SNN November 2013

Three-Time Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Medalist

Making

history on Spartan Field - page 19

Friday night’s all right: football breakdown - pages 10-11

CJAMpalooza - pages 8-9

Vol. 5, No. 2

Lakewood High School - Nov. 13, 2013

snntoday.pcsb.org

the hub

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A word from

SNN

By SCOTTY SCHENCK SNN Editor in Chief

KAMDON MARTIN | SNN

Junior Alex Henley practices his swing at St. Petersburg Country Club on Oct. 8. The Lakewood golf team had four wins this season. “This season has been very tough, and our golf team is in (the) process of getting better,” Henley said.

It’s almost time to join CJAM! The Center for Journalism and Multimedia at Lakewood High School

See Ms. Tobin in C100 if you are interested in signing up for next year.

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On the web... * Guitar Class: Watch and listen to the sound of Lakewood’s guitar class documented by Daylan Perkins and Carlollee Bryan. * Volleyball: Watch our Lady Spartan Dhaneshia Shepherd spike on the court in the volleyball multimedia documented by Kejuan Samuels and Jordan Shorter. * Look into our football team’s new-

Check out the following multimedia stories on the Spartan News Network’s web site. Go to snntoday.pcsb. org and click on multimedia. est female addition, Corinna Cooper, documented by Miriele Paul. *Keyboarding class: Check out Lakewood’s keyboarding class documented

by Brandon Sweat and Michelle Witcher. * Recap homecoming: Go to our website to see photos and videos of Lakewood’s homecoming week. * Swing to the SNN website to watch the golf team documented by Kamdon Martin. * Eyes of Lakewood: Look into the eyes of Lakewood students documented by the introductory journalism classes.

Sometimes when I’m deep in a pensive state, I think about what influences I have on my life.

From movies to video games, how much do we enjoy and how much do we take as advice? I’d like to think that I have a good grasp on my life and my decisions, but rather than accepting blind vanity, I prefer to examine myself and see how much I leave in the hands of others.

Lately, it seems that some news organizations blame the media, music and video games for the violence in our culture. It is ironic though, seeing that news organizations are a part of the media (don’t go thinking it’s all a conspiracy now). I don’t think that these mediums for entertainment are the true source of cultural violence.

I’d like to believe that most of us have a level head on our shoulders and are able to comprehend the difference between fiction and reality.

We may be slightly influenced by these things, but it’s hard to connect the dots between pressing buttons and pulling a trigger. These mediums are meant as stress relievers, not a healthy stream of advice.

The media not only affect our decisions.

Our friends and family can have the largest impact on our ideals. It is good to turn to those we trust for honest advice and sometimes even the harshest admonishment is what we really need, though we rarely accept it. We tend to lean toward taking the advice we know makes us seem right, rather than taking the right advice.

All I can tell you is to keep an open mind to trustworthy individuals and to understand what is influencing you. Keep moral fiber in your diet and make the decisions you know are right. In the end, your friends can only advise what to do; you have to step up to the plate and be the person who does.

So, think hard Lakewood: what influences do you have?

Page 1 photo by Mariah Watts: Junior running back Corinna Cooper leans against the lockers at Boca Ciega High School on Oct. 4.

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Show must go on

By ZOE BLAIR-ANDREWS and SCOTTY SCHENCK SNN Staff Writers

Last year, it seemed the drama program was to be a rooster without its head: alive but without much sense of direction. English teacher Colleen Coughenour stepped down as head of the drama program, and many of the seniors who helped lead the program graduated. Music teacher Jacob Merrett offered to step up to be the sponsor if there were no other options last year.

As Merrett rose to be the leader of the drama club, students rose to be leaders as well. “I think they’re doing a great job stepping up … I pretty much let them run the meetings,” Merrett said.

Drama club president Ryan Rhodes, a senior, is one of the students stepping up.

He wants to see the drama club thrive this year. “I just want to show our principal that we can still put on a show,” Rhodes said.

Merrett said the drama program now has about 30 members, and at each meeting they see about 20 of those members.

Anyone can attend the meeting in Merrett’s room on every other Thursday. However,

since they are currently preparing their pieces for the district competitions, Rhodes said there might not be too much for new members to do, but he is glad to see people join.

“People who are genuinely interested in drama make my day,” Rhodes said.

Rhodes isn’t the only one who wants to see drama succeed. “We want to do the best job we can with the limited resources they have,” Merrett said.

With running National Honor Society (NHS), Tri-M Music Honor Society, teaching AP music theory and musical theater class and the drama club, Merrett certainly has his hands full. He hopes eventually someone who can devote more time to the drama program than he can will step up to be the sponsor.

“We’re still actively seeking a new sponsor … I want someone more capable … I care about the program; the kids are awesome,” Merrett said.

However, the drama students are happy

AVID teacher honored

By AMBER SEAY and NAADIRAH DAVIS SNN Staff Writers

AVID and Spanish teacher Linda SanHowever, Santiago had been mentoring tiago was recently honored as an outstandFernandez since he was in ninth grade, ing educator by a former student. helping him gain mastery over the Spanish Kent Fernandez, a 2013 graduate of language.

Lakewood who “Mrs. Santiago received a full ride genuinely cares for scholarship to the her students and University of Chiwants to see them cago, said Santiago succeed. She forms was his favorite bonds with her teacher. students through “When I found that care and uses out about the it to push them to award, I knew I excel,” he said. wanted to nomiSenior Tavanate her,” Fernansha Lovette said dez said. “Mrs. she had Santiago ATIERA HOPKINS | SNN in 10th grade for Santiago has been Spanish teacher Linda Santiago helps like a second AVID 2. “I believe mother at school to students during a group activity. SanMrs. Santiago me.” deserves it. She tiago was honored as an outstanding When she heard educator by a former student who now goes out of her way the news, Santiago attends the University of Chicago. to help students said she cried. “It be successful and made me feel special because it was from a make sure they’re on the right track,” she student,” she said. said.

Santiago has been a teacher for 20 Freshmen experience teacher Anthony years, seven at Lakewood.

Lawrence said he also thinks Santiago “I can’t see myself doing anything else. deserves the recognition.

I love to help kids and guide them,” she “I’ve been here as a teacher for the last said. four years. Santiago sticks out as a conSantiago taught Fernandez AP Spanish summate professional, and she really, really his senior year when another teacher was loves the kids. The only thing I don’t like promoted to St. Petersburg High School. about her is she’s a Gator fan,” he said.

KAMDON MARTIN | SNN

Students practice at a drama club meeting on Sept. 26. The drama club is now run by music teacher Jacob Merrett. the program got to stay alive this year. be hosting the school talent show on Nov. “He’s got a lot of things on his plate … but 22, and having a showcase on Dec. 3 where he’s there. … I’m very thankful we have they will perform the pieces they plan to him,” Rhodes said. take to the district competition on Dec. 7.

Even with the changes the drama proThey also will be doing a musical in the gram has had in the past year, it still has spring. big plans for the year. The drama club will

Student trip planned to national park

By VICTORIA BISCHOFF SNN Staff Writer

English teacher Kristie Dowling has proposed a five-day trip to Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park planned by the professional travel company Grand Classroom.

The trip would take place from June 9-13. However, there have been a few setbacks.

“The price of the trip has proven to be probably too much for the majority of the students,” Dowling said. “$2,100 is a lot of money.”

Although scholarships are not available, Dowling believes that students will be able to raise about half of the trip fee through car washes, tagging, candy sales and possible Yankee Candle sales. Meetings will be held once a week to discuss fundraising.

The goal of this trip is to provide an opportunity to escape from society.

Dowling said she wants the trip to parallel themes from American literary works where “one of the characters goes off to live in the woods, in the wild, escapes into their own home” and

ultimately experiences solitude.

“I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be great if we tried to somewhat experience what they were experiencing?’ That’s how this Yellowstone trip came to happen,” Dowling said.

Although the interest meeting on Oct. 17 didn’t go as well as she had hoped, Dowling is confident that the trip is still happening. So far, six students have paid the $99 registration fee and five more have shown serious interest in attending.

“I need eight students firm to go on the trip. … So I think it’s going to happen,” Dowling said.

Since the trip isn’t technically school related, anyone can attend including family members, friends and students who do not attend Lakewood and there are no school requirements. Dowling will be the only chaperone along with two guides from Grand Classroom.

For more information visit www. grandclassroom.com/trips/2014/lakewood.

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Will students follow new texting ban?

By MYESHA HALL SNN Staff Writer

It’s time to stash away cell phones and keep your hands on the wheel. Florida’s new texting and driving law took effect Oct. 1.

“I think it’s a great law; people have been killed in texting-related accidents,” driver’s ed teacher Victor Williams said.

However, Williams said he thinks the penalties for texting are not enough. Right now, the fine is $30 plus court costs for the first offense and $60 for the second offense.

“I think people will still text until the law is a primary violation and the penalties are more harsh,” Williams said.

Drivers have to be in violation of another law first, like speeding. According to the law, drivers can still use phones for music, navigation apps or to pick up a phone call. The first violation will result in a fine, and the second counts as a moving violation while adding points to your driver’s license. The law also states that you can text or email when you're at a red light. Florida joins 40 other states in the United States where it is illegal to text and

drive.

“I think that it’s a really good law because people need to focus on the road when driving instead of their phone to prevent collisions,” junior Sam Talmadge said.

Senior Elias Gordon said he doesn’t think that a lot of people will follow the law because most people are going to still be tempted to check their messages.

“I feel like the law needs to be modified a little more, but it’s still a pretty good law,” he said.

Williams said that if drivers are tempted to text while driving, they should place their phones in a place out of reach.

“I’ve tried texting and driving; however, I know very quickly that if I have issues texting while sitting on my couch, I’m putting other motorists in danger. When a driver’s awareness and focus drift to anything other than the driving task, it becomes very dangerous,” he said.

- Jamario Henderson contributed to this story.

Tech teacher takes on programming team

By SCOTTY SCHENCK SNN Staff Writer

The smell of pizza, the sound of keyboards and the chatter of students in computer science teacher Melissa Heeren’s room was a common sight on Thursday afternoons last year. After Heeren, who sponsored the team for two years, transferred to another school, members of the programming team wondered what would become of their club.

Then came computer science teacher Robert Tencza.

“He’s stepping up,” said senior Lauren Hastings, who is the co-president of the organization, alongside senior Michael Atanasio. “He’s very responsive to our suggestions.”

Tencza now teaches all intro to programming and AP computer science classes. He said he decided, at the end of last school year, to sponsor the team and traveled with them to a meet at Timber Creek High School in Orlando.

They had their first match on Oct. 17.

Hastings said the meet was a basic match and was meant primarily to get members ready for more advanced competitions. The Florida High School Programming Series and Timber Creek High School hosted the match.

Senior Chris Woodle competed and placed 14 out of 44 competing teams. He and team-

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mate senior Paul Bagaric placed second out of all the teams from Lakewood. They were only bested by a team of both co-presidents, Hastings and Atanasio, who placed 11.

“We did not win, but we placed very well,” Woodle said.

Tencza said the team will have five competitions throughout the year, one happening each month. They will take place in various places, including the University of Florida, University of Central Florida, Stetson University and at Timber Creek.

Tencza is also trying to change up the way members are practicing. The members still come to practice and work on practice problems online like last year. However, he is working on making videos in which he explains important aspects of computer science that are no longer taught in many courses. By watching these videos, seniors will gain more knowledge and be able to pass it down to students who don’t have as much experience, Tencza said.

“By the time (the less-experienced members are) in the driver’s seat, they’ll have extensive knowledge,” Tencza said. “The seniors are more than happy to share their information.”

Photo Illustration by RACHELLE GADDY

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The battle of C-wing

By ANGELICA SHEPPARD and MAGGIE VERDINO SNN Staff Writers

It seems like students aren’t the only ones who like to pull pranks. Upstairs C-wing has become a battlefield for history teacher Jessica Heiser and English teacher Elizabeth Halstead.

The prank war started with a Rays’ sticker that appeared on Halstead’s door a couple days before Open House. Halstead accused Heiser of placing the sticker on her door, and though Heiser did not commit the crime, it did give her an idea.

“I had to let her know what a tag from Ms. Heiser would look like,” she said.

In response to the accusation Heiser took about a dozen of her school photos and stuck them in various places in Halstead’s room. “What am I going to do with a million pictures of me? Like I’m not going to send them to my mom,” Heiser said.

It was obvious to Halstead that Heiser had tagged her room, so Halstead began to plot her revenge. She recruited English teacher Angela Hawkins to help in the prank, “and I retaliated by flipping all of her desks over with the help of Hawkins.” The desks were placed in the shape of an H for Halstead.

Heiser’s first period was rather shocked by what had happened overnight. “We spent the next 10 minutes trying to put them back,” freshman Daniel Denison said. “Everyone thought it was funny.”

Not going down so easily Heiser began to plan her next prank. “I can’t be the last one to be gotten,” Heiser said at the time.

Heiser was quick to get her revenge and planned a devious prank for Halstead and her desk-flipping ways. Heiser snuck out to Halstead’s car in the middle of the day, and “slashed” her tires. She asked guidance counselor Veronica Pruitt to send Halstead an email informing her of the unfortunate incident with her car at the end of the day.

A distraught Halstead asked Hawkins to come with her to check on the tires, but they were shocked and pleasantly surprised when they found that her tires had not actually been slashed. Heiser had taken pictures of Saul Hudson, also known as Slash – the former lead guitarist from Guns N’ Roses - and taped them to all of her tires.

Next, Halstead found her revenge in a funny play on words. She snuck into Heiser’s room early in the morning and stacked all of her textbooks against her front door and left

a note saying, “Heiser, the odds are stacked against you.”

Early morning, Oct. 11, Halstead entered her room to discover that Heiser had gone and taken various objects, including a stapler and her white board cleaner.

When asked who she thought would win the prank war, CARLOLLEE BRYAN | SNN Hawkins decided English teacher Elizabeth Halstead stacks books in front of to side with her history teacher Jessica Heiser’s door after she went home. fellow English The two teachers have been playing pranks on each other teacher and vote since the beginning of the school year. for Halstead, while math teacher John Smith said he is proudly on Heiser’s side. History teacher Michael Mims, however, is remaining neutral. “I’m Switzerland,” he said.

The prank war is expected to continue through the year, and the ball is in Halstead’s court. Keep your eyes on C-wing for future prank war mischief.

-SNN Staff Writers Jaide Burgess and Gennesha Gage contributed to this story.

A conversation with: Delta GEMS advisor Tara Fowler Many girls try to join a sorority when they get to college, but some have the opportunity at a younger age – high school. The Delta GEMS is a group for young African-American women that helps instill in them a sense of giving. Sorority advisor and AVID coordinator Tara Fowler talks with SNN about the Delta GEMS program and the group’s work in the community.

By CAROLINE DUNNING SNN Staff Writer

Q. What are the Delta GEMS? A. Delta GEMS is an organization that Delta Sigma Theta developed for young ladies in high school. Some come from Delta Academy.

Q. What does the acronym GEMS stand for?

A. Growing Empowering Myself Successfully Q. What does a Delta GEM do?

A. We talk about self-esteem; we talk about female bodies and taking care of yourself. We go on college tours and do community service, like adopt-a-highway and Ronald McDonald house. We send baskets out to families during Thanksgiving and Christmas to instill community service within our girls.

Q. Why do you think it’s important for kids to join these organizations?

A. I think it’s very important to have these programs. We try to teach our young people how important it is to give back.

Q. Do you need to have any qualifica-

tions to join the Delta GEMS? If so, what are they?

A. GPA of 2.0, but strive for a 2.5. Applications turned in on time. From August to May, make the commitment that they’ll participate and work hard in school. No fee.

Q. How many total students are involved with the Delta GEMS? How many are just at Lakewood?

A. About 35 total students with about 10 from Lakewood.

Q. Why did you become involved with Delta Sigma Theta in college?

A. I crossed over in spring of 1998 at Fayetteville State University in North Carolina. I wanted to be a part of it because even though there were so many other sororities, the women in my life that are influential to me were Deltas, like my mom’s friend, my math teacher, my science teacher and many of my other family members. The strong women I saw in my life were Deltas. When I got to campus, I decided to see if they wanted

me to be involved. It’s a sisterhood; you may not know a lot of the girls involved, but it’s a sisterhood. It’s like a family. In Washington D.C., we had a reunion to celebrate 100 years and 60,000 women attended.

Q. What have you learned from being involved with this program?

A. I’ve learned that it’s been good to give back, which is one of the things we strive to do, and it’s taught me to help others.

It’s always good for young people to see adults as humans. That’s how you build relationships with kids; it allows us to be open and honest with our girls.

Q. What do you think the students can learn from the Delta GEMS? DEME’ DAVIS | SNN A. When our students graduate, what AVID coordinator and Delta GEMS advisor they get out of it is a sense of pride and Tara Fowler stands with another Delta GEMS self-esteem. When they graduate, they advisor, Y'Desha Alsup, at an induction cerfigure out who they are and that they can emony at the Carter G. Woodson Museum do anything they set their mind to. They on Sept. 7. gain a sense of sisterhood too. You know you can lean on anyone in that group to support you.

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I Tried It: fUN-LAN Drive In Theatre

By BOBBIE WRIGHT SNN Staff Writer

Back in the 1950s, the theatre had one screen for 700 viewers. Fun-Lan Drive In, in its prime, could have been called the hang-out spot of Tampa. This was before everyone flocked to enclosed rooms that provide eardrum shattering surround sound, fights over armrests and (if you’re lucky) that one guy who continues to have a conversation with the actors as if he expects them to respond.

Sometimes, I wonder what it’s like to avoid the cons that come with attending a regular movie theatre. I asked myself, before trying the drivein: What would it be like to watch a movie without being surrounded by quirky strangers and with total control over the volume so I’m not deaf by the age of 30?

Today, Fun-Lan Drive In is still located in east Tampa on Hillsborough Avenue. The drive-in doubles as a “Swap Shop” where vendors can trade one thing for another, but at night it’s all about the latest movies. And, yes, contrary to popular belief, the newest movies are shown at the drive-in that now has three additional screens.

So, accompanied by my friends for a lovely ladies night out, I set off from St. Petersburg and headed to Tampa, happy to know that I would be able to experience a drive-in movie for the very first time.

As Lakewood High School junior and our frustrated driver, Tori Bischoff, simmered down from having to inch her car through 5 p.m. traffic, I got my first view of the drive-in and its nearly deserted parking lot.

After purchasing tickets to see the horror film Carrie,

I got a real view of the aging drivein. No longer did the parking lot hold speakers that were embedded in the ground. Instead we were instructed to turn our radios to 88.3 FM. Now, the station numbers may not seem relevant, but I had to mention it, as it is now engraved in my brain. You see, three minutes into the movie, and Tori was still trying to get that darn station.

We chanted 88.3 as the illuminated numbers jumped around that particular station and eventually, using the combined brain power of four teenage girls, we realized the radio was set to AM and needed to be on FM. With the help of this hiccup and the movie viewers that began to join ANGELICA SHEPPARD | SNN us, I began constructing a short list of Juniors Caroline Dunning, left, and Bobbie Wright cower in fear pros and cons of the whole drive-in while watching Carrie at the Fun-Lan Drive In Theatre on 2302 E Hillsexperience. borough Ave., Tampa.

PRO: Laughing/screaming as loud But even with those let downs, if this drive-in theatre as you want in the middle of a horror film because you’re was down the street, I would go there every night. I love in your own car. the feel of being secluded in my own space. It’s nice not to CON: Some people don’t know how to turn off their have the urge to spend my money on overpriced popcorn. own headlights, which distracts from the movie.

I also wasn’t surrounded by annoying strangers or PRO: Volume control. (YES) afraid to lean over and make a comment to my friend. I CON: When you accidently turn to a Spanish rap stacould be as loud and lively as I wanted. It’s everything tion in the middle of the movie… I’m not sure if that’s the you’d want out of a movie experience with a classic feel drive-in’s fault or the viewers. Pretty sure it’s the viewers. thrown in.

CON: Do you realize how much gas Tori wasted?

Rubik’s problem solvers

By KAHIL HOLMES SNN Staff Writer

DE’QONTON DAVIS | SNN

Freshman Ethan Smith solves a Rubik’s Cube on Oct. 31.

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During break, deep in the depths of Jason Ness’ robotics classroom you can find them building robots or solving their Rubik’s Cubes of many shapes, sizes and levels of difficulty. The Cubers are a group of kids who solve Rubik’s Cubes in their spare time for fun.

Freshman Ethan Smith is one of students who helped start this group.

“I started last year near the end of the school year,” Smith said. “The best way to learn (how to solve a Rubik’s Cube) is to look at the solution guide online.” Although Smith started just recently he can solve many cubes. His fastest solve is 32 seconds.

Another Cuber is freshmen Kurban Ali, who also

started cubing last year, solved his first cube this year.

“Cubing is interesting because it’s something that most people cannot do,” Ali said. Ali solved a cube in 37 seconds. “I am working on a new method that is faster, but much more intensive,” he said.

“I cube with whoever I’m around,” Ali said. “At lunch I’ll be standing with friends solving a 3x3, 4x4, Pyraminx, Megaminx, and many others.” A 3x3, 4x4, Pyraminx and Megaminx are different types of Rubik’s cubes.

“Half the fun is just seeing people’s minds explode while I’m doing it,” Smith said.

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Would You Rather ...

By AKELA HARRIS SNN Staff Writer

SNN created a list of goofy, wild questions that we’ve asked people around the Spartan campus, questions that tell you something about the people you go to school with each day. Check out the answers assistant principal Susan Alvaro gave us when she was hit with these crazy queries.

Q. Would you rather go back in time and meet your ancestors or go into the future and meet your great grandchildren, why?

A. Go in the future and meet my great-grandchildren just to see if my children taught their children who taught their children about me, if they know my name.

Q.Would you rather go on a dream vacation for two weeks or spend five days with anybody of your choosing in your hometown, who and why?

A. Five days with my mom who passed away in Pennsylvania to watch the Philadelphia Eagles game, eat pretzels and Philly steak and cheese.

Q. Would you rather get free Starbucks for a year or free iTunes forever and why?

A. Free iTunes forever because the cost of those songs can add up after a while.

Q.Would you rather be the richest person on the planet or be immortal and why?

A. Richest person on the planet because I can have all the plastic surgery, houses and clothes I want, also give my children what they want.

Q.Would you rather have no one show up to your wedding or have no one show up to your funeral and why?

A. No one show up to my wedding because I’m not doing that again.

Q. Would you rather be paralyzed from the neck down and after five years fully recover or be in a coma for five years and after five years fully recover, and why?

A. Be paralyzed for five years because then my family wouldn’t be sad and my family would be able to spend time with me.

Q. Would you rather always know when someone is lying or always get away with lying and why?

A. Always get away with lying because I don’t lie and people tell me I don’t have a poker face so I’d like to try it for once.

KENYA HOWARD | SNN

Q. Would you rather have a rewind button in your life or have a pause button in your life and why?

A. A rewind button because if you rewind far enough you get to relive your entire life but if you pause it’s only for a short period of time.

Q. Would you rather be famous or be best friends with someone famous and why?

A. Be famous because I want all the money.

Q. Would you rather have a zombie apocalypse or have a World War III and why?

A. World War III because I have full faith in our military and they will take care of everything.

What’s on your playlist?

By ANTHONY NIEMEIER and JALEN MIDDLETON SNN Staff Writers

Music can be a clue to someone’s personality. SNN went around the campus interviewing students and teachers about the kinds of music they listen to. Here’s a look at some of the things we found out about the musical tastes of your friends and faculty.

Kelly Bellinger, 10th grade Favorite Genre: Alternative Favorite Artists: Maroon 5, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Adam Levine Favorite Song: Hotel California (Cover) by Red Hot Chili Peppers “The state (that) music is in, is stupid, because it’s like what Miley Cyrus does is fake and over the top…I avoid scream and death metal music.”

Kendrick Auty, 10th grade Favorite Genre: Hip-hop/jazz Favorite Artists: Nas, MF DOOM, Madlib and Louis Armstrong Favorite Songs: I Gave You Power by Nas, Accordion by MF Doom “My feelings about music right now are that it sucks, real hip-hop is dead.”

Joshua Plant, math teacher Favorite Genre: Folk Favorite Artist: Jack Johnson Favorite Song: Washing Dishes by Jack Johnson “I’ve seen him perform live in Tampa; it was the best show ever.”

Jazmyn Gale, 10th grade Favorite Genre: Hip-Hop, R&B Favorite Artists: Jay-Z, Arianna Grande Favorite Songs: Tom Ford by JayZ, Baby I by Arianna Grande “My feeling about music? I couldn’t live without it. Even if I don’t have headphones I just couldn’t live without it.”

Justin Bending, science teacher Favorite Genre: Rock ‘n’ Roll Favorite Band: Rise Against Favorite Song: Savior by Rise Against “I’ve seen them perform a couple times at Warped Tour. Mosh pits and sweaty bodies, you know, there’s nothing like it.”

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Every six weeks students in the Center for Journalism and Multimedia are taking field trips to sites in the Lakewood community, reporting on stories and taking photos and video.

Enjoy our first installment on these two pages.

ATIERA HOPKINS | SNN

Purple berries grow on the trees at the Indian Mound in south St. Petersburg. The mound contains sand, shells and artifacts left behind by the Tocabaga Indians, who first inhabited Pinellas County before the Europeans’ arrived.

KC SHELTON | SNN

The Indian mound at Mound Place and Bethel Way S in the Pink Streets neighborhood of south St. Petersburg is being preserved by the city and watched over by neighbors.

INDIAN MOUND: A PIECE OF HISTORY IN THE PINK STREETS

By BOBBIE WRIGHT and VICTORIA BISCHOFF SNN Staff Writers

A special piece of history lies in the neighborhood near Lakewood High School on Mound Place and Bethel Way S. A mound of sand, shells and soil signify the civilization that first inhabited Pinellas County long before the Europeans’ arrived on their land and decimated the Tocabaga peoples.

There are no living descendants of the Tocabaga tribe, but the residents around the now-fenced-in land where the mound is say they feel an obligation to the historical site. Residents of the Pink Streets have made sure the city does its job in protecting the sacred area.

Since 2007, updates have been made in favor of the mound’s safety, such as fencing and growth of vegetation to fight against erosion.

“If (the city) left it the way it was, it was going to be destroyed,” Pink Streets resident Tom Gardiner said. He used to go to the Indian Mound with his kids. Prior to the preservation efforts, Gardiner said there was vandalism and that people were tearing bark off of the oak trees. “It’s a piece of history,” Gardiner said.

“There’s a neighborhood-watch kind of mentality around here,” said Jeff Moates, director of the Florida Public Archaeology Network.

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Moates met Spartan News Network (SNN) reporters in late September at the Indian Mound to discuss the historical background and value of the mound to Pinellas County.

Moates explained that the flat-top Indian mound, also known as a temple mound, was the site of civic and religious ceremonies performed by the Native American priests. Because of their high status, it was believed that the priests lived on top of the mound, in what archaeologists assume were man-made temples.

In the late 1980s, laws were put into place to protect the mound from destruction. Because it’s illegal to dig up Native American remains, no one actually knows what’s inside the mounds, though researchers think the priests and other artifacts the Tocabaga people used in their daily lives were buried there, Moates said.

Any landmark-disturbing activities have to be approved by a board since the mound, which is located in a city park, is protected by city ordinance.

“The neighborhood takes a lot of pride in this place,” Moates said.

-SNN Staff Writer KC Shelton contributed to this story.

To see a multimedia report about the Indian Mounds by Kimberly McEntegart, go to snntoday.pcsb.org.

RACHELLE GADDY | SNN

Director of the Florida Public Archaeology Network Jeff Moates stands near the Indian Mound near Lakewood High School. “The neighborhood takes a lot of pride in this place,” Moates said.

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features

Munch’s has history in Lakewood community

By DIONNE SANCHEZ SNN Staff Writer

The restaurant has an old-time feel with a little bit of modern as well. Ray’s baseball gear hangs by the cashier, a cutout of Elvis stands in the back and tie-dyed t-shirts hang from the ceiling.

It is known as Munch’s.

The restaurant first opened in 1952 as a sundries store on Sixth Street S. It sold school supplies, candy, bread and milk.

“Back then there was no 7-Eleven, nothing like that. It was more like a general store,” said owner Larry Munch, a 1972 Lakewood graduate. “People would come here to rent vacuum cleaners and drop off laundry, and if they needed cough medicine we carried cough medicine and aspirin and toothpaste.”

Munch said his restaurant, a five-minute drive from Lakewood, has lasted so long and has been so successful because of his employees.

“I give my employees a lot of credit because they have been with me so long,” Munch said.

“I love him, he’s a sweetie. I saw an ad in the paper … and I started work the next day,” said server Debbie Ann White, who has been working at this restaurant for 19 years.

Jesse Burke, 63, lives in St. Petersburg and comes to Munch’s about two times a month. “I believe Munch’s has been around so long because of the consistent service,”

Burke said.

The restaurant is known for several specialty dishes, including Texas hash and fried chicken. Munch came up with the idea for the Texas hash 15 years ago and his motive was to try to get away from pork.

“I took three months of experimenting to come up with the right flavor. It doesn’t just happen overnight. … That’s how you come up with a recipe,” he said.

Munch’s mom had been cooking the fried chicken for many years, and he just happened to inherit it. Munch says that the cooks use 12 different ingredients, marinate it and fry it in peanut oil.

“So if you’re going to have fried chicken at least it’s going to be put in peanut oil, if there is such a thing as healthy fried chicken,” Munch said.

Kerry Johnson, 45, lives in Atlanta, Ga., and comes to Munch’s about five times a year. “(My) favorite food is the fried chicken and fried green tomatoes because it’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside,” Johnson said.

Debbie Cunningham, 55, lives in St. Petersburg and comes to Munch’s about six or seven times a month. “I like Munch’s because of the food, the service and the friendly atmosphere,” she said.

In 2011, Munch’s was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, a show on the

JULIE SMITH-FRAZER | SNN

Munch’s, a cozy and unique place to eat in south St. Petersburg, has been on Sixth Street S since 1952. It is known for its Texas hash, fried chicken and fried green tomatoes.

Food Network.

Munch said he hopes the restaurant, which he has been running for 19 years, will always be there, but he is unsure who will take it over when he retires.

“I can’t let my parents down. They’re the ones that started it. … (But) I don’t

have anybody else in the family to take it over, so I don’t know. That’s a tough question.”

-SNN Staff Writer Ben Effiom contributed to this story.

Review: Diner serves food with a homey feel

BY ALEX DORN and MARILYN PARKER SNN Staff Writers

On Sixth Street S in St. Petersburg, a restaurant is hidden inside a strip shopping center. Inside, it is a tight-knit family. The walls are plastered with community photos and when you first walk in, you’re greeted with a smile. As we were being seated, our waitress, Debbie Ann White met us with waters and menus.

A labeled black-and-white menu with foods from smothered sausage to tender grilled calf’s liver made our choices easy. We decided on a fried shrimp basket with a side of fries and a plate of French toast smothered in syrup and sausage patties.

On a scale of one to 10 the shrimp basket made a seven. The shrimp was perfectly battered and there were plenty of fries to go around. As far as the French toast, drowning it with syrup and covering it with butter was a must. It was average tasting French toast, slightly inferior to an IHOP. The sausage was the best thing on the plate, juicy and well-cooked.

The highlight of our meal was definitely when our waitress brought out the handmade vanilla milkshakes. Creamy, rich, thick ice cream was inside our frost-covered glasses. Despite the brain freezes, we couldn’t put down our glasses until they were empty.

Finally for our last item we tried the fried green tomatoes, which are apparently the house specialty. They are something you either love or hate, but they did not agree with our taste buds.

Overall, Munch’s provides a homey environment. On the way down, if you know what we mean, the food is great. But after a while, you get the after effects of the fried and greasy downhome cooking. Still, there’s bound to be an item on the menu that’s suited for you.

JULIE SMITH-FRAZER | SNN

Reporters sample French toast, sausage and fried shrimp at - To see a multimedia report about Munch’s res- Munch’s restaurant on Sixth Street S in St. Petersburg. taurant by Ben Effiom, Mekell Phillips and Julie Smith-Frazer, go to snntoday.pcsb.org.

SNN

9

6:25 p.m.

Pregame

Friday N

The Lakewood High School varsity football team stretches on the field. Coach Cory Moore gives instruction on which stretches to do and helps each player. The team enters the gym and waits for Moore to speak. “Hit everything that moves,” Moore said during his pregame pep talk. “Play hard tonight.

Have fun. Have passion.”

If it’s fall and it’s Friday night, the Spartan Field bleachers are loaded wi field, the marching band is warming up, and the smel Here’s a breakdown

CHRISTIAN MILLER | SNN

DE’QONTON DAVIS | SNN

Bright House staff take pictures of Lakewood students on Sept. 6 before the game against Palmetto. The Lakewood vs. Palmetto game was featured as the game of the week on Bright House Network. Lakewood won 20-13.

A woman pays for one ticket at the ticket booth at the Lakewood football game against Palmetto High on Sept. 6.

RACHELLE GADDY | SNN

Junior Ryan Davis stretches before the Homecoming game on Oct. 18. Davis is the quarterback transfer from Northeast High School.

7:30 p.m.

Beginning of game The team enters the gym and waits for Moore to speak. After the pep talk Pastor Ron Fluker prays over the team, hoping to guarantee a win. When the prayer is finished the team gets loud and rowdy to build adrenaline.

RACHELLE GADDY | SNN

Football players relax and listen to coach Cory Moore critique the first half of the game against the Gibbs Gladiators on Sept. 20 in the football locker room.

R

Senior Donterio Fowler runs the ball as Lakewood H ing running back at the Homecoming game against

8:45 p.m.

Halftime Senior drum major Ryan Robertson performs during the field show at Boca Ciega High School on Oct. 4.

During halftime the Dynasty Dolls and the Soul of the South take the field for a halftime performance. The Spartan football team heads into the locker rooms for a pep talk from the coaches.

MARIAH WATTS | SNN

CHRISTIAN MILLER | SNN

S i a s L P o

Night Lights

To see a multimedia piece about Patric Jones’ father by DE’QONTON DAVIS, CHRISTIAN MILLER and JIMMY FAULKS, go to snntoday.pcsb.org.

Text on this page by ALEXIS WILLIAMS and JULIE CHRISTIANSEN Design by KAHIL HOLMES

ith screaming fans, showing their spirit and enthusiasm. Football players are on the ll of hot dogs and hamburgers comes from the concession stand. n of some of the main events.

7 p.m.

The team is done stretching and fine tuning. They go into the locker room to get geared up. Many of the players are pumped up and ready to play. “I feel like it’s gonna be a blowout,” football player Tyriek Robinson says.

N

RACHELLE GADDY | SNN

High School’s startDunedin on Oct.18.

Students stand in line for food at the concession stand at the Lakewood vs.

Palmetto game on Sept. 6.

RACHELLE GADDY | SNN

Every game has that crazy fanatic person in the crowd. At all Lakewood games people see the main hype man, Izell Smith, as he walks through the crowd. Smith is the father of senior Patric Jones.

Jones ran for homecoming court this year. “I love it; he’s representing a 1992 graduate, that’s me, that’s my baby,” mother Shelly Smith said about her son. Patric’s parents are extremely pleased with their son’s achievements.

“I’m proud of my son but sad he’s leaving me; he’s a leader, not a follower. He’s got a good head on his shoulders,” his mom said.

7:20 p.m.

The Soul of the South band marches onto the field right before the football team, playing loud and hyping up the crowd before the national anthem. The Lakewood chorus sings as the band plays.

Senior Stephen Bridges buckles up his pads to prepare for the game ahead on Oct. 18.

RACHELLE GADDY | SNN

Senior Marilyn Parker leads the Dynasty Dolls as they open the Homecoming game with the marching band and cheerleaders. Lakewood beat Dunedin 53-0 on Oct. 18.

DE’QONTON DAVIS | SNN

RACHELLE GADDY | SNN

Senior Patric Jones’ father, Izell Smith, cheers on Lakewood’s offense at the Homecoming game on Oct. 18 against Dunedin High School. Smith attends evey game to cheer on not only his son but also the whole team.

RACHELLE GADDY | SNN

Coach Cory Moore talks to the offense during a timeout at the Lakewood home game against Gibbs on Sept. 20.

The Spartans defeated the Gladiators 24-14.

Sophomore Latron Frazier stands with friends in the bleachers at the Lakewood football game against Palmetto on Sept.6.

9:45 p.m.

End Of Game

After the end of the game the players head to the locker rooms and talk about the game. The players meet with family and the team usually goes out to eat.

opinion

W e d n e s d a y, N o v. 1 3 , 2 0 1 3

Editorial

Don’t let possible rain break tradition For the class of 2014, this year has had unexpected and unwanted changes around every corner. It seems the school traditions we have grown accustomed to change in the blink of an eye. With the dress code stress and the fighting students had to do to get a likeable homecoming week, things aren’t exactly off to the greatest start.

Now the last and most significant event in a senior’s high school experience is being changed: graduation. With all the trouble graduation was last year, Lakewood decided to hold the ceremony at Tropicana field.

But is the threat of rain worth breaking a long-held tradition?

No, it’s not.

Last year’s graduation was a near disaster, with last-minute venue changes due to the unpredictable summer storms. It ended up being held at First Baptist Church, all the way up on Gandy Boulevard. Though the church was large, it wasn’t big enough to comfortably host the graduates and the hundreds of attendees.

Earlier this school year, students voted for either First Baptist Church or Tropicana Field for this year’s graduation and, apparently, Tropicana won the vote.

Lakewood High School was not an option offered.

It’s no wonder students would not want to have it at the church again, but does that mean that the class of 2014 really wants to graduate at a baseball stadium? The reasoning for Lakewood not being an option is clear; to avoid a huge fiasco like last year. Be

Letters

Lakewood, give yoga a try

Dear Editor, Reading the newspaper article “Yoga at the Dali Museum” kind of sparked a fire in my mind on the amazingness of yoga.

Yoga is a calming, relaxing sport/therapy.

Yoga has not really been introduced to the current generation of Lakewood. I think that Lakewood should have yoga sessions after school. Yoga is amazing. When I took yoga at Lake Vista Recreational Park, it was a life-changing experience. During the period I was doing yoga I maintained an A average with an amazing attitude.

Yoga can calm some students and reduce the amount of violence at Lakewood. I think that yoga sessions should be held at Lakewood .Yoga is not only helpful it’s inspiring.

-Latana Williams, 9th grade

Gym dress code brings order

Dear Editor, I read the article on “Dress Code Meets Gym” and I have to say, I strongly agree with this proposal. I agree with this because it provides a well put together system for recognition. It enables teachers to keep a close eye on which students are theirs and those who are not. A new system like this should not be wasted just because students think that “it’s stupid.” With this new system we

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this as it may, you can’t predict the weather. It is rare that rain is so severe that graduating outside is impossible.

Lakewood’s graduation has been rained out twice in the last 23 years, in 1990 and 2013. Between those years there have been drizzles, but nothing so severe that it prevented the ceremony from proceeding.

In addition, graduating at Tropicana will cost nearly $5,000 more than the usual cost of Lakewood field, which will drive up the price of senior fees.

Probably the most important reason not to have the graduation at Tropicana is that it is much less intimate. Graduating in a stadium that holds tens of thousands of people with another school going on the stage right after you doesn’t compare to the close knit and private ceremony held at the students’ own school.

Seniors, this is your time. If you want to make a change and have your graduation at the school where you put in the time learning day in and day out, talk to school administrators, get the support of your fellow students and your parents/guardians and let your opinion be known. The voice of the student community matters, so make your’s heard.

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

will be able to get things done faster. Also this proposal will help with behavior and other problems such as bullying. With this new system Lakewood’s reputation will improve yet again.

- Jeancharles Nickerson, 9th grade

Picture perfect

Dear Editor, I really like how you put “Through Our Eyes” in the paper. I think this was a good thing to put in the SNN paper because it shows how we have different activities to do in our school. I also think that showing this will help students strive for their goals and their ability to do something that they haven’t. I also think that when kids look at these pictures it will give them the courage and the mindset that tells them they could do whatever they want to do. Keep up the good work, keep writing good articles.

-Aaron Golden, 9th grade

Teachers should dress sharp

Dear Editor, I read your article on whether or not teachers should have to follow the dress code on page 10. I agree with what five out of the six people said on the issue of teachers following the dress code. I think teachers should have to follow the dress code as well. As students, if we aren’t allowed to dress like we want to then teachers should have to follow the same rules. Like campus monitor Greg Hinton said about the subject, “Yes, that way we set a good example for what we’re requesting and enforcing”.

I agree 100 percent with what he said.

Spartan News Network Staff Editor-in-Chief: Scotty Schenck News Editor: Zoe Blair-Andrews Designer: 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: Daijha Wimberly Copy Chief: Caroline Dunning Copy Editors: Victoria Bischoff

Code of Ethics You’re not setting a good example like he said. First you’re telling us what to wear; what’s next after that? It sounds to me like it could be the beginning of a dictatorship.

-Noah Earle, 9th grade

Showing our perspective

Dear Editor, I read your story “A Black Perspective” I found it very interesting that you wrote a story on how my school is offering a class about African-American culture.I think it’s very good for the school to offer this class because I think African-Americans should know where we came from, what we went through and how we survived. Most of all, over the years the young African-Americans change the world. We went from trying to get away from our masters, to freedom to killing one another (black on black crime) instead of looking out for one another. I hope this class becomes a tradition.

-Cassandra Altidor, 9th grade

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.

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

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opinion

Columns

Females on the field: Yes or no?

By DEME’ DAVIS

By MARIAH WATTS

SNN Staff Writer

SNN Staff Writer

Large, sweaty brutes line the 50-yard-line barking trash talk with the skills to back it up.

These grisly players are layered with the grass beneath their feet and a spurt of confidence from an impact that left their opponent on their back.

Sounds like something just for the boys?

Wrong! And Lakewood junior Corinna Cooper has proven that.

A girl playing in a male dominated sport could be controversial; the fact that she’s a female is the biggest one. Sure any girl who plays the sport might not be the biggest, strongest or fastest, but if she is playing for the love of the game, nothing should stop her. A coach and fellow teammates couldn’t ask for better.

Plus I’m sure we’ve all seen those tough and physical women that might scare the

socks off of you. What about those women?

They may be just as strong or just as mean as the best player on the field, but because she is of opposite sex, she shouldn’t play?

I’m sorry, but if you have what it takes to make a tackle, complete a pass or help with a win, by all means join the football team!

To the guys, if you are distracted or worried about what’s under the equipment of your fellow female teammate, then your focus isn’t where it should be. There are plenty of girls around the city, and I’m sure you’ve seen a few workout before. Having one in the weight room shouldn’t be much of a difference.

To my fellow female athletes, if you are interested in playing football and are willing to put in the work, don’t feel uncomfortable. I’m sure you’ll be treated as “one of the guys.” Just as quarterback Ryan Davis said, “It opens up doors for other girls.”

So, I know we’ve all heard the news about the newest football player, junior Corinna Cooper.

This is my third year at Lakewood High School and every year since I’ve been here there has been that one girl who attempts to be on our all-boys varsity football team, but rarely if at all gets in a game and is usually on the sidelines.

Why is that? Maybe because she’s not as big as Isaiah Wynn or as fast as Donterio Fowler or maybe not as skilled as Joc Ellison.

Either way if you’re a girl trying to play varsity tackle football, you are wasting your time.

First and foremost a girl on an all-

boys team could possibly be a major distraction. When it comes to running or weightlifting, girls have things that jiggle, things that attract guys. The boys will not be focusing on what they need to do; they will be focusing on her.

Females are fragile. I can understand if you’re maybe a kicker, but when a girl is trying to be a running back or quarterback, when she’s going to be taking hits from almost full-grown men and she’s only 120 pounds and 5’4”, the average weight and height for a high school girl, she’s going to be pummeled. The varsity boys are not going to go easy on her.

“Anything guys can do girls can do better.” Well not in this case. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for girl power, but there are some things that we aren’t meant to do. Playing on the varsity boys football team is one.

Your Voice:

Do you think girls should play football on an all-boys team?

Quotes and photos gathered by D’QUEZ ALEXANDER, ALEX DORN and DE’QONTON DAVIS

“Yes, football isn’t just a male-dominant sport, and girls can do anything guys can do.”

- Ja’Cara Edwards, 9th grade

“Yes, because there are females as strong as males, such as Corinna who is as strong as some of the guys.”

- Tyrik Robinson, 10th grade

“No, because guys are already knocking their brains out, and we don’t need girls getting their brains knocked out. Guys are naturally stronger than girls. When they step on the field it would be a disadvantage.”

- Anthony Snead, Track Coach

“Yeah, if (they) don’t let them, they’re just being sexist.”

- Jason Morales, 11th grade

“Yes, because if they want to play, that’s their decision, because if they get hurt it’s on them.”

- Michael Newton, 10th grade

“Well girls shouldn’t play football because it’s not a girls sport.”

- Leroy Robinson, 9th grade

“Yes, because anything that boys can do, girls can do.”

- Sydni Neal, 9th grade

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fashion

By DAIJHA WIMBERLY SNN Staff Writer

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Fashion Update

Now that we have a dress code, everyone is dreading being told what to wear Monday through Friday – but on the weekends we get to be free.

For two days, or whenever we aren’t at Lakewood, we get the freedom to wear what we want and not get sent to the office because our shorts are too short or the shirt that we have on is not solid-colored with a collar.

On the weekends we wear our shorts and crop tops or sag our pants all the way down to our knees with a graphic

tee. It feels great to be able to dress up or down.

Since the weather is changing from hot and humid to windy and cool, I see people more dressed down than up.

Before I would see girls in high-waist shorts and tank tops with hats. But now is the perfect weather for skirts and shirts that flow and low-rise booties.

One trend occurring is scarves. Many people like to wear different varieties of scarves - colorful, thick, short or even patterned. In order to keep warm, people style them many different ways.

Another trend is boots. Since people don’t want cold feet they wear boots, like Uggs, to cover their toes. Some

even wear boots with a heel on it to dress up the look.

One popular trend for cool weather that I am a fan of is sweaters. People find the cutest sweaters for the most reasonable prices and style them up.

One of my favorite trends is blazers. You can wear them with a nice pair of jeans or even a skirt, outside of school, of course. They come in many different colors, but black is always classic.

Fashion is a way that my peers and I express ourselves.

Because we are restricted in school, our time to shine is on the weekends when we can express our sense of fashion as individuals.

Fall Fashion Finds:Update the dress code with a new look for the season.

A printed cardigan pairs great with a scarf to make sure you keep warm.

Stylish booties with a heel complement any outfit. They look nice with jeans or a skirt.

You can style a blazer with just about anything. Add some accessories and things will flow together nicely.

Friday Night Fashion:

Friday night football games are the one place you can show off your style to your classmates.

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Senior Sydny Johnson wears a dress matched with a cheetah belt.

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Senior Keiona Lee wears a top paired with a skirt.

Senior Ashley McGowan wears a floral strapless top with a pair of jeans.

Photos by DAIJHA WIMBERLY and ANGELICA SHEPPARD | SNN

Junior Allina Bacon supports the Spartans with a shirt she made and a pair of patterned shorts.

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entertainment

Pandora, Spotify … oh my!

By QUINDON NOLTON SNN Staff Writer

Many of us have used Pandora radio and Spotify radio at one time or another, but which one is better than the other? How do they stack up when comparing them side by side?

Pandora, which was started in 2000 out of Oakland, Calif., by Will Glaser, Jon Kraft and Tim Westergren, has been getting many users in the past 13 years.

Spotify radio, which was started in 2006

by Daniel Ek and Martin Lorentzon out of Sweden, also has been going strong.

Both are music radio sites, but there are differences.

First, how you access each type of radio

is different. On Spotify you can sign in with your Facebook account or make an account the classic way. On Pandora you need to create an account through their site because you cannot use your Facebook account.

If listening to both apps on mobile devices, they will look the same but the premium accounts differ. Spotify has a sleeker feel and lets you listen to it while offline.

A Pandora regular account is free, though you have to have an account. A premium account costs $36 per year ($3.99 per month) Spotify premium costs $9.99 monthly or you can buy an “E-card,” which is good for one, three or six months.

vs.

Who’s on the Blacklist?

Back from the dead... again

Raymond “Red” Reddington and the FBI hunt down dangerous criminals and terrorists.

By KASAI WALLER SNN Staff Writer

Ichabod Crane awakens in present-day Sleepy Hollow and partners up with the local sheriff’s lieutenant.

By AREIL WARD SNN Staff Writer

I believe that Spotify radio is much better.

Yes, it’s more expensive but you have more variety in music and you will get Kid Cudi on Kid Cudi radio and not Rick Ross on Kid Cudi radio.

Spotify has 20,000,000 songs and Pandora has 1,000,000 songs, 19,000,000 songs fewer than Spotify. You can really tell which one is better. On another note, Spotify plays artists you’ve never heard of and it will help you develop a new ear for music.

On a scale of 1-10 I give Pandora a 2.5 and Spotify a 9.99.

FOX

Sleepy Hollow, a new one-hour drama on Channel 13, is based on the book The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving.

The main characters are Tom Mison as Ichabod Crane, Nicole Beharie as Lt. Abbie Mills, Orlando Jones as Captain Frank Irving and Katia Winter as Katrina Crane.

The plot centers around Ichabod Crane, who awakens in present-day Sleepy Hollow, N.Y. The local district attorney and law enforcement officials believe Ichabod to be a madman who claims to be from Colonial America. They think at first that he may be the killer of the former sheriff, because nobody believes his story about the Headless Horseman, except for Lt. Abbie Mills. The two partner up to hunt the Headless Horseman. Meanwhile, there are secrets in Sleepy Hollow that Abbie and Ichabod must uncover to find out why the Horseman remains there.

I like this show because I’m a person who likes scary things. My favorite part of the show concerns Lt. Mills’s sister, Jenny Mills, who is in a psychiatric hospital. She’s there because people think she is crazy because she claims she saw the Headless Horseman when she was younger. When she was in her room the nurse came in to give Jenny medication and she showed the nurse that she swallowed her pills and once the nurse walked out Jenny spit out her pill and stepped on it.

I would recommend this to someone who loves violent and scary shows because if you like 48 Hours, Snapped and The Walking Dead, then you will love this show. However, I would not recommend it for anyone under 10 years old.

Raymond “Red” Reddington, who is one of the FBI’s most wanted fugitives, claims that he and the FBI have the same interests: bringing down dangerous criminals and terrorists.

So Reddington makes a list of bad guys he believes the FBI cannot find because they do not know they exist. Reddington calls it “The Blacklist.”

The Blacklist, starring James Spader as Raymond “Red” Reddington, premiered on Sept. 23 on NBC Channel 8. The show airs every Monday at 10 p.m.

Spader portrays Reddington as a mysterious person. Megan Boone portrays FBI special agent Elizabeth Keen, a profiler who is determined, kind-hearted and ambitious. Harry Lennix plays Harold Cooper, assistant director in charge of the FBI counterterrorism division. Cooper is a stern and skeptical man. He is also willing to oblige Reddington’s unusual requests due to the fact that he had a particular NBC interest in Reddington’s past.

In each episode, the FBI with the help of Reddington, finds one particular terrorist.

Reddington, however, insists that he will speak only to Keen. Each episode revolves around the search but there are also subplots around each character.

Viewers will like the fact that the show is full of action, drama and suspense. They may not like, however, all of the gore and over-exaggerated gruesomeness. The age group that this show appeals to is 14 and up.

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entertainment

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Land of Stories is child’s play

By CAROLINE DUNNING SNN Staff Writer

Chris Colfer. Does that name mean something to you? If not, I’ll give you a large hint: think popular television shows. Colfer plays Kurt Hummel on Glee, but now Colfer is also an author of the new book series Land of Stories. His first book in the series, The Wishing Spell, hit shelves everywhere recently, and although the novel is creative, it does not fit our age group well.

The story follows a set of twins: Alex Bailey, a smart girl who could also be called the teacher’s pet, and Connor Bailey, a boy who consistently falls asleep in class. Both children begin in a classroom learning about fairy tales and then some background information is given as they walk home. The twins’ father, who happens to be a lover of fairy tales, died recently and their grandmother, used to read to them from her book of stories.

What the twins don’t know is that that book is actually a magical land of fairy tale characters, and the twins end up falling into the book. They attempt to escape the book throughout the novel and encounter many famous fairy tale characters along the way, including, but not limited to: Snow White, the Evil Queen, Rapunzel, Prince Charming, Goldilocks, Red Riding Hood and Jack. To add creativity to Colfer’s work, these characters are all acting in ways that we don’t remember from our childhood.

The main issue with this book is the childlike factor. I, for one, have seen many a fairy tale story created specifically for an older and more sophisticated audience, such as the show Once Upon a Time. But Colfer fails to make his book available to a wider variety of readers by using very simple dialogue and utterly young protagonists. The book is good, don’t get me wrong, but it is not geared for teenagers. Instead, it is aimed more for children ages 8-12.

LITTLE, BROWN BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS

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Pokémon returns in excellent form

NINTENDO

By JAKOB W. BARKER SNN Staff Writer

Pokémon Red and Blue were released in America on Sept. 30, 1998, and managed to take children’s Gameboys (and their free time) by storm. Now, over 15 years later, it seems as if Pokémon X and Y will do the same exact thing - except replace “Gameboys” with “Nintendo 3DS’” and “children” with “everybody.”

The core gameplay of Pokémon X and Y has remained relatively untouched over the years, despite the jump to 3D. The system still revolves around players training a team of six Pokémon, balancing it out as they go along, with a system akin to rock-paper-scissors.

The greater emphasis on online play, though, is evident, with the improved Global Trade Station, or GTS, the addition of O-Powers, temporary and minor boosts in various things to give to friends and/or passersby, and the full use of the 3DS’s internet abilities.

The in-game music is absolutely gorgeous. Each city and route has its own background music, and each manages to represent the area in some way. Lumiose City, for example, has a rather upbeat and fast style, showcasing how it is a city full of life and motion.

The new trainer customization options are an excellent feature, allowing the players to tweak the character’s base designs to their heart’s desire. Players can edit various things like hair color, length or style; eye color and various outfits are available for purchase.

Guys, unfortunately, do not have anywhere near the sheer number of customization options as girls, and so those who just love to customize should probably just take a girl.

Those looking for a variety of new Pokémon this generation are going to be rather disappointed. A grand total of 69 new Pokémon were released this generation, or 97 counting all of the Mega Evolution forms, the fewest in the history of the series. This leads to Kalos, the name of the new region, being vastly more populated with old Pokémon than new ones, which force the new ones into the background. This is disappointing, since the whole idea of Pokémon is to “Catch ‘em All” for each generation, and this barely raises the bar.

Most of the other features tend to be minor or just improvements on old systems.

Wonder Trade, where players trade away Pokémon without knowing what they’ll get, is a nifty little system to use in order to see what they get from random people. Trainer PR videos, where a short video is made of the player’s character, is a somewhat cool concept that ends up being hilariously bad in practice.

Pokémon X and Y, despite any of the changes, remain at heart the same Pokémon games we originally played long ago. Time has failed to erode the joy that these games can bring, and I fully recommend you buy it if you haven’t already done so.

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entertainment

Go on an adventure with ‘The Raven Boys’

By AMBER BEIN SNN Staff Writer

Eve, Blue. Either you’re his true love,’ Maggie Stiefvater’s book, The Raven Neeve said,’ or you killed him.’” After Boys, has two main characters. One is reading that I just gave up, threw my Blue Sargent, who goes once a year with hands in the air and said, her mother to watch the soon“I’m done.” to-be dead pass by, though she But I couldn’t just end can never see them herself. it there so I, of course, One year, however, a boy continued to read. Blue had named Gansey walks past. been told her future by her Gansey is a rich privatemother, and it was said that school boy who is on a quest she will cause her true love with some of his friends to to die, though she does not find an ancient power that believe in true love. The leads to an ancient king. Ganconflict in the books comes sey and his friends are known when she falls in love with as the Raven Boys. a guy who she knows is Did I like this book? No, I destined to die. loved it. It’s exactly the type SCHOLASTIC PAPERBACKS The Raven Boys was of book I always look for: a named one of the School Library Jourgirl (or guy) with an unknown adventure nal’s Best Books of 2012 and will soon bestowed upon them with a romantic flare. The one thing that I absolutely adore be made into a movie. I recommend it to anyone who can appreciate a good book about this book is the last line in the first and enjoys a bumpy quest, a little bit of chapter: “There are only two reasons a love and a nice twist. non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s

‘Cujo’ sinks its teeth in

By CAROLINE DUNNING SNN Staff Writer

Most horror films have scary factors such as murderers, zombies, ghosts and psychopaths. But in Cujo, starring Dee Wallace, the main antagonist is none other than a large rabid St. Bernard. Also, the story takes place in the middle of the day and only two main characters are terrorized. There are no weapons, other than Cujo’s teeth, and the setting is a broken-down car in a secluded farm in Maine, giving an eerie vibe as soon as the main characters drive up the road.

The movie starts with a scene of Cujo chasing after a rabbit and getting bitten in the process. Then the movie follows the Trentons: where Donna (Wallace), the mother, is having an affair with her husband Vic’s (Daniel Hugh-Kelly) best friend, Steve Kemp (Christopher Stone), although Donna and Vic are married and have a young son: Tad (Danny Pintauro). Vic finds out and the family unravels. Vic leaves for a break to reconsider his options and take a trip for his job.

In Vic’s absence, Donna takes their car to get fixed.

When Donna pulls up, no one is there, and the car stalls right at the top of the hill. Tad and Donna sit in the car for a minute and then Cujo bounds up the hill covered in blood with a foamy snarl upon his face. From then on, Donna and Tad experience the most frightening animal encounter of their lives.

Cujo (1983) is based on the novel by Stephen King.

Most of King’s earlier books are based on events that are somewhat realistic and could actually happen. Cujo is a realistic horror film unlike many present day movies, although the fact that the dog can grow a heavy coat and then lose it and grow it back again within a span of three hours is rather sketchy. Despite those sorts of details, the movie line and script are great.

WARNER BROS.

ROCKSTAR NORTH

Grand Theft Auto 5 is worth the money

By DAYLAN PERKINS SNN Staff Writer

Everything’s better, nothing is worse… well, except for the online multiplayer. Grand Theft Auto 5 has been unofficially nominated 2013’s Game of the Year by gamers and nongamers everywhere.

After making $800 million on first day sales, it immediately stole the hearts of gamers. With the improved graphics and gameplay from the very unimpressive predecessor of Grand Theft Auto 4 this new release, waited on for five years, was more than just anticipated; it was necessity.

The gameplay and controls have been completely re-engineered and re-mastered for the better. The driving is so smooth it’s almost as if Need for Speed is part of the game.

The story of three intertwining character protagonists is genius and many other mechanics have been redone to make this beautiful game fun and easy to play.

As well-done as the single player is, GTA online lacks the same quality. The servers can be overloaded and there were many glitches that were supposedly fixed in the newest patch - but then again with all the players I guess I can understand why their current servers are terrible. The online is fun, and once you finally get in a game with your crew or friends it’s a blast.

Even with their fixed online the fact remained that it was terrible enough that all the first month players got an a formal apology and half-a-million dollars in GTA currency.

Money that can be well spent on new weapons and vehicle for polverizing your best friends in deathmatches, races and other fun game modes and missions.

All and all this is definitely a buy if you enjoy sandbox randomness or any previous GTA titles. (The game is made by Rockstar and costs $59.99. It is available for Xbox 360 and PS3, and the PC version comes out in 2014.)

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With new coach, soccer team tries rebound Science teacher Justin Bending takes over the girls’ team.

By OWEN DYCHES SNN Staff Writer

After a disappointing season last year in which they had a losing record and only made it to the second round of districts, the girls’ soccer team is looking for a new start.

Originally the coach was Ashley Grimes, but soon after she was made coach, she took a job with the county, meaning she could no longer coach the team. As a replacement for her, chemistry teacher Justin Bending was hired.

Bending has no experience coaching soccer, but he said he knows his way around the field. “We hope to improve at practice to make up from last season. We’re aiming for a winning record,” Bending said.

Captain Sarah Gray is satisfied with Bending so far as a coach. “He’s a cool dude, and I can tell he’s putting in a lot of effort toward our team,” Gray said.

Boys soccer head coach Jonathon Crouch will be helping Bending coach the team this year. Bending will be running the conditioning and drills at practices, while Crouch will be in charge of the tactical part of the team.

“The girls have a lot to turn around.

They have the players, but it really comes down to their attitude,” Crouch said.

Many of the girls are excited about the two coach system their team will have this year. “I think we’ll be better than years past. It’s nice to have coaches that care,” Gray said.

The girls had played two games by the time SNN went to print, losing twice to both Dunedin, 5-2, and Boca Ciega 2-1.

They are scheduled to play at St. Petersburg tonight at 6.

KATIE VASTA | SNN

Girls soccer coach Justin Bending and the team practice on Oct. 31 at Lakewood High School. Bending is the new coach for the Lakewood girls’ soccer team.

What do you fear most in P.E.?

Whether it’s push-ups or mile runs, physical education classes frighten even the most brave of the student body. Students at Lakewood High School are no exception; some fear falling, others the physical strife of P.E. They remember the worst moments in physical education. One thing is clear, it’s a class to be reckoned with.

“The pacer, they push you to do more.”

- Chaz Wallace, 10th grade

“Falling; it’s embarrassing.”

- Jeremy Williams, 9th grade

“Breaking my leg. I’m just scared I don’t want to break (anything) in my body.”

- Makayla Greene, 10th grade

“Busting my head; I literally hit my head on the bleachers and got a big old knot on my head.”

- Sierra Taylor, 10th grade

“The mile run, but I have no endurance. I’m fast, but I just can’t run long.”

- Sterling Klein, 11th grade

“I would say being hit by a ball in front of everyone even though it has already happened to me before ...

I’d just be embarrassed.”

- Casey McLaughlin, 12th grade

“Dressing out, because I wasn’t comfortable with my body. It’s just weird.”

- Adam Schroeder, 12th grade

“The pacer and not to fall, because most of the athletic students look down on the non-athletic students. Then drama starts and they try to out run them.”

- Ashanti Pennington, 10th grade

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Photos and quotes gathered by KENYA HOWARD and AARON GRAHAM | SNN

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sports

‘She’s tough as nails’

Earlier this year, junior Corinna Cooper became the first female on the Lakewood High School football team to play in a game.

By DERON PERSHA SNN Staff Writer

It was the last quarter in the Spartans game against Boca Ciega. Lakewood was up 46-21. Head football coach Cory Moore called for Small Fry, who hadn’t been in the game yet. No. 27, a running back, ran onto the field.

“That was the first time a female has ever played in a football game at Lakewood High School,” Moore said.

The Spartan football team has a new addition to the squad, junior Corinna Cooper. She is 5 feet 4 inches tall and she weighs 130 pounds. Cooper has been on the-team since Sept. 30.

“I’m not scared at all,” Cooper said, who has been playing tackle football since she was 5 years old. “I like the challenges it gives me.”

Cooper said she would have been on the football team last year, but she couldn’t find the time. But this year is a whole other story - this year Cooper said she is in it to win it.

“I’m doing really well,” Cooper said. In practice she feels like a normal player. “I feel all right,” Cooper said.

When she first told Moore she wanted to play, “He said ‘are you scared to get hit? Are you sure you want to do this?’” she said.

Now, Moore said Cooper brings a lot of energy to the football team, and he said she is treated no differently than the rest of the guys. “She still got to do everything the guys got to do like run and practice hard. … We are very excited to have Small Fry as a part of our football program,” Moore said.

Moore said during Cooper’s first game she did a good job. “She had a lot of weight on her shoulders and she did well. Corinna goes hard in practice. She’s tough as nails.”

Junior Ryan Davis, a Lakewood quarterback, said the team treats Cooper just like a regular player. “She is one of us,” he said.

“It’s good for the team. It’s also good for the girls that could come out and play and not feel discriminated against.”

Davis said at first playing with Cooper was kind of awkward, but then the team got used to it. “I would give her the ball,” he said. “She’s on our team - why not?”

MARIAH WATTS | SNN

Coach Hassan Lang hands the ball off to junior Corinna Cooper in warm-ups before the Boca Ciega football game at Boca Ciega High School on Oct. 4.

Cooper said she’s not playing football to go to college; she’s playing it because she wants to get fit for the military, which she plans on going into after graduation.

Cooper said practices are really hard, especially the sprinting. “If you learn how to get your breathing under control then it’s easier. … In the drills if you don’t know what you’re doing, then it’s harder, but once you get it, it’s fine,” she said.

Cooper said since she’s been playing, people have their own opinions.

“A lot of my friends are like, ‘Are you sure?’ and when I was like yeah they supported me 100 percent. The other kids are like, ‘She’s not going to get any play time. She’s not going to make it on the team. She’s gonna quit.’ But I mean it weighs out,” she said. “The players … they are really cool about it.”

As Moore said: “She’s stayed the course, and she’s earned their respect.”

Junior Corinna Cooper gets padded up in the gym restroom before a Lakewood home game on Oct. 18.

“She is one of us ... It’s also good for the girls that could come out and play and not feel discriminated against.”

-To see a multimedia report about the football team’s newest female addition documented by Miriele Paul, go to snntoday.pcsb.org.

RACHELLE GADDY | SNN

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Find these spartan spaces Take the SNN challenge: Locate where each of these photos was taken at Lakewood High School for the SNN Scavenger Hunt. Write the locations on a separate sheet of paper, and turn it in to C100 by Friday, Nov. 15. The names of the first 10 people to turn a correct list in will be entered into a drawing, and the winner will receive a $20 Muvico gift card.

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12 Photos by AMBER BEIN, RAMONE HAMILTON and DEME DAVIS