PO’P PEP O’ PLANT |
pepoplant.com
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It s the
End THE SENIOR ISSUE
April 13, 2017 | Volume 90 | Issue 7 H.B. Plant High School | 2415 S. Himes Ave. Tampa, FL 33629
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TABLE OF CONTENTS:
News
@plantpop
What You Missed, It’s Almost the End, but First, School board proposes schedule changes
Features INSTAGRAM
Pep O’ Plant graduates share their goodbyes, Upperclassmen advise underclassmen, Books impact lives, Ivy League schools accept scholars
Centerspread @humansofplanthigh
Future alumni share where they will be spending their next four years
Opinion SNAPCHAT
New school board proposal harms student performance, Face Off: Should you participate in senior activities?
Arts & Entertainment @pepoplantnews WEBSITE
pepoplant.com 2 | Table of Contents
Tampa provides options for healthy, tasty foods, Graduation parties provide many memories
Sports Athletes reflect on careers, preparation for college sports
4-8 10-15 16-17 18-19 21-22 26-27
MISSION STATEMENT: The Pep O’ Plant is the student-run publication 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.
PO’P
PEP O’ PLANT
| pepoplant.com
Staff
SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY: Members of the staff are expected to use personal and publication social media accounts in a mature, responsible and professional manner. Students who do not follow these guidelines will lose the privilege of posting on the Pep O’ Plant social media accounts and may face additional consequences. Unsigned posts on a publication account will be removed.
EDITORIAL POLICY: The editorial board will make all decisions for the publication. Editorial board members will discuss controversial issues and will consider the advice of the adviser before making decisions regarding coverage. Administration will be made aware of any sensitive topics in advance. 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, advisor, faculty or administrators of H.B. Plant High School.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY: Letters to the editor can be emailed to pepoplantnews@gmail.com. The editorial board has the right to revise, edit, condense and reject any letters. Unsigned or anonymous letters will not be published.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 in the newspaper with a 300-word obituary and one mugshot photo. The editorial board may decide to cover the deaths of alumni or former staff/faculty members when appropriate.
ADVERTISING POLICY: The Pep O’ Plant has ad space available in print and online for members of the school and local community. To receive advertising information, email pepoplantnews@gmail.com. Advertisements that 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.
Editors-in-Chief Savannah Lowry Rachel Ferreri News Editor Zoie Ashmeade
Features Editor Darnell Henderson Centerspread Editor Zoe Antinori Opinions Editor Sam Werner Art & Entertainment Editor Maggie Fitzsimmons Sports Editor Jacob Robinson Business Manager Natalie Grant Public Relations Pershia Haj Emilia DiFabrizio Copy Editors Jake Criser Dean Criser Sports Writer Reed Frevola Staff Writers Isabella Ank Sydni Bates Thompson Draper Elizabeth Hancock Cole Maines
Faculty Adviser Louisa Avery
Policies | 3
What Y u Missed... Pep O’ Plant Retweeted Chemical Warfare @Syria
News in 140 characters or less
Chemical weapons used in Syria against its citizens, allegedly by government, has lead President Trump to send tomahawk missiles into Syria. Source CNN
Jack McDonald, senior
Pep O’ Plant Retweeted Kendall Jenner @Pepsi
Kendall Jenner starred in a controversial Pepsi ad in which she ends a protest by giving a police officer a Pepsi. Sydney Turton, sophomore
Pep O’ Plant Retweeted Senate Bill 926 @SB926
Legislation to be passed to end the EOC graduation requirement, SAT, AP and IB scores would suffice to be able to graduate.
Source wikimedia commons
Source tampabay.com
Hanalei Nattingly, freshman
“I think it makes it less reliant on grades and more about general knowledge. I have mixed feelings because its lessens thoughts on school but it isn’t fair to base intelligence on school.” “I’m excited and ready for the baseball. I think it won’t do much for Tampa.”
Pep O’ Plant Retweeted Opening Day @RaysBaseball
Sunday, April 3 is the Ray’s opening day for the 2017 season. They will be playing against the New York Yankees. Source 83degressmedia.com
“I think that chemical warfare is bad and it is a good thing to stand up for the innocent people in Syria, but it is a complicated issue and will probably get Russia involved.” “I think it was kind of copying the other commercials, but it portrayed a good image of people of all walks of life coming together.”
Devon Curry, junior
Pep O’ Plant Retweeted New Squad Car @Holloway
Officer Holloway recently got a new squad car, a 2017 Ford Explorer. #NewWhip
Mark Holloway, resource officer
“It’s a great thing because at the schools usually we’re the last one on the street to get any new equipment from the police department.”
Designed by Darnell Henderson Compiled by Zoie Ashmeade, Rachel Ferreri
4 | News
Advertisements | 5
It’s Almost the End, but First APR
17 Senior Banquet
APR
19
A gathering of the most tenured students in the school who come together for a night of fine dining and quality entertainment.
I’m excited because it’s the first event of senior season and it kind of kicks off the beginning of the end.” -Matt Hafer
Seniors accept Plant specific scholarships that they are awarded.
“It is extremely touching to see those who have worked so hard throughout their high school career be awarded for their talents and efforts. I am overly excited to attend the event and support my peers.” -Darnell Henderson
Senior Awards
APR
21 Grad Bash
APR
24-28 Senior Week
MAY
11-12 AP Exams
6 | News
MAY
7 Baccalaureate
Event at Universal Studios for seniors in high schools around Florida. Tickets are $120 including bus fare.
“I love riding roller coaster rides and hanging out with friends so I’m really excited that I am able to incorporate both things at grad bash.”- Claudia Shaffer
Seniors dress up according to daily themes and celebrate their final full week of high school.
“I’m most excited to see all the seniors dress up because it’s nice too see when everyone gets included and participates.” -Drew Miller
Exams to test the knowledge of AP students and see if they qualify to receive credit for those classes they take in high school.
“Although AP exams are stressful and take a lot of time out of my schedule to study for, i think they are worth the effort because it saves money in college if you pass the exam which is always a bonus.” -Isabel Averiett
MAY
11-12
A ceremony to bless the senior class at Palma Ceia United Methodist Church with speakers from the community.
“I’m really sad because it will be one of my last times with the senior class. But excited because we have all suffered through high school so we are all super close and I know all my classmates will accomplish great things.”-Kelsey John
Seniors who chose not to exempt exams come to school to complete them.
“I didn’t exempt because why wouldn’t I miss as many days as I want just to come in and take a test.”-Bridget Ganther
Seniors come to school spend their final day playing different field activities.
“It’s been a wild ride these past four years at Plant High, and to be able to finish on a high note with senior send off makes it go out with a bang, just the way it should.” -Brett Dumas
An hour long practice before graduation to go over seating and walking positions.
“They should of tried to make it later but I also understand a ton of schools have graduations that week and it’s easy to see that scheduling would be limited.” -Amelia Balsizer
Seniors and their families gather to celebrate the achievement of receiving a high school diploma at the Florida State Fairgrounds.
“I entered high school not knowing what to expect. I took four years to really find who I was and where I belonged here and now it’s all soon to change. Some part of me is.” -Kevin
Senior Exams
MAY
15 Senior Send off
MAY
16
Graduation Rehersal
MAY
19 Graduation
©2009 Oakley, Inc.
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®
©2008 Oakley, Inc.
Wm. Preston Billig, O.D. 711 South Howard Ave. Tampa, FL 33606 813-254-2020
Advertisement | 7
Early to bed, Early to Rise
School board proposes schedule changes
F
ive days a week, Hillsborough County Public High Schools begin first period at 7:33 a.m., but this may change in the upcoming school year. Certain factors, such as tardy buses, a reduced budget and students not having enough time for extracurricular activities have motivated the District Board to consider a change in the schedule. “Currently, many students are consistently late to school because there is not enough time for our buses to pick up and drop off students,” superintendent Jeff Eakins said in a YouTube video uploaded to the HCPS channel. Throughout this past school year, buses have been late to school, forcing students who take the bus to miss part of their first class. This is due to the limited time period bus drivers have to reach one location after the other. One of the proposed bell schedules to combat these issues suggests beginning high schools at 7:15 a.m., 18 minutes earlier than this year. In turn, this will allow bus drivers to have more time to arrive at each stop. “I think it would be more orderly because we need more time to go to the school,” bus driver Eduardo de la Rosa said. An earlier start time will mean an
earlier dismissal time, which allows students to participate in more after school activities, including working at a job. “I would probably end up liking the new schedule more because I’d have more time at home,” freshman Alex Munson said.
“
“
Isabella Ank Staff Writer
“Currently, many students are consistently late to school because there is not enough time for our buses to pick up and drop off students,” -Jeff Eakins, superintendent
A primary concern for students and faculty alike is the effectiveness of early morning classes. Years of research has proven that early school start times will have negative effects on students, such as lack of focus in class and depression. In 2014, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that schools begin at 8:30 a.m. to give students a sufficient amount of sleep. “First period is already pretty much a dead period, everyone’s already asleep
Now
7:33
a.m.
3:00
Time lost: p.m.
Proposed
7:15
a.m.
2:10
there,” sophomore Max Frankel said. Students have additional concerns with the current schedule, in regards to after school activities and whether they have enough time to finish homework. “This will give students more time for extracurricular activities and reduce late nights doing homework,” junior Jackie Tawil said. Should the proposed 7:15 a.m.-2:00 p.m. schedule be implemented for the upcoming school year, students will have an extra hour to arrive at their jobs or other outside of school activities. It will also allow more time to study and complete homework assignments. A result of getting out at 2:00 p.m. will mean that classes will be shortened. Shorter class periods will also mean teachers will have less time to teach students new concepts. As a result, some teachers worry that students may not be prepared enough to take finals such as the EOC or College Board exams. “[My biggest concern is] making sure that my Algebra 2 Honors classes get all the material done in time for the EOC,” math teacher Tara Clark said. The school board is expected to make a decision on the matter on May 2. Until then, students, faculty and parents are all encouraged to vocalize their thoughts on whether the currents schedule should be kept or discarded.
p.m.
32 minutes each day 96 hours lost a year 19 educational days lost total
8 | News
Sally O’Neal’s 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*
*Former Plant High graduate
$5.00 off any order of $25.00 or more any Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday Sally O’Neal’s. Phone: (813)251-0220 SallyOnealsPizza.com Not valid with other offers. Exp. 5/30/17
Now Hiring part time phone staff. Call (813)251-0220 1319 S. Howard Ave. Phone #: 813-251-0220 www.sallyonealspizza.com Advertisement | 9
Poppin’ Seniors Pep O’ Plant’s graduates
Pep O’ Plant’s Class of 2017
share their goodbyes
Rachel Ferreri
Editor in Chief
Maggie Fitzsimmons
A&E Editor
Zoe Antinori
Centerspread Editor
Zoie Ashmeade
News Editor
Darnell Henderson
Features Editor
Sam Werner
Opinions Editor
Pershia Haj
Public Relations
Natalie Grant
Staff Writer
Lizzie Hancock
Staff Writer
Emilia DiFabrizio
Public Relations
10 | Features
It’s been an interesting four years with many ups and downs, but I can honestly say that in the least cliche way possible that I have grown up a lot, especially in the last year. The biggest thing I learned is that you can never take anything for granted because you never know what is going to happen. That means putting in your best effort into everything: your classes, your extracurriculars, friendships, etc. I’ve learned a lot about communication and managing relationships that I will be able to take with me to college and beyond. You can control the relationships in your life. You put in the effort to stay friends with who you want to stay friends with and you can control who the closest people in your life are. Choose wisely. If I were a freshman, looking at doing these four years again, I would say to embrace every cliche high school tradition: go to the football games, go to school dances, participate in spirit week etc. You only have one high school experience and it isn’t something that can be redone so make it something that you’ll be proud of when you look back.
Rachel Ferreri
As excited as I am for going to college at Florida State University , I know that I am definitely going to miss Plant when I graduate this spring. I’ve changed and learned so much over these past four years, and Plant has played such a huge role in all of that. Being a part of the Pep O’ Plant staff has easily been one of the greatest and most memorable parts of my high school experience, and I would highly recommend getting involved to anyone who thinks they may be interested. Not only will it help you build extremely valuable skills, you’ll have an awesome time doing it.
Maggie Fitzsimmons
I’ve spent the last four years cheering on the panthers, and I am so excited to spend the next four years cheering on the gators. I am going to miss so much after graduation. Plant is the place where I’ve meet my closest friends, made connections with teachers and have grown as a person. I couldn’t imagine being the person I am today without this chapter of my life. Being part of Pep O’ Plant has been one of the highlights of my high school career. Newspaper has given me the opportunity to meet new people, grow as a writer and get out of my comfort zone, and I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. Spend your time at Plant getting involved, hanging out with friends and making sure you don’t go off to college with any regrets.
Sam Werner Plant High School has helped me grow academically and as a person over the past four years. Saying goodbye is bittersweet, as I know I will be off to bigger and better things in college but it is still sad to let go after having this school be such a huge part of my life. I will miss my friends a lot in college, but I want to thank Plant for helping me become so close with so many great people. I also want to thank Plant for helping me take my next step in life and thank all the teachers who have helped me along the way. Peace.
Lizzie Hancock I have had an amazing experience at this school for the past four years. The memories I have made here will remain within my heart and be cherished forever. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to partake in journalism at Plant. Louisa Avery is an amazing person and teacher and I’m lucky to have had the chance to learn from her. I have met some of the greatest people from Newspaper and am glad to call these people my family. The class taught us all how to work together efficiently even in through the biggest obstacles. I will be attending the University of Central Florida starting in the summer and I’m super excited to enter this next chapter of my life. Go Panthers!
Pershia Haj First off, I’d like to start by saying thanks I guess. Thank you for the constant reminder that nothing will get done if someone can see my shoulder. Thank you for allowing me to see the difference between right and wrong, though the line is sometimes blurred. Thank you for showing me who in my life is here to stay and who is not. Thank you for giving me the good times along with the bad. Thank you for the football games, dances, and countless bonds that have been made here. Thank you for drilling the quadratic formula into my mind (x = -b ± √b²-4ac /2a) and most of all thank you for a positively unforgettable high school experience.Plant High School,I will also say one thing: you will be missed.
Zoe Antinori
This may frighten you, but quit your prejudice. This serves as a statement against all discriminations, in particular xenophobia. There is no reason for the hate and discrimination that coats our world today. The reason and cause of this hate can be sourced to bigot beliefs and plain ignorance. And I firmly believe that our world is much better than what we surround ourselves with. I believe that we can be a generation, a class that truly accepts and loves all we meet and encounter. For in my four, incredible years at H.B. Plant High School one of the innumerable lessons I can take away is that loving everyone, regardless of race, sexuality, gender identity or religion, is how you truly live and enjoy and savor your experiences. To lift and encourage all around you is how you create a positive and fulfilling environment in which everyone benefits. So I leave hoping that the oncoming classes will be the most positive, most encouraging, most terrific individuals Plant has ever seen. Good bye, farewell, good luck.
Darnell Henderson I’d like to start by thanking Plant for a wild four years. Although I’ll always feel there’s too much interest in football over things like Pep O’ Plant and annoyed by the fact that I couldn’t wear tank tops. But it was super fun, other than the whole AP classes and hours of homework thing that I rarely did (naps are a priority). I’d like to give a shout out to all of PO’P’s haters because you really helped up produce the best newspaper that we could this year #AllFlorida!!! See you later Panthers (or not).
Zoie Ashmeade Though I have only attended Plant High School for two years I can say they are my favorite two years of high school. It’s been a rollercoaster. There have been those good times and the bad times. However the good memories outweigh the bad ones. It is sad to leave this school but I am excited for college and what the future has to bring. I feel like I have been well prepared and I am at the point in my life where I am ready for the next chapter in life: college. Thank you Plant High School I will remember my time here..
Natalie Grant Features | 11
12 | Advertisement
Upperclassmen advise
Underclassmen “You need to study a lot more than you think you do.” - Nikolas Pantelis
“Study for your SAT/ACT with a regimen and focus! It will pay off and makes a big difference when applying for college.” - Delaney Turton
Elizabeth Hancock Staff Writer Having four years of high school experience, seniors are ready to pass their knowledge along to underclassmen before they graduate. Underclassmen can learn from their experience as older students and listen to their advice concerning homework, friends, and school spirit before they take their place as seniors themselves.
“Hang out with your true friends the most, because those moments are going to be the best part about high school.” - Diane Fish
“Don’t wait until Sunday night to do your homework.” - Carolina Santigosa
Work Hard, Study Harder Tips to prepare for AP Exams Natalie Grant Staff Writer Now being April, many students begin to think more about approaching AP Exams. Advance Placement classes are college level courses that students may take in order to obtain college credit or gain a boost in GPA. However, many of the classes have are wrapping up the course and preparing for exams, which begins on May 1 and last until May 12.
“I bought Princeton Review books for all of my classes and each night I spend about an hour per class reading through it.” - Lindsay Baker, senior
“I am offering two mock exams with review days so that everybody can have extra practice on what the exam will look like and what the timing will look like so In order to be successful in the they are extra prepared.” exams, students are taking differ- - Jazmina Toledo, AP Macro/ ent measures to prepare for their Micro Economics teacher exams.
“Crash course. That’s it right there.” - Liam Steadman, junior
“I have the college board book and I go through and highlight and write side notes. My teacher gives us a lot of notes so I go through them and make separate notes and study those as well.” - Elliot Cash, sophomore Features | 13
Books impact lives Darnell Henderson Features Editor As this year comes to a conclusion, the class of 2017 becomes reminiscent over the memories, experiences and people who have shaped and created their high school career. However, one factor of high school that can be just as integral as the others are the books students have read throughout their four years Books have the power to impact a student’s career immensely by transpiring new perspectives, guiding students through challenging times and perhaps giving students new appreciation for teachers. These five have been interviewed on the most impactful books they have read during high school and here are their responses
“[The most impactful book I’ve read is] Catcher in the Rye because it’s honestly one of my all time favorite books and I think it’s relatable to teenagers. I liked the writing style and the message. Since it’s a very first person point of view and I got to see a different perspective and got inside the main character’s head so it helped me emphasize with others and the world. Antoinette Velazquez, senior
“[The most impactful high school book I read is] Fight Club by Chuck Palahnuik. I learned about myself as a reader and realized I loved the challenges of changes in perspective and stream of consciousness writing. Through writings fillings the margins, arrows circling around, and page numbers demonstrating sporadic elements of a theme, I became entrenched in the overlap between “reality” and Tyler’s “reality.” This concept of intersectionality shaped the colleges I looked into, how I wrote my college admission essays, and my ability to identify and express my academic value.” Olivia Morris, senior
“The most impactful book I have read was during senior year in Mrs. Vaughan’s class and it was “A Thousand Splendid Suns.” By Khaled Hosseini because it allowed me to really see what the culture and life is like in the Middle East without any negative bias. It taught me to contemplate the importance of faith and hope in seemingly impossible situations and inspired me to further want to help those in need. One of my favorite quotes from the novel is, “Some things I can teach you. Some you learn from books. But there are things that, well, you have to see and feel.” Arissa Cannella, senior
“Dubliners by James Joyce. It was dark and real and beautifully written. It taught me to think on my own and pursue my ambitions. I read it sophomore year for Mr. James and I feel like I didn’t appreciate him as a teacher at the time but I should have. [My favorite quote is] His soul swooned slowly as he heard the snow falling faintly through the universe and faintly falling, like the descent of their last end, upon the living and the dead.” Augie Castellano, senior
“The most impactful book I’ve read has been “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky. It wasn’t assigned reading, Caroline Norton told me I should read it and gave me her copy. It was interesting because I saw many parallels between the main character and my past self. Some were good, some were bad. Reading it brought me some introspection on what I should change about myself and what needed tweaking. ‘Things change. And friends leave. Life doesn’t stop for anybody.’ That was my favorite quote because it was during a time where lots of things were changing in my life and I was just trying to make the most out of it.” Sean Smith, senior
14 | Features
Ivy League schools accept scholars Attending Brown University “I was looking at mostly UPenn, Dartmouth and Brown but I only applied to Brown. They had interest in me for football and the ability to play at the collegiate level at Brown and to receive an Ivy education was a dream come true for me.”
Darnell Henderson Features Editor Seniors are in the process of selecting what their future will behold after graduation. Some will choose to take a gap year. Many choose the route of college. Whether it be a community college or a state university. However, some students go beyond this traditional path and take on the prestigious Ivy Leagues. These eight schools are distinguished by their academic vigor and top students. And as a result a selective acceptance. Four of the seniors from the class of 2017 have been accepted, some even attending, to a few of these eight schools.
Ivy League acceptance rates
Brown University
9.6%
Applied
28,742
Accepted
2,760
Davis Bak Attending Princeton University
George Bentley
Accepted into Cornell University
Simone Burgin
Accepted
37,812 2,363
Princeton University 7.9% Applied
26,664
Accepted
1,300
UPenn Applied
12.3% 31,216
Accepted
3,846
“I applied to Harvard which I hate Harvard, but I just applied to see if I got in which would be cool, but I didn’t really think I was going to get in. Yale is one school I’ve always kind of liked from when I was a kid because it looks like a castle and it’s a little bit less pretentious than Harvard, and Cornell, I grew up pretty close to there and the food is really tasty. I got into Cornell. It felt good, especially since I’ve worked really hard to get to this point.”
Accepted into Brown University, Cornell University, Yale University and University of Pennsylvania
Cornell University 16.2% Applied
“I really liked Brown because of the open curriculum and it seemed to have a wonderful personality of freely exploring. I didn’t apply to Brown early because I wasn’t ready to do anything binding so I decided to apply to Princeton early which sounds silly, and while I was working on the application I met up on Princeton and fell in love with it, so that’s where I think I am going to want to go. I was really excited when I got into Princeton.”
Jabreea Johnson
“I chose to apply because I knew that they had a lot of resources academically and I wanted to go out of state. I got into Brown, Cornell, UPenn and Yale. I knew I already had gotten into Cornell and UPenn asked me for something for financial aid in the mail so I knew I got in. I didn’t think I would get into Yale because I applied early. Most of my schools admissions officers called and told me how much they loved my essays. My Yale admissions officer was blown away by my common apps essay. When I got into my schools I felt a sense of confusion. I was surprised I got in and numb, I couldn’t process it. I was so happy about it that I couldn’t really process that I could go there in the fall. I was numb, I thought I was going to cry.”
Source: IvyCoach.com
Features | 15
coast coast to
Future alumni sh be spending the
N o r th Dakota S tate U niver s ity Por t la n d Co m m u n i ty Co lle ge
“I chose NDSU because after visiting a few times and really getting to know the coaches and the culture I felt like it would be a perfect fit for me. The atmosphere up there is amazing and I couldn’t see myself anywhere else.” -Christian Watson
I llinois St at e U niversi t y They offered me a full ride for gymnastics sophomore year and I’m so excited to be a part of the program.” -Katey Digacamo
“I’m just looking forward to being out of Florida. I just really wanted to go out of state and this was the only affordable way because I could go to community college and live with my grandma.” -Jack McDonald
Univ e r s ity o f D e n ve r “I chose Denver because I really wanted to get out of Florida. I knew I wanted to go to school in a city, but I also like how Denver has mountains and outdoorsy things too. It also doesn’t hurt that Denver has a 6 week winter break.” -Zoie Ashmeade
A r izona S tate Univer s ity
Tulane Tex as A&M U niversi t y
“Their law program is really good and I also love the Santa Fe/ Phoenix area.”-Arash “I’m going on a NROTC Esfahani scholarship to study Industrial Engineering. I’ll be in the Corps of Cadets there, where I’ll get officer training for the Navy. I plan on serving after i graduate.” -Matt Hafer
16 | Centerspread
I never really pictured myself staying in the south, especially not Louisiana, but I ended up falling in love with the school.” -Delaney Turton
senior’s share where they will One plan for a their next four years gap year B a ld w in W a l l a c e U n ive r si t y “I chose Baldwin Wallace not only for their strong athletic and academic standard but also the support I got in my recovery from coming back from a torn ACL and a fractured femur. The support and trust I have received from them in my comeback to the football field was huge.” -Jakob Schneider
Fair f ield U niver s ity “It’s in a perfect spot because it’s an hour train ride from NYC. I also wanted to experience a different atmosphere since I have lived in Florida my whole life.” -Kaylie Butts
Isabella Pittman has plans to take a gap year between graduation and the beginning of her freshman year at the University of Florida. For this year she has many hopes and dreams she wishes to accomplish before starting college. Some of these aspirations she hopes to accomplish because she feels she will not have time to set aside to do them later in life. This is her plan: I’m fascinated by medicine so I will be interning with the Surgeon General of Florida to learn more about medicine and politics which is what I’d like to work in.
P r i n c e t on U niver s ity 1.
“I chose Princeton because when I was reading about colleges I read an article about an Operations Research ans Financial Engineering program which sounded so cool.” - George Bentley
W a sh i n g t o n & Lee Un i ver s ity “They have a beautiful campus, it’s an amazing liberal arts school and because they offer a poverty and human capabilities minor.” -Anna Renou
C l e m so n Univer s ity
2.
I will be studying abroad in Australia and Europe which I’m so excited about.
3.
“I’ll also be going to Nicaragua with a few doctors
to help a village down there for a month with medical needs,”
“Also for a majority of the year I will be working for Selective College Counseling with Bob Levine a Harvard Law graduate who helps high schools get into the best colleges for them. He works with many plan Plant kids and Mr. Levine plans “Going into an artistic career is scary in terms of on expanding his business so I will be stability, and SCAD is awesome about providing a helping him market this upcoming year lot of opportunities.” -Kaylyn Ferguson and work one on one with students and their essays for college. “
“My mom went there so I’ve spent a lot of time there plus I love the mountains” -Zena Davis
4.
Sa va n nah College of A r t and Des ign
Un iv e r s it y o f F l o r i d a “I have always dreamed of being a gator. I feel comfortable there because I have been visiting since I was little and all my cousins are there now, so I am still close to family.” -Mallie Stanford
“I also look forward to visiting my friends in college throughout the year and see how they are doing.”
5.
Centerspread | 17
New schedule proposal harms student preformace The proposed bell schedules for the 2017-2018 school year is a complete hindrance to the learning environment, and hosts little to no benefit for students. Hillsborough County has proposed that high school begin at 7:15 a.m. and end at 2:10 p.m. this upcoming school year to prevent tardy buses, as stated by Superintendent Jeff Eakins. Such a start time is too early for high school students who are already lacking sleep due to large amounts of homework and commitment to extracurricular activities. Especially in regards to the fact that already only 15 percent of high school receive an adequate amount of sleep, according to sleepfoundation.org. The earlier end time does not do much to compensate as it is probable that athletic groups will just use the extra hour as more practice time. Also, an earlier finish to the day does nothing to compensate for the fact that a high schoolers brain is not at capacity to learn at the early time of 7:15 a.m.
From the PO’P Staff
PO’P Grace Summers In addition, the updated bell schedule will shorten each class period by a few minutes. In terms of legal education standards the removal is valid, but is more importantly detrimental to the amount of instruction time a student receives. It is obvious that the sound of the new schedule could be appealing with the shorter day being more conducive to a work schedule for example. However, the bigger picture that high schoolers are in school too early and elementary school students will be spending too long of a day in class, triumphs the few benefits found in the tentative schedule of 2017-2018. The most insulting part of the new initiative is the fact that Eakins, joined by
other school board members, have established that the new schedule is meant to benefit bus riders and specifically elementary education. But in reality the new proposal is being pushed to save the county over $2 million in having to hire less bus drivers, fueling less buses and not having to maintain older buses. Which is an inarguably deceitful measure by Hillsborough County. However, the school board is open to receiving commentary on the proposed schedule and it is up to the students that will be affected by this schedule to speak out against it as it poses an obvious threat to the quality of education. Questions, comments and concerns can be sent to 20172018BellSchedule@ sdhc.k12.fl.us.
FROMthe
I think it’s a good idea because it allows people with jobs and extracurriculars to have more time
From an athletic perspective our practices wouldn’t start until three so we would have to sit around for an hour.
-Kendal Kelly, freshman
-Jaren Leal, senior
-Grace Hastings, junior
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18 | Opinions
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How do you feel about the new school schedule proposal?
I don’t really mind getting up earlier.
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HALLS
I like it because it gives me more time to go to my job.
-Baron Gray, sophomore
Should you participate in senior activities? Join in
Sam Werner Opinions Editor Senior year. It’s a time filled with lots of lasts for high school students and offers an opportunity for students to make memories one last time before venturing off to college in the summer or fall. Most students are attending a different university from their friends so senior year may be the last time classmates can spend time together as a group. This is the last opportunity for students to make memories before graduation. With some students leaving at the beginning of summer these activities may be the last opportunity for friend bonding. The senior administration and faculty plan lots of fun activates for seniors to participate in. A few include grad bash, senior banquet, baccalaureate, senior awards, prom, and senior send off. Although these activities can be very
Zoie Ashmeade News Editor Compared to other years in high school, senior year is overwhelmingly expensive. Almost all senior activities have a cost associated with them. Rather than going to school affiliated events students can find cheaper alternatives with a group of friends to alleviate the financial stress of senior year. Even walking for graduation has the cost of purchasing the cap, gown and regalia. Events like grad bash are expensive and cost $120, although it’s a cheaper option than going to Universal on another day it’s still far from affordable to many people. With college approaching many people are wondering how they will pay for the cost of attendance, by avoiding spending thousands of dollars on prom, grad bash, senior ban-
quet and graduation there is more money left to be spent on college. Even with having a part time job, most students make minimum wage and can find better uses to their hard earned money than spending time with people in their grade that they barely know. Especially with the impending cost of college quickly approaching. Some may argue that these are memories are worth the price, the upsetting truth is that many of these events are less than interesting to most and can also lead to reflecting on negative memories some have had in high school. Although senior events may be the last time you see some of your peers, it will not be the last time you see your friends, so not going to events with people whose name’s you won’t remember in a year won’t really be missing out.
pricey (grad bash is $120 a ticket, and prom is $50 a ticket) they are well worth it. All events are well planned and cater to what high school students enjoy. These events give students a hangout opportunity they wouldn’t otherwise have. Take Grad Bash for example. For this event 50 seniors take buses to Universal Orlando for the night to ride roller coasters and enjoy the theme parks. This event gives students the opportunity to spend the night with 50 of their peers as opposed to two or three if they went off and did their own thing. With college quickly approaching, students last year of high school is a time they need to spend making memories and enjoying all their high school has to offer. Students shouldn’t look back on one of the best years of their lives with any regret, they should look back at this year with happiness and a longing to go back and relive in those moments.
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Tampa provides options for healthy, tasty foods Rachel Ferreri Editor-in-Chief Howard Avenue is the home to many up and coming restaurants and fresh food kitchens, like So Fresh. The abundance of these kitchens causes a fierce competition since they all have a wide variety of food options on their menus and all are priced higher than most quick restaurants because of the fresh, healthy foods. Many students argue that So Fresh is better than Fresh Kitchen. “So Fresh is like pulling your food out of the ground, it’s that fresh. It’s better than Fresh Kitchen because the food has a better quality and better menu selection, for a better price,” senior Willy Widoff said. Eating healthy is also a good way to improve your mood due to hormones that exist inside of your gastrointestinal tract. According to Harvard Health, people who consume more probiotics
are likely to have lower levels of anxiety, sizes, so you aren’t hungry afterwards,” less stress and generally be in a better sophomore Caitlyn Dellegatto said. The mission statement on So Fresh’s mood. “I like So Fresh because it makes me website is true to what they do as a so happy. When I’m feeling down restaurant, “To help you eat right, I can go to So Fresh and it save time, and feel healthy.” makes me so happy,” Walking into So Fresh is an freshman Adam Benni easier experience since they make everything said. So Fresh has quick to order and some significant there is not usualdifferences from ly a line, whereas Fresh Kitchen that at Fresh Kitchen, make it a desirable the line goes outchoice for lunch or side and around the dinner. Unlike Fresh building. Kitchen, they offer “I like how you can smoothies, salads and choose from more opwraps. Customers can tions than there are at choose their base or Fresh Kitchen,” junior Briprotein option, but the ana Ward said. Photo by Rachel Ferreri other ingredients vary So Fresh is an easy to in each bowl. access restaurant and is located in a “The food is clean. It is healthy for convenient area for consumers in the you and [So Fresh] has good portion Tampa Bay area.
sumers to have options that can create hundreds of bowl and salad combinations. Located on South Howard, Fresh The healthy options matched with Kitchen has won the hearts the fast, friendly service have influof many in the Tampa enced students into choosing Fresh Kitchen as opposed to Bay area and beSo Fresh. yond. With competition in the “Fresh Kitchen has industry growfood that is healthy for ing, restauyou and the line always rants along moves fast,” freshman “SoHo” have Grace Blanco says. been working With a sign that asto appeal to sures customers, Fresh customers of Kitchen guarantees that all ages. consumers will have their food in eight minutes or The wide valess, making Fresh Kitchriety of bases, en many students’ number meats, and vegeone choice for healthy fast tables, as well as sauces and top- Photo by Zoe Antinori food. pings, allow conAdditionally, reasonable Zoe Antinori Centerspread Editor
prices also contribute to the growing affection of this establishment for students and teachers. “It’s healthy, affordable and it’s definitely worth the money,” John DeOrio says. With a focus on bowls and salads, Fresh Kitchen has proven to be an excellent option. They offer a variety of juices, teas, milks, as well as protein packed and energy filled balls, cookies and rice crispies. Gluten free is also an option offered at Fresh Kitchen, in their bases and baked goods Now available on Uber Eats, Fresh Kitchen is a convenient option for those in the South Tampa and surrounding areas. Delivering right to your doorstep, anyone can now enjoy the pleasures of this restaurant from the comforts of home. Students agree that Fresh Kitchen is sure to please.
A&E | 21
How to throw a graduation party Graduation parties provide many memories Rachel Ferreri Editor-in-Chief A common tradition among high school seniors in the Tampa Bay area is having a graduation party. This occurs with the intent of celebrating the journey of going to college with friends and family. Many high school seniors pair up with friends to plan their parties as a way to ease the process and financially make the party more manageable.
1
Find a friend to have the party with (some have one on their own too)
There is a common trend lately of seniors throwing grad parties together, with their friends or family friends. However, some students choose to throw it on their own as well. Planning with a friend can create new challenges, but result in less stress as tasks can be delegated. “I’m doing my grad party with my best friend from Tampa Prep and we’re doing a garden party/vintage theme, and including a photo booth station with Polaroids,” senior Haley Hansen said.
3
Figure out a theme
Students utilize Pinterest and social media for ideas on planning their parties out and choosing unique themes that will be memorable and fun. Some of the themes have been luau, black and white, disco and more. However, some students chose to not have a theme for their parties. “I’m just excited about reliving all of my memories with my family and friends. I just figured I would invite all the people I like and enjoy being around,” senior Josh Davis said.
22 | A&E
Sarah Segrouchini and Katherine Arnold both wear Univeristy of Florida shirts. They chose to do their party together because they will be attending the same school. Photo provided by Sarah Segrouchini.
2
Figure out catering if applicable, or foods that will be served.
The next step is figuring out catering based on the theme of the party. If it is casual, it is common to see buffet style serving whereas if it is a dressier event there are sometimes servers and more staff involved.
5
Plan to need to overcome difficulties
The planning process of graduation parties has been said to be difficult since seniors must dedicate a lot of time to the process. “The most difficult part is compromising with the girls I’m having my party with and dealing with what our mothers expect too,” senior Allison Voiland said. Graduation season includes many events and draws the grade closer before it is time for everyone to part ways. It is a great way to share memories and enjoy the seniors’ accomplishments.
4
Make the guest list
Another step to creating a good graduation party is figuring out a guest list that incorporates family and friends. Most seniors who are having larger grad parties invite around 100 students from the grade, which makes it a large social event. “We tried to pick a theme that we can be creative with and then our guest list includes our closest friends and their friend groups,” Peyton Patillo said.
Gift Ideas for Graduation Parties: -Stationary set for thank you notes -Embroidered anything that can be used in a dorm room setting -Picture frames -Journals -Monogramed water bottles or backpacks
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Athletes reflect on careers, preparation for college sports “Playing football was just like playing with my brothers. It was a great experience and it was the most fun I’ve had in my life. I’ve grown a lot with my friends, my coaches and Coach Weiner.” - Christian Watson, football
“My ultimate goal is to become a Hall of Famer but football doesn’t last forever.”Juwan Burgess, football (Indiana) “When coaches come here they say its already college. They play music and stuff at practice. Coach Weiner gets you ready for life.”- Whop Philyor (Indiana)
“Education is always easy for me so I look forward to the challenge at Ferris State”Jamil Thomas, football
“Plant’s probably one of the best high school teams around and that’s why I came to Plant. It’s the best preparation that I could have got.”- Dane Frantzen, football
“I look for the experience, its always been a dream to play a college sport.”- Aaron King, football (Valparaiso)
“This year playing for Coach Mahon is honestly the best season ever. We were really close and really like a family atmosphere and I hope next year will be similar.”- Bella Moreno, basketball Bryce Jenkins, offensive tackle
Christian Watson, wide receiver
Jamil Thomas, defensive back/ wide receiver
Juwan Burgess, defensive back
“Coach Weiner has built an environment, no one else has this environment where we practice in the mornings and do twoa-days. That’s pretty much what college and NFL teams do so I feel I will be very prepared to take this on.”- Malik Bradshaw, football
“I’m looking forward to traveling around the country to a bunch of different states for playing baseball.”- Ethan Richards, baseball
26 | Sports
“I’m looking forward to continuing my football career and to where it doesn’t have to stop in high school.”- Bryce Jenkins, football (Wesleyan)
“I think I’m looking forward to the relationships that I’ll build with my teammates. Some of my best friends now I’ve met through lacrosse.”- Grace Owens, lacrosse
“I’m looking forward to another level physically and being able to juggle volleyball and school.”- Kaylie Butts, volleyball (Fairfield) “At Plant we have a really good volleyball team so it kind of predisposed me to what it’s going to be like at the Coast Guard Academy at the collegiate level.”- Destiny Johnson, volleyball (Coast Guard)
“Education has been important the balance is always important. This school and others have an academic support that is key to this experience.”- Jakob Schneider, football
“Since I was a kid I’ve looked forward to playing college since my dad played in college and he also played a little bit in the pros. Alabama is known for football so I’m looking forward to going there and making it more of a baseball school.”- John Shields, baseball Whop Philyor, wide receiver “I’m really looking forward to making new friends and competing at a higher level.”Laura Jones, cross country (Florida)
Kyle Trina, quarterback/running back
“All the teachers and all the academic work that I’ve been in has prepared me for the future coming of academic at the university.”- Paxton Rhodes, swim and dive (Florida State) “As far as I can, I definitely want to play all through college and we will see what happens after that.”- Kyle Trina, football (South Florida)
“I’m looking forward to the competition and furthering the game and in general just being a college athlete.”- Davis Bak, football
Kaylie Butts, Robby Eisch, Grace Owens, John Shields, Ethan Richards and Paxton Rhodes Contributions made by Jacob Robinson, Sports Editor, Reed Frevola, Sports Writer,Cole Maines, Staff Writer, Zoie Ashmeade, News Editor
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