SNN October 2011

Lakewood High School - October 5, 2011

snntoday.snn.pcsb.org

Spartan News Network

WILL BOLINGER | SNN

Junior Molinseai Elcius awaits instruction at the front of Colleen Coughenour’s musical theater class. The class is a new elective that allows students to hone in on their acting and singing skills in front of a group of their peers. Take a look at some more new classes on pages 8-9.

Spartans say ‘namaste’ ... page 14

Hall pass of the future ... page 3 A style of his own ... page 7 Twitter for dummies ... page 13

the hub

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A word from

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By SOFIA DAMOS SNN Editor in Chief

We live in a country that embraces, and in some cases, devalues freedom. What does freedom mean to you?

To me, freedom is something I treasure.

Being the child of a Greek/Albanian immigrant, who now stands as a proud American, I was brought up holding the ideals of this country in my heart.

The recollection of old stories, harsh realities and life where my father came from taught me this: When you have never been without it, you may never understand how truly precious it is.

On the anniversary of Sept. 11, the nation started thinking about these principles: liberty, justice and freedom.

To all those who don’t value these principles, remember that it is the freedom in this country that allows you to say so, to speak out against what you feel is wrong.

In some parts of the world people are not given a right to think for themselves.

You learn about it in your history classes, you hear about the immense acts of our forefathers and what they did to get this right. Wars were fought over the right to be truly free, and wars are still being fought over this.

Take for instance the on-goings of the Middle East. Like a domino effect, the countries in the Middle East, starting in Tunisia, began falling to internal problems.

One of the largest issues is the lack of freedom, especially freedom of the press - something we here at SNN take very seriously.

Could you imagine a world without freedom? A world where you could only say certain things, express certain ideas, or act in a specific way.

The freedom to wear what you want to wear, the freedom to say what you would like to say, the freedom to be who you want to be. No questions asked. That, my dear peers, is America.

As journalists we embrace the ideas of freedom of the press.

And as Americans, we embrace freedom.

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MOLINSEAI ELCIUS | SNN

Sophomore Marilyn Parker leads Lakewood’s Dynasty Dolls dance team during the Lakewood vs. Seminole halftime show on Sept. 2. “The dancing we do here is a natural ability of mine,” said Parker.

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Monday

Celebrity Day: Dress up as any celebrity you want, dead or alive. You can be Snooki, Taylor Swift or Justin Bieber.

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Thursday

Class Color Day: Dress in your class color. Seniors: red; juniors: green; sophomores: blue; freshmen: yellow. The powder puff game is at 6 p.m.

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Tuesday

Twin Day: Dress to match a friend or you can even be triplets.

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Friday

Friday: No school. Homecoming game against Lennard High School kicks off at 7 p.m.

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Wednesday

Decade Day: Today you can dress from any decade (90s, 60s, etc.)

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Saturday

Saturday: The Homecoming Dance is in the Lakewood High School gym from 8-11:30 p.m. The theme is “Casino Night.”

The Dance Rules: You may bring guests from other schools, but they must bring their IDs and sign up beforehand, and dress and dance “classy, not trashy.” There will be 20 chaperones, who are being encouraged to dress as black-jack dealers. The school has brought in some decorators to design the gym so it will look like a real casino.

-KC SHELTON AND KATIE DICKINSON

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news

Hall pass of the future?

By SCOTTY SCHENCK SNN Staff Writer

Keeping track of all students all the time is nearly impossible for teachers. However, Lakewood’s network administrator Louis Zulli Jr. and his technology students are trying to come up with a way to help them: Project Magikarp.

That is the nickname for the newest idea from Zulli and his assistants - an electronic hall pass system. Like the Pokémon Magikarp, “if (the project) worked it would evolve into this super powerful system,” Zulli said. However if it fails, he said, it would be completely useless.

A simple I.D. badge worn around students’ necks will be the next technological step forward for Lakewood.

The badge will have a student’s name, grade and a photo.

Before students leave the room, they will swipe their ID card through a small machine, which will be attached to the teacher’s computer. This will automatically issue a hall pass to the restroom. For other destinations, teachers will have to select from several choices, such as the Lakewood auditorium, and the teacher can set how long the student can be outside the classroom.

There will also be different types of passes for different students. SNN, CATCOM, network assistants and yearbook students will have their own specific type of card.

These teachers can select the “on assignment” unlimited time pass.

Zulli said that Michael Wiley (Class of ’11) and current senior Louis Hofer did most of the work on the system,

which is different because it was designed from a teacher’s point of view, rather than from a software engineer’s.

“I think it’s great if it works,” said Spanish teacher Darlene Lebo. She says that even though a small number of students abuse the hall pass system, this will help hall monitors catch them. If students are in class, she said, grades go up.

“For a student to be productive and successful in a classroom they need to be in the classroom,” said Lebo The website also gives teachers and administrators the ability to see how many times a student has been tardy as well as the number of hall passes each student has used that day and throughout the entire school year.

Administrators and hall monitors will have a specific webpage sorted by grade level where they will be able to see every student out of the classroom at once. Hall monitors will have iPads with a special application that will allow them to send a student straight to IC from the device.

Since there is a picture of every student enrolled in Lakewood on the website and the iPad, the hall monitors will be able to detect trespassers. “(It will) help identify the student,” said hall monitor G. Hinton. He said it will help with school safety and will cut down on the amount of paperwork. It will also help the school become more technologically advanced.

Zulli said this could revolutionize the way schools treat the hall pass system. In fact, officials from Atlanta, Ga.,

contacted Zulli through video chat and said they may want to use the system in every school in the city.

Hofer, one of Zulli’s assistants, says that trial testing for the system will soon be under way. “(Working on the project) gives me real world experience I can use in the job market, and it sets me aside from other students,” said Hofer.

Zulli said he is very proud of the students who helped create the system.

“How could I not be proud? They’re wonderful young men and women. They’re as important to the success of this school as so many others.”

Hollywood High is lookin’ fly

By SHAWNDRA DAVIS and ELIZABETH WILLIAMS SNN Staff Writer

As students walk down the halls of Lakewood High School, can they see the differences?

During the summer, school district workers as well as CAT program coordinator Peter Oberg, Lakewood principal Bob Vicari and volunteers donated materials and time to work on remodeling projects around the school.

These changes include: new carpet and tile in B and C wing; fresh white paint on all the major walls and doors in A, B and C wing and the Hub; the bright blue “wet” floor in science teacher James Kostka’s room; 42 picnic tables and 20 new trash cans; new signage to help incoming students find their way; and improved landscape, including trimming of bushes and added palm trees in the front of the school and football field.

Vicari said all of the improvements, excluding Kostka’s “wet floor,” came to about $100,000. The money to pay for the new floor in Kostka’s classroom came from a Perkins Fund.

More recently, volunteers including a church group, band members and some members of the football team got together on Sept. 24 – a Saturday - to spread crushed shells underneath the picnic tables by the cafeteria, a move designed to combat weeds, Vicari said. The Girls Service League also came that day and painted some of the picnic tables.

“I had goosebumps from this,” Vicari said. “Everyone came together and took part in it. It was a good thing.”

Most students say they are appreciative of the improvements.

“Picnic tables are a plus,” says senior Adrianna Swinton.

“I like it. It made the bottom of my shoes blue,” said senior Cassandra Owa, when referring to the new floor in Kostka’s room.

Still some are stuck on the fact that the Hollywood and Vine mural on the east wall of the Hub was painted over.

“It’s horrible. People worked hard to put the design up,” said senior Ernest Clayton.

Jacquez Fort called Vicari’s decision to paint over the mural “ridiculous.”

“He’s got the right, but it’s not right,” he said.

Even some teachers were not happy with the decision.

“I wasn’t happy with it. It was done for teachers to take pride in the school. I’ve been here for 10 years and I’m all for new history, but you have to pay homage to people,” said AVID teacher Tara Fowler.

Vicari said the decision was made because the mural was getting old and chipped. A number of clubs and teachers that are no longer here were also represented on the mural.

“We want current things to represent the school,” he said.

“We want a nice sharp looking environment, nothing that looks run down.”

Vicari said Lakewood High School will continue to undergo changes. Plans include painting new murals on the walls, creating a canopy to shade students from the sun and more fresh painting.

SNN Archive

AARON GRAHAM | SNN

BEFORE: A painting of marching Spartans decorates the wall. AFTER: The hallways in the hub have been painted to make way for new murals later this year.

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Fewer bells, more class

By SOFIA DAMOS SNN Staff Writer

The ear piercing bell now rings only four times a day - a drastic difference from the previous years, where this sound could be heard seven times in one day at 52-minute intervals.

Lakewood High has a new schedule: four blocks a day, with 96-minute long classes. This means alternating days, A and B, with no repeated days. The block schedule was put into place to allow students to have more time in class, with less time being spent changing classes seven times in one day.

The change had an immediate positive effect on scheduling, an issue that has been problematic over the years. At the begin-

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SCOTTY SCHENCK | SNN

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ning of previous years, many students sat in the Lakewood auditorium for days at a time, missing multiple periods, or not having a schedule at all.

“It’s certainly created an interesting master schedule,” said assistant principal Susan Alvaro, who believes that this year was successful in the transition. “We were proud that every student had a schedule with eight periods.”

Many staff members welcomed the new schedule, because they believed that seven periods in one day was not working.

“I think the students can focus more… rather than juggling seven different classes at a time,” said guidance counselor Meredith Jones.

“I like not having (seven) bells in a day.

The halls are cleared more efficiently,” said Alvaro.

The extra time in class is more efficient for some classes, like the arts.

“It actually feels like the day is shorter, not as much hustle and bustle,” said band teacher Michael Kernodle. “(There’s) more time for the students.”

And some students even have praise for the new schedule. Junior Rashad Hamilton transferred to Lakewood from Gibbs, where the block schedule was already in place.

“Since this is my second year doing it, I’m used to it. I can get more work done,” he said. Seven periods was hard, he said, “because I had to go here and here and here.”

The positive opinion is not shared by all, however.

“It was better last year, the classes were shorter,” said sophomore Savoria Edwards. “(The new day) is long and exhausting.”

“This year is harder to pace, and it’s harder to get to know your students a little better,” said math teacher Philip Morgan, who believes that math is better taught in small increments. “I feel the new schedule is counterproductive for math.”

TYLER HOLCOMBE | SNN

Network Administrator Louis Zulli Jr. holds up his award.

Zulli honored by Microsoft

By SEAN CARTER SNN Staff Writer

Microsoft has recognized network coordinator Louis Zulli Jr. for the work that he and his network assistants are doing behind the scenes at Lakewood High School. Zulli was awarded with first place for using technology in education at the 2011 U.S. Innovative Education Forum.

During the week of July 24, Zulli went to Redmond, Wash., to receive the award.

"There are no high school students in the United States that are doing what my network assistants are doing. They are working in a production environment, on actual projects, that affect every student and faculty member here," said Zulli.

For years now, Zulli has chosen kids from the Center for Advanced Technologies program to work with him fixing and maintaining computers and the network, as well as building and maintaining the website, and coding programs that improve the experiences of Lakewood students and faculty.

"These students (network assistants) are doing things that people with seven-year degrees are doing," said principal Bob Vicari.

The Innovative Education Forum, the organization that recognized Zulli and CAT, is a part of the Microsoft Partners in Learning program. The goal of the program is to "honor innovative teachers and schools and to showcase how technology can further education transformation," according to the IEF wabsite.

Zulli and his network assistants were recognized specifically for their work on CATNIP - the Center for Advanced

Technologies News and Information Portal - the internal website used by students and faculty at CAT. Among the other projects that they presented were the Lakewood hall pass system, a teacher lesson planner system, a campus asset tracker and a campus virtual tour.

“These opportunities that we're afforded here are opportunities that not even college students often get," said senior Steven Doyle.

The teacher lesson planner system, designed and programmed by senior Aaron Teetor using Sharepoint and Infopath, is used by teachers to design lessons and keep track of them.

The campus virtual tour, designed and programmed by seniors Kyla Kolb and Lindsay Hofer, was made in the summer of their sophomore year using Silverlight, and can be found on the CAT website (http:// www.cat.pcsb.org).

The campus asset tracker, designed and programmed by senior Andy Styrcula using Sharepoint and Silverlight, allows the network assistants and teachers to keep track of technologies throughout the school.

Finally, the campus hallpass system, designed and programmed by Louis Hofer and Michael Wiley using Javascript and Sharepoint, will soon be in the testing phase, and will allow teachers and administrators to keep track of students and hall passes.

Vicari described Zulli as “brilliant.”

“No other way to say it. He’s brilliant.

When it comes to technology, he knows his stuff.”

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features

Vending revised

By LAUREN HASTINGS SNN Staff Writer

Last year, the vending machines were filled with sugary, salty, fatty snacks and drinks. This year, the goal was to fill the vending machines with healthier food for students. The change came at the loss of a contract with Pepsi, worth $40,000 to Lakewood High School.

Principal Bob Vicari said a decision was made in April that all Pinellas County high schools would no longer be getting Pepsi contract money or filling up the vending machines with unhealthy drinks.

According to Vicari, Food Services director Art Dunham and the wellness coordinator Peggy Johns brought the issue up, urging the schools to end the sale of unhealthy drinks and snacks served in school vending machines.

“It’s a part of educating the youth of America,” said Dunham.

Elimination of non-diet sodas in the vending machines is part of a greater effort to eliminate sugar-added beverages in schools by July 2012, when only no sugar added beverages will be allowed in schools. However, diet soda is still available in the machines because it is considered a low sugar beverage, Dunham said.

While the decision may help make students healthier, it still leaves the school without a big chunk of money. Vicari said that the money from the Pepsi contract paid for security at sporting events.

“I spent that money on things we need,” Vicari said. “If you think $40,000 is a lot of money, it goes quick.”

The vending machines are now owned by the school systems’ Food Services, and the profits will still be distributed to the schools. Previously, only the snack vending machines were controlled by Food Services. This year, all of the vending machines are operated by Food Services.

The first distribution of money to schools is to happen on Oct. 15, although how much money Lakewood and the other schools will receive is not yet known.

Students have differing opinions on the contents of the vending machines.

“I guess they’re okay,” said sophomore Caitlin Schnell, though she said she would prefer better drinks in the vending machines. “Like V8 or something.”

Unlike Schnell, some students have a more negative opinion.

“They have no good stuff in the vending machines,” said sophomore Mohan Maddineni. “They’re not going to make any money off of it.”

For some students it’s not just what is in the machine that bothers them. It’s how much it costs.

“I hate the fact that it’s a dollar now.

That’s an extra 25 cents a day,” said sophomore Sean Hofer, regarding the price hike for sodas.

JAMES THOMAS-BOWLES | SNN

(Above) Sophomore David Stephenson buys a drink to quench his thirst outside of the cafeteria on Sept. 8.

(Left) New drinks fill the vending machines this year.

JEREMY BROWN | SNN

Student government: new contract, more spirit

By ZOE BLAIR-ANDREWS SNN Staff Writer

Lakewood High School’s Student Government Association president Kiara Allen says she is ready for change.

“We must change our spirit, but first we must change ourselves,” Allen said. “We’re trying to put a new foundation down for SGA.” This year Allen wants to improve communication in SGA by making sure all members follow through with their responsibilities. Faculty sponsor of SGA, Ivana McIntosh, agrees with this vision, “It wasn’t as well organized as it should have been (last year),” said McIntosh.

Over the summer Allen helped put together a new constitution and contract for SGA members. “I started brainstorming on how I could make it effective,” she said.

Everyone joining SGA this year must sign this contract and follow through with the rules and regulations.

“Students know when and what they have to do exactly,” said McIntosh.

Members of SGA agree this contract will help to improve the club. Cassandra Owa is a senior at Lakewood and has been involved in SGA for two years.

Owa said that last year a lot of students signed up to be a part of SGA but were only interested in planning homecoming.

She likes the idea of the contract because otherwise SGA might run into the same problems this year, “If you use that (the contract) it will ensure that people stay,” Owa said.

This year, with a new contract in place, Allen and McIntosh both hope things will run smoothly.

McIntosh recommends SGA to the students at Lakewood. “You can be an active part of your school, and not a passive person,” McIntosh said, “It teaches you how to work together for a common goal.”

General board meetings are held in the CAT auditorium on the second and fourth Mondays of the month. The senate and ex-

ecutive board meetings are held in the CAT auditorium on the first and third Mondays.

If SGA doesn’t interest you, try some of these other clubs at Lakewood: Drama Club: If you are interested in performing, participating in festivals and productions, putting on plays, going to district competitions or working backstage, then you would enjoy drama club. To join go to drama teacher Colleen Coughenhour’s room (703) every Thursday from 2:30-3:30.

Robotics: On Wednesdays in A-201, many students gather to construct and program robots to prepare them for competition. If participating or watching this sounds interesting to you, then join the robotics club. Everyone is welcome.

Video Game (Development) Club: If you are creative, good at programming and computer design, or if you have ever wanted to write your own video game, then the video game club is the place for you.

Video game club meetings are on every other Tuesday in computer teacher Melissa Heeren’s room (T-111).

Sailing Club: This year there is a new opportunity for people who enjoy sailing or want to learn how, a Lakewood High School Sailing Team. This team will be learning the basics of sailing and competing against other high school sailing teams.

If this sounds fun to you, check it out on any Tuesday or Thursday afternoon at the St. Petersburg Sailing Center on Demens Landing. No previous experience is needed to join.

National Honor Society: Juniors and seniors of Lakewood High School, if you have an unweighted GPA of at least 3.0, have good behavior, and enjoy doing service projects, then check in with chemistry and statistics teacher Andrea Carvill in room T-209.

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New faces in the classrooms We have new and returning faces to Lakewood this year. They come from as far as the New England area, to as close as Tampa. One teacher even worked at a Juvenile Detention Center. Continue reading below to check out the 15 new staff profiles.

By KIMBERLY KOAGEL, KATIE DICKINSON, KC SHELTON SNN Staff Writers

In the gym Michael Culbreth teaches HOPE, volleyball and child development.

Before Lakewood Culbreth was a teacher at Pinellas Secondary School. He has five children and is proud of them for graduating from college. Culbreth himself is trying to get his masters in counseling. He also enjoys gospel music.“It inspires me,” Culbreth said.

Anthony Diemido teaches liberal arts, mathematics and statistics. This is his second year teaching, and last year he taught at a juvenile detention center in Pittsburgh.

Diemido says Lakewood students are better behaved. He came to Florida because he wanted to teach high school students and there were no jobs available in Pittsburgh. On the weekends he sleeps, and his favorite book is Freakenomics. He is the assistant swim team coach. He went to Slippery Rock University, and is proud of being the teacher of the year last year. If Diemido wasn’t teaching he said that he would probably be “throwing boxes on a truck” for FedEx. Jayce Ganchou is the new art teacher in room C103. He taught for 15 years in the Toledo Ohio public school system. Ganchou said he decided to move down here because the art programs were being cut in Ohio and also because his parents live here and he wanted to be close to them. Ganchou, who attended Columbus College of Art and Design, said he thought about playing professional baseball, but when that fell through he had art to fall back on. “I got bit by the teaching bug,” he said. His mom and uncles are “pretty artsy,” he said, and at the age of 7 he took an adult sculpting class.

His favorite sculptor is Henry Moore and his favorite artist is Salvador Dali.

Keri Gartland last worked at Boca Ciega High School; she is a response to intervention staff developer. She wanted to come to Lakewood for the “opportunity to work with a wonderful team!” Gartland is proud of getting her master’s degree. On the weekend she likes to spend time with her friends and family and catch up on, “really bad reality T.V. shows.”

Armando Gilkes teaches math for all grades. He taught previously at Atlanta Georgia Centennial High School for eight years. He is most proud of his children.

When his family relocated to Florida, Gilkes decided to come with them because he has heard good things about the county. “The students are respectful,” said Gilkes, “I love it.” If Gilkes wasn’t teaching he would be coaching football and basketball or doing educational research.

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“To get a different experience,” is Chiquita Godwin’s reason why she came to Lakewood from Tyrone Middle School where she taught for three years. Godwin teaches critical and intensive reading in B-205. Godwin is proud of all the schooling she has gone through. She has a bachelor’s from St. Petersburg College, master’s from Nova Southeastern University and is now enrolled in Nova’s doctorate program. Godwin would never want to do anything else, “teaching is my life.”

This is Matt Gorny’s first year here, after teaching in Buffalo for two years. When Buffalo no longer had teaching positions, Gorny came down to Florida. Everyone’s friendly and helpful, Gorny said. He graduated from Buffalo State and majored in communications and then English. “(I) really thought I could make a difference and help students become better learners,” said Gorny.

A new math coach to Lakewood High School is Kevin Haugabrook. He was placed here by the district because of our status. He likes to spend time with his family and he has a wife and two dogs. Haugabrook enjoys listening to Christian music, and is most proud of receiving Jesus Christ as his savior. “It changed my life,” said Haugabrook.

This is Delsey Kempf’s first year teaching chemistry full time. Kempf has substituted at other schools in New York state for three and a half years. She loves the weather here, and the outdoor setting with the courtyards around the school. Jobs were also available here and she said she likes the students. “They are motivated.They want to learn.” She wouldn’t mind being a research chemist if she wasn’t teaching, but she hopes to be here for at least five years.

If you walk by new music teacher Jacob Merrett’s room, 705, you will hear the chords of a guitar, notes from a keyboard or voices of a chorus. Merrett decided to come to Lakewood so he could help start the chorus program from the bottom up. He plays piano, pipe organ and a little french horn. Merrett won an award for playing piano, and played for previous Gov. Jeb Bush. This year Merrett said he is excited about Spartones, the new chorus group. Meetings are on Tuesday from 2:30-4:00 if you are interested.

Alex Pittman teaches psychology, sociology and law studies. Pittman’s previous job was teaching middle school history in Detroit, Mich. He graduated from Central Michigan University. Pittman said he came to Lake-

wood because of the students and administration. He likes to go sight-seeing on the weekends and has a dog named Marley. Pittman said he enjoys listening to ‘90s rap, especially Tupac Shakur. He said he is most proud of graduating from college. If he weren’t teaching at Lakewood, he would like to be a lawyer.

Originally from West Palm, Ivana Soberal teaches team sports and basketball. She used to play basketball for Warner University and was conference player of the year. Soberal wanted to play basketball overseas, but when she tore three ligaments in her knee, she started teaching. She will also try to help coach the basketball teams this year. Lakewood is a friendly environment, she said, when it comes to the teachers and students.

Part of the auditorium is being used as new Spanish teacher, Sandra Springer’s classroom. She has been teaching since 1993 and last taught at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. Springer wanted to teach Spanish, and she had heard wonderful things about Lakewood. Spanish is actually her second language and she has studied abroad five times in Spain and once in Mexico. She says that it is hard to have a class in the auditorium since there are no desks, but her students are great at not complaining.

Alecia Stephenson is the new photojournalism teacher at Lakewood High School. Stephenson previously taught photojournalism at Melrose Elementary. She chose to teach at Lakewood because it was an instructional position, and she said older students can do more. “You can be a little more in-depth with high school kids,” said Stephenson. She majored in journalism at the University of South Florida and graduated in 2008. She is married and has a cat and a dog. Stephenson enjoys running, kayaking, and cooking on the weekends. She said that if she weren’t working at Lakewood, she would be a speech pathologist.

Robert Tencza teaches computer programming, and AP computers. He is returning from spending a year at King High School in Tampa teaching for the IB program. “IB couldn’t hold a match to it.” He decided to come back to CAT. Tencza started teaching in 2004, he was a biology major and computers minor from New Jersey City State University. After returning to Lakewood Tencza said, “I’m glad to be back with my peeps.”

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features

Taking the next step...

As a reoccuring series, SNN will be interviewing various seniors about their plans for after high school graduation. First, we talk to Ashley Turri about her plans to join the National Guard.

By JULIA POHLMANN SNN Staff Writer

Name: Ashley Turri Plans for after graduation: My plans are

SHERICE JOHNSON | SNN

Quran Monroe sits on a picnic bench outside of C-wing on Sept. 26. Monroe has Alopecia, a condition that causes hair loss all over the body. “It’s something I’ve grown up with and accepted as a part of myself,” Monroe said.

‘This is what makes me different’

By SYMONE BROWN SNN Staff Writer

Senior Quran Monroe turns heads with his unique “hairstyle.”

His hair makes him stand out in the hallways of Hollywood High, filled with weave-wearing girls and clean-cut guys. Why? He has none, anywhere.

But he wasn’t born that way.

Monroe had long, thick hair usually braided into cornrows or blown out as an afro. He noticed at 9 years old that his hair was coming out. Patches began to form. His eyebrows and eyelashes started to thin. Hair came out in massive amounts, leaving him almost completely bald at 11 years old. His parents, alarmed that it wasn’t growing back, took him to the dermatologist.

He was diagnosed with Alopecia Ramona. It’s an autoimmune disease that attacks the hair follicles and stops hair growth. It runs in his family. His aunt, cousins and deceased grandfather on his mother’s side also have it.

He says he went through with the treatment to grow his hair back, including pills and topical creams.

“I was sort of in denial. When I was younger I used to think that my hair would grow back,” says Monroe.

After realizing his hair may never grow back or come back slowly, he shaved the rest of his hair off. “I just say I’m bald by choice. I chose to accept it,” says Monroe.

But his new hairstyle made him insecure.

“I thought that there was something really wrong with me because it wasn’t growing back,” says Monroe.

At school he was teased about his Alopecia and shied away from his peers. “Kids would say stuff like ‘Oooh look, his head shiny!’ or people would just assume I had cancer,” says Monroe.

Monroe learned to embrace it. “It’s something I made a part of me.”

His family has supported him since his diagnosis. “They assured me that there is nothing weird about me,” says Monroe, “Everyone has something different about them and this is what makes me different.”

He surrounds himself with people who have learned to understand.

"When I first met Quran I was like ‘Wait, so you have no hair!?’ Eventually I understood it was his thing that made him different from everyone else. ... It gives him swag,” says senior Zubin Kapadia.

Monroe makes light of his situation. “I like this hairstyle. It saves me money on haircuts.”

He holds his head up high now walking down the hallways. “I own it and I’m rolling with it now,” he says.

to join the National Guard then go off to college after basic training Why: It’d be good structure for me and I’d be able to do something bigger than myself, and that was really the goal for me.

What is the National Guard? The National Guard helps with homeland security, border patrol, mostly helping with stuff in the state, and cleaning up natural disasters.

There could be a possibility that I could get deployed…it’d be more of a going and controlling the peace, not really fighting on the front line.

What do your parents say about this? My parents are very supportive and just want to make sure that I’m happy.

What do your friends say about this? My friends say that I can find something else to do but I know that they all support me and love me.

What has helped prepare you for this at Lakewood? Lakewood has prepared me

by letting me interact with different people and how to handle different situations and FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) helps you with leadership skills.

What do you wish Lakewood had done to prepare you for this? I wish Lakewood

had more awareness of kids who want to join the armed forces, (like having a) JROTC, not just navy and army (awareness) but different options.

Why is this the best choice for you?

Because I still get the opportunity to help people and do something bigger than myself other than the front line.

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DOMONIC EAVES | SNN

Freshman Stephanie Desulme reaches for a racket during eighth period tennis class on Sept. 19. Brian Taylor’s tennis class is new to the Lakewood High School scene. “When we ask for help, he helps us out, he shows us what to do,” said Desulme.

BASIL ROLLE| SNN

Junior Eric Brown makes a 3-D sculpture in Jayce Ganchou’s new 3-D artclass. “It’s a good way to express yourself,” said Brown.

Junior Sache Davis, left, sophomore Ebony Thomas and junior DevVanae Woodard, dance

KATIE ATKISSON | SNN

Senior Tabitha Klieforth designs a bedroom set in Colleen Coughenour’s new stagecraft class on Sept. 29. The class will teach the basics of stagecraft, which includes lighting, costumes, set design and public relations.

SOFIA DAMOS| SNN

RAYMON CLEVELAND| SNN

Senior Josh Conradi practices his skills in Michael Culbreth’s new second-period volleyball class.

e in Michael Kernodle’s new eurhythmics class on Sept. 9.

QUANTAVIOUS JONES| SNN

Law studies teacher Alex Pittman goes over notes with senior Jevaris Little in his new law studies class on Sept. 19.

SHERICE JOHNSON | SNN

This year Lakewood students got the chance to further express themselves through the classes they take. Because of the extra period this year, there are new electives available to students, ranging from tennis and eurhythmics to jazz band and chorus. “It gives students an opportunity to try things they’ve never tried before,” said assistant principal Deb Fabrizio.

reviews W e d n e s d a y, O c t o b e r 5 , 2 0 11

Die for Me

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

(Revenants #1) Reviewed By MOLINSEAI ELCIUS SNN Staff Writer

After losing her parents in a car accident, Katie Mercier and her older sister move to Paris to stay with their paternal grandparents.

While her sister goes out every night and parties, Katie deals with her grief by becoming withdrawn.

She goes about her days reading and visiting art museums.

When she meets the mysterious and charming Vincent Delacroix, Kate is intrigued and wants to know all about him, especially the secrets he won’t tell her.

When Kate takes matters into her own hands to find out what Vincent is hiding, what she sees brings back the pain of losing the people she loved the most.

Die for Me, by Amy Plum, is a melancholic love story about Kate Mercier fall-

Reviewed By SYMONE BROWN

ing for a boy whose fate it is to always save someone, by dying.

Vincent and his fellow Revenants, a person who dies saving a life and comes back, walk the earth with the addiction to save someone even if they die. The Revenants are hard to kill and heal easily. If they die, they are mentally and physically dormant for the first day and the next two days they are incorporeal.

Where are the antagonists, you ask? The Numa are the opposite of Revenants. Their goal is to destroy life by taking the lives of others.

When the Numa start becoming more active and Kate’s sister Georgia gets involved, Kate, Vincent and the other Revenants must risk their lives to stop them, which will put Kate and Vincent’s newfound love to the test.

Plum with her fantastic debut of Die for Me is a must-read with a hypnotic storyline and a twist on being undead. I recommend this book to all who love the Generation Dead series because this book will leave you wanting for more.

Kevin Hart: Laugh at My Pain Reviewed By DANE MORRIS SNN Staff Writer

If you’re looking for a good laugh and a good time, see Kevin Hart’s Laugh at My Pain. I went to see Laugh at My Pain and the theater was packed. People were stacked on top of each other. There were mile-long waiting lines. Kevin Hart never fails to impress me with his comedy.

The movie opens with an amusing, self-deprecating tour of the neighborhood in his hometown Philadelphia. His stand-up pokes fun at his family, everyday life , his past and experiences. For example, he joked about hiring a SpongeBob impersonator at his daughter’s birthday party, who he didn’t realize is fresh out of jail. He acts out the jokes with charades and dramatics.

The film closes with a ridiculous skit in which Hart leads a band of buffoons in a bank robbery. This is a perfect movie to see on the weekend and to liven up the mood. Get an up-close and personal look at Hart and get ready to laugh until it hurts.

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Music: past and future albums SNN Staff Writer

Albums of the past summer: Beyonce’: (4) Mother-to-be Beyonce makes her comeback after a year off with her album 4. Her sound matures with deeper concepts and experienced lyrics like Schoolin Life’ while maintaining her youthful style with club records like Party featuring Andre 3000. 4 is one of Beyonce’s best works though it was a mainstream flop, barely going platinum. “Queen Bee” may have not taken over the charts but she still reigns over her diehard fans.

LMFAO: (Sorry For Party Rocking) The goofy electro-pop duo provides the soundtrack for parties and wild nights out with their summer album Sorry For Party Rocking. The techno and hip-hop mixture music with comical undertones commands the listener to move. With their mega hit song Party Rock Anthem they always get the party started and rocking.

Albums of the present: Lil Wayne: (Tha Carter IV) Lil Wayne drops F-bombs and other controversial grenades on the rap game with his highly anticipated album Tha Carter IV. Wayne blazes through the album with crisp, topical tracks such as Abortion, President Carter and How to Hate. Features from artists T-Pain, Drake, Nas and Andre 3000 add swagger, and Wayne’s signature lyrics add style to Tha Carter IV. “I’m shooting for the stars, astronauts dodge bullets.”

It’s lines like these that set the infamous rapper apart and - with this latest installment in the Carter series - above his competition.

Kanye West and Jay- Z: (Watch the Throne) The two hip-hop heavyweights collaborate to make a classic. They swag out samples with records like Otis, spit over studio manufactured beats and bring undeniable originality. This album is nothing less than magic.

Albums of the future: J.Cole (Cole World: The Sideline Story) available Sept. 27 Rookie rapper J.Cole is set to release his long-awaited debut mainstream album. He exploded on the scene with his hit singles In the Morning featuring Drake and Work Out. Platinum is the lowest expectation I have for this album.

W e d n e s d a y, O c t o b e r 5 , 2 0 11

puzzle

Sudoku

Crossword Puzzle

Across 3) Journalism teacher 4) Lakewood’s mascot 8) One of Lakewood’s news sources 9) Environmental program 11) New schedule type 12) Lakewood’s morning show

The objective of Sudoku is to fill the 9x9 box so that every column, row, and each 3x3 box has the digits 1-9 once and only once.

Down 1) Technology program 2) Lakewood Principal 5) Lakewood’s county 6) Enginering teacher 7) Journallism program 10) Lakewood business club

Rocky’s Life

By ROBERT SCHENCK SNN Comic Designer

To check your answers to the puzzle page, visit the SNN website at http://snntoday.snn. pcsb.org/ If you think that you can draw comics, or even have a good idea for a comic, send it in to Scotty Schenck, SNN, Room C100.

Just ask Monique Hey Lakewood Spartans: Do you have a problem with your love life? Things aren’t all in tip-top shape with your best friend? Or you just have a question that you need advice on? Well no more worries, Monique is here to save your day! Your problems will be lifted from your shoulders. Just submit your questions on a piece of paper to a box in the library or the SNN Newsroom, C-100. Or email tobink@pcsb. org. Put the word “Monique” in the subject line. Then look for Monique’s solution in the next SNN or on the website.

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opinion W e d n e s d a y, O c t o b e r 5 , 2 0 11 Editorial

The vending machine shuffle Well, another year means another round of school-wide changes. New teachers, new floors, new students and new vending machines. We could speak volumes on each, but let’s be honest: It’s the “healthy” vending machine items that you really care about. Those beautiful, sleek, new food dispensers are a promise of sustenance and happiness, a shiny new beacon in the fight against pudgy kids and clogged hearts. Oh, there’s Mountain Dew in there? Well, never mind the health, at least it’s still 75 cents for a cool drink and most quick snacks. It’s a dollar now? For almost EVERYTHING? Even those wimpy little cans of juice?

Wow. Well, that’s not very encouraging.

We’re not rich entrepreneurs; we’re students. Sure a dollar doesn’t seem like much now, but wait until you’ve spent $2 a day on just a phony Uncrustable and drink.

Then tell us it’s still a good price.

We here at SNN think this little price bump is a bit uncalled for. Before, when we were buying Pepsi products from the old machines, most of that profit was going to

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.

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Pepsi itself. Now with these new “healthy” machines, the school system is raking in every cent made. If the profit margin has already skyrocketed, why are we being asked to pay more? We get that schools are hurting for funds but hey, so are we.

Speaking of that “health” word, since when is soda healthy? We’re no champions for good nutrition. Anyone who looks at our opinions editor can tell that, but don’t call a pig a horse. The vending machine choices still have some junk, and yes there are a few more healthy choices but those options have always been there in one way or another. We’re not saying change the vending machine menu; we’re just saying maybe the reason for scrapping Pepsi machines wasn’t entirely for “health.” Maybe it was because the school system wants the money. We’ll understand that if you’re just honest with us.

Oh well, there’s nothing we can do about it. We could all boycott the vending machines, but honestly? We’re kind of thirsty, and we’re not really feeling “water fountain” right now.

Spartan News Network Staff

JACOB PHILLIPS | SNN

Senior Jeremy Brown buys a drink from one of the new vending machines.

P.S. Where are those fresh fruit packets we reviewed last year? They were delicious and we don’t see them anywhere.

This editorial was written by AJ Valdes, editor of editorials, and reflects the opinion of the entire SNN staff.

Editor-in-Chief: Sofia Damos Managing Editor: Julia Pohlmann Design/Copy Chief: Chris Deister Multimedia Editors: Katie Atkisson, Madeline Glassman Opinions Editor: AJ Valdes Sports Editors: Elijah Flewellen, Jalon Edwards Online Editors: Molinseai Elcius, Jessica Thornton Web Technician: Lauren Hastings Entertainment Editor: Symone Brown

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

SNN is produced by the students of Lakewood High School.

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

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

For more news, go to the SNN web site:

snntoday.snn.pcsb.org

W e d n e s d a y, O c t o b e r 5 , 2 0 11

opinion

Columns

A dress code dilemma - in the heights

By MARIAH WATTS SNN Staff Writer

Living in Florida, we have year round summers and the weather can be a bit unbearable, so like any other girl, I’ll throw on a pair of shorts. But the difference between the average-sized girl and me is that my height gets me snagged constantly for dress code violations.

Towering at a height of 5’11, I cast a shadow over most of my female peers. I’m all leg, which makes my shorts look shorter than they really are and makes wearing

them to school even harder.

The Student Code of Conduct states that your skirts, shorts and dresses have to be mid-thigh to continue your school day. At Lakewood if you are found in violation, you must dress in a new pair of bottoms or face the consequence of having to wear scrubs.

On the first day of school, I was caught for dress code violations for a pair of shorts that I believed were school appropriate.

My shorts were about mid-thigh, and my father, an overprotective police officer, wasn’t complaining about the “shortness” of them either. I was good to go. Unfortu-

nately the first words spoken to me once I stepped onto school grounds were, “Your shorts are too short; go to the office for scrubs.”

I was stunned. I’ve never been to the office for breaking any rules. After signing my name and multiple failed phone calls home, I grabbed a pair of scrubs from the box that made me gag. On the first day of school I was going to be an example of what happens when you break dress code.

The hypocrisy of the whole ordeal is that, for the scrubs to fit, I had to sag (another dress code violation).

Eventually my father came by and

Twitter for dummies - #Tweeting 101

By TYLER HOLCOMBE SNN Staff Writer

"So I saw her tweet about the party tonight with her #party hashtag, so I retweeted to all my followers so they could come, too."

If that sentence makes NO sense, then this column is for you.

Twitter. The service is everywhere, whether you're using Facebook, watching CNN, or catching iCarly. Though the word “tweet” has become less associated with birds and more associated with an everyday website, many people still don't know about Twitter or

what it's about.

Allow me to explain: On Twitter, status messages are called tweets. You can tweet in 140-character (or less) bursts. This sounds like a skimpy amount, but most Facebook status messages are at or under this number and all are fewer than 500 characters. You'd be surprised what you can fit in 140 characters.

“Followers” are like friends on Facebook, but one degree removed; it isn't mutual.

This is how some celebrities have millions of followers and yet may only follow 340 people. By default, anyone can follow you, and by extension, see your tweets. This makes Twitter much more social than Facebook, plus if your followers outnumber those who you follow, you can consider yourself a mini celebrity.

“Retweeting” is like clicking the “like” button on Facebook, but taken a step further.

dropped off a pair of pants and I changed.

A week or two later, I was stopped again for the length of a different pair of shorts.

Luckily I was prepared for the outcome and switched into a pair of jeans, which by the way, made me hotter than needed.

Moral of my story? Height should be taken into account in the student dress code - especially if people shorter than you are getting away with the same type of shorts, skirts and dresses. Taller females need to catch a break or everyone needs to be treated the same no matter how long or short your thighs are.

To get you started on Twitter, here are the top 5 people currently being followed: 1. Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) 2. Justin Beiber (@justinbeiber) 3. Barack Obama (@BarackObama) 4. Katy Perry (@katyperry) 5. Kim Kardashian(@KimKardashian) …and me: (@thetylerh)

When you retweet something, you send it out to everyone who follows you. This is immensely useful when sending news, like about an incoming tsunami or even smaller things like finding out that Beyoncé is pregnant.

Third, we have “hashtags.” They're pound signs (#) that denote the topic of a tweet. Example: "#party tonight at 7! My house!" Also, on Twitter they're like links. They turn blue when you use them, and if you click on it, you can see what other people have tweeted using that same hashtag. Twitter also has a feature called “trending topics” which are the most popular hashtags around the world at a certain time.

Many times, the @mention is used with the hashtag. “@mention” is used to tag anybody who uses Twitter in a tweet. You use the @ symbol because when you create a Twitter you have to create a handle, which is your @ name. For example, mine is @ thetylerh, meaning that my handle is thetylerh, but if you want to mention me you’d have to use the @.

If you do decide to get started, go to Twitter.com and click sign up.

Just block it out: New schedule has its pros and cons

By KIMBERLY MCENTEGART SNN Staff Writer

The first week of school was extremely confusing.

Last year we had to remember seven new teachers’ names; now the school system has now tossed in an eighth. The old seven-period day is out and the new four-by-four schedule is in.

Many students and teachers have verbally expressed themselves about the new schedule and times –and many of them don’t like it. On one hand I can see where

they’re coming from. Who really wants to sit in a class for 90 minutes? On top of the new schedule, the administration has added another hour to our school day. That means our athletic teams practice even later. For many, that is a downer.

But there are some things I like about the new schedule.It means less homework because in many classes, you are able to get the work you need done in class. Even if you don’t get finished you have two nights to do it. Though it’s like having two classes in one, I still feel like I’m learning more.

We also have more time to ask for help and get a full understanding of what’s going on. When you’re sitting there with a blank look on your face and you have no clue what the teacher is talking about, you now have the time to raise your hand and talk with the teacher so you understand.

You have time to complete your class work or take a test without being rushed.

Another advantage: If you don’t like one of your teachers you only have to see them every other day. By seeing them only two to three times a week, it gives you a break from each other. You’ll be seeing

them the whole year; you don’t need a bad relationship with them in the beginning.

Finally, I like that we have lunch now for a half hour instead of 10 minutes. I actually have time to chew my food, without having to rush to get to my next class. Last year by the time I would get my food and get to my locker the bell would already be ringing for us to get to class.

Though there are cons to this new schedule, I feel that the pros outweigh them. In the end, I think that the outcome will give us all a better education.

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sports

W e d n e s d a y, O c t o b e r 5 , 2 0 11

MOLINSEAI ELCIUS | SNN

Sports briefs

Golf:

With scores down this year, the golf team still has hope to go to districts.

This year their district is harder, but the tougher competition doesn’t change their goal of advancing to the state tournament. “We’ve been competitive in some matches,” says golf coach John Toronski.

“We aren’t as deep as last year, but we have strong underclassmen who should improve.” The golf team’s record, as of Sept.

30, is 1-8.

-MARIAH WATTS

Volleyball: Members of the football team lie on their mats in preparation for yoga on Sept. 22.

TYLER HOLCOMBE | SNN

Football team focuses on yoga

By KAYLA GARCIA and ELIJAH FLEWELLEN SNN Staff Writers

Think about football players doing yoga. Just the sight of big, tough, mean-mugged football players stretching out on mats makes you giggle in your mind.

Lakewood’s varsity football team started doing yoga last spring. Since they began this ritual there has been a decrease in the team’s injuries from the previous year.

Last year there were 10-12 serious injuries throughout the season. The most serious injuries were a torn Achilles tendon and a fractured femur to the same student. This year the team started the season with no major injuries and the team remains that way.

“I think yoga has a lot to do with it,” said coach Cory Moore.

“Yuj” is a Sanskrit word from which yoga originated. Yoga is the joining of the mind and body as one, according to the Iyengar Yoga website.

“Yoga increases flexibility and improves core strength, which helps greatly to avoid injuries. Yoga also helps each player with balance, mental focus and concentration,” said Terri Plumridge.

Plumridge is the boys’ yoga instructor. She has been teaching yoga for five years, but practicing for 12.

Each player pays $2 a class to participate in yoga. The team practices poses such as warrior 2, forward folds, tree pose, downward facing dog, gentle backbends and spinal twists, said Plumridge.

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The team does yoga on game days. Head athletic trainer Erica Miller said she thinks doing yoga on game days prepares the team mentally and physically. “It helps them to really prepare the whole body for competition,” she said.

Yoga stretches out the body so the team is not pulling muscles, and it helps the boys’ flexibility, said Miller.

Chris Walker, linebacker and running back, said the team does not complain about cramping up anymore. Miller agrees. “It’s definitely decreased our muscle related injuries,” she said.

“It gets me stretched out and ready for the game. (It) prevents cramping,” defensive lineman senior Justin Pierre said. Pierre feels good about it and said he thinks most of the team likes it, too.

“It releases stress and tension; you get relaxation before the game,” said defensive back Marcus Bass.

Walker feels slightly different about doing it. “It’s a great feeling for the team to come together and get muscular stretches in,” said Walker. He said doing yoga is okay. “I like the relaxation part.”

Plumridge said the team seems to enjoy spinal twists, but the relaxation pose at the end of class is “definitely their favorite.”

“Relaxation in combination with mental focus is exactly what all athletes need,” said Plumridge.

The Lady Spartan volleyball record is 9-5. “It’s just a strong team,” said principal Bob Vicari. “We play a lot of hard teams, so we don’t do as well, but we’re definitely improving,” said senior Berkley Whaley, team captain.

-KC SHELTON

Football:

Lakewood’s varsity football team is 3-0 after its Sept. 23 win against Dunedin High School. The results for the Sept. 30 Middleton High School game are on the SNN website. Just a reminder: This Friday night’s Lakewood vs.

Gibbs game, known as the Mayor’s Cup, will no longer be played at Progress Energy Park at Al Lang Field. The game has been rescheduled to its original location, Gibbs High School, and will start at 7:10 p.m.

-KAYLA GARCIA and KATIE DICKINSON

Cross Country:

Cross country is doing good this season according to Coach Megan Geidner. “We are looking pretty good. We have some kids that should go to Districts and Regionals as individuals,” said Geidner. Craig Saldanah is sure that his team will do well. “I think we are going to do really good, we have a good team, and a lot of returning runners from last year. Looking at our district, I think we are going to go to Regionals, or even States,” said Saldanah.

-KIMBERLY KOAGEL

W e d n e s d a y, O c t o b e r 5 , 2 0 11

sports

New coaches at the ‘Wood’

ARIANNA CHEVER | SNN

Anthony Lawrence: The gentle giant standing at 6 feet 8 inches, takes the role of Lakewood’s head basketball coach, replacing the retired Dan Wright.

By OWEN DYCHES and KAHIL HOLMES SNN Staff Writers

Freshmen seminar teacher Anthony Lawrence Sr. was named this summer as the new Lakewood High basketball coach.

“It’s a dream job for me. I love Lakewood High,” he said.

Lawrence, who played basketball at the University of Miami, coached at Shorecrest Preparatory School for girls basketball, as well as at Admiral Farragut Academy. He described himself as an extremely successful coach.

“I won districts every year except for one,” said Lawrence. Lawrence attended Lakewood when he was in high school and played for the famed Coach Daniel Wright.

Students are happy that Lawrence has the new job, but are anxious to see how the team will perform.

“I respect that he’s the head coach. He went to Lakewood so he fits in perfectly and he understands the tradition,” said junior Shabazz Waller.

“Coach Lawrence is pretty good. I think he will make a difference,” junior Logan McNeil said.

“I feel good about this season. It’s going to be different,” said senior Frezell Roux.

Lakewood lost key players from its boys basketball team last year, but “we have a very good freshmen class coming in this year,” Lawrence said “We need to up the tempo of the team,” said Lawrence.

When asked if he thought he could fill Coach Wright’s shoes, Lawrence said, “I need to bring my own shoes to the party.

I want to make my own mark on the program.”

LASHAWN OWENS | SNN

AMSET teacher James Kostka coaches the swim and dive team. Kostka took a year off from coaching when his wife had a baby.

“I missed the team,” said Kostka.

James Kostka: The AMSET teacher returns to coach the swim and dive team after taking a year off to spend time with his family.

By OWEN DYCHES SNN Staff Writer

James Kostka, the main AMSET teacher and swim and dive team coach, has returned from taking a year off of coaching because of his baby daughter who was born in August of last year.

“I wanted to spend time with my family. This was our first child,” Kostka said.

Kostka came back to swim and dive because he missed working with the kids.

“It’s one of the few co-ed sports and so we are very social while competing. The training is hard and the days can be very long, but we tend to become close as the season goes on. There are several team activities that we do to build our relationships. We work hard so we can play hard,” he said.

That is showing, because the swim and dive teams record currently is 3-1.

“I want the students who swim and dive to feel like they are part of something here at Lakewood. … We accept you for how you are and your individuality. When you know you can relax and

be yourself, then you can focus on what’s really important.”

According to sophomore Jamie Kane, “Last year wasn’t a lot of fun and it was a lot more work, but with Kostka back, I’m pretty confident for this season.”

Kostka thinks the team will do well this year. “We have standouts on swim team like Rebecca Halfast, Cody Nipper, Noah Harasz and Jamie Kane. They should all be going to state this year.”

This would be Halfast’s third trip.

On the dive team, Kostka said he expects Madalyn Golightly, Dannie Edmonds, Cole Hardman and Christian Agerskov to qualify for state. This would make two trips for Golightly and Edmonds.

While Kostka is happy to be back, he says he has “way overextended” himself.

“I don’t get much sleep anymore …I hope to get through everything on my ‘to do’ list very soon, so that I can enjoy my classes and my family more.”

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CRUNCH TIME Photos by TABITHA KLEIFORTH, designed by KATIE Photos

by TABITHA KLIEFORTH LEON TOMLINSON, ATKISSON, photo illustration by and LEON TOMLINSON Designed by KATIE ATKISSON.

Ramen Noodles, cake, and candies; Ramen Noodles, cake, and candies; these are just a few of the foods These are just a few of the foods Spartans munch on during the new Spartans munch on during the new 30 30 minute lunch period at Lakeminute lunch period at Lakewood. wood.