May 2022 the
J.W. Mitchell High School 2323 Little Road New Port Richey, FL 34655 jwmhshoofbeat.com
Issue 4 Volume 20
hoofbeat
“My favorite memory from this school year was having parties after major deadlines were reached in yearbook. It was always really nice to have a period to relax after a quarter full of constant work.” Gavin Gallagher (’22) (page 4) Photo by Hanna Carberry-Simmering
Issue Four Table of
Contents (pg. 5)
Photo by Kole Kemple
(pg. 10)
Photo by Kole Kemple
News (page 3) •Class of 2022 Top 10 students and future goals
Senior memories (pages 4-5) •Photo collage to remember senior year
Lifestyles (pages 6-7) •Seniors enlisting in the Military •Advice from teachers to graduating seniors •Commitment to colleges
Superlatives (pages 8-9) •Senior superlatives
(pg. 4) Photo provided by Tina Gabriel
(pg. 5) Photo provided by Kenzie Rendall
(pg. 4) Photo provided by Cate Miller
(pg. 11) Photo by Bella Melby-Mazzei
Sports (page 10-13) •Sports recap •Girls tennis •Boys lacrosse •Varsity softball •Boys and girls track and field •Boys tennis •Girls Lacrosse •Varsity baseball •Signing for sports
Entertainment (page 14)
Editorial
•Prom recap •Grad Bash recap
Policy
Opinions (page 15) •Upcoming graduation information •Letter to the editor •Ways to avoid student loan debt
Back Page (page 16) •Going to college in the summer v.s. fall Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram at
@mhshoofbeat
Check out our online newspaper:
jwmhshoofbeat.com
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HOOFBEAT
CONTENTS
Published online throughout the year, and in print four times per school year, the student newspaper of J.W. Mitchell High School is a public forum with its student editorial board making all the decisions concerning its contents. Unsigned editorials express the views of the majority of the editorial board. Letters to the editor are welcomed and will be published as space allows. Letters must be signed, although the staff may withhold the name upon request. The paper reserves the right to edit letters for grammar and clarity, and all letters are subject to laws governing obscenity, libel, privacy and disruption of the school process, as are all contents of the paper. Opinions of letters are not necessarily those of the staff nor should any opinion expressed in a public forum be construed as the opinion or policy of the school administration, unless attributed.
Hoofbeat Staff Editors
Emma Diehl
Ashley Hoskins
editor-in-chief
editor-in-chief
Alexa Grubbs
Sofia Chianella
bus. manager/ lifestyles editor
ent./ opinions editor
Susan McNulty adviser
Reporters Aerial Stonis
Bella Melby-Mazzei Hanna CarberrySimmering Keira Walter Mattox Sartori Maya Hernandez
Class of 2022 Top Ten
1
Kole Kemple College: University of Florida Major: Journalism
“I am looking forward to gaining independence and building up a new routine that allows me to focus on evolving my interests.”
6 Sahil Vora
College: Georgia Tech Major: Computer Science
“I am really looking forward to the overall college life and especially the dorm experience.”
2
Paul Surkov
College: Bowdoin College Major: Sports Medicine
“I am looking forward to living in a new setting and starting scratch towards a new goal of being successful academically and athletically.”
7 Titus Janshon College: Florida Institute of Technology Major: Engineering
“I am looking forward to being able to purely study my passion, without any other academics getting in the way.”
3
Leo Alexeyev
College: Georgia Tech Major: Computer Science
“I am looking forward to learning specialized into my major, and meeting all the new people.”
8
The Top Ten for the Class of 2022 share excitement for the future in their chosen school and field of study
4
5
Rhyse Sampang
James Tassone
College: University of Florida Major: Psychology
College: University of Florida Major: Politcal Science
“I am looking forward to joining some student organizations and meeting new people.”
“I am looking forward to a new environment and to start becoming more independent.”
9
10
Madison Foster
Ryan Mulcare
College: University of Florida Major: Engineering
College: University of Florida Major: Biochemistry
College: University of Central Florida Major: Computer Science
“I am looking forward to the freedom and new opportunities that college is going to bring.”
“I am looking forward to being able to meet new people and being able to enjoy the college lifestyle.”
“I am looking forward to learning independence while challenging myself to prepare for the workforce.”
NEWS
Dylan Baumgartner
HOOFBEAT
3
Senior memories
Recap of all of the events that took place over the course of senior year. Photos provided by members of the senior class.
I loved being able to experience color guard with my friends. They’re like my second family. I loved this year’s show because it was about accomplishing your goals and not letting anything stop you, and I went through that through my four years of high school.
Megan
Pitts (‘22)
My favorite part of homecoming week would have to be the dress up days. I chose to participate in dress up days because it was like my last hoorah.
Austin
Tomlin (‘22)
I [liked tailgating because] I always got to see friends before the football games, and it gave a morale boost before games. [Tailgating] gave us one last chance to get together before we go to college.
Zander
Caporusso (‘22)
Going to the hospital [for the NHS drive] was such a touching moment because they were so grateful, it was so heartwarming.
Cayla
Heckroth (‘22)
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HOOFBEAT
SENIOR MEMORIES
I feel like the cookout was a good idea to raise school spirit because COVID-19 happened last year and we didn’t get the chance to have these events, so we thought it was a good way for everyone to showcase their school spirit.
Paul
Surkov (‘22)
I feel like we have done a good job getting to know each other. I loved working at the health screenings and helping out with the kids.
Nicole
Marino (‘22) SENIOR MEMORIES
HOOFBEAT
5
From the ranch to military boot camp
According to the senior survey on Canvas, several students are going into the military and explain why they decided to enlist “I personally have no interest in anything else and I didn’t want to go to school. I think it would be a fun experience. For now, I’m looking forward to the shadowing for jobs.”
Coast Guard: Melanie Garcia Zoriel Alejandro-Rivera Connor Woolliscroft
Zoriel Alejandro-Rivera
“I wanted to take a break from school and learn more useful skills for when I’m older.”
Navy: Christian Lichtenberger
Air Force: Jullia Carrion
Connor Woolliscroft
“I enlisted because I grew up around the military life; my dad was in the Coast Guard. It was a great opportunity for me to get a career that would give me ultimate life benefits, and I could go to college and they would pay for my college. The opportunities are endless. The military really supplies you with an entire life, just by asking that you work a nine to five, like a regular job. It was an easy decision for me to make, whether I wanted to set myself up for success or for debt.”
Melanie Garcia
Sending you off with words of wisdom Teachers offer their words of advice to graduating seniors who lived through their last year of high school and a pandemic
Mrs. Seletos
Mrs. Martanovic
Your future begins now. Don’t squander this opportunity to embrace change and to work on becoming the best version of yourself. Be open to perspectives different than your own; considering other’s feelings makes you a more nuanced thinker. My hope for your future is that you live a life of integrity, conviction, and kindness. I leave you with this quote from LinManuel Miranda: “You are about to enter the most uncertain and thrilling period of your lives. The stories you will live are the ones you will tell your children one day. Try to face those stories with your best self, even if the world doesn’t respond in kind.” I will miss you, class of 2022!
This is just the beginning of a long journey that will secure your hopes and dreams as well as, turn you into the independent and successful adult that you are destined to become. Remember…. There will be lots of ups and downs, moments of triumph and moments of doubt. It’s all going to be great in the end so don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s normal to have challenges. Every experience is what you make of it! Enjoy the ride!
Mr. Scott
Put your phone away and be present. Carpe diem.
Mrs. Berry-Guth Life is more about circumstances than you may realize. You can only control so much, and then you must adapt, and sometimes alter your plans. It helps to stay positive in your ever-changing journey. Look for the good in others, laugh often, be accepting of yourself, and surround yourself with people that make you smile.
Mrs. Orrego
Think seriously and choose wisely how you spend your time. The reverberations of your decisions will echo across your lifetime and those of others and each moment that passes never returns. At the end of each day, think to yourself – did I make the world a better place? I hope so.
Mr. Black
I always refer to a few lines by Mark Twain. “Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.” Words for your approach to life as you take on the world as it is: Learn to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. Face your challenges straight on.
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HOOFBEAT
LIFESTYLES
How far until your next big adventure Below are the senior graduates attending a college or technical school who filled out the informational survey on Canvas
Ringling College of Art and Design:
Florida State University: Catherine Miller Dylan Bromberg Aidan Cameron Jaden Far Hannah Henry Naomi King Sarah Dillon Antonella Nunez Jordan Bradley Chole Zondlo Alina McCoy Mackenzie Thompson Colson Gantt
Addison Sanchez
OUT OF STATE American Musical and Dramatic Academy: Brianna Chillious Georgia institute of Technology: Leo Alexeyev University of California Santa Barbara:
University of South Florida: Christopher Dicocco Alexander Abbas Carter Smith Audrey Zilay Fateh Ahmad Nicholas Pulice Alexa Grubbs Ashley Hoskins Ana Jullia Lima Youstina Gabriel Nicole Marino Sophie Gomez Catherine McWee Anthony Rivera Melgar Aneet Khanna Dea Shala Cameran Popovics George Ata Milan Ranpariya Giovanni Manfre Brie Allan Kylee Pryor Hailee Bridges Katherine Tapales Jada Welch Ustina Samaan University of Florida: Kole Kemple Kamille Santos Timmy Dang James Tassone Hannah Rider Rhyse Sampang Madison Foster Kara Galley Reese Norwood Cosette Ganci Layal Khalil Marissa Haberlin Ryan Mulcare Gavin Gallagher Drew Middleton Matthew Clark Ashleigh Southby Connor Lashuk
Dominik Phanco University of Mary Hardin Baylor: Megan Pitts
Logan Hand Julia Kulak Ashley Powell Austin Tomlin Ashley Perfeito Cayla Heckroth Dylan Baumgartner Seth Hermann Skylar Pearson Florida Gulf Coast University: Alexa Fontana Sarah Watson Rebekah Martin Hannah Gordon Samantha Cragle Mia Dempsey Emma Diehl Maya Agren Pasco Hernado State College:
Grace Walters Alyssa Pirozzi Valerie Pollack Victoria D’Amico Joey Zheng Stephanie Celeste Aixa Chu Cloe Bennett Dominik Duarte Gabrielle Jones Becca Westrich Jacklyn Lovell Paula Vukelaj Bryce Sells University of Central Florida: Kylyana Adamson Medin Kukuljac Olivia Shell Diana Sarango Ethan Kessler Dayejanae Castle-Cooke Ashley Colegrove Michael Aguilar
Taylor Cook Tracey Guash Abbigail Link Breann Samuels St. Pete College: Mackenzie Craine Sophia Jimenez Madison Watkins Roxiluna Leroux Payton Nestor Chase Beckett Savannah Kennedy Michael Garcia Sara Karzon Isadora Tawadrous Caitlyn Reinert Jazmine Booher Evyenia Bikakis Lauren Crawford Mariam Abdallah Hailey Dolen Sydney Garner Courtney Stinedurf Merriam Allababidi
Valencia Community College: University of California Berkley: Kyleigh Lashuk Miles Rouillier Salina Mathew Tallahassee Community College: Victoria Marjan Conner Bowden Ave Maria University: Ashley Altman Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University:
Valparaiso University: Adrian Divcic Murray State University: Bianca Wilson Norwich University: Joshua Fernandez Pfeiffer University:
Olivia Jenkins
Nathaniel Adawonu
Florida Atlantic University: Deomari Thorpe
Emma Peterson
Florida Institute of Technology: Titus Janshon Full Sail University: Krismyer Phillips Indian River State College: Jace Trautner Florida Southern College:
University of Georgia: University of Hartford: Alexa Green University of Charleston: Bella Baldyga Reinhardt University: Ethan Rice Stanford:
Flagler College:
Daniel Johnson
Lauren Ray Kaley Hartman
University of North Florida:
Dickinson College: Avery Lewis
Stetson University:
Tristan Harrigan Florida Polytechnic University:
Isabela Vieira
Canisius College:
Abigail Jonas Dosielyn Moyer
Trey Anciaux
Marchman Technical College:
State College of Florida:
William Cavanagh Elizabeth Costantino
Saint Leo University:
Colorado State University:
Hillsborough Community College:
Zachary Crawford
Benjamin Roeper
Word of Life:
Aurora University:
Sebastian Saldana-Albbarrcin Taylor Biscardi
Mackenzie Henderson
Alexander Ageladelis
Vanessa Neptune
LIFESTYLES
Gianna Perugini Defiance College: Kameron Washington
HOOFBEAT
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SENIOR
Superlatives
Class Clown
Medin Kukuljac & Maya Agren
Most Dramatic
Connor Lashuk & Hannah Gordon
Most Athletic
Dominick Phanco & Elizabeth McDonald
Cutest Couple
Gavin Gallagher & Cosette Ganci
Most School Spirit Jace Trautner & Cate Miller
Teacher’s Pet
Stephanie Celeste & Ebram Ayoub & Madison Foster
Brightest Future Isabela Vieira & Kole Kemple
Best Smile
Junayd Cox & Chloe Zondlo
Best Laugh
Madelyn Meyer & Alexander Abbas & Jada Welch
Bring Home to Mom Dylan Bromberg & Jordan Bradley
Best Hair
John Habib & Kamille Santos
Best Dressed
Deomari Thorpe & Julia Kulak
Best Glow-up
Mariam Abdallah & Leo Alexeyev
Let us review the varsity sports
All the sports throughout the school year and their records with how far they were able to go in the length of their season
Girls’ Cross Country
2nd at Conference, 13th at Districts
Cheerleading
1st at Best of Pasco, 2nd at Regionals, 2nd at States
Volleyball
23 wins - 1 loss
Boys’ Soccer
19 wins - 5 losses - 3 ties
Girls’ Weightlifting
3rd at Conference, 4th at Regionals
Girls’ Tennis
9 wins - 2 losses - 1 tie 6th at Districts
Boys’ Cross Country
1st at Conference, 4th at Districts, 6th at Regionals 19th at States
Football 8 wins - 3 losses
Girls’ Basketball
9 wins - 18 losses
Wrestling
17 wins - 25 losses - 2 ties
Boys’ Weightlifting
4 wins - 0 losses 1st at Conference
Boys’ Tennis
9 wins - 3 losses - 1 tie 4th at Districts
Girls’ Golf
9 win - 2 losses 2nd at Conference, 3rd at Districts, 7th at Regionals
Girls’ Swim & Dive
8 wins - 2 losses 3rd at Conference, 3rd at Districts, 5th Regionals
Boys’ Golf
3 wins - 7 losses 1st at Conference, 3rd at Districts, 11th at Regionals
Boys’ Swim & Dive
9 wins - 1 loss 1st at Conference, 1st at Districts, Regionals 5th
Boys’ Basketball
Girls’ Soccer
12 wins - 9 losses
11 wins - 8 losses - 3 ties
Baseball
Softball
16 wins - 8 losses 4th at Districts
16 wins - 7 losses 3rd at Districts
Girls’ Lacrosse 11 wins - 4 losses 3rd at Districts
Boys’ Lacrosse
15 wins - 4 losses 2nd at Districts
Girls’ Track & Field
Ranked 2nd four times, 2 qualified for regionals
Boys’ Track & Field Ranked top 5 five times, 4 qualified for regionals, 1 qualified for state
SPORTS
HOOFBEAT
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Swinging into their last home run
The varsity softball team finishes off their season with district playoffs while looking back at their successful senior season Keira Walter staff reporter Nearing the end of their spring season, the varsity softball team scored a win in the first game out of three district playoffs by a score of 9-2 against Land O’ Lakes on May 3. Their next playoff, that took two days after their win, on May 5, the team lost by a score of 0-1 against Sickles. Even with this setback the team still has the chance to bounce back stronger at the next district playoff on May 12, which determines if they continue onto the next level at regionals. Ashley Altman (‘22) holds high stats on the team with a .387
batting average and a 1.000 field in percentage. Altman holds three positions on the team as pitcher, first base, and outfield. She signed for her next sports journey at Ave Maria University. “My best game was against Sickles going two for three against an Arkansas commit [named] Robin,” Altman said. “We are all [the team] really close so it’s good to have that connection, that wAe all just love playing with each other and we want to be there.” Sydney Fowler (‘22) will continue her softball career at Santa Fe State college in Gainesville. Fowler runs her last stretch with a batting average of .435 and a field percentage of
.949. Fowler discusses her mixed emotions as a senior. “I feel happy and sad at the same time. I feel happy because I’m graduating and can move on but also sad because I don’t want to end high school softball. Something I love and will miss is just the atmosphere and my teammates around me, cheering me on and supporting me, and just having the special bond will suck leaving knowing they won’t be there during college” Fowler said. Following their last lap the softball team will end their season depending if they win Neptune lines up to the base and raises her bat to score at the Mitchell vs the last district playoff May 12 Anclote base at home. Mitchell took the win by a score of 15-0, stealing it by a against Sarasota.
Game, set, match
The girls’ tennis team reflects on their successful 2022 season Alexa Grubbs bus. manager/lifestyles editor In the heat of the sun, the girls tennis team practiced before a match against Fivay on April 5. This was Senior Night, which meant the courts were decorated with balloons and a banner with the words, “We are so proud of you!”The underclass rallied together around the seniors on one of their last games of the season. With 10 players, the girls tennis team collectively played 75 matches, winning 77.33% of their matches, according to MaxPreps.com. Tennis, as both an individual and team sport, teamwork and support for each other is crucial to help the team. Head coach Gary Zirbel and assistant coach Rob Zilay led in facilitating the team’s bond. “We had a very tight group of girls with four seniors, two juniors, two sophomores
and two freshmen. They all seemed to get along well and support each other. They worked hard all season and their improvement from week one until districts was great to see,” Coach Zirbel said. The team started their season playing Wesley Chapel and winning 7-0 and similarly ending their regular season with a 7-0 win against Cypress Creek. They actually ended their season at districts though. “Districts was fun. It was really cool. I didn’t win, but for second doubles we did get to the championship. Districts was a really good way for me to get to know other people and develop that kind of family, so I did end up making a few new friends,” Sonya Babski (‘22) said. Looking back on the season, the team also faced some unforeseen challenges, they grew together. All in all, winning 77.33% of their matches and going to Districts, the girls tennis team had a successful season.
landslide. Photo by Sofia Chianella
On a high note
The boys’ lacrosse team make their way to the playoffs Bella Melby-Mazzei staff reporter The boys lacrosse team played a total of 19 games, and ended the season with a record of 15-4. The team won their last regular season game against Sickles with a score of 16-5 on Apr. 8. Charlie Fisher (‘23), Colson Williams (‘22), Chris Ferrini (‘23), and Connor Wojchowski (‘22) are the team captains. Wojchowski and Fisher lead the team in ground balls. “You [have] to set an example for the younger kids coming and just trying to be a role model for them and just trying to make sure the team is intact,” Fisher said. Zimmerman, an attack, scored multiple goals at the game against Wesley Chapel High School. He made four of the goals in the first quarter,
and another goal in the third. “[My best game was] last week against Wesley Chapel, I scored five goals,” Zimmerman said. One of the team’s harder games this season was against Jesuit. The team lost 13-9. “No one really expected us to compete in that game. It was good that we were able to and make a name for ourselves. It would have been nice to win,” Noah Radle (‘23) said. Williams set the school record for career goals with 120. Ferrini scored his 100 career goal, setting the school record for points and assists in a career. Apr. 11, district playoffs, the team qualified for state playoffs as well. “This is the most talented Mitchell Boys Lacrosse team we have had,” Coach Ethan Quinlan (FAC) said. The team made it the farthest ever, but lost to Newsome on April 27 at regional semi-finals by a score of 10-13.
Breaking records and throwing dubs Breaking the 300 hurdle school record and qualifying for state, three athletes share their experiences on the team Aerial Stonis staff reporter On May 7, seven track and field athletes competed at Alonso High School for regionals. This season being seniors’ last, they made it memorable by breaking school records and qualifying for states. Since running the 300 meter hurdles, Kayla Groppe’s (‘22) goal has been to break a school record set in 2002 with a time of 48.36 seconds. At regionals, she broke the 20-year-old record with a time
of 47.77 seconds, placing sixth overall. Groppe committed to Saint Leo University to continue her track and field career at the collegiate level. “I’ve only been doing 300 hurdles for two years, but since I started it’s been posted on the record board so It was my motivation every day to keep pushing towards the goal,” Groppe said. Adam Buonanno (‘22) placed first in shot put with a 14.30 meter throw, grabbing the regional champion title and qualifying himself for states. Throwing since seventh grade, he also competed in throwing
events throughout four years of high school, also being voted by the coaches as Field Athlete of the Year. “He’s taken something that he’s learned through middle school and through high school and has become one of the best in the state in his craft,” Coach Alan Parmentar (FAC) said. After trying rack and field two years ago, Elijah Lopez (‘22) competed in long jump and javelin, but established himself as an asset for the team as a javelin thrower. Placing first at districts on April 27 and later suffering an injury, he placed fifth
at regionals in javelin with a 45.25 meter throw, also putting him on the road to states. “At first I was surprised [I made it to states] because at regionals I didn’t perform my best so I wasn’t expecting to make it until coach [Parmentar] texted me the next day,” Lopez said. “I want them to enjoy the experience, do the absolute best that they could do, apply everything that they’ve learned during practice, and make it all happen on that day,” Parmenter said.
SPORTS
HOOFBEAT
11
Achieving victory one pitch at a time
Players discuss the most challenging games of the season, and who has helped them the most over their athletic careers Emma Diehl editor-in-chief At the bottom of the seventh inning on March 23, the Mustangs and George Jenkins High School Eagles were tied, and everyone in attendance sat on the edge of their seats as the last batter of the game stepped up to the plate. With two outs and the bases loaded, Zachary Crawford (‘22) braced to hit the ball as it hurtled towards him, only for it to sail above his head, signaling victory, and a 3-2 win over the Eagles. Ashton Crowther (‘22), is a lefthanded pitcher committed to the University of Miami for baseball. Crowther has been playing for 14 years, and spoke on how his
playing when I was four or five years old. My dad was a pitcher for the [Toronto] Bluejays, so I just wanted to be like him. Coach Chittum [FAC] and Coach Dobbs, one of my travel ball coaches [have helped me as well],” Crowther said. One of eight seniors Hayden Cockman (‘22) squats down and prepares on this year’s team, to catch a ball thrown in his direction by one of the Benjamin Roeper (‘22) Mitchell pitchers. Photo by Emma Diehl plays the position of catcher, and is a firstfamily and his coaches influenced year team member. Roeper was him over the years. drawn to baseball as young as “From a young age, I have six years old, and has stayed with grown up around the game the sport ever since. Prior to the because my dad used to play, game against Jenkins, the team and I just liked it. I started
had a 9-2 win-loss record. After the game, the team took to their locker room to celebrate, with Coach Chittum even performing a popular TikTok dance move. “[Our most intense game was] probably our game against George Jenkins. Both teams came in ranked at the top of class, and there was a lot of energy and back and forth chances all night. Then after the game in the locker room our main coach hit the griddy. [It was] definitely a very fun game to be a part of,” Roeper said. Crowther, a four-year member of the varsity team, has experienced 87 games, with some of his most interesting ones taking place this season on April 12 and April 19.
“[The most intense moment of the season for me was] probably when we played against IMG [on April 12] because they are probably the best team that we played all year. [The most interesting game of the season was] probably our game against the team that came from Ohio, Clay High School. We won 11-1,” Crowther said. On May 10, the team entered the playoffs and beat Palmetto High School in the first round 6-0, but lost to Sickles High School 3-2, on May 13. The season ended with the Mustangs ranked at 45 in the state and eleven in their division. The team ended their season with a 17-9 win-loss record and a 65 percent win rate.
Making a racket
Lacrosse Queens
During the spring season, the boys’ tennis team held a record of 10-2, after their recent loss in states
Recapping the 2021-2022 girls’ varsity lacrosse season
Mattox Sartori staff reporter
staff reporter
Leonid Alexeyev (22) player of the match on April 20, and finalist out of his team to continue to states individually talks about how his team excelled this season. “We started holding open practices in the fall, with actual tryouts starting in January. From January to the end of February, we held hitting practices and taught new players how to hit, as well as conditioning to get into shape. As a team we bond by going out to eat before or after matches and hang out outside of tennis as well. And we plan to go camping as a team in May,” Alexeyev said. In states, Alexeyev first matched against a student named Dylan De Windt, and took the victory against him. After the win, Alexeyev further matched with a student named Blake Edwards who took the win over Alexeyev. Alexeyev positively explains how he feels about his team’s effort this season. “We did great this season given that we had three seniors graduate last year that had been in the top 5, and everyone improved a lot. We were able to get runners up at districts and only a couple of points off from first, and I was able to get into states individually. Hopefully, next year the team can continue the success, and I have full belief that they can,” Alexeyev said. With the demanding work at practices and a team member being sent to states, Robert Recker (22) explains how he felt toward the season. “I feel like we did solid as a team, although some individuals could have
12
HOOFBEAT
Johnny Graham (’22) swings his racket forward in the air towards the tennis ball, during practice. Photo by Colson Gantt
done better. My favorite warm-up before games would be mini tennis, it is a drill where we only hit the ball in the serving boxes. Ways that the team bond would be going out to restaurants after games, usually Chick-Fil-A. I think that the team will be successful next year because of our coaches who take things seriously,” Recker said. Throughout the season of challenging work, many teammates on the tennis team benefited from this season by improving their skills and making it to states. Next year, the team strives to go further in states and beat the current season’s record.
SPORTS
Maya Hernandez
Running towards the box line, midfielder Kyleigh Lashuk (’22), carefully watches the ball during a defensive play in their game against Wiregrass Ranch on Feb. 25, losing 11-1. Maintaining a 73 percent win rate, the highest-scoring game of the season finished with a box score of 22-3 against Lake Gibson High School. Scoring 3 goals that game, Lashuk describes her improvement over the course of the year. “I improved my lacrosse skills over the season tremendously by increasing my speed and working on my left hand. I have shown a lot more dedication this year and the work definitely shows through our games,” Lashuk said. The team placed 3rd overall in districts, 2 places higher than the ’20-
’21 season, behind Steinbrenner and Wiregrass Ranch. Presley Sartori (’22) recalls her favorite district game against East Lake high, winning 15-5. “The game against East Lake was definitely one of my favorite games of the season. The girls and I have grown a lot closer this year and we really pulled together this game to get the win,” Sartori said. The team has shown a lot of progression this season under the leadership of Linsey Hoskins (FAC), who sends her senior players off. “To my seniors, I want to say thank you! They put in a lot of work over their 4 years and went through a lot of ups and downs. Especially going through COVID in what was trending to be our best year ever, to dealing with quarantines last year and sliding to 6-10, to coming back this year and going 11-4. They have been a huge part of our program and we will miss them so much,” Hoskins said.
Senior player, Kyleigh Lashuk (’22) adds a defensive strike in their game on Feb. 25 against Wiregrass Ranch.Photo by Lily Sarakun
Signing their way to their Dreams Photos by Keira Walter, Catherine Miller, Emma Diehl
Ashton Crowther
Robbie Mirabile
CROWN COLLEGE
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
Hannah Judd
Alec Hilliard
WARREN WILSON COLLEGE
WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
Avery Lewis
DICKSON COLLEGE
Tyler Geary
Ethan Rice
MONMOUTH COLLEGE
Adrian Divcic
REINHART UNIVERSITY
VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY
Vanessa Neptune
STATE COLLEGE OF FLORIDA
Dominick Phanco
UC SANTA BARBARA
Gianna Perugini CANISIUS COLLEGE
Hannah Walbrun
MARYVILLE UNIVERSITY
Kameron Washington DEFIANCE UNIVERSITY
Syney Fowler Mya Waage CARLOW UNIVERSITY
SANTA FE COLLEGE
Jace Trautner
Abigail Jonas
INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE
STETSON UNIVERSITY
Paul Surkov
BOWDOIN COLLEGE
Ashley Altman
AVE MARIA UNIVERSITY
Hayden Cockman COLLEGE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
Alexander Ageladelis
Kayla Groppe
AURORA UNIVERSITY
ST. LEO UNIVERSITY
Zach Crawford ST. LEO
Nick Delnegro
ST. PETERSBURG COLLEGE
Elizabeth McDonald MCNEESE STATE
Bella Baldyga
Devin Taylor
UNIVERSITY OF CHARLSTON
SPORTS
UTICA UNIVERSITY
HOOBEAT
13
Graduating class takes on Grad Bash Thrill rides and endless dining options, the senior class of 2022 attended Grad Bash in celebration of the end of the year Ashley Hoskins editor-in-chief For the first time in three years, the senior Class of 2022 attended Grad Bash, hosted by Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. With private access after 7 p.m., high-school seniors in the state of Florida experience dining options and attractions throughout the whole park until early morning. Ryan Holbrook (‘22)
Photo provided by Ashley Hoskins
dropped his bag in a hallway in orange as the first step of bag checking and then stood in line for the administration to then check his bag again. “I would change a more efficient way of checking bags before leaving to depart on the buses and a better security system. We should the students go in all three hallways so they’re not all packed together. Even though it took us a long time
to get there, I had a lot of fun. We ended up going on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and The Simpsons Ride, despite the long wait lines, which were about two hours,” Holbrook said. A big Harry Potter fan from an early age, Melanie Garcia (‘22) became excited as she found out the senior class was attending Grad Bash this year.
“My favorite part of the night was Hogsmade, which is in the Harry Potter World. They did such a good job with the theme and making it so realistic. That night, I only got to go on one of their rides but I was still happy because I got to go on Hogwarts Express. It was fun seeing all the interactive areas,” Garcia said. Also attending Grad Bash, Youstina Gabriel (‘22) experienced long wait times
to enter the park and ride thrill rides. “I was very grateful even though we had to wait a really long time getting into the park and waiting to go on the rides. We were able to pass time but we pretty much hopped from park to park trying to find rides with shorter lines,” Gabriel said.
Photo provided by Melanie Garcia
Photo provided by Ashley Hoskins
Photo provided by Logan Hand
Photos provided by Nasrin Rahmani
Never missing a chance to dance
Students attend the first normal prom in two years, enjoying the buffet, photo booths, and dancing to the music
Sofia Chianella ent./opinion editor With students walking into the Innisbrook Ballroom on March 26, they entered into a space filled with Hollywood theme decorations, including balloon arches, photo booths, and fun festivities such as popcorn machines. The Student Council planned the event with the dedication to making the first prom in two years one to remember. Starting at 6 PM, prom consisted of dancing with classmates for a few hours before the administration announced the members of the prom court, and later the prom queen, princess, king, and queen. Member of the prom court, Chloe Zondlo (‘22) appreciated being voted on by her fellow classmates. “When I found out I was on prom court I was very excited. I had so much fun at Prom getting to spend time with and dancing with my friends and being on prom court made it more special
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and memorable,” Zondlo said. As seniors experienced prom with their friends, Samantha Cragle (‘22) felt that this event was a way to celebrate activities they have missed over the past two years. “I was so honored and appreciative, our class is filled with so many amazing hardworking people, so to get to stand alongside some of them on court really meant a lot. I eeally loved prom. It definitely was a great memory to add to my senior year. Seeing everyone together celebrating was the best, I feel like we have missed out on a lot the past two years, and we forgot what it was like to just celebrate,” Cragle said. Feeling honored to represent the school on prom court, Jace Trautner (‘22) felt that his prom experience was rememberable. “Especially with being on court it makes it even more special. Prom is something completely different to hoco and it’s something I’ll never forget,” Trautner said. With Kole Kemple’s (‘22 ) friend
Cosette Ganci (‘22) also being nominated for prom court, he was extremely excited to end his senior way this year. “I would definitely say going to prom was a really eye-opening experience, because my friends and I had just gotten back from our senior trip and then going to prom made us all realize how soon this high school experience would be over. Prom itself wasn’t amazing in our opinion, but getting ready was a lot of fun,” Kemple said. Having appreciated everyone’s unique outfits at prom, court member Medin Kukuljac (‘22) felt honored to have been selected for this posi. “My experience for prom was a lot of fun being around everyone I spent these last 4 years with was great,” Kukuljac said. Awarded prom prince was Dylan Bromberg (‘22), Sonya Babksi (‘22) was awarded prom princess, Bebel Viera (‘22) won prom queen, while John Habib (‘22) won prom king.
ENTERTAINMENT
Photos provided by Deomari Thorpe
Photo provided by Samantha Cragle
Standardized situation
Discussion on whether standardized testing improves education in schools Addison Stein guest columnist Since 1875, students in America have completed a formal written exam of some kind. Mandated written exams were instated pre-civil war, and college entrance exams started in the 20th century. According to the National Education Association, there were well over 100 different standardized tests developed to measure achievement by 1918. Standardized tests have been around for so long, they should not be implemented into the school system today. Standardized testing supplies no improvement to the education of the students in schools. Standardized testing has caused the US to drop in world education rankings. Mandatory testing was implemented in all 50 states in 2002 after the no child left behind act. Afterwards, the US fell in world rankings for math, science, and reading. This fall had been blamed on many
things, such as poverty and teacher quality, but standardized testing is becoming the main suspect of the drop in ranking. If you compare the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) performance scores of 2015 and 2000, the scores for math performance, reading performance, and science performance had decreased. Mathematics fell from 493 in 2000, to 470 in 2015. Reading performance fell from 504 in 2000 to 497 in 2015. Science scores in 2015 were 496, but in 2000 they were 499. What had changed in the 15 years between the scores? Standardized testing was implemented into the school systems. Standardized testing also takes up valuable time in school that students can use to further their education. In Florida, school lasts 180 days (about 6 months) out of the year. The school year is broken up into quarters of around 45 days (about 1 and a half months) each. It sounds like a long time to learn. However, many days are taken out of
the last 45 days of school for standardized testing. The University of South Carolina states that students spend an average of 20 – 25 hours taking standardized testing every year. It does not sound like a lot but consider this, the average school day in Florida is around 6.43 hours according to the National Center for Education Statistics. That is almost 4 days that a student could use to further their education that they are spending in a testing room. Standardized testing causes a mental toll on students’ minds. The National Bureau of Economic Research states that student stress levels increase around 15% in a week that standardized testing is given. CPR news also says that around 11 percent of children taking standardized testing report severe psychological symptoms. If standardized testing causes so much harm to a student’s mental health, why are they still given standardized tests to students?
Debating the debt
An editorial on ways to prevent student loan debt from increasing
Leaving for college often comes with hefty bills, especially when you are attempting to become financially independent at 18 years old. Here are some ways you can survive college without digging yourself into a hole of student debt. 1.Take your time when shopping for a place to live. When you’re first becoming independent, housing is the first item on the checklist, however, it’s important to consider all of the expenses that are involved. In order to avoid stressing whenever your first rent is due, try opting for a roommate or two. The fastest way to see your monthly bill cut in half is by having another person to split it with. Another point of consideration is whether you want to live on or off campus. The average cost of room and board at a public college can range anywhere from $5,000 to $12,000 a year depending on the school. A cheaper alternative is finding an apartment nearby that you can rent out and likely have better amenities. Ultimately, the most cost-efficient method is staying at home for as long as possible, so you can have one less bill to worry about.
2. Sell your car College campuses are filled with a variety of stores, restaurants, and libraries that are within walking distance. Selling your car not only gets you some cash, but also saves you money that you would have otherwise spent on your car payment, gas, and insurance. Plus, college campuses have many options for public transportation and it provides a great way to make friends and get more accustomed to the school environment. Though if The average college student receives approximately $25,000 of debt and it takes nearly 21 years to fully pay it off.
that’s not your speed, there are always private alternatives, such as riding a bike or an electric scooter that don’t require any recurring fees. 3.Set a Budget Creating a set budget is the easiest way to govern the money that you’re making and allocate it directly to necessities above all. The 50-30-20 rule advocates
that 50% of your money be spent on your needs, such as monthly payments and food, 30% on your wants, and 20% for your savings. While these numbers may vary based on your life, sitting down and deciding what works best for you is the most important part of saving yourself from outrageous fees that you will regret in the future. 4.Stop eating out Constantly ordering fast food can create a noticeable dent in your bank account, especially if you are buying it from third-party companies that deliver, such as DoorDash or UberEats.Opting for homemade meals not only saves you money but is also the healthier option. Meal prepping is a great way to have quick meals that are ready to go yet still packed with nutritional value. If you are too busy to set aside a day for grocery shopping, meal services like Hello Fresh ship food packages straight to your door. 5. Get a full-time job over the summer Staying out of student debt is to acquire a full-time job in your free time, as a way for you to be prepared for the expenses during school.
Graduation Information June 11, 2022
University of South Florida Yuengling Center 6 to 8:30 PM 12499 USF Bull Run Drive Tampa, FL 33617 No Charge For Admission Seniors Should Arrive at 5:30 PM What are you most excited about for graduation? “I would say that I’m most excited to celebrate graduation with all my friends and family that have supported me throughout my academic journey, and I’m just really excited to move onto the next chapter of my life”
Connor
Lashuk (‘22)
“I’m most excited about the whole day of graduation in general, just the experience of graduation day since it’s something you look forward to for so many years. I’m also really excited to share the experience with my friends and the whole class in general because everyone has been through so much together these past four years and it’s going to be nerve wracking but also super exciting”
Cosette
Ganci (‘22)
OPINIONS
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Seniors start their journey to ...in the summer
the benefits that she will receive from her summer term at University of Florida. Mattox Sartori “To graduate we need to have summer staff reporter class credits, so I am glad to take summer in the beginning to get the credit over During the summer of 22’, students with. I am also happy with summer term currently attending Mitchell high school since I will be moving onto campus with plan to start off their college term early. less people than fall and it gives me more While applying for colleges, students time to learn the campus before it gets most of the time have a choice between too busy,” Southby said attending their terms during the summer Another positivity towards attending and fall. Attending the term during college for the summer term would be summer is most beneficial for students to receiving the credit during the summer stay on track to graduate. time, instead of doing non beneficial work Naomi King (‘22) explains her reasoning such as students who may plan to attend regarding her decision to attend summer during the fall term, while also having an term for college. enjoyable experience in “I choose to do doing so. Hannah Rider I am also happy with summer summer term because, (‘22) explains why she term since I will be moving at FSU they make believes this. onto campus with less people you take a summer “I think it would be the than fall and it gives me more semester anyway so best way to acclimate to time to learn the campus I figured it would get a new situation and area before it gets too busy. me ahead. I thought before the rush of fall Ashleigh that it would be a students come in. I’m also good way to get to Southby (‘22) rushing, so I’ll be more know the campus with prepared for that week. less pressure since there are less people. And to be completely honest, a summer I believe summer term would be a better in college taking two courses sounds choice rather than fall because of the much more fun and enjoyable compared benefits that come along with it including to a summer here,” Rider said. meeting new people,” King said. Arriving to school earlier than other The list of benefits to attend college for students who are attending the fall term the summer term out way the small list of will give the young scholars a head start benefits that come from starting later in to their college lives and create a feel for the year. Ashleigh Southby (‘22) explains the campus.
...in the fall
College...
Hanna Carberry-Simmering staff reporter With graduation in less than a month, the senior class prepares for their next step which for many is going to college. Ashley Perfeito (’22) will attend University of Central Florida starting in the fall, taking classes towards her nursing major as soon as her first semester starts. “I chose fall over summer because it gives me one last summer with my friends and it lets me make as many memories as possible, spend time with my family and prepare for the new life that I’ll have in college,” Perfeito said. Fall semester normally starts in August or September, giving students three to four months to enjoy the summer with friends and family before starting their studies. This can be extremely important for the students going out of state. Avery Lewis (‘22) will be attending Dickinson College in Pennsylvania, where she plans on majoring in political science. “I have always wanted to go to school out of state, especially up north, so I kept an interest in schools up there. When I got a volleyball offer it finalized my decision that I would leave Florida. I chose fall semester mainly because I wanted to enjoy my last summer before college and also I didn’t really know much about summer semesters anyways. I feel like attending in the fall will give me more of a traditional college experience because I will be starting at the same time as everyone else and I also won’t have to
leave home as soon,” Lewis said. Drew Middleton (’22) enrolled in the University of Florida where his parents also attended. He’s majoring in Health Sciences to go into Pre Med. “[Fall] is your regular term so that’s when most of the courses are available. It’s a new stage of life,” Middleton said. According to International College Counselors around 60,000 students have applied for the ‘22 fall semester. This also gives students two or three extra months when preparing to move into dorms and higher chances to meet friends as more people are on campus. Rhyse Sampang (’22) will study Psychology at University of Florida. When choosing between summer and fall she wanted to make sure she had a relaxing summer after senior year. Finding a roommate became easy for Sampang after downloading Roomsync, an app that helps match a roommate from your preferences based on their profile. “I’m looking forward to the new transition. I’ve never been in a dorm so I’m ready to experience that. Then join some new organizations and meet new people,” Sampang said. Fall semester is what most students find enjoyable as they get to spend their last summer after senior year with family and friends. With about 57,000 students on campus annually it opens up opportunities to join clubs. Along with higher chances to make friends with events going on and extra time to prepare before moving into dorms.
