SNN November 2010

Lakewood High School - Nov. 17, 2010

snntoday.snn.pcsb.org

Spartan News Network

Homemade

Halloween

Junior Kerelle Bogle (58) cheers along with members of the Lakewood football team during a Homecoming pep rally on Spartan Field.

Exam exemptions:

RACHELLE GADDY | SNN

High heels: The pros and cons ... page 11

All the facts on the new policy Drag Diva: From Lakewood hallways to ... page 3 the race track ... page 14

the hub

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Did you know…

Spartan News Network

-- Before principal Bob Vicari became an educator he owned a construction company, a video store and a night club called Club Zebras.

Code of Ethics

-- Vicari was born in Sheffield, England, a city famous for its silverware. He moved to the United States when he was 5 years old.

-- Vicari likes to rock out to Aerosmith, Tom Petty, the Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen, but he also enjoys the Eminem song: Love the Way You Lie ft.

Rihanna.

-- After Vicari retires, he plans to spend a few months in Europe and travel the rest of the world.

WILL BOLINGER | SNN

New Lakewood hall monitors J. Darby, left, and G. Hinton walk through Lakewood High School on Nov. 1. They work together and patrol the campus to keep students safe. To see an audio slideshow about Darby and Hinton, go to snntoday.snn.pcsb.org and click on multimedia.

A word from

By TAYLOR LAPUMA SNN Editor in Chief

Let’s face it. Controversy happens every year, and along with controversy comes questions.

This leads to rumors on the students’ end. Parents almost always become concerned, administration steps in. The sour smell of controversy fills the air each and every day, and after the bell rings students grumble down the hallway.

This year’s topic of discussion barely needs an introduction: the 2010 homecoming dance.

Some students are blaming new principal Bob Vicari for setting the new, strict rules for the dance, but Lakewood isn’t the only high school promoting friction-free dancing. Many schools throughout Pinellas and Hillsborough counties are doing the same things, some even enforcing a tight dress code.

Being a student myself, I also just want to have fun and it’s disappointing that our

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administration has made these changes, especially during seniors’ last year here.

But it’s understandable. Chaperoning teachers don’t want to watch kids “grinding” on each other; parents don’t want their kids “grinded” on and enough was enough.

When the new rules were announced, the news quickly radiated around school, entwined with many rumors. It was final: Dancing must be more respectful, lights would be dimmed - not turned off - and the dance is for Lakewood students only.

Some students don’t like these rules, thus this year’s student-led revolution: Homecoming II. This is an alternative dance that is being put together by two Lakewood seniors. It is an off-campus event that administration has made clear is in no way sanctioned by the school.

In our last issue, we ran a story about Lakewood’s homecoming, which mentioned the alternative. This concerned some teachers because they felt we were promoting a non-school-sponsored event.

As journalists, it’s our duty to cover all

sides of the story, and we felt that if we left out Homecoming II, we would have been leaving out a big chunk of news. We were in no way encouraging students to attend this event; we were just reporting the facts.

One of our biggest tasks in the newsroom is gathering information as we hear it and checking with Vicari, his administration, teachers and whoever it takes to separate the fact from the fiction.

That’s what we were doing with our homecoming story and that is what we will continue to do: keep you up to date, especially with controversial issues, to put an end to the rumor mill.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, we encourage you to submit a Letter to the Editor. Letters can be turned in to room C-100, or e-mailed to tobink@ pcsb.org.

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

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

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For more news, go to the SNN web site:

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news

Strict changes made to absence policy

By JOSEPH CRUZ SNN Staff Writer

With a new exam exemption policy this year, attendance will be more of a priority to most students. They might think twice before they skip, and if they’re sick they might reconsider staying home.

Last year, due to the H1N1 flu, there was no limit to the number of absences a student could have and still exempt an exam. This year, administrators have revamped the policy, making it more strict than it has ever been.

There is one noticeable change to the policy. Before last year’s flu scare students were able to have 10 absences. That number has been reduced to four.

To keep it simple, if students have five or more absences, excused or unexcused, in any class then they cannot exempt any exam for the semester.

“The fact that they count excused

absences, (everything) might as well be an unexcused absence,” said senior RJ Vilayvong.

“It hurts anyone who gets sick, and it just plain doesn’t help us people who just don’t want to go to school some days,” said junior Brian Clarke Even some teachers don’t like the new policy.

“I don’t like the fact that they are counting excused absences,” said web design teacher Anthony Snead.

Assistant principal Deb Fabrizio, however, said she hopes the new policy will “help our students in getting to class and keeping their grades up.”

“I hope kids will use their days wisely,” Fabrizio said.

With 1,500 students in the school, though, it’s inevitable that some will come

to school sick at times, she said.

What hasn’t changed is the core of the exemption policy. Students will still need to have either all A’s or B’s in a class if they want to exempt. They still can’t exempt more than three classes unless they’re seniors. If it’s not a year-long class don’t expect to exempt, and anyone who transferred mid-semester to Pinellas County is also mandated to take all exams, according to the policy released by the School Board.

Last year, because there was essentially no policy, attendance was a problem, said School Board member Carol Cook. So the School Board assembled a team of teachers, students and parents to start brainstorming ideas for this year’s new absence policy.

When superintendent Julie Janssen visited Lakewood Nov. 2 for a Student Government forum, she weighed in on the

Safety concerns surround off-campus dance

By SHERRISH GAINES SNN Staff Writer

While the intention of the off-campus alternative homecoming dance on Dec. 10 is to provide a fun party for students, many people have concerns about the event, “Homecoming II: The Revival.” Created

by Sarwar Hossain and Sean Kendrick, it is a private party, not a school event.

The seniors said they organized the event in hopes of providing a party for high school students who are unhappy with the new rules put in place for Lakewood’s homecoming.

However, questions of safety and security issues have been the topic of discussion.

“It’s not a school-sponsored event, but it’s being promoted at school,” said reading teacher Ivana McIntosh. “My biggest concern is who’s responsible for the students while they are there.”

The hosts of Homecoming II, however, say there won’t be problems.

“We have six bouncers and 10 parents,” said Kendrick about “The Revival,” which takes place Dec. 10 at NOVA 535 in downtown St. Petersburg.

The bouncers will be walking around

monitoring and “making sure no one gets too rowdy,” said Hossain. There will also be two bouncers at the door with a final list of guests.

“If you have a bag, it will be searched by the bouncers,” said Hossain.

Alcohol and drugs won’t be tolerated, either, they said.

“We’re strict on our alcohol policy, because (if someone brings in alcohol), as soon as they’re caught, our party ends,” said Hossain.

Students are buzzing about the dance, which is open to high school students, mostly upperclassman from all over St. Petersburg.

“I’m excited for Homecoming II,” said senior April Lanuza, who did not plan to attend Lakewood’s homecoming which was scheduled for Nov. 13. “I’m ready to have a good time.”

“They can have a private party if they want,” said Lakewood principal Bob Vicari, though they cannot distribute flyers advertising the event on school grounds.

He did, however, express concern if anything bad were to happen.

“If they have somebody to (host it), God bless them. (They are a) different businessman than me,” said Vicari, who used to own a club in New York.

NOVA is a two-story building featuring a second floor with an open sitting room with couches and two bathrooms. Guests who want to get away from the party can head up to the second floor and hang out in the space. At least one NOVA employee will be stationed at each bathroom on the second level.

Tickets for the event cost between $2030, and many people are wondering where all their money is going.

Charging $20 per ticket with an expectation of 400 guests, the event will bring in at least $8,000. The money will be spent on renting the venue and will cover costs such as drinks, insurance and paying for the bouncers, the organizers said.

“We’re not making any profit,” said Hossain. All of the money is expected to go back into the party, he said.

issue.

“Exam exemptions are a privilege, not a right,” Janssen said. She said if she had it her way, all students would have to take all exams, but parents and students like the exam exemption because it’s a reward system - “like an incentive” to do well and come to school.

Janssen said if a student has too many absences and cannot exempt, there is an appeal process in place.

While there is always room for improvement, as of now the School Board is not concerned with changing the policy anytime soon, Cook said. Although students and parents may not agree with the new policy, the board has not had an overall high volume of complaints.

“Until it really becomes a problem we don’t plan on changing the policy,” Cook said.

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By law, classes have no room

By TRENEICE GREEN and NIA CUMBERLANDER SNN Staff Writers

CAT office. 12:45.

Instead of sitting in class, several students are doing homework. They’re not here because they’re in trouble. They’re here because they have no seventh period.

Many students this year have had to take classes online, after the state’s class size amendment was put into place. The class size amendment is a law that limits most classes to 25 students. The law puts a strain on administration because they couldn’t give all students the classes they wanted.

Lakewood’s Center for Advanced Technologies guidance counselor Barbara Stambaugh said about 12 students have not been able to get a seventh period and have to take the online courses, while guidance counselor Meredith Jones said about 20-30 are affected in the traditional program.

“Not enough electives were offered,” said Jones, who doesn’t like the idea of putting students in online classes.

“I don’t think it’s the greatest way to go about it,” she said. “I would like every kid to be in the classroom.”

Spanish teacher Darlene Lebo thinks the classes are okay for “kids that are computer savvy,” but she doesn’t think it’s a substitute for sitting in a classroom. “I think students have to be motivated and very disciplined (to take the online classes),” she said.

Lebo said the online classes, available through Florida Virtual School, are aimed at kids who are homebound or homeschooled. “I think it provides a service for some students,” she said.

Some students in these online classes say not having a seventh period isn’t a bad

CAT student Gavin Zitman spends seventh period in the library working on Florida Virtual School assignments. He is taking his seventh period online because the class he would have had is full and by law, no more students can be in the class.

QUADDAFEE SEYMOUR | SNN

thing.

“I think it will help me because my brother takes online classes for college,” said sophomore Haley Michalski, who has Spanish III. Sophomore Kerim Karic takes American Government online.

“It helps me because I’ve taken online classes before,” Karic said.

Sophomore Molinseai Elcius said she

likes the classes because “I can move at my own pace.” She started her online classes the second or third week of school.

Elcius said her mom didn’t like the fact that she’s not in a physical class, but she likes that her daughter gets to move at her own pace.

All of the students use Florida Virtual School, which is free for Florida students.

It is also used by students out of state, but

they have to pay.

Online classes aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, Jones and Stambaugh said.

Many colleges are using online classes, and it seems to be the way of the future.

The objective of high school is to prepare you for college, and by having online classes, students may be one step ahead of the game, the counselors said.

Marking their territory

By TAYLOR LAPUMA SNN Editor in Chief

Seniors at Lakewood High will soon have the chance to fulfill one of the most anticipated senior priviledges.

On Dec. 1, the class of 2011 will say good-bye to the parking-space art that the preceding class left by covering it with black paint and creating a fresh, blank canvas to begin their own personal artwork.

The long-awaited event was put off for the first couple months of school.

The parking lot as a whole was supposed to get a new coat of black top, and a

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handicapped parking spot was to be painted for a student who was supposed to be attending Lakewood, principal Bob Vicari said.

The school was hoping the county might pay for the modifications, but the handicapped student didn’t end up attending.

Now, it’s up to the seniors to cover up the old artwork by hand before they revamp their spots.

“We paid for our parking spots, we deserve to do with it what we want,” said senior Michael Hankinson. “I’m planning on doing a music scene.”

MADELINE GLASSMAN | SNN

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features

Oberg goes from music biz to school biz

By CHELSEA GADBOIS SNN Staff Writer

If you know Peter Oberg, program director for Lakewood’s Center for Advanced Technologies, you know him as levelheaded, realistic and helpful, a mentor for anyone who needs him.

Oberg, however, hasn’t always been a teacher. Before he came to Florida, he was a professional keyboardist and played with musicians like the O’Jays and Gladys Knight.

Oberg was a contract musician as well as a music contractor, which means that someone could hire him to play in their band, or he could contract people to play with him. This gave him the opportunity to play with a lot of groups and individual musicians in the ’60s and ‘70s.

“I think that what surprises a lot of people is that I’ve been in science and education, but prior to that I was a professional musician,” said Oberg.

Oberg was recruited 20 years ago to come to Florida from Connecticut to work in the CAT program when it first began.

He’s lived here ever since, though he has

an identical twin brother named Paul, who lives in Rhode Island and owns a software company.

“I love it here at Lakewood and CAT; it’s a great school. It really doesn’t get recognition by the district and the community for all the great things that are happening here, not just the CAT program, but the journalism program and the AMSET program ... just Lakewood as a whole,” said Oberg.

Oberg is serious about his students and helping them to get the best education they can.

“Mr. Oberg is pretty cool. He’ll do whatever he can to keep somebody on track,” said sophomore Justin Wells.

“I think Mr. Oberg is a wonderful man.

He helps me with school,” said sophomore Shawn McCort.

Computer teacher Chris Borg has nothing but good things to say about Oberg.

“Oberg’s a great guy. He’s a good leader, he cares about this program and he wants it to succeed, he also wants us to suc-

KATIE ATKISSON | SNN

CAT coordinator Peter Oberg had a previous career in music before coming to Lakewood High School. ceed; he wants his students to succeed.”

The softspoken, dedicated Oberg that students now know has transformed a lot from the Oberg he was 40 years ago.

“He’s had a pretty colorful career,” said principal Bob Vicari.

Now, Oberg’s number one priority is the school, but even more than that, his priority is his students.

“He doesn’t want anything to take his focus away from his students,” said Vicari.

“He’s phenomenal.”

From cultural music to teaching about cultures

By SYMONE BROWN SNN Staff Writer

From studio sessions with artists that range from Gloria Estefan and Ludacris to the halls of Hollywood High, new Spanish teacher Alexander Seoane has done it all.

Three years ago Seoane was starting out as an audio engineer assistant at a Hit Factory recording studio in Miami. He said he later advanced to become the music production company’s “go-to man” for engineering.

In his music career, Seoane has worked with headliners such as David Banner, Avenge Sevenfold and Lil Wayne, before he proclaimed himself as the “best rapper alive.”

“Probably the most famous artist I worked with is Ludacris,” he said.

Despite the superstars he’s worked with his favorite artist is indie musician Citizen Cope because of his modesty. “He didn’t think he was the man,” said Seoane.

As a lead engineer, Seoane starts a project by talking with the musician and the

producer about what direction they want to go musically.

From there it’s a three step process: they record the vocals, mix them and master the final cut. The finished product is then sent off to the record label.

Seoane was living it up in Miami, doing engineering at live shows as well as studio sessions, and bringing in the bucks. “It was awesome,” Seoane said.

When the Hit Factory closed down in 2008, Seoane lost half of his income with it. He moved to Jacksonville, where he began teaching Spanish at Paxon High School. But due to budget cuts, he found himself out of a job again last year.

Seoane was looking to move out of Jacksonville and relocate to St. Petersburg.

After hearing of the open Spanish teacher position at Lakewood, he made the move.

“Once I met the principal and saw the school, I thought everything was cool,” Seoane said.

Currently he’s teaching Spanish at Lakewood, while continuing to pursue sound engineering by opening his own recording studio. “I will always have a place where I can record local talent. I may not be as big as the Hit Factory, but I’m still going to be involved with music,” said Seoane.

Mr. S, as his students call him, is also Lakewood’s boys soccer coach. “I get to see students put on their jerseys and represent their school; that makes me proud,” he said.

He seems to have fit right in at Lakewood with his students. “He’s one of the coolest teachers I’ve had in years,” sophomore Kevin Jones said.

Jones said he likes his class because it’s “filled with cultural excitement.”

Even though he went from working in South Beach to teaching in South St. Pete, Seoane doesn’t regret becoming a teacher.

“I will always be involved with teaching like I am with music,” Seoane said.

MOLINSEAI ELCIUS | SNN

Spanish teacher Alexander Seoane worked with many popular musicians before becoming a teacher.

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Senior Jonathan Dupree washes a car in the student parking lot after school on Nov. 3. He runs his own car-washing business every day after school at Lakewood High.

TYLER HOLCOMBE | SNN

The money’s in the details

By KATIE BLEVINS and DARIAN SYLVESTER SNN Staff Writers

Senior Jonathan Dupree realized that his current job wasn’t making him enough money, so he started a business of his own.

“I saw that working at Chik-Fil-A wasn’t gonna do it,” he said.

Along with working at the fast-food restaurant, Dupree has been running Johnnie on the Spot Mobile Detailing, a mobile carwash, for three months.

Attached to Dupree’s car is a trailer with a water tank and a generator to power a pressure washer. He charges anywhere from $10-$30 for a carwash, depending on

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what you want done and the size of your car.

If you choose to wash the outside, Dupree said he will wash and dry your car and shine your tires. If you want the inside done, he will wash your windows, vacuum the carpet and shine the dashboards and side panels. If you want your car waxed, it costs $10-$15 extra.

Dupree said he comes to you for no extra charge. His main customers are the students and teachers at Lakewood High School.

“He did a good job. It was clean, he didn’t take too long, and he had good prices,” said Coach Kenitra Anthony, who

has had her car washed by Dupree twice.

Assistant principal Deb Fabrizio has also had her car washed by Dupree. “He’s fabulous, he’s wonderful,” Fabrizio said. “I have no complaints at all.”

Dupree said he can make appointments or come when you call. His goal - besides trying to make at least $100 a day - is to eventually find a permanent location to set up a carwash and to have a food store next to it.

“I’m trying to get out there and do something big,” he said. “I like money.

Money makes the world go round. I’m trying to get more.”

TYLER HOLCOMBE | SNN

Lakewood senior Jonathan Dupree cleans underneath the windshield wipers while washing a car on Nov. 3.

“Money makes the world go round.

I’m trying to get more,” Dupree said.

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features

‘They call me Rev’ Spartan athlete also hears another call

By DRE WALKER SNN Staff Writer

Not many students at any school would open up about their love for religion let alone admit that they are “crazy for Christ.”

But that’s not the case for one Lakewood student who can show out in church and on the football field.

Junior Michael Jones transferred from Osceola High last year to Lakewood. He transferred because his mom said Osceola was too far and she wanted Jones to be under football coach Cory Moore.

Jones is a cornerback for the Spartans, but playing football is not his only gift.

Jones, 16, is also a minister at his church: Healing Temple Outreach Ministry.

“I like the church because it’s a small congregation and it’s very leveled,” he said.

When he first attended the church, one of the members asked him what he thought his role might be, and she gave him a story to preach about for a Sunday morning service. He said he was very excited to do it but also nervous.

“I needed a lot of prayer to do that,” said Jones.

Ever since then he has been preaching God’s word. “I didn’t think I was going to be doing it as heavily as I do it now,” he said.

Jones also plays the keyboard and the drums at his church. He admits that balancing church and his social life is tough.

“Whenever I hang around others I try to keep it real with them cause most of them know that I’m a minister,” said Jones.

Jones wants to go higher in the ministry and make preaching his career. “Nothing is impossible with God,” said Jones.

Lakewood gym teacher Chantella Moore, who first met Jones when he played quarterback for the Lakewood Junior Spartans when he was a kid, said that she expects great things from him.

“Mike is wonderful, ambitious and a hard-working young man,” said Moore.

She also says that Jones stands up for what he believes in and explains that he is a good kid and says that he needs to stay in line with his assignment.

Jones doesn’t just preach. He also raps

RACHELLE GADDY | SNN

Michael Jones, a 16-year-old junior, is a minister at the Healing Temple Outreach Ministry. “I like the church because it’s a small congregation and it’s very leveled,” he said. with seniors Rasheed Hall and De’Shard “DJ” Killens. But he says when rapping he never curses or degrades women.

The main topics Jones tries to focus on when preaching are forgiveness and repentance.

He wants to have a big impact

in church, and he thinks that he already has made an impact on some students here at Lakewood.

In fact, Jones says he has a special bond with his teammates. “They call me Rev,” he said. “They feel it’s a good thing.”

House-to-house turkey trot

By KAYLA GARCIA SNN Staff Writer

Illustration by AARON PARRY | SNN

Some people travel halfway across the world to celebrate Thanksgiving. Sophomore Leon Tomlinson stays in Pinellas County, but he doesn’t sit still for long.

He travels to four different houses, other than his own, and eats five different meals.

“I enjoy it because I get to see all my family I haven’t seen in a while,” said Tomlinson.

To start his day Tomlinson has breakfast with his mom, sister and uncle. This yearly meal consists of everything from waffles to grits.

After breakfast they all get in the car and head to his aunt’s TOMLINSON house. At his aunt’s Tomlinson eats “lunch,” a bunch of small appetizers. They eat a small portion of ham, turkey and potato salad. They are each allowed one soda, but only one. At this house there are no seconds.

Then on to the next house. Tomlinson’s third visit is his grandma’s where he has a barbecue. Everything you would find at a traditional barbecue is found at this Thanksgiving one.

Tomlinson’s second to last stop is his cousin TT’s house. This is where he eats his dinner, which is usually everyone else’s one and only meal. His food consists of turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and all the other traditional dishes.

“We all say hello before we eat and one person makes all the plates, then the kids sit with the kids and the adults with adults and we all eat and laugh,” Tomlinson said.

The final destination of his day is a desert buffet at his other cousin, Yolanda’s house.

The deserts include sweet potato pie, pound cake, pumpkin pie, banana pudding and all kinds of deserts you could think of.

“I think I gain between 10 to 15 pounds. I eat a lot and I have little breaks in between, and in those breaks I’m sleeping,” said Tomlinson.

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Sophomore Jaquartez Robinson drums during a Homecoming pep pally on Spartan Field.

JALON EDWARDS | SNN

CHEVENIA ANDERSON | SNN

Lakewood principal Bob Vicari stands with Homecoming king Rasheed Hall and queen Takira Black during the Homecoming dance.

RACHELLE GADDY | SNN

Lakewood junior Branden Whobrey smiles on the sidelines during the Spartans’ victory over Northeast in the Homecoming football game.

KATIE ATKISSON | SNN

Juniors Jeremy Brown, left, and Tyler Bentley pose for a picture on Twin Day.

DANNY HERNANDEZ | SNN

Senior Quiana Jones dressed up as Minnie Mouse for Celebrity Day during Homecoming Week.

SYLVIA CZYSZCZON | SNN

Senior Shane Sv ackett dressed as Hulk Hogan for Celebrity Day as part of Lakewood’s 2010 Homecoming Week.

TYLER HOLCOMBE | SNN

Senior Patrick Maguire shows off for the camera during the Homecoming assembly.

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Ho L L YWo o D ’ A L o H l

Your page for reviews of the latest movies, books, fashion and music.

Lil Wayne: ‘Not a Human Being’ Reviewed By KAYLA GARCIA SNN Staff Writer

Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., also known as Lil Wayne or Weezy F, released his latest album I am not a Human Being online on Sept. 27, his 28th birthday, while still in prison on gun charges.

The album, which consists of 13 songs, was released into stores on Oct. 12. I bought it at Target on a Saturday morning, put it in the CD player as soon as I got in the car and played it six times straight.

That’s how good it is. The album features other Young Money artists such as Nicki Minaj, Lil Twist, Gudda Gudda, Lil Chuckee, Jae Mills, Tyga and Drake. It also features Jay Sean.

I honestly cannot pick a favorite song on the CD, but my top three have to be: Bill Gates, Popular and What’s Wrong with Them. I also really enjoyed the song

Paranormal Activity 2 Reviewed By KRISTEN HARDY SNN Staff Writer

the album was named after, I am Not a Human Being. If you love Weezy, this album is a must buy.

Gods, battles and vaporization Reviewed By SHERRISH GAINES SNN Staff Writer

Most teenagers worry about getting good grades, break-ups and make-ups. Twelve-year old Percy Jackson has bigger problems, like vaporizing his math teacher and fighting off mythological enemies.

Percy Jackson had always struggled with ADD and dyslexia, often facing troubles in school. After a turn of strange events, Jackson discovers that he is the son of the Greek god Poseidon and possesses unworldly powers.

With the help of fellow mythological creatures and demi-gods, Percy sets forth on an epic adventure to recover Greek god Zeus’ stolen lightning bolt and stop an apocalyptic war between the gods.

The Lightning Thief, which is the first book of the series Percy Jackson and the Olympians, is a tale of modern-day Greek mythology that manages to weave in a suspenseful plot line with a tinge of humor.

If you’re interested in a thrilling story of gods and battles, this is a must read.

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When I went to see Paranormal Activity 2, I expected to laugh at the audience as they screamed in fright. Little did I know, I would be one of the people I thought I’d be laughing at.

Even though Paranormal Activity 2 is the second movie in the series, chronologically it is the prequel to Paranormal Activity. Although this movie isn’t that scary, it definitely had a surprising twist to it.

Kristi is the sister of the possessed main character of the first movie, Katie. When Kristi and her husband come home with a newborn baby, Hunter, they are welcomed home by her step-daughter and their Hispanic nanny.

Everything seems to be going great until one night the family thinks someone has broken into their home, so they get surveillance cameras all around the house. They expect to catch the burglar but instead the video shows the spookiness that is occurring.

Kristi is then reminded of a creepy feeling she once had when she was a little girl. The story then continues with the family realizing that they are dealing with a demon who is out to take the soul of their baby, Hunter, and won’t leave the house until it has him.

This movie had me covering my eyes, and biting my lip. I had to stop myself and laugh because my expectations were different then what I thought was going to happen.

I looked to my right and saw my best friend laughing at the hilarity of my actions.

I think I would definitely recommend this movie for anyone who would like to watch something unpredictable and a little freaky.

It’s rated R, so if you are not 17 you must be accompanied by an adult.

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reviews

Heels: an accident waiting to happen

By KIM MCENTEGART SNN Staff Writer

What do high heels and school have in common? Do heels give you special powers of thinking? You’re not going to church, out to dinner or to the club, you’re going to school to learn.

Sky-high heels – though appropriate in some places - are ridiculous for school.

When you wear heels, you might as well wear a sign saying: “Accident Waiting to Happen.”

Besides worrying about falling, you have to worry about knee and back problems: shortened calf muscles, stress on the joints of the foot because all of your body is putting weight on a thin heel. If you start wearing heels all of the time and starting at a young age, you’re in the category most likely have pain in your feet and it will work up to the rest of your body.

Trust me, I know where girls are coming from. At times I’d rather have the cute shoes and suffer the pain that comes with it. But at school, no question about it, I’ll take my chances with the uglier shoes rather than those death traps.

Don’t get me wrong; I love the big heels, but I’d rather not be in pain or with a broken ankle while learning about ancient Rome.

BYRON BOYKINS| SNN

Kadijah Hunt’s advice: “Don’t be a clone, stand alone. Be in to fashion but make your own.”

A self-made

ALANNA BROWN | SNN

I say clump all you want

By SYMONE BROWN SNN Staff Writer

I love the sound of heels clumping down the hallways and the glamour girls who wear them. Who cares if you’re full of arthritis by the time you are 40 years old? It’s okay as long as you look good today. Well, maybe not to that extreme, but you get the point: I’m a high-heels enthusiast.

From peep toe pumps to spiked stilettos, they are all pluses in my book. There is nothing better than a fly outfit and the perfect pair of heels to top them off.

However, there is controversy surrounding heels at school, especially relating to safety.

For example, I have seen some newbies teeter-tottering up the stairs. Maybe they should stick to flats if they cannot conduct themselves with caution and care.

However, I completely support the high-heeled divas who are experts at navigating their way through Lakewood with elegance. Beauty and fashion has never been a crime and those divas should not be persecuted by heel haters.

Though some disagree, I believe heels aren’t too fancy to wear to school either; after all this is Hollywood High. Looking cute is always appropriate no matter the location.

Bottom line: Starlets in sneakers just don’t mesh well.

fashionista

By BYRON BOYKINS SNN Staff Writer

Junior Kadijah Hunt rocks an exclusive self-made outfit to show off her originality. She said she used her imagination to design and create a vintage cassettetape vest, a bracelet and earrings made of vintage photos of her grandmother.

She also wears a Scrabble-tile ring with the letter “K,” and each finger nail is painted a different color.

“Since middle school, I would rather be creative than boring,” Hunt said.

Though she is into high-fashion labels such as Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen and Christian Louboutin, her inspiration is her grandmother because she was really into fashion as well, Hunt said. She wants to be a fashion stylist and not a fashion designer because her career goal is to model.

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opinion W e d n e s d a y, N o v. 1 7 , 2 0 1 0 Editorial

Rules should be consistent for all students When one gets away with something that is thought to be wrong, it goes against the very essence of our school system’s well-thought-out rules.

We are sure you have witnessed some of these unfair developments: administrators handle dress code violations inconsistently, students completely disregard rules when substitutes are present or one student is allowed special privileges.

As far back as history can show us, inconsistencies between the sexes have been alive and well. Is this happening at Lakewood High School? We have all seen those scantily clad girls who are now being given the option of wearing scrubs instead of going to the Intervention Center or being picked up by a guardian. The obviousness of the scrubs is a bit much – though necessary, to change the mind frame that students can dress however they like.

Now, what about those males who devotedly wear their waist lines around their knees? What is their other option?

Zip-ties are the common threat used by administrators.

These threats have been echoing off our school’s walls for quite some time. Yet, how many males have you seen who have actually had their pants zip-tied? And if so, did it make any difference?

We have all heard the phrase from fellow students: “But my other teacher lets us (insert rule they desire to break).”

Some teachers let students come into their classes without passes, basically allowing them to skip. Some teachers allow certain students to have cell phones on their desks, while chastising other students for the exact same thing.

It makes us question why some teachers allow certain students to break the rules when the majority of teachers don’t. It creates problems for the students as well as other teachers.

Another example of these inconsistencies is that rules don’t seem to matter when substitutes are present. Students take phones out and use them at will, they scroll through

Mp3’s and iPods, knowing that it is against school policy.

We, as students, know what is expected of us, and the substitutes are aware of the rules. Why, then, are students still allowed to break these rules?

Though most people think letting one little thing slide isn’t a big deal, allowing something they know is wrong or unethical to go on actually causes more problems. It is unfair to all parties involved, both students and staff members alike.

There should be one standard for all students. One standard that grants everyone the same freedoms, one standard that grants everyone the same restrictions and one standard that we can all depend on. Until school rules are enforced uniformly, we feel that Lakewood cannot move forward; it will crumble, bearing the weight of these inconsistencies.

This editorial reflects the opinion of the SNN staff and was written by Sofia Damos, editor of editorials.

Columns

Ten-hut! Lakewood needs JROTC

By JALON EDWARDS SNN Staff Writer

It gives you discipline and college scholarships – but at Lakewood High School we don’t have it.

Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) is a federal program sponsored by the United States Armed Forces in high schools.

I knew before I came to Lakewood that the school did not have JROTC. So I tried everything to get into the program Gibbs High School but my parents didn’t want me to.

In JROTC, students study ethics, citizenship, communications, leadership, life skills and other subjects to prepare for an adult society, according to www. usarmyjrotc.com and www.mcjrotc.com.

Numerous studies have shown that students who participate in JROTC programs have better attendance, grades and graduation rates. If you join JROTC, there is no obligation to join the military.

The military provides each unit with uniforms and other materials and shares the cost of the military instructors.

JROTC has many different activities.

The Color Guard carries the National Color and other flags appropriate to its position in the chain of command. Typically these include a

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unit flags and a flag of the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. The Drill Team is a marching unit that performs routines based on military drill. In JROTC, you go on field trips and do community service projects.

Principal Bob Vicari said he would like to see a JROTC unit at Lakewood.

“I was an (assistant principal) at Dixie Hollins High School and they had it there.

The kids there were proud of it,” he said.

If you think Lakewood should have JROTC, let Vicari know. The more students who are interested in having one, the better chance we have of getting one.

AARON PARRY | SNN

Transportation lacking for after-school activities

By KATIE DICKINSON SNN Staff Writer

Thinking about joining an after-school extracurricular activity? Well, think again because at Lakewood High School there are no after school buses.

For Drama Club, Future Business Leaders of America, sports, student council, marching band and other activities, you have to find a ride on your own. This can be hard on working parents with a busy schedule, when you don’t yet have your license (or car) and when you can’t get a

ride from a friend. The lack of buses leave some students having to skip Parents are your key to a ride home, but not with a busy schedule and demanding phone calls taking up their time. Your second option would be to get a ride home from a friend, but you can’t always depend on your peers to be able to swing by your house and drop you off.

The average freshman is 14 or 15 years old and is not yet eligible for a license. The upperclassmen may have their licenses, but no car. For those of you who do, join as many activities as you can!

Extracurricular activities are crucial to your future. Colleges are looking for well-

rounded students. Participating in clubs and sports is beneficial to you while choosing your college. Think about it: would they rather have someone who has a really good GPA, or someone who was in the Drama Club, played soccer and was in the marching band with an average GPA? The latter is preferred.

After-school buses would enable teens at Lakewood to participate in activities they might not have been able to before.

Whether for fun or to look good on a college application, extracurricular activities are a big part of a high school student’s life.

An after-school bus would let all kids take part.

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opinion

Break, what break?

By SHERICE JOHNSON SNN Staff Writer

The term “break” is used to describe the short 15 minutes that are given to us in the middle of the day. It deserves a different name. This “break” is nowhere close enough to what we deserve.

By the time the bell rings at the end of fourth period, it can take someone up to five minutes to find the food cart. It is never in a sure spot.

Sometimes it is in the hub, and other times it’s in the back of B-wing. If the school would have a secure location for the cart, it would make things move a lot more smoothly.

Another problem I have is the rule about not being able to give someone your money and have them get your food for you. Let’s think about this for a second: if

you give your money to someone else and have them get the food for you, it would make the lines shorter. This would eliminate worries about fights over who was in front of whom, the lines would move faster and there would be fewer students to watch. We would also get more time to eat.

Finally, I think there needs to be more than two carts located around campus.

Having everyone rushing to one cart is unsanitary. You have people talking and yelling over the food, and the cart sometimes runs out of food.

A change needs to come. As long as we can prove to school administrators that we, as a student body, can compose ourselves in a well-behaved way, I don’t think it would be a problem to give us a little more time on break. Maybe even a wider range of food to choose from, or even more carts around the campus. Something’s got to give – preferably sooner rather than later.

Letters Dear Editor, The majority of schools are in session five days a week for about six to seven hours a day. That is enough time for both the students and teachers to get whatever they need completed. However, it seems as if schools in Pinellas County see it differently. Giving students an early dismissal every Wednesday so teachers can have additional planning time seems a little selfish. Why take that time away from students who only spend seven periods a day in school?

Let’s use where I’m from as an example.

With nine periods, and a slightly higher standard, some people would consider New

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.

York a better place to attend school, especially for academics. We went to school at 8 a.m. and got out at 3 p.m. Not including lunch, that’s 32.5 hours a week in class and 130 hours a month. This contrasts with Pinellas County students who only spend 31.5 hours a week and 126 hours a month in class. That is about 40 hours a year less than New York students.

So, the Pinellas system may be ideal for producing outstanding teachers with wellplanned lessons, but is there enough time for the students to learn?

Sincerely, Natasha Shaw, 11th grade Dear Editor, Disrespect should not be accepted in the classroom, on the job or even if you’re walking down the street. Being disrespectful may eventually lead to a consequence or punishment of some shape or form. It can lead down a path of immorality.

Respect, on the other hand, can bring good things to someone whether it’s on the job, in school or in everyday circumstances. Respecting others allows them to trust you.

Every time you disrespect someone else or their feelings, it makes them feel like a smaller person. “Give respect to get respect” is how everyone should live, even if it’s difficult at times. Learning to keep composed is a true element of maturity.

I believe that everyone should challenge themselves to be aware of others and their surroundings.

Sincerely, Jasmine McCranely, 9th grade

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sports W e d n e s d a y, N o v. 1 7 , 2 0 1 0

Drag

Diva

BY CHRIS DEISTER SNN Staff Writer

Many of the men in her family do it – her grandpa, her uncle and her dad, but junior Ashley Turri is the first female in her family to ever drag race.

“Being in the car, the only thing I’m focused on is the track and my opponent. The adrenaline rush is a really good feeling,” said Turri.

She races on Fridays or Saturdays at Sunshine Drag Strip or at Bradenton Motor Sports Park. She pays $32 every times she races and her car cost $3,500. She brings it back and forth between the track and her house.

“I learned by being around it [the drag car], how it works, the sounds, and watching my dad. I had go-carts to teach me the foot pedals and everything,” said Turri, who started drag-racing eight years ago.

The track is about an eighth of a mile long. She can complete it in 7 to 13 seconds. There are different types of cars like Sportsmen and Super Pro. The fastest she can accelerate is about 90 miles per hour.

Turri enters competitions and has made it to the division finals.

“It’s like a ginormus competition,” said Turri.

If you win the division finals you get a walley, which is equivalent to a “Super Bowl trophy or a Stanley cup” in drag racing. The competitions are all over the country,

KC SHELTON | SNN

Junior Ashley Turri sits in her car as she waits to get on the track at Sunshine Dragstrip in Clearwater. like the annual one at the Bristol Race Way in Tennessee, where Turri has raced.

“I race against people my own age, girls and boys,” said Turri.

One of Turri’s friends, junior Rebecca Schnell, thinks Turri’s hobby is great.

“I think it’s pretty cool because you don’t normally see a girl doing that,” said Schnell.

Turri almost got Schnell into drag racing, too. “(I thought about doing it) once I found out she did it

freshmen year, but I thought I would crash,” she said.Turri has thought about racing cars as a career.

“It’s crossed my mind but I don’t want to; it’s more of a hobby,” she said.

Turri said she would recommend this hobby to other people.

“You make so many new friends and opportunities. It’s a unique thing,” she said.

New in the classroom and on the fields

Teachers have a tough job; they have to make lesson plans, learn more than 120 students’ names and get to know other faculty members, too. These first year Lakewood teachers have added another responsbility: coaching a sports team.

BY KALA FUNDERBURK SNN Staff Writer

Alexander Seoane

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Alexander Seoane applied for a Spanish teacher job at Lakewood High School over the summer and while in his interview, he asked if Lakewood needed a soccer coach. The school did and he got both jobs.

Seoane said he has been playing soccer since he could walk and has coached for three years. Since this is his first year at Lakewood he is expecting the upperclassman to step up this year and help out. A native of Spain, Seoane is now in his second year of teaching and his first year at Lakewood.

“I’m expecting a very good team and a very good year,” said Seoane.

The boys are also excited about their new coach.“I think he’s a really good guy and he’s going to take us far,” returning player sophomore Trevor Sheddan said.

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Haley Forsyth is a first year history teacher here at Lakewood High School. With only three months of teaching under her belt she is taking on a new responsibility, head softball coach.

Forsyth has been playing softball since she was 8 years old.

Last year she helped the Spartan team out. Her goals for this year’s team are “to have diverse players from across the campus and have a fun and successful year.”

Teammates say they are excited about the new coach and the upcoming season.

Haley Forsyth “Oh my god, we’re so excited. Finally we have someone who’s going to run the team the way it needs to be run and knows what we need to do in order to win,” said senior co-captain Sherrish Gaines.

The team’s first softball practice begins Jan. 10, 2011, and the games will start in February.

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sports

Shavin’ and prayin’

Whether it’s praying, wearing a certain shirt or shaving off every hair on their body, athletes have their own pre-game rituals.

By MALCOLM ERVIN SNN Staff Writer

Martez Anderson, a junior running back for the Spartans, is the heartbeat of the varsity football team.

Whenever his teammates are tired, he is like the Energizer bunny, always pumped up. Before the team hits the field he does what he calls the Spartan Prayer. The team gets on their knees in the locker room, puts their heads down and their hands on a teammate’s shoulder. Standing in the middle, Anderson recites the prayer with a call-and-response cadence.

“Day by day,’’ Anderson chants, his teammates repeating his words. “We get better and better until we can’t be beat, won’t be beat. We never stop fighting, and we never give up, so when we win, it won’t be by luck. Amen.”

Anderson was inspired by a YouTube video of the University of Nebraska football team.

“It’s the exact same thing, but I just put my own swag on it,” said Anderson.

The prayer starts off quiet but rises in intensity and gets the team pumped up right before they walk onto the field.

The night before every big game Lakewood’s head football coach Corey Moore and his 10-year-old son wear their Superman shirts to bed.

Moore wakes up at 5 a.m. every game day and always eats a nutritious breakfast consisting of grits, eggs and sausages. He wears mismatched socks to school every game day.

“It’s just a habit, I always have to have my mismatched socks,” said Moore.

Finally, when the team runs on the field

he always makes them run to the left side of the goal posts.

The rituals are not superstitions, Moore said. “It’s just something I do. I’ve been doing this since 2003.”

Pregame rituals have been a part of Moore’s sports career as far back as when he played fullback for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League and was a student athlete at Lakewood High School.

“When I played for Coach Wright I always would wear my high yellow socks on one leg,” said Coach Moore.

Moore says former NFL running back Eric Dickerson, Lakewood High graduate and former NFL player William Floyd and Lakewood’s own Anthony Lawrence inspired him to make socks a part of his preparations.

“I looked up to all of them,” said Coach Moore.

Before every district meet each year, the Lakewood swim team gets together at sophomore swimmer Rebecca Halfast’s house and has what they call a shaving party.

The swimmers all gather around her hot tub and shave their arms, legs and some of them even shave their heads and toes.

“It reduces friction, makes you swim faster,” said senior Sean Kendrick.

Junior Annie Kane said the party is a lot of fun and she really enjoys herself.

“It’s a team bonding experience,” Kane said. “It allows all of us to drop our times.”

- SNN Staff Writer Jeremy Brown contributed to this story.

MOLINSEAI ELCIUS | SNN

ABOVE: Martez Anderson gives his prayer before Lakewood’s varsity game against Spoto High on Nov. 5. Anderson does this before each game.

LEFT: Sophomore Rebecca Halfast shaves the legs of senior Martin Dinkov during a shave-down party at Halfast’s home on Oct. 29, the day before districts.

Special to SNN

Football: A lot of work, a little luck

Lady Spartans bumped out of districts

Lakewood beat Spoto High School 2822 on Nov. 5, meaning they will go to the playoffs for the third year in a row.

After the game, the Spartans thought they would play in a three-way tie-breaker at Spoto on Nov. 8, but the possible third team, Blake High School, was forced to forfeit a previous district game against Osceola for having an ineligible player on their roster, coach Cory Moore said. The forfeit put Blake down in the standings and Lakewood’s win against Spoto meant the Spartans would go the playoffs.

The Lakewood High School varsity volleyball team lost their first and second games against Palmetto High School on Oct. 27, knocking them out of districts.

Junior Berkley Whaley was out of the game that day due to injury, and senior Nicole Borden was also injured.

“It was a challenge because Berkley was injured, I was injured,” said Borden. “I did play but I wasn’t 100%.”

“We went into the game and we were already defeated,” said Whaley. “I could just see it in everyone’s faces that they

“I think this team is starting to shape up like the movie Facing the Giants,” Moore said.

The Spartans were scheduled to play Northeast High School for Lakewood’s homecoming game on Nov. 12. Check our website for game results.

- Chelsea Gadbois and KAYLA GARCIA, Snn STAFF WRITERS

were doubting themselves.”

“We weren’t really playing like we wanted to win,” said Borden.

As a senior, it was her last season playing for Lakewood. “I was upset,” she said. “(But) it was a really good season. I had fun, and it’s going to be a really good team next year.”

- Chelsea Gadbois, SNN STAFF WRITER

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KATIE ATKISSON | SNN

Senior Chris Ray heads up the seniors against the sophomores in a tug-o-war battle during Powder Puff.

KATIE ATKISSON | SNN

From left, junior Aly Hanmore, senior Kathryn Harville and junior Madison Hackman run across Spartan Field during Powder Puff.

MADDIE GLASSMAN | SNN

Junior Cole Hardman tops the junior class pyramid after the junior girls played flag football during the Powder Puff event.

All puffed up From left, sophomores Aaron Gilmore, Eddy Mojica, Jesse Sokolov and Austin Underwood perform their dance routine.

Senior Samantha Wilson sprints across Spartan Field with the ball during the Powder Puff game as referee Cory Moore keeps an eye on the play.

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KATIE ATKISSON | SNN

MADDIE GLASSMAN | SNN