The Hoofbeat Vol. 20 Issue 2 Holiday Edition by Mustang Press

Dec. 2021

the

J.W. Mitchell High School 2323 Little Road New Port Richey, FL 34655 jwmhshoofbeat.com

Issue 2 Volume 20

hoofbeat

“I like Christmas because I enjoy receiving gifts from my friends, seeing family from out of town, and the cold weather,” Ethan Kessler (‘22) said. Photo by Emma Diehl

Issue Two Table of

Contents (pg. 9)

News (page 3)

Photo Grace Tomlin

•Bebel Vieira (‘22) chosen for Club Member of the Month for November •District finals bell schedule •Recap of Thanksgiving traditions from students

Lifestyles (pages 4-5)

•Alyssa Howry (‘22) chosen for Club Member of the Month for December •Antoine Fournand (‘22) selected for boys Athlete of the Month for November •Kayla Groppe (‘22) chosen for girls Athlete of the Month for November •Students reflect on their anual Christmas tree traditions

Centerspread (pages 6-7)

•Best of 2021 as voted on by the student body

(pg. 3) Photo by Stephanie Martanovic

(pg. 11)

(pg. 8)

Photo by Maya Hernandez

Sports (pages 8-9)

•Girls weightlifting highlights during the season •Wrestling •Positions of the boys Varsity Boys basketball •Varsity girls basketball prepares for the season •Alexander Noti (‘24) chosen for Boy Athlete of the Month for December •Lindsey Kerr (‘24) Girl Athlete of the Month for December

Entertainment (page 10)

•Previous attendees of the Travis Scott concert discuss the Nov. 5 death tragedy •Ideas are spread about what to do over winter break

Opinions (page 11) •Students share opinions of the mandate of vaccines for certain companies •Discussions on the existence of guns on movie sets •New approaches taken on music during the holidays

Back Page (page 12)

•Home or away this holiday season

Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram at

@mhshoofbeat

Check out our online newspaper:

jwmhshoofbeat.com

HOOFBEAT

CONTENTS

Photo by Bella Melby-Mazzei

Editorial

Policy

Published online throughout the year, and in print four times per school year, the student newspaper of J.W. Mitchell High School is a public forum with its student editorial board making all the decisions concerning its contents. Unsigned editorials express the views of the majority of the editorial board. Letters to the editor are welcomed and will be published as space allows. Letters must be signed, although the staff may withhold the name upon request. The paper reserves the right to edit letters for grammar and clarity, and all letters are subject to laws governing obscenity, libel, privacy and disruption of the school process, as are all contents of the paper. Opinions of letters are not necessarily those of the staff nor should any opinion expressed in a public forum be construed as the opinion or policy of the school administration, unless attributed.

Photo by Keira Walter

Hoofbeat Staff Editors

Emma Diehl

Ashley Hoskins

editor-in-chief

Alexa Grubbs

Sofia Chianella

bus. manager/ lifestyles editor

ent./ opinions editor

Susan McNulty adviser

Reporters Aerial Stonis

Bella Melby-Mazzei Hanna CarberrySimmering Keira Walter

Luke Cartiglia Mattox Sartori Maya Hernandez

Outstanding Senior for class of 2022

Involved in nine clubs and president of three of them, Bebel Vieira strives for excellence while chosen for Outstanding Senior Ashley Hoskins editor-in-chief A member of nine clubs and an officer in five of them, Bebel Vieira (‘22) provides support for her community throughout the year while organizing events for the student body. Not only does she remain a member in good standing, but she serves as President of National Honor Society, Executive President of Student Council, and Vice President of Students Against Destructive

Decisions (SADD), among other leadership roles. “I’ve always tried to be as active in the school as I can, whether it’s through clubs or helping other students. One of my favorite things to do is to orientate new students. I’m really proud of my school and for participating in all the ways that I can,” Vieira said. Adviser of the National Honor Society, Ms. Denise Crabtree (FAC) worked with Vieira to plan a fundraiser for healthcare workers during the month

of October for their ICU campaign project. “She’s a role model for others to get involved. She works with all the committees to get the work done that’s needed and she’s good at getting her peers to step up and become interested. It’s a really good quality in a leader and for her age. It’s very impressive. She does it in a way that is collaborative and it’s going to serve her very well in life,” Ms. Crabtree said. Due to hard work and dedication, Vieira was

Moments after learning of her selection, Bebel Viera smiless at the camera, accepting her award for outstanding senior.

chosen as Outstanding Senior for the Class of 2022 by her fellow

classmates and the staff at school. “I was shocked. I think that all of the nominees were amazing students. I was just super happy and honored to be on the list with everyone,” Vieira said. She will be recognized at graduation in June with a plaque. In her submission for Outstanding Senior, Vieira outlined what club membership has given her. “It has taught me that to be an outstanding leader, friend, student, and citizen is to make individuals feel inspired and valued. It is to

pass joy and knowledge. It is knowing that by putting energy into others, you are in turn giving more to yourself,” Vieira wrote. Vieira continues to strive for excellence as she furthers her plans to attend a four-year university to major in English or International Science along with maximizing her potential throughout her academic career. “All my friends and family, specifically a bunch pf teachers that have supported me and have been my rock,”Vieira said.

Finals week schedule for 12/13-12/17

Ditrict finals schedule for students the week before winter break. Look below for more information regarding the bell times

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Period 1

8:29-9:12

8:29-10:02

8:29-8:56

DF Make-up

Period 2

9:17-10:00

10:07-10:34

9:01-10:34

9:01-9:28

DF Make-up

Period 3

10:05-10:50

10:39-11:24

10:29-11:24

9:33-11:06

DF Make-up

Period 4

10:55-11:40

11:29-1:02

11:29-12:14

11:11-11:56

DF Make-up

Period 5

11:45-12:30

1:07-1:52

12:19-1:52

12:01-12:46

DF Make-up

Period 6

12:35-1:18

1:57-2:24

12:51-2:24

DF Make-up

Period 7

1:23-2:56

2:29-2:56

DF Make-up

Giving back to the local community

Around campus, students donated canned food to give to Metropolitan Ministries in order to give back to the local community Hannah CarberrySimmering staffer The Thanksgiving drive started on Nov. 1 until Nov. 12 students were allowed to bring foods like stuffing mix, instant potatoes, canned yams, gravy, cranberry sauce, canned vegetables, canned fruit, and more. Gift cards from

Walmart or Publix were also encouraged. Ms. Stephanie Martanovic (FAC) has run the Thanksgiving food drive for six years with the Interact Club. “We like doing it because it helps to feed not only our Mitchell families that we make baskets or have made baskets for in the past year. We’re actually giving

gift cards to Metropolitan Ministries where we’re sending all the food so they can shop themselves. It’s a good cause for the whole community because it not only brings food to our families but families around the whole area,” Ms. Martanovic said. Students can donate to Metropolitan Ministries in other ways, as well, like their traditional

drives, virtual drives, and gift registries. Joshua Hachmeister (’24) has donated to the community through the Church at Odessa. “I help out in our church’s food pantry, but I only work there about once a month, so I just thought, ‘let’s give some more,” Hachmeister said. In every classroom teachers received a black

box and a sign for the drive. Interact students would then come by every few days to pick up the donated food. After being picked up, they take it to the teacher’s lounge where the food is collected to make baskets and to take to Metropolitan Ministries. Laura Thapaliya (’24) brought canned vegetables to help those in need have a better holiday

NEWS

season. “I hope it provides the experience that Thanksgiving has for people, such as family time and being thankful,” Thapaliya said. This year ROTC brought in almost 3,000 cans. They boxed ot up on Nov. 16 then put them with the rest of the donations. Overall, $900 was raised from the gift cards.

HOOFBEAT

NYE events

Things to do in Tampa on New Year’s Eve

New Year's Eve Celebration at Busch Gardens From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. enjoy the park as normal, riding rollercoasters and looking at animals. From 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. one can still walk around Christmas Town. At 12 a.m. the Holiday in the Sky Fireworks Show can be viewed.

Downtown Countdown at Glazer Children’s Museum Included with general admission, this event is for the whole family. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., their will be family projects and countdowns. Going to the Downtown Countdown also allows for the opportunity to do something else later in the evening.

3 4 5

Armature Works New Year’s Eve Armature Work’s annual celebration will feature fireworks with the landscape of downtown Tampa. Additionally, there will be a waterfront concert.

Outback Bowl & New Year’s Eve Parade This free event happens in Ybor City. There will be a parade starting at 5:30 p.m. that will include floats and numerous marc.hing bands from around the nation.

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New York Rangers Three time Stanley Cup winners, the Tampa Bay Lightning will play the New York Rangers on Dec. 31 at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $58.25 to $325.00, as of Nov. 29.

Information from restaurantclicks.com

HOOFBEAT

LIFESTYLES

To run or not to run

Kayla Groppe (‘22) runs to victory in her senior year of cross country

Emma Diehl editor-in-chief Cross country star Kayla Groppe (‘22) is the female Gregg Schindler Athlete of November. Groppe is one of the top cross country team members, constantly breaking records of previous students, setting her own personal records in the process. Groppe is not the first runner in her family. Both her mother and father were runners in high school. “My parents both ran in track and cross country, so they both understand. They both push me, and they understand better than anyone else [what cross country is like],” Groppe said. While her parents have played a part in her success, Groppe also attributed much of her success to her coaches, namely Coach Alan Parmenter, who named Groppe honorary team captain this year. “She makes everyone around her better as she competes with herself and teammates with the understanding that the work put in at practice translates into success in competition. She has high standards and expectations

As she sprints past cheering parents, Kayla Groppe (‘22) pushes herself to the finish line at River Ridge High School on Sept. 25. Photo by Bella MelbyMazzei.

for herself and that helps others to excel,” Parmenter said. During this cross country season, Groppe has pushed herself to the limit, setting new records for herself and Mitchell. “I took two minutes off of my personal record from last year, and I broke the record for the tenth best cross country time at Mitchell,” Groppe said. Along with running cross country, Groppe also participates in track and field events, is a member of the Marching Mustangs, and is a dual enrollment student. “The most important thing is time management. It’s not hard if you have everything planned out, but when you start letting go, that’s when it starts getting chaotic and stressful,” Groppe said.

The cross country team competed at districts this year, and even took a trip to Tallahassee for one of their meets this season. At their meet on Oct. 23, the girls took first place in their group, and the boys team came in second for the male division. With the team being so close, Groppe considers the athletes more than just friends. “It’s like a family bond. It’s a whole other level of bonding. We’re so close, it’s just like a family. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my teammates and my coaches,” Groppe said. While Groppe does plan to continue in her studies and her athletic career, she has yet to commit to a four-year university. Congratulations to Kayla Groppe, the Gregg Schindler Female Athlete of November.

Swimming for sucess

Antoine Fournand (‘22) tells his experience being apart of the swim team Alexa Grubbs lifestyles editor Head captain of the swim team, Antoine Fournand (‘22), started competitively swimming his sophomore year at Mitchell because he wasn’t doing any other sports and had friends already on the team. “Swimming is so competitive yet so friendly. All the teams have the will to win, but they all support one another because we all realize how tough swimming actually is,” Fournand said. They typically practice on Monday and Wednesday mornings and on Tuesday and Thursday after school at the JP GIlls YMCA. This year, Fournand led the boys team to win District championships on Oct. 28. “It felt really good, I was really excited to win but also very proud of my younger teammates. And winning it as a captain really means a lot,” Fournand said. Swimmers compete as a team and also as an individual making both teamwork and self-motivation important. Being

On Sept. 8, Antoine Fournand competes in the breast stroke at the meet against Fivay High School. Photo by Lily Sarakun.

on the team helped Fournand create strong bonds with his teammates and learn from his coach. “I think, now since it’s the end of the season, everyone is friends and we all have a super great mood everytime we swim. I’d almost refer to our team as a family. The coaches are motivations to all swimmers, they bring us happiness and a lot of knowledge, and they are always there to push us,” Fournand said. The swim and dive coach, Kelly Erickson, has been coaching for nearly ten years. She coached Fournand and the rest of the boys swim team to districts this year. “In a decade of coaching, I can

honestly say that Antoine is one of the hardest working swimmers with whom I’ve worked. He gives 100% at every practice and every meet. He is liked and respected by his teammates and his warm personality makes even new team members feel welcome. Antoine encourages his team and leads by example,” Erickson said. This season concludes Fournand’s last year of high school swimming. He still plans to continue club swimming in college. Congratulations to Antoine Fournand on winning the Gregg Schindler Male Athlete of November.

From a cadet to all-around champion Alyssa Howry (‘22) is awarded with club member of December for her leadership in NJROTC and the girls weightlifting team

Emma Diehl editor-in-chief December’s Gregg Schindler club member of the month is Alyssa Howry (‘22), who leads her peers in both the Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) and the girls weightlifting team. Howry joined the NJROTC program as a freshman as a way to explore her interest in the military. “I decided to join ROTC because I wanted to go into the military when I was growing up,

and I thought it was a great way to serve my community, as well as my own interests,” Howry said. After spending most of her high school career in the NJROTC program, Howry has become one of the staff members, helping to lead her peers in the program. “I am Command Master Chief, so I basically connect the entirety of our cadets to our staff, meaning that if they have a problem, they come to me. If they need anything, they come to me first,” Howry said. After high school, Howry plans

to continue pursuing her military career at the United States Coast Guard Academy. “I want to go to the Coast Guard Academy, and become an officer in the United States Coast Guard. I like their humanitarian missions, and their beliefs,” Howry said. In addition to her time with NJROTC, and a schedule that includes two Advanced Placement and two dual enrollment courses, Howry holds the position of team captain on the girls weightlifting team, and is a member of Interact club. Besides her family, one of

Howry’s biggest influences is Ms. Stephanie Martanovic (FAC). “Ms. Martanovic has been such a big help in everything that I have done. She is our teacher sponsor for Interact, so I see her all the time, and she is wonderful,” Howry said. Ms. Martanovic had Howry in class when she took AP World History her sophomore year, and is now her adviser for the Interact Club. Commenting on Howry’s dedication to academics and serving her community, Ms. Martanovic had a message for Howry for the future. “Alyssa, I respect your

integrity, maturity, and passion for service so much. I hope that you continue to always follow your heart and that you hold on to your integrity and self-confidence no matter what challenges you face. I know that you have all the capabilities and ambition to achieve your goals, so remain focused and continue to be amazing,” Martanovic said. Congratulations to Alyssa Howry, whose dedication to academics and NJROTC earned her the Gregg Schindler Club Member of the month award for December.

O’ Christmas tree, O’ Christmas tree

Different students share their old and new family traditions in regards to their Christmas tree and holiday decorations Bella Melby-Mazzei staff reporter Kayleigh Girard (‘24) started a holiday tradition last year. Since 2020, she keeps her family Christmas tree up 24/7, decorating it for each holiday. “I’ve had my tree up since November 2020, and I’ve left it up ever since, decorating it for all the holidays in between. Since we weren’t able to go anywhere, it was kind of a way to keep myself entertained,” Girard said.

Girard decorates for all the main holidays including Easter, the Fourth of July, and St. Patrick’s Day, but besides Christmas, she has two other favorite holidays to decorate for. “For Christmas we have all our family ornaments, and stuff, so my favorite holiday to decorate for has to be Halloween or Easter, those two were my favorite trees,” Girard said. An exchange student from Germany, Selina Harthauss’ (’24) host family has a similar tradition. After having the tree up last

Christmas, they decided to leave it up for the whole year, too. “I think they had the tree last winter, for Christmas, and then it was my host sister’s birthday. So, my host mom decorated it with a Harry Potter theme and then they just didn’t take it down because it looked good, and they thought about decorating it for other things,” Harthauss said. The family uses decorations found around the house to decorate for the different holidays. “They just have from their

normal decorations. And for fall we decorated with just a few leaves that they usually put in the house,” Harthauss said. Leah Gibson (‘25) decorates the tree with ornaments that her mother made when she was a child. “We put up the Christmas tree the weekend after Thanksgiving, and then we decorate it with ornaments that my mom made when she was a kid. After that, within a few days we go to my grandma’s house and do the same thing with my grandma,”

Gibson said. Gibson plans to continue doing the family tradition when she’s older with ornaments from when she was a child. “My grandmother and my great grandmother started [the tradition],” Gibson said. Anyone wanting a little more Christmas tree cheer, check out the Victorian Christmas Stroll in Tampa FL, from Dec. 1 to Dec. 23. Admissions are $16 for adults, $14 for seniors, and $10 for youth, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Easy recipes for festive holiday treats

Here are three recipes for holiday sweets, from drinks to desserts, that you can recreate this season and enjoy them yourself

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Strawberry Tree Oreo Recipe from Lovely Little Kitchen

- 12 ounces dark green candy melts - 24 Oreo cookies - White icing

- 1 pound of strawberries (stems removed) - Sprinkles - Candy stars

Cake: - 3/4 all-purpose flour - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice - 3 large eggs - 2/3 cups granulated sugar - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 teaspoons oil - 2/3 cup pumpkin puree Recipe from Pampered Chef by Valentina

- 1 cup milk - 1/4 cup heavy cream - 1 to 2 tablespoons granulated sugar - Pinch of kosher salt - 3 ounces finely chopped semisweet chocolate or 1/2 cup of chocolate chips - 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract - Whipped cream, marshmallows, and crushed candy for garnish

Cream Cheese Filling: - 1 1/2 packages cream cheese (12 ounces) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 3/4 cup powdered sugar - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Pumpkin Roll

Recipe from Striped Spatula

LIFESTYLES

HOOFBEAT

Reflecting on the best of 2021

Results are from a survey conducted of 111 random students by the Hoofbeat during the month of November

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‘Tis the season to lift

The girls’ weightlifting team raises the bar at each meet Bella Melby-Mazzei staff reporter Weights clanged on the floor as the girls warm up to begin their lifts on Nov. 17, before the meet against Anclote. They compete with other girls in their weight class as they do snatches, then bench presses, and lastly clean and jerk. Continuing from their first meet on Nov. 3, against Gulf, they will have a total of 10 meets this season. As of Nov. 18, they have won all three of their meets. The team does conditioning every day of the week, but each member only needs to attend four days. During practice they work on lifting their max weight, as well as work on their cardio some days. “Each day [Coach Lee] has a different workout for us. Sometimes she’ll make us max out, which is getting the best we can on our bench and snatch and clean and jerk. But other times she’ll have us do lighter work to work up to it so we can get stronger but also push ourselves harder,” Alexis Dinicola (‘23) said. The team gained a lot of new lifters since last season and works on improving their lifts. “It’s been really good. Most of the meets we’ve won so far; they haven’t been that hard. There’s a lot of girls on our team this year so we’ve gotten better, and we have a new coach this year so she’s really pushing us hard to get better in all of our lifts,” Dinicola said. Alyssa Barcz (‘25), in her first year on the team spends time outside of school to get better. “I go to the gym outside of school and do weightlifting three days a week, and then school practice every day after school,” Barcz said. Barcz sometimes feels anxious before team meets and uses that energy in

competition. “Before the meet for the first week, I was really nervous all day and, the night before I couldn’t sleep, then at the meet, I was really nervous. But then after it was good. On the last one I wasn’t worried at all during the day and then right when it came time then I got worried,” Barcz said. Emily Gonzalez (‘24) does little training exercises and goes on runs to practice for weightlifting, she feels lots of different emotions at every meet. “During my last meet, I kind of just get sad because it’s like the seniors are leaving and everything’s changing in a way but also happy at the same time because I accomplished a lot this season. I’ve gotten stronger, I’ve made a ton of friends,” Gonzalez said. On Nov. 10, Dinicola lifted 115 on bench, and 120 for clean and jerk at the meet. Barcz hit 110 on bench, and 140 for clean and jerk. Gonzalez raised 70 for bench, and 105 for clean and jerk. At this meet every girl that could lift full strength hit a personal record (PR) in one or more of their lifts. Abigail Jonas (‘22) also broke the school record with a bench press of 150, and clean and jerk of 185 in the 199-weight class. Girls Weightlifting will have their next meet on Jan 8 at River Ridge High School.

Alyssa Barcz (’25) lifts 155 lbs. as she completes a clean and jerk. Photo by Bella Melby-Mazzei

Get ready to rumble Without seven varsity wrestlers, JV fills in at season’s first match

Aerial Stonis staff reporter

Starting off the season with a learning curve, the varsity wrestling team lost their first match against Sunlake High School on Wednesday, Dec. 1. The team was missing seven of their returning varsity wrestlers due to ineligibility with getting their paperwork in time or ineligibility with GPA, meaning many new JV athletes had to fill in their spots. Although they lost, the team saw this as an opportunity to learn and grow, giving them a newfound motivation for practices. Coach Michael Loguidice had to put in new JV wrestlers in place of the more experienced varsity wrestlers during the match against Sunlake High School. “We were without at least six or seven of our returning varsity wrestlers. Our JV kids had to wrestle and try to get as much experience they could. I kind of expected things to go the way that they went but I’m totally not mad or upset because there is nothing that you can really do about experience level. Overall, I’m just happy with the effort the younger JV kids showed that night,” Loguidice said. David Nappi (‘24), a first-year varsity wrestler, weighed in at 145 pounds and wrestled the captain at Sunlake. The match ended with a score of 0-6. “I felt defeated, but then afterwards I talked to the captain of their team, and I ended up feeling more empowered

because I learned more. I figured out that I need to get better at little things and that I’m just making mistakes. Overall, I felt happy with how I wrestled but not satisfied,” Nappi said. Making weight for many wrestlers is the first obstacle when having tournaments or matches. Being even slightly a few ounces off weight can determine whether they compete or not. Colin Brown (‘24) was unable to make weight by being only .3 Captain Logan O’Leary (‘22) demonstrates with Nicholas Mastracchio (‘24) and give tips before the team starts practicing each move on Dec. 2. Photo by Aerial Stonis

pounds over, meaning he was unable to wrestle that night. “I was pretty disappointed with myself and annoyed, but I knew there was nothing I could do but make sure I made weight in the future. I would say that even though I could not wrestle, I still helped my teammates warm up before the meet and I cheered them on as they wrestled,” Brown said. The team continues practicing every day after school from 3-6 p.m. Their next tournament is at Manatee High School on Dec. 10-11. “Luckily, we’re fortunate enough to possibly get at least some of them [varsity returners] back by then, but if we’re without them then it’s definitely going to be a tough tournament.” Loguidice said.

In position for a victory on the court

Like pieces of a puzzle, each boys’ varsity basketball teammate plays a role in defeating opponents at early season games

Keira Walter staff reporter Wednesday night, Dec. 1, the boys’ varsity basketball team play their second game of the season at Gulf High School. They took the win with a score 91-84. During the game 63 fouls, combined from both teams were called, most of them taking place in the third and fourth quarters. The victory came after the season opener on Nov. 30 at Oldsmar Christian High School, which ended in a 51-82 loss. After the first game of the season’s outcome, Alec Hilliard (‘22) made it up by scoring 29 points during the Gulf High game. Hilliard, the leading returning scorer with16.2 points

HOOFBEAT

per game last season and 520 points in his career, scored the most of his points during the fourth quarter when fighting the clock. “The intensity [of the game} and how we pull through challenges is my favorite part,” Hilliard said. Willaim Ruffin (‘24) plays the position point guard. During the Gulf High game he scored 12 points and had about 12 minutes on the court. Ruffin ran the offense and stole the ball to score. “My role contributes to the game a lot. It’s like the quarterback to the basketball team,” Ruffin said. One of the starters, Tyler Knight (‘22), takes the position center. When on defense, he

SPORTS

blocked his opponent’s shots and rebounded misses. “I set the score for my teammates and get them rebounds,” Knight said. Coach Jason Vetter (FAC) attributes the supportive nature of the team to 4-year varsity returners Hilliard and Nate Adawonu (`’22), who worked with younger players to create team culture. “I have been very proud of this group of players. It’s the first time in my four years here that we truly feel like a Family. No bickering on the bench, blaming others for their mistakes. Everyone is supportive of each other even if they may be upset on the inside,” Coach Vetter said. Since the middle of the

Coach Jason Vetter gathers the team in a circle to encourage and inform them of upcoming games. “By holding hands and forming a circle, we establish two principles – no one person is more important than the other, and that we need to keep the circle tight and all distractions out of it,” Coach Vetter said. Photo by Keira Walter

summer vacation the team started up voluntary practice but once the school year started, they got serious. They have 23 games and three tournaments

scheduled for this year’s season. The team tips off at Bishop McLaughlin on Fri., Dec. 10. Go on MaxPreps for more information.

Coming back stronger after defeat

With a rough start to this year’s season, the girls’ varsity basketball team plans to improve through practice on the court Hanna Carberry-Simmering staff reporter The varsity girls’ basketball team had their first game on Nov. 16. It ended in a loss to Cambridge Christian with a score of 41- 45. No. 24, Julia Rueda (’23) was chosen as player of the game after she scored 20 points. The second game of the season and the first home game was on Nov. 19, which also ended in a loss with a score of 55-60. No. 24, point guard, Isabella Reed (’23) and the team plans to improve with games and tournaments scheduled throughout November and December. “We’re doing tournaments over

Thanksgiving and Christmas break, and we are also going to practice over break,” Reed said. The team spent the summer preparing. They began practicing last spring and continue throughout the season. No. 5, captain and shooting guard, Hannah Judd (’22) practiced over the summer with the team and without the team. “I play travel basketball over summer so I’m constantly on the court. That helped prepare me,” Judd said. This year the varsity team has five freshmen. The girls are using practice as a way to bond while preparing for games. No. 1, point guard Brianna Coure (’25) is new to the team this year but has already

gotten close with her teammates. “I’m looking forward to everything really. I have the best teammates, They are like my sisters. We spend time together and everything. It’s really a sisterhood. I’m excited for what we get to do and experience together,” Coure said. On Nov. 30, they had another home game against Sunlake, ending with a 54- 51 win. They competed in two more home games since then against Calvary Christain on Dec. 2, and Zephyrhills on Dec. 8. Their next two games will be home games against Clearwater and Gulf. Come out on Dec. 10 to show the girls support against Clearwater and Dec. 14 to show your support against Gulf High School.

At the varsity girls’ basketball game on Friday, Nov. 19, a Tampa Prep player tries to block Isabella Reed (’23) when trying to pass to her teammates. Photo by Hanna Carberry-Simmering.

Next on the tee: Noti

Devoted to her sport

Sofia Chianella

Ashley Hoskins

Avid athlete Alexander Noti (‘24) excelled in golf since his youth, continuing his athletic journey into his future

entertainment/opinion editor Playing nine holes a day, seven days a week, for 11 weeks since the season started allowed Alexander Noti (‘24) to complete roughly 700 holes of golf since the start of the 2021 school year season. With this type of commitment to the sport since the age of four, Noti frequently participates in golf tournaments, starting when he was eleven years old. Inspired by his father’s college career in golf, Noti has learned a great deal about the sport from his dad’s previous experiences. However, his father is not the only person that has been a role model. “My coach, Coach [Jeffery] Leavey, gotta give him the shout out, because he’s a really good dude. He helps us get things done, get into the golf course, he brings us food and stuff. He’s just a good dude,” Noti said. The feeling is mutual between the two golfers, as Leavey, a coach of 47 years, sees the talent and hard work that is achieved by Noti. “Alex is an outstanding all-around athlete. He plays hockey, tennis, runs, and golfs at a high level. He understands the process of improving everything he does

every day,” Leavey said. Up until high school, Noti admits to not feeling like he was a great golf player. The support of his teammates and taking the initiative to practice with the team every day, increasing his golf average to the 20th in the state of Florida for Sophomores. “We’re great. We went out almost every day during the week, so we became pretty good friends. We’ve come a long way this season. Not where we directly wanted to be, but we went pretty far,” Noti said. In order to mentally succeed in the sport, Noti looks at every shot one at a time, staying focused, which gives him the opportunity to come back even if he fails. “I really want to play college golf. The PGA Tour, which is the Pros, does not have many spots on the tour, and you have to be really good. I’m fine if I don’t make it there, but I kind of want to get a scholarship. I just want to play for free,” Noti said. Through his understanding of the technical aspects of a golf swing, Leavey feels that Noti has been able to help his teammates improve. “Alex is a player-coach, in that he helps everyone he is around to improve. He understands the technical parts of a golf swing,” Leavey said.

Gregg Schindler Female Athlete of the Month, Lindsey Kerr, discusses her place on the team throughout the season

editor-in-chief After picking up her first club about six years ago, Lindsey Kerr (’24) now strives for success as she often looks up to the upperclassmen while remaining number one on the team. As a member of the varsity girls’ golf team, creating endless bonds and memories with her fellow teammates remains very important to Kerr, as it is something that she often values. “Everyone is so close. We all have such a great bond, and everyone works together to make every player feel welcome. When I first came onto the team everyone made me feel like I knew them my whole life. Usually, we like to go out and have team bonding dinners. I always love meeting everyone after school and hanging out together as a team,” Kerr said. Practicing about 17 hours a week, Kerr spends countless days challenging herself to continuously develop new skills while working to prepare for next year’s season. Kerr also puts time aside, including offseason golf while participating in private lessons and tournaments yearround to push herself and focus on furthering her training. “During the off season I’m going to enter some golf tours such as Hurricane, which are national and international competitions, PGA junior league, and Florida State Golf Association, which has great athletes to play,” Kerr said. Throughout her golf career, Kerr gained support from her family, specifically her father. She considers him her number one supporter. “My dad has always been there for me no matter what. Usually, we go out to the course together and play or even

hit some balls on the range. Having somebody to strongly encourage me has allowed me to do my absolute best and helped me remain positive throughout the game,” Kerr said. Coach Gary Hoskins chose Kerr as the Athlete of the Month due to her commitment to the team and outstanding performance on the course. “Lindsey has been a consistent leader throughout the season and has excelled in every aspect of her golf game, while having the lowest scoring average. She also qualified for the region tournament for the second year in a row,” Hoskins said. After making it to regionals for the first time in three years, Kerr plans on devoting her time for golf as she hopes to make it to states for next year’s season. In the near future, she wants to attend a fouryear university while furthering her athletic ability as a collegiate golfer.

Chipping her ball onto the green, Lindsey Kerr (’24) practiced on Sept. 23. Photo by Breanna Mahan.

SPORTS

HOOFBEAT

Got winter plans? If not, we got you

Karma Eltelety (‘24) and Fjona Ballabani (‘23) are amongst the many who participate in activities for the holiday season

Aerial Stonis staff reporter During the winter season, many activities are available that are not normally accessible year-round. The wintry weather and holidays give an abundance of activities to enjoy nearby or just simply at home. Many enjoy these activities surrounded by family and friends who raise their Christmas cheer. Robert Hynes (‘25) is planning on going to and having bonfires as the weather gets colder. He has already been to one with his friends at his neighbor’s house on Nov. 18. They made s’mores and warmed up by the fire while the temperature dropped into

the 60s. “I like having bonfires because they’re really calming and when I’m with friends it’s a really fun time,” Hynes said. Christmas is the time of year where people spread kindness and give back. Christmas stories bring up cheer for children while also showing them that reading can be fun, giving them a break from electronics. Karma Eltelety (‘24) plans on giving back this season by volunteering at the New Port Richey Public Library or Centennial Park Branch Library and reading to kids. “I feel like a lot of people like to give back during the holiday season, and to me I just really like spending time

with kids and helping out at the library. It makes me feel like I’m contributing something to the community,” Eltelety said. Since eighth grade, to kick off winter break every year, Fjona Ballabani (‘23) hosts a sleep over at her house and invites her closest friends. They bake cookies and decorate them with Christmas icons like Santa, snowmen, and reindeer while listening to Christmas music. Afterwards they end the night by watching Hallmark movies and eating popcorn. “It’s super fun, it gives us a chance to just hangout and relax after exam week and before going back to school. It puts us all in the mood for Christmas,”

Ballabani said. Winter activities are the perfect way to raise Christmas cheer and spend time with friends and

family. Find things to do near you and make plans with loved ones, possibly making a tradition.

Robert Hynes (‘25) sets up logs for a bonfire while Mark Hynes (‘23) and Michael Pekarek (‘24) converse at their neighbors house on Nov. 18. The weather dipped into the 60s, making it cold enough to have a bonfire. “I set up the logs, but I needed help making the actual fire from my brother. After it got darker, the fire was super relaxing and we also eventually made s’mores,” Hynes said. Photo by Aerial Stonis

Students favorite Christmas movies

Classmates from all grade different levels discuss their overall favorite Christmas movies to watch during the holiday season The Grinch Polar Express Home Alone Christmas Vacation Shrek The Halls

“My favorite is ‘Polar Express’ because it’s a classic and it’s got Tom Hanks in it too. I also really like trains and the ‘Polar Express’ is centered around trains.” Matthew Clark (‘22)

“When I was a little kid I used to imagine myself setting all those traps for the robbers, but for a while I used to get scared when I was home alone. ” AJ Misemer (‘23)

“It’s a very fun movie and never gets old. I recommend the movie to anyone who likes a good family friendly Christmas comedy.” Cassandra Grubbs (‘24)

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ is my favorite Christmas movie. It has a nice message showing someone going from bad to good.” Kayla Russo (‘25)

“I think the Shrek Christmas movie is so cute and lighthearted, and it’s fun to watch with my daughter.” Ms. Gina Schulaski (FAC)

Tragedy at the Travis Scott concert

Previous attendees of the Travis Scott concert in March 2019 share their opinion on the deadly November 2021 concert

ago. Janelle Lopez (‘23) saw his Sofia Chianella entertainment/opinion editor “Astroworld- Wish You Were Here Tour” in March 2019 at the Amalie Arena in Tampa. Lopez As fans of the rapper Travis felt that Scott knew how to get Scott attended his Astroworld the crowd involved and had a Music Festival on Nov. 5, in good performance. If given the Houston, Texas, the concert soon chance, Lopez would see him in turned deadly. Due to the 50,000 concert again. participants at the festival, large “I think he’s an amazing surges occurred in the crowd of performer and he definitely mass chaos. At the concert, 300 learned his lesson after his recent people were treated for medical incident with his festival. Even injuries and 13 were hospitalized. though it wasn’t his fault he As of Nov. 15, ten people have knows he needs more security died from attending the music this time,” Lopez said. festival, with the victims ages Jerianne Morris (‘23) attended ranging from 9 to 27. the same concert as Lopez, in Travis Scott developed a fan March 2019, and reported that base through his production of the use of drugs was occurring five albums total, three studio and attendees could obviously and two collaborative. Videos tell, due to the distinct smell. of the rapper performing have Morris described the concert as been filmed since five years chaotic, including the fact that

HOOFBEAT

all people in attendance were energetic and constantly moving to the music. “From where I was sitting I didn’t see any similarities [to the November 5 concert], it was a very packed concert but I didn’t see where there were surges there, so I wouldn’t say that there were any similarities. I feel like it was the whole team’s fault, not just his [Travis Scott]. I haven’t seen everything that’s been posted but I know that he knew what was going on, but I feel that it was the actual concert directors fault for not stopping the show,” Morris said. Tayshawn Sullivan (‘23) attended the concert that took place almost three years ago as well, describing it as one of the best experiences of his life. Due to the craziness of the concert

ENTERTAINMENT

and the enjoyable time he had, Sullivan would return to another one of Travis Scott’s concerts. Sullivan felt that Travis Scott should not be blamed for the tragedies that occurred at his latest music festival. “It was his team and the security that should’ve stopped it. When there’s that many people in front of you, you can’t tell what is exactly going on. He did get the ones he could see help. Everyone framed him to be a horrible person but there are many videos of him getting people help,” Sullivan said. After she went through security check and was screened, Maybelline Kline (‘23) took her seat close to the stage at the March 2019 concert where Travis Scott would provide her and her friends an overall good

experience. However, Kline does not agree with Sullivan and Lopez in the sense of returning to another one of his concerts. “We went years ago and were unaware of his disregard for his fans’ safety. I wouldn’t have given money to him had I known that before,” Kline said. While opinion amongst previous Travis Scott concert attendees varies, agreement can be made on the awareness that needs to be brought to the innocent victims of the Nov. 5 tragic concert. Rest in peace to Ezra Blount, age 9, John Hilgert, age 14, Brianna Rodriguez, age 16, Jacob Jurinek, age 20, Axel Acosta Avila, age 21, Franco Patino, age 21, Bharti Shahani, age 22, Rudolfo “Rudy” Peña, age 23, Madison Dubiski, age 23, and Danish Baig, age 27.

Side taken on sounds of the season

An editorial on the festive Christmas music played in the halls before the break and how it can be improved for students

Every year towards December students have mixed emotions on what some people would say “hurt their ears” while others state “brings the Christmas spirit to the hallways.” During the Most Wonderful Week of the Year, staff are responsible for playing cheerful Christmas music for students in between their class periods. Multiple students throughout the years have complained about the music being played for assorted reasons, and the most

complaints would be the types of songs that are played. Nathan Seevers (‘23) explains the songs that are disliked by many. “Over the years that I have attended Mitchell high school and I have always enjoyed certain songs that would play on the sound systems around the campus, up until the highpitched sound of the Alvin and the Chipmunks Christmas remake songs would blare through the speakers. With the sound of three high pitched chipmunks

ringing through my eardrums it makes it quite impossible to focus while getting prepared for my next class,” Seevers said. With the sound of the chipmunks high-pitched voices blasting down the halls, Sophia Pelosi (‘24) discusses her issues with the holiday music being played throughout the campus. “Generally, I don’t have a problem with the Christmas music but rather the way that it is played. The intercom works

by a person holding down a button and talking into it, but during the holiday season a staff member places their phone near the microphone while a song is being played on the phone, creating a tone that sounds far away and close at the same time, often causing the music to crackle and make distinguished sounds,” Pelosi said. There are plenty of solutions to the problems that are being faced with the holiday music, such as purchasing an intercom

that is equipped with Bluetooth, or a solution as easy as switching up the holiday music for the majority of the students’ liking. Students are not able to bear the distinguished noises coming from the intercom during the second to last week before Christmas break. This year the week before Christmas breaks starts on Mon., Dec. 13, and ends on Dec. 17. Students will have to wait to see what is in store this Christmas season.

Guns in Hollywood Vaccines for all? Consequence of guns on the set of ‘Rust’ cause debates

Companies take action due to continuos spread of COVID-19

Maya Hernandez staff reporter

On Oct. 21, Alec Baldwin fired a prop gun that contained a live round, later killing cinematographer Haylna Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza on the set of ‘Rust’. Hours before this occurrence, more than six crew members walked off due to safety concerns that were ignored. With lack of gun inspections and loose rules that have not been followed, the presence of real guns and bullets on movie sets has led many to speculate the safety of weapons on set at all. Unlikely to be charged with the murder of Hutchins, Alec Baldwin may be charged if it is proven that he handled the weapon irresponsibly and with the intention to cause harm. A firm supporter in the ability to access guns, Nathanael Lone (’24), discusses whether or not Alec Baldwin should be prosecuted for the death of Hutchins as well as the inability to satisfy protocols. “I think Alec Baldwin should definitely be charged. Yes, it was a mistake, but he still killed somebody. Third degree murder is still murder,” Lone said. With the normality of guns on the Hollywood screen, it is almost impossible to stop dangerous occurrences like these. Violence draws an interest in crowds that, paired with guns, glamorizes weaponry to emphasize how “cool” a character is for firing a weapon. Advocate for reformed

gun laws, Rhyse Sampang (’22) agrees that weapons are heavily glamorized in the media. “I do believe that guns are glamorized in the media. Some social media influencers are even posing with a firearm in order to sell their products. Social media is filled with images that make guns desirable or ‘fashionable’,” Sampang said. If the image of guns and other weaponry do not escape the coverage of the media, a solution to on-set malfunctions can be to recreate these weapons as realistic as possible while keeping them completely dysfunctional. This can be done by strictly allowing prop guns on set that do not accept the passage of bullets through the chamber at all. Youstina Shenouda (’24) encourages the use of these fake guns if it is necessary to the production of the film. “I think there are a lot of alternatives to guns on set. Producers can use C.G.I. and look-alike prop guns so the audience won’t recognize the difference on screen. It really isn’t necessary to have real guns to make a film, ” Shenouda said. The media holds much of the influence regarding the usage of weaponry in Hollywood movies. Whether or not the character is using the gun to protect themselves or to commit crimes on screen, it is essential that it be conducted safely on set.

Youstina Shenouda (’24) advocates for the stop of gun violence. “I believe that gun violence can be reduced while also respecting the rights of responsible gun owners,” Shenouda said. Photo by Maya Hernandez.

or they could do nothing. I think that the middle category of providing these incentives is really powerful and could be the thing that pushes people who may not know much about the vaccine to get it, so I love the idea of companies offering incentives,” Baker said. Airlines have mandated the vaccine in order to participate in international travel. Not specific to the United States; Canada, Denmark, France, Morocco, and many other countries are accepting tourists as long as they are fully vaccinated. Hannah

Vaccines have significantly lowered the rate to which COVID-19 is spread, however this virus is still being contracted among large unvaccinated groups. Companies have taken the initiative to eliminate the virus by mandating vaccines for their employees, but this decision has not come without backlash from many Americans. The mandate mainly affects health care workers, yet other industries are requesting the same requirement. Retail workers that are preparing for a massive influx of customers for the holidays, urge companies to mandate the vaccine before another spike in cases leaves people without a job. Elissa Noles (’25) advocates for this immediate action. “I think it’s necessary to make workers get vaccinated because it keeps the customers and the rest of the workers safe. It decreases the chances of you getting COVID-19 or even a bad case that could Hospital rooms and nurses offices fill with patients as COVID-19 continues to spread. Photo by Maya Hernandez. be deadly,” Noles said. An alternative path that organizations have opted to follow is Walbrun (’21) believes that it is necessary the use of incentives given to workers to be vaccinated for travel. in exchange for receiving the COVID-19 “If the country has a vaccine mandate, vaccination. This includes money, gift for example, I know the U.S. requires cards, and other prizes to encourage their you to be vaccinated to travel out of the employees to take action in stopping country, it makes sense because you want the spread. COO of Provider Operations the airline to be able to fly all around the at United Health Group, Mike Baker, world without any concerns,” Walbrun appreciates the effort made by companies said. to increase the number of vaccinated Among an uproar of polarity employees. surrounding the COVID-19 vaccination “Companies really have four options: it is important to maintain educated and they can try to disincentivize it by charging cautious of the false information being you more for your insurance, they could spread about the coronavirus. For more force you to get the vaccine, they could information about the vaccine visit www. give you money and other incentives, cdc.gov/coronavirus.

OPINIONS

HOOFBEAT

Home vs away for the holiday season Classmates discuss whether it is better to travel for the holidays or stay home and celebrate with their families Mattox Sartori

Luke Cartiglia

staff reporter

sports editor

During the Christmas season, students usually do one of two things during break, stay home for the holidays, or travel during their two weeks off, traveling during the holiday is most beneficial to students’ health and mindset. According to travelex.co.uk “Traveling has the ability to take you out of our daily routine and into new surroundings and experiences and this can reset your body and mind. Even planning a trip can have a fantastic effect on the body – it boosts happiness and feels rewarding. Not only does travel reduce stress but it expands the mind.” Traveling during the holiday break can be beneficial and enjoyable for mental health and is far more important than staying at home and replaying the same events repeatedly throughout the two weeks. On Sat. Dec. 18, Jilian Thompson (‘24) plans to travel during winter break. “When winter break comes by, we have reached the first half of the school year complete and as a pause from all the stress endured from school and home activities, I plan to go on vacation to leave my stress behind and get a clear mind before returning back to school for the 3rd quarter,” Thompson said. While staying home during winter break and sleeping in sounds relaxing, realistically it is harming your sleeping schedule for the return of school. According to Danielle Pacheco on sleep-foundation.org “A brief nap can be refreshing and restorative, especially if you are sleep deprived, but longer naps late in the day can negatively impact your sleep quality and duration. A primary key to taking a successful nap comes down to timing. For most people, the ideal nap lasts 10 to 20 minutes,” Pacheco said. When a student stays home over break most of the time there

Christmas tree from https:// pixabay.com/ illustrations/christmas-tree-withlights-3824892/

is no reason that the student should wake up at the same time they do for school, causing them to sleep in later than usual and in a lot of cases during the daytime. While on vacation the student may wake up a bit later than their usual routine but still have things to look forward to in the day and have a planned schedule. Traveling for winter break is sufficient for students to receive a break from school and everyday routines, while at the same time maintaining a sleep schedule.

There has been much debate on whether you should stay home or travel this holiday season. While some may say that traveling is the way to go, others suggest that you should just stay home. Staying home however, clearly has more benefits to it than negatives. And Isabella Hendrick (‘25) agrees. “I prefer to stay at home instead of

traveling because I have more things to do locally instead of going somewhere new that I have never visited,” Hendrick said. There are many reasons why people choose to stay home for the holidays. One big reason is to prevent the spread of COVID-19. If less people were to travel, then the amount of COVID-19 cases would surely decrease. If you were to travel and come into contact with the virus, you then would be forced to quarantine which would prevent you from being productive. “Staying local will also prevent the spread of the virus and keep it down to a minimum,” Nicholas Wolfgang (‘23) said. You should also stay home especially since your family and friends live here. Spending time with family and friends is what Christmas is all about and it wouldn’t make sense for you to travel instead of spending time with the people you love the most. “I like to stay home for Christmas due to my main group of friends living in Florida. I also love everything Tampa does come Christmas time,” Hendrick said. Staying local during Christmas time is the only logical option. There are numerous reasons as to why this is the only right option. Bottom line, people should stay local this holiday season.