Volume 17, Issue 4 February 2018

Feb.

2019 the

J.W. Mitchell High School 2323 Little Road New Port Richey, FL 34655 Issue 4 Volume 17

hoofbeat

“There’s a new coach and a new system this year. My team and Coach Vetter always have my back. Coach wants us to play really fast on the court, and I think we will do well next year.”

Efe Kadioglu (‘20) Photo by Ostina Myrtil

Issue four Table of

Contents (pg.7) Photo by Madeline Smyth

News (page 3)

- Remembering sophomore Ruhan Alam - Orchestra members prepare for solo and ensemble performances - The Stampede yearbook won a national Crown

Lifestyles (pages 4-5)

- Guest cartoonist: Miranda Midkiff (‘21) - A look back at changes to our Valentine’s Day - The reasons behind why teachers quit and an update on last year’s teacher, Dante DeSabitino - Information about RANCH collection events - Are you ready to meet your partner’s parents?

- Places to go for a romantic Valentine’s Day date

Lifestyles Feature (page 7)

- The achievements of Winterguard this year - The indoor percussion presents their new show called “Under Construction”

(pg.11) Photo by Ostina Myrtil

Centerspread (pages 8-9)

(pg.4)

- Which zodiac sign matches best with yours? From the DailyHoroscope app

Photo provided by Dante DeSabitino

Sports (pages 10-11)

- Boys’ varsity basketball adopt new play styles - Friendships on the girls’ varsity basketball team - Boys’ JV basketball team works towards varsity - Wrestling team and coach express their opinions - Fans’ views about the Tampa Bay Lightning’s impressive season so far - All athletes chip in to renovate weightroom

(pg.3) Photo by Ostina Myrtil

Sports Feature (page 13)

- Close up on wrestler, Faith Mitchell’s season - ROTC champions move on to California

Entertainment (page 14) - Summary of the dress up days for the entire week of March Madness, starting 3/11 - Love advice for this upcoming Valentine’s Day - Romance and love story movie reviews

Opinions (page 15)

- Staff editorial concerning the effects of the new construction throughout the Trinity area - Man on the Street: How do you feel about the State of the Union address?

- You can still enjoy Valentine’s Day without a date

Back Page (page 16)

- The SeaWorld Debate

Contents

Editorial

Policy

Published six times a 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 provided by

(pg.13) Dong Mei Zhu

HoofbeatStaff

Editors

Staff Reporters

Morgan Fliss

Ruhan Alam

editor-in-chief Hayley Fliss

Emma Diehl

lifestyles editor

Valerie Farrar

Avery Philion

Jonah Freeman

news editor Richard Daley

Grace Glover

sports editor

Rylee Kaiser

Bailey Illig

Hailey Kroll

ent./opin. editor Emma Rogers

business manager

Ostina Myrtil Madeline Smyth

A student, a friend, a light that guides A friend found a way to brighten up the world in dark times, and not only bring joy, but laughter Emma DIEHL STAFF Reporter What started as a great winter break turned into a tragedy for Mustang nation, due to the passing of sophomore Ruhan Alam. Alam was a friend to many on our campus, and is greatly missed. He had a way of making people smile and laugh even on their worst days. His sense of humor always seemed to brighten the room.

“He would always be telling jokes, or he would be dancing all the time. He was just so positive about everything, which taught me that’s how you should live your life,” Riley Curie (‘21) said.

Alam had many interests inside and outside of school. He had connections to many clubs and sports, including reporting and taking photos for the school newspaper, as well as being as being a part of the JV soccer team.

“He was really selfless. He was really passionate and determined with everything in his life as well as with things including soccer, newspaper, photography, and maintaining good relationships,” Gitanjali Reddy (‘21) said.

One of the multitude of things that his friends had to say about him was how he cheered everyone up, even when he wasn’t in a good mood himself.

“He impacted the community in a way that when he walked into a room everyone smiled instantly. He would light up a room, and everyone knew who he was in a really good way.

He was so selfless, in that even when he was sad, he would make everyone else feel good about themselves,” Michael Hodgson (‘21) said.

One thing is for certain: Mitchell High School and it’s students will forever be impacted

by Alam. Several students had other things to say about Alam.

“I would tell him how much of an impact he had on my life, and how he inspired me to be a better person. I wish I could

just tell him I loved him, and that I was always there for him,” Simran Saini (‘21) said.

Saini was not alone in saying that Alam left a long lasting impact. There are those who will never forget him.

“I never thought that I would be living this nightmare where he isn’t a part of my world anymore, and that changes me in ways that I can’t explain. Everyone says to remember the good times, but that only makes me miss him more. Everyone says he is in a better place, but the only thing I want is for him to be back here with me,” Reddy said.

Ruhan Alam will always hold a place in the heart of Mustang

Ruhan Alam smiles for the camera as he hikes in the woods. Photo provided by S. Saini

nation, and made a lasting impact on the lives of students across campus. His legacy will live in our memories for many years to come.

Plucking the strings of the audience

Band students talk about the hard work, opportunities and dedication it takes to take on the serious lifestyle emma rogers staff Reporter From marching on the field to playing in a concert, the many band programs never stops rehearsing for their performances. Students take advantage of the program by enrolling in the many band classes offered. At the moment, the orchestra, taught and conducted by Mr. Ryan Harring (FAC), is currently working on solo and ensemble performances.

“Like the band program, we do a solo and ensemble event where we go through and play small duets, trios, and quartets up until ensembles of sixteen.

We are preparing for that right “I stay after school every day now and that’s going to be and practice. Currently, in class happening at Strawberry Crest we are working on a piece to High School,” Harring said. present to the 5th graders at As students River Ridge to prepare for help [students] the solo and decide if they Performing in front of an ensemble event, would like to audience can be nerve some start to join orchestra racking sometimes, but create scheduled in the future,” it’s so exciting to finally times to practice Meghan Grace show people what we have as well as getting (‘20) said. dedicated our time to. lessons on the For the pieces they will first time, Heather be performing. the band is Thus, using class exposing the time to work programs to on the pieces the incoming together for the community sixth graders, so that they will go performances they have through the middle school band scheduled. and transfer over to orchestra

Perez (‘21)

in the upcoming years. After the solo and ensemble event, the orchestra students will be putting on a chamber concert, which consists of all those pieces from solo and ensemble, but for the parents. The concert is on February 22 at 7 p.m. in the orchestra room. When the chamber concert goes on, Heather Perez (‘21) is playing “Molto Allegro” from Mozart’s String quartet No. 2 in D Major and also doing a duet called “A Country Scene.”

“Performing in front of an audience can be nerve racking sometimes, but it’s so exciting to finally show people what we have dedicated our time to. Usually after a performance, I would

hear positive comments about what we did and to know that others appreciate what we do is truly one of a kind. Musicians know how relieving it is to have a solid performance on something that has caused so much stress leading up to it,” Perez said.

The orchestra program implements a new section that includes a full orchestra and wind instruments. The program offers many opportunities to expose the students to new instruments as well as perform for the community.

From chamber concerts to fifth grade celebrations, the orchestra ensures the beginnings of another recognized band program.

The Stampede yearbook wins crown Last year’s yearbook was nominated for a national and exclusive award through the Columbia Scholastic Press Association

Morgan Fliss Editor in chief Since the opening of the school in 2000, the Stampede yearbook staff has worked countless hours to improve the design of the book each year and make it something fun and different for students to enjoy in the future.

The 2018 yearbook “What you Make It” was nominated for a national and exclusive award through the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA).

“In order to qualify, you have to have a certain amount of points from the judges and the top books in the country are the ones that get selected [for the

Crown]. This year was our first year, that I have been on staff, that we have qualified as a finalist for a Crown. Some of the editors and their parents are traveling to New York and we are going to the award ceremony at Columbia University in New York City to find out whether we received a Silver or a Gold Crown,” Lindsey Hoskins (’19) said.

Hoskins, one of editors-in-chief of the yearbook staff this year, feels great accomplishment knowing her hard work in journalism is finally paying off for her future.

“I am really excited about getting the Crown because now I have won a Pacemaker and a Crown in my journalism career

which is tangible evidence that my hard work is really paying off and the skills that I have learned in yearbook and through journalism are going to benefit me in college where I plan to further pursue my passions,” Hoskins said.

Kayleigh Ross (‘20) was on staff as a reporter for the sports section of the book last year.

She was very proud to see her published work be considered for a national award in a yearbook that students will look back at for years to come.

“To know that my stories are published in a book that my classmates will read years in the future is really special to me because I can be a part of

helping kids remember their years as a student,” Ross said.

Stephanie DeVlieger (‘19), also an editor-in-chief on staff, plans on making multiple improvements to this year’s book to make it even better than the award winning one from the previous year.

“Our work being published nationally is definitely what drives us the most because, of course, it is for the student body, but it is also a big motivator to know that across the United States other schools look up to our book,” DeVlieger said.

Only 18 hybrid yearbooks (books with web or video content embedded) in the country won this exclusive award. Editors

and adviser Ms. Susan McNulty (FAC) will travel to New York City over spring break to the awards ceremony at Columbia University to collect either the Silver or Gold Crown at CSPA.

Brace yourself, winterguard is coming Both the varsity and junior varsity winterguard teams step up with mature and complex shows for their competitions year’s roller coaster theme.

“This year’s show is so much more mature than last year’s show, so it’s nice to see the team Winterguard is an indoor try to take on a more important sport consisting of visual dance topic. We haven’t had a full show performances timed to music yet, so it’s strange unless you with vibrant flags, lengthy can get into character because sabres, and hefty rifles. The we don’t understand how to season runs from January to portray it yet. This year March, with performers from they see the topic both the varsity and junior is so much more varsity groups practicing to Sofiia important so perfect their performances Emelicheva(‘22) much more for competitions, and Jocelyn needs to go eventually finals. Teams Fry (‘20) into it and are divided into everyone different classes, is starting ranging from B, AAA, to put AA, and leaving A in more as the highest rank work,” that determines says a team’s level of Daniela advancement.

Silvera (‘20) a On January strong captain and veteran 19, the of the varsity guard who varsity team, is looking forward to this competing in new season. class A, debuted Varsity’s unfinished their program entitled show, placed 8th overall “Ethereal Moon” at Gaither in their division at the first High School for the Florida competition, but they are Federation of Colorguards working harder to advance at Circuit (FFCC) championships.

Their new show is a look into the the next competition. They practice every Tuesday and idea of life after death, a more Wednesday, with an additional sophisticated concept than last

Maddi Smyth

Staff Reporter

practice on the Thursday at the end of every month. Their final costumes were not available for their debut, under the same circumstance of unfinished shows as most of the color guards competing at premiere, but now they are prepared for the new competitions to come with full costumes, more completed work, and positive attitudes.

“All we need to do now is finish our show and fill it with all the work, and then clean it. We got 8th last time because we didn’t fill our whole show, and now that’s what we’re working on to make it better. We have to go over specific counts and all of our points in the show; where our bodies should sit in relation to the music,” says Dakkotah Van Norman (‘20), another captain in varsity guard dedicated to perfecting their show and keeping the team in check.

The junior varsity also performed their show “Life in Full Bloom” on Saturday, January 19, with the performance running rather smoothly, scoring them third place in their AAA division. The new upgrades for this season’s equipment are also an addition to their quality of their show. They perform with

a new floor, which is a tarp with involved with the band for an image relevant to their show marching season and the color printed on it. For junior varsity guard itself for winter season. that is a large flower to correlate I like this show a lot more than with their “Life in Full Bloom” last year’s show, and I think we’ll theme. This year they also handle it much better,” receive full costumes just like says Leanne Lucas the varsity guard. (‘20), a returning “It was really exciting member of the this year to place third, junior varsity, considering that in the particularly their past couple years we dance line. haven’t really placed Overall, that high, and our winter guard is show has been coming a culmination of together really well. incredible hard We worked really work, dedication, hard this season and large-scale teamwork. and didn’t slack They are determined to put off like we on a show to remember, did last year,” taking on their roles as says Brenna actors do, and play Peterson (‘21), their part to the very a captain of best of their ability. the junior Daelynn The music they varsity team Benitez (‘21) perform to is that has been the rhythm of performing their life, and and placing color guard has well this season. grown to become a part of the Performing with the color performers as people. To anyone guard, whether in the varsity interested, attend the Friends or junior varsity, is a unique and Family show the color guard experience for its participants. will be putting on March 27 of “I think this is a good activity this year in the gym and witness and a fun thing to do, to get their hard work up close.

Indoor percussion under construction The indoor percussion group proudly presents their unique 2018-2019 ensemble with their show “Under Construction” Maddi Smyth Staff Reporter Indoor percussion consists of marching band percussion and front ensemble sections of a band or drum corp. The high school season begins after fall marching season is over, so it is often referred to as winter percussion or winterline. These ensembles boast a wide variety of percussion instruments, from little snare drums to giant vibraphones.

“I’m on rack, which is not one specific instrument, it’s a lot of different things, so I play stuff like the vibraslaps, propane tanks, and other really cool, weird instruments that I’ve never seen before. The main focus we have is drum set, marimbas, really big vibraphones, xylophones, and all the mallet instruments. It’s really just an advanced version of front ensemble,” said Eric Hendrickson (‘21), a member of indoor percussion working with an array of instruments.

This year, the team has come

even take the time to come in together to put on their show during their lunch period to titled “Under Construction.” practice more. They know there The music has a loose, energetic is always room for improvement, theme detailing the routine of and continue to strive for the a construction worker, and they debuted the performance at their very best.

“This year is a lot more first competition on January 26. competitive, so all members “My favorite part of this show are putting is that it is set in even more up around hours of work,” having as much fun as My favorite part of this Utterback said.

The indoor possible with show is that it is set percussion the audience up around having as program is and making relatively them feel much fun as possible new, this only involved. with the audience. being their We just want second year of everyone to Jordan competing, but have a good that doesn’t time,” Jordan seem to have Utterback stopped them (‘20) said. from excelling.

While the show is currently in “This is my second year and the works, being tweaked and our second year doing it at the perfected at every practice and school, and at every competition after every performance, the we’ve gone to, last year and this percussionists put much of their year, we’ve gotten first place,” own time and effort into making the show the best it can be. They said Isabella Cortier (‘20), a marimba player working the front practice every week, and some

Utterback (‘20)

The 2019 indoor percussion team, with seniors Parker Marchant, Abby McNulty, Michael Mortilla and Charles Nagel in the first row holding their first place plaque, awarded on January 26 at the FFCC Percussion Premiere. Photo provided by Jill Cortier (FAC)

lines of indoor percussion.

Even though the program is still young, the members it has seem to enjoy performing together and getting into character.

“I like performing and seeing other groups also doing what I like to do, and I just really like the whole atmosphere competing to win. For this year’s show, I enjoy

having my own character and performing to what my character is, and I also really enjoy all my friends at rehearsals and meeting new people,” Cortier said.

For those looking to see the magic up close or even inquire about joining band and indoor percussion, visit the Friends and Family show on March 27 in the gym and enjoy the performance.

Aquarius January 20- February 18

Match best with Leo, Libra and Aquarius

Aquarians have a sensitive and attuned personality. Fearing being vulnerable, it may take them some time to open up. But once their heart is open, their love can last a lifetime full of acceptance and trust.

February 19- March 20

Match worst with Scorpio, Pisces, and Cancer

Pisces

Match best with Taurus, Cancer and Scorpio

Pisces’ nurturing personality can strengthen any romantic relationship. When they are in love, they fall hard and are very affectionate Pisces need to take some time to slow down in their relationships, because once they build that solid foundation their relationship will grow to great lengths.

Match worst with Gemini, Leo and Aries

Aries March 21- April 19 Match best with Libra, Sagittarius and Leo

Aries are very charismatic and attract others easily with their charm.

They are straight shooters, when it comes to romance and will not take no for an answer. They can be aggressive at times, but their daredevil personality can be found as exciting.

Match worst with Taurus, Capricorn and Virgo

Taurus April 20- May 20 Taurus’ can be shy and withdrawn when it comes to romance. Although they seem self confident, they are somewhat insecure with love. They are most drawn to outgoing people who make their feelings obvious.

Match best with Scorpio, Virgo and Capricorn Match worst with Aries, Leo and Sagittarius

Gemini May 21- June 20

Match best with Sagittarius, Leo and Aries

Geminis may love deeply, but they do not always show it. This may lead to miscommunication within their relationships, leading to its downfall.

This can be stopped, though, by doing the little things to show they care and making a conscious effort in the relationship

Match worst with Pisces Cancer and Scorpio

Cancer June 21- July 22

Match best with Cancer, Capricorn and Pisces

Cancers love deeply and forever. Being one of the most devoted signs, they are sensitive and sweet, remembering every special date regarding the relationship. Although being very loving and loyal, they may be shy in showing public displays of affection.

Match worst with Aries, Leo and Sagittarius

July 23- August 22

What Sign is for YOU? Leo

If a Leo is in love, it is not a secret as they show their heart. They are strong, loving and loyal. Protective of loved ones, Leo’s will always defend their partner’s honor and trumpet their achievements.

Match best with Aquarius, Libra and Sagittarius Match worst with Pisces, Cancer and Scorpio

Virgo August 23- September 22

Match best with Pisces, Taurus and Capricorn

Virgos are very hard to read. This does not mean that they don’t love as deep, but their partner may find themselves wondering what they are thinking. Virgo’s are encouraged to show their emotions more as it will help them have more fulfilling relationships.

Match worst with Leo, Aries and Sagittarius

Libra September 23- October 22

Match best with Aries, Gemini and Leo

Libras are in love with love. This intense fascination leads them to fall in love easily and sometimes too often. Often enchanted by looks, they have to stop themselves to think about if the love interest trait’s blend well with their own.

Match worst with Virgo, Capricorn and Scorpio

Scorpio October 23- November 21

Match best with Taurus, Pisces and Cancer

Scorpios are hard to win over, but once they fall it will be a deep and passionate love. Known to be the most alluring sign of them all, they are very affectionate and exciting. But if you do something wrong to them, there is no going back

November 22- December 21

Match worst with Gemini, Aquarius and Libra

Sagittarius

Match best with Gemini, Aries and Leo

Sagittarians are always surrounded by loved ones. They love to laugh and enjoy deep conversations. Although fast to want to be with one they like, they also highly value their independence. They may have commitment issues from wanting to experience life to its full potential before settling down.

December 22- January 19

Match worst with Pisces, Scorpio and Taurus

Capricorn

Match best with Cancer, Taurus and Virgo

Capricorns can be hard headed when it comes to romance. This sign often does not know when to leave their partner, and may go to great lengths to shape their partner into who they believe they should be. But if they learn to compromise, they will have fulfilling relationships

Match worst with Leo, Aries and Sagittarius

Determination gets them to the goal The boys’ varsity basketball team works to improve their performance with several adjustments to their play style Valerie farrar and Rylee kaiser staff reporters The varsity boys basketball team faces changes: new coach, new players, new techniques.

The team has to learn and adapt.

Traditionally, the team plays a zone defense at a slower pace, but this year the team plays a full court aggressive defense.

Everyone on the team strives to make new friends and stay positive at all times.

“We aren’t doing that good but we are still playing as hard as we can even if we go against hard teams. We’re working very hard no matter what the outcome of games are and we all have big hearts,” David Proper (‘21) said.

The team’s training consists

of repetitively working on their shots to become better shooters, and having to run laps for every below average grade a player has in an academic class. With only one day off from these intense practices every week, Austin Wilson (’20) and his team rely on each other to help push through.

“We always join hands together as a team before practice in a circle, representing that we are a family,” said Wilson. “Our team definitely has heart, and we never give up.”

By staying positive in negative situations, the team switches focus away from the outcome, concentrating on the action.

Players gather before games to build rapport.

“The team gets along very

well. Before most the games we go to someone’s house to bond and pre-party for the game,” Proper said.

The new head coach, Mr. Jason Vetter (FAC) came to the team after 15 seasons with Hudson High School. He brings experience and determination to the team.

“I was very excited to make the move. It’s been a very good year so far. Everyone has been helpful and supportive. The kids have been great, and their parents have been accepting,” Coach Vetter said.

In the new system, the team uses a full court press the whole game, which is very new to the players.

“The benefit is that we get a lot of steals that lead to easy

Brady Bodden (‘19) attempts to get past a defending player as he drives to the basket. Photo by Ostina Myrtil

points, the negative is that we give up easy points when we don’t work as a perfect unit,” Brady Bodden (‘19) said.

With a 5-18 record as of February 5, the team pushes

to win their final games of the season. Come out and watch the varsity basketball team in action at the district tournament at Sunlake High School February 13-15.

Different courts but the same heart Two best friends play on different teams but support one another, on and off the court Gracie Glover staff reporter Grace Young (‘21) and Charlotte Vari (‘20), friends for over half a decade, play basketball and lacrosse together.

The two are competitive with one another and try to push one another to the limit and to better each other, on and off the court.

Although they are both on the field now, it was not always like that. Vari was on the field and Young was on the sidelines. The two quickly became friends and have stayed together since.

“We’ve been best friends for almost seven years. I think we met because she played football and I played cheer, so our parents started talking. We became friends after that, and we play lacrosse and basketball together now. She’s my best friend, my sister. We hang out all the time. I think that with both of us playing sports helps us grow as people,” Young said.

The two play basketball and lacrosse together, but Vari is on varsity basketball and Young is on junior varsity basketball.

Despite this space, Young and

Vari still practice together and basketball and lacrosse together, work to better so there one another. is always They play mini competition We hang out all the basketball and it’s time.

I think that with games, toss normally just the ball us talking both of us playing around or smack to sports helps us grow as just play each other. games that Grace’s just people. improve their a really good Grace weaknesses. friend for me “I would on the court describe our and field. relationship We’re best as sisters, we friends and are that close. We practice both we play the same positions on

Young (‘21)

the field with lacrosse,” Vari said.

Knowing each other for such a long time helps the two athletes build a sense of trust, it also allows them to grow both individually and together. Both Young and Vari didn’t start out playing together.

“My favorite thing about being able to play together is being able to play with someone who I know will always have my back, because not every team you go on has that. It’s nice to know that whichever team I play on, I’ll always have a friend who does,” Young said.

Working towards victory and varsity JV basketball players working their way up to the varsity team with every point earned and opponent stopped Emma Diehl staff reporter The ball swishes through the basketball net as a student athlete scores yet another three pointer. Both the boys and girls JV basketball teams began their seasons, and it is time for the stars to shine.

For a plethora of student athletes, getting onto the varsity team is a goal that they are still trying to achieve. This task can be complicated, and requires a lot of work according to some.

“My goal for the season is to work on my shooting and defense, and improve as much as I can in every aspect of the

sport,” Mya Waage (‘22) said.

For a portion of the team, becoming a captain is the way that they wish to prove themselves to coaches and scouts.

“My biggest goals are trying to show the coaches that I am an elite player, but also to be a leader on and off of the court,” Alec Hilliard (‘22) said.

However, being on the basketball team is only one aspect of these students lives. Academics play another important role in their daily schedule.

“I like to have a good GPA, and play my best. I love playing a sport, and having to deal with

school work on the side is not difficult. You need to be able to do work in both things so you can be a student athlete,” Nathaniel Adawonu (‘22) said.

In order for the team to win their games however, they must work together to accomplish their goals.

“Like all teams, we have our bad days, but we get along really well for the most part. We’re like a big family. We always have each other’s backs,” Grace Young (‘21) said.

As the season comes to a close, the two teams strive to end their season with several more victories. With the season coming to a close, and final

The boys’ JV basketball team gathers around their coach as he talks to them about their game plan. Photo by Ostina Myrtil

games on February second and seventh, both teams are readily

preparing for next season, and the year to come.

Prevailing to thunderous applause Fans of the Tampa Bay Lightning continue to support the team as they dominate the Atlantic Division Richard daley sports editor Lightning fans enthusiastically cheer as the team’s track record of success persists into another season. At this time the Lightning hold the best record in their division, and fans believe that the offense plays a crucial role in dominating opponents.

“The reason the Lightning have been so successful is because our offense is stacked. Nikita Kucherov and Steven Stamkos are great at making plays and the team does a great job of passing the puck down ice and

shooting the puck on net,” Noah Dibattista (‘20) said.

Fans attest that an important aspect of the team’s performance is the selflessness the players exhibit on the ice.

“The best part about Nikita Kucherov style of play is that he’s a team player. He’s not being a puck hog, he’s helping his teammates instead of looking out for himself. He is successfully passing the puck, shooting the puck, and assisting his teammates on goals,” Michael Scianna (’21) said.

Bolts fans believe part of the reason why the team is

excelling is because they worked to improve from the previous season.

“This season all their young players are healthy and the chemistry between them has grown a lot. Last year they suffered from injuries, especially with Victor Hedman, Steven Stamkos, and Andrei Vasilevsky being out for long periods of time. Now they’re

coming back from all the injuries and doing what they need to do to win,” Scianna said.

With the Lightning sitting comfortably at the top of the division standings, fans seem certain that the team will return to the playoffs this season.

“I think we’re definitely playoff bound, and we’ll definitely win the Atlantic Division. Hopefully,

we make it to the Stanley Cup, that’s the goal this year. I believe we just have to play one of the most perfect games ever, we have to play consistently and do all the little things right to make it to the Stanley Cup. And once we make it to the Stanley Cup I believe we will win it,” Augustus Capille (‘19) said.

Loyal fans of the Lightning are experiencing a once in a lifetime season where every aspect of the team works perfectly together.

With plenty of hockey left in the season, the fans watch hopefully, intent on the Lightning taking home the Stanley Cup.

Only the strongest survive on the mat Wrestlers prepare for the Florida High School State Championship Right now I’m trying to make first in conference and make it to state if I possibly can.

Jaden Chambers (‘19)

I usually go around and help new people figure out the moves and learn the sport of wrestling because we have a lot of new kids this year.

Cameron Mills (‘20)

My goals are to continue our process and reach our peak in February when the State Championship comes up.

Mr. Jake Crouch (FAC)

New weight room coming for athletes The weight room is undergoing a complete renovation to be used by all athletes in both boys’ and girls’ sports Valerie Farrar staff reporter The weight room provides many uses to athletes. From holding team practices to individual conditioning, the weight room is essential for sports teams. Because of this, it is crucial to have updated and functioning equipment, which can be hard to manage over time.

This summer, the weight room will be getting a full makeover.

The current equipment has been in use since the school has opened, so it must be updated for safety reasons. To help fund this renovation, every sport is contributing an equal amount of money, even though some sports

teams use the weight room more than others.

“Every sport is helping to put money into the weight room, and as long as we can come up with a schedule in which everyone has equitable use, then it’s going to be beneficial to all sports teams,” Ms. Dixon (FAC), the coach of the girls’ weightlifting and softball teams said.

A member of the girl’s weightlifting team, Alandra Coure (‘21), is one athlete is believes the weight room will be particularly beneficial to her team.

“I think that the weightlifting team will get good use out of the new weight room [because] everything our team does is in there. We practice everyday from

3:15 to around 4:30 and we also hold an occasional meet,” Coure said.

Even sports that do not use the weight room as often as others, such as the swim and dive team, came together with the rest of the sports teams to raise funds for the renovation.

“While the swim and dive team doesn’t use the weight room since we practice off campus, our athletes are certainly able to lift there on their own. Also, we recognize that today the fund raising is for the weight room.

Maybe down the road all the sports teams would be giving money toward a super cool aquatics facility,” Ms. Erickson (FAC), the coach of the swim and dive team, said.

The current weight room, prior to the scheduled renovations.

Photo by John Henges

The new weight room will be completed and ready for use by the beginning of the 20192020 school year. If all the sports

teams continue to collaborate for the funding and usage of this renovation, then the athletes can successfully prepare.

Who says wrestling is a sport for boys

Faith Mitchell’s (‘20) determined to overcome the stereotypes of wrestling Rylee Kaiser Staff reporter

A tough female wrestler, Faith Mitchell (’20), faces off against the opposite sex, in a sport dominated by males, in her weight class and wins.

She is one of two female wrestlers on the Mitchell varsity wrestling team. This is her first Photo by Bailey Illig year starting to wrestle and is On Saturday, February 2, Faith Mitchell (‘20) wins her first match by default motivated to learn every aspect because her competitor was not present and almost wins her second. of the sport that can help her in real life situations.

“I started wrestling because I had no idea how to defend myself,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell likes to warm up with the team first, then organizes her moves in her head before a wrestling match and decides which moves she is going to use against her opponent. She thinks through certain scenarios that she has experienced in Photo by Bailey Illig past matches, and how she can During her second match she was wrestling a boy in the 126 weight class from Wesley Chapel, Mitchell did well the first few minutes but the boy won the match. avoid messing up and losing the

round. Not only does this help her perform her best during a meet, but Mitchell having the correct mental drive pushes her to do the best she can do.

“I have the motivation to be better than the other boys and it really helps push me,” Mitchell said.

Before a big match, Mitchell prepares herself and gets in the right mind-set to go against another wrestler. She thinks “you got this,” and gets ready to do her best and put up a fight.

“I like the one-on-one and the hype of wrestling. You get to actually fight people and not necessarily hurt them. It’s fun,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell is in the 126 weight class. She has competed against River Ridge, Tarpon Springs, Weeki Wachee, and Gibbs High School. One of her best matches was at East Lake High School, when she faced off against a male in her same weight class

and pinned him within the first quarter.

“I was really proud, because that was the first match that I actually won. Usually they are stronger and overpower me.

I had a huge sense of pride,” Mitchell said.

When Mitchell faces off against an opponent, her strategy involves grabbing their legs and pushing them with a lot of force.

When a wrestler grabs one leg it is called a single, and two legs is a double.

“I, personally, like to shoot singles and doubles because it puts my opponents off balance,” Mitchell said.

The wrestling season lasts until the end of February and Mitchell is determined to make it to the state tournament. Being put up against boys in all her matches so far helps prepare her for the state match where Mitchell can finally show down against other girls.

Orienteering their way to California

The NJROTC team finished in first, qualifying them for the National Orienteering Championship competition in California Hayley Fliss Lifestyles editor On December 15, 2018, the Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) team placed first, qualifying for nationals. The National Orienteering Championship competition is being held at Vasquez Rocks in California on February 15 to February 17.

Logan Stephens (‘20), a cadet in second and orienteering captain, competed in the national qualifier and contributed to the team as a whole.

“The way orienteering is, is that the scoring is very complicated, so as much as one person is really good, it is a big factor if [the whole team] does [well, as] the deciding factor was our girls team for orange” Stephens said.

There are three different forces in NJROTC: yellow ranked as the easiest, orange in the middle, and green ranked as the hardest. The score for each force is added up to obtain the total score of the whole orienteering team.

“The scores [for each force] were so equivalent from everyone that orange female force were our deciding factor to go to nationals,” Stephens said.

“Going to nationals is beneficial because we have only done orienteering for three years, and during the three years I have been [on NJROTC] we haven’t [qualified] for something up to this magnitude.”

Jessica Lin (‘21), an orienteering captain, feels this experience in California will bring new opportunities for the team, including sending some of their runners to the United States National Orienteering team.

“I feel like it is going to be a different environment overall, physically being there and also seeing a new area. Florida and California are two completely different running environments and I feel like it will be good [to experience it],” Lin said. “These competitions not only bring the team together, but other teams; so from different schools and we meet new people and it’s just great.”

Caleb Swanhart (‘20) is ranked second in the state for orienteering this year. Going back to the beginning of the season, Swanhart had doubts about his abilities in the sport. As the year continued his rank in his events started to increase to the top of the board.

“Honestly, happy is an

understatement. I went into the season thinking nothing of it and now I am second in the state. It also has gotten me recognition to apply for the USA Orienteering team and that means I could travel the world doing the sport I love, There are no words on how proud I am of myself and how proud I am to be on such an amazing team,” Swanhart said.

Swanhart regards the success of their national qualifying meet and how the basic scoring works as well as the strenuous obstacles the team went through for them to win.

“The way it works is that there everyone can participate in the different courses, but only the three fastest people for each course count towards the overall score. [We] got the highest potential score possible between the other teams,” Swanhart said.

With the national competition approaching, the NJROTC team shares their barriers that they tackled to qualify, their plans of continuing to train, and their goals on how they plan to score well at the national competition being held in California on Friday, February 15 to Sunday, February 17.

Photo provided by Dong Mei Zhu

The NJROTC Orienteering team taking a celebratory picture emphasizing the feeling of making it to the national meet in California.

Photo provided by Dong Mei Zhu

Jessica Lin (‘21), Logan Stephens (‘20), and Caleb Swanhart (‘20) holding their trophies when placing first as a group in the qualifying meet.

Photo by Hayley Fliss

Logan Stephens (‘20) finishes up his event in first place and is now first in the state of Florida for his event in NJROTC orienteering.

It’s seniors’ last chance for madness!

March Madness is fast approaching and students are get to dress up and show school spirit as third quarter comes to a close Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Pajama Day

College Day

Tacky Tourist

Mathlete V.S. Athlete

Spirit Day

Dominic Villafane (‘22) Megan Maxton (‘21)

Myles Medina (‘20) Emma Glover (‘19)

Kellie Daley (‘22) Mckensie Myers (‘20)

Evan Brennan (‘21) Amber Seaberg (‘20)

Adrianno Marcus (‘19) Ethan Stinsman (‘19)

Experiences that teach you lessons

Whether people are in the beginning of a high school relationship or have been in one for a while, love advice comes in handy Avery Philion News Editor Some people go through high school and end up in long lasting relationships; while some go through high school and end with multiple short lasting relationships. Any of the above situations are okay, but by the time one comes out of a relationship or before they get into one, love advice is a common thing.

“Be happy and don’t worry about the little things people

say about you because it doesn’t matter in the long run,” Summer Vandemortel (‘20) said.

Easy keys to a good relationship are to each their own. Based on different experience and longevity most love advice differs. “[My friend] always told me to let things happen and if it was going to happen it would’ve.

Also that things only could’ve been what they were,” Madison Williams (‘19) said.

According to Quora, the typical high school relationship lsats

about three to four months.

The thought of marrying a high school sweetheart seems to be a goal for a lot of people, but only two percent of high school students end up marrying them.

It is important to never lose yourself trying to find someone else. A valuable life lesson is that one cannot fix another if one is not willing to be fixed. Losing sight of dreams and aspirations is also a bad side effect of relationships.

“If you ever have a dream just keep following it and never give

Best movies for Valentine’s Day Bridesmaids

“The movie will have you falling out of your seat as the characters go through trouble in their friendship. My favorite character in it is Rebel Wilson and my favorite scene is when they all got food poisoning,” Aajahlaye Baroulette (’20) said.

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before “The cutest moments between Lara and Peter made my heart melt in every scene throughout the movie. I sat there saying aww every second that passed. My favorite part was definitely how they wrote the contract pretending to date but actually ended up falling in love. I love this movie a ton and still watch it to this day,” Victoria D’Amico (’22) said.

up,” Hailee Brown (‘22) said.

A big concern for high school relationships is cheating.

Cheating is undefined but according to www.refinery29. com, 76 percent of women and 56 percent of men believe sending a flirty text is cheating.

Kirten Whitney (‘19) says there is an alternative to infidelity.

“They start losing feelings for their partner or need more attention so they go find someone else, it doesn’t make sense why they don’t

just break up,” Whitney.

Although these relationships may not last, valuable lessons are learned and can be useful for future relationships. High school is a good place to learn from your mistakes.

88%

Give love advice

12%

Receive love advice

The Kissing Booth “Well the kissing booth is a great love story between two different people that fall in love. It showed that anything can happen when you fall in love,” Hailey Walek (’21) said.

The Best of Me

“I’ve seen so many romantic movies because it’s my favorite genre, but I love movies that are unpredictable. The best of me is very touching because it’s a romance, drama, but also really deep. The ending is a total plot twist and it really just touches your heart. I could watch it a thousand times and never get bored,” Emmersyn Chefero (‘20) said

Legally Blonde “A movie about your stereotypical blonde, who society believes to be devoid of all intellect, who breaks those preconceived notions by becoming one of the best lawyers graduating top of her class all in spite of a boy who didn’t return her affections,” Ciara Cabrera (’19) said.

10 Things I Hate About You “10 Things I Hate About You because it is a romantic movie without being too sappy, and it is funny and relatable to watch,” Reighan Ussery (‘20) said.

New stores come with a downside

The new construction in the Trinity area may provide jobs for students but there are many negatives that come with them also Upcoming developments promises major inconvenience to parents and students alike With the explosion of growth in Trinity, students and parents may not realize how new developments may negatively impact their daily lives. The proliferation of new construction developments around the Trinity area are poised to pose a clear and present detrimental effect upon the lives of people in this community.

The Village at Mitchell Ranch is currently under construction across from Mitchell Ranch Plaza and is tentatively set to open in March of 2019. In a promotional flyer from The Shopping Center Company, the property management

company handling leasing of this project, the new development will feature prominent national chains including Ulta, Michaels and Chipotle among others.

These new shops, combined with the traffic from Mitchell Ranch Plaza, will significantly increase the congestion on roads of the surrounding area due to the abundance of new retailers.

This, coupled with the long mismanaged and unaddressed issue of cars extending from the Seven Springs Middle School pick-up loop well out into Little Road every afternoon, will create a traffic nightmare with no planned or declared resolution in the works.

Aside from the commercial developments, many new homes

the economic stability of any community, it should not be allowed to fester unmanaged and without intelligent foresight to long-term consequences.

Further, we continue to see accidents,injuries, fatalities and travel times increase along the Little Road/State Road 54 corridor. The families of this area are already forced to deal with these tragedies and inconveniences as well as having been rezoned this past year. They should not be further subjected to these injustices due to the shortsightedness and lack of planning by our esteemed County Commission.

How do you feel about the State of the Union address?

Photos by Avery Philion

Manon theStreet

are either planned or currently project, an eight hundred under construction in the Trinity home development has been area. Ryan Homes approved. Building Will construction in these new homes in is preparing to Trinity have a positive such close proximity begin pre-sales on ninety-one or negative effect on to the school will new luxury homes not only worsen the Mitchell? behind the school, aforementioned adjacent to the YMCA. traffic issue but cause This will add to further overcrowding traffic woes as the in a school that rear entrance currently remains 34% to the school overpopulated. is located on This will 66% Positive Photonics undoubtedly Drive, the Negative lead the District same street that to restructure leads to the new school boundaries homes. Further, yet again, leading according to Pasco to a new round of County public records, instability and dysfunction. as part of the Mitchell 54 West While growth is vital to fuel

The speech was a bit strong for Trump. He usually doesn’t give the best speeches but this one seemed well spoken.

Trump did a pretty good job at trying to stay bipartisan throughout the speech.

I think Trump talked about great topics.

Immigration is a big deal and it is important that we secure the borders.

Bradley

Julia

Zachary

Smith (‘19)

Walkup (‘19)

Jones (‘20)

Trump did really well.

I agreed with most of the topics and believe he is actually doing the things he said he would.

Nicole

Marino (‘22)

You do not have to be a Republican or Democrat to agree with him and I thought that was nice change in his pace.

Benjamin

Horvath (‘21)

Do not have a partner? No problem!

Teens share advice on how to spend their Valentine’s Day without having a significant other on this national holiday of love Gracie Glover Staff reporter Valentine’s Day, also called St. Valentine’s Day, holiday when lovers express their affection with greetings and gifts. Teenagers are under the misconception that Valentine’s Day has to either contain store-bought gifts or has to be spent with a partner or alone, but actually Valentine’s Day can be spent other ways: with guardians, friends or community.

For Valentine’s Day with friends, there are activities like

exchanging small store-bought gifts, exchange homemade gifts, going out to dinner, making a dinner together, or having a movie night.

“My favorite part of Valentine’s Day is seeing my friends happy.

Also, you have to include your friends because they are there for you no matter what and they deserve love too,” Karsten Mohr (‘21) said.

Family are the people who know each other the best and will support each other so they deserve just as much love and recognition as a partner does.

The day is to show love, but that by myself is great because I does not necessarily mean to love myself,” Christian White others. Showing love to oneself (‘19) said. is a way to The community spend this day is full of people because loving who know one I believe that even if oneself is an another and care you don’t celebrate accomplishment for one another.

Valentine’s Day with a needed in order So, spending partner, it is still about to love others.

Valentine’s Day love and community.

“I like in the community Alyssa Spending or by doing Valentine’s Day something from Babcock(‘20) with my family the goodness of because in my ones heart can be opinion my family loves me the valuable and beneficial when most. Spending Valentine’s Day spending this day without a

significant other.

“I believe that even if you do not celebrate Valentine’s Day with a partner, it is still about love and community,” Alyssa Babcock (‘20) said.

On average, people spend around $60 on Valentine’s Day, whether it is out to dinner or on a specific gift. This expense can be proven unnecessary and to avoid it, this day of love should be spent with people who do not care how much money is spent and only care about who they are spending the holiday with.

T he S Hayley Fliss Lifestyles Editor

e t a b e eaWorld D

easily, and with less stress for the animals,” according to seaworld.

The SeaWorld animal rescue program sparks many controversial org.

In addition, does the SeaWorld topics amongst the public, program provides medical benefits including the film “Blackfish”, to the animals they rescue, but which hints that SeaWorld there are educational benefits to abuses their animals behind their educational shows. However, their the animals they train.

“The unique ability to observe rescue program is quite beneficial and learn directly from live according to their website animals, increases seaworld.org, as public awareness they have rescued I think some animals and appreciation of 33,000 plus [could survive] on wildlife,” according animals from dying their own, but not the to seaworld.org. in the wild. Reese [animals] that have Gabrielle Zeigler Key (‘22) agrees (‘19) advocates severe injuries or that the animals for SeaWorld that viruses. need the rescue holding some of Gabrielle team and help of Zeigler (‘19) the animals captive SeaWorld, or else provides important they would not be educational and able to survive, no matter the age. sight benefits for the public.

“I don’t think they could “They are educating kids and [survive] because SeaWorld has [adults] as well as letting the the tools and [medication] to people see the animals they would help the animals, that can’t help never have a chance to see in the themselves,” Key said. wild,” Ziegler said.

In addition, not only does SeaWorld uses the profits SeaWorld rescue and release they make from their park to animals, but for those who have lifelong injuries, they provide them put towards saving animals and with medical attention and care for supporting local animal programs.

According to One Green Planet, the rest of their lives.

SeaWorld, “contributed more than “Our goal is to successfully 2.5 million dollars towards wildlife rehabilitate animals for the return to the wild. The small percentage conservation initiatives,” and “donated over 1.2 million dollars of animals whose injuries are too debilitating to permit release, are to wildlife protection initiatives throughout the world.” given lifelong care,” spokesman Therefore, SeaWorld in fact, David Koontz told the Voice of San takes great care and responsibility Diego. for their animals through the SeaWorld’s website, provides additional evidence that supports medical benefits and educational benefits that come with these their friendliness and awareness animals. SeaWorld even uses towards their animals. their money to donate to animal “Animal training techniques conservatives as well as the help vets, animal care specialists, equipment to rescue more trainers, and keepers to perform animals. medical examinations more

Valerie Farrar Staff Reporter

animals.

“Zoos have been known not to Every pet owner knows that they provide enough care for certain would do anything to keep their types of animals, such as reptiles pets safe and healthy. However, or certain mammals, who need many of them may still support more personal care to survive in zoos that abuse their animals.

They are not aware of the damage captivity,” said Gabriella Squillante (‘19). happening at many zoos outside Some may argue that zoos the animal exhibits and shows. provide educational opportunities One of the most famous zoo about the behavior or anatomy companies in the United States, of exotic and wild animals, but SeaWorld Orlando, has become infamous following claims from the the mistreatment of the animals being observed actually makes Netflix documentary “Blackfish” this research invalid. Since zoos about the inadequate treatment are commonly unable to replicate of their animals, specifically their the exact conditions of an animal’s orca whales. A healthy orca’s life natural habitat, observing an expectancy in the wild is 30-50 animal in captivity does not show years, but in SeaWorld’s captivity, how that animal would it drops to a behave in the wild, but shocking 14 The zoos will go to any rather demonstrates years. how distressing living “SeaWorld extreme to make the is especially animals appear perfect, in captivity is for the animals. harmful to even if they are actually “The inadequate orcas because suffering. treatment of zoo their water isn’t animals frustrates me deep enough Sarina because the animals so they get Mathew (‘21) are depressed and sunburned, and aren’t given the the employees amount of space they would have use chemicals to cover the burns in the wild. If you actually want up. So, the company makes the to go see animals, you should orcas look good to other people, go to their natural habitats or to but in reality, they’re being hurt,” a reserve, not to where they’re Sarina Mathew (‘21) said. being held captive,” Justice Sales SeaWorld is not the only zoo (‘21) said. that is harmful to many of its Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, animals. According to the ZooTampa at Lowry Park, and the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Florida Aquarium are all AZA(AZA), less than 10% of zoos are accredited establishments that AZA-accredited. Accreditation are nearby. Anyone who wants to is the establishment and visit a zoo is highly encouraged to maintenance of professional research beforehand whether the standards and qualitative zoo is AZA-accredited, or if they evaluation of those standards, which means nearly all of the zoos are contributing to the growing volume of animal abuse in the zoo visited in America are providing industry. substandard treatment for their