Mar. 2021 the
J.W. Mitchell High School 2323 Little Road New Port Richey, FL 34655
https://connectplus.pasco.k12.fl.us/jwmhs-hoofbeat/
Issue 5 Volume 19
hoofbeat
“Being able to watch them grow into beautiful plants is probably the best feeling since you get to see your work paid off. They’re my little babies,” Sophia Jimenez (‘22) said. (Page 7) Photo by Hailey Kroll
Issue Five Table of
Contents (pg. 3)
Photo by Ashley Hoskins
News (page 3)
• AP testing schedule • Stampede Yearbook zooms with Tampa Bay Times about school year • Honoring International Women’s Day
Lifestyles (pages 5-7)
• Closer look at horseback rider, Sarah Logan (‘21) • Featuring Tayler Jarnagin (‘21) school garden • COVID-19 one-year anniversary • Spring outdoor activities • DIY indoor garden • Raising awareness on mental health for students • AP and EOC testing tips • Indoor percussion spring competitions
(pg. 12)
(pg. 15) Photo by Gracie Glover
Photo by Emma Diehl
Centerspread (pages 8-9)
• Career Aptitude flow chart
Sports (pages 11-13)
• Gregg Schindler Female Athlete of the Month Sonya Babski (‘22) • Gregg Schindler Male Athlete of the Month Aidan Miller (‘23) •Track and Field top 100 stats • Boys varsity lacrosse surpasses past seasons • Baseball overcomes loss of last year’s seniors • Softball stay positive in light of struggles • Tennis improvises in the absence of the court • Girls Lacrosse upping their game on the field
Entertainment (page 14)
•Childhood TV shows on streaming apps • Faces in the Crowd: What’s your opinion on April Fool’s Day? • Award season recap
Opinions (page 15)
• Editorial: Bright Futures is being threatened • Is Daylight Savings worth it? • Should student loan debt be forgiven?
Back Page (page 16)
• Are the consequences of urbanization worth it?
Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram at
@mhshoofbeat
Check out our online newspaper:
https://connectplus.pasco.k12.fl.us/jwmhs-hoofbeat/
2
HOOFBEAT
CONTENTS
(pg. 7)
(pg. 5)
Photo by Taylor Goldstein
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 by Laynie Mazur
HoofbeatStaff Editors
Gracie Glover
Hailey Kroll
editor-in-chief
editor-in-chief
sports editor
news editor
Jelayna Vasquez Ashley Hoskins Emma Diehl sports editor
Hayley Fliss
centerspread editor
Riley Curie
Emma Rogers
business manager/copy editor
Valerie Farrar
Reporters Davis Burnette Luke Cartiglia Nicole Sofia Barrios Moreno Sofia Chianella
Faith Giambarberee
backpage editor
lifestyles editor
Alexa Grubbs
Ostina Myrtil
Laynie Mazur
Amelia Marty
online/social media manager
Tori Marjan ent. editor
opinions editor
Susan McNulty adviser
Marina Saviceva-Noti
Avery Weber
Testing for AP AP Testing schedule for classes during May
Zooming with the Times
The Stampede was chosen for an interview by The Tampa Bay Times Ashley Hoskins
Useful items to bring for the test: 1. Bring a water bottle
3. Bring a snack
2. Bring a blue and black pen
4. Bring extra number two pencils
Dates
A.M. Tests
May 3 Monday
Government
May 4 Tuesday
AP Calculus
May 5 Wednesday
Literature
Physics
May 6 Thursday
U.S. History
Computer Science, Art History
May 7 Friday
Spanish Literature
none
May 10 Monday
World History
none
May 11 Tuesday
Seminar, Spanish Language
Psychology
May 12 Wednesday
Language
Music Theory, Microeconomics
May 13 Thursday
none
none
May 14 Friday
Biology
Environmental Science
May 17 Monday
Computer Science Principles
Statistics
Photos licensed for reuse if not otherwise credited
P.M. Tests none
Human Geography
news editor Preparing for an interview by the Tampa Bay Times (TBT), The Stampede yearbook joined a Zoom call where they had the opportunity to speak to TBT Education Reporter, Jeffrey S. Solochek. Editor-in-chief (EIC) of the yearbook, Sophia Henges (‘21) stepped up to discuss the circumstances of the school year, explaining how the staff dealt with many difficulties. “The interview with Jeff Solochek was a great experience and let most of our editors explain how much we work to make an amazing book. Getting chosen to do this was such a great opportunity for the staff to be seen in a different light than usual. We were able to explain to him how we’ve coped with all the changes this year due to COVID-19 and how we have made our staff a family,” Henges said. The other EIC, Jillian Misemer (‘21), also collaborated in the call with the staff and mentioned what being a part of the yearbook means to her. “It was a really exciting feeling to know that The Stampede had been selected for the interview. He gave us feedback on how
we’ve had to get through every obstacle that the pandemic has given us in the course of trying to produce an amazing yearbook. Jeff Solochek also asked some great questions and was very kind while having wonderful things to say about our program. It was cool to see him conducting interviews and writing articles; something we both do. We pour our hearts and souls into the book, and it’s super special that people recognize us for our hard work and awards,” Misemer said. Sports editor, Catherine Miller (‘22), discusses the selection for the TBT interview by Solochek and the opportunity given during class. After asking questions about the yearbook, Solochek advised the staff reporters and encouraged them to keep their motivation. “The experience was cool, knowing that The Stampede was hand-picked for this interview. We had both Editors-In-Chief, both Sports Editors, and a People Section Editor, so it gave Jeff some variety and a look into how our yearbook comes to be. We were interviewed during fifth period, so we had more staffers there to experience it. He was mostly just an interviewer and we talked to him about the book and how it’s been so different
this year. We saw it as a great opportunity to let people know the work that we go through to get a great book out, especially this year with all COVID-19 precautions,” Miller said. The Stampede continues to push through in order to produce their goal of an amazing book towards the end of the year for students that pre-ordered, yearbook pick-up will be outside of Student Services in April. Those that have not bought one already, pay the $90 while supplies last. Keep up with The Stampede for updates.
The Stampede Zooms with Jeff Solochek to discuss the circumstances with the school year. “It was an amazing feeling knowing we were chosen,” Jillian Misemer (‘21) said. Photo by Ashley Hoskins
Honoring our Women
International Women’s Day occurs March 8 and aims to bring awareness Riley Curie backpage editor On March 8, every year, people all over the world celebrate women by honoring their accomplishments. Women from different cultures and backgrounds come together to not only celebrate each other but also women from the past. The day brings awareness to women's equality and gender disparity in an attempt to help fight it. The first celebration of International Women's Day took place in 1911. According to internationalwomensday.com, “significant activity is witnessed every year on March 8 in which women celebrate with other women.” Hannah Spinney (’21) explains the importance of the celebration. “It’s important to celebrate women and their
accomplishments because, for so many years, they were treated as sex objects and baby makers. Celebrating women reminds us that they are more than that,” Spinney said. Celebration occurs in many ways, including social media posts and protests. Donating to organizations like Global Funds for Women and Girls Who Code allows for participation on a large scale, but Breanna Pelosi (’23) suggests a way to celebrate at school besides daily Twitter posts. “We could play more videos during RANCH that highlight certain women. We could also put up signs around school that have facts on them about women and International Women's Day,” Pelosi said. Many women deserve recognition for their contribution to breaking social stigmas against females. Each year the
NEWS
spotlight is placed on women who fight to bring awareness to the struggles that women go through. Ava Cornett (’23) says that Sienna Mae, a 17year- old TikTok star, should get more recognition for efforts to destigmatize certain body types. “She uses her platform to promote realistic body types and to encourage girls to eat whatever they want, whenever they want. Her demographic is young teen girls with self image and eating disorders, so I think it is really cool what she uses her platform for,” Cornett said. Women struggle every day with gender disparity and discrimination. International Womens Day highlights those struggles and bring awareness while also celebrating the important accomplishments of women all over the world. Donations and social media posts are a way to get involved.
HOOFBEAT
3
Remaining assessment schedule Date
Assessment
April 5
FSA Writing for grades 9 and 10 begins
April 7
NWEA map end of year testing begins
April 26
Cambridge General Paper 1
April 28
Cambridge General Paper 2
May 3-26
to the School Advisory Council of J.W. Mitchell High School for sponsoring The Hoofbeat!
FSA and EOC testing See pg. 10 for more information
May 3-14
Thank you
Advance Placement testing window
We appreciate you!
See pg. 2 for more information
Yearbooks arrive April 30!
Seniors can pick theirs up at Student Services beginning Seventh period April 30. Underclassmen can pick theirs up beginning May 3. Check to see if you pre-paid for a 2021 yearbook on ACORN (click Fees).
Didn't buy a book? They will be on sale for $90 cash or credit only while supplies last on April 30 (seniors only) and the week of May 3 (everyone).
4
HOOFBEAT
ADS
Eleven years
showing how it’s done
Sarah Logan (‘21) celebrates her 11th year horseback riding at Suncoast Stables and Riding Academy with her horse, Huey
Gracie Glover editor-in-chief Sarah Logan (‘21) and her horse, Huey, ride around together Suncoast Stables and Riding Academy two to four times a week. They have been a team that can be spotted at Suncoast Stables for the past two years and they work well together. Suncoast Stables and Riding Academy offers many services including private riding lessons, horse boarding and training, horse show competitions, and summer camps, several pastures, a 20-stall barn, and a new arena. Logan has been riding at Suncoast Stables for the past six years. This coming summer, Logan will be celebrating her 11th year horseback riding. Horseback riding is a sport full of awards and traveling. Logan enjoys taking trips with her trainer, Krystle Lee, and exploring different competitions and horses. “I have been riding with
Krystle Lee for about six years. In August of 2018, my trainer and I took a trip to Kentucky to look at different horses for sale. We spent the entire day riding different horses all over Kentucky. We even made it back in time for the last set of competition classes of the World’s Championship show,” Logan said. Logan rides saddle seat. There are no jumps in saddle seat, so a rider with poise and a horse with lots of movement is necessary to ride well. This type of riding is more look-based, which means that a good posture and a wellgroomed horse with high steps will do well in a competition. “Showing is just competing in a horse show. Saddle seat horse shows have 6-12 horses and riders in an arena going around at the same time. There is a judge in the middle analyzing each horse and rider team on different things which are determined by the type of class,” Logan said. Logan boards Huey at Suncoast Stables and Riding
Academy. Boarding is daily stall cleanings and multiple feedings for a balanced diet to promise high performance. As Logan started to progress in school and participate in ROTC on campus, she began to get busier. She did not have the chance to show as much as she previously was able to. “I don’t show as much because it’s expensive, and we also pay board for Huey, so [the family] decided it was better to take a break from shows. Huey has two kids who lease him, kind of like a lease on the car, meaning they get to ride him and show him exclusively, but he’s still my horse. So I still get to go to shows, not compete in them,” Logan said. Logan is undecided on which college she will be attending, but all of the places she has applied to have horseback riding clubs. Logan will be able to ride, but Huey will have to stay at Suncoast so the children who lease him can still learn with him and can improve.
Sarah Logan (‘21) rides on her horse, Huey, around Suncoast Stables and Riding Academy. Suncoast Stables offers many services including private lessons and multiple pastures. “I’m out at the barn two to four days a week, depending on how busy I am,” Logan said. Photo provided by: Sarah Logan Sarah Logan (‘21) rides her horse, Huey, around Suncoast Stables and Riding Academy to prepare for a saddle seat show Saddle seat shows have six to twelve horses and their riders in an arena and ride around at the same time. “His name is Huey, I’ve had him for just over two years and we bought him because he’s an easy ride with a goofy personality,” Logan said. Photo provided by Sarah Logan.
Planting more plants, less problems
Tayler Jarnagin (‘21) grows garden of fruits and vegetables with her teacher, Ms. Karen Meier (FAC), as incentive to do well Laynie Mazur opinions editor School, for some students brings forth stress, negative feelings, and exhaustion after learning and studying all day. While this stress may not be gone completely for Tayler Jarnagin (‘21), school brings along an incentive that brings joy to the long day of work. Working with her teacher Ms. Karen Meier (FAC), she grows plants that they
tend to throughout the school day. “We decided to start gardening at school because my teacher and I had thought it would be a fun project to do in the classroom and to pass some time. I personally like to garden because it relieves stress and I enjoy coming in every day to school to see how much they’ve grown,” Jarnagin said. While she does not garden at home, Jarnagin takes interest
in the different types of plants become a stress reliever for her. she can grow. Currently, she has This is also a skill that she can jalapeño peppers, tomatoes, use elsewhere as well. It teaches yellow bell peppers, and responsibility, time management, cucumbers. But the gardening and organization to name a few does not stop there. skills. If she does not manage “I had recently bought a her time or keep track of when strawberry plant and I am very she has watered her plants, they excited to plant it because will not grow or produce the strawberries are one of my vegetables she is hoping for,” favorite fruit and I’ve never Meier said. grown my own food before,” Gardening gives Jarnagin the Growing up learning to garden incentive to come in every day and grow plants herself, Meier and make sure the plants are encouraged doing alright. Jarnagin Although I, personally, like to to find an she is in the interest garden because it relieves course recovery in plants. stress and I enjoy coming program, Beginning this incentive in everyday to school to the second encourages her semester to be at school. see how much they’ve with banana “I enjoy grown trees, Meier getting saw Jarnagin Tayler to garden spending because it her free takes my mind time outside off a lot of tending to things and I don’t mind getting them. my hands dirty. My favorite part “When Tayler wants to take a about getting to garden is that break from her academics, she I get to see how big/much the can be found outside caring for plants have grown from when I her garden. It seems to have
Jarnagin (‘21)
Working alongside Jarnagin, Meier got her “green thumb” to grow onto her student. “I enjoy most seeing her excitement as the plants are starting to get bigger and some of the vegetables are beginning to produce,” Meier said. Photo by Laynie Mazur
FEATURE
Beginning with banana trees, the pair now grow various fruits and vegetables such as jalapeños, peppers, and cucumbers. . Meier notices the multiple benefits of the time away from learning for Jarnagin. “[Planting] teaches responsibility, time management, and organization to name a few skills. is hoping for,” Meier said. Photo by Laynie Mazur
last saw them,” Jarnagin said. Jarnagin plans to continue her gardening through the rest of the year and hopes to see her garden continue to thrive over the summer and in the following school years.
HOOFBEAT
5
Corona -versary
One year elapsed since the original lockdown
Sofia Chianella staff reporter
Between school activities, vacations, and educational tours, everyone has experienced some upset due to COVID-19. Students and faculty members around campus had their preexisting plans cancelled due to the global pandemic putting the world into quarantine almost a year ago to date. Student Council Senior Class President Keaton Howard (’21) and other members of the student council had prom for the graduating class of 2020 set up and ready to go. Going into quarantine at the middle of March of last year put prom planning on hold, and eventually to a stop. “We will be the first class in Mitchell High School history to not have one prom. It’s frustrating because of all the hard work we put in planning it for about a year, and then it just got taken away from us. People were so concerned for the class of 2020, but I think ’21 got it worse,” Howard said. Having an older sister applying to colleges soon caused Sara Diehl (’23) and her family to plan a vacation, visiting different college campuses around the country, originally supposed to take place last spring break.
Not only was her college tour canceled, but so were her birthday plans. “I had a trip planned to go and tour a bunch of colleges and we had to cancel our trip. I also turned 16 while in quarantine so I couldn’t hang out with many friends, but we still made it work and had fun while being safe,” Diehl said. Students have not been the only people on campus facing cancellation upsets due to the pandemic. Art teacher, Donna Fulton (FAC) was suppose to take a tour visiting European countries, but instead of being upset about holding off on her trip, she is grateful that COVID-19 has not affected her in worse ways, like it has to many others. “The trip affected by the pandemic is a tour to England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. It was deferred and it has been rescheduled for the summer of 2022. This made me sad; I didn’t think that COVID would do what it has done. Deferring a trip is sad, but so many have lost much, much more, which is beyond tragic,” Fulton said. COVID-19 has put many plans on hold at the moment, all starting Mar. 13th, 2020, the last day of school before quarantine started.
Bring out the
sunshine
This season’s sunny days bring back the opportunity for outdoor activities
Jelayna Vasquez sports editor
With the weather returning to the well-known Florida temperatures, and a decrease in COVID-19 numbers from their high in January, people are partaking in some of their favorite activities again. These range from athletics to relaxing or anything else that has been missing the warm weather. The beach is one activity that is typically enjoyed in the warm weather. Some local beaches include Fred Howard Park, Courtney Campbell Causeway, Clearwater, and Honeymoon Island. Besides swimming or laying in the sand, taking a hike, jogging, or watching the sunrise there are other activities available to do. “I love going to the beach because it feels like an escape. Sometimes you can get stressed with school, sports, work and other things, and you just need to get away from it for a little. I’ve gone to quite a few beaches in Florida. Every time it’s a new adventure,” Samantha Madeira (‘21) said. Now is also the time that many athletes move from indoors to outdoors to enjoy the sun while playing basketball, football, baseball, and lacrosse.
“I enjoy playing basketball because it is my main hobby and the sport I love. To play basketball by myself I go to my house and my favored place to go play with my friends is GHBA. Both are an outdoor location making it a more enjoyable experience since the weather is usually warm, as I prefer,” Manuel Colon-Torres (‘21) said. Some relaxing, non-physical activities can be enjoyed as well, such as stargazing, painting, or having a picnic. These can be done in a backyard or at parks in the area such as Sims Park, or Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park. “I like stargazing because it feels like you’re in a different place, it really takes you out of reality and into a new realm. I usually just gaze in my backyard but sometimes there’s too many lights so I’ll go to an open field and watch for hours. My favorite place I’ve stargazed is in the mountains. When I go on vacation it just takes me to a happy place which everyone needs, especially right now,” Cate Miller (‘22) said. Warm weather brings the opportunity to do activities that may have been hindered during winter or move normally inside activities out, such as going to the beach or playing a favorite
Bella Holton (‘21) and An Le (‘21) peer into a case of goods at a cafe called Sweet Buns in downtown Tampa. Spending a day exploring the city alongside friends Louis Chianella (‘21), Jack Goldstein (‘21), and Hannah Spinney (‘21), Holton visited multiple cafes and record stores including Mojo Books and Records. “It’s a really cool place that sells different bakery items that spans from sweet to savory, I got a ham and cheese croissant and it was really good. The shop itself was such a cute place, from LED lights to having a little basket and tongs to pick out your bakery items,” Holton said. Photo provided by Louis Chianella
sport. Now is the chance to go to that favorite place with friends and have a fun time soaking up the sun.
Planting the way into the new season
Anyone can prepare for the spring season by painting their own clay pot and filling it with a hard-to-kill plant of their choice
Paint your pot...
then choose your plant:
1. Soak the pot in a tub of water for up to an hour and then scrub it with a stiff brush to make sure the base is clean and even. 2. Put the paint, preferably acrylic, for the base coat on a plate and thin it with a small amount of water. 3. Using a foam paintbrush, apply the base coat. 4. Once dry, you can go back and use a foam paint brush to apply the base color without water until the desired color depth is achieved. 5. Once the paint dries, you can add additional colors or add patterns/designs to the pot if you want. 6. Finish off with mod podge or paint sealant and paint it on the pot.
6
HOOFBEAT
LIFESTYLES
Photo by Valerie Farrar
•
Jade - (2” pot) Walmart $6.99
•
Snake Plant - (6” pot) Walmart $17.99
•
Aloe Vera Plant - (4” pot) Walmart $14.99
•
Chinese Evergreen - (4” pot) Walmart $17.99
•
Artillery Fern - (2.5” pot) Walmart $6.99
•
Cactus - (3” pot) Walmart $7.99
Raising awareness for mental health Breaking the stigma around asking for help can provide students the care they need for their mental health challenges
Amelia Marty staff reporter
Balancing grades, a social life, and college concerns makes high school one of the most stressful times for students. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), approximately 1 in 5 high school students are suffering from a mental illness. The stigma surrounding mental health is causing difficulties for them to get the proper help they need. Stress and anxiety have been increasingly affecting K-12 students since before the 1950s, as stated by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. The stigma around mental health awareness, of receiving treatment for disorders, and
even getting needed help for stresses has a negative effect on academic success and social life. According to the American Psychiatric Association, more than half of the people struggling with mental health avoid seeking treatment in fear they will be treated differently or losing their livelihood. “Mental health awareness should be prioritized just as much as a person’s physical health. Stress, depression, and anxiety can lead to physical ailments causing a person to miss work or school. Poor mental health also will limit a person’s potential and success. It is hard to focus on tests, job performance, and the like when you are feeling stressed out or depressed. This is why people should take time to
work on their mental health, just like how working out improves our physical bodies,” Mr. Steven
Although it’s hard to see sometimes, there’s always a reason to get better.
Alexis
Wright (‘21)
Burnes (FAC) said. For teens, getting the proper help can be difficult. On-campus resources, such as counseling and guidance, are readily available, and can be used by students who are struggling.
“I really liked how over quarantine the school had the mental health course. Although I did, a lot of people didn’t use it or pay much attention to it. I feel the school does offer a good number of options to assist those with mental health needs, but they don’t make them readily available and students who need them often don’t know that they are there,” Alexis Wright (‘21) said. The effect that high school has on students’ mental health includes, stressing over grades, social anxieties, and competing against peers when it comes to college applications. These attributes of high school can lead to stress and anxiety among high schoolers. “School has affected my
mental health negatively because it puts a lot of pressure on everyone to get good grades on top of our outside school lives. If resources were more available, it would make a difference on the stress levels we have during our everyday lives. School tends to focus more on grades rather than students’ character, which also puts stress on us,” Olivia Colvin (‘24) said. Doing outside activities such as going for walks, obtaining a hobby, and hanging out with friends are all ways to reduce stress levels by distracting yourself with tasks you enjoy. Getting enough sleep every night as well as eating properly can also help with reducing stress by giving your body the energy it needs.
Testing tips to finish the year strong
In last quarter of the year, students can ace their Advanced Placement (AP) and End-of-Course (EOC) exams with these tips Create an effective study schedule early on. Take practice test and go over any areas of weakness.
→
Review online resources and ask your teacher clarifying questions on certain topics.
→
→
2
5
Do not spend too much time on one question. Skip tricky questions and come back later.
3
4
Answer all questions on your exam no matter what. You will not lose points for guessing.
→
1
Eliminate as many answers as you can before guessing. Try to narrow it down to two options.
The percussion show still must go on As percussion’s annual spring performances begin with new changes to their former routine, they practice to make perfect
Victoria Marjan ent. editor
This year’s performances of the indoor percussion group began at the start of February, but not as usual. With COVID-19, percussion needed to switch up their traditional routine to follow proper COVID-19 guidelines. Masks and social distancing were enforced during all performances. Due to social distancing, percussion could not march this year. “I didn’t mind the changes personally, although I do miss marching during marching season. I do like this year’s routine but I prefer and miss
the traditional routine,” Kaylee Edwards (‘21) said. Even during percussion’s indoor performances, they’re required to wear masks. This year their retreat would be virtual rather than in-person. “Traditionally at the end of a performance the seniors would go to retreat to receive trophies and medals but this year they are doing a virtual retreat to maintain social distancing guidelines,” Edwards said. Percussion’s very first scored performance took place at the Plant City HS FFCC Show on Feb. 27th. The percussion of Mitchell performed in their division beating their
competitors by .10 points. Mitchell placed first in the category against Newsome High School with a score of 71.90. “We do have to wear masks during the performance and when everyone warms up beforehand. We do distance as much as we can and we’re already outside, so that helps,” Heather Perez (‘21) said. Percussion adjusted to the changes that COVID-19 created and continued to work around masks and social distancing together. “The masks do make it a bit harder to march freely but other than that it’s fine. Other than a mask requirement, there hasn’t
been a big change to performances,” Erik Hendrickson (‘21) said. Although almost everything turned virtual due to COVID-19 guidelines, percussion consistently works to keep up their winning streak, performance by performance.
The front ensemble of percussion creatively puts on a show for the judges and audience at their competition. The indoor percussion performed their exciting routine at Plant City High School February 27th, placing first in their division. Photo provided by Heather Goldstein
LIFESTYLES
HOOFBEAT
7
What career type BEST FITS you?
Question 1: Do you like collaborating with others?
Start here
Yes
No
Designed by H. Fliss Photos licensed for reuse if not otherwise credited Sources: The Sixteen Career Clusters, lifehacker.com
You may be a...
"Helper" Description:
Possible Careers:
You have a desire to work with and care for others.
• Nurse • Teacher • Social Worker
Question 3: Are you detail oriented? No
Yes
Des
Yo fa hav or info
Question 4: Are you “tech savy” or creative/artistic? Yes
No
Question 5: Do you like working with your hands or being outdoors?
You may be a...
Yes
"Creator" Description:
Possible Careers:
You desire a career in which you can be creative and artistic.
• Graphic designer • Architect • Photographer
You may be a...
"Builder" Description: You enjoy activities that are practical and hands-on.
Possible Careers: • Carpenter • Firefighter • Pilot
No
You may be a...
Question 2: Do you feel that you tend to be a leader? No
"Persuader" Description:
Yes
Possible Careers:
You enjoy being in leadership positions and seek having influence.
• Attorney • Financial Advisor • PR Specialist
You may be...
"Undecided"
If you have reached this point, you may not have fully decided on a major, or it is not listed in the major six categories of career types. If needed, go through the flowchart again to see if you can finalize a career type. Keep in mind the career examples are just a few out of all job types.
You may be an...
"Organizer"
scription:
Possible Careers:
ou like the acts and ve skills in rganizing ormation.
• Office Manager • Accountant • Programmer
Question 6: Is your favorite subject science or math? Yes
No
You may be a...
"Thinker"
Description:
Possible Careers:
You like to dive deep into complex ideas and research new theories.
• Professor • Market researcher • Social scientist
District finals scheduled May 2020
Friday
Monday
Tuesday
8:28-10:00
Period 1 exam
Period 2 exam
Study hall Go to period 1
10:05-11:35
Period 4 exam
Period 5 exam
Period 3 exam
Ranch/Lunch
Ranch/Lunch
Period 6 exam
Period 7 exam
May 21
11:40-1:35
1:40-3:14
May 24
May 25
Ranch/Lunch
Exam make-up Go to period 7
Lunch Schedule Lunch A 11:40-12:37-3rd period lunch, 4th period lunch from Red and Orange, ESE and Portables 1-4, (57 min) Lunch B 12:37-1:35-5th period lunch, 4th period lunch from Green, Blue and Purple, and Portables 14-26, (58 min)
If you are interested in advertising or sponsoring The Hoofbeat, contact: smcnulty@pasco.k12.fl.us 10
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Baseball is his
life , the rest are details
Gregg Schindler’s Boy Athlete of the Month Aidan Miller (‘23) reflects on how baseball positively impacts his day-to-day life Ostina Myrtil online/social media mgr. The male Gregg Schindler State Farm Agency StudentAthlete of the Month, Aidan Miller (’23), is a member of the varsity baseball team. Miller holds the positions of pitcher, third baseman, and outfielder,
with a batting average of 52.6 percent and an on-base percentage of 64.5 according to MaxPreps.com on March 8. Miller’s baseball career started at the age of six. His father played professional baseball for the Texas Rangers, and his brother Jackson plays in the Cincinnati Reds organization.
“My dad and brother taught active and have always been me to play, and then I ended up competitive,” Miller said. loving hitting and throwing the Baseball Coach Howard ball,” Miller said. Chittum (FAC) has worked with In addition to playing on the Miller for two years and values varsity having baseball Miller as a team, player. Miller also “We My dad and brother played get along for Team great. taught me to play, and USA, a He is a then I ended up loving team of wonderful the best person. hitting and throwing players in Every day the ball. the 15U he carries division. himself so The well. He process comes to requires practice many and tryouts, games with them eventually selecting ready to do what’s best for his 18 players to play other teams in team,” Chittum said. Mexico. In 2019, Miller and his Miller’s continuous dedication teammates won the gold medal and work on the field since he during the tournament. was six-years-old has landed him “[My best memory was] a full scholarship to the University winning a gold medal for team of Arkansas. Miller was able to USA. I’ve always loved being share the memorable moment
Aidan
Miller (‘23)
At a home game against Gaither High School on Mar. 5, Aidan Miller (‘23) swung at a pitch. Miller got a single, and the Mustangs ended up winning the game 5-4. “Depending on the situation [when I play] I feel many emotions such as excitement, frustration, joy, and nerves,” Miller said. Photo by Emma Diehl
Babski’s
with family and friends. “[In that moment] I felt a ton of relief knowing my hard work is paying off,” Miller said. In sports, the University of Arkansas is part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Miller plans to major in Business with hopes of making it to the major leagues. “I hope to be a very good professional baseball player. [My dream is to play for the] Yankees or Dodgers,” Miller said. Although the sport has consumed Miller’s life with workouts twice a day and practice every day, it has helped his work ethic and ability to deal with a busy work schedule. Although the sport takes up time he could be socializing, he deems friendships with teammates one of the most valuable parts of playing, along with earning free college. Miller finds it enjoyable that his teammates give it their all and always stay focused, matching his energy.
talent in tennis
Sonya Babski (‘22) selected to be the Gregg Schindler Girl Athlete Of The Month
Sofia Chianella staff reporter Maintaining a schedule consisting of Advanced Placement classes, volunteer activities, and time spent playing the guitar and drawing art did not stop Sonya Babski (’22) from earning a spot as a varsity tennis player. Choosing this sport at a young age, Babski has improved her tennis skills throughout the years, reaching the varsity level. During her youth, Babski tried to discover a hobby that was best for her lifestyle and her skill set, leading her to the sport of tennis. “I was a kid, I was switching between hobbies. All of the hobbies were boring besides tennis, so I stuck with it,” Babski said.
Practicing takes up a large part of Babski’s daily schedule,
and she still feels that room for improvement can be needed, causing her to strive for a higher leve this tennis season. “Some of my strengths in the sport are my serves; they’re pretty good. I’m also very fast. My weaknesses probably have to do
with the consistency with my shots. My goals for this season are just to generally improve, playing more often, and getting more practice,” Babski said. While maintaining positive
relationships with her coach and the team, Babski achieves her goals even through the difficulties of COVID-19 and its regulations to quarantine. “Everyone is outgoing, positive, and we cheer everybody on. I would say that they help me a lot. The coach is pretty nice as well. We communicate with each other to get things done. However, she got quarantined so there was a lot of communication that had to occur,” Babski said. Facing challenges is an obstacle she constantly overcomes, yet she proved herself this season on Feb. 25, when she was named Player of the Match against Sunlake High School, giving her talent that she showcased the recognition it deserved. “The greatest challenge is my schedule. I’m really busy, and I have a lot of things going on so getting out there and being able to practice outside of school has been difficult,” Babski said. Balancing activities are not the only obstacle Babski had
to overlook, constructive criticism she received from her family members had to be beaten. “My mom can be pretty tough sometimes but she is always there for me, so it definitely helps,” Babski said. Sonya Babski (’22) swings a tennis racket over her head as Babski’s she partakes in her practice routine, following through with coach, Rob activities that will better her tennis talent. “So we start off Zilay (FAC), practice by just doing some basic stretching, we stretch out describes our arms, hands, and legs. After that we practice with some of Sonya as a the girls, and then our coach will take us through some drills. dedicated We will maybe set up some doubles games and that usually is player who how practice will go. Practice is definitely beneficial, everyone on the team has had some great improvement this year,” leads the Babski said. Photos by Sophia Henges team with humor and enthusiasm. Striving for perseverance and “She works hard during overcoming difficulties thrown practices and continually applies her way, Babski used challenges what she learns on the court to she faced in her everyday life improve her game. Regardless of and turned them into positive the outcome of her match, she continues to work hard and cheer attributes into her gaining skill in the game of tennis. on her teammates,” Zilay said.
SPORTS FEATURE
HOOFBEAT
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Track and field Cut, block & score
Top 100 ranked in track and field in all events & further detail
Upperclassmen help varsity boys lacrosse navigate the season
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Luke Cartiglia staff reporter
Cole Castro (‘21) is #21 in the state for the 110m hurdles, #20 in high jump, #26 in pole vault, #33 in pole vault, and #85 for long jump
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Dean Washington (‘22) leaps into the sand pit at the end of the concrete path used for long jump and triple jump. At the River Ridge meet, Washington placed 15th in the long jump with a distance of 4.79m, and placed 13th in the triple jump event with a distance of 9.16m. “I originally decided to do long jump and triple jump because very few people do them, and I decided to challenge myself,” Washington said.
Chris Saintvalle (‘23) is #72 in the state for 300m hurdles. Adam Buonano (‘22) is #91 in the state for shot put and #68 for discus. Rahshad McClanahan (‘21) is #41 in the state for discus and #28 for javelin. Katryna Adamski (‘21) is #55 in the state for high jump. Mya Waage (‘22) is #73 in the state for discus. The girls 4 x 800 relay team placed #99 in the state at the 4th Annual Cypress Creek Track and Field invitational, with a time of 10:43.61.
Kayla Groppe (‘22) placed third at the River Ridge High School meet for her run in the 300m hurdle, getting an overall time of 54.39 seconds. Groppe’s relay teams also placed #3 in the 4 x 400m, and #1 in the 4 x 800m.
Photos by Emma Diehl
goalie Jameson Clark (‘23). As of their game against East Lake High School on Mar. 11 the team has a total of 132 goals this season. Their face off wins have also improved from 58 wins last season to 96 wins this season through the first 5 games. Their growing success plays a part in their improvements for the season.
also held them to one goal throughout the duration of the game. The final score After scoring against of the game ended up Steinbrenner on Mar. being 17-1 with Mitchell 2, attackman Nicholas winning the game. The Wolfgang (‘23) ran to the display of leadership from sidelines and shouted to the upperclassmen such the team, “Let’s run the as Fisher who has scored 4 score on these guys!” The goals, in this game was a team ended up winning key part to their victory. the game with 13 total “The relationship goals. Although only a that this team has with sophomore, Wolfgang each other is like gains confidence in a brotherhood. the team’s ability to Everyone wants to Our upperclassmen really win games due to help each other and have been leading by the strong leadership has each other’s back displayed by throughout it all. They example and holding upperclassmen, such also help everyone everyone accountable at as Andrew Allen (‘21) get better,” Brennan practice and in games. who is the captain Tetrault (‘23) said. of the team and has During the season, scored 8 goals and Wolfgang’s confidence Nicholas 12 assists so far this as well as the other season. players on the team, “Our upperclassmen has skyrocketed really have been thanks to the leading by example “The way we’ve leadership displayed by and holding everyone improved as a team is, the upperclassmen. The accountable at practice we no longer rely on two supreme confidence that and in games. They’re specific players and rather this team has played a always there for us and focus on the team dynamic big role in their victories are tremendous leaders,” of everyone playing their over Wesley Chapel and Wolfgang said. part on the team,” Justin Steinbrenner. They look Comparing this season to Fisher (‘21) said. to continue their success their last, total goals went In the game against on the field as they up from 78 to 82 through Wesley Chapel on Mar. 5, continue their season on the first 5 games, as well the team scored 16 goals the opposing field for the as an increase in saves by in the first half. The team remainder of the season.
Wolfgang (‘23)
Batting their struggles out of the park
The JV and varsity baseball players work through the season, trying to adjust to the new dynamic after losing last year’s stars Emma Diehl sports editor Pitcher Nicholas Delnegro (‘22) winds up to throw, the other team’s batter already having two strikes against him. Delnegro pitches a fastball, and just like that, the batter is out. In the end the Mustangs made up for lost time, and won their game against Gaither high school 5-4. With the team’s record of 10-4 they have passed their record from last season, working towards success. Players, such as Anderson Adler (‘21), prepared for their time on the school’s teams by playing in recreational leagues as well. “I originally chose to play baseball because I started playing at a young age, and I’ve just been playing ever since because it’s so fun,” Adler (‘21) said. The team has two seasons
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a year. Fall with the Trinity Cowboys, and spring for the Mitchell Mustangs. Trey Anciaux (‘22), along with some of his other teammates, find spring ball to be more difficult than fall due to its more competitive nature. “Spring is more competitive than fall. I believe this is because in spring, teams feel there is more to prove and uphold. I also feel this spring is more competitive this year because our season was cut short last year due to COVID-19,” Anciaux said. Adler, similar to his other teammates, describes the team’s bond as a close one, alluding to their years of experience together as a group. Daily practices and classes mean the team spends their days together, bonding through sports and school alike, beating their opponents through their skill and success as a team. “School baseball is different
SPORTS
from any other team because I’m around my teammates almost every day, and we build bonds that will last longer than baseball. We’ve only got so much time to play baseball, but the friendships we’ve made from this team will last lifetimes,” Adler said. With the playoffs approaching, the team has been prepping, practicing daily and working to improve all of the basic skills they will need to win. Currently, the varsity team is above the national average for stolen bases, home runs, and fielding percentages per game. The varsity team ranks first in their division, 59 in the state of Florida, and the JV team has won 75 percent of their games. “Every day no matter if I am tired or unmotivated, I still go to the gym and hit the cages so I can work my way up. I think we will have a really good season. We have been working hard in
practice and it’s going to pay the varsity boys as they take on off,” Kaiden Crowther (‘23), a the Knights. The JV team will member of the JV team, said. take on River Ridge at home Both teams are hard at work to on April 5 as their final regular keep winning, and their seasons season game. are both scheduled to end in April. While their regular season ends on April 22, the Mustangs will play rival River Ridge on Mar. 31st on the River Ridge Braden Perkins (‘23) pitched against the Fivay High School baseball Falcons on Feb. 24th. The JV team ended up winning their game field, so 9-2, beating the Falcons for the second time that week. The JV come team’s next game is on April 5 as their final game for the season. out and This game is against the River Ridge Knights. support Photo by Emma Diehl
Swinging for the fence Serving wins The girls softball team remains optimistic after their win against Sunlake
The boys and girls tennis teams serve up victory
Jelayna Vasquez sports editor
Davis Burnette staff reporter
girls that secured a point for their team at the game against East Lake. Despite losing their game “This season will be a good against East Lake High School on season for us for sure. We’ve Mar. 9 with a final score of 9-2, already proven ourselves our the girls on the varsity softball first two games, and despite our team never stopped cheering team being very young, we all one another on, even while contribute to the game in some the East Lake team continued way. I’ve noticed as the weeks go to celebrate their lead for the on we’ve gotten closer and work duration of the game. This didn’t very well together,” Coure said. shake pitcher Sydney Fowler The team practices every week (‘23), however, as she continued from Monday to Thursday for to strike out multiple girls on the about two hours and may have opposing team. team conditioning on Fridays Alandra Coure (‘21), an when they don’t have a game. outfielder, started playing During practice, the team will softball when she was three work on either hitting or fielding. years old after she saw her older On hitting days, stations vary sister playing and took interest. from hitting off tee, to pitching Wanting to follow in her sister’s machines, live pitching or from footsteps, Coure tried playing a toss while on fielding days the softball and ended up loving the team is separated into infield game more than she thought she and outfield to do drills based would. She is also one of the two on what needs the most work. Practices help keep the great relationship that these girls have developed over the years. “I have a strong relationship with the girls on the team this year. I have played with a lot of the Elizabeth Billett (‘23) prepares to swing at an incoming girls in travel pitch. “Growing up, my sister played softball and when and have grown I was old enough, it kind of just came naturally. I have up with some of so many great memories throughout the years playing, but the best are probably just hanging out and messing them. We seem to all get along around before the games,” Billett said. which benefits us Photo by Jelayna Vasquez
Photo by Jelayna Vasquez Sydney Fowler (‘22) steps forward as she swings the bat at a pitched ball. Fowler is known for her two positions, pitcher and infielder. She mostly pitched during this game against East Lake High School.
so much as a team,” Madisen Antioco (‘23) said. Melanie Garcia (‘22) is an outfielder for the team. She started playing in middle school after her mother told her that her grandmother used to play softball when she was younger also. “To prepare for game days I usually lay out my uniform the night before and make sure that I have all my jewelry off before touching the field. I always make sure to eat before a game so that I’m never complaining about being hungry,” Garcia said. So far, the varsity softball team has beat their rival, Sunlake High School, whom they haven’t beat since 2018, boosting their confidence for the season. Their next game will be on Apr. 6 against Sickles High School.
wearing masks and social distancing,” Kaylie Washington (‘21) said. As the boys and girls tennis Although the teams have to teams start their new season, compete through a limiting they prepare to face new season, the players still feel challenges throughout the confident in their improvement year, from unavailable courts to over the seasons. limited meets. “We have gained many new The teams already had to teammates this year that bring adapt during the beginning of their skills and hard work to the season with the tennis courts the team. We also have a new undergoing renovation, causing tennis coach that focuses on them to find specific areas, other courts to correcting play on. what we We have gained many “We’ve been do wrong,” practicing at the new teammates this Jackson Leiby [Seven Springs] (‘21) said. year that bring their middle school While the courts since skills and hard work to players know ours are under how they’ve the team. construction. gotten better We typically Jackson from last year, start practice they can still with running, determine static, dynamics, additional and then start areas for improvement. hitting. First we do drills to Washington provides an train our skills, then transition interesting way to improve. to challenge matches to decide “We just need to improve our spots on the ladder and who existence in the school, because plays during matches against not a lot of people know that we other schools,” Leonid Alexyev even have a tennis team. I would (‘22) said. say that we need to work on While the practices have having a bigger presence so we undergone notable changes, can be recognized like the other the pandemic hasn’t limited the sports,” Washington said. teams significantly, and their Last season, the boys team had matches weren’t as restricted as a record of 4-2 before the season games in other sports. was cancelled, and the girls had “We haven’t had to change a record of 4-1. Currently, the much since it’s mostly just boys team is 2-0, and the girls individual playing. The only are 4-2. Catch their next meets obvious changes have been on April 1st.
Leiby (‘21)
No time to reLAX for this LAX season Striving to be their best, members of the girl’s lacrosse team discuss their hard work and efforts to win every game this year Laynie Mazur opinions editor The girl’s lacrosse team kicked off their season with a 15-3 win against Clearwater High School on Feb. 16. Continuing with this victory, they have won 2 of their 3 games to date. Their reason for success stems from the outside work put in as well as a strong defense. Playing lacrosse for five years, defender Chadee Smith (‘21) enjoys the physicality of her position, and practices almost year-round. As a defender, Smith begins and ends games on the field, protecting her goalie from breakaways and attacks from the other team on their net. “‘Attack wins games, but
defense wins championships.’ the game with a loss of 5-4. My coach has always taught us Mid-fielder Kyleigh Lashuk (‘22) this, so we know how important helped with their come-back, defense is,” Smith said. running the ball upfield during a During their third game against turnover, and later scoring in that Sunlake, the half. girls held their “I enjoy playing own for the lacrosse because it My neighbor convinced first half, but deals with a lot of me to join [lacrosse] could not finish, running, and I really with her and see if I like leading to them like to run. Lacrosse it, and it was the best trailing behind also keeps me in choice I have ever made. the opposing shape,” Lashuk team at said. Presley halftime. After While girl’s Sartori (‘22) communicating lacrosse comes during the with many penalties break between halves and and limits as to what a player coming up with new strategies, can and cannot do, defender the team worked together, and Presley Sartori (‘22) treads back almost closed the gap between and forth on the line, playing them and Sunlake, and ended aggressively to win the ball. She
trains for lacrosse every day by doing stick and ball work, endurance training, and wall ball drills. “I play defense because I enjoy getting the ball back for my team, causing turnovers, and helping out in any way I can. My neighbor convinced me to join [lacrosse] with her and see if I like it, and it was the best choice I have ever made. I fell in love with the sport,” Sartori said. Running the ball upfield, Presley Sartori (‘22) With the closing of the breaks past Sunlake’s defensive line. The team stadium for the rest of ended up losing their game 5-4, eventually going their season, check out on to win their game on 3/12 against Alonso High School by a score of 19-2 a few weeks later. Photo the girls’ home games. provided by Nicole Sartori.
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Award season is just what we needed
The occurrence of award shows provides a sense of normalcy following the development of COVID-19 and a very chaotic year Avery Weber staff reporter
took place with hosts and presenters in-person and nominees appearing virtually. Those who won include “The Crown” for Best Television Series-Drama, “Soul” for Best Motion Picture-Animated, and Taylor Simone Ledward accepted Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion PictureDrama on behalf of her late husband Chadwick Boseman. Kole Kemple (‘22) expresses his opinion on in-person versus virtual award shows. “[The awards] should be in-person with only the people nominated with proper testing done before, of course. They
Die to from the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, the televising of award shows were pushed back. However, it resulted in movies and albums that were not originally eligible for the 2021 awards to be in the running. To begin, the Golden Globes, which took place on Feb. 28, were originally planned for its normal date at the start of January. The 78th occurrence of this event was hosted by actresses, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. The hybrid occasion
did this with the Country Music Awards and they worked out fine,” Kemple said. Hosted by actor, producer, and political commentator Trevor Noah, the Grammys were held on Mar. 14 with a limited inperson audience along with live performances from Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa and more. Taylor Swift was awarded Album of the Year for “Folklore”, Harry Styles won his first Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance of “Watermelon Sugar”, and Beyonce earned four awards bringing her total to 28 which makes her the female artist with the most Grammy wins.
Faces Crowd in the
“My favorite award would have to be the Grammy Awards since I love music myself and when I had the chance to go it was an amazing experience,” Hailee Brown (‘22) said. The 93rd Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, will be held on April 25. Nominations include Gary Oldman for Actor in a Leading Role, Viola Davis for Actress in a Leading Role, “Onward” for Animated Feature Film, and “Nomadland” for Best Picture. Currently, the plan is to have the event take place in-person with only nominees, presenters, and their guests in attendance with significant health
precautions being taken. The Academy also made it clear that no appearances will be made over Zoom. “The awards are valued by many people. Although the pandemic is not completely dealt with, the producers and makers of the awards should find a way to continue the awards,” Gabrielle Redinger (‘24) said. While the world is still feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the occurrence of these award shows provides a sense of normalcy and those in the music industry are getting the recognition they deserve.
Photos by Alexa Grubbs
What is your opinion on April Fools’ Day?
I don’t like it that much. It seems like a redundant holiday with not much meaning behind it. And sometimes people play cruel jokes on others too, which definitely isn’t fun.
April Fools’ Day is a funny holiday because you can do anything and just say ‘April Fools’!’ afterwards and it makes it funny.
I think it’s a fun day, but I don’t really participate in anything for April Fools’.
I think April Fools’ Day is an awesome day to play some friendly pranks on your friends. It allows you pull out some old tricks and impress them or trick them.
Gitanjali Reddy (‘21)
Alexander Cortier (‘23)
Sophie Gomez (‘22)
Landon Keough (‘24)
I’m kind of neutral on April Fools’ Day. I don’t necessarily like or dislike it, but I think it’s really fun as long as it is not taken too far.
Gianna Perugini (‘22)
It seems like it was just the other day
Reflecting on their favorite Disney and Nickelodeon shows, students remember the impact they had on their younger selves Alexa Grubbs staff reporter Generation Z, which includes all those born from 1997 to 2012, according to Pew Research Center, have grown up with many recognizable shows, from “Blue’s Clues” and “Backyardigans” for young kids to Disney Channel and Nickelodeon staples like “Wizards of Waverly Place,” “Drake and Josh,” and “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.” People possess preferences for the shows they grew up watching because they provide some type
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of nostalgic and ‘Victorious,’ were impact. my favorites when I Yet, since was little,” Nick Shayes I watch [my favorite childhood (‘23) said. childhood shows] all people’s Years have come the time because they television and gone since these make me feel like a preferences shows aired new little kid again. have episodes, but they changed as can be found on Nella they have different streaming grown up. platforms. Disney+ Petersen (‘23) “Now, provides customers ‘Narcos’ is with an assortment my favorite show, and shows like of their shows and different ‘Breaking Bad’ and ‘Money Heist’ Nickelodeon shows are available [are also good]. ‘iCarly,’ ‘Fairly for viewing on Hulu, CBS, and Odd Parents,’ ‘Drake and Josh,’ Paramount+, the new version
ENTERTAINMENT
of CBS All Access. With an extensive number of options of where to view these childhood shows, people find themselves rewatching their old favorites often. “I definitely think they’re still good, and to me they can never get played out. It might sound weird, but watching [favorite childhood shows] takes away the stress of getting older and having to worry about serious problems. I watch them all the time because they make me feel like a kid again,” Nella Petersen (‘23) said.
Childhood shows taught lessons, created memorable moments, and provided entertainment value. “Disney shows were always more fun to watch because I found them funnier and was able to understand them better. My family would sit down and watch ‘Good Luck Charlie’ sometimes, so it’s fun to look back and rewatch it together,” Isabella Desiante (‘21) said. Even as teenagers, students reflect on their childhood shows and see the influence they had on their lives.
Senate threatens Florida scholarships Bill regarding Bright Futures intends on limiting the student eligibility to earn scholarship funds in Florida and raises outcry staff editorial
Bright Futures, a meritbased program that provides scholarship money to Florida students, provided aid for over 2,000,000 students in the 20192020 academic year, according to floridastudentfinancialaidsg. org. Each year, the program offers either 75% or 100% funds to every eligible student to attend any college in Florida. Although a successful program, on Feb. 23, Republican Senator Dennis Baxley in Ocala proposed to sponsor the Florida Senate Bill 86 (SB 86) that alters the program’s scholarship aid. Bright Futures currently gives aid to those who meet their merit and academic requirements, but Baxley hopes to make the program more focused
on future employment. He plans on putting this goal into fruition by adding more specific requirements to the Bright Futures application. Currently, the Bright Futures program does not discriminate which areas of education students put their interest into, such as programs and majors. However, the bill’s updates include tying the amount of money a student is likely to receive with the major they intend to study in college. If the bill passes, majors will receive a ranking by the state’s Board of Governors based on how “successful” they predict the major is, determined by the types of jobs each major leads to. These rankings will push students away from pursuing
what they want, and creates the idea that their academic accomplishments are not as deserving of support if their field of interest is deemed lesssuccessful. The act of praising specified fields could also be detrimental to the Florida workforce as it could lead to a surplus of jobs in one field and shortages in others. The bill also alters aid for students who have taken Advanced Placement (AP) and Dual Enrollment (DE) classes. The bill’s changes could disadvantage students taking these higherlevel classes by providing less aid. AP and DE classes are typically taken by students to have a better understanding of college level classes. However, the Florida Senate Bill 86 will
reduce scholarship money for every college credit an applicant has. The bill will directly affect high school student enrollment in college-level classes, which would lead to students being less prepared for college and creating a decline in the need for AP and DE teachers. If the bill passes, it will go into effect on July 1, altering the aid of new college students and students who are currently receiving funds. This means classes 2022-2025 would be affected starting this summer, followed by every class going forward. The bill was passed through the Senate Education Committee, in which they approved the contents. Since then, the bill has gathered more media coverage and negative
feedback from Florida residents led Baxley to file for amendments that keep the ranking of majors as a suggestion to students but claims it will not be used to determine the program’s amount of aid. The amendments also remove statements about reducing aid based on college credits earned in high school. If the amendments don’t go through, the impacted students will be put in a position of scrambling to find other sources of funding before the upcoming 2021-2022 school year after previously being awarded for their hard work in high school through the Bright Futures program. However, there will still be changes made to Bright Futures. To stay updated on the bill, visit floridasenate.gov.
Long or short days Debating the debt The daylight savings time sparks pros and cons in students
With student debt rising, not all believe it should be forgiven.
Marina Saviceva-Noti staff reporter
Valerie Farrar lifestyles editor
hour. It’s convenient for participating more in outdoor activities, waking up in the cool morning air for a jog or being able to stay On Mar. 14, 2021, the time change up later lounging on the beach. known as Daylight Savings Time (DST) “I feel like in some cases I would want takes place in 70 countries across the to get rid of it so it’s not dark early, but at world, in an effort to save energy from the same time it would also be lighter and the sun for the evening. Clocks are turned that’s not always a bad thing,” Setta said. forward one hour at 2 a.m., making it Yet the negative effects of DST are still lighter in the afternoon for longer during prominent: the normal cycle of sleep the summer, but this change must also and rhythm is disrupted when the hour be reversed in change happens, November, making sometimes resulting the day seem Daylight Savings Time in fatal injuries shorter in the winter. related to heart (DST) Approval Rating “So, when it gets problems, mood for Mitchell Students darker I’d say I shifts, higher would get more chances of suicide tired but when it and traffic injuries, gets lighter earlier I especially at night. Yes 30% feel more awake and There is also a happy,” Gabriella stagnant distaste Setta (‘24) said. for changing time 70% No Originally, DST in the middle of was enacted during the year, as per the World War I, and argument that there Instagram Poll Mar. 2021 again in World really is no use for War II. Warring a time adjustment in this technologically countries wanted to conserve their advanced age. energy, with Germany and Austria starting “I personally think it’s kind of pointless by advancing the clock by an hour at 11 to have it, but I do like having the sun out p.m. on April 30, all the way until October. longer,” Caleb King (’22) said. Today, DST is shown to conserve some Florida’s voters even supported the energy, but now that advances in energydiscontinuation of DST, but other states saving tech like windows and efficient refused. By getting rid of DST, people air conditioners, heaters, and light bulbs would not have to adjust to archaic have been developed, it’s not essential to methods of energy conservation. On the our daily lives. Many arguments appear other hand, the system benefits farmers over the relevance and need of DST in and outdoor activities. modern times. “If I could change it, I wouldn’t push or One of the advantages of DST is having pull back time so people could get used more daylight during the summer months, to one time schedule,” King said. with the time being shifted forward an
graduates with student debt. Lauren Ray (‘22) and Nicole Granda (‘21) are among those who believe the government has On Feb. 16, President Joe Biden the ability to forgive student loans for the rejected a Democratic proposal in benefit of college graduates and the U.S. Congress to cancel up to $50,000 in as a whole. student loan debt per borrower by “College graduates may have a lot Executive Order, meaning Democrats in more to pay off, such as car payments, Congress who want to cancel student loan mortgages and other things, so they debt must pass legislation. However, not shouldn’t have to worry about paying off all representatives in Congress support their student loans because these allowed the debt cancellation. them to get through college and achieve Students who applied for financial aid their dreams. I believe the government at their school may be offered loans, has the funds to help provide for that and money that is borrowed from the federal more people will go to college if their government and later paid back with loans are forgiven,” Ray said. interest. As of Dec. 22, 2020, the Federal While President Biden rejected the Reserve estimates Americans owe more proposal to cancel $50,000 in students than $1.7 trillion in student loans. Among debt, he stated that he is “prepared to those who do not support cancelling write of the $10,000 debt” instead. This debt, Benjamin Horvath (‘21) believes it is may alleviate some pressure from college not feasible for the federal government to graduates without adding too much to the forgive these student loans. current U.S. debt. “College education is similar to almost “Student loan debt holds young every other service in that it carries with it adults back once they graduate, and it a price tag. It is not a right; it is a service, can discourage low income students from and it is not free. The even going to college. government’s bank If the government College education is account, if you will, is has the ability to similar to almost every other cut taxes and fund already 28 trillion. It could help the crisis service in that it carries with other government by not issuing loans to it a pricetag. It is not a right; programs, they could students going into low easily reallocate it is a service and it is not earning majors who these resources to free. should not have loans, forgive student loan but it absolutely should debt if they wanted Benjamin not just forgive the $1.7 to. However, I would trillion debt,” Horvath. advise others against According to CNBC taking out student News, college costs loans unless it’s a increased at three times the rate of last resort. I would suggest looking into inflation over the past 20 years. This financial aid and scholarships first, and resulted in 70 percent of college trying to avoid having to take out loans if possible,” Granda said.
Horvath (‘21)
OPINIONS
HOOFBEAT
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Is urbanization worth the cost? As new businesses and neighborhoods are built in Trinty, students debate if they are necessary Emma Rogers business manager Since 2000, Trinity has grown into a thriving and prosperous community. Through the construction of new housing and the additions of businesses, Trinity became a more populated community as a result of a concept called urbanization. Urbanization refers to the population shift from rural to urban areas, the decrease in the proportion of people living in rural areas, and the ways in which societies adapt to this change. People come to Trinity for a new start, as they are able to purchase new homes and be a part of the growing community as the city is being built to its fullest urban potential. “The addition of a more dense population is bettering the economy, as well as attracting home buyers with the option of Publix and Target for necessities,” Christine Lucas (‘23) said. A big part of the urbanization of Trinity has been the new additions of restaurants and
big chain grocery stores. An influx of people visit Trinity, and after noticing the accommodating plazas, they decide to stay. “Urbanization has been beneficial as it has allowed for more places for people to eat and work, especially for high schoolers,” Larry Legg (‘21) said. Ever since the new addition of The Village at Mitchell Ranch Plaza, businesses advertise looking for new employees to help run the stores. Brianna Maser (‘22) took this opportunity and applied to PDQ, which opened in July of 2019. “It was beneficial because there were no jobs or shops in the area, and [urbanization] made it helpful for teens and adults to get a well paying job. I tried PDQ and got a job there,” Maser said. Therefore, the urbanization of Trinity extends new accommodations for people to benefit through. As the urban lifestyle continues to flourish here in Trinity, more opportunities opened for the people.
Faith Giambarberee staff reporter In the community of Trinity, FL, Niamh Kirkwood (‘23) and Emily Wise (‘24) see complications with the high impact growth of urbanization. In the Spring of 2021, landscape preservation has become less of a priority than ever. Impacts of this may be disastrous. “While it is nice to get superstores and new housing apartments in the area, we have to take into consideration the ecosystems that were previously there and how it will affect them. The amount of trees we cut down in Trinity alone is scary to think about,” Kirkwood said. Kirkwood expressed her concern for the animals in these environments by stating that animals should be our main priority. Urbanization harms wildlife immensely. Deforestation occurs more frequently now than ever and it’s very worrying. According to Mongabay’s “Deforestation: facts, figures, and pictures,”
temperate regions like Florida experience a net increase in forest cover due to natural regeneration. The result of excessive deforestation will impact residents, as green life provides us with oxygen and our animals with habitats. “There are plenty of negative impacts that urbanization brings, specifically on the environment. Like I have mentioned, animals live in these areas. Plastic production, and the increased emissions due to factories both rise from urbanization,” Kirkwood said. Not only does urbanization have it’s risks on animals but it also has major disadvantages on humans. Both traffic accidents and crime rates rise once cities become more urbanized and populated. “There would be more car accidents since the roads would be crammed, especially near school zones with more houses being built. That makes me anxious since I’m a new driver and I’ll be getting my license next year,” Wise said. Economic benefits may come with urbanization, but these benefits are not essential.
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