Oct. 2019
.
the
J.W. Mitchell High School 2323 Little Road New Port Richey, FL 34655
https://connectplus.pasco.k12.fl.us/jwmhs-hoofbeat/
Issue 2 Volume 18
hoofbeat
Jonathan Fairbank (‘21), Jake Mellor (‘21), Jake Constantine (‘21) and Ronald Fiumara (‘21) won the human chair during Rodeo Games (pages 8-9) Photo by Hayley Fliss
Issue Two Table of
Contents
News (page 3)
• The new health risks found with vaping • Ways for students to get involved with fall club fundraisers around the school • Marching Mustangs practice for competitions
(pgs. 8-9)
Photo provided by Bailey Illig
Lifestyles (pages 5-7)
• Easy last minute Halloween costumes • Supporting breast cancer awareness • Most popular fears and superstitions • Ways to volunteer for the upcoming holidays • Faces in the Crowd: Favorite Halloween candy • Turning thrifting into fashion • An American twist on a Mexican holiday • Julia Shell (‘20) and Morgan Weldon (‘20) pursue a passion of cosmetology
Centerspread (pages 8-9)
• “We got the Beat” homecoming week recap
(pg.12) Photo by Richard Daley (pg.15) Photo by Savannah Henslee
Sports (pages 11-13)
• NJROTC competes at Brain Bowl orienteering • Tryout information for upcoming winter sports • Overcoming injuries for the hockey season • Girl golfers reflect on their 2019 season • Boy golfers work towards winning states • Volleyball players look back at support from Stang Gang • Feature on Julianna Michael (‘23), a female kicker on the JV football team • Up close with Marina Saviceva-Noti (‘23) and • her golf season
Entertainment (page 14)
• Bringing back the ‘50s, drive in style • Faces in the Crowd: If teachers could be in a movie, which one would they be in? • New spin-off of the character, the Joker
Opinions (page 15)
• Staff editorial about all of the changes to homecoming week this year • Top three spots for a scare this season • Local fall festival makes changes
Back Page (page 16)
• Which are scarier: new horror movies or old?
Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram at
@mhshoofbeat
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CONTENTS
(pgs. 8-9)
(pg.3)
Photo by Emma Rogers
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 Ms. Susan McNulty
HoofbeatStaff Editors
Morgan Fliss
Bailey Illig
editor-in-chief
editor-in-chief
Richard Daley
Hailey Kroll
sports editor
Emma Diehl
ent. editor
Ostina Myrtil
feature editor social media manager
Reporters Davis Burnette Luke Cartiglia Riley Curie Isa Desiante
Savannah Henslee
news editor
business manager
Emma Rogers
Ashley Hoskins
Hayley Fliss
Maddi Smyth
Laynie Mazur
Valerie Farrar
lifestyles editor opinions editor
Gracie Glover
back page editor
Susan McNulty adviser
Tori Marjan Jelayna Vasquez Avery Weber
Studies show the dangers of vaping A sharp rise in teenage vaping and a university study explores the potential effects, causing health concerns around the ranch Victoria Marjan staff reporter The number of people who vape has increased by millions since 2016, and teenagers are statistically the number one users. This caused rising concerns from different universities and health experts who conducted studies to see what the harmful effects of vaping would be. Teens are more likely to vape than use cigarettes as vape juices have different flavors that appeal to them. The University of Southern California (USC) has conducted many studies in the past 12 years
about vaping and its harmful effects. A recent study of 93 people shows that e-cigarette users develop some of the same cancer-related molecular changes in oral tissue as cigarette smokers. USC’s studies show that vaping does in fact affect your respiratory system and can lead to permanent lung damage. “I believe that vaping is very harmful, especially for teens and kids under the age of 18. It has already been proven to kill people and causes really bad damage to your lungs. This is even worse when you’re a student athlete. No one should do that to themselves and nicotine is just one stage that
will probably lead to smoking of HOSA work against vaping or other drugs. It’s a and educate themselves so rising problem in they refrain Pasco County from putting and we need themselves About 37 percent of to stop it now in jeopardy 12th graders admitted to by teaching of being “vaping” within the last year; the youth and an increase from 27.8 millennials that percent in 2017. (nih.gov) vaping is not okay,” Medin affected. Kukuljac (‘22) “As a member said. of HOSA, I believe that Health Occupation Students teens today should quit vaping of America (HOSA) is a school in general due to its health risks. student organization where Vaping involves nicotine which can cause you to crave a smoke students can learn more about and suffer withdrawal symptoms medical professionals and have the chance to volunteer if you ignore the craving. It in different areas. Members raises your blood pressure,
FallingintoClub Fundraisers Students Against Destructive Decisions
Collecting money for suicide prevention
Interact
Everyone can participate in these fall fundraisers and service opportunities in November and December Socktober
Youth Beats
Giving Bean: selling coffee grounds and tea in November
which increases your heart rate and the probability of having a heart attack. There are so many unknown facts about vaping, and I think that teens need to be well informed of these risks in order for them to break this bad habit of vaping,” Nick Shayes (‘23) said. Vapes and e-cigarettes appeal more to teens when they are flavored, which contributes to the rise in the use of them. Nicotine is an extremely toxic substance that does a lot of damage to anyone’s body that should be avoided. Teenagers who vape are more likely to use other nicotine products and become more addicted.
Felllowship of Christian Athletes
- Shoe box campaign (gatherig supplies to send to foreign countries in need) - Pairing with Generations Church to put together food boxes - Pairing with Red Cross to put together supplies for Hurricane Dorian victims
Canned food drive staring the second week of November
It is not too late to donate socks; donate 10 and you get a free Bahama Bucks
Health Occupation Students of America
- Selling buttons for American Diabetes Association
Spanish National Honor Society
Selling Día de los Muertos charms
Marching their way to another victory The Marching Mustangs practice continuously in hopes of winning their competitions throughout this upcoming season Emma Diehl sports editor Band members hold their instruments, beads of sweat dripping down their necks as the marching competition begins, the color guard dancing and waving their flags to the beat of the music. Marching season competitions have begun, and the band is ready to compete. Band members like clarinet player Irene Antonatos (‘21) agreed that practice was a key component in being prepared to conquer the competition. “At practices during the week, we push harder than we usually
do to be prepared for the varying opinions on how they competitions. said was On the the best actual day of way to I spend as much time as I competition, prepare. can working on problem we come “I spots until they are no longer earlier to usually problem spots. It’s just a lot of keep rehearse to repetition and perfecting the make sure that myself we’ve done all calm and small things that really add we can do to try not to up in the end. have a great stress. I performance,” really have Alexander Antonatos to get in said. the zone When it and stay comes to calm. I tell competition preparation, some myself not to stress out, because students, such as color guard it will all be fine in the end, and member Bianca Wilson (‘22), had we will make good memories,”
Abbas (‘22)
Wilson said. While the band members are all in now, each one had different reasons to join. For Alexander Abbas (‘22), his reason to remain in the band changed. “I originally started out just wanting to learn something new, and as I got to high school, for me at least, it became a lot more about the people I was doing it with. They are all such great people, dedicated to putting on a show for the audience to enjoy, and I love that. I also enjoy learning how to play a set of instruments better, but for me, it’s the people,” Abbas said. Members say that the group is very close, claiming that they are
NEWS
beyond friends now; they are a family. “The percussion section is like a family. That’s where most of my best friends are, as well as my mentors. Everyone helps everyone else to become a better version of themselves, and it’s honestly heart-warming,” Abbas said. The Marching Mustangs won their competition on Oct. 12, and the members do not plan to stop there. The next band competition is on Nov. 2. Come out and support the marching band in their efforts to become champions and claim the title once again.
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Meant to be celebrated, not mourned
With the turning of the seasons comes many a celebration, and Dia De Los Muertos, a Mexican holiday, falls during this time Madeline Smyth opinion editor
its true meaning, even if they don’t necessarily celebrate it the traditional way in their home country. Dia De Los Muertos, or Day of Michelle Cervera (‘20) has the Dead as Americans know it, family roots in the Yucatan is a holiday of great magnitude Peninsula of Mexico, and she has for those of Mexican culture. fond memories of observing the Its vibrant colors, intricately tradition with her own family. decorated candy skulls-or “I feel like this specific calaveras-and festive nature have tradition is very liberating. bled into the American tradition You can do this anywhere. It’s of celebrating Halloween over something that you can take with the years. The two are far from you and go anywhere with it, similar at the root, however, even when you’re not in Mexico, and those that celebrate the you can still go to the United holiday have not lost sight of States and still have a piece of your culture with you. When you carry on a happy memory of your loved ones, it kind of follows through the rest of your Photo by Madeline Smyth life and then A performer dances in a vibrant costume in front of a traditions fountain decorated in miniature versions of ofrendas. This is get passed an American take on the Mexican traditions that celebrate down and Dia De Los Muertos, and is visible at the Howl-O-Scream it’s a very Halloween event at Busch Gardens in Tampa.
enriching experience for your toy for a child. The last and final whole family to take part in,” shelf always has candles and a Cervera said. washbasin for the spirit to refresh At the heart of it all, Dia De themselves with after traveling Los Muertos is a celebration of such a distance from the afterlife. ancestors. The local community Calaveras and marigolds are also spends three days, from Oct. sprinkled about the decorations, 31 to Nov. 2, remembering the to bring in the traditional lives of the dead, Aztec culture and despite the the holiday central theme of stems from. It’s a very enriching The marigold, death, it is not a sad time. It is experience for your a celebrated believed that whole family to take native plant in during this time, Mexico, is used part in. the spirits of the specifically to deceased will guide ancestors Michelle once again walk back to their Cervera (‘20) in the world of living families, the living to visit while the their surviving family members. calaveras represent the person People will spend their time who has died. crafting elaborate ofrendas, “The thirty-first is preparation. or tiered tables covered in People decorate the altar, they offerings for the deceased to go to the graveyards and clean make them feel welcomed. The the graves, and you can have first shelf always has a picture an altar in your house where the of the departed, along with people come and they wait for religious figures to represent the spirits to come in, and this the individual family’s beliefs. is not spooky or scary. They are Then the second shelf has things celebrating their loved ones who the person enjoyed in life, such have passed away once a year. as their favorite food, candy, It’s like a party. It’s nothing to alcohol for adults, or a favorite be sad about, they’re actually
happy about it because they feel connected to their loved ones. They have parades and parties and feasts to celebrate,” said Ms. Jhoanna Miller (FAC), a Spanish teacher with an interest in the holiday. The first day is a preparation for the soon-to-come festivities, but on the next day, Nov. 1, people specifically honor the dead children and infants of the community. This day is more commonly known as Dia De Los Inocentes or Dia De Los Angelitos, which means Day of the Innocents or Day of the Little Angels in English. After this sacred time, people return to celebrating the deceased adults on Nov. 2, with this date being the official Dia De Los Muertos as we know it. Even though Dia De Los Muertos is a Mexican holiday, the traditions of one culture have bled into another, leading to much celebration right here in the United States. So while the festivities carry on, take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of this holiday, and remember to celebrate the beauty of life, even after death.
Life isn’t perfect, but your hair can be
Two seniors taught themselves different hairstyles and started doing other girls’ hair for special events, such as homecoming Isa Desiante staff reporter Beginning at a young age, Morgan Weldon (’20) found her passion for a cosmetology hobby. Growing up practicing different hairdos on her mom and sister, Weldon became skilled in the braiding styles she taught herself. She began to showcase the different hairstyles she could do and girls of all ages became interested in getting their hair done for fancy events or even when they hung out. As Weldon’s hairstyles became more well-known, she began doing hair upon request for special events, such as homecoming, prom, and elementary school plays. With homecoming right around the corner, she received messages to do two girls’ hair. She began her appointments at 2:00 p.m. and used heat protection, hairspray, and frizz control to keep the hairstyles from undoing. Weldon agreed to do their hair because her time management skills allowed her to finish getting
herself ready, along with these two girls. “Working on girls’ hair for homecoming and prom is a lot of fun because I work really quickly and I am able to still get myself ready. I would like to pursue a career in the medical field, but also do this as a side job,” Weldon said. Julia Shell (’20) began to learn different braiding styles and techniques on YouTube, as well as searching up ideas on Pinterest. Shell started out braiding as a hobby, but it soon led to high school girls asking her to do homecoming, prom, and senior pictures. She received requests from Olivia Shell (’22) and McKensie Myers (’20) to braid and curl their hair for this year’s homecoming. Shell began to work at 1 p.m. and put a shower cap on their hair to hold all of the curls in until it was time for pictures. Shell managed the time it took to get herself ready and the two other girls that needed their hair done. “I really enjoy doing other girls’ hair because it is such a fun
hobby of mine. Getting myself scheduled appointments for and the other girls ready makes every special event imaginable, it hard to balance my time, but it from homecoming to prom to is exciting to see the end result,” senior pictures. The next time Shell said. you would like to get your hair Weldon and Shell perfected done for a special occasion, their braiding techniques in remember to contact Weldon time for this year’s homecoming @morganweldonn or Shell dance that way they could to @juliashell_ on Instagram for finish the girls’ hair with enough their different hairstyles. time left to get themselves ready. Being self-taught in hair styling allowed them to experience a glimpse of cosmetology and learn time management skills. They started their passion out as experimenting on their families’ hair until they perfected the art of cosmetology. Provided by McKensie Myers These two girls McKensie Myers (‘20) had her hair done by Julia grew their passion Shell (‘20) for the homecoming dance. Myers’ hair is into a nonmadeup of two french braids starting at the top of the profit business head going half way down her scalp to the two braids where they had intersecting into a ponytail at the bottom of her head.
FEATURE
Provided by Julia Shell Olivia Shell (‘22) has two french braids on the top of her head leading into a ponytail with her hair half up and half down. Julia Shell (‘20) completed Shells look for her homecoming dance on the evening of Oct. 19. “I really enjoy doing other girl’s hair because it is such a fun hobby of mine. Getting myself and the other girls ready makes it hard to balance my time, but it is exciting to see the end result,” Shell said. Even with doing two other girls’ hair, Shell still had time to accomplish her own look for the homecoming dance.
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Show up to the party looking like you are ready for bed, so that you can crash as soon as you get home.
Dressed in pink to spread awareness Students around the campus wore items of pink to show their support and awareness for the month of breast cancer Hayley Fliss lifestyles editor Breast cancer awareness month informs individuals about the disease and involves people in charity fundraisers where funds are used to support the cause and support research to prevent breast cancer in the future. Logan Stephens (‘20), a member of the Stang Gang, supported “Pink Outs” during home games in October to show support and raise awareness for breast cancer. “We like to throw up powder, and got the idea that instead of throwing white powder we want to make a statement and we make pink powder. Also, with any sports events in October, we
like to call it a ‘Pink Out’ which is when everyone in the student section or anyone that wants to cheer on Mitchell will wear pink to spread the cause of breast cancer awareness,” Stephens said. Members of the volleyball team including Jolie Babcock (‘20) dressed in pink jerseys and tied pink ribbon to their shoes to raise awareness at their “Pink Out” game on Oct. 1. “We do also sell shirts with the breast cancer [sign] on it and part of that [money] goes to breast
cancer awareness, so we help fund them a little,” Babcock said. Hailee Byrne (‘21), a member of the varsity cheer team, dressed in various items of pink during football games to spread awareness. “We use different colored poms, bows, and socks to represent breast cancer [which] makes me feel good because it helps others show awareness,” Byrne said. Although this year didn’t have a designated pink-out football game as in years’ past, this school year
combined a neon-out game with breast cancer awareness. Other clubs around the ranch such as Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), sold bracelets Jolie Babcock (‘20) as well as other members of the volleyball for $3 team wear their pink jerseys throughout their game that promoting occurred on Oct. 1 to spread their awareness for breast breast cancer. Photo provided by Babcock. cancer awareness during the month awareness for a life changing of October. All these groups illness that affects people around and clubs find ways to spread the world.
Spooked by fears and superstitions I believe that if you wear a ring on your wedding finger it brings bad luck to your love life, or if someone steps on your foot and you don’t do it back it’s bad luck.
According to a Twitter poll
50%
students are mostly scared of insects and roaches
6
Megan
Pitts (‘22)
the dark (7%)
insects/roaches (50%)
heights (14%)
clowns (29%)
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(Phobia descriptions paraphrased from a review board exhibited by Dr. Richard N. Fogoros, who is a retired board-certified cardiologist.)
LIFESTYLES
• Arachnophobia, the fear of spiders and other arachnids, is quite common. Those who exhibit this fear often trigger a fear response from the sight of a spider, but some people can have a response from just looking at a picture or thinking of spiders causing feelings of overwhelming panic and fear. To overcome this fear, people usually face a spider to be able to coexist with the organism. • Mysophobia, or excessive fear of germs and dirt, causes people to excessively clean, compulsively wash their hands, and even have an extreme avoidance of anything dirty. To overcome or deal with this excessive fear, people often wear certain clothes to keep their skin covered or wear a face mask to avoid airborne germs. • Trypanophobia, the fear of injections, is a condition that can sometimes cause people to avoid medical treatments and doctors. When people with this phobia have to get an injection from a medical adviser, they may experience certain feelings of extreme dread and an increase in heart rate right before the procedure. There has even been certain cases of someone passing out during the injection.
Helping others for the holiday season
Three different organization advertise their helping needs for upcoming holidays by allowing students to sign up to volunteer
The holiday season is a time of the year full of joy and memories. During this season, the need for volunteering goes up and there are more volunteers to follow this increase. The non-profit organization, The Volunteer Way, dedicates their time to assist people in poverty, low-income individuals, and the homeless. The Volunteer Way supplies food, hygiene, and personal items. Thanksgiving and Christmas are the busiest times, so more volunteers are needed. Volunteers can stock the warehouse shelves, pack food boxes, help the main office,
and fundraising. There are even opportunities to help tend to the garden used to grow crops. “Volunteering allows me to feel like I am doing something positive for my community,” Hannah Spinney (‘21) said. Metropolitan Ministries provides services to at-risk families and the homeless. The services they provide include food, housing, education, and life skills. Volunteers can answer phones, greet visitors, sort donations, help visitors shop for clothing or food, and distribute food. During the holiday season, students can work with families to pick out food for their holiday dinners, shop for presents, sort through donations, and help
Faces Crowd in the
I [prefer] Milky Ways because I like the caramel taste.
Lauren
Ray (‘22)
Twix is probably my favorite because it is chewy, gooey, and crispy all at the same time.
Matthew
Aldino (‘21)
visitors out to their cars after shopping. “Metropolitan Ministries is a great opportunity for students to get involved in others’ lives. There are people less fortunate and, sadly, the biggest need in our community is the need for food. Helping people out makes the person helping and the person being helped feel good,” Ms. Michelle Chamberlin (FAC) said. Make-A-Wish Foundation provides a way for students
to make an impact on a kid’s holiday season. Students can raise funds, help the office, plan events, helping grant wishes, and train new volunteers. Volunteers help create awareness of this foundation and help with funds and granting wishes. Anyone can donate funds, materials, or just their time. “Volunteering gives you an amazing opportunity to look outside yourself and put others first , which is a great way to become a more wellrounded person. It is important
to volunteer because in today’s world, life is full of stress and it is very easy to be self-absorbed. Students should take time to give back and spend time helping others. It reminds us to humble ourselves,” Ms. Stephanie Martanovic (FAC) said. Volunteering gives people an extra glow and feels extra rewarding during the holidays. Students can contact any local volunteering service to help. Metropolitan Ministries of Pasco County
Phone Number: (727) 937-3268 Call or email Metropolitan Ministries for any questions on volunteering opportunities at the church.
What is your favorite candy to receive on Halloween Day? Photos by Riley Curie
Gracie Glover backpage editor
My favorite Halloween candy is Candy Corn because it is only for that season and it makes me feel like its fall.
Kit-kats because I just enjoyed them ever since I was a little kid. I always look forward to getting them on Halloween.
Alexandra
Bryce
Kilian (’23)
Christopher (’21)
Snickers because I like the peanuts and caramel all together.
Delaney
Curie (’20)
Turning second hands into fashions
Buying donated clothes from local thrift shops inspire new looks and give back to the community through donating money Riley Curie staff reporter On a Friday night, Ashley Powell (’22) looked through racks and racks of clothes at Goodwill to find her next pair of jeans. After searching through pairs of dirty denim and sizes too big to find the right match she found a pair for a $7 price. Thrift shopping helps people find bargains on previously expensive items. Powell often shops for clothes and finds deals on pieces that used to be out of her price range. “I found Levi 501 jeans at
holidays is always fun because Goodwill a couple of weeks ago. you can find weird decorations They are normally $100 and I and different got them for stuff. I like to $7,” Powell find stuff to put said. I get a fuzzy feeling into my costume Michael Smith where all these people for Halloween. (’21) thrift shops [who] are giving these I also thrift to find different clothes a new meaning shop regularly knickknacks like and the money is going and search for coffee mugs to to help people. things like coffee use in his daily Alexis mugs, pins, and life. Smith thrift paintings,” Smith shops during Wright (‘21) said. November and Thrift shopping December to helps put other people’s find unique seasonal items. unwanted clothes in a new “Thrift shopping during the
home. Alexis Wright (’21) takes new pieces and incorporates them into her own eclectic style. “I really enjoy the clothes that come out of it. The clothes that people can’t love anymore or don’t fit their style can become my style. My style is really anything that I find cute and that is comfortable,” Wright said. Thrift shopping gives back to the community by donating money. For example, the thrift store Goodwill is a nonprofit organization where 87 percent of the revenue goes to help build up community-based programs
LIFESTYLES
and services. “I get a fuzzy feeling where all these people [who] are giving these clothes a new meaning and the money is going to help people. When my money goes to the job center that Goodwill has it makes me feel good that I can be a part of something that I normally wouldn’t be able to,” Wright said Local thrift stores include Goodwill and Salvation Army. Leaving Trinity, Plato’s Closet and Gulfside Hospice Thrift Shoppe are places to buy clothes and other items.
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Dedication and sweat drives success
The NJROTC Brain Bowl, Orienteering, and Drill teams begin their new season in step, working their way to state competition Davis Burnette
staff reporter The National Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) teams yell encouragement and provide strong support for one another as they participate in multiple competitions, both physical and mental. The orienteering team is coming off of a positive end to their season last year, qualifying for the National Championship in California. The runners still create high goals for themselves, however. “[My] main goal this year is to place at every meet I go to.
Whether it’s winning or coming (‘22) explains how runners gear in third, as long I can medal each themselves up for meets during meet I’ll be very happy. Although practices. I haven’t [had] “For practices a meet yet, right now we’re I definitely really trying to We go over a lot of think I’m a focus on getting better runner the new runners strategy and techniques than last who haven’t that we’ve learned year,” Caleb done this type through experience to Swanhart (‘20) of sport up to help them. said. speed. We go Succeeding over a lot of Jason in an strategy and orienteering techniques Richardson (‘22) competition that we’ve starts with learned through how the athletes prepare experience to help them on the themselves, both physically courses,” Richardson said. and mentally. Jason Richardson NJROTC competitions aren’t
just physically intensive but mentally challenging as well, such as Brain Brawl. The contest involves participants answering questions for points. The team with the most points at the end wins the round, and the win is granted to the team with the most rounds won. Practicing on the team doesn’t come without its challenges. “A lot of new people get scared to try to answer questions during practice because they’re worried about getting it wrong. We try to overcome this by making the environment of our practices welcoming, and by trying to get them to participate,” Richardson said.
The Brain Brawl team started the year off strongly, finishing their first competition in first place. As the NJROTC Educational Service Officer, Pearl Torres (‘21) leads the team during the practices and competitions. “I’m really proud with how the team performed last competition. I’m impressed with the work and dedication each teammate puts in every practice,” Torres said. The NJROTC teams set up to be a winning groups for another year. Their teamwork and support for one another reflects their prowess in competition. To catch the NJROTC teams in action, visit Lake Howell High school in Winter Park on Nov. 2.
Upcoming sports tryouts in the ranch For more information on tryouts and requirements for sports in the winter and spring seasons, visit jwmhs.pasco.k12.fl.us
Wrestling Updated paperwork 2.0 GPA
Lacrosse
Coach: Mr. Jake Crouch (FAC)
“Joining the wrestling team at Mitchell is a matter of choice, perseverance, and dedication,”
First practice is Nov. 11
Coach Crouch
Track and Field Paperwork and fees paid Conditioning starts Dec. 2 Tryouts are Jan. 20
Basketball Girls
Physical and fees paid 2.0 GPA Tryouts are Oct. 28, 29, 30
Updated paperwork Tryouts are Jan. 27
Tennis
“It is good for students to participate on teams as it helps them to build life-long skills such as: communication, teamwork, [and] problem solving,” Coach Parmenter Girls coach: Coach William Ruffin Boys coach: Mr. Jason Vetter (FAC)
“We’re picking the 15 to 16 players that best work together,” Coach Vetter
Boys
Boys coach: Coach Ethan Quinlan
“Sports offer a sense of acceptance and responsibility that prepares you for the workplace,” Coach Hoskins
2.0 GPA
Coach: Mr. Alan Parmenter (FAC)
Girls coach: Ms. Linsey Hoskins (FAC)
Girls coach: Ms. Ginger Lynn (FAC) Boys coach: Ms. Peggy Hinmon (FAC)
Complete paperwork 2.0 GPA Tryouts are Jan. 20, 21, 22
Softball
FHSAA physical 2.0 GPA Tryouts are Nov. 4
“It’s important to be involved in your school and extracurricular activities because it gives you a sense of belonging,” Coach Hinmon
Coach: Mr. Scott Bisbe (FAC)
Be in good standing 2.0 GPA
“Extracurricular activities and teamwork are a good thing,”
Tryouts are Jan. 21, 22, 23
Coach Bisbe
The pain heals, but glory lasts forever Despite several team members being injured, the hockey team plays on, skating their way to victory throughout the season Morgan Fliss editor-in-chief Skating at full speed down the ice, Kevin Rosello (’22), a forward on his travel team the Clearwater Ice Storm, went into the boards with players from the opposing team, where the puck got stuck underneath his skate. When he looked up during the scrimmage, an offensive player from the other team committed an illegal hit that knocked Rosello to the ice, giving him concussion early
in the high school season. “I was [knocked] out for four minutes and after that I was confused of the situation. I [was] out of hockey for two weeks so I missed quite a few games.” Rosello said. William Fliss (’23), an offensive player for the Mitchell hockey team, also suffered an injury in a game against River Ridge, that resulted in a broken thumb, hindering him from practices and games for both his travel and school team. “I got checked from behind
and my thumb hit the boards weird and I was out for two and a half weeks. I wasn’t able to play in as many games which affected some of my stats. I have faced many challenges this season so far, like injuries and being a freshman on varsity, but I am looking forward to finishing the season,” Fliss said. Despite a hyperextended knee that Zachary Hendle (’20) endured during the beginning of the season, he worked to overcome injuries in an attempt to reach his goal of playing hockey in college. “I have already had three different
college offers. One D1 out of Southern Michigan for Adrian College, and then two different ones out of Texas. [As the season continues], I am looking forward to just enjoying the game and continuing to go on until states,” Hendle said. Catch Rosello, Fliss, and Hendle, back in action at the Advent Health Center Ice in Wesley Chapel at 7 p.m. on Nov. Photo by Erik Deraspe 1 to watch the hockey team take William Fliss (‘23) shoots the puck with on Jesuit at their next home a broken hand in a rival game against game. River Ridge. Mitchell pulled out a victory with a score of 6-2.
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The most important shot is the next The girls golf team takes a look back on their 2019 golf experience as the season comes to a close Avery Weber staff reporter As the girls golf season comes to a close, players reflect on their journey as a team. This year, the golf team includes eleven girls, all of them with their own unique personalities and special talents on the course. Their season win loss record was 11 - 4. “There are very different girls on the team because we have a lot of different grade levels. Some are kind of crazy and others are calm so it creates a fun dynamic [for the team],” Haley Spinger (‘20) said. Throughout the season, the
girls created a team culture that allowed them to bond as a team which played a major role in their success. They often held gatherings and hang-outs that turned into post-match traditions. “I like how golf is a mental game. It helps me focus and feel relaxed. I enjoy away matches because afterwards the whole team usually goes to Twistee Treat and it is really fun to hang out with everyone outside the matches,” Jessica Jonas (‘20) said. While players say that golf is a relaxing sport, they do put in countless amount of hours
to improve their skills. With practices after school on most Mondays and Wednesdays, the team trains with Coach Troy Dillman (FAC) to enhance their abilities. This is Dillman’s second year coaching the girls. Over the two seasons, he has maintained an overall win - loss record of 18 - 8. “I enjoy seeing the growth and development of the girls as a team both in their skills as golfers but more importantly how they have grown as individuals with their mental skills and strong character traits,” Dillman said. The girls’ work this season led up to the District Championship.
Once there, their efforts allowed them to come in fourth place out of nine teams. Marina Saviceva-Noti (‘23) also came in fourth place as an individual player. The time spent practicing to improve their skills along with the friendships the girls built led to a successful golf season. Hitting towards victory, Olivia Tew (‘23) achieves a season scoring average of 53.2. She gains the second best score of the season out of the eleven girls on the team.
Photo by Avery Weber
Teed up and taking off on the green
By preparing for success through hard work and dedication, the boys golf team works towards winning the state tournament Emma Diehl sports editor The boys golf team had a rather successful season, placing in the top rankings during the majority of their tournaments this season. While the overall team did not advance to regionals, they still placed in the top five in the majority of their meets. According to a national survey by enjoyplayinggolf.com, one of the top reasons why people choose to play golf is the fact that it offers a chance to pick up unique skills. “I chose to join golf because I
thought that it was a sport that is different than football, soccer, and the rest of them. I enjoy playing it, and I have fun,” Evan Zehm (‘23) said. Unlike Zehm, some of the team members grew up playing the sport, and have several years of experience. “My entire family plays golf, and they grew up playing it. My father and his father both play, and my dad taught me how to play,” Chase Glenn (‘20) said. The team all agreed on one area: playing the sport has brought them together as a group, and serves as a good
time to be out there with him bonding experience. every week,” Capelo said. “We’re a pretty close knit Capelo is not group. At the only one who this point, My entire family plays had good things we could be to say about the golf, and they grew up considered team’s coach. Zehm a family,” playing it. My father and agreed, praising him Jason Capelo his father both play, and for helping out the (‘20) said. my dad taught me how players when they The success to play. need it. of the team Chase “He teaches me has been Glenn (‘20) how to hit better partially shots with my swing. credited to He helps to give me good their coach, Jeffrey Leavey. thoughts, so that when I go on “Coach Leavey has helped a to compete, I am confident, and lot. He really knows what he is I know that I will do well,” Zehm talking about, and it’s just a fun
said. The boys have been training at least four days a week to improve their skills on the course. They had the same goal for the end of their season. “My goals for the season are to hopefully make state, and win overall for the team,” Zehm said. While the boys’ golf season came to a close, team member Nicholas Gabrelcik (‘20) was the sole team member to advance to regional competition, and won for his division. He was also named the Florida State Association’s Player of the Year for 2019.
Showing their support on the court
The varsity volleyball team utilized the support from Stang Gang to boost their confidence at games throughout the season Ashley Hoskins staff reporter The bleachers rumbled in hopes of a victory for the athletes on the varsity team. Hannah Benfield (’20) passed the volleyball to her teammates through the use of effective communication skills. The sport required trust and communication, during the last serve as the game dwindled. This year’s varsity volleyball team prepared for district finals with head coach, Ms. Lea Weber (FAC). In addition, Benfield used the support from Stang Gang cheering her on as she worked to score points for her team. “When Stang Gang comes out to our volleyball games, it hypes up everyone on the team, makes
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Coach Lea Weber (FAC) talks to her team as they attempt to comeback and get the lead against Sunlake. Despite their best efforts and several flashy plays, the girls lost 3-0, ending their season. Photo by Richard Daley
us feel better about ourselves, and makes us want to play even more than we already do. The school comes out to support, including teachers, faculty, and all the students. It makes
SPORTS
everything a lot more fun,” Benfield said. As a first year player on the school’s court, Ava Connors (’23) regards the support of her fellow students in the Stang Gang.
Connors grew as an athlete from impact of the student section due to her veteran sister, but experienced it first-hand as she took the leap and made the team. “It makes me feel way less nervous because I am a freshman, so it makes me feel better if I mess up,” Connors said. Before home games, members of the team came together to bond as a whole. During this time, Jolie Babcock (’20) and her teammates discussed strategies in order to play their best and take home the win. “This year the coach definitely helped us a lot more. As a team we’re a lot closer and are beginning to be friends,” Babcock said.
Mackenzie Thompson (’22) adds to the team as the setter position. Along with the help of Weber, Thompson advanced in the role through practice and experience on the court. “She works with us individually rather than as a team, so we each grow as a player. We usually serve from the beginning of practice and than we play each other,” Thompson said. The varsity volleyball team used the positivity of their coach and student section to pep them up as they finished out the season. Although tasked with a fast-paced game, the players zero in on backing from their supporters. The girls’ season came to an end on Oct. 16 with a loss to Sunlake High School in the district semifinals.
Kicking through obstacles to succeed Freshman kicker Julianne Michael (‘23) balances football, soccer, NJROTC, and band through the use of organizational skills Luke Cartiglia staff reporter With two minutes left in an intense JV football match up against rival River Ridge on Oct. 3, Julianna Michael (‘23) kicked the football through the uprights, giving the team a 35-34 lead. As the only girl on the JV football team, Michael navigates through unique obstacles along with the pressures of balancing other activities. Michael participates in additional extracurricular activities along with high school football, including soccer, NJROTC and band. With the large amount of responsibility on her shoulders, Michael manages her time with a planner and organizational skills to maintain an A/B average. “It takes a lot of effort, knowing when you have stuff and when things are due, knowing what to do when to do it, and it’s all just a measure of seeing what fits where and when,” Michael said. Adjusting to various sports,
including one where Michael is the only girl, proved a challenge to her. With the help of her coaches, she learned to adapt to these obstacles, grow as a player and defy the odds. “They have been very helpful. Coach [Andy] Schmitz (FAC) and [Tim] Boggess helped me know when to go in the locker room and when not to and when we have special teams practice. The boys have been very helpful as well letting me know when we are kicking and if they need me
for anything,” Michael said. According to the New York Times, 10 percent of high school football players are girls. The school does not provide a locker room for the lone female football player, and Michael must change before practice and games in the green commons girls bathroom. She does not get as much time with teammates because they are changing in the locker room across campus. “It’s a lot of extra work like having to change in different places so I don’t get that bonding time with the boys. The boys all hang out together and you just have a small section of friends that you have,” Michael said. Michael not only finds time to play football, but also plays club soccer as a defender. She
Photo by Cate Miller Julianna Michael (‘23) kicks the football through the upright to put three more points on the scoreboard for the JV football team.
plays the flute in the Marching Mustangs, and intends for her NJROTC experience to lead her to the Naval Academy. Her determination changed the JV football team by showing them resilience and determination. As the season comes to a close, Michael looks ahead and sets her
goals for the future. “My plan for the future is to keep playing football through high school and then keep doing ROTC, as well as playing soccer. Right now my goal is to make the soccer team because tryouts are coming up,” Michael said.
Swinging into victory on the course
The varsity golf team gains a new player, Marina Saviceva-Noti (‘23), who helps her team succeed in match after match Valerie Farrar news editor Despite this year being her first on the golf team, Marina Saviceva-Noti (‘23) wasted no time helping her team succeed. In their first match of the season, she received a low score of 48, in addition to a team victory against Zephyrhills and Fivay. Saviceva-Noti first began playing golf when she was in elementary school. She got her start in the sport with inspiration from her dad. “My dad was pretty good at golf, so I wanted to do it with him. Now it’s sort of become a family thing,” said Saviceva-Noti. To continue improving her wide variety of skills, Saviceva-Noti practices with her teammates every Monday and Wednesday at Heritage Springs Country Club. “At practices, we really have fun together. We work on putting and chipping, and we work on the driving range. We have two groups and we usually switch off. Sometimes we go on the course and play some holes,” said Saviceva-Noti. Between their disciplined team training, Saviceva-Noti
has a lively relationship with So if you play 18 holes, don’t go her teammates, including the another 18 holes,” said Savicevacaptain, Haley Spinger (‘20). Noti. “When Marina’s golfing, she’s In addition to matches on really focused, but between that Tuesdays and Thursdays for the time, Mitchell varsity she’s golf team, really Saviceva-Noti Golf definitely teaches crazy. manages her We all time in order you patience, so I think get to do extra I’ve become a lot more along, tournaments even outside of patient. I’m also more fit though school on and acclimated to heat. she likes Sundays. All of to mess her dedication with to golf helps Marina people her grow not a lot. only as an But she’s athlete but as definitely an individual. an asset to our team because she “Golf definitely teaches you drops our score a lot,” Spinger patience, so I think I’ve become said. a lot more patient. I’m also more However, practices are not fit and acclimated to heat,” always all fun and free of Saviceva-Noti said. challenges. As with any sport, Within the next four years Saviceva-Noti often feels the of her high school golf career, effects of her workouts the day Saviceva-Noti hopes to earn after. a college scholarship for golf, “If you do 18 holes, the next which would assist her in day you’re going to be pretty attending a respectable college sore. Usually, you just do a really while playing the sport she loves. light practice and you don’t really work yourself over again.
Saviceva-Noti (‘23)
Stats
Personal best this season: 39 at Cove Cay Golf Club vs. Clearwater Central Catholic 2nd best shot: 40 at Heritage Harbor against Steinbrenner
Photo by Ashley Hoskins
While practicing after school at Heritage Springs Country Club, Marina Saviceva-Noti (‘22) works on improving her putting skills for her future matches.
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Bringing back the fifties, drive-in style Local drive-in theaters provide a fifties-like experience for members of the community to enjoy with their friends and family
Emma Rogers
business manager After an era of dramatic social and political change in the ‘20s, there was an increase in going out more and buying material items to make up for the years of oppression they had previously experienced. During this time, people became more aware of the restrictions indoor movie theaters had on children, smoking, and comfortable seating. This led to the twist of having a movie night in a car, was during the ‘50s to early ‘60s. Since the ‘50s to early ‘60s, drive-in movie theaters have decreased almost taking the
activity off the charts; however, of comfort and fun. Florida has managed to keep the “When you go to a drive-in, age old activity living, through it has this older, classic feeling multiple community theatres. To that never seems to go away. pursue an evening at The experience is amazing, a drive-in movie especially from theatre, grab the feeling of your car keys being out at and head out night under the to local drivestars in front of the big screen. in’s like Fun-Lan Drive-In Theatre I would definitely in Tampa, FL or recommend it. Silvermoon DriveDefinitely try to go PRICES In Movie Theatre with a few friends, you Fun-Lan: $7 : moon $5 Silver in Lakeland, FL. won’t regret it,” Ethan The ticket prices are Mousaw (‘21) said. under ten dollars for At a drive-in movie theatre singular tickets, so grab Dakkotah Van Norman (‘20), a group and have a night tuned her radio to the specific
Faces Crowd
Drive-in movie theatres offer a new ways for people to watch a movie as well as getting involved in the new experience with others. “[Going to a drive-in movie theatre] was a cool experience to try, in the car instead of the theatre. I went with one of my best friends. It was relaxing and cool to watch a movie from the car on a big screen with everyone,” Emily Fisher (‘20) said. Give this activity a try with a group of friends since the singular ticket prices are relatively low, and experience the same wonders Mousaw described.
If you could be in a movie, what movie would you be in? Photos by Avery Weber
in the
station the theatre instructed her to, allowing for everyone in her party to hear the movie. Then she set up her car with blankets and pillows, making her experience more comfortable. “Going to a drive-in is like having the thrill of watching a movie in theatres but in the comfort of your car and usually at a cheaper price. My experience would be having my family load up three cars with, blankets, pillows, and of course snacks. We’d then pick a spot in front of our screens, tune in the radio to the correct station, and hang out with everyone around us until the movie started,” Van Norman said.
I would want to be in ‘Dances with Wolves’ because of the time period and I have a huge affinity for the Native American culture and it’s a cute love story.
Ginger Lynn (FAC)
‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ because I think that it would be so exciting to go on the adventure that the main character went on.
‘A Beautiful Mind’ because it is all about psychology. Steven Burnes (FAC)
Lucille Hampton (FAC)
‘Back to the Future’ because I would love to go back in time to see how life was eighty years ago and I’d love to go to the future to see what life is like fifty years from now.
Joseph Gifford (FAC)
I’d want to be in ‘Dead Poets Society’ because Professor John Keating, played by Robin Williams, has always inspired me. His teaching style was ‘off the wall’ which I can totally relate to.
Andrea
Berry-Guth (FAC)
The “Joker” is not a laughing matter
The new spin on the Batman legacy, “Joker,” came to theaters early October as an addition to the DC Universe story line Laynie Mazur staff reporter In the 2019 DC film “Joker,” Joaquin Phoenix stars as Arthur Fleck, the title character. This installation to the DC franchise develops Joker’s uprising to villain-hood, following Fleck’s journey to becoming himself as well as the nemesis of Batman. The movie shows the perspective of a man failed by society and driven to crime, giving Joker a strong identity. Luke Watkins (‘21), a frequent watcher of the
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DC Universe movies, was eager to see the point of view of a villain. “I was interested in the movie because I’ve always loved DC movies, and a movie where the main focus would be Joker and not Batman really intrigued me. The movie was amazing because it really did show the Joker’s purpose, which was how he fit into the overall perspective of Arkham and how one man caused such chaos and the rise of Batman,” Watkins said. Seeing the film the weekend it came out, Skyler Perdomo (‘20)
and her aunt were eager to see the new spin on the Joker story. “Joaquin Phoenix gave an incredible performance for this movie and I’m very glad [Joker] acts as a stand-alone film rather than him just put into the DC Universe again and again. There were incredible performances, but a lack of seriousness when you look at it from a bigger lens,” Perdomo said. The movie addressed the way society treats mentally ill people negatively, as well as the lack of support for those less privileged. Approaching the movie from a
ENTERTAINMENT
different perspective, Cooper Rhoads (‘21) compared Phoenix’s performance to other Jokers. “Joaquin Phoenix did a really good job, I think he was better than past Jokers—he really expressed the Joker’s true character. He really fit the dark mood of the movie,” Rhoads said. The new addition to the DC Universe gives comic fanatics a deep insight of the mind of a notorious villain. Joker came out in theaters early October, and received a nine out of ten rating by IMDB.
The Joker movie came to theaters on Oct. 4 and will remain for all of October. “I’d give it a 5 out of 5 rating. You need to see it,” Rhoads said.
Homecoming is not what it used to be Changes to homecoming procedures left students upset and uncertain about the future of their cherished school traditions
Adopting new methods for homecoming week seems good in theory. However, the wealth of changes that came to this year’s homecoming celebration leaves students feeling wholly disenchanted and questioning what the future holds for their long celebrated and cherished traditions. Powderpuff, an event where male cheerleaders root for female football players in a reversal of traditional roles, has seen drastic changes this year. Previously, classes could set their own dates and times for practices and do so outside of
school. That all changed this year with strict rules being put in place requiring all practices to be conducted under the watchful eye of school administrators. Additionally, parents were not able to attend the event because it took the place of an activity period in lieu of an after school event. Even more dismaying, is the sad reality that the cheerleaders will not be able to perform on the field during halftime of the powderpuff game, but instead are corralled into the pep rally and stripped of their ability to perform any stunts, essentially removing their
relevance from this time-honored event. The changes made to powderpuff made the event feel like a shell of its former self. Dressing up and taking part in the activity periods has long been a staple of homecoming week. But shockingly, this year students only hade four days to take part in the festivities due to having teacher planning day on the Monday of homecoming week. The lip-sync battle was scheduled for Friday of the week before to adjust for this, but no dress up day was planned. Having the opportunity to express some creativity in
preparing your outfit and kids even teaming up to match built a sense of camaraderie, excitement and goodwill. The students felt robbed of their chance to dress up for the themed days, especially seniors who took part for the last time. Another homecoming event that students cherish is the black out pep rally, with students waiting in anticipation of turning on the black lights with glow sticks in hand. But this exciting spectacle is now a thing of the past, as this year the blackout pep rally was canceled without warning.
It disheartens the student body that an event that was available to all students free of charge was taken away without regard to the memories and excitement associated with the pep rally. The changes made to homecoming seem unnecessary and constricting to address the overall welfare of the school. These traditions have stood the test of time for years without issue, so students are disgruntled by the sudden actions of the administration. Should more changes occur, students are more likely to question the reasoning of the administration.
Reader beware, you’re in for a scare
For years people have enjoyed scaring and being scared, and Florida has some of the top rated events for almost 30 years Savannah Henslee staff reporter To satisfy people’s desires for fright during the Halloween season, three well known events in Florida occur annually: Scream-A-Geddon, Howl-OScream, and Halloween Horror Nights. Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios in Orlando boasts multiple houses and scare zones each year. This year’s houses include Stranger Things, throwing you straight into the Upside Down and Universal Monsters, where classic monsters such as Dracula come to life.
“I really like the effort they put into the sets. I think it’s really well done. They plan for it from the end of one event all the way up like next season’s event,” Wrenna Wallis (‘20) said. Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens is full of houses and scare zones, and certain ones stay the same with few changes to the line up each year. New this year is The Residence, where guests will face fear in an ordinary suburban home. Some of the constant houses include Simon’s Slaughterhouse, even the smells plunges you straight into the slaughterhouse full of Simon’s sick games and Motel Hell, where an insect infestation
has arisen and the exterminator has been called to extinguish all life including the guests. “[Motel Hell] just kinda caught you off guard especially when you were going around corners and going through dark places they kinda got you there,” Matthew Benjamin (‘21) said. Scream-A-Geddon, in Dade City, features five houses, one large scare zone, and zombie paint ball. Two of the haunted houses, Black Pool Prison, with rioting inmates; and Infected: Ground Zero, full of zombies and those infected and have an interactive option at no additional cost where you can choose to wear a glow necklace
letting actors grab, move, and separate you from your group. They also have houses that are not interactive such as RAGE 3D, full of clowns and psychedelic illusions which brings fear to a new mental level. Then there is Zombie Paint ball Assault, not a haunted house but a bus with a line of paint ball guns to hunt zombies. These events play on fear and allow people to feel this emotion, each in their own way with their own unique style. For those who are brave enough, visit more than one to get each unique experience.
Price Factor For those looking for the best scare for the smallest price, here are the events listed from most to least expensive. The more dollar signs under the event name, the more expensive it is.
1. Halloween Horror Nights
$$$ 2. Howl-O-Scream
$$ 3. Scream-A-Geddon
$
Trinity Festival: not gone, only paused The annual community festival known as Trinity Fest is unable to happen this year but plans to return in the years to come
Hailey Kroll ent. editor For the past four years, Generations Christian Church put on the event Trinity Fest. The festival included a myriad of carnival rides and games, along with multiple food vendors. This year, however, the church decided not to continue the event. Located 1.1 miles down Little Road, Trinity Fest was the most accessible carnival in the community. Victoria Redinger (‘21), for example, attended last year with a group of friends and decided to make the event an annual tradition.
“I was distraught to find out it the event’s cancellation this year, was cancelled because I really Generations’ staff feels the break had tons of fun last year with will be beneficial to the church. my friends When this and we year’s events We don’t know for sure planned on started piling going again. up, they when we will be able to The Trinity decided to bring Trinity Fest back, but Fest was take a step I would say that our heart the closest back from is in the place where we carnival-like the festival event in our in hopes want to. area and it’s to improve disappointing other events. that it’s been “Analysis cancelled showed that because now of 8,000 it’s a drive to get to a different Trinity Fest visitors, almost half one,” Redinger said. of them also attended our oneAlthough disappointed about night fall festival and Trunk-or-
Ben Ford
Treat event. This event proved to be one of our best events. Because of this, we have chosen to pause the Trinity Festival of 2019 and focus on working for more effective ways to achieve our primary goal: using our resources for the most positive impact on our local community,” Generations Pastor Johnny Scott said. The church also focuses more time and money on their youth ministry. By hosting a party every month, Generations attracts new faces as well as uplifts active members, including Sophie Gomez (‘22). “At first I wished they would’ve still done Trinity Fest, but after
OPINIONS
seeing the other things they have done around the church campus, I’m not mad about it. The parties for youth ministry are really fun and have brought a lot of new people to the church. Although I will miss Trinity Fest, I am still excited to do other fall activities like Trunk-or-Treat with my small [church] group,” Gomez said. “We as a church definitely love the event. We have hopes in the future, maybe even next year, that we will bring it back. We don’t know for sure when we will be able to bring Trinity Fest back, but I would say that our heart is in the place where we want to,” Youth Pastor Ben Ford said.
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Are the real nightmares in Past or Present? A small debate over whether newer horror movies are better and scarier than old horror movies to the teen generation Valerie Farrar news editor
As Halloween approaches, Savannah Meier (‘22) finds that watching horror movies is one of the best ways to get into the spirit. She saw the most recent version of the film “IT” last March, and it has since become her new favorite horror movie. The original adaptation of Stephen King’s novel “IT” is a two-part TV miniseries released in 1990. The newer adaptation was released in 2017. It received a whopping 86 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while the 1990 version only received 61 percent. Meier believes this spike in approval is due to the change in the appearance of the main antagonist of the movie: an evil clown named Pennywise. “Makeup and prosthetics have changed a lot, so Pennywise’s features are a lot scarier than they were in the original. The quality is also improved from the original when they show each character’s fear,” Meier said. “IT” is not the only recent adaptation of an old film enjoyed by horror fans, such as Sophia Morgan (‘21). Writer and director Wes Craven released “Nightmare on Elm Street” in 1984, and its remake premiered in 2010 with the incorporation of newer technology, such as Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI). The addition of this technology has a definite positive effect on audiences;
according to film data researcher Stephen Follows, 29% of top-grossing Hollywood horror movies are remakes. “New horror movies are usually better because they use modern technology. In the newer Nightmare on Elm Street, the graphics make Freddy Kruger look more realistic, which makes the whole movie scarier,” Morgan said. A new addition to the 1978 “Halloween” movie was released in 2010, after nine previous installments in the series. Despite the debate on the overall quality of the most recent movie, Tyler Mai (‘21) still enjoys this version more than the past ones. “The old movies are classic, so they’re still good, but they’re just not as scary. You can usually tell what’s going to happen in the old Halloween movie, but with the new one, you’re always on edge. The special effects make it a lot more gory because they don’t hold back on the kills,” Mai said. The significant improvement in the quality of horror movies can be attributed to the new special effects made possible by new technology, like CGI. Remaking classic films gives new directors the chance to incorporate this technology and put a fresh, creative spin on the originals, allowing an entirely new generation to appreciate the same timeless stories.
Jelayna Vasquez staff reporter
Horror movies, such as “IT” or “Nightmare on Elm Street,” made a reappearance in recent years for the newer generations to enjoy. However, original horror movie fans find that the remakes fail to meet the standards set by their old counterparts. Part of the draw towards old movies is the newness of ideas, themes, and locales. Remakes take away the s the feeling of the shock of having never seen or thought of something that happens. From the late ‘70s through the early ‘90s, horror movies challenged social norms of the time. They kept the actual horror aspect of the film to a minimum, which appeals to a wide range of audiences. Even Stephen King’s “IT” incorporates many anecdotes that viewers find to give the film a playful story line throughout. “It’s really cool to see how horror movies have evolved over time, especially when you’re looking at very old ones and comparing them to the social climates of the time. Like movies from the ‘60s that were pushing a lot of boundaries and not conforming to gender roles. I don’t think the old movies are scarier than the new ones, but they definitely mastered suspense very well. I think in this day and age they’re kind of running out of ideas, so they get really dramatic,” Sarah Evans (‘21) said.
Most of the popular horror movies today are actually remakes of a classic from an earlier time, making them unoriginal. “Halloween” and “Nightmare on Elm Street” were both made for the first time before any current student was born. “The old original horror movies are better because they don’t rely on computer effects and now, the remakes are unoriginal because you’re seeing it for the second time. I’d say the older horror movies aren’t scarier because our generation is more desensitized to all that stuff,” Jack Goldstein (‘21) said. Horror movies today rely on jump scares to keep the audience captivated, while old horror movies were able to do this without the previously mentioned ordeal. These classic films were ahead of the times in the field of special effects. “The originality of the old horror movies makes them better and the fact that at the time they were state of the art, but I wouldn’t say that they’re scarier than the new ones. I’ve always been a fan of the old more than the new ones,” Caleb Swanhart (‘20) said. Older horror movies provide a good scare for any age group. To enjoy the closing Halloween season, watch “It,” “Nightmare on Elm Street,” and “Halloween,” on YouTube or Amazon Prime for a complete spooky season.