pep o’ plant April 2019 Volume 92 Issue 5 H.B. Plant High School 2415 S. Himes Ave. Tampa, FL 33629
Spe Edit cial Sen ion Issuior e!
SEE PAGE 24 FOR A QUIZ TO FIGURE OUT YOUR FUT URE!
ST UDY ING ABROAD Senior exchange student experiences American school and culture page 7
TEACHERS IN T HE 2000S Faculty reminisce about high school days Pages 10 and 11
ROLLING
T HE DIC E AT PAN T HER
Seniors show off
`
SOMEBODY SAY CUT! childhood-movie Remakes Frequently disappoint audiences page 19
prom style pages
16 and 17
ILLA
T HROW IN’ IT BACK! sports evolve over the years pages 30 and 31
Cover Design – Natalie Kerr Cover Photo – Alea Jennings
2 | Table of Contents | PO’P April 2019
W h at’s Inside: 5 7 10 16
Senior Calendar Exchange Student Teachers In 2000 Prom Fashion
Signed Athletes Recap
21
SAT is Inefficient
20
Is the College Board 29 Sports Highlights Effective? 30 Flashback to Childhood Movie Sports in 2002 Remakes
27
28
A note from the Staff – For the special edition senior issue of Pep O’ Plant, we wanted to create something as distinctive and engaging as the class to which it is dedicated. With this in mind, the staff drew from this year’s senior class theme, “Early 2000s” for inspiration. This era was the time of Disney Channel television shows, teen pop stars and
unmistakeable fashion, all of which were being talked about in magazines like “TigerBeat” and “J14.” PO’P aimed to design this newsmagazine in their likeness, and although this issue looks different, it is filled with the same quality content promised in each publication. Every piece has been crafted with consideration for seniors’ interests, memories
So Long From the PO’P Seniors
and experiences. We hope it brings to our readers nostalgia for childhood, pride over accomplishments made during high school years and excitement for what has yet to come. Sincerely, Natalie Kerr & the Pep O’ Plant staff
Find us Twitter
@plantpop Pep O’ Plant @humansofplanthigh
Snapchat
Online
@plantpop phsnews.com Pepoplantnews Front Row: Alissa Mellman, Katie Valenti, Lily Taylor, Jordyn Lutz, Katy Kasper. Back Row: Chad Mendez, Maddie White, Caton Gonzalez, Dean Criser, Alea Jennings, Natalie Kerr, Carter Hamlin, Isabella Ank, Thompson Draper, Jake Criser, Aubrey Ramsfield, Paola Laborda, Tegan Fannin
Send us a letter to the Editor or contact us to advertise pepoplantnews@gmail.com
Designer – Natalie Kerr
Policies
Mission:
The Pep O’ Plant is a student-run newsmagazine serving the community of H.B. Plant High School. The mission of the Pep O’ Plant is to provide an open forum for the free exchange of ideas.
Code of Ethics: Students are expected to adhere to the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics. Consequences for knowingly or unintentionally violating this code include, but are not limited to, probationary status on staff, zero credit for the assignment and removal from leadership positions.
Editorial Policy: The editorial board will make all decisions for the publication. Editorial board members will discuss controversial issues and consider the advice of the adviser before making decisions regarding coverage. Unsigned editorials reflect the opinions of the majority of the editorial board. Signed opinion columns and reviews do not reflect the views of the entire staff, adviser, faculty or administrators of Plant High School.
Letters to the Editor Policy: Letters to the editor can be emailed to pepoplantnews@gmail.com. Letters may be no more than 250 words for publishing purposes. The editorial board reserves the right to edit for length, clarity and grammar in order to meet Associated Press style guidelines. Letters may be rejected in cases of obscene, threatening or libelous language. Unsigned or anonymous letters will not be published.
Obituary Policy: Any current student, staff or faculty member who dies during the year will be recognized with a 300-word obituary and one yearbook-style photo. The editorial board may decide to cover the deaths of alumni or former staff/faculty members when appropriate.
PO’P April 2019 | Staff | 3
PO’P
Video Managers
Isabella Ank Natalie kerr
Caton Gonzalez Madison White
Nicole Prus Michelle RiconesRodriguez
Online EIC
videographers
Faculty Adviser
Thompson Draper
chad mendez Carter Hamlin
Louisa Avery
Jake Criser
staff artists
Christina Porcelli
Copy EIC
Maggie hayes Ariana Cimino
Managing EIC
Dean Criser
Designers Photo EIC Alea jennings
Alexis Alvarez Maggie Hayes Laura Alvarez
Design Adviser This Issue’s Contributors Emily Varcelona Annie Thompson
News Editor Alexis Perno
Features Editor Chloe-Amelie Aikman
Opinions Editor Graham Hill
Sports Editor
The Pep O’ Plant has advertising space available in print and online for members of the school and local community. See the Advertising tab on PHSnews.com for pricing information. Advertisements are submitted by businesses or designed by staffers upon request. Advertisements which promote services or products that are illegal or harmful for anyone under 18 will not be considered. The editorial board has final approval over all advertisement content and design.
Katherine Kasper
Webmaster/ Expressions editor Riley Schofner
Corrections policy:
Affiliations: The Pep O’ Plant has achieved All-American status with the National Scholastic Press Association (2018), is a Gold Medalist with Columbia Scholastic Press Association(2018), All-Southern with the Southern Interscholastic Press Association (2019), and All-Florida with the Florida Scholastic Press Association (2019). The Pep O’ Plant is also a member of the Quill and Scroll International Honor Society.
PEP O’ PLANT | phsnews.com
Print EICs
Advertising Policy:
Errors printed and brought to the attention of the staff will be remedied in the “Corrections” box of the next printed issue. Errors found online will be fixed and accompanied by a note from the editor detailing the correction, as well as tagged to identify it has been corrected.
Staff
Sports Manager chris pisciotti
Social Media Manager Alissa Mellman
Photographers Avery Franks paola laborda Maizie Tremblay Gracen Rivera Lily Taylor Brenna Anderson Aubrey Ramsfield
Writers Addie Robey Ariana Cimino Ava Nelson Carol Kornworcel Clio Bruno Jessica Larrinaga Katie Valenti Avery Franks Maizie Tremblay Hartley Hill Kate Caranante jordyn Lutz
PO’P is a member of Quill and Scroll, National Scholastic Press Association, Columbia Scholastic Press Association, Florida Scholastic Press Association and Southern Interscholastic Press Association.
Plant High School
2476 students & 600 seniors 143 faculty & staff 2415 S. Himes Ave. Tampa FL, 33629 (813) 272-3033 Contribute your own workphsnews.com/Expressions Free distribution 700 copies printed of senior special edition
4 | News News | | PO’P PO’PApril April2019 2019
Designer – Caton Gonzalez
Sen io r Se as on Students participate in final high school events
April 23-26
April 24
An annual, non-school affiliated competition where senior teams compete to be the last standing. Check out @phswaterwars2019 on twitter for more information.
In the auditorium at 6: 30 p.m., Plant specific scholarships, department awards, golden panther and hall of fame recipients are announced.
Water Wars
April 29
April 25-26
Senior Awards
Cap & Gown
May 5
May 13-17
Cap & Gowns will be in the cafeteria to be picked up during lunches. If you forget, you must drive to Clearwater to pick them up.
senior banquet senior week Baccalaureate The banquet is the same day as A non-denominational service at Seniors dress up in themed field day and features the Senior Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church video and dinner in the gym at where a senior and principal 6:30 p.m. senior send off will be Johnny Bush give speeches. afterwards.
outfits each day. Friday is post-grad day featuring outfits demonstrating what seniors hope to do after college.
May 17
May 21
May 24
to walk at graduation and begin at 9 a.m. in the auditorium.
Florida State Fairgrounds. Arrive no later than 2:45 p.m. as roll call is 3:15 p.m. Those who miss role call won’t walk.
The service starts at 2 p.m.
Seniors last day dress rehearsals Graduation Rehearsals is mandatory in order Graduation starts at 4 p.m. at the Finally.
S
PO’P April 2019 | Features | 5
Designer – Natalie Kerr
Studying Abroad Senior exchange student experiences American school, culture
S
trolling through congested hallways people and talk to them. I’m a pretty loud whilst crowd-maneuvering to reach person, so I just talk.” classes such as Algebra 2 and AP Lang, Apart from school, Sow can be found senior Marie Sow blends into the Amer- hanging out with her new-found friends, ica school scene smoothly – even though going to the beach or Busch Gardens and her real home lies over 4,800 miles away in has even attended a concert since coming to Hamburg, Germany. America. A favorite pastime that stands out “We do it in our school years or after- to Sow though is dance. wards – we go and explore the world,” Sow “I like that in America you have said. sports like football and cheerleading. Sow first arrived In Germany you in America in June to don’t have that visit her Aunt in New We do it in our it’s all after York, and from there school stuff,” school years or Sow said. “I’m she traveled to Florida (a highly coveted state afterwards – we go even on the step for exchange programs, team.” according to Sow) in Along with and explore the August where she met school-centered sports, world. her first of two total Sow has said she enjoys host families. most aspects of her stay MARIE SOW “The first time in America, such as the I was at Freedom for one month, but I people she’s met, the pace of school and the changed because it didn’t fit well,” Sow said. plentiful fast-food restaurants. Sow has “I was a little bit scared, I was like ‘oh if I even made note of the flexible dress code. didn’t fit with them I’d be like bye, and have “I love that I can wear whatever I want to go back.’” here, like Crocs,” Sow said. “You can’t Due to a felt-misconnection with her do that in Germany.” first foster family, Sow only had one more As Sow’s stay in America comes to chance to find the right fit before going back a close, she will wrap up her exchange to Germany. Much to her relief, her second experience by returning to New York June and current exchange family was a good 5 for two weeks and then flying b a c k match. With her exchange home predica- to Germany June 18. ment sorted out, Sow still had to face the “I’m going to miss my host adjustment between American and German family, my friends,” Sow said. “And I society. think the weather.” “Food is different here, there’s a lot of After being immersed in A m e r fast food,” Sow said. “In Germany fast food ican culture for over nine m o nt h s , is sausage and potatoes while here it’s like Sow is anticipating returning to her pizza and Chic-fil-A.” home life in Germany. While stark differences between Ameri“I think I’m looking for- ward to ca and Germany are prevalent to Sow, such seeing my family and my friends,” Sow as the political climate and maturity of high said. “And a little bit party- ing.” school boys, she said her ability to make new – AVA NELSON Marie Sow is a senior and member of the step team. Sow came from Germany in August 2018 to spend her senior year studying in America. friends with her lively personality made the transition much easier. “It was hard at first because I was the only person here who was an exchange student,” Sow said. “I think I just go up to
“
–
”
6 | Advertisements | PO’P April 2019
2018-2019
Pep O’ Plant senior Editors in
chief
State Farm Insurance Barnie and Carlene Walker
PO’P April 2019 | Advertisements | 7
Go Wireless! with
Schedule your free orthodontic exam at
BlueWaveOrtho.com/Plant
4209 W. Kennedy Blvd. Tampa, Florida 33609
813-254-8005
tampa671@alphagraphics.com alphagraphicstampa671.com
813.289.4663
North Tampa South Tampa
M. Ryan Homes, LLC &
CBC 1257675
Proud supporters of the Plant Panthers!
8 | Advertisements | PO’P April 2019
NEW AND SECONDHAND SPORTING EQUIPMENT 3914 BRITTON PLAZA, TAMPA, FL 33611 (813) 837 - 8771 GoodNight B-card Final:GoodNight B-card Final
Estren Educational Center Guiding Students & Families Since 1992
Elite Test Prep
Specializing in ACT & SAT
Richard S. Estren, M.A. Master Coach
(727) 821-7337 estrened2@gmail.com
3637 Fourth Street North, Saint Petersburg, FL 33704 200 South Hoover Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33609
10/15/18
Goodnight ORTHODONTICS
Mark T. Goodnight DMD, P.A. South Tampa 3223 S. Dale Mabry Hwy. Tampa, FL 33629 813-805-0206
Westchase 12315 W. Linebaugh Ave. Tampa, FL 33626 813-968-3737
www.goodnightortho.com • braces@goodnightortho.com
Dr.’s Billig, Dahlberg & Cooper 711 South Howard Ave. Tampa, FL 33606 813-254-2020
1:42
PO’P April 2019 | Advertisements | 9
Scanned by CamScanner
Sally O’Neals Supports Plant High
Now Hiring part time phone staff. Call (813)251-0220 1319 S. Howard Ave. Phone #: 813-251-0220 www.sallyonealspizza.com
$5.00 off any order of $25.00 or more any Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday Sally O’Neals. Not valid with other offers. Exp. 05/01/18
Sally O’Neals would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to all the Plant High families who have supported us and the students from Plant High School that have worked for us over 31 years. You have played a big part in our continued success and we thank you!
Go Panthers!!
Pat and Judith O’Neal* *Plant High graduate
Designer – Alea Jennings
10 | Features | PO’P April 2019
TEACHERS
IN THE
2000s
LOUISE YERGEY
Faculty Members reminisce about high school days
CLAIRE SESSUMS Claire Sessums says social pressure has skyrocketed due to social media. Sessums said she misses a world without social media. Photo courtesy of Claire Sessums
What Does She Miss: Used To Do: Clothes She Wore: Music She Listened To: What Has Changed:
A world without social media.
With less peer pressure, Louise Yergey likes how laid back high school is. Yergey used to be a cheerleader and played several other sports in the early 2000s. Photo courtesy of Louise Yergey
What Does She Miss:
How laid-back it was, when there was less social media and less peer pressure.
Used To Do:
Playing sports and being active as a cheerleader, a pole vaulting, running cross country and playing soccer.
Clothes She Wore:
Hollister and Abercrombie, jeans, a lot of jeans was the style and trend
Music She Listened To:
Pop music, rap music, whatever was popular at the time like Mariah Carey, and Eminem.
What Has Changed:
More APs, more opportunity and more pressure. Boom in social media has made things different. Phones and media have made us need immediate gratification. Things move a lot more quickly. Less active outside.
Listened to music on an iPod, going to the mall, using MySpace Abercrombie and Hollister Backstreet Boys and Christina Aguilara Social pressure has skyrocketed due to social media. There is more independence now.
MANDY MARRIOTT What Does She Miss:
Anonymity with no social media and your parents not knowing what’s happening and everything is now online for people to see. How cheap things were
Used To Do:
Going to Moe’s Monday, $5 for a burrito, drink and endless chips.
Clothes She Wore:
Bootleg jeans, butterfly clips and hair accessories
Music She Listened To:
Evanescence, Panic! at the Disco, Maroon 5, Avril Lavigne, Nickelback
What Has Changed:
Technology has changed, everything is accessible. Tampa has changed with more local businesses now, less chains so there’s more to do now. No emojis, had to make own.
Holding up a peace sign, Mandy Marriott poses with a high school friend. Marriott used to listen to Panic! at the Disco and Avril Lavigne in the early 2000s. Photo courtesy of Mandy Marriott
D
PO’P April 2019 | Features | 11
Designer – Alea Jennings
CASSANDRA RUSSEL What Does She Miss: Used To Do: Clothes She Wore: Music She Listened To: What Has Changed:
Track Run track and hang out with friends. Shorts and a tee shirt. Rap music, R&B. preferably LL Cool J Everything! As the blank was fired, Cassandra Russel lunges forward to start the race. Russel used to run track and hang out with her friends in high school. Photo courtesy of Cassandra Russel
KATHERINE ROY What Does She Miss:
Privacy; everything has to be recorded, like concerts.
Used To Do:
Making pottery with friends.
Clothes She Wore:
Silky lacy tops and low-cut jeans with old navy flip flops and polos. Also loved jean skirts.
Music She Listened To:
Nelly, Fat Joe, Ja Rule, 50 Cent and Beyoncé.
What Has Changed:
Access to information via the internet. Using MySpace, AOL Instant Messenger. Having headphones that wrapped around the head and listening to CDs.
JOHN DEORIO
While working as an Abercrombie and Fitch employee, John Deorio spends a night out with his managers. Deorio used to wear Hollister, Pacsun and Abercrombie and Fitch. Photo courtesy of John Deorio
Hanging out with her friends, Katherine Roy says she enjoyed using a flip phone in the early 2000s. Roy, also known as Buchman, liked to make pottery in high school. Photo courtesy of Katherine Roy
What Does He Miss:
Not having to worry about social media, simplicity of a flip phone and how cool it was to text and make phone calls from anywhere.
Used To Do:
Flag football, baseball, volleyball, wrestling and hockey, social gatherings, setting plans and following through because there was no means of communication. Spent lots of time in library and fraternity.
Clothes He Wore:
PacSun, Hollister and even worked for Abercrombie and Fitch. Plus shell necklaces and visors.
Music He Listened To: What Has Changed:
Ska genre and punk, such as Blink-182 and Green Day. Gaming, where they meet up to play instead of on the internet. School and studying has changed. Meeting at the library and actually doing research there and checking out books. Facebook was only for college students. Social media was awkward.
12 | Advertisements | PO’P April 2019
Experience the Pane difference – casual breakfast and lunch fare, global dinner, and baked-from-scratch goods. Mon Tues Wed – Sat Sun 3225 S MacDill Ave
Closed 8 AM – 5 PM 8 AM – 10 PM 8 AM – 3 PM (813) 902-8828
panerusticabakery.com
PO’P April 2019 | Advertisements | 13
Check Us Out Online phsnews.com
14 | Advertisements | PO’P April 2019
4301 West Boy Scout Boulevard, Suite 300 Tampa, FL 33607 Phone: 1-813-229-8900 Shutts offers a full range of legal services to its clients locally, nationally and internationally. At Shutts, our doors are always open.
APPLY NOW FOR CAREERS IN ASPHALT APPLY NOW FOR CAREERS IN CONCRETE APPLY NOW FOR CAREERS IN GUNITE
Get more makes. hoopwerx.com 5018 Coolidge Ave
Preferred Materials, Inc., a CRH company, is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or veteran status. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request.
r
ti c
Ah
en
a Chiar monte
s
&
istry ent D
McIlw ain
PO’P April 2019 | Advertisements | 15
s Or hodon t
Smile–
r
ti c
Ah
en
a Chiar monte
From special touches to make your child feel comfortable at their first visit or when they need braces to the latest technologies, McIlwain Family Dentistry & Ahrens Orthodontics will keep you smiling.
s
&
McIlwain & Charamonte Dentistry
istry ent D
McIlw ain
You’re Part of the Family
s Or hodon t
Smile–
Smile
You’re Part of the Family From special touches to make your child feel comfortable at their first visit or when they need braces to the latest technologies, McIlwain Family Dentistry & Ahrens Orthodontics will keep you smiling.
You’re part of a family
PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
From special touches to make your child feel comfortable at their first visit or when they need braces to the latest technologies, McIlwain Family Dentristry & Ahrens Orhtodontics will keep you smiling
PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY GENERAL DENTISTRY ORTHODONTICS
(813) 879-8097 4710 N. Habana Ave., Tampa
(813) 991-9893 26908 Foggy Creek Rd., Wesley Chapel
www.McIlwainDentistry.com
16 16 || Spotlight Spotlight || PO’P PO’P April April 2019 2019
Flowers because we need plants as humans to live. I love Earth and black.
I chose to wear this because I’ve never been comfortable enough to wear what I’m comfortable in. My girlfriend Lilly finally gave me that confidence to go out for my last prom with a bang.
Designer – Alea Jennings
I am wearing a sequined jumpsuit. I chose to wear this because it is comfortable and stylish, which is usually what I go for in an outfit. I like that it is pants so it’s different than what everyone else is wearing.
I chose to wear this since I won most school spirit. I decided to wear my school colors and because I like bling.
I wore a suit that I got on clearance because it was a steal, and a white tie with flowers to spice things up a little.
D
PO’P PO’PApril April2019 2019| Spotlight | Spotlight| |1717
Designer – Alea Jennings
Seniors show off prom style
Photos by Alea Jennings and Natalie Kerr and courtesy of Leo Parker
I decided on this sparkly pink dress to diverge from my typical style. I like the flowy fit of the gown most about it.
I thought it fit me and stood out from everybody else. I had glasses to wear with it too.
I got my prom dress at Goodwill, it was $13. I like that it’s kind of vintage looking, that nobody else at prom will have one in the same color, in the same style ... I feel like it just fits my personality.
I’m wearing a dress that I embroidered myself because I have always been inspired by the prom scene in “Pretty In Pink”. The thing I like the most is the moon on the front.
I’m wearing a green suit because I didn’t want to wear a normal colored one because it was more fun in my opinion. I like the color a lot because green is one of my favorite colors and I feel comfortable in it.
18 | Advertisements | PO’P April 2019
PO’P April 2019 | Advertisements | 19
As seen in Scout Magazine
Selling your neighborhood for over 33 years.
Ed Gunning & Mary Pond REALTORS®
Bringing together Tampa Bay’s buyers and sellers for more than 33 years. Their successful partnership comes from their deep understanding of the local market, as well as a commitment to exceeding their client’s needs. Ed Gunning 813.690.7902
Mary Pond 813.294.8867
GunningPond.com
Designer – Caton Gonzalez
20 | Opinions | PO’P April 2019
Standardized Inefficiency ! played sports and a good GPA
colleges should not emphasize TEST SCORES
A
cross America, thousands of students are constantly scrambling to achieve a noteworthy SAT or ACT score – one that will hopefully open doors to their dream colleges. Though the SAT and ACT may be able to show college admissions officers the superb academic skills of a student, they are not wholly reflective of a student’s capabilities. That being said, they should not carry such a heavy weight when determining whether or not a student will succeed in college. Proponents of standardized testing argue that it is an efficient method for universities to determine which high school students will succeed in college. A study published by the American Enterprise Institute has shown, on the contrary, that GPAs have a stronger correlation towards college success rather than an SAT/ACT score. Achieving a high score on either the SAT or ACT usually requires hours of studying that take away time from regular courses. Many students are also involved with extracurricular activities which already eat away at valuable time. Dedicating extra hours to studying for standardized tests only adds unnecessary stress and distracts students from studying for their classes. Scoring for standardized tests, in contrast to their name, is anything but standard. If more students answer correctly on a test, more points are taken off for each wrong answer they get. This process is called “equating” and was exemplified in the results of the infamous June 2018 SAT, where hundreds of points were deducted for missing a single question. Though some students had more correct answers, their
overall score was l o w e r than the previous SAT where they had missed more questions. According to Prep Scholar, a website that offers tutoring for the SAT/ACT, students from lowincome families are at a disadvantage compared to their peers whose guardians earn a higher income. Because students of higher-income families can afford costly tutoring, they have a better chance to improve their score. In fact, taking the test itself is costly. Plenty of fees are attached to taking the SAT/ACT, from registration costs to late fees. Though about $60 may not seem like much initially, re-taking the test multiple times will eventually add up. Once again, the bias of standardized testing is apparent: students who want to increase their score by taking the test multiple times can do so if they can pay for it. The students who do not have that luxury are stuck with less opportunities to raise their score. Ignoring SAT/ACT scores is nothing new as more colleges embark on this path. For example, at the University of Chicago, taking either the SAT or ACT is optional to apply. Instead of emphasizing the importance of standardized test scores, more colleges should see the value in judging a student by their character through their resume, essay and GPA. By discounting the SAT/ACT, we will create a leveled playing field for all American students.
His SAT score is too low, looks like it’s a no
Application Denied
GRAPHIC BY MAGGIE HAYES
S
Designer - Natalie Kerr
PO’P April 2019 | Opinions | 21
CHLOE-AMELIE AIKMAN
Does College Board help students get a better education? Students receive abundant opportunities
PRO S
ince its foundation at the end of the 19th century, College Board has provided American students countless opportunities in pursuing a higher education. Though some critics argue that its power is monopolistic, this is necessary to ensure fairness in testing. The standard set by College Board is an effective way to measure and compare students against one another. In recent times, the SAT has been demonized, citing a bias against students who may not be able to afford tutoring. However, the College Board has taken steps to close this gap: they partnered with Khan Academy to create free, official practice tests for the SAT. This way, those who can’t afford a private tutor can still have
access to a valuable resource that will help them achieve a higher score. By practicing on Khan Academy, students are also eligible to win a $1,000 scholarship. This isn’t the only scholarship College Board offers; students may also earn scholarships through completing the FAFSA form and improving their SAT score by 100 points. Besides measuring students, College Board also helps them prepare for a higher education through Advanced Placement classes. These classes also allow students to earn credits if they pass the AP exam. For students who struggle to afford college, earning credits in high school is crucial to not spending their lives in debt. Overall, College Board has benefited students by providing opportunities across a diverse spectrum, from financial help to offering challenging courses to help students grow. – ISABELLA ANK
C
System dupes students
ollege Board has been providing students with an unfair, superficial, corruptible system of getting people into college. It focuses on certain superficial elements of students that don’t portray how they will apply their knowledge for future success. They only determine one’s ability through test taking, rather than leadership skills, handling conflicts, work ethic or personal qualities. There can be a straight-A student actively involved in the community and leadership with a 4.0 GPA, yet if they don’t get above a 1300, their college and scholarship selection is reduced to below their ability. Opportunities, resources and a student’s most critical schooling time are established from one test day, ignoring the four years of high school. AP classes do facilitate a student’s GPA and prepares him or her for college-style classes, but not all schools offer AP classes
to certain students. The SAT, although it does create a standard set of comparing students, does not predict how well one will do in their career. Yet the only thing the SAT is determining is the outrageous standards of schools and requirements for scholarships. From the recent celebrity college scandal, College Board’s legitimacy and fairness in testing are now a joke. Over 50 people beat the standardized system that prevents students with real intelligence and extracurriculars from getting into a school they can excel in. After this dishonor from College Board, the resources they provide that allegedly enhance students’ education are an utterly false statement they live by. – KATIE VALENTI
CON
22 | Advertisements | PO’P April 2019
SUCCESSFULLY SELLING THE
TAMPA BAY AREA SINCE 2004 PLANT HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE | PROUD SUPPORTER OF PLANT HIGH SCHOOL
Kimmie Cimino Fine
FineSells.com 813.240.6563
PO’P April 2019 | Advertisements | 23
LESSONS
Designer – Natalie Kerr
24 | Opinions | PO’P April 2019
“I prefer the original over the remake for ‘Beauty and the Beast’ because the original had more heart and charm to it. The live action was a condensed side by side. – MASON SHAW, senior
! t u C dy Say
I am excited to see [in ‘Mulan’] how the animals are going to be presented as well as seeing an Asian-American princess in live action.” – BRENNA ANDERSON, senior
o b e m So
makes e R ie v o m hildhood
“I think the new ‘Aladdin’ is going to be alright. All of the effects look good, except for the ones on the genie, but Will Smith will do a good job playing it.” – REID SHAMBLIN, senior
“I expect there to be good voice actors for the new ‘Lion King.’ Disney usually does a very good job picking voices for movies like this.” - RHETT RENAUD, senior
“I liked the second ‘Jumanji’ better because it was funnier and more interactive. I really liked Kevin Hart in the movie and I liked how the game was a video game.” - GABBY FEHRING, senior
“I love scary movies and ‘Ring’ chilled me to my core, and the newer one didn’t scare me as much as I wished it would have.” - MADISON BONISA, senior
Graphics by Laura and Alexis Alvarez Photos used with permission from Pixabay.com
iences
point aud p a is d y l t Frequen
c
I
n the past few years, many beloved childhood classics have suffered a trend all too popular among movie studios: remakes. This trend has been steadily perpetuated by numerous culprits, especially Disney. The most recent example is their “Beauty and the Beast” remake, which took the cherished animated version of 1991 and, though it included a solid cast headlined by Emma Watson, this revamp falls far short of the original. Disney is continuing its crime against cinema with other films. “Mulan,” “Aladdin” and, perhaps most damning of all, “The Lion King,” are all due to be recreated in the next few years. However, Disney and other monoliths like them are not the only perpetrators of this. And no genre is immune. The timeless “Jumanji” from 1995 found itself with a remake/sequel/ reinterpretation that left quite a bit to be desired in 2018. Horror, a genre often lambasted for its persistent remakes, had some particularly egregious offenders as of late. “The Ring”, an American film based on Japanese source material and the closest thing to a horror classic in the last 20 years, was remade in 2017 under the title “Rings,” a film so scattered in its plot and lazy in its execution that it holds only a feeble 7% on Rotten Tomatoes. Transcending all genres and eras is a fundamen-
tal problem with remakes: they are nigh on impossible to do correctly. Any attempt to deviate from the source will draw criticism for being unfaithful. Slavish obedience to the original, however, is equally difficult to pull off, for the simple fact that, if the remake has nothing new to offer, the movie has no purpose for existing. Additionally, if the remake is inferior to the original (and they often are), a viewer would leave the theater simply wishing that they had remained at home and watched the original instead. Remakes bring nothing to the table and offer no additional substance to film in general. They are almost always exactly what they appear to be: creativity-deficient producers and studios grasping at anything with even a shred of nostalgia that can be marketed. Film is not in danger, however. As consumers, it is our responsibility to recognize these remakes for what they are – cash grabs – and avoid them. Quality films are not extinct; one only has to look for them. Independent filmmaking, though hopelessly outmatched in terms of budget and production quality by larger entities, is becoming easier than ever and has a much more steadfast commitment to producing quality work. So, upon hearing of the latest remake or reimagining or whatever they will be called next, do not lose faith, but rather be assured that good cinema is still out there, just waiting to be found. – GRAHAM HILL Jumanji photo used with permission from Sony Pictures. Disney movie photos used with permission from Walt Disney Studios, Rings photo used with permission from Paramount.
W F
Designer - Natalie Kerr
PO’P April 2019 | Opinions | 25
What Should Your Future Plans Be? Which is your favorite school subject?
Which trait do you value the most?
A Math
A Intellect
B Social studies
B Good sense of humor
C Art
C Persistence
D Economics
D Practicality
E PE
E Loyalty
Who is your idol?
Which movie would you see in theaters?
A Stephen Hawking
A “Life of the Party”
B Anthony Bourdain
B “Secret Life of Walter Mitty”
C Joanna and Chip Gaines
C “Second Act”
D Steve Jobs
D “Clerks”
E Arnold Schwarzenegger
E “Saving Private Ryan”
Which is your favorite weekend activity?
Which do you never leave home without?
A Going to sports events
A My current read
B Trying something new
B AirPods
C Working on creative projects
C Swiss Army knife
D Making money
D My notebook
E Playing laser tag
E The American flag
Take to f this qu ind o iz ut!
Mostly As Go to college!
“I think the benefit of college is that it helps you get a job and understand what you want to be when you’re older”
– ERIN BROWN
Mostly Bs Take a gap year! “I want to take more time to learn how to live on my own before I try to add school on top of that.”
– RYLEE STONE
Mostly Cs Go to a trade school!
“Trade schools save a lot of money and time. You probably learn the same amount of things and you get a faster start to your career ”
– TARA LEEKS
Mostly Ds Go into the work force!
Mostly Es Go into the military! “I’ve always loved
mechanics and the military and I figured it would be good to serve our country.”
– ARMANI CIUCIO
“I decided not to go to college because I feel like it’s not for me, and that I could get more things I want to do done in a shorter period of time.”
– AUBREY RAMSFIELD
26 | Advertisements | PO’P April 2019
BUELL & ELLIGETT Proudly Supports
, P.A.
Plant High School
Accidents and Injuries Eminent Domain
3003 W. Azeele Street, Suite 100, Tampa, FL 33609 (813)874-2600 www.belawtampa.com
Crown & Mane
Designer - Laura Alvarez
PO’P April 2019 | Sports | 27
of the T imes Sign Sign review of 2018-2019 signed athletes
26 11 22 33 33
students signed to colleges in 12 states
Volleyball:
Cam ryn Vogler
Basketball:
Loga n
Lexi Ashby, Rebecca Gibson, Kristina Longo, Daniel Schouler, Drew Mayts, Charley Brannan
y Morrisse
Swim:
Alyssa Nagle
Soccer:
Ansley Melendi and Jack Casey
Baseball: Gabe Rincones, JD Urso, Leo Oshinski
Crew:
66
Lacrosse:
Sydney Urban, Katie Rice, Anna Williams
99 14 14
Football: Enrique Jerico
deJesus, Caleb Faris, Jude May, Romain Smoke Mungin, Cameron Shaw, Walter Wilbon III, Leonard Parker, Everett Smalley, Will Putnam
Colorado: Everett Smalley and Logan Morrissey, Air Force Academy New Hampshire: Jack Casey, Dartmouth College Massachusetts: Ansley Melendi, University of Massachusetts Amherst Ohio: Walter Wilbon III, Ohio University Pennsylvania: Charley Brannan, Grove City College Maryland: Alyssa Nagle: US Naval Academy
Tennessee: Katie Rice, University of Tennessee North Carolina: Anna Williams, UNC students Chapel Hill South Carolina: Will Putnam, Clemson signed to Alabama: Florida Daniel Schouler, schools University of Montavello Florida: Camryn Vogler, Romain Smoke Georgia: Drew Mungin, Enrique Jerico DeJesus, Florida Mayts, Mercer Atlantic University University Gabe Rincones, JD Urso, Leo Oshinski, St. Pete College Sydney Urban and Cameron Shaw, University of Central Florida Jude May and Lexi Ashby, University of Florida Caleb Faris, Florida State University Rebecca Gibson, Florida Southern University Kristina Longo, Embry-Riddle Leonard Parker, University of South Florida
28 | Sports | PO’P April 2019
G
TEAM GO! REVIEW OF SENIORs’ high school SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS
Designer – Natalie Kerr
You’re In!
Make a Splash!
Alyssa Nagal and Jillian Schulte competed at three of four state swim meets and were on two state runner up teams
Serve It Up! Seniors Meghan Gramling and Natali Mirsiri were named girls tennis captains both junior and senior year
Out Of The Park! Duece!
Three time regional qualifiers Ben Davis and Stephen Echevarria went undefeated sophomore year in the regular season.
Senior year, Gabe Rincones had three home runs in four games
Senior Logan Morrisey made first team all-conference and top 24 in the county after being nominated by coaches in 2019
Sack City! Elise Kern, in her sophomore year, had seven sacks at the 2016 flag football state championship
“No matter what team we played, we always had support and that is what I’ll miss the most.” – CAMERYN VOGLER VOTED MOST ATHLETIC GIRL BY 2019 SENIOR CLASS
Swish! Senior Alexys Mathangani has played in more games than any other player for girls’ basketball in Plant history, totaling to 113 games
Stunt On ‘Em!
Ashlee Osceola and Sofia Engel made AllAmerican at the Western cheer conference in 2019
PO’P April 2019 | Sports | 29
Designer – Natalie Kerr
Batter Out!
Go Long!
This Senior year, pitcher Kyle Gates threw a one hitter against Robinson High School
In this year’s game, wide receiver and safety Leonard Parker took an 86 yard kick return back against Newsome
“I’m going to miss my teammates and the bond I created with them because of football.” – LEO PARKER VOTED MOST ATHLETIC BOY BY 2019 SENIOR CLASS
Wins! Senior year, Lexi Ashby earned lacrosse team All-District, team All-Conference, US Lacrosse AllAcademic and US All-American honors
Kickin It! What A Catch! Sophomore year, Sydney Crosby had 96 catches as the girls flag football starting center
Score!
Lacrosse seniors Gabby Dituri and Kelsey Epstein won the Positive Coaching Alliance’s Triple Impact Competitor Scholarships.
Senior Ansley Melindi had the opportunity to play at the 2019 soccer all-star game
Lax Bros Be Like! His junior and senior years, lacrosse defenseman Drew Maytes made the top 25 players to watch list in Tampa
Four! Madi Garret set a new record for the girls golf team, shooting 35(-1) on nine holes, the lowest round overall at districts, –73(+) through 18
That’s Spirit! Julia Mann and Olivia Abdoney made the Universal Cheerleaders Association all American in 2019
30 | Sports | PO’P April 2019
Designer – Maizie Tremblay
T hrowin’ Football: Quarterback
Darryl Gordon, 11, throws the ball down field to one of his receivers. Gordon has plenty of time to drop back and throw because of the excellent blocking by his offensive linemen.
sports evolve over the years
Cheerleading: Sophomore
Amy Robinson was a key factor in keeping the crowds pumped this year. With her peppy attitude, she helped cheers the football players to victory.
Wrestling: Devin Maradi,
on the right, wrenches his opponent’s arm into a move called The Chicken Wing. Maradi was the only Plant wrestler to qualify for states this year.
Cross Country: Freshman Justin Bass and sophomore Adam Buchanan lead the way in a sea of runners. Both boys enjoy status as awesome Plant team members.
2002
Baseball: Shortstop Edwin Kain underhands the ball to second baseman Chris Rosende to turn a double play. Not many hits git through the infield due Edwin and Chris’ speed and cooperation.
Swim: Freshman Christine Areccar glides through the
water while warming up her freestyle. This young swimmer not only posted some of the fastest times for the team but was also considered one of the top swimmers in the state.
Captions by Lily Taylor PHOTOS– 2002 Panther yearbook
Designer – Maizie Tremblay
PO’P April 2019 | Sports | 31
n’ It Back Football: Getting stuck
under a pile of Wiregrass Ranch High School players, junior quarterback Tucker Gleason makes a play but ends up getting tackled Oct. 26 at Dad’s Stadium. The ending score of the game was 42-0, another win for the varsity football team.– AVERY FRANKS
Cheerleading: Warming
up on the sidelines, the cheer team lifts senior Jenna Curl into her stunt at Sickles High School Sept. 28. The crowd looked on as the girls tossed her up just before kickoff.–HARTLEY HILL
2019
Wrestling: As he’s being
pinned by an opponent, freshman Kody Reed goes against Freedom high school Dec 12. 2018 at Herman Valdes Gym. Jeremy Carter became a coach for wrestling three years ago. –ALEA JENNINGS
Cross Country: At the sound of the gun, the members of the boys cross country team dash through puddles at the start of the varsity race Sept. 25. The boys placed first at the meet with a score of 24.–ALEA JENNINGS
Baseball: Winding up his arm, sophomore Brooks Bak
pitches to a Sarasota High School player at Wade Boggs Field Tuesday, Feb. 19. The varsity baseball team lost the home non-conference game 5-3.–ALEA JENNINGS
Swim: Swimming the women’s 100-yard backstroke,
sophomore Bruna Custodio placed fourth at Bobby Hicks Friday, Oct. 5. Custodio qualified with a seed time of 1:06.05. –ALEA JENNINGS