pinellas County are participating in St. Petersburg College’s (SPC) dual enrollment program, which some consider a gateway to college success. Although the number of students is increasing, some teachers don’t think Lakewood is encouraging enough students to enroll in the program.

Lakewood currently has 32 students dually enrolled, two of them being full-time early college students.

Some teachers however aren’t satisfied. “We’re not pushing it enough at this school.

We need to push it more. There are a lot of students that would benefit,” English teacher Kristie Dowling said.

Dual enrollment offers free SPC courses to give students credits that go toward a high school diploma and a college degree.

In order to enroll in this program, students must be juniors or seniors and have a minimum of a 3.0 unweighted grade point average (GPA). They are also required to take the PERT test and meet the college ready cut scores of 106 on reading, 103 writing and a score of 114 on the math portion. The next PERT test will be administered March 4-7 and 18-19.

“I think enough students aren’t taking advantage of this great opportunity, because of fear of not passing the PERT. We now offer remediation options for students who don’t pass through SPC,” guidance counselor Veronica Pruitt said.

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Students have to take at least four high school courses and can take up to four college courses per semester.

Junior Twee Mac is currently attending SPC, taking a philosophy class.

“The class is pretty fun. I do it along with my regular schedule at Lakewood,” Mac said.

Currently Lakewood offers only two dual enrollment classes, both taught by Dowling.

Dowling taught English Composition I first semester, a course required in college for all students, and is teaching English Composition II, a course required for most students.

“It’s a very practical course. … It goes slow enough … that most kids get it,” Dowling said.

Courses such as English Composition I and II prepare students for other college classes and the requirements they need in order to succeed.

“I like dual enrollment because it prepares me for college life and it gives me a sense of responsibility,” senior Jhared Swain said.

Dual enrollment helps students graduate high school with about half of their college credits for an associates of arts degree completed, which helps save money.

“More parents and students want to cut financial expenses for college and are now understanding the benefits more closely regarding dual enrollment; in addition, students like the perk of leaving school early,” Pruitt said.

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'My whole life was changing' Some may think that abuse only occurs in adult relationships. However, stories from two Lakewood seniors show this is not true.

By ZOE BLAIR-ANDREWS SNN Staff Writer

A Lakewood High School senior was in an abusive relationship for a year and a half. The abuse started after six months of her relationship.

“At first everything was going fine, but then every time he’d get angry he would slap me or he would grab me,” she said.

After a while the abuse started to affect other parts of her life as well. “My whole life was changing. I was getting bad grades. I was isolating myself from everybody, even my own family,” she said.

The senior is one of two Lakewood High School students who have experienced dating violence and wanted to share their stories, while remaining anonymous.

These Lakewood students are not alone. One in three adolescent girls across the United States has been physically, sexually, emotionally or verbally abused by the person they’re dating, according to the website loveisrespect.org.

Teen dating violence is defined as a pattern of emotional, verbal, sexual or physical violence or abuse by one person in a current or past relationship of a romantic nature to exert power and control over another, district bullying prevention specialist Joan Reubens said.

The senior who was being abused by her boyfriend said as the months went by the abuse escalated.

“He would call me all types of names, make me feel bad about myself, and that’s when he started getting physical,” she said.

The anger from her boyfriend was usually irrational and sometimes snuck up out of nowhere. “One time at my house we were watching TV, and I said one thing wrong and he just punched me right in my face and I asked him ‘what did I do?’ and he just said ‘I just didn’t like the way you said that.’”

The abuse continued for a year before the end of their relationship. Some days were worse than others.

She describes the worst day as: “I was driving and we almost crashed because he kept trying to put his hand in my face. He was yelling at me and then every time I asked him to leave me alone he would just punch me in the face and I just had to stop the car because I didn’t want to crash because I almost ran into the other side of the road. ... It was just too much because he kept hitting me.”

The whole time she was in the relationship, she kept everything to herself. “My mom would ask me, ‘How did you get all these marks?’ but I would always try to make excuses…I loved him. I thought I loved him.”

Teens who have never been in an abusive relationship may ask why someone would stay in one, but breaking up is often harder than it seems.

Someone in an abusive relationship may have conflicting emotions. Many people are threatened by their partner and become scared about what might happen if they leave, while others have

never been exposed to a relationship that wasn’t abusive so they begin to think it’s normal or okay. Victims of teen dating violence are often embarrassed to admit they’re being abused to anyone, and often people in these relationships have low self-esteem and begin to believe they’re getting what they deserve, according to loveisrespect.org.

The Lakewood senior said that it’s important to recognize that dating violence occurs and to discuss it. “You never know what could happen. Somebody could end up dead or something, so I’d rather someone speak about it rather than keeping it in like I did because it brings a lot of mental stress to you.”

Her advice to others in an abusive relationship is: “The first time you see abuse, just get out of it, because it’s not even worth it.”

Another Lakewood senior said she had an abusive girlfriend for five months. “The whole time I was with her I knew she wasn’t faithful. … I was trying to make myself believe that I loved her,” she said. During the second month of their relationship, verbal abuse began. “My girlfriend said if I leave I would just end up coming back because no one else would want me.”

Along with being stalked on her social media sites, being called ugly and receiving nasty text messages, this senior’s girlfriend started becoming physically abusive as well. “If I caught her doing something she would hit me instead of trying to work it out.”

Her girlfriend would hit her in the face and punch her in the stomach. Then, at school one day she hit her in the face so hard that her nose began to bleed. Finally they broke up.

“I think part of me actually believed I loved her. ... But I chose what’s best for me. … It kind of hurt me because I (arranged) my college stuff around her,” she said However, this student also feels that it’s important to share her story. “I know there are other people out there going through the same thing … teens and adults, so I think someone needed to speak up.”

She gives advice to other teens in abusive relationships: “Stay away from them … get to know the person first because you never know what could trigger a person to do such harsh things.”

Most of the time, teens are abused by someone they know and trust. It is reported that 87 percent of sexual assault or dating violence acts committed toward 12-17 year olds were committed by someone they knew, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

If any teens are currently in an abusive relationship, or have been in the past, there are opportunities at Lakewood for students to talk to someone.

“If anyone were being abused I’d hope they’d tell a trusted adult so that they can get some help … because it’s not okay for someone to hurt you or threaten you or scare you,” Lakewood High School social worker Debbie Belk said.

Illustration by LAZARIUS FAULK

Warning signs of an abusive partner: • Checking the other person's • • • • • • • • •

cell phone or email without permission Constant put-downs Extreme jealousy or insecurity Explosive temper Isolating you from family or friends Making false accusations Mood swings Physically hurting you in any way Possessiveness Telling you what to do

Student Services Team at Lakewood High School:

• School Psychologist: Heather Jakobiak

• School social worker: • Debbie Belk • Administrators and guidance counselors

For more help call: Casa Hotline: (727) 895-4912 x 1 The Haven Hotline: (727) 441-2029 Available 24 hours a day In Florida if teens qualify for a protection or restraining order they can go to court and file for a temporary order. The protection order lasts for 15 days.

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Survey shows many absent dads Two-parent households are not as common for Lakewood High School students as some may think. Some students have absentee fathers who have varying effects on their lives.

By ALEX DORN SNN Staff Writer

JULIE SMITH-FRAZER | SNN

Senior Amelia Alberts' parents have been split up for about nine years. “I think I’m fortunate to have such a supportive mother who can make up for what he cannot provide,” she said.

Senior Amelia Alberts, whose parents have with a positive male – let alone their fathers. been split up for about nine years, said she hasn’t Myles runs a group for young men called Manseen her biological dad in nearly two years. hood Development.

“I think I’m fortunate to have such a support“I try to show myself as a father figure,” Myles ive mother who can make up for what he cannot said. provide,” she said.

Myles said people tend to think that the only Alberts isn’t alone. Nationwide, one out of way a man can act is “hard” and without feelings. three children live without their biological fa“Men can show care and love. We model what thers. At Lakewood, the numbers are even higher. a male can be. We teach a class where men can be An SNN survey of 182 students shows that 44 men,” he said. percent of students live only with their mothers Unlike Alberts, senior Darquez Watson sees and less than one percent live just with their dad his biological father three or four times a year. in single parent homes.

He said his dad not always being there is unforAccording to the Center for Law and Social tunate, but he is able to talk to him and text him Policy, a frequently.

1994 study "I think because I don’t have my dad around it sort In addition, shows that Watson has a of promotes me to show him that I didn’t need his stepfather in children who do not his life who help. I could do it on my own.” live with makes a posiboth of their biological parents are more likely to tive impact. be poor, to have a birth outside marriage, to have “Fathers help with all the rugged stuff. Mothbehavioral and psychological problems, and not ers are more like the cleanness and stuff like that, graduate from high school. Not all children will and the school work. Fathers are more like the experience this negative outcome. sports the toughness and stuff like that. … It’s a For example, not having a father figure in her difference,’’ Watson said. life hasn’t held Alberts back academically, as she SNN’s survey also showed that students who gets mostly A’s. Alberts said she doesn’t think she don’t live with their biological fathers see them would be a better student or person if her father rarely. were in her life.

Alberts said she’s not certain if she would like “I actually think the opposite. I think because I her father to be more active in her life. “Sure it don’t have my dad around, it sort of promotes me wouldn’t hurt, it’ll be nice, but at the point where to show him that I didn’t need his help. I could do he’s at in his life I think he needs more help than it on my own,” she said.

I do. He needs more help finding his way. I’ve According to James Myles, executive director already found mine.” of the Bethel Community Foundation, about 70 - SNN Staff Writers Donnell Middleton and percent of young men don’t have a relationship MeKell Phillips contributed to this story.

63 percent of youth suicides are from fatherless homes – 5 times the average 71 percent of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes – nine times the average.

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Information from: http://thefatherlessgeneration.wordpress.com/statistics

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Behind the musical

By JAMES LEONARD SNN Staff Writer

You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, the first musical that Lakewood has done in years, will be performed May 1-3.

"I think it's a cute little show," said junior Gianna Sheppard, who will play the part of Lucy in the musical.

Music teacher Jacob Merrett, who is the interim drama teacher, said he chose the play because he’s “always found the Peanuts comics and holiday specials to be funny and engaging, so this was a natural choice both personally and professionally.”

“Being a music teacher first, a musical best utilizes my abilities as an instructor,” he said.

Students auditioned in mid-January, preparing a one- to two-minute monologue and a song of their choice. Callbacks were Jan. 17 and 20 right after school.

For the callbacks Merrett had the returning performers do basic musical warm ups. He got them motivated by making them say “I want to be in this play” multiple times.

Next they each played a certain role so they could test themselves with different characters and then each student sang a song to test their voices.

The cast list was announced shortly after callbacks.

Sophomore and drama club treasurer Chris Williams will play the lead, Charlie Brown. Drama club president Ryan

Rhodes, a senior, will be Linus.

“I really want to produce an authentic Peanuts musical,” said Williams, who is excited about his first time in a lead role and said he was picked because RAMONE HAMILTON | SNN of his shy personality.

From left, juniors Gianna Sheppard and Jahnique Brown along with sophomores “I grew up with Charlie Caitlin Mason and Chris Williams practice reading for the spring musical, You’re Brown. … I can relate a Good Man Charlie Brown. Auditions for the Lakewood musical were held in to Charlie Brown, so I January, and the musical will be performed May 1-3. can play the part.”

Merrett said the play “The only issue so far is cell phone use,” Merrett said. features a small ensemble cast. The plot of the show is sev- “Once I take their phones away, I think we’ll be able to get eral vignettes in the life of the Peanuts characters. Charlie a lot done in the time we have.”

Brown is trying to be a better person and he’s trying to get Tickets will cost $5 for evening shows. An open dress the courage to talk to the little red-haired girl that he likes. rehearsal will be held during school on May 2 and will cost Lucy is up to her same tricks to try and get Schroeder, $2 for students. Details about the event will be released at played junior Paul Santora, to like her, and Snoopy, played a later date. by junior Jahnique Brown, is pretending to be a World War - SNN Staff Writer Scotty Schenck contributed to this story.

I fighter pilot.

So far rehearsals are going well.

Rising musician gets early start at Lakewood

By ANGELICA SHEPPARD SNN Staff Writer

You may have seen her play the tuba with Lakewood High’s Soul of the South marching band during the December holiday parade. And you may have seen her again in the Martin Luther King parade in January. But what you didn’t know is that Georgia Dunning is actually an eighth grader who attends Bay Point Middle School.

“She’s a great musician and it’s always good to start early when you transition over to high school music,” band teacher Michael Kernodle said.

Georgia’s interest in the band was piqued when she shadowed her older sister, Lakewood junior Caroline Dunning.

“We visited the band. Then, Mr. Kernodle invited me to check out the marching practices. It escalated from there,” Georgia said.

Afterward she started practicing with the Soul of the South a few weeks before the holiday parade in Pinellas Park.

It’s not every day that you see a tuba player, especially not a girl playing tuba.

“I like taking risks. I wanted to try something girls didn't really do. Most girls want the flute or saxophone or other light instruments,” she said.

Georgia started playing the tuba around the seventh grade; she showed promise so she was transferred to the advanced band in the middle of the year.

When she first arrived at Lakewood and Kernodle introduced her to the other members, they welcomed her with open arms. “It was pretty good; it was nice to have another tuba come play with us,” senior Audrey Wallace said.

Georgia’s family is proud and happy that their daughter received this opportunity.

“I think it is a great opportunity for her to get better at playing the tuba and I think it is a chance for her to get used to the high school she is going to next year. It will make her transition easier as a freshman,” Georgia’s mom, Jennifer Dunning, said. “We love watching the high school band perform, and I am so thankful to them for allowing her to participate.”

BRANDON SWEAT | SNN

Junior tuba player Anfernee Harris gives eighth grade Bay Point Middle student Georgia Dunning a tip on playing the tuba at the MLK Parade on Jan. 20. Dunning will join the Lakewood student body in the fall.

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New club takes on world issues

By MAGGIE VERDINO

Every six weeks students in the Center for Journalism and Multimedia take field trips to sites in the Lakewood community, reporting on stories and taking photos and video. Enjoy our fourth installment on this page featuring Fire Station 8 on Martin Luther King Jr. Street S.

SNN Staff Writer

QUINDON NOLTON | SNN

By BOBBIE WRIGHT SNN Staff Writer

Fire Station 8's new building doesn’t just mean three new stainless steel fridges and separate rooms for each firefighter.

Their new firehouse, just around the corner from Lakewood High, allows for more efficiency during shifts and less maintenance, which saves taxpayers money.

“This is a green station,” Lt. Henry Simmons said. “I definitely won’t be around when the building gives out.”

The station, built in 2013, saves 60 percent more energy, and the station has a life expectancy of 50 years.

The building at 4701 Martin Luther King Jr. St. S also saves the firefighters time in the mornings. The old floors of Station 8 required periodical waxing and chemical detergents. The new floor is simply hot water mopped each morning.

A large number of windows around the station allow for natural light to cut the electric bill in half and with the help of the station’s butterfly roof, rainwater is gathered in a collection barrel to be used to irrigate the lawn.

Only five percent of the building’s exterior requires painting, because it is mainly made of brick, and the fire station itself allows for 30 percent more outside air and ventilation than a standard building.

Fire Station 8 is currently right in the middle of construction

that is being done on Martin Luther King Jr. Street.

Simmons described the road construction as a pain. It has forced the response teams to use Fourth Street to get to their destinations, but their response time remains the same. “[When there is a rescue call] everything stops and comes to an immediate halt. From there we have seven and a half minutes to get to the destination,” Simmons said.

Besides the ecological benefits around the fire station, the space comes with an open floor plan and gym space with new exercise equipment for the crew.

Wannamacher Jensen, the architecture company that designed the station, went through many models and floor plans as a process of elimination to arrive at the best, most efficient and functional design.

“Firefighters live a third of their life in the station … We feel it’s important that every project is unique to the surrounding site and the client’s specific needs,” architect Jason Jensen said.

A paramedic at Station 8 said the new building has had a positive effect on the crew.

“I like the gym,” Michael Christman said. “Along with the building maintenance, we are able to maintain ourselves."

QUINDON NOLTON | SNN

A fire hat sits on the seat of a fire truck at station No. 8 on Jan. 24. Station No. 8 was built in 2013 and conserves 60 percent more energy than other fire stations.

SANJULO KING | SNN

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Check out the Fire Station 8 multimedia video by Ben Effiom, Algernard Brown, Naudia McDaniel and Quindon Nolton at snntoday.pcsb.org.

For freshman Sydney Snyder, captain of Lakewood’s new Model United Nation’s team, the program is “a hands-on approach to get kids into politics and current events.”

Model UN is a role playing environment created to teach students important skills including public speaking, debate and how to research different topics relating to foreign countries. Members of the Model UN are referred to as delegates.

These delegates will discuss different world topics pertaining to their country and all the others affected by it. Delegates take part in conferences with other students from around the state. Lakewood’s Model UN currently has 10 members.

“I feel like issues on a world scale are a really good way to prepare you for the actual ones in real life,” Snyder said.

Snyder decided to bring the Model UN to Lakewood, with the help of English teacher Elizabeth Halstead. “I wanted to help out the group of kids because they needed a sponsor,” Halstead said.

The Model UN has been active for more than 40 years nationwide. The first assembly, under their original name of Model League of Nations Assembly, was run by Harvard University in 1927.

Delegates also take part in writing bills with their group. Each delegate figuratively represents different countries from around the world, as if they were part of the real UN. Thurgood Marshall Middle School, where most of the Model UN students came from, had a rather large program. “I feel like it’s a really good opportunity for kids to actually get into politics and have an actual grasp on current events,” Snyder said.

About two thirds of Lakewood’s Model UN members came from Thurgood, including the program’s president, freshman Will Shedden. Snyder, also from Thurgood, has been a part of Model UN for three years while Shedden has been in it for four.

Snyder said she expects more Thurgood students to come in next year.

Students can join by contacting Snyder.

The group soon will be having a car-wash fundraiser to help pay for their next conference. Meetings are during lunch in Halstead’s room, C205, on various dates.

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features

Spartans struggle with stress An SNN survey shows that 70 percent of students say they are stressed out.

By VICTORIA BISCHOFF SNN Staff Writer

Senior Sabrina Schmidt had five major breakdowns durand starts causing major damage to your health, your mood, ing first semester of this school year. your productivity, your relationships and your quality of “Cope? I don’t cope. I just muscle through,” Schmidt life,” according to an article published by HealthGuide.com. said. “I am a perfectionist and I tend to bite off more than I The main issue is that people today aren’t taught how to can chew, but in the end I swallow it down like a pill without properly cope, and the results of poor stress management are water. It’s tough, but it can be done.” visible.

Schmidt’s stress is not unusual for high school students.

“Crying, low grades, inattention to detail (and) emotional In a recent SNN survey of 211 Lakewood High School outbursts” are just a few of the signs psychology and U.S. students, 70 percent of students said they are moderately history teacher Gabriella Squarciafico-Volz said she sees in to highly stressed, and 93 percent said school is their main students. stressor.

“In my experience, stress Stress, as defined by related to academics typically “I am a perfectionist and I tend to bite off comes from students overexDictionary.com, is a state more than I can chew, but in the end I of mental or emotional tending themselves, lack of tension resulting from swallow it down like a pill without water." time management and lack of adverse or very demanding sleep,” she said. “Students …

- Sabrina Schmidt, 12th grade circumstances. need to learn their limitations.

Crying, hyperventilat(They) overextend themselves ing and engaging in otherwise unhealthy or self-destructive and eventually it is too much for them to handle. Identifying behavior are the essence of a meltdown. This is caused by what they can or cannot do will help alleviate some of the unmanaged stress and a lack of effective coping mechastress they experience." nisms.

While some students are dealing with stress in healthy The average student today has the same anxiety levels as ways like listening to music, meditating and exercising, oththe average psychiatric patient in the early 1950s, according ers may turn to drug and alcohol abuse, sleeping and being to an article published in 2008 by Psychology Today. physically destructive. However they handle it, students say The body’s natural stress response is a healthy coping stress is taking a detrimental toll on their health. mechanism that helps to deal with immediate danger, either “(I) come to school with headaches. (I) don’t want to real or imagined. When the body perceives a threat, the nerphysically be here,” senior Carlos Colindres said. vous system floods the bloodstream with stress hormones inIn more extreme cases, students’ bodies shut down altocluding adrenaline and cortisol, which cause a rise in blood gether. pressure, muscle tension, quickened heartbeat, heavy breath“One time it got to a point where my body lost all its ing and a sharpening of the senses. This causes a “fight or energy," junior Ryley Baker said, "and I had to stay home flight or freeze” response, according to Healthguide.com. from school for a few days and just sleep because I was so “But beyond a certain point, stress stops being helpful lethargic and depressed.”

Photo Ilustration by CARLOLLEE BRYAN

Signs of stress • Feeling overwhelmed, like you are losing control or need to take control • Low energy • Aches, pains and muscle tension • Nervousness or shaking, ringing in the ears, cold or sweaty hands or feet • Inability to focus • Constant worrying • Changes in appetite - either not eating or eating too much • Exhibiting more nervous behaviors, such as nail biting, fidgeting and pacing -WebMD.com

• • • • • •

How to cope with stress

Exercise Cut down on caffeine and sugar Learn time management Set aside relaxation time Eat a healthy diet Get enough sleep - PsychCentral.com, MedicalNewsToday.com, HelpGuide.org

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Recycling at Lakewood

By ANTHONY NIEMEIER and KASAI WALLER SNN Staff Writers

Sophomore Shyler Willett sorts through garbage in the back of science teacher James Kostka’s classroom. She is separating the recycling by paper, plastic and metals, but the problem is some people put the wrong recyclable trash in the wrong bins. At times she finds gum, food, used tissues and other sticky gross substances.

Willet has strong feelings toward these people.

“They’re stupid and need to watch what they’re doing,” she said.

Willett is part of Lakewood’s academy for Aquatic Management Systems and Environmental Technology. (AMSET) The program's students collect between 2-3,000 pounds of paper and 1,040 pounds of plastic annually. They also collect metal.

AMSET students pick up paper and plastic weekly from bins throughout the campus. Metal is collected four times a year from big blue plastic drums located around the school.

Students and Kostka then sort the recycling.

Kostka agrees with Willett. “It would help out if people put the right trash in the right bins; it’s disgusting really,” he said.

History teacher Jessica Heiser said she thinks students may be putting the wrong items in the wrong bins because “a lot of kids can be lazy.”

“Most of my kids do a great job of recycling,” she said, “(but) a lot of teachers don’t have recycling so (students) just get in the habit of throwing the bottles and cans in the trash.”

Metals are collected from specified bins and from the cafeteria and then sold to different companies. The plastic that is made of PETE 1 (polyethylene terephthalate) is separated and sent to the Pepsi Recycle Rally. The more recycling AMSET brings in for the Recycle Rally the more points they earn. These points can be cashed in for products and “Green Improvements” for Lakewood. Some larger plastic scraps are collected and used by the students in their Recycling Regatta, an event in which students build miniature boats out of recycled items and then race them.

Paper is picked up by Keep Pinellas Beautiful, a nonprofit organization that’s collects recycling from 20 different schools in Pinellas County. In total their organization collects about 40 percent of all recycling in the county.

“After pick-ups we send the recycling to our own facilities with incinerators and grinders,” KPB executive Jim Sanders said.

Junior Brittany Makuta, who helps out with the recycling program, said it’s important to recycle “because we can reuse those materials rather than killing more trees,” “We learn the importance of what happens to our environment when we don’t recycle compared to when we do,” she said about the AMSET program. “We can also raise money for the school for supplies through the amount of paper and cardboard we recycle.”

BEN EFFIOM | SNN

Freshman Alex Jacobson throws a stack of newspapers into a large recycling bin next to the CAT building on Feb. 7. Once a week AMSET students collect recyclable material from the classrooms at Lakewood.

CARLOLLEE BRYAN | SNN

AMSET students on Feb. 7 take off the plastic caps from bottles so they can be used to make bio filters.

Stage 3 CARLOLLEE BRYAN | SNN

Students separate cans from other materials on Feb. 7.

Design by KAHIL HOLMES Illustrations by SCOTTY SCHENCK

Students from James Kostka’s fifth period agricultural science class unloads a recycle bin next to the CAT building on Feb. 7. AMSET collects between 2-3,000 pounds of paper annually.

Stage 1: Disposal BEN EFFIOM | SNN

DE'QONTON DAVIS | SNN

Students dump paper in the recyling containers outside of the CAT building on Feb. 7.

Stage 2: Retrieval

CARLOLLEE BRYAN | SNN

3: Separation CARLOLLEE BRYAN| SNN

After AMSET students separate plastic from metal they put all the plastic bottles into bags to be collected. The more Lakewood recycles the more points they earn from Pepsi. The points can be cashed in for products to help with green improvements around Lakewood.

DE'QONTON DAVIS | SNN

Sophomore Zorina Harlan collects recyled materials from classrooms around campus on Feb. 7.

features

W e d n e s d a y, F e b r u a r y 2 6 , 2 0 1 4

BFFs until the end

Everyone should have at least one. Someone they can run to when they need a helping hand, someone to listen to their stories and make them laugh, someone who really understands them.

Here are some stories of longtime best friends at Lakewood High School.

By NAADIRAH DAVIS SNN Staff Writer

DE’QONTON DAVIS | SNN

Sophomore Eden Hessinger and junior Katherine Smith-Frazer, met in pre-k.

Junior Katherine Smith-Frazer said she adores her best friend, sophomore Eden Hessinger. The two have been best friends since before kindergarten. “Being a genuine person and always being there for each other” is what makes them such good friends, Hessinger said. A best friend is someone who is “trusting, has your back and (is) there to make you laugh,” SmithFrazer said. During their spare time, they like to go to the movies, hang out at each other’s houses or go to the beach together.

They are also on the Lakewood swim and dive team. The most exciting thing they have ever done together was going to Playlist Live, a YouTube convention in Orlando where they met famous YouTube celebrities. Both believe their friendship will continue. “There have been some bumps in the road, but we overcome them,” Hessinger said.

***

Like three peas in a pod, senior Jasmine Johnson has two best friends - seniors Ta'vasha Lovett and Ebony Thomas.

Thomas has been best friends with Johnson since fourth grade. They met at a Youth Arts Corps camp at Wildwood Recreation Center. Johnson and Lovett met in 10th grade. They all like to hang out at each other’s houses and they are in the marching band together. “I believe they’d never lie to me. I trust them 100 percent,” Johnson said. Lovett and Johnson have been working at Chuck E. Cheese's together since their junior year. They do every activity together. “We turn up to the max,” Thomas said. Each agrees that best friends should be loyal and trustworthy, always there when you need them through good and bad times and nonjudgmental.

***

DE’QONTON DAVIS | SNN

Seniors Rhianna Alejo and Tamarra Williams met their sophomore year.

Seniors Tamarra Williams and Rhianna Alejo met in sophomore English class. They found out they laugh just alike and they are equally goofy. “I love her because she is so pretty, funny, and it’s like we have a lot of similarities,” Alejo said. In their spare time they go to each other’s houses, go out to eat or go shopping. Despite their closeness, they don’t want to go to college together. “No. We are going to get tired of each other,” Alejo said. Even if they separate for college, they said they will always be there for each other. “In the end we still love each other,” Williams said.

Teacher Feature: Lakewood lovebirds

By DIONNE SANCHEZ SNN Staff Writer

Teachers fall in love in all types of ways whether it’s through chemistry, history - or even math.

Anthony Snead said he first noticed his future wife, Syreta, in his calculus class at Fort Valley State University in Atlanta. He thought she was cute and one day while she was walking in the parking lot, he decided to introduce himself. From there she ended up tutoring him - in math, of course.

Syreta Snead, now a math teacher at Lakewood, and computer teacher Anthony Snead, both 34, have been married for nine years. Anthony Snead graduated in 1997 from Dixie Hollins High School, and Syreta Snead graduated in 1998 from Southside High School in Atlanta.

Anthony Snead came to Lakewood in 2004 with the hopes of becoming a coach and filling a teacher posi-

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tion. Four years later, in 2008, Syreta Snead came to Lakewood, thinking it might be kind of fun to work at same school as her husband. They have two daughters Nyla, 6 and Elise, 3.

Both agree that working together was a good idea.

“I think it’s nice working at the same place because we deal with the same kind of kids (students) and we come with ideas to better ourselves,” Syreta Snead said.

“The good thing is automatically I have a friend that I can trust,” Anthony Snead said.

***

Lynsey Turner, 30, met Brian Turner, 36, when they both got a job at his alma mater, Greenbrier Christian Academy in Virginia Beach, Va. Lynsey Turner was a teacher and Brian Turner was the athletic director.

They worked the whole year together, but didn’t meet until that summer when Lynsey Turner volunteered to be a secretary at the school. They have been married for four years and have a son Jackson, 11.

Lynsey Turner came to Lakewood in 2012 as a U.S history teacher.

“I came because I wanted the opportunity to work with at-risk students,” Lynsey Turner said.

Brian Turner came in 2013 as an exceptional student education or ESE teacher.

“Even though we work at the same school, it’s like working in two different places,” Brian Turner said. His classroom is in the auditorium and her classroom is in A-Wing.

In spite of not seeing each other through the school day, they still try to at least have lunch together.

SPECIAL TO SNN

SPECIAL TO SNN

The Turners, above, got married four years ago, and the Sneads, left, got married nine years ago.

W e d n e s d a y, F e b r u a r y 2 6 , 2 0 1 4

Sneakerheads...

Being thrifty in St.Pete

By AMBER SEAY and AKELA HARRIS

fashion

That's one way around dress code

SNN Staff Writers

By NILAJA KING

Thrift shops – with everything from granddaddy sweaters to high-waisted shorts – are the new trend at Lakewood High.

According to the Association of Resale Professionals, more people are shopping at thrift stores these days because consumers are more value-conscious and like the idea of “recycling” clothes.

You see stars from Kanye West to Rihanna dressing in such edgy-cultured clothing, but who has money to spend on those expensive threads? Instead go to a thrift shop.

Because Lakewood can’t really claim its name “Hollywood High” due to dress code restrictions, students are finding another way to express their individual style: shoes.

Girls and guys, short and tall, freshmen and seniors are all becoming “sneakerheads.” There are three boys, however, who stand out in this mix.

Junior Nyquel Alexander, also known as “Big Eazy,” has a massive collection of shoes. “My shoes are important because it shows my different style. I want to be out in the open, make sure everybody knows me,” said Alexander, who owns about 25 pairs of shoes. Being different is what Alexander intended. He wants people from different schools to know of him and his shoe collection.

SNN Staff Writer

Senior Elias Gordon is another fashion forward sneakerhead.

If students aren’t looking at his shoes, they’re listening to his jokes. He gets everybody laughing, of course, but his shoes are most important to him. “My shoes all represent something. My plain shoes represent the day when I want to go out and relax. My stylish shoes represent when I have to get dressed up and look rich and famous,” Gordon said. He could not say exactly how many he owns, just that he has “plenty.”

Senior Kagerald Brown, who loves all kinds of shoes, was one of the original sneakerheads. He owns 75 pairs, and all of them are name brand, of course. “It’s basically my style you know. I’m a big sneakerhead. It’s just me,” Brown said.

Revolve 2000 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg

Several students point to this retro/hippy store on Fourth Street N as their favorite. Sophomore Immanuel White said they have the best clothing. Many of the items are used, but you can find some brand-new things also. White said he spends on average $96 a month. Senior Treniece Green and junior Jenna Ramirez also said that Revolve is one of their favorites. “I like buying clothes, but there are some clothes I can’t wear (to school) because of the dress code,” White said.

Sunshine Thrift Shop 2808 34th St. N, St. Petersburg

Sunshine has more of an older feeling to it. When you walk in, the aroma of hot popping popcorn fills the air, and it’s very inviting. When Sunshine receives clothing they refurbish all items, then they sell them. There are no new items here.

Sophomore Jazmyn Gale said she goes to Sunshine as does Green. “Thrift shops are like diamonds in the rough. … I highly suggest it because everything is cheaper,” Green said.

Kagerald Brown is wearing white Nike Air Forces.

Nyquel Alexander is wearing colorful New Balances.

Elias Gordon is wearing white, red and blue Jordans.

Goodwill 3365 Central Ave., St. Petersburg

Goodwill is a donation facility. When you buy the donated items, Goodwill uses the money to fund job training and other services. “Every time I go there they have a lot of new stuff,” Gale said.

PHOTOS BY MICHELLE WITCHER | SNN

Check out the sneakerhead multimedia video by Michelle Witcher and Gennesha Gage at snntoday.pcsb.org.

SNN

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opinion

W e d n e s d a y, F e b r u a r y 2 6 , 2 0 1 4

Editorial

Quick reactions can be deadly Patience is a virtue. However, there are many people out there who prove there must be a lack of it going around. It seems like people these days are quick to anger, with sometimes deadly consequences. People need to understand that violence is not the answer to disagreements we may have with each other.

In our school, we have a few fights a year, usually over silly things. Gossip and trash-talking provoke two people to become so angry that they want to hit each other. In the end it solves nothing, yet it provides a sense of pride, shame or entertainment, depending on if a person is in the fight or just watching.

Earlier this month, a fight at Gibbs High School went public, with a viral video of the incident posted on the Tampa Bay Times website. School fights are nothing new, and they occur at virtually every school, but they are nearly always unnecessary.

What’s worse is now fights are all over the internet, ready to be viewed millions of times. This changes the point of fighting from just a momentary burst of anger, to a show of strength which may linger in the wild west of the internet indefinitely. Unfortunately, often the schools that are noted in the media for students fighting are the schools in minority heavy areas, even though fights take place in schools throughout the county.

Outside of school, we see adults exhibiting violent outbursts, and they tend to end in tragedy. Take for example the Pasco County movie theatre shooting, in which retired police Capt.

Curtis Reeves shot and killed an unarmed man, Chad Oulson, over an argument they were having about texting. Reeves is claiming self-defense; however, the only nearly violent act committed against him was a report of Oulson throwing popcorn on him. This careless act of violence shocked the nation as yet again Florida’s Stand Your Ground law was being claimed for a highly questionable shooting death.

It boggles the mind to think that some people are so reactive

to confrontation. Had Reeves not been armed, perhaps the worst ending would have been a scene similar to a schoolyard fight.

In another recent retaliation case, Michael Dunn, 47, shot at several teenagers in an SUV at a Jacksonville gas station for refusing to turn down the loud rap music playing in the car, killing Jordan Davis, 17. Before shooting at the SUV, he told his girlfriend that he hates “thug music.” Dunn claims that Davis threatened his life with a shotgun, although no weapons were found in the vehicle.

After 30 hours of diliberation, Dunn was found guilty of three counts of second degree attempted murder for each of the living teens who were in the car. He faces up to 60 years in prison.

However, he was found not guilty of the murder of Jordan Davis, due to the jury's inability to determine if he acted in self-defense.

The judge declared a mistrial for the murder charge. Many hope this will result in a guilty verdict for the killing of Jordan Davis, finally serving justice to the unarmed boy.

This case is controversial due to the heavy indications of racism, the shooter being white and the unarmed teens being black.

Dunn has made other statements regarding race during his time in jail, as well. Stereotypes are often a strong motivation for violent outbursts such as this and it proves that we have a lot of work to do in society, not only to defeat overly violent tendencies, but also to have better representation of people of color in our media.

It is up to all of us to decide how we react to the actions of others. It is always our choice. Self-defense should never be abused as a way to justify senseless violence. Otherwise it loses its power.

In the meantime, keep calm and stay safe.

- This editorial reflects the opinion of the SNN staff and was written by opinion editor NIA CUMBERLANDER.

Your Voice:

Would you date someone outside your race?

Spartan News Network Staff Editor-in-Chief: Scotty Schenck News Chief: Zoe Blair-Andrews Design Chief: Kahil Holmes Multimedia Editor: Naudia McDaniel Photo Editor: Rachelle Gaddy Chief Photographer: Atiera Hopkins Web Master: Mariah Watts Feature Editor: Bobbie Wright Opinion Editor: Nia Cumberlander Entertainment Editors: Quindon Nolton and Jakob Barker Fashion Editor: Nilaja King Copy Chief: Caroline Dunning Copy Editor: Victoria Bischoff

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 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 Tampa Bay Times.

For more news, go to the SNN web site:

snntoday.pcsb.org

“My husband is South African. I didn’t really have a preference, but my parents were worried about how the world would accept us. I saw the person in him.”

-Veronique Musengwa, French teacher

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“No, because they have different cultures and I don't think I can adapt to it.”

- Marcus Everett, 9th grade

“I would date a white boy, if he was fine.”

- Gayle Jones, 11th grade

“I don’t really have a preference. I like a person for who they are.”

- Haley Saunders, 10th grade

“Yes, because everybody has a heartbeat and breathes the same air, and nobody's above anyone else.”

- Xavier Aguilar, 11th grade

Quotes and photos gathered by NAUDIA MCDANIEL, CARLOLLEE BRYAN and DE'QONTON DAVIS

W e d n e s d a y, F e b r u a r y 2 6 , 2 0 1 4

opinion

Columns

Black History Month: Some perspectives The 'N-word' is not our legacy

By MARILYN PARKER

Classy black people not 'acting white'

By DEMÉ DAVIS

SNN Staff Writer

SNN Staff Writer

“N----r,” a derogatory term originally used by whites to describe African-Americans, has been in use from as far back as the

early 1600’s.

Recently, African-American Studies teacher Harry Glover asked his students if they thought the word “thug” was the new “n----r.” The question came after an article was written about Seahawk’s cornerback Richard Sherman’s behavior when he won the NFC championship.

Most of the students agreed, that if the word “thug” is replaced with “n----r,” it could mean the same thing.

Blacks can argue as much as they want about a white author referring to a black man as a “thug.” But are blacks any better? Though not meant to be an insult, the word n----r is used constantly in the black community.

Whether blacks realize it or not, we degrade ourselves by using this word. We glorify rappers who make songs saying “my n---a, my n---a.” We promote this word, and think nothing of the conse-

quences.

Blacks might use the excuse that everyone uses this word so it’s okay for them to use it. The strength and courage we inherited from our ancestors, however, is shattered in a world where we allow ourselves to follow the status quo.

We as blacks have the opportunity and the means to educate ourselves and our children. This blessing is abused every day. How would Martin Luther King Jr. feel if he heard the people he fought for using the n-word so carelessly?

My question to African Americans is what do you want for yourself? We are capable of so much. Don’t argue that you’re being judged by your race, when you apply for a job with your pants sagging and slang coming from your mouths.

Standing for nothing, means you will fall for anything. We, of all people, should know that.

Blacks should take a moment to think of what this world has to offer. Get away from the sagging pants on the street corners. Get away from referring to your friends as n-words.

African Americans can amount to so much more; we just have to believe in ourselves to reach it.

“I mean with respect, we make her an outcast and she's black, but then ridicule her for only hanging out with she's not ‘black white people. black’.”

“Sadity” is a word constantly used in I hear this the black community to describe properstatement all acting black people, and it is not used in the time. This a complimentary way. It refers to people is said in the who put on airs or think they’re better most disapthan everybody else - in other words, how pointing tone of our society would perceive a white person. voice, like it’s I can’t wrap my head around why we a letdown that he doesn’t sag his pants, or would belittle our brothers and sisters who that she doesn’t are excelling in clap her hands life rather than I can’t wrap my head around why we with every loud would belittle our brothers and sisters uplift them or syllable she who are excelling in life rather than up- join them in shouts. their success. lift them or join them in their success.

In other It’s a confuswords, ghetto. ing concept, Since when did we start distributing the way we treat each other. race based on someone’s personality?

We need to develop an understanding This is nothing but a continuation of the that all things associated with classiness stereotypes that go with black and white are not always associated with white people. We insult our own people today people. We can be classy, too. Is it really by not knowing the difference between that complex, or is it just black people be“acting white” and carrying ourselves ing lazy? Either way, we should be for our with dignity. perseverance, not against it.

Because a black person presents herself

Florida State Fair limits should be stricter on teens

By MAGGIE VERDINO SNN Staff Writer

The Florida State Fair has put new limitations on students with free tickets after a ridiculous rampage involving 111 teenagers in early February. This limitation is, to be frank, overdue.

Many of us have seen first-hand what a fight can lead to.

Teenagers are out of control with their animalistic need to punch their way out of their problems and disagreements. The new policy of letting teenagers into the fair with adults only after 7 p.m. may fix some of the problems, but not all of them.

Teenagers fight. We all know that, but the idea that they only fight after 7 p.m. is a bit far-fetched. Even with supervision, I don’t think much will come with this change. Students still have the ability to fight while the sun’s up. We don’t stop fighting just because of the time.

The State Fair is going in the right direction, however, though their new rules will only upset the masses. Teenagers will only feel more obligated to fight the system, in a way.

Also, the Florida State Fair is only cutting itself short of its own money. Not a lot of kids have parents who want to babysit a group of teenagers, much less have the time. The 7 p.m. restriction will create a significant drop in their sales from 7 p.m. and on.

The solution should be to have more security at the Florida State Fair. More security officers, discreetly placed around the fairgrounds, would be able to spot a conflict before

it began.

Also, in theory, armed officers are more threatening than other teenagers, and may cause some teenagers to rethink any previous ideas about fighting others.

Teenagers are ridiculously out of control, and the level of social misconduct at the fair each year is unimaginable. Police reported that this sort of event happens every year. To think that something this absurd is almost considered normal of our generation makes me sick to my stomach. I know there are plenty of other teenagers who feel this way.

Our generation is horribly misrepresented by those who act the worst, and this needs to change. Is it honestly that hard to act your age? Students need to take on more responsibility for their action.

Only 12 of the 111 were arrested, and I feel that number is miniscule. Anyone involved should have faced some sort of charge. To let them get off scot free sends a message that the fair is the place to fight, because you won’t get in any trouble if there are enough people involved.

While there is no perfect solution, more security and more arrests would be more effective than forcing parents to babysit high school students who can’t behave like civil human beings.

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entertainment

W e d n e s d a y, F e b r u a r y 2 6 , 2 0 1 4

I Tried It: Bouncing off the walls

By DAVID HOCK SNN Staff Writer

Every person has probably dreamed once in his life of getting a chance to jump in a room full of trampolines. Well, your dreams can come true.

Daylan Perkins and I visited the Airheads Trampoline Arena at 12401 Belcher Road in Largo on Jan. 11. The visit was both amazing and tiring but definitely worth the price: $16.95 for unlimited jumping for one day and a pair of grip socks for $2.85. (I disliked the fact that we had to purchase a pair of socks, but, hey, they look pretty cool.)

Since it’s a trampoline arena there are possibilities of injuries, so those under 18 are required to fill out a consent form with a parent or guardian granting you per-

mission. After filling out the consent forms we checked out the food center. Their products are pricey so be sure to have a lot of cash on you if you plan to eat here.

We then headed for the trampoline area and bounced to it. It was very tiring and hot in the arena. Perkins was pulling tricks like a backflip, and I just kept falling on my face. We also watched some people play trampoline dodge ball and others play trampoline basketball.

After jumping about a good hour we headed toward the arcade center and had a blast with some of their games.

The day ended with us being exhausted and heading home.

Even though I constantly fell I would definitely return to Airheads and I would recommend it to anyone who likes to jump around and have a good time.

Internet's 'Homestuck' is a gut-busting comic

By AMBER BEIN SNN Staff Writer

His name is John Egbert and he’s about to trigger the apocalypse with a game called Sburb.

Egbert is the main character in the popular web comic known as Homestuck, which has people “honking” across the nation.

The comic is full of fish puns and Nicolas Cage.

Some have speculated that Homestuck is one of the longest pieces of English literature ever written and that it takes an average of 52 hours to read.

Andrew Hussie wrote Homestuck with many twists and turns that will make it hard to leave once you start. Homestuck has four main characters: Egbert, Rose Lalonde, Jade Harley and Dave Strider. All four characters start the end of the world with their game Sburb and must play it through to save it.

Egbert and his friends are not the only ones stuck in Sburb. Twelve trolls harass them on their journey. As the trolls become

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more important to the plot, the reader embarks on a side story of how they came to be and why they are in the comic.

Eventually the reader gets back to John and his Andrew Hussie friends as they try to beat the game and fix the game’s corruptions.

Hussie’s done more than one comic, and he links them all together throughout Homestuck. He also loves to add alternate dimensions to the plot. It’s an amazing read that will keep you laughing until the end which is quite a ways away.

So grab your laptop and Faygo and start reading. www.mspaintadventures.

DAVID HOCK | SNN

Junior Daylan Perkins does a handstand on a trampoline at Airheads in Largo. Airheads, 12401 Belcher Road, is an indoor trampoline arena.

Check out the Airheads multimedia video by Daylan Perkins and David Hock at snntoday.pcsb.org.

Who knew a dropout could do so much?

By QUINDON NOLTON SNN Staff Writer

Ten years ago this month Kanye West released his first solo album called The College Dropout with beautiful synths, violins and drums that took four years to record and produce. Even though ’Ye had a major car accident in 2002 he still managed to rap with a plate in his chin as described in the song Through the Wire and School Spirit.

West uses sampling for the first time on this album, taking a portion, or sample, of one sound recording and reusing it as an instrument or a sound recording in a different song, making his sound different from anything else that was put out in 2004. Not only was his sound different, but the song topics were completely original for that time period. For example, acts like 50 Cent and The Game were talking about violence while Kanye was talking about current news events and trends such as Polo.

On this 10-year anniversary, stop listening to the mainstream and take some time to focus on music that really matters. If you take another look at this album you will

find music that endures and is still great to this day - and you can still nod your head to it.

Roc-A-Fella Records

Kanye West’s The College Dropout, which won a Grammy for best rap album, was ahead of its time and was No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and U.S. Billboard Top Rap Albums in 2004. Music has drifted away from its main objective: having soul and being original.

Music today is falling into the norm – it all sounds the same.

Why not go back to 2004 for some inspiration?

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entertainment

'Ride Along' with this fun flick Kevin Hart plays a more mature role in his latest movie, but he doesn't lose the humor.

By NAUDIA MCDANIEL SNN Staff Writer

In Kevin Hart’s newest action-comedy movie Ride Along, directed by Tim Story, Hart plays the role of unintimidating and clever Ben Barber, an aspiring cop. Ben joins his cop brother-in-law James Payton (Ice Cube) on a 24-hour police ride-along to prove his worthiness of marrying James’ sister, Angela (Tika Sumpter).

During this ride along, Ben comes across many crime scenes, and is put to the test when he intervenes in James’ investiga-

tion of a case he has been working on for the majority of his police career. This case involves a mysterious figure named Omar (Laurence Fishburne), a mass murderer.

The movie has action-packed scenes of fist-fights and gunfights and it escalates when Angela is kidnapped and Ben has to save her. Though, as Angela says, Ben “can be weenie-ish,” he proves his love for her by fighting for her.

Hart has a surprising role. Most people

know him as a comedian, but in Ride Along, he pulls off the role of a more serious and mature young man. Ride Along, although different from most of Hart’s work, is a great action movie, which of course features his humor. There isn’t a single thing about this movie that I would criticize. It is sure to both impress and entertain the audience, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.

Universal Pictures

'Just One Day' starts romance to remember

Sometimes, it's hard to be a werewolf in high school

By DIONNE SANCHEZ SNN Staff Writer

This novel tells the story of a teenage girl who finds love on a one-day trip to France.

DUTTON BOOKS

By CAROLINE DUNNING SNN Staff Writer

Paris is known as the city of romance and love. Many teenage girls have dreamed of meeting their true love in Paris and telling their children and grandchildren their perfect love story.

In Just One Day, Gayle Forman tells the story of Allyson, a girl on her graduation trip to Europe who goes to see a Shakespeare play in London. While she is there, a group of actors in matching shirts comes to hand out flyers for Shakespeare in the Park. She decides to be adventurous and go, and while she is there she meets Willem, a handsome dark-haired guy who is a bit mysterious.

Willem invites Allyson, whom he addresses as Lulu, to join him on a one-day trip to Paris. She starts to fall for him, and at a coffee shop, Lulu asks Willem what his opinion on love is.

“You have to fall in love to be in love, but falling in love isn’t the same as being in love,” Willem said. She spends the night with him and wakes up to find him gone, almost as if she dreamed the whole encounter.

She goes back home to start college and decides to save up money and try to find him. After about four months, she heads back to Paris and with only his first name, tries to track him down. While most of the book is captivating, the ending is a bit of a letdown. It is not as romantic as one may suspect, but is interesting nonetheless. (Just One Year, the sequel, should make up for the odd ending of Just One Day.) Still, Just One Day would make a good chick flick. The story is laced with romance and would be amazing with the backdrop of Paris. I would recommend this book for teen girls looking for a cute romantic book to read. Forman, who also wrote the bestselling If I Stay, tells an intricate tale of love, sorrow and accidental fate.

High school is tough enough for teenagers, but what if you have to howl at the moon every night and try not to kill the ones you love?

In the popular MTV show Teen Wolf, Scott McCall, played by Tyler Posey, is dealing with high school, life - and being a werewolf.

Currently in its third season, Teen Wolf has defined a new level of the abnormal world. This season characters McCall, Allison Argent (Crystal Reed) and Stiles Stilinski (Dylan O’Brien) have to face an evil spirit called the Darkness, which controls them and makes it hard for them to tell what’s real or not.

In each episode, it is becoming clearer how each of the characters is slowly losing his or her mind. Scott can’t control his wolf and Stiles is constantly having nightmares - to the point where he doesn’t know if he is dreaming or not. As for Allison, she is imagining her dead aunt trying to kill her.

This season is so exciting because no one in the show is completely normal. One of the characters, Lydia Martin (Holland Roden), has the ability to know when someone is about to die. Another character can die for a few seconds then come back to life.

A new character, Kira Yukimura (Arden Cho), appears to be a regular girl, but when you take a picture of her with the flash, fire surrounds her and she can control electricity. Her kind is called a Kitsune (which is MTV a Japanese word for Fox) and despite her sweet and shy personality, she is considered a threat to the others.

Teen Wolf will give you chills every time you watch an episode. Scott usually has a handle on things, but in this season in particular he has no idea how to protect the ones he loves and is worried the evil spirit is going to take hold of him and make him do unthinkable things.

This show proves that you don’t need zombies and vampires to be awesome - just werewolves.

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sports

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Helping football players suit up off the field

By BOBBIE WRIGHT SNN Staff Writer

Off the field, high school football players typically are required to dress up on special occasions. During recruitment fairs for seniors, however, some of the athletes on Lakewood’s football team come underdressed, making it difficult for them to impress colleges.

“The first impression is the best impression,” local business owner Monique Statham said.

So the mother of two Pinellas Park football players started a non-profit community project called Suit Up, raising enough money to buy 10 suits for local high school athletes.

She donated five of the suits to Lakewood’s football team, dropping them off to head coach Cory Moore on Feb. 5. The other five went to Pinellas Park’s football team.

Two of the students who received suits are seniors Tyrae Boykins and Brujoun Bonner.

“It’s a good first impression when they see you and it makes you look like a businessman,” Boykins said. “You feel like you’re a professional.”

“It (feels) good to own your own suit instead of renting one,” Bonner said.

During 2012 Statham was one of many parents who attended the recruitment fairs with their teens.

Her oldest son graduated from Pinellas Park High School in 2012 and now plays college football. Another son of Statham’s is currently on Pinellas Park’s football team, following in his brother’s footsteps.

During the fairs, Statham noticed the lack of business attire among various high school football players in the community. That gave her and her husband the idea to start the nonprofit.

Suit Up caters to senior high school football players who are in need of good attire.

Their businesses slogan is “helping student-athletes make the right first impression.”

And that’s exactly what Statham has been doing.

Recently she applied for and won a Martin Luther King Jr. grant sponsored by St. Petersburg College. The grant totaled $800. Statham then personally went out and bought 10 suits to invest in different St. Petersburg high school teams.

The suits aren’t only intended for recruitment fairs, but for job interviews and other occasions where the athletes must represent themselves positively.

“I think it’s awesome. The community gives back as the players give back,” Moore said. “It’s a great relationship between the players and the community.”

Statham plans to keep in touch with Moore in order to donate even more suits toward the team.

“The goal is to suit up the whole team,” Moore said.

- SNN Staff Writers Deme Davis and Scotty Schenck contributed to this story.

MARIAH WATTS | SNN

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From left, seniors Andrew Davis and Brujoun Bonner, Coach Cory Moore and senior DarQuez Watson hold up the Lakewood "L" during their signing ceremony on Feb. 5. Davis and Bonner are wearing the donated suits.

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Rebuilding the Lady Spartans

BRANDON SWEAT | SNN

After a difficult season, the team hopes next year will be a fresh start

By OWEN DYCHES and ZACK EARLE SNN Staff Writers

After four years of being a powerhouse in girls’ basketball, the Lakewood Lady Spartans experienced an unusually disappointing season. Last year, the team lost six seniors and a plethora of experience, including Tianah Alvarado and Alexis Ungro.

This year the girls had a 4-11 season, including a loss to Gibbs, their biggest rival.

Coach Necole Tunsil promises next season will be very, very different.

The Spartans started the season with 13 varsity players and 11 junior varsity players. By the end of the season, the varsity team lost eight of the original 13 players due to grades and lack of dedication.

“We just needed more commitment and dedication,” Tunsil said. Toward the end of the season, the Lady Spartans started to pick up momentum, but ultimately the lack of experience cost them.

The players were also disappointed with how the season ended.

Sophomore Siyana Allen said she was frustrated with losing the intimidation factor the Lady Spartans have had in recent years. “It’s devastating,” Allen said. “We went from scaring people to getting laughed at.”

“It’s very hard. We were used to winning, so it can be hard to take in,” junior Deja' Swinton said.

Shortly after Swinton's interview with SNN, she left Lakewood for Boca Ciega High School. Tunsil said the rebuilding process was "a little too much for Deja."

"With her senior year coming up, I believe she needed an opportunity to win now," Tunsil said. "With her departure we still have all the pieces to go to Lakeland (state championships) without her. ... I am fine with her transfer and I wish her nothing but the best."

To give the returning core of the team more experience, Tunsil has placed the team in a spring league. The competition for the Lady Spartans includes teams from Hillsborough County, which Tunsil said will “give us a different look.”

Tunsil said she registered the team to play in the spring to keep the girls together and build the chemistry between them.

“We had good team chemistry, yeah, but the skill and experience still lacked. That was our ultimate demise,” Tunsil said. “Some of the girls didn’t have a lot of game experience. … This will help them learn the game better.”

- SNN staff writer Akela Harris contributed to this story.

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She's back and ready for action

Touchdown!

Bending steps up for flag football

By MARILYN PARKER SNN Staff Writer

Jazmyn Shorter has been here and done it. The new girls’ track coach is a proud Lakewood alumnus who still holds records from her time on the team.

Shorter, who graduated in 2007, holds the Lakewood record for the 200- and 400-meter dash. In her junior and senior year, she won the state title in the 400 meter.

“I always wanted to come back to Lakewood because that’s where I graduated from,” Shorter said. “It feels good to be back to somewhere you established yourself at. It’s very exciting for me.”

Senior Chyanna Passley, a member of the track team, said she appreciates the hard work the new coach is demanding. “(She is) challenging. She’ll push us. That’s all she wants,” Passley said.

Passley runs the same events as Shorter did her senior year. She expects her new coach to help her with her time, stride and turn-over and to beat the district record as well.

“She’ll sit down and talk with us. She will threaten a new harder workout if need be. Yes, it is (helping in the long run). We’re definitely getting stronger,” Passley said.

While pushing the girls to work hard, Shorter can’t escape the fact that she was once in their shoes.

One runner in particular brought Shorter back to her old days, saying she could see herself in her every day. “I relate to Dasia Hobbs because I feel like I was where she was. I see the potential and I see her in me. She has a great attitude.”

Hobbs, a freshman, said she appreciates her coach.“I feel like I can relate to her more because we ran the same events (when she was in high school) and she did the Amateur Athletic Union track when I did. She is a very good influence,” she said.

After graduating from Lakewood, Shorter received a full ride to the University of Kentucky, where she

sports

By SARAH MOORE and JAHAVEN HAYE SNN Staff Writers SARAH MOORE | SNN

Girls track coach Jazmyn Shorter is new to coaching, but not new to Lakewood High School. Shorter graduated in 2007 and holds two Lakewood track records.

gained experience on a nationally ranked team.

“I ranked nationally on the 4 by 4 team, and my personal best in the 400 was 52:9 and in the 200 with 23:73,” Shorter said.

She plans to train her team for their future. “We will work on a collegiate level. (I’m) trying to get them to the next level. In college we were disciplined, so that’s why I do it to them,” Shorter said. “My coach used to say ‘If you curse, you’re going to get big.”

Coach Shorter said the ultimate goal for the team this year is to be better than they were last year.

“The team is dedicated, hard-working, coachable and determined. I believe in them,” Shorter said. The coach has also sent a message to opponents this year. “The other teams don’t even know what’s about to happen. They have been the underdogs.”

Passley said she knows the discipline will pay off. “She has somewhat of an attitude. If we give her an attitude she’ll give us an attitude back. The attitude is worthwhile at the end of the day,” Passley said.

Ultimately, Shorter plans to have a great year. “I believe in them. They are a great group of girls,” Shorter said. “As long as they give 110 (percent) everyday, the results are going to be what they’re looking for, so never give up.”

With spring right around the corner Lakewood High School’s flag football team will be hiking into the season with a new coach.

Science teacher Justin Bending, a familiar face to many Spartans, will be hoping to continue the undefeated legacy of last year’s Lady Spartan team. Bending, 25, is not new to the game. He played football throughout his four years at Livonia Franklin High School in Michigan and flag football at a local recreation center.

“I’m expecting to have a great season. I’ve heard many great things about the team,” he said.

Bending, also the girls’ assistant soccer coach, said he’d take the job after the previous coach was unable to continue coaching due to other responsibilities.

“I got thrown into it. I did it as a favor. … I miss being active. It gives me something to do,” he said.

Senior Kaylee Polk, center and linebacker, said the season would be different with Bending, but she thinks he has good intentions. “I was a little surprised about the new coach, but I’m excited now,” Polk said.

Bending will not be coaching alone. He will have help from head soccer coach Jonathan Crouch, who will now be his assistant coach.

“I’m excited. It’s something new that I never did before. I have a lot of faith in coach Bending, he’s a good coach and football is his sport,” Crouch said.

Bending said this season will have plenty of talented players and the team will definitely be a force to be reckoned with.

“I’m going to be rough, tough, and all of the above,” he said.

Active senior 'is the ultimate competitor'

By MYESHA HALL SNN Staff Writer

Senior Davion Teaheartt has been dancing since he was 7 years old – though he’s never once taken a formal dance class. Ballet, hip hop and tap are the types of dance that he does. He also runs track and is in the marching band.

“I push myself to do better to the best of my ability,” said Teaheartt, who transferred to Lakewood from Gibbs at the beginning of the school year.

Teaheartt once danced on the show 106 & Park on Black Entertainment Television (B.E.T), which receives up to three-million viewers nationwide per show.

“Being on B.E.T was nerve-racking, but it felt really good being there. I felt famous because I was dancing in front of everyone. It was great and a dream come true,” he said.

Teaheartt got on B.E.T when someone from the channel saw him and the YouTube videos of his dance group, Kali Kali, and then requested them to appear. (Kali Kali stands for Keeping Audiences Live and Inspired.)

Senior Lavanja Peterson has known Teaheartt for five years and describes him as a good friend.

“I met Davion while I was dating this boy. I found out that he could dance and told him to audition for Kali Kali,” Peterson said.

“Davion is talented, outgoing, and very fun to be around. He always keeps you laughing.”

Teaheartt had his first track meet as a Spartan Feb. 13 at Gibbs High School. Though he is the type of athlete who can do any event, according to coach Anthony Snead, he prefers the 100- and 200-meter dash.

“Davion is the ultimate competitor. If you make the workout competitive, he will drain himself trying to win. He is a naturally talented athlete who can touch the sky with focus,” Snead said.

Though Teaheartt hopes to get a college scholarship for track, he says he will also continue dancing.

SHAYQUONE SEYMOUR | SNN “I told him, he has entertainment in his blood,” Snead said. “I think he has to practice more though. I have had dancers on my team Senior Davion Teaheartt dances in the past that would make Michael Jackson hire them. He is not at Lakewood's 2013 talent show. there yet."

- SNN Staff Writer Rashad Williams contributed to this story.

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The sun rises over Lakewood High Yes, 7 a.m. is too early for most of us, but photographers at SNN call it the golden hour. The golden hour is the first 30 minutes when the sun is just rising and bathes everything in gold. Here are some of SNN’s best morning light photos.

RACHELLE GADDY | SNN

The sun begins to rise over the practice field on Jan. 28.

The sun peeks around the front office doors of Lakewood on Aug. 27, 2013.

RACHELLE GADDY | SNN

Dew coats the bushes near the football field as the sun rises over the concession stand on Jan. 28.

RACHELLE GADDY | SNN

RACHELLE GADDY | SNN

A spider web is coated with water on Jan. 28.

BRANDON SWEAT | SNN

The sun's rays shine above the gymnasium on Aug. 28, 2013.

RACHELLE GADDY | SNN

Morning fog covers the Lakewood practice field on Feb. 3.

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